Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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3493 Patent Application
CARPET SANITIZING SHAMPOO
FIELD OF THE INVENT10N
lfiis invention relates generally to cleaning carpets and the like, and more
particularly, to compositions which sanitize such carpets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the term "volatile" means materials that tend to pass into the
vapor state at conditions prevalent in human occupied facilities (room
temperature (15°-
30°C) and prevalent atmospheric pressure).
As used herein, the term "sanitize" or "sanitized" means a 99.9% reduction of
test bacteria over a scrubbed control as described in DIS/TSS-8, dated
February 6, 1979, of
the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as modified April 13, 1981,
and May
27, 1981.
A major concern in the care of carpeting, besides basic cleanliness, is
reducing
microbial contaminants to safe levels (sanitizing) as determined by public
health
requirements. This is especially important in hospital and other health care
facilities where
the presence of unwanted bacteria may be detrimental to the health of
convalescing
patients. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined
efficacy
data requirements for products bearing label claims for effectiveness as
carpet
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sanitizers. These requirements are outlined in DIS/TSS-8,
noted above.
While a number of materials may provide
appropriate sanitizing efficacy, another important concern
which these materials do not address is the presence of
dirt-attracting residues. Such residues allow carpet to
rather quickly become unsanitary because of the soil and
bacteria which is attracted by the residue.
Sanitizing liquid carpet shampoos are known from,
for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,490,270 to Hackett et al.
This patent discloses an aqueous solution for use in
cleaning and sanitizing carpets and the like, consisting of
surfactant, inorganic phosphate, glutaraldehyde, solvent
and brightener.
The use of peroxide compounds for sterilization
is known. U.S. Patent No. 3,904,361 to Egger discloses the
sterilization of packaging material by applying a film of
sterilizing liquid which may include hydrogen peroxide.
U.S. Patent No. 4,512,951 to Koubek discloses a method for
sterilizing medical articles by vapor penetration and
direct liquid sterilant contact in which the vapor mixture
includes hydrogen peroxide. U.S. Patent No. 4,557,898 to
Greene et al. discloses an aqueous acidic disinfecting and
sterilizing composition which contains hydrogen peroxide
claimed to be useful for disinfecting and sterilizing
metal, ceramic and plastic surfaces. U.S. Patent No.
4,943,414 to Jacobs et al. discloses a method and device
for vapor sterilizing the lumen of medical instruments and
the like. The liquid sterilant solution may contain
hydrogen peroxide.
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The use of peroxide containing solutions as in
the treatment of fibrous articles is known. U.S. Patent No.
3,607,760 to McIntyre discloses a solution, dilute in
hydrogen peroxide, for removing pet stains from carpeting.
U.S. Patent No. 4,347,149 and U.S. Patent No. 4,497,725,
both to Smith et al., disclose a laundry bleaching
composition which
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contains hydrogen peroxide. The patent discloses that when used
as a bleaching composition, the solution is quite dilute.
Incidentally, these patents also disclose that the bleaching
agent may be used as a hard surface cleaner.
mnvn~rARy OF THE INVENTTON
One embodiment of the present invention provides a
two-part aqueous solution composition for use in cleaning and
sanitizing carpets and the like that consists essentially of
(in percents by weight), a first part comprising from about 3
to about 15 percent peroxide, and the balance water; and a
second part comprising optionally up to about 50 of volatile
ammoniated substance, up to about 60o volatile wetting agent,
and the balance water.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides
a method for sanitizing carpet and the like.comprising (a)
treating the carpet with an aqueous solution consisting
essentially of in parts by weight of the total composition from
about 3 to about 15 percent peroxide, up to 30~ volatile
wetting agent, optionally, a volatile ammoniated substance, and
the balance water, said treating in an amount sufficient to
comply with the Efficacy Data Requirements known as DIS/TSS-8,
and (b) allowing the carpet to dry.
It is an object of the present invention to provide
an improved carpet sanitizing composition. More particularly,
the present invention proposes two-part aqueous solution
composition for cleaning and sanitizing synthetic carpets and
upholstery, the solution comprising:
- a first part comprising from about 5 to about 29
3
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percent by weight of peroxide, and the balance water; and
- a second part comprising up to about l0~ by weight
of volatile ammoniated substance, up to about 60~ by weight of
a lower aliphatic monohydric alcohol selected from the group
consisting of methyl alcohol; ethyl alcohol; n-propyl alcohol;
isopropyl alcohol; sec-butyl alcohol; tert-butyl alcohol: and
mixtures thereof, and the balance water, said solution being
substantially completely volatile;
wherein said aqueous solution composition combining said first
part and second part contains in percents by weight of the
total composition from about 3 to about 15 percent of peroxide,
from about 2 to 30~ of a lower aliphatic monohydric alcohol and
from about 0.1 to 5~ of volatile ammoniated substance.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide an improved method for sanitizing carpets and the like.
The method for cleaning and sanitizing synthetic
carpets and upholstery with an aqueous solution composition,
the method comprising:
(a) combining just prior to use two separate parts
to make said aqueous solution composition wherein said parts
consist of:
- a first part comprising from about 5 to about 29
percent by weight peroxide, and the balance water; and
- a second part comprising up to about lob by weight
of volatile ammoniated substance, up to about 60~ by weight of
a lower aliphatic monohydric alcohol selected from the group
consisting of methyl alcohol; ethyl alcohol; n-propyl alcohol;
isopropyl alcohol; sec-butyl alcohol; tert-butyl alcohol: and
mixtures thereof, and the balance water, said solution being
substantially completely volatile;
wherein said combining is such that said aqueous solution
composition contains in percents by weight of the total
composition from about 3 to about 15 percent of peroxide, from
about 2 to 30~ of a lower aliphatic monohydric alcohol and from
about 0.1 to 5~ of volatile ammoniated subsance;
(b) contacting said synthetic carpet or upholstery
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with said aqueous solution composition; and
(c) allowing the carpet or upholstery so contacted
to dry substantially without deposition of a residue from said
solution.
Related objects and advantages will be apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention
pertains after reading the following description of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
To promote an understanding of the principles of the
present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the
invention follow and specific language describes the same. It
will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope
of the invention is thereby intended, and that such alterations
and further modifications, and such further applications of the
principles of the invention as discussed are contemplated as
would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains.
The present invention involves carpet sanitizing
compositions and methods which comply with the EPA efficacy
requirements for such. These compositions are essentially
volatile so that, after sanitizing, there remains substantially
no residue to harbor bacteria. In general, the compositions may
contain peroxide, a volatile wetting agent, and an ammoniated
substance.
The aqueous shampoo compositions of the present
invention are mixtures of ingredients so that the solution
applied to carpet has between about 3~ and about 15~ of a
peroxide. Preferably, the composition contains up to 30~ of a
volatile wetting agent. Optionally, the composition may contain
ammonia or other volatile ammoniated compounds.
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Peroxides that are useful in the present invention include hydrogen peroxide
or
any compound which, in aqueous composition, yields hydrogen peroxide and is
volatile so
that it does not leave a residue. The preferred oxidizing agent is hydrogen
peroxide.
Ammoniated substances useful in the present invention should be volatile under
the conditions found in standard hospital and health care facilities. These
substances
include ammonia and tetrabutyl ammonia hydroxide, as well as certain other
ammoniated
substances. The suggested amounts of ammonia and other volatile ammoniated
compounds
should be within the range of about .1% to 5%.
Wetting agents useful in the present invention should be volatile as well.
Generally, preferable wetting agents are miscible with water and organically
based.
Especially preferred are wetting agents that also have sanitizing ability. Two
classes of
useful wetting agents are glycols and lower aliphatic alcohols. Exemplary
alcohols include
water soluble alcohols containing up to S carbon atoms, such as methyl
alcohol, ethyl
alcohol, N-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tent-
butyl alcohol. The
presently preferred alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. Exemplary glycols include
glycerol,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and trimethylene glycol. The suggested
amounts of
wetting agent should be no more than 30%.
A first embodiment of the present invention is a two-part composition. The
first part is an aqueous peroxide solution, and the second part is an aqueous
solution
containing a volatile wetting agent that is a sanitizer and, optionally, an
ammoniated
substance. The two parts are mixed prior to use to give a desired final
concentration
having between about 3% and about 15% peroxide.
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The first part preferably contains between about S% and 29% hydrogen
peroxide, with the balance being deionized water. Preferably, the second part
contains
about 4% wetting agent, the balance being water and, optionally, the
ammoniated
substance.
The two-part system of the invention is preferably mixed just prior to
application to greatly enhance the final composition stability. This two-part
system is quite
stable and does not require stabilizers. The parts are mixed to obtain, after
mixture, about
3%-15% peroxide, up to about 30% wetting agent (preferably about 2%), and
about 0.1%
to 5% ammoniated substance.
The two parts may be provided in a number of ways. For example, the parts
may be provided in twv separate containers and mixed in equal parts (or as
required to
obtain the desired final formulation) in a third container soon before use.
The mixture is
then applied to the stained material according to the method described below.
Alternatively, the two parts may be supplied in a single partitioned container
where the
partition prevents the parts from mingling prior to use. This type of
container may be fitted
with a spray nozzle which draws from each part and mixes the parts in the
spray.
Advantageously, this type of nozzle is provided with one-way valves to prevent
the mixed
solution from flowing back into the receptacles. Also, the two parts can be
separately
sprayed in appropriate volumes directly onto the stain.
Another embodiment of the present invention is an aqueous solution sanitizing
composition. This composition contains from about 3% to about 15% peroxide, up
to
about 30% of a volatile wetting agent and, optionally, an ammoniated substance
and,
preferably, the balance water.
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A third embodiment of the present invention involves a method of sanitizing
using the sanitizing compositions above. This method includes applying the
aqueous
sanitizing compositions to carpet and the like to be sanitized. Since the
components are all
volatile, they do not leave a residue on the carpet, which would attract dirt
and bacteria.
Therefore, the carpet remains sanitized for a long period of time.
Advantageously, in
applying the sanitizer of the invention according to this method, standard
carpet cleaning
equipment which first applies the sanitizer and then suctions as much of the
aqueous
composition into a reservoir for disposal is preferable.
The sanitizer destroys substantially all bacteria and then evaporates without
leaving a residue. After the treated carpet is allowed to air dry, i.e. dry
under ambient
conditions, it may be extracted with hot water to remove the dead bacteria.
In general, the present invention is useful on any synthetic fiber carpet or
the
like or natural fiber which is not alkaline sensitive. Examples of such fibers
include those
made from synthetic thermoplastic polymers which are capable of being formed
into fibers,
such as by melt extrusion, including polyolefins, for example, homopolymers of
olefins such
as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the
like.
Copolymers of olefins with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as
ethylene-
propylene copolymers and ethylenebutene copolymers and the like find
particular
application with the present invention.
Fibers made from polyamides also find particular application with the present
invention. Examples of such polyamides include homopolyamides and copolyamides
which
are obtained by the polymerization of lactam of aminocaprionic acid or a
copolymerization
product from mixtures of diamines together with dicarboxylic acids or mixtures
of lactams.
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Typical polyamides include nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 6,12, nylon
11,
nylon 12, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. Polyamides can also be
copolymers of
nylon 6 or nylon 6,6 and a nylon salt obtained by reacting a dicarboxylic acid
component
such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, or sebacic acid with
a diamine such
as hexamethylenediamine or 1,4-bisaminomethylcyclohexane.
Fibers made from polyester also find particular application with the present
invention. The preferred polyesters are the linear terephthalate polyesters,
i.e., polyesters
of a glycol containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and a dicarboxylic acid
comprising at least
about 75% terephthalic acid. The remainder, if any, of the dicarboxylic
component may be
any suitable dicarboxylic acid, such as sebacic acid, adipic acid, isophthalic
acid, sulfonyl-1,
4-4-dibenzoic acid, or 2,8-dibenzofurandicarboxylic acid. Examples of linear
terephthalate
polyesters which may be employed include polyethylene terephthalate),
poly(butylene
terephthalate), polyethylene terephthalate/5-chloroisophthalate), polyethylene
terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), polyethylene terephthalate/S-
chloroisophthalate), polyethylene terephthalate/5-(sodium sulfo]-
isophthalate), and
poly(cyclohexane-1, 4-dimethylene terephthalate/hexahydroterephthalate).
The present invention is also useful with fibers made from polyacrylonitrile
homopolymers and copolymers.
The invention will be described by reference to the following detailed
examples.
The Examples are set forth by way of illustration, and are not intended to
limit the scope of
the invention. In the examples, all parts are part by weight unless otherwise
specibed.
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EXAMPLES
In the following examples, test carpets used are as follows:
Sample A is nylon 6 bulked continuous filament level loop at 29.1 ounces per
square yard with a pile height of .156" and a density of 6727 ounces per cubic
yard.
Sample B is nylon 6 spun yarn cut pile at 28.0 ounces per square yard with a
pile height of 0.187" and a density of 5400 ounces per cubic yard.
Sample C is polypropylene bulked continuous filament cut pile at a weight at
10.86 ounces per square yard with a pile height of .25" and a density of 1562
ounces per
cubic yard.
~renaration of Sanitizer According to the Present Invention:
Part A: An aqueous solution is prepared containing 18.8% hydrogen peroxide
and 81.2% deionized water.
Part B: An aqueous solution is prepared containing 1.3% saturated ammonia
solution, 4.0% isopropanol and 94.7% deionized water.
Test Solution (Sanitizer): Part A and Part B were mixed in equal parts to give
a solution having 9.8% hydrogen peroxide, 0.6% saturated ammonia, 2.0%
isopropanol and
87.6% deionized water.
~rocedu_rg
Twelve 2 x 2 inch squares are cut from each test carpet type A, B and C. The
2" x 2" squares are sterilized using steam in an autoclave at 121°C and
15 psig.
Achievement of the sterilization temperature is confirmed using a thermometer
and sterile
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tape. The sterile tape turns from white to black when the autoclave reaches a
correct
sterilization temperature. Each Test Bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeroginosa,
Staphylococcus
Aureus, Enterbacter Aerogenes) is inoculated on four test squares of each
carpet type.
Two of these squares are sanitized and two are controls. The carpet containing
the test
bacteria is dried for 60 minutes at 35°C.
The Test Solution is prepared. The Test Solution is sprayed on the carpet at a
rate of thirty milliliters per seventy-two square inches.
As a control, sterile water containing 0.01% isooctylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanol
is applied in the same manner to 4 additional squares of each carpet type.
All test squares and controls remain at room temperature for 60 minutes. The
test bacteria is extracted from each carpet square in neutralizer broth
containing 1% of a
suitable defoaming agent (Pluronic 25R2). Plate counts are performed in serial
di~utions in
neutralizer plate count agar. Results are as follows (average of two). The
range represents
the largest count per sample less the smallest count per sample.
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TEST BACTERIA: PSEUDOMONAS AEROGINOSA
Standard Plate Count ("SPG")' anQe
Control Carpet Sample A 1,970,000 3,140,000
Control Carpet Sample B 4,850,000 1,500,000
Control Carpet Sample C 4,175,000 3,050,000
Sanitized Carpet Sample A < 1 < 1
Sanitized Carpet Sample B < 1 < 1
Sanitized Carpet Sample C < 1 < 1
TEST BAC TER1A STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
S,~mp---le I_D Standard Plate Count' RanQe_
Control Carpet Sample A 6,996,OOOr 3,110,000
Control Carpet Sample B 763,000 124,000
Control Carpet Sample C 6,500,000 5,000,000
Sanitized Carpet Sample < 1 < 1
A
Sanitized Carpet Sample < 1 < 1
B
Sanitized Carpet Sample < 1 < 1
C
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TEST BACTER1A: ENTERBACTER AEROGENES
m 1 Standard Plate Count anQe
Control Carpet Sample A 5,865,000 1,270,000
Control Carpet Sample B 2,915,000 770,000
Control Carpet Sample C 5,200,000 1,200,000
Sanitized Carpet Sample A < 1 < 1
Sanitized Carpet Sample B < 1 < 1
Sanitized Carpet Sample C < 1 < 1
' per ml of extraction fluid
The Test Solution shows a nearly 100% reduction in bacterial growth of all
three species inoculated onto three test carpets (A, B, and C) as described in
the
introduction. This meets the performance requirements set forth by the United
States
Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with test procedure DIS/TSS-8
developed
and used by the EPA.
Although certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been herein
described for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that various
modifications and
innovations of the procedures recited may be effected without departure from
the basic
principles which underlie the invention. Changes of this type are therefore
deemed to lie
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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