U.S. patent application number 17/120507 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for antimicrobial colloidal silver products and method of making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eco Product Group LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Eco Product Group LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas P. Davis.
Application Number | 20210092959 17/120507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005273990 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210092959/US20210092959A1-20210401-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210092959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Thomas P. |
April 1, 2021 |
ANTIMICROBIAL COLLOIDAL SILVER PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF MAKING
SAME
Abstract
Gelatinous materials combined with the Colloidal Silver additive
to formulate an antimicrobial product having cushioning properties.
Embodiments of the present invention can include gelatinous
materials selected from a group consisting of thermosetting
polymer, Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS),
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Polyurethane (PU) gelatin with
and without a raised geometry on an outer surface.
Inventors: |
Davis; Thomas P.; (Wexford,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Eco Product Group LLC |
Pittsburgh |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Eco Product Group LLC
Pittsburgh
PA
|
Family ID: |
1000005273990 |
Appl. No.: |
17/120507 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14583975 |
Dec 29, 2014 |
9936704 |
|
|
17120507 |
|
|
|
|
13151937 |
Jun 2, 2011 |
8920850 |
|
|
14583975 |
|
|
|
|
61350626 |
Jun 2, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4037 20151001;
A01N 59/16 20130101; B29L 2023/003 20130101; Y10T 428/2976
20150115; B29C 39/003 20130101; B65D 37/00 20130101; B29C 39/026
20130101; B29L 2007/001 20130101; Y10T 428/24479 20150115 |
International
Class: |
A01N 59/16 20060101
A01N059/16; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; B29C 39/00 20060101
B29C039/00; B29C 39/02 20060101 B29C039/02; B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Claims
1. A product of the process comprising the steps of: loading a
gelatinous material into a cast; loading Colloidal Silver into the
cast; heating the cast to a predetermined temperature to form a
heated mixture with Colloidal Silver evenly dispersed in the
mixture; pouring the heated mixture into a prefabricated form that
are in the shape of the products to be derived from the casting of
the materials; air cooling the prefabricated form; and removing the
gel product with Colloidal Silver from the prefabricated form;
wherein the gelatinous material is selected from the group
consisting of a thermosetting polymer,
Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer, Thermoplastic
Elastomer, and Polyurethane gelatin; and wherein polymer chains in
the gelatinous material form a three-dimensionally cross-linked
network whereby each polymer is linked or bonded to at least one
other polymer chain and the network acts to suspend the Colloidal
Silver substantially evenly within the gelatinous material.
2. The product according to claim 9, wherein the product is a flat
mat.
3. The product according to claim 2, wherein the mat has raised
geometric projections on at least one surface of the mat.
4. The product according to claim 3 wherein the mat is an exercise
mat.
5. The product according to claim 2, wherein the mat is rolled and
joined at opposing ends to form a substantially circular
roller.
6. The product according to claim 5, wherein the circular roller
has raised geometric projections on the outer surface of the
roller.
7. The product according to claim 5, wherein the mat is rolled
around an insert.
8. The product according to claim 7, wherein the circular roller
has raised geometric projections on the surface of the roller.
9. The product according to claim 2, wherein the mat is a shoe
insert.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a Continuation of U.S. Continuation
patent application Ser. No. 14/583,975, filed Dec. 29, 2014, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
13/151,937, filed Jun. 2, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/350,626, filed on Jun. 2, 2010,
all are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is related generally to the field of
antimicrobial products, and in particular antimicrobial colloidal
silver products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditionally, TPE Gels (Thermoplastic Elastomers) are
developed by the hydrogenation of tri-block co-polymers of styrene
and butadene. The present invention formulation allows for the
glass transition of its rubber block below -50.degree. C. thus
maintaining its rubbery properties. This material content gel is
made up of visco-elastic properties that are transformed into a
gelatinous mass. The Tri-Block Co-Polymer, for example, uses
mineral oil as a plasticizer. The
Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS) description then
becomes styrene and ethylene-butylene, and mineral oil is used for
the modification of viscosity, and flexibility and strength of
blends. The major applications for this type of gel have been for
sealants, adhesives, coatings, footwear, athletic equipment, and
other cushioning parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Generally, the present invention includes gelatinous
materials combined with the Colloidal Silver additive to formulate
an antimicrobial product having cushioning properties. Embodiments
of the present invention can include gelatinous materials selected
from a group consisting of thermosetting polymer,
Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS), Thermoplastic
Elastomer (TPE), and Polyurethane (PU) gelatin with and without a
raised geometry on an outer surface.
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other and further objects thereof, reference is made
to the accompanying drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustratively shown and described
in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a flat
mat of the present invention, which has a top surface with a
plurality semi-circular projections arranged in rows on a flat
surface;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a end view of the exercise pad of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of an embodiment of the
flat mat of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is an end view of the flat mat of the embodiment of
FIG. 1 rolled with ends attached thereto;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the roller flat mat of FIG.
5 rotated in a counter-clockwise position;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the roller flat mat of FIG.
5 rotated in a clockwise position;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of the roller flat mat of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention for an exercise roller, which has an outer
surface with a plurality semi-circular projections arranged in rows
and an insert therein having opposing ends without semi-circular
projections;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exercise roller of FIG.
9 rotated counter-clockwise;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an end view of the exercise roller of FIG. 9;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of the exercise roller of FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the present
invention for an exercise roller, which has an outer surface with a
plurality of semi-circular projections arranged in rows and an
insert therein having semi-circular projections in proximity of the
outer edges of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an end view of the exercise roller of FIG.
13;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of the manufacturing process;
[0021] FIG. 16A is a side view of the present invention in the form
of a flat mat without a plurality of semi-circular projections
arranged in rows;
[0022] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the flat mat of FIG.
16A;
[0023] FIG. 17A is a side view of the flat mat in the form of a
block without a plurality of semi-circular projections arranged in
rows;
[0024] FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 17A;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the present invention in
the form of a Pilates mat with a plurality of semi-circular
projections arranged in rows;
[0026] FIG. 19A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a
flat mat illustrating an alternative projection with a square base
section having side that rise to form a semi-circular top
section;
[0027] FIG. 19B is a side view of the alternative embodiment of
FIG. 19A;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of the manufacturing process
including the incorporation of the induction heating elements into
the pre-fabricated form to embed the induction heating elements
within the gel material of the formed product; and
[0029] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of the manufacturing process
including the attachment of the induction heating elements to the
gel material of the formed product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as
used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all
numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the
term does not expressly appear. Also, any numerical range recited
herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
[0031] The phrase "cross-linked network" means the one polymer
chain is linked or bonded to another polymer chain.
[0032] The phrase "monolithic structure" means a solid, single part
and not an assembly of two or more components.
[0033] The phrase "comprehensively suspended colloidal silver"
means silver particulates are suspended evenly throughout the gel
material or suspended unevenly but along a target surface, such as
the outer surface, of the gel material, both of which provides
sufficient antimicrobial protection for its intended purpose.
[0034] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a
gelatinous material with a colloidal silver additive suspended
substantially evenly within the gelatin material. The gelatinous
material can either be a thermosetting polymer,
Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS), Thermoplastic
Elastomer (TPE), or Polyurethane (PU) gelatin. The
thermo-reversible solid material is composed of a liquid organic
phased entrapped in a three-dimensionally cross-linked network. The
solubility of the liquid organic can add elasticity to a product
creating a jelly-like substance or gelatinous material. The
combination of organic material plus SEBS material creates a
thermoplastic elastomer. The polymers will be used in a final form
in hardness and softness ranging from 0 to 40 on the shore A scale
and harder consistencies on the Shore DD Scale from 0 to 80. The
range of the TPE Gels will be from 0 to 40 on the 00 scale of
measurement (Durometer). For the purpose of illustration, one
embodiment of the gelatinous material is:
[0035] Substance A: Polymeric Methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate
(MDI) 100%;
[0036] Substance B: 265 Molecular weight (Mw) polyether triol
100%;
[0037] Ratio A:B about 1:1; and
[0038] Shore D about 80.
[0039] One method of preparing the present invention, illustrated
in FIG. 15, treats a batch of gelatinous material with a suspended
Colloidal Silver additive (for example, SmartSilver.TM.
manufactured by NanoHorizons, Inc.), which when loaded will totally
penetrate all areas of each substance and provide a green tinge to
the color of the gelatinous material or plastic. A green tinge
indicates that the silver additive has dispersed evenly in the
material. The Colloidal Silver additive will inhibit the spread of
over 650 bacteria strains including staph, Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E-coli and other less well-known
strains.
[0040] The prefabricated forms are allowed to set-up or air dry
with very little pressure in order to derive the cast parts. The
process of pouring the gelatinous material at ambient pressure
conditions (1 atmosphere) and air casting is contrary to the
conventional method of injection molding the gelatinous material
under pressure conditions (above 1 atmosphere).
[0041] The next step is to mix the Colloidal silver additive in
liquid or powder form into the gelatinous material in the cast
prior to the first melt stage. Thusly, the colloidal silver is
dispersed into part A and B of the A/B gelatinous material.
[0042] As stated above, the gelatinous material and Colloidal
silver additive are combined to form a gelatinous mixture through a
cast/pouring method. The gelatinous mixture in the cast is heated
to a predetermined temperature ranging from about 300 degrees F. to
up to the boiling point of the gelatinous material, and poured into
prefabricated forms that are in the shape of the products to be
derived from the casting of the materials.
[0043] In one embodiment of the gelatinous material in pellet form,
the Colloidal silver additive is suspended simultaneously with the
pellets, heated about 300.degree. F., and poured into the
prefabricated forms under ambient pressures conditions (1
atmosphere) and not under pressure (above 1 atmosphere) as.
[0044] The resultant material derived from either process will be a
gelatinous material with comprehensively suspended colloidal silver
throughout the gelatinous material. The final shape of the
gelatinous material can take many forms, examples of which are
provided below. However, the scope of the present invention is not
to be limited to the examples provided herein.
[0045] One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-8 illustrates a flat mat 2 and examples of its possible
adaptable configurations. FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary
embodiment being a flat mat 2 of the present invention; which has a
top surface 4 with a plurality of semi-circular projections 6
arranged in rows 8 on a flat surface 10. FIG. 2 is an end view of
the flat mat 2 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of an
embodiment of flat mat 2 of FIG. 1 illustrating cutout 12 along
width 14 of bottom surface 16 at end 18 and cutout 20 along width
14 of top surface 10 at opposing end 22. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate
top surface cutout 20 having length 24 and depth 26 substantially
the same dimensions as bottom surface cutout 12 with length 28 and
depth 30, respectively, such that when flat mat 2 is rolled into a
substantially circular form, as shown in FIG. 5, end 18 and
opposing end 20 are received into top surface cutout 20 and bottom
surface cutout 12, respectively. Another acceptable embodiment of
ends 18, 22 is any combination of cutout depths 26, 30 or end
thicknesses 32, 34 with a sum total thickness approximately
equivalent to flat mat thickness 36. Ends 18, 22 are removably
attachable by any suitable attachment mechanism such as hook/loop,
adhesive, male/female snaps, and clamps.
[0046] FIGS. 19A-B illustrate an alternative embodiment
illustrating an alternative mat 138 with projections 140 having a
square base section 142 with sides 44 that rise upward to blend
with a semi-circular top section 146.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flat mat 2 in a rolled
configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5 rotated in a
counter-clockwise position.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flat mat 2 in a rolled
configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5 rotated in a clockwise
position.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a side view of the flat mat 2 in a rolled
configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5 showing longitudinal axis L
that forms the center axis of the rolled cylinder.
[0050] Another embodiment of the present invention is an exercise
roller 38 illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 showing flat mat 2 wrapped
around an insert 40 connecting at overlapping end section 50 of
ends 18, 22. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of embodiment 38 of the
present invention, which has an top or outer surface 4 with a
plurality semi-circular projections 6 arranged in rows 8 and an
insert 40 therein having opposing ends 42, 44 without semi-circular
projections 6. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of exercise roller 38
of FIG. 9 rotated counter-clockwise. FIG. 11 is an end view of
exercise roller 38 of FIG. 9 showing end surface 52. FIG. 12 is a
side view of exercise roller 38 of FIG. 9 illustrating length 51 of
insert 40 relative to width 14 of flat mat 2. Insert 40 can be
constructed of foam or styro-foam. Diameter 48 of insert 40 is
substantially equivalent to length 46 of semi-circular projection
portion of flat mat 2 (see FIG. 1) plus overlapping end section 50,
which is the longer of either top surface cutout length 24 or
bottom surface cutout length 28. Length 51 of insert 40 can be
substantially equal to or greater than width 14 of flat mat 2. FIG.
12 illustrates length 51 being greater than width 14. The
embodiment where length 51 equals width 14, which effectively
eliminates opposing ends 42, 44 without semi-circular projections
6, such that ends 52 are substantially adjacent to semi-circular
projections 6.
[0051] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a
monolithic exercise roller 54 without a diameter through a
longitudinal axis L of the product illustrated in FIGS. 13-14
showing a cylinder 53 having diameter 57 that can be constructed of
foam, styro-foam, TPE, SEBS, PU and Urethane Gels, as well as
silicone materials, with Colloidal Silver additives suspended
therein. Outer surface 56 of cylinder 53 has raised geometry 58
that traverses the entire circumference surface 55 in various
dimensional shapes and designs including but not limited to raised
semi-circular bumps or projections as shown in FIGS. 13-14 in close
proximity of and adjacent to the outer edges 62, 64. This
monolithic structure eliminates the need to wrap a substrate with
the Colloidal Silver suspended therein around the perimeter of the
cylinder.
[0052] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a
monolithic exercise roller 54 illustrated in FIGS. 13-14 showing a
cylinder 53 having diameter 57 that can be constructed of foam,
styro-foam, TPE, SEBS, PU and Urethane Gels, as well as silicone
materials, with Colloidal Silver additives suspended therein. Outer
surface 56 of cylinder 53 has raised geometry 58 that traverses the
entire circumference 55 in various dimensional shapes and designs
including but not limited to raised semi-circular bumps or
projections as shown in FIGS. 13-14 in close proximity of and
adjacent to the outer edges 62, 64. This monolithic structure
eliminates the need to wrap a substrate with the Colloidal Silver
suspended therein around the perimeter of the cylinder.
[0053] Examples of flat mat 2 can have total lengths defined as the
sum of top surface cutout length 24, bottom surface cutout length
28, and semi-circular projection portion length 46 about 18 inches
to about 26 inches. Flat mat 2 can have widths about 14 inches to
about 40 inches. However, lengths and widths longer or shorter are
acceptable.
[0054] Examples of the exercise rollers 38, 54 can have lengths
about 14 inches to about 40 inches and diameters about 6 inches to
about 8 inches. However, lengths longer or shorter and diameters
larger or smaller are acceptable.
[0055] FIG. 16A is a side view of the present invention in the form
of a flat mat 66 without a plurality of semi-circular projections
arranged in rows. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the flat mat
66.
[0056] FIG. 17A is a side view of the present invention in the form
of a block 68 without a plurality of semi-circular projections
arranged in rows. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the block 68.
An alternative embodiment (not shown) of block 68 can include a
plurality of semi-circular projections arranged in rows.
[0057] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the present invention in
the form of a Pilates mat 70 with a plurality of semi-circular
projections 6 arranged in rows 8.
[0058] Yet another antimicrobial colloidal silver product according
to the present invention is a shoe insert (not shown).
[0059] Alternative embodiments of the present invention for all
products can be capability of generating heating. The products can
be microwaveable or include induction heating elements power by AC
or DC sources. The induction heating elements can either be
embedded within the gel material of the formed product (FIG. 20) or
attached to an outer surface of the formed product (FIG. 21). The
maximum temperature of the heating element is less than the boiling
point of material, depending on the composition of the gel
material.
[0060] Further alternative embodiments of the present invention for
all products can be capable of being cooled to greater than the
freezing point of the gel material such that the properties of
malleability and cushioning are still present. The freezing point
ranges depends on the composition of the gel material. The product
can be place in the refrigerator or freezer to achieve the desired
cooling temperature.
[0061] While the disclosure has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover
the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they
come within the scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *