Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02471837 2004-06-17
DOCKET NO: 426.32
ADVANCED AEROSOL CLEANING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions, pads, and implements
useful in removing soils from soft and hard surfaces. The compositions are
preferably
foaming cleaners and treatments.
The cleaning pads are designed to pick up soils and stains upon hard and soft
surfaces, to leave beneficial, aesthetic and/or functional residues and to be
reusable or
conveniently disposable.
The cleaning implement comprises a handle, an aerosol delivery device, a
cleaning
head and a disposable pad attached to the cleaning head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning devices and systems for use in the home, industrially or otherwise
include
a broad range if technology. With regard to hand-held, mop- like devices used
by an
individual, the prior art is replete with variations. Conventional floor,
ceiling, wall or other
surface mops typically have a rigid, elongated handle portion, the handle
having a
proximal and a distal end. The handle portion is held closer to the proximal
end, while a
cleaning head is placed at the distal end of the handle.
Recently, lightweight, hand-held mops with on-board liquid delivery systems
and
disposable cleaning pads have been developed. WO 01/72195 to Hall et al.
describes a
mechanical, gravity-fed mop system that provides consumer convenience. This
mop
system depends upon designs using a low pressure, liquid deliver system.
US20010046407 describes a electrical pump fed mop systern. This mop system
depends
upon batteries and a complex and expensive pump system to deliver the cleaning
composition. It would be desirable to have a simple, mechanical system that
could deliver
the cleaning composition under pressure. It would also be desirable to have a
simple
mechanical system that would work on both hard and soft surfaces, including
carpets, and
would be light enough to use not only on floors, but also on vertical and
raised surfaces
around the house.
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Aerosol carpet cleaners are well known. Generally, the aerosol is scrubbed
into the
carpet or allowed to dry on the carpet and then vacuumed. For example,
US5928384 to
Scialla and Raso describes a typical procedure. The step of applying a
composition for the
cleaning of carpets may be followed by a rubbing step or/and a brushing step
by means of a
sponge or a brush or other mechanical/electrical device, optionally with the
aid of water. In
general, the rubbing/brushing-times are between 0.1 to a few minutes per
square meters. The
composition is then removed from the carpet, preferably by mechanical means
including
brushing out or/and vacuum cleaning. This procedure requires several tools
and, therefore,
progress in cleaning is slowed by finding, carrying and using these tools.
US4969854 to Katsuda et al. describes an applicator that attaches to an
aerosol can
in order to apply an insecticide directly to carpets through an absorbent
strip running along
the outside of the can. U.S. Pat. 3,679,319 to Munchel and Thornton describes
spray device
for overhead surfaces having a pole with a U-shaped aerosol holder and
optional dusting
mop attachment. U.S. Pat. 3,490,650 to Mahwah and Neal describes a
rechargeable,
pressurized, elongated plastic tube that delivers a cleaning composition to a
mop head. U.S.
Pat. 4,432,472 to Lamm describes an optional aerosol attachment to a floor-
buffing
machine. U.S. Pat. 4,249,280 to Goodrich describes a vacuum cleaner bag
pocket, which
can carry an aerosol carpet cleaner. U.S. Pat. 3,979,163 to Beard describes a
scrub head
attachment to an aerosol can. None of these inventions describe a simple
mopping device
incorporating an aerosol can.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions, pads, and implements
useful
in removing soils from soft and hard surfaces. The compositions are preferably
foaming
cleaners and treatments. The cleaning implement comprises a handle, an aerosol
delivery
device, a cleaning head and a disposable pad attached to the cleaning head.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning system
comprising: a
handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end; a
cleaning head
portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning
pad; and a
cleaning fluid aerosol cradle, the cradle comprising orienting means for
automatically
orienting, upon insertion into the cradle, an aerosol can or a replacement for
said aerosol
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can in a desired position for delivering cleaning fluid onto a surface
adjacent the cleaning
head portion to be cleaned.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning system
comprising: a
handle portion, the handle portion comprising a pole; a cleaning head portion,
rotatably
connected to an end of the pole; and a cleaning fluid aerosol cradle connected
to the pole,
wherein the cradle comprises an automatic orienting means for orienting an
aerosol can or a
replacement therefore upon insertion into the cradle into a desirable position
for delivering
cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is a left side view of one embodiment of the inventive cleaning
implement.
Fig. 2 is a partial exploded view of the handle of one embodiment of the
inventive
cleaning implement.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive cleaning
implement.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the head assembly and a disposable cleaning pad
of
one embodiment of the inventive cleaning implement.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one further embodiment of the inventive
cleaning
implement, emphasizing a secondary hand grip.
Fig. 6 is a right side view of one embodiment of the inventive cleaning
impleinent.
Fig. 7A is a top plan view of the head assembly of one embodiment of the
inventive cleaning implement.
Fig. 7B is a front view of the head assembly of Fig. 7A.
Fig. 7C is a bottom plan view of the head assembly of Fig. 7A.
Fig. 8A is a top plan view of canister overcap of one embodiment of the
inventive
cleaning implement.
Fig. 8B is a bottom plan view of the canister overcap of Fig. 8A.
Fig. 8C is a top perspective view of the canister overcap of Fig. 8A.
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Fig. 8D is a bottom perspective view of the canister overcap of Fig. 8C.
Fig. 8E is a side view of the canister overcap of Fig. 8A.
Fig. 9A is a partial exploded view from the left depicting the canister loaded
into
the loading holster of one embodiment of the inventive cleaning implement.
Fig. 9B is a partial exploded view from the front depicting the embodiment of
the
inventive cleaning implement of Fig. 9A.
Fig 10 depicts one embodiment of the inventive cleaning implement, with a male
figure added in silhouette to depict relative scale.
Fig 11 depicts one embodiment of the inventive cleaning implement, with a
female
figure added in silhouette to depict relative scale.
Fig. 12A depicts one embodiment of a scrubbing rake used with the inventive
cleaning implement.
Fig. 12B depicts a further embodiment of a scrubbing rake used with the
inventive
cleaning implement.
Fig. 12C depicts another embodiment of a scrubbing rake used with the
inventive
cleaning implement.
Fig. 12D depicts yet another embodiment of a scrubbing rake used with the
inventive cleaning implement.
Fig. 13 depicts one means of attachment for the rake.
Fig. 14 depicts another means of attachment for the rake.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning Implement
The cleaning implement comprises a handle, an aerosol delivery device, a
cleaning
head and a disposable pad attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head
comprises
numerous parts and is referred to as a cleaning head assembly herein. Fig. 1
depicts an
orthogonal view of the invention. The cleaning implement is generally depicted
as 10,
with a cleaning head assembly 12, a pole (here, depicted as multi-piece) 14, a
handle
which may or may not include an aperture in the gripping surface, a trigger
20, which is
connected to an actuator rod 22, the aerosol canister 24, which is seated in a
holster 26.
Turning now to Fig. 2, a partial exploded view of the handle 14, depicts the
mechanism in
greater detail. The trigger 20 is connected via rod 30 to actuator 22, which
exerts a
downward force on canister 24 in order to expel with control the pressurized
contents of
canister 24. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the invention, with the cleaning
head assembly
10, and a more detailed view of the cleaning head assembly 12. Cleaning pad 40
is
partially shown, with portions thereof affixed, tucked or looped into stays 44
and 42. Fig.
4 shows in yet further detail the cleaning head assembly 12 and the cleaning
pad 40.
Assembly 12 is provided on its upper surface with stays 42, 42 and 44, 44.
Cleaning pad
40, whose material is described in further detail herein below, is generally a
non-woven
material which can be textured to enhance its abrasive cleaning action. Pad 40
is provided
with notches 46 and 48, to allow non-interfering access by the canister fluid.
Wings 50,
52, 56 and 58 define the outer edges of pad 40. To hold fast these wings to
the cleaning
head assembly 12, slits 60, 62, 64 and 66 are slotted to correspond to the
stays 42, 42 and
44, 44. Turning now to Figs. 7A-7C, different views of the cleaning head
assembly are
provided. Fig. 7A provides a top, plan view of one embodiment of the cleaning
head
assembly 12. Fig. 7B is a front view of the head assembly 12. Fig. 7C is a
bottom
elevational view of the head assembly 12. In particular, the bottom face or
plate of
assembly 12 is provided with a groove or channel 80, into which will nest a
holdfast for
the cleaning pad 40, or, more preferably, a rake or other abradent tool.
Handle
The handle is preferably a light metal (such as, without limitation,
aluminum);
plastic, wood or other lightweight material, which functions as a gripping
surface for the
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user. The handle can be provided with or without an aperture, preferably
oblong, and a
trigger or other actuating mechanism for actuating the canister. In addition,
the handle is
defined by a longitudinal pole having a proximal and a distal end. 7'he length
of the pole
and handle is such that the user will actuate the cleaning system in an
upright position.
Figs. 10 and 11 show the silhouettes of male and female users using the
invention in
upright positions.
Handle trigger guard
An optional handle trigger guard is integrated into handle to prevent
accidental
discharge of the aerosol if the handle and pole are dropped.
Pole
The pole is connected to the mop head by means of a universal or swivel joint.
The pole is preferably hollow and collapsible in order to present a compact
form for
shipping and display purposes. The pole may be threaded, friction-fit, or some
other type
of engagement that allows for sturdy reassembly. Preferably, the pole is
fitted with a
bayonet for ease of correct alignment and assembly.
Secondary handle grip
A secondary handle grip orients consumer hand to provide additional leverage
for
easier scrubbing. The secondary handgrip preferably is 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20
ems) long
and has a diameter of about one inch (2.5 ems) larger than the pole diameter
for greater
ergonomic efficiency. Fig. 5 shows yet another perspective view of' an
embodiment of the
invention, with reference character 70 depicting the secondary handle grip.
Because of the
orientation of the handle, either a right- or left-handed primary grip can be
achieved, with
the corresponding other hand to provide the second handle grip for maximum
stability.
Aerosol Can Cradle
The aerosol can cradle is attached to the pole on the front or backside. More
preferably, the cradle is an integral extension of the pole, with the can and
pole about on
the same centerline, so that consumers will have a good line of sight to the
cleaning
surface. The cradle is primarily depicted in Figs. 9A and 9B.
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Aerosol Can
Additionally, W09804666 to Ochomogo describes an optimal aerosol delivery
system. The cleaning composition is preferably stored in and dispensed from a
pressurized
can that is equipped with a nozzle so that an aerosol of the composition can
be readily
sprayed onto a carpet surface to create a relatively uniform layer of foam. A
preferred
nozzle comprises a vertical valve having a rectangular orifice with dimensions
of 0.0 10
in. x 0.031 in. that is manufactured by Summit Packaging System, Inc.,
Manchester, NH.
Dispensers are known in the art and are described, for example, in U.S.
Patents 4,780, 100,
4,652,389, and 3,541,581. Although pressure within the dispenser does not
appear to be
critical, a preferred range is about 40 to 58 tbs./in, more preferably 40 to
501bs./in 2, and
most preferably 40 to 47 lbs./in 2 at 70 F (21 C).
Said aerosol dispensers comprise a container which can be constructed of
any of the conventional materials employed in fabricating aerosol containers.
The
dispenser must be capable of withstanding internal pressure in the range of
from about 20
to about 110 p.s.i.g., more preferably from about 20 to about 70 p.s.i.g. The
one important
requirement concerning the dispenser is that it be provided with a valve
member which
will permit the carpet cleaning composition contained in the dispenser to be
dispensed in
the form of a spray of very fine, or finely divided, particles or droplets,
which is defined as
"foam," as set forth hereinbefore. See also, D.J. Durian, "Foams," Kirk-Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1994). The aerosol dispenser utilizes a
pressurized sealed container from which the aqueous composition is dispensed
through a
special actuator/valve assembly under pressure. The aerosol dispenser is
pressurized by
incorporating therein a gaseous component generally known as a propellant.
Common
aerosol propellants, e.g., gaseous hydrocarbons such as isobutane, and mixed
halogenated
hydrocarbons, can be used. Halogenated hydrocarbon propellants such as
chlorofluoro
hydrocarbons have been alleged to contribute to environmental problems, and
are not
preferred. When cyclodextrin is present in the carpet cleaning composition for
odor
control reasons, hydrocarbon propellants are not preferred, because they can
form
complexes with the cyclodextrin molecules thereby reducing the availability of
uncomplexed cyclodextrin molecules for odor absorption. Preferred propellants
are
compressed air, nitrogen, inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc. A more complete
description of
commercially available aerosol-spray dispensers appears in U.S. Pat. Nos.:
3,436,772,
Stebbins, issued April 8, 1969; and 3,600, 325, Kaufman et al., issued August
17, 1971.
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Preferably the spray dispenser can be a self pressurized non-aerosol container
having a
convoluted liner and an elastomeric sleeve. Said self-pressurized dispenser
comprises a
liner/sleeve assembly containing a thin, flexible radially expandable
convoluted plastic
liner of from about 0.010 to about 0.020 inch (i.e. from about 0.025 to 0.051
cm) thick,
inside an essentially cylindrical elastomeric sleeve. The liner/sleeve is
capable of holding
a substantial quantity of carpet cleaning composition product and of causing
said product
to be dispensed. A more complete description of self-pressurized spray
dispensers can be
found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,111,971, Winer, issued May 12, 1992, and 5,232,126,
Winer,
issued Aug. 3, 1993. Another type of aerosol spray dispenser is one wherein a
barrier
separates the carpet cleaning composition from the propellant (preferably
compressed air
or nitrogen), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,110, issued Apri17, 1981.
Such a
dispenser is available from EP Spray Systems, East Hanover, New Jersey.
Aerosol can connection
A standard aerosol can is preferably locked into a cradle by means of a latch
mechanism. The latch mechanism preferably operates less than 10 lbs. of force.
The cradle preferably orients the aerosol can or aerosol actuator such that
the can
easily orients itself in a particular operational direction. Preferably, the
aerosol actuator or
nozzle is within the sight lines of the operator so the liquid or foam cleaner
is easily
controllable. The liquid or foam cleaner is dispensed in a reverse conical
pattern, the
liquid or foam cleaner being emitted from the actuator in a thin stream, which
then
broadens as the stream leaves the orifice. The following references can be
utilized in the
design of the aerosol canister and its nozzle or similar actuator: US5915598
Flow
controller for aerosol container; US5503303 Dual function self-pressurized
aerosol
actuator overcap; US3967763 Clip mounted aerosol dispenser actuator.
Figs 8A through 8E depict various embodiments of the cap which is also an
aerosol actuator. With reference to Fig. 8A, a hinged portion 90 will actuate
nozzle 94.
Generally, this is caused by depressing trigger20, which is attached via rod
30 to actuator
22.
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Aerosol actuator
The aerosol actuator is preferably oriented relative to the front and back of
the mop
head. This can be accomplished by a key or orientation mechanism in the
cradle, which
orientates the actuator as the aerosol can is inserted or the cradle can
orientate the aerosol
cap if the actuator is built into the cap.
If the aerosol can actuator is oriented relative to the mop, the aerosol
actuator
orifice is preferably tilted at an angle of 5 to 15 degrees relative to the
vertical centerline of
the can.
If the aerosol can actuator is oriented relative to the mop, then a fan shaped
spray is
preferred. The preferred angle of the spray is 45 to 90 degrees, more
preferably 60 to 80
degrees.
The aerosol actuator orifice is preferably elevated from the actuator to
prevent
foam build-up.
If the aerosol actuator is not oriented, then a circular spray pattern is
preferred.
The circular spray pattern is preferably defined by a cone of less than 12
inches (30 cros).
If the aerosol actuator is not oriented, then the orifice can be connected via
a
flexible tube to the aerosol nozzle tube. In this way, the orifice will be
orientated and a
fan shaped spray is preferred. The preferred angle of the spray is 45 to 90
degrees, more
preferably 60 to 80 degrees.
If the orifice is attached to the pole, then the aerosol actuator orifice is
preferably tilted at
an angle of 5 to 15 degrees relative to the pole.
This invention includes an actuator assembly, for an aerosol valve, with a
rotatable
or movable secondary actuator mechanism for changing the spray pattern of a
fluid being
dispensed from an aerosol valve and, more particularly, to a secondary
actuator
mechanism having at least two distinct spray dispensing positions. Another
reference of
interest is JP54042855 NOZZLE OF WASHING CARPET.
Pole attachment
The pole is preferably attached to the mop head with a swivel joint or
universal
joint. The joint is preferably within 1 to 1%2 inches (2.5 - 3.75cms) from the
bottom of
the mop so that the consumer can provide maximum leverage to the scrubbing
task.
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Pad attachment
The pad can be attached to the mop with adhesive, or can be fitted into narrow
openings, such as, without limitation, star-shaped slits and tucked into said
slits, which are
preferably mounted on the upper surface of the mop head assembly.
Preferably, the pad has slits at the four corners to fit over hooks in the mop
head.
This is an economical way to provide maximum security to the pad attachment.
Pad
The pad, or cleaning cloth, preferably is textured to provide an abrasive
surface,
useful for scrubbing. Further, at least a portion of the pad is inade to
"glide" that is,
reduce surface friction. In other areas, the potential surface area could be
reduced, or a
laminated netting could be overlaid or stamped or embossed onto the pad
surface.
Optionally, wheels on the mop head assembly, which would contact the surface
on which
the assembly is placed and would penetrate the pad through apertures therein,
would
reduce force on carpet or other surface.
The pad should be durable yet disposable.
A raised surface (adjustable) to lower resistance could preferably applied to
the
pad. Additionally, the pad can incorporate materials to break foam (antifoam
additives).
Further, the pad itself could have features that generate foam, in addition to
the abrasive
surface it preferably provides.
Scrubbing rake
In yet another embodiment, a flexible comb could be added as an additional
abrasive and/or foam-generating surface. Attaching the rake to the mop head
assembly
requires careful consideration. First, it should be centered on width on the
bottom of the
mop. It is preferably a flexible brush attachment, which causes minimal damage
to carpet
or other flooring surfaces. The rake can help foam penetrate into soft
surfaces. Turning
now to Figs. 12A-12D, four different embodiments of the scnzbbing rake are
provided.
Fig. 12A depicts a bottom scrubbing surface which are beveled surfaces or
quadrihedrons.
Fig. 12B shows rounded comb heads mounted on posts. Fig. 12C depicts more
stout
brushes. Fig. 12D depicts sharper comb surfaces. Naturally, other surfaces can
function
as the rake's abrasive surfaces. In Fig. 13, a rake provided with comb
surfaces, articulates
knobs or posts 90, 92 with corresponding apertures 100, 102, to provide a
tight, friction fit.
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The rake also functions to an extent as a means for holding down the pad
surface
contacting the floor or carpet or other horizontal or vertical surface to
which the pad is
applied. Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment, in which rake 180 is hinged
from
socket 200 via ball joint 190, with arm 192 providing a similar function. In
this
embodiment, at least of arm 192 or joint 190 can be completely dislodged from
its socket
or holding means, so that a pad can be changed. Further, rounded portions such
as glides
can be incorporated on the rake itself to reduce friction as the tool passes
over various
surfaces, such as carpets. The brush can be designed to improve glide as well.
As
previously mentioned, glides could be provided, instead of or in addition to,
texture
surfaces on the pad.
Cleaning composition
Foam
In normal aerosol carpet cleaning, the foam is very stable for at least 5 to
10
minutes. Because this mop is designed to clean large areas easily, it is
preferred that the
foam be visible and consumer noticeable, however, it should be easily
dispersed. The
preferred foam of the invention is stable for only 1 to 2 minutes.
Water and Miscellaneous
Since the composition is an aqueous composition, water can be, along with the
solvent, be a predominant ingredient. The water should be present at a level
of less than
99.9%, more preferably less than about 99%, and most preferably, less than
about 98%.
Deionized water is preferred.
Small amounts of adjuncts can be added for improving performance, stability or
aesthetic qualities of the composition. For example, buffers can be added to
maintain a
constant pH (which for the invention is between about 5-14, more preferably
between
about 8-13; formulations containing the tripotassium and/or triammonium salts
will
naturally be at a lower end of the range as compared to the corresponding
tetra salts).
These buffers include, for example, NaOH, KOH, Na2CO3, and K2CO3 as alkaline
buffers, and phosphoric, hydrochloric, sulfuric, and citric acids as acidic
buffers, among
others. It may be desirable to add chelating agents, such as polycarboxylates
(e.g.,
EDTA and its alkali metal and ammonium salts), aminopolyphosphonates and
polyphosphonates, metasilicates and organic amines. Chelating agents may help
to
potentiate antimicrobial efficacy or have other functional uses.
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Further solubilizing materials, such as hydrotropes (e.g., water soluble salts
of low
molecular weight organic acids such as the sodium or potassium salts of cumene-
, toluene-,
benzene-, and xylene sulfonic acid), may also be desirable. Adjuncts for
cleaning include
additional surfactants, such as those described in Kirk-Othmer, EncXclopedia
of Chemical
Technology, 3rd Ed., Volume 22, pp. 332-432 (Marcel-Dekker, 1983), and
McCutcheon's
Soaps and Detergents (N. Amer. 1984). Aesthetic adjuncts include fragrances or
perfumes,
such as those available from Givaudan, IFF, Quest, Sozio, Firmenich, Dragoco
and others, and
dyes or colorants which can be solubilized or suspended in the formulation,
such as
diaminoanthraquinones. Water-insoluble solvents may sometimes be desirable as
added
grease- or oily soil-cutting agents. These types of solvents include tertiary
alcohols,
hydrocarbons (e.g., alkanes), pine-oil, d-limonene and other terpenes and
terpene derivatives,
and benzyl alcohols. Thickeners, such as calcium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate, aluminum
oxide, and polymers, such as polyacrylate, starch, xanthan gum, alginates,
guar gum, cellulose,
and the like, may be desired additives, although care must be taken since the
inventive
compositions are meant to be relatively thin liquids for effective
dispensation from a
pressurized canister. The use of some of these thickeners (e.g., CaCO3 or
NaHCO3) is to be
distinguished from their potential use as builders, generally by particle size
or amount used.
Additional additives may include antimicrobial compounds, such as phenols
(See, Moseman,
U.S. Patent 4,985,945), pine oil (See Spaulding et al., U.S. Patent
4,867,898), and liposome-
like micro emulsions such as mentioned in the paper by T. Hamouda et al.,
"Microbiocidal
Effects of Liposomes-Like Microemulsions on Pathogenic Gram Negative
Bacteria," in:
Poster Session 251/A Antimicrobial Therapy and Charactertization of Pathogens,
American
Society of Microbiology 98th Annual Meeting, May 17-21, 1998, p. 152. Other,
preferred
antimicrobial, antifungal or antiallergen materials can be added, for example,
when using the
invention to clean carpets or other soft surfaces which can be inoculated or
impregnated with
disease-causing, odor-causing or allergens by the mere treading of the
surface. These
antimicrobial, antifungal or antiallergen materials include water-soluble,
film-forming
polymers (See, Ochomogo et al., U.S. Patent 6,454,876), quaternary ammonium
compounds
and complexes therewith (See Zhou et al., U.S. Patents 6,482,392, 6,080,387,
6,284,723,
6,270,754, 6,017,561 and 6,013,615), essential oils, such as nerolidol (See
Shaheen et al, U.S.
Patent 6,361,787), Kathon (See, Sells et al., U.S. Patent 5,789,364 and
Koerner et al., U.S.
5,589,448), and, possibly, bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide and alkali
metal hypochlorite.
As already noted
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above, the preferred container for dispensing of the present composition in
aerosol form is
a tin-plated steel can, but other aerosol packages may be suitable for use.
Therefore, it is
advantageous to add one or more corrosion inhibitors to prevent or at least
reduce the rate
of expected corrosion of such a metallic dispenser. Chloride salts, if
present, may cause
corrosion. Preferred corrosion inhibitors include, for example, sodium
nitrite, potassium
nitrite, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, amine neutralized alkyl acid
phosphates and
nitroalkanes, amine neutralized alkyl acid phosphates and volatile amines,
diethanolamides, amine borates, hydroxylamines, alkanolamines, amine
carboxylates,
esters, volatile silicones, amines and mixtures thereof. Specific inhibitors
include, for
example, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, available from Stepan Company under the
trademark
Maprosyl 30, sodium meta silicate, sodium or potassium benzoate,
triethanolamine, and
morpholine. When employed, the corrosion inhibitor preferably comprises about
0.01 % to
5% of the aerosol formulation.
Propellant
The foaming composition is delivered in the form of an aerosol. The propellant
can comprise, for example, a hydrocarbon, of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such
as methane,
ethane, n-propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, and mixtures
thereof. The
propellant may also be selected from halogenated hydrocarbons including, for
example,
fluorocarbons, chlorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, and mixtures thereof.
(Besides of
concerns about the destruction of the stratosphere's ozone layer, the use of
fluorocarbons
and chlorofluorocarbons is less preferred.) Examples of other suitable
propellants are
found in P.A. Sanders Handbook ofAerosol Technology (Van Nostrand Reinhold
Co.)
(1979) 2nd Ed., pgs. 348-353 and 364-367. Further, non-hydrocarbon propellants
may be
possible, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, compressed air, and, possibly,
dense or
supercritical fluids.
A liquefied gas propellant mixture comprising about 85% isobutane and 15%
propane is preferred because it provides sufficient pressure to expel the
cleaning
composition from the container and provides good control over the nature of
the spray
upon discharge of the aerosol formulation. Preferably, the propellants
comprises about
1% to 50%, more preferably about 2% to 25%, and most preferably about 5% to
15% of
the aerosol formulation.
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The aerosol formulation is preferably stored in and dispensed from a
pressurized
can that is equipped with a nozzle so that an aerosol of the formulation can
be readily
sprayed onto a surface. Dispensers are known in the art and are described, for
example; in
U.S. Patents 4,780,100, 4,652,389, and 3,541,581. Although pressure within the
dispenser, i.e., can pressure, does not appear to be critical, it may be
preferred to range
from about 10 to 100 psiq. at 70 F (21.1 C).
In loading the dispenser, the non-propellant components of the aerosol
formulation
are mixed into a concentrate and loaded into the dispenser first. Thereafter,
the liquefied
gaseous propellant is inserted before the dispenser is fitted with a nozzle.
Set of Instructions
It is important to advise the consumer that the treatment will provide a
solution to
problems involving and/or provision of a benefit related to those selected
from the group
consisting of: killing or reducing microbes; softening; reducing time and/or
effort involved
in cleaning carpets, reducing static; making the surface appear "fluffier";
and/or reduction
in odors. It is important that the consumer be aware of these additional
benefits, since
otherwise the consumer would not know that the composition would solve these
problems
and/or provide these benefits. As used herein, the phrase " in association
with" means the
set of instructions are either directly printed on the reservoir itself or
presented in a
separate manner including, but not limited to, a brochure, print
advertisement, electronic
advertisement, and/or verbal communication, so as to communicate the set of
instructions
to a consumer of the article of manufacture. The set of instructions
preferably comprises
the instruction to apply an effective amount of the composition, preferably by
spraying, to
provide the indicated benefit, e.g. maintenance of carpet appearance,
softness, and/or
fluffy appearance; antimicrobial action; anti-static effect, and/or reduction
in time and/or
effort of cleaning and, optionally, the provision of odor control and/or
reduction and
reduction in microbial contamination and/or insects.
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