US4801636A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rinse soluble polymer film composition for wash additives
Assignee: Clorox Co
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Filing: 1987-03-24
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Granted: 1989-01-31
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Expires: 2007-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A polymeric film material for the rinse release of wash additives comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and an alkyl cellulose. A metalloid oxide cross-linking agent is present in an amount sufficient to sharply reduce the solubility rate of the film blend in an alkaline wash, yet allow dissolution in a less alkaline rinse. Optionally, a hydrophobic cationic species is included to further reduce the dissolution rate in the wash pH. The films remain intact during normal wash cycles and over a range of typical water temperatures, then rapidly dissolve in the rinse. The film can be used to microencapsulate an additive, or made into a water-soluble pouch, or as a soluble seal for a pouch or container.
Inventors
- 👤 William L. Smith
- 👤 Edward J. Kaufmann
- 👤 Barry A. Sudbury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:21
CPC Classifications
C; C11; C11D; C11D17/00; C11D17/0039; C11D17/04; C11D17/041; C11D17/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A polymeric film material comprising (a) a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol, having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 g/mole and a degree of hydrolysis between about 70 and 98% with an alkyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 g/mole, the PVA and alkyl cellulose being present in a ratio of from about 1:5 to 5:1; and (b) a cross-linking agent, comprising a metal-containing anion having at least two oxygen ligands available and capable of reacting or complexing with hydroxy groups, present in an amount sufficient to substantially insolubilize the film in a first solution having a first pH yet to allow the dissolution thereof in a second solution having a second pH, said second pH being less alkaline than said first pH.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A polymeric film material comprising (a) a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol, having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 g/mole and a degree of hydrolysis between about 70 and 98% with an alkyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 10,000 g/mole, the PVA and alkyl cellulose being present in a ratio of from about 1:5 to 5:1; and (b) a cross-linking agent, comprising a metal-containing anion having at least two oxygen ligands available and capable of reacting or complexing with hydroxy groups, present in an amount sufficient to substantially insolubilize the film in a first solution having a first pH yet to allow the dissolution thereof in a second solution having a second pH, said second pH being less alkaline than said first pH.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The film material of claim 1 wherein said first solution is a wash solution and said second solution is a rinse solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The film material of claim 1 wherein the cross-linking agent is selected from the group consisting of boric acid, telluric acid, arsenic acid, precursors thereof, phenyl derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The film material of claim 1 and further including a hydrophobic cationic species, present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 5 wt.%.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The film material of claim 4 wherein the hydrophobic cationic species is a quaternary ammonium compound having both a fabric softening effect and a film dissolution-rate reducing effect.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The film material of claim 1 wherein the alkyl group of the alkyl cellulose is primarily methyl.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-01-31 | 1992-08-01 | 1993-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-01-31 | 1996-08-01 | 1997-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-01-31 | 2000-08-01 | 2001-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |