INSTANT STAIN REMOVING DEVICE, FORMULATION AND ABSORBENT MEANS

Abstract

A device for applying stain formulation to a garment or article of clothing while it is being worn is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir with a valve assembly for dispensing an effective stain removal formulation directly to the stain, spot or mark. The device also includes a shell accommodating absorbent pads. After the stain removal formulation is applied, an absorbent pad is pressed and/or rubbed on the stain to lift and remove the stain and to absorb or wick excess fluid thereby reducing the amount of time the resulting wet spot takes to dry. Effective stain removing formulations for on-the-go use are also disclosed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an instant stain removing device equipped with an absorbent means in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the device shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective side sectional view of the valve assembly, reservoir and absorbent pad dispensing means shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a another perspective sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of a valve assembly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-7, particularly illustrating the valve assembly in an “on” or open position;

FIG. 9 is another partial sectional view the valve assembly shown in FIG. 8, particularly illustrating the valve assembly in an “off” or closed position;

FIG. 10 is a partially sectional view illustrating the ring of absorbent pads, shell and actuator for the device shown in FIGS. 1-9 and 12-13;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view illustrating the ring of absorbent pads, shell and actuator for the device shown in FIGS. 1-10 and 12-13;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of another valve assembly made in accordance with this disclosure, particularly illustrating the valve assembly in an “off” or closed position;

FIG. 13 is another partial sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 12, particularly illustrating the valve assembly in an “on” or open position; and

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an alternative stain treatment device;

FIG. 15 is a plan and partial exploded view of yet another stain treatment device that includes a cap or cover for the absorbent pads; and

FIG. 16 is a plan and partial exploded view of yet another stain treatment device that includes a cap or cover for the absorbent pads.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein and further that the devices disclosed herein can be used to apply fluids other than stain treatment fluids.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary applicator or device for applying a stain treatment formulation to fabric or an article of clothing is illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, with one type of valve assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6-9 and a second type of valve assembly illustrated in FIGS. 12-13. A third type of valve assembly and a structurally different embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14 and two types of end caps or covers for the absorbent pads are illustrated in FIGS. 15-16.

Turning first to FIG. 1, the applicator device 10 includes an outer housing 11 that, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, comprises two molded and mating halves or half-shells 13, 14. It may be desirable to detachably connected the half-shells 13, 14 together to replace the fluid reservoir 41 and/or absorbent pads 33 as discussed below in connection with FIG. 4. Returning to FIG. 1, the applicator 10 also includes a throttle element 15 which forms part of a valve assembly described below, a flexible wall 16 of the reservoir 41 for delivering stain treatment fluid, and an actuator 17 for delivering an absorbent pad 18 through an opening in the shell or housing 11.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the throttle element 15 includes an exit orifice 21 through which fluid is delivered when the valve assembly is moved to an open, on or dispense position as described below. As also described below, three types of valve assemblies are provided. The first type of valve assembly described in FIGS. 4 and 6-9 includes a throttle element 15 that rotates in either direction as indicated by the arrow 22 shown in FIG. 1. A second valve assembly provides a different throttle element design that requires axial movement of the throttle element as indicated by the arrow 23 shown in FIG. 1 and described below in connection with FIGS. 12-13. Another valve assembly that utilizes axial movement is described in FIG. 14.

In general, when a stain, mark or spill is to be treated, the throttle element 15 of the applicator 10 is opened and stain treatment fluid is delivered through the exit orifice 21 (FIGS. 1-2) to the clothing or fabric 25 to be treated (FIG. 3). Then, the applicator device 10 is rotated and the pad 18 is applied to the moistened area 26 to not only work the stain treatment fluid into the stain but also to absorb excess fluid and reduce the amount of the time required for the wet spot to dry. As seen in FIG. 3, the pad 18 extends outward through an open end or opening 27 in the housing or shell 11. As seen in FIG. 2, helpful indicia are provided at either side of the rotating-type throttle element 15. As seen in FIG. 1, the indicia 28 indicating that the throttle element 15 is in the open position is disposed along the same side as the flexible wall or pump 16 and actuator 17. The same configuration is shown in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, the closed indicia 29 is disposed on the opposite side of the housing 11 from the actuator 17 so as to not cause any confusion.

Turning to FIG. 4, the housing or shell includes a top portion 14 with an opening 31 for accommodating the actuator 17. The actuator 17 includes an upwardly protruding thumb or finger grip 32 to facilitate the rotation of the actuator 17 and the ring 33 of absorbent pads 18. The ring 33 of pads 18 maybe integrally formed as shown in FIG. 4 or may include a ring-shaped frame with separate pads 18 mounted thereon. The shell half 14 includes downwardly extending pegs 34 that mate with openings 35 on the lower shell half 13. The actuator 17 also includes downwardly extending pegs 36 that ride along in the track 37 formed in the lower shell half 13. The lower pegs 36 include a triangular-shaped cross-section and are accommodated between the pads 18 as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 4. The ring 33 of pads 18 fits within the wall 38 of the lower shell half 13. A frictional/mateable engagement occurs between the cylinder 51 of the actuator 17 and the inner surface 52 of the absorbent pad ring 33.

The fluid reservoir is shown at 41 and includes a built-in pump 16 or flexible wall. The indicia 42 makes it clear to the user which direction the fluid will flow when the applicator 10 is moved to the open position. The reservoir 41 is fabricated from a flexible material and includes an open end 43 which receives a restrictive flow element 45 that, with the throttle element 15 forms a valve assembly. Preferably, the reservoir 41 is translucent or clear so the user is aware of how much stain treatment fluid remains in the reservoir 41.

The restrictive flow element 45 and throttle element 15 will be described in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 6-10. Finally, in connection with FIG. 4, the cylindrical wall 46 disposed on the lower shell half 13 includes a plurality of recesses 47 that interact with the actuator 17 to provide a clicking sound to ensure the user that one of the pads 18 is centrally disposed within the opening 27.

Turning to FIG. 5, a bottom view of the applicator 10 is shown whereby the actuator 17 has been rotated so that a single pad 18 is centrally located within the opening 27 formed by the lower and upper shell halves 13, 14 respectively. Also shown in FIG. 5 is a lower pumping element or flexible wall 49 to complement the action of the upper pumping element or flexible wall 16.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the downwardly extending pegs 36 of the actuator 17 frictionally engage the upwardly extending cylindrical wall 46 mounted on the lower shell half 13. The downwardly extending cylindrical wall 52 of the actuator 17 is received within the wall 46 of the shell half 13 as shown. Frictional engagement between the wall 51 and the recesses 47 of the wall 46 (See FIG. 4) provide an audible clicking sound or a sensation to the thumb or finger to signal to the user that the pad 18 is centrally located within the opening 27 as explained in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 11. The area of the housing 11 accommodating the pads 18 can be referred to as the shell and the reservoir 41 can also be a part of the housing 11 but, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, and 14, the reservoir 41 is a separate, flexible element that, like the absorbent pad ring 33, can be replaceable.

FIG. 6 also illustrates a restrictive flow element 45 which is mateably received within the opening 43 of the reservoir 41. FIG. 6 also illustrates that the restrictive flow element 45 is mateably received within the throttle element 15. This relationship is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 7-9. Turning to FIG. 7, the restrictive flow element 45 is mateably received within the opening 43 of the reservoir 41. The outer annular barbs or ridges 53 enhance this frictional engagement and provide a sealing function as well. The restrictive flow element 45 includes a cylindrical portion 54 that terminates at a wall 55 of a solid end 56 but which has a through hole shown at 57. When the throttle 15 has been rotated to the open position as shown in FIG. 8, communication is established between the through hole 57 and the channel 58 opposite the solid structure 56. Thus, referring to the flow path shown by the line 61 of FIGS. 7-8, when the throttle 15 is in the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, pressure applied to the reservoir 41 will result in fluid migrating along the path 61, through the through hole 57, through the channel 58, through the connecting channel 59 and out the exit orifice 21 of the throttle element 15. Thus, in the open position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, communication between the through hole 57 of the restrictive flow element 45 and the connecting channel 59 of the restrictive flow element 45 is provided by the channel 58 of the throttle element 15.

However, to close the valve assembly 15/45, the throttle element 15 is rotated thereby rotating the channel 58 of the throttle element 15 out of communication with the connecting channel 59. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 9, the through hole 57 and the connecting channel 59 are isolated from one another and communication between reservoir 41 and exit orifice 21 is prevented. To reestablish communication, the throttle element 15 is rotated back to the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 whereby the channel 58 provides communication between the through hole 57 and connecting channel 59.

FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the downwardly extending cylindrical wall 51 of the actuator 17 and the upwardly extending cylindrical wall 46 of the lower shell 13. The wall 46 of the shell 13 includes recesses 47. The wall 51 of the actuator 17 includes complementary protuberances 62 which are received within the recesses and provide a clicking sound when they either enter or exit a recess 47, thereby signaling to the consumer that the pad 18 is centrally located within the opening 27. The protuberances 62 of the wall 51 are illustrated in greater detail in the exploded view of FIG. 11. FIG. 11 also illustrates the complimentary truncated triangle cross section of the downwardly extending pegs 36 which fit between the adjacent absorbent pads 18 of the pad ring 33. As also shown in FIG. 11, the actuator 17 includes an inner cylindrical wall 64 that is mateably received within the cylindrical wall 46 of the lower shell 13. Thus, the wall 46 of the shell 13 is sandwiched between the walls 64 and 51 of the actuator 17. The recesses shown at 65, 66 in the shells 13, 14 accommodate the pump elements 49, 16 of the reservoir 41 respectively.

Another valve assembly 15a/45a is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Instead of a rotating throttle member 15a, the throttle member 15a moves axially with respect to the restrictive flow element 45a. Specifically, the restrictive flow element 45a also includes a cylindrical section 54a that terminates at an end wall 55a (See FIG. 13). The restrictive flow element also includes a through hole 57a. The through hole 57a provides communication between the reservoir 41 and the exit orifice 21a when the throttle element 15a has been moved axially away from the reservoir 41 or downward from the perspective shown in FIG. 13. In the position shown in FIG. 13, the through hole 57a is in communication with the connecting passageway 59a which, in turn, is in communication with the exit orifice 21a as shown in FIG. 13. In the closed position shown in FIG. 12, the through hole 57a is covered by the body of the throttle element 15a thereby preventing communication through the restrictive flow element 45a.

Turning to FIG. 14, yet another device 10a is disclosed with differently configured half shells 13a, 14a which may be connected to the reservoir 41a by fasteners (not shown) extending through the through-holes 71 of the tabs 72 of the reservoir 41a and complementary holes, only one of which is shown at 73 in behalf shell 13a. In this embodiment, the reservoir 41a and absorbent pad ring 33 may be replaced with relative ease. A label is shown at 74.

FIG. 14 also discloses a different valve assembly which includes a throttle or tip 15b, a nozzle 75 which may be press-fit or permanently connected to the reservoir 41a, and a flow restrictor 76, typically fabricated from a polymer tubular material such as HDPE, one example of which is POREX®, having a 35 μm diameter flow path (not shown). The O-ring 77 provide to seal when the throttle or tip 15b is moved axially towards the reservoir 41a.

FIGS. 15-16 both show different styles of caps or covers 81a, 81b that may be employed for covering the absorbent pads 18. The cover 81a of the device 10b of FIG. 15 is equipped with a release handle 82 and release tab or catch 83 as well is a barbed leg 84. The cover 81b of the device 10c includes two nibs 85, 86 that simply snap into place as shown in FIG. 16.

Thus, at least three types of valve assemblies 15/45, 15a/45a, 15b/77/75/76 are shown and described in detail. A simple cap or cover for the reservoir 41 with a small or restrictive opening will also suffice. The first valve assembly 15/45 includes a rotating throttle element 15 and the second and third types of valve assemblies 15a/45a and 15b/77/75/76 include a throttle element 15a, 15b that moves axially with respect to the restrictive flow element or nozzle 45a, 75. However, other types of valve assemblies will be apparent to those skilled in the art as discussed above in the summary of the disclosure section.

The absorbent material 18 may be obtained from Filtrona Richmond, Inc. of Colonial Heights, Va. (http://www.filtronafibertec.com/BondedFiberComponents/). The fibers themselves may be fabricated from various polyesters, polypropylene, wool, polyolefins, cellulose acetates and other similar materials. Additional information regarding suitable fibers and absorbent pads may be obtained from the manufacturer. Polyester felt material has also been found to be useful and can be attained from a variety of different manufacturers.

The devices 10, 10a can be designed to be disposable or designed to have the reservoirs 41, 41a and/or the absorbent pad rings 33 replaceable.

Multi-purpose fluids are disclosed. Useful compositions are illustrated below in the following tables.

FORMULATIONS
		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	90–95	wt %
	Anionic Surfactant	sodium capryl	0–1	wt %
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0–1	wt %
		Sulfonate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0–1	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservative	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
	Bleach	Hydrogen	0–4	wt %
		Peroxide (35%)

Additional ingredients can be utilized, such as those illustrated in the following table:

	Chemical
Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
Solvent	Deionized water	89.32–96.82	wt %
Solvent	Ethyl Alcohol,	0–7.5	wt %
	anhydrous
Anionic Surfactant	STEPANOL WA-	0–2	wt %
	Extra PCK,
	sodium lauryl
	sulfate
Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0–0.2	wt %
	Sulfonate
Anionic Surfactant	Sodium capryl	0–0.2	wt %
	sulfonate (38%)
Nonionic surfactant	LUTENSOL AO8,	0–1	wt %
	O—X—O alcohol
	ethoxylate
Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0–0.2	wt %
	alcohols C12–15
Preservatives	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
pH Adjuster	Citric acid (50%)	0.08	wt %

Stepanol WA-Extra PCK is 28.95% sodium lauryl sulfate in water. Proxel GXL is a preservative. (EPA Registration No. 10182-30) manufactured by Zeneca AG Products, Inc.

Suitable exemplary formulations include but are not limited to:

EXAMPLE 1

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	99.3 wt %
	Anionic Surfactant	sodium capryl	0.2 wt %
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0.2 wt %
		Sulfonate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0.2 wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservative	PROXEL GXL	0.1 wt %
	pH		8.8

EXAMPLE 2

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	96.54 wt %
	Anionic Surfactant	sodium capryl	0.2 wt %
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0.2 wt %
		Sulfonate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0.2 wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Bleach	Hydrogen	2.86 wt %
		Peroxide (35%)
	pH		8.8

Additional examples include:

EXAMPLE 3

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	96.82 to	wt %
	Solvent	Ethyl Alcohol,	0	wt %
		anhydrous
	Anionic Surfactant	STEPANOL WA-	2	wt %
		Extra PCK,
		sodium lauryl
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0	wt %
		Sulfonate
	Anionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Anionic Suffactant	Sodium capryl	0	wt %
		sulfonate (38%)
	Nonionic surfactant	LUTENSOL AO8,	1	wt %
		O—X—O alcohol
		ethoxylate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservatives	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
	pH Adjuster	Citric acid (50%)	0.08	wt %
	Ph	6.5

EXAMPLE 4

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	89.32	wt %
	Solvent	Ethyl Alcohol,	7.5	wt %
		anhydrous
	Anionic Surfactant	STEPANOL WA-	2	wt %
		Extra PCK,
		sodium lauryl
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0	wt %
		Sulfonate
	Anionic Surfactant	Sodium capryl	0	wt %
		sulfonate (38%)
	Nonionic surfactant	LUTENSOL AO8,	1	wt %
		O—X—O alcohol
		ethoxylate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservatives	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
	pH Adjuster	Citric acid (50%)	0.08	wt %
	pH	6.4

EXAMPLE 5

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	91.8	wt %
	Solvent	Ethyl Alcohol,	7.5	wt %
		anhydrous
	Anionic Surfactant	STEPANOL WA-	0	wt %
		Extra PCK,
		sodium lauryl
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0.2	wt %
		Sulfonate
	Anionic Surfactant	Sodium capryl	0.2	wt %
		sulfonate (38%)
	Nonionic surfactant	LUTENSOL AO8,	0	wt %
		O—X—O alcohol
		ethoxylate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0.2	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservatives	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
	pH Adjuster	Citric acid (50%)	0	wt %

EXAMPLE 6

		Chemical
	Function/Description	Name/Trade Name	Amount
	Solvent	Deionized water	88.94	wt %
	Solvent	Ethyl Alcohol,	7.5	wt %
		anhydrous
	Anionic Surfactant	STEPANOL WA-	0	wt %
		Extra PCK,
		sodium lauryl
		sulfate
	Anionic Surfactant	Isopropylamine	0.2	wt %
		Sulfonate
	Anionic Surfactant	Sodium capryl	0.2	wt %
		sulfonate (38%)
	Nonionic surfactant	LUTENSOL AO8,	0	wt %
		O—X—O alcohol
		ethoxylate
	Nonionic Surfactant	Linear ethoxylated	0.2	wt %
		alcohols C12–15
	Preservatives	PROXEL GXL	0.1	wt %
	pH Adjuster	Citric acid (50%)	0	wt %
	Bleach/oxidant	Hydrogen	2.86	wt %
		peroxide (35%)

As the disclosed formulations are preferably for use “on-the-go,” is important to keep residues at a minimum as residues would be visible on darker fabrics. Most nonionic surfactants lead some sort of residue and therefore it is important to keep the nonionic surfactants 3 wt % and preferably below 2 wt % and preferably below 1 wt %. For more powerful cleaning capability, the anionic surfactant amounts can be increased shown above. Citric acid can be used as a pH adjuster and therefore can be used to relatively small amounts, less than 1 wt %.

Preferred multi-use formulations include a combination of surfactants, including a plurality of anionic surfactants. While only one nonionic surfactant as shown above, a plurality of nonionic surfactants may be incorporated as well. Regarding the anionic surfactants, it will be noted that only a single anionic surfactant is necessary but the above combination has proven to be quite effective. In larger quantities, citric acid can be used as a stain removing agent but, in this example, citric acid is used to lower the pH.

The anionic surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl amine sulfonate, sodium capryl sulfonate and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the anionic surfactants are provided in the form of a combination of sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl amine sulfonate, and sodium capryl sulfonate. Suitable anionic surfactants may further be selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates (AES) such as NaAES and NH₄AES, amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl sulfate surfactants may include branched-chain and random C₁₀-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates, and C₁₀-C₁₈ secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH₃(CH₂)_x(CHOSO₃M⁺)CH₃ and CH₃(CH₂)_y(CHOSO₃M⁺)CH₂CH₃ where x and (y+1) are integers of at least 7, preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, as well as unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate. Alkyl ethoxy sulfate (AES) surfactants used herein are conventionally depicted as having the formula R(EO)_xSO₃Z, wherein R is C₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl, (EO)_x is (CH₂CH₂O)_x, x is 1-10 and can include mixtures which are conventionally reported as averages, e.g., (EO)_2.5, (EO)_6.5 and the like, and Z is a cation such as sodium ammonium or magnesium (MgAES). The C₁₂-C₁₆ alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactants can also be used.

Nonionic surfactants should have a HLB value in the range of 9-17 and may include but are not limited to: the ethoxylated octylphenols; ethoxylated fatty alcohols, including the ethoxylated primary fatty alcohols; ethoxylated secondary fatty alcohols; ethoxylated nonylphenols; ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters; sorbitan fatty acid esters; linear ethoxylated ethoxylated alcohols; O—X—O alcohol ethoxylates; and mixtures thereof.

Optional chelating agents include but are not limited to: lactic acid; the salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid diammonium salt, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid trisodium salt, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid tetrapotassium salt, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid tetrammonium salt and the like; the salts of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid pentapotassium salt and the like; the salts of (N-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), such as (N-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediaminetriacetic acid trisodium salt, (N-hydroxyethyl) ethylene-diaminetriacetic acid tripotassium salt and the like; the salts of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), such as nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt, nitrilotriacetic acid tripotassium salt and the like; other chelating agents such as triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine and the like, and mixtures thereof. However, because of its low cost and effectiveness, the preferred chelating agent is citric acid.

To maintain the VOC level below the maximum allowed by certain federal and state regulations, if ethanol is used at all, the ethanol content should not exceed 7.5 wt %. D-limonene can also be used with water instead of or in combination with ethanol. The cumulative amount of anionic surfactants should not exceed 3 wt %. Only small amounts of anionic surfactant are necessary.

Other optional ingredients include limonene and greater amounts of citric acid. Small amounts of a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, may also be employed. While the above formulation works well without a chelating agent, chelating agents have been proven to be effective in many formulations and their inclusion is not discouraged.

Aqueous-Formulation for Everyday Stains:

	Function/Description	Chemical Name	Amount
	Nonionic surfactant		0.1–1 wt %
	Anionic surfactant		0.1–.75 wt. %
	Solvent	D-limonene	0.1–0.5 wt. %
	Chelating agents		0.1–0.5 wt. %
	Preservative
	Fragrance

Like the multiple-the use formulation disclosed above, the nonionic surfactant and anionic surfactant can be combinations of various Nonionic and anionic surfactants respectively. Instead of or in addition to ethanol as a solvent, D-limonene can be used as it is excellent cleaning properties. Chelating agents may also be employed.

Aqueous Formulation for Blood, Ink and Greasy Foods:

	Function/Description	Chemical Name	Amount
	Nonionic surfactant		0.1–2 wt %
	Anionic surfactant		0.1–.75 wt %
	Solvent	D-limonene	0.1–0.5 wt %
	Solvent	Alcohol (e.g. EtOH)	0.1–7.5 wt %
	Chelating agents		0.1–0.5 wt %
	Bleach (Hydrogen	Hydrogen Peroxide	0.1–1.5 wt %
	Peroxide
	Preservative
	Fragrance

Again, the primary difference between the above formulation and that for “everyday stains” is the inclusion of the bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An applicator for applying stain treatment fluid to fabric, comprising: a fluid reservoir in communication with a valve assembly, the fluid reservoir containing a stain treatment formulation, anda shell connected to the fluid reservoir for accommodating absorbent material, the shell comprising an opening through which absorbent material can extend,the valve assembly comprising an exit orifice.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the absorbent material comprises a ring with a plurality of outwardly extending pads, and wherein the ring may be rotated within the shell to expose at least one pad through the opening at a time.

3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the absorbent pads comprise matted fibers.

4. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the absorbent pads comprise polyester felt.

5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the valve assembly further comprises a restrictive flow element providing communication between the reservoir and a throttle element.

6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein relative movement between the restrictive flow element and throttle element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

7. The applicator of claim 5 wherein rotation of the throttle element with respect to the restrictive flow element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

8. The applicator of claim 5 wherein axial movement of the throttle element with respect to the restrictive flow element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

9. The applicator of claim 5 wherein one end of the restrictive flow element is mateably received within an opening in the reservoir and an opposing end of the restrictive flow element is mateably received within the throttle element.

10. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the reservoir is disposed between the shell and the restrictive flow element and the restrictive flow element is disposed between the reservoir and the throttle element.

11. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the stain treatment fluid comprises water,at least one anionic surfactant, andat least one nonionic surfactant.

12. The applicator of claim 11 wherein the least one anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl amine sulfonate, sodium capryl sulfonate and mixtures thereof.

13. The applicator of claim 11 wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an alcohol ethoxylate, a linear ethoxylated alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

14. The applicator of claim 12 wherein the stain treatment fluid further comprises a bleach.

15. The applicator of claim 14 wherein the bleaches hydrogen peroxide.

16. A fabric treatment application device comprising: a reservoir disposed between and connected to both a valve assembly and a shell,the reservoir containing a stain treatment formulation,the shell for accommodating absorbent material and an opening through which absorbent material can extend,the valve assembly comprising a restrictive flow element providing communication between the reservoir and a throttle element, the throttle element comprising an exit orifice,wherein relative movement between the restrictive flow element and throttle element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

17. The fabric treatment application device of claim 16 wherein rotation of the throttle element with respect to the restrictive flow element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

18. The fabric treatment application device of claim 16 wherein axial movement of the throttle element with respect to the restrictive flow element establishes or prevents communication between the reservoir and the exit orifice.

19. The fabric treatment application device of claim 14 wherein the absorbent material comprises a ring with a plurality of pads extending outwardly, wherein the ring may be rotated within the shell to expose at least one pad through the opening at a time.

20. A method for treating a stain, spot or mark on an article of clothing while the clothing is being worn, the method comprising: providing an applicator for applying stain treatment fluid to the clothing, the applicator comprising a reservoir of stain treatment fluid, a valve assembly connected to the reservoir and a shell comprising an opening, the shell accommodating a ring of absorbent pads connected to an actuator for rotating the ring of pads to move one of said pads into alignment with the opening of the shell;applying the stain treatment fluid to at least partially soak the clothing on and immediately around the stain, spot or mark;rotating the device and engaging the clothing and the solution applied to the clothing with said one of the pads in alignment with the opening in the shell; andwicking at least some of the solution from the clothing with said pad while transferring at least some of the stain to said pad.