U.S. patent application number 11/156768 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for color changing hand soap composition.
Invention is credited to Rich, Sarah.
Application Number | 20050233919 11/156768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34521674 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050233919 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rich, Sarah |
October 20, 2005 |
Color changing hand soap composition
Abstract
A composition can indicate whether hands have been washed for an
approximate predetermined period of time. The composition includes
a pH indicator and a delivery system. The delivery system contains
a pH-altering compound. The delivery system is added to the pH
indicator approximately when hand washing begins. A method of
washing hands is also presented. The pH indicator is applied to the
hands. The delivery system is applied to the hands approximately
when hand washing begins. The pH indicator and delivery system are
mixed. A system for washing hands is also presented. The system
includes a pH indicator, a delivery system, and a dispenser that
releases the pH indicator and delivery system to hands. The hands
are washed until the pH indicator changes color.
Inventors: |
Rich, Sarah; (Westborough,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Family ID: |
34521674 |
Appl. No.: |
11/156768 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11156768 |
Jun 20, 2005 |
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10690582 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
510/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 2800/45 20130101;
A61K 8/9789 20170801; A61K 8/19 20130101; A61K 2800/654 20130101;
A61Q 19/10 20130101; A61K 2800/88 20130101; A61K 8/733 20130101;
A61K 8/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/136 |
International
Class: |
A61K 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for washing hands, the system comprising: a. a pH
indicator; b. a delivery system, the delivery system comprising a
pH-altering compound; and c. a dispenser containing the pH
indicator and the delivery system.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the pH indicator is a flavin.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the flavin is a red cabbage
isolate.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the delivery system further
comprises an alginate.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the pH-altering compound is a
bicarbonate.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a soap including the pH
indicator.
7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a detergent including
the pH indicator.
8. The system of claim 6 wherein the dispenser contains two
compartments, the first compartment for the soap containing the pH
indicator and the second compartment for the delivery system
containing the pH-altering compound.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the dispenser contains two
compartments, the first compartment for the detergent containing
the pH indicator and the second compartment for the delivery system
containing the pH-altering compound.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This application is a divisional (and claims the benefit of
priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/690,582,
filed Oct. 23, 2003, now pending. The disclosure of the prior
application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference
in) the disclosure of this application.
[0002] This disclosure relates to the promotion of hygiene, and
more particularly, to facilitating effective hand washing by
indicating the duration of the hand-washing process.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional soaps used for hand washing do not indicate
whether the soap has been used for an appropriate amount of time
for the process to be effective. As a result, hands are often
washed for too short an amount of time for the process to be
effective in cleansing hands. Properly washing your hands is one of
the best ways to prevent infection and the spread of diseases.
Doctors, nurses and other people who work in medical settings have
to wash their hands frequently to avoid spreading infective agents
between patients or to themselves. Those who prepare food must keep
clean hands so they do not put germs into the food they are making.
Also, childcare workers must wash their hands often so they do not
make children sick. In addition to professionals whose hygiene is
regulated, individuals should be conscious of the germs on their
hands. Turning doorknobs, handling money and coughing may transfer
bacteria and viruses to one's hands, which can then be spread to
other people's hands or to your mouth and eyes and cause infection.
Anyone who prepares food for others can infect others if his or her
hands are not properly cleaned. Many of the diseases spread this
way are more inconvenient than a simple cold. Some examples are the
flu, hepatitis A and typhoid. See Wisconsin Department of Health
and Family Services, "Hand Washing," available at
<http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/955074416.html>Aug. 29,
2002.
[0004] Approaches ensuring effective hand cleansing include
antibacterial hand rubs. One drawback with such hand rubs is that
such rubs may dry hands more than washing with soap. Another
approach known involves applying a dye that glows under a black
light to hands prior to washing hands, washing hands, then
analyzing the effectiveness of the hand-washing process by
examining the hands under a black light. In addition, some
hospitals use electronic devices that alert an employee if the
employee's hands were not effectively washed. Such approaches may
be expensive and fail to achieve widespread use. The present
disclosure may have one or more of the following advantages. The
disclosure can be an easy, convenient, and inexpensive approach to
facilitate effective hand washing.
SUMMARY
[0005] Hand washing compositions, methods, and systems are provided
that can encourage proper hand washing as a way to promote good
hygiene. In particular, the compositions, methods, and systems
signal when hands have been washed for the recommended minimum
amount of time, thereby contributing to an effective hand-washing
process. The present disclosure can be used in a number of settings
including, but not limited to, private homes, hospitals, childcare
centers, nursing homes, schools, restaurants, airports, and
food-preparation and food-processing establishments.
[0006] In one aspect, a composition that changes color during use
includes a pH indicator and a delivery system. The delivery system
can be added to the pH indicator approximately when hand washing
begins. The delivery system contains a pH-altering compound. Upon
washing the hands for an approximate predetermined period of time,
the pH indicator changes color.
[0007] In another aspect, a method of washing hands for an
approximate predetermined period of time includes the steps of
applying a pH indicator to the hands and applying a delivery system
to the hands. The delivery system contains a pH-altering compound
and is added to the pH indicator approximately when hand washing
begins. The pH indicator is mixed with the delivery system.
[0008] In one implementation, a flavin may be used as the pH
indicator. The flavin may be a red cabbage isolate. The delivery
system may also include alginate beads in addition to the
pH-altering compound. In one example, the pH-altering compound may
be a bicarbonate, such as NaHCO.sub.3. The pH indicator may be
present in a soap, either in a solid soap, liquid soap, or
detergent.
[0009] In another aspect, a system for washing hands for an
approximate predetermined amount of time includes a pH indicator, a
delivery system, and a dispenser. The delivery system comprises a
pH-altering compound. The dispenser releases the pH indicator and
the delivery system to the user for washing hands. The hands are
washed at least until the pH indicator changes color.
[0010] The dispenser may include at least two compartments. The
first compartment can contain the pH indicator and the second
compartment can contain the delivery system, which contains the
pH-altering compound. The soap or detergent may be introduced
separately or contained in either of those two compartments.
[0011] These and other implementations may have one or more of the
following advantages. The implementations allow a determination of
whether hands have been washed for at least an approximate
predetermined period of time. The color change can signal that the
appropriate period of time has lapsed. The predetermined period of
time can be varied depending on the hand washing needs. The
delivery system used can be altered to increase or decrease the
time of release of the pH-altering compound. Alternatively, the
concentration or composition of the pH-altering compound can be
varied to increase or decrease the time of release.
[0012] The pH indicator can be added to a soap or detergent prior
to hand washing or it can be added at the time of hand washing. The
pH indicator utilized can be varied so that the color change occurs
between different colors. Alternatively, the pH-altering compound
can be varied, so that a given pH indicator changes to a different
color with a different pH-altering compound.
[0013] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will
be apparent from the description and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a soap dispenser in
accordance with one implementation. The dotted line represents the
division between two compartments, one containing the pH indicator
and the other containing the delivery system.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of a horizontal section of the dispenser
illustrating the internal construction of the two-compartment
implementation shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In general, a composition for indicating whether hands have
been washed for an approximate predetermined period of time
includes a pH indicator that changes color as the pH of the
environment surrounding the indicator changes. The pH indicator can
be a naturally occurring substance. For example, the pH indicator
can be an anthocyanin pigment molecule such as a flavin. Any pH
indicator can be used, including, but not limited to, flavins and
other anthocyanins. The pH indicator may be added to hands as hand
washing begins or it may be present in a soap or a detergent.
[0017] In addition to the pH indicator, the composition also
includes a delivery system that is added to the pH indicator
approximately when hand washing begins. The delivery system
contains a pH-altering compound. The pH-altering compound can
either be an acidic or basic compound and can alter the pH of the
environment surrounding the pH indicator, thereby causing the pH
indicator to change color to reflect the change in the pH of the
surrounding environment. Examples of pH-altering compounds include,
but are not limited to, a bicarbonate such as sodium bicarbonate
(NaHCO.sub.3), washing soda (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3), citric acid
(C.sub.6H.sub.8O.sub.7), and acetic acid (CH.sub.3COOH). Examples
of pH-altering compounds such as citric acid can be found in lemon
juice, while acetic acid can be found in vinegar. The pH-altering
compound within the delivery system is released over time.
Depending on the delivery system utilized, the release time can
vary. The release time can also be predetermined, based on the
delivery system used, the amount of the compound being released,
and the concentration of the compound being released. The
predetermined period of time can be greater than ten seconds, for
example, fifteen seconds to two minutes.
[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of
washing hands for an approximate predetermined period of time,
which is determined based on the time required to achieve effective
hand washing and may vary in different circumstances. The
recommended time is approximately twenty seconds for purposes of
achieving clean hands in ordinary hygiene circumstances. However,
the present disclosure can be modified to cause a more rapid or
slower delivery of the pH-altering compound so that the color
change occurs in a different amount of time to indicate a longer or
shorter time period of hand washing. Medical professionals, for
example, may need to wash their hands for a longer period of time
to achieve even cleaner hands.
[0019] Calcium alginate beads can be used as a delivery system that
releases its contents in the amount of time that is the minimum
recommended time for effective hand washing. For example, alginate
beads can be used to release sodium bicarbonate approximately
twenty seconds after addition to the pH indicator. In a preferred
implementation, the beads are approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in
size.
[0020] At least two factors are known to affect the rate of release
of substances from alginate beads. One factor is the size of the
substance being released from the beads. Larger substances require
more time to be released. A second factor is the concentration of
the chemical in the solution that was mixed with the alginate
solution. The higher the concentration, the more rapidly the
substance is released. Mechanical forces, such as mixing and
lathering, may also affect the release time. The beads may be
created and then immediately mixed with a pH-altering compound to
form the delivery system component of the composition, or they may
alternatively be stored in a 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl.sub.2
bead-storing solution.
[0021] In a further implementation of the composition the pH
indicator used is flavin. Flavins can be obtained as an isolate
from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, red
cabbage, apple skin, plums, poppies, cornflowers, and grapes. In
one example, the flavin is a red cabbage isolate.
[0022] In a further implementation of the composition the delivery
system comprises alginate beads and a pH-altering compound. The
pH-altering compound may be NaHCO.sub.3. In a further
implementation of the composition, the pH indicator is present in
soap, either in a solid soap or in a liquid soap. In a further
implementation of the composition, the pH indicator is present in a
soap or detergent.
[0023] As can be seen, many variations of the method are possible.
For example, a stronger base can be used. A stronger base turns the
flavin to a green or yellow color. Alternatively, an acidic
pH-altering compound can be used. Such a pH-altering compound would
cause the flavin to turn a deep red color.
[0024] Many systems may be used to practice the method with the
claimed composition for color-changing soaps. As one example, a
system may comprise a pH indicator, a delivery system that contains
a pH-altering compound, and a dispenser that releases the pH
indicator and delivery system to a user for washing hands. The
hands are washed until the pH indicator changes color, at which
time the color change indicates that the hands have been washed for
an approximate predetermined amount of time.
[0025] The following is an example of an implementation of a system
and is not intended to limit the system. The system comprises a
dispenser possessing at least two chambers and a pump dispenser.
One chamber contains a solution of alginate beads that contain
sodium bicarbonate and a pH-altering compound, such as the
pH-altering composition of Example 1. The other chamber contains a
pH indicator such as the reddish flavin of Example 1. The pH
indicator may be contained within a soap solution. To wash hands,
the user compresses the pump to dispense appropriate amounts of the
contents of the chambers onto the user's hands. The user then
begins mixing the compositions by rubbing his or her hands
together. After an approximate predetermined period of time lapses,
the color of the pH indicator changes. For example, if flavin
obtained from red cabbage is used, the pH indicator is initially
red in color then changes color to purple when the approximate
predetermined period of time has passed.
EXAMPLE 1
[0026] Color-Changing Composition
[0027] The following is an example of an implementation of the
composition and is not intended to limit the composition. This
example was directed to an approximate predetermined time of twenty
seconds, which is the minimum recommended amount of time for
effective hand washing.
[0028] a. pH-Indicator Composition
[0029] Flavin was isolated from red cabbage. Approximately two cups
of boiling water were poured over approximately four cups of
loosely packed cabbage leaves. The mixture was incubated at room
temperature for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. The cabbage
leaves were removed from the mixture. The remaining liquid,
containing flavin, was boiled until the volume of the liquid was
reduced to approximately one quarter of the starting volume of
water. This flavin-containing pH indicator, which may be stored at
approximately 4.degree. C., was slightly acidic and had a reddish
color. Next, a pH indicator-soap solution was made by adding 25%
(by volume) water, 25% of the pH indicator solution, and 50% liquid
hand soap. The liquid hand soap was slightly acidic, having a pH of
approximately 6. The pH indicator soap solution was reddish in
color.
[0030] b. Delivery System Composition
[0031] The pH-altering compound used in this example was sodium
bicarbonate. The delivery system used was calcium alginate beads.
To prepare the sodium bicarbonate-containing alginate beads, a 1.8%
alginate solution was first made in sterile water. The solution was
then filter-sterilized. Next, a near-saturated solution of sodium
bicarbonate was prepared at approximately room temperature. The
alginate and sodium bicarbonate solutions were combined in a volume
ratio of approximately two parts alginate solution to approximately
one part sodium bicarbonate solution. The resulting solution was
mixed by inversion and monitored to ensure the absence of air
bubbles. To create the sodium bicarbonate-containing alginate
beads, the solution was added drop-wise by pipette into a 1.5%
CaCl.sub.2 solution. The resulting mixture was stirred with an
automatic stirrer for approximately 5 minutes. The mixture was then
left to stand for approximately 10 minutes. The resulting beads
were rinsed three times in sterile water. The resulting beads were
approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm in diameter.
[0032] c. Final Composition
[0033] The pH indicator composition was then mixed with the
Delivery System Composition to create the color-changing hand soap
composition.
EXAMPLE 2
[0034] Method of Washing Hands With Color Changing Soap
[0035] The following is an example of an implementation of the
method and is not intended to limit of the method. The delivery
system composition and pH-indicator containing composition from
Example 1 were combined on the hands for washing. Specifically,
about 2.5 mL of the pH indicator soap solution was applied to the
hands. Approximately 1.25 mL of the sodium bicarbonate-containing
alginate beads was then applied to the hands and the hands were
washed by rubbing them together and mixing the two compositions.
The color of the pH indicator changed from its starting reddish
color to a purple color approximately twenty seconds after addition
of the sodium bicarbonate-containing alginate beads.
[0036] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *
References