U.S. patent application number 12/759100 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for manual spray cleaner package.
This patent application is currently assigned to BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher D. Barr, Eric J. Hansen, Mary Jasch, Romaneerat Nemcek.
Application Number | 20100264165 12/759100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44072527 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100264165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hansen; Eric J. ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
MANUAL SPRAY CLEANER PACKAGE
Abstract
A disinfecting solution package comprising a dispensing
container having a body with a closed bottom and an open upper end
forming a neck and a dispensing valve mounted in the neck. A
flexible pouch is mounted within the container and has an open
upper end that is sealed to the dispensing valve. A disinfecting
composition containing a disinfecting agent is stored in the
flexible pouch. A pressurized gas is between the container body and
the flexible pouch to pressurize the disinfecting solution within
the flexible pouch.
Inventors: |
Hansen; Eric J.; (Ada,
MI) ; Barr; Christopher D.; (Belmont, MI) ;
Jasch; Mary; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Nemcek;
Romaneerat; (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
32 Market Ave. SW, SUITE 500
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Assignee: |
BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
Grand Rapids
MI
|
Family ID: |
44072527 |
Appl. No.: |
12/759100 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61169525 |
Apr 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/95 ; 222/105;
222/394; 53/470 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/041 20130101;
B65D 83/425 20130101; C09K 3/30 20130101; C11D 17/0043 20130101;
C11D 3/3947 20130101; B32B 15/08 20130101; B65D 83/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/95 ; 222/394;
53/470; 222/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/14 20060101
B65D083/14; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00 |
Claims
1. A disinfecting solution package comprising: a dispensing
container having a body with a closed bottom and an open upper end
forming a neck and a dispensing valve mounted in the neck; a
flexible pouch mounted within the container having an open upper
end that is sealed to the dispensing valve; a disinfecting
composition including a disinfecting agent within the flexible
pouch; and a pressurized gas between the container body and the
flexible pouch to pressurize the disinfecting solution within the
flexible pouch.
2. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 1 wherein
the flexible pouch is essentially inert with respect to the
disinfecting agent.
3. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 2 wherein
the flexible pouch comprises multiple laminated layers, and wherein
at least one of the multiple layers is a metallic layer.
4. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 3 wherein
the flexible pouch includes at least one polyamide layer.
5. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 3 wherein
the flexible pouch includes at least one polyethylene terephthalate
layer.
6. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 3 wherein
the flexible pouch includes at least one polypropylene layer.
7. The flexible pouch according to claim 3 further comprising an
adhesive between at least two of the multiple layers.
8. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 2 wherein
the flexible pouch comprises multiple laminated layers, comprising:
a) a polyethylene terephthalate layer; b) an aluminum layer; c) a
polyamide layer; d) a polypropylene layer; and e) an adhesive layer
between each of the layers a, b, c and d.
9. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 8 wherein
the disinfecting agent is selected from the group consisting of
hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds.
10. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 1 wherein
the disinfecting agent is selected from the group consisting of
hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds.
11. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 10 wherein
the flexible pouch is essentially inert with respect to the
hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds.
12. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 1 and
further comprising at least one of an aqueous carrier, a
non-biodegradable surfactant, a biodegradable surfactant, an
organic solvent and mixtures thereof.
13. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 1 wherein
the cleaning composition is free of volatile organic compounds.
14. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 1 wherein
the pressurized gas is free of volatile organic compounds.
15. The disinfecting solution package according to claim 14 wherein
the pressurized gas is selected from at least one of air and
nitrogen.
16. A method for making a disinfecting solution package comprising:
sealing a flexible pouch having an open end to a dispensing valve;
positioning the flexible pouch within an open top container with
the dispensing valve in registry with the open top of the
container, to provide a space between the flexible pouch and an
inside surface of the container; sealing the dispensing valve to
the open top of the container; injecting a gas into the space
between the flexible pouch and an inside surface of the container
to pressurize the space; and filling the flexible pouch with a
disinfecting solution containing a disinfecting agent.
17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising forming the
flexible pouch from material that is essentially inert with respect
to the disinfecting agent.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the disinfecting agent
is selected from the group consisting of hypochlorite and
quaternary ammonium compounds.
19. The method according to claim 17 wherein the flexible pouch
comprises a lamination of multiple layers comprising: a) a
polyethylene terephthalate layer; b) an aluminum layer; c) a
polyamide layer; d) a polypropylene layer; and e) an adhesive layer
between each of the layers a, b, c and d.
20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the disinfecting agent
is selected from the group consisting of hypochlorite and
quaternary ammonium compounds.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/169,525, filed Apr. 15, 2009, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a spray cleaner with a
disinfecting composition to eliminate or reduce microorganisms on
surfaces.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Disinfectants are often used in cleaning solutions to
eliminate or reduce microorganisms on surfaces such as floors,
countertops, toys, bathtubs, etc. There are several different types
of disinfecting compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, oxidizing
agents, quaternary ammonium compounds and biguanide polymers, for
example. The different types of disinfecting compounds have varying
degrees of effectiveness against a variety of microorganisms.
Sodium hypochlorite is an example of one type of disinfecting
compound that is commonly used to disinfect household surfaces due
to its broad range of effectiveness.
[0006] Disinfecting agents such as hypochlorite and quaternary
ammonium compounds can present challenges in terms of storage and
ease of use for consumers. All disinfecting solutions sold in the
United States are required to be registered with the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which involves costly and
time consuming proof of efficacy and stability. The majority of
disinfecting solutions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds are
registered in non-aerosol formulas since it is easier to achieve
and demonstrate EPA's efficacy and stability requirements in
plastic containers rather than the metal containers typically used
for aerosol products. Disinfecting solutions comprising
hypochlorites are also typically registered in plastic containers.
Hypochlorites can react with traditional aerosol dispenser metals,
thus decreasing the efficacy of the disinfecting solution. In
addition, the hypochlorite solution can corrode the metal container
and generate hydrogen gas that can generate high pressures within
the container which can create a safety hazard for the consumer.
For these reasons, disinfecting solutions comprising hypochlorite
and quaternary ammonium compounds are typically stored in plastic
containers, thus limiting the type of dispensers that can be used
to dispense the solution.
[0007] Hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds are typically
held in plastic containers and often limited to trigger or
pump-type spray dispensers and are not available in pressurized
dispensers. A pressurized dispenser can provide a number of
benefits over other types of dispensers such as ease of use,
thorough coverage and the ability to dispense the solution at any
angle. This feature can decrease strain on the user during use,
which can be beneficial in industrial and institutional settings,
such as a janitorial service, where a user may spend long periods
of time cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
SUMMARY OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the invention a disinfecting solution package
comprises a dispensing container having a body with a closed bottom
and an open upper end forming a neck and a dispensing valve mounted
in the neck. A flexible pouch is mounted within the container and
has an open upper end that is sealed to the dispensing valve. A
disinfecting composition containing a disinfecting agent is
provided in the flexible pouch. A pressurized gas is located
between the container body and the flexible pouch to pressurize the
disinfecting solution within the flexible pouch.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible
pouch is chemically inert with respect to the disinfecting agent.
The flexible pouch can comprise multiple laminated layers, one of
which can be a metallic layer. The flexible pouch can further
include at least one polyamide layer, at least one polyethylene
terephthalate layer and at least one polypropylene layer. The
flexible pouch can further comprise an adhesive between at least
two of the layers.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
flexible pouch can comprise multiple laminated layers comprising a)
a polyethylene terephthalate layer; b) an aluminum layer; c) a
polyamide layer; d) a polypropylene layer; and e) an adhesive layer
between each of the layers a, b, c and d.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
disinfecting agent is selected from the group consisting of
hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds.
[0012] According to another embodiment, the disinfecting solution
package can comprise at lest one of an aqueous carrier, a
surfactant, a biodegradable surfactant, an organic solvent and
mixtures thereof.
[0013] According to another embodiment, the disinfecting solution
package can be free of volatile organic compounds.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
pressurized gas can be free of volatile organic compounds. The
pressurized gas can be air or nitrogen.
[0015] Further, according to the invention, a method for making a
disinfecting solution package comprises sealing a flexible pouch
having an open end to a dispensing valve and positioning the
flexible pouch within an open top container with the dispensing
valve in registry with the open top of the container to provide a
space between the flexible pouch and an inside surface of the
container. The dispensing valve is sealed to the open top of the
container. A gas is injected into the space between the flexible
pouch and an inside surface of the container to pressurize the
space. The flexible pouch is then filled with a cleaning solution
containing a disinfecting agent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressurized dispenser
assembly according to the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pressurized dispenser
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of a cap of the
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a partial section view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pouch-on-valve assembly of
the dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a valve assembly of the
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a partial section view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 2
[0024] FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2
[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of making a
disinfecting solution package according to the invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a view like FIG. 4 of a partial section view of
the pressurized dispenser of FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of
the dispenser.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0027] According to the invention, a pressurized dispenser for
applying a disinfecting composition containing a disinfectant onto
a surface to be cleaned is provided. The disinfecting composition
preferably contains sodium hypochlorite. The use of sodium
hypochlorite in a pressurized disinfecting composition creates
challenges with respect to maximizing shelf life while minimizing
the effects of the inherent reactive nature of the chemical.
Specific dispenser design features can be used to store and
dispense a pressurized disinfecting composition as will be
described fully herein.
[0028] Pressurized Dispenser
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pressurized dispenser 10
comprises a container 22, a pouch-on-valve assembly 38 for storing
a disinfecting composition and regulating its dispensing, an
actuator 80 operably coupled to the pouch-on-valve assembly 38 for
selectively dispensing the disinfecting composition onto the
surface to be cleaned, and a removable cap 12 that is selectively
placed on the container 22 to cover the actuator 80. The
pouch-on-valve assembly 38 comprises a pouch 74 received within the
container 22 for storing a supply of disinfecting composition and a
valve assembly 50 that is hermetically sealed to the pouch 74 and
on which the actuator 80 is mounted. The valve assembly further
comprises a valve mounting cup 40 that mounts the pouch-on-valve
assembly 38 to the container 22.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, a disinfecting composition 96 is
contained within the pouch 74, and a quantity of compressed
propellant gas 98 is contained within the can assembly 22
surrounding the pouch 74 to provide propellant force necessary to
dispense the disinfecting composition 96 from the dispenser 10.
[0031] The disinfecting composition 96 is delivered to the surface
to be cleaned via the actuator 80, which is in fluid communication
with the push valve assembly 50 that is sealed to the flexible
pouch 74 containing the disinfecting composition. The flexible
pouch 74 containing the disinfecting composition 96 resides within
the metal can assembly 22. Positive pressure inside the can
assembly 22 is generated by the propellant gas 98 that is injected
during the can filling process. The propellant gas 98 is filled to
a level sufficient for generating the required force to deliver the
disinfecting composition 96 to the surface to be cleaned with a
spray character, i.e. the force of the spray, the diameter of the
spray, the type of particle sprayed, etc. that is desirable for the
intended application.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 3, the cap 12 comprises a
circular-shaped bottom edge 14 with a vertical wall 16 extending
therefrom that curves inwardly to form a top surface 18. An inner
vertical wall 19 spaced from the vertical wall 16 can project from
the top surface 18 and define an inner circular-shaped bottom edge
20.
[0033] The top surface 18 has a smaller diameter than the diameter
of the bottom edge 14 by virtue of the inwardly curved vertical
wall 16. The top surface 18 is generally planar but can also
include a plurality of concentric circular depressions 13. As can
been seen in FIG. 3, a sinusoidal wave pattern 21 is formed in
cross-section by the circular depressions 13.
[0034] The cap 12 can be manufactured from plastic, such as
recyclable polypropylene resin, using injection molding. The cap 12
can be thin-walled, as compared to commonly known aerosol cap wall
thicknesses, with a nominal wall thickness of 0.79 mm (0.031
inches) and a range of 0.53 to 1.04 mm (0.021 to 0.041 inches) to
minimize plastic material content resulting in a reduced part
weight. The depressions 13 can have a nominal depth of 0.91 mm
(0.036 inches) and a range of 0.66 to 1.17 mm (0.026 to 0.046
inches).
[0035] One benefit offered by the aforementioned cap geometry is
that the cap 12 can be stacked with other caps 12 such that a
substantial portion of the vertical wall 16 overlaps the cap 12
underneath, thus reducing the overall height of a nested stack of
caps 12. The inward curve of the vertical wall 16 can be selected
such that a first cap 12 can be nested with a second cap 12 such
that the inner bottom edge 20 of the second cap 12 rests on the top
surface 18 of the first cap 12. This is particularly beneficial
when packing and shipping multiple caps 12, because the bulk
container packing density of the caps 12 can be maximized, thereby
reducing the shipping volume and overall energy costs associated
with bulk shipping to a facility for the final filling and assembly
of the dispenser 10.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2, and 4, the container 22 comprises a
body 24 that is generally cylindrical in shape with a closed bottom
26 and an open upper end 28 formed in an inwardly curving neck 29
of the body 24. The neck 29 further comprises a bead 30 defining
the periphery of the open upper end 28. The container 22 includes
an inner surface 32 and an outer surface 34 on which a polymer
coating can be applied. The container 22 may also include an
optional lithograph label 36 applied to the outer can surface 32
for decorative purposes such as product use and marketing
communications. The container 22 can be manufactured of
polymer-coated tin free steel stock T3CA temper with a nominal
thickness of about 0.23 mm (0.009 inches). The polymer coating on
the inner and outer surfaces 32 and 34 can comprise polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) film which offers an improved aesthetic
appearance and may also provide corrosion inhibiting
properties.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve mounting cup 40 is
mounted within the open end 28 of the container 22 to mount the
pouch-on-valve assembly 38 within the container 22 and to close the
open end 28. The valve mounting cup 40 comprises a central
cylindrical protrusion 46 having a dispensing opening 42 therein
and an annular lip 44 formed on the periphery of the valve mounting
cup 40. The annular lip 44 is sized to receive and seal the open
end 28 of the container 22. The annular lip 44 further includes a
gasket 72 to insure a leak proof seal to the bead 30 formed on the
container 22. The valve mounting cup 40 can be manufactured of a
tin steel material. The gasket 72 can be comprised of a butyl
rubber material.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the valve assembly 50 further
comprises a valve housing 58 that receives a hollow valve stem 52
having a solid plunger 62 mounted to a lower end thereof. The valve
housing 58, which is preferably injection molded polypropylene
material, comprises a hollow cylindrical upper portion 59 and a
reduced diameter hollow lower valve body portion 61, with a fluid
flow channel 60 formed therethough that is in fluid communication
with the disinfecting composition 96 within the pouch 74. The
exterior shape of the lower valve body portion 61 forms an
eye-shaped cross-section, as shown in FIG. 7. This shape
facilitates improved sealing ability between the valve housing 58
and the flexible pouch 74.
[0039] The plunger 62 is received within the protrusion 46 of the
valve mounting cup 40, with the valve stem 52 extending through the
dispensing opening 42. The plunger 62 comprises a central opening
63 having a closed bottom end and an open top end. Three evenly
spaced vertical channels are provided on the central opening 63 and
form fluid flow orifices 64 when the plunger 62 is assembled with
the valve stem 52 that are in fluid communication with the hollow
valve stem 52 via a space 65 formed between the bottom end of the
valve stem 52 and the closed bottom of the central opening 63.
[0040] The plunger 62 is biased by a compression spring 68 to the
closed position of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 4. The
compression spring 68, which can be comprised of INOX AISI 302
stainless steel material, is positioned between a support rib 69
formed within the valve housing 58 and the solid plunger 62. A
gasket 70 is located between the valve housing 58 and the valve
mounting cup 40 and forms a valve seat for the plunger 62. The
gasket 70 can be a butyl rubber. Alternative suitable gasket
materials can include: buna-nitrile (buna-n), rubber, or ethylene
propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).
[0041] The valve stem 52 can be manufactured using an injection
molded polyethylene material chosen for its chemical resistivity.
The plunger 62 can be manufactured using an injection molded acetal
material.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pouch 74 comprises multiple
layers 76 of flexible material that are laminated together. As
shown herein, the pouch comprises seven layers 76A-76G of material.
The layers 76 of the pouch 74 can comprise, in order from the
outermost layer to the innermost layer, a 12 .mu.m polyethylene
terephthalate layer 76A, a first 3 .mu.m adhesive layer 76B, an 8
.mu.m aluminum layer 76C, a second 3 .mu.m adhesive layer 76D, a 15
.mu.m oriented polyamide layer 76E, a third 3 .mu.m adhesive layer
76F, and a 75 .mu.m polypropylene layer 76G, all of which are
hermetically sealed to the lower portion 61 of the valve housing
58, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The external dimensions of the pouch
74 are nominally 180 mm tall by 115 mm wide (7.09 inches by 4.53
inches) and, when filled, 70 mm (2.76 inches) deep. The fill volume
of the pouch 74 is nominally 400 ml (13.5 fluid oz.). The outer
edges of the layers 76 are sealed by a heat seal bonding process
that uses heat and pressure to permanently bond the edges of the
layers 76 to form a hermetically sealed edge 77 on the pouch 74.
The pouch 74 is subsequently sealed to the valve housing 58 by a
heat seal bonding process that uses heat and pressure to
permanently bond the pouch 74 to the valve housing 58. It is within
the scope of the invention for the pouch 74 to be comprised of
different or additional layers. It is also within the scope of the
invention for the pouch 74 to have any number of layers made from
any suitable material.
[0043] A suitable valve and pouch system can be purchased from
SeaquistPerfect Dispensing, Cary, Ill.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, the actuator 80 comprises a sidewall 81
with a circular base 92 that has a larger diameter than a top
surface 94. The top surface 94 further includes a curved depression
88 suitable for mating to a user's fingertip. Extending vertically
downward from the top surface 94 is a hollow cylinder 90 having a
spray tip orifice 82 that is surrounded by a conically-shaped
cut-out 86 formed in the sidewall 81. The hollow cylinder 90
fluidly couples the actuator 80 to the valve stem 52, thereby
creating a fluid connection between the spray tip orifice 82 and
the flexible pouch 74 containing the disinfecting composition 96.
The spray tip orifice 82 is surrounded by a conically-shaped
cut-out 86 formed in the sidewall 81, which has a terminal aperture
84 defined in the side wall 81.
[0045] In one embodiment, the shape of the spray tip orifice 82
comprises a circular through-hole with diameter of 0.51 mm (0.020
inches), which has been found to be effective for application of
the disinfecting composition 96 in a relatively small diameter for
treating small stains and spills on the surface to be cleaned. The
spray tip orifice 82 can comprise any number of alternate shapes
depending on the desired spray pattern (for example straight line
stream, fan shaped, conical patterns, and the like). A combination
of the size of the spray tip orifice 82, the size of the terminal
aperture 84, and the pressure of the gas propellant 98 can be
optimized to achieve the desired spray flow rate and spray pattern
of the disinfecting composition 96. The spray rate can be 5.5
grams/second (0.19 ounce/second) of disinfecting composition, with
a range of 5.0 to 6.0 grams/second (0.18 to 0.21 ounce/second) and
the preferred spray pattern as measured at roughly 61 cm (24
inches) from the target surface to produce a "forceful stream".
[0046] Since the chemical composition of the invention contains a
disinfectant, as will be described more fully herein, it should be
understood that all surfaces of the dispenser 10 that come into
contact with the disinfecting composition can be manufactured from
materials selected for their known resistance to the components of
the disinfecting composition, such as hypochlorite and quaternary
ammonium compounds. For example, the actuator 80 can comprise an
injection molded acetal resin. However, other materials can be used
to manufacture the components of the dispenser 10, depending on the
disinfecting composition 96 used with the dispenser 10.
[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 100 for assembling and filling
the pressurized dispenser 10 in schematic form. Prior to
installation in the container 22 and filling with disinfecting
composition, the pouch 74 can be rolled into tube form and secured
in this rolled form near the top and bottom edges with commonly
known perforated adhesive tape 78, as shown in FIG. 4. This compact
rolled form allows easy installation of the laminated pouch 74 into
the open end 28 of the container. The method 100 begins in step
102, with the placement the pouch-on-valve assembly 38 in the
container 22. The rolled pouch 74 is inserted through the open end
28 and the valve mounting cup 40 is loosely placed on the bead 30.
In step 104, the propellant gas 98 is injected into the container
22 around the rolled pouch 74. Examples of suitable propellant
gases are nitrogen and compressed air due to their inert nature and
low-impact on the environment as opposed to traditional propellants
that are composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The total
VOC content for this improved pressurized design can be 0 or within
the range of roughly 0-2% by weight. Typical disinfectant cleaners
often have a total VOC content up to 70% or more. The pressure
level during gas injection in step 104 is controlled to a
predetermined level, for example to a preferred pressure level in
the range of 35 to 45 psig (pound-force per square inch gauge).
This predetermined pressure level is determined experimentally to
ensure that the final container pressure is such that it delivers
the desired spray characteristics, meets container safety
standards, and is in compliance with all government regulations
related to the manufacture and shipment of pressurized containers.
In step 106, the annular lip 44 on the valve mounting cup 40 is
permanently crimped onto the bead 30 while maintaining the
propellant gas 98 in a pressurized state. In step 108, the
disinfecting composition 96 is pressure-filled through the valve
assembly 50 and into the pouch 74. The maximum injection pressure
can be controlled in order to break the adhesive tape 78 and unroll
the pouch, while avoiding rupturing the pouch 74. For example, the
maximum injection pressure can be controlled to not exceed 435 psig
in order to avoid pouch rupture. The preferred post-fill nominal
can pressure at 70.degree. F. should be about 115 psig with a range
of 110-120 psig. The filling can be controlled according to the
desired net weight of the disinfecting composition 96 in the
dispenser 10, whereby the pouch 74 is filled with the disinfecting
composition 96 until the volume of the disinfecting composition 96
injected into the dispenser 10 reaches a predetermined net weight.
In step 110, the actuator 80 is secured to the valve assembly 50
and the cap 12 is placed on the container 22.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, in use, the disinfecting composition
96 can be dispensed onto a target surface to be cleaned by
depressing the actuator 80 and subsequently creating a fluid flow
path between the pouch 74 and the spray tip orifice 82. Depressing
the actuator 80 forces the plunger 62 downward, compressing the
spring 68, and breaking the seal between the plunger 62 and the
gasket 70 to create a space between the gasket 70 and the plunger
62, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the fluid flow channel 60
to the valve stem 52 through the fluid flow orifices 64. The
compressed propellant gas 98 induces a positive pressure inside the
container 22 and compresses the pouch 74, thereby forcing the
disinfecting composition 96 out of the pressurized container 22 to
be sprayed out of the spray tip orifice 82. When downward pressure
on the actuator 80 is released, the spring 68 forces the plunger 62
and valve stem 52 upward. The plunger 62 seals against the internal
gasket 70 and ceases the flow of the disinfecting composition 96. A
user can hold the dispenser 10 in various orientations during use,
such as upright, inverted, sideways, etc., and still achieve the
same dispensing action.
[0049] Disinfecting Composition
[0050] The disinfecting composition according to the invention
comprises one or more disinfecting agents, one or more optional
solvents, one or more surfactants and a carrier. Additional
components such as a preservative, a stabilizer/pH controller, a
chelating agent, a fragrance, or any combination thereof may also
be included. The disinfecting composition can be filled into the
pouch 74 of the pressurized dispenser 10 according to the method
100 given above; however, it is understood that the disinfecting
composition of the invention can be used with other types of
dispensers.
[0051] The disinfecting composition of the present invention
includes at least one disinfecting agent selected from the group
comprising hypochlorites and quaternary ammonium compounds.
Preferably the disinfecting agent is bleach, which has sodium
hypochlorite as the active component.
[0052] The inventive disinfecting composition can also include one
or more solvents, such as an alcohol. One example of a suitable
solvent is ethanol. Alternatively, the disinfecting composition can
be formulated without any solvents, thereby eliminating VOCs from
the composition. Eliminating VOCs from the disinfecting composition
can make the composition more environmentally friendly.
[0053] The inventive disinfecting composition can also include one
or more surfactants. Examples of suitable surfactants include
anionic, cationic, nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants.
Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants include
alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates,
sulfonated amines and amides and sarcosinates. The surfactants may
contain branched or linear components.
[0054] Deionized or Reverse Osmosis (RO) water has several
advantages as a suitable carrier for the inventive disinfecting
composition. The use of deionized water reduces contamination of
the disinfecting composition by trace metals that could trigger
activation of the disinfecting agent inside the container prior to
use. Premature activation of the disinfecting agent could reduce
the cleaning efficacy of the disinfecting composition and create an
undesirable increase in internal can pressure due to a reaction
between the disinfecting agent and the contaminants. An additional
advantage associated with using deionized water as the carrier is
that it evaporates with little or no residue after delivering the
disinfecting composition to the surface to be cleaned.
[0055] In an alternate embodiment, the disinfecting composition can
be a foaming or foamable composition. A foamable disinfecting
composition can be achieved through the addition of a foaming agent
or by selecting a suitable surfactant. Additionally, the spray
character of the disinfecting composition can be optimized for the
generation of foam.
[0056] In another alternate embodiment, the disinfecting
composition can be a zero VOC formulation. The zero VOC formulation
can be achieved by eliminating the VOC solvent system from the
composition and replacing it with deionized water and through the
use of non-VOC containing propellants such as air or nitrogen.
[0057] The pressurized dispenser and disinfecting solution
described herein provides several advantages over previous
dispensers and disinfecting solutions. One such advantage is the
ability to provide a pressurized disinfecting solution, such as a
solution containing hypochlorite or quaternary ammonium compounds,
in a single pressurized dispenser. A pressurized dispenser provides
a number of benefits over other types of dispensers such as ease of
use, thorough coverage, and the ability to dispense the solution at
any angle. This can decrease strain on the user during use, which
can be beneficial in industrial and institutional settings, such as
a janitorial service, where a user may spend long periods of time
cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
[0058] The materials used to form the pouch can be selected to
minimize the interaction between components of the disinfecting
solution, such as hypochlorite or quaternary ammonium compounds,
and the pouch. This results in a more stable disinfecting solution
and decreased degradation of the disinfecting solution and the
container it is stored in as compared to more traditional
metal-based aerosol dispensers.
[0059] Yet another advantage of the pressurized dispenser is the
ability to use non-aerosol formulas with the disinfecting solution
package described herein to provide a user with a pressurized
product. All disinfecting solutions sold in the United States are
required to be registered with the EPA and requires the registrant
to conduct costly and time consuming testing that proves efficacy
and stability. Oftentimes, companies will register their formulas
with the EPA and then allow other companies to sub-register the
formula, for a fee, and put their label on the product. The vast
majority of the formulas available for sub-registration are
non-aerosol formulas, with only a few aerosol formulas available
for sub-registration. The advantage of the pressurized dispenser
described herein is that any of the non-aerosol formulas that are
compatible with the pouch of the pressurized dispenser could be
sub-registered and stored in the pressurized dispenser without
altering the formula. This provides the manufacturer with more
options to meet the needs of their consumers, while still providing
consumers with the benefits of a pressurized dispenser.
[0060] Another advantage of the inventive dispenser and a
disinfecting solution package that can include hypochlorite or
quaternary ammonium compounds, as described herein, is the impact
of the package on the environment and human health. Societal
pressure is increasing in both the market place and in the
government to develop products that have minimal impact on the
environment and human health. Large retailers continue to pressure
vendors and suppliers to provide products that reduce waste and
have a less of a negative impact on the environment and human
health.
[0061] The inventive dispenser and disinfecting solution described
herein provides a dispenser for delivering a disinfecting solution,
such as a solution containing hypochlorite or quaternary ammonium
compounds, to a surface to be cleaned under pressure without the
disadvantages of traditional aerosol dispensers. Aerosol dispensers
that utilize propellants such as volatile organic compounds and
compressed gasses like nitrous oxide can contribute to ground-level
ozone levels.
[0062] The inventive pressurized dispenser described herein relies
on air or nitrogen gas, both having minimal environmental impact,
to pressurize the disinfecting solution. In addition, the
disinfecting solution can also be provided free of volatile organic
compounds, resulting in a dispenser and disinfecting solution
package that has minimal impact on the environment and human
health.
[0063] The disinfecting solution that includes hypochlorite or
quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, described herein
provides a disinfecting composition that is stable under pressure,
can contain little or no VOCs and can be provided in a single,
pressurized dispenser for delivery to a surface to be cleaned under
pressure and at any angle. The disinfecting solution package
described herein has the additional benefit of containing no VOCs
in a package that meets high standards for environmental and human
health impacts while performing just as well or better than
traditional cleaners that do not have the same environmental and
human health benefits.
[0064] While this invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the foregoing description and drawings without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the
appended claims.
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