Patent Application
20050069665
This invention relates to dispensing paper-roll core systems. More particularly, it relates to paper-roll cores that are water-soluble and release cleansers into water.
Typically, paper-roll cores, such as toilet paper-roll cores, paper towel roll cores, etc., are cardboard tubes that are thrown away or recycled after use. They are not flushable.
Typically, toilet bowls (and garbage disposals, to a lesser extent) require frequent cleaning to maintain a sanitary condition. Toilet bowls are typically cleaned with liquid or powdered cleaning products, or with cleansing tablets that slowly dissolve in the toilet tank. Unfortunately, toilets are not sanitized as often as may be preferable, because the required cleansers are not readily at hand at frequent intervals. Many households do not use dissolving tablets because of the risk of poisoning to pets and very young children.
Therefore, a need exists for a convenient way to sanitize the toilet bowl at frequent intervals. Further, a need exists for a non-toxic bowl sanitizing system. Even further, a need exists to increase the usefulness of paper-roll cores.
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a paper-roll core that is a soluble, disposable carrier for cleaning and/or disinfecting chemicals.
Yet a further object and feature of the present invention is to provide methods of distributing such paper-roll cores to children, who will particularly enjoy the novelty.
It is yet a further object and feature of the present invention to provide methods of modifying existing paper-roll core manufacturing equipment to manufacture soluble cleanser-dispensing paper-roll cores.
Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide for such paper-roll cores to carry one or more additional chemicals helpful in use by, entertainment of, or marketing to users of such paper-roll cores.
It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a core system, relating to dispensing roll(s) of paper, comprising: soluble paper-roll core means for solubly coring at least one such roll of paper; and cleanser means for cleaning at least one plumbing fixture; wherein such soluble paper-roll core means comprises such cleanser means. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such soluble paper-roll core means comprises unitary bulk means for providing bulk unitary material for such soluble paper-roll core means. Additionally, it provides such a core system, wherein such soluble paper-roll core means comprises plastic means for providing plastic material for such soluble paper-roll core means. Also, it provides such a core system, further comprising: paper roll means for providing at least one such roll of paper; and connector means for connecting such paper roll means about such soluble paper-roll core means. In addition, it provides such a core system, wherein such soluble paper-roll core means comprises layer means for providing layering of such soluble paper-roll core means.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a core system, relating to dispensing roll(s) of paper, comprising: at least one soluble paper-roll core adapted to solubly core at least one paper-roll; and at least one cleanser adapted to clean at least one plumbing fixture wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises such at least one cleanser. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll comprises at least one toilet paper-roll. Further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll comprises at least one paper towel roll. Even further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one unitary bulk adapted to provide at least one bulk unitary material for such at least one soluble paper-roll core. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one layer adapted to provide at least one layering of such at least one soluble paper-roll core. Additionally, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one layer comprises a plurality of layers adapted to provide a plurality of layers of at least one water-soluble material. Also, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one plastic adapted to provide at least one plastic material for such at least one soluble paper-roll core.
In addition, it provides such a core system, further comprising: at least one paper roll adapted to provide at least one such roll of paper; and at least one connector adapted to connect such at least one paper roll about such at least one soluble paper-roll core. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one connector is water-soluble. Further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one connector comprises at least one color additive adapted to provide at least one color to water upon dissolving. Even further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one connector comprises at least one cleanser adapted to provide at least one cleanser to water upon dissolving. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one connector comprises at least one disinfectant additive adapted to provide at least one disinfectant to water upon dissolving. Additionally, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one cleanser adapted to provide at least one cleanser to water upon dissolving.
Also, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one cleanser comprises at least one detergent adapted to dissolve organic debris. In addition, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one cleanser comprises at least one surfactant adapted to dislodge organic debris from such at least one plumbing fixture. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one disinfectant adapted to provide at least one disinfectant to water upon dissolving. Further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one water-soluble coating layer adapted to provide at least one water-soluble coating material layer. Even further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one acid adapted to provide at least one acid to water upon dissolving. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one base adapted to provide at least one base to water upon dissolving. Additionally, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one color additive adapted to provide at least one color to water upon dissolving.
Also, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one binder to bind the ingredients of such at least one soluble paper-roll core together. In addition, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one binder comprises at least one sugar. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one binder comprises polyethylene glycol. Further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one binder comprises sorbitol. Even further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one binder comprises maltodextrin. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one binder comprises at least one pectin.
Additionally, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one lubricant to lubricate the ingredients of such at least one soluble paper-roll core during manufacturing processes. Also, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises sodium benzoate. In addition, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises at least one stearate. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises polyethylene glycol. Further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises at least one mineral oil. Even further, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises at least one silicate. Moreover, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one lubricant comprises algenic acid.
Additionally, it provides such a core system, such at least one soluble paper-roll core further comprising at least one gas-releaser adapted to release gas into at least one quantity of water contained in such at least one plumbing fixture. Also, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one gas-releaser comprises at least one alkali carbonate. In addition, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one gas-releaser comprises at least one acid. And, it provides such a core system, wherein such at least one gas-releaser comprises at least one gas. Further, it provides such a core system, such at least one soluble paper-roll core further comprising at least one instructional indicia adapted to visually instruct at least one user. Even further, it provides such a core system, such at least one soluble paper-roll core further comprising at least one entertainment indicia adapted to visually entertain at least one user.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: acquiring at least one paper-roll having at least one cleanser-releasing soluble core; removing substantially all paper from such at least one paper-roll; placing such at least one cleanser-releasing soluble core in at least one plumbing fixture; and wetting such at least one cleanser-releasing soluble core. Moreover, it provides such a method, wherein such at least one plumbing fixture comprises at least one toilet bowl. Additionally, it provides such a method, wherein such at least one plumbing fixture comprises at least one garbage disposal.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: offering for sale at least one paper-roll having at least one cleanser-releasing soluble core; and advertising the availability of such at least one paper-roll having such at least one cleanser-releasing soluble core to at least one demographic; wherein such at least one demographic substantially comprises persons between about two and about ten years of age.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: analyzing at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine; and modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one cleanser into such at least one paper-roll core wherein such steps of analyzing and modifying are adapted to be commercially advantageous over the cost of replacing such at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine. Also, it provides such a method, further comprising the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one disinfectant into such at least one paper-roll core. In addition, it provides such a method, further comprising the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one soluble color into such at least one paper-roll core. And, it provides such a method, further comprising the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one gas-releasing material into such at least one paper-roll core.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: manufacturing flexible strips of water-soluble material; applying at least one cleanser material to at least one portion of such flexible strips of water-soluble material; winding such flexible strips of water-soluble material onto a mandrel; and adhering such flexible strips of water-soluble material together to form a tube. Further, it provides such a method, further comprising the step of applying at least one chemical treatment to such flexible strips of water-soluble material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: selecting at least one water-soluble material; selecting at least one cleanser material; adding such at least one cleanser material to at least one liquid batch of such at least one water-soluble material; and extruding at least one tube from such at least one liquid batch. Even further, it provides such a method, further comprising the steps of: selecting at least one solvent that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser and such at least one water-soluble material; and adding such at least one solvent to at least one liquid batch of such at least one water-soluble material. Even further, it provides such a method, wherein the step of selecting at least one solvent comprises the step of selecting at least one alcohol that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser and such at least one water-soluble material.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: formulating at least one powder comprising at least one cleanser; and compressing such at least one powder into the shape of at least one paper-roll core.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: formulating at least one powder comprising layered microspheres comprising at least one cleanser; and compressing such at least one powder into the shape of at least one paper-roll core.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method, relating to at least one soluble dispensing paper-roll core having cleansing properties, comprising the steps of: mixing at least one sugar, at least one thickener, at least one cleanser, and at least one solvent into at least one liquid batch; heating such at least one liquid batch to activate such at least one thickener and drive off such at least one solvent; dispensing such at least one liquid batch between at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material; simultaneously heating such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch, and rolling such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch between at least two rollers; and winding such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch onto at least one mandrel to form at least one tube.
Preferably, dispensing core 110 comprises a rapidly-dissolving water-soluble support material 130, as shown, such as, for example, Dissolvo™ paper (manufactured by Gilbreth Packaging Systems of Croydon, Pa., USA), polyvinyl alcohol polymers, starch, gelatin, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other water-soluble materials, such as ion-sensitive soluble plastics, starch-based plastics, composite materials, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, after paper roll 105 (at least embodying herein at least one paper roll adapted to provide at least one such roll of paper) has been used up, dispensing core 110 may be placed in a wet plumbing fixture, as shown, to clean and disinfect the plumbing fixture. For example, most preferably, where paper roll 105 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one paper-roll comprises at least one toilet paper-roll) comprises toilet tissue, dispensing core 110 (at least embodying herein soluble paper-roll core means for solubly coring at least one such roll of paper) is disposed of by placing it in a toilet bowl 950 containing water, where it rapidly dissolves, releasing cleaning ingredients 120 (at least embodying herein cleanser means for cleaning at least one plumbing fixture), as shown, which then clean and disinfect the toilet bowl 950. In a further preferred example, where paper roll 105 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one paper-roll comprises at least one paper towel roll) comprises paper towels, dispensing core 110 (at least embodying herein at least one soluble paper-roll core adapted to solubly core at least one paper-roll) is disposed of by washing it down a garbage disposal 1100 or sink, as shown, in which case it rapidly dissolves, releasing cleaning ingredients 120 (at least embodying herein at least one cleanser adapted to clean at least one plumbing fixture) into the garbage disposal 1100 and/or sink pipes. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other plumbing fixtures, such as drains, dishwashers, etc., may suffice.
Typically, the end of the paper roll 105 (at least embodying herein paper roll means for providing at least one such roll of paper) is connected to the dispensing core 110, preferably with glue 211 (at least embodying herein connector means for connecting such paper roll means about such soluble paper-roll core means, and at least embodying herein at least one connector adapted to connect such at least one paper roll about such at least one soluble paper-roll core, and at least embodying herein wherein said at least one connector is water-soluble), which is preferably water-soluble. Preferably, glue 211 comprises colorant 148 and/or chemical ingredients 120 (particularly disinfectant 146) for release into water, as shown and further described in
Preferably, acid 142 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one gas-releaser comprises at least one acid) comprises organic or inorganic acid, such as, for example, citric acid, boric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydroxyacetic acid, acetic acid, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other acids, such as fumaric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, other acids, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, base 144 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one gas-releaser comprises at least one alkali carbonate) comprises a carbonate, such as, for example, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other bases, such as, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, cleanser 145 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one cleanser comprises at least one detergent adapted to dissolve organic debris, and at least embodying herein wherein such at least one cleanser comprises at least one surfactant adapted to dislodge organic debris from such at least one plumbing fixture) comprises at least one of a surfactant, a soap, and/or a detergent, such as, for example, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, anionic surfactants, wetting agents, sodium borate, tetrasodium EDTA, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other surfactants, soaps, and detergents, such as alkyl glucosides, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearate, dialkylmethylamines, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, disinfectant 146 disinfects the water 951 and wet plumbing fixture surfaces by killing microbes, more preferably by killing bacteria and/or viruses. Preferably, disinfectant 146 (at least embodying herein at least one disinfectant adapted to disinfect such at least one plumbing fixture) comprises at least one disinfectant such as, for example, pine oil, isopropyl alcohol, Octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, 2-butoxyethanol, bleach, thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other disinfectants, such as other alcohols, oxidizers, iodine compounds, silver compounds, phenolic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, etc., may suffice.
Most preferably, acid 142 comprises citric acid. Most preferably, base 144 comprises sodium bicarbonate. Preferably, when layered dispensing core 210 (at least embodying herein at least one gas-releaser adapted to release gas into at least one quantity of water contained in such at least one plumbing fixture) is dissolved in a body of water 951, acid 142 reacts in solution with base 144 to generate carbon dioxide gas 143, as shown especially in
Preferably, at least one of water-soluble material layer 330, coating 340, acid layer 342, base layer 344, cleanser layer 345, and disinfectant layer 346 comprise soluble colorant 348 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one layer comprises at least one color layer adapted to provide at least one color material layer), as shown. Preferably, a sealant 1950 layer may be used to separate other layers from each other, as shown especially in
Preferably, coating 340 is optional. Preferably, coating 340 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one layer comprises at least one coating layer adapted to provide at least one coating material layer) comprises at least one of a desiccant, a printing layer, a sealant 1950, a print sealer, or another material that modifies the inner and/or outer surface of layered dispensing core 210. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other coatings, such as no coating, a waterproof coating, decorative coatings, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, cleaning ingredients 120 that are reasonably safe and non-toxic to humans are used.
Preferably, solvent 1230 is also added to bulk support material 130, as shown, to help liquefy the batch for ease of processing. Preferably, solvent 1230 is a solvent for one or more of the other ingredients, and is substantially non-reactive with the other ingredients. Preferably, after support material 130 is shaped or formed, solvent 1230 is evaporated away. Preferably, solvent 1230 comprises a solvent such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol, ethylated alcohol, ethanol, denatured alcohol, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other solvents, such as water, organic solvents, ethylene glycol, ethers, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, chemicals 120 may be added in forms such as, for example, bulk chemicals, encapsulated chemicals, liquid, etc., as appropriate. For example, where citric acid and sodium bicarbonate are being added to a batch of support material 130 such as, for example, water-soluble paper pulp, the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid may each be separately encapsulated in water-soluble polymer particles that only dissolve in low-ionic strength water, so that the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid will not react with each other or the paper pulp during manufacturing, and will be released into the plumbing water to react with each other. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other processes, such as suffusing the support material with chemicals after shaping, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, dispensing paper-roll core system 100 comprises method 1400 comprising the steps of: analyzing 1403 (at least embodying herein analyzing at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine) at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine; modifying 1404 (at least embodying herein modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one cleanser into such at least one paper-roll core) at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one cleanser into such at least one paper-roll core wherein such steps of analyzing 1403 and modifying 1404 are economically advantageous over the cost of replacing such at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine (at least embodying herein wherein such steps of analyzing and modifying are economically advantageous over the cost of replacing such at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine), as shown.
Preferably, method 1400 further comprises at least one of the steps of: modifying 1405 (at least embodying herein the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one disinfectant into such at least one paper-roll core) at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one disinfectant into such at least one paper-roll core; modifying 1406 (at least embodying herein the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one soluble color into such at least one paper-roll core) at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one soluble color into such at least one paper-roll core; and/or modifying 1407 (at least embodying herein the step of modifying at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one gas-releasing material into such at least one paper-roll core) at least one paper-roll core manufacturing machine to incorporate at least one gas-releasing material into such at least one paper-roll core, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, such as user preference, advances in technology, intended use, etc., other steps, such as selling modified manufacturing machines, selling modular add-on equipment for the conversions, providing economic analyses of conversion costs, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, method 1600 further comprises the steps of selecting (step 1608) at least one solvent 1230 that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser material 120 and such at least one water-soluble material 130; and adding (step 1610) such at least one solvent 1230 to at least one liquid batch of such at least one water-soluble material 130 (at least embodying herein selecting at least one solvent that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser and such at least one water-soluble material; and adding such at least one solvent to at least one liquid batch of such at least one water-soluble material; and at least embodying herein wherein the step of selecting at least one solvent comprises the step of selecting at least one alcohol that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser and such at least one water-soluble material).
Preferably, where solvent 1230 is used, the step of selecting (step 1608) at least one solvent 1230 that is a chemically inert solvent of such at least one cleanser material 120 and such at least one water-soluble material 130 further comprises the step of selecting (step 1612) at least one alcohol that is a chemically inert solvent of cleanser material 120 and water-soluble material 130, as shown.
Preferably, sealant 1950 comprises water-soluble material, such as, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, sugars, polyethylene glycol, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other water-soluble sealants, such as water-soluble film, water-soluble paper, mineral oil, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, binder 2155 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one binder to bind the ingredients of such at least one soluble paper-roll core together) comprises a material capable of adhering other materials together into a solid mass under compression, such as, for example, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, maltodextrin, other sugars, pectin, etc. Preferably, binder 2155 is used as needed with any dispensing core 110 composition and/or manufacturing process. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other binders, such as water, alcohol, starch, polymers, cellulose, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, lubricant 2160 (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one soluble paper-roll core comprises at least one lubricant to lubricate the ingredients of such at least one soluble paper-roll core during manufacturing processes) comprises a material capable of lubricating the flow of the powdered product through the compression equipment, such as, for example, sodium benzoate, stearates, polyethylene glycol, mineral oil, silicates, alginic acid, etc. Preferably, lubricant 2160 is used as needed with any dispensing core 110 composition and/or manufacturing process. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other lubricants, such as vegetable oil, glycerin, fats, metal stearates, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, cleaning ingredients 120, lubricant 2160, and binder 2155, and optionally colorant 148, are mixed together as dry powders, and are then compressed in a die into the shape of a tube. This manufacturing method is described for tablet-shaped objects in U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,441 B1, herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other arrangements, such as other ingredients, using a moist powder, etc., may suffice.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, cleaning ingredients 120, particularly acid 142 and base 144, are layered into microspheres, which are then compressed in a die into the shape of a tube. This manufacturing method is described for tablet-shaped objects in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,711 B1, herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other arrangements, such as other ingredients, using a moist powder, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, cleaning ingredients 120 and colorant 148 are released into the water 951 when compressed powder dispensing core 2110 is placed in a wet plumbing fixture and dissolves, as shown in
Preferably, dispensing paper-roll core system 100 comprises winder 2300 for manufacturing layered dispensing cores 2310, as shown. Preferably, chemicals 120 may be mixed with alcohol, sugar, and pectin in vat 1200; then, the mixture is heated to drive off the alcohol and form an alcohol-free gel 2340 containing chemicals 120, as shown. Gel 2340 is then placed between two water-soluble material strips 2330 and 2332 using dispenser 2341, which are then rolled between mandrel 1720 and heated presser roller 2325 to set gel 2340 into a soft, pliable material adhered to and sandwiched between strips 2330 and 2332, as shown. Strips 2330 and 2332 are then wound around mandrel 1720 to form layered dispensing core 2310, as shown. The resulting layered dispensing core 2310 is shown in cross-section.
Preferably, dispensing paper-roll core system 100 comprises method 2301 for manufacturing layered dispensing cores 2310, as shown. Preferably, method 2301 comprises the steps of: mixing (step 2345) a sugar, a thickener, chemicals 120, and solvent 1230 into a liquid batch; heating (step 2350) the liquid batch to activate the thickener and drive off solvent 1230; dispensing (step 2360) the liquid batch between at least two layers of water-soluble material 130; simultaneously heating (step 2370) the layers of water-soluble material 130 containing the one liquid batch, while rolling (step 2375) the two layers of water-soluble material 130 containing the liquid batch between rollers 2325; and winding (step 2380) the layers of water-soluble material 130 containing the liquid batch onto mandrel 1720 to form at least one tube (at least embodying herein the steps of mixing at least one sugar, at least one thickener, at least one cleanser, and at least one solvent into at least one liquid batch; heating such at least one liquid batch to activate such at least one thickener and drive off such at least one solvent; dispensing such at least one liquid batch between at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material; simultaneously heating such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch, and rolling such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch between at least two rollers; and winding such at least two layers of at least one water-soluble material containing such at least one liquid batch onto at least one mandrel to form at least one tube), as shown.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as advances in technology, user preference, chemical compatibility, etc., other arrangements, such as other chemicals, other thickeners (such as corn starch, pectin activated by monocalcium phosphate, etc.), additional layers, additional heated rollers, etc., may suffice.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
The present application is related to prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/506,050, filed Sep. 26, 2003, entitled “DISSOLVABLE TOILET PAPER TUBE USED TO DEODORIZE AND SANITIZE THE TOILET”; and to prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/580,925, filed Jun. 17, 2004, entitled “DISPENSING PAPER-ROLL CORE SYSTEMS”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by these references and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60506050 | Sep 2003 | US | |
| 60580925 | Jun 2004 | US |
