U.S. patent application number 13/509729 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for surface treatment device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Reckitt Benckiser LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Diane Joyce Burt, John Aubrey Creek, Christopher Michael Evans, Benjamin David Hindle. Invention is credited to Diane Joyce Burt, John Aubrey Creek, Christopher Michael Evans, Benjamin David Hindle.
Application Number | 20130079733 13/509729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43382339 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130079733 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burt; Diane Joyce ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
Surface Treatment Device and Method
Abstract
Disclosed are devices which generate a mist of a treatment
composition, viz, an aerosolized treatment composition which
imparts a technical benefit to surfaces, or airspaces, which come
into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition. Also
disclosed are methods for the treatment of surfaces utilizing the
devices of the invention.
Inventors: |
Burt; Diane Joyce; (New
Windsor, NY) ; Creek; John Aubrey; (Bridgewater,
NJ) ; Evans; Christopher Michael; (Montvale, NJ)
; Hindle; Benjamin David; (Ridgewood, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Burt; Diane Joyce
Creek; John Aubrey
Evans; Christopher Michael
Hindle; Benjamin David |
New Windsor
Bridgewater
Montvale
Ridgewood |
NY
NJ
NJ
NJ |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Reckitt Benckiser LLC
Parsippany
NJ
|
Family ID: |
43382339 |
Appl. No.: |
13/509729 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
November 16, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2010/002099 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61262402 |
Nov 18, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/290 ;
134/25.2; 239/102.1; 239/102.2; 239/136; 239/302; 239/690; 422/28;
422/4; 427/248.1; 8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 17/0638 20130101;
B05B 17/0615 20130101; B05B 7/0012 20130101; B08B 3/12 20130101;
B05B 17/0623 20130101; B05B 17/0661 20130101; B05B 17/0646
20130101; B05B 17/0607 20130101; A61M 35/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/290 ;
239/302; 239/102.1; 239/102.2; 239/690; 239/136; 134/25.2;
427/248.1; 422/4; 422/28; 8/137 |
International
Class: |
B05B 17/06 20060101
B05B017/06; A61M 35/00 20060101 A61M035/00 |
Claims
1. A mist generating device which generates an aerosolized
treatment composition which composition imparts a technical benefit
to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the said
aerosolized treatment composition which device comprises: a mist
generator means, a control circuit for operating the mist generator
means, a reservoir for a fluid product to be aerosolized, means for
supplying the a mist generator with the fluid product, a housing,
and optionally, at least one flow directing nozzle or flow
direcfinorifice adapted to direct the flow of a mist generated by
the mist generator means out from the device.
2. (canceled)
3. A mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist
generator means comprises a porous or micropierced metal or ceramic
plate, and a vibrating member.
4. A mist generating device according to claim 3, wherein the
vibrating member comprises a piezoelectric material.
5. A mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist
generator means comprises an electrostatic spray device.
6. A mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist
generator means comprises an ultrasonic nozzle device.
7. A mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist
generator means comprises a tubular aerosol generator which
includes a tube having a first and a second end, a heater arranged
relative to the tube for heating the tube, a source of material to
be volatilized, the second end of the tube being in communication
with the source of material, a valve operatively located between
the source of material and the tube, the valve being openable and
closeable to open and close communication between the source of
material and the first end of the tube, and a pressurization
arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be
introduced into the tube from the source of material when the valve
is in an open position.
8. A method for the treatment of hard surfaces or soft surfaces
which method comprises the step of: providing a device according to
claim 1 which device generates an aerosolized treatment composition
which contacts said hard surfaces or soft surfaces and provides a
technical benefit thereto.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the soft surfaces are
selected from: carpets, rugs, upholstery, curtains and drapes,
fabrics, textiles, and garments.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the hard surfaces are
inanimate non-porous surfaces.
11. A method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an
airspace, which method comprises the step of: providing a device
according to claim 1 which device generates an aerosolized
treatment composition which contacts said airspace and provides a
technical benefit thereto.
12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the technical benefit
provided is one or more of: fragrancing, perfuming, odor masking,
malodour neutralization, or air sanitization.
13. A method for denaturing allergens, which method comprises the
step of: providing a device according to claim 1 which device
generates an aerosolized treatment composition which denatures
allergens.
14. A method for the treatment of hard surfaces or soft surfaces
which method comprises the step of: providing a device according to
claim 1 which device generates an aerosolized treatment composition
which contacts said hard surfaces or soft surfaces and provides a
technical benefit thereto.
15. A method for the pre-treatment of an article, or the
post-treatment of an article which article is treated in a laundry
machine for the laundering treatment of fabrics, textiles, or
garments, which method comprises the step of: providing a device
according to claim 1 which device generates an aerosolized
treatment composition in a pre-treatment step or a post treatment
step which contacts the said fabrics, textiles, or garments, and
which optionally also further also penetrates the surface or
services thereof, which aerosolized treatment composition provides
a technical benefit to the fabrics, textiles, or garments.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the method includes the
further step of: providing said device within a laundry washing
machine.
17. A method according to claim 15 wherein the method included the
further step of: providing said device within a laundry drying
machine.
18. A method for the pre-treatment or the post-treatment of a
dishware article, which method comprises the step of providing a
device according to claim 1 which device generates a mist of a
pre-treatment or post-treatment composition, which said composition
contacts dishware and which provides a technical benefit to the
dishware article.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the method includes the
further step of: providing said device within an automatic
dishwashing machine.
20. A method for the application of a treatment composition to a
bodily surface, which method comprises the step of: providing a
device according to claim 1 which device generates an aerosolized
treatment composition which contacts the bodily surface and
provides a technical benefit thereto.
21. A mist generating device according to claim 2, wherein the mist
generating means is a part of a mist generator assembly which
comprises: a first body element having an open end; a metal or
ceramic plate as the vibrating member which is attached to a
piezoelectric material and which spans the open end of the first
body element and is attached thereto in a liquid, seal-tight
manner, a first body element having a base cavity rearward of the
vibrating member; a fluid conduit extending into the base cavity
and adapted to supply a treatment composition to the base
cavity.
22. A mist generating device according to claim 21 wherein the mist
generator assembly further comprises: a trough within the body
element extending from a base of the body cavity.
23. A mist generating device according to claim 21 wherein the mist
generator assembly further comprises: an overflow conduit in fluid
communication with the trough.
24. A mist generating device according to claim 21, wherein the
device further comprises a controlled pump means adapted to be
controlled by the controller means which operates the pump means to
provide a volumetric flow rate of the treatment composition to the
base cavity of the mist generator assembly.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to devices directed to devices
and methods for delivering treatment compositions to a surface,
e.g., an inanimate hard surface or an inanimate soft surface, and
methods for treating such surfaces.
[0002] Chemical compositions for providing a technical benefit to a
surface are notoriously old and known to the art. Liquid
compositions, which are frequently largely aqueous in their
composition, may be supplied to a surface by any of a number of
means including simply pouring a quantity of such a composition of
the surface or delivering it in the form of droplets which are
delivered from a dispensing container. Widely used dispensing
containers include pressurized container such as aerosol canisters
which include a quantity of the composition as well as a
propellant, as well as nonpressurized flasks or vessels which are
equipped with a manually-pumpable spray head which can be used to
dispense the compositions via a nozzle. While such are effective in
many circumstances, they're not without disadvantages. Typically,
the delivery rate using an aerosol canister or a manually-pumpable
spray head is effective, but the relatively large droplets
delivered by such means typically quickly saturate a hard or soft
surface upon which they are dispensed. Further, the relatively
large individual droplets delivered by such means are also often of
a wide range of particle sizes, masses, or diameters which provide
a very low degree of uniformity with regard to the distribution of
the average droplet particle size being delivered. While such as
advantageous where a large quantity of such treatment composition
is intended to be relatively quickly delivered or deposited onto a
surface, such is also disadvantageous as the relatively large
droplet particle size quickly drops to the surface and provides a
limited degree of distribution of the treatment composition onto a
hard or soft surface. Thus, there is a real need in the art for
providing improved methods for the delivery of treatment
compositions to surfaces, including hard or soft surfaces. It is to
such a need that the present invention is directed.
[0003] Also generally known to the technical arts primarily
directed to air treatment, e.g., dispersion of fragrances,
perfumes, insecticides, air fresheners, odor neutralizers, into an
airspace are various devices for dispensing a liquid composition in
the form of dispersed particles. Such include those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,892 to Feriani, et al.; US 2009/308945 to
Tollens, et al.; US 2009/272818 to Valpey III, et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,299,739 to Takahashi et al.; which disclose various devices
which include a vibrating plate and a wick or capillary for
delivery of liquids from a reservoir to the vibrating plate.
Further, US 2004/0256487 to Collins, Jr. et al., and US
2005/0103891 to Abergel, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,460 to
Hess, et al. disclose spraying devices which include a vibrating
plate in direct fluid contact with liquid from a reservoir. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,297,734 discloses various arrangement of vibrating
plates supplied with liquids for delivering particulates of the
liquid to an airspace. The contents of these US patent documents
are herein incorporated by reference.
[0004] Notwithstanding these known art devices, further advances
are still needed in the art treatment devices and treatment
methods.
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention provides a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, viz, an
aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit
to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the said
aerosolized treatment composition.
[0006] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of hard surfaces and soft
surfaces which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment
composition contacts the surface and provides a technical benefit
thereto.
[0007] According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of inanimate, nonporous hard
surfaces which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which contacts
hard surfaces and provides a technical benefit thereto.
[0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of soft surfaces, e.g.,
carpets, rugs, upholstery, curtains and drapes, fabrics, textiles,
garments, and the like which method comprises the step of providing
a device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which
treatment composition contacts the soft surfaces and which
optionally further also penetrates the surface or surfaces thereof,
and which provides a technical benefit thereto.
[0009] According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for controlling the incidence of dust mites, or
controlling their residual fecal matter which method comprises the
step of providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment
composition, which treatment composition contacts the surface and
provides a technical benefit thereto.
[0010] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for denaturing allergens, which method comprises the step of
providing a device generates a mist of a treatment composition,
which treatment composition contacts the surface and provides a
technical benefit thereto.
[0011] In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided
a method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an
airspace, which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment
composition contacts said airspace and provides a technical benefit
thereto, e.g., fragrancing, perfuming, odor masking, malodour
neutralization, air sanitization, and the like. The method may be
practiced within an open airspace, e.g., a larger volume such as a
room, public space within the interior of a building, a cabin or
compartment within a vehicle, as well as within a closed container
or other relatively smaller space, e.g., the interior of a storage
cabinet, a closet, a shower stall, a garbage container or refuse
bin, and the like.
[0012] In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for the pre-treatment of an article, or the post-treatment
of an article treated in a laundry machine for the laundering
treatment of fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like which method
comprises the step of providing a device which generates a mist of
a pre-treatment composition, which mist contacts the aforementioned
fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like and which optionally
further also penetrates the surface or services thereof, and which
provides a technical benefit thereto. Such pre-treatment step or
post-treatment step may be practiced directly to said article, or
may be practiced utilizing a machine such as a laundry washing
machine or a laundry drying machine.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for the pre-treatment of an article, or the
post-treatment of an article such as a dishware article, treated in
an automatic dishwashing machine, which method comprises the step
of providing a device which generates a mist of a pre-treatment
composition, which said composition contacts dishware e.g.,
tableware, glassware, cooking utensils, cookware, and the like, and
which provides a technical benefit thereto. Such pre-treatment step
or post-treatment step may be practiced directly to said dishware
article, or may be practiced utilizing a machine such as an
automatic dishwashing machine.
[0014] According to a still further aspect of the invention, there
is provided a method for the application of a treatment composition
to a bodily surface, e.g., a dermal surface, or hair surface, which
method comprises the step of providing a device which generates a
mist of a treatment composition which composition contacts the
bodily surface and provides a technical benefit thereto.
[0015] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for delivering an inhalable pharmaceutical composition to a
an animal patient in need of treatment which method comprises the
step of providing a device generates a mist of a treatment
composition which comprises at least one pharmaceutically active
composition which provides a therapeutic benefit to an animal
patient (human, non-human animal especially mammal) which treatment
composition is inhaled or ingested by the animal patient.
[0016] These and further aspect of the invention will be more
apparent from a review of the following specification and
accompanying drawings.
[0017] In one aspect of the present invention provides a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, also referred to
as an aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical
benefit to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the
said aerosolized treatment composition. According to one
embodiment, there is provided a device for aerosolizing a fluid
product, which device includes a mist generator, a control circuit
for operating the mist generator, a reservoir for the fluid product
to be aerosolized, a means for supplying the a mist generator with
the fluid product, a housing, and optionally at least one flow
directing nozzle or flow directing orifice adapted to direct the
flow of a mist generated by the mist generator out from the
device.
[0018] In a second aspect of the invention the device is divided
into two or more parts, which may be interconnected to function to
provide a mist of the treatment composition.
[0019] In a third aspect of the invention the device is fully hand
holdable which generates a mist of a treatment composition.
[0020] The mist generator means may comprise a vibrating member
which includes a metal or ceramic plate; the plate may be solid or
porous, or micropierced in the form of a grid or in the form of one
or more segments or slots passing through the vibrating member, and
a piezoelectric actuator which, when operated, causes vibratory
motion in the vibrating member. The mist generator means may be an
annular ring of a piezoelectric material which is attached to said
vibrating member and spans the annulus, which when activated,
causes the said vibrating member to vibrate. The mist generator
means may comprise a piezoelectric material which is attached to,
adjacent to or abutting a non-vibrating element or member which
receives the vibratory motion of the piezoelectric material and
transfers the vibratory motion to the said vibrating member. The
mist generator means may comprise a piezoelectric material which is
attached to, adjacent to or abutting a non-vibrating element or
member which receives the vibratory motion of the piezoelectric
material and forces the treatment composition through the vibrating
member which optionally but not necessarily vibrates; where the
mesh or plate does not vibrate the treatment composition is driven
through the vibratory member by virtue of the movement of the
attached to, adjacent to or abutting a non-vibrating element or
member which receives the vibratory motion of the piezoelectric
material, e.g. by compression of the treatment composition located
between the non-vibrating member and the mesh or plate due to the
vibratory motion of the piezoelectric material.
[0021] The mist generator means may be a tubular piezoelectric
material which includes a vibrating member spanning its interior
bore between the ends of the piezoelectric material, and/or
includes a vibrating member spanning the interior bore at one or
more ends thereof, such that when activated the tubular
piezoelectric material vibrates or expands/contracts which in turn
imparts vibratory motion of the vibrating member(s).
[0022] The mist generator means may be an electrostatic spray
device. The mist generator means may be an ultrasonic nozzle
device.
[0023] The mist generator means may be a tubular aerosol generator
which includes a tube having a first and a second end, a heater
arranged relative to the tube for heating the tube, a source of
material to be volatilized, the second end of the tube being in
communication with the source of material, a valve operatively
located between the source of material and the tube, the valve
being openable and closeable to open and close communication
between the source of material and the first end of the tube, and a
pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of
material to be introduced into the tube from the source of material
when the valve is in an open position. The mist generator means may
form a part of the device and be permanently affixed thereto.
Alternately the mist generator means may be provided as part of a
refill unit or refill reservoir which, when inserted or affixed to
the device completes the device and enables its use. Further the
mist generator means may be user replaceable article or unit which
may be removed and/or installed as needed or desired by a user to
one or more of the device or the refill unit or refill reservoir.
Yet further in any embodiment, the mist generator may be formed of
several parts which are required to be assembled in order to form
an operating mist generator means, e.g., a piezoelectric actuator
may form part of the device and a separate vibrating member form
part of a refill unit or refill reservoir which remains inoperative
until the device and refill unit or refill reservoir are properly
aligned or otherwise installed in the device so permit the
interaction between the piezoelectric actuator and the vibrating
member which then operates as a mist generator means. Such an
embodiment is preferred in that with the replacement of a refill
unit or refill reservoir a new vibrating member is provided to the
device.
[0024] The device includes a controller means for controlling the
operation of the mist generator means. The controller means may
provide one or more functions. The controller means preferably
includes a high frequency generator used to generate a suitable
electrical signal for the operation of the mist generator, and
particularly a piezoelectric element or device associated
therewith. The controller means may include one or more switches,
or other input means, e.g., buttons, contacts or switches, which
can be established by user of a device according to the invention
in order to control the mode of operation of the controller means.
The controller means may also include means for controlling the
output of the mist generator which may turn the unit off, or
suspend its operation after a metered amount or dose of the
treatment composition is dispensed from the device; the amount of
the treatment composition may be a user controllable amount, e.g.,
via a setting, or may be a predetermined metered amount which
cannot be changed by the user. The amount of treatment composition
delivered by the device may be varied in response to a signal
received by the controller means which may respond to an
environmental condition of the device. The controller means may
also be adapted to receive, and respond to, one or more signal
inputs received from one or more sensors associated with the
device. For example the controller means may be adapted to receive
and respond to signals or conditions relating to the status of any
part of the device such as the quantity of treatment composition in
a reservoir or refill unit, to the physical orientation of the
device, as well as to the frequency of dispensing and/or volume of
treatment composition dispensed over a unit time interval.
Nonlimiting examples of such responses include to increase or
decrease one more of: the volumetric delivery rate of the treatment
composition, and/or the frequency of delivery of the treatment
composition per unit of time. The controller means may provide one
or more output signals which may be transmitted to one or more
further elements of the device via suitable conductor means, such
as wires, in order to control their operation. The controller means
may be programmable and include suitable electronic circuitry for
the operation of the device according to one or more programs each
having at least one, but preferably a plurality of, discrete
programmed steps; typically such includes at least a logic or
program controller, e.g., a central processing unit, and system
memory for storing one or more programs. The controller means may
be a non-programmable circuit, which preferably operates according
to specific logic responsive to one or more signal inputs to the
controller means. The controller means may comprise a drive circuit
in order to provide suitable power and/or signal outputs to the
mist generator in order to control its operation in generating a
treatment mist from the fluid treatment composition, which may
include known-art drive circuits suitable for this purpose. One
example of a suitable circuit which may be present within the
controller means is a pulse-width-modulation circuit (PWM)
comprising a transformer converter and having an input acted on by
a piezoelectric element present and the mist generator; such as
disclosed in published application US 2009/0121043, the contents of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0025] A further example of a suitable circuit is one which
includes a microprocessor controlled variable oscillator for
providing variable frequencies to mist generator such that
treatment composition is formed into an aerosol of fine droplets.
The variable oscillator preferably comprises a digital resistor for
adjusting the time of charge and discharge; such a circuit is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,812, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference.
[0026] The device may be operated by direct control by a user,
e.g., controlling a switch upon the device or alternately, the
device may be operated indirectly, e.g., by a remote control
unit.
[0027] The device may include a power supply source which is
integral to the device, e.g., one or more batteries, such that the
device is portable, or the device may include means, e.g. wire, for
connecting the device to a source of power, e.g., a transformer or
electrical mains, supplying electrical power to the controller
means. The batteries may be replaceable by the user when they are
exhausted. The batteries may be rechargeable batteries which may be
replenished by connecting them to a suitable power source. Thus in
certain embodiments the device of the invention is fully portable,
but in other embodiments the device of the invention or part
thereof may be a stationary part which is not necessarily moved or
portable when the device is in use. Such includes, e.g., a
recharging station, or a part of the device which comprises the
fluid reservoir. Further configurations of the device are also
possible.
[0028] The device may include one or more sensor means. Sensor
means may be present to evaluate the state of a condition within
the device, e.g., the presence of a treatment composition, or the
presence of a suitable refill container. Sensor means may be
present to evaluate the state of the environment in which the
device is being used, e.g., time of day, degree of brightness near
the environment of the device, absence of light, presence of light,
a sound sensor, a vibration sensor, a heat sensor, an odor or scent
sensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like.
[0029] The device may include a fill level sensor which controls
the operation of the device responsive to the amount of liquid
present in the device and/or in the reservoir, which may be a
removable reservoir.
[0030] The device may include one or more orientation sensing means
for determining a physical orientation of the device, which for
example, can be a level sensor, horizon sensor, accelerometer or
any other device which can be used to establish the relative
position of the device with respect to the horizontal or
horizon.
[0031] The device may include a reservoir for containing a quantity
of the treatment composition, which reservoir may be a integrally
formed as part of, or as an element of the device, which is not
intended to be removed but rather refilled with the treatment
composition when required. Alternately the device may include a
removable reservoir which is intended to be removed from the device
and replaced when necessary, such as to replenish or to resupply a
new quantity of the treatment composition to the device. The
reservoir of the device may be adapted to contain a single fluid
treatment composition or may be adapted to contain a plurality of
fluid treatment compositions. Such a removable reservoir may take
the form of cartridge or assembly, or be a part of such a cartridge
or assembly. The cartridge may be a single-use cartridge which is
not intended to be refilled. The cartridge may include a bag or
plenum which may optionally be vented to the atmosphere. The
cartridge may be refillable by the user.
[0032] The device may include at least one fluid control means for
controlling the rate of delivery of a fluid product, viz., a
treatment composition, from the reservoir to the mist generator.
The fluid control means may form part of the device, or may be part
of a removable reservoir, or may be present in both the device and
a removable reservoir. The fluid control means may also be formed
by cooperative elements, part of which are present on the removable
reservoir and part on the device such that, when the cooperative
elements are assembled, in conjunction they form a fluid control
means. The device may include one, or several fluid control means.
Nonlimiting examples of fluid control means include the following:
a) one or more capillaries which via capillary effect supply the
treatment composition from the fluid reservoir to the mist
generator means; b) one or more tubes or channels which provide
fluid conduits to supply the treatment composition from the fluid
reservoir to the mist generator means; c) one or more pumps, d)
direct physical interaction between a vibrating member and the
treatment composition, e.g. wherein the treatment composition is
supplied to a top surface or bottom surface of the vibrating member
during at least a portion of its range of vibratory (or
oscillatory) movement, or during the range of vibratory (or
oscillatory movement) the vibrating member contacts a quantity of
the treatment composition and entrains it within the vibrating
member before expelling it therefrom, such for example may occur
wherein a wick or a tube having exposed treatment composition at an
end thereof is in near proximity but not in direct contact with a
vibrating member; e) by a gravity feed flow of the treatment
composition to the mist generator means; f) a manual supply means,
e.g., manual pumping by a user of an element such as a pump or bulb
which transfers a quantity of the treatment liquid to the mist
generator means; g) an antechamber or cavity which is intermediate
the reservoir and the mist generator means which antechamber or
cavity is first filled from the reservoir, and the mist generator
means is supplied with treatment composition from the antechamber
of cavity but not directly from the reservoir.
[0033] Particularly preferred fluid flow means include c) one or
more pumps, including but not limited to: gear pumps, positive
displacement pumps, rotary pumps, micropumps, diaphragm pumps, and
especially preferably piezoelectric diaphragm pumps such as those
presently commercially available from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH
(Dortmund, Germany). Examples of such piezoelectric diaphragm pumps
are disclosed in one or more of the following: WO/2009/059664, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Such number
among particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0034] The device may include at least one fluid control means for
controlling the rate of delivery of a fluid product (treatment
composition) from the reservoir to the mist generator. The fluid
control means may form part of the device, or may be part of a
removable reservoir, or may be present in both the device and a
removable reservoir. The fluid control means may also be formed by
cooperative elements, part of which are present on the removable
reservoir and part on the device such that, when the cooperative
elements are assembled, in conjunction they form a fluid control
means. The device may include one, or several fluid control
means.
[0035] The device may include an airflow generator means. The
airflow generator means may be used to generate a current of air
which induces or directs the flow of the atomized treatment
composition, and especially as it exits the device. The airflow
generator means also entrains the nebulized or mist of the
treatment composition and may be used to direct its flow outwardly
from the device. However in certain embodiments such further
airflow generator means are absent and excluded form the
device.
[0036] The device may be a single unit which is substantially
confined by a housing, or the device may include one or more
extensible elements, e.g., a wand connected to the housing of the
device which housing contains the mist generator and/or the
reservoir. In one embodiment a part of the device contains the
reservoir of the treatment composition and the mist generator
means, which is connected by a tube through which the atomized
treatment composition passes to a further part of the device which
includes a flow directing nozzle through which the atomized
treatment composition exits the device; the user may position the
latter part of the device including the flow directing nozzle in
order to direct the flow of the atomized treatment composition onto
a hard surface and/or onto a soft surface in order to treat the
said surface.
[0037] The device may comprise further flow directing elements
which cooperative with the flow directing nozzle in order to
provide an ancillary flow directing benefit, or which provide means
for interactively contacting the surfaces being treated. However in
certain embodiments such further flow directing elements are absent
and excluded form the device.
[0038] The device may further comprise an air-treatment means which
is used to provide a volatile material to the ambient environment
of the device, which volatile material is supplied to the ambient
environment independently of the mist generator means. The
air-treatment means may be used to deliver a volatile material,
e.g., one or more of fragrances, perfumes, compositions for the
control or eradication of airborne insects, odor neutralizing
agents, odor masking agents, as well as those which may impart
holistic or aromatherapy benefits which is separate from the
treatment composition. For example, such a volatile material may be
provided in a reservoir comprising a quantity of said volatile
material which may form part of or be used with the device. Such a
reservoir can take any shape or suitable form, and can be included
within the interior of the device, or on the exterior of the
device, or may be even be separate from the device but provided as
a separate article or element which is separate or separable from
the device but intended to be placed in the near proximity of the
device. By way of nonlimiting examples, such a reservoir may
include a porous material such as a pad or tablet which is
impregnated with, or upon which is absorbed a volatile composition
useful in providing an air treatment benefit, a gel or a solid
composition which also contains a volatile air treatment
composition which may emanate to the ambient environment from the
reservoir, or a container which includes a fibrous wick, or pad, or
a porous membrane for the delivery of a volatile material to the
ambient environment from the reservoir. Alternately the reservoir
may contain a quantity of a particulate material in the form of a
single body, e.g. plate, or as a plurality of spheres, or beads
which function as a reservoir for the volatile composition, and
from whence they may be delivered to the ambient environment.
Non-limiting examples of such materials include those currently
marketed under the tradename Auracell.RTM. (ex. Rotuba Extruders)
which are based on fragranced cellulosic polymers, as well as
PolyIFF.RTM. (ex. International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.), as
well as Tenite.RTM. (ex. Eastman Chemical Co.).
[0039] The device of the invention includes a mist generator means
for the delivery of a treatment composition which comprises a
treatment agent. In certain embodiments the treatment composition
may be solely comprised of the treatment agent. The mist generator
may be any device which provides for atomization of the treatment
composition or which provides for the aerosolization of the
treatment composition without directly heating the treatment
composition or utilizing a propellant gas or the use of a liquid
pump to drive the treatment composition through a nozzle and
consequently cause the formation of discrete particles
therefrom.
[0040] The treatment composition may be provided in a ready to use
form, e.g., does not require further dilution with water or other
material in order to form the treatment composition to be atomized
and dispensed from the device, or alternately may be provided in a
concentrated form which requires further dilution with water or
other material prior to its being atomized and dispensed from the
device.
[0041] The mist generator means may be an electrostatic spray
device. Electrostatic spray devices impart energy to the treatment
composition via a high electrical potential. This energy serves to
atomize and charge the treatment composition, creating a spray of
fine, charged particles. As the charged particles are carried away
from the sprayer, their common charge causes them to repel one
another. This has two effects before the spray reaches the target.
First, it expands the total spray mist. This is especially
important when spraying to fairly distant, large areas. The second
effect is maintenance of original particle size. Because the
particles repel one another, they resist collecting together into
large, heavier particles like uncharged particles do. Such lessens
gravity's influence, and increases the charged particle reaching
the intended target surface. As the mass of negatively charged
particles approach the target surface, they push electrons inside
the target surface inwardly, leaving all the exposed surfaces of
the target with a temporary positive charge. The resulting
attraction between the particles and the target surface overrides
the influences of gravity and inertia. As each particle deposits on
the target surface, said spot on the target surface becomes
neutralized and no longer attractive. Therefore, the next free
particle is attracted to a spot immediately adjacent and the
sequence continues until the entire surface of the target surface
is covered with particles of the treatment composition. Thus, the
use of an electrostatic spray device effectively provides for
aerosolization of the treatment composition without requiring
direct heating of the treatment composition or without the need for
a propellant composition or liquid pump to drive the treatment
composition. Such electrostatic spray devices are per se, known in
the art and available from commercial sources.
[0042] The mist generator means may be an ultrasonic nozzle device.
Such ultrasonic nozzle devices may be obtained from commercial
sources, e.g., Sono-Tek, Inc. (Milton, N.Y., USA) as well as Sonaer
Inc., (Farmingdale, N.Y., USA) as well as being disclosed in
published patent applications, US 2009/0254020, and US
2009/0224066, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
[0043] The mist generator means may be a tubular aerosol generator.
Typically such a tubular aerosol generator includes a tube having a
first and a second end, a heater arranged relative to the tube for
heating the tube, a source of material to be volatilized, the
second end of the tube being in communication with the source of
material, a valve operatively located between the source of
material and the tube, the valve being openable and closeable to
open and close communication between the source of material and the
first end of the tube, and a pressurization arrangement for causing
material in the source of material to be introduced into the tube
from the source of material. Such tubular aerosol generators are
disclosed in one or more of: U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,251, U.S. Pat. No.
6,234,167, U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,233, U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,052, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,516,796, U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,390, U.S. Pat. No.
6,640,050, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,220, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,772,757, U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,458, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,883,516 the entire contents of each of which are herein
incorporated by reference thereto.
[0044] In preferred embodiments the mist generator means is a
nebulizer means, which is also generally preferred for use.
Nebulizer sprayers impart energy to the treatment composition
wherein the ultrasonic energy is supplied via a transducer. This
energy results in atomization of the treatment composition without
requiring direct heating of the treatment composition or without
the need for a propellant composition or a manually operated liquid
pump to drive the treatment composition. Various types of
nebulizers include, but are not limited to: ultrasonic, gas,
venturi nebulizers. Such may be obtained from a variety of
commercial sources.
[0045] Exemplary nebulizer means which are presently commercially
available from Kai-Chih Industrial Ltd. (Taiwan) include those
disclosed in one or more of U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,662; a nebulizer
and baffle plate assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,029;
piezoelectric and percussion board assembly as disclosed in US
2007/0011940; a block piezoelectric actuator and vibratable plate
as disclosed in US 2007/0169775; a vibration member comprising a
piezoelectric ceramic actuator and a vibratory plate as disclosed
in US 2008/00419272, the contents of each of the foregoing being
herein incorporated in their entirety by reference. Further
nebulizers and/or mist generators include those known to the art,
including those disclosed in one or more of the US patents
incorporated by reference and discussed in this patent
specification.
[0046] The mist generator means is energized from the power source
and such causes the grid to vibrate at a high frequency and
concurrently to emit a cloud of very fine liquid particles, viz., a
mist, which may then be omitted. The very fine liquid particles
forming the mist of the treatment composition, alternately referred
to as a "treatment mist" typically have an average diameter which
may be of relatively wide distribution, e.g., from about 0.25
microns to about 500 microns, however it is preferred that the
particle size distribution of the fine liquid particles fall within
the range of about 5 to about 300 microns, and especially
preferably fall in the range of between about 10 to about 100
microns. Preferably the preponderance (>75%, preferably >85%,
especially preferably >95%) of the very fine liquid particles
forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the range of
about 5-75 microns, and preferably about 10-50 microns. In certain
preferred embodiments, up to about 25%, preferably up to 10% of the
very fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment
composition is in the range of 0.1-10 microns, and up to about 25%,
preferably up to 15% of the very fine liquid particles forming the
mist of the treatment composition is in excess of 100 microns with
the remaining at least 50%, but preferably at least 75% of the very
fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment composition
is in the range of 10-50 microns, and especially preferably in the
range of 10-30 microns. Desirably, and in order of increasing
preference, not more than about 22%, 20%, 18%, 16%, 15%, 12%, 10%,
9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and most preferably essentially
none (less than 0.5%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the
mist of the treatment composition is in the range of 0.1-10
microns, and concurrently and in order of increasing preference,
not more than about 22%, 20%, 18%, 16%, 15%, 12%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%,
6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and most preferably essentially none (less
than 0.5%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the mist of
the treatment composition is in excess of 50 microns, with the
remaining balance to 100% of the very fine liquid particles forming
the mist of the treatment composition within 10 microns and 50
microns.
[0047] Alternately wherein the device is intended to deliver a
treatment composition which is intended to be respirable or more
readily absorbed transdermally then the particle size distribution
may be directed to delivering having smaller average diameters than
discussed above. In such nebulizers, the mist generator means is
energized from the power source and such causes the grid to vibrate
at a high frequency and concurrently to emit a cloud of very fine
liquid particles, viz., a mist, which may then be omitted. The very
fine liquid particles forming the mist of the treatment
composition, alternately referred to as a "treatment mist"
typically have an average diameter which may be of relatively wide
distribution, e.g., from about 0.01 microns to about 200 microns,
however it is preferred that the particle size distribution of the
fine liquid particles fall within the range of about 0.1 to about
50 microns, and especially preferably fall in the range of between
about 0.1 to about 25 microns, particularly preferably about 0.1 to
about 15 microns. Preferably the preponderance (>75%, preferably
>85%, especially preferably >95%) of the very fine liquid
particles forming the mist of the treatment composition is in the
range of 0.1-10 microns. Desirably, and in order of increasing
preference, not more than about 22%, 20%, 18%, 16%, 15%, 12%, 10%,
9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1% and most preferably essentially
none (less than 0.5%) of the very fine liquid particles forming the
mist of the treatment composition are in excess of 10 microns, with
the remaining balance to 100% of the very fine liquid particles
forming the mist of the treatment composition of 10 microns or
less.
[0048] In a further preferred embodiment a "bi-modal" distribution
of very fine liquid particles are provided by a nebulizer, such
that, opposed to many known nebulizers which provide a distribution
of very fine liquid particles which are averaged about a median or
averaged liquid particle size or liquid particle mass, in said
preferred embodiment the nebulizer provides a bi-modal distribution
of very fine liquid particles, a first part or proportion of the
liquid particles being of a first particle size distribution which
are averaged about a first median or first averaged liquid particle
size or liquid particle mass, and a second part or proportion of
the liquid particles being of a second particle size distribution
which are averaged about a second median or second averaged liquid
particle size or liquid particle mass. In such embodiments, the
average liquid particle size or liquid particle mass of the first
median or first particle size distribution is lesser in average or
median particle size or mass than the average liquid particle size
or liquid particle mass of the second median or second particle
size distribution. The provision of such a bi-modal distribution
provides for a first part or portion of the liquid particles being
of a smaller particle size, preferably having a first median or
first averaged liquid particle size in the range of 1-10 microns,
preferably 1-8 microns, yet more preferably between 2-7 microns,
and a second part or portion of the liquid particles being of a
relatively larger particle size, preferably having a second median
or second averaged liquid particle size in the range of 10-50
microns, preferably 10-40 microns, yet more preferably between
10-35 microns. Optionally but advantageously, at least 60%, and in
order of increasing preference, at least 70%, 75%, 80%, of the
particles or mass of the liquid particles present within the first
or second proportion are within +/-35% by mass or size, and in
order of increasing preference are within" +/-30%, +/-25%, +/-20%,
+/-15%, +/-10% of their respective median or average liquid
particle size or liquid particle mass. Such provides for a narrowed
distribution of the liquid particle sizes or masses delivered by
the nebulizer. Further preferably, the mass of the particles
delivered in the first part or portion of liquid particles is not
more than about 1/2, preferably not more than about 1/4 of the mass
of the mass of the particles delivered in the second part or
portion of liquid particles, which have a larger average particle
size or mass. Alternately, but preferably, the mass ratio of the
particles delivered in the first part or portion of liquid
particles to the particles delivered in the second part or portion
of liquid particles is in the range of about 1:2, and in order of
increasing preference is in the respective mass ratio about: 1:3,
1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10. The delivery of the liquid
treatment composition as a bi-modal distribution of very fine
liquid particles provides for controlled distribution of the
treatment composition wherein a controlled mass, but visually very
visible amount or mass, of the liquid treatment composition
provided in the a first part or proportion of the liquid particles
is delivered concurrently with greater mass of the liquid treatment
composition provided in the a second part or proportion of the
liquid particles. Such minimizes or reduces the amount of treatment
composition which is delivered as smaller, potentially respirable
liquid droplets or particles in applications and methods of use
where it is intended that these be minimized, which said particles
are nonetheless airborne and more buoyant than the greater mass of
the treatment composition which is delivered as larger, less
potentially respirable liquid droplets or particles of the
treatment composition.
[0049] Mists of the treatment composition, (interchangeably
referred to as a treatment mist,) has several advantages. A first
advantage is that it is flowing and somewhat buoyant, which permits
for the deposition of the very fine liquid particles on surfaces
which are not necessary adjacent to the outlet of a device from
whence the mist is released. This may provide for a small degree of
airborne drift and permit for improved deposition of the liquid
particles as compared to liquids which may be applied via a
manually pumped trigger sprayer, or even liquids dispensed from a
pressurized aerosol container. In the case of the former, the
droplets of a liquid composition dispensed from a manually pumped
trigger sprayer typically have larger average droplet sizes than
those delivered by such a mist generator, and hence average droplet
masses which concurrently transport and bombard a treated surface
with greater amounts of a liquid composition per droplet. Such
characteristics minimize the aerial buoyancy of the droplets, and
when the droplets contact a surface the greater mass of liquid
composition tends to much more quickly wet a surface, primarily by
adsorption and to a lesser extent by absorption. Thus, both the
larger and heaver particle sizes of the such liquid droplets, and
their velocity as they are being released from a manually pumped
trigger sprayer typically causes greater amounts of a liquid
composition to be dispensed and faster wetting of surfaces. Turning
to the latter, delivery of a liquid composition from a pressurized
aerosol container typically results in similar delivery
characteristics. While a critical selection of the orifice sizes
and internal passages of an aerosol canister's spray actuator
typically used with such pressurized aerosol container often
provides somewhat more selection and control of the average droplet
size, still the typical droplets of a liquid composition dispensed
from a pressurized aerosol container also typically have larger
average particle sizes than those delivered by such a generator,
and hence have average droplet masses and greater distribution of
average droplet sizes which concurrently transport and bombard a
treated surface with greater amounts of a liquid composition per
droplet. Such characteristics minimize the aerial buoyancy of the
droplets, and when the droplets contact a surface the greater mass
of liquid composition tends to much more quickly wet a surface,
primarily by adsorption and to a lesser extent by absorption.
Further, as the droplets dispensed from a pressurized aerosol
container are typically released at a higher linear velocity than
even the droplets released from a manually pumped trigger sprayer,
such even moreso diminishes the likelihood of aerial buoyancy and
airborne drift.
[0050] The treatment mist emitted from the mist generator in
devices according to the invention may provide improved delivery to
hard or non-porous surfaces, particularly when such may be
associated with articles having three dimensional features, or
which themselves have a three-dimensional, e.g., patterned,
non-flat planar, or roughened surface. The irregularities in such
surfaces may be very effectively treated by providing a mist from a
device according to the invention, or according to a process of the
invention in the near proximity or adjacent to such a surface, such
that the delivered mist is permitted to settle and deposit upon
such a three-dimensional surface. The delivery of the mist, which
is expected to be airborne for at least a few fractions of a second
after being dispensed from a device, will often also exhibit a
useful degree of airborne drifting prior to settling upon a treated
surface. Such airborne drifting provides for improved coverage of
hard surfaces, particularly when such are three-dimensional
themselves or are associated with articles having three dimensional
features. With regard to the latter, by way of non-limiting example
such may be a kitchen countertop or sink from which may extend a
plumbing fixture, e.g., a faucet. Another non-limiting example
could be a lavatory appliance, e.g. a toilet, bidet, shower,
bathtub, or bathroom sink which also includes elements, e.g.,
faucets, spouts, drains, handles and the like. The airborne
drifting of the mist of the treatment composition is also very
useful in delivering the treatment composition to open airspace,
e.g., a room, a space within the interior of a building, a vehicle
cabin or vehicle compartment, as well as within a closed container
e.g., the interior of a storage cabinet, a closet, a shower stall,
a garbage container or refuse bin, and the like. The delivery of a
treatment composition in the form of an airborne mist of the
treatment composition, which may be alternately characterized as a
cloud of very fine liquid particles of the treatment composition
provides for improved surface deposition on such surfaces,
including that of such elements. Due to the airborne nature of this
mist or cloud, the dispensed mist or cloud forms an enveloping body
or penumbra of very fine liquid particles of the treatment
composition which may first surround a surface or article, and then
deposit thereon by settling of the very fine liquid particles.
[0051] The delivery rates of the devices may vary in order to suit
a specific application, e.g., it may be advantageously to have a
higher delivery rate of the treatment composition per unit of time
(e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days) for spaces with larger
volumes and/or wherein the device is located at a greater distance
from the surface or surfaces to be treated, as opposed to closer
placement and/or smaller volumes or spaced to be treated.
Advantageously the treatment mist dispensed from the device may be
delivered at a rate of about 0.5 milliliter/minute to about 100
milliliter/for most applications and uses. Preferably the delivery
rate is from about 1-50, more preferably 1-25, still more
preferably 1-10 and particularly preferably about 1-5
milliliter/minute.
[0052] Optionally but preferably the treatment mist emitted from
the mist generator in devices according to the invention may travel
along a horizontal surface for a reasonable distance when exiting
the device. Preferably the plume of the treatment mist emitted from
the mist generator travels up to 60 cm in a lateral or horizontal
direction perpendicular to the device, and preferably travels
between 1-50 cm in such a direction as measured from where it exits
the device. Such permits for the travel, distribution and contact
of the treatment mist with surfaces having non-planar geometries,
e.g., curved surfaces, as well as travel of the treatment mist to
the sides of a surface being treated, including the underside and
back sides of a surface being treated.
[0053] Further three-dimensional surfaces which are particularly
beneficially treated by the use of a device of the invention or by
practice of the inventive process are soft surfaces. Such soft
surfaces often exhibit a degree of porosity thus permitting for the
passage of gases therethrough. Frequently such also have internal
spaces or interstices in their construction. Non-limiting examples
of such soft surfaces include: textiles, carpets, garments, and the
like. The delivery of a treatment composition via a mist or cloud
such as described above typically provides improved penetration of
the soft surface due to the drifting of, or penetration of such
internal spaces or interstices in a soft surface, e.g., the space
between fibers in a twisted yarn, the space between adjacent yarns
in the pile or nap of a carpet, the space between fibers of a woven
or non-woven textile, such that very fine liquid particles of the
treatment composition may be transported into the interior of the
soft surface prior to such a particle depositing on a surface. Such
an effect might be referred to as an injection of the mist of very
fine liquid particles of the treatment composition into the three
dimensional matrix of a soft surface wherein at least a part of the
emitted very fine liquid particles transit to the interior of the
soft surface prior to contacting any part of the soft surface
itself, and only thereafter come into contact with and are
deposited in the soft surface.
[0054] A further important technical characteristic of the delivery
of a treatment composition as an airborne mist of the treatment
composition is that typically better surface coverage and a more
uniform layer of a treatment composition is deposited on either a
hard or soft surface, and thus the actual mass of a treatment
composition may be reduced as compared to delivery of the same
treatment composition via a manually pumped trigger sprayer or a
pressurized aerosol container in order to achieve a comparable
technical effect. More simply stated, less of the treatment
composition is wasted due to excessive delivery or overspraying
than when delivered as a mist or cloud of very fine liquid
particles of the treatment composition. Such is beneficial when for
example, the delivery of a treatment composition providing a
surface cleaning, sanitizing or antimicrobial benefit is desired,
or where a film forming polymer is intended to be applied to a
surface. In both instances, a more uniform deposition of the
treatment composition may be achieved. A further beneficial effect
is better noted when delivering a treatment composition to a porous
or soft surface, especially a garment or textile. Providing a
controlled amount of a treatment composition delivered as a mist or
cloud of very fine liquid particles provides for minimization of
localized delivery of the composition, e.g., as spots or zones of a
treated soft surface which may quickly form a wetted or saturated
part of the textile or surface which may result in wrinkling or
staining of the area to which a composition has been applied, e.g.,
such as by a trigger sprayer or from a pressurized aerosol
canister. In contrast thereto, the small degree of airborne drift
of the treatment composition provided as a mist or cloud of very
fine liquid particles provide for a more uniform distribution upon
and possibly also within the textile or garment and thus permit for
a reduction or minimization of the actual mass of the treatment
composition which needs to be provided. Such minimized the
likelihood of wetting, saturating, staining or wrinkling of a
treated soft surface, especially where such is a garment, or a
textile article such as: a carpet surface, rug, window treatment
such as curtains or drapes, bedding surfaces including sheets,
pillows, blankets, bedspreads, bedcoverings, as well as textiles or
articles used in bathrooms, e.g., shower curtains, towels, etc.
Attendant upon the use of the device of the invention, a treatment
composition which provides a cleaning or odor masking or odor
neutralization benefit is delivered as a treatment mist, viz, a
cloud of very fine liquid particles which is used to treat a
garment or textile article in a sufficient amount in order to
provided the desired cleaning or odor masking or odor
neutralization benefit. Of course two or more of these benefits may
be provided in the practice of the process for treating such soft
surfaces.
[0055] The device of the invention generates a treatment mist of
discrete or aerosolized particles of the treatment composition
which is used to treat surfaces, including inanimate hard surfaces
and inanimate soft surfaces, as well as topical surfaces. The
aerosolized form of a treatment composition comprises at least one
treatment agent which ultimately contacts a surface being treated
after being dispensed from the device of the invention. The
treatment agent may be provided as a constituent of a treatment
composition comprising further constituents other than the
treatment agent, although a treatment composition consisting solely
of a treatment agent is not excluded from the scope of the
invention.
[0056] The treatment composition comprises at least one treatment
agent. The treatment composition provides a technical benefit to a
hard surface or soft surface being treated. By way of nonlimiting
examples such a technical benefit can be one or more of: a cleaning
benefit, a disinfecting benefit, a sanitizing benefit, a
bacteriostatic effect, an anti-viral benefit, a sporicidal benefit
to reduce the presence of, incidence of or regrowth of molds,
fungi, spores and the like, an anti-allergen benefit, an
anti-acaricidal benefit, an anti-fungal benefit, an anti-resoiling
benefit, a limescale removing benefit, a stain removing benefit, an
air treatment benefit including but not limited to; fragrancing,
odor masking, odor neutralization, an anti-pesticidal benefit, an
anti-insecticidal benefit, as well as providing a surface coating
to hard surfaces. The treatment composition as applied to hard
surfaces and/or soft surfaces may provide a technical benefit which
may be transitory or durable, e.g., provide a residual
antimicrobial, germicidal or sanitizing benefit such as to reduce
the likelihood of the retention, or growth of undesired pathogens
(e.g., bacteria, virus, molds) on the treated surface. The
treatment compositions may provide a surface coating to hard
surfaces and/or to soft surfaces. The treatment composition may
also reduce the buildup of biofilms on the treated surface, may
reduce the incidence of limescale and/or its buildup after being
treated. The treatment composition may provide a surface shine
benefit to treated surfaces. The treatment composition may provide
an antiresoiling benefit. The treatment composition may deposit a
coating on hard surface or soft surface which is hydrophilic in
nature or hydrophobic in nature. The treatment composition may
provide a surface treatment benefit to improve the tactile benefits
thereof, e.g., fabric softening, and the like. The treatment
composition may provide an air treatment benefit including but not
limited to; fragrancing, odor masking, odor neutralization, air
sanitization, an anti-pesticidal benefit, an anti-insectidal
benefit. The treatment composition may provide a skin treatment
benefit when topically applied to human skin or to any other bodily
surface such as hair. The treatment composition may be an inhalable
or respirable composition which comprises a medicament, a vitamin,
a pharmaceutical preparation, an edible material and the like.
Treatment compositions which are formed into treatment mists
necessarily comprise an effective amount of one or more treatment
agent within the treatment composition such that the desired
technical benefit is provided when the treatment mist is applied to
or into a hard surface or soft surface, or supplied in any other
means or for any other use.
[0057] Prior to being formed into a treatment mist form, the
treatment composition is advantageously a flowable liquid at room
temperature (20.degree. C.) and at normal atmospheric pressure in
which the device of the invention finds use. The viscosity of the
treatment composition is not necessarily critical, it only being
required that it can be atomized in the device out of the invention
and delivered as a mist of comminuted or aerosolized particles.
Advantageously however the viscosity of the treatment composition
falls within the range of about 0-2000 cP, preferably between about
0.5-1000 cP, and especially preferably between about 0.5-500 cP.
Especially preferred embodiments of the treatment composition are
free flowable liquids, i.e. are "water thin" and thus are readily
flowable, as well as being readily pumpable either by mechanical
means such as by a pump, or by pressure different means such as
within a capillary or narrow diameter tube, and which is also
readily easily and effectively atomized by the mist generator
means.
[0058] Advantageously, the treatment composition includes a large
proportion, that is to say at least about 50% wt. of a liquid. In
certain preferred embodiments the treatment composition is at least
60% wt., and in order of increasing preference, 70% wt., 80% wt.,
90% wt., 95% wt. 97% wt., 98% wt., 99% wt. and to 100% wt. of a
liquid. The liquid is preferably a free-flowing liquid at room
temperature and normal prevailing atmospheric conditions as noted
above. Advantageously, the liquid may be water, or may be one or
more non-aqueous solvents, e.g., one or more organic solvents, or
may be a mixture or composition comprising both water and one or
more further non-aqeuous solvents, e.g., one or more organic
solvents. The water may be tap water, but is preferably distilled
and is most preferably deionized water. By way of non-limiting
example exemplary useful organic solvents which may be included in
the treatment compositions include those which are at least
partially water-miscible such as alcohols (e.g., low molecular
weight alcohols, such as, for example, ethanol, propanol,
isopropanol, and the like), glycols (such as, for example, ethylene
glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and the like),
water-miscible ethers (e.g. diethylene glycol diethylether,
diethylene glycol dimethylether, propylene glycol dimethylether),
water-miscible glycol ether (e.g. propylene glycol monomethylether,
propylene glycol mono ethylether, propylene glycol monopropylether,
propylene glycol monobutylether, ethylene glycol monobutylether,
dipropylene glycol monomethylether, diethyleneglycol
monobutylether), lower esters of monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol
or propylene glycol (e.g. propylene glycol monomethyl ether
acetate), and mixtures thereof. Glycol ethers having the general
structure R.sub.a-R.sub.b--OH, wherein R.sub.a is an alkoxy of 1 to
20 carbon atoms, or aryloxy of at least 6 carbon atoms, and R.sub.b
is an ether condensate of propylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol
having from one to ten glycol monomer units. Of course, mixtures of
two or more organic solvents may be used concurrently.
[0059] One preferred organic solvent which may be included within
the treatment compositions is triethylene glycol which is believed
to provide odor sanitization or odor neutralizing benefits to an
airspace within which culminated particles of triethylene glycol
are present. Thus come in certain embodiments were such a technical
benefit is desired, the inclusion of triethylene glycol may be
considered for its advantageous benefit. When present, it can be
included in amounts effective to provide a desired degree of air
sanitization. In certain embodiments it is also expressly
contemplated that triethylene glycol is the preponderant
constituent present, or even the sole constituent present in a
treatment composition.
[0060] The treatment composition may also include one or more
surfactants. The presence of one or more such surfactants which are
advantageously included to typically provide for the loosening of
soils or other hydrophobic matter which may be present on a surface
being treated with the device of the invention.
[0061] Anionic surfactants and/or salt forms thereof may form part
of the inventive compositions. Non-limiting examples of anionic
surfactants include alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alcohol
phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl ester sulfates, alkyl diphenyl
ether sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, sulfate
esters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alkyl
monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates,
alpha-olefin sulfonates, beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether
sulfonates, ethoxylated alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates,
alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkyl
carboxylates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkyl alkoxy carboxylates
having 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide, alkylpolyglycolethersulfates
(containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide), sulfosuccinates,
octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fatty taurides, fatty
acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, acyl glycerol sulfonates,
fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether
sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates,
N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates,
alkylpolysaccharide sulfates, alkylpolyglucoside sulfates, alkyl
polyethoxy carboxylates, and sarcosinates or mixtures thereof.
Anionic soaps may also be used in the inventive compositions.
Examples of the foregoing anionic surfactants are available under
the following tradenames: Rhodapon.RTM., Stepanol.RTM.,
Hostapur.RTM., Surfine.RTM., Sandopan.RTM., and Biosoft.RTM.
tradenames.
[0062] Exemplary useful nonionic surfactants are those which
include a hydrophobic base portion, such as a long chain alkyl
group or an alkylated aryl group, and a hydrophilic chain portion
comprising a sufficient number of ethoxy and/or propoxy moieties to
render the nonionic surfactant at least partially soluble or
dispersible in water. By way of non-limiting example, such nonionic
surfactants include ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated and
propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethers of methyl
glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethylene
oxidepropylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty
(C.sub.6-C.sub.24) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide
with long chain amines or amides, and mixtures thereof. Further
useful nonionic surfactants include condensates of alkylene oxides,
particularly ethylene oxide with sorbitan fatty acid esters, e.g.,
polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan
monopalmitate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleates. Still
further useful nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated
alkanolamides, e.g. C.sub.8-C.sub.24 alkyl di(C.sub.2-C.sub.3
alkanol amide). Examples of the useful nonionic surfactants include
materials are available under the Tomadol.RTM., Neodol.RTM.,
Rhodasurf.RTM., Genapol.RTM., Pluronic.RTM. and Alfonic.RTM.
tradenames. Further useful nonionic surfactants include oxo-alcohol
ethoxylates (ex. BASF) under the Lutensol.RTM. ON tradename, as
well as polyoxyalkylene alkylethers (ex. KAO Group, Japan)
available under the Emulgen.RTM. tradename. A further useful
nonionic surfactants include alkylmonoglycosides and
alkylpolyglycosides are prepared generally by reacting a
monosaccharide, or a compound hydrolyzable to a monosaccharide with
an alcohol such as a fatty alcohol in an acid medium. Various
glycoside and polyglycoside compounds including alkoxylated
glycosides and processes for making them are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 2,974,134; 3,219,656; 3,598,865; 3,640,998; 3,707,535,
3,772,269; 3,839,318; 3,974,138; 4,223,129 and 4,528,106 the
contents of which are incorporated by reference. Examples of useful
alkylglycosides include, for example APG 325 CS Glycoside.RTM.
which is described as being a 50% C.sub.9-C.sub.11 alkyl
polyglycoside, also commonly referred to as D-glucopyranoside, (ex.
Henkel KGaA) and Glucopon.RTM. 625 CS which is described as being a
50% C.sub.10-C.sub.16 alkyl polyglycoside, also commonly referred
to as a D-glucopyranoside, (ex. Henkel).
[0063] The treatment compositions may include one or more
amphoteric surfactants, specifically the following: derivatives of
secondary and tertiary amines having aliphatic radicals that are
straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic
substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and at least
one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic
water-solubilizing group, e.g., a carboxy, sulfonate, or a sulfate
group. Non-limiting examples of compounds falling within this
description include: sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propionate, and sodium
3-(dodecylamino)propane-1-sulfonate. Further exemplary useful
amphoteric surfactants include sarcosinates and taurates, amide
sulfosuccinates, and betaines including phosphobetaines. Exemplary
betaines include dodecyl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine,
and dodecyl amidopropyldimethyl betaine.
[0064] The treatment composition may also comprise one or more
cationic surfactant constituents, especially preferably one
cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal
benefit. Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactant
compositions which may be included in the treatment compositions
are those which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit, and
especially preferred are quaternary ammonium compounds and salts
thereof, which may be characterized by the general structural
formula:
##STR00001##
where at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is a
alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl substituent of from 6 to 26 carbon atoms,
and the entire cation portion of the molecule has a molecular
weight of at least 165. The alkyl substituents may be long-chain
alkyl, long-chain alkoxyaryl, long-chain alkylaryl,
halogen-substituted long-chain alkylaryl, long-chain
alkylphenoxyalkyl, arylalkyl, etc. The remaining substituents on
the nitrogen atoms other than the abovementioned alkyl substituents
are hydrocarbons usually containing no more than 12 carbon atoms.
The substituents R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be
straight-chained or may be branched, but are preferably
straight-chained, and may include one or more amide, ether or ester
linkages. The counterion X may be any salt-forming anion which
permits water solubility or water miscibility of the quaternary
ammonium complex. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds which act
as germicides according to the foregoing formula are those in which
R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different
C.sub.8-C.sub.12alkyl, or R.sub.2 is C.sub.12-16alkyl,
C.sub.8-18alkylethoxy, C.sub.8-18alkylphenolethoxy and R.sub.3 is
benzyl, and X is a halide, for example chloride, bromide or iodide,
or is a methosulfate anion. The alkyl groups recited in R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3 may be straight-chained or branched, but are preferably
substantially linear.
[0065] Particularly useful quaternary germicides include
compositions which include a single quaternary compound, as well as
mixtures of two or more different quaternary compounds. Such useful
quaternary compounds are available under the BARDAC.RTM.,
BARQUAT.RTM., HYAMINE.RTM., LONZABAC.RTM., and ONYXIDE.RTM.
trademarks, which are more fully described in, for example,
McCutcheon's Functional Materials (Vol. 2), North American Edition,
1998, as well as the respective product literature from the
suppliers identified below. When one or more cationic surfactants
which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit are present, they
may be present as a co-antimicrobial agent, with a further
antimicrobial agent described hereinafter. When one or more
cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal
benefit are present, preferably anionic surfactants and further
optionally, amphoteric surfactants are omitted from the treatment
compositions of the invention. Other surfactants, although not
specifically disclosed herein but known to the art may also be used
within the treatment compositions of the present invention.
[0066] The treatment of the compositions may also include one or
more fluorosurfactants. Preferred fluorocarbon surfactants include
the anionic salts of perfluoroaliphaticoxybenzene sulfonic acids
and the anionic salts of linear perfluoroalkyl-oxybenzoic acids.
Examples of the former class of fluorocarbon surfactants can be
represented by the following formula:
##STR00002##
where R.sub.f is a perfluoroaliphatic group of from about 5 to
about 15 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to 12 carbon atoms
in the aliphatic group which may be an alkyl group or alkenyl
group, and A is a cation such as an alkali metal, ammonium or
amine.
[0067] Examples of the latter class of fluorocarbon surfactants can
be represented by the formula:
##STR00003##
wherein n is a number of from about 2 to about 16 and m is a number
from about 3 to about 34.
[0068] Other suitable fluorocarbon surfactants are: [0069] (a)
R.sub.fCH.sub.2CH.sub.2SCH.sub.2CO.sub.2M wherein R.sub.f is
F(CF.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.n and n is from about 3 to about 8 and M is
alkali metal (e.g., sodium or potassium) or ammonium; [0070] (b)
C.sub.nF.sub.2+1SO.sub.3M wherein C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1 is a straight
chain fluorocarbon radical, n is from about 8 to about 12 and M is
alkali metal or ammonium; [0071] (c) C.sub.nF.sub.2+1SO.sub.3M
wherein C.sub.nF.sub.2n+1 is a straight chain fluorocarbon radical,
n is from about 8 to about 12 and M is an alkali metal cation;
[0072] (d) R.sub.fCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH
wherein R.sub.f is a straight chain F(CF.sub.2CF.sub.2).sub.n
radical and n is from about 3 to about 8; [0073] (e)
R.sub.f(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nR.sub.f wherein R.sub.f is a
branched chain radical of the formula
C.sub.8F.sub.15+C.sub.10F.sub.19 or C.sub.12F.sub.23 and n is from
about 10 to about 30; and [0074] (f)
R.sub.f(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.mOR wherein R.sub.f is a branched
chain radical of the formula C.sub.8F.sub.15+C.sub.10F.sub.19 or
C.sub.12F.sub.23, m is from about 2 to about 20 and R is C.sub.1 to
C.sub.3 alkyl.
[0075] Fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactants are available from
numerous commercial sources as trademarked products. Examples are
ZONYL fluorosurfactants from E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.,
FLUORAD fluorosurfactants from 3M Company, e.g., FLUORAD FC-129
(R.sub.fSO.sub.2N(C.sub.2H.sub.5) CH.sub.2CO.sub.2.sup.-K.sup.+,
where R.sub.f is C.sub.1F.sub.2n+1 and n is about 8), and MONOFLOR
fluorocarbon surfactants from I.C.I. Americas, Inc. one or more
such a fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactants maybe included in the
treatment compositions and any desired for effective amount.
[0076] The treatment compositions may comprise further
antimicrobial agents other than the one or more cationic
surfactants described above. Such an antimicrobial agent is/are one
or more compounds other than cationic surfactants which provide an
appreciable germicidal benefit, viz., cationic germicide, described
above. Such an antimicrobial agent desirably provides an effective
antimicrobial benefit to a treated surface, other than a cationic
germicide, preferably such that the treatment composition delivered
by the device of the invention exhibits at least 3 log.sub.10 kill
efficacy, preferably at least 4 log.sub.20 kill efficacy at 60
seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and
most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the
group consisting of: S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E.
hirae, desirably according accepted and standardized testing
protocols for the evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of a
composition applied to a hard surface, soft surface, or a dermal
surface, i.e. a human or animal epidermis.
[0077] The antimicrobial agent may include one or more of:
pyrithiones such as zinc pyrithione, halohydantoins such as
dimethyldimethylol hydantoin,
methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone sodium sulfite,
sodium bisulfite, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, benzyl
alcohol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, formalin (formaldehyde),
iodopropenyl butylcarbamate, chloroacetamide, methanamine,
methyldibromonitrile glutaronitrile, glutaraldehyde,
5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, phenethyl alcohol,
o-phenylphenol/sodium o-phenylphenol, sodium
hydroxymethylglycinate, polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine,
dimethoxane, thimersal dichlorobenzyl alcohol, captan,
chlorphenenesin, dichlorophene, chlorbutanol, glyceryl laurate,
halogenated diphenyl ethers such as
2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (Triclosan.RTM.) and
2,2-dihydroxy-5,5-dibromo-diphenyl ether, phenolic antimicrobial
compounds such as mono- and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols,
such as p-chlorophenol, methyl p-chlorophenol,
4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, 2,4-dichloro-3,5-dimethylphenol,
3,4,5,6-terabromo-2-methylphenol, 5-methyl-2-pentylphenol,
4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, dichloro meta
xylenol, chlorothymol, and 5-chloro-2-hydroxydiphenylmethane,
resorcinol and its derivatives, bisphenolic compounds such as
2,2-methylene bis(4-chlorophenol) and
bis(2-hydroxy-5-chlorobenzyl)sulphide, benzoic esters (parabens),
halogenated carbanilides such as
3-trifluoromethyl-4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide (Triclocarban),
3-trifluoromethyl-4,4-dichlorocarbanilide and
3,3,4-trichlorocarbanilide.
[0078] The antimicrobial agent may include one or more of:
biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, p-chlorophenyl
biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide,
1,6-bis-(4-chlorobenzylbiguanido)-hexane (Fluorhexidine.RTM.),
halogenated hexidine including, but not limited to, chlorhexidine
(1,1'-hexamethylene-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguanide)
(Chlorohexidine.RTM.), as well as salts of any of the foregoing,
e.g. polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride.
[0079] The treatment compositions of the invention may also
comprise one or more organic or inorganic acids which may be used
to adjust the pH of the treatment composition to a target range or
level, and/or to impart an antimicrobial benefit. The acids may be
one or more of a water soluble inorganic acids, mineral acids, or
organic acids, with virtually all such known materials contemplated
as being useful in the treatment compositions. By way of
non-limiting example useful inorganic acids include mineral acids,
hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and the
like.
[0080] In certain embodiments, the inventive compositions comprise
one or more organic acids which also provide an antimicrobial
benefit. Exemplary organic acids are those which generally include
at least one carbon atom, and include at least one carboxyl group
(--COOH) in its structure. Derivatives of said organic acids are
also contemplated to be useful. Exemplary organic acid include
linear aliphatic acids such as acetic acid; dicarboxylic acids,
acidic amino acids, and hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic
acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, glyceric
acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, as well as acid
salts of these organic acids. Of these, citric acid, sorbic acid,
acetic acid, boric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid,
lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic
acid and/or derivatives thereof, e.g., salicylic acid derivatives
such as esters of salicylic acid, such as ethylhexyl salicylate,
dipropylene glycol salicylate, TEA salicylate, salicylic acid
2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl benzylester,
salicylic acid homomethylester are preferred. Of course mixtures of
one or more acids are contemplated as being useful.
[0081] The treatment composition may comprise one or more polyols
as well, especially preferably where such one or more polyols are
present within the treatment composition in amounts which are
effective in imparting a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to
surfaces upon which the treatment compositions are applied. By way
of non-limiting example, preferred are polyols containing from 2 to
about 6 hydroxyl groups. Preferred polyols are water soluble.
Specific, though non-limiting examples of polyols include: ethylene
glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene
glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, hexylene glycol,
butylene glycol and when present, the polyols should be present in
a sufficient concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of
which they form at least a part, provides an effective sanitizing
or disinfecting benefit to surfaces being treated with the
treatment compositions.
[0082] The treatment composition may comprise a peroxygen compound
which may be essentially any compound containing a dioxygen (O--O)
bond. Dioxygen bonds, particularly bivalent O--O bonds, are readily
cleavable, thereby allowing compounds containing them to act as
powerful oxidizers. Non-limiting examples of classes of peroxygen
compounds include peracids, peracid salts, and peroxides such as
hydrogen peroxide. The peroxygen can be any aliphatic or aromatic
peracid (or peroxyacid) that is functional for disinfectant
purposes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
While any functional peroxyacid can be used, peroxyacids containing
from 1 to 7 carbons are the most practical for use. These
peroxyacids can include, but not be limited to, peroxyformic acid,
peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid, peroxypropanoic acid,
perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid, peroxypentanoic acid,
peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid, peroxycitric, and/or
peroxybenzoic acid. Exemplary peracid salts include permanganates,
perborates, perchlorates, peracetates, percarbonates, persulphates,
and the like. Exemplary peroxide compounds include hydrogen
peroxide, metal peroxides and peroxyhydrates. The metal peroxides
that can be used include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxide,
magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and/or
strontium peroxide. Other salts (for example sodium percarbonate)
have hydrogen peroxide associated therewith are also considered to
be a source of hydrogen peroxide, thereby producing hydrogen
peroxide in situ.
[0083] The treatment compositions of the invention may also include
an oxidizing agent which may be a halogen bleach. Preferably, the
oxidizing agent is a halogen bleach source which may be selected
from various hypohalite-producing species, for example, bleaches
selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal and alkaline
earth salts of hypohalite, haloamines, haloimines, haloimides and
haloamides. All of these are believed to produce hypohalous
bleaching species in situ. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is a
hypohalite or a hypohalite generator capable of generating
hypohalous bleaching species. Hereafter, the term "hypohalite" is
used to describe both a hypohalite or a hypohalite generator,
unless otherwise indicated. Preferably, the hypohalite oxidizing
agent is a hypochlorite or a generator of hypochlorite in aqueous
solution, although hypobromite or a hypobromite generator is also
suitable. Representative hypochlorite generators include sodium,
potassium, lithium, magnesium and calcium hypochlorite, chlorinated
trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate, potassium and sodium
dichloroisocyanurate and trichlorocyanuric acid. Organic bleach
sources suitable for use include heterocyclic N-bromo and N-chloro
imides such as trichlorocyanuric and tribromocyanuric acid,
dibromocyanuric acid and dichlorocyanuric acid, and potassium and
sodium salts thereof, N-brominated and N-chlorinated succinimide,
malonimide, phthalimide and naphthalimide. Also suitable are
hydantoins, such as dibromodimethyl-hydantoin and
dichlorodimethyl-hydantoin, chlorodimethylhydantoin,
N-chlorosulfamide (haloamide) and chloramine (haloamine). When
present, advantageously the hypohalite oxidizing agent is an alkali
metal hypochlorite, an alkaline earth salt of hypochlorite, or a
mixture thereof.
[0084] The treatment composition of the invention may include a
treatment agent which provides an anti-static or surface softening
benefit to a surface, particularly a textile or fibrous surface
being treated. Coming into consideration as treatment agents for
providing a fiber, textile or fabric softening benefit are one or
more compounds which are known to the art as fabric softener
compounds. By way of non-limiting example such include all the
current commercial quaternary long-chain softeners, and preferably
at least partially unsaturated esterquats. Exemplary suitable
fabric softeners include fabric softening compounds which are
cationic, water insoluble quaternary ammonium compounds comprising
a polar head group and two long hydrocarbyl moieties, preferably
selected from alkyl, alkenyl and mixtures thereof, wherein each
such hydrocarbyl moiety has an average chain length equal to or
greater than C.sub.12, preferably greater than C.sub.14, more
preferably greater than C.sub.16, More preferably still, at least
50% of each long chain alkyl or alkenyl group is predominantly
linear. A preferred overall chain length is about C.sub.18, though
mixtures of chain lengths having non-zero proportions of lower,
e.g., C.sub.14, C.sub.16 and some higher, e.g., C.sub.20 chains may
be desired. The cationic softener can suitably be distearyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride or unsaturated analogs thereof, but
preferably the selected quaternary ammonium fabric softener is
biodegradable. Such a property is common to many commercial
esterquat fabric softeners such as di(tallowyloxyethyl)dimethyl
ammonium chloride. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric softening
compound is a quaternary ammonium esterquat compound having two
C.sub.12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to a quaternary
ammonium moiety via at least one ester moiety, preferably two such
ester moieties. Of course mixtures of two or more fabric softener
compounds.
[0085] The treatment compositions of the invention may also include
a treatment agent which provides an air treatment technical
benefit. By way of nonlimiting examples, such include fragrances,
perfumes, compositions for the control or eradication of airborne
insects, odor neutralizing agents, odor masking agents, as well as
those which may impart holistic or aromatherapy benefits.
[0086] A fragrance may form part of the treatment composition, and
which may be based on natural and synthetic fragrances and most
commonly are mixtures or blends of a plurality of such fragrances,
optionally in conjunction with a carrier such as an organic solvent
or a mixture of organic solvents in which the fragrances are
dissolved, suspended or dispersed. Typically, a fragrance is
derived from one or more row raw materials which may be divided
into three main groups: (1) the essential oils and products
isolated from these oils; (2) products of animal origin; and (3)
synthetic chemicals. By way of non-limiting example, natural
fragrances as well as certain essential oils include the extracts
of blossoms (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang),
stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), fruits (anise,
coriander, caraway, juniper), fruit peel (bergamot, lemon, orange),
roots (nutmeg, angelica, celery, cardamon, costus, iris, calmus),
woods (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiac wood, cedarwood, rosewood),
herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), needles and
branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf pine), resins and balsams
(galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Animal raw
materials, for example civet and beaver, may also be used. Typical
synthetic perfume compounds are products of the ester, ether,
aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Examples of perfume
compounds of the ester type are benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl
isobutyrate, p-tert.butyl cyclohexylacetate, linalyl acetate,
dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, phenyl ethyl acetate, linalyl
benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethyl phenyl glycinate, allyl
cyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate.
Ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether while aldehydes
include, for example, the linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon
atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen
aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal. Examples of
suitable ketones are the ionones, .alpha.-isomethylionone and
methyl cedryl ketone. Suitable alcohols are anethol, citronellol,
eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and
terpineol. The hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes and
balsams. However, it is preferred to use mixtures of different
perfume compounds which, together, produce an agreeable fragrance.
Other suitable perfume oils are essential oils of relatively low
volatility which are mostly used as aroma components. Examples are
sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon
leaf oil, lime-blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil,
olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavendin oil. When
present such a fragrance constituent may be present in the
treatment composition in any effective amount. Advantageously, the
fragrance or perfume is present in amounts of from about 0.00001%
wt. to about 50% wt. based on the total weight of the treatment
composition of which they form a part, although, due to the mode of
delivery of the mist generator means to which does not impart
thermal degradation of such a constituent, its inclusion in even
higher amounts to about 100% wt. of the treatment composition are
also contemplated as being possible and indeed advantageous in
certain embodiments of the invention.
[0087] The treatment composition of the invention may include one
or more holistic constituents, particularly may include one or more
essential oils which are selected to provide a so-called
"aromatherapy benefit" to the user. Such essential oils are
frequently extracted from naturally occurring botanical sources
such as flowers, stems, leaves, roots and barks of aromatic plants.
While essential oils may be used singly, it is also common to
utilize blends of essential oils in order to provide a conjunctive
aroma benefit, and possibly a therapeutic benefit as well.
Similarly to fragrance compositions which may also include one or
more essential oils, frequently, due to their potency, essential
oils are often supplied dispersed in a liquid carrier such as in
one or more organic solvents in which the essential oils are
dissolved or dispersed. Preferred essential oils providing an
aromatherapy benefit include one or more selected from chamomile
oil, lavendin oil, lavender oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, line
oil, mandarin orange oil, orange flower oil and orange oil. When
present, these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy
benefit are present in any effective amount, advantageously are
present in amounts of from about 0.00001% wt. to about 50% wt.
based on the total weight of the treatment composition of which
they form a part, although, due to the mode of delivery of the mist
generator means to which does not impart thermal degradation of
such a holistic constituent or essential oils, their inclusion in
even higher amounts to about 100% wt. of the treatment composition
are also contemplated as being possible and indeed advantageous in
certain embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that
these one or more essential oils providing an aromatherapy benefit
may be used with our without the optional fragrancing constituent
recited previously and alternately, may be used wholly or partially
in place of said fragrancing constituent.
[0088] To maintain or establish a desired pH of a treatment
composition, the use of one or more pH buffers is contemplated. The
treatment compositions according to the invention optionally but
desirably include an amount of a pH adjusting agent or pH buffer
composition. Such compositions include many which are known to the
art and which are conventionally used. By way of non-limiting
example pH adjusting agents include phosphorus containing
compounds, monovalent and polyvalent salts such as of silicates,
carbonates, and borates, certain acids and bases, tartrates and
certain acetates. Further exemplary pH adjusting agents include
mineral acids, basic compositions, and organic acids, which are
typically required in only minor amounts. By way of further
non-limiting example pH buffering compositions include the alkali
metal phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, triphosphates,
tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates,
carbonates, hydroxides, and mixtures of the same. Certain salts,
such as the alkaline earth phosphates, carbonates, hydroxides, can
also function as buffers. It may also be suitable to use as buffers
such materials as aluminosilicates (zeolites), borates, aluminates
and certain organic materials such as gluconates, succinates,
maleates, and their alkali metal salts. Desirably the compositions
according to the invention include an effective amount of an
organic acid and/or an inorganic salt form thereof which may be
used to adjust and maintain the pH of the treatment compositions of
the invention to the desired pH range. Particularly useful is
citric acid and metal salts thereof such as sodium citrate which
are widely available and which are effective in providing these pH
adjustment and buffering effects.
[0089] The treatment compositions of the invention may also include
one or more alkanolamines which in addition to providing an
improved cleaning benefit may also be used to concurrently adjust
the pH of the treatment composition. By way of nonlimiting examples
such include monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, trialkanolamines,
and alkylalkanolamines such as alkyl-dialkanolamines, and
dialkyl-monoalkanolamines. The alkanol and alkyl groups are
generally short to medium chain length, that is, from 1 to 7
carbons in length. For di- and trialkanolamines and
dialkyl-monoalkanolamines, these groups can be combined on the same
amine to produce for example,
methylethylhydroxypropylhydroxylamine. One of skill can readily
ascertain other members of this group.
[0090] The treatment compositions of the invention may also
comprise one or more hydrotropes, preferably one or more anionic
hydrotrope compounds. Exemplary hydtropes include, e.g., benzene
sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C.sub.1-C.sub.11 alkyl benzene
sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, C.sub.5-C.sub.11 alkyl
sulfonates, C.sub.6-C.sub.11 alkyl sulfates, alkyl diphenyloxide
disulfonates, and phosphate ester hydrotropes. The hydrotropic
compounds of the invention are often provided in a salt form with a
suitable counterion, such as one or more alkali, or alkali earth
metals, such as sodium or potassium, especially sodium. However,
other water soluble cations such as ammonium, mono-, di- and
tri-lower alkyl, i.e., C.sub.1-4 alkanol ammonium groups can be
used in the place of the alkali metal cations. Exemplary alkyl
benzene sulfonates include, for example, isopropylbenzene
sulfonates, xylene sulfonates, toluene sulfonates, cumene
sulfonates, as well as mixtures thereof. Exemplary C.sub.5-C.sub.11
alkyl sulfonates include hexyl sulfonates, octyl sulfonates, and
hexyl/octyl sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. Particularly useful
hydrotrope compounds include benzene sulfonates, o-toluene
sulfonates, m-toluene sulfonates, and p-toluene sulfonates;
2,3-xylene sulfonates, 2,4-xylene sulfonates, and 4,6-xylene
sulfonates; cumene sulfonates, wherein such exemplary hydrotropes
are generally in a salt form thereof, including sodium and
potassium salt forms.
[0091] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of hard surfaces and soft
surfaces come which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment
composition contacts the surface and provides a technical benefit
thereto.
[0092] According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of inanimate, nonporous hard
surfaces which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which contacts
said hard surfaces and provides a technical benefit thereto.
Typically, the treatment compositions delivered by the device
according to this method comprise one or more solvents such as
water and/or organic solvents, and one or more further constituents
especially one or more surfactants or other materials which provide
a disinfecting, sanitizing, or antimicrobial benefits to the
treated surfaces. Typically, the technical benefits provided are
one or more of: cleaning benefit, a disinfecting benefit, a
sanitizing benefit, a bacteriostatic effect, an anti-viral benefit,
a sporicidal benefit to reduce the presence of, incidence of or
regrowth of molds, fungi, spores and the like, an anti-allergen
benefit, an anti-acaricidal benefit, an anti-fungal benefit, an
anti-resoiling benefit, a surface treatment benefit to improve the
appearance thereof, e.g., surface shine and the like, an air
treatment benefit including but not limited to; fragrancing, odor
masking, odor neutralization, air sanitization, an anti-pesticidal
benefit, an anti-insectidal benefit as well as providing a surface
coating to hard surfaces. By way of non-limiting example, hard
surfaces include surfaces composed of refractory materials such as:
glazed and unglazed tile, brick, porcelain, ceramics as well as
stone including marble, granite, and other stones surfaces; glass;
metals; plastics e.g. polyester, vinyl; fiberglass, Formica.RTM.,
Corian.RTM. and other hard surfaces known to the industry. Further
hard surfaces which are to be denoted are those associated with
kitchen environments and other environments associated with food
preparation, including cabinets and countertop surfaces as well as
walls and floor surfaces especially those which include refractory
materials, plastics, Formica.RTM., Corian.RTM. and stone. Still
further hard surfaces include flooring surfaces, e.g., wood, tile,
glass, ceramic, cement surfaces, grout, linoleum, carpets, rugs,
and the like.
[0093] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for the treatment of soft surfaces, e.g.,
fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like which method comprises
the step of providing a device which generates a mist of a
treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts the
aforementioned fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like and which
optionally further also penetrates the surface or services thereof,
and which provides a technical benefit thereto. Similar to the
above, the treatment compositions delivered by the device according
to this method comprise one or more solvents such as water and/or
organic solvents, and one or more further constituents especially
one or more surfactants or other materials which provide a
disinfecting, sanitizing, or antimicrobial benefits to the treated
surfaces. Typically, the technical benefits provided are one or
more of: fragrancing, perfuming, odor neutralizing, malodor
treating or masking, cleaning, sanitization, disinfection, textile
or fabric softening, antiwrinkling such as of garments or textiles,
as well as providing a treatment or a coating of a film forming
composition to the treated soft surface, e.g., application of a
fluoropolymer surfactant containing treatment composition to
particularly to resist subsequent staining of such treated
surfaces, including garments, textiles, upholstery, carpeted
surfaces, rugs, as well as threads and fibers used in the
production of such soft surfaces, and the like.
[0094] According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for controlling the incidence of dust mites, and
or controlling their residual fecal matter, as well as denaturation
of allergens, e.g., "der-p" and "der-f" allergens, which method
comprises the step of providing a device which generates a mist of
a treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts the
surface and provides a technical benefit thereto. The treatment
compositions delivered by the device according to this method
comprise typically may comprise one or more solvents such as water
and/or organic solvents, and one or more further constituents
especially one or more of: organic acids and in particular lactic
acid, citric acid, surfactants, essential oils and enzymes.
[0095] According to a further aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for the treatment of medical instruments, e.g.,
surgical instruments, dental instruments, or other instruments to
be used in medical procedures which come into direct contact with
parts of the human body and which require periodic cleaning,
disinfection, sanitization or sterilization which method comprises
the step of providing a device which generates a mist of a
treatment composition, which treatment composition contacts said
medical instruments and provides a cleaning, disinfection,
sanitization or sterilization benefit to the treated medical
instruments.
[0096] In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided
a method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an
airspace, which method comprises the step of providing a device
which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which treatment
composition contacts said airspace and provides a technical benefit
thereto. Typically, the technical benefits provided are one or more
of: fragrancing, perfuming, odor neutralizing, malodor treating or
masking, air sanitization. The treatment compositions delivered by
the device according to this method comprise one or more solvents
such as water and/or organic solvents, and one or more further
constituents.
[0097] In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for the pre-treatment or post-treatment of an article to be
treated in a laundry machine for the cleaning treatment, e.g., dry
cleaning, or laundering treatment, e.g., aqueous laundering of
fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like which method comprises
the step of providing a device which generates a mist of a
treatment composition, which composition contacts the
aforementioned fabrics, textiles, garments, and the like and which
optionally further also penetrates the surface or services thereof,
and which provides a technical benefit thereto.
[0098] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for the delivery of an air treatment composition to an
enclosed airspace, which method comprises the step of providing a
device which generates a mist of a treatment composition, which
treatment composition contacts said enclosed airspace and provides
a technical benefit thereto, e.g., fragrancing, perfuming, odor
masking, malodour neutralization, air sanitization, and the like.
Examples of such enclosed airspaces include larger or open
airspaces, e.g., a larger volumes such as a room, public space
within the interior of a building, a cabin or compartment within a
vehicle, as well as within a closed container or other relatively
smaller space, e.g., the interior of a storage cabinet, a closet, a
shower stall, a garbage container or refuse bin, and the like. The
delivery of a mist of a treatment composition which provides a
fragrancing, odor masking, perfuming, odor neutralization,
disinfecting, sanitizing, or other technical benefit to the
interior of a container for collecting and storing wastes, garbage
or refuse, including rigid containers such as cans, drums, bins,
baskets and the like or flexible containers such as bags, envelopes
and the like is a contemplated and preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0099] According to a further aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for the pre-treatment or post-treatment of an
article, such as a dishware article, to be treated in an
dishwashing process, e.g., a manual dishwashing process, or in an
automatic dishwashing machine, which method comprises the step of
providing a device which generates a mist of a treatment
composition, which said composition contacts dishware e.g.,
tableware, glassware, cooking utensils, cookware, and the like, and
which provides a technical benefit thereto. Typically, the
treatment compositions delivered by the device according to this
method comprise one or more solvents such as water and/or organic
solvents, and one or more further constituents especially one or
more surfactants or other materials which provide a disinfecting,
sanitizing, or antimicrobial benefits to the treated surfaces.
Typically, the technical benefits provided are one or more of:
cleaning, sanitization, disinfection, surface treatment, such as by
providing a coating of a film forming composition to the treated
hard surface particularly to resist subsequent staining of such
treated surfaces.
[0100] According to a still further aspect of the invention, there
is provided a method for the application of a treatment composition
to a bodily surface, e.g., a dermal surface, or hair surface, which
method comprises the step of providing a device which generates a
mist of a treatment composition which composition contacts the
bodily surface and provides a technical benefit thereto. Exemplary
bodily surfaces include the epidermis, e.g., hands, arms, legs,
face, scalp as well as other body areas. Typically, the treatment
compositions delivered by the device according to this method
comprise one or more solvents such as water and/or organic
solvents, and one or more further constituents especially one or
more surfactants or other materials which provide a disinfecting,
sanitizing, antimicrobial benefits, deodorization, fragrancing,
perfuming, skin nourishment, skin conditioning, wound treatment
benefit to the treated bodily surfaces. In a preferred method, an
anti-acne or skin cleansing composition is applied to a bodily
surface, preferably to skin surfaces of the head, face and neck, in
order to provide a treatment composition which may provide an
anti-acne or skin cleansing benefit. A treatment composition
providing an anti-acne benefit may comprise an effective amount of
salicylic acid or other anti-acne active constituent or composition
which may remediate the incidence thereof.
[0101] In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for the delivery of a depilatory composition to a skin upon
which hair growth may be present, which method includes the step of
supplying a depilatory composition or a composition containing a
depilatory constituent, e.g. thioglycolic acid, to the skin
surface.
[0102] In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided
a method for the delivery of a nebulized or atomized fluid
treatment composition, viz., a "treatment mist" to a surface, or to
an enclosed cavity, volume, or space. By way of nonlimiting
examples, such enclosed interiors, cavity, volume, or other
enclosed space include a way of example: body cavities, e.g.,
buccal cavity; the enclosed interior of rooms, buildings and the
like; being closed interior of vehicles such as cars, buses,
trucks, aircraft, boats and ships and the like; the enclosed
interior of the storage lockers, cabinets, closets, boxes and the
like.
[0103] In a yet further aspect the present invention provides a
device and a method for the delivery of a mist of a treatment
composition which provides a pesticidal, mitocidal, viricidal,
antimicrobial or sanitizing benefit by delivery of a mist of a
treatment composition from the device of a a nebulized or atomized
fluid treatment composition which treatment composition comprises
one or more constituents which provide a pesticidal, mitocidal,
viricidal, antimicrobial or sanitizing benefit.
[0104] Reference is now made to the drawings, which illustrate
various embodiments of the invention, including certain preferred
embodiments of the invention. In the accompanying figures, like
elements are indicated using like numerals throughout the
figures.
[0105] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a mist generator means 20
which comprises a vibrating plate 22, here formed of a
micro-perforated metal screen or sheet having a plurality of
microperforations 21 passing therethrough. The vibrating plate 22
is generally circular, and includes a peripheral piezoelectric
element 24. Although depicted in the embodiment that the
piezoelectric element is at the peripheral edge 26 of the vibrating
plate 22 and is affixed thereto, it is to be understood that the
piezoelectric element 24 may be affixed to any part of the
vibrating plate 22 and is not necessarily required to be at the
periphery thereof. Further illustrated on the figure are a pair of
electrical current carrying means 40, or, namely a pair of wires
which supply an electrical current from the circuit control means
(not shown) which acts to operate the mist generator means 20 by
inducing the vibrations within that the vibrating plate 22 which
acts to pump the mist TM of the treatment composition from the
vibrating plate 22 as is indicated by reference arrows "TM".
[0106] FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment of a mist generator
means 20 which also comprises a vibrating plate 22, however in the
present embodiment to series of segments 23 pass through the
vibrating plate. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,028, the
entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference,
which also illustrates such elements. Similarly, a piezoelectric
element 24 is similarly illustrated at the peripheral age 26 of the
vibrating plate 22 and is likewise affixed to thereto. Also
illustrated is current carrying means 40, namely a pair of wires
are also illustrated for providing means to transmit an electrical
current to the piezoelectric element 24 from the circuit control
means (not shown) to induce vibrations within the mist generator
means 20 so to pump a treatment composition in the form of a mist
TM in the direction of the reference arrows TM.
[0107] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict embodiments of a mist generator
means 20 of different configurations which are adapted to provide a
bi-modal distribution of liquid droplets or particles, viz., a
treatment mist of the treatment composition. The embodiment
presented on FIG. 2A is similar in most respects to the embodiments
according to FIGS. 1 and 2, but differ in that the vibrating plate
22 formed of a micro-perforated metal screen or sheet comprises a
first series of microperforations 21A passing therethrough and a
second series of microperforations 21B passing therethrough, which
are of different configurations or sizes, e.g., cross section or
diameters, the microperforations of each series being of different
configurations or sizes, e.g., cross section or diameters than
those of the other or different series. Treatment composition being
nebulized by the mist generator means 20 is provided as a treatment
mist having a bi-modal distribution of liquid droplets or liquid
particles. The embodiment of FIG. 2B illustrates a further
embodiment of a mist generator means 20 having a rectangular
configuration, and includes a vibrating plate 22 formed of a
micro-perforated metal screen or sheet comprises a first series of
microperforations 21A passing therethrough, a second series of
microperforations 21B passing therethrough, and a third series of
microperforations 21C passing therethrough, the microperforations
of each series being of different configurations or sizes, e.g.,
cross section or diameters than those of another series; treatment
composition being nebulized by the mist generator means 20 is
provided as a treatment mist having a three-modal distribution of
liquid droplets or liquid particles. The embodiment of FIG. 2C
illustrates a further embodiment of a mist generator means 20
having a rectangular configuration, and includes a vibrating plate
22 formed of a micro-perforated metal screen or sheet comprises a
first series of microperforations 21A passing therethrough, and a
second series of microperforations 21B passing therethrough; the
microperforations of each series being of different configurations
or sizes, e.g., cross section or diameters than those of another
series; treatment composition being nebulized by the mist generator
means 20 is provided as a treatment mist having a bi-modal
distribution of liquid droplets or liquid particles.
[0108] It is to be understood however the in many useful
embodiments the mist generator means 20 comprises a vibrating plate
22 which includes only a single series of microperforations 21
passing therethrough which are all similarly sized, such as in the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, which depict eminently
suitable mist generator means 20 which may be used in any
embodiment of the invention, and which provide a treatment mist TM
having a unimodal particle distribution.
[0109] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate in a more detailed,
cross-sectional view the operation of a portion of a vibrating
plate 22 under normal operating conditions. Typically, when an
appropriate electrical current is passed through the piezoelectric
element 24, such induces the configuration, or the expansion and
contraction of the piezoelectric element 24. The vibrating plate
22, at least a part of which is mechanically, chemically, or
otherwise physically bonded to at least a part of the piezoelectric
element 24 similarly vibrates but to due to the more flexible
nature of the vibrating plate 22, an oscillatory pattern is
introduced in to the vibrating plate 22. Where the vibrating plate
22 is generally circular in nature and is bound on its periphery to
the piezoelectric element 24, as is disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2,
typically a rippling waveform, which extends from the periphery and
towards the center of the vibrating plate 22 manifests itself.
However when the vibrating plate 22 is generally rectangular, or is
bonded on only one of its sides or one of its ends to piezoelectric
element 24, a typically rippling waveform which extends from the
point of connection between vibrating plate 22 and the
piezoelectric 24 is manifested. The latter is due to the fact that
wherein the parts of the vibrating plate 22 are not mechanically
bound, such provides for more freedom of movement of the vibrating
plate 22 at such points thereon. Nonetheless, in such a
configuration, the waveform induces flexure of the vibrating plate
22 such that during the passage of a wave, or part of a waveform
across any point of the vibrating plate 22, the region surrounding
such a point will bend either upwardly, or downwardly with respect
to the same point, as compared to the condition of the same point
when the vibrating plate 22 is in a static state. FIGS. 3A, 3B and
3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a small section of a
vibrating plate 22 in various states of operation. FIG. 3A
illustrates a cross-sectional view of a small section of a
vibrating plate 22 in such a static state. As is visible thereon,
the vibrating plate 22 includes a series of microperforations or
channels 25 passing therethrough, which optionally but preferably
have a slightly wider diameter or width of channel entries 25a at
the bottom face 22a of the vibrating plate 22, and slightly
narrower diameter or width of channel exits 25b at the top face 22b
of the vibrating plate 22. Such is believed to improve the pumping
action of the treatment composition being transferred through the
vibrating plate 22 when it operates as part of the mist generator
means 20. Turning now to FIG. 3B, the same portion of the vibrating
plate 22 is illustrated in the condition as being a "trough" of a
portion of the waveform during the oscillation of the vibrating
plate 22. Depicted are also pair of microdroplets "MD" of the
treatment composition which are present at the passage entries 25a
at the bottom face 22a of the vibrating plate 22. Such for example
may be formed by the presence of a treatment composition beneath
the vibrating plate 22, such as when supplied in a liquid form.
Turning now to FIG. 3C, the same portion of the vibrating plate 22
is illustrated in the condition as it being at a "peak" of a
portion of the waveform during the oscillation of the vibrating
plate 22. As is visible thereon, the direction of flexure of the
vibrating plate is now reversed with respect to that as illustrated
on FIG. 3C, and as it is in an outwardly bowed direction
perspective thereto, the passage exits 25b have a somewhat
increased width or diameter as compared to one of the vibrating
plate 22 was in the trough position, via., as per FIG. 3B or even
when in a static position, as per FIG. 3A. Concurrently, the
diameter or width of the passage entries 25a at the bottom face 22a
of the vibrating plate 22 are reduced as compared to one of the
vibrating plate 22 was in the trough position, via., as per FIG. 3B
or even when in a static position, as per FIG. 3A, and such causes
the microdroplets MD of the treatment composition to be expelled
outwardly from the vibrating plate 22 in the direction of reference
arrows TC. In such a manner, pumping of a liquid composition, here
the treatment composition of the invention can be achieved across
the thickness of the vibrating plate 22.
[0110] It is however to be noted that while the provision of
pumping across the thickness of the vibrating plate 22 provides an
excellent means of atomizing the treatment composition and thereby
providing a treatment composition in a form of a mist, it is
foreseen that the treatment composition can alternately be supplied
directly to the top face 22b of the vibrating plate 22, and due to
the vibratory oscillation of the vibrating plates 22, microdroplets
MD of the treatment composition are also formed without necessarily
passing through the vibrating plate 22 as described immediately
above.
[0111] FIG. 4 depicts a further embodiment of a vibrating plate 22
of the invention, similar in several respects to the embodiments
illustrated on FIGS. 1 and 2. Thereupon is illustrated a mist
generator means 20 which comprises a vibrating plate 22, here
formed of a bowl shaped micro-perforated metal screen or sheet. The
vibrating plate 22 is generally circular, and includes a peripheral
piezoelectric element 24. A portion of the bottom face 22a is in
contact with the surface of, or is partially immersed with the
treatment composition TC, here in the form of a liquid. When
operating, the mist generator means 20 pumps microdroplets of the
treatment composition outwardly from the interior of the bowl
shaped vibrating plate 22, upwardly an outwardly in the direction
of reference arrows TM.
[0112] FIG. 5 depicts a further embodiment of a mist generator
means 20 according to the invention. In the depicted in embodiment,
there is provided a vibrating plate 22, here formed of a bowl
shaped micro-perforated metal screen or sheet which is generally
circular and includes a peripheral piezoelectric element 24. A
portion of the bottom face 22a is in contact with a surface of, or
partially immersed with the treatment composition TC, here in the
form of a column of flowing liquid supplied by a fluid conduit 30,
here a circular tube. The treatment composition TC flows out from
the open end 32 of the tube 30 and maintains a meniscus or layer of
the treatment composition at this open end 32. When operating, the
mist generator means 20 pumps microdroplets MD of the treatment
composition outwardly from the interior of the bowl shaped
vibrating plate 22, upwardly and outwardly in the direction of
reference arrows TM, as during part of its oscillation, the
vibrating plate 22 comes into contact with the treatment
composition TC and pumps it through and outwardly from the
vibrating plate 22 in the manner described previously. The quantity
of the treatment composition which exits the tube 30 can be
recirculated to resupply the vibrating plate 22 or alternately, can
be collected or drained off and discarded. In this manner, by
control of the operating characteristics of the mist generator
means 20, and the rate at which the treatment composition TC is
supplied, the use of a capillary or wick as a fluid transport means
can be omitted or excluded from the device.
[0113] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of a mist generator
means 20 according to the invention. The mist generator means 20
comprises a piezoelectric element 24 and a vibrating plate 22, here
formed of a micro-perforated metal screen or sheet which is
generally rectangular in configuration. In the present embodiment,
only one end of the vibrating plate 22 on bonded to piezoelectric
element 24, and during operation of the mist generator means 20 a
typically rippling waveform which extends from the a proximal end
22P of the vibrating plate 22 along its length to its distal end
22D, is manifested. The latter is due to the fact that as parts of
the vibrating plate 22 are not mechanically bound, particularly in
the distal end 22D such provides for more freedom of movement of
the vibrating plate 22. In the illustrated embodiment, while the
vibrating plate 22 is generally rectangular it also is bent thus to
define 3 interconnected parts, a proximal end part 27D, an
intermediate part 27I, and a distal end part 27D. In the depicted
embodiment, the proximal end part 27P and distal end part 27D all
are generally parallel but spaced apart from one another via the
intermediate part 27I which is angled to both the proximal end part
27D and distal end part 27D. Here, the angles are approximately
equal and approximately between 30 and 45 degrees of arc. Greater,
and lesser angles are contemplated than the angles shown in the
figure. Further illustrated on the figure are a pair of electrical
current carrying means 40, or, namely a pair of wires which supply
an electrical current from controller means (not shown) which acts
to operate the mist generator means 20 by inducing the vibrations
within that the vibrating plate 22 which acts to pump the treatment
composition outwardly from vibrating plate 22 as is indicated by
reference arrows "TM". As illustrated in this figure, the distal
end part 27D of the vibrating plate 22 is in contact with, or
immersed in a quantity of the treatment composition TC, here
present in the form of a liquid. Although not visible in the
drawings, the distal end part 27D includes passages or
microperforations as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B
or 2C. During operation of the mist generator means 20, oscillation
of the vibrating plate 22 pumps microdroplets of the treatment
composition outwardly from the vibrating plate 22, in the direction
of reference arrows TM. The particle size distribution in the
treatment mist TM may be a unimodal distribution, a bimodal
distribution, a trimodal distribution or any other
distribution.
[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a mist generator
means 20 similar in some respects to the embodiment depicted on
FIG. 6. In the present figure, a portion of a rectangular vibrating
plate 22 is affixed, attached or bonded to a piezoelectric element
24, and the rectangular vibrating plate 22 extends outwardly
therefrom. The vibrating plate 22 has a proximal end part 27P which
extends via an intermediate angle to a distal end part 27D which
comprises passages or microperforations as discussed with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus the portion of the vibrating plate 22
comprising passages or microperforations is inclined. The treatment
composition in the form of a liquid is supplied by a capillary
means 70 here depicted as a porous fibrous element which transfers
the treatment composition towards the terminal end 72 of the
capillary means 70 from a reservoir containing the treatment
composition (not shown). Alternatively, the porous fibrous element
can be substituted by a ceramic element, or may be a plurality of
thin diameter tubes such as a plurality of a thin diameter tubes
which may be bundled to form a suitable capillary means 40. During
operation, the capillary means 70 transmits the treatment
composition word forms a film layer or meniscus at the terminal end
42 where it is retained. During the vibratory movement of the
vibrating plate 22, the portion of the vibrating plate 22
comprising the passages or microperforations entrains, and
thereafter pumps the treatment composition upward and outward from
the vibrating plates 22 in the direction of reference arrows
TM.
[0115] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a part of mist generator
means 20 wherein a treatment composition TM is supplied to the
vibrating plate 22 as a column of flowing liquid supplied by a
fluid conduit 30, here a circular tube, wherein a sufficient amount
of the treatment composition is present as a meniscus at the open
end of the tube or may overflow. During part of its oscillation,
the vibrating plate 22 comes into contact with the treatment
composition TC and pumps it through an outwardly from the vibrating
plate 22 and in the direction of reference arrows TM
[0116] FIG. 9A depicts an embodiment of a mist generator means 20
adapted for use with dual sources of the treatment composition. As
is visible thereon, a vibrating plate 22 of a generally rectangular
configuration comprises a piezoelectric element 24 in its
midsection. The vibrating plate 22 has two distal end parts 27D
each of which comprises passages or microperforations as discussed
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, 2A, 2B and 2C.
[0117] The operation of such a mist generator means 20 is more
clearly disclosed on the side view presented in FIG. 9B which
illustrates the mist generator means 20, and two sources of a
treatment composition TC which can be the same or different. A
first source of a treatment composition TC is a column of flowing
liquid supplied by a fluid conduit 30, here a circular tube,
wherein the treatment composition TC is delivered in the manner
described in FIG. 8, such that during part of its oscillation, the
vibrating plate 22 comes into contact with the treatment
composition TC and pumps it through an outwardly from the vibrating
plate 22 and in the direction of reference arrows TM. A second
source of a treatment composition is wherein the treatment
composition in the form of a liquid is supplied by a capillary
means 70 which transfers the treatment composition towards the
terminal end 72 of the capillary means 70 from a reservoir
containing the treatment composition as discussed with reference to
FIG. 9A. During the vibratory movement of the vibrating plate 22,
the portion of the vibrating plate 22 comprising the passages or
microperforations entrains, and thereafter pumps the treatment
composition upward and outward from the vibrating plates 22 in the
direction of reference arrows TM. In such an embodiment, a single
piezoelectric element 24 and be used to induce vibration into one
or more vibrating plates 22 each having one or more regions which
comprise passages or microperforations as discussed with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2, or a single vibrating plate having one or more
regions which comprise comprises passages or microperforations as
discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and consequently can be
used to deliver one or more treatment compositions TC, which may be
the same or different. For example, one treatment composition may
be primarily provided as providing a treatment benefit to a
surface, while the other treatment composition may be primarily
provided to provide a treatment benefit to an airspace. Also coming
into consideration is the provision of treatment compositions from
devices according to the invention wherein a first treatment
composition TC and a second different treatment composition TC are
separately stored in separate reservoirs, but are simultaneously
delivered when then coming into contact undergo a chemical reaction
when in the form of a mist in order to form a treatment composition
providing a technical benefit. Additionally it is contemplated that
the vibrating plates 22 may have two or more differently sized or
configures series of microperforations of each series being of
different configurations or sizes, e.g., cross section or diameters
than those of another series, as discussed with reference to FIGS.
2A, 2B and 2C. The treatment composition or two different treatment
compositions being nebulized by the mist generator means 20
according to FIGS. 9A and 9B may be provided as a treatment mist
having at least a bi-modal distribution of liquid droplets or
liquid particles, but if desired the mist generator means 20
according to FIGS. 9A and 9B may also provide a unimodal
distribution of liquid droplets or liquid particles.
[0118] FIG. 10 depicts a further embodiment of a mist generator
means 20. Therein, a piezoelectric element 24 is mounted on a
bottom face 32A of a transmission element 32T opposite from a top
face 32B which is slightly spaced apart but in parallel to a
vibrating plate 22. The vibrating plate 22 is mounted via a
surrounding mounting frame 34 to a first body element 40A of a
portion of the device. The surrounding mounting frame 34 is rigid
and does not, per se, introduce any vibratory motion to the
vibrating plate 22. This body element 40A comprises a circular bore
42 through which the upper part 32D of the transmission element 32
extends. In this depicted embodiment, the transmission element 32
is a generally circular and symmetrical about a vertical central
axis extending through the center of the upper part 32D as well as
lower part 32C to form a "stepped cylinder" as depicted. The lower
part 32C is partially mounted within a bore 52 of a second body
part 50 by a suitable mounting means here a peripheral O-ring 53
which is elastomeric thereby providing a liquid tight seal and yet
at the same time permitting for movement of the transmission
element 32T along its center axis and in the direction of the
vibrating plate 22. A supply of the treatment composition TC is
supplied to the circular bore 42 and the vibrating plate 22 via a
fluid conduit 60 positioned between the first body element 40 and
the second body part 50. Thus, the treatment composition TC may be
supplied to the region between the top face 32B and the vibrating
plate 22. When the piezoelectric element 24 is actuated, a
vibratory motion is induced within the transmission element 32
which then oscillates alternately toward and away from the
vibrating plate 22. Such motion causes pumping of the treatment
composition TC through passages or microperforations present in the
vibrating plate 22 such that a mist of the treatment composition TC
is formed and expelled outwardly from the vibrating plate 22 in the
direction of reference arrows TM. Such motion of the transmission
element may also induce vibration in the vibrating plate as well,
also causing pumping of the treatment composition TC therethrough
and formation of a mist TM of the treatment composition TC. In the
foregoing embodiment is to be understood that the reference to the
first body part 40A and the second body part 50 need not be
necessarily limited to discrete and separate portions of the device
but can be a composite or a unitary element having in the
appropriate configurations as described with reference to the
figure.
[0119] FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the mist
generator means 20 of the invention, similar in several respects to
the embodiment according to prior FIG. 10. Therein, a first body
part 40A includes a downwardly sloping circular sidewall 41 at or
near the bottom of which is transversely mounted a vibrating plate
22 in a mounting frame 34. The region within the circular sidewall
41 and the vibrating plates 22 defines a weir 43 (or "horn 43" if
the mist generator means 20 is inverted or rotated away from the
depicted horizontal configuration) within which the treatment
composition TC may be supplied or which may be collected. Beneath
the vibrating plate 22 is a transmission element 32T in the form of
a stepped cylinder, on the underside of which is mounted a
piezoelectric element 24. Similarly to FIG. 10, the transmission
element 32T is mounted within a circular bore 52 in a second body
part 50 via a suitable mounting means, here an elastomeric seal 53
which may be a fitted O-ring which is flexible but provides a
liquid tight seal between the lower part 32C of the transmission
element 32T and the bore 52. Treatment composition TC is supplied
between the transmission element 32 and the vibrating plate 22 via
a fluid conduit 60 positioned between the first body element 40A
and the second body element 50. When the piezoelectric element 24
is actuated, a vibratory motion is induced within the transmission
element 32 which then oscillates alternately toward and away from
the vibrating plate 22, causing pumping of the treatment
composition TC therethrough and thereby form a mist TM of the
treatment composition.
[0120] FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of the mist
generator means 20 of the invention, similar in several respects to
the embodiment according to prior FIGS. 10 and 11. In the
embodiment depicted, and first body part 40A includes a bore 42
passing the therethrough. A vibrating plate 22 is mounted via a
peripheral mounting frame 34 transversely across a portion of the
bore 42. Treatment composition TC is supplied to the underside of
the vibrating plate 22 via a fluid conduit 60 where it contacts the
bottom face 22a of the vibrating plate 22. On the opposite side of
the vibrating plate 22 is mounted a transmission element 32T. The
transmission element 32T is in the form of a stepped cylinder,
having a piezoelectric element 24 mounted at one end thereof, and
at the opposite end thereof is an extended pin 35 which is in
physical contact with the top face 22b of the vibrating plate 22.
While not shown, the transmission element 32T may be suitably
mounted by appropriate mounting means such that its pin 35 can
oscillate into, and away from the vibrating plate 32 when the
piezoelectric element 24 is actuated. Due to this physical contact
between the pin 35 and the vibrating plate 22, a vibratory or
oscillatory motion is induced within the vibrating plate 22,
causing pumping of the treatment composition TC therethrough and
thereby a mist TM of the treatment composition is formed.
[0121] FIG. 13 depicts an alternative form of a mist generator
means 20 useful in devices of the invention. Reference is made to
US 20070169775, and US 20090121043 the entire contents of which are
herein incorporated by reference. A first body part 40A includes an
atomizing chamber 45, herein defined by a weir 43 and a base 44
within which is present a piezoelectric element 24 and a vibrating
plate 22, here formed of a micro-perforated metal screen or sheet
which is generally rectangular in configuration, which elements are
described with reference to FIG. 6. A supply of the treatment
composition TC enters the atomizing chamber 45 via fluid conduit
within the first body part 40, and went the piezoelectric element
24 is actuated, the vibrating plate 22 vibrates or oscillates,
thereby forming a mist TM of the treatment composition which is
expelled outwardly from the atomizing chamber 45. The atomizing
chamber 45 may be any part of the device within which the treatment
composition TM is converted by means of the action of the mist
generator means 20 into a treatment mist TM; further embodiments of
atomizing chambers are disclosed in the further figures.
[0122] FIG. 14 depicts a further alternative form of the mist
generator means 20 useful devices of the invention. A vibrating
plate 22 which is bonded, mounted, or otherwise affixed to a
peripheral piezoelectric element 24 generally is depicted in either
of FIG. 1 or 2, is positioned slightly above the base 44 of a weir
43 present within a first body part 40 of the device. A fluid
conduit 60 supplies a quantity of the treatment composition TC to
the top face 22b of the vibrating plate 22. A small gap may exist
between the bottom face 22a of the vibrating plate 22 and the base
44 thereby defining a base cavity 46. When the piezoelectric
element 24 is actuated, the vibratory motion within the vibrating
plate 22 causes the formation of a mist TM of atomized particles of
the treatment composition TC within the atomizing chamber 45 which
are expelled therefrom. Thus, the figure illustrates that the
treatment composition TC need not necessarily be pumped through the
vibrating plate in order to atomize the treatment composition TC.
Advantageously, any liquid or fluid treatment composition TC which
may collect within this base cavity 46 was ultimately atomized by
the vibratory motion within the vibrating plate 22 which also exits
the atomizing chamber 45.
[0123] FIG. 14A illustrates a further embodiment of a mist
generator means 20 useful in devices of the invention. A vibrating
plate 22 which however only optionally but preferably includes
microperforations 21, 25 passing therethrough as described with
reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 2C, is bonded, mounted, or
otherwise affixed to a peripheral piezoelectric element 24
generally is depicted in either of FIG. 1 or 2 is positioned within
an atomizing chamber 45 tranversing the weir 43. Parallel and
spaced apart from the vibrating plate 22 is a perforated screen
element 27 having a plurality of perforations 21 passing
therethrough. In operation, the vibrating plate 22 operates to
nebulizer the treatment composition into discrete droplets or
particles which are directed towards the perforated screen element
27, however only those discrete droplets or particles not in excess
of a specific droplet size or particle mass are expelled as a
treatment mist TM, while the those discrete droplets or particles
TC in excess of a specific droplet size or particle mass are
returned to the vibrating plate 22. In this manner a controlled
maximum particle size for the discrete droplets or particles of the
treatment mist may be established.
[0124] In the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 13 and 14 and 14A, a
bore, cavity or other configuration other than a weir with at least
one sloping sidewall may be used as part of the atomizing chamber
45 as disclosed in several of the following figures.
[0125] With reference now to FIG. 15, therein is depicted a further
embodiment of an atomizing chamber 45 present within the first body
part 40A, here a generally circular bore 42 having a base 44
opposite from an open and 48. Above the slightly concave shaped
base 44 and mounted transversely across a portion of the bore 42 is
a vibrating plate 22 and a piezoelectric element 24 as depicted on
FIG. 4. A supply of the treatment composition TC enters the
atomizing chamber 45 via fluid conduit and above the vibrating
plate 22 such that it contacts the top face 22b. When the
piezoelectric element is actuated, vibrations are induced within
the vibrating plate 22 which causes the formation of a mist TM of
atomized particles of the treatment composition TC within the
atomizing chamber 45 which are expelled via the open end 48. Any
liquid or fluid treatment composition TC which may collect between
the vibrating plate 22 and the slightly concave shaped base 44 is
also atomized by the vibratory motion within the vibrating plate 22
and also exits the atomizing chamber 45. FIG. 15 also illustrates a
sensor means, here a mist sensor means. In the instant embodiment
the mist sensor means 71, includes a transmitter unit 71A and a
receiver unit 71A mounted transversely from each other across the
bore 45 and preferably near the open end 48 thereof. The
transmitter unit generates a signals, e.g. such as optical,
acoustic, or other signal capable of being received by the receiver
unit, and any variations in the quality of the signal being
transmitted due to the quantity or quality of the presence of the
atomized particles, viz, mist, of the treatment composition passing
through the gap between the transmitter unit 71A and receiver unit
72B, as represented by arrow 73 is detected by the receiver unit.
An appropriate signal can be transmitted to the controller means
(not shown) which may initiate a responsive action by the
controller means and one or more further parts of the device. For
example, wherein the mist sensor means determines that an
insufficient quantity of the atomized particles of the treatment
composition are being produced, a signal representative of this
state may be transmitted to the controller means which for example
may increase the power or alternately increase the frequency signal
being transmitted to the piezoelectric elements 24 to thereby
increase the rate of its oscillation or vibration, and/or
alternately the mass flow rate of the treatment composition TC,
such as may be supplied via a pump, may be increased. Alternately,
the mist sensor means may also determine if the atomizing chamber
45 is flooded with the fluid form of the treatment composition and
upon sending a signal to the control unit representative thereof,
the control unit may cause an appropriate response, e.g., shutting
down of the device or interrupting the operation of the mist
generator 20. Still alternately, the mist sensor means may also
determine the absence or presence of the mist of the treatment
composition within the atomizing chamber 45, and if the latter is
sensed then a representative signal may be sent to the control unit
may cause an appropriate response, e.g., shutting down of the
device or interrupting operation of the mist generator 20.
[0126] FIG. 16 illustrates a further embodiment of a portion of a
device. A reservoir 80, here in the form of a hollow container 81
containing a quantity of the treatment composition in a fluid form,
preferably in a liquid form, is removably affixed to a first body
part 40 of the device. The reservoir 80 includes a cap 82 having
passing therethrough a capillary means 70 here, a porous fibrous
element which transfers the treatment composition towards the
terminal end 72 of the capillary means 40. The body part 40
includes an atomizing chamber 45 similar in most respects to the
embodiment depicted on FIG. 13, except that the base of the
atomizing chamber is replaced by a portion of the cap 82 which
forms a liquid tight seal with the first body part 40. Such also
permits for the alignment of the terminal end 72 of the capillary
means 70 such that due to capillary forces within the capillary
means 40, a quantity of the treatment composition is continually
presented to the terminal end 72 from which it may be atomized by
the mist generator 20. The atomized particles of the treatment
composition form a mist TM which exits via the open end 48 of the
atomizing chamber 45. Also depicted is a mist sensor means
comprising a transmitter unit 71 and a receiver unit 72 mounted
transversely from each other across the bore 45 and preferably near
the open end 48 thereof.
[0127] FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment wherein the effect of gravity
is used to deliver the treatment composition TC to the mist
generator 20. A hollow container 81, viz., a bottle, having an open
neck end 83 is inverted and mounted within the first body part 40
such that the treatment composition flows out from the inverted
container 81 under the force of gravity. A fluid conduit 60
connects the open neck end 83 with an atomizing chamber 45
containing a an atomizing chamber 45 substantially as described
with reference to FIG. 14. Intermediate and in line with the fluid
conduit 60 is a fluid control means 90, which may be any device
which may impart control over the quantity or quality of the fluid
treatment composition passing therethrough. In the simplest
embodiment, such can be any valve which can be either manually, but
more desirably, is controlled by the controller means (not shown).
Appropriate control of the fluid control means 90 may be used to
ensure that an optimal supply of the fluid treatment composition TC
is transmitted to the atomizing chamber 45 to ensure desired
operation of the mist generator 20.
[0128] Although not illustrated in the depictions, it is to be
understood nonetheless that suitable electrical or signal unit
conducting means, i.e. wires, may be used to connect the various
elements of the mist sensor means, the fluid control means, the
controller means, as well as any other device, elements or parts of
the device as may be required, although such is not necessarily
illustrated in the figures presented herein.
[0129] FIGS. A1 and A2 illustrate by means of graphical
representations preferred treatment mist particle size or particle
mass bi-modal distributions. FIG. A1 represents the mass
distribution or % distribution of the size (in microns) of the
discrete liquid droplets being dispensed by a mist generator,
during normal steady state operation over a convenient time
interval, e.g., 1 or more seconds, or one or more minutes. As is
seen thereon, a greater amount of particles in the range of 0-10
microns are dispensed than the amount of particles in the range of
10-20 microns, whereas the amount of particles in the successive
ranges of 20-30 microns is greater than those dispensed in the
prior two ranges. As particle sizes increase to higher ranges,
viz., 30-40 microns, and 40-50 microns, their amounts decrease
successively. As can also be seen from FIG. A1, the total mass of
the dispensed particles in the range of 0-10, is substantially
lesser than the total mass of the dispensed particles in the ranges
of 20 microns and greater. FIG. A2 illustrates two further
alternative bi-modal distributions according to preferred
embodiments of the invention, here represented as a first bi-modal
distribution represented by "C1" (in solid line) and a second
bi-modal distribution represented by "C2" (in dotted line). The
curves represent the distribution, by % wt. or mass or percentage
of respective discrete liquid droplets or particles of the
treatment composition present in a treatment mist formed therefrom,
as indicated on the y-axis, for droplets within a particular micron
size range, as indicated on the x-axis. With reference to line C1,
it is seen that the first median or first averaged liquid particle
size corresponds to line segment C11, which is approximately at 4
microns with the particle size distribution within the first part
of the bi-modal distribution being beneath the curved line C1 to
the left and right of the line segment C11, and the second median
or second averaged liquid particle size corresponds to line segment
C12, which is at approximately 29 microns, with the particle size
distribution within the second part of the bi-modal distribution
being to the left and right of the line segment and beneath curved
line C1. The further bi-modal distribution represented by C2 is
similar in many respects but, first median or first averaged liquid
particle size corresponds to line segment C21, which is
approximately at 5 microns with the particle size distribution
within the first part of the bi-modal distribution being beneath
the curved line C2 to the left and right of the line segment C21,
and the second median or second averaged liquid particle size
corresponds to line segment C22, which is at approximately 22
microns, with the particle size distribution within the second part
of the bi-modal distribution being to the left and right of the
line segment and beneath curved line C2.
[0130] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate a portion of a device of
the invention and an embodiment of an atomizing chamber 45 which is
resistant to spillage of the fluid treatment composition contained
therein when tipped away from the horizontal, as represented by the
line segment "H" in the figures. In FIG. 18A, the atomizing chamber
45 is oriented such that the pair of vibrating plates 22 affixed at
one end thereof to a piezoelectric element 24 extend vertically,
downwardly into a quantity of the treatment composition TC adjacent
to the base 44 of the atomizing chamber 45. In this embodiment, the
atomizing chamber 45 is concentric about a center axis running
through the center of the base 44 upwardly and through the open end
48 thereof at the opposite end of the atomizing chamber 45,
although this is not a necessary requirement. The atomizing chamber
45 extends directed upwardly from its base 44, a generally circular
base portion 45A, which extends into an intermediate, outwardly
extending bell shaped or frustroconical portion 45B, which extends
into a next, reverse bell shaped or frustroconical portion 45C
which extends inwardly and merges into the open end 48. As is
understood from these figures, the atomizing chamber 45 is in the
form of an irregular bore 42 formed within the device. As is seen
thereon, these sections define an interior volume of the atomizing
chamber 45 which is adapted to contain and at least the part
thereof a quantity of the treatment composition TC, and at least a
part of the mist generator 20. As is also seen, the interior of the
atomizing chamber 45 also has a maximum, transverse cross-section
or maximum transverse dimension which in the depicted embodiment,
can be defined as extending between opposing points 45X. This
maximum transverse dimension is most preferably greater than the
maximum transverse dimension of the open end 48. Advantageously,
the height or distance between the base 44 is at least 1.1 times,
preferably at least 1.2, and in order of increasing preference is
at least: 1.3, 1.4. 1.5, 1.7, 2, 2.2, 2.5 times, or even greater
than the maximum transverse dimension of the open end 48, which in
the depict embodiment can be the distance between opposing points
48X. in such a manner, a "well shaped" and atomizing chamber 45 can
be produced, and which has dimension such that when the device
and/or the atomizing chamber 45 is tilted or reoriented from the
horizontal, "H", such as in the orientations depicted on FIGS. 18A
and 18B, the volume of the treatment composition TC does not spill
outwardly, via the open end 48 and out from the device but rather
is retained within the atomizing chamber 45. Furthermore, in either
such orientation wherein the atomizing chamber 45 is angled with
respect to the horizontal, as opposed to the depiction of FIG. 18
wherein the atomizing chamber is perpendicular to the horizontal,
at least a part of at least one of the vibrating plates 22 remains
in contact with the treatment composition TC such that when the
piezoelectric element 24 is energized, the vibrating plate or
plates 22 atomized at the treatment composition TC which forms a
treatment mist TM which exits via the open end 48 and enters the
airflow conduit 100. As the mount 29 of the piezoelectric element
24, as well as the piezoelectric element 24 are configured to allow
for the bypass of a stream of gas, preferably air, through the
airflow conduit 100 and across the open end 48, the flowing gas
represented by arrow 102, entrains the treatment mist 110 which
flows towards an outlet (not shown) of the device
[0131] It is to be noted that in the foregoing embodiments, while
the fluid conduit 60 has been illustrated is being an integral
portion of either a first part 40A or second part 50 other device,
e.g., as a bore or channel, such as to be understood as being
merely by way of illustration as any fluid directing means,
including a separate channel, conduit, tubing, or pipe element,
capable of transmitting the treatment composition in fluid form so
to come in contact with the mist generator 20 is clearly
contemplated and may be used in any embodiment of the
invention.
[0132] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D illustrate alternate views of a
further embodiment of a mist generator 20 mounted in conjunction
with an atomizing chamber 45 which has improved resistance to
spilling of a treatment composition TC consequent to reorientation,
e.g., tilting, or inversion of the atomizing chamber 45 of the
device. For the sake of clarity, a fluid conduit 60 has been
omitted from the figures but may be present at either as integral
part of the first to body part 40A as previously depicted, or it
may be a discrete separate element, e.g. as a pipe or tube for
supplying the treatment composition TC into the interior of the
atomizing chamber 45, although said element is not shown in this
figure. The atomizing chamber 45 has a base 44, a generally
perpendicular side wall 45A which can be either a single circular
side wall or maybe a plurality of flat or paneled sidewalls, such
as would be required for a noncircular atomizing chamber 45, e.g.,
a square or rectangular shaped atomizing chamber 45. The side wall
45S and terminates at a top 45T, and extends from the side wall 45S
to an inner sidewall 45I which is generally perpendicular to the
top 45T and extends downwardly or inwardly towards the base 44
therefrom, until the inner sidewall 45I terminates at a inner
sidewall base 45K. The inner sidewall 45I may be a single, circular
sidewall or maybe a plurality of flat wall sections or panels
depending from the top 45T and extending downwardly or inwardly
towards the base 45 and terminating at the inner sidewall base 45K.
the space defined between the inner sidewall 45I, the top 45T and
the sidewall 45A defines a chamber adapt its to contain the
treatment composition TC when the atomizing chamber 45 and/or the
device or oriented at positions respective to the horizontal,
indicated by line segment "H", other than as shown on FIG. 19A. The
inner sidewall base 45K is preferably, generally parallel to the
base 44 and advantageously defines the bottom of an opening bore
section 49, which extends and provides for a passage permitting for
the transit of atomized particles of the treatment composition, to
pass from within that the interior of the atomizing chamber 45, and
outwardly through the open end 48. As is also visible, the mist
generator 20 is present, with the piezoelectric element 24 and the
depending L-shaped vibrating element 22 mounted such that the
portion of the vibrating plate 22 having passages or
microperforations as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B
and 2C is in contact with the fluid treatment composition TC. Thus,
when the mist generator 20 is caused to operate, the vibrating
plate 22 forms a mist of the treatment composition TM which exits
upwardly through the opening bore section 49 and outwardly from the
open end 48. As is also visible from the figure, the maximum
transverse dimension of the opening bore section 49, which in this
embodiment is coincident with the dimensions of the open end 48, is
determined as the distance between points 48X, which is lesser than
the maximum transverse dimension of the atomizing chamber 45, which
is determined as the distance between points 45X.
[0133] FIGS. 19B, 19C depict tilted orientations of the atomizing
chamber 45 containing a quantity of the treatment composition TC,
while FIG. 19D depicts an inverted atomizing chamber 45 containing
a quantity of the treatment composition TC. As is visible from each
of these figures, the quantity of the treatment composition TC is
retained within the confines of the atomizing chamber 45,
particularly at least partially in chamber 45Z defined by the inner
sidewall base 45K, the space defined between the inner sidewall
45I, the top 45T and the sidewall 45A. Such is also depicted by the
region between dotted line "V" and the top 45T. In the embodiment
according to FIG. 19D were in the atomizing chamber 45 is inverted
with respect to the horizontal, line segment "H", the quantity of
the treatment composition TC is contained within the chamber 45Z.
As can be seen from these four figures, the embodiment disclosed
provides certain technical advantages. A first advantage is that is
particularly difficult to tilt or reorient the atomizing chamber
such that actual spillage of the fluid treatment composition will
occur, even upon total inversion of the atomizing chamber 45. A
second advantage is that upon the selected placement of the
vibrating plate 22 within the atomizing chamber 45 a useful degree
of controlled operation responsive to the orientation of the
atomizing chamber 45 can be established. For example, when the
atomizing chamber 45 is inverted, as depicted on FIG. 19D, the mist
generator 20 may operate, but will not generate a mist of the
treatment composition TM. When inclined at a steep angle, such as
90.degree. from the horizontal, as depicted on FIG. 19C, the mist
generator 20 will also not operate. However, when inclined at a
lesser angle with respect to the horizontal as depicted on FIG.
19B, the mist generator 20 will continue to operate and generate a
mist TM of the treatment composition. Thus, by an appropriate
configuration of the atomizing chamber 45, and the mist generator
20, relative to the overall design of the device, a useful degree
of control of mist generation responsive to the orientation of the
device can be achieved.
[0134] A further embodiment of an atomizing chamber 45 and a mist
generator 20 of a simplified construction, but offering a somewhat
lesser degree of resistance to spilling of a treatment composition
TC consequent to reorientation, e.g., tilting or inversion, of the
atomizing chamber 45 of the device is illustrated in FIGS. 20A,
20B, and 20C. FIG. 20A depicts the atomizing chamber 45 in an
orientation to be considered "level" with the horizontal,
represented by reference line "H", while FIGS. 20B and 20C depict
the atomizing chamber 45 in an orientation can be considered as
"tilted" with respect to the horizontal. As visible thereon, the
atomizing chamber 45 is defined by a base 44 having an upper lead
directing sidewall or sidewall 45, extending up to a top 45T which
extends inwardly towards an open end 48. The atomizing chamber 45
has a maximum transverse dimension, here the distance between
opposing points 45X, and the open end 48 as a maximum transverse
dimension, here the distance between opposing points 48X, which
distance is lesser of the two. Also the height of the sidewall or
sidewall 45 is less than that of the maximum transverse dimension
of the opening however, the maximum transverse direction of the
atomizing chamber 45 is preferably at least as great as, or greater
than the distance between opposing points 48X. Similarly to the
embodiment depicted on FIGS. 19A-19D, and mist generator 20
including a piezoelectric device 24 and an L-shaped vibrating plate
is mounted with respect to the atomizing chamber 45 such that a
portion of the vibrating plate 22 is in contact with the treatment
composition TC present within the interior of the atomizing chamber
45. As is seen from each of FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C the mist
generator 20 will continue to operate to deliver a mist of the
treatment composition TM when oriented "level" with the horizontal,
or inclined with respect to the horizontal. The instant embodiment
however, may allow for the escape of a fluid treatment composition
TC via the open end 48 if the atomizing chamber 45 is further
inclined or inverted with respect to the horizontal.
[0135] While not disclosed in prior FIGS. 18A-18C, 19A-19D or
20A-20C, it is to be understood that a mist generator 20 such as
disclosed and discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 2C
may be used in place of the depicted mist generators 20 disclosed
on these figures. Mist generators 20 according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A,
2B and 2C may be suitably placed within the interior of the
atomizing chamber 35, preferably adjacent with the base 44 thereof.
The configuration of the atomizing chamber disclosed in prior FIGS.
18A-18C, 19A-19D or 20A-20C or contemplated to provide similar
resistance to spilling of a treatment composition TC consequent to
reorientation, e.g., tilting, or inversion of the atomizing chamber
45 of the device.
[0136] FIGS. 20D and 20E depict a preferred embodiment of a mist
generator assembly 400 comprising a mist generator means 20 which
includes a vibrating plate 22 affixed, bonded to or otherwise
mounted on a peripheral piezoelectric element similar in most
respects to embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A,
4, 14A and/or 15, although other mist generator means not
specifically disclosed may be adapted for use. In the depicted
embodiment, the mist generator assembly 400 includes a first body
element 40A having an open end 48 across which spans and is mounted
the mist generator means 20, here wherein the peripheral edge 26 of
the piezoelectric element 24 is mounted within the bore 42 of the
first body element 40A and defines an atomizing chamber 45, and
also defines a base cavity 46 within the first body element 40A and
rearward of the mist generator means 20. The mist generator means
20 is mounted to the first body element 40A in a liquid, seal-tight
manner. Further illustrated on the figure are a pair of electrical
current carrying means 40, or, namely a pair of wires which supply
an electrical current from the circuit control means (not shown)
which acts to operate the mist generator means 20 by inducing the
vibrations within that the vibrating plate 22 which acts to pump
the mist TM of the treatment composition from the mist generator
assembly 400; the means 40 (wires) may pass through a part of the
first body element 40A via a suitable perforation, or by any other
suitable arrangement of the elements of the mist generator assembly
400. As visible from the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 20D,
there is also present a fluid conduit 30 which has an open end 32
which extends into the base cavity 46 via a supply bore 31 into
which the treatment composition TC is provided from the fluid
conduit 30 by any suitable means, e.g., capillary flow, gravity
flow but most preferably via pump intermediate the reservoir of the
treatment composition and the mist generator assembly 400. In a
preferred mode of operation the controller means is operated to
control the volumetric flow rate of the pump means used to supply
the treatment composition to the base cavity 46, as well as
concurrently controlling the operation of the mist generator means
20 and its output such that a satisfactory delivery rate of the
treatment mist TM is generated, and concurrently a sufficient
amount of the treatment composition TC is supplied to the mist
generator assembly 400 such that the an ample supply of the TC is
present therein, but at the same time pumping of an excess of the
treatment composition TC and "flooding" of the base cavity 46 is
desirably avoided. FIG. 20E illustrates a bottom plan view of the
mist generator assembly 400 illustrating the arrangement of the
mist generator means 20, the plate 22 including microperforations
21 passing therethrough.
[0137] While the first body element 40A may be formed or fabricated
from any suitable material, such as a metal, synthetic polymer,
ceramic material, and the like advantageously at least the part of
the first body element 40A of the mist generator assembly 400 to
which the mist generator means 20 is fixed is at least elastomeric
or partially elastomeric in nature. This permits for the mist
generator means 20 is mounted to both provide a liquid tight seal
and to permit for the motion of the vibrating plate, and further
denies passage of any treatment composition present within the base
cavity 46 to exit the mist generator assembly 400 except through
the microperforations 21 of the screen 22. The advantage of such
construction allows for the mist generator assembly 400 used in any
variety of orientations as will be described in greater detail in
later figures. In particularly preferred embodiments, the first
body element 40A of the mist generator assembly 400 and be
constructed or formed of a monolithic mass of an elastomeric
material such as a rubber, silicone, or other flexible material
which can simultaneously be used to mount and retain the mist
generator means 20 in the manner depicted. Preferably parts of, or
all of the first body element 40A also acts to absorb vibratory
shocks emanating from the operating mist generator means 20 to
other parts of the device, and/or to be felt by the user of the
device.
[0138] FIGS. 20F, 20 G and 20 H illustrate in several views a
further preferred embodiment of a mist generator assembly 400 which
includes many of the features discussed with reference to prior
FIGS. 20D and 20F. Turning to the cross-sectional depiction
provided by FIG. 20F, as depicted the mist generator assembly 400
includes a first body element 40A having an open end 48 across
which spans and is mounted the mist generator means 20, here
wherein the peripheral edge 26 of the piezoelectric element 24 is
mounted within the bore 42 of the first body element 40A and
defines an atomizing chamber 45, and also defines a base cavity 46
within the first body element 40A and rearward of the mist
generator means 20. The mist generator means 20 is mounted to the
first body element 40A in a liquid, seal-tight manner. Further
illustrated are a pair of electrical current carrying means 40,
e.g., a pair of wires which supply an electrical current from the
circuit control means (not shown) which acts to operate the mist
generator means 20 by inducing the vibrations within that the
vibrating plate 22 which acts to pump the mist TM of the treatment
composition from the mist generator assembly 400; the means 40
(wires) may pass through a part of the first body element 40A via a
suitable perforation, or may otherwise pass outwardly from the mist
generator assembly 400 by any other path. For the present within
the illustrated embodiment there is also provided a trough 46T
within the first body element 40A extending from the base cavity 46
inwardly, that is to say in a direction away from the mist
generator means 20 within which, when the mist generator assembly
400 is fully or partially inverted, some of the treatment
composition TC may collect within the trough 46T. Optionally, but
preferably as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 20F, 20G the mist
generator assembly 400 further comprises an overflow conduit 46C
which is in fluid communication with the trough 46T such that, any
of the treatment composition TC which may be present within the
trough 46T may be drawn off, or otherwise exit the mist generator
assembly 400 therethrough. Advantageously, the overflow conduit 46C
is further connected to a suitable overflow tube 47T which may be
used to further direct the exiting treatment composition TC away
from the mist generator assembly 400. A fluid conduit 30 having an
open end 32 extends into the base cavity 46 of the mist generator
assembly 400 into which the treatment composition TC is provided
via the said fluid conduit 30 by any suitable means, e.g.,
capillary flow, gravity flow but again, most preferably is supplied
via a pump or pumps intermediate the reservoir of the treatment
composition and the mist generator assembly 400. As in the
embodiment of FIGS. 20D and 20E, preferably the controller means is
operated to control the volumetric flow rate of the pump means used
to supply the treatment composition to the base cavity 46, of the
mist generator assembly 400 as well as concurrently controlling the
operation of the mist generator means 20 and its output such that a
satisfactory delivery rate of the treatment mist TM is generated,
and concurrently a sufficient amount of the treatment composition
TC is supplied to the mist generator assembly 400 such that the an
ample supply of the TC is present therein, but at the same time
pumping of an excess of the treatment composition TC and "flooding"
of the base cavity 46 is desirably avoided. In the present
embodiment the risk of undesirable flooding of the said device is
usually avoided by the action of the overflow conduit 46C connected
to the trough 46T, as any excess of the treatment composition TC
entering the base cavity 46 at an excessive volumetric flow rate
can be shunted away and out from the mist generator assembly 400.
FIG. 20G illustrates a bottom plan view of the mist generator
assembly 400 illustrating the arrangement of the mist generator
means 20, the plate 22 including microperforations 21 passing
therethrough, the mist generator means 20 mounted within the bore
42 at the peripheral edges 26 of the plate. FIG. 20H illustrates in
a perspective view, the base of the mist generator assembly 400,
albeit with the depiction of the mist generator means 20 removed
for the purposes of clarity in this figure. As visible there from,
the trough 46T is concentric and extends around the supply bore 31
through which the treatment composition TC been provided from the
fluid conduit 30 passes into the base cavity 46.
[0139] FIGS. 20IA, 20IB, and 20IB depict a mist generator assembly
400 generally as described with reference to FIG. 20F in three
different modes of operation of the vibrating plate 22 of the mist
generator means 20. In these figures, the mist generator assembly
400 is oriented with respect to the horizontal , which is
represented by line "H". In the first of the figures, in FIG. 20I1
there is illustrated a quantity of treatment composition TC as
represented by the labeled arrows supplied via the fluid conduit 30
into the base cavity 46. The rate of delivery of the treatment
composition TC is controlled such that the volume of the treatment
composition TC present within the base cavity 46 does not fill it,
and a headspace "HS" above the treatment composition TC within the
base cavity 46 is present. The vibrating plate 22 is extended
outwardly as shown, and particles of the treatment mist TM are
generated. In the next of the figures, in FIG. 20I2, the vibrating
plate 22 of the mist generator means 20 is at its intermediate
position. In the last of the figures, in FIG. 20I3, the vibrating
plate 22 is extended (flexed) inwardly and shown, causing the level
of the treatment composition TC within the base cavity 64 to rise
slightly, however a sufficient headspace HS exists within the base
cavity 64 the mist generator assembly 400 is not flooded and it
operates normally.
[0140] FIGS. 20J1, 20J2 and 20J3 depict a mist generator assembly
400 generally as described with reference to FIG. 20F, as well as
with reference to FIGS. 20I1, 20I2 and 20I3. Similarly to those
figures, the vibrating plate 22 is depicted in three different
states but oscillates at a different frequency as shown in prior
FIGS. 20I1, 20I2 and 20I3. Similarly thereto however, the
configuration of plate 22 differs from that of corresponding FIGS.
20I1, 20I2 and 20I3 but similar thereto, in each configuration
there remains a sufficient headspace HS within the base cavity 64
the mist generator assembly 400 is not flooded and it operates
normally. In the embodiments of FIGS. 20J1, 20J2 and 20J3 the
different oscillatory pattern of the vibrating plate 22 provided
different pattern of delivery of the mist of the treatment
composition TM.
[0141] FIGS. 20K1, 20K2, 203, 20K4, and 20K5 respectively to pick
the mist generator assembly 400 according to FIG. 20F in five
different orientations or, namely in FIG. 20K1 in an upright
vertical orientation, viz., 90.degree. upward with respects to the
horizontal, in FIG. 20K2 in an upwardly inclined orientation, viz.,
at approximately 45.degree. with respect to the horizontal, in FIG.
20K3 in a horizontal orientation, viz., at 0.degree. with respect
to the horizontal, in FIG. 20K4 in a downwardly inclined
orientation, viz. at approximately 45.degree. below, and with
respect to the horizontal, and finally in FIG. 20K5, in a downward
vertical orientation, 90.degree. below and with respect to the
horizontal, each orientation is indicated by the respective line
labeled "H" in the figures. Turning first to FIG. 20K1, as visible
there from the treatment composition TC is pumped through the fluid
conduit 30 into the mist generator assembly 400. Part of the
treatment composition TC occupies part of the base cavity 64, while
the remainder of the base cavity 64 comprises the headspace HS
above the treatment composition TC. As the vibrating plate 22
operates, the mist of the treatment composition TM is formed and
exits in a horizontal direction away from the mist generator
assembly 400. Any excess treatment composition TC from within the
base cavity 64 may exit (in the direction of the arrow labeled
"OF") outwardly from the mist generator assembly 400 via the
overflow conduit 46C. In FIG. 20K2, in this inclined orientation,
treatment composition TC pumped through the fluid conduit 30 and
present within the base cavity 64 occupies part of the base cavity
64, the remaining part of which is unoccupied forms the headspace
HS above the treatment composition TC. As a vibrating plate 22
operates, a mist of the treatment composition TM is formed and
exits the mist generator assembly 400 downward angled direction.
Any excess treatment composition TC from within the base cavity 64
may exit the mist generator assembly 400 in the direction of the
arrow labeled "OF" via the overflow conduit 46C. Turning now to
FIG. 20K3, in this horizontal orientation, treatment composition TC
pumped through the fluid conduit 30 and present within the base
cavity 64 occupies part of the base cavity 64, the remaining part
of which is unoccupied forms the headspace HS above the treatment
composition TC. As a vibrating plate 22 operates, a mist of the
treatment composition TM is formed and exits the mist generator
assembly 400 downwardly. Any excess treatment composition TC from
within the base cavity 64 may exit the mist generator assembly 400
in the direction of the arrow labeled "OF" via the overflow conduit
46C. Considering now FIG. 20K4, in this downwardly inclined
orientation, treatment composition TC pumped through the fluid
conduit 30 and present within the base cavity 64 occupies part of
the base cavity 64, the remaining part of which is unoccupied forms
the headspace HS above the treatment composition TC. As a vibrating
plate 22 operates, a mist of the treatment composition TM is formed
and exits the mist generator assembly 400 downwardly in an angled
direction. Any excess treatment composition TC from within the base
cavity 64 may exit the mist generator assembly 400 via the overflow
conduit 46C. Now considering FIG. 20K5, in this downward vertical
orientation, treatment composition TC pumped through the fluid
conduit 30 and present within the base cavity 64 occupies part of
the base cavity 64, the remaining part of which is unoccupied forms
the headspace HS above the treatment composition TC. As a vibrating
plate 22 operates, a mist of the treatment composition TM is formed
and exits the mist generator assembly 400 in a horizontal
direction. Any excess treatment composition TC from within the base
cavity 64 may exit the mist generator assembly 400 via the overflow
conduit 46C.
[0142] As can now be appreciated following a consideration of the
foregoing drawings, the embodiment of the mist generator assembly
400 is relatively insensitive as to its orientation with respect to
the environment, and/or with respect to the surface to be treated
utilizing a device of the invention, as regardless of its
orientation it will remain operative as long as a sufficient
quantity of treatment composition TC is present within the interior
of the mist generator assembly 400, or namely within the base
cavity 64 such that while the vibrating plate 22 of the mist
generator means 20 operates, a treatment mist TM can be formed and
delivered from the mist generator assembly 400. The provision of
the overflow conduit 46C in fluid communication with the base
cavity 64, here via the trough 46T (although trough is not
required) permits for means of also ensuring that the base cavity
64 is not flooded with excess treatment composition TC. The egress
of any excess treatment composition TC may be controlled by the
placement of the overflow conduit 46C, and indeed a plurality of
overflow conduits 46C is foreseen. Furthermore, the rate of egress
of treatment composition from an overflow conduit 46C may be
controlled such as by providing a downstream valve, or other flow
controlling or flow directing means (not shown). In such a manner,
the controller (not shown) and/or pump (not shown) may be used to
control the volumetric supply rate of the treatment composition via
the fluid conduit 30, and/or the volumetric egress rate of overflow
treatment composition exiting the mist generator assembly 400 such
that on the one hand a sufficient quantity of treatment composition
TC is present within the base cavity 64 and in contact with the
vibrating plate 22 when the mist generator 20 operates, and at the
same time an excessive amount of the treatment composition TC is
not present within the base cavity 64 such that the undesired
flooding of the mist generator assembly 400 and especially the mist
generator 20 is avoided irregardless of the orientation of the mist
generator means with respect to the horizontal. In such a manner,
and providing such an embodiment of a mist generator means 400 and
a wide latitude in the control of the direction of the mist of the
treatment composition TM can be provided in devices of the
invention and methods of the invention. Similarly, it is to be
understood that such a benefit may also be provided with a mist
generator assembly 400 which does not include an overflow conduit,
such as the embodiment of the mist generator assembly 400 depicted
in FIGS. 20D and 20E. In such an embodiment, careful control of the
ingress or supply of treatment composition TC is required in order
to provide optimal operating characteristics, and minimize the
likelihood of flooding.
[0143] FIGS. 20L1, 20L2 and 20L3 illustrated several alternative
views a preferred embodiment of a mist generator assembly 400
similar in most respects to the embodiment of FIG. 20F. As depicted
in the cross-sectional view presented in FIG. 20L1, the first body
element 40A has mounted therein a mist generator means 20 which
abuts against a base cavity 64. A supply fluid conduit 30 extends
into the base cavity 64, and an overflow conduit 46C is also in
fluid communication with the base cavity 64 via a part of the
trough 46T. The mist generator means 20 is in a sealed tight
connection with the first body element 40A and is retained therein
by a pair of extending lobes 402 which are made of a flexible
elastomeric material and, in the embodiment depicted the entire
first body element 40A is formed of a flexible or elastomeric
material, here are preferably formed of a rubber-like material,
which may for example be a rubber, a silicone material, silicon
elastomer, or for that matter any other elastomeric material which
provides both structural, and fluid sealing surfaces which can be
used to both retain, to form a liquid tight seal between the first
body element 40A and the mist generator means 20. FIG. 20L2
illustrates the mist generator assembly 400 and its elements in a
perspective view; also visible is a wire cavity "WP" within which
the wires 40 (or other electrical current carrying conductors)
connected to the mist generator means 20 may exit the mist
generator assembly 400. FIG. 20L3 depicts the same as generator
assembly 400 in a plan view.
[0144] FIG. 20M illustrates a representational view of a pair of
mist generator assemblies 400, preferably one or more of the mist
generator assemblies according to FIGS. 20D, 20F, 20I1, 20J1,
and/or 20L1 affixed to a mounting plate "MP" forming part of the
device of the invention. In this figure is shown a pair of fluid
control means 90, which may be any device which may impart control
over the quantity or quality of the fluid treatment composition
passing outwardly from a reservoir 80. The reservoir 80 may be a
refillable reservoir, a removable refill package, a cartridge, or
any other vessel for containing a quantity of the treatment
composition TC. In the depicted embodiment the fluid control means
nine your most conveniently a pair of pumps, especially preferably
a pair of piezoelectric pumps which can be operated by and
controlled by the controller means (not shown) in order to supply
controlled amounts of the treatment composition TC to each of the
mist generator assemblies 400. The amount of treatment composition
supply to each of the mist generator assemblies 400 is not
necessarily the same, but can vary in response to input from the
controller but, in many operations or operating modes such will be
essentially identical. The controller (not shown) operates the
fluid control means 90, and did the mist generator assemblies 400
in order to generate plumes of mist of the treatment composition TM
which exit the mist generator assemblies 400 via horns or other
perforations PP within the mounting plates PM.
[0145] FIG. 21 an embodiment a mist generator 20 and an atomizing
chamber 45 which is integrally formed within a reservoir 80, here
in the form of a rectangular vessel 82 which contains within its
interior a quantity of the treatment composition TC. The disclosed
embodiments can be refilled by removing a replaceable plug element
83A supplying a quantity of the fluid treatment composition TC to
the interior of the vessel 82 when required. The atomizing chamber
45 is integrally formed as part of the vessel 82. In the depicted
embodiment, the atomizing chamber 45 comprises a base 45 which is
near to or adjacent to the bottom 84 of the vessel 82. An outwardly
tapering, or horn shaped sidewall 45A extends upwardly from the
base 44 where it terminates at an open end 48 coincident with a top
85 of the vessel 82. A mist generator 20 means comprising a
vibrating plate 22 and a piezoelectric element 24, e.g., as
depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B and 2C is mounted transverse to the
base 44. The dimensions of the passages or microperforations are
preferably such that they are sufficiently small such that when the
vibrating plate 22 is not activated and does not vibrate, but is at
rest or in a static condition, the surface tension of the treatment
composition TC is such that it does not flow through the these
passages or microperforations. Thus, the static vibrating plate 22
acts as a valve for controlling the flow of the treatment
composition. However, when the mist generator 20 operates, a mist
of the treatment composition TM is formed by the vibrating plate 22
and passes upward through the atomizing chamber 45 and past the
open end 48 where it is entrained by a flowing gas 100, preferably
air, moving through the airflow conduit 100. The gas entraining the
atomized treatment composition is depicted by arrow 110, which also
represents the treatment mist. In the embodiment depicted, as the
static vibrating plate 22 acts as a valve controlling the passage
of the treatment composition TC from the reservoir 80, it is
expected that the embodiment can it be used in virtually any
position with little or no risk as to unintended spillage of fluid
treatment composition TC from the device. Furthermore, the depicted
embodiment is expected to permit operation of the mist generator 20
in any orientation as long as a quantity of the treatment
composition TC is in contact with the vibrating plate 22.
[0146] FIG. 22 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of
elements of a device according to the invention. A reservoir 80 is
provided, a hollow container 81 containing a quantity of the
treatment composition TC in a fluid form, preferably in a liquid
form, is attached to a removably affixed 82 cap. The cap has
passing therethrough a capillary means a fluid conduit 60, here a
flexible tube and fluid communication with a controllable pump 92
which is in communication with the controller means (not shown) and
a suitable power supply source (not shown). The cap 82 also
includes a venting valve 83B to permit for the entry of ambient air
while the treatment composition TC is pumped from out of the
reservoir 80. The fluid conduit 60 continues to a fluid control
means 90 also in communication with the controller means and a
power supply source which may be used to ensure that an optimal
supply of the fluid treatment composition TC is transmitted to the
atomizing chamber 45 to ensure desired operation of the mist
generator 20. As visible on the figure, the fluid conduit 60 is
separate from the first part 40 and supplies a controlled amount of
the treatment composition TC responses to appropriate signal or
control input from the controller means, to the mist generator 20.
The mist generator 20 in the figure is similar to that depicted in
FIG. 14, although it is understood that any other embodiment of a
mist generator 20 may be interchangeably used.
[0147] FIG. 23 depicts a further environment of elements of the
device of the invention, which shows a partial view a reservoir 80
here a hollow container 81 closed by a removable cap 82. Integral
to the 82 is depicted in cross-section an atomizing chamber 45
containing to a mist generator 20, e.g., in accordance with the
embodiments of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. Passing through portion of the cap
supported by a mounting ring 86 is a capillary means 70 whose
terminal end 72 is beneath the vibrating plate 22, such that when
then the mist generator 20 is operated, the treatment composition
present at the terminal end 72 is pumped through the vibrating
plate, and atomized to form a treatment mist TM. While not shown,
suitable connections, e.g., wires, to the controller means and a
power supply means may be provided.
[0148] FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of a device 1 according
to the present invention. The device 1 includes a first assembly
120 which includes a quantity of fluid treatment composition TC
within a reservoir 80, a mist generator 20 submerged within the
treatment composition TC which is attached to a controller means
140 by means of an intermediate wire or wires at 150, over which
are also transmitted the power required to drive the mist generator
20. The first assembly 120 is openable via a top cover 122, which
has passing therethrough two connector ports, an airflow inlet
connector port 123 and a mist output connector port 124. While not
depicted in the figure, but represented to by the arrow labeled "G"
is an airflow generator means which provides a stream of a gas,
preferably air via the airflow tube 123A which generates an
elevated pressure within the interior of the vessel 80. The
treatment composition in the form of a mist TM present within the
vessel 80 is forced out via the mist tube 124A which directs it to
the control handle 160 or control "wand", which has a flow
directing nozzle 162 at its a distal end 161 from which the mist of
the treatment composition TM emanates. The control handle 160 is
gripped by a person and as the mist tube 124A is flexible and
separate from the first assembly 120 it can be conveniently used to
deliver a quantity of the mist of the treatment composition TM to a
desired location.
[0149] FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a first
assembly 120, which is a self-contained, in that the controller
means, power supply source, and airflow generator are contained in
the housing 129 forming a part of the first assembly 120, for
example, a battery powered blower or fan may be used in providing
sufficient pressure within the interior of the reservoir 80 so to
cause the flow of the mist of the treatment composition through the
mist tube 124A. Such a self-contained first assembly provides for a
more portable device 1 according to the invention.
[0150] FIG. 26 depicts a device according to the invention which
includes the first assembly 120 as generally depicted with
reference to FIG. 25, to which is attached a flexible strap 128
which can be used to hang the first assembly 120 from a body part
such as a shoulder. The device 1 also includes a control handle 160
connected to the first assembly 120 by an intermediate, flexible
mist tube 124A, from which the treatment composition in the form of
the mist can be delivered. A control button 163 they be used to
control the release the treatment composition from the flow
directing nozzle 162.
[0151] FIG. 27 illustrates a further embodiment of a device 1
according to the invention wherein in the first assembly 120 is
provided on a wheeled cart 125, such as may be desired when a large
amount of the treatment composition in the form of the mist is
required to be dispensed. The depicted embodiment is similar in
most respects to that described on FIG. 26; the figure also
illustrates the manner in which a "soft surface" can be treated,
here illustrated as a hanging curtain TS. In use, a user merely
directs the release of the aerosolized treatment composition,
namely the treatment mist TM from the flow directing nozzle 162 of
the control handle 160.
[0152] FIG. 28 illustrates in a cross-sectional view a simple
embodiment of a control handle 160 or control "wand" according to
the prior embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27. In this view, the mist
tube 124 enters through the proximal end 164 of the control handle
160, and extends to a release valve 163A which can be manually
controlled by the control button 163, so that when the release
valve 163A is in an "open" condition, the mist of the treatment
composition flows through a nozzle tube 124B and to the flow
directing nozzle 162, from whence the aerosolized or mist of the
treatment composition exits. Manual gripping of the control handle
160 they be improved by providing a number of gripping the recesses
164B for cradling one or more fingers of a human operator holding
and operating in the control handle 160.
[0153] FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further
embodiment of a device 1 in a self-contained and portable assembly.
A shaped housing 170 includes at one end a flow directing nozzle
162 which is in communication with the interior of the housing 170,
and at the opposite end includes a removable cover 171 through
which a reservoir 80 and a power supply source 190, here one or
more electrical batteries, may be inserted within the shaped
housing 170. Advantageously, an air intake grille 172 is also
present in the housing 170 and preferably it is formed at or near
the opposite end of the flow directing nozzle. Within the interior
of the housing 170 is also located a control circuit means (not
shown), and airflow generator, here in the form a blower 200 which
is driven by a small electrical motor 202 which is suitably
mechanically coupled to the drive shaft (not shown) of the blower
200. A capillary means 70 extends outwardly from the reservoir 80
and is sufficiently proximate to a mist generator 20 such that,
upon activation thereof a mist TM of aerosolized treatment
composition present within the interior of the reservoir is
generated. To facilitate the movement and delivery of the airborne
mist of the treatment composition the blower 200 directs a stream
of moving air from its outlet 203 and inducing its to flow out from
the flow directing nozzle 162 of the device 1. Such a device is
portable, and compact, and also practical as frequently one or more
treatment operations can be performed without requiring either
replenishment or replacement of the reservoir 80, and or
replacement or recharging of the one or more batteries 190.
Furthermore, as the generation of a mist of the treatment
composition is essentially nearly instantaneous with the activation
of the mist generator 20, power can be spared in-between surface
treatment operations as control button 163 which energizes the
control means and consequently the blower 200 and the mist
generator 20 need only be used to activate and operate the device 1
when actually treating a surface.
[0154] FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of a further
embodiment of a device 1 in a self-contained and portable assembly.
A shaped housing 170 includes a plurality of flow directing nozzles
162 which extend through a mounting plate MP forming part of the
housing 170, behind each of which nozzles 162 is mounted a mist
generator 20 (which preferably is a mist generating assembly 400).
Part of the device 1 is a cartridge shaped reservoir 80 which is
fitted into the housing 170. Although not illustrated in the
figure, within the housing is also present at least a power supply
source, preferably one or more electrical batteries, (rechargeable,
or non-rechargeable), control circuit means (not shown), and at
least one, but may also be two or more pumps and necessary tubing
or other fluid conduits in order to provide for supply of the
treatment composition present within the cartridge shaped reservoir
80 to be supplied to each of the mist generator 20 in response to
appropriate control signals from the control circuit means which
concurrently also operates the mist generator 20. Wherein the mist
generator 20 forms part of a mist generating assembly 400, and
especially a mist generating assembly 400 which may operate in
accordance to the principles outlined in one or more of FIGS. 20K1,
20K2, 20K3, 20K4 and 20K5, the device 1 may be operated in a
variety of inclinations or orientations with respect to the
horizontal as previously described. Such a device 1 is portable,
compact, and also practical, as frequently one or more treatment
operations can be performed without requiring either replenishment
or replacement of the reservoir 80, and or replacement or
recharging of the one or more batteries. Furthermore, as the
generation of a mist of the treatment composition is essentially
nearly instantaneous with the activation of the mist generator 20,
and the direction of the directional delivery of the mist of the
treatment composition may vary widely, the device 1 is both
effective and convenient in use.
[0155] FIG. 30 depicts a simplified manner of treating a textile
surface, here the upholstered surface of a chair TU. A device
according to the invention 1, e.g., the embodiment according to
FIG. 29 is operated such that the aerosolized treatment
composition, namely the mist TM is used to contact the textile
surface by appropriate placement of the flow directing nozzle 162
while the device 1 operates. The mist TM not only contacts the
surface of the textile, but may also penetrate into and through the
textile to provide a technical benefit, e.g., cleaning, sanitizing,
disinfecting, fragrancing, deodorizing, odor neutralizing,
anti-allergen, therapeutic, and/or other technical benefit.
[0156] FIG. 31 depicts a simplified manner of treating a lavatory
appliance, here a toilet bowl TT. A device 1 according to the
invention, e.g., the embodiment according to FIG. 29 is operated
such that the aerosolized treatment composition, namely the mist TM
is used to contact the textile surface by appropriate placement of
the flow directing nozzle 162 while the device 1 operates. The
airborne mist TM may be delivered to the interior of the toilet
bowl as depicted, as well as to any of the exterior hard surfaces
of the toilet bowl. The device 1 can be similarly used to treat
other nonporous hard surfaces in a similar manner. Due to the
airborne nature of the mist TM, typically the mist TM remains
airborne or floats for at least several seconds before evenly
depositing upon surfaces in the locus in which it has been
applied.
[0157] FIG. 32 illustrates a further embodiment of a portable
device 1 according to the invention which is adapted to be used
with a refillable reservoir 80 which may be a conventional
polymeric bottle 81 containing a quantity of fluid treatment
composition TC. A shaped housing 170 having at one end a flow
directing nozzle 162 which is in communication with the interior of
the shaped housing 170 also contains as an airflow generator and a
blower 200 coupled to an electrical motor 202, a power supply
source 190, a controller means 220, a controllable pump 92, fluid
conduits 60, control button 163 and while not illustrated it is to
be understood that one or more wires are suitably used to
interconnect and electrical or electrically operable elements of
the device 1. The reservoir 80 may be removed, such as by
rotationally disengagement with a portion of the housing 170.
Suitable connectors include, e.g., mating threads, friction
fitting, snap connector fittings, bayonet type fittings, and the
like although virtually any liquid connector which may be used
comes into consideration. In operation, a user (human) groups a
portion of the housing 170 and when desired, actuate the controller
means 220 which acts to energize and operate the mist generator 20
and to also energize the electrical motor 202 which drives the
blower 200 thereby causing airflow to traverse the mist generator
20 and entrain the mist TM of atomized air treatment composition
which is generated. As necessary, the controller means 220 may
energize the controllable pump 92 in order to supply a necessary
quantities of the fluid treatment composition TC, withdrawing it
from the reservoir 80 and supplying it to the mist generator
20.
[0158] FIG. 33 depicts and a cross-sectional view, a side of a
further embodiment of a portable device 1 according to the
invention. The device 1 comprises a refillable reservoir 80 which
is intended to be supplied as a bottle 81 containing a quantity of
a treatment composition in fluid form, which is removably
attachable via a screw type connector fitting or an integral cap 82
within the housing 170 (illustrated in dotted lines for sake of
clarity). Fluid treatment composition is withdrawn from the
interior of the bottle 81 via a fluid conduits 60 which is
connected to a controllable pump 92 operated by a controller means
(not shown) present within the housing 170, and it is supplied in a
metered manner via a further common with 60 which is used to supply
a mist generator 20. The mist generator 20 may be similar to any of
the types heretofore described, but advantageously may be according
to the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 2B
or 2C. The mist generator means 20 is included in the construction
of the atomized chamber 45, having dimensions approximately similar
to the atomizing chamber discussed with reference to FIG. 21.
Again, other embodiments and configurations of the atomizing
chamber 45 as well as of the mist generator 20 may be incorporated
in a device 1 according to the invention, including but not limited
to the depicted device of the present figure. Downstream of the
mist generator 20 is also present a transmitter unit 71 and a
receiver unit 72 mounted transversely from each other across the
bore 45A of the atomizing chamber 45 and preferably near the open
end 48 thereof, and may operate in a manner as described previously
with reference to FIG. 15. Also present is a blower 200, which
includes an integrated electric motor within its hub, and which may
be used to force a current of air to flow through the airflow
conduit 100, wherein it entrains a quantity of the treatment
composition which is an atomized or nebulized by the mist generator
20, which particles exit via the open end 48, and carries this
airborne mist TM of the treatment composition outwardly from the
device 1 via exit of the flow directing nozzle 162. To facilitate
the handling of the device 1, a portion thereof may include
recesses 164B for cradling one or more fingers of a human operator
holding and operating in the control handle 160. Further included
in the control handle 160 is a control button 163 used to control
the release the treatment composition from the flow directing
nozzle 162, by controlling the operation of the controller means
which in turn regulates the operation of the controllable pump 92,
blower 200 and the mist generator 20. The controller means may also
receive a signal input from the receiver 72 which relates to one or
more conditions relevant to the operation of the device 1, e.g.,
the mass flow rate of the atomized treatment composition, and/or
the particle size or particle size distribution of the atomized
particles passing between the transmitter 71 and the receiver 72,
and exiting via the open end 48. Such conditions may be represented
by a suitable signal which is returned as feedback to the
controller means which may then be used to transmit appropriate
control signals and/or alter power being supplied to relevant
elements of the device 1, e.g., the mist generator 20, controllable
pump 92 or blower 200, so to modify the operating characteristics
thereof so to return the operating parameters of the device 1 to a
desired state or states of operation. Power to the device 1, and to
elements thereof, particularly the controller means 168, blower
200, controllable pump 92 and mist generator 20 may be supplied by
one or more batteries 190 present within the housing 170. It is of
course realized than an external power supply source, such as a
direct connection via one or more wires to a power source, such as
wall mains, or via an intermediate electrical transformer for
controlling the voltage or current being supplied to the device are
also contemplated in place of, or in addition to the batteries 190
in the depicted embodiment. The device 1 may also include
rechargeable batteries 190. Of course, a similar substitution can
also be made for other devices 1 according to the invention
although, the use of batteries are preferred as improving the
portability of a device 1 and facilitating its ease of use by
consumer.
[0159] FIG. 34 illustrates an external side view, as well as
partial cross-sectional view of the device 1 depicted on FIG. 34.
In the cross-sectional view is shown the interrelationship between
an auxiliary nozzle 240 and the flow directing nozzle 162 of the
device 1. In the current embodiment, the connector end 242 is
dimensioned to be slightly larger than the maximum dimension of the
flow directing nozzle 162 such that it can be slipped over, and
form a releasable or friction fit therebetween. The discharge end
244 of the auxiliary nozzle 240 is open, and in the embodiments
shown is generally bell-shaped. Such a configuration can be used,
for example, to provide a quantity of the treatment missed to a
small locus on a surface. Coming into consideration is the spot
treatment of a textile or other porous surface, such as upholstery,
fabrics, garments, and the like, were it is desired to deliver a
quantity of the treatment composition within a region which can be
encompassed by the discharge end 244. The discharge end 244 can be
placed adjacent to, or even in contact with a surface being
treated. In the case of a soft or porous surface, retention of the
discharge end 244 for a short interval of time may improve the
delivery of the treatment mist upon, and into the soft surface so
that the atomized treatment composition passes into the interior of
the soft surface and may even pass through the other side thereof
to the substrate or article supporting the soft surface. The bell
shaped auxiliary nozzle 240 controls and the limits of the tendency
of the airborne treatment composition in the form of the mist to
drift but is retained by the confines of the nozzle 240.
[0160] FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C and 35D electric further alternative
embodiments of auxiliary nozzles 244 which may also be utilized in
a similar manner with a device 1 as described with reference to
FIG. 34.
[0161] The auxiliary nozzle 246 of FIG. 35A includes a similarly
dimensioned connector end 242 adapted to be removably joined to a
portion of the flow directing nozzle 162, which extends to an
outlet end 244 which has a smaller opening than the connector end
242. Such an embodiment provides for a degree of collimating and
concentrating the atomized treatment composition exiting the flow
directing nozzle 162 and prior to exiting the outlet end 244 of the
exiting nozzle 246. Such a configuration can be advantageously used
wherein a small space or contracted area is to be treated. For
example, such may include the proximity or region around fixtures
on a lavatory or kitchen surface, such as the faucets and their
handles, bathtubs, shower stalls, window treatments such as
curtains, venetian blinds, as well as utensils such as eating or
cooking utensils, tools or instruments, including medical and
dental instruments.
[0162] The auxiliary nozzle 246 depicted on FIG. 35B also includes
a connector end 242 configured to be removably affixed to a portion
of the flow directing nozzle 162 of a device 1, and at the opposite
end thereof extends to a fan shaped outlet end 244. Such a
configuration can be used to provide a laminar-like delivery of the
atomized treatment composition exiting the device 1. Such can
advantageously be used, for example, for the treatment of generally
planar horizontal or vertical surfaces, e.g., hard surfaces such as
kitchen or lavatory countertops, cabinets, walls, as well as soft
surfaces, e.g., hanging curtains or drapes, blankets, bedsheets,
pillows, mattresses, mattress covers, upholstery on chairs, sofas,
and other seating surfaces including those found within the home,
commercial environments, as well as in vehicles such as cars,
trucks, buses, boats and aircraft. A further embodiment of an
auxiliary nozzle is depicted on FIG. 35C. The auxiliary nozzle 250
similarly includes a connector end 242 adapted to be removably
joined to a portion of the flow directing nozzle 162, which extends
to an outlet end 244 which is coincident with a generally planar
support plate 252 which is adapted to removably bear thereon a pad
or wipe article 254. The pad or wipe 254 can be any article or
material which can provide a useful contacting or surface abrasive
effect, e.g., "scrubbing", to a surface being treated utilizing the
device 1. Coming into consideration are microfiber wipes or pads,
scrubbing pads, sponges, wipes formed of fibrous or non-fibrous
materials including woven and nonwoven wipe articles which can be
formed from synthetic, natural, or blended fibers, textiles, as
well as brushes, and the like. While such can be integrally formed
and form a permanent part of the support plate 252, conveniently
such are removable and replaceable, and it may be disposable
articles such as the embodiment depicted on FIG. 35C. Furthermore
the pad or wipe article 254 may be pre-treated with a chemical
composition other than the treatment composition; the use of a
different treatment composition may provide an ancillary benefits
or a synergistic benefit when the treatment composition present in
the pad or wipe article 254 comes in contact with the atomized
treatment composition TC (provided as a treatment mist TM) by the
device 1 which flows through the auxiliary nozzle 250 and exits via
the outlet end 244 where it comes into contact with the chemically
pre-treated pad or wipe 254 present. Optionally come but desirable
lay in many instances of the support plate 252 comprises one or
more grip elements 256 which is used to retain and/or position the
pad or wipe 254 which is removably attached to the support plate
252.
[0163] FIG. 35D depicts in a cross-sectional view a still further
embodiment of an auxiliary nozzle 258, which includes a connector
end 242 adapted to be removably joined to a portion of the flow
directing nozzle 162, which extends to an interior cavity 260
having a plurality of outlets 245, here is series of holes 245
which permit for the release of the atomized treatment composition
via the holes at the base of bristles 247. In the embodiment, the
interior cavity 260 terminates at a hemispherical section 262,
after transiting from a generally cylindrical section 264 adjacent
to the connector end 242 however, other configurations are also
contemplated is being useful. The present configuration is
illustrated provides for a series of bristles 247 which extends in
both cylindrical and hemispherical directions which may be
advantageous for the cleaning of certain surfaces, e.g., toilet
bowls, as well as other flat or curved surfaces.
[0164] FIG. 36 depicts a further embodiment of a device 1 according
to the invention, configured as a portable self-contained article.
The device 1 comprises a housing 170, a flow directing nozzle 162,
and openable cover part 173 which can be hinged, or removable and
replaceable, in place of a control button 163 a slideable switch
163A, and one or more status indicator means 167 which in the
present embodiment is a plurality of light emitting diodes. The
slideable switch 163A is movable between two or more positions, and
in its most simplest form operates only as an "on" and "off"
switch, but preferably includes a least one or more intermediate
settings. The one or more intermediate settings can be used to
establish various operating parameters of the device 1, such as
controlling the rate of delivery of the mist of the treatment
composition, timer means to automatically engaged, and disengage
operation of the device 1 at one or more preselected intervals of
time and thereby providing for unattended operation of the device
1, or other operating parameters. Similarly, the status indicator
means 167 may be other than light emitting diodes, and can be any
visually discernible, audio discernible, tactile discernible
indicators which provide information regarding the status of the
device including the operating status of the device 1 to a user.
For example, the status indicator means 167 may be a small LCD or
LED panel which are properly displays symbols relevance to the
operating status of the device, such as pictographs, icons, written
words, numerical indicators, and the like.
[0165] An interior embodiment of the device of FIG. 36 is presented
in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 37. As is seen thereon, the
housing 170 contains within its interior an embodiment a mist
generator 20 and an atomizing chamber 45 which is integrally formed
within a reservoir 80, here in the form of a rectangular vessel 82
which contains within its interior quantity of the treatment
composition TC, similar in most respects to that described with
reference to FIG. 21. The rectangular vessel 82 may be inserted
within the housing 170 via the removable cover 171. The open end 48
of the atomizing chamber 45 opens within the airflow conduit 100,
which adds no one ends includes a radial electrical fan 201, and at
the other end terminates in a flow directing nozzle 162. An air
intake grille 172 is also present in the housing 170 The controller
means 168 controls the operating characteristics of the device 1,
and in particular the operating parameters of the fan 201, and the
mist generator 20. Power may be supplied to the device via one or
more electrical batteries 190 which may be located beneath the
cover part 173 of the housing 170. The device further includes
orientation sensing means 169 for determining a physical
orientation of the device, which for example, can be a level
sensor, horizon sensor, accelerometer or any other device which can
be used to establish the relative position of the device 1 with
respect to the horizontal or horizon. Advantageously, the
orientation sensing means 169 provides appropriate signals
indicative of the degrees of arc of "tilt" while that the device 1
with respect to the horizontal or horizon which signals may be
transmitted via appropriate signal or power transmission means,
e.g., wires (not shown) to the controller means 168. The controller
means may responds to the ease and received signals in order to
control the operating characteristics of the device 1, e.g.,
shutting off one or more parts of the device as an excessive degree
of tilting incensed, or if the device 1 is suddenly dropped or
overturned. Other operative characteristics of the device including
but not limited to fan rotational speed, as well as operative
characteristics of the mist generator 20 can also be independently
or simultaneously controlled by the controller means 168, which may
include one or more electronic components containing a hardware
circuit, or a logic processor, or central processing unit which may
operates the device 1 responsive to a preset program, which can be
stored in a volatile but preferably non-volatile memory means
present on the controller card. The controller means 168 may
operate according to one preprogrammed mode of operation, or might
alternately operate according to two or more preprogrammed modes of
operation which can be selected by appropriate placement of the
slideable switch 163A. Further, the operative status of the device
can be indicated by the status indicator means 167.
[0166] An alternate interior embodiment of the device of FIG. 36 is
presented in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 38. The depicted
embodiment is similar in several regards to that of prior FIG. 37.
In the present embodiment however, a self-contained blower motor
200 is included, which supplies airflow into the airflow conduit
100. The mist generator 20 is similar to the embodiment discussed
with reference to FIG. 13. Fluid treatment composition TC is
contained within the interior of the vessel 82, and the quantity of
the treatment composition TC can be replenished via removal of the
plug 83A. The fluid conduit 60 communicates from within the
interior of the vessel 82, and a controllable pump 92 which is
controlled by the controller means 168. A controllable pump 92
supplies a quantity of the fluid treatment composition when
necessary to the mist generator 20. The mist generator 20 is
similar to, and works similarly to the embodiment discussed with
reference to FIG. 13. The operation of the mist generator 20 is
also controlled by the controller means 168. The mist of the
treatment composition TM is entrainment in the airflow generated by
a blower 200, and is directed outward from the device 1 via the
flow directing nozzle 162. Necessary electrical power is supplied
to components of the device 1 via batteries 190. Necessary
interconnections between electrically operated or operable
components of the device are supplied via suitable signal and/or
power transmission means, e.g., wires (which are not shown in the
figure for purposes of clarity). The device further includes
orientation a pair of sensing means 169, 169 for determining a
physical orientation of the device, which for example, can be a
level sensor, horizon sensor, accelerometer or any other device
which can be used to establish the relative position of the device
1 with respect to the horizontal or horizon.
[0167] The pair of sensing means 169, 169 may be oriented
perpendicular to each other within the device 1 such that signals
indicative of "up or down tilting" of the device with respect to
the horizon, e.g., in a first vertical reference plane traversing
along the length of the airflow conduit 100, as well as signals
indicative of "side to side tilting" of the device with respect to
the horizon, e.g., and a second vertical reference plane
perpendicular to the first reference plane traversing along the
length of the airflow conduit 100. Such provides for improved
signal inputs with regard to the position of the device 1 relative
to its operating environment.
[0168] A further, alternative interior environment of the device of
FIG. 36 is depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 39. The
depicted embodiment is similar in several regards to those of prior
FIGS. 37 and 38. In this embodiment, the airflow generator means
comprises an aerosol canister 230 containing a propellant or a
pressurized gas, having an actuator 231 held in a seal-tight
relationship with a controlled valve means 232, responsive to an
appropriate signal input from the controller means 168 is actuated
to release a quantity of the propellant or pressurized gas from the
aerosol canister 230 into the airflow conduit 100. Such a release
may be periodic, or continuous during the operation of the device.
The control valve means 32 may be any device which provides this
operative function, and for example may be a simple solenoid which
operates as a plunger to operate the actuator 231, or may be an
electrically operated solenoid valve such as disclosed in one or
more of U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,889, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,279, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,356,111, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated
by reference. The released gas from the aerosol canister 230
entrains the mist of the treatment composition TM generated by the
mist generator 20. A controllable pump 92 supplies, via fluid
conduits 60, quantities of treatment composition TM contained
within the vessel 82 to the mist generator 20. The mist generator
20 is generally disclosed with reference to the embodiment
discussed with reference to FIG. 13. The vessel 82, and the aerosol
canister 230 be supplied as part of a refill cartridge 87 which is
removable from, and replaceable into the interior of the housing
170 via a removable cover 171. A further, similar removable cover
171 may also be present to allow for the replacement of the one or
more batteries 190 used to provide electrical power to components
of the device 1. The device may also further include one or more
sensing means 169.
[0169] A yet further, alternative interior environment of the
device of FIG. 36 is depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
39A. The depicted embodiment is similar in several regards to those
of prior FIGS. 37, 38 and 39 and includes common features thereto.
In the current embodiment, a portion of the reservoir 80 comprises
a vertically disposed mist generator 20, which may be as those
described with reference to FIG. 1, 2, or 2A, which is vertically
disposed such that one side of the vibrating plate 22 is in direct
contact with the quantity of the treatment composition TC present
in the reservoir 80. The reservoir 80 may be refilled via a
removable and replaceable plug 83A. While operating, the vibrating
plate 22 of the mist generator means 20 produces a treatment mist
TM which enters the airflow conduit 100 wherein it is entrained by
a flow of air being generated by a blower 200, such that the mist
of treatment composition TM is directed outwards of the device 1
where it exits via the flow directing nozzle 162. The embodiment of
the device 1 shown in the figure illustrates an embodiment wherein
a pump for supplying the fluid treatment composition to the mist
generator 20 is not needed.
[0170] An alternative embodiment of a further device 1 according to
the invention is depicted on FIGS. 40, 41 and 42. The depicted
embodiment is directed to a portable device 1 which is placeable in
a stationary position and operated to generate and provide a mist
of the treatment composition TM in the area or proximity of the
device 1. With reference first to the cross-sectional view of FIG.
40, the device includes a housing 170 including a removable cover
part 173 which provides access for replacement of a vessel 80
containing a quantity of the fluid treatment composition TC. The
vessel 80 is inverted, and includes a cap 82 which incorporates
within its construction a controllable drip valve 93 which is
responsive to appropriate signals from the controller means 168.
The drip valve 93 provides a measured release out of the fluid
treatment composition TC into the mist generator 20 which is placed
directly beneath such that, fluid treatment composition TC in
pinching thereon is atomized and forms a mist of the treatment
composition TM. Beneath the mist generator 20 is positioned a
radial electrical fan 201 which provides airflow within the housing
170. Air enters the housing 170 via the grille 172, is accelerated
by the fan 201, and the increased pressure forces the mist of the
treatment composition TM out from the interior of the housing 170
via the exit orifices 162A, which function as flow directing
nozzles of prior embodiments. As is visible, a plurality of louver
shaped, exit orifices 162A are present on the periphery of the
housing 170 which provides a downward, multi-directional flow of
the treatment the midst TM. The device 1 may also include within
the housing 170 a power supply source such as one or more batteries
190 although such may be substituted by an alternative power
source, e.g., a wired connection to electrical mains, or to an
electrical transformer. The depicted embodiment also includes an
embodiment of an air-treatment means 270 which is used to provide a
volatile material to the ambient environment of the device, which
volatile material is supplied to the ambient environment
independently of the mist generator means. In the current
embodiment the air-treatment means 270 comprises a capsule 272
having a plurality of perforations 274 passing therethrough,
containing a fibrous pad 276 impregnated with a fragrance
composition. The fragrance composition volatilizes within the
capsule 272 exiting via the plurality of perforations 274 wherein
the airspace in the proximity of the device 1 is treated by the
volatilized fragrance composition.
[0171] FIG. 41 illustrates one mode and environment of operation of
the device 1. As is his will thereon, the device 1 is placed upon
the surface of a kitchen countertop "K", and operated to generate
and provide a mist of the treatment composition TM which, once
exiting the exit orifices 162A is airborne and may waft outwardly
from the device 1. The mist of the treatment composition TM comes
into contact with the horizontal top surface of the kitchen
countertop "KT", the generally perpendicular vertical kitchen
countertop backsplash "KB", and may also drift over downwardly from
the kitchen countertop K and contact the face of the kitchen
cabinets "KD" positioned beneath. The airborne mist to the
treatment composition TM ultimately settles and coalesces upon
these contacted surfaces and can provide a technical benefit
thereto, e.g., clean, sanitizing, disinfecting, order masking, odor
neutralizing, etc.
[0172] FIG. 42 illustrates an alternate mode and environment of
operation of the device 1. The device 1 is placed within the
interior of a cavity, here a sink "KS", operated to generate and
provide a mist of the treatment composition TM which, once exiting
the exit orifices 162A is airborne and may fill the cavity of the
sink KS. Due to the typically greater density of the mist of the
treatment composition TM as opposed to the surrounding air of the
ambient environment, said mist TM is prone to be primarily retained
within the confines of the cavity of the KS and ultimately settles
patent coalesces within the cavity of the sink KS. The settled mist
TM provides a technical benefit thereto, e.g., clean, sanitizing,
disinfecting, order masking, odor neutralizing, etc. to the sink
KS, as well as any articles positioned within the sink cavity,
e.g., tableware, cooking utensils, dishes, and the like.
[0173] FIG. 43 illustrates an embodiment of a device 1 according to
the invention, used to treat the interior and the contents, e.g.,
dishware, utensils, etc., of an automatic dishwashing machine 320.
Conveniently the device 1 is placed within a rack 322 of the
machine 320 and may be used prior to a dishwashing cycle, during a
dishwashing cycle, or after a dishwashing cycle to release a
treatment mist TM therefrom.
[0174] While not illustrated it is contemplated that the device of
the invention may be used to treat the interior and contents of a
clothes washing machine as well as a clothes dryer and the device
may be used prior to a clothes washing or drying cycle, during a
clothes washing or drying cycle, or after a clothes washing or
drying cycle to release a treatment mist TM therefrom.
[0175] FIG. 44 illustrates a further embodiment of a device
according to the invention, here used to treat the interior of a
shower stall 340. Herein, the device 1 is suspended from a shower
head supply tube 342 by a suitable hanger means. The device 1
further includes an air-treatment means 270. The device 1 may be
operated to dispense a mist of treatment composition to the shower
stall 340.
[0176] FIG. 45 depicts a still further embodiment of a device 1
according to the invention, here mounted on the interior 362 near
the opening 364 of a waste receptacle 360. In use, the cover 366 of
the waste receptacle 360 is optionally but preferably closed, and
the device 1 is operated to release a treatment mist to the
interior waste receptacle.
[0177] Is naturally to be understood that the embodiments discussed
in the foregoing figures are by way of illustration and not by way
of limitation. It is also to be clearly understood that various
elements presented in the disclosed embodiments may be substituted
in the place of like or similar elements in different embodiments.
Particularly, it is foreseen in fact different forms of mist
generators 20 can be substituted in different embodiments of
devices 1 presented herein.
* * * * *