U.S. patent application number 14/786401 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for toilet scrubber and toilet cleaner.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Sang-Won Eun.
Application Number | 20160106274 14/786401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52280463 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160106274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eun; Sang-Won |
April 21, 2016 |
TOILET SCRUBBER AND TOILET CLEANER
Abstract
Disclosed is a toilet scrubber which comprises a non-woven
cleaning fabric layer comprising a cleaning composition, and a
functional non-woven fabric layer comprising a functional
composition, and a toilet cleaner having the toilet scrubber.
Inventors: |
Eun; Sang-Won; (Hwaseong-si,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
Saint Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52280463 |
Appl. No.: |
14/786401 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
July 1, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/045005 |
371 Date: |
October 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.93 ;
156/250 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2262/0276 20130101;
B32B 5/022 20130101; B32B 2262/0261 20130101; B32B 5/26 20130101;
B32B 2255/02 20130101; B32B 2250/20 20130101; A47K 11/10 20130101;
B32B 2432/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/10 20060101
A47K011/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 10, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0081179 |
Claims
1. A toilet scrubber comprising: a non-woven cleaning fabric layer
comprising a cleaning composition, and a functional non-woven
fabric layer comprising a functional composition.
2. The toilet scrubber according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning
composition comprises an anionic surfactant; an ethanolamine-based
compound; a pigment, a dye, or a mixture thereof; and a
solvent.
3. The toilet scrubber according to claim 1, wherein the functional
composition comprises a functional polymer and one or more
surfactant.
4. The toilet scrubber according to claim 3, wherein the functional
polymer is selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic
polymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a fluororesin, and a mixture
thereof, and the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, an anionic
surfactant, or a mixture thereof.
5. The toilet scrubber according to claim 4, which further
comprises: (a) a cationic surfactant, a germicide, or a mixture
thereof, (b) a pigment, a dye, or a mixture thereof, (c) a perfume,
and (d) a solvent.
6. The toilet scrubber according to claim 1, wherein the non-woven
cleaning fabric layer comprises a first polyester-based staple
fiber, a first polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof,
and the functional non-woven fabric layer comprises a second
polyester-based staple fiber, a second polyamide-based staple
fiber, or a mixture thereof, wherein the first polyester-based
staple fiber and the second polyester-based staple fiber are
independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene
terephthalate staple fiber, polyethylene naphthalate staple fiber,
polybutylene terephthalate staple fiber,
poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) staple fiber,
polyester ether staple fiber, polyetheretherketone staple fiber,
and a mixture thereof, and the first polyamide-based staple fiber
and the second polyamide-based staple fiber are independently
selected from the group consisting of nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11,
nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 4, aromatic nylon and aramid.
7. A toilet cleaner comprising: the toilet scrubber of claim 1, and
a handle connected to one side of the toilet scrubber.
8. A method of preparing a toilet scrubber comprising the steps of:
forming a first non-woven fabric by using a first polyester-based
staple fiber, a first polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture
thereof; coating a cleaning composition on the first non-woven
fabric to form a non-woven cleaning fabric layer; forming a second
non-woven fabric by using a second polyester-based staple fiber, a
second polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof; coating
a functional composition on the second non-woven fabric to form a
functional non-woven fabric layer; laminating the non-woven
cleaning fabric layer on the functional non-woven fabric layer to
form a laminate sheet; and cutting the laminate sheet.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet scrubber and a
toilet cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Toilet scrubbers have been widely used to remove
contaminants on the toilet surface. For example, as shown in FIG.
1, a toilet scrubber 1 consists of only one layer for removing
contaminants. The toilet scrubber 1 is used while one side thereof
is connected to a handle 2. As described above, the toilet scrubber
of the prior art has only a function of removing contaminants, but
does not have other functions, such as protecting the toilet
surface from the contaminants after cleaning or removing bad
smells, which causes an inconvenience in that the toilet needs to
be frequently cleaned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The disclosed toilet scrubber has superior ability to remove
contaminants on the toilet surface as well as imparting antibiotic,
anti-contaminating, and deodorizing effects to the toilet surface.
In one embodiment, a toilet scrubber comprises a non-woven cleaning
fabric layer including a cleaning composition and a functional
non-woven fabric layer including a functional composition. In one
embodiment, a toilet cleaner comprises the toilet scrubber and a
handle connected to one side of the toilet scrubber.
[0004] In one embodiment, there is provided a method of preparing a
toilet scrubber including the steps of forming a first non-woven
fabric by using a first polyester-based staple fiber, a first
polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof; coating a
cleaning composition on the first non-woven fabric to form a
non-woven cleaning fabric layer; forming a second non-woven fabric
by using a second polyester-based staple fiber, a second
polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof; coating a
functional composition on the second non-woven fabric to form a
functional non-woven fabric layer; laminating the non-woven
cleaning fabric layer on the functional non-woven fabric layer to
form a laminate sheet; and cutting the laminate sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet scrubber of
the prior art;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a toilet scrubber
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a toilet cleaner
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a graph showing whiteness of tile surfaces after
the tile surfaces are coated with steak sauce and then respectively
cleaned by toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative
Example 1;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a graph showing whiteness of tile surfaces after
the tile surfaces are coated with rice paste and then respectively
cleaned by the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative
Example 1;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a graph showing contaminant removal on tile
surfaces after the tile surfaces are respectively coated with steak
sauce and rice paste and then respectively cleaned by the toilet
scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a graph showing anti-contaminating efficiency of
the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1;
and
[0012] FIG. 8 shows images displaying propagation or
non-propagation of staphylococcus 5 minutes after Staphylococcus
ATCC 6538 is inoculated on tiles respectively cleaned by the toilet
scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1; and images
displaying propagation or non-propagation of E. coli 5 minutes
after Escherichia Coli ATCC 25922 is inoculated on tiles
respectively cleaned by the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and
Comparative Example 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The disclosed toilet scrubber can effectively remove germs
and bad smells as well as contaminants on the toilet surface,
protect the toilet surface from the contaminants, and suppress the
propagation of germs on the toilet surface, by including a
non-woven cleaning fabric layer including a cleaning composition
and a functional non-woven fabric layer including a functional
composition.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toilet scrubber 100. The
toilet scrubber 100 includes a non-woven cleaning fabric layer 10
and a functional non-woven fabric layer 20.
[0015] The non-woven cleaning fabric layer 10, which removes
contaminants on the toilet surface, includes a first non-woven
fabric and a cleaning composition formed on a surface of the first
non-woven fabric and/or inside the first non-woven fabric.
[0016] The first non-woven fabric includes a first polyester-based
staple fiber, a first polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture
thereof. Specifically, as for the first non-woven fabric, the first
polyester-based staple fiber(s) and/or the first polyamide-based
staple fiber(s) are both physically interlaced with and bonded to
each other by various non-woven fabric preparing methods known in
the art. This first non-woven fabric can extend the lifespan of the
toilet scrubber due to excellent durability thereof. In order to
prepare the non-woven fabric, there are methods of thermally,
physically or chemically bonding webs each consisting of fibers to
each other, such as, bonding the fibers in the webs to each other
by using an adhesive or melting the fibers in the web to bond the
fibers with each other. Examples thereof are thermal bonding,
spun-bond, and the like, but are not limited thereto.
[0017] The first polyester-based staple fiber is a synthetic fiber
obtained by spinning a polymer containing an ester (--COO--) bond
on a main chain and then slitting it into a predetermined length.
The first polyester-based staple fiber has superior durability and
flexibility, resulting in fewer scratches on the toilet at the time
of using the final scrubber. Further, the first polyester-based
staple fiber has excellent acid resistance, alkali resistance, and
chemical resistance; high mechanical strength; little change in
strength even when the scrubber is wet; is hardly discolored; and
has low absorptiveness to water and thus very high dryness.
Therefore, the first non-woven fabric including the first
polyester-based staple fiber has high dryness and strength,
excellent durability, strength, wear resistance, and chemical
resistance, and the like, so that the durability, strength, and
wear resistance of the toilet scrubber can be also improved.
[0018] Non-limited examples of the first polyester-based staple
fiber are a polyethylene terephthalate staple fiber, a polyethylene
naphthalate staple fiber, a polybutylene terephthalate staple
fiber, a poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate staple
fiber, a polyesterether staple fiber, a polyetheretherketone staple
fiber, and the like, which may be used alone or in a mixture of two
or more thereof.
[0019] The fineness of the first polyester-based staple fiber is
not particularly limited. But when the first polyester-based staple
fiber used is too thin, a large amount of fibers are needed for
giving volume, which causes the non-woven fabric layer to be too
dense and stiffened and the preparation cost to be increased. In
the case where the fineness of the first polyester-based staple
fiber is controlled to be about 20 to 80 denier and desirably about
40 to 60 denier, a final toilet scrubber having sufficient volume
and excellent touch can be prepared at a low cost.
[0020] The first polyamide-based staple fiber is a synthetic fiber
obtained by spinning a polymer containing an amide (--CONH--) bond
on a main chain and then slitting it into a predetermined length.
The first polyamide-based staple fiber has superior durability and
flexibility, resulting in fewer scratches on the toilet at the time
of using the final scrubber. Further, the first polyamide-based
staple fiber has low absorptiveness to water and thus very high
dryness; high strength; and excellent elasticity, wear resistance,
chemical resistance, and heat resistance. Therefore, the first
non-woven fabric including the first polyamide-based staple fiber
has high dryness and strength and excellent durability, strength,
wear resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance, so that
the durability, strength, and wear resistance of the toilet
scrubber can be also improved.
[0021] Examples of the first polyamide-based staple fiber are nylon
6, nylon 66, nylon 11, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 4, aromatic
nylon, aramid, and the like, but are not limited thereto.
[0022] The fineness of the first polyamide-based staple fiber is
not particularly limited. However, when the fineness of the first
polyamide-based staple fiber is controlled to be about 20 to 80
denier and desirably about 40 to 60 denier, like the first
polyester-based staple fiber, it can increase volume and improve
touch of the final toilet scrubber and result in a reduction in the
preparation cost thereof.
[0023] The use of the polyamide-based staple fiber as described
above leads to an improvement in durability and touch feeling but
an increase in the preparation cost thereof, as compared with the
use of the polyester-based staple fiber.
[0024] The non-woven cleaning fabric layer 10 includes a cleaning
composition. The cleaning composition may coat a surface of the
first non-woven fabric or fill an inside of the first non-woven
fabric, or may both coat a surface of the first non-woven fabric
and fill an inside of the first non-woven fabric. The cleaning
composition may be eluted at the time of using the toilet scrubber
to thereby remove contaminants on the toilet surface.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the cleaning composition may
include an anionic surfactant; an ethanolamine-based compound; a
pigment and/or dye; and a solvent.
[0026] Examples of the anionic surfactant used herein are sodium
decylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, ammonium
methyl dodecylbenzene sulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzene sulfonate,
sodium octadecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium nonylbenzene sulfonate,
sodium dodecylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium heptadecylbenzene
sulfonate, potassium eicososyl naphthalene sulfonate, ethylamine
undecylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium docosylnaphthalene sulfonate,
sodium octadecyl sulfate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl
sulfate, sodium nonyl sulfate, ammonium decyl sulfate, potassium
tetradecyl sulfate, diethanolamino octyl sulfate, triethanolamine
octadecyl sulfate, ammonium nonyl sulfate, ammonium nonylphenoxyl
tetraethylenoxy sulfate, sodium dodecylphenoxy triethyleneoxy
sulfate, ethanolamine decylphenoxy tetraethyleneoxy sulfate,
potassium octylphenoxy triethyleneoxy sulfate, and the like, but
are not limited thereto. They may be used alone or in a mixture of
two or more thereof. For example, a mixed material of
dodecylbenzene sulfonate neutralized with Na and dodecylbenzene
sulfuonate neutralized with triethanol amine may be used.
[0027] The amount of the anionic surfactant is not particularly
limited. However, when the amount of anionic surfactant used is too
small, a desired cleaning power may not be obtained. On the
contrary, when the amount of anionic surfactant used is too large,
the preparation cost may be increased, and viscosity of the
cleaning composition is too high, which makes it difficult to coat
on the first non-woven fabric by a roll coating method or the like.
Hence, the amount of anionic surfactant may be controlled to be
about 40 to 60 wt % based on the total weight of the cleaning
composition. For example, 25 to 40 wt % of dodecylbenzene sulfonate
neutralized with Na and 15 to 20 wt % of dodecylbenzene sulfuonate
neutralized with triethanol amine may be used.
[0028] The ethanolamine-based compound used herein has a good
mixablity with water and high viscosity, thereby preventing an
anionic surfactant or a pigment and/or dye from being separated at
the time of forming a non-woven cleaning fabric layer. Further, it
allows components in the cleaning composition to be homogeneously
dispersed, thereby reducing the generation of flakes in a slitting
process at the time of preparing the scrubber, and further
improving the cleaning effect together with the anionic
surfactant.
[0029] Examples of the ethanolamine-based compound are
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and the like, but are not limited
thereto.
[0030] The amount of the ethanolamine-based compound is not
particularly limited. However, when the amount of the
ethanolamine-based compound is about 15 to 20 wt % based on the
total weight of the cleaning composition, it can reduce the
generation of flakes in a slitting process at the time of preparing
the scrubber and further improve the cleaning effect together with
the anionic surfactant.
[0031] The pigment and/or dye used herein are/is not particularly
limited as long as it can be eluted together with other components
when being contacted with water. Non-limited examples of the
pigment or dye are pigments such as Nylosan Blue, Hostafine Blue,
AquaLor Blue, water-soluble dyes such as Direct Blue 76, Direct
Blue 86, Direct Blue 108, Direct Blue 199, Direct Blue 236, Acid
Blue 9, Acid Blue 78, Acid Blue 82, and Acid Blue 234, and the
like. Due to the inclusion of the pigment and/or dye, the color of
the toilet scrubber becomes lighter as the toilet scrubber is more
often used, so that the replacement time of the toilet scrubber can
be anticipated.
[0032] The amount of the pigment, dye, or mixture thereof is not
particularly limited, but may be controlled to be 0.05 to 10 wt %
based on the total weight of the cleaning composition depending on
the coloring degree of the non-woven cleaning fabric layer.
[0033] The solvent used herein is not particularly limited as long
as it can easily dissolve the anionic surfactant, the
ethanolamine-based compound, and the pigment and/or dye. Examples
of the solvent are water and the like.
[0034] The amount of the solvent is not particularly limited, but
may be a remainder that controls the total weight of the cleaning
composition to be 100 wt %.
[0035] The viscosity of the cleaning composition is not
particularly limited. However, when the viscosity of the cleaning
composition is 200 to 600 cps, it can easily coat a surface of the
first non-woven fabric as well as fill the inside of the first
non-woven fabric by a roll coating method or the like.
[0036] In addition, the coating amount (use amount) of the cleaning
composition is not particularly limited. However, when the coating
amount of the cleaning composition is 20 to 40 parts by weight
based on 100 parts by weight of the first non-woven fabric, it can
minimize the generation of flake at the time of preparing the
scrubber and economically further maximize the cleaning effect of
the scrubber.
[0037] The toilet scrubber 100 includes a functional non-woven
fabric layer 20 laminated on one side of the foregoing non-woven
cleaning fabric layer 10. The toilet scrubber of the present
invention can effectively remove germs and bad smells, protect the
toilet surface from contaminants, and suppress the propagation of
germs on the toilet surface, by including the functional non-woven
fabric layer 20.
[0038] The functional non-woven fabric layer 20 includes a second
non-woven fabric and a functional composition formed on a surface
of the second non-woven fabric and/or inside the second non-woven
fabric.
[0039] The second non-woven fabric includes a second
polyester-based staple fiber, a second polyamide-based staple
fiber, or a mixture thereof. Specifically, in the second non-woven
fabric, the second polyester-based staple fiber(s) and/or second
polyamide-based staple fiber(s) are both physically interlaced with
and bonded to each other by various non-woven fabric preparing
methods known in the art, like the first non-woven fabric. The
toilet scrubber of the present invention has improved durability,
resulting in extending the lifespan thereof, by including the
second non-woven fabric.
[0040] The second polyester-based staple fiber is a synthetic fiber
obtained by spinning a polymer containing an ester (--COO--) bond
on a main chain and then slitting it into a predetermined length,
like the first polyester-based staple fiber. Examples of the second
polyester-based staple fiber are the same as those described in the
first polyester-based staple fiber. However, in the present
invention, the first polyester-based staple fiber and the second
polyester-based staple fiber may be identical to or different from
each other.
[0041] The fineness of the second polyester-based staple fiber is
not particularly limited. However, when the fineness of the second
polyester-based staple fiber is 20 to 80 denier and desirably 40 to
60 denier, like the fineness of the first polyester-based staple
fiber. It can increase volume and improve touch of the final toilet
scrubber and result in a reduction in the preparation cost.
[0042] The second polyamide-based staple fiber is a synthetic fiber
obtained by spinning a polymer containing an amide (--CONH--) bond
on a main chain and then slitting it into a predetermined length,
like the first polyamide-based staple fiber. Examples of the second
polyamide-based staple fiber are the same as those described in the
first polyamide-based staple fiber. However, in the present
invention, the first polyamide-based staple fiber and the second
polyamide-based staple fiber may be identical to or different from
each other.
[0043] The fineness of the second polyamide-based staple fiber is
not particularly limited. However, when the fineness of the second
polyamide-based staple fiber is about 20 to 80 denier and desirably
about 40 to 60 denier, like the fineness of the first
polyamide-based staple fiber, it can further volume feeling and
touch feeling of the final toilet scrubber and result in a
reduction in the preparation cost.
[0044] The functional non-woven fabric layer 20 of the present
invention includes a functional composition. The functional
composition coats a surface of the second non-woven fabric, or
coats or fills an inside of the second non-woven fabric. The
functional composition may be eluted at the time of using the
toilet scrubber to thereby effectively remove germs and bad smells,
and the eluted functional composition may form a protecting film on
the toilet surface to thereby protect the toilet surface from
contaminants and suppress the propagation of germs on the toilet
surface.
[0045] The functional composition may include a functional polymer
and one or more surfactant. Herein, the functional polymer is
selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic polymer, an
acrylic acid polymer, a fluororesin, and a mixture thereof. The
surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, or a
mixture thereof. In addition to these components, the functional
composition may further include (a) a cationic surfactant, a
germicide, or a mixture thereof; (b) a pigment, a dye, or a mixture
thereof; (c) a perfume; and (d) a solvent.
[0046] The functional composition includes a functional polymer
selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic polymer, an
acrylic acid polymer, a fluororesin, and a mixture thereof. When
the functional composition includes the hydrophobic polymer, the
functional composition eluted from the toilet scrubber may form a
protecting film on the toilet surface and fewer contaminants may be
attached on the toilet surface due to the formed protecting film.
Meanwhile, when the functional composition includes the acrylic
acid polymer, the property of the toilet surface is changed from
hydrophobicity into hydrophilicity, so that the contaminants
attached on the toilet surface are detached and thus easily
removed. Meanwhile, when the functional composition includes the
fluororesin, the contaminants can be prevented from being attached
on the toilet surface due to the fluororesin, like the hydrophobic
polymer.
[0047] Examples of the hydrophobic polymer are a siloxane-based
polymer and the like. The siloxane-based polymer is not
particularly limited as long as it contains a main chain in which
silicon atoms and oxygen atoms are alternately bonded. Examples
thereof are polysiloxane, polyalkylsiloxane, and polyarylsiloxane,
and specifically, polyethylsiloxane, polymethylsiloxane,
polyphenylsiloxane, and the like, but are not limited thereto.
[0048] The acrylic acid polymer includes an acrylic acid
homopolymer consisting of only acrylic acid monomers, a
cross-linked acrylic acid polymer consisting of acrylic acid
monomers and a cross-linking agent, and the like, but is not
limited thereto. Examples of the cross-linking agent are
trimethylolpropane diallyl ether, trimethylolpropane triallyl
ether, diallyl pentaerythritol ether, triallyl pentaerythritol
ether, tetraallyl pentaerythritol ether, diallyl sucrose ether,
triallyl sucrose ether, tetraallyl sucrose ether, and the like, but
are not limited thereto.
[0049] In addition, the fluororesin usable herein is not
particularly limited as long as it contains fluorine in the
molecule thereof. Examples thereof are polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylidene
fluoride (PVDF), and the like, but are not limited thereto.
[0050] The amount of the functional polymer is not particularly
limited. However, when the amount of the functional polymer is
about 0.5 to 5 wt %, it can economically further improve
anti-contaminating efficiency thereof and can be homogeneously
mixed with other components.
[0051] According to one embodiment, the functional composition may
be used in combination with a nonionic surfactant and/or anionic
surfactant; and a cationic surfactant and/or germicide. By
including the nonionic surfactant and/or anionic surfactant and the
cationic surfactant and/or germicide, the functional composition
can further improve cleaning, anti-contaminating, and germicidal
functions, as compared with the cases where they are used alone.
The nonionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant exhibit cleaning
and anti-contaminating efficiencies, and the cationic surfactant
and the germicide exhibit anti-biotic and anti-contaminating
efficiencies.
[0052] Non-limited examples of the nonionic surfactant are ethylene
diamine, diethylene glycol, dodecyl phenol, nonyl phenol,
tetradecyl alcohol, N-octadecyl diethanolamide, N-dodecyl
monoethanolamide, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate,
polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, and the like.
[0053] Non-limited examples of the anionic surfactant are sodium
decylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, ammonium
methyl dodecylbenzene sulfonate, ammonium dodecylbenzene sulfonate,
sodium octadecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium nonylbenzene sulfonate,
sodium dodecylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium heptadecylbenzene
sulfonate, potassium eicososyl naphthalene sulfonate, ethylamine
undecylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium docosylnaphthalene sulfonate,
sodium octadecyl sulfate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl
sulfate, sodium nonyl sulfate, ammonium decyl sulfate, potassium
tetradecyl sulfate, diethanolamino octyl sulfate, triethanolamine
octadecyl sulfate, ammonium nonyl sulfate, ammonium nonylphenoxyl
tetraethylenoxy sulfate, sodium dodecylphenoxy triethyleneoxy
sulfate, ethanolamine decylphenoxy tetraethyleneoxy sulfate,
potassium octylphenoxy triethyleneoxy sulfate, and the like, but
are not limited thereto. They may be used alone or in a mixture of
two or more thereof.
[0054] The amount of the nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant,
or mixture thereof is not particularly limited, but when the amount
thereof is 10 to 35 wt % based on the total weight of the
functional composition, the coating efficiency thereof can be
improved and the cleaning effect thereof can be economically
further improved.
[0055] Non-limited examples of the cationic surfactant used herein
are benzalkonium chloride, ethyl-dimethylstearyl ammonium chloride,
benzyl-dimethyl-stearyl ammonium chloride, benzyldimethyl-stearyl
ammonium chloride, trimethyl stearyl ammonium chloride,
trimethylcetyl ammonium bromide, dimethylethyl dilaurylammonium
chloride, dimethyl-propyl-myristyl ammonium chloride, and the
like.
[0056] Non-limited examples of the germicide are zinc pyrithione,
sodium pyrithione, dipyrithione, ketaconazole, salicylic acid,
chlorhexidine gluconate, 2,4,4-trichloro-2-hydroxy diphenyl ether,
and the like, which may be used alone or in a mixture of two or
more thereof.
[0057] The amount of the cationic surfactant, germicide, or mixture
thereof is not particularly limited, but when the amount thereof is
0.5 to 1 wt % based on the total weight of the functional
composition, the anti-contaminating and germicidal effects can be
economically further improved.
[0058] The pigment and/or dye used herein are/is not particularly
limited as long as it can be easily eluted together with other
components at the time of being contacted with water. Non-limited
examples of the pigment or dye are Nylosan Blue, Hostafine Blue,
and AquaLor Blue, water-soluble dyes such as Direct Blue 76, Direct
Blue 86, Direct Blue 108, Direct Blue 199, Direct Blue 236, Acid
Blue 9, Acid Blue 78, Acid Blue 82, and Acid Blue 234, and the
like. Due to the inclusion of the pigment and/or dye, the color of
the toilet scrubber becomes lighter as the toilet scrubber is more
often used, so that the replacement time of the toilet scrubber can
be anticipated.
[0059] The amount of the pigment, dye, or mixture thereof is not
particularly limited, but may be controlled to be 0.05 to 10 wt %
based on the total weight of the functional composition depending
on the coloring degree of the functional non-woven fabric
layer.
[0060] The perfume used herein may remove bad smells by covering
bad smell substances. Therefore, the present invention can further
exhibit a deodorizing effect and further exhibit an aromatic effect
by including the perfume.
[0061] Examples of the perfume are general aromatic perfumes or
natural aroma oils on the market. Specifically, examples thereof
are citrus-based perfumes such as lemon, orange, and citrus,
peppermint oil, citronella oil, rose oil, lavender oil, jasmine
oil, lemon oil, orange oil, sandalwood, frankincense, German
chamomile oil, and the like, but are not limited thereto.
[0062] The perfume may be capsulated by a polymer capsule. When the
perfume is capsulated by the polymer capsule, the loss of perfume
due to the pressure or temperature for preparing the scrubber or
the formation of the functional composition can be prevented, and
thus the unit cost of the perfume can be reduced and the
deodorizing and aromatic effects can be improved. Further, the
perfume itself can be stably treated and stored at the time of
preparing the scrubber.
[0063] The amount of the perfume is not particularly limited, but
when the amount thereof is about 0.1-3 wt % based on the total
weight of the functional composition, the deodorizing effect can be
enhanced without deteriorating the anti-biotic effect, and the
aroma effect can be better exhibited.
[0064] The solvent used herein is not particularly limited as long
as it can easily dissolve the functional polymer; the nonionic
surfactant and/or anionic surfactant; the cationic surfactant
and/or germicide; the pigment and/or dye; and the perfume. Examples
of the solvent are water and the like.
[0065] The amount of the solvent is not particularly limited, and
may be a remainder that controls the total weight of the functional
composition to be 100 wt %.
[0066] The viscosity of the functional composition is not
particularly limited. However, when the viscosity of the functional
composition is 200 to 600 cps, it can easily coat a surface of the
second non-woven fabric and fill the inside of the second non-woven
fabric by a roll coating method or the like.
[0067] In addition, the coating amount (use amount) of the
functional composition is not particularly limited, but when the
coating amount thereof is 20 to 40 parts by weight based on 100
parts by weight of the second non-woven fabric, it can minimize the
generation of flake at the time of preparing the scrubber and
economically maximize the cleaning, anti-biotic, and deodorizing
effects of the scrubber.
[0068] Meanwhile, the toilet scrubber may be prepared by various
methods, and thus the preparation of the toilet scrubber is not
limited to the following method.
[0069] According to one embodiment, the toilet scrubber may be
prepared by including the steps of: forming a first non-woven
fabric by using a first polyester-based staple fiber, a first
polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof; coating a
cleaning composition on the first non-woven fabric to form a
non-woven cleaning fabric layer; forming a second non-woven fabric
by using a second polyester-based staple fiber, a second
polyamide-based staple fiber, or a mixture thereof; coating a
functional composition on the second non-woven fabric to form a
functional non-woven fabric layer; laminating the non-woven
cleaning fabric layer on the functional non-woven fabric layer to
form a laminate sheet; and cutting the laminate sheet.
[0070] Hereinafter, the method for preparing the toilet scrubber is
described as follows, but is not limited to the one exemplified
below.
[0071] First, a first non-woven fabric including a first
polyester-based staple fiber, a first polyamide-based staple fiber,
or a mixture thereof is formed (hereinafter, `step S100`).
[0072] In step S100, bonding between the first polyester-based
staple fibers, between the first polyamide-based staple fibers, or
between the first polyester-based staple fiber and the first
polyamide-based staple fiber, of a first web, may be conducted by a
non-woven fabric preparing method known in the art. For example,
the first polyester-based staple fibers are physically interlaced
with each other to form the first web, and these first
polyester-based staple fibers in the first web are bonded to each
other by an adhesive, thermal bonding, or the like, to thereby form
the first non-woven fabric.
[0073] According to one embodiment, step S100 includes the steps
of: forming the first web consisting of the first polyester-based
staple fiber and/or first polyamide-based staple fiber; and bonding
the fibers of the first web to each other by the non-woven fabric
preparing method known in the art.
[0074] The forming method of the first web is not particularly
limited as long as it may be known in the art. For example, the
first web may be formed by physically separating the first
polyester-based staple fibers on a conveyor by using an opening
machine, and then uniformly or randomly arranging the first
polyester-based staple fibers by using a carding machine.
[0075] The fibers of the formed first web may be bonded to each
other by thermal, physical or chemical methods, such as binding the
fibers to each other by an adhesive or melting the fibers and
bonding them to each other.
[0076] Then, a non-woven cleaning fabric layer 10 is formed by
forming a cleaning composition on the first non-woven fabric formed
in step S100 (hereinafter, `step S200`).
[0077] In step S200, the cleaning composition is formed on a
surface of the first non-woven fabric or inside the first non-woven
fabric. Specifically, the cleaning composition may coat the surface
of the first non-woven fabric, and/or may fill an inside of the
first non-woven fabric, that is, pores of the first non-woven
fabric.
[0078] According to one embodiment, step S200 includes the steps of
coating the cleaning composition on the surface and/or the inside
of the first non-woven; and heating the coated cleaning composition
to form the non-woven cleaning layer.
[0079] The coating method of the cleaning composition is not
particularly limited, and non-limited examples thereof are roll
coating, dip coating, spray coating, gravure coating, flexo
printing, slot die coating, curtain coating, slide coating, and the
like.
[0080] The heating temperature may be 160 to 200.degree. C. and
desirably 170 to 190.degree. C. and the heating time may be 3 to 7
minutes, but they are not limited thereto. According to one
embodiment, the non-woven cleaning fabric layer may be formed by
coating the cleaning composition on the first non-woven fabric by a
roll coating method and then drying it in an oven at 180.degree. C.
for 3 to 7 minutes.
[0081] Then, a second non-woven fabric including a second
polyester-based staple fiber, a second polyamide-based staple
fiber, or a mixture thereof is formed (hereinafter, `step
S300`).
[0082] In step S300, the second non-woven fabric is formed by
carrying out the same process as step S100 as described above.
Here, the forming method and bonding method of the second web are
the same as those of step S100 as described above. However, when
the second polyester-based staple fiber is used at the time of
forming the second non-woven fabric, the second polyester-based
staple fiber may be identical to or different from the first
polyester-based staple fiber used in step S100. Meanwhile, when the
second polyamide-based staple fiber is used at the time of forming
the second non-woven fabric, the second polyimide-based staple
fiber may be identical to or different from the second
polyamide-based staple fiber used in step S100.
[0083] Hereinafter, a functional non-woven fabric layer 20 is
formed by forming a functional composition on the second non-woven
fabric formed in step S300 (hereinafter, `step S400`).
[0084] In step S400, the functional composition is formed on a
surface of the second non-woven fabric and/or inside the second
non-woven fabric. Specifically, the functional composition may be
coated on the surface of the second non-woven fabric, and/or may
fill the inside of the second non-woven fabric, that is, pores of
the second non-woven fabric.
[0085] According to one embodiment, step S400 includes the steps of
coating the functional composition on the surface and/or the inside
of the second non-woven fabric; and heating the coated functional
composition to form the functional non-woven fabric.
[0086] The coating method of the functional composition is not
particularly limited, and non-limited examples thereof are roll
coating, dip coating, spray coating, gravure coating, flexo
printing, slot die coating, curtain coating, slide coating, and the
like.
[0087] The heating temperature may be 160 to 200.degree. C. and
desirably 170 to 190.degree. C. and the heating time may be 3 to 7
minutes, but they are not limited thereto. According to one
embodiment, the functional non-woven fabric layer may be formed by
coating the functional composition on the second non-woven fabric
by a roll coating method and then drying it in an oven at
180.degree. C. for 3 to 7 minutes.
[0088] Then, a laminate sheet is formed by laminating the non-woven
cleaning fabric layer formed in step S200 on the functional
non-woven fabric layer formed in step S400 (hereinafter, `step
S500`).
[0089] The method of laminating the non-woven cleaning fabric layer
on the functional non-woven fabric layer is not particularly
limited as long as it may be known in the art. For example, the
methods is bonding the non-woven cleaning fabric layer and the
functional non-woven fabric layer by using an adhesive; heating and
pressing the non-woven cleaning fabric layer and the functional
non-woven fabric layer by allowing the laminated sheet to penetrate
between a pair of preheated rollers, and the like.
[0090] Then, the laminate sheet is cut into predetermined shape and
size (hereinafter, `step S600`).
[0091] The shape of the laminate sheet is not particularly limited,
and for example, may be a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or the
like. When both sides of the scrubber have a shape of S, such a
scrubber is favorable since it can easily clean even an inside of
the toilet.
[0092] Meanwhile, a toilet cleaner has the foregoing toilet
scrubber. As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet cleaner may include the
toilet scrubber 100 and a handle 200 connected to one side of the
toilet scrubber 100. Here, the handle 200 can be easily connected
to and separated from the toilet scrubber 100, and thus the toilet
scrubber can be continuously replaced.
[0093] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with
reference to examples and comparative examples in detail. However,
the following examples are intended to explain the present
invention, and so the present invention is not limited to these
examples.
Example 1
<Step 1> Preparation of Non-Woven Cleaning Fabric Sheet
[0094] A cleaning composition was prepared by mixing 25.3 wt % of
sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, 16.2 wt % of triethanolamine, 0.13
wt % of AquaLor Blue 283L, and the remainder water. Then, the
cleaning composition was coated on the non-woven fabric
(polyethylene terephthalate staple fiber (thickness: 50 denier)) to
prepare a non-woven cleaning fabric sheet.
<Step 2> Preparation of Functional Non-Woven Fabric Sheet
[0095] A functional composition was obtained by mixing 5 wt % of
polymethylsiloxane, 14 wt % of Ethoxyalted Alchol (Miwon Commercial
Company, LAE7), 1 wt % of benzalkonium chloride (Miwon Commercial
Company, Miconuim), 0.5 wt % of AquaLor Blue (Wooshinpigment
Company), 0.5 wt % of Lemon Citrus Fragrance (Hanbit Flvor &
Fragrance, Company). Then, the functional composition was coated on
the non-woven fabric (polyethylene terephthalate staple fiber
(thickness: 50 denier)) to prepare the functional non-woven fabric
sheet.
<Step 3> Preparation of Toilet Scrubber
[0096] A toilet scrubber was prepared by laminating the non-woven
cleaning sheet prepared in <step 1> of Example 1 on one
surface of the functional non-woven fabric sheet prepared in
<step 2> of Example 1, and then cutting the laminate into
predetermined shape and size.
Example 2
[0097] A toilet scrubber was prepared by the same method as Example
1, except that 5 wt % of 3M.TM. Protective Material PM-3630 from
the 3M Company was used instead of 5 wt % of polymethylsiloxane
used in <step 2> of Example 1.
Example 3
[0098] A toilet scrubber was prepared by the same method as Example
1, except that 5 wt % of Acusol 845 from the Dow Chemical Company
was used instead of 5 wt % of polymethylsiloxane used in <step
2> of Example 1.
Comparative Example 1
[0099] Scotch-Brite.TM. Clean Stick also known as Scotch-Brite.TM.
Disposable Toilet Bowl Scrubber from the 3M Company was used for
Comparative Example 1.
Experimental Example 1
Evaluation on Cleaning Efficiency
[0100] The cleaning efficiency of the toilet scrubber according to
the present invention was evaluated as follows.
[0101] Waste engine oil, steak sauce, and rice paste were
respectively coated on surfaces of tiles (10 cm.times.10 cm),
followed by heating at 145 for 1 hour. After that, the toilet
scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1 were fitted
with a push-pull tester, which was then allowed to reciprocate on
the surfaces of the respective contaminated tiles 20 times. After
that, the whiteness and contaminant removal for the respective
tiles were measured, and then shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0102] As the experimental results, the toilet scrubbers of
Examples 1 to 3 (A, B, and c in FIGS. 4 to 6, respectively) had a
superior effect in removal of contaminants as compared with the
toilet scrubber of Comparative Example 1 (D in FIGS. 4 and 6).
Experimental Example 2
Evaluation on Anti-Contaminating Efficiency
[0103] The anti-contaminating efficiency of the toilet scrubber
according to the present invention was evaluated as follows.
[0104] Glass surfaces were respectively cleaned by the toilet
scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 1, and then
frictional forces of the respective glass surfaces were measured by
using a frictional force tester. After that, the glass surfaces
respectively cleaned by the toilet scrubbers were coated with steak
sauce, and then the frictional force of the steak sauce layer
formed on each of the glass surfaces was measured by using the
frictional force tester. In addition, the frictional force of the
glass surface was measured by using the frictional force tester. In
addition, the glass surface not cleaned by the toilet scrubber was
coated with the steak sauce, and then the frictional force of the
steak sauce layer was measured by the frictional force tester. The
contamination rate was calculated by Mathematical Equation 1.
contamination rate = ( f 4 - f 3 ) ( f 2 - f 1 ) [ Mathematical
Equation 1 ] ##EQU00001##
[0105] (Wherein Mathematical Equation 1,
[0106] f.sub.1 is surface frictional force of glass,
[0107] f.sub.2 is surface frictional force of steak sauce layer
formed on glass surface,
[0108] f.sub.3 is surface frictional force of glass cleaned by
toilet scrubber, and
[0109] f.sub.4 is surface frictional force of steak sauce layer
formed on glass surface cleaned by toilet scrubber.)
[0110] The calculation results of contamination rate were shown in
FIG. 7. FIG. 7 showed that the lower the value, the more superior
the anti-contaminating efficiency.
[0111] As the experimental results, the toilet scrubbers of
Examples 1 to 3 (A to C in FIG. 7) had lower contamination rates
than the toilet scrubber of Comparative Example 1 (D in FIG. 7).
Specifically, the toilet scrubber of Example 1 (A in FIG. 7) had a
contamination rate of 75%, which showed superior anti-contaminating
efficiency as compared with the Comparative Example 1 having a
contamination rate of approximately 89%.
[0112] As described above, it may be confirmed that the toilet
scrubber according to the present invention had superior
anti-contaminating efficiency as compared with the toilet scrubber
of the prior art.
Experimental Example 3
Anti-Biotic Efficiency Test
[0113] The germicidal efficiency of the toilet scrubber according
to the present invention was evaluated as follows.
[0114] Test on Staphylococcus ATCC 6538
[0115] Staphylococcus ATCC 6538 was inoculated on tile surfaces
respectively cleaned by the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3,
and then the staphylococcus count at the initial stage of
inoculation was measured. After 5 minutes, the staphylococci on the
respective tile surfaces were counted. Here, a tile cleaned by the
toilet scrubber of Comparative Example 1 was used for a comparative
sample. The count results were shown in Table 1 and FIG. 8
below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Staphylococcus Staphylococcus Staphylococcus
Count at Initial Count 5 minutes Reduction Stage of Inoculation
after Inoculation Rate (%) Comparative 3.6 .times. 10.sup.5 CFU/mL
1.3 .times. 10.sup.2 CFU/mL 99.9 Example 1 Example 1 .sup. 0.0
.times. 10 CFU/mL >99.9 Example 2 3.5 .times. 10.sup.3 CFU/mL
99.9 Example 3 .sup. 0.0 .times. 10 CFU/mL >99.9
[0116] As the test results, 99.9% of staphylococci were removed by
the respective toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3, like the toilet
scrubber of Comparative Example 1. Especially, in the case of the
tiles respectively cleaned by the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to
3, 99.9% or more of staphylococci were remarkably removed.
[0117] Test on Escherichia Coli ATCC 25922
[0118] Escherichia Coli ATCC 25922 was inoculated on tile surfaces
respectively cleaned by the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3,
and then the E. coli count at the initial stage of inoculation was
measured. After 5 minutes, E. coli on the respective tile surfaces
were counted. Here, a tile cleaned by the toilet scrubber of
Comparative Example 1 was used for a comparative sample. The count
results were shown in Table 2 and FIG. 9 below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 E. Coli E. Coli E. Coli Count at Initial
Count 5 Minutes Reduction Stage of Inoculation After Inoculation
Rate (%) Comparative 4.9 .times. 10.sup.5 CFU/mL 4.1 .times.
10.sup.5 CFU/mL 15.6 Example 1 Example 1 1.7 .times. 10.sup.2
CFU/mL 99.9 Example 2 2.0 .times. 10.sup.2 CFU/mL 99.9 Example 3
3.7 .times. 10.sup.1 CFU/mL 99.9
[0119] As the test results, 99.9% or more of E. coli were
remarkably removed when the toilet scrubbers of Examples 1 to 3
were used. On the contrary, it can be found that E. coli existed as
the initial stage of inoculation when the toilet scrubber of
Comparative Example 1 was used.
[0120] The toilet scrubber of the present invention can provide
superior anti-biotic, anti-contaminating, and deodorizing effects
as well as a superior cleaning effect on the toilet surface, by
including the non-woven cleaning fabric layer including the
cleaning composition and the functional non-woven fabric layer
including the functional composition.
[0121] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INDICATIONS
[0122] 1, 100: toilet scrubber, [0123] 2, 200: handle, [0124] 10:
non-woven cleaning fabric layer, [0125] 20: functional non-woven
fabric layer
* * * * *