U.S. patent application number 11/897851 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for method of applying a pasty composition for sanitary ware.
Invention is credited to Marc Francois Theophile Evers, Wim Peter Agnes Garmyn, Christian Gerhard Friedrich Gerlach, Paulus Antonius Augustinu Hofte, Stefano Scialla.
Application Number | 20080099041 11/897851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38723967 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080099041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evers; Marc Francois Theophile ;
et al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Method of applying a pasty composition for sanitary ware
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method of applying a
pasty composition for cleaning and/or deodorizing a sanitary ware,
wherein the composition is suitable for direct application to the
surface of the sanitary ware.
Inventors: |
Evers; Marc Francois Theophile;
(Strombeek-Bever, BE) ; Garmyn; Wim Peter Agnes;
(Antwerpen, BE) ; Gerlach; Christian Gerhard
Friedrich; (St. Gilles (Brussels), BE) ; Hofte;
Paulus Antonius Augustinu; (St. Martens Latem, BE) ;
Scialla; Stefano; (Rome, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412
6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
38723967 |
Appl. No.: |
11/897851 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/046 20130101;
C11D 17/0013 20130101; C11D 17/046 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101;
A61L 9/048 20130101; C11D 11/0023 20130101; A61L 9/012 20130101;
C11D 17/003 20130101; A61L 9/14 20130101; C11D 3/2086 20130101;
C11D 17/043 20130101; E03D 9/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/003 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/00 20060101
A47K011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2006 |
EP |
06120005.1 |
Oct 13, 2006 |
EP |
06122275.8 |
Claims
1. A method of applying a pasty composition for cleaning and/or
deodorizing a sanitary ware, said composition being suitable for
direct application to the surface of said sanitary ware, wherein
the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a dispensing device
comprising a receiving container for housing said pasty composition
and a discharge nozzle connected to said receiving container; and
b) dispensing said pasty composition through said discharge nozzle
while directly contacting said discharge nozzle to the surface of
said sanitary ware.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the length of said
discharge nozzle is at least about 0.5 cm.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the length of said
discharge nozzle is at least about 2 cm.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said receiving container
is made of a deformable material.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said receiving container
is made of heat sealable thermoplastic materials such as
Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl
Chloride, Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinylidene Chloride, and mixtures
thereof.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said receiving container
is in a form selected from the group of tubes, pouches, capsules,
boxes, bottles, tottles, envelopes, thermoformed cups, thermoformed
blisters, cans, bags, syringes, atomizers, aerosols, pressurized
cans, piston-driven cans, and combinations thereof.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said receiving container
is in the form selected from the group consisting of tubes,
pouches, bottles and tottles.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing device is
further provided with a peripheral flange.
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the portion of said
peripheral flange extending around the periphery of said discharge
nozzle forms a spatula.
10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said pasty composition
is dispensed through said discharge nozzle by manual action.
11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of said
composition is at least about 5.000 mPas, when measured with a TA
Instruments/Advanced rheometer AR 1000 at a temperature of about
20.degree. C. with a gap setting of about 1000 microns, and at a
shear rate of about 25 s.sup.-1.
12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of said
composition is comprised between about 5.000 mPas and about 500.000
mPas, when measured with a TA Instruments/Advanced rheometer AR
1000 at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. with a gap setting of
about 1000 microns, and at a shear rate of about 25 s.sup.-1.
13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of said
composition is comprised between about 25.000 mPas and about
100.000 mPas, when measured with a TA Instruments/Advanced
rheometer AR 1000 at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. with a
gap setting of about 1000 microns, and at a shear rate of about 25
s.sup.-1.
14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said composition
comprises a cationic surfactant selected from the group consisting
of DEEHMAMS, DEEDMAC, TEEMAMS, dimethyl benzalkonium chloride, and
mixtures thereof.
15. A method according to claim 1, which further comprises
components selected from the group consisting of acidic compounds,
tackifiers, fragrances, thickeners, colorants, dyes, preservatives,
additional surfactants, solvents, dye scavengers, adhesion
promoters, bleaching systems, and mixtures thereof.
16. A method according to claim 1, wherein said composition is in a
form selected from the group consisting of a gel, a paste, and a
cream.
17. A method according to claim 1, wherein said sanitary ware is a
toilet bowl.
18. A method according to claim 1, whereby said composition is
washed away only after at least about 30 rinse cycles.
19. A method according to claim 1, whereby said composition is
washed away only after between about 80 and about 200 rinse cycles.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to pasty compositions for
cleaning and/or deodorizing sanitary ware such as toilet bowls,
urinals, and sinks. More specifically, the present invention is
directed to a method of applying a pasty composition for cleaning
and/or deodorizing a sanitary ware, wherein the composition is
suitable for direct application to the surface of the sanitary
ware.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Compositions for cleaning and/or deodorizing sanitary ware
such as toilets or urinals have long been sought by consumers, in
both residential and commercial environments. In an attempt to meet
the demand for sanitary cleaning compositions or deodorizers,
numerous products have been developed and are presently available
in the martketplace. In general, existing products are sold as
solids, liquids or gel to provide the desired effect. In the
context of toilet bowls, it is known to use sanitary agents in
toilet hang-in baskets, which are attached through a holder to the
toilet bowl edge, whereby the sanitary agent is released with each
flushing action. Such sanitary agents are known in the form of
solid blocks and recently also in gel form.
[0003] In spite of the long-lasting benefit provided by such
products, the main disadvantage or inconvenience felt by the
consumers occurs while replacing or re-filling by hand known
sanitary agent for subsequent use. Those manipulations may be
perceived as highly unhygienic and time-consuming. Also, the
presence of known hanging devices baskets may disturb intermediary
cleaning activities.
[0004] Other well known sanitary cleaning products are available in
liquid form and packaged in squeezable bottles. Such liquid
cleaning products however do only perform their cleaning action for
a limited period.
[0005] Partial solutions to these drawbacks have been provided with
for example in EP-A2-1 258 571 and WO 03/043906 which disclose
dispensing devices for sanitary agent and method of applying
thereof. The above-described dispensing devices are however used in
such a way that they do not come into contact with the sanitary
object. Although the disclosed method is claimed to be more
hygienic to the user, the method does not allow for precise and
proper application of pasty compositions to the treated sanitary
object. Also, the disclosed method put the additional constraint to
the user that any contact of the dispensing device to the treated
surface should be carefully avoided.
[0006] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a method of applying a pasty composition for cleaning
and/or deodorizing a sanitary ware, wherein the composition is
suitable for direct application to the surface of the sanitary
ware, and which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0007] It has now been found that the above objective can be met by
providing a method according to the present invention.
[0008] Advantageously, the method according to the present
invention allows for precise and controlled application of pasty
composition to the treated surface while remaining fully hygienic
to the user, as the operator's hands are kept remote from
potentially unhygienic portions of the treated sanitary ware.
[0009] A further advantage associated with the method according to
the present invention is that it greatly improves usage
convenience, and may be easily applied in both residential and
commercial establishments. It is still a further advantage that the
method according to the present invention is capable of providing
long-term and sustained cleaning and/or air freshening benefits,
while providing excellent mineral build-up prevention benefits and
improved adhesion/dissolution profiles. Also, the method of the
present invention contributes to provide the user with a more
pleasant experience while operating sanitary ware cleaning
tasks.
[0010] Other advantages and more specific properties of the method
according to the present invention will be clear after reading the
following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to a method of applying a
pasty composition for cleaning and/or deodorizing a sanitary ware,
the composition being suitable for direct application to the
surface of the sanitary ware, wherein the method comprises the
steps of: a) providing a dispensing device 1 comprising a receiving
container 2 for housing the pasty composition and a discharge
nozzle 3 connected to said receiving container 2; and b) dispensing
the pasty composition through the discharge nozzle 3 while directly
contacting the discharge nozzle 3 to the surface of the sanitary
ware.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dispensing device 1
for use in the method according to the present invention. The
dispensing device comprises a receiving container 2 and a discharge
nozzle 3 connected to said receiving container 2.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispensing device 1 represented
in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the dispensing device 1 represented
in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an alternative
dispensing device 1 for use in the method according to the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispensing device 1 represented
in FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the dispensing device 1 represented
in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Pasty Composition
[0018] The composition for use in the present invention is in the
form of a pasty composition. By "pasty" composition, it is meant to
encompass any of paste, gel, or cream composition. By "sanitary
ware", it is meant herein any of toilet bowl, urinal, bathtub or
sink. In the context of the present invention, the sanitary ware is
preferably selected from toilet bowl and urinal, more preferably
from toilet bowl.
[0019] The viscosity measurements mentioned in the present
application have all been obtained with a TA Instruments/Advanced
rheometer AR 1000, plate-plate system with stainless steel flat
plate having a diameter of 40 mm, at a temperature of 20.degree. C.
with a gap setting of 1000 microns, and at a shear rate of 25
s.sup.-1.
[0020] Accordingly, the viscosity of the pasty composition for use
in the present invention is preferably at least 5.000 mPas when
measured with a TA Instruments/Advanced rheometer AR 1000 at
20.degree. C. Typically, the viscosity of the composition according
to the invention is comprised between 5.000 mPas and 500.000 mPas,
preferably between 10000 mPas and 200.000 mPas, more preferably
between 15.000 mPas and 150.000 mPas, and most preferably between
25.000 mPas and 100.000 mPas.
[0021] A pasty composition having a viscosity of at least 5.000
mPas, when measured with an AR 1000 Rheometer at 20.degree. C., is
believed to ensure better surface coverage of the applied
composition to the treated surface. Also, viscous compositions, as
herein described, are allowed to act on the surface more intimately
than non-viscous liquid compositions and typically result in better
cleaning and/or deodorizing performances.
[0022] The compositions for use in the present invention are
advantageously provided with adhesiveness properties. The
compositions herein are indeed capable of strongly and
instantaneously adhering to the treated sanitary ware surface. The
obtained adhesion shall typically be sufficient to prevent such
pasty composition to be entirely detached under pressure exercised
by the water flush. In contrast, the composition according to the
present invention should only progressively be detached from the
treated surface. Typically, the pasty composition shall be
integrally washed away only after a large number of rinsing
actions. Generally, the composition as described herein shall only
be integrally rinsed-off after at least 30, preferably after at
least 50, more preferably after at least 70, most preferably after
between 80 and 200 rinse cycles.
Optional Ingredients
Cationic Surfactant
[0023] According to the present invention, the pasty composition
for use herein may comprise a cationic surfactant as an optional
but preferred ingredient. Suitable cationic surfactants for use
herein may be selected from any cationic surfactant commonly known
in the art.
[0024] Suitable cationic surfactants to be used herein include
derivatives of quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, imidazolium,
sulfonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferred cationic
surfactants for use herein are derivatives of quaternary ammonium.
Accordingly, suitable cationic surfactants for use herein include,
but are not limited to quaternary ammonium compounds wherein one or
two of the hydrocarbon groups linked to nitrogen are a saturated or
partially unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 6 to 30
carbon atoms, preferably of 10 to 25 carbon atoms, and more
preferably of 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and wherein the other
hydrocarbon groups (i.e. three when one hydrocarbon group is a long
chain hydrocarbon group as mentioned hereinbefore or two when two
hydrocarbon groups are long chain hydrocarbon groups as mentioned
hereinbefore) linked to the nitrogen are independently substituted
or unsubstituted, linear or branched, alkyl chain of from 1 to 4
carbon atoms, preferably of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more
preferably are methyl groups.
[0025] Other suitable cationic surfactants for use in the method of
the present invention include trimethyl quaternary ammonium
compounds like myristyl trimethylsulfate, cetyl trimethylsulfate
and/or tallow trimethylsulfate, and mixtures thereof. Such
trimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds are commercially available
from Hoechst, or from Albright & Wilson under the trade name
EMPIGEN CM.RTM.. Other cationic surfactants useful herein are also
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,044, Cambre, issued Oct. 14,
1980.
[0026] Particularly preferred cationic surfactants for use herein
are selected from the group consisting of diethyl ester
hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methyl (DEEHMAMS), wherein the
hydrocarbon groups linked to the carbonyls are preferably a
saturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 16 to 18 carbon atoms;
diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride (DEEDMAC), wherein the
hydrocarbon groups linked to the carbonyls are preferably a
saturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 16 to 18 carbon atoms,
preferably an alkyl group of 18 carbon atoms; triethanol amine
ester methyl ammonium methyl sulphate (TEEMAMS), wherein the
hydrocarbon groups linked to the carbonyls are preferably a
saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 16 to
18 carbon atoms, more preferably an unsaturated, linear alkyl group
of 17 carbon atoms; hydroxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,
wherein the hydrocarbon group linked to nitrogen is preferably a
saturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 12 to 14 carbon atoms;
hydroxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, wherein the hydrocarbon
group linked to nitrogen is preferably a saturated, linear or
branched alkyl group of 8 to 10 carbon atoms; lauryl methyl bis
hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride; dimethyl benzalkonium chloride,
wherein the hydrocarbon group linked to nitrogen is preferably a
saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 12 to
18 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
[0027] More preferably, the cationic surfactant is selected from
the group consisting of DEEHMAMS, DEEDMAC, TEEMAMS, dimethyl
benzalkonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.
[0028] Preferably, the composition for use in the present invention
provides adequate adhesion without requiring additional use of
adhesion promoters or tackifiers.
Acidic Compound
[0029] As another optional, but highly preferred ingredient, the
pasty composition for use herein further comprises an acidic
compound. According to the present invention, the pasty composition
may typically comprise at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more
preferably at least 15% by weight of said composition of said
acidic compound.
[0030] Suitable acidic compounds for use herein may be selected
from any commonly known organic or inorganic acidic compounds, and
mixtures thereof. Suitable organic acidic compounds for use herein
include but are not limited to citric acid, maleic acid, adipic
acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid,
salicylic acid, aspartic acid, glutaric acid, malonic acid, and
mixtures thereof. As a way of example, suitable inorganic acidic
compounds comprise but are not limited to sulphamic acid,
phosphoric acid, nitric acid, sulphonic acid, sulphuric acid,
hydrochloric acid, or their salts or mixtures thereof.
[0031] Other acidic compounds useful herein include commonly known
polymeric acids. Suitable polymeric acids for use herein comprise,
but are not limited to polyacrylic polymers or acrylic-maleic
copolymers, which are available e.g. from BASF under the tradenames
Sokalan.RTM. CP5 or CP7 or CP9. Also useful herein are polyacrylic
phosphono end group polymers or acrylic-maleic phosphono end group
copolymers (available e.g. from Rohm &Haas under the tradenames
Acusol.RTM. 420 or 470 or 425); and polyacrylic sulphono end group
polymers or acrylic-maleic sulphono end group copolymers.
[0032] Preferably, acidic compound for use in the present invention
is selected from acidic compounds in solid form. In an even more
preferred embodiment, the acidic compound is in granular/powder
form. Preferred acidic compounds for use herein include but are not
limited to citric acid, malcic acid, and sulphamic acid. In a very
preferred execution, the composition of the present invention
comprises citric acid.
Tackifying System
[0033] The composition for use in the present invention may
optionally comprise a tackifier. Suitable tackifiers for use herein
may be selected from any tackifier commonly known in the art, the
choice of which is well within the capability of those skilled in
the art. Suitable tackifiers for use in the compositions of the
present invention may typically be defined as long or long-chained
organic molecules, which are at least partly hydrophilic, and
wherein the hydrophilic part of the tackifier interacts at least in
part with water molecules and becomes tacky.
[0034] As a way of example suitable tackifiers for use herein
include but are not limited to polyethylene glycol, polywax,
cellulose, particularly sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose,
hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or polysaccharides
such as xanthan gum, agar agar, gellan gum, acacia gum, carob bean
flour, or guar gum or starch. It is also possible to use polymers
such as polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidones,
and mixtures thereof. Suitable tackifiers may also include
alginates, diurethanes, gelatins, pectines, oleyl amines, alkyl
dimethyl amine oxides, or alkyl ether sulfates.
[0035] Preferred tackifiers are selected from the group consisting
of short chain alcohols, glycols, polyglycols, glycerines, and
mixtures thereof. More preferably, the tackifier is a short chain
alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol.
Additional Surfactants
[0036] As another preferred optional ingredient, the composition
described herein may comprise additional surfactants. The presence
of said surfactants in the compositions herein may allow providing
compositions with desired viscosity by appropriately choosing
surfactants and levels thereof.
[0037] Virtually any surfactant known in the art may be used as
additional surfactant. Suitable surfactants may be advantageously
selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic,
amphoteric, zwiterrionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. It is
preferred to use anionic surfactant in the composition according to
the present invention.
[0038] Accordingly, the compositions for use in the present
invention comprise up to 50%, preferably of from 0.1% to 20%, more
preferably of from 1% to 10%, and most preferably of from 1% to 5%
by weight of the total composition of said additional surfactant,
or mixtures thereof.
[0039] Suitable nonionic surfactants to be used herein are
alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants that can be readily
made by condensation processes that are well known in the art.
Indeed, a great variety of such alkoxylated fatty alcohols are
commercially available which have very different HLB values.
Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in the present invention are
the condensation products of ethylene oxide with alcohols having a
straight alkyl chain, having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein the
degree of ethoxylation is from 1 to 15, preferably from 5 to 12.
Such suitable nonionic surfactants are commercially available from
Shell, for instance, under the trade name Dobanol.RTM. or from
Shell under the trade name Lutensol.RTM..
[0040] Suitable amphoteric surfactants to be used in the
compositions for use in the present invention include amine oxides
having the following formula R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3NO wherein each
of R1, R2 and R3 is independently a saturated substituted or
unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl groups of from 1 to 30
carbon atoms, preferably of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more
preferably of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably of
from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferred amine oxides for use herein
are for instance natural blend C.sub.8-C.sub.10 amine oxides as
well as C.sub.12-C.sub.16 amine oxides commercially available from
Hoechst.
[0041] Suitable anionic surfactants herein include water soluble
salts or acids of the formula ROSO.sub.3M wherein R is preferably a
C.sub.10-C.sub.24 hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl
having a C.sub.10-C.sub.20 alkyl component, more preferably a
C.sub.12-C.sub.18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and M is H or a cation,
e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium), or
ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and
trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperidinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof).
Preferred anionic surfactants for use in the compositions herein
are the alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxylated
sulfates, and mixtures thereof.
Perfumes
[0042] The compositions for use in the present invention may
comprise, as an optional ingredient, perfume ingredient selected
from the group consisting of: a cyclic terpene/sesquiterpene
perfume, such as eucalyptol, cedrol, pinocarveolus, sesquiterpenic
globulul alcohol; linalo; tetrahydrolinalo; verdox (cyclohexadiyl 2
tetryl butyl acetate); 6,3 hexanol; and citronellol and mixtures
thereof.
[0043] The compositions for use herein may typically comprise from
0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from
0.01% to 1%, and most preferably from 0.01% to 0.1% by weight of
the total composition of said perfume ingredient.
Solvents
[0044] As another optional ingredient, the composition herein may
comprise one or more solvents or mixtures thereof. Solvents for use
herein include all those known in the art for use in hard-surface
cleaner compositions. Suitable solvents can be selected from the
group consisting of: aliphatic alcohols, ethers and diethers having
from about 4 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably from about 6 to
about 12 carbon atoms, and more preferably from about 8 to about 10
carbon atoms; glycols or alkoxylated glycols; glycol ethers;
alkoxylated aromatic alcohols; aromatic alcohols; terpenes; and
mixtures thereof. Aliphatic alcohols and glycol ether solvents are
most preferred, particularly those with vapour pressure of about
0.05 mm Hg at 25.degree. C. and 1 atmosphere pressure (about 6.66
Pa).
[0045] Aliphatic alcohols, of the formula R--OH wherein R is a
linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group of from
about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, preferably from about 2 to about
15 and more preferably from about 5 to about 12, are suitable
solvents. Suitable aliphatic alcohols are methanol, ethanol,
propanol, isopropanol or mixtures thereof. Among aliphatic
alcohols, ethanol and isopropanol are most preferred because of
their high vapour pressure and tendency to leave no residue.
[0046] Suitable glycols to be used herein are according to the
formula HO--CR1R2-OH wherein R1 and R2 are independently H or a
C2-C10 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain and/or
cyclic. Suitable glycols to be used herein are dodecaneglycol
and/or propanediol.
[0047] Particularly preferred glycol ethers have a terminal C3-C6
hydrocarbon attached to from one to three ethylene glycol or
propylene glycol moieties to provide the appropriate degree of
hydrophobicity and, preferably, surface activity. Examples of
commercially available solvents based on ethylene glycol chemistry
include mono-ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether (Hexyl Cellosolve.RTM.)
available from Dow Chemical. Examples of commercially available
solvents based on propylene glycol chemistry include the di-, and
tri-propylene glycol derivatives of propyl and butyl alcohol, which
are available from Arco under the trade names Arcosolv.RTM. and
Dowanol.RTM..
Chelating Agents
[0048] Another class of optional compounds for use herein includes
chelating agents. Chelating agents may be incorporated in the
compositions herein in amounts ranging up to 10.0%, preferably
0.01% to 5.0% by weight of the total composition.
[0049] Suitable phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein may
include alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates (HEDP),
alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate), as well as amino phosphonate
compounds, including amino aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid)
(ATMP), nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates (NTP), ethylene diamine
tetra methylene phosphonates, and diethylene triamine penta
methylene phosphonates (DTPMP). The phosphonate compounds may be
present either in their acid form or as salts of different cations
on some or all of their acid functionalities. Preferred phosphonate
chelating agents to be used herein are diethylene triamine penta
methylene phosphonate (DTPMP) and ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonate
(HEDP). Such phosphonate chelating agents are commercially
available from Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST.RTM..
[0050] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents may
also be useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Pat. No.
3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred
compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes
such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.
[0051] A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is
ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline
earth, ammonium or substitutes ammonium salts thereof or mixtures
thereof. Ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acids, especially the
(S,S) isomer, have been extensively described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,704,233, Nov. 3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine
N,N'-disuccinic acid is, for instance, commercially available under
the tradename ssEDDS.RTM. from Palmer Research Laboratories.
[0052] Suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein include
ethylene diamine tetra acetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetates,
diethylene triamine pentaacetate (DTPA),
N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetates, nitrilotri-acetates,
ethylenediamine tetrapropionates,
triethylenctetraaminchexa-acetates, ethanol-diglycines, propylene
diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine di-acetic acid
(MGDA), both in their acid form, or in their alkali metal,
ammonium, and substituted ammonium salt forms. Particularly
suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein are diethylene
triamine penta acetic acid, propylene diamine tetracetic acid
(PDTA) which is, for instance, commercially available from BASF
under the trade name Trilon FS.RTM. or Trilon M.RTM. and methyl
glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA).
[0053] Further carboxylate chelating agents to be used herein
include salicylic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine,
malonic acid or mixtures thereof.
[0054] In addition to the above-mentioned optional ingredients, the
composition for use in the present invention may also further
comprise other components selected from the group of fragrances,
thickeners, colorants, dyes, optical brighteners, builders,
chelants, preservatives, solvents, buffering agents, radical
scavengers, stabilizers, dye scavengers, adhesion promoters,
rheology modifiers, bleaching systems, and mixtures thereof.
Dispensing Device 1
[0055] As indicated above, the dispensing device 1 for use in the
method according to the present invention comprises a receiving
container 2 for housing the pasty composition as above-described
and a discharge nozzle 3 connected to said receiving container
2.
[0056] The receiving container 2 may have any suitable
configuration, form or dimension for accommodating and housing a
pasty composition. Suitable receiving container 2 for use herein
may be of any overall shape including, but not limited to
spherical, ovoid, square, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical,
polygonal, trapezoidal, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the
receiving container 2 for use herein has an overall shape selected
from the group of ovoid, cylindrical, triangular, trapezoidal, and
combinations thereof. Accordingly, the receiving container 2 is
preferably in a form selected from the group of tubes, pouches,
capsules, boxes, bottles, tottles, envelopes, thermoformed cups,
thermoformed blisters, cans, bags, syringes, atomizers, aerosols,
pressurized cans, piston-driven cans, and combinations thereof.
More preferably, the receiving container 2 is in a form selected
from the group of tubes, pouches, bottles, tottles, and
combinations thereof.
[0057] In one preferred execution of the present invention, the
receiving container 2 is made from a deformable or flexible
material. By "deformable or flexible" material it is meant herein
that the material is provided with a certain resiliency which
renders the corresponding receiving container 2 capable of being
temporarily or permanently upon deformed pressure application.
According to such a preferred embodiment, the receiving container 2
is preferably in a form selected from the group of tubes, pouches,
capsules, boxes, bottles, tottles, and combinations thereof.
Typically, the corresponding receiving container 2 will then take
the form of a squeezable container which upon pressure will cause
the contained pasty composition to be expulsed from the receiving
container 2 via the discharge nozzle 3 connected to said receiving
container 2.
[0058] Suitable flexible material for use herein may be easily
recognized by those skilled in the art of packaging. As a way of
example, suitable flexible material may be selected from the group
consisting of heat sealable thermoplastic materials such as
Polyethylene (PE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PET), Polyethylene Terephthalate-G (PETG), Polyvinyl Chloride
(PVC), Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS),
Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC); engineering grade plastics such as
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyoxymethylene (e.g.
Delrin.TM., Celcon.TM.), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and
mixtures thereof.
[0059] Other suitable flexible material for use herein include
aluminium, laminated structures such as e.g. carton, barrier
carton, co-injected materials, barrier films or foils including
metal foils (aluminum), sputtered or vaporized aluminum, Polyamides
(Nylon), Teflon.RTM., Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), Surlyn.RTM., and
mixtures thereof.
[0060] More preferably, the receiving container 2 is produced as a
single piece plastics moulded article using any commonly known
technique selected from the group of vacuum thermoforming,
injection molding, extrusion blow molding, extrusion stretch blow
molding, laminated tube or extruded tube forming, flexible film
heat sealing, laminated carton board heat sealing packing
techniques, and combinations thereof.
[0061] In another preferred execution of the present invention, the
receiving container 2 is made from a non-flexible material such as
metal, thermoplastics, PET, PETG, Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN),
PP, PE, and mixtures thereof. According to such preferred
execution, the corresponding receiving container 2 is preferably in
a form selected from the group of cans, atomizers, aerosols,
pressurized cans, Airopack.TM., and combinations thereof. According
to still another preferred execution, the receiving container may
take the form of airless systems such as e.g. bag in cans, bag in
bottle, delaminating bottles, bag in tube, tube in tube, piston in
can, and combinations thereof.
[0062] In a very preferred execution of the present invention, and
as represented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the receiving container 2 is
in a form of a squeezable container.
[0063] As above-mentioned, the dispensing device 1 for use herein
further comprises a discharge nozzle 3 connected to the receiving
container 2. The discharge nozzle 3 may have any suitable
configuration, form or dimension for accommodating the receiving
container 2 and for allowing the pasty composition contained within
the receiving container 2 to be dispensed via said discharge nozzle
3. Accordingly, the discharge nozzle 3 defines a passageway for the
pasty composition contained within the receiving container 2.
[0064] Typically, the discharge nozzle 3 is an extension of the
receiving container 2 and is either in free connection with the
receiving container 2 or said discharge nozzle 3 is separated from
the receiving container 2 via a temporary seal, preferably a
rupturable seal (not represented). Suitable discharge nozzle 3 for
use herein may be of any overall shape including, but not limited
to spherical, ovoid, square, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical,
polygonal, trapezoidal, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the
discharge nozzle 3 for use herein has an overall shape selected
from the group of cylindrical, trapezoidal, rectangular, and
combinations thereof. In a preferred execution of the present
invention, the discharge nozzle 3 for use herein is provided with a
substantially rectangular shape, in a substantially flat
configuration.
[0065] According to a preferred execution of the present invention,
the length of the discharge nozzle 3 is of at least 0.5 cm, when
said length corresponds to the distance between the end of the
discharge nozzle 3 and the point where the discharge nozzle
contacts the receiving container 2. More preferably, the length of
the discharge nozzle 3 is of at least 1 cm, even more preferably of
at least 2 cm.
[0066] The discharge nozzle 3 for use herein is typically provided
with a dispensing aperture 4, which is preferably temporarily
obstructed before the first use via a seal rupturable/openable upon
pressure (not represented).
[0067] According to a preferred execution, the dispensing device 1
is further provided with a peripheral flange 5. The peripheral
flange 5 may be the result of the dispensing device 1 manufacturing
process or may be intentionally included. Typically, the peripheral
flange 5 will extend beyond the periphery of the receiving
container 2 and the discharge nozzle 3. As such, the peripheral
flange 5 will improve rigidity and/or stability of the dispensing
device 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the portion of the
peripheral flange 5 extending around the periphery of the discharge
nozzle 3 will typically form a spatula 6. The spatula 6 for use
herein may help in dispensing the pasty composition in a more
controlled and precise manner.
[0068] Preferably, the dispensing device 1 is provided as a
lightweight and portable device. Typically, the dispensing device 1
for use herein may be squeezable upon manual pressure exercised by
the fingers of a user.
Method of Applying a Pasty Composition
[0069] According to the present invention, it is provided a method
of applying a pasty composition for cleaning and/or deodorizing a
sanitary ware, the composition being suitable for direct
application to the surface of the sanitary ware, wherein the method
comprises the steps of: a) providing a dispensing device 1
comprising a receiving container 2 for housing the pasty
composition and a discharge nozzle 3 connected to said receiving
container 2; and b) dispensing the pasty composition through the
discharge nozzle 3 while directly contacting the discharge nozzle 3
to the surface of the sanitary ware.
[0070] By "directly contacting the discharge nozzle 3 to the
surface of the sanitary ware", it is meant herein that the
discharge nozzle 3 is physically contacted to the surface of the
sanitary ware while said pasty composition being dispensed through
the discharge nozzle 3. As a result, both the pasty composition and
the discharge nozzle 3 are directly contacted to the surface of the
sanitary ware.
[0071] Preferably, the step of dispensing the pasty composition
through the discharge nozzle 3 is operated by manually squeezing
the receiving container 2.
[0072] According to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the step of dispensing the pasty composition is operated
via a suitable actuating means including, but not limited to a
trigger, a pushing button, a piston, a lever, or combinations
thereof. Such dispensing action is particularly suitable when using
a receiving container 2 in the form of a can, atomizer, aerosol, or
pressurized can.
[0073] In the particular embodiment wherein the discharge nozzle 3
is provided with a peripheral flange 5, the expression "discharge
nozzle" for the purpose of step b) as above described should be
understood as describing the combination of the discharge nozzle 3
and the peripheral flange 5 so that according to this particular
embodiment, it is preferably the peripheral flange which is
actually contacted with the surface of the sanitary ware.
[0074] The method for applying a pasty composition according to the
present invention prevents the user from contacting by hand dirtied
and unhygienic surfaces or objects, via using suitable dispensing
device 1. This benefit is particularly enhanced in the preferred
execution wherein the discharge nozzle 3 has a length of at least
at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, more preferably at least
2 cm. Also, the distance between the treated surface and the
dispensing device 1 is believed to provide better ergonomics during
the pasty composition application and virtually eliminates any
psychological impression to operate in unhygienic environment.
[0075] Furthermore, the method according to the invention gives the
user a simple and highly controlled way of applying the composition
as the latter is allowed to choose the specific amount of
composition which needs to be applied to the sanitary ware. By
directly contacting the discharge nozzle 3 to the surface of the
sanitary ware, the user is allowed to apply the pasty composition
in a more precise and faster manner, which is highly appreciable in
the context of sanitary ware cleaning and/or deodorizing operation.
Also, the method of the invention provides the user the flexibility
to choose exactly the location(s) of the sanitary ware where the
composition needs to be applied.
[0076] This overall provides the consumer with a totally new,
hygienic and exciting toilet care experience.
EXAMPLES
[0077] These following compositions were made comprising the listed
ingredients in the listed proportions (weight %). The examples
herein are met to exemplify the present invention but are not
necessarily used to limit or otherwise define the scope of the
present invention. Compositions I to X are compositions according
to the present invention. TABLE-US-00001 Ingredients: (% by weight)
I II III IV V DEEHMAMS 7 7.5 8.3 -- -- Uniquat .RTM. 13 22.5 16.7
13 -- TEEMAMS -- -- -- -- -- DEEDMAC -- -- -- 7 -- CMBHAC -- -- --
-- -- Amineoxide -- -- -- -- -- CnAE3S -- -- -- -- 25 Alkanolamide
-- -- -- -- -- Citric S40 30 18 25 30 18 Sodiumsulphate 45 50 43 46
30 Perfume 2 2 2 2 2 PEG 9000MW -- -- 5 -- -- PVP -- -- -- -- --
Isopar .RTM. M -- -- -- -- 4 Glycerol 2 -- -- -- -- Waters &
Minors Up to 100
DEEHMAMS is a Diethyl Ester Hydroxyethyl Methyl Ammonium Methyl
Sulphate, supplied by Stepan under the tradename Stepantex
VK90.RTM.. Uniquat.RTM. is a C12-C18 Benzalkonium chloride,
supplied by Lonza.
[0078] TEEMAMS is a Triethanol Amine Ester Methyl Ammonium Methyl
Sulphate, supplied by Degussa under the tradename Rewoquat
V3620.RTM.. TABLE-US-00002 Ingredients: (% by weight) VI VII VIII
IX X DEEHMAMS 7.5 -- -- 15 -- Uniquat .RTM. 22.5 16.7 -- 15 --
TEEMAMS -- 8.3 7.5 -- -- DEEDMAC -- -- -- -- -- CMBHAC -- -- 22.5
-- -- Amineoxide 3 -- -- -- -- CnAE3S -- -- -- -- -- Alkanolamide
-- -- -- -- 35 Citric S40 18 39 29 18 -- Sodiumsulphate 45 28 28 43
37 Perfume 2 4 4 2 2 PEG 9000MW -- 2 5 -- -- PVP -- -- 1 2 --
Isopar .RTM. M -- -- -- -- -- Glycerol -- -- -- -- -- Waters &
Minors Up to 100
DEEDMAC is Diethyl Ester Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, supplied by
Degussa under the tradename Rewoquat V3282.RTM.. CMBHAC is Coconut
methyl bishydroxyethyl ammoniumchloride, supplied by AKZO-Nobel.
Amine oxide is AO728.RTM., supplied by Tomah. CnAE3S is Coconut
alkyl ethoxylated (3EO) sulphate supplied by Univar Benelux under
the tradename Empicol.RTM. ESC 70/U. Alkanolamide is Peg-50
Hydrogenated Palmamide supplied by AKZO-Nobel under the tradename
Ethomid.RTM. HP/50. Citric acid S40 is supplied by Jungbunzlauer.
PEG is polyethylene glycol, supplied by BASF. PVP is polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, supplied by BASF. Isopar.RTM. M is paraffin supplied
by Exxon. Glycerol is supplied by P&G Chemicals.
[0079] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
* * * * *