Nordic invention: Wettex sponge cloth

In this blog post, we explore the patent history of the Wettex sponge cloth, a combination of revolutionary design and unique creativity. The story of the Wettex cloth is a great example of how a resourceful idea can completely transform an industry and how securing an innovative idea can help secure a stable market share in the future. While the innovation speaks for itself, its widespread adoption sheds light on how a single idea can transform a complete industry.

‍

The invention of the Wettex sponge cloth material
‍

The story of Wettex begins in the early 1940s in Sweden, a time of industrial innovation and ingenuity. Swedish engineer Curt Lindquist sought to address the shortcomings of the functionality of traditional linen towels, which were neither as absorbent nor as efficient as cleaning demanded at the time. What did he come up with? A groundbreaking cleaning cloth that combined practicality, durability, and ease of use.

Patent history of the artificial sponge cloth

‍

In 1952, Lindquist filed a patent application with the number US2712154A for manufacturing a special type of artificial sponge cloth that was eventually granted in 1955. The patent also guaranteed exclusive rights to its unique production process, including shaping the material with internal pressure and thermal treatment of the extruded material. In the 1950s, this was a unique way to mold polyamide materials, a process that was not commonly recognized.

This application was the cornerstone of Wettex’s widespread global adoption, assuring that only two factories in the world have the right to manufacture the product. The patented design of the Wettex sponge cloth exemplifies the strategic use of intellectual property to safeguard and commercialize a novel product.

The origin of the ‘Wettex’ name
‍

The name "Wettex" perfectly captures the product's essence. It is a blend of the words "wet" and "textile", a term coined by Lindquist's wife, Margareta. This simple yet descriptive name has become synonymous with effective cleaning, embodying the cloth’s functionality and purpose.

Wettex’s unique design and usability
‍

What sets Wettex apart is its innovative design, which marries the absorbency of a sponge with the convenience of a paper towel. Capable of soaking up to 15 times its weight in water, the cloth is a cleaning powerhouse. It is also biodegradable, washable, and reusable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cleaning products.

The Wettex cloth’s versatility makes it suitable for a range of cleaning tasks. From kitchens to medical facilities, its applications are boundless. Its reputation even extends to extraordinary contexts: Wettex was used during NASA's Gemini program, demonstrating its reliability in high-stakes environments.

Its unique manufacturing process of the Wettex
‍

Wettex’s uniqueness is rooted in its manufacturing process, which combines cellulose and cotton using a proprietary method developed in Norrköping, Sweden. This meticulous process results in a dishcloth that is easy to manufacture and is quite durable for a long amount of time. To this day, only two factories worldwide possess the expertise to produce authentic Wettex cloths, underscoring the exclusivity of its technology.

‍
‍The invention of Wettex completely revolutionized the cleaning industry and provided a solution that no one else could think of. Its unique design and easily recognizable components all make it distinguished from any other cleaning product. Its unusual manufacturing process is a great indication how the protection of intellectual property extends far beyond the product itself.

At PatentRenewal.com, we understand the importance of protecting innovations like Wettex. Whether you're an inventor, IP manager, or law firm, our tools and services can help you manage your intellectual property portfolio effectively. Contact us today to discover hidden savings for your IP portfolio and unlock their full potential!

‍

Read about other Nordic inventions or visit our blog to receive the latest information about intellectual property types, IP industry insights and related updates.