Patent Application
20150259895
The present invention relates to a single use, foldable dispenser for an adhesive laboratory treatment composition.
The prior art has suggested certain dispensers which may be used to dispense a dose or portion of an adhesive product onto a surface.
In US 2012/0037301 A1 is disclosed an applicator for a self-adhesive material. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface which defines a void adapted to receive a self-adhesive material. The applicator may be used to deposit the self-adhesive material onto a surface.
WO 2012/017276 (PCT/IB2011/001160) discloses sanitary cleaning agents which are covered by a water soluble film.
EP 2141221 discloses an applicator device for an adhesive detergent product, whereby the device may be used to apply the adhesive detergent products to a vertical wall, such as the sidewall of a toilet bowl.
While the prior art suggests certain embodiments of applicators, useful with specific adhesive material compositions, these devices are not without their shortcomings. For example, the device disclosed in US 2012/0037301 A1 is relatively bulky, and rigid, requiring increased amount of storage volume prior to its use. Furthermore, the amount of materials, presumably thermoplastic polymeric materials which are used to form the applicator may be considered excessive for use in a single-use type device. The applicator device disclosed in EP 2141221 is effective, but requires that the fingers of a human user utilizing the applicator device to deliver a quantity of the adhesive detergent product to the interior sidewall of a toilet bowl come in near proximity to, and may come into contact with this interior sidewall. Such is a very unfavorable manner of applying such a product from a consumer standpoint, who desirably avoids physical contact with the interior sidewall of a toilet bowl. It is to these, as well as further shortcomings in the art to which the present invention is directed.
In a broad aspect the present invention provides a single use, foldable dispenser for an adhesive lavatory treatment composition.
In a first preferred embodiment, the single use, foldable dispenser includes a generally centrally located base which includes a cavity, from which base extend outwardly and in opposite directions one or more foldable arms which may be hinged about the base portion such that in an initial configuration, one or both of the arms are generally coplanar with a flat surface of the base and/or the opening of the cavity, and in a further configuration both of the arms are folded rearwardly of the base and cavity so that at least a portion of each of the arms extends above the cavity. In particular preferred embodiments, two rearwardly folded arms contact each other, and preferably come into an interfacial laminar contact, or optionally into an interlocking contact by virtue of one or more interlocking means which may be provided with the dispenser, and/or which are incorporated into the construction of one or both of the arms.
In accordance with a second embodiment, optionally but preferably, the single use, foldable dispenser additionally includes as a release means, a release film which extends into the cavity, and in which at least part of the release film may be temporarily, or permanently affixed to a part of the dispenser.
In accordance with a third embodiment, optionally but preferably, the single use, foldable dispenser additionally includes as a release means, a release material which extends into or is contained within the cavity, and which forms a barrier between the contents of the cavity of the dispenser and the dispenser itself.
In a fourth preferred embodiment, optionally but preferably the single use, foldable dispenser additionally includes a cover film or other cover means which spans across the open end of the cavity and may be removed therefrom prior to dispensing of any material contained within the cavity.
In a fifth preferred embodiment of the single use, foldable dispenser, optionally but preferably, at least one, but preferably both of the arms are also sufficiently flexible in a forward direction such that when folded forwardly at least a part of at least one of the arms may be used to form a cover means over the open end of the cavity of the base portion, and which arm may be removed prior to dispensing of any material contained within the cavity.
According to a sixth preferred embodiment, there is provided a single use, foldable dispenser, which includes a base portion which comprises a cavity, and a single foldable arm which may be hinged around the base. Preferably, in an initial configuration the arm is folded forwardly such that at least part of the arm is used to form a cover means over the open end of the cavity of the base portion, and in a further configuration, the arm is folded away from the open end of the cavity of the base portion, preferably such that the arm is generally coplanar with the base portion.
In a further embodiment there is provided a single use, foldable dispenser according to any of the preceding embodiments disclosed herein, or otherwise described in the specification, which contains a quantity of an adhesive lavatory treatment composition or an adhesive detergent product which is preferably a viscous paste or gel product.
In a still further embodiment there is provided a method of making a single use, foldable dispenser adapted to be used for storing, and dispensing a quantity of an adhesive lavatory treatment composition.
In a yet further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of applying an adhesive lavatory treatment composition to a surface from a single use, foldable dispenser according to any of the preceding embodiments disclosed herein, or otherwise described in the specification.
In a further embodiment there is provided as a vendible product a single use, foldable dispenser containing a quantity of an adhesive lavatory treatment composition.
These and further embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the following specification and drawings which illustrate certain embodiments of the invention.
The dispensers of the invention may be used to contain and to delivery a quantity of an adhesive treatment composition to a surface. In preferred embodiments the adhesive treatment composition is an adhesive lavatory treatment composition. Examples of adhesive treatment compositions which may be contained and delivered to a surface from the dispensers of the invention include compositions which are known to the art. Such include (but are not limited to) those disclosed in the following published patent documents: EP 0864637; EP 108699; EP 1086204; EP 1318191; AU 2001285865; EP 1817399; EP 1953215; EP 2250245; EP 2275524; DE 1020080192; US 2011/0002871 A1; US 2011/0142784 A1; US 2011/0142785 A1; EP 2121893; EP 2363457; EP 2167627; EP 2387606; EP 2419349; EP 2445806; U.S. Pat. No. 7,919,447; US 2009/0215909, US 2009/0325839; US 2010/0325839; US 2010/0216685; US 2011/0017406; US 2011/0033224; US 2012/0108490; US 2009/0215909; EP 2254980; EP 2387605; U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,205; U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,206; US 2012/0232165; US 2012/0232170; EP 1978080; EP 2141221; DE 19910788; U.S. Pat. No. 6,521,578; EP 2082020; US 2010/130400; US 2010/162474; U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,278; US 2010/130399; U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,977; US 2008/057020; US 2008/058239; US 2008/058240; US 2008/058241; US 2008/099041; EP 2316914; EP 1625195; EP 2336290; EP 2159276; EP 2328997; WO 2012/017276; US 2012/0037301; WO 2012/013490; EP 1418225; WO 2012/052379; EP 2473421; WO 2012/017277; WO 2012/017278; EP 2281756 and US 2012/0178824.
In certain particularly preferred embodiments the dispensers of the invention may be used to contain and to delivery a quantity of a self-adhesive lavatory treatment composition which comprises (or, consists essentially of, or consists of):
an adhesion promoter based on a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether as may be represented by the following structural formula (I):
within which, R is an C12-C24 aliphatic mono- or poly-alkene moiety, and n has a value of from 1 to 30;
an organic solvent constituent, which is liquid at room temperature (20° C.);
a surfactant constituent;
water;
optionally a co-adhesion promoter constituent, preferably based on one or more oxyalkylenated compounds;
and, further optionally one or more further optional constituents which may impart a further aesthetic or technical benefit to the said self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions;
wherein in use, the said self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions may be applied and adhered to a dry or wetted ceramic surface, especially the interior sidewall in a toilet bowl or other lavatory appliance, and wherein the said self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions is retained adhered to the said surface following a plurality of flushes of water impinging upon the adhered self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions.
In said self-adhesive lavatory treatment composition the adhesion promoter is one or more fatty alcohol polyglycol ether, as may be represented by the following structural formula (I):
within which:
R is an C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety, and
n has a value of from 1 to 30, but preferably n has a value of from 8 to 20, and most preferably has a value of from 10 to 20, inclusive.
Preferably R is a residue of a C12-C24 fatty alcohol having at least one unsaturated bond, viz., monounsaturation, but the residue of a C12-C24 fatty alcohol is preferably monounsaturated. While the residue of a C12-C24 fatty alcohol may have one or more branches, it is preferably linear. Mixtures or blends of two or more such fatty alcohol glycol ethers may also be used.
In preferred embodiments the adhesion promoter based on a fatty alcohol glycol ether, conforms to the foregoing structural formula and comprises one or more unsaturations within the midsection of the C12-C24 fatty alcohol, e.g, wherein the location of the at least one unsaturation (preferably a single unsaturation is present) is within the interior portion of the carbon molecules as measured from the midpoint of the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety and extending outwardly therefrom from both sides from the central carbon(s) which is/are equidistant from the two most distal carbon atoms of the longest carbon chain in the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety. Thus for example, if the R is a linear C14 fatty alcohol, which is an even numbered fatty alcohol, then the central carbon(s) are the C7 and C8 carbons which are also at the midpoint as measured from the distal, C1 and C14 carbons of theis fatty alcohol. Where, for example R is a odd numbered fatty alcohol, e.g. where R is a C15 fatty alcohol, then the central carbon is the C8 alcohol which is at the midpoint, as being equidistant from both the C1 and C15 carbons of the fatty alcohol. The midpoint carbon(s) may also be identified by the following equation:
N/2=midpoint carbon(s)
wherein:
N is the number of carbon atoms in the longest carbon chain in the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety, corresponding to R in the foregoing structural formula. Wherein “N” is an even number then the foregoing equation will yield a value with no decimal remainder (e.g., for a C14 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety, N=14, and thus N/2=7), then the midpoint carbons are the N/2 carbon, and the adjacent (N/2)+1 carbon. Such corresponds to the 7th and 8th carbons in the C14 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety. Wherein “N” is an odd number then the foregoing equation will yield a value with a “0.5” decimal remainder, (e.g., for a C15 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety, N=15, and thus N/2=7.5), then the midpoint carbons is (N/2)+0.5 carbon. Such corresponds to the 8th carbon atom in the C15 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety.
Preferably the one or more unsaturations present with the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety are between adjacent carbon atoms which are between the (N−N+2) carbon atoms and the (N−2) carbon atoms, and in order of increasing preference are: between the (N−N+4) carbon atoms and the (N−4) carbon atoms, and between the (N−N+5) carbon atoms and the (N−5) carbon atoms of the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety.
Preferably the one or more unsaturations present with the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety are between adjacent carbons which are within four carbons adjacent to one or both of the midpoint carbon(s), preferably are within three carbons adjacent to the one or both of the midpoint carbon(s), and especially preferably is/are between adjacent carbon atoms at least one of which is the midpoint carbon(s) in the longest carbon chain in the C12-C24 aliphatic (poly)alkane moiety.
Particularly preferred fatty alcohol glycol ethers of the foregoing structural formula (I) include those which have two or less unsaturations in the R residue, and particularly preferred are those which have a single unsaturation in the R residue.
In certain preferred embodiments the R residue of the fatty alcohol polyglycol ether of the foregoing structural formula (I) is derived from a monounsaturated fatty alcohol which may be represented by the following formula (II):
CH3(CH2)xCH═CH(CH2)y—CH2OH (II)
in which each of x and y are integers which have a value in the range of 6-32, preferably in the range of 8-18, and further preferably the value of x:y are within the respective ratios of from 0.5:1-1:0.5 preferably 0.75:1-1:0.75, and especially preferably about 1:1.
Preferred fatty alcohol glycol ethers of the foregoing structural formula (I) include those which are presently commercially available in the Genapol® “O” series of nonionic surfactants, and in which the fatty alcohol glycol ethers include a residue based on an oleyl alcohol which has a structure: CH3(CH2)7—CH═CH—(CH2)8—OH, and contains a single monounsaturation at or near the midpoint from the terminal ends of the fatty alcohol. Further preferred fatty alcohol glycol ethers of the foregoing structural formula (I) include those which are presently commercially available in the Genapol® “U” series of nonionic surfactants.
Advantageously the adhesion promoter based on a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether is present in the compositions in amount of from about 10% wt. to about 50% wt., preferably from about 20% wt. to about 45% wt. based on the total weight of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions of which they form a part.
In the particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions, the organic solvent constituent, which is liquid at room temperature (20° C.), comprises one or more organic solvents as the organic solvent constituent, but in preferred embodiments is a single organic solvent. By way of non-limiting example exemplary useful organic solvents which are liquid at room temperature (20° C.) and which may be included in the inventive compositions are 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. Polyhydroxy organic solvents, viz, those having two or more —OH moieties are in certain cases, preferred for use.
The organic solvent may also include one or more further liquids such as glycerine and paraffin oil, as well as petroleum distillates and/or petroleum products, paraffinic oils usually based on n-alkanes, naphthenic oils usually based on cycloalkanes, aromatic oils such as those based on aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oil, as well as technical grade mixtures of hydrocarbons may be used as or in the organic solvent. Examples of the latter include paraffinic hydrocarbons including both linear and branched paraffinic hydrocarbons; the former are commercially available as NORPAR solvents (ex. ExxonMobil Corp.) while the latter are available as ISOPAR solvents (ex. ExxonMobil Corp.) Mixtures of branched hydrocarbons especially as isoparaffins form are also contemplated to be useful.
In certain preferred embodiments the organic solvent constituent necessarily includes at least one glycol or glycol ether, and further includes one or both of glycerine and/or mineral oil. When such at least one glycol or glycol ether is present in conjunction with one or both of glycerine and/or mineral oil, preferably the mass of the at least one glycol or glycol ether is at least about three times, preferably at least about four times that of the total mass of the glycerine and/or a mineral oil present.
In certain preferred embodiments the organic solvent constituent consists essentially of, yet more preferably consists of, at least one polyhydroxy organic solvents, e.g, a glycol or glycol ether, and further includes one or both of glycerine and/or mineral oil.
In further, certain preferred embodiments the organic solvent constituent consists essentially of, yet more preferably consists of, at least one glycol or glycol ether, and mineral oil.
In further, certain preferred embodiments the organic solvent constituent consists essentially of, yet more preferably consists of, at least one glycol or glycol ether, and both glycerine and mineral oil.
The organic solvent constituent comprises 1-25% wt. of the inventive compositions. Preferably, in order of increasing preference the organic solvent constituent is present in an amount of at least about 1%, 1.5, 2%, 2.5%, 3% wt. of the inventive composition of which they form a part. Preferably, in order of increasing preference the organic solvent constituent comprises not more than about 25%, 20%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9.5%, 9%, 8.5%, 8%, 7.7%, 7%, 6.5%, 6%, 5.5% and 5% wt. of the inventive composition of which they form a part. Particularly preferred amounts of the organic solvent constituent are recited in one or more of the Examples, with preferred ranges of the organic solvent constituent also disclosed in the Examples.
In certain preferred embodiments:
(a) the ratio (in % wt.) of polyhydroxy organic solvent:other solvents of the organic solvent constituent is in the range of about 4-12:1, preferably about 4.5-10:1, and especially preferably 4.5-8.5:1; and/or,
(b) the ratio (in % wt.) of polyhydroxy organic solvent:mineral oil is in the range of about 5-20:1, more preferably about 7:18:1; and/or,
(c) the ratios (in % wt.) of water:organic solvent constituent is in the range of about 5-20:1, more preferably about 6-16:1; and/or,
(d) the ratios (in % wt.) of water:polyhydroxy organic solvent constituent is in the range of about 5-25:1, preferably about 7-25:1.
Particular and preferred specific ratios of (a), (b), (c) and/or (d) are disclosed with reference to one or more of the examples.
In certain particularly preferred embodiments the conditions outlined of at least two of, preferably at least three of, and particularly preferably the conditions outlined in all four of (a), (b), (c) and (d) are met/satisfied.
These particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment composition also comprise a surfactant constituent, which is distinguishable from the adhesion promoter constituent. As the surfactant constituent may be used one or more anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant compounds. The surfactant constituent comprises from about 0.1% wt. to about 35% wt., preferably from about 5% wt. to about 25% wt. based on the total weight of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions of which they form a part. In certain preferred embodiments one or more anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant compounds are expressly excluded.
These particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions also comprise water which comprises between about 25% wt. and 75% wt., preferably about 30% wt. and about 60% wt. of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions of the invention. Preferably, the amount of water added is advantageously sufficient to ensure that the resultant self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions are “ringing gels”. These ringing gels do not appreciably sag or run when formed, and are amorphous, non-crystalline materials which exhibit a ringing phenomena when they are excited by mechanical vibrations. Such ringing gels are believed to be microemulsion gels which are formed by the incorporation of the dispersed organic solvent constituent within the water, adhesion promoter constituent and the surfactant constituent which form the bulk of the particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions. Such ringing gels form within 48 hours of being mixed, preferably within 24 hours of being mixed, and in certain preferred embodiments the ringing gels form within 1 hour of being mixed. The inventive compositions preferably and in some embodiments necessarily further comprise a co-adhesion promoter constituent based on one or more oxyalkylenated compounds. These oxyalkylenated compound(s) typically comprise ethylene oxide groups (“EO”) (oxyethylenated compounds), or propylene oxide groups (“PO”) (oxypropylenated compounds) or both (“EO/PO”) (oxyethylenated/oxypropylenated compounds). Of course, a plurality of oxyalkylenated compound(s) may be used in the primary adhesion promoter constituent of the adhesive lavatory treatment compositions.
Exemplary suitable oxyalkylenated compounds may be selected from: polyethylene glycols, polyethylene glycol esters and/or polypropylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol ethers and/or polypropylene glycol ethers, alkoxylated acyl derivatives, ethoxylated acyl polyol derivatives, oxyalkylenated (especially) oxyethylenated triesters of glycerol and of fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.
Non-limiting examples of suitable polyethylene glycols which may be used in the composition of the invention include ethylene oxide polycondensates having a number of ethylene oxide (EO) units of greater than 10, and preferably greater than about 20. The ethylene oxide number preferably range from about 10 to about 50,000 and preferably from about 20 to about 10,000. Non-limiting examples of such polyethylene glycols include polyethylene glycol comprising 7,000 EO (CTFA name: PEG-7M), polyethylene glycol comprising 75 EO (CTFA name: PEG-75), polyethylene glycol comprising 20,000 EO (CTFA name: PEG-20M), and polyethylene glycol comprising 150 EO (CTFA name: PEG-150).
Non-limiting examples of suitable polyethylene glycol esters and/or polypropylene glycol esters include condensates of polyethylene glycol and/or polypropylene glycol with one or more fatty acids. These compounds typically have the formula:
wherein:
each of R and R′ independently represent: hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated alkyl chain containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, or an aryl chain, with the proviso that R and R′ are not simultaneously hydrogen,
a=0-300
b=0-300, and preferably a+b is greater than or equal to 10, preferably at least 20, still more preferably at least 30.
Non-limiting examples of polyethylene glycol acid esters and/or polypropylene glycol acid esters include polyethylene glycol distearate (150 EO), PEG-150 dibehenate, polyethylene glycol palmitostearate (120 EO), the copolymer of polyethylene glycol (30 EO) and of 12-hydroxystearic acid, and polyethylene glycol stearate (40 EO). Examples of compounds according to the foregoing formula wherein R and R′ are both hydrogen, such compound may be polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene copolymers.
Non-limiting examples of polyethylene glycol ethers and/or polypropylene glycol ethers include condensates of polyethylene glycol and/or polypropylene glycol with one or more fatty alcohols. These compounds typically conform to the formula:
wherein:
each of R and R′ represent, independently of each other, hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydroxylated or non-hydroxylated alkyl chain containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, or an aryl chain, with the proviso that R and R′ are not simultaneously hydrogen.
a=0-300
b=0-300, and preferably a+b is greater than or equal to 10, preferably at least 20, still more preferably at least 30.
Non-limiting examples of such polyethylene glycol ethers include oxyethylenated (30 EO) cetyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (15 EO) oleyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (50 EO) oleyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (10 EO) behenyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (30 EO) behenyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (12 EO) lauryl alcohol, oxyethylenated (23 EO) lauryl alcohol, oxyethylenated (20 EO) 2-octyldodecyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (20 EO) isocetyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (10 EO) oleyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (20 EO) oleyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (100 EO) stearyl alcohol, and oxyethylenated (21 EO) stearyl alcohol.
Non-limiting examples of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol ethers in particular, include oxyethylenated (5 EO) oxypropylenated (5 PO) lauryl alcohol, oxypropylenated (3 PO) myristyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (20 EO) oxypropylenated (5 PO) cetyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (26 EO) oxypropylenated (26 PO) butyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (26 EO) oxypropylenated (26 PO) butyl alcohol, oxyethylenated (30 EO) oxypropylenated (6 PO) decyltetradecanol, and oxyethylenated (25 EO) oxypropylenated (25 PO) lauryl alcohol.
Non-limiting examples of ethoxylated alkyl or aryl derivatives of polyol include oxyethylenated derivatives of fatty acid esters or of fatty alcohol ethers and of a polyol such as glycerol, sorbitol, glucose or pentaerythritol. Suitable derivatives of this type include, for example, oxyethylenated (78 EO) glyceryl cocoate, oxyethylenated (120 EO) methylglucose dioleate, oxyethylenated (40 EO) sorbitan septaoleate, oxyethylenated (10 EO) polyglyceryl (2 mol of glycerol) laurate, oxyethylenated (60 EO) glyceryl isostearate, oxyethylenated (20 EO) glyceryl monostearate, oxyethylenated (200 EO) glyceryl stearate, and oxyethylenated (150 EO) pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, such as the product sold under the name Crothix™ (ex. Croda, Inc.)
Non-limiting examples of suitable oxyalkylenated glyceryl triesters of fatty acids include, for example, oxyethylenated (6 EO) caprylic/capric acid glycerides, and oxyethylenated (50 EO) olive oil.
Particularly preferred for use in the co-adhesion promoter constituent are compounds according to the structure:
wherein,
R is a fatty acid moiety, preferably a stearic fatty acid moiety, and the sum of w+x+y+z is in the range of 50-1500, preferably in the range of 70-500, more preferably in the range of about 100-350 and especially preferably about 150.
A particularly preferred primary adhesion promoter constituent is a material presently commercially available under the tradename Crothix (ex. Croda, Inc.).
Further particularly preferred co-adhesion promoters include high molecular weight water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) polymers, which desirably have molecular weights (weight average) in the range from about 100,000 to about 8,000,000. Such high molecular weight water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) polymers are presently commercially available as Polyox resins (ex. Dow Chem. Co.).
In certain embodiments, the co-adhesion promoter constituent is pasty or is solid at room temperature (20° C.).
Mixtures of two or more of the foregoing materials and/or compounds may be used to provide the co-adhesion promoter constituent. Alternatively a single of the foregoing materials and/or compounds can be used to provide the co-adhesion promoter constituent.
In certain preferred embodiments, one or more of the foregoing co-adhesion promoters are expressly excluded from the adhesive lavatory treatment compositions.
In further preferred embodiments a co-adhesion promoter is necessarily present in the adhesive lavatory treatment compositions.
When present, the co-adhesion promoter constituent comprises from about 0.001% wt.-5% wt., preferably about 0.05% wt.-2.5% wt., based on the total weight of the inventive composition of which it forms a part.
In embodiments of the invention, wherein both a primary adhesion promoter and a co-adhesion promoter are concurrently present, preferably the weight ratio of the former to the latter is at least about not more than 10:1, and especially preferably is not more than about 20:1
Such particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions may comprise one or more further optional constituents which may impart a further aesthetic or technical benefit to the said self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions. When present, such further optional constituents are generally present in a cumulative amount of less than about 25% wt. based on the total weight of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions wherein one or more such further optional constituents may be present. By way of non-limiting example such further optional constituents include one or more of: coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, viscosity modifying agents, thickeners, bleaches, bleach releasing compounds, oxidizing agents, germicidal agents, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts as well as organic and inorganic acids, builders, chelating agents, opacifying agents, titanium dioxide, inert inorganic or organic fillers, visually discernible additive materials, hydrotropes, enzymes as well as other biologically active constituents, anti-oxidants, preservatives, and anti-corrosion agents, as well as other optional constituents known to the skilled artisan. When one or more of the optional constituents is added, i.e., fragrance and/or coloring agents, the esthetic and consumer appeal of the product is often favorably improved. The use and selection of these optional constituents should be based on imparting a desired additional aesthetic or technical benefit, as well as to ensure compatibility with the further constituents present in the inventive self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions, especially such that the desirable self-adhesive properties of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions are not deleteriously diminished.
Such particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions of the invention are viscous or pasty, and may be characterized in having a viscosity in the range of from about 150,000 cP to about 7,000,000 cP, but preferably from about 200,000 to about 5,000,000.
Non-limiting examples of particularly preferred self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions include those disclosed on the following Table 1:
The identity of the constituents of Table 1 are disclosed on the following Table 2. As noted, unless otherwise indicated the constituents were provided as “100% wt. actives”.
Samples of the compositions as described above on Table 1 formed “ringing gels” which were self-supporting, viz., and did not sag or run under their own weight. The compositions of Table 1 were formed by forming a first premixture of the constituents on Table 1 as “Part A” typically by combining and mixing the constituents at an elevated temperature (e.g., 50° C.-85° C.), forming a second premixture of the constituents on Table 1 as “Part B” by combining and mixing the constituents at an elevated temperature (e.g., 50° C.-85° C.), combining the first and second premixtures to form a homogenous mixture which was then combined with the water, optionally with any remaining constituents (e.g., betaine surfactant) disclosed on Table 1 as “Part C”., to form the compositions of Table 1.
The dispensers of the invention may be used to store, contain and to dispense or deliver a mass of an adhesive treatment composition preferably a self-adhesive lavatory treatment composition to a surface, such as a horizontal, vertical or inclined lavatory surface, which surfaces may be subjected to sprayed or flushed water on an intermittent or periodic basis. In a preferred embodiment such surfaces include those of environments and lavatory appliances which are periodically rinsed with water, e.g, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls and other bathing or washing enclosures, as well as those which through which water is flushed, e.g., toilets, bidets, urinals, and the like.
While it is naturally understood that the operating parameters of lavatory devices, e.g., toilets, vary considerably and that the range of compositions which are taught herein are also variable, preferably, once applied a mass (preferably between about 2 and about 10 grams, more preferably from about 3 to about 7 grams, and covering a surface area of approximately about 1 to about 10 cm2) of an self-adhesive lavatory treatment composition is applied from a dispenser according to the invention is retained in the hard surface for at least 5, and in order of increasing preference, at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 flushes, or until the mass of the of the self-adhesive lavatory treatment compositions is eroded by the flushing water of the lavatory device.
The dispensers of the invention may be formed of any suitable material of construction. Preferred materials include those which are water impervious or include a water impervious layer or coating. Particularly preferred materials are also those which additionally have good vapor barrier properties such that an adhesive lavatory treatment composition stored within the cavity of the dispenser does not unduly degrade or dry out while being stored prior to use as an applicator for the adhesive lavatory treatment composition onto a surface. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include polymers, particularly synthetic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, including but not limited to: polyamides (e.g., Nylon), polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, HMWPE, LDPE) as well as polyalkyleneterephalates (i.e., polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polystyrenes, polysulfones, polycarbonates as well as copolymers formed from monomers of one or more of the foregoing being several nonlimiting examples of useful synthetic polymers. Advantageously such polymeric materials include those which may be formed into dispensing devices such as by stamping, injection molding, vacuum molding, or other thermoforming or thermosetting processes wherein the polymeric materials are advantageously also of relatively low cost. Further suitable materials include paper, metal foils, metalized polymers as well as laminated materials as well as coated materials which may include two or more dissimilar materials which are nonetheless formed into a multi-layer substrate which is used to form a dispensing device. Without limitation, such expressly include coated papers, multilayer polymer films, as well as paper/metal foil laminates and paper/plastic laminates. Indeed, coming into consideration are virtually all materials which can be formed into dispensing devices as disclosed in the specification, particularly those which can be formed into sheet materials, which thereafter can be fabricated into the dispensing devices.
Of particular utility are materials which are water dispersible, and/or which degrade when subjected for sufficient time to the environment of a sewer system or septic system. Such include water soluble or water dispersible polymeric materials, e.g., those containing or based on polyvinyl alcohols, as well as starch derivative polymers based on destructed starch, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,692. Destructured starch can be from any starch of natural or plant origin which is composed essentially of amylose and/or amylopectin. The starch can be extracted from any suitable plant, such as, for instance, potatoes, rice, maize, tapioca, or various cereals, such as rye, wheat, oats, etc. Chemically modified starches and starches of different genotypes can also be used, if desired. Additionally, ethoxy derivatives of starch, starch acetates, cationic starches, oxidized starches, cross-linked starches and the like may also be used. Such materials may be particularly useful as a coating or a layer of a coated or laminate structure, e.g., one or more paper layers which further include one or more such water dispersible or water degradable materials.
While the dispensers of the invention may be refilled and reused, in preferred embodiments the dispensers are of a single use type and are not refilled, but are subsequently discarded and/or recycled. Where the dispensers of are formed of water dispersible or biodegradable materials, e.g. those containing a content of paper and/or other materials which may dissolve or degrade in a sewer system or septic system, after the adhesive treatment composition is dispensed from the dispenser, the now empty dispensing device may be flushed down a toilet and after sufficient time and exposure in a sewer system or septic system, it breaks down or otherwise degrades.
Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will be more clearly described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to describe elements which may be present in one or more of the different embodiments of the invention. It is also to be understood that certain features which may be depicted in one embodiment of the invention, may likewise be included in a further embodiment of the invention even though such is not specifically depicted in a drawing figure. For example, a cover film or other cover means which spans across the open end of the cavity may be present in any embodiment of the invention. Similarly, a release means, such as a release film and/or release material may be present according to any embodiment of the invention and indeed, both may be concurrently present according to certain embodiments of the invention although such is not specifically illustrated in any of the following drawing figures.
As is further understood from
In certain embodiments, as is illustrated on the present embodiment of
Except for the cover film 50 which is a discrete and separable element of the depicted embodiment of the dispensing device 10, advantageously the dispensing device 10 is formed from a single material, preferably a moldable sheet-like material which can be appropriately configured to assume a configuration and/or to function as described herein. The cover film 50 (or cover means) is advantageously a flexible material, such as a flexible synthetic polymeric film or a metal foil or metalized film which can be adhered to, and conveniently peeled away from the dispensing device 10 by a consumer just prior to the dispensing of a quantity (e.g. unit mass, unit, unit dose) of a composition (e.g, adhesive composition, adhesive lavatory treatment composition) onto a surface such as a part of a lavatory appliance (e.g., toilet bowl, bidet) or any other surface to which the composition may be dispensed and preferably adhered. The cover film 50 (or cover means 50) may also be formed of a stiff or rigid material such as a plate or cap which also may be adhered to, or at least partially inserted within the cavity 4, e.g. such that a part of the cover means 50 extends into the cavity 4 in the proximity of the opening 2, such by forming an interference fit or friction fit between parts of the cover means 50 and part of the cavity 4 or other part or parts of the dispensing device 10.
As can now be better understood in conjunction with
As an alternative to the release film 70 disclosed and discussed with reference to
In certain preferred embodiments, the release material 70 is a fluid or liquid material, such as a pourable, flowable or sprayable material which exhibits such adhesive characteristics or strength as described above. The release material in such a physical form is preferred for use as such can be conveniently applied such as by coating, spraying, dipping, brushing, a quantity of the release material onto a part of parts of the device 10. It is to be understood that it is not in all aspects necessary that the entire interior of the cavity 4 need be coated by the release material as some instances, only a partial coverage of the cavity wall 29 may be required and indeed preferable. For instance, it may be desired that one or more small areas of the cavity wall 29 be uncoated by the release material, and thereby allow for physical interfacial contact between the adhesive treatment composition and a portion of the uncoated cavity wall 29 thereby allowing one or more points of adhesion between the mass of the adhesive treatment composition and the cavity wall 29 which may aid in its retention within the cavity 4. Alternatively, the entire cavity wall 29 may be fully coated by the release material 70 to form a complete barrier between the cavity 4 and the adhesive treatment composition contained within.
Non-limiting examples of such release materials include virtually all materials whose adhesive composition to the release material is generally substantially lower or poorer than the adhesive characteristics or strength of the adhesive treatment composition to the surface to which the adhesive treatment composition is intended to, or to which the adhesive treatment compositions are ultimately applied. Such include hydrophobic liquids such as glycerine and paraffin oil, as well as petroleum distillates and/or petroleum products, and also paraffinic oils usually based on n-alkanes, naphthenic oils including those based on cycloalkanes, aromatic oils such as those based on aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oil, as well as technical grade mixtures of hydrocarbons may be used as or in the organic solvent. Examples of the latter include paraffinic hydrocarbons including both linear and branched paraffinic hydrocarbons; the former are commercially available as NORPAR solvents (ex. ExxonMobil Corp.) while the latter are available as ISOPAR solvents (ex. ExxonMobil Corp.) Further useful release materials include one or more oxyalkylenated compounds, which are may be liquids or pasty at room temperature (20° C.). Exemplary suitable oxyalkylenated compounds include polyethylene glycols, polyethylene glycol esters and/or polypropylene glycol esters, polyethylene glycol ethers and/or polypropylene glycol ethers, alkoxylated acyl derivatives, ethoxylated acyl polyol derivatives, oxyalkylenated (especially) oxyethylenated triesters of glycerol and of fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, each having a minimum molecular weight of about 100, preferably about 200, and especially preferably of at least about 250. Non-limiting examples of suitable polyethylene glycols which may be used in the composition of the invention include ethylene oxide polycondensates having a number of ethylene oxide (EO) units of greater than 5, and preferably greater than about 20. Non-limiting examples of such polyethylene glycols include polyethylene glycol comprising 75 EO (CTFA name: PEG-75), and polyethylene glycol comprising 150 EO (CTFA name: PEG-150) and polyethylene glycol comprising 7,000 EO (CTFA name: PEG-7M).
It is to be understood that in any of the foregoing embodiments, only a single bonding point, or more than two bonding points 72 between the release film 70 and the face 14 of the base 9 (or any other part of the dispensing device) may be provided.
A further embodiment of a dispenser is illustrated on
As illustrated the dispenser 10 includes a pair of foldable arms 6,8 which are flexibly or hingedly affixed or depend from a part of the base 9 via hinges or hinge lines 11, 13 which are integrally formed parts of the dispenser 10. Each of the foldable arms 6, 8 include a at least a distal part 15, 17 which comes into contact when the dispenser assumes a folded configuration as depicted on
As further depicted on
The embodiment illustrated on
In an embodiment as depicted on
The array 90 of a plurality of dispensers 10 is also technically advantageous as during a manufacturing process, a plurality of empty dispensers 10 may first be formed and by virtue of the connector parts 92, and thereafter each of the cavities 4 filled in a simultaneous or sequential process. For example wherein an array of an integer number “n” of individual dispensers 10 is formed, such is frequently in a generally planar configuration and by virtue of the connector means, the relative placement of the empty cavities 4 is fixed, which is advantageously in an adjacent and/or linear arrangement as illustrated on
It is to be clearly understood that parts and elements disclosed in one of the foregoing configuration or otherwise depicted upon or discussed with reference to one or more of the drawing figures may be utilized in any other embodiment of the invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2013/052502 | 9/25/2013 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61724738 | Nov 2012 | US |
