METHOD FOR CLEANING TABLE TENNIS PADDLES

Abstract

 A method for cleaning a table tennis paddle, the table tennis paddle including a handle as well as a head having a playing surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of a composition to said head, said composition comprising an emollient, an anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, a preservative and water as a carrier.

A product for cleaning a table tennis paddle, the paddle having a handle as well as a head with a playing surface, the product comprising a wipe that is designed to be rubbed along said playing surface of said head, said wipe being pre-treated with a cleaning composition, the composition including an emollient, an anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, a preservative and water as a carrier, optionally wherein said wipe contains said composition at a saturation level of between about 100 and 300.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/673,517 filed May 18, 2018. This invention is directed to an improved product and method for cleaning table tennis paddles.

[0002] During a game of table tennis, the table tennis ball picks up dirt, grime, and oil from the hands of the players as well as from the table playing surface. These substances are then transferred to the table tennis paddles each time the ball comes in contact therewith. Collected dust and dirt on the paddles can weaken the natural tackiness along the rubber surface of the head, which can in turn lead to a decrease in the rubber's gripping ability. As can be appreciated, a well-maintained paddle head is vital so that the players can spin and control the ball during play. Therefore, the paddles should be cleaned at least once after each match in order to provide optimal performance.

[0003] Current solutions for cleaning most table tennis paddles are either detergents, rubber cleaning foams or sprays, or simply water that is applied by using a sponge. Typically, a player pumps a small amount of solution from a bottle and applies the solution to the paddle, rubs the surface and then wipes away dirt and grime with a separate cloth or sponge.

[0004] Ingredients in many detergents are often times harsh and can even be rather abrasive. The ingredients in these detergents can make the rubber dry out and become brittle over time, shortening the useful life of the paddle.

[0005] Further, a detergent solution or rubber cleaning foam is typically stored in a bottle, which is not easy to carry around or store.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved method and product for cleaning a table tennis paddle which overcomes the advantages described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an improved method and product for cleaning a table tennis paddle is provided. The product preferably comprises an individually wrapped wipe that is pre-treated with a unique cleaning formula. A table tennis player can easily clean his or her paddle with the wipe without having to apply water or a cleaning solution. In use, the wipe is removed from a storage packet, storage pouch or storage container, and applied to the paddle by gently rubbing it over the surface of the paddle, going with and against the surface texture of the paddle, in order to wipe away accumulated dirt, oil, and grime. After cleaning, the wipe is normally thrown away.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and product for cleaning a table tennis paddle.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a wipe that is designed for cleaning a table tennis paddle.

[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved formulation to be used in cleaning a table tennis paddle.

[0011] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] 

FIG. 1 is a front view of a storage packet for containing a wipe made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a wipe of the invention being removed from the packet depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the wipe of the invention after removal from the packet depicted in FIG. 1 and ready to be used;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the wipe of the invention being used to clean the head of a table tennis paddle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a flexible pouch for containing multiple wipes made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a single wipe of the invention being removed from the pouch depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the wipe of the invention that was removed from the pouch of FIG. 5 being used to clean the head of a table tennis paddle;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cylindrical container for housing multiple wipes made in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a single wipe of the invention being removed from the container depicted in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the wipe of the invention that was removed from the container of FIG. 8 being used to clean the head of a table tennis paddle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The cleaning formulation of the invention includes water, an emollient, an anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, and a preservative.

[0014] Water is included in the inventive formulation as a carrier and solvent for the other ingredients of the inventive formulation. It is present in the formulation in an amount between about 70 and 99 weight percent, preferably between about 80 and 99 weight percent, and most preferred between about 90 and 99 weight percent.

[0015] The emollient ingredient is included in the inventive formulation in order to produce a dry texture along the surface of the paddle head, thus eliminating slippage. It is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.1 and 10 weight percent, preferably between about 0.5 and 8 weight percent, and most preferred between about 1 and 5 weight percent. The preferred emollient is a mixture of undecane and tridecane sold under the name Cetiol Ultimate by BASF. Other emollients that are suitable for the inventive formulation include caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrolyzed jojoba ester, dicaprylyl carbonate, coco caprylate and cyclopentasiloxane.

[0016] The anionic surfactant is included in the inventive formulation as a mild cleaner. It is present in an amount between about 0.05 and 8 weight percent, preferably between about 0.1 and 5 weight percent, and most preferably between about 0.2 and 3 weight percent. The preferred anionic surfactant is a mixture of sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate and lauryl glucoside sold under the name Plantapon LGC SORB NA by BASF. Other surfactants include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, decyl glucoside, glyceryl oleate and cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0017] The chelating agent is included in the formulation in order to sequester metal ions. It is present in an amount between about 0.01 and 5 weight percent, preferably between about 0.05 and 3 weight percent, and most preferred between about 0.1 and 2 weight percent. The preferred chelating agent is tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate sold under the name Dissolvine GL-47-S by AkzoNobel. Other chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, disodium EDTA and tetra sodium EDTA.

[0018] The preservative ingredient is included in the inventive formulation in order to minimize the risk of product contamination. It is present in an amount between about 0.01 and 8 weight percent, preferably between about 0.03 and 5 weight percent, and most preferred between about 0.05 and 2 weight percent. The preferred preservative is a mixture of 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 3-lodo-2-propynyl Butyl Carbamate sold under the names TroyGuard CM 1.5 CF and TroyGuard IP06 by Troy Corporation.

[0019] Other suitable preservatives include 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and sodium benzoate.

[0020] In order to mask any odors, fragrance may optionally be added to the inventive formulation in an amount between about 0.05 and 3 weight percent, preferably between about 0.1 and 2 weight percent, and most preferred between about 0.2 and 1.5 weight percent. Suitable fragrances include floral, woody, spicy, and herbal fragrances.

[0021] A pH adjuster may optionally be added to the inventive formulation in an amount between about 0.001 and 5 weight percent, preferably between about 0.01 and 3 weight percent, and most preferred between about 0.03 and 2 weight percent. A preferred pH adjuster is citric acid sold under the name Citric Acid Anhy USP/FCC GPD by Norman & Fox. Other suitable pH adjusters include lactic acid, sodium citrate and sodium hydroxide.

[0022] The inventive product exhibits enhanced cleaning performance. Use of the inventive wipes prolongs the life of the table tennis paddle. The wipe of the invention is light and convenient to carry and to use when traveling.

[0023] The inventive product is easy to use; no extra water, sponge, or a mixing of chemicals is needed.

[0024] The inventive wipe is soaked at a saturation level of between about 100 and 300 percent, preferably between about 125 and 250 percent, and most preferred between about 150 and 225 percent. (weight of dry wipe x saturation = weight of formulation). Saturation level is determined by the amount of the formulation for cleaning that one wipe is able to hold without the excess formulation dripping.

[0025] Furthermore, the inventive wipe is preferably made from paper composed of 100% natural paper fiber (cellulose); no synthetic fiber is used. One or more chemicals may be added during the manufacturing process in order to enhance the strength of the paper.

[0026] In lieu of paper fiber, other substrate materials may be suitable for this inventive wipe. For example, the wipes of the invention may be made from 100% rayon fiber; such fibers are made from a viscous solution obtained by treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, or combined with 30% to 70% PET.

[0027] The optimal dimensions of the inventive wipe are six inches in length and five inches in width when unfolded. Alternatively, five inch square, six inch square, or eight inch by six inch rectangle can be used.

[0028] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, a single wipe 15 made in accordance with the invention is packaged in a storage packet 11. Packet 11 is scored at 13 so that it can be easily torn in order to remove wipe 15 from packet 11, as shown in FIG. 2. Once removed, wipe 15 is applied to head 31 of table tennis paddle 29, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to clean head 31.

[0029] In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, multiple wipes 15A made in accordance with the invention are packaged in a flexible pouch 17. Pouch 17 includes a removable seal 19 so that one or more wipes 15A can be removed from pouch 17, as shown in FIG. 6. Once removed, wipe 15A is applied to head 31A of table tennis paddle 29A, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to clean head 31A.

[0030] In a third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, multiple wipes 15B made in accordance with the invention are packaged in a cylindrical container 21. Container 21 includes a top 23 that may be pivotally rotated in order to expose a slot 25 through which one or more wipes 15B can be removed from container 21, as shown in FIG. 9. Once removed, wipe 15B is applied to head 31B of table tennis paddle 29B, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to clean head 31B.

[0031] The scope of the invention will now be set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a table tennis paddle, the table tennis paddle including a handle as well as a head having a playing surface, the method comprising applying an effective amount of a composition to said head, said composition comprising an emollient, an anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, a preservative and water as a carrier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition includes:

the emollient in an amount between about 0.1 and 10 weight percent;

the anionic surfactant in an amount between about 0.05 and 8 weight percent;

the chelating agent in an amount between about 0.01 and 5 weight percent;

the preservative in an amount between about 0.01 and 8 weight percent; and

water in an amount between about 70 and 99 weight percent.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition includes:

the emollient in an amount between about 0.5 and 8 weight percent;

the anionic surfactant in an amount between about 0.1 and 5 weight percent;

the chelating agent in an amount between about 0.05 and 3 weight percent;

the preservative in an amount between about 0.03 and 5 weight percent; and

water in an amount between about 80 and 99 weight percent.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition includes:

the emollient in an amount between about 1 and 5 weight percent;

the anionic surfactant in an amount between about 0.2 and 3 weight percent;

the chelating agent in an amount between about 0.1 and 2 weight percent;

the preservative in an amount between about 0.05 and 2 weight percent; and

water in an amount between about 90 and 99 weight percent.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition is applied to said table tennis paddle head by rubbing a wipe containing said composition along said playing surface of said paddle head, optionally wherein said wipe contains said composition at a saturation level of between about 100 and 300, and optionally wherein said wipe is made from natural paper fiber.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said emollient is selected from the group consisting of undecane, tridecane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrolyzed jojoba ester, dicaprylyl carbonate, coco caprylate and cyclopentasiloxane.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, lauryl glucoside, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, decyl glucoside, glyceryl oleate and cocamidopropyl betaine.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, disodium EDTA and tetra sodium EDTA.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the preservative is selected from the group consisting of 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one and 3-lodo-2-propynyl Butyl Carbamate,
2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and sodium benzoate.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said emollient is a mixture of udecane and tridecane, said anionic surfactant is a mixture of sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate and lauryl glucoside, and the chelating agent is tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate, optionally wherein said composition further includes a pH adjuster comprising citric acid.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition includes:

the emollient in an amount between about 0.1 and 10 weight percent;

the anionic surfactant in an amount between about 0.05 and 8 weight percent;

the chelating agent in an amount between about 0.01 and 5 weight percent;

the preservative in an amount between about 0.01 and 8 weight percent;

water in an amount between about 70 and 99 weight percent; and

a pH adjuster in an amount between about 0.001 and 5 weight percent.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said pH adjuster is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, sodium citrate and sodium hydroxide.

13. A product for cleaning a table tennis paddle, the paddle having a handle as well as a head with a playing surface, the product comprising a wipe that is designed to be rubbed along said playing surface of said head, said wipe being pre-treated with a cleaning composition, the composition including an emollient, an anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, a preservative and water as a carrier, optionally wherein said wipe contains said composition at a saturation level of between about 100 and 300.

14. The product of claim 13, wherein said composition includes:

the emollient in an amount between about 0.1 and 10 weight percent;

the anionic surfactant in an amount between about 0.05 and 8 weight percent;

the chelating agent in an amount between about 0.01 and 5 weight percent;

the preservative in an amount between about 0.01 and 8 weight percent; and

water in an amount between about 70 and 99 weight percent.

15. The product of claim 13, wherein said emollient is a mixture of udecane and tridecane, said anionic surfactant is a mixture of sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate and lauryl glucoside, and the chelating agent is tetrasodium N, N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate.

Drawing