CA2243539A1 - Fabric care bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A fabric cleaning/refreshment process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heatresistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Description

W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 FABRlC CARE BAG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fabric dry cleaning or "refreshment" which is conducted in a bag-type container in a hot air environment.
CROSS REFERENCE
This application claims priority under Title 35, United States Code ll9(e) from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/010,664, filed January 26, 1996 and Provisional Application Serial No. 60/023,051, filed August 2~ 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
By classical definition, the term "dry cleaning" has been used to describe processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded in the United Kingdom in the 1 860's.
Typically, dry cleaning processes are used with garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage in aqueous ~ n~l~rin~ baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or too delicate to subject to aqueous l~llnAering processes. Various hydrocarbon and halocarbon solvents have kaditionally been used in immersion drycleaning processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents has mainly restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning to commercial establichm~ntc While solvent-based dry cleaning processes are quite effective for removing oily s~ils and stains, they are not optimal for removing particulates such as clay soils, and may require special 1~ conditions to remove proteinaceous stains.
Ideally, particulates and proteinaceous stains are removed from fabrics using detersive ingredients and o~ ing conditions which are more akin to aqueous laundering processes than to conventional dry cleaning. Aside from the effects on certain fabrics such as woolens, there are no special, inherent advantages for solvent-based i-m--mersion dry cle~ning over aqueous cleaning processes with respect to fabric cle~ning Moreover, on a per-garment basis, colm~ercial dry çle~ning iSmuch more t:~l,ellsive than aqueous cleaning processes.
Apart from the soil and stain remova} aspects of a typical dry cleaning process, there is a consumer need for what can be termed fabric "rerlcsl....e.~l"
compositions and processes. Thus, unsoiled fabrics which have nonetheless adsorbed malodors, have become wrinkled or have otherwise lost their fresh ~I ea~dnce are often subjected to conventional dry cleaning processes mainly to reestablish their freshness aspect.
One type of in-home system for cleaning and refreshing g~nnPn~ comprises a carrier sheet cont~ining various cleaning agents, and a plastic bag. The garments _ CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 are placed in the bag together with the sheet, and then tumbled in a conventional clothes dryer. In a commercial embodiment, multiple single-use flat sheets and asingle multi-use plastic bag are provided in a package. Unfortunately, such in-home processes are sub-optimal with respect to the removal of wrinkles and, with somefabrics under eertain use conditions, can undesirably increase wrinkling.
The present invention is directed to the solution of a fabric wrinkling problem which often accompanies such processes and which can negatively impact the overall impression of fabric frechnlocc By the practice of the present invention, fabric care bags are provided with orifices and/or closures which allow the controlled release of water vapor from the bag during use. Use of sueh bags in aclothes dryer fabric cleaning/refreshing process in the manner disclosed herein allows the fabrics to undergo a "dry-wet-dry" moisture-time profile and low/hightemperature-time profile during the process. It is theorized that at least a minimum of moisture pickup by the surface layer of the fibers is n.oces.s~ry to lubricate fibers and allow them to slip out of crumpled, wrinkled positions into approximately initial eonfigurations. A higher level of water penetration, coupled with hPatin~, can produee softening of polymeric crystallinity in the fiber, such that a new configuration is produeed upon cooling and/or dr,ving. This latter situation is not preferred in the dryer bag, since the usual eonditions of pressing or stretehing that allow forming of preferred garment shape are not present in the bag, and the random setting of additional wrinkles is common under these higher humidification conditions. Whatever the mech~ni~m, the net result is a decrease in fabrie wr~nkling, espeeially when the bags are used with eleaning compositions in the manner disclosed herein. Moreover, malodors are removed from the fabrics as partofthe l~rlesl....~ntproeess.
BACKGROUND ART
A peraeid-eont~ining drv eleaning eomposition is deseribed in U.S.
4,013,575, issued to H. Cas~ s, et al., March 22, 1977. Dry cleaning proeessesare disclosed in: U.S. 5,547,476, issued August 20, 1996, to Siklosi and Roetker;
EP 429,172Al, published 29.05.91, Leigh, et al., and in U.S. 5,238,587, issued 8124/93, Smith, et al. Other lcfe.~.lces relating to dry cleaning compositions and proeesses, as well as wrinlcle treatments for fabrics, include: GB 1,598,911; and U.S. Patents 4,126,563, 3,949,137, 3,593,544, 3,647,354; 3,432,253 and 1,747,324;
and German applications 2,021,561 and 2,460,239, 0,208,989 and 4;007,362.
Cleaning/pre-spotting compositions and methods are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,102,573; 5,041,230, 4,909,962; 4,115,061; 4,886,615; 4,139,475;
4,849,257; 5,112?358; 4,659,496; 4,806,254; 5,213,624; 4,130,392; and 4,395,261.

rcT/rJss7/0l062 W O 9712735~

Sheet substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed in C~n~ n 1,005,204.
U.S. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300 relate to perfiorated sheets for fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer. U.S. 4,692,277 discloses the use of 1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners.
See also U.S. Patents 3,591,510; 3,737,387; 3,764,544; 3,882,038; 3,907,49G;
4 09.7,397; 4,102,824; 4,336,024; 4,594,362; 4,606,842; 4,758,641; 4,797,310;
4,807,997; 4,943,392; 4,966,724; 4,983,317, 5,004,557; 5,062,973; 5,080,822;
5,173,200; EP 0 213 500; EP0 261 718; G.B. 1,397,475; WO 91/09104;
WO 91/13145; WO 93/25654 and Hunt, D.G. and N.H. Morris, "PnB and DPnB
Glycol Ethers", HAPPI~ April 1989, pp. 78-82.
SUMMARY OF 'rHE INVENTION
The present invention encomp~ccee a vapor-venting cont~inm~nt bag which has a VVE rating (as described below) of at least about 40, preferably at least about 60, as measured in the Vapor Venting Evaluation Test. In a pl~r~ d embodiment, the bag has a VVE no greater than about 90, more preferably no greater than about 80. ~ plereLled VVE range is about 50 to about 90, more preferably about 60 to about 80, with about 70 being close to the optimum for the envelope bag.
One such vapor-venting col,l~il....~nt bag comprises an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer surfaces, the open end of said bag havin~ a section of one side wall ext~n~1ing beyond said open end to provide a flexible flap, said flap having first fiP~ct~ning device, said flap being foldable to extend over a portion of the outside surface of the opposing side wall, said flap being affixable to the outer surface of the opposing side wall of the bag by ~:ng~ging said first f:~ctçnin~ device with a second ri.~,e..;..~ device present on said opposing side ~;vall, thereby providing a closure for the open end of the bag, said first and second f~ctening devices being disposed so as, when engaged, to provide at leastone vapor-venting gap along said closure. Another such bag comprises an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer s~lrf~ree, the side walls being of equal length, wLcle;ll the first side wall is notched over part of its width9 ~llc..,by said opposing side wall thereby extends beyond said notched portion of said first side wall, thereby providing a flexible flap, said flap being foldable over said notched portion to provide a vapor-venting gap when said bag is closed. Such bags are preferably formed from film ~such as nylon, e.g., nylon-6)which is heat r~Sict~nt up to at least about 260~C.
The first and second f~etenin~ devices used on the bags, together, can comprise a m~ch~nical f~ctener or an adhesive fastener. Preferably, the f~etening devices are re-usable over multiple use cycles of the vapor-venting bag.

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97127354 PCTrUS97/01062 In another mode. there is provided a vapor-venting bag with the aforesaid VVE ratings whose side walls are fenestrated. A combination of vapor-venting closure and fenestrations can also be used to achieve the desired VVE.
The invention also encomp~cses a process for cleaning and/or refreshing fabrics by contacting said fabrics with a fabric cleaning/refreshment composition comprising water in any of the vapor-venting containment bags according to this invention. In one convenient mode, the process is carried out in a hot air clothes dryer at a temperature from about 40~C to about 150~C, whereby malodors present on said fabrics are vented from the bag by means of the vapor-venting feature.
Preferably, the process is conducted in a manner whereby fabric wrinkles are minimi7~
Thus, different from art-disclosed processes, the present invention provides, in a process for cleaning/lc~eshillg fabrics in a mechanical a~aldl-ls by placing said fabrics in a cont~inment bag together with a cleaning/refrechm~?nt composition and operating said appaldllls with h~tin~, the improvement which comprises employing a bag which provides venting of water vapors from said bag during saidprocess, whereby malodors are released from the bag and fabric wrinkling is minimi~P~l This improvement is optimally secured when the VVE rating of said bag is at least about 4~. The process can be conducted in any ~dllls, but is conveniently conducted with heating and tumbling in a hot air clothes dryer.
The invention also provides the user with a kit for cleaning or refreshing fabrics, comprising a package co..L;.i~ g:
(a) one or more absorbent articles comprising a carrier which releasably contains water and optional non-water fabric cleaning/refreshment ingre~lientc; and (b) a water vapor-venting (or vapor permeable) CO~ 1- .ent bag.
Such kits can comprise:
(a) from one to about ten of said absorbent articles which are disposable after a single use; and (b) the vapor-venting bag which is designed for multiple uses.
In a preferred mode, each of said absorbent articles in the kit contains at least about l g, ~ .ably about 1 g to about 35 g, of water in total.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein ~ by reference.

W O 97127354 PCT~US97~01062 BRIEF DESCRIPTTON OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective of a cleaning/refreshing sheet (1) of the type used ~ herein.
Figure 2 is a perspective of the sheet loosely resting on a notched, vapor-venting cont~inment bag which is in a pre-folded condition.
Figure 3 is a perspective of the sheet within the bag which is ready to receive the fabrics to be treated in a hot air clothes dryer.
Figure 4 is a partial view of the notched wall of the bag and its disposition relative to the closure flap.
Figure S is a perspective of an un-notched vapor-venting bag contz-ining a loose cleaning/rer~ nt sheet.
Figure 6 is a graph of water venting from a vapor-venting "Envelope"-style Bag with the vapor-venting closure, from a Standard Bag, i.e.? a sealed bag without the ~,renting closure (as control for comparison purposes); and from an "Envelope Bag (2)" which has a vapor venting closure at each end.
Figure 7 is a graph of water venting as in Figure 6, expressed in grarns.
Figure 8 is a graph which shows the relationship between o~ ing regions of the present process with respect to fabrics wherein Wrinkles Form, Unwrinkled, Wrinkles Removed and Wrinkles not Removed.
Figure 9 is a perspective of thie assembled arcuate cleaning device (201) used herein to pre-clean localized stains on fabrics.
Figure 10 is an exploded view of the device showing the arcuate base (202), cylindrical shaft (203) and bulb (204 comprising the hand grip assembly separated from the sponge layer (205) and thie layer of fibrous protuberances (206) which p~lrO.,ll the Cle~ning function.
Figure 11 illustrates use of an arcuate, convex cleaning base to spot treat loc~li7~d fabric stains (207) using hand pressure prior to p~ çmPnt of the fabric in the cc,~ ont bag of this invention. In this illustration, a holding tray is shown placed beneath the fabric being treated.
Figure 12 is a perspective of a device whose convex base (301) has a subs~antially circular circurnference.
Figure 13 is a perspective of a highly ~l~Ç~.ed arcuate cleaning device for use hierein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVENTION
It will be appreciated from the disclosures herein that the present invention provides the user with various options for cle~ning and rer~eshillg fabrics, especially CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 WO 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 garments, in a simple, readily available apparatus such as a conventional hot air clothes dryer. The process of the invention can be used with any type of fabric/garment, including "Dry Clean Only" (DCO) garments. In a preferred embodiment, the user is provided with an article which comprises an absorbent core which releasably contains a cleaning/refreshment composition. In one embodiment,this core with its load of liquid composition is subst~nti~lly enrobed in an outer cover sheet, such as an apertured "forrned-film", which has openings through which the composition is perrneable in the vapor state, but which constitutes a barrier through which liquid can flow in, but would be somewhat restrained in the core against flow outward. The liquid-loaded core can also be enrobed in low-density non-water absorbent woven or non-woven sheet comprising fibers such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene and the like. In addition, the user can, optionally, also be provided with a separate portion of a spot removal ("pre-spotting") composition.When treating a fabric (such as a soiled, wrinkled or malodorous garment) in the present manner, the item is first inspected for heavily spotted areas. If none are found, the item being treated is placed in the vapor-venting cont~inm~nt bag of this invention together with the cleaning/~erlesl...,.ont article herein and tumbled in a hot air clothes dryer in the manner disclosed, i.e., the "in-dryer" step.
If heavily spotted areas are found, it is preferred to treat them individually before the in-dryer step. In order to con~hlct this pre-spotting step, the user has several choices, as follows.
(A) The spots can be individually treated with conventional spot removers using conventional implent~nt~ such as brushes, sponges, and the like.
This is not ~lcfe,l~d since conventional solvent-based spot removers can cause dye damage and leave residues on fabrics. Moreover, brushing with a conventional side-to-side (X-Y plane) motion can cause fabric damage.
(B) The spots can be individually treated by laying the spotted area of the fabric over the article herein and pressing downward (Z-direction) with a brush, more preferably with a convex device as described more fully hereinafter. This pl~;s~ ; on the fabric causes a portion of the liquid cleaning/l~r~esl~ P. .I
composition to surge into the fabric at the pressure point, thereby effecting localized stain removah The fabric and the cle~nin~/leL, ~hnlent article are then placed in the vapor-venting co.~ ;r....ent bag herein and treated in the dryer.
(C) In a third and more pr~.,ed option, the user is provided with a separate portion of a pre-spotting composition. In-use, this is directed onto the stained area of the fabrics, and, preferably, worked-in using the convex cleaning device. Optionally, the fabric being treated can be sitll~te~l over a stain receiver or W O 97/2735.~ PCTAUS97/01062 other absorbent material during this step. This option has the advantage that the liquid composition used in the pre-spotting step can be formulated differently from that used in the in-dryer step. For example, the pre-spotting composition can optionally contain higher solvent levels than the in-dryer composition. Or. the pre-spotling composition can contain peroxides, surfactant levels, and the like, which are sub-optimal for use in the in-dryer step. Alternatively. the pre-spotting and in-dryer compositions can be the same. However, the forrnulator has more degrees offreedom when operating in this manner. After this pre-spotting step, the fabric and cleaning/refreshment article are then placed loosely in the vapor-venting containment bag herein and tumbled together, preferably in a hot air clothes dryer.
Containment Ba~ - It has now been discovered that high water content compositions can be loaded onto a carrier substrate such as a cloth or woven or non-woven towelette and placed in a bag environment in a heated operating clothes dryer, or the like, to remove malodors from fabrics as a d~y cleaning ~It.orn~tive or "fabric ~ sl.ll-ent" process. The warm, humid environment created inside this bag volatilizes malodor conlponc~ in the manner of a "steam ~lietill~ti~n~ process, and moisr.ens fabrics and the soils thereon. This moistening of fabrics can loosen pre-set wrinl;les, but it has now been discovered that overly wet fabrics can experiencesettîng of new wrinkles during the drying stage toward the end of the dryer cycle.
Proper selection of the amount of water used in the process and, importantly, proper venting of the bag in the present manner can minimi7~ wrinkling. Moreover, if the bag is not vented, the vol~tili7ed malodorous m~tfri~le removed from the fabricscan undesirably be re-deposited thereon.
The present invention thus provides a vapor-venting cont~inmf nt bag which is intf-n~l-cl for use in a fabric cle~n;n~/refreshment operation. The bag is preferably tleci~ d for multiple uses and reuses, and is especially adapted for use by the consumer in any conventional hot air clothes dryer ~ppdrdLus, such as those found in the home or in commercial laundry/cleaning establi~hme~t~ The bag herein is specific~lly d~?si~n~l to vent water and other vapors which em~n~t~ from within the bag when used in the manner described herein. The vapors released from the bag are thence e~ch~llcted through the air vent of the dryer a~.pa-d~-ls.
As described more fully hereinafter, the prefeIred bag is provided with a vapor-venting closure which provides one or more gaps through which vapors are released from the bag, in-use. In a prefe~ d embodiment, the size of this gap isselected to provide controlled vapor release from the bag under the indicated operaling conditions. While other gap sizes and o~cld~ g conditions can be used, a preferred balance between vapor co~ " l .cnt within the bag to perform the CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97/01062 cleaning/refreshment function and vapor release from the bag has now been deterrnined using the principles disclosed hereinafter.
Alternatively, the bag can be provided with a series of holes or other fenestrations which provide vapor venting. However, such venting is not as effective as the vapor-venting closure.
In one embodiment, the present invention enComr~Cces a vapor-venting cont~inm~nt bag comprising an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer surfaces, the open end of said bag having a section of one side wall exten~ling beyond said open end to provide a flexible flap, said flap having first f~ct~ning device affixed thereto, said flap being foldable to extend over a portion of the outside surface of the opposing side wall, said flap being affixable to the outer surface of the opposing wall of the bag by ~ng~ging said first f~ctenin~
device on the inside face of the flap with a second f~xtt?ning device present on the outside face of said opposing side wall, said first and second fi?ctening devices, when thus engaged, forming a f~cten~r, thereby providing a closure for the open end of the bag. Said first and second f~ctening devices are disposed so as, when engaged, to provide vapor-venting along said closure, especially at the lateral edges of the closure. The bag herein is most preferably formed from film which is heatresistant up to at least about 204~C-260~C. Nylon is a ~lcr. ~lcd film material for forming the bag. In another embodiment, the edge of one wall of the bag is notched along a substantial portion of its width to facilitate and optimize vapor venting.
In an ~Itt rn~te rnode, the flap can be folded to provide the closure. tucked inside the opposing side wall, and secured there by a f~xtenPr. In this mode, vapors are vented along the closure and especially at the lateral edges of the closure. In yet another mode, the side walls are of the same size and no flap is provided. F~cten-ng devices placed intermittently along portions of the inner surfaces of the side walls are engaged when the lips of the side walls are pressed together to provide closure.
One or more vapor-venting gaps are formed in those regions of the closure where no f~ct~ning device is present.
While the r~ g devices herein can comprise çhemi~l adhesives, the bag is preferably ~leeign~cl for multiple uses. Accordingly, reusable me~h~n;~
f~cten~rs are plc~ . d for use herein. Any reusable mP(~h~nical fastener or f~ctPning means can be used, as long as the elements of the f~xtençr can be arranged so that, when the bag is closed and the f~ctenPr is engaged, a vapor-venting closure is provided. Non-limiting examples include: bags wherein said first and second f~xlP~ g devices, together, comprise a hook and loop (VEECRO~)-type3 f~ct~n~r;
hook f~cten~rs such as described in U.S. Patent 5,058,247 to Thomas & Blaney W O 97/27354 PCTAUS97~0~062 issued October 22, 1991; bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, toge~her, comprise a hook and string type fastener; bags wherein said first and second fastener devices, together, comprise an adhesive fastener; bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, comprise a toggle-type fastener; bags whe~ein said first and second f~ctPnin~ devices, together, form a snap-type fastener;
as well as hook and eye f~teners, ZIP LOK~-style fasteners, zipper-type fasteners, and the like, so long as the fasteners are situated so that vapor venting is achieved.
Other f~cteners can be employed, so long as the vapor-venting is m~intain~d whenthe bag is closed, and the ~astener is sufficiently robust that the flap does not open as th"e bag and its contents are being tumbled in ~he clothes dryer. The f~ctçnin~
devices can be situated that the multiple vapor-venting gaps OEe forrned along the closure, or at the lateral edges, or so that the gap is offset to one end of the closure.
In yet another embodiment, both ends of the bag are provided with a vapor venting closure. This type of bag is referred to in Figures 6, 7 and 8 as "Envelope Bag (2)".
Preferred bags of the foregoing type which are de~igT~I?cl for use in a conventional U.S.-style automatic, in-home hot air clothes dryer will have a volume in the range from about 10,000 cm3 to about 25,000 cm3.
The invention also employs a process for cleaning or refreshing fabrics by contacting said fabrics with a fabric cleaning/refreshing composition comprisingwater in the aforesaid vapor-venting co..~ nt bag. This process is conveniently carried out in a hot air clothes dryer, or the like, at a dryer o~eld~ g tc-l-pcld~llre from about 40~C to about 150~C, whereby malodors present on said fabrics are vented from the bag by means of the vapor-venting closure.
The design of the venting ability of the bag achieves a proper balance of the above effects. A tightly-sealed, vapor illlpc;..~ hle "closed" bag will not purge malodors and will overly moisten the fabrics, resulting in wrinklin~ An overly "open" bag design will not sufficiently moisten the fabrics or soils to mobilizeheavier malodors or to remove pre-~xi~ting fabric wrinkles. Further, the bag must be "closed" enough to billow and create a void volume under water vapor pressure, when~in the fabrics can tumble freely within the bag and be exposed to the vapors.
The bag must be designed with sufficient venting to trap a portion of water vapors (especially early in the dryer cycle) but to allow most of the water to escape by th~e end of the cycle. Said another way, the rate of vapor release is, preferably, optirnized to secure a balance of vapor venting and vapor trapping. A pr~r~ d bag desi~n employs a water vapor impermeable film such as nylon, with a the closure flap (preferably with a hook-and-loop VELCRO~-type factçn~-r) like that of a large envelope. The degree of slack in the fold-over portion of the closure flap can be CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 varied to provide a vapor-venting air gap or partial opening which controls the rate of vapor venting from of the bag. In another mode, a notch is cut along the edge of the side wall opposite the flap to further adjust the venting. The fastener devices shown in the Figures run only partly along the closure, thereby allowing venting to also occur at the lateral edges of the closure.
As can be seen from Figure 8, the objective herein is preferably to operate within the region of Unwrinkled/Wrinkles Removed on the graph. Th;s region can vary with fabric type. However, as an overall proposition, conducting the process in the manner disclosed herein results in minimi7ing the formation of new wrinkles and removing wrinkles which are already present in the garments prior to treatment.
Moreover, with respect to malodor, it is preferred to deliver sufficient water (gra-m--s of water on substrate) to achieve substantial malodor removal. In practice, thismeans that the operation with the vented bag herein is conducted under conditions towards the right-hand portion of the curve, i.e., in the range between about 15.2 to about 31 grams of liquid cle~ning/,~rlcsl~ cnt composition. Referring to the graph, less liquid can be used, but wrinkles will not be efficiently removed from the fabrics and malodor removal will suffer. Too much liquid, e.g., about 38 grams on this graph, for a bag with 60% venting (60 VVE as described hereinafter) will cause wrinkles to begin to form in the fabrics. A bag of higher VVE can operate in theideal range at higher moisture levels (e.g., "Envelope Bag 2"). With regard to these considerations, it has been observed that the carrier ~ub jLld~e used should not be so saturated with the liquid compositions herein that it is "dripping" wet. If excessively wet ("dripping"), localized water ~ re~ to the fabrics being cleanedand refreshed can cause wrinklin~ While it might have been thought that a largercarrier substrate could be used to provide more liquid capacity, this can be self-limitin~ Carrier sheets which are too large can become entangled with the fabrics being cle~nP~ eL~ ed, again r~sl-ltinp in excessive loc~li7~cl wetting of the fabrics. Accordingly, while the carrier sheets used herein are optimal for bag and dryer sizes as noted, their sizes can, without undue ~yc~ nt~tion~ be adjusted ~,opo~Lionately for larger and smaller bag and/or dryer drum capacities.
The fabrics, when removed from the bag, will usually contain a certain amount of moisture. This will vary by fabric type. For example, silk treated in the optimal range shown on the graph may contain from about 0.5% to about 2.5%t by weight, of moisture. Wool may contain from up to about 4%, by weight, of moisture. Rayon also may contain up to about 4% moisture. This is not to say that the fabrics are, n~ces~rily, frankly "damp" to the touch. Rather, the fabrics may feel cool, or cool-damp due to evaporative water losses. The fabrics thus secured W O 97/2735~ PCTnUS97/01062 may be hung to further air dr~, thereby preventing wrin~les from being re-established. The fabrics can be ironed or subjected to other fini.ching processes, according to the desires of the user.
- The following is intended to assist the formulator in the manufacture and use of vapor-venting bags in the manner of this invention, but is not intended to belimiting thereof.
Ba~ Dimensions - Figure 3 shows the overall dimensions of a notched bag:
i.e., length (7) to fold line 27 5/8 inches (70.2 cm); width (8) of bag 26 inches (66 cm), with a flap to the base of the fold line (11) of 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). In the Tests reported hereinafter, this bag is referred to by its open ~lim~neions as "26 in. x 30 in." (66.04 cm x 76.20 cm).
Figure 4 gives additional details of the positioning of the various elements of the notched bag. In this embodiment, all dimensions are the same for both theleft hand and right hand sides of the bag. The dimensions herein are for an opened bag which is about 30 inches (76.2 cm) in overall length (including the flap) and about 26 inches (66 cm) wide. The ~ t~n~e (9~ from the lateral edge of the bag to the outermost edge of the f~eteninp device (3) located on the inside of the flap (5) is about 2 inches (5 cm). In this embodiment, the fA~t~ning device (3) on the inside of wall (2a) comprises the loop portion of a VELCRO~-type strip whose width (13) isabout 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) and whose total length is about 22 inches (55.9 cm).
FAetening device (6) is similarly situated on the outside of wall 2(b) and comprises the hook portion of a 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) VELCRO~)-type strip. Distance (9) can bedecreased or increased to decrea-ee or increase venting at the edges of the flap when the bag is closed and the fAetençr is ~ngAge-l The distance (10) between the uppermost edge of the flap and the base of the notch is about 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm).
The ~ietAn~e (14) between the lateral edge of the bag and the iateral edge of the notch is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). The ~iietAnre (15) between the uppermost edge of the flap and the fold (11) is about 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). The rliet~n~e (16) between the ~ llOst edge of the flap and the leading edge of the VELCRO~-type strip (3) affixed to the flap is about 3/8 inches (0.95 cm). The distance (17) between fold (11) and the lowermost edge ofthe notch is about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
This distance also can be varied to decrease or increase vapor venting. A range of 0.25-1.5 inches (0.64-3.81 cm) is typical. The tii~tAnce (18) between the uppermost edge of the VELCRO(E~-type strip (6) and the bottom edge of the notch is about 3/4 inches (1.9 cm). The distance (19) between the bottornmost edge of the VELCRO~-type strip (33 and the fold (11) is about I 1/4 inches (3.17 cm).

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97127354 PCTrUS97/01062 Figure 5 gives additional details of the ~iimen~ions of an un-notched envelope bag of the foregoing overall size comprising sidewalls (2a) and (2b3.
Again, each VELCRO~-type strip (3) and (6) is about 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) in widthand about 22 inches (55.9 cm) in length. Each strip is positioned so as to be inboard from each of the lateral edges of the finished bag wall and flap by about ~ inches (5 cm). The distance (12) between the leading edge of the sidewall (2b) to the base edge of the fastener strip (3) on the flap portion of the bag is about 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm). The tlict~nce (20) between the base edge of the fastener strip (6) to the leading edge of the sidewall (2b) is about 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). The distance (21) between the leading edge of the fastener strip (6) to the leading edge of the sidewall is about 1 3/~ inches (3.5 cm). The distance (22) between fold (11) and the baseedge of the fastener strip (3) is about 2 inches (5 cm). The distance (23) between the leading edge of fastener strip (3) and the uppermost edge of the flap which is an extension of sidewall (2a) is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Distance (24) is about 3 5/8 inches (9.2 cm). As in the foregoing notched bag, the positioning and length of the fasteners can be adjusted to decrease or increase venting.
The construction of the preferred, heat-resistant vapor-venting bag used herein to contain the fabrics in a hot air laundr,v dryer or similar device pler~.dbly employs thermal reciet~nt films to provide the needed te"rpt;-dLui~ rçci~t~nce to intt?rn~l self-sealing and external surface dt:~o~ alion sometimes caused by ovPrht?Atl-~l clothes dryers. In addition, the bags are resistant to the chemical agents used in the cleaning or refre~hm~nt compositions herein. By proper selection of bag material, unacceptable results such as bag melting, melted holes in bags, and sealing of bag wall-to-wall are avoided. In a preferred mode, the fastener is also constructed of a thermal re~ict~nt material. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in oneembodiment, 1 to 3 mil (0.025-0.076 mm) heat-resistant Nylon-6 film is folded and sealed into a col-lA;.. ent bag. Sealing can be done using standard impulse heating c.~ t In an alternate mode, a sheet of nylon is simply folded in half and sealed along two of its edges. In yet another mode, bags can be made by air blowing operations. The method of assembling the bags can be varied, depending on the equipment available to the m~n-lf~ctllrer and is not critical to the practice o~
the invention.
The ~im~n~ions of the co.. l~;.. ~ont bag can vary, depending on the intenfle(l end-use. For exarnple, a relatively smaller bag can be provided which is suf~rcient to contain one or two silk blouses. ~Itern~tively, a larger bag suitable for h~n~lling a man's suit can be provided. Typically, the bags herein will have an internal volume of from about 10,000 cm3 to about 25,000 cm3. Bags in this size range are CA 02243539 l998-07-l7 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 sufficient to accommodate a reasonable load of fabrics (e.g., 0.2-5 kg) without being so large as to block dryer vents in most U.S.-style home dryers. Somewhat smaller bags may be used in relatively smaller European and Js-p~n.~se dryers.
- The bag herein is preferably flexible, yet is preferably durable enough to withstand multiple uses. The bag also preferably has sufficient stiffness that it can billow, in-use, thereby allowing its contents to tumble freely within the bag during use. Typically, such bags are prepared from 0.025 mm to 0.076 mrn (1-3 mil) thic]cness polymer sheets. If more rigidity in the bag is desired, somewhat thicker sheets can be used.
In addition to therrnally stable "nylon-only" bags, the co..l~inln~1 bags herein can also be prepared using sheets of co-extruded nylon and/or polyester or nylon and/or polyester outer and/or inner layers surrounding a less thermzllly suitable inner core such as polypropylene. In an alternate mode, a bag is constructed using a nonwoven outer "shell" comprising a heat-resistant material such as nylon or polyethylene terephth~l~t~ and an inner sheet of a polymer which provides a vapor barrier. The non-woven outer shell ~ t~l~ the bag from melting and lprovides an improved tactile impression to the user. Whatever the construction, the objective is to protect the bag's integrity under conditions of therrnal stress at te~ .d~ure3 up to at least about 400-500~F (204~C to 260~C). Under cirC~lm~t~n~es where excessive heating is not of concern, the bag can be made ofpolyester, polypropylene or any convenient polymer material.
Vapor Ventin~ Evaluation - In its broadest sense, the ~ îc,lc:d vapor-venting co.l~ ..t bag used in this invention is ~leci~n~ to be able to vent at least about 40%, preferably at least about 60%, up to about 90%, preferably no more than about 80%, by weight, of the total moisture introduced into the bag within the operating cycle of the clothes dryer or other hot air a~dLus used in the processherein. ~Of course most, if not all, of organic cleaning solvents, if any, will also be vented during together with the water. However, since water comprises by far themajor portion of the cleaning/.cL~h.,.~nt compositions herein, it is more convenient to measure and report the venting as water vapor venting.) It will be a~ c ialed by those knowledgeable about the operation of hot air clothes dryers and similar app~uaLus that the rate of venting will usually not be cu~ l over the entire o~ a~ g cycle. All dryers have a warm-up period at the beginning of the Opcld~ g cycle, and this can vary according to the specifications of the m~n~lf~çtllrer. Most dryers have a cool-down period at the end of the operating cycle. Some venting from the co..~ nt bag can occur during these warm-up and cool-down periods, but its rate is generally less than the venting rate over the main CA 02243~39 l998-07-l7 W O 97/273S4 PCT~US97/01062 period of the drying cycle. Moreover, even during the main period of the cycle, many modern dryers are constructed with thermostat settings which cause the air temperature in the dryer to be increased and decreased periodically, thereby preventing overheating. Thus, an average, rather than constant, dryer operating temperature in the target range of from about 50~C to about 85~C is typically achieved.
Moreover, the user of the present co~ i.1111ent bag may choose to stop the operation of the drying a~p~aLLIs before the cycle has been completed. Some users may wish to secure fabrics which are still slightly damp so that they can be readily ironed~ hung up to dry, or subjected to other fini~hing operations.
Apart from the time period employed, the Vapor-Venting Equilibrium ("VVE") for any given type of vapor-venting closure will depend mai~y on the temperature achieved within the dryer - which, as noted above, is typically reported as an average "dr,ver air t~lnp~ldLule". In point of fact, the temperature reached within the containment bag is more significant in this respect, but can be difficult to measure with accuracy. Since the heat transmittal through the walls of the bag is rather efficient due to the thinn~e~ of the walls and the tumbling action afforded by conventional clothes dryers, it is a reasonable approximation to measure the VVEwith reference to the average dryer air temperature.
Moreover, it will be a~ ciated that the vapor-venting from the cont~inm~ t bag should not be so rapid that the aqueous cleaning/~Gr~ n~nt composition does not have the opportunity to moisten the fabrics being treated and to mobilize and remove the soils/malodors therefrom. However, this is not of l~rs-~ti~1 concern herein, in~emlleh as the delivery of the composition from its carrier substrate onto the fabrics afforded by the tumbling action of the a~dldl~ls occurs at such a rate that premature loss of the composition by premature vaporization and venting is not a significant factor. Indeed, the pl~er~ d bag herein is designed to prevent such premature venting, thereby allowing the liquid and vapors of the c1e~ning/lerl.~1..n~nt composition to remain within the bag for a period which is sufficiently long to ~clrollll its inten~lod functions on the fabrics being keated.
The following Vapor-Venting Evaluation Test (VVET) illustrates the foregoing points in more detail. Larger or smaller co..~s.;....~ent bags can be used, depending on the volurne of the dryer drurn, the size of the fabric load, and the like.
As noted above, however, in each m~t~n~e the containrnent bag is designed to ~ achieve a degree of venting, or VVE "score", of at least about 40% (40 VVE), preferably at least about 60% (60 VVE), up to about 90% (90 VVE).

W O 97/2735'1 PCT~US97/01062 VAPOR-VENTING EVALUAl ION TEST
Materials:
Envelope or "Standard", i.e., Control Cont~inment Bag to be evaluated for VVE.
- Carrier Substrate (lS"xll"; 38.1 cm x 27.9cm) HYDRASPUN(~) carrier substrate sheet from Dexter with (10444) or without (10244) Binder Wool Blouse: RN77390, Style 12288, Weight approx. 224 grams Silk Blouse: RN40787, Style 0161, Weight approx. 81 grams Rayon Swatch: 45"xl7" (114.3 cm x 43.2 cm), Weight approx. 60 grams Pouch: 5"x6.375" (12.7 cm x 16.2 cm) to contain the Carrier Substrate and water De-ionized Water; Weight is variable to establish VVE.
Pretreatment of Fabrics:
1. The wool, silk, and rayon materials are placed in a Whirlpool dryer (Model LEC7646DQO) for 10 minnt~s at high heat setting, with the heating cycle ranging from about 140~F-165~F to remove moisture picked up at ambient condition.

2. The fabrics are then removed from the dryer and placed in sealed nylon or plastic bags (minimurn 3 mil. thickness) to minimi7e moisture pick up from t~he atmosphere.
Test Procedure:
1. Water of various measured weights from 0 to about 40 grams is applied to the carrier substrate a minimllm of 30 minnt~c before running a vented bag test. The substrate is folded, placed in a pouch and sealed.
2. Each fabric is weighed separately and the dry weights are recorded.
Weights are also recorded for the dry carrier substrate, the dry pouch cont~inin~ the ~ul~ dle, and the dry cont~inmf nt bag being evaluated.

3. Each ~ P~I is placed in the bag being evaluated for vapor venting along with the water-co~ts~ g substrate (removed from its pouch and unfolded).

4. The bag is closed without e~ ei,~ g the air and placed in the Whirlpool Dryer for 30 minl1tes at the high heat setting, with tumbling per the standard mode of operation of the dryer.

5. At the end of 30 ...i..~ s the bag is removed from the dryer and each fabric,the carrier substrate, the bag and the pouch are weighed for water weight gain relative to the dry state. (A possible minor loss in weight for the cont~inm~nt bag due to dryer heat is ignored in the calculations.) 6. The weight gain of each g~ is recorded as a percent of the total moisture applied to the carrier substrate.

CA 02243~39 l998-07-l7 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 7. The rem~ining unmeasured moisture divided by the total moisture is recorded as percent vented from the dryer bag.

8. When a series of total applied moisture levels are evaluated, it is seen that above about 15-20 grams of water the % vented becomes essentially constant, and this is the Vapor-Venting Equilibrium value, or VVE, for the particular bag venting design.
It can be seen from e~mining a series of VVET results at various initial moisture levels that the water at lower initial levels is being disproportionately captured by the garment load, the he~-1cp~ce~ and the nylon bag, such that venting of water and volatile malodors begins in earnest only after the VVE value is achieved.
Since this occurs only when about 15-20 grams or more of water is initially charged, it is seen that a VVE of greater than about 40 is needed to avoid excessive wetting of garments, leading to unacceptable wet-setting of wrinkles, as discussed herein.
Malodor and Wrinkle Removal The overall process herein optionally comprises a spot removal step on isolated, heavily stained areas o~ the fabric. Following this localized stain removal step, the entire fabric can be cleaned/refreshed in the vapor-venting cont~inmPnt bag. This latter step provides a marked improvement in the overall appearance and refreshment of fabrics, especi~lly with respect to the near absence of malodors and wrinkles, as compared with untreated fabrics.
One ~ese~ ent of this step of the process using the vapor-venting bag herein with respect to malodors comprises exposing the fabrics to be tested to an atmosphere which C~ illS sub~ Lial amounts of cigarette smoke. In an alternate mode, or in conjunction with the smoke, the fabrics can be exposed to the chemical components of ~ylllhelic pc.~ lion, such as the composition available from IFF, Inc. ~xpert olfactory panelists are then used to 3udge odor on any convenient scale.
For example, a scale of 0 (no d~t~ct~ble odor) to 10 (heavy malodor) can be established and used for grading purposes. The establi~hm-?n~ of such tests is amatter of routine, and various other protocols can be devised according to the desires of the formulator.
For exa~nple, garments to be "smoked" are hung on clothing hangers in a fume hood where air flow has been turned off and vents blocked. Six cigarettes with filters removed are lighted and set in ashtrays below the g~ The hood is closed and left until the cigarettes have about half burned. The ~rment~ are then turned 180~ to get even distribution of smoke on all s~ ree. Smoking is then W O 97/2735'1 PCTrUS97/0106Z

conl:inued until all cigarettes are consumed~ The garrnents are then enclosed insealed plastic bags and allowed to sit overnight.
After aging for about one day, the garments are treated in the - cleaning/refreshrnent process using the venting bag. The ~rment~ are removed prornptly from the cont~inment bag when the dryer cycle is finished, and are graded for malodor ill~ensily. The grading is done by an expert panel, usually two, of trained odor and perfume graders. The malodor intensity is given a grade of 0 to10, where 10 is full initial intensity and 0 is no malodor detected. A grade of 1 is a trace detection of malodor, and this grade is regarded as acceptably low malodor to mos~ users.
In the absence of perfume ingredients in the cleaning cloth composition, the grading of residual malodor intensity is a direct indication of degree of cleaning or removal of malodorous chemicals. When perfumed compositions are used, the grading panelists can also determine a score for perfume intensity and character(agai~n on a 0 to 10 scale), and the malodor intensity grading in this case would indicate the ability of the residual perfume to cover any rem~ining malodorous chemicals, as well as their reduction or removal.
After the p,~rment odor grading taken promptly after the cleaning/refreshment process, the garrnents are hung in an open room for one hour and graded again. This one-hour reading allows for an end-effect evaluation thatwould follow cool-down by the garments and drying of the moisture gained in the dryer cycle lle~l...c..t The initial out-of-bag grading does reflect darnp-cloth odors and a higher intensity of warm volatiles from the bag, and these are not factors in the one-hour grades. Further g?~rrnf~nt grading can be done at 24 hours and, optionally, at selected later times, as test needs dictate.
Likewise, fabric wrinkles can be visually assessed by skilled graders. For mlp1~7 silk fabric, which wrinkles rather easily, can be used to visually assess the degree of wrinkle-removal achieved by the present processes using the vapor-venting bag. Other single or multiple fabrics can optionally be used. A laboratory test is as follows.
DE-WR~NKI,ING TEST
MATER~ALS:
As above for VVET.
De-ionized Water, Weight range (0-38 grams) Pretreatment of Fabrics:
The silk fabric is placed in a harnper, basket, or drum to simulate normal conditions that are observed after wearing. These storage conditions produce -W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 garments that are severely wrinkled (well defined creases) and require a moist environment to relax the wrinkles.
TEST PROCEDURE:
1. One silk fabric is placed in a cont~inment bag being tested.
2. Water (0-38 grams) is applied to the carrier substrate a minimum of 30 minl~tes before running the test, placed in a pouch and sealed.
3. The silk garment is placed in the test co~lai~ ,ent bag along with the water-cont~ining substrate (removed from its pouch and unfolded).
4. The bag is closed and placed in a Whirlpool Dryer (Model LEC7646DQO) for 30 minutes at high heat (48-74C cycle).
5. At the end of 30 minlltes, the dryer bag is removed from the dryer IMMEDIATELY and the silk garment is placed on a hanger.
6. The silk garment is then visually graded versus the Control Garment from the same Pretre~tm~ont Of Fabrics.
In laboratory tests of the foregoing type, the in-dryer, non-immersion cleaningll~r~e;,hlllent processes herein typically provide malodor (cigarette smoke and/or p~ dlion) malodor grades in the 0-1 range for smoke and somewhat higher for p~ ,ildlion malodors, thereby indicating good removal of malodor colllpollents other than those of sufficiently high molecular weights that they do not readily "steam va~oli;~e" from the fabrics. Likewise, fabrics (silks) have wrinkles removed to a sufficient extent that they are judged to be reasonably suitable for wearing with little, or no, ironing.
Perfume - As noted above, the higher molecular weight, high boiling point, malodorous chemicals tend to be retained on the fabrics, at least to some degree.
These malodors can be overcome, or "masked", by perfumes. However, it will be a~ ciated from the foregoing that the perfumer should select at least some perfume chemicals which are sufficiently high boiling that they are not entirelyvented from the bag along with volatile malodors. A wide variety of aldehydes, k~ton~s, esters, acetals, and the like, pelrulll~.r chemicals which have boiling points above about 50~C, ~l~r~lably above about 85~C, are known. Such ingredients can be delivered by means of the carrier ~ub~Lldle herein to perm~te the contents of the co.~ nt bag during the processes herein, thereby further reducing the user's pelc~Lion of malodors. Non-limiting examples of ~rumc materials with relatively high boiling components include various ess~nti~l oils, resinoids, and resins from a variety of sources including but not limited to orange oil, lemon oil, patchouli, Peru balsam, Olib~nnm resinoid, styrax, labdà~lulll resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander, lavandin and lavender. Still other perfurne chemicals =

W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 include phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineol and mixed pine oil terpenes. linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-cyclohexanol acetate, orange terpenes and eugenol. Of course, lower boiling materials can be included, with the understz~n~iing that some loss will occur due to venting.
Compositions - The user of the present process can be provided with various compositions to use as spot removers and for use within the vapor-venting bag ofthe invention. One problem associated with known fabric pre-spotting compositions is their tendency to leave visible residues on fabric surfaces. Such residues are problematic and are preferably to be avoided herein since the present process does not involve conventional immersion or rinse steps. Accordingly, thepre-spotting compositions herein should, most preferably, be subst~nti~lly free of various polyacrylate-based emulsifiers, polymeric anti-static agents, inorganic builder salts and other residue-forrning materials, except at low levels of about 0.1%-0.3%, and preferably 0%, of the final compositions. Water used in the compositions should preferably be distilled, deionized or otherwise rendered free of residue-forming materials. Stated otherwise the compositions herein should be fonn~ te~l so as to leave subst~nti~lly no visible residue on fabrics being treated according to the practice of this invention.
Accordingly, in a prer~ c;d aspect of this invention there are provided pre-spotting (i.e., spot-cleaning) compositions which are ~ ly free of materials which leave visible residues on the treated fabrics. This nPcPss~rily means that the pler~ cd pre-spotting compositions are form~ ted to contain the highest level ofvolatile materials possible, preferably water, typically about 95%, preferably about 97.7~~'o, a cle~ning solvent such as BPP at a low, but effective, level, typically about 1~/~ to about 4%, preferably about 2%, and s~-rf~t~nt at levels of about 0.1% toabout 0.7%. Advantageously, when thus form~ t~l such compositions exist as phase-stable aqueous solutions rather than as suspensions or emulsions. Thus, such compositions do not require use of additional enn~ ifiPr~, thick~nin~ agents, suspending agents, and the like, all of which can contribute to the formation ofundesirable visible residues on the fabric.
It is, of course, nec.oss~ry that the pre-spotting compositions herein pelro~
their spot-removal function efficiently and effectively. It has now been discovered that use of the cleaning device, with the application of downward force (Z-direction) in the ll,~le. disclosed herein, provides good spot and stain removal- perfolmance even with the aforesaid high water pre-spotting composition solutions.
Further details of such pre-spotting compositions are as described hereinafter in the Examples.

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 Indeed, as an overall proposition, any of the chemical compositions which are used to provide the pre-spotting and the overall cleaning and/or refreshrnent functions herein comprise ingredients which are safe and effective for their intPnde~
use~ and. as noted above, preferably do not leave unacceptable amounts of visible residues on the fabrics. While conventional laundry detergents are typically formulated to provide good cleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics, the compositions herein must be formulated to also safely and effectively clean and refresh fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and the like. In addition, the compositions herein comprise ingredients which are specially selected and formulated to minimi~e dye removal or migration from the stain site of fugitive,unfixed dye from the fabrics being cleaned. In this regard, it is recognized that the solvents typically used in immersion dry cleaning processes can remove some portion of certain types of dyes from certain types of fabrics. E~owever, such removal is tolerable in irnmersion processes since the dye is removed relativelyuniformly across the surface of the fabric. In contrast, it has now been detenninçd that high concentrations of certain types of cleaning ingredients at specific sites on fabric surfaces can result in unacceptable IOCAI;7~1 dye removal. ~he preferred compositions herein are forrnulated to minimi7lo or avoid this problem.
The dye removal attributes of the present compositions can be compared with art-disclosed cleaners using photographic or photometric measu.emcnL~, or by means of a simple, but effective, visual grading test. Numerical score units can be assigned to assist in visual grading and to allow for statistical tre~trn~nt of the data, if desired. Thus, in one such test, a colored garment (typically, silk, which tends to be more susceptible to dye loss than most woolen or rayon fabrics) is treated bypadding-on cleA~.~r/lcL~sller compositions using an absorbent, white paper hand towel. Hand ples:~e is applied, and the amount of dye which is l~ rc~ d onto the white towel is ~ee~e~l visually. Numerical units ranging from: (1) "I think I
see a little dye on the towel"; (2) "I know I see some dye on the towel"; (3) I see a lot of dye on the towel"; through (4) "I know I see quite a lot of dye on the towel"
are ~c.ci~n~(l by p~nlolictc In addition to the fole~oing considerations, the compositions used herein are preferably forrnulated such that they are easily dispensed and not so adhesive in nature that they render the spot-cleaning device unhandy or difficult to use.
However, and while not int~nC~in~ to be limiting of the present invention, the preferred compositions disclosed herein afford a spot-cleaning process which is both effective and aesthetically pleasing when used with a device in the manner disclosed herein.

W O 97/27354 PCTfiUS97~1062 Aqueous Spot Stain Cleanin~ Compositions (a) Bleach - The compositions herein may optionally comprise from about 0.25% to about 7%, by weight~ of hydrogen peroxide.
- PrefelTed spot cleaners will comprise 0.5 to about 3% hydrogen peroxide. It will be appreciated that peroxide sources other than H2~2 can be used herein. Thus, various per-acids, per-salts, per-bleaches and the like l~nown from the detergency art can be used.
However, such materials are expensive, difficult to formulate in liquid products, can leave residues on fabrics and offer no special advantages over H2~2 when used in the present manner.
(b) Solvent - The compositions herein may comprise from about 0% to about 10%, by weight, of butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) solvent.
Preferred spot cleaners will comprise 1~% BPP.
(c) Water -The preferred, low residue compositions here;n may comprise from about 90%, preferably from about 95.5% to about 99%, by weight, of water.
(d) Surfactant - The compositions herein may optionally comprise from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of s~ t~ntc, such as MgAES
and NH4AES, amine oxides, ethoxylated alcohols or alkyl phenols, alkyl su1f~tes, and mixtures thereof. As noted above, use of surf~ctzlnt~ limited to the lower end of the range is preferred for some dyes and fabric types. Typically, the weight ratio of BPP
solve.~ r~ t~nt(s) is in the range of from about l0:l to about l:l.
One preferred composition comprises 2% BPP/0.4%
MgAElS/0.04% Cl2 dimethyl arnine oxide. Another pre-ferred composition comprises 4% BPP/0.4% AS.
(e) Optionals - The co~ osilions herein may comprise minor amounts of various optional ingre-lient~, in~h~ling bleach stabilizers, perfumes, preservatives, and the like. ~f used, such optional ingredients will typically comprise from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of the compositions, having due regard for residues on the cleaned fabrics.
(f) Chelator -Compositions which contain H2~2 will also typically contain a çh~l~ting agent. The chelating agent is selected from those which, themselves, are stable in aqueous H2~2 and which stabilize the H2~2 by chP!~ting vagrant metal ions. Such çh~1~ting agents are typica}ly already present at low, peroxide-stabilizing amounts (0.0l-CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 971273~4 PCTAUS97/01062 1%) in commercial sources of hydrogen peroxide. A variety of phosphonate chelators are known in stabilizing H2O2. The amino phosphonates are especially useful for this purpose. Various amino phosphonates are available as under the DEQUEST~ trade name from the Monsanto Company, St. ~ouis~ Missouri. Representative, but non-limiting, examples include ethylene~ 3min,o tetrakis (methylene phosphonic) ac;d, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic) acid, and the water-soluble salts thereof. Amino tris(methylene phosphonic) acid or its water-soluble salts (as DEQUEST 2000(~)~ is a preferred chelator.
The pH range of the pre-spotting compositions helps provide stability to the hydrogen peroxide and is typically in the acid-slightly basic range from about 3 to about 8, preferably about 6.
Or~anic Solvent - The ~-~,f~.led cleaning (especially including spot cleaning) solvent herein is butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) which is available in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers in about equal amounts. The isomers, and mixtures thereof, are useful herein. The isomer structures are as follows:
n--C4Hg--O--CH2CH2CH2--O--CH2CH2CH2--OH
Cl H3 n--C4Hg--O--CH2--Cl--O--CH2CH2CH2--OH
l H3 n--C4Hg--O--CH2CH2CH2--O--CH2--f--OH

While the spot cleaning compositions herein function quite well with only the BPP, water and s~ ct~nt they may also optionally contain other ingredients to further enhance their stability. Hydlot.o~es such as sodium toluene sulfonate and sodium c-lm~ne sulfonate, short-chain alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, and the like, can be present in the compositions. If used, such ingredients will typically comprise from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight, of the stabilized compositionsherein.
Surf~rt~nt~ - Nonionics such as the ethoxylated Clo-C16 alcohols, e.g., NEODOL 23-6.5, can be used in the compositions. The alkyl sulfate surfactants which may be used herein as cleaners and to stabilize aqueous compositions are the Cg-Clg primary ("AS"; preferred Clo-C14, sodium salts), as well as branched-WO 97127354 PCTl~JS97/01062 chain and random Clo-C20 allcyl sulfates, and Clo-Clg secondary (2.3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)x(CHOSO3 M ) CH3 and CH3 (CH2)y(CHOSO3~M+) CH2CH3 where x and ~y + 1~ are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especiallysodium, as well as unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate. Alkyl ethoxy sulfate - (AES) surfactants used herein are conventionally depicted as having the forrnula R(EO)XSO3Z, wherein R is Clo-C16 alkyl, EO is -CH2CH2-O-, x is 1-10 and can include mixtures which are conventionally reported as averages, e.g., (EO)2 5.
(EO,~6 5 and the like, and Z is a cation such as sodium ammonium or m~nPsinm (MgAES). The Cl2-Cl6 alkyl dimethyl arnine oxide surfactants can also be used.
A preferred mixture comprises MgAElS/C12 dimethyl amine oxide at a weight ratio of about 10:1. Other surfactants which improve phase stability and which optionally can be used herein include the polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, e.g., C12-C14 N-methyl glucamide. AS stabilized compositions preferably comprise 0.1%-0.5~/c,, by weight, of the compositions herein. MgAES and amine oxides7 if used,can comprise 0.01%-2%, by weight, of the compositions. The other surfact~ntc canbe used at similar levels.
Having due regard to the foregoing considerations, the following illustrates the~various other ingredients which can be used in the liquid compositions herein, but iis not inten~P~l to be limitin~ thereof. In general, the spot cleaning compositions are form~ tpd to be somewhat "stronger" irl cleaning power than thecleaning/~ e~ ent compositions, although this can be varied, according to the desires of the forrnlllAtor.
Other Optionals - In addition to the water, the preferred BPP solvent, the optional H2~2 and the surf~ct~ntc disclosed above, liquid compositions used herein may comprise various optional ingredients, such as perfi~nes, preservatives, bri~ , salts for viscosity control, pH adjusters or buffers, and the like. The following illu~ es ~ f~ LL- d ranges for cleaning compositions for use herein, but is not intenrle~l to be limiting thereof.
In~redient % (wt.) Forrnula Ran~e BPP (Solvent) 0.05-5 Surfactant 0-2 Perfurne 0.01-1.5 Water R~l~n~e pH range from about 6 to about 8.
Other solvents or co-solvents which can optionally be used herein include various glyco] ethers, including materials marketed under tr~ rk~ such as Carbitol, CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 methyl Carbitol, butyl C~arbitol, propyl Carbitol, and hexyl Cellosolve, and especially methoxy propoxy propanol (MPP), ethoxy propoxy propanol (EPP), propoxy propoxy propanol (PPP), and all isomers and mixtures, respectively, of MPP. EPP, and BPP, as well as butoxy propanol (BP), and the like, and mixtures thereof. If used, such solvents or co-solvents will typically comprise from about 0.5% to about 2.5%, by weight, of the aqueous compositions herein. Non-aqueous (less than 50% water) compositions which optionally can be used in the pre-spotting step. can comprise the same solvents.
Preferred compositions for use in the in-dryer cleaning/refreshment step of the process herein are as follows.
Ingredient % ~wt.) Ran~e (% wt.
Water 99.0 95.1-99.9 Perfume 0.5 0.05-1.5 Surfactant* 0.5 0.05-2.0 Ethanol or Isopropanol 0 Optional to 4%
Solvent (e.g. BPP) 0 Optional to4%
*Especially ethoxylated alcohols, as disclosed herein. The fabric ~c:fi~~ nt compositions may also contain anionic surf~ct~nt~ Such anionic surf~rt~nt~ are well-known in the detergency arts. Commercial surfactants available as TWEEN~), SPAN(~, AEROSOL OT~ and various sulfosuccinic esters are especially useful herein.
Cleanin~ Device - As shown in Figures 9 and 13, one style of plc:rt;llcd cleaning device employed in the spot-cleaning process of the present invention has as its base element a cleaning face which is curvilinear, i.e., which is in a generally convex, arcuate configuration. In another embodiment, the device can have a circular, convex base (301), as shown in Figure 12. Overall, the arcuate device is remini~c~nt of an old-fashioned, flat-sided, arcuate desk blotting instrument, but with multiple protrusions (as described more fully hereinafter) extending outwardly from its operational face. The arcuate, convex configuration of the tre~tment face of the device herein provides several ad~/~,~ges over convex, circular cleaning devices. First, the arcuate configuration efficiently and effectively allows downward (Z-directional) force to be applied to the stained areas of the fabric.Second, the arcuate configuration ~ s~l~des the user from disadvantageously employing a side-to-side (X-Y directional) rubbing motion with the device. Third, the pl~ d type of cleaning element, with its plurality of protuberances, is easier to apply and adhere to the arcuate, convex device than to a circular, convex device.
This is because the element can be laid-down more readily on the convex surface of W 097/2735'~ PCT~US97~1a62 the arcuate device and. thus, can more easily be affixed thereto by gluing or other mecms. Accordingly, the convex, arcuate device herein is superior to the conve~.circular device with respect to its ease of m~nl~f~cture on a commercial scale.
-Ho~ever, either type of device can be used in the pre-spotting step of the process herein.
~The rear face of the device can be of any configuration, e.g., concave, convex, planar, arched, etc., to provide a means for gripping the device in the hand.
In a ~,ere.l~.d embodiment shown in Figure 13, the hand grip comprises a shaft (404) extending outwardly from the rear face of said base member (403), preferably from the center of the rear face, and most preferably wherein said shaft is subst~nti~lly perpendicular to the rear face. For ease-of-h~n~ling, the distal end of the shaft preferably terminates in a bulb (405) which is of a size that fits in the user's hand.
By employing a hand grip in the form of a shaft which is s~lbst~ntis-lly perp~n-liclll~r to the operational convex base mem~er, the user is further encouraged to use the device in the desired rocking motion, rather than in a scrubbing motion, which would be unhandy due to the perpendicularity of the shaft relating to the operational arcuate tre~tm~nt face of the device. Thus, the overall configuration of the device, with its convex base and gripping shaft, immerli~tely encourages proper use of the device. Optionally, simple o~eldlhlg instructions, such as "Rock, Don't Rub" can be affixed to the device as a remin-i~r In one additional mode, all or part of the body of the device, including the base and/or the hand grip, can be hollow, thereby providing a cavity which can be used! to store multi-use portions of the spot cleaning ("pre-spotting") composition until time-of-use. In this aspect of the invention, the device can be fitted with suitable means of egress for the composition onto the stained areas of the fabric.
Thus, holes, ch~nn~lc, or the like, can pass through the base men1her to providecomml-nic~tion between the storage cavity such that the spot cle~ning composition can exit the device at the t~ ..e.,l face, and thence onto the stained area of the fabric being spot-treated. In another mode, the device can be fitted with a suitable orifice from which the composition can be poured, squeezed, dripped, or otherwise dispensed from the device onto the stained area of the fabric.
In one embo~lim~ont the tre~tm~nt members (401) comprise a multiplicity of protrusions, e.g., bristle-like fil~mentc Preferably, said tre~tm~nt members areunderlaid by a resilient sponge base (402) which is affixed to the convex face of the arcuate base member. This resilient base also acts as a cushion to buffer the impact of the bristles on the surface of the fabric, Lhereby further helping to minimi7t~

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 deleterious effects on the fabric surface and more evenly distributing the mechanical forces.
Device Dimensions - The cleaning device herein can be of any desired size.
The device as shown in Figure 10 is of a size which is convenient for hand-held use.
In this embodiment, the length of the arcuate base member (202) with its convex,generally rectangular configuration is about 2.25 inches (57.15 rnm); its width is about 1.25 inches (31.75 mm); and its thickness is about 0.625 inch (15.8 mm).
The length of the cylindrical shaft ~203) exten~lin~ perpendicularly outward from the rear of the arcuate base to the base of bulb (204) is about 1.4 inches ~35.6 mrn), and its diameter is about 0.75 inches (19 mrn). The bulb (204) which serves as ahand (or palm) rest at the termin~l end of the shaft (203) has a circumference at its widest point of about 5.25 inches (133 mm). The combination of shaft and bulb thus comprises the hand grip for the device. The overall height of the device measured from the center of the top of the bulb (204) to the center point of the front face ofthe convex base is about 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm). The ~ln~ol~lpl~ssed thickness of the sponge layer (205) can vary, and is typically about 0.1 inches ~2.54 mm).The unco~llpl~:ssed thickness of the layer of fil~m~ntous protrusions (206) can likewise vary and is typically about 0.1 inches (2.54 mm). Similar ~im.onsions are typical for the circular, convex device of Figure 12, whose circular base member(301) has a ~ meter typically of about 0.75-3 inches (1.91-7.62 cm).
In the ple~ell~,d embodiment of the arcuate device shown in Figure 13, the length of the arcuate base member (403) with its convex, generally rectangular configuration is about 2 inches (5 cm); its width is about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm); and its thickness is about 5/16 inch (0.8 cm). The width of shaft (404) at its mid-point is about 1 inch (2.54 cm) and its thickness at its midpoint is about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm).
The length of the shaft (404) ext~n~iin~ perpendicularly outward from the rear of the arcuate base to the base of bulb (405) is about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm). The bulb (405) which serves as a hand (or palm) rest has a circumference at its widest point ofabout 5.75 inches (14.6 cm). The combination of shaft and bulb thus comprise thehand grip for the device. The overall height of the device measured from the center of the top of the bulb (405) to the center point of the front face of the convex base is about 3 inches (7.6cm). The ~limerl~ions of the sponge layer (402) and protuberances (401) are as given above.
Spot Removal - The convex base, shaft and palrn rest of the fabric cleaning devices for use in the pre-spotting operation of the overall process herein can be m~n~-f~-tured by injection molding or other suitable processes using polymers such as low- and high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon-6, nylon-6,6, acrylics, W O 97/2735'1 PCT~US97/01062 acetals, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and the like. High density polyethylene and polypropylene are within this range and are preferred for use herein.
Brightener-free materials are preferably used.
-The treatment members on the devices herein can comprise natural or synth,etic bristles, natural or synthetic sponges, absorbent pads such as cotton, ~rayon, regenerated cellulose, and the like, as well as the HYDRASPUN~) fabric described herein, and combinations thereof. Various useful materials are all well-kno~n in the cleaning arts in conventional brushes and toothbrushes (see U.S.
Patent 4,637,660) and in various cleaning 1Itenci1s Sponges, pads, and the like can typically have a thickness of from about l mm to about l.25 cm and can be glued to the convex front tre~tment face of the device. Preferably, the sponges, pads~
bristlc~d pads, etc., are brightener-free and are typically co-extensive with s~bst:lnti~lly the entire tre?~tm~nt face.
The protuberances which project outwardly from the treatment face of the base of the device can be in the form of blunt or rounded bristles, which may beprovided uniformly across the entire treatment face or in clusters. The protuberances can be in the form of monofil~mPnt loops, which can be circular, ovoid or elongated, or can be cut loops. The protuberances can comprise twisted fiber bundles, extruded nubs, molded finger-like appendages~ animal hair, reticulated foarns, rugosities molded into the face of the member, and the like.Protuberances made from monofi1~ment fibers may be straight, twisted or kinked.
Again, these are preferably bri~ht~nt~r-free.
In one embodiment, the tre~tmçnt member can comprise multiple colllpollcnl~7. In particular, the treatment member can comprise an absorbent base material which can be, for example, a natural or synthetic sponge, an absorbent cellulosic sheet or pad, or the like. In contact with and ext~n-1ing oulw~d from this base rnaterial are multiple protrusions as disclosed above. A specific example of this embodiment is a trç?~tment member comrncing multiple looped protuberances made from monofil~m~nt fibers which protrude from a sponge base layer. In this embocliment, the al~so~bent base layer can act as a reservoir which feeds the spot cleaning composition to the prolubcl~ces and thence onto the fabrics being treated.
In various optional modes, the tre?tm~nt members present on the convex face of the device herein can compri~e a multi-layer composite comprising a sponge-like, resilient b~c~inP m~tçri~l for a fibrous layer having multiple fibrous elements ext~n-ling outwardly therefrom. Such composites can be pcl...~ nt1y or semi-perm~nent1y affixed to the l.edl.l.~"t members using glue, ,~ u,e sensitiveadhesives, or other conventional means, and, typically, are also ~ubs~ 1y co-W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 extensive with the entire arcuate face of the device. Such composites can be made from conventional materials, e.g., using a sponge, foam or other absorbent base pad material from about 0.5-20 mm thickness and a layer of fibers such as a conventional painter's pad with fibers having a length of from about 0.05 mm to about 20 mm.
The protuberances herein are typically provided as a bed or mat which comprises multiple strands or loops which extend therefrom in the Z-direction.
Convenient and f~mili~r sources include pile carpet-type materials, paint pad-type materials, and the like. In such embo~im~nt~, the treatrnent member will comprise several thousand protuberances per cm2. With the looped protubc~ ces, there willtypically be 10-500, preferably about 60-150, loops per cm2. The choice of the source, style and number of protuberances are matters for the m~n~lf~ctllrer's discretion, and the foregoing illustrations are not intPnde~l to be limiting of the invention.
The protuberances should preferably extend outwardly from the face of the ...el-t member for a distance of at least about 0.1 rnm, preferably about 0.1 inches (2.54 mm). While there is no upper limit to their length, there is es~enti~lly no functional reason for the protub~ ces to extend more than about 1.25 cm.
The protube.dl ces can be made from plastic, rubber or any other convenient, resilient m~tl?ri~l which is stable in the presence of the cleaning composition.Fibrous protrusions can be made from natural or synthetic fibers. Fiber r~ m~oters can typically range from 0.1 mil (0.0025 mm) to 20 mil (0.5 mm). Again, this is a matter of selection and is not int~n~le(l to be limiting.
A preferred embodiment comprises a sponge layer of about 1.5 mm to about 7.0mm thickness having a plurality of fibrous protrusions ~xt~?n~linp outwardly th~r~,rlulll, said proll.lsions comprising bri~ht~nPr-free nylon 6,6 fibers having a length of about 0.10 inches ~2.54 mm) and a denier of about 45+, i.e., about 2.7 mil (ca. 76 miclu,llct~,~). Such fibers can be adhered to the sponge base using flocking or other techniques.
In another embo~liment~ the protub~ ces are in the forrn of a multiplicity of stiffened, ovoid looped fibers which extend outwardly from the treatment face.
Such looped fibers can comprise, for exarnple, 7 mil (0.18 mm) monofil~ment loops of polypropylene extentling at least about 0.03 inch ~0.76 mm), typically from about 2.0 mm to about 1.5 cm, outwardly from the face of a backing material. The diameter of the loops at their widest point is about 1.3 mm. A convenient material for said looped protrusions is available commercially from Aplix ~nc., Number 200, W O 97/2735~ PCT~US97/01062 Unshaved Loop, Part No. DM32M000-QY. This material comprises a nylon backing with about 420 loops per square inch (65 loops per cm2) exten-ling from its surface.
-It will be appreciated that the devices herein can be made firom a variety of plastic, glass, wood, etc. materials and with various overall shapes, decorations and -the like, according to the desires of the m~nllf~cturer. If desired, the device can be prepared from transparent or translucent materials. This can be helpful under circumstances where the device is hollow and provides a reservoir for the pre-spotting composition, since the user can visually judge the "fill" level. Of course, the devices are preferably made from materials which will not be affected by thevar~ous ingredients used in the cleaning compositions. The size of the devices is entirely optional. It is contemplated that rather large devices (e.g. 200-1000 cm2 convex trç~tmt-nt face) would be suitable for mounting and use in a commercial cleaning establishment. In the home, the device is ;ntt?n-led for hand-held use, and its ~1imen~ions are generally somewhat smaller. Typically, the surface area of the convex tre~tmPnt face for home use will be in the range of from about 4 cm2 to about 200 cm2. This is variable, according to the desires of the m~mlf~f turer.
While the surface area of the tre~mt?nt members can be adjusted according to the desires of the m~mlfiq~tllrer, it is convenient for a hand-held, home-use device to have a l c .~ t face whose surface area is in the range from about 5 cm2 to about 70 cm2.
Stain Receiver - A stain receiver can optionally be used in the pre-spotting operation herein. Such stain receiver can be any abso~ ,"~ material which imbibes the liquid composition used in the pre-spotting operation. Disposable paper towels, cloth towels such as BOUNTYTM brand towels, clean rags, etc., can be used.
Hovvever, in a preferred mode the stain receiver is cleci~n~l specifically to "wick" or "draw" the liquid compositions away from the stained area. A l~l.,f~,l-cd receiver consists of a nonwoven pad. In a ~ ft~ d embo~1im~nt the overall nonwoven is an absc,.~nt ~ , composed of about 72% wood pulp and about 28%
bicomponent staple fiber polyethylene-polypropylene (PE/PP). It is about 60 mils(1.524 mm) thick. It optionally, but preferably, has a barrier film on its rear surface to prevent the cleaning liquid from passing onto the surface on which the pre-spotting operation is being conrlllcte-l The receiver's structure establishes a capillary gradient from its upper, fluid receiving layer to its lower layer. The~gradient is achieved by controlling the density of the overall m~t~ and by layering the compol,ents such that there is lower capillary suction in the upper layer and greater capillary suction force within the lower layer. The lower capillary CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 suction comes from having greater synthetic staple fiber content in the upper layer (these f1bers have surfaces with higher contact angles, and correspondingly lower affinity for water, than wood pulp fibers) than in the lower layer.
More particularly, the absorbent stain receiver article herein can be conveniently manufactured using procedures known in the art for m~nllf~t~tllringnonwoven, thermally bonded air laid structures ("TBAL"). As an overall proposition, TBAL manufacturing processes typically comprise laying-down a web of absorbent f1bers, such as relatively short (4-5 mm) wood pulp fibers, in which are commin~led relatively long (30-50 mm) bi-cornponent fibers which melt slightly with the application of heat to achieve thermal bonding. The bi-component fibersintermingled throughout the wood pulp fibers thereby act to "glue" the entire mat together. Different from conventional TBAL-type structures, the disposition of the bi-component fibers in the upper and lower layers of the stain receiver herein is not uniform. Rather, the upper (fluid receiving) layer of the fibers which comprises the stain receiver is relatively richer in bi-component fibers than in wood pulp (or other cellulosic) fibers. Since the bi-component fibers are made from synthetic polymers which are relatively hydrophobic, the upper layer of fibers in the stain receiver tends to be more hydrophobic, as compared with the lower layer of fibers which, since it contains a high proportion of wood pulp, tends to be more hydrophilic. This difference in hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity between the upper and lower fiber layers in the stain receiver helps draw water (e.g., the aqueous compositions herein) and stain materials out of the fabrics which are being keated in the manner disclosed herein.
~ o illustrate the foregoing in more detail, in one mode, the present stain receiver the uppermost (fluid receiving) layer (to be placed against the soiled g~rment~ iS about 50% bicomponent fiber and about 50% wood pulp, by weight, with a basis weight of about 50 grams/m2 (gsm). The lower layer is an 80/20 (wt.) blend of wood pulp and bicolllpo~ t staple fiber with a basis weight of about 150 gsm. These ratios can be varied, as long as the upper layer is more hydrophobic than the lower layer. For example, upper layers of 60/40, 70/30, etc.
bicomponent/wood can be used. Lower layers of 90/10, 65/35, 70/30, etc.
wood/bicomponent can be used.
Lint Control Binder Spray - A heat crosslink~hle latex binder can optionally be sprayed onto the upper layer of the stain receiver article to help control lint and to increase strength. A variety of ~Itern~tive resins may be used for this purpose.
Thus, the surface of the uppermost layer can be sprayed with a cro~link~ble latex binder (Airflex 124, supplied by Air Products) at a concentration of about 3 to 6 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 grarns per square meter. This binder does not have great affinity for water relative to wood pulp, and thus does not importantly affect the relative hydrophobicity of the upper layer. Cold or hot crimping, sonic bonding, heat bonding and/or stitching may also be used along all edges of the receiver to further reduce linting tendency.
Backing Sheet - When thus prepared. the bi-layer absorbent structure which ~ comprises the stain receiver is sufficiently robust that it can be used as-is.
However, in order to prevent strike-through of the liquid onto the table top or other tre~ment surface selected by the user, it is preferred to affix a fluid-impermeable barrier sheet to the bottom-most surface of the lower layer. This backing sheet also improves the integrity of the overall stain receiver article. The bottom~most surface of the lower layer can be extrusion coated with an 0.S-2.0 mil (0.013 mm-0.05 mm), preferably 0.75 mil (0.019 mm), layer of PE or PP film using conventional procedures. The film layer is designed to be a pinhole-free barrier to prevent any undesired leakage of the liquid composition beyond the receiver. This backing sheet can be printed with usage instructions, embossed and/or decorated, according to the desires of the formulator. The stain receiver is intenr3e~. for use outside the dryer. However, since the receiver may inadvertently be placed in the dryer and subjected to high tempeldlules, it is ~l~r~ d that the backing sheet be made of a heat resistant film such as polypropylene or nylon.
Basis weight - This can vary depending on the amount of cleaning/
lcr~ .ent solution provided/anticipated to be absorbed. The ~l~Ç~ d stain receiver structure exhibits a holi~ontal absorbency of about 4-15 grams of water for every gram of nonwoven. A typical 90 3mm x 140 mm l~cei~/~ r absorbs about 10-20grams of water. Since very little fluid is used in the typical stain removal process, much less c~acily is actually required. A practical basis weight range is therefore about 10 g. to about 50 g.
Size - The size of the pler..l~d receiver is about 90 mm by 140 mm, but other sizes can be used. The shape can be varied.
Fibers - Conveniently available 2-3 denier (0.0075-0.021 mm) polyethylene/
polypropylene PE/PP bicom~ol~ staple and standard wood pulp (h~mmerrnilled) fibers are used in constructing the preferred l~,Cti~vCl. Other common staple fibers such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, and bico-lll~ollelll~ of these can be employed as t]he synt]hetic component. Again, capillary suction requirements need to be considered when selecting these fibers and their sizes or deniers. Larger denier detracts 3from capillary suction as does surface hydrophobicity. The absorbent wood pulp fiber can also be sub~LiluLed with cotton, hemp, rayon, and others. If desired, the lower layer can also comprise the so-called "supersorber" abso~l,elll gelling m~t.ori~l~

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 (AGM) which are known for use in the diaper and catarnenial arts. Such AGM's can comprise 1% to 20%, by weight, of the lower layer.
Thickness - The overall thickness (measured unres~rained) of the stain receiver is about 60 mils (1.524 rnm~, but can be varied widely. The low end maybe limited by the desire to provide absorbency impression. 25 mils to 200 mils (0.6 mrn-S. 1 mm) is a reasonable range.
Capillary suction/density - The overall density of the stain receiver affects both absorbency rate and fluid capacity. Typical wood pulp cont~ining absorbent articles have a density (measured unrestrained) that ranges around 0.12-0.15 g/cc +/- 0.05. The ~lcfe.~ed bi-layer stain receiver herein also has a density in the same range, but can be adjusted outside this range. Higher density increases stiffne~;
lower density decreases overall strength and makes linting more probable. The capillary suction is cl~t.orrnined by the type of fibers, the size of the fibers, and the density of the structure. Fabrics come in many varieties, and will exhibit a large range of capillary suction, thPm~elves. It is desirable to construct a receiver that has a greater surface capillary suction than that of the stained g~rment being treated.
Colors - White is the preferred color, ~ it will best show stains as they are being removed from the fabrics being treated. However, there is no other functional limit to the color.
Embossing - The p-c;fc~l~d stain receiver structure is embossable with any desired pattern or logo.
Optional Nonwoven (NW) types - While the TBAL stain receiver structure is preferred to permit density control, good thickn~s pelce:plion, good absoll,el1cy, and good resiliency, other types of NWs that can reasonably be used are hydroentangled, carded th~rm~l, c~l~n-1~r-bonded, and other good wipe substrate-making processes ~including thermal bonded wet-laid, and others).
M~nl-f~tnre - The m~ r~.-l..,e of the ~lcfelled bi-layer stain receiver is con~ucted using conventional TBAL processes. In one mode, the lower wood fiber-rich layer is first laid-down and the upper, synthetic fiber-rich layer is laid-down on top of it. The optional binder spray is applied to the upper layer at any convenient time. The resulting bi-layer structure is collected in rolls (which co,l,pa.;~ the overall structure somewhat). Overall, the bi-layer structure (unrestrained) has a thickness of about 60 mils and a density of about 0.13-0.15g/cc. This density may vary slightly, depending on the usage rates of the binderspray. The optional backing sheet is applied by passing the structure in sheet form through nip-rollers, together with a sheet of the b<q~ing film. Again, conventional procedures are used. If desired, and as a cost savings, the relative thi~L ne~ses of the CA 02243539 l998-07-l7 W O 97/Z7354 PCTrUS97/0106Z

lower and upper layers can be varied. Thus, since wood pulp is less e~,~ellsi~e than bi-component fibers, the manufacturer may decide to lay down a relatively thicker lower layer, and a relatively thinner upper layer. Thus, rather than a structurewhose upper/lower layer thickness ratio is about 1:1, one can select ranges of 0.2:1, 0.3:1, 0.5:1, and the like. If more absorbency is required, the ratios can be reversed.
Such considerations are within the discretion of the m~n~lf~ctllrer.
The bi-layer stain receiver is intenc1ed to be made so inexpensively that it can be discarded after a single use. However, the structures are sufficiently robust that multiple re-uses are possible. In any event, the user should position the article such that "clean" areas are positioned under the stained areas of the fabric being treated in order to avoid release of old stains from the stain receiver back onto the fabric.
Another type of stain receiver for use herein comprises Functional Absorbent Materials ("FAM's") which are in the form of water-absorbent foams having a controlled capillary size. The physical structure and resulting high capillarity of FAM-type foams provide very effective water absorption, while at the same time the chemical composition of the FAM typically renders it highly lipophilic. Thus, the FAM can ç~senti~lly provide both hydrophilicity and lipophilicity siml-lt~nt?ously. (FAM foams can be treated to render them hydrophilic. Both the hydrophobic or hydrophilic FAM can be used herein.) For pre-spotting, the stained area of the g~ nt or fabric swatch is placed over a section of FAM, followed by LLeal"le~lt with an aqueous or non-aqueous cleaning solution in conjunction with the use of the cleaning device herein to provide nlecl~ ical agitation. Repeated rocking with the device and the detergency effect of the solution serve to loosen the soil and transfer it to the FAM. While spot cle~nirlg progresses, the suction effects of the FAM capillaries cause the cleaning solution and stain debris to be carried into the FAM, where the stain debris is largely ret~ine~l At the end of this stèp the stain as well as almost all of thecleanin,g solution is found to have been removed from the fabric being treated and ~L~n trt;Lred to the FAM. This leaves the fabric surface only darnp, with a minimurn residue of the cle~rlin~ solution/stain debris which can lead to undesirable rings on the fabrics.
The m~nnf~rt~lre of FAM-type foams for use as the stain receiver herein forrns no part of the present invention. The m~nnf~ctllre of FAM foam is very extensively described in the patent literature, see, for exarnple: U.S. 5,260,345 to DesMarais, Stone, Thompson, Young, LaVon and Dyer, issued November 9, 1993;
U.S. 5,268,224 to DesMarais, Stone, Thol.~soll, Young, LaVon and Dyer~ issued CA 02243539 l998-07-l7 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 December 7, 1993, U.S. 5,147,345 to Young, LaVon and Taylor~ issued September 15, 1992 and companion patent U.S. 5,318,554 issued June 7, 1994; U.S. 5,149,720to DesMarais, Dick and Sh;veley, issued September 22, 1992 and companion patents U.S. 5,198,472, issued March 30, 1993 and U.S. 5,250,576 issued October 5, 1993; U.S. 5,352,711 to DesMarais, issued October 4, 1994; PCT application 93/04115 published March 4, 1993, and U.S. 5,292,777 to DesMarais and Stone, issued March 8, 1994; U.S. 5,387,207 to Dyer, DesMarais, LaVon, Stone, Taylor and Young, issued February 7, 1995; U.S. 5,500,451 to Goldman and Scheibel, issued March 19, 1996; U.S. 5,550,167 to DesMarais, issued August 27, 1996.
As noted above, the FAM-type stain receiver can also be provided with a backing sheet on its bottom-most surface to improve its integrity and to help prevent strike-through.
While the compositions and processes of the present invention can be employed under any circ--mct~nces where fabric clç~nin~/refrechment is desired, they are especially useful in a non-i,lllnc.aion home "dry" cleaning/fabric efi~,all.llent process, as is described in more detail hereinafter.
PROCESS COMPONENTS
The use of the vapor-venting bag, the compositions and the processes of this invention are described in more detail hereinafter. Such disclosure is by way ofillustration and not limitation of the invention herein. The definitional terms used herein have the following m~ningc By "phase-stable" herein is meant liquid compositions which are homogeneous over their int~ntled usage range ~ca. 50~F-95~F; 10~C-3~~C), or which, if stored at ~ p~:lalLlres which cause phase separâtion (~40~F- 110~F; 4.4~C-43.3~C), will revert to their homogeneous state when brought back to tt~lllpe.dtUleS
in the intt~nrl~(l usage range.
By an "effective arnount" herein is meant an amount of the alkyl sulfate and/or aLIcyl ethoxy sulfate or other surfactant sufficient to provide a phase-stable liquid composition, as defined hereinabove.
By "aqueous" com~oailions herein is meant compositions which comprise a major portion of water, and optionally the butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) or other cleaning solvents, the aforesaid surfactants or surfactant mixtures, h~-Lollo~ea, perfumes, and the lilce, especially those disclosed hereinafter.
By "cle~nin~" herein is meant the rernoval of soils and stains from fabrics.
("Spot clç~nin~" is the localized cleaning on areas of stain prior to the cleaning/.~,r~ ?nt step which is con~ cted in the venting bag.) By "refrechm~nt" herein is meant the removal of malodors and/or wrinkles from the .

W O 97/27354 rCT~US97/01062 overall fabrics, or the improvement of their overall appearance, other than primarily removing soils and stains. although some soil and stain removal can occur concurrently with refreshment. Typical fabric cleaning l~rl~hlllentlcompositionsherein can comprise more water (95-99.9%, preferably greater than 95% up to about 99~'0) and fewer cleaning ingredients than conventional cleaning or pre-spotting con~positlons.
By "protuberances" herein is meant knobs, fibers, bristles or lilce structures which extend outwardly from the surface of the tre~tm~nt device. Such elements of the device come into contact with the fabric being spot-cleaned ("pre-spotted") to provide mechanical cleaning action.
By "contact with stained areas" with respect to the cleaning device is meant contact which is afforded by impingement of the protuberances, pads, sponges, etc., which comprise the treatment means of the device with the one side of the stained area. As noted above, it is highly desirable that this contact result in a force which is directed substantially downward, i.e., in the Z-direction substantial}y perpendicular to the surface of the stain, rather than a side-to-side scrubbing motion in the X- and Y-directions, to minimi~e fabric darnage or "wear". Preferably, the contact is associated with a rocking motion by the convex device herein, wherebythe curved surface of the device imparts the force in the Z-direction. By "contact with the stained areas" with respect to the stain receiver is meant that the side of the stained area of the fabric opposite the cleaning device directly impinges on therece iver and is in close communication therewith.
As illustrated in the drawings, Figure 1 shows an integral carrier substrate (1) which is releasably hl~le~ ted with the cle~ning/leL~;cl,.l.ent composition.Figure 2 illustrates one form of a pre-forrned, notched cont~inment bag in an open cor~lguration with the loose carrier ~ub~lldte (1), first side wall (2a), second side wall (2b), first f~tening device ~3), side seal (4) and flexible flap (5). In use, flexible flap (S) is folded along fold line (11) to provide the vapor-venting closure for lhe bag.
Figure 3 shows the "envelope-style" notched bag in a finich~ configuration and cont~;nin~ the loose carrier substrate sheet (1). In-use, the fabrics to be cleaned/refreshed are placed in the bag with the substrate sheet (1) and flap (5) is folded along fold line (11) to engage first f~tening device (3) with the opposing second r;~ g device (6) to fasten the flap, thereby providing a vapor-venting closure which is sufficiently stable to withstand turnbling in a hot air clothes dryer or similar device.

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97/01062 Figure 4 shows a cut-away view of the corner of the notched cont;~inment bag illustrating the interior of the first side wall (2a) and second side wall (2b), first fastening device (3), second fastening device (6), flap (5), and fold line (11). The distance between the edge of the bag (9) and the depth of the notch (11) in second side wall (2b) are dimensions which are set forth hereinabove.
Figure 5 depicts the un-notched venting bag with the carrier sheet loosely contained therein.
The dimensions given hereinabove are for col-t~ nt bags which are designed to tumble freely within the drum of a conventional, U. S.-style in-homehot air clothes dryer having a drum volume of about 170-210 liters (home size).
The bag of the stated dimensions is designed to treat up to about 5 kg fabric load in a single use. The dimensions can be adjusted proportionately for larger or smaller bags to achieve the desired VVE and to ensure effective use in dryers with larger or smaller drums. For exarnple, the total volume of a containment bag constructed for use in an average European home clothes dryer (or U.S. "al)a llnellt" size; ca.
90 liter drum volume) would be about 6(~% of the volume for an average U.S. dryer.
The vapor-venting bags herein can be used with any desired fabric treatment composition which contains water, especially the phase-stable and/or "true solution"
liquid fabric cle~ning/refreshment compositions, as described more fully hereinafter. The overall process herein provides a method for removing both localized and overall stains, soils and malodors from fabrics and otherwise refreshing fabrics by contacting said fabrics with such compositions.
Carrier - When used in the in-dryer step of the present process, the cleaning and/or rc~rlesl~ent compositions are conveniently used in combination with a carrier substrate, such that the compositions perform tneir function as the surfaces of the fabrics come in contact with t'ne surface of the carrier. The carrier releasably co~ltah~s the compositions. By "releasably contains" means that the compositionsare effectively released from the carrier onto the soiled fabrics as part of the non-hl.,n~l~ion cle~ning and/or fabric leflesh-nt?nt processes herein. This release can occur by direct contact between the fabrics and the carrier, by vol~tili7~tion of the composition from the carrier ~ub~ e, or by a combination thereof.
The carrier can be in any desired form, such as powders, flakes, shreds, and the like. However, it will be appreciated that such comminnte~ carriers would have to be st;p~dled from the fabrics at the end of the process. Accol.ih~gly, it is highly ~ f~ d that the carrier be in the form of an integral pad or sheet which s~lbst~nti~lly m~int~in~ its structural integrity throughout the process. Such pads or sheets can be prepared, for example, using well-known methods for m~nllf~cturing CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354, PCT~US97/01062 non-woven sheets, paper towels, fibrous batts, cores for bandages, diapers and catarnenials, and the like, using materials such as wood pulp, cotton, rayon, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof. Woven cloth pads may also be used, but are not p~referred over non-woven pads due to cost considerations. Integral carrier pads or sheets may also be prepared from natural or synthetic sponges, foams, and theIike.
The carriers are designed to be safe and effective under the intended operating conditions of the present process. The carriers must not be fl~mm~hle during the process, nor should they deleteriously interact with the cleaning or refreshment composition or with the fabrics being cleaned. In general, non-wovenpolyester-based pads or sheets are quite suitable for use as the carrier herein.The carrier used herein is most preferably non-linting. By "non-linting"
herein is meant a carrier which resists the ehPd~ling of visible fibers or microfibers onto the fabrics being cleaned, i.e., the deposition of what is known in common parlance as "lint". A carrier can easily and ade~uately be judged for its acceptability with respect to its non-linting qualities by rubbing it on a piece of dark blue ~voolen cloth and visually inspecting the cloth for lint res;d~l~s The non-linting qualities of sheet or pad carriers used herein can be achieved by several means, including but not limited to: p~ep~iIlg the carrier from a single strand of fiber; employing known bonding techniques commonly used with nonwoven materials, e.g., point bonding, print bonding, adhesive/resin saturation bondmg, adhesive/resin spray bonding, stitch bonding and bonding with binder fibers. In an ~ltPrn~tP mode, a carrier can be p~epaled using an absorbent core, said core being made from a m~teriAI which, itself, sheds lint. The core is then enveloped within a sheet of porous, non-linting m~tPri~l having a pore size which allows passage of the cleaning or lerl~l,...Pnt compositions, but through which lint from the core cannot pass. An example of such a carrier comprises a cellulose orpolyester fiber core enveloped in a non-woven polyester scrim.
The carrier should be of a size which provides sufficient surface area that effective contact between the surface of the carrier and the surface of the fabrics being treated is achieved. Of course, the size of the carrier should not be so large as to be unhandy for the user. Typically, the dimensions of the carrier will be sufficient to provide a macroscopic surface area (both sides of the carrier) of at least about 360 cm2, preferably in the range from about 360 cm2 to about 3000 cm2. Forexample, a generally rectangular carrier may have the ~~imencions (X-direction) of from about 20 cm to about 35 cm, and (Y-direction) of from about 18 cm to about _ W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97/010~2 45 cm. Two or more smaller carrier units can be used when a larger surface area is desired (or needed).
The carrier is intended to contain a sufficient arnount of the cleaning/refreshrnent compositions to be effective for their inten-~ed purpose. The capacity of the carrier for such compositions will vary according to the intended usage. For example, pads or sheets which are intended for a single use will require less capacity than such pads or sheets which are intended for multiple uses. For a given type of carrier the capacity for the cleaning or refreshment composition will vary mainly with the thickness or "caliper" (Z-direction; dry basis) of the sheet or pad. ~or purposes of illustration, typical single-use polyester sheets used herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0. I mm to about 0.7 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 30g/m2 to about 100g/m2. Typical multi-use polyester pads herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0.2 mrn to about 1.0rnrn and a basis weight in the range from about 40glm2 to about lSOg/m2.
Open-cell sponge sheets will range in thiclcness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm. Of course, the foregoing ~limen~ions may vary, as long as the desired quantity of the cleaning or l~ir~ nt composition is effectively provided by means of the carrier.
A pl~c~r~ llcd carrier herein comprises a binderless (or optional low binder), hydroçnt7n~1ed absorbent material, especially a m~tPri~l which is form~ ttod from a blend of cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers. Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-Wovens Division, The Dexter Corporationas HYDRASPUNa~), especially Grade 10244 and 10444. The m~n~lf~tllre of such m~tt?ri~l~ forms no part of this invention and is already disclosed in the literature.
See, for example, U.S. Patents 5,009,747, Viazrnensky, et al., April 23, 1991 and 5,292,581, Vi~ n~by, et al., March 8, 1994, incorporated herein by reference.
Plcf.,.~d m~t~ l.c for use herein have the following physical ~ ies.
Grade Optional 10244 Targets Range Basis Weight gm/m2 55 35-75 Thickness microns 355 100-1500 Density gm/cc 0.155 0.1 -0.25 Dry Tensile gm/25 mln Wet Tensile gm/25 m~n MD* 700 200-1250 -W O 97/2735'1 PCT~US97tO1062 C~* 300 lO0-500 Brightness % 80 60-90 Absorption Capacity % 735 400-900 (H2O) Dry Mullen gm/cm2 1050 700-1200 *MI) - m~clline direction; CD - cross direction ~ As disclosed in U.S. 5,009,747 and 5,292,281, the hydroent~n~lin~ process provides a nonwoven material which comprises cellulosic fibers, and preferably at least about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and requires less than 2% wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength and wet tollghn~
Surprisingly, this hydroent~nglecl carrier is not merely a passive absorbent for the cleaning/refreshment compositions herein, but actually optimizes cleaning performance. While not intending to be limited by theory, it may be speculated that this carrier is more effective in delivering the compositions to soiled fabrics. Or, this particular carrier might be better for removing soils by contact with the soiled fabrics, due to its nli~Lul~, of fibers. Whatever the reason, improved cleaning performance is secured.
In addition to the improved ~ ro....~n~e, it has now been discovered that this hydroent~ngled carrier material provides an additional, unexpected benefit due to its resiliency. In-use, the sheets herein are designed to function in a subst~nti~lly open configuration. However, the sheets may be packaged and sold to the consumer in a folded configuration. It has been discovered that carrier sheets made from conventional m~tf~ri5~l~ tend to undesirably revert to their folded configuration in-use. This undesirable attribute can be overcome by p..r(ildlillg such sheet, but this requires an additional processing step. It has now been discovered that thehydroent~ngled materials used to form the carrier sheet herein do not tend to re-fold during use, and thus do not require such perforations (although, of course, ~.ruldlions may be used, if desired). Accol.lillgly, this attribute of the hydroentangled carrier materials herein makes them optimal for use in the mannerofth~ presentinvention.
Controlled Release Carriers - Other carriers which can be used in the present invention are characterized by their ability to absorb the liquid compositions, and to release them in a controlled manner. Such carriers can be single-layered or multi-layer l~min~tes In one embodiment, such controlled-release carriers can comprisethe aibsorbent core materials disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,009,653, issued April 23, 1991~ to T. W. Osborn III, entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin", assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company, incorporated herein by reference. Another speci~lc example of a controlled-release carrier herein compri~es a hydroentangled _ CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97127354 P~TrUS97/01062 web of fibers (as disclosed above) having particles of po~ymeric gelling materials dispersed, either uniformly or non-uniforrnly, in the web. Suitable gelling materials include those disclosed in detail at columns 5 and 6 of Osborn, as well as thosedisclosed in U.S. 4,654,039, issued March 31, 1987, to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin Other carriers useful herein include WATER-LOCK(~) L-535, available from the Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatin, Iowa. Non-particulate superabsorbents such as the acrylate fibrous material available under the tr~ n~me LANSEAL F
from the Choli Company of Higashi, Osaka ~apan and the carboxymethylcellulose fibrous material available under the tr~ me AQUALON C from Hercules, Inc..
of Wilmington, Delaware can also be used herein. These fibrous superabsorbents are also convenient for use in a hydro-entangled-type web.
In another embodiment the controlled release carrier can comprise absorbent batts of cellulosic fibers or multiple layers of hydroentangled fibers, such as the HYDRASPUN sheets noted above. In this embodiment, usually 2 to about 5 sheets of HYDRASPUN, which can optionally be spot-bonded or spot-glued to provide a coherent multi-layered structure, provides an absorbent carrier for use herein without the need for absorbent gelling materials, although such gelling materials can be used, if desired. Other useful controlled release carriers include natural or synthetic sponges, especially open-cell poly~ ane sponges and/or foams.
Whatever controlled release carrier is selected, it should be one which imbibes the liquid compositions herein thoroughly, yet releases them with the application of~les ,ur~ or heat. Typically, the controlled release carriers herein will feel wet or, preferably, somewhat damp-to-nearly dry to the touch, and will not be dripping wet when carrying 10-30 g. of the cleaning composition.
Coversheet - In an optional embodiment, a li~uid permeable coversheet is ~u~ hlll)osed over the carrier. In one embodiment, the coversheet is associated with the carrier by spray-gluing the coversheet to the surface of the carrier. The coversheet is preferably a material which is compliant and soft feeling. Further, the coversheet is liquid and/or vapor pervious, pC.llliLLillg the aqueous cleaning/refreshment composition to l.~,~rel through its thicknecs A suitable coversheet may be m~nllfartllred from a wide range of materials such as polymeric materials, formed thermoplastic films, a~el Ll-.ed plastic films, porous films, reticulated foams, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), woven and non-woven synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, with al)e.Lul.,d formed films being p-~relled. Aperhlred formed films are ~ ,rell~ed for the co~,~, 7Le~ l because they are pervious to the liquid cleaning and/or refrechm~rlt compositions (or vapors) and yet non-absorbent. Thus, , - :

W O 97127354 PCT~US97/01062 the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the fabrics remains relatively dry, thereby further re~ cing water spotting and dye transfer. Moreover, the apertured formed films have now been found to capture and retain lint. fibrous matter such as pet hair, and the like, from the fabric being treated, thereby further enhancing the cleaning/refreshment benefits afforded by the present process.
Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,13~, entitled "Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975;
U.S. I'at. No. 4,324,246, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain ~e~ t~nt Coversheet", issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", issued to Ahr, Louis, Mullane and Ouellete on July 31, 1984, U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,819 issued to Ouellette, Alcombright & Curro on January 20, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4.609,518 issued to Curro, Baird, Gerth, Vernon & Linman on September 2, 1986; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,629,642 issued to Kernstoçk on December 16, 1986; and EPO Pat. No.
0,165,807 of Osborn published 8/30l89; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. If used, such formed-film cover-sheets with their tapered capillary apertures preferably are situated over the carrier sheet such that the smaller end of the capillary faces the carrier sheet and the larger end of the capillary faces outward.
In further regard to the coversheet herein, it is also possible to employ permeable nonwu~c.l or woven fabrics to cover the carrier-plus-cleal~inglrefre~hm.ont composition. Under certain circllmct~nces, such nonwoven or woven fibrous coversheets can offer some advantages over the formed-film cov~ c~.~. For example, formed-film coversheets are often manufactured by hydroforming processes which are particularly suitable with polymer films such as polyet3hylene. While polyethylene can be used herein, there is some prospect that, due to its lower mt?ltin~ point, high dryer temperatures can cause its softeningand/or melting in-use. This is particularly true if the article herein were to be released from the co~ ent bag and fall into the hot dryer drum. While it is possible to prepare formed-film topsheets using ny}on, polyester or other heat resistamt polymeric sheets, such manufacture becomes somewhat more difficult and, hence, more expensive.
Fibrous coversheets can also be made from non-heat resistant fibers such as polyethylene. However, it has now been ~leterrnin~-~ that p~r~ d fibrous coversheets can be plc~ared using nylon (especially nylon-6), polyester, and the CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCTAUS~71010~2 like, heat-resistant fibers which can withstand even inadvertent misuse in the present process. The flexible, cloth-like, pelmeable topsheets made therefrom are known materials in the art of nonwoven and woven fabric m~kin~, and their m~nllf,~cture forms no part of the instant invention. Such nonwovens are available commercially from companies such as Dexter Corporation. The hydrophobic character of the fibers used to manufacture such nonwoven or woven fibrous coversheets helps reduce the chances of water spotting during the process herein.
Such coversheets also pick up vagrant lint and other fibers from the fabrics being treated in the present process, thereby enhancing their overall clean~l~rle~l.cdapl,ed,dllce.
Such nonwoven or woven fibrous sheet msltçri~le can be used in a single layer or as multiple layers as the coversheet herein. In one embodiment, an absorbent core comprising the cleaning/refreehmPnt composition is enrobed in a polyester or polyamide fibrous coversheet which has been ring rolled or otherwise crimped to provide three ~iimeneional bulk. Optionally, this coversheet may be further covered by a second coversheet in an un~ ped configuration. Or, the corecan be enrobed in one or more layers of un~ lped fibrous cover~hPPting.
Alternatively, a formed-film coversheet with tapered capillaries and made from anon-heat reei.et~nt material can be covered with a protective scrim of a woven or nonwoven fibrous coversheet comprising heat resistant fibers.
Such fibrous, preferably heat resistant and, most preferably, hydrophobic, coversheets thus provide alternative embo~1imPnte of the article herein. Variouscombinations can be employed, according to the desires of the m~nllf~ehlrer, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The objective in each instance is to prevent the wet carrier core of the article from coming into prolonged, direct contact w~th the fabric being treated so as to avoid water spotting. If desired, the coversheet can be provided with macroscopic fenestrations through which lint, fbers or particulate soils can pass, thereby helping to entrap such foreign matter inside the article, itself.
The outer surface of the coversheet is preferably hydrophobic. However, if desired the outer and/or inner surfaces of the coversheet can be made hydrophilic by tr~tment with a sl~ ct~nt which is subs~nti~lly evenly and completely distributed throughout the surface of the coversheet. This can be accomplished by any of thecommon techni~ues well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant can be applied to the coversheet by spraying, by p~d~iing, or by the use of transfer rolls. Further, the s~ chnt can be incorporated into the polymeric , -CA 02243539 1998-0i-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97101062 materials of a formed film coversheet. Such methods are disclosed in U.S.
S,009~653, cited above.
OVERALL PROCESS
~ The preferred pre-spotting procedure for removing stains from a stained area ~ f fabrics, comprises applying a spot cleaning composition (preferably, substantially free of visible residues as described herein) to said stained areas, and rocking the device herein on the stain using hand pressure to remove it. In a preferred mode, in the pre-spotting step of the process herein the spot cleaningcomposition is applied to the fabric by any convenient means, e.g., by spraying,daubing, pouring, and the like. In an ~ltçrn~te mode, the pre-spotting process can be conducted by contacting the stained area during the rocking step with the carrier sheet which is s~tU-~tr~ with the spot cleaning composition. Conveniently, the fabric and carrier sheet can be positioned in a holding tray or other suitable receptacle as a conLai~ ent system for the cleaning composition.
In more detail, the overall process herein can be con~ te~i in the following rnanner. Modifications of the process can be practiced without dep~Lillg from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
1. Place the stained area of the fabric over and in contact with the stain receiver described herein or, less preferably, an ordinary folded paper towel (e.g., preferably white or non-prineed - to avoid dye transfer from the towel -BOUNTY~g) brand) on any suitable surface such as a table top, in a tray, etc.
2. Apply enough spot cleaning composition from a bottle with a narrow spout which directs the composition onto the stain (without unnecessarily saluldlhlg the surrounding area of the fabric) to saturate the localized stainedarea - about 10 drops; more may be used for a larger stain.
3. Optionally, let the composition penetrate the stain for 3-5 ...i...~ . (This is a pre-treat or pre-hydration step for better cle~n~n~ results.) 4. Optionally, apply additional composition - about 10 drops; more may be used for larger stains.
5. Use the spot removal device to work stain completely out. Rock the device (Z-direction force) firmly against the stain typically for 20-120 seconds, longer for tougher stains. Do not rub (X-Y direction force) the stain with the device since this can harm the fabric.
6. Optionally, blot the fabric, e.g., between paper towels, to remove excess composition. Or, the treated area can be blotted with a fl~ p~lrd spo~ge or other absorbent medium to flush the fibers and remove excess composition.
.

CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/273S4 PCT~US97/01062 7. Conduct the in-dryer cleaning/refreshment process disclosed herein on the entire fabric using the vapor-venting bag.
8. Following Step 7, it is preferred to promptly hang the slightly moist fabricsavoid re-wrinkling and to complete the drying. Alternatively, the fabrics can be roned.
An overall process for treating an entire area of fabric surface, which optionally comprises a prespotting operation according to this invention, thus comprises the overall steps of:
(i) optionally, conducting a stain removal process according to the above disclosure on localized stained areas of fabric;
(ii) placing the entire fabric together with a carrier releasably cont~ining an aqueous fabric cleaning/refre~hment composition in a vapor-venting contzlinmPnt bag;
(iii) placing the bag in a device to provide agitation, e.g., such as in a hot air clothes dryer and operating the dryer with heat and tumbling to moisten the fabric and provide vapor venting, and (iv) removing the fabric from the bag.
Again, the fabrics are promptly hung to complete drying and/or to prevent re-wrinkling.
In a convenient mode, a portion of the liquid composition is directed onto the stained area of the fabric from a bottle. As shown in Figure 11, the protuberances on the cleaning device are brought into close contact with the stain, e.g., by rocking the arcuate device on the stain, typically using hand pressure. Side-to-side rubbing with the device is preferably avoided to minimi7P potential fiber darnage. Contact can be ".~ e~1 for a period of 1-60 seconds for lighter stains and 1-~ minllt~s, or longer, for heavier or more persistent stains.
The cle~nin~/l. L~ ?nt step of the overall process is conveniently con~ cte~ in a tumbling al~p~ e, preferably in the presence of heat. The nylon or ~other heat-resistant vapor-venting bag with the carrier plus aqueous cleaning/f~Ç~ -n~nt composition and cont~ining the optionally pre-spotted fabricbeing cleaned and refreshed is closed and placed in the drum of an automatic hot air clothes dryer at ~ of 40~C-150~C. The drum is allowed to revolve, which hll~ L~ a turnbling action to the bag and agitation of its contents concLu ~ Lly ~ with the tumbling. By virtue of this agitation, the fabrics come in cont~ct with the carrier cont~ining the composition. The tllmbling and heating are carried out for a period of at least about 10 minlltes, typically from about 20 minntPs to about W 097/27354~ PCT~US97/01062 60 minlltes This step can be conducted for longer or shorter periods, depending on such factors as the degree and type of soiling of the fabrics, the nature of the soils, the nature of the fabrics, the fabric load, the arnount of heat applied, and the like, according to the needs of the user. During the step, greater than about 40% of the m~isture is vented from the bag.
With respect to the wrinkle-removing function of the process and cornpositions herein, it will be appreciated that wrinkling can be affected by the type of fabric, the fabric weave, fabric fini~hes, and the like. For fabrics which tend to wrinkle, it is prefe~ed not to overload the vapor-venting bag used herein. Thus, for a bag with, for example, an operational capacity of up to about 5 kg of fabrics, it may be best to process up to only about 60% of capacity, (i.e., up to about 3 kg) of fabr~cs to further minimi7P wrinkling.
Preferred compositions for use herein are as disclosed hereinai~er, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
EXAMPLE I
A dry cleaning article in sheet form for use in combination with the vapor-venting bag as shown in Figures 3 and 5 herein is assembled using a sheet substrate and a cleaning composition prepared by admixing the following ingredients.
In~redient % (wt.) BPP* 7.0 1,2-octanediol 0.5 PEMULEN TR-1$* 0.125 KOH 0.08 Perfume 0.75 Water and minors*** Balance *Isomer mixture, available from Dow Chemical Co.
**PEMULEN TR-2, B. F. Goodrich, may be cubs~ e~
***Includes preservatives such as KATHON(~).
A non-linting carrier sheet is ple~ed using stock HYDRASPUN~ Grade 10244 fabric, described above. The fabric is cut into square carrier sheets, approximately 9 in (22.9 cm) x 10 in (25.4 cm), i.e., 580.6 cm2 sheets.
23 Grams of the above-noted cleaning composition are evenly applied to the sheet by spreading onto the sheet with a roller or spatula using hand ~ e. In analternate mode, the cleaning composition can be applied by dipping or spraying the composition onto the ~ubiL~ale, followed by squ~e7ing with a roller or pair of nip rollers, i.e., by "dip-squee7in~" or "spray sql~7in~". The external surfaces of the sheet are damp but not tacky to the touch. The fini.~ht?rl sheet can be folded for CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 p~ ging, and when unfolded and used in the manner disclosed herein, the sheet remains in the desired unfolded configuration.
EXAMP~E II
The following illustrates a typical process herein using the fenestrated venting containment bag herein, but is not int~n~ed to be limiting thereof.
A flat sheet of perforated flexible nylon polymer with a patch of Velcro(~)-type fastener is assembled. The perforations comprise a series of 6 pairs of circular holes each having a diameter of about 2 rnrn punched into each of the two sidewalls of a nylon-6 sheet bag. In an alternate mode, a nylon zipper or Zip-Lok'~) type closure means as well as contact adhesive or simple ties can be used. The cont~inment bag is formed by folding the sheet and bonding along the borders. A
closure flap with f~ctening means allows closing and sealing of the bag by imposing sealing means onto the opposing contact surface. In a typical mode, a sheet substrate of the type described in Example I is placed in the perforated bag having a volume of about 25,000 cm3. Up to about 2 kg of dry garments to be cleaned are then placed in the bag. The bag is then closed, sealed and placed in a conventional hot-air clothes dryer. The dryer is started and the bag is tumbled for a period of 20-30 minutes at a dryer air t~lllp~,dlllre in the range from about 50~C to about 400~C.
During this time, the sheet comes into close contact with the fabrics. After them~hine cycle is complete, the bag and its contents are removed from the dryer, and the spent cleaning/refreshment sheet is discarded. The nylon bag is retained for re-use. The bag retains its integrity even at the highest lelll~e~aLllres in the range and can be re-used 5-10 times, or more. The fabrics are cleaned and refreshed.
When d~t~ p, usage levels of the cleaning composition in sheets of the foregoing type, it will be ~cciaLcd that ~lcÇcl~cd usage ranges will result in the use of bags having varying degrees of vapor release. For a bag of the volurne typical herein (ca. 15000-25000 cm3), it is preferred to use about 6 pairs of 2 rmn diameter holes for a lX (23g) composition usage, up to 15 pairs of 6 mm ~i~mptprholes for 3X composition usage. Appropriate ol~h~ ion of the arnount of water and other compositional parameters, and the nnmbçr and site of the holes in the bag minimi7~ wrinkling of the fabric being cleaned.
In an alternate mode, heavily soiled areas of the fabric being cleaned can optionally be pre~treated by pressing or rubbing a fresh cle~ning sheet according to this invention on the area. The sheet and pre-treated fabric are then placed in the perforated nylon bag, and the in-dryer process is con~ rtPd in the manner described herein.
E~MPLEIII

W O 97t2735~1 PCTAUS97/01062 The following illustrates a typical dry cleaning kit herein, but is not intended to be [imiting thereof.
A cleaning kit is assembled packaging multiple (typically, 3-10~ single use ~ dry cleaning sheets of the type described herein together with a fastenable, reusable perforated nylon container bag, in a package comprising a conventional cardboardbox suitable for retail sales.

W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97/01062 EXAMPLE IV
A dry cleaning composition with reduced tendency to cause dye "bleeding"
or removal from fabrics as disclosed above is as follows.
INGREDIENT PERCENT (wt.) (~ANGE) Butoxypropoxypropanol (BPP)7.000 4.0 - 25.0%
NEODOL 23 - 6.5* 0.750 0.05 - 2.5%
1,2-Octanediol 0.500 0.1 - 10.0%
Perfume 0.750 0.1 - 2.0%
Pemulen TR-l 0.125 0.05 - 0.2%
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH~ 0.060 0.024 - 0.10 Potassium Chloride 0.075 0.02 - 0.20 Water (distilled or deionized) 90.740 60.0 - 9s.o%
Target pH = 7.0 *Shell; C 12-c 13 alcohol, ethoxylated with average EO of 6.5.
15-25 Grams of a composition of the foregoing type are placed on a HYDRASPUN(~ carrier sheet for use in the m~lllel disclosed herein.
EXAMPLE V
Compositions for use as pre-spotters or on a sheet substrate in a hot air clothes dryer in combination with the venting bags in the manner disclosed herein are as follows. Such high water compositions are especially useful in reducing wrinkles in the cleaned fabrics.
INGREDIENT PERCENT fwt.) (RANGE) NEODOL 23 - 6.5 1.00 0.7-1.5 BPP g.2 8.0-10.0 1,2-Octanediol 0.65 0.5-1.0 P~rU.llc 1.00 0.75-1.5 PEMULEN TR-l 0.125 0.05-0.2 KOH 0.063 0.024-0.10 KCI 0.075 0.02-0.20 KAT~ON CG 0.0003 0.0001-0.001 Water 87.887 RAIAn~e (typically 85-88%) Besides the other ingredients, the foregoing compositions can contain enzymes to further enhance cleaning ~. .rc,. ..~An~ e Lipases, arnylases and protease en~ymes, or mixtures thereof, can be used. If used, such enzymes will typically comprise from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1 %, by weight, of the composition. Commercial detersive enzymes such as W O 97/2735'~ PCTrUS97/01062 LIPOLASE, ESPERASE, ALCALASE, SA~INASE and TERMAMYL (all ex.
NO~,rO) and MAXATASE and RAPIDASE ~ex. Intemational Bio-Synthesis, Inc.) can be used.
~ If an ~nti~t~tic benefit is desired, the compositions used herein can contain an anti-static agent. If used, such anti-static agents will typically comprise at least abou~ 0.5%, typically from about 2% to about 8%, by weight, of the compositions.Plef~,~cd anti-stats include the series of sulfonated polymers available as VER.~AFLEX 157, 207, 1001, 2004 and 7000, from National Starch and Chemical Company.
The compositions herein can optionally be stabilized for storage using conventional preservatives such as KATHON~) at a level of 0.0001%-1%, by weight.
The following examples illustrate ~ d embo~liment~ of the present invention in more detail, but are not int~ncled to be limiting thereof.
EXAMPLE VI
Exarnples of ~lef~ lled, high water content, low residue compositions for use in the pre-spotting step herein are as follows. The compositions are listed as "nonionic" or "anionic", depending on the type of surfactant used therein. Thesecompositions are used in the manner disclosed.
INGREDIENT Nonionic Composition Anionic Composition (%) ( /o) Hydrogen peroxide 1.000 1.000 Amino tris(methylene phosphonic acid~* 0.040 0.0400 Butoxypropoxyp,opal,ol (BPP) 2.000 2.000 Neodol 23 6.5 0.250 ----NH4 C'oconut ElS ---- 0.285 Dodecyldimethylamine oxide ---- 0.031 ~nesillm chloride ---- 0.018 Magnesiurn sulfate ---- 0.019 Hyd~ol~,pe, perfume, other minors, ---- 0.101 Kathon preservative 0.00030.0003 Water ~deionized or distilled) 96.710 96.507 Target pH 6.0 6.0 * Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide Preferably, to ...;..i,,,;,.o the potential for dye damage as disclosed hereinabove, such compositions comprise the anionic or nonionic s~ ct~nt in an CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97101062 arnount (by weight of composition) which is }ess than the arnount of H202.
Preferably, the weight ratio of surfactant:H20~ is in the range of about 1:10 toabout 1:1.5, most preferably about 1:4 to about 1:3.

~XAMPLE VII
A low residue liquid fabric cleaning/refrechment product for use in a vented dryer bag is prepared, as follows.
In~redient % (wt.) Water 99.3 Emulsifier (TWEEN 20)* 0.3 Perfume 0.4 *Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate available from ICI Surf~ct~nt~
23 Grams of the product are applied to a 11 in. x 15 in. (28 cm x 38 cm) carrier sheet of non-woven fabric, preferably HYDRASPUN~. In simple, yet effective, mode, the carrier sheet is placed in a pouch and saturated with the product. The capillary action of the substrate and, optionally, manipulation andlor laying the pouch on its side, causes the product to wick throughout the sheet.
Preferably, the sheet is of a type, size and absorbency that is not "dripping" wet from the liquid. The pouch is sealed so that the liquid composition is stable tostorage until use.
Step ~. A fabric to be cleaned and refreshed is selected. Localized stained areas of the fabric are situated over an absolb~ stain receiver and are treated by directly applying about 0.5-5 mls (depending on the si~e of the stain) of the liquid product of Example VI, which is gently worked into the fabric using the convex device shown in the Figures. The treated stains are padded with dry paper toweling.
In an alternate mode, the product is releasably absorbed on a carrier sheet and applied to the stains, which are then treated with the device, using a rocking motion, with hand l)re.,~
Step 2. Following the pre-spotting step, the fabric is placed into a vapor-venting nylon bag as shown in the Figures together with the sheet (which is re~noved from its storage pouch and unfolded) releasably co"~ in~ the cleaning/refrechm~t product of Example VII or Example VIII. The mouth of the bag is closed to provide vapor-venting, and the bag and its collle~ are placed in the dr~n of a conventional hot air clothes dryer. The dryer is operated in standard fashion for 20-60 minutes at a high heat setting (an air t~ alllre range of about 140-170~F, 60-70~C). After the tumbling action of the dryer ceases, the cleaned and refreshed fabric is removed from the bag. The used sheet is discarded.

W O 971273~4 PCT~US97/01062 High water content ("Sweet Water"), low residue cleaning/refreshment compositions for use in the dryer in the vapor-venting bag herein are as follows.
The compositions are used in the manner disclosed hereinabove to clean and refresh ~abrics.
~ Camponents Percent Ran~e (%) Function Water De-ionized 98.8997 97-99.9 Vapor Phase Cleaning TWEEN 20 0.50 0.5-1.0 Wetting Agent Perfume 0.50 0.1-1.50 Scent, Aesthetics K~LTHON CG* 0.0003 0.0001-0.0030 Anti-bact~
Sodi~n Benzoate* 0.10 0.05-1.0 Anti-fungal *Optional preservative ingredients.
20-30 Grarns, preferably about 23 grams, of the Sweet Water composition is absorbed into a 28 cm x 38 cm HYDRASPUN(~ carrier sheet (the sheet is preferably not "dripping" wet) which is of a size which provides sufficient surface area that effective contact between the surface of the carrier sheet and the surface of the fabrics being cleaned and refreshed is achieved. The sheet is used in the foregoing manner with the vapor-venting bag to clean and refresh fabrics in a hot air clol;hes dryer.
EXAMPLE IX
A liquid pre-spotting composition is fonntll~terl by admixing the following in~-edients.
In~redient % (wt.) BPP 4.0 C12-C14 AS, Na salt 0.25 H2~2 1.0 Water and minors* Balance *Includes preservatives such as KATHON~) at levels of 0.00001%-1%, by weight.
The fabric to be treated is laid flat on an absorbent FAM-foam stain receiver and 0.5 ml-4 ml of the composition is applied directly to the stain and worked in by means of the arcuate cleaning device, using a rocking motion.
Other useful compositions which can be used in this step are as follows:
Ingredient Percent (wt.) (Ran~e; wt.) BPP 4.0 0.1-4.0%
C12-C14 AS 0-4 0.1 - 0.5%
Nonionic S~ t~nt (optional)~ 0.1 0 - 0.5%
~2~2 (optional) 0.25 0 7.0 CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W 097/27354 PCTrUS97/~1062 Water (distilled or deionized) Balance 95-99.8%
Target pH = 5.0-7.0, preferably 6Ø
*The optional nonionic surfactants in the compositions herein are preferably C12-C14 N-methyl glucamides or ethoxylated C12-C16 alcohols (EO 1-10).
The foregoing illustrates pre-spotting compositions using the AS surfactant.
Improved cleaning performance can be achieved using MgAES and amine oxide surfactants, although possibly with some reduction in phase stability. Thus, aqueous compositions with ca. 2-3% BPP can be stabilized using MgAES
surfactants. However, for compositions cont~ining 4%, and higher, BPP, the forrnulator may wish to include AS surfactant. The amount and blend of surfactants will depend on the degree of t~nlp~ ldlu.c:-dependent phase stability desired by the formulator. Amine oxide surfactants such as dimethyl dodecyl amine oxide can also be used in the compositions.
The pre-spotted fabric is then placed in a flexible venting "Envelope"-style bag together with a sheet releasably co~ g about 20-30 grarns of a high water cle~ning/r~;r.~sh...ent composition accoldillg to any of the foregoing disclosures, and optionally cont~inin~ BPP on other cleaning solvents herein at levels from 0.5%-6%. The bag is closed using a VELCRO~-type ~ilel-~.r. The closure provides a vapor-venting gap along the mouth of the bag, but is sufficiently robust to retain the fabric in the bag during the tre~tm~nt In a typical mode, the bag will have a volurne of about 25,000 cm3, which will accommodate up to about 2 kg of dry fabrics. When the fabrics and the sheet are placed in the bag, the air is preferably not squeezed out of the bag before closing. The closed bag is placed in a conventional hot-air clothes dryer. The dryer is started and the bag is tumbled for a period of 20-30 mimltes at a dryer air temperature in the range from about 40~C to about 150~C. During this time, the sheet comes into close contact with the fabrics.
The water vapors and malodorous, volatile materials are released from the bag through the vent at the mouth of the bag and thence out of the dryer. After the m~r~hine cycle is complete, the fabrics are removed from the bag and hung to complete the drying and to avoid wrinkles, and the spent sheet is discarded. Thebag is retained for re-use. The fabrics are cleaned, refreshed and ec~nti~lly wrinkle-free. Excellent overall cle~ning, l~erl~h...~nt and de-wrinkling are secured when from about 8 g to about 200 g of the ~ Ç~lled compositions herein are used per kilogram of fabric being treated.
The foregoing Examples illustrate the use of the present invention to pre-spot and, subsequently, clean soiled fabrics in a hot air clothes dryer using a cleaning composition cont~ining water, solvents and the like. In the following W O 97/2735'1 PCTrUS97/01062 Example the "dual" pre-spotting method is illustrated. In one embodiment of thismethod, a pad or sheet releasably con~inin~ a non-aqueous, solvent-based cleaning composition is used in conjunction with the device herein to remove stains from the fabri;c. Optionally, but preferably, in a second step, the stains are treated with the device herein using a pad or sheet of the foregoing type releasably cont~ining the - water-based cleaning composition. Optionally, both tre~tment~ are con~ cted using a tray device as depicted in Figure I l. The sheets can be marked, color-coded, or the like, to instruct the user regarding which sheet should be used first, and which should be used second. After the localized stains are subst~nti~lly removed in this mam~er, the fabrics can be laundered in a conventional laundry bath or further cleaned in an automatic clothes dryer in the manner described hereinabove.
Non-aqueous cleaning compositions suitable for use in the aforesaid dual process include any of the organic solvent materials disclosed above and mixtures thereof. In addition, various art-described organic solvents which are known to be useful in dry-cleaning and/or spot removal compositions can be used. A preferredorganic solvent is BPP, as noted above, and especially mixtures of BPP with butoxy prop~mol (BP) at a weight ratio of BPP to BP in the range from about 10:1 to about l:l0, most preferably 9 BPP:lBP. Such organic solvents can be used at levels from about 0.5g to about 20g on a sheet substrate as disclosed above.
EXAMPLE X
A sheet of HYDRASPUN fabric as described above ~,o.lL~ P about 17 grams of a 9: l mixture of BPP:BP is placed in a tray as shown in Figure l 1. In a first step, a stained area of fabric is placed flat and in contact with the sheet. The device herein is placed in contact with the fabric and rocked back-and-forth, using hand p~ e, until the stain is substantially removed. Side-to-side rubbing is avoided.
In a second step, the staine~d area of the fabric is placed over a sheet ccmt~ining a water-based cle~nin~ composition (as described in any of the foregoing Exarnples) and the tre~tmPrlt with the device herein is repe~t~l After the stains are subst~nti~11y removed, the fabric is placed together with a sheet c"~ g an aqueous cleaning composition (again, as noted in any of the foregoing Fx~mp1es), placed in a vapor-venting cont~ .ent bag, and tumbled in a hot air clothes dryer.
In one mode, the col.l~...n-~ bag is provided with a series of holes or vents to provide controlled release of vapors in the hot air clothes dryer, thereby Inil)illli~ g wrinklin~ In a typical mode, 6 pairs of 2mm ~ meter venting holes are p~mched in a Z5000cm3 nylon bag and used herein. The amount of venting can CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCTrUS97/01062 be varied, e.g., from 6 pairs of 2mm holes for lX (23g) usage of the water-basedcleaning composition up to 15 pairs of 6mm holes for 3X composition usage.
In an alternate mode, the first pre-spotting step of the process of Example X
is conducted using the device herein and a conventional, commercial, spot removal composition. Such compositions are available as sticks, gels, sprays and the like.
Thus, a conventional spot remover is placed on the stained area of the fabric and gently worked into the stain by the rocking action of the device herein. The overall fabric is then further cleaned and refreshed in the manner disclosed above.
EXAMPL~ XI
In an alternate mode, the pre-spotting operation herein for removing stain from a loc~li7~1 area on a fabric can be conducted by:
(a) underlying the area cont~ining said stain with an absorbent stain receiver;
(b) applying a fluid cleaner (pre-spotter) composition to said stain from a container having a dispenser spout; and (c) rubbing or pressing said cleaning composition into said stain using the distal tip of said spout, whereby said stain is transferred into the stain receiver.
In this mode, the face of the distal tip of said spout can be concave, convex, flat, or the like. The combination of container plus spot is referred to herein conjointly as the "dispenser". In this mode of operation, the user need not employ the convex cleaning devices illustrated in the Figures.
In more detail, the dispenser used herein comprises a con~ainer for the fluid pre-spotting composition, said container having a ~ n~ g means which comprises a spout, preferably in the form of a hollow tube, which is connected to said container and is in communication with the interior of the container. In-use, a portion of the liquid composition within the interior of said container flows out of the container through said spout, out the distal tip of said spout, and onto the stain which is being treated. The user m~int~in~ contact between the tip, the composition and the stain and manipulates the composition by daubing, smearing, pressing, orthe like, using the distal tip to work the composition into the stain. A circular, rubbing motion is typical. By this means, the composition can be focused on the stained area. As the stain is loosened by the combined use of the aforesaid mech~nic~l manipulation and the pre-spotting composition, the stain residues andthe pre-spotting composition are L.dll~r~..ed away from the fabric and into the underlying stain receiver. The fabric is then preferably re-positioned so that a fresh ~ area of stain receiver underlays other stained areas, and the process is repeated until the pre-spotting operation is completed. The fabrics can then be used, as desired, or otherwise laundered or dry-cleaned.

CA 02243539 1998-0i-17 W O 9712735'1 PCT~U~97/01062 A typical dispenser herein has the following dimensions. which are not to be considered limiting thereof. The volume of the container bottle used on the dispenser is typically 2 oz. - 4 oz. (fluid ounces~ 59 mls to 1 18 mls). The container ~ larger size bottle can be high density polyethylene. Low density polyethylene is prefèrably used for the smaller bottle since it is easier to squeeze. The overall ~ length of the spout is about 0.747 inches (1.89 cm). The spout is of a generally conical shape, with a fii~m~ter at its proximal base (where it joins with the container bottle) of about 0.596 inches (1.51 cm) and at its distal of 0.182 inches (4.6 mm).
The channel within the spout tlnrough which the pre-spotting fluid flows is approximately 0.062 inches (1.57 mrn). In this embodiment, the channel runs fromthe container bottle for a distance of about 0.474 inches (1.2 cm) and then expands sligl1tly as it communicates with tlne concavity at the distal end of the spout.Pre-spotting formulas for use herein with the cleaning device and which can also be used with the dispenser are as follows.
Non-Peroxide Formalla INGRED~ENT % Wt (anionic) Butoxypropoxypropanol (BPP) 2.000 NH4~ Coconut E 1 S 0.285 Dodecyldimethylamine oxide 0.031 MgC12 0.018 MgS;04 0.0 19 Hyd.tollu~e, perfiunne, other minors, 0.101 Kath,on preservative 0.0003 Water 97.547 pH target = 7; range = 6 - 8 Peroxide Forrnula ING:REDIENT % (Wt.) (Nonionic) Hydrogen peroxide 1.000 Amino tris(methylene phosphonic acid)* 0.040 Butoxypropoxypropanol (BPP) 2.000 Neodol 23 6.5 0.250 Kathon preservative 0.000 ~ Water 96.710 pH target = 7; range = 6 ~ 8 * Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide The following exarnple illustrates a FAM-foann type of stain receiver for use in the pre-spotting process herein. The acquisition and absoll,cllcy of the FAM with CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 respect to the liquid pre-spotting compositions herein is superior to most other types of absorbent materials. For example, the FAM has a capacity of about 6 g (H2O) per gram of foam at a suction pressure of 100 cm of water. By contrast, cellulose wood fiber structures have substantially no capacity above about 80 cm of water.Since, in the present process the volume of liquid pre-spotter used is relatively low (a few milliliters is typical) the arnount of FAM used can be small. This means that the pad of FAM which underlays the stained area of fabric can be quite thin and still be effective. However, if too thin, the pad may tend to crumble, in-use. (As noted above, a backing sheet can be applied to the FAM to help m~int~in its integrity.) Stain receiver pads made of FAM foam can be used in either of two ways.
In one mode, the uncon~ essed foarn is used. Unco~ es~ed FAM pads having a thickness in the range of about 0.3 mrn to about 15 mrn are useful. In another mode, the FAM foam can be used in a co~ essed state which swells as liquid pre-spotter with its load of stain material is imbibed. Compressed FAM foams having thicknesses in the range of about 0.02inches (0.5mm) to about 0.135 inches (3.4 rnrn) are suitable herein.
The pl~,p~dlion of FAM foam (also sometimes referred to in the literature as "HIPE", i.e., high intern~l phase emulsion) is described in the patents cited hereinabove. The following Fx~rnple illustrates the pl~p~dlion of a compressed foam for use herein having a thi~kn~s of about 0.025 inches (0.063 cm). Such co-llplesst:d foams in the 0.025 in.-0.027 in. (0.063 cm-0.068 cm) range are especially useful as the stain receiver herein.
EXAMPBE X~I
P~e~,~alion of Emulsion and FAM Foams Therefrom A) Ernulsion Pl~dLion Anhydrous calcium chloride (36.32 kg) and potassium persulfate (189 g) are dissolved in 378 liters of water. This provides the water phase strearn to be used in a continuous process for forming the emulsion.
To a monomer combination comrri~in~ distilled divinylbenzene (42.4%
divinylbenzene and 57.6% ethyl styrene) (1980 g), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (3300 g), and hexanedioldiacrylate (720 g) is added a diglycerol monooleate emulsifier (360 g), ditallow dimethyl arnmoniurn methyl sulfate (60g), and Tinuvin 765 ( l Sg). The diglycerol monooleate emulsifier ((~rin~cte~l Products; Brabrand, Dellm~h) comprises approximately 81 % diglycerol monooleate, 1 % other diglycerol monoesters, 3% polyols, and 15% other polyglycerol esters, imparts a minimnm oil/water interfacial tension value of approximately 2.7 dyne/cm and has an oil/water critical aggregation concentration of approximately 2.8 wt. %. After W 097/27354 PCT~US97/01062 57 mixing, this combination of materials is allowed to settle overnight. No visibleresidue is ~ormed and all of the mixture is withdrawn and used as the oil phase in a continuous process for forming the emulsion.
~Separate streams of the oil phase (25~C) and water phase (53~-55~C) are fed to a dynamic mixing app~dL~Is. Thorough mixing of the combined streams in the ~dynarnic mixing a~ ala~us is achieved by means of a pin impeller. The pin impeller comprises a cylindrical shaft of about 36.8 cm in length with a (li~meter of about 2.5 cm. The shaft holds 6 rows of pins, 3 rows having 33 pins and 3 rows having 32 pins, each having a diameter of 0.5 cm exten-lin~ outwardly from the central axis of the shaft to a length of 2.5 cm. The pin impeller is mounted in a cylindrical sleeve which forms the dynamic mixing ~paldlus, and the pins have a clearance of 1.5 mm from the walls of the cy}indrical sleeve.
A minor portion of the effluent exiting the dynarnic mixing ~)pald~US iS
withdrawn and enters a recirculation zone; see PCT U.S. 96/00082 published 18 July ~6 and EPO 96/905110.1 filed 11 Janualy 96. The W~llk~?~h~ pump in the recirculation zone returns the minor portion to the entry point of the oil and water phase flow streams to the dynarnic mixing zone.
The combined mixing and recirculation a~a~dlus set-up is filled with oil phase and water phase at a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part oil. The dynamic mixing a~llus is vented to allow air to escape while filling the d~p~dlus completely.
The flow rates during filling are 7.6 g/sec oil phase and 30.3 cc/sec water phase.
Once the d~ hd~US set-up is filled the vent is closed. Agitation is then begun in the dynamic mixer, with the impeller turning at 1450 RPM and recirculation is begun at a rate of about 30 cc/sec. The flow rate of the water phase is then steadily increased to a rate of 151 cc/sec over a time period of about 1 min., and the oil phase flow rate is reduced to 3 glsec over a time period of about 3 min.
The recirculation rate is steadily increased to about 150 cc/sec during the latter time period. The back pressure created by the dynamic mixer and static mixing zone (TAH rnrillStlieS Model Nurnber 101-212) at this point is about 14.7 PSI (101.4 kPa~, which lcplcse~ the total back pl~ ,e of the system. The Waukesha pump speed is then steadily decreased to a yield a recirculation rate of about 75 cc/sec.
The impeller speed in then steadily increased to 1550 RPM over a period of about10 seconds. The back pressure increases to about 16.3 PSI (112 kPa~.
B) PolYmerization of Emulsion The emulsion flowing from the static mixer is collected in a round polypropylene tub, 17 in. ~43 cm) in ~i~mlotPr and 7.5 in (10 cm) high, with a concen~tric insert made of Celcon plastic. The insert is 5 in (12.7 cm) in diarneter at CA 02243~39 1998-07-17 W O 97/27354 PCT~US97/01062 its base and 4.75 in (12 cm) in diameter at its top and is 6.75 in (17.1 cm) high. The emulsion-cont~ining tubs are kept in a room m~int~ined at 65 ~C. for 18 hours tobring about polymerization and form the foam.
C) Foam Washin~ and Dewaterin~
The cured FAM foam is removed from the curing tubs. The foam at this point has residual water phase (cont~ining dissolved emulsifiers, electrolyte, initiator residues, and initiator) about 45-55 times (45-SSX) the weight of polymerized monomers. The foam is sliced with a sharp reciprocating saw blade into sheets which are 0.185 inches (0.47 cm) in thickness. These sheets are thensubjected to co~l",l~ssion in a series of 2 porous nip rolls equipped with vacuum which gradually reduce the residual water phase content of the foam to about 6 times (6X) the weight of the polymerized m~teri~l At this point, the sheets are then resaturated with a 1.5% CaC12 solution at 60~C., are squeezed in a series of 3 porous nip rolls equipped with vacuum to a water phase content of about 4X. The CaC12 content of the foam is between 8 and 10 %.
The foam remains co-llplessed after the final nip at a thickness of about 0.025 in. (0.063 cm). The foam is then dried in air for about 16 hours. Such drying reduces the moisture content to about 9-17 % by weight of polymerized material.
At this point, the foam sheets are very drapeable. In this collapsed state, the density of the foam is about 0.14 g/cc.
As noted above, for use as a stain receiver in the pre-spotting operation herein, a sheet of the ~AM is placed beneath and in close contact with the b~ck~ide of the stained area of a fabric. A portion of pre-spotting composition is dispensed onto the frontside of the fabric and manipulated into the stain by means of the cleaning device or di~enscl tip, as disclosed hereinabove. The excess pre-spotting composition and its load of stain material are thereby l~ d into the underlying foam pad.
As can be seen from the fo.egoh1g, the process herein provides several adv~ll~es over art-disclosed processes which employ sealed bags which are not designed to vent vapors. In addition, in the present process fabrics, especiallycotton and wool fabrics, are protected from shrinkage.

Claims (15)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vapor-venting containment bag which has a VVE rating of at least 40, as measured in the Vapor Venting Evaluation Test.

2. A bag according to Claim 1 which has a VVE rating of at least 60.

3. A bag according to Claim 1 which has a VVE no greater than 80.

4. A vapor-venting containment bag according to Claim 1, comprising an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer surfaces, the open end of said bag having a section of one side wall extending beyond said open end to provide a flexible flap, said flap having first fastening device, said flap being foldable to extend over a portion of the outside surface of the opposing side wall, said flap being affixable to the outer surface of the opposing side wall of the bag by engaging said first fastening device with a second fastening device present on said opposing side wall, thereby providing a closure for the open end of the bag, said first and second fastening devices being disposed so as, when engaged, to provide at least one vapor-venting gap along said closure.

5. A bag according to Claim 3 which is formed from film which is heat resistant up to at least 260°C, and is preferably nylon or polyester.

6. A bag according to any of the foregoing Claims wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, comprise a mechanical or adhesive fastener.

7. A vapor-venting containment bag according to Claim 1, comprising an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer surfaces, the side walls being of equal length, wherein the first side wall is notched over part of its width, whereby said opposing side wall thereby extends beyond said notched portion of said first side wall, thereby providing a flexible flap, said flap being foldable over said notched portion to provide a vapor-venting gap when said bag is closed.

8. A bag according to Claim 1 which comprises side walls which are fenestrated.

9. A process for cleaning or refreshing fabrics by contacting said fabrics with a fabric cleaning/refreshment composition comprising water in a vapor-venting containment bag according to any of the foregoing claims.

10. A process according to Claim 9 which is carried out in a hot air clothes dryer at a temperature from 40°C to 150°C, whereby malodors present on said fabrics are vented from the bag by means of the vapor-venting closure.

11. A process according to Claim 9 wherein fabric wrinkles are minimized.

12. In a process for cleaning/refreshing fabrics in a mechanical apparatus by placing said fabrics in a containment bag together with a cleaning/refreshment composition and operating said apparatus with heating the improvement which comprises employing a bag which provides venting of water vapors from said bag during said process, whereby malodors are released from the bag, fabric wrinkling is minimized and, preferably, fabric shrinkage on cotton or wool fabrics is minimized.

13. A process according to Claim 12 wherein the VVE rating of said bag is at least 40, preferably in the range of 60 to 80.

14. A process according to Claim 12 which is conducted with heating and tumbling in a hot air clothes dryer.

15. A kit for cleaning or refreshing fabrics, comprising a package containing:
(a) one or more absorbent articles comprising a carrier which releasably contains water and optional non-water fabric cleaning/refreshment ingredients; and (b) a water vapor-venting or otherwise vapor permeable containment bag.