U.S. patent application number 10/065827 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for microbe-inhibiting novelty articles for pets.
Invention is credited to Denesuk, Matthew, Uhlmann, Eugenie V..
Application Number | 20030066496 10/065827 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26719917 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030066496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denesuk, Matthew ; et
al. |
April 10, 2003 |
Microbe-inhibiting novelty articles for pets
Abstract
The present invention relates to a variety of pet novelties
manufactured to limit or eradicate the proliferation of microbes
upon their surfaces, in their interiors, or in their environment. A
cooling garment for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property on an outer textile casing or within an inner filling. A
restraining article for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent
or property incorporated within the material comprising the
restraining article. A flaccid, liner-type separator for a waste
product collecting receiver for a domestic animal includes a
microbe-inhibiting thin material impervious to moisture for
collecting the waste. A feeding entertaining article for a domestic
or wild bird includes an outer cover, preferably including packed
bird seed, a supporting substrate, and either the cover or liner
having an effective amount of microbe-inhibiting agent or
property.
Inventors: |
Denesuk, Matthew; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Uhlmann, Eugenie V.; (Tucson, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
171 MONROE AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 600
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
26719917 |
Appl. No.: |
10/065827 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10065827 |
Nov 22, 2002 |
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09817847 |
Mar 26, 2001 |
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09817847 |
Mar 26, 2001 |
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09060243 |
Apr 14, 1998 |
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60043014 |
Apr 15, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/850 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 25/34 20130101;
A01K 15/025 20130101; A01K 1/0353 20130101; A01K 13/003 20130101;
A01N 25/34 20130101; A01N 33/12 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101;
A01N 31/16 20130101; A01N 55/04 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101;
A01N 55/04 20130101; A01K 1/0152 20130101; A01N 31/16 20130101;
A01N 25/10 20130101; A01N 33/12 20130101; A01N 25/10 20130101; A01K
15/026 20130101; D06M 16/00 20130101; A01N 25/10 20130101; A01N
25/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/850 |
International
Class: |
A01K 013/00 |
Claims
1. a body-worn protective garment to partially cover a domestic
animal comprising: an outer textile casing formed of a material
defining a shape adapted to be worn about the body of the domestic
animal; an inner filling adapted to cool the domestic animal; and
at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling
having an effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property.
2. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the inner filling is a granular gel for absorbing large
amounts of water for temporary storage and then releasing smaller
amounts of water for evaporation.
3. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 2
wherein the inner filling includes polyacrylamide granules.
4. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the outer textile casing has a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property.
5. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the outer textile casing is cotton.
6. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the outer textile casing is a blend of cotton and
polyester.
7. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the outer textile casing is polyester.
8. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the inner filling has a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property.
9. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 8
wherein the inner filling is a mixture of a microbe-inhibiting
material and a water-retaining material.
10. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 9
wherein the microbe-inhibiting material includes a microbe-cidal
agent.
11. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 2
wherein the inner filling includes polyacrylamide granules
interspersed with a microbe-inhibiting sponge material.
12. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 11
wherein the microbe-inhibiting sponge material is 20 to 80 percent
by weight of the inner filling.
13. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the inner filling comprises polyurethane foam including
polyacrylamide granules.
14. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 13
wherein the polyurethane foam is 20 to 80 percent by weight of the
inner filling.
15. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 1
wherein the inner filling comprises microbe-inhibiting fiber and
polyacrylamide granules.
16. A body-worn protective garment article according to claim 15
wherein the antimicrobial fiber is between 0.3 and 4 percent of a
containment volume defined by as an interior of the outer textile
casing.
17. A flaccid, liner-type separator for a waste product collecting
receiver for a domestic animal comprising: a thin material
impervious to moisture defining a shape adapted to fit in a bottom
portion of the waste product collecting receiver for holding the
waste product; and the material having an effective amount of a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
18. A flaccid, liner-type separator according to claim 17 wherein
the thin material includes a tacky coating.
19. A flaccid, liner-type separator according to claim 17 wherein
the thin material includes a granular coating.
20. A feeding and entertaining article for a domestic or wild bird
comprising: an outer cover defining a shape that the bird may
ascend, descend, crawl upon, or feed from; a substrate; and at
least one of the outer cover and the substrate having an effective
amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
21. A feeding and entertaining article according to claim 20
wherein the outer cover is packed bird seed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/817,847, filed Mar. 26, 2001, which is a divisional of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/060,243, filed Apr. 14, 1998,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/043,014, filed Apr. 15, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to novelty articles, principally for
domestic animals, and more particularly, to a novelty article
having a microbe-inhibiting agent or property that substantially
inhibits the proliferation of microbes on, within, or around the
novelty article. The term "microbe" herein refers broadly to
classes of bacteria, viruses, germs, molds, mildews, fungi,
allergens, and other microorganisms. An article of the present
invention provides both comfort and health benefits to both pets
and people involved with the use of such an article.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Some conventional novelty articles for pets generally
comprise a textile based outer cover and a filling material. Others
include a single material, which is sometimes a laminate. The prior
art amusement articles, however, do not include a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property, and therefore, do not address
the problems that can arise when microbes are allowed to grow or
proliferate on, within, or around the articles.
[0006] A damp environment often encourages the proliferation of
microbes. Because it is common for pets, especially dogs, to
salivate upon, deposit partially digested food upon, urinate upon,
or otherwise soil articles used to train, amuse, or cloth them; and
because such articles are generally porous and absorbent, microbial
proliferation is especially problematic. The fact that the articles
can remain at favorable incubation temperatures (e.g., in a dog"s
mouth or close to a dog"s body while sleeping) further aggravates
the problem. These conditions can also make the articles attractive
to other pests such as fleas and ticks. Pets using such articles,
as well as their owners, can thus be exposed to an increased health
hazard. The environment to which such articles are exposed is
unique; and the difficulty in designing and developing a product
which is efficacious, safe, non-toxic, and economical is not easy.
This may explain why such articles for pets have not included a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
[0007] In warm climates, ambient heat can be highly uncomfortable
for pets and, in some cases, even present a health risk. The fact
that pets cannot indicate their discomfort to their owners further
increases the problem. A useful article known in the art comprises
a textile material which houses another material which provides
cooling through an evaporative mechanism. This article is generally
worn by the pet.
[0008] A preferred form of this article is a bandanna-type article
which contains a gel material in granular form. The gel material
must be able to absorb large amounts of water quickly, but release
said water slowly. A preferred material is polyacrylamide granules.
A preferred bandanna material is cotton or a polyester/cotton
blend. Cotton tends to dry slowly, while polyester materials will
dry more quickly. If desired, one can choose a cotton/poly blend
ratio to contribute favorably to the cooling behavior.
[0009] These articles can also be soaked in water and then frozen
(e.g., in a freezer). The frozen gel material will generally remain
cold much longer than will ice. These articles can also be used
with hot water to provide heating effect.
[0010] Unfortunately, the fact that these articles remain moist for
extended periods of time renders them highly favorable breeding
grounds for the proliferation of molds, fungi, bacteria, and other
microbes. The prior art has been silent on this vulnerability of
these otherwise very attractive articles.
[0011] Cotton is particularly susceptible to microbial
proliferation, due both to the fact that it tends to dry slowly and
to the fact that cotton is digestible by (and thus provides
nutrition for) many microbes.
[0012] Restraining articles for pets are widely used and widely
known in the art. Many restraining articles for pets are
constructed from synthetic materials such a nylon, which possesses
a moderate microbe-starving quality (i.e., microbes cannot
generally digest nylon). Because restraining articles often become
soiled with saliva and other bodily fluids, dirt, grass, etc., they
often become susceptible to microbial proliferation. They would
therefore benefit from microbe-cidal treatment or incorporation. In
addition, restraining articles constructed from natural materials,
e.g., leather, are popular; and even when "clean," they are
susceptible to microbial proliferation.
[0013] Scratching articles for pets, especially for cats, are
widely known in the art. Pets, especially cats, like to dig their
claws into them. These articles provide a surface for scratching,
as well as an "anchor" for stretching. They can be freestanding
(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,763), or they may be made for attachment
to or leaning against furniture articles or the like (e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,592,901, 5,619,953). In this latter case, it is often
hoped that the cats will prefer to scratch the article rather than
the furniture. The scratching surface is preferably made from a
material into which the pet is inclined to dig or otherwise engage
his/her claws. Carpeting and carpet like materials are popular, as
are rope materials (especially sisal) wrapped around a core.
[0014] A pet"s claws and paws can carry a variety of natural matter
which can readily promote microbial proliferation. In addition the
claws and paws can directly carry microbes. The surfaces of
scratching articles are often ideal for harboring nutritive matter
and microbes. In addition, such surfaces are generally difficult to
clean. Thus scratching articles are susceptible to widespread
microbial proliferation. Despite this fact, no scratching articles
of the prior art are provided with properties so as to prevent this
proliferation.
[0015] It is widely known that caged birds can be quite unsanitary.
They are apt to defecate on just about anything. The bird"s moist
defecation is also know often to be especially unsanitary. Articles
placed in a bird"s cage, therefore, and even the cage itself, can
be dangerously susceptible to microbial proliferation.
[0016] Bird cage liners are an accessory which would especially
benefit from being provided with microbe-inhibiting qualities. The
prior art addresses the problem of soiled liners by providing
disposable liners which are intended to be discarded when they
become excessively soiled. This is useful, but does not address the
problem of intermediate soiling levels (it would be impractical to
discard the liners several times a day).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0017] According to the invention, novelty articles for pets
include body worn protective garments for partially covering a
domestic animal including an inner filling adapted to cool the
domestic animal. These articles include an outer textile casing
having an effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. Alternatively, the inner filling itself includes the
effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
[0018] According to the invention, a body worn protective garment
article can include a granular gel for absorbing large amounts of
water for temporary storage and then releasing smaller amounts of
water for evaporation. Furthermore, the inner filling can include
polyacrylamide granules. A preferred embodiment uses a
microbe-inhibiting agent such as try-n-butyltin maleate, preferably
present from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of the material comprising the
protective garment. An alternative microbe-inhibiting agent is
3-trimethoxysilylpropylnethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, which is
present in concentrations ranging 0.02 to 0.2% by weight of the
material comprising the garment.
[0019] The outer textile casing for protective garment according to
the invention can be cotton, a blend of cotton and polyester, or
polyester.
[0020] According to the invention, a body worn protective garment
can also include an inner filling having polyacrylamide granules
interspersed within a microbe-inhibiting sponge. Preferably, the
microbe-inhibiting sponge is 20 to 80% by weight of the inner
filling.
[0021] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the
protective garment includes an inner filling containing
anti-microbial fiber and polyacrylamide granules. In a further
embodiment, the anti-microbial fiber is acrylic having
2,4,4"-trichloro-2"-hydroxydiphenol incorporated therein,
preferably in concentrations from 0.05 to 0.7% by weight of the
fiber.
[0022] A process for imparting microbe-inhibiting properties to a
pet worn protective garment is also described according to the
invention and includes the step of applying to or incorporating
within at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner
filling and effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. One embodiment of the process includes an application
step comprising soaking the garment in a solution including the
microbe-inhibiting agent or property. Another embodiment includes
an application step comprising spraying the garment with a solution
including the microbe-inhibiting agent or property. A further
embodiment includes an application step comprising incorporating
the microbe-inhibiting agent or property into a dope, and further
including a step of spinning fibers formed in a garment from the
dope.
[0023] According to the invention, a body or appendage encircling
collar or band can be constructed to surround and be supported by
or worn by a domestic animal"s neck, limb, torso, or other body
part, or other body part and includes a material defining a shape
in the form of a band, harness, or collar for restraining or
leading a domestic animal, wherein the material includes an
effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
According to one embodiment, the body or appendage encircling
collar or band is made of nylon, and the microbe-inhibiting agent
can be 3-trimethoxysilylpropylnethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. An
alternative microbe-inhibiting agent is
2,4,4"-trichloro-2"-hydroxydiphen- ol. A further embodiment
includes leather as the material and tri-n-butyltin maleate as the
microbe-inhibiting agent, preferably present in concentrations
between 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of the material.
[0024] A further embodiment of a body or appendage encircling
collar or band constructed to surround and be supported by or worn
by a domestic animal"s neck, limb, torso, or other body part
includes an outer sheeting defining a shape in the form of a band,
harness, or collar for restraining or leading a domestic animal and
a substrate, wherein a least one of the sheeting and substrate have
an effective amount of microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
[0025] According to the invention, a process for imparting
microbe-inhibiting properties to a pet worn collar or a band having
the material defining the shape in the form of a band, harness, or
collar for restraining or leading a domestic animal includes the
step of applying to or incorporating within the material an
effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or property. In one
embodiment, the collar or band is soaked in a solution containing
the microbe-inhibiting agent or property. A further embodiment
includes the application step of spraying the collar or band with
the solution including the microbe-inhibiting agent or property. A
further embodiment includes an application step including
incorporating the microbe-inhibiting agent or property into a dope,
and further including the step of spinning fibers for forming the
collar or band from the dope.
[0026] According to the invention, a climbing or claw-scratching
device for conditioning, developing, or entertaining a domestic
animal includes an upright support, a layer of material mounted on
the support whereby the domestic animal may ascend, descend, crawl,
or abrade its nails upon the layer of material, wherein the
material includes an effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent
or property. In one embodiment of the invention, the material is
carpet and the microbe-inhibiting agent is tri-n-butyltin maleate.
Another embodiment includes a material of sisal rope and a
microbe-inhibiting agent of tri-n-butyltin maleate. A further
embodiment includes cotton rope as the material and tri-n-butyltin
maleate as the microbe-inhibiting agent. Another embodiment
includes carpet as the material and
3-trimethoxysilylpropylnethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride as the
microbe-inhibiting agent.
[0027] A climbing or claw-scratching device according to the
invention can include an upright support, an outer cover mounted to
the support and defining a shape domestic animal may ascend,
descend, crawl, or abrade its nails upon, an inner liner between
the outer cover and the upright support and secured to the outer
cover, wherein at least one of the outer cover and inner liner
includes an effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. A further embodiment includes an inner liner comprising
vinyl plastisol, which incorporates a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property, preferably Vinyzene. An alternative embodiment includes
an outer cover comprising carpet.
[0028] According to the invention, a process for imparting
microbe-inhibiting agent or properties to a pet climbing or
claw-scratching device includes a textured lamina mounted to a
support and defining a shape that the domestic animal may ascend,
descend, crawl, or abrade its nails upon, and comprising the step
of applying to or incorporating within the textured lamina and
effective amount of microbe-inhibiting agent or property. A further
embodiment includes an application step comprising soaking the
textured lamina in a solution including microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. Another embodiment includes spraying the textured lamina
with a solution including the microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
Another embodiment includes an application step incorporating the
microbe-inhibiting agent or property into a dope, and further
comprising the step of spinning fibers for forming the textured
lamina from the dope. The textured lamina may comprise carpet.
[0029] According to the invention, a flaccid, liner-type separator
for a waste product collecting receiver for a domestic animals
includes a thin material impervious to moisture defining a shape
adapted to fit in a bottom portion of the waste product collecting
receiver, such as a bird cage, for holding the waste product,
wherein the material includes an effective amount of a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property. A further embodiment includes
the thin material having a tacky coating. Alternatively, the thin
material may include a granular coating.
[0030] According to the invention, a feeding and retaining article
for a domestic or wild bird includes an outer cover defining a
shape that the bird may ascend, descend, crawl upon, or feed from,
and a substrate, wherein at least one of the outer cover and inner
liner have an effective amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. In one embodiment, the outer cover is packed bird seed. A
preferred microbe-inhibiting agent is chlorine dioxide, preferably
present in concentrations between 0.001 and 0.1% by weight. An
alternative microbe-inhibiting agent is
2,4,4"-trichloro-2"-hydroxydiphenol, preferably present in
concentrations between 0.001 and 0.1% by weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a protective garment
having an inner filling according to the invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a body or appendage
encircling collar or band having a substrate according to the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a climbing or
claw-scratching device having an upright support and an inner liner
according to the invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flaccid liner-type
separator according to the invention.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a feeding or entertaining
article according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, novelty articles possessing
microbe-inhibiting properties according to the invention are shown.
As shown in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the invention is a
protective garment 10 including an outer textile casing 12 and an
inner filling 14, which is adapted to cool the domestic animal as
will be described further herein.
[0037] A second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, is
a body or appendage encircling collar or band 20 constructed to
surround and be supported by or worn by a domestic animals neck,
limb, torso, or other body part. The collar or band 20, in one
embodiment of the invention, includes an outer sheeting 22, which
envelopes a substrate 24, which, in turn, provides support to the
collar or band 20. An embodiment not shown includes a unitary piece
of material for forming the collar or band 20.
[0038] Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, is a climbing or
claw-scratching device 30 for conditioning, developing, or
entertaining a domestic animal. The claw-scratching device 30
includes an upright support 32 mounted to a base 34, both of which
may include a layer of material 36 mounted on the exterior thereof.
In one embodiment, the layer of material includes an effective
amount of a microbe-inhibiting agent or property. In an alternative
embodiment, a inner liner 38 is then opposed between the exterior
36 and the upright support 32, in which case at least one of the
outer cover and the inner liner includes an effective amount of a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, wherein
a flaccid, liner-type separator 40 for a waste product collecting
receiver 42 for a domestic animal includes a thin material 44
including an effective amount of microbe-inhibiting agent or
property. In an alternative embodiment, the thin material 44
includes a granular coating. In another embodiment, the thin
material 44 includes a tacky coating.
[0040] Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, is a feeding and
entertaining article 50 for a domestic or a wild bird, including an
outer cover 52 having a shape that the bird may ascend, descend,
crawl upon or feed from, and a substrate (not shown) for supporting
the outer cover. In this embodiment, at least one of the outer
cover and the substrate has an effective amount of a
microbe-inhibiting agent or property. In a further embodiment, the
outer cover supports packed bird seed 54.
[0041] Microbe-Inhibiting Properties
[0042] The term "microbe-inhibiting" in the present disclosure
subsumes all characteristics (and the means for imparting these
characteristics) which cause the articles to be inhospitable to
microbes. Distinctions may be made between three types of microbe
inhibition: microbe-cidal, microbe-starving, and
microbe-impenetrable.
[0043] Microbe-cidal refers to a property whereby microbes are
actively killed or otherwise rendered ineffective. If a microbe
comes within a sufficiently close range (direct contact, for some
materials; within a "zone of inhibition" for others ) of a
microbe-cidal material, it will be killed or otherwise rendered
ineffective. Microbe-cidal properties may be imparted to materials
by a variety of means. A preferred means uses microbe-cidal agents
during the manufacturing process of the materials and/or treats the
materials with microbe-cidal agents. A number of preferred agents
are disclosed below. For the microbe-cidal property to be durable,
it is often preferred that the agents be bonded in some manner to
the materials comprising the pet article. Such materials exhibit
smaller zones of inhibition than materials containing non- or
weakly-bonded agents, but the microbe-cidal property with regard to
microbes coming directly into contact with the material can be more
durable. Using agents which are insoluble or only sparingly soluble
in water can also be a key element for durability.
[0044] Microbe-starving refers to a property whereby microbes are
controlled or eliminated by deprivation of sources of nutrition. A
material is said possess microbe-starving properties if microbes in
contact with the material have difficulty acquiring the resources
they need to survive. One can often provide or enhance a
microbe-starving characteristic to a material by changing or
altogether eliminating additives to the materials (e.g.,
plasticizers, fillers, or processing aids). Since adhered dust or
liquids can provide nutrition for microbes, it is preferred that
the material be provided with anti-adhesion properties (e.g.,
anti-static, low surface energy, etc.).
[0045] Microbe-impenetrable refers to the property of a material or
coating whereby a microbe cannot pass through the material or
coating. In this case, microbes may proliferate to some degree on a
surface of the material, but such proliferation will be confined to
the surface. Thus if an article is treated on its exterior by a
microbe-impenetrable coating, microbes from the environment will
not be able to pass into the interior of the article, will be
limited in the degree to which they can proliferate, and can more
readily be removed by washing. Appropriate placement of
microbe-impenetrable materials is important to their effectiveness
in providing the microbe-inhibiting property.
[0046] It is often efficacious to fight the battle against
microbial proliferation on several fronts. Thus preferred
microbe-inhibiting articles for pets will often possess
combinations of microbe-inhibiting behavior. For example, when a
particular component of an article is most susceptible to microbial
attack, this component may be treated with both a
microbe-impenetrable layer and a microbe-cidal agent, while the
remainder of the article is treated with only the microbe-cidal
agent. Further, an additive which serves as a resource for
microbial growth may be important only for certain parts of the
article. For example, plasticizers often act as an effective
resource for microbial proliferation; and one can use the
plasticizer only where the flexibility is needed, and then treat
this area with an effective combination of microbe-inhibiting
characteristics; and the remainder of the article, where the
plasticizer was not used, may be less vigorously protected.
[0047] For durability, the microbe-inhibiting agents should not
readily dissolve into the fluids with which they come into contact.
This includes fluids associated with their use (saliva, urine, or
other bodily fluids) as well as washing and cleaning fluids (the
microbe-inhibiting activity should be durable to repeated home
laundering). The insolubility may be an intrinsic characteristic of
the agent-fluid combination, or it may be due to the fact that the
agents are well-bonded to the materials comprising the article.
Both types are included in the present invention.
[0048] Although both water-durable and non-water-durable
microbe-inhibiting components may be used with effectiveness in the
present invention, if a non-water-durable microbe-inhibiting
component is used, the exterior of the exposed material should
desirably be provided with water-repellent or otherwise
water-insulating qualities.
[0049] In a preferred class of embodiments, microbe-inhibiting
properties are conferred upon one or more of the materials
comprising the pet article by treating the material with or
otherwise incorporating into the material a microbe-inhibiting
agent. This microbe-inhibiting agent is a chemical species or
particle which imparts to the material an effective
microbe-inhibiting property. The microbe-inhibiting agents will
often function primarily through a microbe-cidal mechanism. The
microbe-inhibiting agents are typically chemicals, polymers,
solutions (solid or liquid), or particulates (which may possess
their own microbe-inhibiting activity or may act as hosts for other
microbe-inhibiting agents). These microbe-inhibiting agents may
exist in a variety of forms and be held in a variety of hosts
before being incorporated into the article. For example, they may
be dissolved in a liquid; they may be incorporated in or comprise
the totality of a particulate phase, either dry or suspended in a
liquid; they may be included within a plasticizer compound; or they
may be pre-incorporated into a material used in manufacturing the
article (e.g., one may employ materials which already possess
microbe-inhibiting properties).
[0050] Examples of chemical microbe-inhibiting agents for use in
polymers may be found in Plastics Additives and Modifiers Handbook,
pp. 338-350, J. Edenbaum, Ed., Chapman and Hall, Great Britain,
1996, and herein incorporated by reference.
[0051] The microbe-inhibiting treatment may be carried out at
different points during the process of manufacturing the article or
its component materials. For example, one may incorporate
microbe-inhibiting agents in fibers or filaments as they are being
manufactured, which microbe-inhibiting filaments can be used in the
weaving of a webbing to comprise a pet collar, leash, harness, or
other component of restraining article for a pet. One can also
manufacture a microbe-inhibiting elastomeric-like material for use
in a component of the article which is comprised of (e.g., molded)
plastic. One can also treat (as by spraying or soaking) some or all
of the materials after they are partially or completely
manufactured (e.g., one may soak paper sheets or the rope which
will be later cut and formed into-rope-bones in a
microbe-inhibiting treatment solution; or one may treat the
external cover and/or the filling or some component of the filling
of an article before their final assembly). Alternatively or in
addition, one may treat (as by spraying or dipping) the pet article
when it is finished or nearly finished its manufacture. It is often
preferred to perform soak treatments under elevated temperatures
and/or pressures.
[0052] Microbe-inhibiting agents may be incorporated into the
constituent material(s) of a novelty article by admixing the agent
or a carrier for the agent with the raw ingredients to the material
(e.g., add a liquid containing the agent to the resin mix before
injection molded a plastic article). In this case, the
microbe-inhibiting agent is usually dispersed relatively uniformly
throughout the final material.
[0053] In cases where surface attachment is desired, the use of
adhesion promoters is preferred, particularly in conjunction with
"raw" microbe-inhibiting agents, i.e., those which do not need to
be in solution to work effectively.
[0054] In cases where a bonding agent is not used to attach the
microbe-cidal functionality to the material of interest, or where
such bonding is not entirely effective, it is often useful to
diminish the rate at which the active microbe-inhibiting agent
becomes de-activated. This may be done by inhibiting volatilization
or adding stabilizers.
[0055] When the microbe-cidal agents are not bonded or are only
weakly bonded to materials comprising the article, it is preferred
to package the articles such that the effective shelf-life of the
antimicrobial character is enhanced. For example, when
volatilization of the antimicrobial agent is a problem, the
packaging material can be made impervious to the volatilizing
material.
[0056] It is useful to have a microbe-inhibiting agent at the
surface of the article, as well as in the interior. The
microbe-inhibiting agent at the surface can be effective in
inhibiting the proliferation of microbes directly on the surface.
If suitable microbe-inhibiting agents are present in the interior,
they can migrate to the surface as the agent initially at the
surface becomes displaced. This effectively constitutes a
"timerelease" of microbe-inhibiting agent. In this manner, the
concentration of the agent may be maintained at a safe level, any
odors associated with unduly high concentrations of the agent are
avoided, and the period of effective microbe-inhibiting protection
can be considerably prolonged.
[0057] The microbe-inhibiting agent may be applied in a liquid form
(as dissolved in a solvent) and deposited on the surface of the
article material. By choosing properly the liquid, material,
environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure) and
optionally any additives, the agent can be made to penetrate the
material; and a "time-release" system may be obtained.
[0058] A "time-release" property may also be provided by
incorporating the active agent in a separate material, optionally
particulate, which releases the agent in a time-controlled manner.
For example, one can saturate a particulate zeolitic material with
a microbe-inhibiting agent and incorporate the zeolitic material
into the pet article. Alternatively, one can use a textile chosen
specifically for its time-release characteristics for a particular
microbe-inhibiting agent; and this textile may be incorporated in
the article.
[0059] If some form of heat-assisted disinfection of the articles
is desired, it is important to use material-agent systems which do
not degrade in the disinfection environment (e.g., washers,
microwave, thermal ovens, etc.). The softening or decomposition
temperatures of the polymers and chemical agents used, for example,
must be higher than the disinfection temperature used.
[0060] Because the accumulation of undesired organic or inorganic
matter may reduce the efficacy of microbe-inhibiting protection,
the articles may be designed with materials which reduce the
tendency for such accumulation. This may be accomplished by using
low surface energy materials or applying a low surface energy
coating; and/or by using anti-static materials or applying an
anti-static coating. Non-hydrophilic materials (materials upon
which water droplets form contact angles greater than about 30
degrees) are generally preferred to prevent the adhesion of such
undesired matter.
[0061] Pets, especially dogs, often tear or otherwise damage or
digest the articles which they use. It is therefore important that
the materials be non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and effectively
non-allergenic at the levels used in the articles. Some agents are
nontoxic even at relatively high concentrations (e.g., triclosan,
stabilized chlorine dioxide); other agents are non-toxic at
relatively low concentrations, but become toxic at high
concentrations (e.g., many unbonded quaternary ammonium compounds).
If a article employs a time release property, one must ensure that
the time-releasing materials do not contain concentrations of the
agents which exceed those which can be safely eaten by the animal
of interest. The pet should be able to eat the article without
harm. Also, the treated materials should be non-skin-sensitizing,
i.e., should not generally cause allergic or other undesirable
reactions on the skin or other membranes of the pet or people who
effectively come into contact with the materials.
[0062] Preparation of Materials
[0063] Unless otherwise stated, concentrations given herein are
weight percentage.
[0064] Materials of the present invention may be made from natural
animal products, including skin and fat-based materials, natural
vegetable products, polymeric resins or solutions, fibers or
threads, textile materials, foams, and other materials. At least
some fraction of the constituent materials are to be provided with
microbe-inhibiting properties.
[0065] In preparing microbe-inhibiting synthetic materials derived
from polymers, the microbe-inhibiting agents are preferably added
to the precursor material (e.g., into the resin mix for molded
plastics or into the melt or spin dope from which fibers are spun).
For natural materials, the microbe-inhibiting agents are preferably
either impregnated into the materials via a spray or soaking
treatment. Microbe-inhibiting agents or carriers with such agents
can also be included in an admixture of natural and/or synthetic
materials which are to be transformed into the finished
article.
[0066] Phenol derivatives, especially
2,4,4"-trichloro-2"-hydroxydiphenol (known, e.g., as Triclosan,
Irgasan, Microban) are attractive and are preferred. Organotins,
especially Tri-n-butyltin maleate (as in Ultra Fresh DM-50), are
also attractive and preferred. Soak-treating in an aqueous solution
containing stabilized chlorine dioxide is also preferred.
[0067] It is important to note that post-treatment methods involve
importantly different considerations when one is using a
"strongly-bonded" type of agent. In the "diffusing" or
"non-strongly-bonded" case, one immerses or otherwise exposes the
materials to a solution containing a particular concentration of
the agent. Generally, the agent diffuses into the material until
its concentration in the material is comparable to the
concentration in the solution, i.e., the treatment level of the
material is essentially proportional to the concentration of the
agent in solution; and the agent concentration in the solution is
the primary controlling variable. In typical treatments, the agent
in solution is not appreciably depleted; and the amount of material
exposed to the treatment solution is not carefully monitored and is
not considered a primary variable of the treatment process.
[0068] In the strongly-bonded case, however, the agent usually does
not diffuse into the material; rather, it chemically reacts with
the surface of the material. Here one attempts to arrange
conditions such that most of the "reactable" agent present in the
solution reacts with and bonds to the surface of the material being
treated. Knowledge of the amount of material being treated is thus
crucial in determining the treatment level; and the material
amount, along with the agent concentration in solution, are
considered controlling variables of the treatment.
[0069] By the "amount of material," one really means the "amount of
reactable surface" of the material. For porous materials which can
take up the solvent in their interiors (e.g., many natural
materials such as cotton or rawhide, fabrics, foams, etc.), the
mass of the material is often used as an indicator of the reactable
surface area i.e., one can specify an agent level in solution per
unit weight of material being treated. For non-porous materials
and/or materials which do not absorb the solvent being used (hard
plastics, highly solvent-phobic materials), more direct knowledge
of the reactable surface area is needed.
[0070] The preferred strongly-bonded agent for use in the present
invention is 3-trimethoxysilylpropyidimethyloctadecyl ammonium
chloride (as in Dow Corning 5700).
[0071] Another preferable microbe-inhibiting agent is known by the
trade name, Intersept. It is a complex of polysubstituted imine
salts and trialkyl phosphate esters with free alkylated phosphoric
acid. It is relatively non-toxic; and it has been used as an
antimicrobial finish on many building materials.
[0072] A further preferred type of microbe-inhibiting agent is
typified by the MicroFree brand of particulates (available from
DuPont). These particulates generally comprise a core particle
(zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or barium sulfate) over which is
coated a microbe-inhibiting active layer (silver, copper oxide,
and/or zinc silicate). A barrier layer (to control the rate of
release of the active component) and a dispersion coating (to
facilitate dispersion of the particles in host materials) are
included on top of the active layer. The particles range from about
0.3 .mu.m to 1 .mu.m in size. They can be incorporated into many
resin systems for plastics processing, into the dope before fiber
spinning, and into many coating systems for post-treatment. Good
microbe-inhibiting efficacy can be imparted to various materials
using these particles; and the resulting materials are generally
non-toxic, very stable, and cost effective.
[0073] Other microbe-inhibiting agents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0074] Cooling Articles
[0075] Cooling articles with microbe-inhibiting properties can be
constructed by treating or otherwise forming the textile material
with a microbe-inhibiting agent, by including a microbe-inhibiting
agent in a carrier mixed with the water-retaining material, by
including a microbe-inhibiting agent in the water-retaining
material itself, or some combination of the foregoing.
[0076] A preferred means for constructing a cooling article with
microbe-inhibiting properties is to treat the textile fabric with a
microbe-inhibiting agent. Preferred agents for this application are
the diffusing agent Tri-n-butyltin maleate, as in Ultra Fresh
DM-50, at fabric pick-up about 0.05%-0.5%; and the strongly-bonded
agent 3-trimethoxysilylpropyidimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride,
as in Dow Corning 5700 (at fabric pick-up about 0.02%-0.2%). The
fabrics can be post treated via spray-treating or by using a
padding system such as are common in the art of textile
finishing.
[0077] Alternatively, microbe-inhibiting fabrics may be constructed
by weaving, knitting, or otherwise forming the fabric from fibers
which possess the desired microbe-inhibiting properties. In the
case of natural fibers (e.g., cotton), it is preferred to treat the
fibers by soaking or spraying; in the case of synthetic fibers
(e.g., polyester), it is preferred to include the
microbe-inhibiting agent in the dope from which the fibers are
spun. Preferred microbe-inhibiting agents for natural fibers are
Ultra Fresh DM-50 and Dow 5700. Triclosan is favored for synthetic
fibers; it is included in the dope at concentrations between 0.001%
and 1%, preferably between 0.004% and 0.7%.
[0078] These articles can also be soaked in water and then frozen
(e.g., in a freezer). The frozen gel material will generally remain
cold much longer than will ice. Alternatively, these articles can
also be used with hot water to provide heating effect.
[0079] An example of constructing a microbe inhibiting cooling
bandanna for a pet is as follows. Treat a cotton fabric with Dow
5700 strongly-bonded microbe-inhibiting agent (obtained from Aegis
Environments) so that the fabric pick-up is about 0.1%. Cut the
fabric into an 18-inch square. Fold the fabric piece along a
diagonal, yielding an equilateral triangle. Mark a line 1-inch from
the long side (the base of the triangle). Fold the material on this
line, and sew a line along the folded-up edge (which was the base
of the triangle), thus forming a pocket with two open ends. Close
one end of the pocket by sewing a line perpendicular to the edge of
the pocket. Inject one tablespoon of polyacrylamide crystals (from
American Cyanamid) into the open end of the pocket using a shotgun
shell loader. Close the open end of the pocket by sewing a line
perpendicular to the edge of the pocket. Sew strips of male and
female Velcro.TM. on the long side such that the Velcro.TM. will
engage when the base of the bandanna is curved to form a circle
(i.e., the male piece is on the flip side and at the opposite end
from the female piece). Before use, soak the bandanna in cool water
until the gel inside swells substantially.
[0080] Alternatively, the bandanna can be made using a non-microbe
inhibiting fabric (preferably cotton, or a polyester/cotton blend)
and a microbe-inhibiting filling. The microbe-inhibiting filling
may, e.g., be comprised of a mixture of a water retaining material
and a microbe-inhibiting material. In this case, it is preferred
that the microbe-inhibiting material work by a microbe-cidal
mechanism and be of the diffusing type.
[0081] An example is a mixture of polyacrylamide granules (from
American Cyanamid) interspersed in and around an antibacterial
sponge material (from 3M). The sponge material can be in monolithic
form, but it is preferably in a finely divided form. A preferred
filling material is comprised of a mixture of the shredded
antibacterial sponge material with the polyacrylamide granules. It
is preferred that the weight fraction of sponge material be between
20% and 80%.
[0082] Another preferred filling is comprised of a finely divided
polyurethane foam material containing Ultrafresh DM-50 (the
monolithic material is available from Carpenter) and polyacrylamide
granules. The preferred weight fraction of foam is between 20% and
80% Another preferred filling is comprised of antibacterial fiber
and polyacrylamide granules. A preferred fiber is acrylic in which
0.05%-0.7% triclosan has been incorporated at the time of
manufacture of the fiber. Cellulose acetate in which 0.05%-0.7%
triclosan has been incorporated at the time of manufacture of the
fiber is also preferred. It is generally preferred that the fiber
comprise between 0.3% and 4% of the entire containment volume in
the pocket (the volume in the pocket can be estimated by filling it
completely with a fine particulate matter (e.g., sand), pouring the
fine particulate matter in a graduated cylinder, and then reading
the volume directly from the graduated cylinder; the volume of the
fiber can be estimated from the material density and the measured
mass of the fiber). The polyacrylamide granules must be
well-blended with the fiber.
[0083] Other microbe-inhibiting materials can be mixed with the
water-retaining materials to impart an effective microbe-inhibiting
property to the cooling articles. For example, one can mix polymer
resin particles containing triclosan; one can also include a
non-woven microbe-cidal filter material which has been incorporated
with triclosan.
[0084] Cooling articles can also be constructed in forms other than
bandannas, e.g., hoods, collars, harnesses, sweaters, boots, using
the same principles as discussed for bandanas. The essential aspect
is to treat or fabricate the structural material with a
microbe-inhibiting agent, and/or to include a microbe-inhibiting
agent or property in or around the water-retaining material.
[0085] Restraining Articles for Pets
[0086] Microbe-inhibiting restraining articles can be produced by
post-treatment with microbe-inhibiting agents; fabrication from
materials which exhibit microbe-inhibiting activity; or provision
with features which make user-disinfection easier, as forming the
articles to be microwaveable (e.g., containing no metal) or
otherwise disinfectable. These articles may be comprised of plastic
sheeting or other embellishments over-sewn onto a substrate
material (as of cotton, nylon, polypropylene, plastic tubing). The
substrate and/or the sheeting may be made to possess
microbe-inhibiting activity.
[0087] It is preferred to construct leashes and collars/harnesses
using a nylon webbing which has been treated with a strongly-bonded
microbe-inhibiting agent incorporating a silane coupling agent,
such as Dow Corning 5700 (at a webbing pickup of about
0.02%-0.2%).
[0088] Diffusing agents can be used as well. In the case of
restraining articles constructed from filament-derived materials
(e.g., nylon webbing), it is preferred to incorporate a diffusing
microbe-inhibiting agent into the filaments from which the webbing
material is formed at the time of manufacture of the filaments,
e.g., by including the microbe-inhibiting agent in the dope from
which the filaments are spun. Triclosan, included in the dope at
concentrations between 0.001% and 1%, preferably between 0.004% and
0.7%, is preferred.
[0089] For leather or other natural-material-derived restraining
articles for pets, it is preferred to incorporate a
microbe-inhibiting agent into the materials by a soaking or
spraying treatment. Ultra Fresh DM-50, at fabric pick-up about
0.05%-0.5%, is preferred.
[0090] Scratching/Exercise Articles for Pets
[0091] One can construct a scratching post, e.g., which includes a
carpet material in which the carpet material possesses
microbe-cidal properties. The construction of such an article
follows conventional practice but employs microbe-inhibiting carpet
material in place of conventional carpet material. For example, it
is preferred to use a microbe-cidal carpet material in which Ultra
Fresh DM-50 has been used in the polyurethane finishing compound
(e.g., from Carrington Carpet Industries).
[0092] A sisal rope or twine material which has been soaked in
Ultra Fresh DM-50 (at a pick-up of about 0.05%-0.5%) is preferred.
The rope is coiled around a core or otherwise attached to a surface
according to ways known in the art.
[0093] If the microbe-inhibiting agent used is of the
diffusing-type, there is an added benefit that an amount of the
microbe-inhibiting agent will be transferred to the pet's claws
upon scratching. This will tend to inhibit microbial proliferation
on the pet's claws. Thus, if it is desired that the article promote
microbial inhibition on the claws of the pet, then it is preferred
to use a scratching surface in which a diffusing microbe-inhibiting
agent is incorporated.
[0094] A preferred construction for a scratching article for a pet
uses a carpet structure which includes backing comprising a fused
vinyl plastisol, where the plastisol is incorporated with a
microbe-inhibiting agent before it is fixed. A preferred agent is
Vinyzene, which can be obtained through Morton International. The
Vinyzene agent will diffuse appreciably before the plastisol is
fixed, thereby being allowed to wick through the carpet fibers and
other portions of the carpet structure. After fixing, the agent
will still be capable of some degree of diffusive motion, but this
will be minimal compared to that before fixing.
[0095] Alternatively, the fibers used in making the carpet can be
pre-treated with a microbe-inhibiting agent. A preferred
commercially available nylon fiber for constructing carpet for use
in scratching articles for pets is available under the trade name
Antron Lumena (manufactured by DuPont).
[0096] A preferred carpet material for use in a scratching article
for a pet is comprised of a conventional carpet which has been
treated with Sylgard antimicrobial agent (Dow Corning 5700). An
aqueous solution of the agent may be applied to the carpet and
allowed to dry. This agent is of the strongly-bonded type, however,
so it will generally not be transferred to the pet's claws. The
efficacy of this treatment is discussed in "New Antimicrobial
Treatment for Carpet Applications," McGee, J. B., et al., American
Dyestuff Reporter, June, 1983. Prior Art in the area of
microbe-inhibiting carpet and treatments is given in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,679,859, 5,024,840, and 5,096,747.
[0097] Thus, while microbe-inhibiting carpet material is known, the
intended application is generally prevent microbe-proliferation and
degradation associated with trapped moisture. There is no previous
suggestion that such carpet can be used to provide
microbe-inhibiting scratching items for pets, and that such items
can provide health and hygiene benefits to the pet.
[0098] Accessories for Birds
[0099] Birdcage liners of the present invention are intended to be
disposable, but they additionally have microbe-cidal properties.
The liners may be die-cut into standard shapes and sizes from a
variety of microbe-cidal materials which are available in sheet
form. Alternatively, materials in sheet form can be coated with a
microbe-inhibiting agent or carrier for such an agent. For example,
one can coat a paper material with a plastic material containing
triclosan; or one can coat or include a plastic material which
contains or generates chlorine dioxide.
[0100] It is often preferred that the materials possess a high
coefficient of friction, so that debris tends to remain in the
liner as the liner is removed from the cage. If the desired
microbe-cidal liner base material does not have a high coefficient
of friction, it may be coated with a tacky material. Alternatively,
it may be coated with an adhesive and then sprayed with a granular
material (e.g., sand).
[0101] Preferred materials for liners include Staph-Chek Linen (a
coated fabric, available from Herculite Products, Inc.,
incorporated with Microban) and Buflon textile vinyl (fabric-backed
vinyl made from PVC on a cotton backing, treated with Bio-Pruf).
Other microbe-inhibiting plastic sheeting materials, especially
vinyl-based sheeting materials, are also preferred.
[0102] Microbe-inhibiting paper materials are also preferred for
use in making liners. Some art regarding the protecting of paper is
discussed by S. Block in Disinfection, Sterilization, and
Preservation, Chapter 52, Lea & Febiger, 1991. Other art is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,533,435.
[0103] Similar liners can be used for cages or aquariums for small
mammals, reptiles, or other pets.
[0104] A great variety of bird toys and other diversion articles
for birds are known in the art. These articles are commonly made
from wood, cotton rope or other types of rope, plastic, metal,
plaster, cementitious materials, packed bird seed or materials
coated with bird seed, and other materials. Some of these
materials, particularly the packed bird seed, wood, and cotton rope
are particularly susceptible to microbial proliferation.
[0105] Preferred cotton rope used in bird articles is treated with
Ultra Fresh DM-50 at a pick-up of about 0.05%-0.5%.
[0106] Because it is so susceptible to microbial proliferation,
there is a vast prior art regarding the protection of wood against
microbes. Some of this art is discussed by S. Block in
Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, Chapter 52, Lea
& Febiger, 1991. A preferred agent for treating wood for the
present purpose is Ultra Fresh DM-50 at a pick-up of about 0.05% to
0.5%.
[0107] Packed bird seed is formed by ways known in the art. Under
the present invention, it is preferred to incorporate chlorine
dioxide (at concentrations between 0.001% and 0.1%) into the
formulation before the packed bird seed is formed. Triclosan, at
concentrations between 0.001 and 0.1% is also preferred.
[0108] It is often thought that cementitious materials are both
microbe-impenetrable and microbe-starving. It is known, however,
that concreteand other cementitious materials which are continually
wet and in the presence of organic matter can support copious
microbial growth, eventually corroding the material. Some of the
art of protection of the long-term integrity of concreteand other
building materials from microbial attack is discussed by S. Block
in Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, Chapter 52, Lea
& Febiger, 1991; but there is no suggestion of using such
protection to promote hygiene in derivative articles or for use in
articles for pets.
[0109] Tributytin oxide, incorporatedin a carrier at the time of
manufacture of the concrete, is a preferred microbe-inhibiting
agent.
[0110] Other such agents include copper naphthenate, and
pentachlorophenol.
[0111] Other accessories for birds, including perches, feeding
articles, etc., can be made in the spirit of the present
invention.
[0112] Reasonable variation and modification are possible within
the scope of the foregoing disclosure without departing from the
spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *