US5213581A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compositions and methods that introduce variations in color density into cellulosic fabrics, particularly indigo dyed denim
Assignee: Lanxess Corp
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Filing: 1992-06-15
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Granted: 1993-05-25
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Expires: 2012-06-15
Abstract
Abstract Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a "stone-washed", distressed or "used and abused" look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, "stone-washed" or "acid washed look" are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqueous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.
Inventors
- 👤 Lynne A. Olson
- 👤 Patricia M. Stanley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:18
CPC Classifications
C; C11; C11D; C11D3/00; C11D3/16; C11D3/38; C11D3/386; C11D3/38645; D; D06; D06P; D06P5/00; D06P5/13; D06P5/137; D06P5/15; D06P5/158; D06P1/00; D06P1/22; D06P1/228; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S8/00; Y10S8/916; Y10S8/918
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of forming, in new unsewn indigo dyed denim fabric or a newly manufactured garment made of indigo dyed denim fabric, localized areas of variation in color density through the removal of indigo dye that provide a stonewashed appearance, which method comprises: (a) contacting the unsewn fabric or the garment with an aqueous composition comprising: (i) a major proportion of water; (ii) an effective amount of a cellulase enzyme; (iii) an effective amount of a solid inorganic composition selected from the group consisting of a carbonate, a phosphate, a tripolyphosphate, a silicate, a sulfate or mixtures thereof; and (iv) an effective amount of a buffer than can maintain the pH of the aqueous solution to about the optimum pH for enzyme activity; wherein the enzyme and the inorganic composition are used at a concentration effective to introduce into the surface of dyed cellulosic fabrics the local areas of variation in color density.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of forming, in new unsewn indigo dyed denim fabric or a newly manufactured garment made of indigo dyed denim fabric, localized areas of variation in color density through the removal of indigo dye that provide a stonewashed appearance, which method comprises: (a) contacting the unsewn fabric or the garment with an aqueous composition comprising: (i) a major proportion of water; (ii) an effective amount of a cellulase enzyme; (iii) an effective amount of a solid inorganic composition selected from the group consisting of a carbonate, a phosphate, a tripolyphosphate, a silicate, a sulfate or mixtures thereof; and (iv) an effective amount of a buffer than can maintain the pH of the aqueous solution to about the optimum pH for enzyme activity; wherein the enzyme and the inorganic composition are used at a concentration effective to introduce into the surface of dyed cellulosic fabrics the local areas of variation in color density.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solid inorganic composition comprises a salt made from an alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal, aluminum or mixtures thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the inorganic material comprises a silicate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the silicate comprises a sodium-potassium-aluminum silicate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solid inorganic composition comprises a granule.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the sodium-potassium-aluminum silicate comprises a granule.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solid inorganic composition comprises a pellet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the sodium-potassium-aluminum silicate comprises a pellet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the granule contains cellulase enzyme.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the pellet contains cellulase enzyme.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the cellulase enzyme and the buffer are combined into a buffered cellulase enzyme composition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-24 | 1996-11-23 | 1997-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-24 | 2000-11-23 | 2001-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-24 | 2004-11-23 | 2005-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |