Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics
OwnerTravis W. Honeycuttinventor
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Abstract
A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.
Claims28
A method of disposing of thermoplastic polymer fabric of polyvinyl alcohol fiber after use, said fabric being configured into one or more members selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins, said polyvinyl alcohol fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above 37.degree. C. and insoluble at temperatures below 37.degree. C. and subjecting said thermoplastic polymer fabric after use to an aqueous bath to dissolve said polymer fabric whereupon said dissolved polymer fabric is subjected to disposal, said polymer fabric comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by post drawing or by heat annealing.
A method of disposing thermoplastic polymer fabric of polyvinyl alcohol fiber after use, said fabric being configured into one or more members selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins, said polyvinyl alcohol fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above 37.degree. C. and insoluble at temperatures below 37.degree. C. and subjecting said thermoplastic polymer fabric after use to an aqueous bath to dissolve said polymer fabric whereupon said dissolved polymer fabric is subjected to disposal, said polymer fabric comprising polyvinyl alcohol that has been produced from crystallized substantially totally saponified polyvinyl acetate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.