U.S. patent application number 13/427701 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for shaped compositions for uniform delivery of a functional agent.
Invention is credited to William Ouellette, EVAN RUMBERGER, William L. Smith, Tami Tadrowski.
Application Number | 20120258156 13/427701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46965160 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120258156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RUMBERGER; EVAN ; et
al. |
October 11, 2012 |
SHAPED COMPOSITIONS FOR UNIFORM DELIVERY OF A FUNCTIONAL AGENT
Abstract
Shaped compositions are provided for use in delivering a
substantially uniform concentration of a functional agent (e.g., an
antimicrobial sanitizing agent) to a flowing stream of water. The
composition may be shaped and sized to be inserted into a device
configured to be attached over the end of a faucet. The shaped
composition may include at least two different regions (e.g.,
layers). A dissolvable region includes a functional agent (e.g., an
anti-microbial sanitizing agent). A substantially non-dissolvable
region is disposed adjacent to the dissolvable region (e.g.,
adjacent the bottom surface) so as to cover a bottom surface of the
dissolvable region. The geometry of the shaped composition, as well
as the presence of the substantially non-dissolvable region aids in
providing a substantially uniform concentration of functional agent
throughout the life of the dissolvable region.
Inventors: |
RUMBERGER; EVAN;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Ouellette; William;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Smith; William L.; (Pleasanton,
CA) ; Tadrowski; Tami; (Pleasanton, CA) |
Family ID: |
46965160 |
Appl. No.: |
13/427701 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61472442 |
Apr 6, 2011 |
|
|
|
61472423 |
Apr 6, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/409 ;
424/682 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/0465 20130101;
C02F 1/003 20130101; C02F 1/50 20130101; E03B 1/04 20130101; C02F
1/688 20130101; Y10T 137/598 20150401; C02F 1/76 20130101; Y10T
137/4891 20150401; C02F 2201/004 20130101; C02F 2307/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/409 ;
424/682 |
International
Class: |
A01N 25/08 20060101
A01N025/08; A01P 1/00 20060101 A01P001/00; A01N 59/06 20060101
A01N059/06 |
Claims
1. A solid shaped composition for use in delivering a substantially
uniform concentration of a hypochlorite anti-microbial sanitizing
agent to a flowing stream of water, the shaped composition
comprising: a first region comprising a hypochlorite salt selected
from the group consisting of calcium hypochlorite, magnesium
hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, the first region being
dissolvable into a flowing stream of water; the first region being
substantially cylindrical so as to include a top surface, a bottom
surface, and a peripheral surface; and a second region comprising a
substantially non-dissolvable material, the second region being
adjacent to at least one of the top or bottom surface of the first
region; and wherein the first region and the second region are not
effervescent; and wherein the first region and the second region
contain no sodium hypochlorite or lithium hypochlorite.
2. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region is
selected from the group consisting of a cementitious material, a
polymer, an inorganic material, a fatty acid, a fatty acid salt,
and mixtures thereof.
3. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 55% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
4. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 60% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
5. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 70% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
6. The shaped composition as recited in claim 2, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region
comprises a cementitious material selected from the group
consisting of hydraulic cement, hydraulic cement blends,
Pozzolan-lime cement, supersulfated cement, calcium aluminate
cement, calcium sulfoaluminate cement, geopolymer cement, magnesium
oxychloride, magnesium oxysulfate, plaster of Paris, Portland
cement, and mixtures thereof.
7. The shaped composition as recited in claim 2, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region
comprises an inorganic material selected from the group consisting
of hydroxide and oxide compounds of alkaline earth metals, alkaline
earth sulfates, alkaline earth phosphates, silicates, borate,
aluminate, silica-aluminate, clays, zeolites including hydrates,
mono, di and tribasic compounds, fiberglass, zinc oxide, and
mixtures thereof.
8. The shaped composition as recited in claim 7, wherein the
hydroxide and oxide compounds of alkaline earth metals is selected
from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide,
calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and mixtures thereof.
9. The shaped composition as recited in claim 7, wherein the
alkaline earth sulfate comprises calcium sulfate.
10. The shaped composition as recited in claim 2, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region
comprises a fatty acid or fatty acid salt selected from the group
consisting of stearic acid, palmitic acid, calcium stearate,
magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, and combinations thereof.
11. The shaped composition as recited in claim 2, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region
comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of waxes,
resins, natural polymers, phenol resins, polyethylene vinyl
acetate, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, cellulose, polymers
formed from styrene block copolymers precursors, polycaprolactone,
fluoropolymers, silicone rubbers, polypyrrole, polyalkylsiloxanes,
alkyl polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, urea-formaldehyde resins,
polymethyl methacrylate, water-insoluble polyacrylate,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, epoxy adhesives,
nylon, polyfluorocarbons, melamine-formaldehyde, polyurethane,
polycarbonate, polyimide resins, hydrogels, silicones, polyester,
polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.
12. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
region further comprises a solubility adjusting agent selected from
the group consisting of silica, hydrophobic silica, hydrophobic
clay, phosphates, chlorides, polysiloxane compounds, sulfates,
calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium
hydroxide, waxes, resins, cellulose, cellulosic materials,
polyolefins, polyethylene, oxidized polyethylene, calcium stearate,
magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, zinc stearate, fatty acids,
silicone, polydimethyl siloxane, dimethicone, cyclodimethicone,
hexamethyldisiloxane, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium magnesium
silicate, calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, calcium silicate,
dolomite, magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide,
magnesium oxide silicate, talc, magnesium sulfate, mineral oil,
castor oil, and combinations thereof.
13. The shaped composition as recited in claim 1, wherein the
shaped composition further comprises a third region that is
dissolvable and that is compositionally different from the
dissolvable region, the third region being separated from the
dissolvable region by the non-dissolvable region, the third region
comprising a material selected from the group consisting of an
organic acid, an inorganic acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic
acid, a phosphoric acid, a phosphonic acid, a sulfuric acid, a
sulfonic acid, a saturated fatty acid, an unsaturated fatty acid,
an acid salt, and combinations thereof.
14. A solid cylindrically shaped composition for use in delivering
a substantially uniform concentration of a hypochlorite
anti-microbial sanitizing agent to a flowing stream of water, the
shaped composition comprising: a first layer consisting essentially
of a hypochlorite salt selected from the group consisting of
calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof,
the first layer being dissolvable into a flowing stream of water;
the first layer being substantially cylindrical so as to include a
top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface; a second
layer consisting essentially of a substantially non-dissolvable
material selected from the group consisting of cementitious
materials, polymers, inorganic materials, fatty acids, fatty acid
salts, and mixtures thereof; the second layer being adjacent to the
bottom surface of the first layer so as to cover the bottom surface
of the first layer; the second layer also being substantially
cylindrical and having a diameter substantially equal to that of
the first layer so that an exterior peripheral surface of both the
first layer and adjacent second layer are substantially flush with
one another; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are
not effervescent.
15. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region is
selected from the group consisting of a cementitious material, a
polymer, an inorganic material, a fatty acid, a fatty acid salt,
and mixtures thereof.
16. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 55% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
17. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 60% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
18. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein the
hypochlorite salt comprises about 70% to 100% by weight of the
first region.
19. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein: the
shaped composition further comprises a third region that is
dissolvable and that is compositionally different from the
dissolvable region, the third region being separated from the
dissolvable region by the non-dissolvable region; and the third
region comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
an organic acid, an inorganic acid, a carboxylic acid, a
dicarboxylic acid, a phosphoric acid, a phosphonic acid, a sulfuric
acid, a sulfonic acid, a saturated fatty acid, an unsaturated fatty
acid, an acid salt, and combinations thereof.
20. The shaped composition as recited in claim 14, wherein the
substantially non-dissolvable material of the second region
comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of waxes,
resins, natural polymers, phenol resins, polyethylene vinyl
acetate, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, cellulose, polymers
formed from styrene block copolymers precursors, polycaprolactone,
fluoropolymers, silicone rubbers, polypyrrole, polyalkylsiloxanes,
alkyl polyesters, polyvinyl chloride, urea-formaldehyde resins,
polymethyl methacrylate, water-insoluble polyacrylate,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, epoxy adhesives,
nylon, polyfluorocarbons, melamine-formaldehyde, polyurethane,
polycarbonate, polyimide resins, hydrogels, silicones, polyester,
polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/472,442, filed Apr. 6, 2011 entitled
SHAPED COMPOSITIONS FOR UNIFORM DELIVERY OF A FUNCTIONAL AGENT and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/472,423, also filed Apr.
6, 2011 entitled FAUCET MOUNTABLE WATER CONDITIONING DEVICE, the
disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to shaped compositions for use
in delivering a functional agent into a stream of water at a
substantially uniform, desired concentration.
[0004] 2. Background and Relevant Art
[0005] In many areas of the world, particularly rapidly developing
countries, the safety of the food supply is often questionable. For
example, fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods may sometimes
include bacterial or other microbial carriers of infection. Such
issues of microbial contamination are particularly an issue in
developing countries such as China and those of Latin America. Even
within relatively well developed countries, such as the United
States and many European countries, there are occasional incidents
of produce or other food products found to be contaminated with E.
coli or other microbes.
[0006] Consumers are often instructed to wash produce and other
food products before consumption, although many consumers sometimes
forget to do so, or even if such washing is performed, residual
microbes or other contaminants may remain on the product. As a
result, food borne illness may still occur. As such, there is a
continuing need for improved methods and systems for sanitizing
food products.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, one aspect of the
invention is a solid shaped composition for use in delivering a
substantially uniform concentration of a hypochlorite
anti-microbial sanitizing agent to a flowing stream of water, the
shaped composition comprising: a first region comprising a
hypochlorite salt selected from the group consisting of calcium
hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof, the
first region being dissolvable into a flowing stream of water; the
first region being substantially cylindrical so as to include a top
surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface; and a second
region comprising a substantially non-dissolvable material, the
second region being adjacent to at least one of the top or bottom
surface of the first region; and wherein the first region and the
second region are not effervescent; and wherein the first region
and the second region contain no sodium hypochlorite or lithium
hypochlorite.
[0008] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, one aspect of the
invention is a solid cylindrically shaped composition for use in
delivering a substantially uniform concentration of a hypochlorite
anti-microbial sanitizing agent to a flowing stream of water, the
shaped composition comprising: a first layer consisting essentially
of a hypochlorite salt selected from the group consisting of
calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite and mixtures thereof,
the first layer being dissolvable into a flowing stream of water;
the first layer being substantially cylindrical so as to include a
top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface; a second
layer consisting essentially of a substantially non-dissolvable
material selected from the group consisting of cementitious
material, polymer, inorganic material, fatty acid, fatty acids
salt, and mixtures thereof; the second layer being adjacent to the
bottom surface of the first layer so as to cover the bottom surface
of the first layer; the second layer also being substantially
cylindrical and having a diameter substantially equal to that of
the first layer so that an exterior peripheral surface of both the
first layer and adjacent second layer are substantially flush with
one another; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are
not effervescent.
[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view
of the detailed description of preferred embodiments below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary shaped
composition;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the composition of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view through an alternative
composition similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but including an
indicating feature for indicating to the user that the shaped
composition should be replaced;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view through another shaped
composition including an alternative indicating feature;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary shaped
composition comprising a hollow cylinder;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary shaped
composition including a third region;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a table showing compositional characteristics of
example compositions that were made;
[0018] FIG. 6 plots the effects of various adjuvants on dissolution
rate of hypochlorite in the dissolving region or layer;
[0019] FIG. 7 plots interactions for various the various adjuvants
shown in FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 includes contour plots of dissolution rate per area
for the various adjuvants of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the dissolution characteristics of
composition example 30a;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the dissolution characteristics
of composition example 30b;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the dissolution characteristics
of composition example 31a;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the dissolution characteristics
of composition example 31b;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an exemplary cylinder;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hollow cylinder shaped
composition including no non-dissolvable region;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a hollow cylinder shaped
composition including a non-dissolvable region blocking the bottom
of the hollow cylinder;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hollow cylinder shaped
composition including a dissolvable region sandwiched between two
non-dissolvable regions; and
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hollow cylinder shaped
composition including a non-dissolvable region that covers a top
surface of the dissolvable region.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Introduction
[0030] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly
exemplified systems or process parameters that may, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the
invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner.
[0031] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0032] The term "comprising" which is synonymous with "including,"
"containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and
does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method
steps.
[0033] The term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a
claim to the specified materials or steps "and those that do not
materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)" of the
claimed invention.
[0034] The term "consisting of" as used herein, excludes any
element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.
[0035] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "surfactant" includes one, two or
more such surfactants.
[0036] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein.
[0037] In the application, effective amounts are generally those
amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the
descriptions, which follow hereto. Unless otherwise stated, amounts
listed in percentage ("wt %'s") are in wt % (based on 100 weight %
active) of the particular material present in the referenced
composition, any remaining percentage being water or an aqueous
carrier sufficient to account for 100% of the composition, unless
otherwise noted.
General
[0038] The present invention is directed to shaped compositions for
use in delivering a substantially uniform concentration of a
functional agent (e.g., an antimicrobial sanitizing agent) to a
flowing stream of water. In one embodiment, the composition is
shaped and sized to be inserted into a device configured to be
attached over the end of a faucet (e.g., a sink or shower faucet).
In one embodiment, the shaped composition includes at least two
different regions which may be configured as layers. In another
embodiment, the shaped composition includes a third region. A
dissolvable region includes a functional agent, for example, an
anti-microbial sanitizing agent that can be used to provide a
food-safe anti-microbial sanitizing wash for foods (e.g., lettuce,
strawberries, etc.), hands, hard surfaces, soft surfaces, etc.
Additionally, an anti-microbial sanitizing agent can allow for
rinsing of sponges, cutting boards, utensils, child cups or
anything else a user may be concerned has hidden germs.
[0039] The dissolvable region is shaped so as to include a top
surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface. A
substantially non-dissolvable region is disposed adjacent to the
dissolvable region (e.g., adjacent the bottom surface) so as to
cover the bottom surface of the dissolvable region, minimizing or
preventing water contact with this surface. The substantially
non-dissolvable region remains substantially intact as the
dissolving region is progressively dissolved during use. The
presence of the substantially non-dissolvable region aids in
providing a substantially uniform concentration of functional agent
throughout the life of the dissolvable region.
[0040] During use, a flow of water is contacted with a surface of
the dissolvable region so that the functional agent within the
dissolvable region is dissolved into the water, which then exits
the device attached over the dispensing end of the faucet. The
device including the shaped composition may be used to deliver a
flow of anti-microbial sanitizing water, or a flow of water
including other functional agents included therein.
[0041] In one embodiment, the flow of water may be intermittently
applied during use. The shaped composition may include features to
minimize continued dissolution of the composition when the flow of
water has stopped. For example, the shaped composition may be
configured to facilitate drainage of water away from the
composition so as to provide more uniform dispensing of functional
agent even under intermittent use conditions. In one embodiment the
composition is shaped so that gravity pulls the water away from the
composition. For example, the top of the tablet or other shaped
composition may have a high point near its center so that water
flows to the edges. The bottom of the shaped composition may have a
low point near its center towards which the water will flow and
accumulate to form drops that fall away from the composition.
[0042] In one embodiment, one or more protrusions (e.g. pins) may
protrude from the bottom of the shaped composition. Water will thus
tend to flow to the tips of such protrusions, away from the surface
of the composition. The protrusions may comprise a material that is
more hydrophilic than the surface of the tablet. Preferably, the
protrusions may be substantially non-dissolvable. In one
embodiment, such protrusions may comprise the same material as the
substantially non-dissolving layer. Such protrusions may be part of
(e.g., comprise a single integral piece with) or otherwise be
attached to the substantially non-dissolving layer, or they may be
a separate component of the composition. To further facilitate
drainage of water, the surface of the composition, any protrusions,
or both may have grooves formed therein.
[0043] Exemplary functional agents may provide a soap for washing
dishes, hands, hard surfaces, soft surfaces, other surfaces, a
disinfecting kitchen or bathroom cleaner, a disinfecting shower
cleaner, an anti-microbial sanitizing rinse for a bathroom faucet
(e.g., sufficiently gentle to be used on toothbrushes, retainers,
hands, etc.), flavored water beverage that may include
antioxidants. Functional agents can also or alternatively include
vitamins for conferring a health benefit to the consumer, minerals
for conferring a health benefit to the consumer, remove chemicals
and pesticides from food, dilution for other cleaners, a light
kitchen cleaner, a dish soap sufficiently mild for hands, a facial
wash, softened tap water. In addition, functional agents can
include a strong shower cleaner, tap water free of chlorine and
odor, a concentrated disinfecting cleaner, a drain cleaner, a
moisturizing body wash from a shower faucet, an aromatherapy wash
from a shower faucet, or a gentle skin sanitizer from a shower
faucet. Additional exemplary functional agents will be apparent to
one of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
[0044] While this invention discloses various compositions, the
invention also encompasses a system (i.e. device with composition)
for conditioning and method patent claims (i.e. method of
sanitizing, method of sanitizing using a faucet mount that rotates
or flips from an active position to an inactive position (and vice
versa) without dismounting from the faucet, method of rinsing an
object and putting it aside, etc.).
[0045] As used herein, the term "dissolve" is to be broadly
construed to include dissolution, as well as entrainment or other
introduction of a functional agent into a flowing stream of water.
For example, while some functional agents may be lipophilic (e.g.,
fragrances) so as to not truly dissolve within the stream of water,
they can be entrained or otherwise introduced into the stream of
water, and for the sake of simplicity, such materials may be
broadly be described as dissolving into the flowing stream of water
as that term is used herein.
[0046] Exemplary Shaped Compositions for Substantially Uniform
Delivery of a Functional Agent
[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective and cross-sectional
views, respectively of an exemplary shaped composition 100
including a dissolvable region 102 and an adjacent substantially
non-dissolvable region 104. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped
composition 100 may be substantially cylindrical. In one
embodiment, the dissolvable portion 102 of the substantially
cylindrical composition 100 may have a diameter greater than the
height so as to provide a relatively short, squat, puck-like
configuration. In one embodiment, the ratio of the diameter to
height is at least about 1, at least about 1.5, at least about 2,
at least about 3, or at least about 5. In another embodiment, the
ratio of the diameter to the height is at least about 0.1, at least
about 0.2, at least about 0.3, at least about 0.4, at least about
0.5, at least about 0.6, at least about 0.7, at least about 0.8, at
least about 0.9, or at least about 1.
[0048] Region 102 includes a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108,
and a peripheral surface 110. Non-dissolvable region 104 may
include a similar cross-sectional shape as dissolvable region 102
(e.g., it may also be cylindrical). As shown, non-dissolvable
region 104 is disposed adjacent to bottom surface 108 of
dissolvable region 102. In one embodiment, substantially the entire
bottom surface 108 is covered by non-dissolvable region 104. Such
configurations aid in providing a substantially uniform
concentration of functional agent throughout the life of the
dissolvable region 102, as will be explained in further detail
hereafter. Non-dissolvable region 104 and dissolvable region 102
may both be substantially cylindrical and have a diameter
substantially equal to one another so that an exterior peripheral
surface of both the first layer and adjacent second layer are
substantially flush with one another, as shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0049] Relatively high aspect ratios of diameter to height of
region 102, as well as covering bottom surface 108 of region 102,
aids in providing a substantially uniform concentration of
functional agent throughout the life of region 102. For example,
the rate of dissolution of region 102 is dependent on the surface
area along which dissolution is occurring at any given time.
Maintaining a substantially uniform rate of dissolution aids in
maintaining a substantially uniform concentration of functional
agent within the water stream. Because of this dependency, shapes
and orientations configured to provide substantially equal surface
area along which dissolution occurs during the life of the shaped
composition are preferred. For example, a cylindrical configuration
in which dissolution occurs as a result of height reduction is one
preferred configuration, as the surface area of the top surface,
where dissolution principally occurs when the water stream is
delivered to this surface, remains the same as the height of the
cylinder is progressively reduced.
[0050] Other shapes providing this same characteristic could
alternatively be used (e.g., a rectangular prism, a modified
cylinder having an oval transverse cross-section, etc.). Such
shapes providing a substantially constant cross-sectional surface
area as the shape is reduced through reduction in the height are
preferred because the surface area along which dissolution of the
functional agent occurs remains substantially constant throughout
the course of use. For example, with a cylindrical shaped
composition, because the dissolution of the dissolvable region
occurs through the mechanism of height reduction, and because a
cylinder has a circular cross-section whose cross-sectional area
remains the same through any given location of the cylinder, the
rate of dissolution of the dissolvable region (and thus the
functional agent) remains substantially constant throughout the
life of the shaped composition.
[0051] The relative constancy of the dissolution rate (and thus
concentration of the functional agent within the delivered stream
of water) is further aided by providing a substantially
non-dissolvable region 104 disposed adjacent to the dissolvable
region 102. For example, by positioning the non-dissolvable region
104 against the bottom surface 108 of region 102, water is not
easily able to contact bottom surface 108 so as to dissolve this
region until the material disposed above bottom surface 108 is
first dissolved. This is beneficial as although theoretically
dissolution occurs via height reduction, often the top surface may
not remain horizontal or flat, as some portions may tend to
dissolve faster than others, which can often result in faster
erosion adjacent the peripheral edge.
[0052] By covering bottom surface 108 so that it does not
participate in the dissolution, this effect is limited to only the
top surface, effectively cutting this non-uniformity in half as
compared to if both top and bottom surfaces were exposed. This
prevents changes in the surface area of dissolvable region 102
which may otherwise occur if water were allowed to contact bottom
surface 108, so that the surface area along which dissolution is
occurring at any given time remains substantially constant.
[0053] A relatively high aspect ratio of the diameter (in the case
of a cylinder) or width of the shaped dissolvable region relative
to the height of the dissolvable region is also helpful in
maintaining a relatively constant dissolution rate. For example,
where the diameter, or width of region 102 is greater than the
height of region 102, this maximizes the fraction of the exterior
surface area of the cylinder or other shaped composition that is
located along the top surface, while that surface area which is
located along the peripheral surface is minimized.
[0054] This is helpful because, as the dissolvable region 102 is
progressively dissolved, the top surface 106 provides the same
surface area, but the surface area provided by peripheral surface
110 changes as the height of region 102 decreases. This is
important as some water may contact peripheral region 110 so that
dissolution occurs at this surface as well as top surface 106. This
introduces a variable surface area along which dissolution is
occurring as the dissolvable region progressively shrinks due to
dissolution. This can be undesirable to the extent it results in
changes to the concentration of functional agent provided within
the delivered stream of water.
[0055] It can thus be preferable to limit the surface area
associated with peripheral surface 110, to limit contact of the
water stream with surface 110, and perhaps even to provide a
non-dissolvable portion to cover peripheral surface 110 so as to
minimize or prevent dissolution from occurring at this surface. As
discussed above, it is preferable for dissolution to occur only
along top surface 106 so as to provide a substantially uniform
concentration of a functional agent to the flowing stream of water
(e.g., that may be directed to contact top surface 106).
[0056] As explained, in one embodiment, the aspect ratio of the
width of region 102 to height of region 102 is at least about 1, at
least about 1.5, at least about 2, at least about 3, or at least
about 5. For example, according to one embodiment, the region 102
may have a diameter of about 3 cm and a height of about 0.6 cm,
providing an aspect ratio of about 5. Relatively higher aspect
ratios minimize any negative effect that peripheral surface 110 may
have on the total surface area along which dissolution is occurring
at any given time. In one aspect, this is because the great
majority of the exterior surface area is located along the top
surface rather than the peripheral surface.
[0057] In one embodiment, the shaped composition, including both
dissolvable region 102 and non-dissolvable region 104 may comprise
a hollow cylinder. In some embodiments, it may even be possible to
provide a shaped composition without the non-dissolvable backing
layer where the aspect ratio is particularly high (e.g., about 2 or
more, 3 or more, or 4 or more). Of course, including a
non-dissolvable layer or region in such embodiments may provide
even more uniform delivery of the functional agent.
[0058] In one embodiment, the shaped composition, including the
non-dissolvable region 104 may comprise an indicating feature. Such
an indicating feature may include a contrastingly colored portion
of region 104 that is adjacent to surface 108. For example, where
the non-dissolvable region and dissolvable regions are lightly
colored, at least a portion of a top surface of region 104 may be
colored (e.g., red, blue, purple, black, green, etc.) to contrast
with the color(s) of regions 102 and 104, so as to be apparent to
the user when the dissolvable region 102 is substantially
exhausted. This indicates that the entire shaped composition 100
should be replaced, as the functional ingredient of region 102 has
been substantially exhausted.
[0059] In one embodiment, the contrastingly colored surface of
region 104 may not necessarily be horizontal or flat as shown in
FIG. 2, but may include a portion that protrudes towards
dissolvable region 102. As dissolvable region 102 is progressively
dissolved away through height reduction, the protruding portion of
region 104 will become visible before adjacent "lower" portions of
region 104 because the height dimension of the dissolvable region
102 at these locations is thinner than adjacent locations.
[0060] For example FIG. 2A shows an embodiment in which the
portions adjacent peripheral edge 111 of non-dissolvable region 104
are thicker than a central portion of region 104. As such, as
dissolvable region 102 is progressively dissolved through height
reduction, the thicker peripheral portion adjacent edge 111 will
show through dissolvable region 102 once sufficient dissolution of
region 102 has occurred. FIG. 2B shows an alternative embodiment in
which the central portion of region 104 is thicker than peripheral
portion adjacent edge 111. As such, as dissolvable region 102 is
progressively dissolved, the thicker central portion of region 104
will show through dissolvable region 102, indicating a need to
replace the shaped composition.
[0061] In other words, in each case, the thickness of dissolvable
portion 102 is not constant, but includes a thinner portion which
will be dissolved through fastest, and the underlying contrastingly
colored non-dissolvable surface top surface of region 104 adjacent
bottom surface 108 will show through, indicating to the user that
the shaped composition should be replaced. The faucet mountable
device retaining the shaped composition may be transparent or
include a transparent window portion to allow the user to more
easily visually observe such an indicator feature. Alternative
indicating features will be apparent to one of skill in the art in
light of the present disclosure.
[0062] In one embodiment, the indicating feature may include a
mechanical mechanism to prevent the device within which the shaped
composition is housed from operating further until the exhausted
shaped composition has been replaced.
[0063] One or more functional agents are included in the
dissolvable region of the shaped composition to provide a
functional benefit that may include, but not limited to,
antimicrobial sanitation, pleasant fragrance, improve soil removal,
increase wetting, inhibit corrosion, or provide other, desirable
benefits. Exemplary functional agents include, but are not limited
to, an antimicrobial sanitizing agent, a pH adjusting agent, a
surfactant, a hydrotrope, a wetting agent, a mineral, a vitamin, a
penetrant, a chelating agent, an odor masking agent, an odor
absorbing agent, a colorant, a fluorescent whitening agent, a
flavoring agent, a fragrance, a sweetener, a potentiator, a
sporulation agent, a corrosion inhibitor, a therapeutic agent, a
viscosity modifier, a foam stabilizer, a foam booster, a defoamer,
a stain and soil repellent, an enzyme, a cloud point modifier, a
dispersant, a catalyst, an activating agent, a water softening
agent, and combinations thereof.
[0064] More than one functional agent may be included to provide
multiple benefits. In some cases, combinations of different types
of functional agents may be provided. For example, one shaped
composition may include an odor absorbing agent and an odor masking
agent or fragrance to provide better odor control than when only
one of these agents are present. In another example, combining
surfactants with hydrotropes or wetting agents may synergistically
enhance cleaning or antimicrobial properties.
[0065] The functional agents may be present in the dissolvable
region at a level of from about 0.1% to about 100%, from about 0.1%
to about 80%, from about 0.1% to about 60%, from about 0.1% to
about 40%, from about 0.1% to about 20%, from about 0.1% to about
15%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 5%,
from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 1%, from
about 5% to about 50%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 5% to
about 15%, from about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% to about 60%,
from about 10% to about 40%, from about 10% to about 20%, from
about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 40%, about 15% to about
25%, about 50% to about 100%, about 60% to about 100%, about 70% to
about 100%, about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about
100%.
[0066] The dissolvable region can comprise a functional agent that
becomes entrained, dissolved, or otherwise introduced into the
flowing stream of water. In one embodiment, the functional agent
comprises an antimicrobial sanitizing agent. Examples of such
sanitizing agents include, but are not limited to, hypochlorites,
peroxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, silver salts, N-halogen
compounds, or antimicrobial organic acids such as citric acid,
lactic acid, lauric acid, and/or glycolic acid. In one embodiment,
the dissolvable region comprises a solid. In another embodiment, it
may comprise a gel. Liquid antimicrobial sanitizing agents (e.g.,
an organic acid or an aqueous or other liquid carrier solution of a
peroxide or hypochlorite) may be incorporated within such a
gel.
[0067] Exemplary hypochlorites include, but are not limited to,
hypochlorite salts of alkaline or alkaline earth metals.
Particularly preferred materials include calcium hypochlorite,
magnesium hypochlorite, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment,
the functional agent contains no sodium hypochlorite. In another
embodiment, the functional agent contains no lithium hypochlorite.
In another embodiment, neither the first region or first layer nor
the second region or layer contains sodium hypochlorite or lithium
hypochlorite. Exemplary peroxides include, but are not limited to,
aqueous hydrogen peroxide, solid complexes of hydrogen peroxide,
and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of solid complexes of
hydrogen peroxide include, but are not limited to, carbamide
peroxide and metal perborates (e.g., sodium perborate), metal
percarbonates (e.g., sodium percarbonate), metal peroxides, metal
chlorites, metal peroxy acids, metal peroxy acid salts, and
mixtures thereof. The metals may typically be alkaline or alkaline
earth metals. In one embodiment, a peroxide may be formed in-situ
by providing a sugar (e.g., glucose) into the stream of water,
which stream of water then contacts another layer or region
including a sugar oxidase (e.g., glucose oxidase), which forms the
desired sanitizing peroxide.
[0068] Exemplary quaternary ammonium compounds include, but are not
limited to, quaternary ammonium organohalides such as benzalkonium
chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium halide, alkyl dimethyl
ethyl benzyl ammonium halide, n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium
halide, diisobutyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium
halide, n-(C.sub.12C.sub.14C.sub.16) alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium
halide, dodecyl dimethyl ammonium halide, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium
halide, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium halide, dialkyl methyl benzyl
ammonium halide, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium halide, lauryl
dimethyl benzyl ammonium halide, o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol, dideryl
dimethyl ammonium halide, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium halide, alkyl
(C.sub.14C.sub.12C.sub.16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium halide, and
mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium
compound may include an alkyl group having between about 6 to about
18 carbon atoms.
[0069] Exemplary N-halogen compounds include
trichloro-s-triazinetrione, trichloromelamine, 1,3-dichloro-5
ethyl-5 methylhydantoin, 1,3-dichloro-5-5-dimethylhydantoin, sodium
dichloroisocyanurate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, any
included N-halogen compounds do not produce gaseous diatomic
halogens (e.g., F.sub.2, Cl.sub.2, Br.sub.2, I.sub.2, etc.) during
use (e.g., upon exposure to water).
[0070] In another embodiment, the functional agent comprises a
surfactant. The term "surfactant", as used herein, refers to and
includes a substance or compound that reduces surface tension when
dissolved in water or aqueous solutions, or that reduces
interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a
solid. The term "surfactant" thus includes anionic, nonionic,
cationic, zwiterrionic and/or amphoteric agents.
[0071] The dissolvable region may contain one or more surfactants
selected from nonionic, anionic, cationic, ampholytic, amphoteric
and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Preferably, any
surfactant is present in the dissolvable region of the composition.
A typical listing of anionic, ampholytic, and zwitterionic classes,
and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No.
3,929,678 to Laughlin and Heuring. A list of suitable cationic
surfactants is given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,217 to Murphy, each of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0072] The dissolvable region may comprise an anionic surfactant.
Essentially any anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes
can be used in the cleaning composition. These can include salts
(including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and
substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine
salts) of the anionic sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and
sarcosinate surfactants. Anionic surfactants may comprise a
sulfonate or a sulfate surfactant. Anionic surfactants may comprise
an alkyl sulfate, a linear or branched alkyl benzene sulfonate, or
an alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate, as described herein.
[0073] Other anionic surfactants include the isethionates such as
the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl
tauride, alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of
sulfosuccinate (for instance, saturated and unsaturated
C.sub.12-C.sub.18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (for
instance saturated and unsaturated C.sub.6-C.sub.14 diesters),
N-acyl sarcosinates. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are
also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids
and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil.
Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include the
linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl
ethoxysulfates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol
ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C.sub.5-C.sub.17
acyl-N--(C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl) and --N--(C.sub.1-C.sub.2
hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of
alkylpolysacchanides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside
(the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described herein). Alkyl
sulfate surfactants may be selected from the linear and branched
primary C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl sulfates, the C.sub.11-C.sub.15
branched chain alkyl sulfates, or the C.sub.12-C.sub.14 linear
chain alkyl sulfates.
[0074] Alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants may be selected from the
group consisting of the C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl sulfates, which
have been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 20 moles of
ethylene oxide per molecule. The alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactant may
be a C.sub.11-C.sub.18, or a C.sub.11-C.sub.15 alkyl sulfate which
has been ethoxylated with from about 0.5 to about 7, or from about
1 to about 5, moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. One embodiment
may include mixtures of the alkyl sulfate and/or sulfonate and
alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants. Such mixtures have been disclosed
in PCT Patent Application No. WO 93/18124, herein incorporated by
reference.
[0075] Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein
include the salts of C.sub.5-C.sub.20 linear alkylbenzene
sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, C.sub.6-C.sub.22 primary or
secondary alkane sulfonates, C.sub.6-C.sub.24 olefin sulfonates,
sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty
acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, and any
mixtures thereof. Suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants include
alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate
surfactants and soaps ("alkyl carboxyls"), especially certain
secondary soaps as described herein. Suitable alkyl ethoxy
carboxylates include those with the formula
RO(CH2CH2O)xCH2COO--M+
wherein R is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 alkyl group, x ranges from 0 to
10, and the ethoxylate distribution is such that, on a weighi
basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20% and M
is a cation. Suitable alkyl polyethoxypolycarboxylate surfactants
include those having the formula
RO--(CHR.sub.1--CHR.sub.2--O)--R.sub.3 wherein R is a C.sub.6 to
C.sub.18 alkyl group, x is from 1 to 25, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl acid
radical, succinic acid radical, hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and
mixtures thereof, and R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting
of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons having
between 1 and 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof
[0076] Suitable soap surfactants include the secondary soap
surfactants, which contain a carboxyl unit connected to either a
primary or secondary carbon. Suitable secondary soap surfactants
for use herein are water-soluble members selected from the group
consisting of water-soluble salts of 2-methyl-1-undecanoic acid,
2-ethyl-1-decanoic acid, 2-propyl-1-nonanoic acid,
2-butyl-1-octanoic acid and 2-pentyl-1-heptanoic acid. Certain
soaps may also be included as suds suppressors.
[0077] Other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkali metal
sarcosinates of formula R--CON(R.sub.1) CH--)COOM, wherein R is a
C.sub.5-C.sub.17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, R.sub.1
is a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl group and M is an alkali metal ion.
Examples are the myristyl and oleoyl methyl sarcosinates in the
form of their sodium salts.
[0078] Other suitable surfactants include fatty acid sarosinates
which are mild, biodegradable anionic surfactants derived from
fatty acids and sarcosine (amino acid). Sarcosine is the N-methyl
derivative of glycine. Sarcosine is a natural amino acid found in
muscles and other tissues. Sarcosine is found naturally as an
intermediate in the metabolism of choline to glycine. In a
preferred embodiment, the sarcosines are acyl sarcosines. Examples
of acyl sarcosines include, but are not limited to, cocoyl
sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, myristoyl sarcosine, oleoyl
sarcosine, and stearoyl sarcosine which are modified fatty acids.
The salts of acyl sarcosines are referred to as acyl sarcosinates.
Acyl sarcosinates useful herein include, for example, those having
a formula:
RCON(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2COOX
wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl having from about 8 to about 22
carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms,
more preferably from about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms, and X is a
sodium, potassium, ammonium, or triethanolamine.
[0079] Examples of acyl sarcosinates that can be used with the
present invention include, but are not limited to, sodium coccyl
sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium myristoyl
sarcosinate, sodium oleoyl sarcosinate, sodium stearoyl
sarcosinate, ammonium coccyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl
sarcosinate and ammonium myristoyl sarcosinate, ammounium oleoyl
sarcosinate and ammonium stearoyl sarcosinate. Commercially
available preferred acyl sarcosinates include, but are not limited
to, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate having the tradename HAPMOSYL L30
which is available from Hampshire Chemicals, and sodium cocoyl
sarcosinate having the tradename HAMPOSYL C30, also available from
Hampshire Chemicals.
[0080] Other suitable surfactants include fatty alcohol sulfates
which have a higher alcohol or alkyl group normally in the range of
about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. The cation will almost
invariably be sodium or will include sodium, although other
cations, such as triethanolamine, potassium, ammonium, magnesium
and calcium may also be used. Preferred fatty alcohol sulfates are
those wherein the fatty alcohol is essentially saturated and is of
a carbon content within the 10 to 18 carbon atoms range, preferably
10 or 12 to 14 or 16 carbon atoms, such as 12 to 16, or that is
derived from coconut oil (coco), palm oil, or palm kernel oil.
[0081] Lauryl sulfates, and particularly, sodium lauryl sulfate,
are preferred primary detergents but such designation also may
apply to such detergents wherein the carbon chain length of the
alcohol is not limited to about 12 carbon atoms, but is primarily
(over 50% and normally over 70% or 75%) of 12 to 14 carbon atoms.
Such materials may be obtained from natural sources, such as
coconut oil and palm kernel oil. In one embodiment, the fatty
alcohol sulfate is a C.sub.12-C.sub.18 fatty alcohol sulfate. In
another embodiment, the fatty alcohol sulfate is a
C.sub.12-C.sub.16 fatty alcohol sulfate. In another embodiment, the
fatty alcohol sulfate is a C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohol sulfate.
In another embodiment, the fatty alcohol is a C.sub.12 fatty
alcohol sulfate. In another embodiment, the fatty alcohol sulfate
is sodium lauryl sulfate. In a specific embodiment, the fatty
alcohol sulfate is a sodium coco fatty alcohol sulfate.
[0082] Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include amine
oxide surfactants and alkyl amphocarboxylic acids. Suitable amine
oxides include those compounds having the formula R.sub.3
(OR.sub.4)XNO(R.sub.5).sub.2 wherein R.sub.3 is selected from an
alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acylamidopropyl and alkylphenyl group, or
mixtures thereof, containing from about 8 to about 26 carbon atoms;
R.sub.4 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from 2
to 3 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof, x is from 0 to 5,
preferably from 0 to 3; and each R.sub.5 is an alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 3, or a polyethylene oxide
group containing from 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups. Suitable amine
oxides are C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl dimethylamine oxide, and
C.sub.10-C.sub.18 acylamido alkyl dimethylamine oxide. A suitable
example of an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid is MIRANOL C2M Conc.
manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, N.J.
[0083] Zwitterionic surfactants can also be incorporated into the
shaped compositions. These surfactants can be broadly described as
derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of
heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of
quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium
compounds. Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary
zwittenionic surfactants for use herein.
[0084] Suitable betaines are those compounds having the formula
R(R.sub.1).sub.2N+R.sub.2COO-- wherein R is a C.sub.6-C.sub.8
hydrocarbyl group, each R.sub.1 is typically a C.sub.1-C.sub.3
alkyl, and R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1-C.sub.5 hydrocarbyl group. Suitable
betaines are C.sub.12-18 dimethyl-ammonio hexanoate and the
C.sub.10-C.sub.18 acylamidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or
diethyl) betaines. Complex betaine surfactants are also suitable
for use herein.
[0085] Suitable cationic surfactants to be used herein include the
quaternary ammonium surfactants. The quaternary ammonium surfactant
may be a mono C.sub.6-C.sub.16, or a C.sub.6-C.sub.10N-alkyl or
alkenyl ammonium surfactant wherein the remaining N positions are
substituted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups.
Suitable are also the mono-alkoxylated and bis-alkoxylated amine
surfactants. Additional suitable cationic surfactants include coco
fatty acid diethanolamine, hydrogenated palm tea ester quat, and
cationic ethyoxylate fatty acids.
[0086] Another suitable group of cationic surfactants, which can be
used in the shaped compositions, are cationic ester surfactants.
The cationic ester surfactant is a compound having surfactant
properties comprising at least one ester (i.e. --COO--) linkage and
at least one cationically charged group. Suitable cationic ester
surfactants, including choline ester surfactants, have for example
been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,228,042, 4,239,660 and
4,260,529, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0087] The ester linkage and cationically charged group may be
separated from each other in the surfactant molecule by a spacer
group of a chain comprising at least three atoms (i.e. of three
atoms chain length), or from three to eight atoms, or from three to
five atoms, or three atoms. The atoms forming the spacer group
chain are selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen, and any mixtures thereof, with the proviso that any
nitrogen or oxygen atoms in said chain connect only with carbon
atoms in the chain. Thus spacer groups having, for example,
--O--O-- (i.e. peroxide), --N--N--, and --N--O-- linkages are
excluded, whilst spacer groups having, for example --CH.sub.2--O--,
CH.sub.2-- and --CH.sub.2--NH--CH.sub.2-- linkages are included.
The spacer group chain may comprise only carbon atoms, or the chain
is a hydrocarbyl chain.
[0088] The dissolvable region may comprise cationic
mono-alkoxylated amine surfactants, for instance, of the general
formula: R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3N+A.sub.pR.sub.4X-- wherein R.sub.1
is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 6 to about 18
carbon atoms, or from 6 to about 16 carbon atoms, or from about 6
to about 14 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each
independently alkyl groups containing from one to about three
carbon atoms, for instance, methyl, for instance, both R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3 are methyl groups; R.sub.4 is selected from hydrogen,
methyl and ethyl; X-- is an anion such as chloride, bromide,
methylsulfate, sulfate, or the like, to provide electrical
neutrality; A is a alkoxy group, especially a ethoxy, propoxy or
butoxy group; and p is from 0 to about 30, or from 2 to about 15,
or from 2 to about 8.
[0089] The A.sub.pR.sub.4 group in the formula may have p=1 and is
a hydroxyalkyl group, having no greater than 6 carbon atoms whereby
the --OH group is separated from the quaternary ammonium nitrogen
atom by no more than 3 carbon atoms. Suitable ApR.sub.4 groups are
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--OH, --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--OH,
--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)--OH and --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2--OH. Suitable
R.sub.1 groups are linear alkyl groups, for instance, linear
R.sub.1 groups having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms.
[0090] Suitable cationic mono-alkoxylated amine surfactants for use
herein are of the formula
R.sub.1(CH.sub.3)(CH.sub.3)N+(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.2-5H X--
wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.10-C.sub.18 hydrocarbyl and mixtures
thereof, especially C.sub.10-C.sub.14 alkyl, or C.sub.10 and
C.sub.12 alkyl, and X is any convenient anion to provide charge
balance, for instance, chloride or bromide.
[0091] As noted, compounds of the foregoing type include those
wherein the ethoxy (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O) units (EO) are replaced by
butoxy, isopropoxy [CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O] and
[CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O]units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or
mixtures of EO and/or Pr and/or i-Pr units.
[0092] The cationic bis-alkoxylated amine surfactant may have the
general formula: R.sub.1R.sub.2N+A.sub.pR.sub.3A'.sub.qR.sub.4X--
wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about
8 to about 18 carbon atoms, or from 10 to about 16 carbon atoms, or
from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is an alkyl group
containing from one to three carbon atoms, for instance, methyl;
R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can vary independently and are selected from
hydrogen, methyl and ethyl, X-- is an anion such as chloride,
bromide, methylsulfate, sulfate, or the like, sufficient to provide
electrical neutrality. A and A' can vary independently and are each
selected from C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkoxy, for instance, ethoxy, (i.e.,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O--), propoxy, butoxy and mixtures thereof, p is
from 1 to about 30, or from 1 to about 4 and q is from 1 to about
30, or from 1 to about 4, or both p and q are 1.
[0093] Suitable cationic bis-alkoxylated amine surfactants for use
herein are of the formula
R.sub.1CH.sub.3N+(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH)(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH) X--,
wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.10-C.sub.18 hydrocarbyl and mixtures
thereof, or Co, C.sub.12, C.sub.14 alkyl and mixtures thereof, X--
is any convenient anion to provide charge balance, for example,
chloride. With reference to the general cationic bis-alkoxylated
amine structure noted above, since in one example compound R.sub.1
is derived from (coconut) C.sub.12-C.sub.14 alkyl fraction fatty
acids, R.sub.2 is methyl and A.sub.pR.sub.3 and A'.sub.qR.sub.4 are
each monoethoxy.
[0094] Other cationic bis-alkoxylated amine surfactants useful
herein include compounds of the formula:
R.sub.1R.sub.2N+-(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.pH--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.qH
X-- wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.10-C.sub.18 hydrocarbyl, or
C.sub.10-C.sub.14 alkyl, independently p is 1 to about 3 and q is 1
to about 3, R.sub.2 is C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl, for example, methyl,
and X-- is an anion, for example, chloride or bromide.
[0095] Other compounds of the foregoing type include those wherein
the ethoxy (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O) units (EO) are replaced by butoxy
(Bu) isopropoxy [CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O] and [CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)O]
units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or mixtures of EO and/or Pr
and/or i-Pr units.
[0096] The dissolvable region may include at least one
fluorosurfactant selected from nonionic fluorosurfactants, cationic
fluorosurfactants, and mixtures thereof which are soluble or
dispersible in aqueous compositions, sometimes compositions which
do not include further detersive surfactants, or further organic
solvents (e.g., in the case of gels), or both. Suitable nonionic
fluorosurfactant compounds are found among the materials presently
commercially marketed under the tradename FLUORAD (ex. 3M Corp.)
Exemplary fluorosurfactants include those sold as FLUORAD FC-740,
generally described to be fluorinated alkyl esters; FLUORAD FC-430,
generally described to be fluorinated alkyl esters; FLUORAD FC-431,
generally described to be fluorinated alkyl esters; and, FLUORAD
FC-170-C, which is generally described as being fluorinated alkyl
polyoxyethlene ethanols.
[0097] An example of a suitable cationic fluorosurfactant compound
has the following structure: C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1
SO.sub.2NHC.sub.3H.sub.6N+(CH.sub.3)3I-- where n.about.8. This
cationic fluorosurfactant is available under the tradename FLUORAD
FC-135 from 3M. Another example of a suitable cationic
fluorosurfactant is F3-
(CF.sub.2).sub.n--(CH.sub.2).sub.mSCH.sub.2CHOH--CH.sub.2--N+R.sub.1R.su-
b.2R.sub.3Cl--
wherein: n is 5-9 and m is 2, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are
--C--I.sub.3. This cationic fluorosurfactant is available under the
tradename ZONYL FSD (available from DuPont, described as
2-hydroxy-3-((gamma-omega-perfluoro-
C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl)thio)-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propyl ammonium
chloride). Other cationic fluorosurfactants suitable for use in the
present invention are also described in EP 866,115 to Leach and
Niwata, herein incorporated by reference. The fluorosurfactant
selected from the group of nonionic fluorosurfactant, cationic
fluorosurfactant, and mixtures thereof may be present in amounts of
from 0.001 to 5% wt., preferably from 0.01 to 1% wt., and more
preferably from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.
[0098] The composition may comprise a nonionic surfactant.
Essentially any alkoxylated nonionic surfactants are suitable
herein, for instance, ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic
surfactants. Alkoxylated surfactants can be selected from the
classes of the nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols, nonionic
ethoxylated alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty
alcohols, nonionic ethoxylate/propoxylate condensates with
propylene glycol, and the nonionic ethoxylate condensation products
with propylene oxide/ethylene diamine adducts.
[0099] The condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from
about 1 to about moles of alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene
oxide and/or propylene oxide, are suitable for use herein. The
alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or
branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 6
to about 22 carbon atoms. Also suitable are the condensation
products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 8
to about 20 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 10 moles of
ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
[0100] Polyhydroxy fatty acid amides suitable for use herein are
those having the structural formula R.sub.2CONR.sub.1Z wherein:
R.sub.1 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl,
2-hydroxypropyl, ethoxy, propoxy, or a mixture thereof, for
instance, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl; and
R.sub.2 is a C.sub.5-C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl, for instance,
straight-chain C.sub.5-C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl, or straight-chain
C.sub.9-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, or straight-chain
C.sub.11-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixture thereof-, and Z is a
polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at
least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an
alkoxylated derivative (for example, ethoxylated or propoxylated)
thereof. Z may be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive
amination reaction, for example, Z is a glycityl.
[0101] Suitable fatty acid amide surfactants include those having
the formula: R.sub.1CON(R.sub.2).sub.2 wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl
group containing from 7 to 21, or from 9 to 17 carbon atoms and
each R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl, and
--(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.xH, where x is in the range of from 1 to
3.
[0102] Suitable alkylpolysaccharides for use herein are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647 to Llenado, herein incorporated by
reference, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to
about 30 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside,
hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 10 saccharide
units. Alkylpolyglycosides may have the formula:
R.sub.2O(C.sub.nH.sub.2nO).sub.t (glycosyl).sub.x wherein R.sub.2
is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl,
hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the
alkyl groups contain from about to about 18 carbon atoms; n is 2 or
3; t is from 0 to about 10, and x is from about 1.3 to about 8. The
glycosyl may be derived from glucose.
[0103] Other suitable nonionic surfactants are food safe nonionic
surfactants. Examples of food safe nonionic surfactants are sucrose
esters, such as sucrose cocoate available from Croda, and sorbitan
esters, such as polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monooleate from J. T.
Baker and polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monolaurate from Uniquema.
Other examples of food safe nonionic surfactants are given in
Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) lists, as described below.
[0104] The dissolvable region may comprise at least one alkyl
polyglucoside ("APG") surfactant. Suitable alkyl polyglucoside
surfactants are the alkylpolysaccharides that are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,776,872 to Giret et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,059 to
Furman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,062 to Addison et al.; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,906,973 to Ouzounis et al., which are all incorporated
by reference. Suitable alkyl polyglucosides for use herein are also
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647 to Llenado describing
alkylpolyglucosides having a hydrophobic group containing from
about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, or from about 10 to about 16
carbon atoms and polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic
group containing from about 1.3 to about 10, or from about 1.3 to
about 3, or from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units.
[0105] Optionally, there can be a polyalkyleneoxide chain joining
the hydrophobic moiety and the polysaccharide moiety. A suitable
alkyleneoxide is ethylene oxide. Typical hydrophobic groups include
alkyl groups, either saturated or unsaturated, branched or
unbranched containing from about 8 to about 18, or from about 10 to
about 16, carbon atoms. Suitably, the alkyl group can contain up to
about 3 hydroxy groups and/or the polyalkyleneoxide chain can
contain up to about 10, or less than about 5, alkyleneoxide
moieties. Suitable alkyl polysaccharides are octyl, nonyldecyl,
undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl,
heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and
hexaglucosides, galactosides, lactosides, glucoses, fructosides,
fructoses and/or galactoses. Suitable mixtures include coconut
alkyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentaglucosides and tallow alkyl
tetra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides.
[0106] Suitable alkylpolyglycosides (or alkylpolyglucosides) have
the formula:
R.sub.2O(C.sub.nH.sub.2nO).sub.t(glucosyl).sub.x
wherein R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl,
alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof
in which the alkyl groups contain from about to about 18,
preferably from about 12 to about 14, carbon atoms; n is about 2 or
about 3, preferably about 2; t is from 0 to about 10, preferably 0;
and x is from about 1.3 to about 10, preferably from about 1.3 to
about 3, most preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7. The glycosyl
is preferably derived from glucose. To prepare these compounds, the
alcohol or alkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first and then reacted
with glucose, or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside
(attachment at the 1-position). The additional glycosyl units can
then be attached between their 1-position and the preceding
glycosyl units 2-, 3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably
predominantly the 2-position.
[0107] A group of alkyl glycoside surfactants suitable for use in
the practice of this invention may be represented by formula I
below:
RO--(R.sup.2O).sub.y-(G).sub.xZ.sub.b I
wherein R is a monovalent organic radical containing from about 6
to about 30 (preferably from about 8 to about 18) carbon atoms;
R.sup.2 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical containing from about 2
to about 4 carbon atoms; O is an oxygen atom; y is a number which
has an average value from about 0 to about 1 and is preferably 0; G
is a moiety derived from a reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6
carbon atoms; and x is a number having an average value from about
1 to 5 (preferably from 1.1 to 2); Z is O.sub.2M.sup.1,
O.sub.2CR.sup.3, O(CH.sub.2), CO.sub.2M.sup.1, OSO.sub.3M.sup.1, or
O(CH.sub.2)SO.sub.3M.sup.1; R.sup.3 is (CH.sub.2)CO.sub.2M.sup.1 or
CH.dbd.CHCO.sub.2M.sup.1; (with the proviso that Z can be O.sub.2l
M.sup.1 only if Z is in place of a primary hydroxyl group in which
the primary hydroxyl-bearing carbon atom, --CH.sub.2OH, is oxidized
to form a --CO.sub.2M.sup.1 group); b is a number from 0 to 3x+1
preferably an average of from 0.5 to 2 per glycosal group; p is 1
to 10, M.sup.1 is H.sup.+ or an organic or inorganic cation, such
as, for example, an alkali metal, ammonium, monoethanolamine, or
calcium. As defined in Formula I, R is generally the residue of a
fatty alcohol having from about 8 to about 30 or about 8 to about
18 carbon atoms.
[0108] Suitable alkylglycosides include, for example, APG 325 (a
C.sub.9-C.sub.11 alkyl polyglycoside available from Cognis
Corporation), APG 625 (a C.sub.10-C.sub.16 alkyl polyglycoside
available from Cognis Corporation), DOW TRITON CG110 (a
C.sub.8-C.sub.10 alkyl polyglyco-side available from Dow Chemical
Company), AG6202 (a C.sub.8 alkyl polyglycoside available from Akzo
Nobel) GLUCOPON 425N (a C.sub.8-C.sub.16 alkyl polyglycoside
available from Cognis Corporation), GLUCOPON 215 (a
C.sub.8-C.sub.10 alkyl polyglycoside available from Cognis
Corporation), GLUCOPON 225 (a C.sub.8-C.sub.10 alkyl polyglycoside
available from Cognis Corporation) and ALKADET 15 (a
C.sub.8-C.sub.10 alkyl polyglycoside available from Huntsman
Corporation). A C.sub.8 to C.sub.10 alkylpoly-glucoside includes
alkylpoly-glucosides wherein the alkyl group is substantially
C.sub.8 alkyl, substantially C.sub.10 alkyl, or a mixture of
substantially C.sub.8 and C.sub.10 alkyl. Additionally, short chain
APGs such as C.sub.4 and/or C.sub.6 or mixtures thereof may be
suitable with the present invention.
[0109] The dissolvable region may include a builder, which can
increase the effectiveness of the surfactant. The builder can also
function as a softener, a sequestering agent, a buffering agent, or
a pH adjusting agent in the composition. A variety of builders or
buffers can be used and they include, but are not limited to,
phosphate-silicate compounds, zeolites, alkali metal, ammonium and
substituted ammonium polyacetates, trialkali salts of
nitrilotriacetic acid, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, carbonates,
bicarbonates, polyphosphates, aminopolycarboxylates,
polyhydroxy-sulfonates, and starch derivatives. Builders, when
used, include, but are not limited to, organic acids, mineral
acids, alkali metal and alkaline earth salts of silicate,
metasilicate, polysilicate, borate, sulfates, hydroxide, carbonate
(e.g., sodium carbonate), carbamate, phosphate, polyphosphate,
pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, ammonia, hydroxide,
monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, diethanolamine,
dipropanol-amine, triethanolamine, and
2-amino-2-methylpropanol.
[0110] Other suitable buffers include ammonium carbamate, citric
acid, and acetic acid. Mixtures of any of the above are also
acceptable. Useful inorganic buffers/alkalinity sources include
ammonia, the alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal phosphates,
e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium polyphosphate. For additional
buffers see WO 95/07971, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Other preferred pH adjusting agents include sodium or potassium
hydroxide. The term silicate is meant to encompass silicate,
metasilicate, polysilicate, aluminosilicate and similar compounds.
Preferred buffers for both the dissolvable and non-dissolvable
regions of the shaped composition include carbonate, bicarbonate,
sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof.
[0111] The dissolvable region may comprise a water-soluble polymer.
In one embodiment; the dissolvable region of the composition can
contain a water-soluble polymer. Examples of water-soluble polymer
include, but are not limited to, polycarboxylate, sulfonated
carboxylate, polysulfonate, polyyinylpyrrolidone ("PVP"), and
mixtures thereof.
[0112] Examples of polycarboxylate include, but are not limited to,
polymers with sufficient carboxylate ions to achieve water
solubility. Carboxylate ions may be derived from various monomers
including acrylic acid, maleic acid and maleic anhydride.
Copolymers of different carboxylate-containing monomers are also
suitable as well as copolymers with non carboxylate containing
monomers such as methacrylate, acrylonitrile, styrene, ethylene,
propylene, water-insoluble polyacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, polystyrene and many others. Mixtures of carboxylate
containing polymers can also be used.
[0113] Suitably, the molecular weight of the water-soluble polymer
may be between about 1,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about 1,000 to
about 8,000 daltons, about 1,000 to about 6,000 daltons, about
1,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about 1,000 to about 4,000 daltons,
about 1,000 to about 2,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about 10,000
daltons, about 2,000 to about 8,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about
6,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about 2,000 to
about 4,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about
3,000 to about 8,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about 6,000 daltons,
about 3,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about 4,000
daltons, about 4,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about 4,000 to about
8,000 daltons, about 4,000 to about 6,000 daltons, about 5,000 to
about 10,000 daltons, about 5,000 to about 7,500 daltons, or about
7,500 to about 10,000 daltons.
[0114] Suitably, the water-soluble polymer is present in an amount
ranging from about 0.1% to about 60%, about 0.1% to about 50%,
about 0.1% to about 40%, about 0.1% to about 30%, about 0.1% to
about 20%, about 0.1% to about 15%, about 0.1% to about 10%, about
5% to about 60%, about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 40%,
about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about
10%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to
about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to 20%, about 20% to
about 60%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 40%, about
20% to about 30%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30% to about 50%,
about 30% to about 40%, or about 40% to about 60%.
[0115] The composition may also optionally contain a filler. In one
embodiment, all regions of the shaped composition comprise a
filler. In another embodiment, only the dissolvable region of the
composition comprises a filler. In another embodiment, only the
non-dissolvable region of the composition comprises a filler. In
another embodiment, a third region composition only comprises a
filler.
[0116] Examples of fillers that can be used with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, a carbonate, a
bicarbonate, a sesquicarbonate, a chloride, a sulfate, a phosphate,
a silicate, borate, a nitrate, an aluminate, a silica-aluminate, a
hydroxide, or an oxide compound of alkali metals, alkaline earths,
aluminum, zinc and tin including hydrates, mono, di and tribasic
compounds, mixed salts, a borate, a clay, a zeolite, and mixtures
thereof. Specific examples of fillers include, but are not limited
to, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, zinc carbonate, calciumn
carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium
bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium
chloride, sodium sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium
sulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium aluminum phosphate, disodium
hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, nesosilicales,
sorosilicates, cyclosilicates, inosilicates (single or double
chain), phyllosilicates, tectosilicates, sodium silicate, borax,
boric acid, diborates, triborates, tetraborates, metaborates,
sodium nitraite, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium
nitrate, sodium aluminate, potassion alumninate, tricalcium
aluminate, alumina oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum hydroxide,
calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium
oxide, zinc oxide, tin dioxide, titanium dioxide, silica alumina,
and zeolite A.
[0117] The dissolvable region may comprise one or more hydrotropes
for solubilizing the other components of the composition when
contacted with water. The hydrotrope solubilizing materials, when
used, include, but are not limited to water soluble salts of low
molecular weight organic acids such as the alkali metal (sodium
and/or potassium) salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, aliphatic
sulfates, aliphatic sulfonates, and aliphatic carboxylates.
Specific exemplary materials include, but are not limited to,
toluene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, naphthalene
sulfonate, methyl naphthalene sulfonate, octyl sulfate, octyl
sulftbnate, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and combinations
thereof.
[0118] The dissolvable region may comprise at least one wetting
agent. Wetting of surfaces and penetration into pores and crevices
of an object contacting the sanitizing water stream can improve the
sanitizing effect. Examples of wetting agents include ingredients
described in the sections for water soluble polymers, surfactants,
and hydrotropes. Other example wetting agents include nonionic
water soluble polymers. These include polymers of ethylene oxide,
propylene oxide, copolymers, and mixtures thereof.
[0119] The dissolvable region may comprise at least one dispersant.
A dispersant may be included to help remove soils and
microorganisms from articles and surfaces. Examples of dispersants
include ingredients described in the sections for water soluble
polymers, surfactants, hydrotropes, and wetting agents.
[0120] The dissolvable region may comprise at least one penetrant.
A penetrant increases the rate at which the functional agent (e.g.,
hypochlorile ion or hypochlorous acid) interacts with a
microorganism. For example, cationic surfactants may act as phase
transfer agents for the hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ion.
Particular exemplary cationic surfactants are
alkyltrimethylammonium, alkylpryidinium, and alkylethylmorpholinium
salts, in which the alkyl group preferably contains about 4 to
about 18 carbon atoms, most preferably about 12 to about 16 carbon
atoms. The alkyl chains may be linear or branched or contain an
aryl group. The counterion is preferably, but not limited to,
chloride, sulfate, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, or toluene
sulfonate.
[0121] Other suitable cationic surfactants include dialkyldimethyl
ammonium salts, in which the alkyl groups each contain about 4 to
about 12 carbon atoms such as dioctyldimethylammonium chloride.
Other suitable cationic surfactants may have two quaternary
ammonium groups connected by a short alkyl chain such as
N-alkylpentamethyl propane diammonium chloride. In the above
cationic surfactants the methyl constituents can be completely or
partially replaced by other alkyl or aryl constituents such as
ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl, and ethylbenzyl groups, for example
octyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and tetrabutylammonium
chloride. Cationic polymers may also function as phase transfer
agents. Examples include but are not limited to polymers and
copolymers of alkenes with quaternary ammonium groups such as vinyl
alkyl trimethylammonium, vinyl N-alkyl pyridinium, and vinyl
N-alkylmorpholinium. A preferred cationic polymer is DADMAC, poly
diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.
[0122] A chelating agent may be included in the composition.
Exemplary chelating agents include complexing agents such as the
amine oxides of amino methylphosphonic acids (e.g.
aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid) N-oxide and ethylenediamine
tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) N,N'-dioxide), organophosphonates
(e.g. 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid,
phosphonohydroxyacetic acid, and
2-phosphono-butane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid), organocarboxylates
(e.g. dipicolinic acid, 2-oxa-1,3,4 butane tricarboxylate and
2-oxa-1,1,3 propane tricarboxylate), and organo-sulfonates (e.g.
sodium xylene sulfonate and sodium methylnaphthalene
sulfonate).
[0123] Various anionic or zwitterionic surfactants that may bind to
cations and inhibit their precipitation are also suitable chelating
agents. Preferred surfactants interact with calcium ions and may be
classified as lime-scale dispersants. These include C6-C18 alkyl
betaines (e.g. decylbetaine and cetylbetaine), C6-C18 acyl
sarcosinates (e.g. sodium lauroyl-sarcosinate), C6-C18 acyl C1-C6
alkyl taurates (e.g. sodium cocoylmethyltaurate), and C6-C18
alkyl-iminodipropionates (e.g. sodium lauryliminodipropionate),
C6-C18 alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl ether sulfates, C6-C18 alkyl,
aryl, or alkylaryl ether methylsulfonates, C6-C18 alkyl, aryl, or
alkylaryl ether carboxylates, sulfonated alkyldiphenyloxides (e.g.
sodium dodecyldiphenyloxide disulfonate), and mono or di esters of
phosphoric acid with C4-C18 alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkylether,
arylether and alkylarylether alcohols (e.g. disodium octyl
phosphate).
[0124] Various polymers and oligomers are also suitable chelating
agents. These include polycarboxylate polymers made from acrylic
acid and maleic acid, optionally with copolymers of various
olefins, methacrylate, styrene, methylvinylether, vinylpyrrolidone,
alkenes with quaternary ammonium groups such as vinyl alkyl
trimethylammonium, vinyl N-alkyl pyridinium, and vinyl
N-alkylmorpholinium, etc. Sulfonate groups can be included using
sulfonated styrene or other sulfonated alkenes.
[0125] Polysulfonated polymeric dispersants can also be made by
sulfonating various alkyl or aryl polymers. Sulfonated napthalene
formaldehyde copolymers are also useful. Typically the water
soluble polymer or oligomer will have 3 to about 10,000 monomer
units, more preferably about 20 to about 2,000 monomer units.
Combinations of polymers with complexing agents are often more
effective than either agent alone. Thus, mixtures of chelating
agents from two or more of the above classes may be desired.
[0126] The dissolvable region may comprise at least one odor
controlling agent. While many odors are effectively controlled by
other ingredients in the composition, such as hypochlorite ion or
hypochlorous acid, additional ingredients to control odors may be
included. Examples of odor absorbents include, but are not limited
to starches, cyclodextrins, activated carbon, zinc ricinoleate,
puffed borax, silica, silica gel, fumed silica, precipitated
silica, alumina, clay, and zeolites.
[0127] The dissolvable region may include a fragrance. Fragrances
can be included to improve the odor of the composition, the
solution made by dissolving the composition in water, or the
article, surface or area that is contacted by this solution.
Fragrances may be a single compound such as linalool or a mixture
of compounds.
[0128] Depending on the nature of the functional agent, the
dissolving region may include a flavoring agent. Exemplary
flavoring agent may include, but are not limited to, spices,
seasonings, sour flavors, flavor enhancers, savory flavors, natural
or artificial flavors, isoamyl acetate, benzaldehyde, cinnamic
aldehyde, ethyl propionate, methyl anthranilate, allyl hexanoate,
ethyl maltol, ethylvanillin, wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate),
oil of peppermint, oil of sassafras (synthetic), oil of anise,
glutamic acid salts, glycine salts, guanylic acid salts, isosinic
acid salts, 5-ribonucleotide salts, acetic acid, ascorbic acid,
citric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, phosphoric
acid, tartaric acid, or combinations thereof.
[0129] In addition to a flavoring agent, the composition of the
dissolving region can include a sweetener. Suitable sweeteners
include, but are not limited to, various natural and/or synthetic
sweeteners (e.g., sugar alcohols) such as saccharin, sucralose,
maltitol, erythritol, cyclamate, glucose, lactose, fructose,
stevia, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium,
dextrose, sucrose, levulose (i.e., fructose), xylitol,
maltodextrin, and/or sorbitol.
[0130] Colorants may be used to color one or more parts of the
shaped composition, or they may be used to color the stream of
water resulting after the dissolving portion is dissolved into the
stream of water. For example any food coloring--red, green, blue,
etc. may be included. Other examples of colorants include inorganic
pigments such as cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, permanganate and
chromate. Organic dyes and pigments including substituted
phthalocyanines, substituted anthraquinones, substituted stilbenes,
and substituted indanthrones may be suitable. Some specific
examples of suitable colorants include, but are not limited to,
Pigment Blue 14, Pigment Blue 15, Pigment Blue 16, Pigment Blue 28,
Pigment Green 7, Pigment Green 36, Pigment Yellow 108, Direct
Yellow 6, Direct Yellow 28, Direct Yellow 29, Direct Yellow 39,
Direct Yellow 96.
[0131] The dissolving region of the shaped composition may include
a corrosion inhibitor. The composition may contain precipitated or
fumed colloidal silica or a silicate salt with the molar ratio of
SiO.sub.2 to Na.sub.2O of 1-3 to prevent dulling of metal faucets,
sinks, or other appliances. Other examples of suitable corrosion
inhibitors include, but are not limited to zinc oxide, zinc
phosphate, other phosphate salts, ascorbic acid, cinnamaldehyde,
nitrites, dimethylethanolamine, phenylenediamine, hexamine,
benzotriazole, benzalkonium chloride, derivatives of tannic acid,
morpholine, imidazoline, aliphatic amines, borax, salts of fatty
acids, salts of aliphatic or aromatic sulfonic acids, and mixtures
thereof.
[0132] A viscosity modifier may be included within the dissolving
region. Viscosity modifiers can be included to modify the rheology
of the treated stream of water. Suitable thickening agents include,
for example, natural and synthetic gums or gum like materials such
as gum tragacanth, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,
and/or starch. Linear or branched polycarboxylate polymers are also
suitable, especially various high molecular weight polycarboxylates
with multiple chains that are linked together as constituents on a
multi-functional molecule to create a star-like molecule. Inorganic
thickeners including alumina, various clays, organo-modified clays,
aluminates and silicates are also suitable thickening agents.
[0133] Thickening can also be achieved using combinations of
oppositely charged or psuedo-charged surfactants or combinations of
surfactants and polymers. Examples include combinations of anionic
surfactants such as fatty acids, alkyl sulfates, or alkyl
sulfonates with cationic polymers such as DADMAC,
polyallyldimethylammonium chloride, combinations of cationic or
psuedo cationic surfactants such as alkyl pyridinium salts,
alkyltrimethyl ammonium salts, alkyldimethylamine oxides, alkyl
betaines, or acylsarcosinates with anionic polymers, anionic
surfactants, arylsulfonates, or substituted aryl sulfonates, and
surfactants such as alkylether sulfates that thicken by balancing
the alkyl chain length with the number of ether linkages.
[0134] A vitamin or mineral may be included in the dissolving
region. Potable water containing vitamins or minerals prepared by
flowing a stream of water over the dissolvable composition may
provide a health benefit to the consumer. Exemplary vitamins and
minerals include, but are not limited to, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1,
Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin
B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and mixtures
thereof. Precursors that naturally produce vitamins during
consumption are also suitable. Examples include, but are not
limited to, beta carotene, tryptophan and mixtures thereofl
Exemplary minerals include, but are not limited to, salts of
potassium, chlorine, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc,
iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, and mixtures
thereof.
[0135] A foam booster may be included within the dissolving region.
Foam can be created by flowing water over the dissolvable region of
the shaped composition. The effect of a foam booster can be
enhanced by the inclusion of a surfactant. Certain combinations of
surfactants will synergistically increase the amount and longevity
of the foam. In addition other ingredients such as water soluble
polymers and viscosity modifiers can increase the amount or
longevity of the foam. The formulation can also include a foam
booster to increase the amount or longevity of foam. Exemplary foam
boosters include, but are not limited to, fatty acid amides,
alkoxylated fatty acid amides, fatty acid amides of alkanolamines,
fatty acid amides of alkoxylated alkanolamines, and fatty acid
amides of alkanolamide esters.
[0136] The composition may contain a defoamer within the dissolving
region. Examples of defoamers or foam control agents include, but
are not limited to, alkoxylated alcohols capped with aliphatic
ethers, polyglycol ethers, polyglycol esters,
polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, silica, fumed
silica, silicones, aminosilicones, silicone blends, and/or
silicone/hydrocarbon blends and mixtures thereof.
[0137] A variety of other functional ingredients can also be
included depending on the intended use of the composition. Examples
of other functional ingredients include, but are not limited to,
stain and soil repellants, fluorescent whitening agents, enzymes,
cloud point modifiers, anti-microbial agents, sporulation agents,
catalysts or activators for hypochlorite ion or hypochlorous acid,
and therapeutic agents.
[0138] The compositions optionally contain one or more of the
following adjuncts: desiccants, lubricants, glidants, agglomeration
aids, binders, corrosion inhibitors, electrolytes, solubilizing
agents, stabilizers, solid processing aids, preservatives, free
radical inhibitors, UV protection agents, anti-oxidants, and other
polymers. Binders, when used, include, but are not limited to,
celluloses, starches, gums, and synthetic polymers. Solid
processing aids, when used, include, but are not limited to, flow
aids, lubricants, anti-static agents, and glidants. Electrolytes,
when used, include calcium, sodium and potassium chloride.
[0139] Preservatives, when used, include, but are not limited to,
mildewstat or bacteriostat, methyl, ethyl and propyl parabens,
phosphates such as trisodium phosphate, short chain organic acids
(e.g. acetic, lactic and/or glycolic acids), bisguanidine compounds
(e.g. DANTAGARD and/or GLYDANT) and/or short chain alcohols (e.g.
ethanol and/or IPA). The mildewstat or bacteriostat includes, but
is not limited to, mildewstats (including non-isothiazolone
compounds) including KATHON GC, a
5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, KATHON ICP, a
2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and a blend thereof, and KATHON 886,
a 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, all available from Rohm
and Haas Company; BRONOPOL, a 2-bromo-2-nitropropane 1,3 diol, from
Boots Company Ltd., PROXEL CRL, a propyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, from
ICI PLC; NIPASOL M, an o-phenyl-phenol, Na.sup.+ salt, from Nipa
Laboratories Ltd., DOWICIDE A, a 1,2-Benzoisothiazolin-3-one, from
Dow Chemical Co., NIPACIDES from Clariant, and IRGASAN DP 200, a
2,4,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenylether, from Ciba-Geigy A.G.
[0140] The composition may optionally contain a cross-linked
water-swellable polymer. In one embodiment, only the dissolvable
region of the composition contains a cross-linked water-swellable
polymer. In another embodiment, only the non-dissolvable region of
the composition contains a cross-linked water-swellable polymer. In
another embodiment, the dissolvable and non-dissolvable regions of
the composition both contain a cross-linked water-swellable
polymer. Examples of water-swellable polymers include, but are not
limited to, cross-linked polycarboxylate, cross-linked
polysulfonate, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, cross-linked
PVP, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose, sodium
carboxymethylcellulose and mixtures thereof.
[0141] Suitably, the molecular weight of the water-swellable
polymer may be between about 1,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about
1,000 to about 8,000 daltons, about 1,000 to about 6,000 daltons,
about 1,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about 1,000 to about 4,000
daltons, about 1,000 to about 2,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about
10,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about 8,000 daltons, about 2,000 to
about 6,000 daltons, about 2,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about
2,000 to about 4,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about 10,000 daltons,
about 3,000 to about 8,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about 6,000
daltons, about 3,000 to about 5,000 daltons, about 3,000 to about
4,000 daltons, about 4,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about 4,000 to
about 8,000 daltons, about 4,000 to about 6,000 daltons, about
5,000 to about 10,000 daltons, about 5,000 to about 7,500 daltons,
and about 7,500 to about 10,000 daltons.
[0142] Suitably, the water-swellable polymer is optionally present
in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 60%, about 0.1% to
about 50%, about 0.1% to about 40%, about 0.1% to about 30%, about
0.1% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 15%, about 0.1% to about
10%, about 5% to about 60%, about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to
about 40%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5%
to about 10%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 50%, about
10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to 20%, about
20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 40%,
about 20% to about 30%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30% to about
50%, about 30% to about 40%, about 40% to about 60%.
[0143] As explained above, the provided concentration of functional
agent is preferably substantially uniformly delivered over the life
of the shaped composition. In one embodiment, any variability
within the delivered concentration over the life of the shaped
composition is not more than .+-.about 50%, more preferably no more
than .+-. about 30%, and most preferably no more than .+-.about
20%. In one embodiment, the life of the shaped composition may
refer to the time period between when 90% of the initial mass of
the dissolvable region of the shaped composition remains and when
10% of the initial mass of the dissolvable region of the shaped
composition remains.
[0144] For example, there may be a greater variability during a
"start up" period when the mass is reduced from 100% to 90%.
Similarly, once only 10% of the dissolvable region remains, there
may also be a greater variability, and the shaped composition may
typically be replaced once reaching 10% of the initial mass of the
dissolvable region (e.g., the indicator feature of FIG. 2A or 2B
may indicate a need to replace the shaped composition).
[0145] Calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite, and mixtures
thereof are particularly preferred as anti-microbial food-safe
sanitizing agents. For example, calcium hypochlorite is relatively
inexpensive, provides a highly concentrated source of hypochlorite,
and does not exhibit a strong "bleach" type odor upon dissolution
into the stream of water at typically effective concentrations. In
one embodiment, the concentration of hypochlorite dissolved within
the stream of water is typically between about 25 ppm and about 200
ppm, more typically between about 25 ppm and about 100 ppm, and
most typically between about 25 ppm and about 75 ppm (e.g., about
50 ppm).
[0146] In one embodiment, the sanitizing rinse may be non-invasive
and gentle. For example, all that may be required is contact (e.g.,
no scrubbing required) with the sanitizing rinse and a period of
time for the sanitizing agent to work. For example, the
concentration of hypochlorite or other sanitizing agent may be
sufficient (e.g., at about 50 ppm) so, that contacting produce,
hands, hard surfaces, or other surfaces with the water stream and
then waiting a short period of time (e.g., less than about 1
minute, less than about 30 seconds, about 15 seconds, or about 10
seconds) is sufficient to sanitize the contacted surface. It may
not be necessary to rinse the desired object for 10 seconds or
more, but simply to contact the object with the sanitizing rinse,
and then allow it to sit for at least about 10 seconds to be
sanitized. Such embodiments are greatly advantageous over dunking
methods, in which submerged dunking contact of 20 minutes or more
may be required.
[0147] In one embodiment, the geometry of the shaped composition
including its overall shape (e.g., a cylinder), the aspect ratio of
the provided shape (e.g., greater than about 1, preferably at least
about 2, more preferably at least about 3, more preferably at least
about 4, and more preferably at least about 5), and the inclusion
of the substantially non-dissolvable region all serve as means for
providing uniform dissolution of the dissolvable region or layer in
a stream of water. In one embodiment, particularly where the aspect
ratio is relatively high (e.g., at least about 3), no
non-dissolvable region may be present.
[0148] In one embodiment, the shaped composition, including both
dissolvable region 102 and non-dissolvable region 104 may comprise
a hollow cylinder. The geometry of the shaped composition including
its overall shape (e.g., a hollow cylinder), the aspect ratio of
the provided shape (e.g., greater than about 0.01, preferably at
least about 0.05, more preferably at least about 0.1, more
preferably at least about 0.5, more preferably at least about 0.75,
more preferably at least about 1), and the inclusion of the
substantially non-dissolvable region all serve as means for
providing uniform dissolution of the dissolvable region or layer in
a stream of water.
[0149] An exemplary hollow cylinder is shown in FIG. 3. When
providing a hollow cylinder 200, dissolution of the dissolvable
region 202 may be achieved through diameter reduction, rather than
predominantly through height reduction along top surface 206. The
stream of water can be contacted with the outer peripheral surface
210, inner peripheral surface 210', or both surfaces 210 and 210'.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a non-dissolvable region 204 may
be provided adjacent bottom surface 208.
[0150] Where dissolution occurs principally along the peripheral
surfaces, substantial uniformity of dissolution may be achieved
through geometric considerations. For example, in order that the
majority of the exterior surface area of the hollow cylinder 200 is
located along the peripheral surface, the hollow cylinder will
preferably have an aspect ratio where the height is greater than
the diameter. For example, the illustrated configuration of FIG. 3
includes a height that is about 1.5 times the outside diameter.
[0151] When dissolving through a mechanism of diameter reduction,
one will readily appreciate that the peripheral surface area 210
decreases as the outside diameter is reduced. This changing of the
peripheral surface area 210 is offset by providing a hollow
cylinder in which dissolution occurs simultaneously along both the
outside peripheral surface 210 and the inside peripheral surface
210', because the surface area of the inside periphery 210'
increases while that of the outside periphery 210 decreases.
Together, the total surface area remains substantially
constant.
[0152] As will be readily apparent, the preference of ratio of the
cylinder diameter to height may thus be opposite that of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, in hollow
cylinder embodiments, it may be preferred to provide ratios of
height to diameter that are greater than about 1, rather than
ratios of diameter to height that are greater than about 1. For a
hollow cylinder, the ratio of height to diameter may preferably be
at least about 1, at least about 1.5, at least about 2, at least
about 3, at least about 4, or at least about 5. Similarly, the
ratio of diameter to height may preferably be not greater than
about 1, not greater than about 0.67, not greater than about 0.5,
not greater than about 0.33, not greater than about 0.25, not
greater than about 0.2 as defined in FIG. 13.
[0153] Substantially non-dissolvable region 204 may be particularly
beneficial where the diameter dimension approaches or is greater
than that of the height for similar reasons as explained relative
to the cylindrical configuration of FIGS. 1-2. In one embodiment, a
non-dissolvable region may be provided to protect and cover the top
surface 206, the bottom surface 208, or both. In embodiments where
dissolution occurs simultaneously along both outside periphery 210
and inside periphery 210', a non-dissolvable region may not be
needed.
[0154] Additional hollow cylinder configurations are shown in FIGS.
14-17. For example, FIG. 14 shows a hollow cylinder dissolvable
composition 400 comprised entirely of a dissolvable region 402, so
that no non-dissolvable region is included. FIG. 15 shows a hollow
cylinder configuration 500 similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but in
which the insoluble layer 504 completely covers the hole of one end
of the hollow cylinder 502 so as to prevent water from flowing
therethrough. Water is still able to flow along the outside
peripheral surface 510 of the hollow cylinder 502, dissolving the
dissolvable region 502 through diameter reduction of the outside
diameter surface 510.
[0155] FIG. 16 shows a hollow cylinder 600 with a dissolvable layer
602 in between two insoluble non-dissolvable layers 604 and 604'.
The non-dissolvable layers 604 and 604' do not cover either end of
the center hole 609 of the cylinder 602 so as to allow water flow
along the inside diameter 610', the outside diameter 610, or both.
Another embodiment may include a covering of a non-dissolvable
region that covers the outside peripheral surface 610 associated
with the outside diameter of the hollow cylinder, so that
dissolution occurs only along the inside diameter peripheral
surface 610'.
[0156] FIG. 17 shows a hollow cylinder 700 with a dissolvable layer
702 and one non-dissolvable layer 704 covering the top surface of
the dissolvable layer 702 (i.e., similar to if the hollow cylinder
of FIG. 3 were turned upside down). The central hole 709 of the
hollow cylinder 700 is not covered or blocked so as to allow water
flow along the inside diameter peripheral surface 710'. Of course,
water flow is also or alternatively possible along outside diameter
peripheral surface 710.
[0157] In one embodiment, the functional agent comprises a
hypochlorite. The hypochlorite comprises between about 20% and
about 100% by weight of the dissolvable region or layer of the
shaped composition. In another embodiment, the hypochlorite
comprises between about 50% and about 100% by weight of the
dissolvable region. In one embodiment, the hypochlorite comprises
between about 55% and about 100% of the dissolvable region by
weight. In another embodiment, the hypochlorite comprises between
about 60% and about 100% by weight of the dissolvable region.
[0158] In another embodiment, the hypochlorite comprises between
about 70% and about 90% by weight of the dissolvable region. In
another embodiment, the hypochlorite comprises between about 60%
and about 70% by weight of the dissolvable region. In another
embodiment, the hypochlorite comprises between about 70% and about
100%, about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100% of the
dissolvable region or layer of the shaped composition.
[0159] Additional components may be included within the dissolvable
region or layer of the shaped composition, for example, to aid in
maintaining uniform delivery of the hypochlorite or other
functional agent to the stream of water, to increase or decrease
the rate of dissolution of the functional agent, and/or to provide
other functional or active agents to the water stream. For example,
carbonates (e.g., potassium carbonate), sulfates, sodium chloride
and/or polyacryates may be included to adjust the solubility of a
hypochlorite functional agent, which increases or decreases the
hypochlorite concentration for any given flow rate of the water
stream.
[0160] Where the hypochlorite comprises calcium hypochlorite, and a
carbonate is also included, the inclusion of a polyacrylate may aid
in solubilizing calcium carbonate. This can prevent or minimize any
precipitation and encrustation of calcium carbonate on the faucet,
on the device attachable thereto, or within the sink, etc.
Exemplary polyacrylates may include ALCOSPERSE 149D, AQUATREAT
AR-978, AQUATREAT AR-980, and ACUSOL 445ND. In one embodiment, the
level of polyacrylate provided within the water stream is between
about 1 ppm and about 50 ppm, more typically between about 5 ppm
and about 30 ppm, most typically between about 10 ppm and about 20
ppm (e.g., about 15 ppm).
[0161] In one embodiment, the shaped composition may further
include a third region. An example of such an embodiment is shown
in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a shaped composition 300 including a third
region 312 that is dissolvable in a manner similar to region 302,
but which may contain one or more components that are incompatible
with dissolvable region 302. Such a region may be separated from
dissolvable region 302 by substantially non-dissolvable region 304.
Dissolvable region 302 includes a top surface 306 and peripheral
surface 310. Bottom surface 308 is covered by non-dissolvable
region 304, which also covers top surface 316 of third region 312.
Third region 312 similarly includes an exposed bottom surface 318
and peripheral surface 314. Of course, one may flip the shaped
composition over so that third region 312 is disposed at the "top"
and dissolvable region 302 is disposed at the bottom.
[0162] In one embodiment, such an additional region or layer 312
may include an acid or acid salt for reaction with the hypochlorite
so as to form hypochlorous acid. For example, hypochlorous acid is
an excellent antimicrobial sanitizing functional agent.
[0163] Exemplary acids and salts suitable for use within the second
dissolvable region (e.g., third region 312) include, but are not
limited to, organic acids, carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids,
phosphoric acids, phosphonic acids, sulfuric acids, sulfonic acids,
saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and inorganic
acids. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, acetic
acid, toluene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, ocatanoic acid,
phosphonic acid (1-hydroxyethylidene)bis-dodecylbenzene sulfonic
acid, octenylbutanedioic acid, n-carboxylic acids
(C.sub.6-C.sub.12), decanoic acid, ethylenediamine disodium salt,
lactic acid, 1,2-ocatanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfino-1-octanesulfonic
acid, 2,6-pyridinecarboxylic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric
acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid,
phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid monosodium salt, orthophosphoric
acid, pyrophosphoric acid, trimetaphosphoric acid,
tripolyphosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acids, tetrapolyphosphoric
acid, polyacrylic acid, ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate, calcium
chloride, humic acid, fumaric acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid,
myristic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid,
lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, myristoleic acid, paInitoleic acid,
sapienic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, .alpha.-linolenic acid,
arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, crucic acid,
docosahexaenoic acid, sodium bisulfate (an acid salt), or mixtures
thereof.
[0164] Third region 312 may of course include other components
described above relative to the other regions. For example, region
or layer 312 may include one or more of a builder, a surfactant, a
water soluble polymer, an insoluble salt dispersant, a fragrance,
or a colorant as described herein. Examples of insoluble salt
dispersants include ingredients described in conjunction with the
disclosure of builders, water soluble polymers, hydrotropes,
cross-linked water swellable polymers, surfactants, fillers, and
chelating agents.
[0165] In one example, the second dissolvable region includes one
or more acids in a sufficient concentration to neutralize any
alkaline substances and form hypochlorous acid from the
hypochlorite present within the first dissolvable region. In one
example, the two dissolvable regions are of approximately equal
mass and/or volume (e.g., providing about a 1:1 mixing ratio) and
are configured to dissolve at a rate appropriate to the desired
ratio.
[0166] Other components may be included to adjust the solubility of
the dissolvable regions or layers. Suitable solubility adjusting
agents include, but are not limited to silica, hydrophobic silica,
hydrophobic clay, phosphates, chlorides, polysiloxane compounds,
sulfates, calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, hydroxides, calcium
hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, waxes, resins, cellulose and
cellulosic materials (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose), polyolefins,
polyethylene, oxidized polyethylene, calcium stearate, magnesium
stearate, sodium stearate, zinc stearate, fatty acids (e.g., lauric
acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc.), silicone, polydimethyl
siloxane, dimethicone, cyclodimethicone, hexamethyldisiloxane,
magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium magnesium silicate, calcium
carbonate, butyl stearate, calcium silicate, dolomite, magnesium
carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium oxide
silicate, talc, magnesium sulfate, mineral oil, castor oil, and
mixtures thereof. Polyacrylates (e.g., sodium polyacrylate) may be
included to increase the rate of dissolution, as well as aiding in
dispersion of the functional agent. Typically, each individual
solubility adjusting agent preferably comprises no more than about
20% by weight of the dissolving region composition.
[0167] In one embodiment, a mixture of adipic and lauric acid is
employed in the second dissolvable region. The adipic acid may
comprise between about 80% and about 90% of the mixture by weight,
while the lauric acid may comprise between about 10% and about 20%
of the mixture by weight (e.g., about an 85/15 mixture).
[0168] Inclusion of an acid containing layer or region lowers the
pH of the resulting water stream. For example, without any such
acid, a hypochlorite solution may be very slightly basic (e.g., a
pH of about 7.5), while with the addition of the acid, the water
stream may be very slightly acidic (e.g., a pH of about 6.5).
[0169] Substantially non-dissolvable region or layer 104 may
comprise any suitable material that is less soluble than region
102, and preferably does not dissolve to any substantial degree
upon exposure to water. Exemplary materials include, but are not
limited to, cementitious materials, polymers, inorganic materials,
fatty acids or their salts, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary
cementitious materials include, but are not limited to, Portland
cement, hydraulic cement, hydraulic cement blends, Pozzolan-lime
cement, supersulfated cement, calcium aluminate cement, calcium
sulfoaluminate cement, geopolymer cement, magnesium oxychloride,
magnesium oxysulfate, plaster of Paris, and mixtures thereof. In
one embodiment, the non-dissolvable region or layer may be free of
cementitious materials (e.g., it may be formed of one or more other
classes of non-dissolvable materials).
[0170] Exemplary polymer materials include, but are not limited to,
waxes (e.g., carnauba wax), resins, natural polymers, phenol
resins, polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefins, polyamides,
polyesters, cellulose, polymers formed from styrene block
copolymers precursors, polycaprolactone, fluoropolymers, silicone
rubbers, polypyrrole, polyalkylsiloxanes, alkyl polyesters,
polyvinyl chloride, urea-formaldehyde resins, polymethyl
methacrylate, epoxy adhesives, nylon, polyfluorocarbons,
melamine-formaldehyde, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyimide
resins, hydrogels, silicones, polyester, polyethylene,
polypropylene, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the
non-dissolvable region or layer may be free of polymer materials
(e.g., it may be formed of one or more other classes of
non-dissolvable materials).
[0171] Exemplary inorganic materials include, but are not limited
to, hydroxide or oxide compounds of alkaline earth metals, alkaline
earth sulfates (e.g., calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and
mixtures thereof), alkaline earth phosphates (e.g., calcium
phosphate), silicates, borate, aluminate, silica-aluminate, clays,
zeolites including hydrates, mono, di and tribasic compounds,
fiberglass, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary hydroxides or oxides of
alkaline earth metals include, but are not limited to, magnesium
oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, and
mixtures thereof. Substantially insoluble oxides of other metals
may also be used (e.g., zinc oxide). In one embodiment, the
non-dissolvable region or layer may be free of inorganic materials
(e.g., it may be formed of one or more other classes of
non-dissolvable materials).
[0172] Exemplary substantially non-dissolvable fatty acid and fatty
acid salt materials include, but are not limited to, fatty acids
(e.g., stearic acid, palmitic acid, and mixtures thereof), alkaline
or alkaline earth fatty acid salts (e.g., salts of stearates or
palmitates) such as calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium
stearate, and mixtures thereof. Fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid,
palmitic acid or other fatty acids) or their salts may include a
carbon content of up to about 50 carbon atoms. Such fatty acids may
be present within the dissolvable layer (e.g., lauric acid included
in Example 29 below).
[0173] Where such is the case, the material of the non-dissolvable
layer will be substantially less soluble in the stream of water
than the fatty acid included within the dissolvable region. In
other words, while the substantially non-dissolvable region or
layer may be somewhat soluble in water, the dissolvable region or
layer will have a substantially greater solubility in water so as
to dissolve, leaving the non-dissolvable region or layer
substantially intact at the end of the useful life of the shaped
composition. In one embodiment, the non-dissolvable region or layer
may be free of fatty acid or fatty acid salt materials (e.g., it
may be formed of one or more of other classes of non-dissolvable
materials).
[0174] Many of the materials described above for use as solubility
adjusting agents within the dissolvable region or layer may also be
suitable for use within the substantially non-dissolvable region or
layer. Similarly, many of the substantially non-dissolvable
materials described immediately above may be suitable for use as
solubility adjusting agents.
[0175] In one embodiment, the dissolvable region(s) comprise the
majority of the shaped composition. For example, the dissolvable
region or regions (e.g., where an acid containing layer or region
is provided) may comprise about 55% to about 99% of the shaped
composition by weight and/or volume. The non-dissolvable region may
comprise a relatively thin layer that covers and protects the
bottom surface 108 of dissolvable region 102. Where an acid
containing region is also provided, the non-dissolvable region may
advantageously be sandwiched between the dissolvable regions so
that the bottom surface of one dissolvable region and the top
surface of the other dissolvable region are covered and protected
by the non-dissolvable region or layer. Such an embodiment may
allow the stream of water to contact the top surface and flow over
the peripheral surface of the dissolvable layer or region, and then
contact the bottom surface of the second dissolvable layer or
region.
[0176] The various layers or regions of the shaped composition may
be attached to one another by any suitable mechanism. For example,
attachment may be by mechanical means (e.g., the non-dissolvable
region or layer may mechanically interlock with the dissolvable
layer), by an adhesive (e.g., any type of glue, including a hot
melt thermoplastic adhesive), or any other suitable attachment
mechanism. Various suitable mechanisms will be apparent to one of
skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
[0177] In one embodiment, the shaped composition is relatively
simple, and may function to produce an antimicrobial sanitizing
rinse that is food safe by simply contacting the top surface of the
dissolvable region with a stream of flowing water (e.g., from a
kitchen, bathroom, or laundry faucet). The shaped composition may
be retained within a faucet-attachable device configured to easily
attach over the dispensing end of a faucet and deliver water from
the faucet so as to contact the shaped composition. In one
embodiment, the faucet attachable device may include a hinge or
other mechanism to allow a portion of the device retaining the
shaped composition to be easily moved or rotated out of the path of
the stream of water, when normal tap water without the functional
agent is desired.
[0178] The shaped composition is relatively simple, and may include
no siphons, valves, floats, feeding systems or even monitoring
devices. The uniformity of the concentration of functional agent
(e.g., a hypochlorite) is delivered through the geometry of the
shaped composition, as well as the components included within the
dissolvable region or portion that may aid in adjusting (e.g.,
lowering) the solubility or rate of dissolution of the functional
agent. In one embodiment, the dissolvable layer or region is not
effervescent. Of course, the non-dissolvable region is not
effervescent as well. In another embodiment, the dissolvable layer
or region and the non-dissolvable layer or region is not
effervescent. In one embodiment, the shaped composition may be
contained within a cage or cartridge that is inserted within the
faucet attachable device. Additional details of an exemplary faucet
attachable device are disclosed in a patent application entitled
FAUCET MOUNTABLE WATER CONDITIONING DEVICE, filed the same day as
the present application and bearing attorney docket number 600.84,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0179] The shaped composition may be sized so as to be replaceable
after an appropriate time period. For example, the shaped
composition may have a life between about 1 day and about 2 months,
between about 2 days and about 1 month, or between about 3 days and
about 2 weeks based on an average water flow of about 1.5 gallons
per minute, a desired hypochlorite concentration of about 50 ppm,
at about 4 uses per day, and about 3 minutes per use. Stated
another way, a cylindrical shaped composition having a dissolvable
layer volume of about 10 cm.sup.3 may be sufficient based on the
above usage so that about 8 to 9 tablets would be required each
month. Such a 10 cm.sup.3 tablet may have a diameter of about 4 cm
and a height of about 0.75 cm.
[0180] One of skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety
of functional agents may be incorporated within the dissolvable
layer or region. For example, various functional agents may
include, but are not limited to, an antimicrobial sanitizing agent,
a pH adjusting agent, a surfactant, a hydrotrope, a wetting agent,
a mineral, a vitamin, a penetrant, a chelating agent, an odor
masking agent, an odor absorbing agent, a colorant, a fluorescent
whitening agent, a flavoring agent, a fragrance, a sweetener, a
potentiator, a sporulation agent, a corrosion inhibitor, a
therapeutic agent, a viscosity modifier, a foam stabilizer, a foam
booster, a defoamer, a stain and soil repellent, an enzyme, a cloud
point modifier, a dispersant, a catalyst, an activating agent, a
water softening agent, or mixtures thereof.
EXAMPLES
[0181] FIG. 5 shows various exemplary tablets 1-16 that were
actually made in order to demonstrate the effect of various
additives on dissolution rate. The results relative to effect on
dissolution are presented in FIGS. 6-8. Each cylindrical tablet had
a mass of about 10 g and about 5.5 cm.sup.3. Each tablet had a
diameter of about 3 cm and a height of about 0.6 cm. The results
show that magnesium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, sodium carbonate,
and magnesium sulfate act to slow dissolution of the calcium
hypochlorite. Such components may be used to tailor the delivered
concentration of hypochlorite within the treated stream of water to
an effective, desired level (e.g., about 50 ppm).
[0182] In contrast, calcium carbonate acts to increase the rate of
dissolution of the calcium hypochlorite. The amount of calcium
hypochlorite within each example ranged from 75% by weight to 95%
by weight, while the various salts were included at 5% by weight,
if at all.
[0183] The tablets were also provided with differing surface
textures, from very rough to smooth including three intermediate
textures of rough, textured, and slightly textured in order to
study the effect of such texturing. With respect to texturing, it
was found that a smooth surface was preferred for providing more
uniform dissolution of the dissolvable layer, and that texturing
may cause water to pool or otherwise build up on the tablet
surface, leading to uneven disintegration of the dissolvable layer
of the shaped composition.
[0184] Additional examples 1-31 are presented below. Examples 1-14
include a hypochlorite antimicrobial sanitizing functional agent in
the dissolvable region or layer.
Example #1
TABLE-US-00001 [0185] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of Non-dissolvable
non-dissolvable region region magnesium oxide 100%
Example #2
TABLE-US-00002 [0186] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non- Non-dissolvable
dissolvable region region vermiculite 100%
Example #3
TABLE-US-00003 [0187] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non- Non-dissolvable
dissolvable region region magnesium silicate 80% lauric acid
20%
Example #4
TABLE-US-00004 [0188] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non- Non-dissolvable
dissolvable region region mica 100%
Example #5
TABLE-US-00005 [0189] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non- Non-dissolvable
dissolvable region region polypropylene mesh 40% plaster of Paris
60%
Example #6
TABLE-US-00006 [0190] % wt. of dissolvable Dissolvable region
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non- Non-dissolvable
dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide 100%
Example #7
TABLE-US-00007 [0191] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide 90% palmitic acid
10%
Example #8
TABLE-US-00008 [0192] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 98% hydrophobic silica 2% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10%
Example #9
TABLE-US-00009 [0193] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 98% magnesium oxide 2% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region calcium sulfate 95%
dimethicone 5%
Example #10
TABLE-US-00010 [0194] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 95% calcium sulfate 5% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region lauric
acid 10% sodium bisulfate 90%
Example #11
TABLE-US-00011 [0195] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 71.2% calcium sulfate 8.5% magnesium
hydroxide 16.9% sodium carbonate 3.4% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region sodium stearate 100%
Example #12
TABLE-US-00012 [0196] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 95% calcium stearate 2% calcium sulfate
3% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium
stearate 100% Third region % wt. of third region zinc stearate 5%
sodium bisulfate 95%
Example #13
TABLE-US-00013 [0197] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide 100% Third region
% wt. of third region adipic acid 80% lauric acid 20%
Example #14
TABLE-US-00014 [0198] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region polypropylene 100%
[0199] Example 15 includes an exemplary N-halogen compound as an
antimicrobial sanitizing functional agent in the dissolvable region
or layer.
Example #15
TABLE-US-00015 [0200] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium dichloroisocyanurate 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region silicone 100%
[0201] Example 16 includes an exemplary quaternary ammonium
compound as an antimicrobial sanitizing functional agent in the
dissolvable region or layer.
Example #16
TABLE-US-00016 [0202] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region N-alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride 80% sodium sulfate
20% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region palmitic
acid 100%
[0203] Example 17 includes an exemplary peroxide compound as an
antimicrobial sanitizing functional agent in the dissolvable region
or layer.
Example #17
TABLE-US-00017 [0204] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium percarbonate 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region silicone 100%
[0205] Examples 18-22 include one or more surfactant functional
agents in the dissolvable region or layer. Each of these examples
includes a large fraction of sodium carbonate (e.g., about 75% to
about 90% by weight) within the dissolvable region with the one or
more surfactants, and which acts as a builder or carrier, which can
increase the effectiveness of the surfactant. The sodium carbonate
may also function as a softener and/or a pH adjusting agent in the
composition, as well as adjusting the solubility of the surfactant
functional agent.
[0206] Examples 19, 20, and 22 include 5% sodium polyacrylate
within the dissolvable region. Inclusion of the sodium polyacrylate
aids in preventing scaling and/or precipitation of carbonate
compounds (e.g., calcium carbonate) as a result of ions (e.g.,
calcium and/or magnesium ions) available within the stream of tap
water or elsewhere. The sodium polyacrylate also acts as a
dispersant and dissolution aid, speeding up the dissolution of the
surfactant functional agent within the dissolvable region.
Example #18
TABLE-US-00018 [0207] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium carbonate 79% sodium dodecyl sulfate 21% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region polyethylene vinyl
acetate 100%
Example #19
TABLE-US-00019 [0208] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium carbonate 88% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 0.3%
sodium xylene sulfonate 3.4% sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate
3.3% sodium polyacrylate(s) 5% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region polyethylene mesh 40% polypropylene
60%
Example #20
TABLE-US-00020 [0209] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium carbonate 88% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 0.3%
sodium xylene sulfonate 3.4% secondary alkane sulfonate, sodium
salt 3.3% sodium polyacrylate(s) 5% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region calcium sulfate 95% magnesium oxide
5%
Example #21
TABLE-US-00021 [0210] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium carbonate 79% sodium dodecyl sulfate 21% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region zinc oxide 100%
Example #22
TABLE-US-00022 [0211] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium carbonate 79% hydroxypropyl cellulose 0.7% decylamine
oxide 12% secondary alkane sulfonate, sodium salt 3.3% sodium
polyacrylate(s) 5% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region
region epoxy adhesive 100%
[0212] Examples 23-28 include an exemplary flavorant functional
agent in the dissolvable region or layer. In each of Examples
23-26, the flavorant comprises sodium chloride, providing a salty
flavor. Examples 27-28 include sucrose as a flavorant, providing a
sweet flavor. Other flavors could alternatively be provided, and
will be apparent to one of skill in the art in light of the present
disclosure.
Example #23
TABLE-US-00023 [0213] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium chloride 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region Portland cement 100%
Example #24
TABLE-US-00024 [0214] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium chloride 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region carnauba wax 100%
Example #25
TABLE-US-00025 [0215] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium chloride 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region calcium hydroxide 100%
Example #26
TABLE-US-00026 [0216] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sodium chloride 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable
Non-dissolvable region region calcium phosphate 100%
Example #27
TABLE-US-00027 [0217] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sucrose 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region
region fiberglass 40% silicone 60%
Example #28
TABLE-US-00028 [0218] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region sucrose 100% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region
region cellulose 100%
[0219] Example 29 includes a fragrance functional agent in the
dissolvable region or layer. Example 29 further includes a large
fraction of lauric acid (e.g., about 90% to about 98% by weight)
within the dissolvable region with the fragrance, which acts as a
builder or carrier for the fragrance, and which can increase the
effectiveness of the fragrance. Glycerin is also included as a
carrier for the fragrance. For example, a liquid glycerin with
fragrance dissolved in it may be deposited on the talk and lauric
acid solids to result in the dissolvable region. The lauric acid
may also function to adjust the solubility of the fragrance to
control the rate of dissolution or entrainment of the fragrance
into the stream of water. The lauric acid may also provide
anti-oxidant and/or antimicrobial properties (e.g., where the
shaped composition is used as an aromatherapy shower wash).
Example #29
TABLE-US-00029 [0220] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region lauric acid 96.2% talc 2.9% glycerin 0.8% fragrance (citrus)
0.1% % wt. of non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region
polyurethane 100%
[0221] Examples 30-31 are additional hypochlorite antimicrobial
sanitizing functional agent cylindrically shaped composition
examples that were formed with and without substantially
non-dissolvable layers, and with different diameter to height
aspect ratios for the dissolvable layer of the shaped composition
in order to demonstrate the effect of the substantially
non-dissolvable layer and the aspect ratio on the uniformity of
dissolution of the hypochlorite functional agent.
Example #30
TABLE-US-00030 [0222] Aspect Composition Dissolvable
Non-dissolvable ratio label layer layer (diameter Uniform
(description) composition composition height.sup.-1) dissolution?
30a (single calcium none 2.07 no layer, low hypochlorite, aspect
ratio) 100% wt. 30b (single calcium none 4.83 yes layer, high
hypochlorite, aspect ratio) 100% wt.
Example #31
TABLE-US-00031 [0223] Non- Aspect Composition Dissolvable
dissolvable ratio label layer layer (diameter Uniform (description)
composition composition height.sup.-1) dissolution? 31a (dual
layer, calcium polyethylene 2.04 yes low aspect ratio)
hypochlorite, 100% wt. 31b (dual layer calcium polyethylene 4.83
yes high aspect hypochlorite, ratio) 100% wt.
[0224] Dissolution rate data for Examples 30 and 31 are presented
in FIGS. 9-12. For example, FIG. 9 shows the dissolution rate data
for Example 30a, a calcium hypochlorite dissolvable layer having an
aspect ratio of about 2 with no non-dissolvable backing layer. As
shown in FIG. 9, the dissolution rate shows undesirable deviation
from uniformity, particularly after 50% of the calcium hypochlorite
has dissolved. FIG. 10 shows similar data for Example 30b, which is
similar to Example 30a but with a higher aspect ratio, of almost 5.
At this aspect ratio, even without a non-dissolvable backing layer,
the dissolution is substantially uniform over the entire life of
the dissolvable layer.
[0225] FIG. 11 shows similar data for Example 31a, which was
similar to Example 30a, but which included a non-dissolvable
backing layer. The non-dissolvable backing layer significantly
improves the uniformity of the dissolution of the dissolvable
layer, so as to only show deviation after about 90% of the
dissolvable region has been dissolved. FIG. 12 shows similar data
for Example 31b, which was similar to Example 30b, but with a
non-dissolvable backing layer. Like FIG. 10, this example also
showed substantially uniform dissolution over the entire life of
the dissolvable layer.
[0226] Examples 32-36 are additional hypochlorite antimicrobial
sanitizing shaped composition examples. Example 32-34 include a
third region with sodium chloride that may act to adjust the
solubility of the hypochlorite functional agent. Example 33 further
includes a surfactant in the third region. Example 34 further
includes a polyacrylate in the third region. Example 35 includes a
third region including a colorant, while Example 36 includes a
third region including a fragrance.
Example #32
TABLE-US-00032 [0227] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 99% calcium stearate 1% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region Zeolite A
10% Sodium chloride 90%
Example #33
TABLE-US-00033 [0228] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 99% calcium stearate 1% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region Sodium
lauryl sulfate 10% Sodium chloride 90%
Example #34
TABLE-US-00034 [0229] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 99% calcium stearate 1% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region Sodium
polyacrylate 10% Sodium chloride 90%
Example #35
TABLE-US-00035 [0230] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 99% calcium stearate 1% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region Sodium
sulfate 95% Calcium stearate 1% Ultramarine blue 4%
Example #36
TABLE-US-00036 [0231] Dissolvable region % wt. of dissolvable
region calcium hypochlorite 99% calcium stearate 1% % wt. of
non-dissolvable Non-dissolvable region region magnesium hydroxide
90% palmitic acid 10% Third region % wt. of third region Sodium
sulfate 98% Calcium stearate 1% Fragrance 1%
[0232] One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that
the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.
Thus, the described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *