WO2012031335A1

WO2012031335A1 - Delivery of fabric care products

Info

Publication number: WO2012031335A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey D. Edwards
Original assignee: International Scientific Pty Ltd
Current assignee: International Scientific Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-10
Filing date: 2011-09-12
Publication date: 2012-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2013-03-10
Also published as: AU2011301155B2; AU2011301155A1

Abstract

A method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following step: (a) applying an active agent between a fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface.

Description

Delivery of Fabric Care Products

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhanced delivery of substances (such as active substances, detergents, cleaners, bleaches, dyes, fragrances, conditioners, dyes, colourants or polishes) to non-biological surfaces by application of magnetic fields having distinctive, complex characteristics when such magnetic fields are stationary or in motion.

Background Art

The delivery of active agents to surfaces must occur in sufficient amounts to allow the agent to achieve its purpose. However it can be difficult to achieve sufficient delivery of agents to a wide variety of non-biological surfaces due to difficulties in maintaining sufficient concentration in the operational environment and to permeability barrier effect of many target surfaces.

Furthermore, there is a general push, due to economic, health-related and environmental reasons, to use less of many active agents in a given composition. This provides further problems in relation to the delivery of active agents, as there may not be a sufficient concentration gradient to allow the active agent to diffuse effectively and to penetrate or partition into or onto the surface.

Chemical penetration enhancers can facilitate changes in barrier permeability. However, the use of chemical penetration enhancers can be problematic due to unknown interaction with the active agent and the potential for adverse side effects such as unwanted interactions with the cosmetic and/or functional properties of barriers (eg discoloration or degradation of fabrics).

Other techniques to create mobility and/or direction in the movement of active agent(s) such as magnetokinetics and magnetophoresis are possible, however they have been difficult to implement due to poor performance, high hardware and energy requirements, and cost. There is therefore a need for methods to enhance the availability, diffusion characteristic and penetration of active agents into surfaces using physical technologies which can replace or at least compliment the previously known chemical and physical penetration enhancers. The present invention seeks to provide an improved delivery process for active agents that have a cosmetic, anti-biological (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antifungal, anti-parasitic, insectickJal etc), detergent, cleaning, bleaching, dying, fragrancing, conditioning or polishing activity, in a manner which increases the penetration of these agents into non-biological surfaces such as fabrics. The previous discussion of the background art was intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following step:

(a) applying an active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following steps: (a) applying an active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface; and

(b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic flux in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following steps:

(a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following steps:

(a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements (b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic field and alternating magnetic gradients in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement. According to a form of the invention the method of the invention provides a means for driving the passage of active agent(s) across a fabric surface such as woven materials (eg those woven from natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen, hemp; man-made or those woven from artificial fibres such as polyester, rayon, nylon, carbon fibre, spandex), plastic films, leather (including suede, patent leather, rawhide, chamois leather, slink, nubuck etc), artificial leathers (such as bonded leather and micro-suede). The method may be enhanced by the additional step of pairing the device with a chemical penetration enhancer that operates either in conjunction with, or in parallel with, the device, to promote the passage of active agents through the fabric surface.

During performance of the method of the invention, the active agent(s) or a formulation including the active agent(s) is placed between the device and the fabric surface.

According to a particular form of the invention, the device is in the form of a brush. The pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be incorporated into the brush in the form of: a sheet within the head of the brush (either immediately below the bristles, distal to the head of the brush from the bristles or forming one surface of a brush which does not have any bristles); the bristles of the brush themselves; panels of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements which replace the traditional bristles; balls or domes which cap the ends of the bristles.

In another a form of the invention the device is formed as a pad comprising a sheet of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, a flexible or rigid backing panel and a handle.

Another form of the invention comprises a flexible membrane, such as a plastic film or woven piece of fabric, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are provided as a sheet adhered to one side of the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may comprise a flexible matrix within which the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are distributed. ln another form of the invention, the device may comprise a roller or surface applicator or pen device wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are located in the roller, nib or applicator surface.

The active agent may be applied to some, or all, of the device prior to applying (for example by rubbing or moving) the device to the fabric surface, or the active agent may be applied directly to the fabric surface prior to use of the device or integrated with the device to create a dispensing form of the present invention. .

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the ensuing description, which proceeds with reference to the following illustrative drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a representation of the nature of a pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements and the magnetic return, and various combinations and orientations of dipole pairs.

Figure 2 provides an example of a device according to the present invention which consists of two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements wherein the orientation of the second set is 90° to the orientation of the first set. Figure 3 provides an example of a device according to the present invention which consists of two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements wherein the orientation of the second set is 45° to the orientation of the first set.

Figure 4 is an example of a brush comprising the device of the invention, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are provided in a sheetlike arrangement within the head of the brush. Figure 5 is an example of a brush comprising the device of the present invention, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are in the form of a sheet, wherein the brush is moved over the fabric surface without the need for bristles. Figure 6 is an example of a brush comprising the device of the invention, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are laminated to a handle body such that they replace the role of bristles.

Figure 7 is an example of a brush comprising the device of the invention, wherein the traditional monofilament bristles of the brush have been replaced with panels of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8 is an example of a brush comprising the device of the invention, wherein the bristles of the brush have been capped or terminated pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements in the form of balls or domes. Figure 9 is an example of a pad comprising a sheet of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements which is further provided with a flexible or rigid backing panel and a handle.

Figure 10 is an example of a flexible membrane, such as a plastic film or woven piece of fabric, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are provided as a sheet adhered to one side of the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may comprise a flexible matrix within which the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are distributed.

Figure 11 is a photograph of the fabric samples of Example 1 , showing the ball pen ink applied in lines to the fabric surface. Figure 12 is a graph showing the effect of applying either a stationary or moving magnetic field, generated using a sheet of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, on the penetration and effectiveness of a commercial pre- wash stain remover used to treat ink applied to a cotton fabric surface. The "Control" column is commercial pre-wash stain remover alone, the "Magnetic Array" column is commercial pre-wash stain remover in conjunction with a stationary magnetic field in accordance with the present invention, and the "Field in motion" column is commercial pre-wash stain remover in conjunction with a moving magnetic field in accordance with the present invention.

Description of the Invention

General

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, formulations and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features. Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. Any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (eg. size, displacement and field strength etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers, it is also noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised", "comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included", "including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting essentially of and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law, e.g., they allow for elements not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the invention.

Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Preferred embodiments

The inventor of the present invention has revealed that the penetration of an active agent into or onto a surface such as a woven or fabric surface can be enhanced by magnetic flux. The inventors of the present invention also reveal that certain arrangements of magnetic flux may induce thermal noise and other forms of molecular disorder, which act against such magnetic enhanced penetration. As a result only specific arrangements of magnetic elements, as disclosed by the present invention, permit the coexistence of diamagnetic repulsion enhanced diffusion of active ingredients and dielectric polarisation enhanced permeation changes.

Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following step:

(a) applying an active agent(s) between a fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipote pair distal to the fabric surface. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following steps:

(a) applying an active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface; and

(b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic flux in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising the following step:

(a) applying a active agent(s) between a fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements. ln accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following steps:

(a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements (b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic field and alternating magnetic gradients in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement.

The method of the present invention preferably provides for a means to enhance the penetration of a fabric care agent into a fabric surface.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that in general, increasing the magnetic flux beyond a certain limit does not lead to a continued increase in diamagnetic flow. Instead, above a certain level the increased magnetic flux instead leads to increased thermal noise and or other disordering processes that act contrary to diamagnetic repulsion induced diffusion enhancement. This thermal noise causes an increase in the random movement of molecules that overwhelms the diamagnetic repulsion effect created by the presence Of a magnetic field.

Furthermore, the effect of a traditional uniform magnetic or electro-magnetic field on the dielectric tissues of a fabric surface results in ionic polarization across the entire magnetic flux gradient rather than across adjacent regions. Polarization over such large distances limits the potential for enhanced micro fiuidic flow. However in the case of the present invention, the use of one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return creates dielectric polarisation in closely adjacent regions that act to enhance micrc-fluidic flow.

The present inventors have now identified that the utility of a magnetic field in enhanced delivery of active agents in fabric care applications can be increased not just by increasing the strength of an individual magnetic field, but also by taking advantage of the differences between the flux of two magnetic fields of alterative polarity and orientation. The present invention thus allows dielectric polarization to be used to increase the permeability of fabric surfaces (such as fabric threads, leathers or · plastic sheets) in conjunction with the use of diamagnetic repulsion to enhance diffusion of active agents across barriers in such a manner that one effect does not negate the benefit of the other.

The inventors of the present invention believe that increasing the utility of the magnetic flux in this manner has a number of advantageous effects, it is known that increasing the magnetic flux increases the diamagnetic repulsion of the active agent away from the magnetic source and towards the target fabric surface. This is a feature of diamagnetic susceptibility and is related to the paired electrons of diamagnetic molecules being repeNed by magnetic fields. In this way, diamagnetic repulsion provides a means of adding directionality and mobility to molecules during diffusion. The inventors further believe that that dielectric polarization of ionic species in target barriers could act to enhance penetration of active agents through induced osmotic and ionic effects. The inventors also believe that the increased flux, particularly perpendicular magnetic flux between two opposite poles, temporarily modifies or alters the barrier function and permeability, changing the microfluidic flow without permanently changing the physical structure of the surface.

However, the inventors of the present invention also believe that the diamagnetic repulsive effects of traditional uniform magnetic and electromagnetic fields tend to act contrary to the dielectric polarisation and therefore tend to cancel any benefit. The inventors of the present invention thus believe that the present invention, comprising various arrangements of displaced dipolar magnetic pairs, allows diamagnetic repulsion to be maintained in the presence of dielectric polarization, thus providing an effective means of influencing molecular movement and permeation enhancements of barriers during the delivery of active agents.

This can be achieved by:

(a) juxtaposing two or more magnetic fields generated by one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return to achieve a spatially varying gradient of magnetic flux; (b) moving two or more magnetic fields generated by one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return over a fixed point to achieve a temporally varying gradient of magnetic flux, or

(c) a combination of (a) and (b).

Each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements of the present invention may, for the purposes of visualisation, be thought of in terms of a single traditional rod dipolar magnetic that is cleaved or broken around its central point and the two resulting sections rotated through 180° and brought together such that the opposite poles are adjacent (see, for example, Figure 1). The magnetic return is used to integrate the magnetic fields at the point of cleavage. The result is a dipolar pair, displaced horizontally so as to provide both a perpendicular and a horizontal magnetic flux gradient.

In each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, each individual dipole provides diamagnetic repulsion to the active agents that are to be transported across the fabric surface, whilst the horizontal flux between each dipole pair acts to polarize the dielectric properties of the fabric surface (such as fabric threads, leathers or plastic sheets), inducing permeation changes.

The device of the present invention may comprise one pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, or may preferably comprise a number of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements. For example, Figure 1 shows a variety of arrangements of dipole pairs, arranged in rows or grids. The terms "pair" and "pairs' are used variously in the present specification, and reference to a single pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be taken to also refer to multiple pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements.

The polarity of one pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be in the same orientation as that of the neighbouring pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements (i.e. the series may comprise [NS][NS][NS]) or may be in the opposite orientation (i.e. the series may comprise [NS][SN][NS]) (see Figure 1). There is also provided by the present invention use of a magnetic device for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising:

There is further provided use of a magnetic device for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising:

In addition, there is provided use of a magnetic device for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising: (a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements.

Finally, there is provided use of a magnetic device for the delivery of a fabric care active agent(s) comprising: (a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements

(b) moving in a reciprocal, rotational or orbital manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic field and alternating magnetic gradients in response to said reciprocal, rotational or orbital movement.

Preferably the uses provided above allow the improved and increased penetration of the active agents into the fabric surface. Most preferably, such improved and increased penetration of the active agents leads to improved action of the active agent (s), which in turn leads to improved effectiveness of the active agent on the fabric. For example, use of the present invention to increase the penetration of fabric dye into fabric threads may lead to an improvement in the intensity of the colour and decreased use of fabric dyes (due to both a need for less dye to achieve the same results and deeper penetration resulting in a longer lasting colour change), or use of the invention to increase the penetration of disinfectants into fabric surfaces may lead to more effective sterilization of fabrics and use of less active agent due to the need for less disinfectant to achieve the same effect.

A magnetic return according to the present invention is a member that is adjacent to one surface of each of the members of the dipolar pair, passing from the positive polar surface of one of the pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements to the negative polar surface of the other member of the pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements wherein the magnetic return integrates the magnetic fields on those surfaces and reduces or eliminates the magnetic flux on those surfaces. The magnetic return may extend further to unite one set of dipole pairs with another set of dipole pairs, or a larger group of dipole pairs. The magnetic return is preferably located on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the biological surface to which the magnetic fields are desired to be applied.

The magnetic return can be composed of any material that is magnetically conductive. Preferably, the material is a ferromagnetic material such as an iron compound (e.g. a ferrite such as barium ferrite, magnetite, or mild steel), a cobalt material, a strontium material, a barium material or a nickel material. The material may have a metalloid component such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus or aluminium. Rare earth material such as neodymium or samarium may also be used. The magnetic return preferably links the pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements by covering all or at least some of one polar surface of the first magnet of the pair, and all or at least some of the opposite polar surface of the second magnet of the pair.

The device may also comprise a housing for the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements. Preferably, the housing does not interfere with the generated magnetic fields.

T e movement described herein may be either through manual operation or through mechanical means. Where the movement is delivered through manual operation (ie through normal consumer actions such as brushing or scrubbing) is used to mobilize the magnetic device the frequency will be in the order of 1 Hz to 5 Hz. In such cases, the strength of the magnet field produced by each element of the magnet array should be between about 100 and 500 Gauss. In the alternate, where movement is delivered through mechanical or electrical means (such as in the form of a electrical brush like an electrical tooth brush) the oscillation should be in the order of approximately 100 and 8,000 Hz with a magnet flux of between about 100 and 1000 Gauss.

As used herein, rotational includes movement in an arc-like, semi-circular, circular or orbital manner. In a particular form of the invention the magnetic device includes a means for moving the magnetic device over the fabric surface. Such a means will include any mechanism, electronic or mechanical, adapted for reciprocal or rotational movement of the magnetic material. For example, the magnetic material may be associated with a drive mechanism that is capable of reciprocal movement. According to the invention, magnetic materials include, without limitation: a. arrangements where individual segments or sections of magnetized ferromagnetic materials are assembled in the configuration described herein; and b. arrangements where magnetic particles or elements are disposed in a solid or semi-solid matrix or base and the required magnetic pattern is impressed upon the ferromagnetic particles.

The present invention may be constructed using a range of magnetic materials exhibiting ferromagnetic properties. Such materials may include Iron, Strontium, Barium, Cobalt or Nickel with a metalloid component such as Boron, Carbon, Silicon, Phosphorus or Aluminium. Alternately, rare-earth materials such as Neodymium or Samarium-cobalt may also be used. Such ferromagnetic materials may be deployed as rigid elements within a device or encapsulated in a flexible matrix such as rubber or silicone. Generally, each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements of the present invention has a horizontal offset between centres of between 1 and 10 millimetres, preferably 3 and 7 millimetres. As a result, pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be disposed at a repetition rate of between 2 and 10 dipolar pairs per centimetre, more preferably 1.5 and 4 dipolar pairs per centimetre.

Preferably, the poles in a particular spatial region are between 1.0 mm to 10mm apart, more preferably, the poles are between 1.0 mm to 5.0mm apart.

In another aspect of the invention, the magnetic flux of each magnetic pole is between about 10 Gauss and about 1000 Gauss. Preferably, the flux of each pole is between about 100 Gauss to about 600 Gauss, most preferably about 125 to 450 Gauss.

In another aspect, the difference or delta flux between the magnetic flux of two adjacent poles of opposite polarity is between about 100 Gauss and about 2000 Gauss. More preferably, the difference between the magnetic flux of two adjacent poles of opposite polarity is between about 200 Gauss to about 1400 Gauss, most preferably about 200 to 900 Gauss.

When the magnetic device comprises at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, the orientation of the first set of dipolar pairs is preferably between about 1° and 90° relative to the second set of dipole pairs. Preferably, the degree of angular offset is at least 0°, more preferably at least 45°, most preferably between about 45° and 90°. Figures 2 and 3 provide examples of arrangements of sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements.

Such magnetic devices with at least two sets of pairs of displaced magnetic elements may have a different number of dipolar pairs disposed in the first set from that in the second set. For example, the first set of dipolar pairs may have two dipolar pairs per centimetre whilst the second set may have five dipolar pairs per centimetre.

Where a different number of dipolar pairs is used in each set of dipolar pairs in differing orientations, the magnetic fields w I be complex and exhibit different flux densities in each orientation, as the fields produced by the first set of dipolar pairs will sum with that of the second set of dipolar pairs at the points of constructive and destructive interference and by doing so provide a net field of higher magnetic strength, higher magnet flux and higher magnetic gradient, all of which will add to the utility of the present invention. The purpose of multiple intersection orientations is twofold:

(i) To accommodate non-linear movements either by users or by devices.

Then induction effect is reliant on the target barrier being influenced by an alternating field, which only happens when the device is tracked across the barrier at 90° to the alignment of the elements. To accommodate a circular motion, the arrays are aligned so to produce an AC like induction, irrespective of the direction of motion; and

(ii) To induce opposing charges in adjacent areas of the barrier so to produce streaming potentials to accommodate pathways that are not perpendicular to the field flux, such as vertical shunts or pathways. The device may further comprise more than two sets of dipolar pairs. The orientation of these further sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may align with the first set of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements and thus be angularly offset to the second set of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, or may align with the second set and thus be angularly offset to the first set of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements. Further orientations and arrangements of sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be provided which align with either the first or second sets of displaced dipolar magnetic elements. For example, a many layered device may be provided which comprises a number of orientation of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements stacked on top of each other, each one aligned in a different orientation to the array below (e.g. each set aligned perpendicular to the set below).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the target surface which comprises the fabric surface in relation to a fabric care product may be selected from the following list: woven materials (eg those woven from natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen, hemp, viscose rayon, lyocell, wool, angora, mohair, cashmere; those woven from man-made or artificial fibres such as polyester, nylon, carbon fibre, spandex, acetate rayon, acrylic), plastic films, leather (including suede, patent leather, rawhide, chamois leather, slink, nubuck etc), artificial leathers (such as bonded leather and micro-suede). In this form of the invention the device is preferentially adapted to deliver active agent(s) into the fabric, for example into the fabric fibres or into the epidermis, corium or flesh of a leather surface, if delivery is to be achieved into woven fabric and fabric fibres, the delivery may be into the spaces between the woven fibres, the spaces within the spun fibres or the interior of the individual fibres themselves. The fabric surfaces or fibres may have micro channels, apertures, pores etc through which active agents can be delivered (e.g. the epidermis of a leather fabric surface or the surface of an individual cotton or wool fibre).

According to a form of the invention the method of the invention provides a means for driving the passage of active agent(s) across the barrier formed by a target fabric surface. The method may be enhanced by the additional step of pairing the device with a chemical penetration enhancer that operates either in conjunction with, or in parallel with, the device to promote the passage of active agents through the fabric surface. The process of enhanced delivery by the present invention involves the utilization of magnetic principles to apply force upon active agent(s) in such a manner as to ensure that the force acting upon the agents is different from that acting upon the molecules of the vehicle, gel or solvent. As a result, another method of improving the utility of the invention is to select or chemically alter the diamagnetic sensitivity of the active agent or that of the vehicle, gel or solvent in which it is located with the view to enhancing the differences in diamagnetic sensitivity between the two entities. By way of example, the additional of a light ester such as phenxyethyl acrylate to a diethylaminoethyl acrylate polymer may act to increase the dimagnetic susceptibility of the polymer and by doing so increase the delivery of a diamagnetic target molecule from that vehicle, gel or solvent.

According to a particular form of the invention, the device is in the form of a brush. The pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements may be incorporated into the brush in the form of: a sheet within the head of the brush (either immediately below the bristles, distal to the head of the brush from the bristles or forming one surface of a brush which does not have any bristles); the bristles of the brush themselves; panels of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements which replace the traditional bristles; balls or domes which cap the ends of the bristles. The active agent may be located on some or all of the bristles or panels of the brush or applied separately to the fabric surface to which the brush is applied. Figures 4 to 8 provide examples of such brush forms.

In such a form the plurality of displaced dipolar magnetic pairs will act upon the active agent, enhancing diffusion of the active and enhancing delivery and availability at the fabric surface (such as the fibres of a fabric) whose permeability has been alter by the magnetic effects of the displaced dipolar magnetic pairs.

In another a form of the invention the device is formed as a pad comprising a sheet of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements, a flexible or rigid backing panel and a handle (see, for example, Figure 9). The pad device may be rubbed over the fabric, the movement of the pad comprising the magnetic component enhancing the penetration of the active agents in accordance with the method of the present invention. The active agent may be releasably contained within the pad, with the active agent(s) present within the pad, permeating the pad and being capable of diffusing out of the pad and penetrating the fabric surface. Alternatively, the active agents may be applied to the fabric surface prior to rubbing the pad over the fabric. Another form of the invention comprises a flexible membrane, such as a plastic film or woven piece of fabric, wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are provided as a sheet adhered to one side of the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may comprise a flexible matrix within which the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are distributed. The flexible membrane may be rubbed over the fabric surface. Figure 10 provides an example of such a device.

In another form of the invention, the device may comprise a roller applicator or pen device wherein the pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements are located in the roller or pen nib which can be moved or rubbed over the fabric surface to allow the active agent to penetrate. The active agent may be applied to the device prior to it being rubbed over the surface, or the active agent may be applied to the surface prior to the device being rubbed or moved over it.

The active agent(s) delivered by the device of the invention may cover the entire region of the contact zone between the device and the fabric surface or alternatively may be formed in islands therein.

Non-limiting examples of active agents which could be delivered using the method of the present invention to fabric surfaces include: a) Fabric and leather dyes: such as natural dyes including henna, indigo etc; artificial fabric dyes such as fibre reactive dyes (including dichlorotriazine, aminoflurotriazine, trichloropyrimidine or sulfatoethylsuifone), direct dyes, vat dyes, naphthol or azoic dyes, acid dyes (including levelling acid dyes, wash fast acid dyes, jacquard acid dyes, lanaset dyes), dispersed or transfer dyes; b) Bleaching agents: such as chlorine bleaches e.g. sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide; oxygen bleaches e.g. sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate; peroxide etc; c) Deodorizing agents: such as silver ions; sodium bicarbonate; essential oils (including lavender, rosemary, mint, rose); d) Disinfecting and antiseptic agents: such as chlorine bleaches e.g. sodium hypochlorite; silver ions; sodium bicarbonate; e) Stain removal agents and pre-wash agents; such as enzymes; detergents; oxygen bleaches; f) Perfuming agents: such as essential oils e.g. lavender, rosemary; g) Other agents: such as aloe vera; water-proofing agents such as silicon water-proofing agents, fluorocarbons or fluoropolymers, beeswax. The above list of active agent(s) may be applied in a controlled manner, using the method of the present invention. This list is not exhaustive. Preferably, any active agent(s) that can be delivered to a fabric surface can potentially be delivered using the present invention.

The active agent may be in the form of a gel, paste, liquid, thermo-reversible gel or paste, etc. For example, the active agent(s) may be in the form of stain removal gel or pre-wash spray.

While the active agent(s) may be provided and used alone with the device, in many situations the active agent will be included in a formulation either alone or in combination with one or more other active agents. The formulation employed in the delivery. rocess may include additives such as buffering agents, diluents or carriers. Any suitable buffer that is magnetically inert or neutral or which has a magnetic susceptibility that is either paramagnetic in nature or greater than that of the active agent(s) being delivered, may be used, e.g., tris or phosphate buffers. Other agents may be employed in the formulation for a variety of purposes. For example, preservatives, co-solvents, surfactants, oils, humectants, emollients, chelating agents, thickeners, oxidants, stabilizers or antioxidants may be employed. Water soluble preservatives which may be employed include, but are not limited to, benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, thimerosal, sodium bisulfate, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric nitrate, ethyl alcohol, methylparaben, polyvinyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol. A surfactant may be Tween 80. Other agents that may be used include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, poioxamers, carboxymethy) cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, purified water, etc. The active agents may be present in individual amounts of from about 0.001 to about 5% by weight and preferably about 0.01% to about 2% by weight. However, it is contemplated that the active agents may be present in individual amounts greater than this, for example up to 100%.

Suitable water soluble buffering agents that may be employed include sodium carbonate, sodium borate, sodium phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, etc. These agents may be present in amounts sufficient to maintain a pH of the system of between about 2 to about Θ, preferably about 4 to about 8, more preferably 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7 or 7.5 (or any pH in between). As such the buffering agent may be as much as about 5% on a weight to weight basis of the total formulation. Electrolytes such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and potassium chloride may also be included in the formulation where appropriate.

The active agents to be delivered using the device of the present invention may be provided in a matrix layer. If the active agent delivered by the device of the present invention is contained within a matrix, the matrix preferably allows the active agent to diffuse or exit the matrix in some manner and contact the fabric surface, perhaps by moving down the bristles of the brush to the fabric surface.

The matrix is preferentially prepared from a polymer or copolymer prepared from e.g., polyisobutyiene, ester of polyvinyl alcohol, polyacryiic and polymethacrylic acid esters, natural rubber, polymers of styrene, isoprene, and styrene-butadiene or silicone polymers, resin components, such as, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon resins, derivatives of abietyl alcohol and of beta-pinene, plasticizers, such as phthalic acid esters, triglycerides and fatty acids, as well as a series of other substances known to those skilled in the art. Matrix polymers that might be used in the invention include compounds such as polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, poly lactic acid, polyanhydrides, polylactide- co-glycolides, polyamino acids, polyethylene oxide, acrylic terminated polyethylene oxide, polyamides, polyethylenes, polyacrylonitriles, polyphosphazenes, poly(ortho esters), sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), and other polymers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,667,371 ; 6,6 3,355; 6,596,296; 6,413,536; 5,968,543; 4,079,038; 4,093,709; 4,131 ,648; 4,138,344; 4,180,646; 4,304,767; 4,946,931 , each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The matrix containing the active agents may also be prepared from thermosetting polymers such as tetra-substituted ethylene diamine block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (e.g., poloxamine); polycarbophil; and polysaccharides such as gellan, carrageenan (e.g., kappa-carrageenan and iota-carrageenan), chitosan and alginate gums. The matrix may also be a hydrogel, being a gel prepared with hydrophilic polymers, and these materials are well known in the art. Examples of hydrophilic polymers useful for the preparation of hydrogels are polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol), polyethylene oxide), poly(ethylene imine), carboxy-methyicellulose, methylcellulose, poly(acrylamide sulphonic acid), polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone), agar, dextran, dextrin, carrageenan, xanthan, and guar. The preferred hydrogels are acrylates and may be, for example, preferably made from acrylic esters of quatemary chlorides and/or sulfates or acrylic amides of quatemary chlorides; polymers of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,685, incorporated herein by reference. The hydrophilic polymers will generally constitute from about 1 to about 70%, preferably about 5 to about 60%, more preferably about 10 to about 50%, by weight of the hydrogel.

In a highly preferred form of the invention, a topical formulation for delivery to a subject is prepared by selecting a desired amount of active agent. The agent is then preferably placed in a suitable delivery matrix. The amount of the active agent to be administered and the concentration of the compound formulation depends upon the diluent, delivery system or device selected, the nature of the fabric and the stability of the active agent in the matrix.

Non-limiting illustration of the Invention Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following non-limiting Examples. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad description of the invention as set out above.

Example 1 Example 1 was a study designed to evaluate the release of an embedded stain to an absorbent body from a source fabric.

• Methodology

Fabric sections were stained with red ball point pen ink in 3 lines, with each line containing a predetermined amount of ink (see Figure 1 1). The stains were then dampened with water. Each fabric piece was allocated as one of 3 groups, being A (commercial pre-wash stain remover), A+FIM (commercial pre-wash stain remover plus the magnetic field of the present invention) and P (passive control).

Group A

Group A was treated with 1.5 grams of commercial pre-wash spray in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and subjected to mechanical rubbing using a flat passive device at a frequency of 1 Hz.

Group A+FIM

Group A+FIM was treated with 1.5 grams of commercial pre-wash spray in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and subjected to rubbing using a flat device containing the present invention at a frequency of 1 Hz.

Group P Group P was treated with 1.5 grams of water and subjected to mechanical rubbing using a flat passive device at a frequency of 1 Hz.

All groups were placed on a section of absorbent paper and sandwiched between sections of plastic to avoid evaporative loss and to eliminate any physical contact with the rubbing devices and the fabric.

All three groups were rubbed using the same frequency and pressure. Groups A and P were not exposed to a magnetic field while group A+FIM were exposed to an oscillating magnetic flux provided by rubbing the device of the present invention over the fabric surface. · Results

Examination of the strain transfer onto the absorbent paper by optical photography and histographic analysis and colour transfer, as illustrated in Figure 12, reveal that:

Group A: achieved 208 au units of colour transfer in the magenta spectrum. Group A+FIM: achieved 213.8 au units of colour transfer in the magenta spectrum.

Group P: achieved 189 au Units of colour transfer in the magenta spectrum.

In conclusion, a commercial pre-wash spray achieved a 19 au enhancement in stain release compared to cleaning with warm water alone. However, use of the present invention in combination with the stain remover enhanced stain release by 24.8 au, which is equal to a 30% increase in strain release by the use of the present invention.

Example 2

Example 2 was a study designed to evaluate the release of embedded strain from a fabric and into the washing water solution. • Methodology

Unbleached pure cotton disks of 20mm diameter were stamped and weight to ensure uniformity of samples. Cotton disks were then soaked in Parker Quink bottled fountain pen ink (black) for 10 minutes and allowed to dry at room temperature.

Cotton Disks were divided into 3 groups with 10 samples in each group. All samples were treated with 1 drop of commercial liquid p re-wash agent, sufficient to saturate the disk without run off or residue, and placed between two sheets of polyethylene sheeting to avoid evaporative loss. All groups were treated for 3 minutes.

The passive or control group received no additional treatment.

The Magnetic Array Group samples were completely covered with a section of magnetic array made up of a linear array of displaced magnetic elements of 450 gauss peak magnetic flux displaced in the horizontal plane by 6 mm. The Field in Motion Group samples were subjected to a magnetic field produced by a section of linear array of displaced magnetic elements of 450 gauss peak magnetic flux displaced in the horizontal plane by 6 mm when moved in a backward and forward motion over the sampled sections at a frequency of 3 Hz. After 3 minutes of treatment in accordance with the groups, each sample was placed in measured amount of water at 28°C and agitated for 1 minute. Cloth samples were then removed and the wash liquid was placed in a vacuum to remove any air bubbles. The wash liquid was then subjected to UV spectrography at 400nm to evaluate ink content.

• Results The amount of stain released into the washing liquid was determined by UV spectrograph at 400nm. In accordance with the Beer Lambard Law, absorption units were taken to be a linear representation of stain concentration. Control - The average absorption was 0.275 absorption units.

Magnetic Array- the average absorption was 0.321 absorption units.

Field in Motion - The average absorption was 0.363 absorption units.

These results suggest that a magnetic array as disclosed in the present invention increases the efficiency of penetration of the commercial pre-wash agent by approximately 17% over the agent alone.

The results also suggest that combining the same magnetic array form with motion further enhanced efficiency by almost double, to achieve a total improvement of 32% over the action of the pre-wash agent alone.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

1. A method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following step:

(a) applying an active agent between a fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface.

2. A method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following steps: (a) applying an active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface; and

3. A method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following step: (a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements.

4. A method for the delivery of a fabric care active agent comprising the following steps: (a) applying a active agent(s) between a target fabric surface and a magnetic device comprising at least two sets of pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the fabric surface and wherein the alignment of the first set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is angularly offset relative to the alignment of the second set of displaced dipolar magnetic elements

(b) moving in a reciprocal or rotational manner the magnetic device so that active agents in proximity to said device will be subject to alternating polarities of magnetic field and alternating magnetic gradients in response to said reciprocal or rotational movement.

5. A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the magnetic device includes an electronic or mechanical means for moving the magnetic device over the fabric.

6. A method according to claims 2 or 4 wherein the movement of the magnetic device has an oscillation frequency of approximately 1 Hz to 5 Hz and the strength of the magnet field produced by each element of the magnet array is between about 100 and 500 Gauss.

7. The method according to claims 2 or 4 wherein the movement of the magnetic device has an oscillation frequency of approximately 100 and 8,000 Hz and the strength of the magnet field produced by each element of the magnet array is between about 100 and 1000 Gauss.

8. A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements has a horizontal offset between centres of between 1 and 10 millimetres.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements has a horizontal offset between centres of between 3 and 7 millimetres.

10. A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is disposed at a repetition rate of between 2 and 10 dipolar pairs per centimetre.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein each pair of displaced dipolar magnetic elements is disposed at a repetition rate of between 1.5 and 4 dipolar pairs per centimetre.

12.A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the poles in a particular spatial region are between 1.0 mm to 10mm apart.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the poles in a particular spatial region are between .0 mm to 5.0mm apart.

14.A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the magnetic flux of each magnetic pole is between about 10 Gauss and 1000 Gauss.

15Λ method according to claim 14 wherein the magnetic flux of each magnetic pole is between about 125 to 450 Gauss.

16.A method according to claim 1 or 3 wherein the delta flux between the magnetic flux of two adjacent poles of opposite polarity is between about 100 Gauss and 2000 Gauss.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the delta flux between the magnetic flux of two adjacent poles of opposite polarity is about 200 to 900 Gauss.

18. The method of claim 3 wherein the orientation of the first set of dipolar pairs is between about 1° and 90° relative to the second set of dipole pairs.

19.The method of claim 18 wherein the orientation of the first set of dipolar pairs is at least 45° relative to the second set of dipole pairs.

20.The method of claims 1 or 3 wherein the device is in the form of one of the following: brush, pad, roller applicator or pen device.

21.The method of claim 1 or 3 wherein the active agent is applied to the fabric prior to application of the magnetic device. 2.The method of claim 1 or 3 wherein the active agent is applied to the magnetic device prior to application of the magnetic device to the fabric.