U.S. patent application number 13/825031 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for safety material and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Victoria Link Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Jeongbin Ok. Invention is credited to Jeongbin Ok.
Application Number | 20140170074 13/825031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45874261 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140170074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ok; Jeongbin |
June 19, 2014 |
SAFETY MATERIAL AND SYSTEM
Abstract
Compositions and methods for deterring and/or visually
identifying oral contact with objects that are hazardous upon oral
contact or ingestion are disclosed. The compositions generally
comprise a colourant and a carrier and may further comprise an
aversive agent, a salivating agent, and/or an emetic. The
compositions may be particularly useful for application to
batteries, including button cells.
Inventors: |
Ok; Jeongbin; (Wellington,
NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ok; Jeongbin |
Wellington |
|
NZ |
|
|
Assignee: |
Victoria Link Limited
Wellington
NZ
|
Family ID: |
45874261 |
Appl. No.: |
13/825031 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
September 21, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2011/000196 |
371 Date: |
June 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/9.7 ;
252/365; 252/408.1; 429/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 2220/30 20130101;
C09D 7/41 20180101; C09D 7/63 20180101; C09D 7/40 20180101; Y02E
60/10 20130101; H01M 2/34 20130101; H01M 2/0222 20130101; H01M
2200/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/9.7 ;
252/365; 252/408.1; 429/90 |
International
Class: |
C09D 7/12 20060101
C09D007/12; H01M 2/02 20060101 H01M002/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 21, 2010 |
NZ |
588100 |
Claims
1. A composition for application onto an object, wherein the
composition comprises an aversive agent and a colourant.
2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or
more of a salivating agent, a carrier, and an emetic.
3. A composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the object is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion.
4. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the object is a battery.
5. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the object is a button cell.
6. A composition comprising a colourant and a carrier, wherein the
specific electrical resistance and overall viscosity of the
composition are higher than 1.0.times.10.sup.3 .OMEGA.m and
2.0.times.10.sup.-5 Pas, respectively, at 20.degree. C.
7. A composition as claimed in claim 6, further comprising one or
more of a salivating agent, an aversive agent, and an emetic.
8. A composition as claimed in claim 7, for application to an
object.
9. A composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the object is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion.
10. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein
the object is a battery.
11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein
the object is a button cell.
12. A taste aversive composition comprising a colourant, an
aversive agent, and a carrier.
13. A composition as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a
salivating agent and/or an emetic.
14. A composition as claimed in claim 12 or 13, for application to
an object.
15. A composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the object is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion.
16. A composition as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the object
is a battery.
17. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein
the object is a button cell.
18. A composition for application to an object, wherein the
composition comprises a colourant and a carrier, wherein the object
is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion, and wherein upon
contact of the object with saliva, the colourant stains the
saliva.
19. A composition as claimed in claim 18, further comprising one or
more of a salivating agent, an aversive agent, and an emetic.
20. A composition as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the object
is a battery.
21. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein
the object is a button cell.
22. A composition for application to or incorporation in an object,
wherein the composition comprises a colourant, a salivating agent
and a carrier, wherein the object is hazardous upon oral contact or
ingestion, and wherein upon contact of the object with saliva, the
colourant stains the saliva.
23. A composition as claimed in claim 22, wherein the composition
comprises about 5 to about 10 percent of the composition by dry
weight of the colourant, about 2 to about 6 percent of the
composition by dry weight of the salivating agent and about 80 to
about 90 percent of the composition by dry weight of the
carrier.
24. A composition as claimed in claim 22 or 23, further comprising
an aversive agent and/or an emetic.
25. A composition as claimed in claim 22 or 23, further comprising
an aversive agent.
26. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein
the object is a battery.
27. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein
the object is a button cell.
28. A method of preventing oral contact or ingestion of an object
that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion comprising coating
at least a portion of the external surface of the object with a
composition as defined in any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 13, 18,
19 and 22 to 25.
29. A method of visually identifying oral contact with an object
that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion, comprising
coating at least a portion of the external surface of the object
with a composition as defined in any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 12,
13, 18, 19 and 22 to 25, wherein upon oral contact with the object
the composition releases the colourant and stains the oral
area.
30. A method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising correlating
the colour of the stained oral area with an external reference and
thereby identifying the object.
31. An object that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion
having on at least a portion of its external surface a composition
as defined in any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 22
to 25.
32. An object that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion
having incorporated in a component of the object, at least a
portion of which is exposed to moisture upon immersion of the
object, a composition as defined in any one of claims 1, 2, 6, 7,
12, 13, 18, 19 and 22 to 25.
33. An object as claimed in claim 31 or 32, which is a battery.
34. An object as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, which is a
button cell.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to safety features for
addition to or inclusion in common household items that may be
accidentally ingested. More specifically, the present invention
relates to compositions and methods for deterring and/or visually
identifying oral contact or ingestion.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The prevalence of electronic devices, such as watches,
remotes, hearing aids, and toys, has provided unprecedented
convenience and amusement to our life in many ways. It is
significantly attributed to button cells. The global market for
these thin, portable, and affordable power sources keeps expanding
and is expected to exceed US$1.77 billion by 2014 from US$1.1
billion in 2007.
[0003] Peril from the tiny batteries has become more widespread as
button cells become more popular in the household. Serious injuries
by accidental ingestion, in particular by children, have been seen,
such as persistent drooling, choking, and even death. More than
3,500 cases of button cell ingestion are reported annually in the
US, and the rising severity of the danger has motivated the US and
Australian governments to set up hotlines and websites dedicated to
the accidents.
[0004] In most cases of battery ingestion no perceivable signs or
symptoms are observed from the victim until serious health problems
occur. Moreover, no information about the swallowed battery (such
as voltage) is available, which makes it extremely difficult to
recognise the accident and give medical treatment in a timely and
appropriate way.
[0005] To date, no practical answer which will prevent children
from swallowing batteries has been devised. Various measures have
been suggested in order to reduce the possibility of accidental
swallowing of foreign objects, such as warning labels or
screw-fastened battery compartments, but these have not been
effective in terms of child protection. As the majority of the
accidents happen when the victim picks up and ingests a battery
that has been left unattended after removal from its original
package or from a battery compartment, or when a battery is
incorrectly disposed of after use, these conventional suggestions
have fundamental limitations as child protection measures.
[0006] JP 1996-206368 suggests a method of adding a semi-permeable
coat layer onto the surface of small objects by dipping the objects
in a bath of embittering emetic solution for the prevention of
mistaken ingestion.
[0007] JP 1997-192580 suggests a pen-type applicator of embittering
emetic liquid for home use.
[0008] WO 2007/022563 along with AU 2006100239 and AU 2005904602
describes a taste aversive composition and packaging.
[0009] The prior art suggests methods for the prevention of
mistaken ingestion of objects having a potential hazard, however
the inclusion of additional processes may cause a significant cost
rise in manufacturing and there is a risk of abuse or misuse of
mixtures of chemicals in a consumer product. Moreover, the prior
art does not provide any means of visual indication of the
ingestion and identification of the objects.
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
ameliorate these deficiencies; and/or to at least provide the
public with a useful choice.
[0011] Other features of the invention may become apparent from the
following description which is given by way of example only.
[0012] In this specification where reference has been made to
patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources
of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a
context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents
is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such
sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form
part of the common general knowledge in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to a material composition for
application onto an item such as a battery, where the material
comprises an aversive agent and a food colourant.
[0014] Preferably the material also includes an emetic.
[0015] Preferably the emetic is blended with a carrier.
[0016] The present invention further relates to a composition of
ingestive material comprising more than one of following
components: aversive agent, food colour, salivating agent, emetic,
and carrier, wherein the specific electrical resistance and overall
viscosity of the material are higher than 1.0.times.10.sup.3
.OMEGA.m and 2.0.times.10.sup.-5 Pas, respectively, at 20.degree.
C.
[0017] The present invention further relates to a method of the
prevention of ingestion of potentially hazardous objects, the
method comprising the steps of: [0018] applying the material as
described above, where the aversive agent discourages the
swallowing of the object and the emetic induces vomiting in order
to minimise the possibility of swallowing and further related
hazards.
[0019] The present invention further relates to a method of visual
recognition of an ingested object, where the method comprises:
[0020] when ingested, a food colour applied to the object dissolves
in the mouth and stains the mouth area promptly in order to give an
easily visible warning to other people and a salivating agent may
promote it.
[0021] The present invention further relates to a method of
identification of ingested objects, where a specific food colour is
assigned to a kind of potentially hazardous object in order to give
information about the object for prompt medical treatment.
[0022] The present invention further relates to an item, such as a
button cell, where the item is coated in insulation, the insulation
being made of or coated by the material abovementioned in order to
prevent accidental and intentional ingestion.
[0023] The present invention further relates to a battery coated
with a material containing an emetic, an aversive agent or a
colourant as described above.
[0024] More specifically, in a first aspect, the present invention
provides a composition for application onto an object, wherein the
composition comprises an aversive agent, a colourant, and a
salivating agent.
[0025] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one
or more of a carrier and an emetic.
[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a
composition comprising a colourant and a carrier, wherein the
specific electrical resistance and overall viscosity of the
composition are higher than 1.0.times.10.sup.3 .OMEGA.m and
2.0.times.10.sup.-5 Pas, respectively, at 20.degree. C.
[0027] In some embodiments the composition further comprises one or
more of a salivating agent, an aversive agent, and an emetic.
[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a taste
aversive composition comprising a colourant, an aversive agent, and
a carrier.
[0029] In some embodiments the composition further comprises a
salivating agent and/or an emetic.
[0030] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a
composition for application to an object, wherein the composition
comprises a colourant and a carrier, wherein the object is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion, and wherein upon contact
of the object with saliva, the colourant stains the saliva.
[0031] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one
or more of a salivating agent, an aversive agent, and an
emetic.
[0032] In some embodiments of the second to fourth aspects, the
composition is for application to an object.
[0033] In some embodiments of the first to third aspects, the
object is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion.
[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a
composition for application to or incorporation in an object,
wherein the composition comprises a colourant, a salivating agent
and a carrier, wherein the object is hazardous upon oral contact or
ingestion, and wherein upon contact of the object with saliva, the
colourant stains the saliva.
[0035] In some embodiments the composition further comprises an
aversive agent and/or an emetic.
[0036] In some embodiments the composition further comprises an
aversive agent.
[0037] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method
of preventing oral contact or ingestion of an object that is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion comprising coating at
least a portion of the external surface of the object with a
composition as defined in any one of the first to fifth
aspects.
[0038] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method
of visually identifying oral contact with an object that is
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion, comprising coating at
least a portion of the external surface of the object with a
composition as defined in any one of the first to fifth aspects,
wherein upon oral contact with the object the composition releases
the colourant and stains the oral area.
[0039] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides an
object that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion having on
at least a portion of its external surface a composition as defined
in any one of the first to fifth aspects.
[0040] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides an object
that is hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion having
incorporated in a component of the object, at least a portion of
which is exposed to moisture upon immersion of the object, a
composition as defined in any one of the first to fifth
aspects.
[0041] In some embodiments, the object is a battery.
[0042] In some embodiments, the object is a button cell.
[0043] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or
features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0044] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are
described in terms of Markush groups, those persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that the invention is also thereby described in
terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the
Markush group.
[0045] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0046] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or" or
both.
[0047] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means
"consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement
in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features
other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present.
Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be
interpreted in the same manner.
[0048] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers
disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference
to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2,
3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of
rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5
and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges
expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These
are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible
combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the
highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly
stated in this application in a similar manner.
[0049] Although the present invention is broadly as defined above,
those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
is not limited thereto and that the invention also includes
embodiments of which the following description gives examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
[0050] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a button cell to which a
composition of the invention has been applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0052] The present invention is described in relation to a
composition for coating objects such as button cells, but those
skilled in the art will appreciate the invention can be applied to
other objects that may be placed in the mouth and, particularly,
objects that may be ingested.
[0053] The invention particularly relates to objects that are
hazardous upon oral contact or ingestion. Such hazards include, but
are not limited to, physical hazards such as choking, and other
hazards such as persistent drooling, poisoning and internal burns
and, in extreme circumstances, death.
[0054] The composition provided herein is useful for the prevention
and identification of the ingestion of potentially hazardous
objects. In some embodiments, the composition comprises some or all
of the following components: i) aversive agent, ii) food colour,
iii) salivating agent, and iv) emetic, in order to discourage the
intentional or mistaken ingestion of items quickly and
effectively.
[0055] The aversive agent provides offensive and obstructive
flavours such as bitterness or pungency by releasing corresponding
taste and odour in the mouth so that it helps the potential victim
to abandon the ingestion, especially when applied to or
incorporated in an object having a potential health hazard. The
aversive agent may comprise one or more chemicals. In some
embodiments, the overall content of the aversive agent portion is
preferably less than about 10 percent of the composition by dry
weight, preferably about 0.5 to about 1 percent of the composition
by dry weight, however this may vary depending on the recommended
dose of the specific aversive agent(s).
[0056] In some embodiments, the aversive agent includes at least
one of following chemicals: ammonium benzoate, denatonium benzoate,
denatonium saccharide, denatonium chloride, sucrose octaacetate,
2,3-dimethoxystrychnine, quassinoids, flavonoids, including
quercetin, absinthin, resinferatoxin, capsaicin, nonivamide,
piperine, and allyl isothiocyanate or any other known aversive
agent.
[0057] In some embodiments, the aversive agent includes at least
one of following chemicals: ammonium benzoate, denatonium benzoate,
denatonium saccharide, denatonium chloride, sucrose octaacetate,
2,3-dimethoxystrychnine, quassinoids, flavonoids, absinthin,
resinferatoxin, capsaicin, piperine, and allyl isothiocyanate.
[0058] In some preferred embodiments, the aversive agent is
selected from bitterants, such as sucrose octaacetate, ammonium
benzoate, denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide and quercetin,
and pungents, such as capsaicin and nonivamide, and mixtures of any
two or more thereof.
[0059] Suitable colourants include food colourants. In some
embodiments, the colourant is selected from the group consisting
of: FD&C Red 40; Red 3; D&C Black 3; Black 2; Mica-based
pearlescent pigment; FD&C Yellow 6; Green 3; Blue 1; Blue 2;
titanium dioxide (food grade); and mixtures of any two or more
thereof.
[0060] The colourant preferably smudges the area in and around a
mouth promptly and vividly by releasing a preferably highly soluble
colour from the composition immediately after the object is put
into the mouth or is otherwise contacted with saliva. This provides
a visual warning so that parents or other eyewitnesses notice the
accident and can take further appropriate measures immediately,
such as removing the object from the mouth. The blotted food colour
may also make it easier to find the object if it has not been
swallowed by the victim.
[0061] The composition preferably also releases the colourant on
contact with any other body part that is moist with saliva, such as
a child's hand that has been placed in the mouth. The colourant
will then stain the saliva and the body part. In this way, the
child's parents or other eyewitnesses can take appropriate action,
such as removing the object from the child to prevent further oral
contact or ingestion.
[0062] In some embodiments, the colourant can be selected to give
an indication to first aid and medical treatment personnel,
enabling the recognition and identification of the ingested object.
This embodiment contemplates the use of a colour-coding system,
which exclusively assigns a colour to a specific kind or category
among various objects. Advantageously, such a colour-coding system
may permit the selection of the appropriate medical treatment
following recognition and identification of the ingested
object.
[0063] The colourant may comprise a single colourant. In some
embodiments, the colourant comprises more than one colourant. In
some embodiments, the overall content of the colourant is
preferably about 5 to about 70 percent of the composition by dry
weight, more preferably about 5 to about 10 percent of the
composition by dry weight, however this may vary depending on the
recommended dose of the specific colourant(s).
[0064] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a
salivating agent. This preferably promotes the secretion of saliva
by stimulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The colourant can then be seen more easily and the visual warning
is more readily recognised as increased saliva production occurs
upon oral contact.
[0065] In some embodiments, the salivating agent comprises at least
one of following chemicals: adipic, ascorbic, citric, fumaric,
lactic, malic and tartaric acids; alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl
sulfates, sulfonated amides and amines, sulfated and sulfonated
esters and ethers, alkyl sulfonates, polyethoxlyated esters, mono-
and diglycerides, diacetyl tartaric esters of monoglycerides,
polyglycerol esters, sorbitan esters and ethoxylates, lactylated
esters, or phospholipids such as lecithin, polyoxyethylene sorbitan
esters, proplyene glycol esters, and sucrose esters.
[0066] In some preferred embodiments, the salivating agent
comprises citric acid, tartaric acid or a mixture thereof.
[0067] The composition may comprise more than one salivating agent.
The overall content of the salivating agent is preferably less than
about 10 percent of the composition by dry weight, more preferably
about 2 to about 6 percent of the composition by dry weight,
however this may vary depending on the recommended dose of the
specific salivating agent(s).
[0068] In some embodiments, the composition comprises an emetic.
The emetic may induce vomiting by releasing a chemical which
irritates gastric mucosa or stimulates the medullary chemoreceptor
trigger zone. Advantageously, the emetic promotes the instant
removal of the object from the victim's body, especially when
applied to an object having a potential health hazard. The emetic
may comprise one or more chemicals. The overall content of the
emetic is preferably less than 10 percent of the composition by dry
weight, however this may vary depending on the recommended dose of
the specific emetic(s).
[0069] In some embodiments, the emetic comprises at least one of
the following chemicals: syrup of ipecac,
10-chloro-5,10-dihydroarsacridine,
10-chloro-5,10-dihydrophenarsazine, 5-aza-10-arsenaanthracene
chloride, diphenylaminechlorarsine, diphenylaminearsine chloride,
diphenylcyanarsine, and phenyldichloroarsine.
[0070] The abovementioned components of the composition are
generally blended with a carrier, depending on the potential
application. The carrier aids in the adhesion of the composition to
an object and may improve the workability of the composition, such
as the flowability and the viscosity, to aid in application to an
object.
[0071] In some embodiments, the carrier comprises about 5 to about
90 percent of the composition by dry weight, preferably about 80 to
about 90 percent, more preferably about 85 to about 90 percent, of
the composition by dry weight.
[0072] In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a monosaccharide,
a disaccharide, a polysaccharide or a mixture of any two or more
thereof. Such saccharides are preferably readily soluble in human
saliva for a faster action. In some embodiments, the carrier
comprises an amylase-reactive agent. In some embodiments, the
amylase-reactive agent is modified corn starch, such as a
crosslinked and stabilised corn starch. Advantageously, modified
corn starch improves the selectivity of the composition towards
saliva compared to other liquids, improving the resistance of the
composition to other ambient and/or contiguous liquids, such as
moisture, humidity and sweat, which may otherwise affect the
durability and performance of the composition.
[0073] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 10 to
about 65 percent, preferably about 10 to about 40 percent, of
modified starch by dry weight.
[0074] The carrier may comprise other components in addition to the
monosaccharide, disaccharide and/or polysaccharide. In some
embodiments, the carrier may comprise a thickening agent. Suitable
thickening agents include, but are not limited to, xanthan gum, gum
arabic and mixtures thereof.
[0075] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 1 to
about 10 percent, preferably about 1 to about 5 percent, of xanthan
gum and/or gum arabic by dry weight.
[0076] The carrier may also comprise an adhesion enhancer. The
adhesion enhancer improves adhesion of the composition to an object
and may also improve the resistance of the composition to other
ambient and/or contiguous liquids, such as moisture, humidity and
sweat, which may otherwise affect the durability and performance of
the composition. Suitable adhesion enhancers include, but are not
limited to, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol
and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
[0077] In some embodiments, the ethyl cellulose comprises about
48-50% of ethoxy groups.
[0078] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 40 to
about 75 percent of adhesion enhancer by dry weight.
[0079] The carrier may comprise a preservative. Suitable
preservatives include, but are not limited to sodium benzoate,
potassium sorbate and mixtures thereof.
[0080] The carrier may comprise a stabiliser. Suitable stabilisers
include, but are not limited to pentaerythritol
tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate),
tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite and
poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine
ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid) and mixtures of any two or more
thereof.
[0081] The carrier may comprise a solvent. Suitable solvents
include, but are not limited to, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate,
t-butyl alcohol, water and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
[0082] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a
composition for application to or incorporation in an object,
wherein the composition comprises about 5 to about 10 percent of
the composition by dry weight of a colourant, about 2 to about 6
percent of the composition by dry weight of a salivating agent and
about 80 to about 90 percent of the composition by dry weight of a
carrier, wherein the object is hazardous upon oral contact or
ingestion, and wherein upon contact of the object with saliva, the
colourant stains the saliva.
[0083] Preferably, the carrier comprises modified corn starch.
[0084] Preferably, the carrier further comprises xanthan gum or gum
arabic.
[0085] In some embodiments, the carrier further comprises ethyl
cellulose. In other embodiments, the carrier further comprises
polyvinyl acetate. In other embodiments, the carrier further
comprises ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl
alcohol.
[0086] In some embodiments, the carrier further comprises a
preservative. Preferably, the preservative comprises sodium
benzoate and potassium sorbate.
[0087] In some embodiments, the carrier further comprises a
stabiliser. Preferably, the stabiliser comprises pentaerythritol
tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate),
tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite and
poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine
ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid).
[0088] Preferably, the salivating agent is a mixture of citric acid
and tartaric acid.
[0089] In some embodiments the composition further comprises about
0.5 to about 1 percent of the composition by dry weight of an
aversive agent. Preferably, the aversive agent is selected from the
group consisting of sucrose octaacetate, ammonium benzoate,
denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, quercetin, capsaicin
and nonivamide.
[0090] The composition may be applied to an object by any
conventional means, using, for example, a sprayer, roller or brush.
After application, the composition may be dried by at least
partially evaporating the solvent from the composition. The solvent
may be evaporated at ambient temperature or may be accelerated by
placing the coated object in a warm environment.
[0091] The composition is typically applied to at least a portion
of the external surface of the object. In some embodiments, the
composition is incorporated in a component of the object, at least
a portion of which is exposed to moisture upon immersion of the
object.
[0092] When applied to a button cell, such as is seen in FIG. 1,
the composition may conveniently be placed on the existing
insulation of the battery or incorporated in the insulation of the
battery. In FIG. 1, there is shown an anode (electrode) (1), an
anode (electrolyte) (2), insulation (including the composition of
the invention) (3), a separator (4), a cathode (electrolyte) (5)
and another cathode (electrode) (6).
[0093] In some embodiments, the composition may be applied to the
button cell as an additional layer in the manufacturing process. In
other embodiments, the composition may be integrated with the
insulation by compounding with nonconductive polymer materials such
as rubbers including NR (natural rubber), NBR (nitrile-butadiene
rubber), and EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer), EVA
(ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), polyethylene, and
polypropylene.
[0094] Regardless of whether the composition is applied to the
button cell as an additional layer or integrated with the
insulation, the colourant can provide a distinctive indication of
battery ingestion and moreover a visual identification of the
specific type of battery by, for example, applying different
colours to different kinds of batteries. The colour may be selected
to indicate the voltage of the battery, for example, because
batteries having a higher voltage can cause more serious health
hazards.
[0095] The following non-limiting examples are provided to
illustrate the present invention and in no way limit the scope
thereof.
EXAMPLES
Colour Composition
Example 1
[0096] 60 g of modified (crosslinked and stabilized) corn starch
and 7.5 g of xanthan gum were slowly poured into 200 ml of heated
(60.degree. C.) solvent solution (90 ml of ethyl alcohol, 90 ml of
ethyl acetate and 20 ml of distilled water) and mixed thoroughly
using a mechanical stirrer until the overall mixture became
slightly viscous. 50 g of ethyl cellulose (48-50% of ethoxy
groups), 10 g of polyvinyl acetate and 6 g of polyvinyl alcohol
were added into the mixture and stirred well for 5 minutes. 5 g of
anhydrous citric acid, 1 g of tartaric acid, 9 g of colour, 0.02 g
of sodium benzoate, 0.01 g of potassium sorbate, 0.03 g of
pentaerythritol
tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), 0.12 g
of tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite and 0.03 g of
poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine
ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid) were slowly introduced and mixed
well.
[0097] After a thorough blending, the overall pH of the mixture was
adjusted to be in the range of 6.7-6.9. If the mixture was too
acidic, a small amount of sodium hydroxide solution (0.1 M) was
carefully titrated to adjust the pH.
[0098] The colours were selected from the following: [0099] Red:
FD&C Red 40, Red 3 [0100] Black: D&C Black 3, Black 2
[0101] Gold: Mica-based pearlescent pigment, FD&C Yellow 6
[0102] Green: Green 3 [0103] Blue: Blue 1, Blue 2 [0104] White:
Titanium dioxide (food grade)
[0105] The colour compositions in Tables 1.1 and 1.2 were prepared
following the procedure described above for Example 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1.1 Colour compositions 1 2 3 4 5 6 Colour 9 g
9 g 9 g 9 g 9 g 9 g Modified corn starch 60 g 60 g 60 g 60 g 30 g
30 g Xanthan gum 7.5 g 3 g 3 g Gum arabic 7.5 g 7.5 g 7.5 g Ethyl
cellulose 50 g 50 g 50 g 50 g 50 g 50 g Polyvinyl acetate 10 g 10 g
10 g 10 g Polyvinyl alcohol 6 g 6 g 6 g 6 g Citric acid (anhydrous)
5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 3 g 1 g Tartaric acid 1 g 1 g 1 g 1 g 1 g 1 g Ethyl
alcohol 90 ml 90 ml 90 ml 90 ml 100 ml 100 ml Ethyl acetate 90 ml
90 ml 90 ml 90 ml 100 ml 100 ml Distilled Water 20 ml 20 ml 20 ml
20 ml t-Butyl alcohol Sodium benzoate 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g 0.02 g
Potassium sorbate 0.01 g 0.01 g 0.01 g 0.01 g Pentaerythritol
Tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert- 0.03 g 0.03 g 0.03 g 0.03 g
butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate)
Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite 0.12 g 0.12 g 0.12 g 0.12 g
Poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1- 0.03 g 0.03 g 0.03 g 0.03 g
piperidine ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid) Sucrose octaacetate or
ammonium 1 g benzoate or denatonium benzoate or denatonium
saccharide or quercetin Capsaicin or nonivamide 1 g Colour strength
(immersion in artificial strong strong strong strong strong strong
saliva) Adhesion strength (peeled off an strong strong strong
strong strong strong adhesive tape piece) Tackiness high high high
high med-hi med-hi Colourfastness to moisture (rubbed high high
high high high high lightly with a damp cloth)
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1.2 Colour compositions 7 8 9 10 11 12 Colour
5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g 5 g Modified corn starch 30 g 30 g 10 g 10 g 5
g Xanthan gum 3 g 3 g 1 g 1 g 1 g Gum arabic Ethyl cellulose 50 g
Polyvinyl acetate 50 g 50 g Polyvinyl alcohol Citric acid
(anhydrous) 3 g 3 g 3 g Tartaric acid 1 g 1 g 1 g Ethyl alcohol 50
ml 150 ml 150 ml 150 ml 150 ml 150 ml Ethyl acetate 150 ml 50 ml
Distilled Water t-Butyl alcohol 50 ml Sodium benzoate Potassium
sorbate Pentaerythritol Tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-
butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate)
Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite
Poly(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1- piperidine
ethanol-alt-1,4-butanedioic acid) Sucrose octaacetate or ammonium
benzoate or denatonium benzoate or denatonium saccharide or
quercetin Capsaicin or nonivamide Colour strength (immersion in
artificial med-hi med-hi med-hi med-hi med-hi med-hi saliva)
Adhesion strength (peeled off an strong strong strong strong medium
low adhesive tape piece) Tackiness med-hi med-hi medium med-lo low
low Colourfastness to moisture (rubbed high high med-hi med-hi
medium low lightly with a damp cloth)
Application
[0106] The colour composition was applied onto the surface of a
button cell except for a circular area in the centre with a
diameter of 12-14 mm. The composition was applied by a sprayer,
roller or brush. If necessary, the battery could be kept in a warm
atmosphere for a while to achieve complete drying of the colour
composition. The colour composition was applied to give a layer not
exceeding 0.2 mm in thickness. The weight increase of the battery
due to the colour composition (after drying) did not exceed 0.1
g
[0107] Advantageously, the colour releasing feature may give an
immediate visual warning to nearby people in case of ingestion of a
coated button cell and assist medical staff to identify the
swallowed button cell.
Immersion
[0108] A "modified" button cell and an "untreated" one were
immersed in 150 ml of artificial saliva separately, prepared in
accordance with DIN 53160-1:2010-10 specification (Table 2), to
simulate ingestion.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Composition of artificial saliva Reagents
Mass fraction (g/l) Magnesium chloride (MgCl.sub.2.cndot.6H.sub.2O)
0.17 Calcium chloride (CaCl.sub.2.cndot.2H.sub.2O) 0.15 Dipotassium
hydrogen phosphate (K.sub.2HPO4.cndot.3H.sub.2O) 0.76 Potassium
carbonate (K.sub.2CO.sub.3) 0.53 Sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.33
Potassium chloride (KCl) 0.75 1% (m/m) Hydrochloric acid was added
until a pH value of 6.8 .+-. 0.1 was achieved.
[0109] The colourant was quickly diffused in the artificial saliva
within a few seconds after immersion.
[0110] The embodiments of the invention described above are
intended to be merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will
recognise, or will be able to ascertain using no more than routine
experimentation, numerous equivalents of specific materials,
compounds, and procedures. All such equivalents are considered to
be within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying
claims.
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