United States Patent [191

.[11] Patent Number:

Moll

[45]

Date of Patent:

4,780,100
Oct. 25 7 1988

[54] FABRIC CLEANER

4,1?2,447 2/

[75]

Inventor

4,219,333

8/1980

Harrgisi'. . . . . .

. . . .. 3/137

[73]

Assgnee'

4,272,393

6/1981

Gergely

.. 252/91

4,2
-

1.

[21] APP N0
[22]

med:

Karl M011, San Ramcm, Cali?

~

The C101 Cmnpany Oakland cahf'

.: 935 54

[62]

8/

ghleni .............................. .. 428/350

0

er e

.. 252

4,574,052 3/1986 Gupte et a1. ........................ .. 252/90

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

NM 26 1986

890567 3/1962 United Kingdom .

Related U,S, Application Data

. . .

,104

Primary ExaminerPrince E. Willis

lljfDggasiggrgof Ser. No. 682,029, Dec. 14, 1984, Pat. No.

Attorney, Agent, or FirmJoel J. Hayashida; Stephen

M Westbrook; Michael J Mazza

[51] Int. Cl.4 ....................... .. B08B 7/00; B65D 83/14

[52] US. Cl. ...................................... .. 8/137; 222/635;
252/305
[58] Field of Search .................... .. 8/137; 252/90, 139,

[571
ABSTRACF
The invention provides a carpet cleaning composition
and dispensing means which use foam producing surfac
tants, solvents, propellants, builders and water. Other

252/ 173, DIG- 14, 162, 171, 305; 222/635

References Cited
Us PATENT DOCUMENTS

adjuncts may be added, such as fragrances, dyes, and

fabnc Softeners'
The invention also provides a method for cleaning

' '
,
4/1964 Kllausner ........................... ._ 252/305

soiled fabrics having ?bers containing soiling particles

which comprises;

[56]

3,131,153

3222mm

(a) applying to said ?bers an aqueous, solvent/sur

3558495 V1971 Mace

3,723,330 3/1973 Sheflin
3,748,268 z/1973 Loudas

252/9o
252/153
252/90

evaporation rate in ambient air;

(b) collapsing without abrasion said mixture into said

3,779,929 12/1973 Abler et al. .

3,915,902 10/1975 Ancel et al

. 252/90

?bers and emulsifying and segregating said soiling

252/526

factant admixture having a solvent with consistent

particles during a controlled residence time; and

3,919,101 11/1975 Anstett et a1. ..

..... .. 252/90

(0) evaporating Said Solvent so as to form Said admix_

gerg etdal "" "'

3962l5O 6/1976 vieggar

"'252/542

ture into a foam, elevating said soiling particles

substantially to the surface of said ?bers; and com

3,970,ss4 7/1976 Hart et al.

252/305

3,997,467 12/1976 Jederstrom ..

252/305
4,085,059 4/1978 Smith et a1. . ..................... .. 252/ 118

PS1t1nS dlrected t0 the same

12 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet

US. Patent

Oct.25, 1988

4,780,100

FIGURE I

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3 g

\Q.
I

4,780,100

FABRIC CLEANER
This is a division of application Ser. No. 682,029, ?led
Dec. 14, 1984, now US. Pat. No. 4,652,389.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present methods of cleaning carpets, and composi

tions appropriately suited therefor, include:

1. Aerosol Foams: Typical products are based on 10
surfactant/solvent blends which, by means of gaseous

propellants, blow into stuff, dry foams which adhere to

the upper surface of carpet ?bers but, owing to the

relatively dry, high density foam, are incapable of inde

pendently penetrating the carpet ?bers. Thus, these

into the carpet fabric via a pressurized delivery system.

The surfactants wet the carpet fabric pile, however, the
hot water also aids in the penetration of the carpet fab
ric and in the emulsi?cation of soiling agents and parti
cles, as normally higher temperatures will cause an
increase in surface wetting abilities of a given surfactant
composition. After the surfactant solution has had suf?

cient time to emulsify and loosen soiling particles in the

carpet fabric, it (and the water associated therewith) are
physically removed from the carpet pile by means of

the powerful vacuuming system generally available

with this steam extraction system. Thus, problems of
drying are generally avoided by the physical removal of
the water and surfactant solution by the vacuum.- How

ever, unless the carpet is then rinsed with clear water

solutions and re-vacuumed, resoiling may again occur
because
the carpet has a tacky residue.
separate the soil from the carpet fabric, vigorous, and
The major, apparent disadvantages of such a steam
sometimes exhaustive, abrading of the carpet ?bers with
extraction system are the expenses of renting the
a brush must be accomplished.
20
steam extraction system, and purchasing the chemi
Disadvantages of foam aerosols are apparent. Aside
cals needed therefor. Furthermore, it is inconvenient
from sometimes arduous efforts required to drive such a
for the ordinary consumer to have to go to the local
cleaner into the carpet fabric, such aerosol foams actu
supermarket or hardware store to obtain these items.
ally remove relatively little soiling material from carpet
Professional cleaners may utilize either this system or
fabric. Furthermore, if one seeks to improve the emulsi 25
the prior, rotary brush system. By using professional
fying effects of the foam aerosol by adding more water,
cleaners, even more expense is added.
either directly, or via the sponge mop, it appears the only
results are the deleterious ones of thoroughly wetting
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
the carpet backing, thus necessitating the need to dry
The newly-discovered invention provides a composi
out the carpet ?bers over a longer period of time, and 30

foams must be driven into carpet fabric piles with wet

sponge or other type mops. Thereafter, in order to

further driving the foam aerosol composition itself into

the ?bers. Whether this type of cleaner is used with
water or not, a tacky residue may be left on the surface

tion for cleaning fabrics, which comprises:

(a) approximately 0.1% to 30.0% be weight of a foam

forming surfactant;

(b) approximately 0.5% to 20.0% by weight of a

of the carpet ?bers. This then promotes re-soiling of the
carpet ?bers. The result is that if such a carpet fabric 35 volatile organic solvent having a consistent evaporation
surface is cleaned with aerosol foams, the more often it
must be re-cleaned.

The only apparent advantage that foam aerosols have

rate in ambient air;

(0) approximately 3.0% to 50.0% by weight of a

propellant;

is that they are relatively inexpensive and require no

(d) approximately 0.5% to 20.0% by weight of a
special equipment. However, economic bene?ts of 40 builder; and
these cleaners are obviously severely mitigated due to
(e) the remainder as water.
the re-soiling phenomenon.
Further, the newly-discovered invention relates to a
2. Rotary Brush Systems: This system usually re
method for cleaning soiled fabrics having ?bers contain

quires professional machinery, generally speaking

ing soiling particles, comprising:

brushes mounted on a rotary drum which is driven by a 45

(a) applying to said ?bers an aqueous, solvent/sur

factant admixture, said solvent having a consistent
evaporation rate in ambient air and said surfactant being

motor housed in an upright, broom-like appliance. This

system is actually nothing more than a more effective
way of driving in a cleaner such as the aforementioned

foam forming;
(b) collapsing without abrasion said admixture into
motor-driven action, this particular system is extremely 50 said ?bers and emulsifying and segregating said soiling
wearing upon thick, pile and shag-type carpets. Many
particles during a controlled residence time;
foam cleaners into carpet fabric piles. Because of the

of the ?bers are abraded out of the fabric of the carpet,

and thus, upon drying, the carpet does not ?uff as
readily as before. Eventually, the life of the carpet may
be decreased by the abrasive action of such cleaners.

Further, previously expressed disadvantages of in

creased wetting, longer drying time and relatively inef
?cient cleaning, are lessened, but, in view of the cost,

(c) evaporating said solvent so as to form said admix

ture into a foam, elevating said soiling particles substan

tially to the surface of said ?bers.
In yet another aspect of the invention is provided a

dispenser for a fabric cleaner, said dispenser comprising:

dispensing means containing an aqueous, solvent/sur~
factant admixture, said solvent having a consistent
evaporation rate in ambient air and said surfactant being

and special equipment that need to be used in this sys

tem, such system is not signi?cantly better than cleaning 60 foam forming;
with aerosol foams. Furthermore, even with the rotary
said dispensing means delivering under pressure said

brush system, there is signi?cant re-soiling.

solvent/surfactant admixture onto a fabric surface,

3. Steam Extraction: Although nominally called a
whereupon said solvent/surfactant admixture forms an
steam extraction system, this type of cleaner does not
initial foam, then collapses without abrasion during a
utilize steam, but rather pressurized, heated water in 65 controlled residence time; and
combination with surfactants and other cleaning agents.
said solvent in said admixture evaporating, causing a
In practice, the surfactant and other agents are dis
second foam to form and rise up through said fabric
solved in a solution of hot water, then injected directly
surface.

4,780,100

for the purposes of explanation and not meant to restrict

the scope of embodiments of this invention.
1. Surfactants

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the dispensing of the cleaner of the

invention from a pressurized dispenser as a rather po

A substantial number of diverse, non-analogous sur

rous, quickly collapsing foam.

FIG. 2 depicts the foam immediately after collapse.

5 factants may be utilized in this invention. For example,

nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants

may be used in the present invention. The only require

FIG. 3 depicts the formation of a secondary foam

ment for the particular surfactant chosen is that it must

form a foam. Therefore, those skilled in the art would

rise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE

INVENTION

known that certain surfactants, particularly those hav

ing defoaming properties, would not be suitable for use
in this invention.
Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants may in

The disadvantages of the present carpet cleaning

methods and compositions used therein have been pre
viously described at length. The instant invention sur

prisingly appears to address and remedy substantially

nearly all of the heretofore mentioned disadvantages.

clude polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes; alkyl

15

polyoxyethylenes; alkylarylpolyoxyethylenes; ethoxyl

ated alkylphenols; carboxylic acid esters such as glyc

In addressing initially the cleaning problems experi

erol esters of fatty acids, certain polyethylene glycol

esters, anhydrosorbitol esters, ethoxylated anhydrosor

enced with the prior art cleaners, especially, aerosol
bital esters, ethylene and methylene glycol esters, pro
foams, and rotary brush systems, it was discovered that
not only was penetration of the carpet fabric and emul 20 panediol esters, and ethoxylated natural fats and oils
si?cation of the soils lodged therein problematic, but
(e.g. tall oil, linseed oils, coco oils, etc.); carboxylic
also suf?ciently loosening such soiling particles so that
they could be vacuumed up along with the surfactant

amides such as lzl amine acid diethanolamine conden

sates, 2:1 amine/acid diethanolamide condensates, and

used via an ordinary carpet vacuum cleaner. Generally,

although some soil could be loosened from the carpet
fabric, it will only be that super?cial soil near to the
surface of the carpet fabric.

monoalkanolamine condensates such as ethanolamine

condensates, and isopropanol-amine condensates; poly

oxyethylene fatty acid amides; certain polyalkylene
oxide block co-polymers such as polyoxypropylene
polyoxyethylene block co-polymers; and other miscel

It was postulated that a peroper solvent/surfactant

laneous nonionic surfactants such as organosilicones.

Suitable anionic surfactants may include anionic

admixture which could penetrate the ?bers and emulsi

fying the soiling particles lodged therein would solve

the problem if the thus dislodged soiling particles and

aminocarboxylates, such as N-acyl-sarcosinates, alkyl,

alkoyl, and alkylol sarcosinates, and acylated protein

the solvent/surfactant admixture could be made to rise

to the surface of the carpet fibers where it could be

easily picked up by vacuum cleaners, brooms, etc.

It was proposed that in said solvent/surfactant admix
ture, a solvent be included which had a consistent evap
oration rate.

The solvent of concern should be a volatile organic

solvent which, after being dispensed, will volatilize.

Suprisingly, due to volatilization of the solvent, the
solvents vapor pressure causes the fabric cleaner of this

invention to blow into a foam, carrying the solvent

35

hydrolysates; sulfonates such as alkyl, alkyl aryl-(e.g.,

alkyl benzenesulfonates), whether branched, or linear
(e.g., LAS, or linear dodecylbenzene sulfonate), alk
oyl-, or alkylolsulfonates, N-acyl-N-alkoyltaurates, sul
foethyl esters of fatty acids, and alpha-ole?n sulfonates;
sulfates such as alkyl, alkylaryl, alkoyl, and alkylol sul

40 fates, sulfates of natural fats and oils (e.g., castor, coco

nut, tallow oils), sulfated diunsaturated fatty acids, sul

fated alkanolamides, sulfated esters, ethoxylated and
sulfated alkylphenols, ethoxylated and sulfated alcohols

/surfactant admixture and the emulsi?ed soiling parti

(also known as alkyl ether sulfates); and phosphate es

cles substantially to the surface of the carpet ?bers.
45 ters, which are generally phosphorylated nonionics
such as ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols,
It is important that the evaporation rate of this or
and polyoxythylene-polyoxypropylene block co
ganic, volatile solvent be consistent, but delayed long
polymers.
enough so that the surfactant has suitable time to pene
Particularly preferred anionic surfactacts used in this
trate the carpet fabric and emulsify the soiling particles
lodged therein. This is called controlled residence time. 50 invention are alkyl sarcosinates and alkyl ether sulfates,
or combinations thereof. It is not generally understood
Finally, after this controlled residence time period, a
why these particular surfactants have been found so
seconary re-foaming occurs during a consistent blow-up
effective, but the interaction between the solvents and
time. This further novel aspect of the invention, the
these surfactants results in optimal foaming, collapse
consistent blow-up or reforming time, is the time from
initial application of the cleaner until the time a second 55 and refoaming in the practice of the invention. Com
mercially available alkyl ether sulfates include those
ary foam rises and attains equilibrium at the carpet sur
sold by Alcolac Chemical Company under the trade
face.
mark Sipon ES. Alkyl sarcosinates are manufactured
Surprisingly, it has been found that unlike the physi
cal abrasion methods of foam aerosols and rotary brush
by, among others, W. R. Grace & Co., Hampshire
systems, no brushing in or other means of physically 60 Chemical Division using the trademark Hamposyl.
Suitable cationic surfactants may include a wide
driving this solvent/surfactant admixture into carpet

fabric pile is needed. In fact, it may be disadvantageous

to physically drive the admixture of the invention into

carpet fabric piles. It is speculated that brushing in the

range of classes of compounds, including non-oxygen

containing alkyl mono-, di and polyamines, and resin
derived amines; oxygen-containing amines, such as

solvent/surfactant admixture may hinder its re-foaming 65 amine oxides (which appear to act as cationics in acidic
capacity because more rapid volatilization of the sol
solutions, and as nonionics in neutral or alkaline solu
vent is promoted, or the solvent is physically separated
tions); polyoxyethylene alkyl and alicyclic amines; sub
from the solvent/surfactant admixture. This theory is
stituted alkyl, alkylol imidazolines, such as Z-alkyl-l

4,780,100

(hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazolines; amide linked amines,

TABLE I-continued

and quaternary ammonium salts (quats).

Further, possibly appropriate, amphoteric surfactants

Temperatures at Which 100 mm & 760 mm Pressures Exist

containing both acidic and basic hydrophilic moieties in

their structure, may include alkyl betaines, amino car 5

boxylic acids and salts thereof, amino-carboxylic acid

Dodecane
Tridecane
Tetradecane

esters, and others. Further surfactants may be selected

from those disclosed in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of

Chemical Technology, Third Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 347-387,
and MeCutcheons Detergents and Emulslfiers, North

Solvent

10

American Ed., 1983, which are incorporated herein by

reference.
more preferably 0.1 to 25.0%, and most preferably 0.1
to 10.0% surfactant in the formulas of this invention. 15
These ranges are preferred to achieve optional cleaning,

foaming and refoaming characteristics.

C. at
760 mm

146
163
179

216
234
253

Pentadecane

194

271

Hexadecane
Heptadecane
Octadecane

209
223
236

288
303
317

Nonadecane

248

330

20
31

74
87

1, 1, l, Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene

It is preferred to use a range of about 0.1 to 30.0%,

C. at
100 mm

3. Propellants
In order to deliver and build the ?rst foam for use in

this particular embodiment of the invention, it is prefer

2. Solvents
able to deliver the solvent/surfactant admixture via a
As herein before mentioned, the solvents of the in
gaseous propellant. Additionally, it appears that the
20
vention include any suitable, volatile, organic solvent
propellant, which of necessity is itself a solvent, inter
with a consistent evaporation rate, thereby providing
acts with the solvents used in the invention to cause the
the required controlled residence time, and blow-up or
necessary action to promote initial foam formation,
refoaming time of this invention. These organic, volatile

collapse and refoaming. Such propellant could be, but

solvents may include saturated alkanes of l to 12 car

need not be, a hydrocarbon, of from 1 to 10 carbon
bons, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, one example of 25
atoms, such as methane, ethane, n-propane, n-butane,
which is hexane. Other solvents which are appropriate
isobutane, n-pentane, or isopentane and mixtures
for use are substituted alkanes, such as the halogenated
thereof. The propellant may also be selected from halo
alkanes, such as the chloro?uorohydrocarbons com
genated hydrocarbons including, but not limited to
monly sold under the trademark Freon, by E. I. du Pont
fluorocarbons,
chlorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons,
de Nemours, carbon tetrachloride, and perchloroethyl
and mixtures thereof. Still further propellants include
ene mixtures of alkanes, and substituted alkanes, and
halogenated alkenes, for example vinyl chloride and
mixtures of any of the foregoing are also included in the

vinyl ?uoride; and dimethyl ether. Some of these latter

present invention.
Further, the preferred solvents of this invention ap

examples are quickly ?ammable and may need to be

pear to ?t certain characteristics. For example, as 35 combined with another gas, eg. CCIZFZ, to bring them
into a non-flammable state. These exemplary gases be
shown in TABLE Ibelow, preferred solvents appear to
long generally to the group of compounds called lique
have temperatures of no more than about 100 at 100
?able gases.
mm of mercury, and no more than about 175 C. at 760
However, for this particular embodiment of the in
mm of mercury, as defined in the Handbook of Chemis
vention, the propellant to be used is not restricted to
try and Physics:

these particular gases. Various compressed (non-lique?

TABLE I

able) gases which are applicable for use include nitrious

oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and inert, Noble gases,

Temperatures at Which 100 mm & 760 mm Pressures Exist

Solvent

C. at

C. at

100 mm

760 mm

Hexane
Chloroform
Trichloro methyl Silane
Methanol
Acetonitrile
1-2 dichloroethane
1,1 Dichloroethane
Acrylonitrile
Methyl acetate

16
10
12
21
27
29
17
23
9

69
61
66
65
82
82
57
79
58

Ethyl Formate
Bromopropane
l-Propane Thiol
Propyl Amine
lsopropyl Formate

5
18
15
0.5
18

54
71
67
48
68

Sec/Iso Butyl chloride

Diethyl, dil'luorosilane

14
10

68
58

Isobutyl amine
Tetramethyl-di-Borane
Methyl cyclopentane
2-or 3-Methyl pentane

19
15
18
18(8)

69
69
72
72(60)

. Diisopropyl ether

14

68

Pentane

13

36

Hexane

16

69

Heptane

42

98

Octane

66

126

88
109
128

151
174
196

Nonane
Decane
Undecane

such as helium and neon.

45

Although pressure within the dispenser, i.e., can pres

sure, does not appear to be critical, a preferred range of
about 5 to 130 1bs./in2, more preferably 10 to 130

1bs./in2, and most preferably 50 to 130 lbs./in2. The

amount of propellant is adjusted to take into consider
50 ation the effects of added solvent, homogeneity of the

ingredients, dispenser size, etc. Other exemplary propel

lants are depicted in M. A. Johnson, The Aerosol Hand

book, lst Ed., (Wayne E. Dorland co.) (1972), pages

270, 276-77, 282, 321, 324, 329, and 344-45, the descrip
tion of which is incorporated herein by reference.
4. Builders
The surfactant/solvent admixture of the present in
vention may also include at least one builder. Such a

builder would tend to promote the emulsilication of the

60 surfactant into the foam phase. Examples of such build
ers include those of alkaline nature (pH 7.0+), such as

potassium silicate, commonly sold under the trademark

Kasil by PQ Corporation, soda ash (sodium carbonate),

and other alkali metal salts of silicates, phosphates, and
65 carbonates. Other builders such as ethylene diamine

tetraacetate (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and

organic builders such as the alkali metal salts of sulfo

succinates, succinates, acetates and maleates. The types

4,780,100

solvent itself, may volatilize, rapidly leaving the foam.

of builders used are not limited but they should be sub

stantially water soluble or dispersible. Materials which

This may cause the foam to break or collapse for

are not soluble may have deleterious effect on both

reasons of lessened surface tension. Alternatively, it is

dispensing and cleaning properties of the invention. It is

possible that with the propellant having left, the solvent

for this particular reason that abrasive materials, such as 5 itself may temporarily act as a defoamer." Next, the
silica sand, perlite and the like are avoided in the invensolvent, which may be somewhat less volatile than the

tion.

propellant, appears to volatilize, causing the secondary

It has been found that the following ranges of the

foam rise or blow. Reasons for this secondary foam

solvent/aqueous surfactant/propellant admixture may

be preferred:

rise are also speculative.

10

0.1% to 10.0% by weight of (100%) surfactant;*

This best mode depiction of the invention can be

accomplished by adapting many prior art dispensers

0.1% to 70.0% by weight of volatile organic solvent;

and by means known to those skilled in the art. For

1.0% to 30.0% by weight of the propellant;

preferably, 0.0% to 20.0% by weight of the builder;

example, prototypical dispensers are disclosed in Mon

son, US. Pat. No. 3,541,581, column 10, lines 55-75,

and

15 column 11, lines l-75 and column 12, lines 1-64, which

* the remainder as water.

are incorporated herein by reference. Unlike the materi

Qlliiiii?lii'iiffilfgiiilil?3313"}.32323233.f?if?ilffiiii?Z

31S harem dlsclmtd .namely PStifammg gels aPP"

certain percentages of active (i.e., 100%) surfactant,

cant C1085 not require isolation Of his COmpOSltlOnS from

In further embodiments of this invention, 05% to

the aerosol delivery systems. In fact, applicant believes
10.0% of cleaning adjuvants may be added, selected 20 that there is a cooperative interaction between the sol
from'such adjuvants as dyes, fragrances and antimivent/surfactant admixture and the propellants used
crobially active agents, such as the substituted phenols
which result in the unusual ?rst foam/collapse/second
sold by Dow Chemical Company under the trademark
foam Characteristics of the invention.
Dowicide, and by Monsanto Chemical Company under
The following EXAMPLE I exempli?es one pre
the trademark Santophen, and fabric softeners, such as 25 ferred embodiment of the compositions of this inven
quaternary ammonium compounds, e.g., such as those
tiOn:

sold by Lonza Chemical Company under the trademark

Bardac (these types of quaternary ammonium surfactants apparently also may act as germicidal agents).
Dispenser
_

EXAMPLE 1
3

Ingredient

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a dis-

40

lam-Y1 ether Sulfate)

penser is provided to deliver the fabric cleaners. As a

means of deliverin

Weight %

Sipon ES (75% H20; 25% sodium

11:35 #zswlotasgum Silicate)

the n vel c m ositions of this in-

exam

228

"e"

vention,
a typical gpressurized dcfspgnsing means com- 35
_

propellant AJO (hydrocarbon mix)

Water

pnses

TOTAL

200
44.0
100.0

a closed container, propellant and solvent/surfactant

admixture-containing chamber and dispensing head,

said dispensing means containing an aqueous solventUse of Phls formula Fmbodled 1 EXAMPLE I
/surfactant admixture, said solvent having a consistent 40 Proved_ a fa" representatlve of th? ?rst fqam formula
evaporation rate in ambient air and said surfactant being
FnaPmg and Second foam blowmg admlxture of this
foam_forming,

invention.

said dispensing means delivering under pressure said

solvent/surfactant admixture onto a fabric surface,

ferred carpet cleaner composltlons follows:

whereupon said solvent/surfactant admixture forms an 45

initial foam, then collapses without abrasion during a

controlled residence time, and
said solvent in said mixture thereafter evaporating,

EXAMPLE 2
Component
Hamposy]

causing a second foam to form and rise through said

fabric surface.

A further example depletes the ranges of the Pre'

50

75.0% water; 25.0%)

By referring to the drawings, this dispensing means is

most aptly illustrated in action, delivering the composition. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show in sequence (1) the delivery
of the composition, which breaks into an initial foam;

Ranges
(104.0%

(sodium alkyl sarcosinate)

233s! Sulfate)
Henna
A-70 Propellant
Water

381%?

(Solvent)
(hydrocarbon mix)

1_0_35_o%
5.0-20.0%
92.0-22.0%

(2) the collapse of the initial foam into the selected 55

fabricsurface; and (3) the formationof the secondary

foam after a "_Y1_1eF1 resldence, penod'
A_lthg,h agam 1t 5, not precsely nderS_t_d why

In the examples 3_48 in TABLE II, combinations of

the following preferred ranges of components compris
ing embodiments of the invention are set out:

the invention performs in the manner shown, it is specu

lated that the propellant, which is a volatile organic

TABLE II
%

EXAMPLES:
3
4
5
6
7

HAMPOSYLI SIPON E52

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

KASIL #13

HEXANE

A70 PROP

WATER

% SR5

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8.0

10.0
10.0
35.0
35.0
10.0

5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0

83.0
68.0
58.0
43.0
75.0

-133.23
-40.01
~69.02
43.26
49.58

4,780,100

10

TABLE II-continued
%

EXAMPLES: HAMPOSYLI SIPON 15sz

KASIL #13

HEXANE

A70 PROP4

WATER

% SR5

5
9
10
11
12

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

2.0
2.0
2.0
12.0
12.0

5.0
5.0
5.0
0.0
0.0

10.0
55.0
55.0
10.0
10.0

20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0

60.0
50.0
55.0
75.0
55.0

51.15
40.92
15.61
-52.21

15
14
15

0.0
0.0
0.0

12.0
12.0
12.0

0.0
0.0
5.0

55.0
55.0
10.0

5.0
20.0
5.0

45.0
55.0
65.0

-54.05
-36.56
-59.77
26.93

16
17
15

0.0
0.0
0.0

12.0
12.0
12.0

5.0
5.0
5.0

10.0
55.0
55.0

20.0
5.0
20.0

50.0
40.0
25.0

7.77
_10.60
9.15

19
20

5.0
5.0

2.0
2.0

0.0
0.0

10.0
10.0

5.0
20.0

50.0
65.0

- 105.59
- 165.61

21

5.0

2.0

0.0

55.0

5.0

55.0

116.07

22

5.0

2.0

0.0

55.0

20.0

40.0

_ 164.45

25
24
25
26
27

5.0
3.0
5.0
5.0
3.0

2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
12.0

5.0
8.0
5.0
5.0
0.0

10.0
10.0
55.0
55.0
10.0

5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0

72.0
57.0
47.0
52.0
70.0

15.02
15.23
69.95
4.54
91.78
- 105.21

25

5.0

12.0

0.0

10.0

20.0

55.0

29

5.0

12.0

0.0

55.0

5.0

45.0

59.59

30

3.0

12.0

0.0

35.0

20.0

30.0

80.62

51
52
55

5.0
5.0
5.0

12.0
12.0
12.0

5.0
5.0
5.0

10.0
10.0
55.0

5.0
20.0
5.0

62.0
47.0
57.0

54
35
36
37
55

5.0
0.0
3.0
1.5
1.5

12.0
7.0
7.0
2.0
12.0

5.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0

55.0
22.5
22.5
22.5
22.5

20.0
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5

22.0
54.0
51.0
57.5
47.5

-52.65
28.39
59.21
11.55
19.78
1.14
30.49
_54.21

59

1.5

7.0

0.0

22.5

12.5

56.5

- 101.65

40
41

1.5
1.5

7.0
7.0

5.0
4.0

22.5
10.0

12.5
12.5

45.5
65.0

_4.95
-40.46

42

1.5

7.0

4.0

55.0

12.5

40.0

- 16.92

45
44
45

1.5
1.5
1.5

7.0
7.0
7.0

4.0
4.0
4.0

22.5
22.5
22.5

5.0
20.0
12.5

60.0
45.0
52.5

-2.42
-24.s1
_52.04

46

1.5

7.0

4.0

22.5

12.5

52.5

- 14.26

47

1.5

7.0

4.0

22.5

12.5

52.5

-5.97

Hamposyl is W. R. Grace & Company, Hampshire Chemical Division's trademark for sodium alkyl sarcosinate
2Sipon ES is Alcolac Chemical Corporations trademark for sodium lauryl ether sulfate.
3KaSil is PQ's trademark for potassium silicate, a builder.
"A-70 propellant is a mixture of three hydrocarbons: isobutane, propane and butane, with an average vapor pressure of 72 psig.
5SR is % Soil Removal, determined according to the soiling tests in TEST I, below.

The swatches were then

TEST I

Carpet Soiling and Comparative Cleaning

Methodology

45

A. Cleaning Comparison Study

Swatches of test carpet measuring 15.7 cm>< 12.6 cm
were cut from Karastan Monticello Opalite (an off

white, polyester carpet). All were aligned with the'nap

going from top to bottom. Three replicates were used
for all tests.

Soiling and Resoiling Procedure

Swatches were placed in a clean 15 centimeter 55

cm) X 21.5 cm Norton ceramic ball-mill jar with 45 2

cm><2 cm balls; 0.2000i0.0002 gram (g) of a modi
?ed Sanders & Lambert soil (see below) was added to
the jar. The jar was set on a roller-type tumbler for 15
minutes. The jars orientation was reversed, and tum
bled for an additional 15 minutes. The swatch was re

moved from the jar, and vacuumed in the direction of

the nap four passes with a Eureka Model S Two-Speed
Cordaway vacuum cleaner.
Resoiled swatches were rehumidi?ed in a 37.5" C., 65
9095% relative humidity room for two hours. These
were them removed, and allowed to re-equilibrate to

ambient conditions for approximately one-half hour.

soiled using the procedure

described above.

The performance of WOOLITE (trademark of

American Home Products Corp.) and the invention of
this application were compared in three different tests,
consisting of six swatches each (three per treatment). In
the ?rst test, unsoiled swatches were treated ?ve times.
Another test used carpet soiled once and subsequently
given ?ve treatments. The third test used carpet sub

jected to ?ve complete cycles of soiling and cleaning.

Swatches were soiled into 0.20 g of a modi?ed Sanders

& Lambert soil formulation.

Modi?ed Sanders & Lambert Soil Formulation

Portland Cement
Silica, 200 mesh

27.7%
27.7%

Bandy Black Clay

Decolorizing Carbon

29.3%
1.5%

Ferric Oxide
Stearic Acid
Oleic Acid
Palm Oil
Cholesterol

0.3%
1.5%
1.5%
3.0%
1.0%

Squalene

1.0%

Octadecane
Octadecene
Linoleic Acid
Paraf?n Oil

1.0%
1.0%
2.0%
1.5%

4,780,100

11

12

current laboratory standards, ignition 12 inches from

the center of the ?ame is acceptable. Ignition from 18
inches, however, may indicate unacceptable ?ammabil

-continued
100.0%

ity.
2. Flash Point Determination: Flash point is de?ned
100 grams of soil were prepared for this test. 150 5
as the lowest temperature at which the vapors emanat
grams of deionized water were added to the mixture.
ing from a combustible substance will ignite when ex
All ingredients were mixed in a Norton ceramic ball
posed to a small ?ame. Among the various methods
mill containing 50 balls for 2 hours. The mixture was

used are: closed-up, open-cup, tag closed-cup, tag open

removed from the ball mill and dried overnight. The

soil was returned to a clean ball mill, and tumbled again 10 cup, and Cleveland open cup methods, all of which are
known to practitioners skilled in this art.
for 2 hours. The soil was ground and sieved in a No.
3. Closed Drum Test: A 55 gallon drum, or other
3-sieve.
suitable container, is fitted with a hinged lid. A source
Only one aerosol can of either the invention or

of ignition is placed on the bottom floor of the con

WOOLITE was used throughout the experiment. After

cleaning, the swatches were vacuumed six passes with a 15 tainer. The combustible substance is introduced, usually

by spraying into the container.

4. Tower Test: A long graduated cylinder with aper

Eureka Model S two-speed Cordaway, and then instru

mentally graded on a Gardner XL031 colorimeter.

tures at 1 inch intervals running along its length, is set

up. Pieces of masking tape cover reach aperture. Some
swatches after each treatment and vacuuming. The 20 of the combustible substance to be tested is introduced
into the bottom of the cylinder. To test degree of ?am
most important re?ectance parameter in this study is the

B. Colorimetric Analysis

Color re?ectance data was obtained from all

mability, the pieces of tape are pulled off the apertures,

beginning from the top, and the uncovered aperture is
exposed to a flame to test ignition. The height at which
swatch (L0). Changes in L-values represent the amount
of soil deposited or removed after treatment, and are 25 ignition occurs is recorded.
5. Trough Test: The combustible substance is intro
reported in TABLES II and III as % Soil Removed

degree of lightness (L). Readings taken after soiling (L;)

or cleaning (L...) are compared with that of an untreated

duced into a very narrow trough and ignited. If flame

(S.R.).

burns the length of the trough, the substance is deemed

?ammable.
culator/printer. The YXZ, large beam was used. Five 30 In TABLE III, below, examples 50-76 show the %
soil removal in accordance with the methodology of
sequential readings were taken in a 5 cm>< 5 cm square
TEST I and ?ammability in accordance with TEST II,
in the center of each swatch.
Swatches were read on a Gardner XL-3l colorimeter
that was connected to a Hewlett-Packard 9815A cal

above.
In this particular series, the Tower Test was used
35 to test ?ammability.

TEST II

Flammability Tests

TABLE III
Soil Removal and Flammability
Example

SIPON ES

KASIL #1

HEXANE

A-70 PROP.

48
49

0.0
0.0

6.0
6.0

5.0
5.0

5.0
20.0

50

0.0

6.0

25.0

51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74

0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
0.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

6.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0

25.0
5.0
5.0
25.0
25.0
5.0
5.0
25.0
25.0
5.0
5.0
25.0
25.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
5.0
25.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0

WATER % SOIL REMVL

FLAMMABILITY

84.0
69.0

15.7
20.0

3.5
1.5

5.0

64.0

- 1.6

1.0

20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
5.0
20.0
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
5.0
20.0
12.5
12.5
12.5

49.0
80.0
65.0
60.0
45.0
80.0
65.0
60.0
45.0
76.0
61.0
56.0
41.0
64.5
60.5
64.5
60.5
72.5
52.5
70.0
55.0
62.5
62.5
62.5

19.4
4.4
9.8
14.6
9.1
48.8
32.3
43.3
45.2
45.6
44.9
57.9
64.2
13.4
48.0
46.9
60.6
52.5
44.0
56.7
52.6
48.4
52.2
47.0

0.0
0.0
1.0
1.0
2.0
1.5
5.5
4.5
7.5
4.0
5.0
5.0
7.5
2.5
7.5
5.0
7.0
5.0
5.5
2.0
5.0
5.5
6.5
5.5

Flammability may be tested by any one or more of

Table IV below shows in detail numerous examples

?ve representative methods:
1. Flame Projection: An open ?ame is placed in the 65 in which the method of this invention was practiced. In
middle of a laboratory table. A straight edge rule is
this methodology, formulations as shown in Examples
48-74 of Table IV, were initially applied from aerosol
centered with respect to the ?ame tip. The composition
to be tested is sprayed towards the open ?ame. Under

containers onto a strip of Karastan Emperor Forest

4,780,100

13

14

Palm carpet. All formulations were dispensed in a 5

this controlled residence time phase is that this is when

minute burst to ensure uniformity in data. Two trials
the cleaning composition has substantially penetrated
were performed for each formulation.
below the surface of the carpet, and causes soiling mate
After initial application, time for foam collapse was
rials adhering to the carpet ?bers to become segregated
recorded, and height of the initial and col lapsed foam 5 and emulsi?ed. When the secondary foam rise com
column was recorded additionally, penetration of colmences, these soiling particles are believed to be carried
lapsed foam into the carpet strip was measured.
to the surface of the carpet ?bers along with the second

Then, the start (collapse), and finish (Development of

Full Blow) of the secondary foam blow was recorded,

ary foam rise. Therefore, this controlled residence time

is particularly signi?cant, and as empirically deter

as well as the edge width and ?nal height of the second- 10 mined, should last at least 1 minute, and ranges upward
to about 1 hours time. Preferably, this controlled resi
The controlled residence time phase alluded to
dence time is from 2-30 minutes, more preferably 2-20
earlier is determined as the difference between the colminutes.
lapse time and the full blow time. The signi?cance of
ary foam.

Exam-

Application

ples

Time (sec)

Collapse
(min)

TABLE IV
Post-Collapse Development .
Foam-Height
of blow
Full Blow
(min)

5. o w

(min)

Initial

Edge

Lifetime

Time (min)

(min)

Penetration

Width

Full Blow

(mm)

(mm)

complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
complete
none

4.253

OWI.

no edge
all across

1236840

5123O725
no edge
all across

31. 76

60

good

poor

no edge

Height
(mm)

31 87

all across

poor

w
m
s
p
a
5 2701
10 sec.
10 sec.

,06M
7.85623l.

214

46 secs.
40 secs.

.l1

__241537

35l0w729_

~4.L5372t

CO

3598 pfPgfm rdrcrb

30

69

74

WOOL
ITE

l7

nmn

mm

0o

_n.7Hm9B62e4 _352649078 2z43l06u7815

1Il

a.its

D. a t C h V.

d
all across

no edge
all across

5 2Z_ 0 7342 %BM3@42_ 97260n53184 38762. 786425091 23861975

patchy

33 secs
52 secs

72

poor

42 secs.
40 secs

no edge
all across

l.

13275

.21

none

no edge
all across

1l.

patchy

4,780,100

15
Post-Collapse

16

TABLE IV-continued
Development

Edge

Exam-

Application

Collapse

Foam-Height

of blow

Full Blow

Lifetime

ples

Time (sec)

(min)

(min)

(min)

Time (min)

(min)

Penetration

(mm)

139

none

no edge

28

Width

Initial
Full Blow

Height

(mm)

(mm)

28

all across

TABLE V
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOLVENTS
SOLVENTS

EXAMPLE

PCT. SOIL

N-HEPTANE N-PENTANE TCTFE2

HEXANE REMOVAL

FLAMMA-

BILI'TY3

FOAM

FOAM COLLAPSE

RISE

75
76
77

10%

10%

10%

21%
21%
21%

0
3 IN.
0

46 SEC.
NO
16 SEC.

YES
NO
NO

78
79
80

5%
5%

5%

5%

5%
5%

23%
23%
23%

2 IN
0
2 IN.

77 SEC.
42 SEC.
43 SEC.

PART
NO
NO

81
82
83
84

3.3%
6.7%
1.65%
1.65%

3.3%
1.65%
6.7%
1.65%

3.3%
1.65%
1.65%
6.7%

24%
23%
28%
25%

45
45
47
47

PART
YES
PART
PART

85

15%

37%

2 IN.

WOOLITE4

30%

4 IN.

1.5
1
1.5
1

IN.
IN.
IN.
IN.

SEC.
SEC.
SEC.
SEC.

40 SEC.
NO

YES
NO

lEach Example comprises in addition to the solvent: about 00-30% I-Iamposyl; 2012.0% Sipon 5.5.; 00-80% Kasil #1; 5.0-20.()% A-70 propellant; and the remainder,
water.

Z'IC'TFE: Trichlorotrilluoroethylene.
3Flammability tests conducted under Tower Test" methodology.
Woolite: Trademark of American Home Products Corp.

Cleaning results obtained within the foregoing exam

ples exceeded conventional aerosol foams and were
Lambert Test. Compared with a commercially available
carpet cleaner, WOOLITE, the formulation of this

These hydrophilic/hydrophobic interfaces of the pres

ent formulations of the invention apparently break
down almost immediately upon being dispensed, caus
ing the collapse of the ?rst foam into the carpet ?bers.

invention clearly outperformed WOOLITE in cleaning

Unexpectedly, this collapse resulted in thorough pene

substantially the same as steam extraction for Sanders

tration of the ?bers and promoted emulsi?cation and

results. Costs for the method of this invention were
substantially less than for other rotary brush or steam 35 segregation of soiling particles in the ?bers thereby.
Finally, as hereinbefore described, the volatile or
extraction cleaning methods as well. Further, as indi

ganic solvent component of the solvent/surfactant ad

cated, no special equipment is needed to practice the

method of this invention.
Examples of the invention wherein different solvents
are used are shown in TABLE V, above. Note that
cleaning results are still superior to that for American
Home Products Woolite cleaner in direct comparison

mixture volatilizes, causing the admixture to blow into a

second foam. This brought about a second, surprising

result: the. previously emulsi?ed, segregated, soiling

particles appeared to have been elevated to substantially
the surface of the carpet ?bers. After drying, both the
soiling materials and the admixture may conveniently

tests.

PREFERRED METHOD

be vacuumed up or otherwise removed.

45

The foregoing examples, embodiments, and descrip

In the preferred method of practicing this invention,

tions are by way of exempli?cation, and not intended to

it has been found desirable to form a ?rst, substantially

limit the scope and equivalents of the invention. Equiv

low viscosity foam, by:

alent embodiments which would be apparent to the

Delivering the solvent/surfactant admixture of the

reasonably skilled practitioner are encompassed within

present invention via a hydrocarbon or other propel

lant, and applying said ?rst foam to a soiled carpet

the scope of this invention. For example, other fabrics

may be cleaned using the method of this invention. The
method may be modi?ed to include a procedure for
coating fabrics with waterproof or dirt resistant coat

surface, having ?bers containing soiling particles;

Collapsing said ?rst foam without abrasion into said
?bers and emulsifying said segregating said soiling par

ings.

ticles during a controlled residence time phase; and

Evaporating the solvent of the solvent/surfactant

What is claimed is:

1. A method for cleaning soiled fabrics having ?bers

containing soiling particles, comprising:

admixture so as to blow the emulsi?ed soil and surfac

tant into a second foam, elevating said soiling particles

substantially to the surface of said ?bers.
The pressurized delivery of solvent/surfactant to the 60
surface of the carpet ?bers forms the emulsive phase

(a) forming a ?rst, substantially low viscosity foam by

delivering a solvent/surfactant admixture via a

lique?able propellant, said solvent being an organic

volatile solvent with a consistent evaporation rate

necessary to build the ?rst foam.

and a vapor pressure of 760 mm of mercury at a

However, it is not entirely understood why this ?rst

foam collapses and penetrates into the carpet ?bers,

temperature of no greater than 175 C., said surfac

tant selected from the group consisting of anionic,

thereby emulsifying soiling particles within the ?bers. It

65

cationic, nonionic, amphoteric surfactants, and

is postulated that within the foam are hydrophilic and

hydrophobic layers which form a micelle to keep the

mixtures thereof, said solvent being present at

about 0.5% to 20.0% by weight, said surfactant

solvents (water and organic) and surfactants emulsi?ed.

being present at about 0.1% to 30.0% by weight,

17

4,780,100

and said propellant being present at about 10.0% to

18
760 mm of mercury at a temperature of no greater

50.0% by weight;

than 175 C., and said surfactant being foam-form

ing and selected from the group consisting essen

(b) applying said ?rst foam to a soiled carpet surface

having ?bers containing soiling particles;

tially of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric

(0) allowing said ?rst foam to collapse without abra

sion into said ?bers and emulsifying and segregat
ing said soiling particles during a controlled resi
dence time; and

surfactants and mixtures thereof, said admixture

being propelled by a lique?able propellant, said

solvent being present at about 0.5% to 20.0% be

weight, said surfactant being present at about 0.1%

to 30.0% by weight, and said propellant being

(d) allowing said solvent of the solvent/surfactant

admixture to form a second foam, thereby elevat

present at about 10.0% to 50.0% by weight;

said dispensing means delivering under pressure said

ing said soiling particles substantially to the surface

of said ?bers.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said solvent is
selected from the group consisting essentially of satu
rated, substituted, or halogenated alkane of l to 12 car
bon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said surfactant is an
anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting
essentially of alkali metal salts of

solvent/surfactant admixture onto a fabric surface,

whereupon said solvent/surfactant admixture

foams an initial foam, then collapses without abra

sion during a controlled residence time; and
said solvent in said mixture thereafter evaporating,
causing a second foam to form and rise through
said fabric surface.
8. The dispensing means of claim 7 wherein said sol
(a) alkyl, or alkylaryl sulfates;
20
vent is selected from the group consisting essentially of
(b) alkyl, or alkylaryl sulfonates;
saturated, substituted, or halogenated alkane of l to 12
(0) alkyl, or alkylaryl sarcosinates; and mixtures
carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
thereof. 9. The dispensing means of claim 7 wherein said sur
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said propellant is a
compressible propellant selected from the group of 25 factant is an anionic surfactant selected from the group

consisting essentially of alkali metal salts of

(a) alkyl, or alkylaryl sulfates;
(b) alkyl, or alkylaryl sulfonates;
(c) alkyl, or alkylaryl sarcosinates; and mixtures

saturated hydrocarbons consisting of methane, ethane,

iso-propane, n-propane, iso-butane, n-butane, pentane,
hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, dodecane, and
mixtures thereof.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein in step (a), said

thereof.

solvent/surfactant admixture includes a builder selected

10. The dispensing means of of claim 7 wherein said

from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of sili

cates, phosphates, and carbonates.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein in step (a), said

propellant is a compressible propellant selected from

the group of saturated hydrocarbons consisting of

surfactant/solvent admixture further comprises:

35

about 0.0% to 20.0% by weight of said builder; and

decane, dodecane, and mixtures thereof.

the remainder water.

11. The dispensing means of claim 7 wherein said

solvent/surfactant admixture includes a builder selected

7. A dispensing means which comprises:

a closed container, propellant and solvent/surfactant

admixture-containing chamber and dispensing

head;

methane, ethane, iso-propane, n-propane, iso-butane,

n-butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane,

40

from the group consisting essentially of alkali metal salts

of silicates, phosphates, and carbonates.
12. The dispensing means of claim 11 wherein said

said dispensing means containing an aqueous solvent

surfactant/solvent admixture further comprises:

about 0.0% to 20.0% by weight of said builder; and

/surfactant admixture, said solvent being a volatile

organic solvent having a consistent evaporation

the remainder as water.

rate in ambient air and having a vapor pressure of 45

50

55

60

65

it