The invention relates to an impregnated wipe for the removal of stains from fabrics and the like, preferably without the need for washing or soaking.

A number of wipes impregnated or coated with products for cleaning or maintaining various household surfaces are already known. In general such wipes have as an object to eliminate soil and/or to deposit a layer of products for protecting or improving the state of the surface. In the majority of cases they exist in the moist state in the form of absorbent substrates impregnated with liquid compositions.

Thus, British Patent No. 1 ,461 ,730 (Johnson) discloses a disposable wipe having a liquid absorbance capacity of at least 200 X by weight, impregnated to at most 50 X of the said absorption capacity, with a composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. This disposable impregnated wipe is used for applying a protective polysiloxane and mineral oil based film to the surface to be treated.

Similarly, EP-A-0,21 1 ,773 (Kimberly-Clark) relates to a disposable wipe impregnated with a composition comprising a wax, a silicone oil and a detergent or soap. When this wipe is partially impregnated with this composition, it can absorb water in amount comprising between 200 X and 800 X of its weight. This wipe is used for applying a protective film based on wax and silicone oil on a car still wet after washing it. United States Patent No. 4,666,621 (Clark et al) relates to a wipe impregnated with a liquid composition for cleaning hard surfaces without leaving trails or fluff, comprising a non-woven material containing wood pulp and synthetic fibres, the liquid composition including about 0.001 % to about 1 % by weight of a surfactant, about 1 % - about 40 % by weight of an aliphatic mono-alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and about 60 % - about 99 % by weight of demineralized water, the non-woven material containing in addition about 0.225 % - about 2.25 % by weight with respect to the weight of a non-woven material of an acrylic polymer. This wipe, however, leaves slight trails on the clean glass surface, when it is used in a single horizontal pass.

There have been many attempts to solve the problem of removing common stains such as oils, waxes and pigments from fabrics such as clothing. Most of these are based on bleach. There is currently nothing known in the prior art that solves the problem of at least partially removing stains on fabrics without the need for washing, soaking or dry cleaning. It is accordingly an object of the invention to overcome, or alleviate one or more of the difficulties or deficiencies associated with the prior art.

It has surprisingly been found that the wipe, when impregnated with a cleaning formulation including a non-polar solvent, a polar solvent, an antioxidant and a surfactant, at least partially removes stains on fabric without the need for washing or soaking.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with a cleaning formulation;

wherein the formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant.

By the term 'wipe', as used herein is meant a disposable cloth treated with a cleansing formulation, for wiping items clean. The wipe is preferably resistant to tearing in the moist state and is insoluble in anyone of the constituents of the cleaning formulation or their mixtures. The materials meeting these conditions are preferably chosen from amongst materials which do not produce fluff, such as cotton fabrics and other cellulosic fabrics. Preferably, the material is a blended fabric. More preferably, the material is a blend of viscous and polyester. Even more preferably, the material is a woven viscous/polyester blend.

By the term 'non-polar solvent', as used herein, is meant a liquid solvent without significant partial charges on any atoms, or where the polar bonds are arranged in such a way that the effects of their partial charges cancel out. The non-polar solvent may be a terpene. Preferably the terpene is a citrus terpene, more preferably the citrus terpene is Limonene. The term 'limonene' also includes within its scope the D-limonene and L-limonene enantiomers as well as the racemic mixture.

The non-polar solvent is preferably present in an amount of approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v (v/v) of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the non-polar solvent is present at a level of approximately of 80 % - 98 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the non-polar solvent is present at a level of approximately of 85 % - 95 % v/v of the cleaning formulation.

By the term, 'polar solvent', as used herein, is meant a solvent in whose molecules there is either a permanent separation of positive and negative charges, or the centers of positive and negative charges do not coincide. The polar solvent may be an alcohol. Preferably, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols and secondary alcohols. More preferably, the alcohol is a secondary alcohol. Even more preferably, the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.

The polar solvent is preferably present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the polar solvent is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 15 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the polar solvent is present in an amount of approximately of 1 % - 10 % v/v of the cleaning formulation.

By an 'antioxidant', as used herein, is meant a substance that inhibits oxidation. The antioxidant may be a terpene. Preferably, the antioxidant is a monoterpene. More preferably, the antioxidant is pinene. The term 'pinene' also includes within its scope the α-pinene and β-pinene isomers, as well as a mixture of the a-pinene and β-pinene isomers thereof.

Preferably, the antioxidant is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the antioxidant is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 10 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the antioxidant is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 5 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. By the term 'surfactant', as used herein, is meant a substance which can reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved. The surfactant may be an anionic surfactant. More preferably, the surfactant may be a coconut based surfactant. Even more preferably, the surfactant includes coconut oil extract. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of approximately 1 % - 10 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of approximately of 1 % - 5 % v/v of the cleaning formulation.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe; impregnated with a cleaning formulation;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the cleaning formulation may further include one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent. By the term 'olefactory agent' as used herein, is meant a compound relating to, or contributing to the sense of smell. Preferably, the olefactory agent may generate a citrus odour. More preferably, the olefactory agent includes an orange citrus agent. Even more preferably, the olefactory agent includes limonene. The term 'limonene' also includes within its scope the D-limonene and L-limonene enantiomers as well as the racemic mixture.

Preferably, the olefactory agent is present at a level of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the olefactory agent is present at a level of approximately 0 % - 3 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the surfactant is present at a level of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of the cleaning formulation.

By the term 'colouring agent', as used herein, is meant a compound relating to, or contributing to a colour. The colouring agent may be a natural colouring agent. More preferably, the colouring agent includes a natural yellow liquid. Even more preferably the colouring agent includes citrus rind extract.

Preferably, the colouring agent may be present at a level of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. More preferably, the colouring agent is present at a level of approximately 0 % - 3 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. Even more preferably, the colouring agent is present at a level of approximately 0 % - 1 % v/v of the cleaning formulation. In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with a cleaning formulation;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant and; optionally approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent; and/or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of a cleaning formulation used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics.

By an 'effective amount', as used herein, is meant an amount sufficient to substantially remove or reduce the intensity of a stain from a fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant.

In a further preferred embodiment the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant;

approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent; and

approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

The term 'stains', as used herein, may include, without limitation a discoloured patch, a dirty mark, blemish, soil or tarnish which is difficult to remove. Examples of stains for removal include, without limitation, a make-up stain, food stain or grass stain.

The fabric to be treated may be of any suitable type. A natural and synthetic fabric, or blend thereof may be treated. Examples of suitable fabrics may include, without limitation, cotton, linen, wool, nylon, spandex, Lycra ^® , lace, satin, calico, canvas, denim, flannel, leather and silk. The fabric may be in the form of, without limitation, clothing, shoes, handbags, purses, bedding, soft furnishings including cushions, cushion covers, curtains, chair covers and tableware. Preferably the fabric is in the form of clothing. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe; impregnated with an effective amount of a cleaning formulation including; a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant;

used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with an effective amount of a cleaning formulation including at least;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant,

used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with an effective amount of a cleaning formulation including at least;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant;

used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics;

wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing. ln a still further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with a cleaning formulation,

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant;

a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent;

used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics, wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing.

In a still further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe;

impregnated with a cleaning formulation;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant and; optionally one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent; used for reducing or substantially removing stains from fabrics,

wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric, said method including;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time; applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe and;

removing the wipe from the stain. By 'effective amount', as used herein, is meant an amount sufficient to substantially remove or reduce the intensity of a stain from a fabric.

By an 'effective period of time', as used herein, is meant a period of time sufficient for the cleaning formulation to at least partially penetrate the stain. Preferably the effective period of time is at least approximately 30 seconds, more preferably at least approximately 1 minute, even more preferably at least approximately 2 minutes.

By 'applying pressure', as used herein, is meant the application of gentle force to the surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant.

In a further still preferred embodiment, the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent.

More preferably, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and

optionally one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain,

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant;

maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time;

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe; and

removing the wipe from the stain.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v a non-polar solvent; approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent; maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time;

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe; and

removing the wipe from the stain.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent; maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time;

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe; and

removing the wipe from the stain;

wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing.

In a further preferred embodiment the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent; an antioxidant; and

a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent. Preferably, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

a non-polar solvent;

a polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant;

maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time;

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe;

removing the wipe from the stain; and then optionally

applying a rinse wipe to the fabric surface.

The 'rinse wipe' is a wipe impregnated with one or more solvents and is intended to remove any remaining residue. By 'solvent' as used herein, is meant, a substance able to dissolve other substances. Preferably the rinse wipe is impregnated with a polar solvent. More preferably, the polar solvent includes an alcohol or water. Even more preferably the polar solvent includes an alcohol or iodised water. Preferably, the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols and secondary alcohols. More preferably, the alcohol is a secondary alcohol. Even more preferably, the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v a surfactant,

maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time,

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe,

wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing,

removing the wipe from the stain; and then optionally

applying a rinse wipe to the fabric surface.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method for reducing or substantially removing a stain from a fabric includes;

applying a wipe impregnated with an effective amount of cleaning formulation to the stain;

wherein the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent,

maintaining contact between the wipe and the stain for an effective period of time;

applying pressure to the wipe to at least partially transfer the stain from the fabric to the wipe;

wherein the fabric is in the form of clothing;

removing the wipe from the stain; and then optionally

applying a rinse wipe to the fabric surface;

wherein the rinse wipe is impregnated with one or more solvents.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe package including one or more wipes, wherein each wipe is impregnated with a cleaning formulation, contained within a suitable package. By 'suitable package' as used herein, is meant packaging for sale or transport wherein the package may prevent leakage and degradation of the wipes or protect the wipes from contaminants, physical damage and chemical damage. Preferably the package is made from a polyethylene terephthalate material. More preferably the package is made from a combined composition of polyethylene terephthalate and aluminium laminate. Even more preferably the package is a composition of polyethylene terephthalate, aluminium laminate and polyethylene.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a suitable package containing multiple wipes according to the invention, with each wipe within the suitable package being individually wrapped. The individual wrapping may prevent leakage and degradation of the wipes or protect the wipes from contaminants, physical damage and chemical damage. Preferably the individual wrapping is made from a polyethylene terephthalate material. More preferably the package is made from a combined composition of polyethylene terephthalate and aluminium laminate. Even more preferably the package is a composition of polyethylene terephthalate, aluminium laminate and polyethylene. In a preferred embodiment the cleaning formulation includes;

a polar solvent;

a non-polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant.

Preferably, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant.

In a further preferred embodiment the cleaning formulation includes;

a polar solvent;

a non-polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent. Preferably, the cleaning formulation includes;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe package including one or more wipes;

wherein each wipe is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including approximately;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent; approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant; and

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant;

contained within a suitable package.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, there is provided a wipe package including one or more wipes;

wherein each wipe is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including; a polar solvent;

a non-polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agents;

contained within a suitable package.

Preferably, each wipe is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent.

In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each cleaning wipe may be impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

a polar solvent;

a non-polar solvent;

an antioxidant; and

a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of an olefactory agent and a colouring agent;

and each rinse wipe may be impregnated with one or more solvents. In a still further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, each cleaning wipe may be impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

approximately 70 % - 98 % v/v of a non-polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a polar solvent;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of an antioxidant;

approximately 1 % - 20 % v/v of a surfactant; and optionally

one or more of approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of an olefactory agent or approximately 0 % - 5 % v/v of a colouring agent;

and each rinse wipe may be impregnated with one or more solvents.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying examples. It should be understood, however, that the description following is illustrative only and should not be taken in anyway as a restriction on the generality of the invention described above.

EXAMPLES Example 1

The wipe is a woven material combining viscous and polyester. A square of this material is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

TABLE 1.0 Cleaning formulation min and max % v/v Example 2

The wipe is a woven material combining viscous and polyester. A square of this material is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

TABLE 2.0 Cleaning formulation ranges

Example 3

The wipe is a woven material combining viscous and polyester. A square of this material is impregnated with a cleaning formulation including;

TABLE 3.0 Cleaning formulation min and max % v/v It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alternations, modifications and/or additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as outlined herein.