Urushiol Removal Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop innovative solutions for removing urushiol from contaminated surfaces in various industries, including woodworking, veterinary clinics, greenhouses, and musical instrument manufacturing.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the issue of urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in humans, but its applications were limited to personal care. This new inventive concept tackles the broader problem of urushiol contamination in industrial and commercial settings, where existing cleaning methods are often ineffective or inadequate.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a non-buffered detergent composition featuring a first solely C12 surfactant and a second solely C12 surfactant, which is applied to urushiol-contaminated surfaces in various industries. The composition's unique properties enable effective removal of urushiol, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The new claims outline specific applications, including systems for treating industrial equipment, methods for cleaning urushiol-contaminated tools, compositions for removing urushiol from musical instruments, processes for decontaminating veterinary clinic surfaces, and kits for treating urushiol-contaminated greenhouse surfaces.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original patent's core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, demonstrating an inventive step beyond the original patent's scope. The new claims' specific combinations of surfactants and solvents, as well as their application to diverse industrial contexts, constitute a non-obvious and innovative solution to the problem of urushiol contamination.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include variations in surfactant concentrations, solvent selection, or application methods tailored to specific industries. For instance, a woodworking shop might require a more concentrated detergent composition, while a veterinary clinic might benefit from a gentler, more pH-balanced solution.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including woodworking, veterinary care, greenhouse operations, and musical instrument manufacturing. By providing effective urushiol removal solutions, this technology can improve workplace safety, reduce downtime, and enhance overall efficiency in these industries.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/8147 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/342 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/345 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/42 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/44 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/60 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/86 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/894 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/10 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/30 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/41 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/596 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Chemical engineering and surface treatment technologies, specifically focused on detergent compositions for removing organic contaminants, with expertise in surfactant chemistry, industrial cleaning solutions, and contact dermatitis prevention
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A chemical engineer or formulation specialist with advanced degree, working knowledge of surfactant interactions, experience in developing cleaning compositions, and understanding of industrial surface treatment techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's urushiol cleaning composition provides a foundational technology that can be readily adapted to different industrial contexts. The core surfactant technology demonstrates versatility in removing organic contaminants, making its extension to diverse surface cleaning scenarios a predictable engineering solution. The PTD's variations represent straightforward application of known chemical principles to solve similar contamination challenges across different industrial environments.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,666 |
|---|---|
| Title | Detergent compositions for washing urushiol and methods of treating urushiol induced contact dermatitis |
| Assignee(s) | The William M. Yarbrough Foundation |