Patent Application
20130026250
The present invention relates to devices directed to devices and methods for delivering treatment compositions to a lavatory appliance, especially a toilet bowl.
Chemical compositions for providing a technical benefits to surfaces are notoriously old and known to the art. Liquid compositions, which are frequently largely aqueous in their composition, may be supplied to a surface by any of a number of means including simply pouring a quantity of such a composition of the surface, or delivering it as a liquid stream from a nozzled container, or delivering it in the form of droplets which are delivered from a dispensing container. Widely used dispensing containers include pressurized container such as aerosol canisters which include a quantity of the composition as well as a propellant, as well as nonpressurized flasks or vessels which are equipped with a manually-pumpable spray head which can be used to dispense the compositions via a nozzle. While such are effective in many circumstances, they are not without disadvantages. Typically, the delivery rate using an aerosol canister or a manually-pumpable spray head is effective, but the relatively large droplets delivered by such means typically quickly saturate a hard or soft surface upon which they are dispensed. Further, the relatively large individual droplets delivered by such means are also often of a wide range of particle size masses or diameters does providing a very low degree of uniformity with regard to the dimension of the average drop or particle size and being delivered. While such as advantageous where a large quantity of such treatment composition is intended to be relatively quickly delivered or deposited onto a surface, such is also disadvantageous as the relatively large drop the particle size quickly drops to the surface and provides a limited degree of distribution of the treatment composition a hard surface. The use of bottles or flasks containing and delivering a fluid or liquid treatment composition to a hard surface is also well known. Typically such bottle or flask include a nozzle at the open end of the bottle or flask, which is tilted, inverted or compressed to cause the treatment composition to flow in exit via the nozzle. The nozzle is directed proximate to a surface being treated, and thus a good degree of control of the application of the composition is achieved. However, typically a relatively large volume or mass of the treatment composition is dispensed in such manners, and is required in order to ensure good surface coverage of the surface being treated. This particularly true where inclined surfaces, or curved surfaces, e.g., the interior of a lavatory appliances such as toilet bowls, urinals, bidets and the like are intended to be treated with the composition. The application of excess amounts of such treatment composition in such a manner can be seen to be wasteful, and uneconomical. Thus, there is a real need in the art for providing improved methods for the delivery of treatment compositions lavatory surfaces. It is to such a need that the present invention is directed.
Also generally known to the technical arts primarily directed to air treatment, e.g., dispersion of fragrances, perfumes, insecticides, air fresheners, odor neutralizers, into an airspace are various devices for dispensing a liquid composition in the form of dispersed particles. Such include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,892 to Feriani, et al.; US 2009/308945 to Tollens, et al.; US 2009/272818 to Valpey III, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,739 to Takahashi et al.; which disclose various devices which include a vibrating plate and a wick or capillary for delivery of liquids from a reservoir to the vibrating plate. Further, US 2004/0256487 to Collins, Jr. et al., and US 2005/0103891 to Abergel, et al. disclose spraying devices which include a vibrating plate in direct fluid contact with liquid from a reservoir. U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,734 discloses various arrangement of vibrating plates supplied with liquids for delivering particulates of the liquid to an airspace. The contents of these documents are herein incorporated by reference.
Notwithstanding these known art devices, further advances are still needed in the art treatment devices and treatment methods.
In one aspect of the present invention provides a device for the treatment of a lavatory appliance which device generates a mist of a treatment composition, viz, an aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces of the lavatory appliance which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a stationary device for the treatment of a lavatory appliance which device generates a mist of treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces of the lavatory appliance which come into contact with said mist.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the treatment of surfaces associated with a lavatory appliance which method comprises the step of: providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts one or more surfaces of the lavatory appliance and provides a technical benefit thereto.
In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an airspace in the proximity of a lavatory appliance, which method comprises the step of: providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts said airspace within the proximity of the lavatory appliance and provides a technical benefit thereto.
These and further aspect of the invention will be more apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for the treatment of a lavatory appliance which device generates a mist of a treatment composition, viz., an aerosolized treatment composition, which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces of the lavatory appliance which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition, or airspaces in the proximity of the lavatory appliance which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition, or concurrently to both surfaces and airspaces. According to one embodiment, there is provided a device for aerosolizing a fluid product for delivery to part of a lavatory appliance, which device comprises: a mist generator means, a control circuit for operating the mist generator means, a reservoir for the fluid product to be aerosolized, a means for supplying the mist generating means with the fluid product, a housing, and at least one flow directing nozzle, flow directing implement or flow directing orifice adapted to direct the flow of a mist generated by the mist generating means out from the housing and towards part of a lavatory appliance. Particularly preferably the device also includes attachment means for removably attaching the device, or at least a part thereof to a lavatory appliance.
The mist generator means may comprise a vibrating member which includes a metal or ceramic plate; the plate may be solid or porous, or micropierced in the form of a grid and/or in the form of one or more segments or slots passing through the vibrating member, and a piezoelectric actuator which, when operated, causes vibratory motion in the vibrating member. The mist generator means may be an annular ring of a piezoelectric material which is attached to said vibrating member and spans the annulus, which when activated, causes the said vibrating member to vibrate. The mist generator means may comprise a piezoelectric material which is attached to, adjacent to or abutting a non-vibrating element or member which receives the vibratory motion of the piezoelectric material and transfers the vibratory motion to the said vibrating member. The mist generator means may be a tubular piezoelectric material which includes a vibrating member spanning its interior bore between the ends of the piezoelectric material, and/or includes a vibrating member spanning the interior bore at one or more ends thereof, such that when activated the tubular piezoelectric material vibrates or expands/contracts which in turn imparts vibratory motion of the vibrating member(s).
The mist generator means may be an electrostatic spray device. The mist generator means may be an ultrasonic nozzle device.
The mist generator means may be a tubular aerosol generator which includes a tube having a first and a second end, a heater arranged relative to the tube for heating the tube, a source of material to be volatilized, the second end of the tube being in communication with the source of material, a valve operatively located between the source of material and the tube, the valve being openable and closeable to open and close communication between the source of material and the first end of the tube, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the tube from the source of material when the valve is in an open position.
The mist generator means may form a part of the device and be permanently affixed thereto. Alternately the mist generator means may be provided as part of a refill unit or refill reservoir which, when inserted or affixed to the device completes the device and enables its use. Further the mist generator means may be user replaceable article or unit which may be removed and/or installed as needed or desired by a user to one or more of the device or the refill unit or refill reservoir. Yet further in any embodiment, the mist generator may be formed of several parts which are required to be assembled in order to form an operating mist generator means, e.g., a piezoelectric actuator may form part of the device and a separate vibrating member form part of a refill unit or refill reservoir which remains inoperative until the device and refill unit or refill reservoir are properly aligned or otherwise installed in the device so permit the interaction between the piezoelectric actuator and the vibrating member which then operates as a mist generator means. Such an embodiment is preferred in that with the replacement of a refill unit or refill reservoir a new vibrating member is provided to the device.
The device includes a controller means for controlling the operation of the mist generator means. The controller means may provide one or more functions. The controller means preferably includes a high frequency generator used to generate a suitable electrical signal for the operation of the mist generator, and particularly a piezoelectric element or device associated therewith. The controller means may include one or more switches, or other input means, e.g., buttons, contacts or switches, which can be established by user of a device according to the invention in order to control the mode of operation of the controller means. The controller means may also include means for controlling the output of the mist generator which may turn the unit off, or suspend its operation after a metered amount or dose of the treatment composition is dispensed from the device; the amount of the treatment composition may be a user controllable amount, e.g., via a setting, or may be a predetermined metered amount which cannot be changed by the user. The amount of treatment composition delivered by the device may be varied in response to a signal received by the controller means which may respond to an environmental condition of the device. The controller means may also be adapted to receive, and respond to, one or more signal inputs received from one or more sensors associated with the device. For example the controller means may be adapted to receive and respond to signals or conditions relating to the status of any part of the device such as the quantity of treatment composition in a reservoir or refill unit, to the physical orientation of the device, as well as to the frequency of dispensing and/or volume of treatment composition dispensed over a unit time interval. Nonlimiting examples of such responses include to increase or decrease one more of: the volumetric delivery rate of the treatment composition, and/or the frequency of delivery of the treatment composition per unit of time. The controller means may provide one or more output signals which may be transmitted to one or more further elements of the device via suitable conductor means, such as wires, in order to control their operation. The controller means may be programmable and include suitable electronic circuitry for the operation of the device according to one or more programs each having at least one, but preferably a plurality of, discrete programmed steps; typically such includes at least a logic or program controller, e.g., a central processing unit, and system memory for storing one or more programs. The controller means may be a non-programmable circuit, which preferably operates according to specific logic responsive to one or more signal inputs to the controller means. The controller means may comprise a drive circuit in order to provide suitable power and/or signal outputs to the mist generator in order to control its operation in generating a treatment mist from the fluid treatment composition, which may include known-art drive circuits suitable for this purpose. One example of a suitable circuit which may be present within the controller means is a pulse-width-modulation circuit (PWM) comprising a transformer converter and having an input acted on by a piezoelectric element present and the mist generator; such as disclosed in published application US 2009/0121043, the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference. A further example of a suitable circuit is one which includes a microprocessor controlled variable oscillator for providing variable frequencies to mist generator such that treatment composition is formed into an aerosol of fine droplets. The variable oscillator preferably comprises a digital resistor for adjusting the time of charge and discharge; such a circuit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,812, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
The device may be operated by direct control by a user, e.g., controlling a switch upon the device or alternately, the device may be operated indirectly, e.g., by a remote control unit.
The device may include a power supply source which is integral to the device, e.g., one or more batteries, such that the device is portable, or the device may include means, e.g. wire, for connecting the device to a source of power, e.g., a transformer or electrical mains, supplying electrical power to the controller means.
The device may include one or more sensor means. Sensor means may be present to evaluate the state of a condition within the device, e.g., the presence of a treatment composition, or the presence of a suitable refill container. Sensor means may be present to evaluate the state of the environment in which the device is being used, e.g., time of day, degree of brightness near the environment of the device, absence of light, presence of light, a sound sensor, a vibration sensor, a heat sensor, an odor or scent sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like.
The device may operate autonomously, e.g., be fully controlled by the controller means when the device is operative. The device may operate semi-autonomously, e.g., be operative through the periodic interaction with a user, such as by sensing the user and/or by user interaction and operation with the controller means, such as by operating one or more switches, or other input means.
The device may include a fill level sensor which controls the operation of the device responsive to the amount of liquid present in the device and/or in the reservoir, which may be a removable reservoir.
The device may include one or more orientation sensing means for determining a physical orientation of the device, which for example, can be a level sensor, horizon sensor, accelerometer or any other device which can be used to establish the relative position of the device with respect to the horizontal or horizon.
The device may include a reservoir for containing a quantity of the treatment composition, which reservoir may be a integrally formed as part of, or as an element of the device, which is not intended to be removed but rather refilled with the treatment composition when required. Alternately the device may include a removable reservoir which is intended to be removed from the device and replaced when necessary, such as to replenish or to resupply a new quantity of the treatment composition to the device. The reservoir of the device may be adapted to contain a single fluid treatment composition or may be adapted to contain a plurality of fluid treatment compositions.
The device may include at least one fluid control means for controlling the rate of delivery of a fluid product, viz., a treatment composition, from the reservoir to the mist generator. The fluid control means may form part of the device, or may be part of a removable reservoir, or may be present in both the device and a removable reservoir. The fluid control means may also be formed by cooperative elements, part of which are present on the removable reservoir and part on the device such that, when the cooperative elements are assembled, in conjunction they form a fluid control means. The device may include one, or several fluid control means. Nonlimiting examples of fluid control means include the following: a) one or more capillaries which via capillary effect supply the treatment composition from the fluid reservoir to the mist generator means; b) one or more tubes or channels which provide fluid conduits to supply the treatment composition from the fluid reservoir to the mist generator means; c) one or more pumps, d) direct physical interaction between a vibrating member and the treatment composition, e.g. wherein the treatment composition is supplied to a top surface or bottom surface of the vibrating member during at least a portion of its range of vibratory (or oscillatory) movement, or during the range of vibratory (or oscillatory movement) the vibrating member contacts a quantity of the treatment composition and entrains it within the vibrating member before expelling it therefrom, such for example may occur wherein a wick or a tube having exposed treatment composition at an end thereof is in near proximity but not in direct contact with a vibrating member; e) by a gravity feed flow of the treatment composition to the mist generator means; f) a manual supply means, e.g., manual pumping by a user of an element such as a pump or bulb which transfers a quantity of the treatment liquid to the mist generator means; g) an antechamber or cavity which is intermediate the reservoir and the mist generator means which antechamber or cavity is first filled from the reservoir, and the mist generator means is supplied with treatment composition from the antechamber of cavity but not directly from the reservoir.
Particularly preferred fluid flow means include c) one or more pumps, including but not limited to: gear pumps, positive displacement pumps, rotary pumps, micropumps, diaphragm pumps, and especially preferably piezoelectric pumps such as those presently commercially available from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH (Dortmund, Germany). Examples of such piezoelectric pumps are disclosed in one or more of the following WO/2009/059664, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Such are particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.
The device may include an airflow generator means. The airflow generator means may be used to generate a current of air which induces or directs the flow of the atomized treatment composition, and especially as it exits the device. The airflow generator means also entrains the nebulized or mist of the treatment composition and may be used to direct its flow outwardly from the device.
The device may be a single unit which is substantially confined by a housing, or maybe comprised of a plurality of elements which cooperatively operate to provide a device according to the invention.
The device may comprise further flow directing elements or distribution implements which provide for controlling the distribution of the mist of the treatment composition to provide improved delivery of the same to the surfaces being treated.
In certain preferred embodiments, the device includes attachment means for removably attaching the device, or parts of the device to a lavatory appliance. Single, multiple attachment means may be present depending on the configuration of the device.
Further elements, and features of the device are depicted in the accompanying figures which provide non-limiting examples of various configurations of dispensing devices according to the invention, and their use in the treatment of lavatory appliances.
While the device of the invention is moveable, and may be installed or mounted upon or in the proximity of a lavatory appliance or other locations with a lavatory or bathroom, preferably the device is in a stationary position or location during dispensing of the mist of the treatment composition.
The device may further comprise an air-treatment means which is used to provide a volatile material to the ambient environment of the device, which volatile material is supplied to the ambient environment independently of the mist generator means. The air-treatment means may be used to deliver a volatile material, e.g., one or more of fragrances, perfumes, compositions for the control or eradication of airborne insects, odor neutralizing agents, odor masking agents, as well as those which may impart holistic or aromatherapy benefits which is separate from the treatment composition. For example, such a volatile material may be provided in a reservoir comprising a quantity of said volatile material which may form part of or be used with the device. Such a reservoir can take any shape or suitable form, and can be included within the interior of the device, or on the exterior of the device, or may be even be separate from the device but provided as a separate article or element which is separate or separable from the device but intended to be placed in the near proximity of the device. By way of nonlimiting examples, such a reservoir may include a porous material such as a pad or tablet which is impregnated with, or upon which is absorbed a volatile composition useful in providing an air treatment benefit, a gel or a solid composition which also contains a volatile air treatment composition which may emanate to the ambient environment from the reservoir, or a container which includes a fibrous wick, or pad, or a porous membrane for the delivery of a volatile material to the ambient environment from the reservoir. Alternately the reservoir may contain a quantity of a particulate material in the form of a single body, e.g. plate, or as a plurality of spheres, or beads which function as a reservoir for the volatile composition, and from whence they may be delivered to the ambient environment. Non-limiting examples of such materials include those currently marketed under the tradename Auracell® (ex. Rotuba Extruders) which are based on fragranced cellulosic polymers, as well as PolyIFF® (ex. International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.), as well as Tenite® (ex. Eastman Chemical Co.).
The device of the invention includes a mist generator means for the delivery of a treatment composition which comprises a treatment agent. In certain embodiments the treatment composition may be solely comprised of the treatment agent. The mist generator may be any device which provides for atomization of the treatment composition or which provides for the aerosolization of the treatment composition without directly heating the treatment composition or utilizing a propellant gas or the use of a liquid pump to drive the treatment composition through a nozzle and consequently cause the formation of discrete particles therefrom.
The mist generator means may be an electrostatic spray device. Electrostatic spray devices impart energy to the treatment composition via a high electrical potential. This energy serves to atomize and charge the treatment composition, creating a spray of fine, charged particles. As the charged particles are carried away from the sprayer, their common charge causes them to repel one another. This has two effects before the spray reaches the target. First, it expands the total spray mist. This is especially important when spraying to fairly distant, large areas. The second effect is maintenance of original particle size. Because the particles repel one another, they resist collecting together into large, heavier particles like uncharged particles do. Such lessens gravity's influence, and increases the charged particle reaching the intended target surface. As the mass of negatively charged particles approach the target surface, they push electrons inside the target surface inwardly, leaving all the exposed surfaces of the target with a temporary positive charge. The resulting attraction between the particles and the target surface overrides the influences of gravity and inertia. As each particle deposits on the target surface, said spot on the target surface becomes neutralized and no longer attractive. Therefore, the next free particle is attracted to a spot immediately adjacent and the sequence continues until the entire surface of the target surface is covered with particles of the treatment composition. Thus, the use of an electrostatic spray device effectively provides for aerosolization of the treatment composition without requiring direct heating of the treatment composition or without the need for a propellant composition or liquid pump to drive the treatment composition. Such electrostatic spray devices are per se, known in the art and available from commercial sources.
The mist generator means may be an ultrasonic nozzle device. Such ultrasonic nozzle devices may be obtained from commercial sources, e.g., Sono-Tek, Inc. (Milton, N.Y., USA) as well as Sonaer Inc., (Farmingdale, N.Y., USA) as well as being disclosed in published patent applications, US 2009/0254020, and US 2009/0224066, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
The mist generator means may be a tubular aerosol generator. Typically such a tubular aerosol generator includes a tube having a first and a second end, a heater arranged relative to the tube for heating the tube, a source of material to be volatilized, the second end of the tube being in communication with the source of material, a valve operatively located between the source of material and the tube, the valve being openable and closeable to open and close communication between the source of material and the first end of the tube, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the tube from the source of material. Such tubular aerosol generators are disclosed in one or more of: U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,251, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,167, U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,233, U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,052, U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,796, U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,390, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,050, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,220, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,757, U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,458, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,516 the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference thereto.
In preferred embodiments the mist generator means is a nebulizer means, which is also generally preferred for use. Nebulizer sprayers impart energy to the treatment composition. The ultrasonic energy supplied via a transducer. This energy results in atomization of the treatment composition without requiring direct heating of the treatment composition or without the need for a propellant composition, or a manually operated liquid pump to drive the treatment composition through a nozzle to aerosolize the treatment composition. Various types of nebulizers include, but are not limited to: ultrasonic, gas, venturi, and refillable nebulizers. Such may be obtained from a variety of commercial sources.
Exemplary and preferred embodiments of a nebulizer means which are presently commercially available from Kai-Chih Industrial Ltd. (Taiwan) are disclosed in one or more of U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,662; a nebulizer and baffle plate assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,029; piezoelectric and percussion board assembly as disclosed in US 2007/0011940; a block piezoelectric actuator and vibratable plate as disclosed in US 2007/0169775; a vibration member comprising a piezoelectric ceramic actuator and a vibratory plate as disclosed in US 2008/00419272, the contents of each of the foregoing being herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.
In such nebulizers, the generator is energized from the power source and such causes the grid to vibrate at a high frequency and concurrently to emit a cloud of very fine liquid particles, viz., a mist, which may then be omitted. The very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition, alternately referred to as a “treatment mist” typically have an average diameter which may be of relatively wide distribution, e.g, from about 0.25 microns to about 500 microns, however it is preferred that the particle size distribution of the fine liquid particles fall within the range of about 5 to about 300 microns, and especially preferably fall in the range of between about 10 to about 100 microns. Preferably the preponderance (>75%, preferably >85%, especially preferably >95%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the range of 10-50 microns. In certain preferred embodiments, up to about 25%, preferably up to 10% of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the range of 0.1-10 microns, and up to about 25%, preferably up to 15% of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in excess of 100 microns with the remaining at least 50%, but preferably at least 75% of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the range of 10-50 microns, and especially preferably in the range of 10-30 microns. Desirably, and in order of increasing preference, not more than about 22%, 20%, 18%, 16%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and most preferably essentially none (less than 0.5%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the range of 0.1-10 microns, and concurrently and in order of increasing preference, not more than about 22%, 20%, 18%, 16%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and most preferably essentially none (less than 0.5%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in excess of 50 microns, with the remaining balance to 100% of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition within 10 microns and 50 microns.
In a further preferred embodiment a “bi-modal” distribution of very fine liquid particles are provided by a nebulizer, such that, opposed to many known nebulizers which provide a distribution of very fine liquid particles which are averaged about a median or averaged liquid particle size or liquid particle mass, in said preferred embodiment the nebulizer provides a bi-modal distribution of very fine liquid particles, a first part or proportion of the liquid particles being of a first particle size distribution which are averaged about a first median or first averaged liquid particle size or liquid particle mass, and a second part or proportion of the liquid particles being of a second particle size distribution which are averaged about a second median or second averaged liquid particle size or liquid particle mass. In such embodiments, the average liquid particle size or liquid particle mass of the first median or first particle size distribution is lesser in average or median particle size or mass than the average liquid particle size or liquid particle mass of the second median or second particle size distribution. The provision of such a bi-modal distribution provides for a first part or portion of the liquid particles being of a smaller particle size, preferably having a first median or first averaged liquid particle size in the range of 1-10 microns, preferably 1-8 microns, yet more preferably between 2-7 microns, and a second part or portion of the liquid particles being of a relatively larger particle size, preferably having a second median or second averaged liquid particle size in the range of 10-50 microns, preferably 10-40 microns, yet more preferably between 10-35 microns. Optionally but advantageously, at least 60%, and in order of increasing preference, at least 70%, 75%, 80%, of the particles or mass of the liquid particles present within the first or second proportion are within +/−35% by mass or size, and in order of increasing preference are within” +/−30%, +/−25%, +/−20%, +/−15%, +/−10% of their respective median or average liquid particle size or liquid particle mass. Such provides for a narrowed distribution of the liquid particle sizes or masses delivered by the nebulizer. Further preferably, the mass of the particles delivered in the first part or portion of liquid particles is not more than about ½, preferably not more than about ¼ of the mass of the mass of the particles delivered in the second part or portion of liquid particles, which have a larger average particle size or mass. Alternately, but preferably, the mass ratio of the particles delivered in the first part or portion of liquid particles to the particles delivered in the second part or portion of liquid particles is in the range of about 1:2, and in order of increasing preference is in the respective mass ratio about: 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10. The delivery of the liquid treatment composition as a bi-modal distribution of very fine liquid particles provides for controlled distribution of the treatment composition wherein a controlled mass, but visually very visible amount or mass, of the liquid treatment composition provided in the a first part or proportion of the liquid particles is delivered concurrently with greater mass of the liquid treatment composition provided in the a second part or proportion of the liquid particles. Such minimizes or reduces the amount of treatment composition which is delivered as smaller, potentially respirable liquid droplets or particles which are nonetheless airborne and more buoyant than the greater mass of the treatment composition which is delivered as larger, less potentially respirable liquid droplets or particles of the treatment composition.
Mists of the treatment composition, interchangeably referred to as a treatment mist, have several advantages. A first advantage is that it is flowing and somewhat buoyant, which permits for the deposition of the very fine liquid particles on surfaces which are not necessary adjacent to the outlet of a device from whence the mist is released. This may provide for a small degree of airborne drift and permit for improved deposition of the liquid particles as compared to liquids which may be applied via a manually pumped trigger sprayer, or even liquids dispensed from a pressurized aerosol container. In the case of the former, the droplets of a liquid composition dispensed from a manually pumped trigger sprayer typically have larger average droplet sizes than those delivered by such a mist generator, and hence average droplet masses which concurrently transport and bombard a treated surface with greater amounts of a liquid composition per droplet. Such characteristics minimize the aerial buoyancy of the droplets, and when the droplets contact a surface the greater mass of liquid composition tends to much more quickly wet a surface, primarily by adsorption and to a lesser extent by absorption. Thus, both the larger and heavier particle sizes of the such liquid droplets, and their velocity as they are being released from a manually pumped trigger sprayer typically causes greater amounts of a liquid composition to be dispensed and faster wetting of surfaces. Turning to the latter, delivery of a liquid composition from a pressurized aerosol container typically results in similar delivery characteristics. While a critical selection of the orifice sizes and internal passages of an aerosol canister's spray actuator typically used with such pressurized aerosol container often provides somewhat more selection and control of the average droplet size, still the typical droplets of a liquid composition dispensed from a pressurized aerosol container also typically have larger average particle sizes than those delivered by such a generator, and hence have average droplet masses and greater distribution of average droplet sizes which concurrently transport and bombard a treated surface with greater amounts of a liquid composition per droplet. Such characteristics minimize the aerial buoyancy of the droplets, and when the droplets contact a surface the greater mass of liquid composition tends to much more quickly wet a surface, primarily by adsorption and to a lesser extent by absorption. Further, as the droplets dispensed from a pressurized aerosol container are typically released at a higher linear velocity than even the droplets released from a manually pumped trigger sprayer, such even more so diminishes the likelihood of aerial buoyancy and airborne drift.
The delivery rates of the devices may vary in order to suit a specific application, e.g., it may be advantageously to have a higher delivery rate of the treatment composition per unit of time (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days) for spaces with larger volumes and/or wherein the device is located at a greater distance from the surface or surfaces to be treated, as opposed to closer placement and/or smaller volumes or spaced to be treated. Advantageously the treatment mist dispensed from the device may be delivered at a rate of about 0.5 milliliter/minute to about 100 milliliter/for most applications and uses. Preferably the delivery rate is from about 1-50, more preferably 1-25, still more preferably 1-10 and particularly preferably about 1-5 milliliter/minute.
Optionally but preferably the treatment mist emitted from the mist generator in devices according to the invention may travel along a horizontal surface for a reasonable distance when exiting the device. Preferably the plume of the treatment mist emitted from the mist generator travels up to 60 cm in a lateral or horizontal direction perpendicular to the device, and preferably travels between 1-50 cm in such a direction as measured from where it exits the device. Such permits for the travel, distribution and contact of the treatment mist with surfaces having non-planar geometries, e.g., the interiors of devices, e.g. the interior surfaces of a lavatory appliance such as toilet bowl.
The treatment mist emitted from the mist generator in devices according to the invention may provide improved and more uniform deposition onto hard or non-porous surfaces, particularly when such may be associated with articles having three dimensional features, or which themselves have a three-dimensional, e.g., patterned, non-flat planar, or roughened surface or wherein the surfaces are other than flat, planar and horizontal, e.g., are vertical, inclined or curved surfaces. The geometry or irregularities in such surfaces may be very effectively treated by providing a mist from a device according to the invention, or according to a process of the invention in the near proximity or adjacent to such a surface, such that the delivered mist is permitted to settle and deposit upon such a three-dimensional surface. The delivery of the mist, which is expected to be airborne for at least several seconds after being dispensed from a device, will often also exhibit a useful degree of airborne suspension and drifting prior to settling upon a hard surface to being treated therewith. Such airborne drifting provides for improved coverage of hard surfaces, particularly when such are three-dimensional themselves or are associated with articles having three dimensional features. Such include the surfaces of a lavatory appliance, e.g. a toilet, bidet, shower, bathtub, or bathroom sink which defining closures which can be used to retain the buoyant mist of the treatment composition delivered by the device. The delivery of a treatment composition in the form of an airborne mist of the treatment composition, which may be alternately characterized as a cloud of very fine liquid particles of the treatment composition provides for improved surface deposition on such surfaces, including that of such elements. Due to the airborne nature of this mist or cloud, the dispensed mist or cloud forms an enveloping body or penumbra of very fine liquid particles of the treatment composition which may first surround a surface or article, and then deposit thereon by settling of the very fine liquid particles. Furthermore, the delivery of a treatment composition in the form of an airborne mist of the treatment composition which can be suspended within an interior cavity, space, or volume of a lavatory appliance, particularly the bowl of a toilet appliance, the bowl of a bidet, the interior of a urinal, the interior of a bathtub, the interior of a shower stall, the base or pan of a shower stall, as well as the interior of a lavatory sink or wash basin can be advantageously provided with the mist of the treatment composition by the use of a device according to the invention. The treatment composition may be applied to any surface of the lavatory appliance, e.g., may be applied to the interior surfaces of a toilet bowl, the rim of a toilet bowl, beneath the rim of a toilet bowl, the underside of the seat of a toilet bowl, and preferably such treatment of two or more of the foregoing surfaces is effectuated essentially concurrently or simultaneously and does not require user intervention, e.g., scrubbing, wiping, and the like to distribute the treatment composition onto the treated surface(s). The delivery of a mist or cloud of the very fine liquid particles of the treatment composition generated by the device which he subsequently at least for a short time, suspended within such an interior cavity, space or volume of a lavatory appliance, e.g., toilet bowl, allows for a generally uniform distribution within such interior cavity, space or volume as it is airborne, and provides a generally uniform distribution of the very fine particles forming the mist as they settle downwardly onto the surface is of the interior cavity, space or volume. Such permits for a very effective delivery of the quantity of the treatment composition via its mist form, or providing a surface coating or surface lamina upon the treated hard surface, which typically is ample in order to provide a desired technical benefits thereto.
A further important technical characteristic of the delivery of a treatment composition as an airborne mist of the treatment composition is that typically better surface coverage and a more uniform layer of a treatment composition is deposited on the surface of a lavatory appliance or other lavatory surface, and thus the actual mass of a treatment composition may be reduced as compared to delivery of the same treatment composition via a nozzled flask or bottle, a manually pumped trigger sprayer or a pressurized aerosol container in order to achieve a comparable technical effect. More simply stated, less of the treatment composition is wasted due to excessive delivery or overspraying than when delivered as a mist or cloud of very fine liquid particles of the treatment composition. Such is beneficial when for example, the delivery of a treatment composition providing a surface cleaning, sanitizing or antimicrobial benefit is desired, or where a film forming polymer is intended to be applied to a hard surface. As a more uniform deposition of the treatment composition may be achieved. Such reduces the uneconomical usage of greater amounts or masses of a fluid or liquid form of the treatment composition as typically occurs when delivering such from a nozzled flask or bottle, while achieving the same or comparable technical benefits.
The device of the invention generates a treatment mist of discrete or aerosolized particles of the treatment composition which is used to treat surfaces, including inanimate hard surfaces, especially preferably lavatory surfaces and particularly preferably the surface of lavatory appliances. The aerosolized form of a treatment composition comprises at least one treatment agent which ultimately contacts a surface being treated after being dispensed from the device of the invention. The treatment agent may be provided as a constituent of a treatment composition comprising further constituents other than the treatment agent, although a treatment composition consisting solely of a treatment agent is not excluded from the scope of the invention.
The treatment composition comprises at least one treatment agent. The treatment composition provides a technical benefit to a hard surface or soft surface being treated. By way of nonlimiting examples, such a technical benefit can be one or more of: a cleaning benefit, a disinfecting benefit, a sanitizing benefit, an anti-allergen benefit, an anti-acaricidal benefit, an anti-fungal benefit, an anti-resoiling benefit, a limescale removing benefit, a stain removing benefit, an air treatment benefit including but not limited to; fragrancing, odor masking, odor neutralization, an anti-pesticidal benefit, an anti-insecticidal benefit, as well as providing a surface coating to hard surfaces. The treatment composition as applied to hard surfaces and/or soft surfaces may provide a technical benefit which may be transitory or durable, e.g., provide a residual antimicrobial, germicidal or sanitizing benefit such as to reduce the likelihood of the retention, or growth of undesired pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus, molds) on the treated surface. The treatment composition may also reduce the buildup of biofilms on the treated surface, may reduce the incidence of limescale and/or its buildup after being treated. The treatment composition may provide a surface shine benefit to treated surfaces. The treatment composition may provide an antiresoiling benefit. The treatment composition may deposit a coating on hard surface or soft surface which is hydrophilic in nature or hydrophobic in nature. Treatment compositions which are formed into treatment mists necessarily comprise an effective amount of one or more treatment agent within the treatment composition such that the desired technical benefit is provided when the treatment mist is applied to or into a lavatory appliance.
Prior to being formed into a treatment mist, the treatment composition is advantageously a flowable liquid at room temperature (20° C.) and at normal atmospheric pressure in which the device of the invention finds use. The viscosity of the treatment composition is not necessarily critical, it only being required that it can be atomized in the device out of the invention and delivered as a mist of comminuted or aerosolized particles. Advantageously however the viscosity of the treatment composition falls within the range of about 0-2000 cP, preferably between about 0.5-1000 cP, and especially preferably between about 0.5-500 cP. Especially preferred embodiments of the treatment composition are free flowable liquids, i.e. are “water thin” and thus are readily flowable, as well as being readily pump a bowl either by mechanical means such as by a pump, or by pressure different means such as within a capillary or narrow diameter tube, and which is also readily easily and effectively atomized by the mist generator means.
Advantageously, the treatment composition includes a large proportion, that is to say at least about 50% wt. of a liquid. The liquid is preferably a free-flowing liquid at room temperature and normal prevailing atmospheric conditions as noted above. Advantageously, the liquid may be water, maybe one or more organic solvents, or may be a mixture or composition comprising both water and one or more organic solvents. The water may be tap water, but is preferably distilled and is most preferably deionized water. By way of non-limiting example exemplary useful organic solvents which may be included in the treatment compositions include those which are at least partially water-miscible such as alcohols (e.g., low molecular weight alcohols, such as, for example, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and the like), glycols (such as, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and the like), water-miscible ethers (e.g. diethylene glycol diethylether, diethylene glycol dimethylether, propylene glycol dimethylether), water-miscible glycol ether (e.g. propylene glycol monomethylether, propylene glycol mono ethylether, propylene glycol monopropylether, propylene glycol monobutylether, ethylene glycol monobutylether, dipropylene glycol monomethylether, diethyleneglycol monobutylether), lower esters of monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (e.g. propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate), and mixtures thereof. Glycol ethers having the general structure Ra—Rb—OH, wherein Ra is an alkoxy of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxy of at least 6 carbon atoms, and Rb is an ether condensate of propylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol having from one to ten glycol monomer units. Of course, mixtures of two or more organic solvents may be used concurrently.
One preferred organic solvent which may be included within the treatment compositions is triethylene glycol which is believed to provide odor sanitization or odor neutralizing benefits to an airspace within which culminated particles of triethylene glycol are present. Thus come in certain embodiments were such a technical benefit is desired, the inclusion of triethylene glycol may be considered for its advantageous benefit. When present, it can be included in amounts effective to provide a desired degree of air sanitization.
The treatment composition may also include one or more surfactants. The presence of one or more such surfactants which are advantageously included to typically provide for the loosening of soils or other hydrophobic matter which may be present on a surface being treated with the device of the invention.
Anionic surfactants and/or salt forms thereof may form part of the inventive compositions. Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants include alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alcohol phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl ester sulfates, alkyl diphenyl ether sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, sulfate esters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, ethoxylated alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkyl carboxylates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkyl alkoxy carboxylates having 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide, alkylpolyglycolethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide), sulfosuccinates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fatty taurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, alkylpolysaccharide sulfates, alkylpolyglucoside sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates, and sarcosinates or mixtures thereof. Anionic soaps may also be used in the inventive compositions. Examples of the foregoing anionic surfactants are available under the following tradenames: Rhodapon®, Stepanol®, Hostapur®, Surfine®, Sandopan®, and Biosoft® tradenames.
Exemplary useful nonionic surfactants are those which include a hydrophobic base portion, such as a long chain alkyl group or an alkylated aryl group, and a hydrophilic chain portion comprising a sufficient number of ethoxy and/or propoxy moieties to render the nonionic surfactant at least partially soluble or dispersible in water. By way of non-limiting example, such nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethers of methyl glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethylene oxidepropylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty (C6-C24) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain amines or amides, and mixtures thereof. Further useful nonionic surfactants include condensates of alkylene oxides, particularly ethylene oxide with sorbitan fatty acid esters, e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleates. Still further useful nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated alkanolamides, e.g. C8-C24 alkyl di(C2-C3 alkanol amide). Examples of the useful nonionic surfactants include materials are available under the Tomadol®, Neodol®, Rhodasurf®, Genapol®, Pluronic® and Alfonic® tradenames. Further useful nonionic surfactants include oxo-alcohol ethoxylates (ex. BASF) under the Lutensol® ON tradename, as well as polyoxyalkylene alkylethers (ex. KAO Group, Japan) available under the Emulgen® tradename. A further useful nonionic surfactants include alkylmonoglycosides and alkylpolyglycosides are prepared generally by reacting a monosaccharide, or a compound hydrolyzable to a monosaccharide with an alcohol such as a fatty alcohol in an acid medium. Various glycoside and polyglycoside compounds including alkoxylated glycosides and processes for making them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,974,134; 3,219,656; 3,598,865; 3,640,998; 3,707,535, 3,772,269; 3,839,318; 3,974,138; 4,223,129 and 4,528,106 the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Examples of useful alkylglycosides include, for example APG 325 CS Glycoside® which is described as being a 50% C9-C11 alkyl polyglycoside, also commonly referred to as D-glucopyranoside, (ex. Henkel KGaA) and Glucopon® 625 CS which is described as being a 50% C10-C16 alkyl polyglycoside, also commonly referred to as a D-glucopyranoside, (ex. Henkel).
The treatment compositions may include one or more amphoteric surfactants, specifically the following: derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines having aliphatic radicals that are straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., a carboxy, sulfonate, or a sulfate group. Non-limiting examples of compounds falling within this description include: sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propionate, and sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propane-1-sulfonate. Further exemplary useful amphoteric surfactants include sarcosinates and taurates, amide sulfosuccinates, and betaines including phosphobetaines. Exemplary betaines include dodecyl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, and dodecyl amidopropyldimethyl betaine.
The treatment composition may also comprise one or more cationic surfactant constituents, especially preferably one cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit. Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactant compositions which may be included in the treatment compositions are those which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit, and especially preferred are quaternary ammonium compounds and salts thereof, which may be characterized by the general structural formula:
where at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is a alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl substituent of from 6 to 26 carbon atoms, and the entire cation portion of the molecule has a molecular weight of at least 165. The alkyl substituents may be long-chain alkyl, long-chain alkoxyaryl, long-chain alkylaryl, halogen-substituted long-chain alkylaryl, long-chain alkylphenoxyalkyl, arylalkyl, etc. The remaining substituents on the nitrogen atoms other than the abovementioned alkyl substituents are hydrocarbons usually containing no more than 12 carbon atoms. The substituents R1, R2, R3 and R4 may be straight-chained or may be branched, but are preferably straight-chained, and may include one or more amide, ether or ester linkages. The counterion X may be any salt-forming anion which permits water solubility or water miscibility of the quaternary ammonium complex. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds which act as germicides according to the foregoing formula are those in which R2 and R3 are the same or different C8-C12alkyl, or R2 is C12-16alkyl, C8-18alkylethoxy, C8-18alkylphenolethoxy and R3 is benzyl, and X is a halide, for example chloride, bromide or iodide, or is a methosulfate anion. The alkyl groups recited in R2 and R3 may be straight-chained or branched, but are preferably substantially linear.
Particularly useful quaternary germicides include compositions which include a single quaternary compound, as well as mixtures of two or more different quaternary compounds. Such useful quaternary compounds are available under the BARDAC®, BARQUAT®, HYAMINE®, LONZABAC®, and ONYXIDE® trademarks, which are more fully described in, for example, McCutcheon's Functional Materials (Vol. 2), North American Edition, 1998, as well as the respective product literature from the suppliers identified below. When one or more cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit are present, they may be present as a co-antimicrobial agent, with a further antimicrobial agent described hereinafter. When one or more cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit are present, preferably anionic surfactants and further optionally, amphoteric surfactants are omitted from the treatment compositions of the invention. Other surfactants, although not specifically disclosed herein but known to the art may also be used within the treatment compositions of the present invention.
The treatment of the compositions may also include one or more fluorosurfactants. Preferred fluorocarbon surfactants include the anionic salts of perfluoroaliphaticoxybenzene sulfonic acids and the anionic salts of linear perfluoroalkyl-oxybenzoic acids. Examples of the former class of fluorocarbon surfactants can be represented by the following formula:
where Rf is a perfluoroaliphatic group of from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to 12 carbon atoms in the aliphatic group which may be an alkyl group or alkenyl group, and A is a cation such as an alkali metal, ammonium or amine.
Examples of the latter class of fluorocarbon surfactants can be represented by the formula:
wherein n is a number of from about 2 to about 16 and m is a number from about 3 to about 34.
Other suitable fluorocarbon surfactants are:
Fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactants are available from numerous commercial sources as trademarked products. Examples are ZONYL fluorosurfactants from E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., FLUORAD fluorosurfactants from 3M Company, e.g., FLUORAD FC-129 (RfSO2N(C2H5)CH2CO2−K+, where Rf is C1F2n+1 and n is about 8), and MONOFLOR fluorocarbon surfactants from I.C.I. Americas, Inc. one or more such a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactants maybe included in the treatment compositions and any desired for effective amount.
The treatment compositions may comprise further antimicrobial agents other than the one or more cationic surfactants described above. Such an antimicrobial agent is/are one or more compounds other than cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit, viz., cationic germicide, described above. Such an antimicrobial agent desirably provides an effective antimicrobial benefit to a treated surface, other than a cationic germicide, preferably such that the treatment composition delivered by the device of the invention exhibits at least 3 log10 kill efficacy, preferably at least 4 log10 kill efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of: S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E. hirae, desirably according accepted and standardized testing protocols for the evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of a composition applied to a hard surface.
The antimicrobial agent may include one or more of: pyrithiones such as zinc pyrithione, halohydantoins such as dimethyldimethylol hydantoin, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, benzyl alcohol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, formalin (formaldehyde), iodopropenyl butylcarbamate, chloroacetamide, methanamine, methyldibromonitrile glutaronitrile, glutaraldehyde, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, phenethyl alcohol, o-phenylphenol/sodium o-phenylphenol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, dimethoxane, thimersal dichlorobenzyl alcohol, captan, chlorphenenesin, dichlorophene, chlorbutanol, glyceryl laurate, halogenated diphenyl ethers such as 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (Triclosan®) and 2,2-dihydroxy-5,5-dibromo-diphenyl ether, phenolic antimicrobial compounds such as mono- and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols, such as p-chlorophenol, methyl p-chlorophenol, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, 2,4-dichloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 3,4,5,6-terabromo-2-methylphenol, 5-methyl-2-pentylphenol, 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, dichloro meta xylenol, chlorothymol, and 5-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenylmethane, resorcinol and its derivatives, bisphenolic compounds such as 2,2-methylene bis(4-chlorophenol) and bis(2-hydroxy-5-chlorobenzyl)sulphide, benzoic esters (parabens), halogenated carbanilides such as 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4′-dichlorocarbanilide (Triclocarban), 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4-dichlorocarbanilide and 3,3,4-trichlorocarbanilide.
The antimicrobial agent may include one or more of: biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, p-chlorophenyl biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide, 1,6-bis-(4-chlorobenzylbiguanido)-hexane (Fluorhexidine®), halogenated hexidine including, but not limited to, chlorhexidine (1,1′-hexamethylene-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguanide) (Chlorohexidine®), as well as salts of any of the foregoing, e.g. polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride.
The treatment compositions of the invention may also comprise one or more organic or inorganic acids which may be used to adjust the pH of the treatment composition to a target range or level, and/or to impart an antimicrobial benefit. The acids may be one or more of a water soluble inorganic acids, mineral acids, or organic acids, with virtually all such known materials contemplated as being useful in the treatment compositions. By way of non-limiting example useful inorganic acids include mineral acids, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and the like.
In certain embodiments, the inventive compositions comprise one or more organic acids which also provide an antimicrobial benefit. Exemplary organic acids are those which generally include at least one carbon atom, and include at least one carboxyl group (—COOH) in its structure. Derivatives of said organic acids are also contemplated to be useful. Exemplary organic acid include linear aliphatic acids such as acetic acid; dicarboxylic acids, acidic amino acids, and hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, glyceric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, as well as acid salts of these organic acids. Of these, citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and/or derivatives thereof, e.g., salicylic acid derivatives such as esters of salicylic acid, such as ethylhexyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, TEA salicylate, salicylic acid 2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl benzylester, salicylic acid homomethylester are preferred. Of course mixtures of one or more acids are contemplated as being useful.
The treatment composition may comprise one or more polyols as well, especially preferably where such one or more polyols are present within the treatment composition in amounts which are effective in imparting a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which the treatment compositions are applied. By way of non-limiting example, preferred are polyols containing from 2 to about 6 hydroxyl groups. Preferred polyols are water soluble. Specific, though non-limiting examples of polyols include: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol and when present, the polyols should be present in a sufficient concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of which they form at least a part, provides an effective sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces being treated with the treatment compositions.
The treatment composition may comprise a peroxygen compound which may be essentially any compound containing a dioxygen (O—O) bond. Dioxygen bonds, particularly bivalent O—O bonds, are readily cleavable, thereby allowing compounds containing them to act as powerful oxidizers. Non-limiting examples of classes of peroxygen compounds include peracids, peracid salts, and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide. The peroxygen can be any aliphatic or aromatic peracid (or peroxyacid) that is functional for disinfectant purposes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. While any functional peroxyacid can be used, peroxyacids containing from 1 to 7 carbons are the most practical for use. These peroxyacids can include, but not be limited to, peroxyformic acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid, peroxypropanoic acid, perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid, peroxypentanoic acid, peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid, peroxycitric, and/or peroxybenzoic acid. Exemplary peracid salts include permanganates, perborates, perchlorates, peracetates, percarbonates, persulphates, and the like. Exemplary peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides and peroxyhydrates. The metal peroxides that can be used include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and/or strontium peroxide. Other salts (for example sodium percarbonate) have hydrogen peroxide associated therewith are also considered to be a source of hydrogen peroxide, thereby producing hydrogen peroxide in situ.
The treatment compositions of the invention may also include an oxidizing agent which may be a halogen bleach. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is a halogen bleach source which may be selected from various hypohalite-producing species, for example, bleaches selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal and alkaline earth salts of hypohalite, haloamines, haloimines, haloimides and haloamides. All of these are believed to produce hypohalous bleaching species in situ. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is a hypohalite or a hypohalite generator capable of generating hypohalous bleaching species. Hereafter, the term “hypohalite” is used to describe both a hypohalite or a hypohalite generator, unless otherwise indicated. Preferably, the hypohalite oxidizing agent is a hypochlorite or a generator of hypochlorite in aqueous solution, although hypobromite or a hypobromite generator is also suitable. Representative hypochlorite generators include sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium and calcium hypochlorite, chlorinated trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate, potassium and sodium dichloroisocyanurate and trichlorocyanuric acid. Organic bleach sources suitable for use include heterocyclic N-bromo and N-chloro imides such as trichlorocyanuric and tribromocyanuric acid, dibromocyanuric acid and dichlorocyanuric acid, and potassium and sodium salts thereof, N-brominated and N-chlorinated succinimide, malonimide, phthalimide and naphthalimide. Also suitable are hydantoins, such as dibromodimethyl-hydantoin and dichlorodimethyl-hydantoin, chlorodimethylhydantoin, N-chlorosulfamide (haloamide) and chloramine (haloamine). When present, advantageously the hypohalite oxidizing agent is an alkali metal hypochlorite, an alkaline earth salt of hypochlorite, or a mixture thereof.
The treatment compositions of the invention may also include a material which provides an air treatment technical benefit. A way of nonlimiting examples, such include fragrances, perfumes, compositions for the control or eradication of airborne insects, odor neutralizing agents, odor masking agents, as well as those which may impart holistic or aromatherapy benefits.
A fragrance may form part of the treatment composition, and which may be based on natural and synthetic fragrances and most commonly are mixtures or blends of a plurality of such fragrances, optionally in conjunction with a carrier such as an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents in which the fragrances are dissolved, suspended or dispersed. Typically, a fragrance is derived from one or more row raw materials which may be divided into three main groups: (1) the essential oils and products isolated from these oils; (2) products of animal origin; and (3) synthetic chemicals. By way of non-limiting example, natural fragrances as well as certain essential oils include the extracts of blossoms (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), fruits (anise, coriander, caraway, juniper), fruit peel (bergamot, lemon, orange), roots (nutmeg, angelica, celery, cardamon, costus, iris, calmus), woods (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiac wood, cedarwood, rosewood), herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), needles and branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf pine), resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Animal raw materials, for example civet and beaver, may also be used. Typical synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Examples of perfume compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert.butyl cyclohexylacetate, linalyl acetate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, phenyl ethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethyl phenyl glycinate, allyl cyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. Ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal. Examples of suitable ketones are the ionones, .alpha.-isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone. Suitable alcohols are anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol. The hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and balsams. However, it is preferred to use mixtures of different perfume compounds which, together, produce an agreeable fragrance. Other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low volatility which are mostly used as aroma components. Examples are sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime-blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavendin oil. When present such a fragrance constituent may be present in the treatment composition in any effective amount. Advantageously, the fragrance or perfume is present in amounts of from about 0.00001% wt. to about 50% wt. based on the total weight of the treatment composition of which they form a part, although, due to the mode of delivery of the mist generator means to which does not impart thermal degradation of such a constituent, its inclusion in even higher amounts to about 100% wt. of the treatment composition are also contemplated as being possible and indeed advantageous in certain embodiments of the invention.
The treatment composition of the invention may include one or more holistic constituents, particularly may include one or more essential oils which are selected to provide a so-called “aromatherapy benefit” to the user. Such essential oils are frequently extracted from naturally occurring botanical sources such as flowers, stems, leaves, roots and barks of aromatic plants. While essential oils may be used singly, it is also common to utilize blends of essential oils in order to provide a conjunctive aroma benefit, and possibly a therapeutic benefit as well. Similarly to fragrance compositions which may also include one or more essential oils, frequently, due to their potency, essential oils are often supplied dispersed in a liquid carrier such as in one or more organic solvents in which the essential oils are dissolved or dispersed. Preferred essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit include one or more selected from chamomile oil, lavendin oil, lavender oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, line oil, mandarin orange oil, orange flower oil and orange oil. When present, these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit are present in any effective amount, advantageously are present in amounts of from about 0.00001% wt. to about 50% wt. based on the total weight of the treatment composition of which they form a part, although, due to the mode of delivery of the mist generator means to which does not impart thermal degradation of such a holistic constituent or essential oils, their inclusion in even higher amounts to about 100% wt. of the treatment composition are also contemplated as being possible and indeed advantageous in certain embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit may be used with our without the optional fragrancing constituent recited previously and alternately, may be used wholly or partially in place of said fragrancing constituent.
To maintain or establish a desired pH of a treatment composition, the use of one or more pH buffers is contemplated. The treatment compositions according to the invention optionally but desirably include an amount of a pH adjusting agent or pH buffer composition. Such compositions include many which are known to the art and which are conventionally used. By way of non-limiting example pH adjusting agents include phosphorus containing compounds, monovalent and polyvalent salts such as of silicates, carbonates, and borates, certain acids and bases, tartrates and certain acetates. Further exemplary pH adjusting agents include mineral acids, basic compositions, and organic acids, which are typically required in only minor amounts. By way of further non-limiting example pH buffering compositions include the alkali metal phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates, carbonates, hydroxides, and mixtures of the same. Certain salts, such as the alkaline earth phosphates, carbonates, hydroxides, can also function as buffers. It may also be suitable to use as buffers such materials as aluminosilicates (zeolites), borates, aluminates and certain organic materials such as gluconates, succinates, maleates, and their alkali metal salts. Desirably the compositions according to the invention include an effective amount of an organic acid and/or an inorganic salt form thereof which may be used to adjust and maintain the pH of the treatment compositions of the invention to the desired pH range. Particularly useful is citric acid and metal salts thereof such as sodium citrate which are widely available and which are effective in providing these pH adjustment and buffering effects.
The treatment compositions of the invention may also include one or more alkanolamines which in addition to providing an improved cleaning benefit may also be used to concurrently adjust the pH of the treatment composition. By way of nonlimiting examples such include monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, trialkanolamines, and alkylalkanolamines such as alkyl-dialkanolamines, and dialkyl-monoalkanolamines. The alkanol and alkyl groups are generally short to medium chain length, that is, from 1 to 7 carbons in length. For di- and trialkanolamines and dialkyl-monoalkanolamines, these groups can be combined on the same amine to produce for example, methylethylhydroxypropylhydroxylamine. One of skill can readily ascertain other members of this group.
The treatment compositions of the invention may also comprise one or more hydrotropes, preferably one or more anionic hydrotrope compounds. Exemplary hydrotropes include, e.g., benzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C1-C11 alkyl benzene sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C5-C11 alkyl sulfonates, C6-C11 alkyl sulfates, alkyl diphenyloxide disulfonates, and phosphate ester hydrotropes. The hydrotropic compounds of the invention are often provided in a salt form with a suitable counterion, such as one or more alkali, or alkali earth metals, such as sodium or potassium, especially sodium. However, other water soluble cations such as ammonium, mono-, di- and tri-lower alkyl, i.e., C1-4 alkanol ammonium groups can be used in the place of the alkali metal cations. Exemplary alkyl benzene sulfonates include, for example, isopropylbenzene sulfonates, xylene sulfonates, toluene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, as well as mixtures thereof. Exemplary C5-C11 alkyl sulfonates include hexyl sulfonates, octyl sulfonates, and hexyl/octyl sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. Particularly useful hydrotrope compounds include benzene sulfonates, o-toluene sulfonates, m-toluene sulfonates, and p-toluene sulfonates; 2,3-xylene sulfonates, 2,4-xylene sulfonates, and 4,6-xylene sulfonates; cumene sulfonates, wherein such exemplary hydrotropes are generally in a salt form thereof, including sodium and potassium salt forms.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the treatment of lavatory surfaces and particularly preferably the surfaces of lavatory appliances, which method comprises the step of: providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts the hard surface and provides a technical benefit thereto. Typically, the treatment compositions delivered by the device according to this method comprise one or more solvents such as water and/or organic solvents, and one or more further constituents especially one or more surfactants or other materials which provide one or more desired technical benefits. Typically, the technical benefits provided are one or more of: a cleaning benefit, a disinfecting benefit, a sanitizing benefit, a bacteriostatic effect, an anti-viral benefit, a sporicidal benefit to reduce the presence of, incidence of or regrowth of molds, fungi, spores and the like, an anti-allergen benefit, an anti-acaricidal benefit, an anti-fungal benefit, an anti-resoiling benefit, a surface treatment benefit to improve the appearance thereof, e.g., surface shine and the like to the treated lavatory surfaces, particularly to resist subsequent staining of such treated surfaces.
In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an airspace proximate to a lavatory appliance, which method comprises the step of providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts said airspace and provides a technical benefit thereto. Typically, the technical benefits provided are one or more of: fragrancing, perfuming, odor neutralizing, malodor treating or masking, air sanitization and the like.
In addition thereto, or alternately thereto treatment of an airspace can be achieved independently of the mist generator, which can be operated separately in order to provide a treatment composition, by the use of an air-treatment means which provides a volatile material to the ambient environment of the device. For example, a separate air-treatment means can be provided to as a module, or element wherein such a module may contain a quantity of an air treatment composition from which it emanates to the ambient environment of the lavatory appliance. Such may include a porous solid material, e.g, a ceramic or polymeric material, a gel, a fibrous substrate such as a wick or pad and the like which can be operated to actively or passively permit for the volatilization of one or more chemical compounds in order to provide the air treatment composition to a lavatory, or to the environment proximate to a lavatory appliance treated by a device of the invention.
In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the delivery of a nebulized or atomized fluid treatment composition, viz., a “treatment mist” to a surface, or to an enclosed cavity, volume, or space associated with a lavatory appliance, viz., the interior of a toilet bowl, urinal or bidet.
Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the invention, including certain preferred embodiments of the invention. In the accompanying figures, like elements are indicated using like numerals throughout the figures.
It is however to be noted that while the provision of pumping across the thickness of the vibrating plate 22 provides an excellent means of atomizing the treatment composition and thereby providing a treatment composition in a form of a mist, it is foreseen that the treatment composition can alternately be supplied directly to the top face 22b of the vibrating plate 22, and due to the vibratory oscillation of the vibrating plates 22, microdroplets MD of the treatment composition are also formed without necessarily passing through the vibrating plate 22 as described immediately above.
The operation of such a mist generator means 20 is more clearly disclosed on the side view presented in
In the embodiments disclosed in
With reference now to
Although not illustrated in the depictions, it is to be understood nonetheless that suitable electrical or signal unit conducting means, i.e. wires, may be used to connect the various elements of the mist sensor means, the fluid control means, the controller means, as well as any other device, elements or parts of the device as may be required, although such is not necessarily illustrated in the figures presented herein.
Figures A1 and A2 illustrate by means of graphical representations preferred treatment mist particle size or particle mass bi-modal distributions. Figure A1 represents the mass distribution or % distribution of the size (in microns) of the discrete liquid droplets being dispensed by a mist generator, during normal steady state operation over a convenient time interval, e.g., 1 or more seconds, or one or more minutes. As is seen thereon, a greater amount of particles in the range of 0-10 microns are dispensed than the amount of particles in the range of 10-20 microns, whereas the amount of particles in the successive ranges of 20-30 microns is greater than those dispensed in the prior two ranges. As particle sizes increase to higher ranges, viz., 30-40 microns, and 40-50 microns, their amounts decrease successively. As can also be seen from Fig. A1, the total mass of the dispensed particles in the range of 0-10, is substantially lesser than the total mass of the dispensed particles in the ranges of 20 microns and greater. Figure A2 illustrates two further alternative bi-modal distributions according to preferred embodiments of the invention, here represented as a first bi-modal distribution represented by “C1” (in solid line) and a second bi-modal distribution represented by “C2” (in dotted line). The curves represent the distribution, by % wt. or mass or percentage of respective discrete liquid droplets or particles of the treatment composition present in a treatment mist formed therefrom, as indicated on the y-axis, for droplets within a particular micron size range, as indicated on the x-axis. With reference to line C1, it is seen that the first median or first averaged liquid particle size corresponds to line segment C11, which is approximately at 4 microns with the particle size distribution within the first part of the bi-modal distribution being beneath the curved line C1 to the left and right of the line segment C11, and the second median or second averaged liquid particle size corresponds to line segment C12, which is at approximately 29 microns, with the particle size distribution within the second part of the bi-modal distribution being to the left and right of the line segment and beneath curved line C1. The further bi-modal distribution represented by C2 is similar in many respects but, first median or first averaged liquid particle size corresponds to line segment C21, which is approximately at 5 microns with the particle size distribution within the first part of the bi-modal distribution being beneath the curved line C2 to the left and right of the line segment C21, and the second median or second averaged liquid particle size corresponds to line segment C22, which is at approximately 22 microns, with the particle size distribution within the second part of the bi-modal distribution being to the left and right of the line segment and beneath curved line C2.
It is to be noted that in the foregoing embodiments, while the fluid conduit 60 has been illustrated is being an integral portion of either a first part 40 or second part 50 other device, e.g, as a bore or channel, such as to be understood as being merely by way of illustration as any fluid directing means, including a separate channel, conduit, tubing, or pipe element, capable of transmitting the treatment composition in fluid form so to come in contact with the mist generator 20 is clearly contemplated and may be used in any environment of the invention.
A further embodiment of an atomizing chamber 45 and a mist generator 20 of a simplified construction, but offering a somewhat lesser degree of resistance to spilling of a treatment composition TC consequent to reorientation, e.g., tilting or inversion, of the atomizing chamber 45 of the device is illustrated in
While not disclosed in prior
The operation of the flow directing seat manifold 420 is more clearly described with reference to the depiction of
Advantageously, a sufficient supply of the mist TM is provided to the interior toilet bowl 408 so that it is essentially flooded by a quantity of the airborne mist TM. Advantageously, it has also been discovered in fact that typically, the temperature of the toilet bowl 408 may be at least slightly cooler than its surrounding environment, or due to the immediate proximity of a layer of water OW typically present in the sump or outlet 409 of the toilet bowl, the locally increased humidity within the interior 408 of the toilet bowl 404 may facilitate the rate of coalescence of the airborne particles present within the treatment mist TM such that they settle, in a generally uniform manner, upon the interior surfaces 408 including both inclined sidewalls 412, and often, as well as to a good degree the inner surfaces 414 of the underside of the rim 406. This is due to the fact that prior to coalescing, the airborne treatment mist TM drifts within the interior volume of the toilet bowl 404.
An alternate interior embodiment of a device is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of
A further, alternative interior environment of the device of
A yet further, alternative interior environment of the device of
It is to be understood that the embodiments discussed in the foregoing figures are by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. It is also to be clearly understood that various elements presented in the disclosed embodiments may be substituted in the place of like or similar elements in different embodiments. Particularly, it is foreseen in fact different forms of mist generators 20 and flow directing nozzles can be substituted in different embodiments of devices 1 presented herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61262393 | Nov 2009 | US | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2010/002097 | 11/16/2010 | WO | 00 | 10/9/2012 |
