BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chewing gum oftentimes becomes adhered, either accidentally or intentionally, to various surfaces such as clothing, fabrics, carpets, masonry, plastics and ceramics. It is often difficult to remove all traces of the chewing gum from the surface to which it is attached without causing damage to the surface itself. Methods of removing chewing gum (chewing gum cuds as they are sometimes referred to) from various house¬ hold surfaces have been employed in the past. Most of these methods, however, suffer from various shortcom¬ ings. For example, some methods require the use of flammable and/or toxic compositions that are harmful to humans as well as the surface being treated. Other methods require the use of relatively expensive com-, positions. Finally, some methods simply do not yield satisfactory results.

Examples of some known methods include the physical removal of the chewing gum adhering to a sur¬ face with or without the application of heat or cold. Such methods, however, are oftentimes ineffective and can cause damage to the surface being treated. Vola¬ tile organic solvents have also been used to loosen chewing gum adhering to a surface followed by physical removal. Although somewhat more effective than the use of heat or cold, these organic solvents are undesirably toxic and/or flammable. Further, organic solvents can cause damage to the surface being treated and can be relatively expensive. The use of certain oils are also

nown for use in loosening chewing gum adhering to a surface. For example, essential oils such as orange oil have been used. However, oils are generally inef¬ fective in satisfactorily loosening the chewing gum and also tend to stain the surface being treated.

The present invention is directed to novel com¬ positions and methods of removing chewing gum adhering to a surface. The present invention utilizes composi¬ tions which are nonflammable, non-toxic, and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention cause little or no damage to the surfaces from which the chewing gum is removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Applicants have discovered novel compositions and methods for removing chewing gum adhering to a surface. In one feature of the present invention, a method of removing chewing gum adhering to a surface is provided. According to this method, an amount of a composition containing a ricinoleate derivative is applied to the chewing gum. Thereafter, an amount of time is allowed to pass sufficient to permit the ricinoleate derivative to loosen the chewing gum's adherence to the surface. After such time, the chewing gum is physically removed from the surface.

Preferably, the chewing gum is removed by the application of a composition comprising methyl acetyl ricinoleate that has been heated to a temperature between about 50°C and about 70°C. An amount of time is then allowed to pass sufficient to permit the methyl acetyl ricinoleate to loosen the chewing gum from the surface. After such time, the chewing gum is physically removed from the surface.

In another feature of the present invention, a method of removing chewing gum adhering to a firm surface is provided wherein a composition containing a ricinoleate derivative is applied to the chewing gum. Thereafter, an amount of time is allowed to pass sufficient to permit the ricinoleate derivative com¬ position to loosen the chewing gum's adherence to the surface. After such time, the chewing gum is gently scraped off of the surface. Preferably, methyl acetyl ricinoleate that has been heated to a temperature between about 50°C and 70°C is applied to the chewing gum.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of removing a chewing gum adhering to a fabric is provided. According to this method, a composition containing a ricinoleate derivative is applied to the fabric on the side immediately opposite the chewing gum's point of adherence to the fabric. Thereafter, an amount of time is allowed to pass sufficient to permit the ricinoleate derivative to loosen the chewing gum's adherence to the fabric. After such time, the chewing gum is peeled off of the fabric. Preferably, methyl acetyl ricinoleate that has been heated to a temperature between about 50°C and 70°C is applied to the fabric.

In another feature of the present invention, a composition useful for removing chewing gum from sur¬ faces is provided. The composition contains one or more ricinoleate derivatives and, preferably, methyl acetyl ricinoleate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to novel methods and compositions for removing chewing gum adhering to a surface. Applicants have discovered that the use of compositions containing ricinoleate derivatives are surprisingly effective in- removing chewing gum adhering to a surface without damaging the surface being treated. Furthermore, the ricinoleate derivative com¬ positions contemplated for use in the present invention have negligible flammability and toxicity, thus making these compositions safe for household use and storage. Also, these ricinoleate derivative compositions are relatively inexpensive.

The present invention contemplates the use of various ricinoleate derivative compositions. The com¬ position may be a pure ricinoleate derivative, for example methyl acetyl ricinoleate (MAR) which is preferred. Or it may be a mixture of ricinoleate derivatives including MAR, methyl ricinoleate, glycerol mono-ricinoleate, glycerol diricinoleate, and propylene glycol ricinoleate. One example of a ricinoleate composition contemplated for use in the present invention is castor oil (also known as ricinus oil) , which is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis L. , Euphorbiatcae. Caster oil contains about 87% by weight fatty acid glycerides of ricinoleic acid. As previously stated, however, the preferred ricinoleate derivative is methyl acetyl ricinoleate. It should be noted, however, that methyl acetyl ricinoleate may be more effective in removing some chewing gums than others. For example, it is believed that methyl acetyl ricinoleate is especially effective

in removing chewing gums having bubble gum type bases. Examples of such bases may be found in U.S. Patent NOS. 4,352,822, 4,357,355 and 4,452,820.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ricinoleate derivative composition is heated to a temperature between about 50°C and about 70 ^β C just prior to use in ^* removing the gum cuds.

The method of removing chewing gum adhering to a surface may vary depending on the surface being treated. In general, application of the ricinoleate derivative to the chewing gum followed by physical removal will be most effective. In some instances, large quantities and repeated and/or prolonged application of the ricinoleate derivatives may be necessary for best results. Also, a follow-up cleaning with a mild detergent, such as a commercial clothing detergent or dishwashing detergent, may be desirable for removing the last traces of chewing gum and ricinoleate derivative. Following are some specifically preferred methods.

Where chewing gum is adhered to a firm surface such as wood or concrete, an amount of the ricinoleate composition sufficient to wet the chewing gum is placed directly on the chewing gum, especially around the boundary edges of the chewing gum. The chewing gum is then allowed to stand for a time sufficient to permit the ricinoleate derivative to loosen the chewing gum's adherence to the firm surface. Preferably, the chewing gum is allowed to stand for at least ten minutes. After such time, the chewing gum is gently scraped off of the firm surface. If traces of chewing gum remain, the aforesaid procedure may be repeated. After treatment with the ricinoleate derivative, the treated

surface is washed with an aqueous solution containing a mild detergent and subsequently dried.

Where chewing gum is adhered to a fabric such as cotton, wool, polyester, rayon or nylon, a few drops of the ricinoleate derivative composition is applied to the side of the fabric immediately opposite the chewing gum's point of adherence to the fabric. Of course, if this is not possible (i.e. in the case of carpeting or upholstery) , the ricinoleate derivative may be applied directly to the chewing gum, and preferably at the boundary areas of the gum. In any event, once the ricinoleate derivative composition is applied to the fabric (or chewing gum) , the ricinoleate derivative composition is allowed to remain for a time sufficient to permit it to loosen the chewing gum's adherence to the fabric. Preferably, the ricinoleate composition is allowed to remain for a period of at least-about five minutes. After such time, the chewing gum is peeled off of the fabric. Thereafter, a cleaning cloth dipped in a ricinoleate derivative composition may optionally be used to remove any remaining chewing gum.

Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments described above. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the claims appended hereto, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this invention.

Examples Example 1

Sticks of Wrigley Double int® brand chewing gum _t were chewed for about ten minutes and then pressed onto

5 linoleum tile and allowed to remain for about four * hours. The gum cuds were then removed according to several methods. The methods were evaluated by visual examination of the tile after removal of the gum cuds. The results were as follows: 10 (a) Application of ice until the cuds hardened followed by physical removal left a light haze on the affected area. A follow-up cleaning with an aqueous detergent solution failed to remove the haze from the affected area. 15 (b) Liberal application of isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes followed by physical removal removed 100% of the gum cud with no visible remnants on the affected area.

(c) Application of mineral oil followed by 20 physical removal removed 100% of the gum cud with no visible remnants on the affected area.

(d) Application of methyl acetyl ricinoleate followed after a few minutes by physical removal removed 100% of the gum cud with no visible remnants on

25 the affected area.

Example 2

Sticks of Wrigley Doublemint® brand chewing gum were chewed for ten minutes and the resulting gum cuds 30 were pressed into half-inch pile synthetic carpet. The gum cuds were then removed according to various methods. These methods were then evaluated by visual

examination of the affected area. The results of these evaluations were as follows:

(a) Application of ice until the gum cuds hardened followed by physical removal was effective in removing about 95% of the gum cud.

(b) Application of isopropyl alcohol followed by physical removal removed about 99% of the gum cud. However, some discoloration of the carpet may have taken place. (c) Application of mineral oil followed by physical removal was slightly less effective than isopropyl alcohol in removing the gum cud.

(d) Liberal amount of methyl acetyl ricinoleate was applied to the gum cud and allowed to stand for five minutes. Thereafter, physical removal removed about 99% of the gum cud. A follow-up cleaning with detergent or shampoo appeared necessary, however.

Example 3 Sticks of Wrigley Doublemint® brand chewing gum were chewed for ten minutes and the resulting gum cuds were adhered to a 100% cotton cloth. The gum cuds were then removed according to various methods. These methods were then evaluated by visual examination of the cloth subsequent to the removal of the gum cuds. The results of these evaluations were as follows:

(a) Physical removal was effective in removing only about 90% of the gum cud.

(b) Application of ice until the gum cud hardened followed by physical removal was effective in removing about 100% of the gum cud.

(c) Application of isopropyl alcohol followed by physical removal was effective in removing about 99% of the gum cud.

(d) Application of mineral oil followed by physical removal was effective in removing about 99% of the gum cud.

(e) Application of methyl acetyl ricinoleate followed by physical removal was effective in removing about 99% of the gum cud.

Example 4

Wrigley Hubba Bubba® brand bubble gum cuds were adhered to a 100% cotton cloth. Isopropyl alcohol and methyl acetyl ricinoleate were equally effective in removing the gum cuds. An aqueous soap solution was then applied to the cloth to remove oily residues.

Example 5

Hubba Bubba® cuds were adhered to unpainted cinder block. The methods described in Examples 1-4 were ineffective in removing the gum cuds apparently due to the penetration of the gum into the porous cinder block surface.

Example 6

Example 5 was repeated using a painted cinder block. Both isopropyl alcohol and methyl acetyl ricinoleate were effective in removing 100% of the gum cud.

Example 7

A Hubba Bubba® cud was adhered to a cement floor and allowed to set for an extended period. Methyl

acetyl ricinoleate was effective in removing 100% of the gum cud.

As the above examples demonstrate, compositions containing ricinoleate derivatives are at least as effective is removing chewing gum adhered to a surface as isopropyl alcohol without the undesirable flammability properties associated with isopropyl alcohol.