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WO2014074599A1 - Applicateur de dose unique et procédé correspondant - Google Patents

Applicateur de dose unique et procédé correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014074599A1
WO2014074599A1 PCT/US2013/068748 US2013068748W WO2014074599A1 WO 2014074599 A1 WO2014074599 A1 WO 2014074599A1 US 2013068748 W US2013068748 W US 2013068748W WO 2014074599 A1 WO2014074599 A1 WO 2014074599A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
self
adhesive material
applicator
adhesive
force
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/068748
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Douglas A. Soller
William J. Rice
Cory J. Nelson
Michael E. Klinkhammer
Original Assignee
S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/673,653 external-priority patent/US9364872B2/en
Application filed by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. filed Critical S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Publication of WO2014074599A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014074599A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
    • C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
    • B65D75/326—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming one compartment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/527—Tear-lines for separating a package into individual packages
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0056—Lavatory cleansing blocks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D9/022—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of solid substances introduced in the bowl or the supply line
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D2009/026—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing using a gel-form substance

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to applicators and methods for delivering a self-adhesive material. More specifically, applicators and methods are provided for delivery of a self-adhesive, particularly the delivery of a single dose of a sanitary agent to a surface, such as the surface of a toilet.
  • dispensers can be difficult to properly operate and can waste product by leaving behind residual agent inventory after the device is used. Accordingly, there is a need for an applicator for the delivery of smaller or single doses of self-adhesive agents, that is easy to use and avoids the problems of more sophisticated complex multiple dose dispensers.
  • One aspect of the invention provides an applicator for delivering a self-adhesive material having an applicator side and a substrate side to a substrate.
  • the applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface.
  • the inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides an applicator system where the applicator has an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface.
  • the inner surface defines a void with a self-adhesive material having an applicator side and a substrate side disposed inside.
  • a cover is removably attached to a rim that is disposed about a periphery of the void.
  • At least a portion of the inner surface is operable to releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side of the self-adhesive material.
  • a method of using an applicator for delivering a self-adhesive material to a surface comprises providing an applicator with a portion of an inner surface that releasably adheres the self- adhesive material; placing the applicator in contact with a substrate with the inner surface facing the substrate; pressing the applicator against the substrate to adhere the self-adhesive material to the substrate; and removing the applicator from the substrate.
  • an applicator comprises an outer surface having a handle configured to apply a self-adhesive material, and an inner surface having an inner recess configured to receive the self-adhesive material.
  • the self-adhesive material and the inner surface may form a gap between the applicator and the self-adhesive material.
  • the self-adhesive material can be configured to be placed into contact with the inner surface when the self-adhesive material is placed into contact with a surface.
  • the applicator can also include a flange extending around the periphery of the applicator, and the flange may be configured to receive a cover.
  • the flange may also include an angled portion defining a location for the user to remove the cover to expose the self-adhesive material to a surface.
  • the inner surface of the applicator can be configured to shape the self-adhesive material when the self-adhesive material is placed into contact with the surface.
  • the inner surface of the applicator can include an upper region defining a contour that is initially offset from the self- adhesive material, and the upper region is configured to at least partially imprint the contour onto the self-adhesive material when the self-adhesive material is applied to the surface.
  • a cleaning apparatus in another exemplary embodiment, can include a removable self-adhesive material configured to adhere to a surface to be cleaned.
  • the self-adhesive material defines a first surface and a second surface.
  • the cleaning apparatus can also include an applicator comprising an outer surface having a handle configured to apply the self-adhesive material to the surface and an inner surface having an inner recess configured to receive the self-adhesive material.
  • An adhesive force between the first surface of the self- adhesive material and the applicator can be configured to be greater than the weight of the self-adhesive material.
  • An adhesive force between the surface to be cleaned and the second surface of the self-adhesive material can be configured to be greater than the adhesive force between the first surface of the self-adhesive material and the applicator.
  • the adhesive force between surface to be cleaned and the second surface of the self-adhesive material can be configured to remove the self-adhesive material from the applicator.
  • the inner surface of the applicator can be configured to shape the self-adhesive material when the self-adhesive material is placed into contact with the surface.
  • the inner surface of the applicator can include an upper region defining a contour that is initially offset from the self-adhesive material, and the upper region is configured to at least partially imprint the contour onto the self-adhesive material when the self-adhesive material is applied to the surface.
  • the self-adhesive material may further comprise a release layer placed on a first surface of the adhesive material.
  • the release layer can be placed on a portion of the first surface of the adhesive material and exposes an edge portion of the adhesive material.
  • at least one circular opening can be formed into the release layer to expose a portion of the first surface of the adhesive material.
  • a method for forming a cleaning apparatus comprises providing a removable self-adhesive material and configuring the self-adhesive material to adhere to a surface to be cleaned, the self- adhesive material defining a first surface and a second surface.
  • the method may further comprise providing an applicator comprising an outer surface having a handle and configuring the applicator to apply the self-adhesive material to the surface to be cleaned, and providing an inner surface in the applicator having an inner recess configured to receive the self-adhesive material.
  • the method may further comprise placing the self-adhesive material into the inner recess of the applicator such that the self-adhesive material and the inner surface form an air gap between the applicator and the self-adhesive material.
  • the example method may further comprise configuring the self-adhesive material to be placed into contact with the inner surface of the applicator when the self- adhesive material is placed into contact with a surface.
  • the method may further comprise providing the applicator with a flange extending around the periphery of the applicator and configuring the flange to receive a cover and providing the flange with an angled portion defining a location for the user to remove the cover to expose the self-adhesive material to a surface and configuring the inner surface of the applicator to shape the self-adhesive material when the self-adhesive material is placed into contact with a surface.
  • the method may further comprise providing the inner surface of the applicator with an upper region defining a contour that is initially offset from the self-adhesive material, and the upper region is configured to at least partially imprint the contour onto the self-adhesive material when the self- adhesive material is applied to the surface.
  • the example method can further include providing the self-adhesive material with a release layer placed on a first surface of the adhesive material; placing the release layer on a portion of the first surface of the adhesive material; and exposing an edge portion of the adhesive material with the release layer or providing at least one circular opening in the release layer to expose the portion of the first surface of the adhesive material.
  • FIGS. 1A and I B are an exploded view and illustration of an applicator for delivering a self-adhesive material to a substrate in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of an applicator having an inner surface that defines a void for holding a self-adhesive material in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of an applicator delivering self-adhesive material in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of an applicator for delivering a self- adhesive material to a substrate in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations of product packaging for use in providing self- adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates hangable product packaging for use in providing self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a hangable product packaging for use in providing self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 8 depicts a process of using the hangable product packaging shown in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9A depicts an isometric view of an another embodiment of an applicator for delivering a self-adhesive material
  • FIG. 9B depicts a top view of the applicator of FIG. 9A
  • FIG. 9C1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 9A
  • FIG. 9C2 depicts an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view FIG. 9C1 ;
  • FIG. 9D depicts a bottom view of the applicator of FIG. 9A
  • FIG. 9E depicts a top view of an exemplary self-adhesive material
  • FIG. 9F depicts a schematic of the forces involved in transferring a self-adhesive material to a desired cleaning surface
  • FIG. 10A depicts an isometric view of another exemplary applicator
  • FIG. 10B depicts a side-view of the exemplary applicator of FIG. 10A
  • FIG. 1 1 A depicts an isometric view of another exemplary applicator
  • FIG. 1 I B depicts a side-view of the exemplary applicator of FIG. 1 1 A;
  • FIG. 12A depicts an isometric view of another exemplary applicator
  • FIG. 12B depicts a side-view of the exemplary applicator of FIG. 12A; and [035] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary graph of force variations within a particular sample.
  • FIGS. 14A-F illustrate an exemplary method of using an applicator and self- adhesive material.
  • FIGS. 1A and I B An applicator 100 having an inner surface 1 10 that defines a void 1 14 for holding a self-adhesive material 130 is shown in FIGS. 1A and I B.
  • the applicator includes an outer surface 120 and a void 1 14.
  • the void 1 14 is formed by the inner surface 1 10 of the applicator.
  • the outer surface and void elements can be individually formed to facilitate the handling and delivery of the self-adhesive material.
  • the applicator can be formed from either a single material or various different materials.
  • the outer surface can be made of a rigid material this is formed to facilitate the holding, moving, manipulating, and so forth of the applicator while the inner surface can be made of material designed for the holding and delivery of the self-adhesive material.
  • the outer surface 120 may further include a handle 125.
  • the handle 125 extends essentially transversely from the outer surface 120, and as shown in FIG. 1 A, is adapted to be grasped between a finger and thumb.
  • the outer surface 120 can be formed to include the optional handle 125. The handle 125 facilitates maneuvering of the applicator into position for delivery of the self-adhesive material 130 to the surface.
  • Such a handle can be useful for the attaching self-adhesive material below a water line, such as in a toilet or tank of liquid.
  • a water line such as in a toilet or tank of liquid.
  • the outer surface 120, the inner surface 1 10, and the handle 125 are formed together as a single unitary device.
  • the void is an open-ended volume that is typically concave in shape so as to allow for the acceptance and delivery of a relatively small or single dose of self- adhesive material.
  • void shapes include relatively uniform geometric shapes such as a cylinder, polyhedron, sphere, ellipsoid, any rectilinear volume, and so forth
  • the inner surface 1 10 has a portion 1 16 that is adapted to receive and adhere a self- adhesive material 130.
  • Self-adhesive material 130 can be a paste, gel or the like that is adapted for applying directly to a substrate.
  • the self- adhesive material 130 may be a sanitary agent that may be used to clean, disinfect or odorize a substrate.
  • the self-adhesive material 130 can sanitize the substrate by disintegrating and releasing cleaning, disinfecting and/or deodorizing substances when contacted with a rinse liquid. Examples of self-adhesive material 130 that may be delivered using the applicators of this invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
  • formulations of the self-adhesive material can include compositions that are detersive, cleansing, fragrancing, disinfecting, septic, corrosive, enzymatic, and so forth.
  • the self-adhesive material attaches directly to a wall of a toilet bowl or urinal, either above or below the water-line and in the stream of flush water, by pressing the material to the wall.
  • a non-limiting example of self- adhesive material includes 25% to 99% of surfactants, and 1% to 25% of a liquid component, wherein all percentages are percent by weight of the total composition of the material.
  • the surfactants include one or more solid surfactants, and optionally one or more liquid surfactants.
  • the surfactants may be anionic, nonionic, cationic and/or amphoteric depending on the cleaning properties desired.
  • the liquid component may selected from water, surfactants, glycerin, fragrances, colorants, alcohols, binders, lime-scale removing agents, hydrotropes, solvents, chelating agents, dispersing agents, and mixtures thereof.
  • the self-adhesive material may further include a filler.
  • the self-adhesive material contains proportions of the above-identified ingredients such that the material has a mass that has a "sticky" consistency. Preferably, the material does not flow, i.e., the block is not viscous.
  • the ratio of the two primary ingredients, the solid surfactant and the liquid component depends on the liquid and its penetration (liquid absorption into the solid) and the solubility of the solid surfactant in the liquid(s).
  • self-adhesive material refers to any gel, paste, wax, solid, or the like that may adhere to, or otherwise provide a self-support from, a surface or substrate.
  • self-support it is meant that a material will not require any additional device, or other mechanical means, to maintain and/or support and/or otherwise suspend the material in a fixed place, particularly in light of natural gravitational forces acting on the material.
  • Substrates to which the self-adhesive material 130 can be delivered are numerous and diverse and can include hard surfaces that are both natural and man-made. In one embodiment the substrate is the surface of a toilet above the water line.
  • the self-adhesive sanitary material adheres to the side of a toilet bowl underneath the rim.
  • surfaces to which self-adhesive material adheres can include a ceramic surface, such as a toilet bowl or a sink, glass, metal, plastic, stone, and so forth.
  • self-adhesive material does not include a separate layer of glue which tends to leave an unwanted residue behind on the surface.
  • the self-adhesive material is released from the surface by any number of physical and chemical processes such as being washed away, dissolved, devolatilized, vaporized, reacted, and so forth so as to leave no residue on the surface.
  • a self-adhesive sanitary material on an inner toilet bowl surface is washed away from a surface after being subject to one or more flushes.
  • the relative strength of adhesive force between self-adhesive material and various substrates and surfaces is controlled by the magnitude of the inter-molecular forces of attraction, i.e., between the material and the surface or substrate.
  • the magnitude of this attraction will depend upon (1) the nature of the molecules contained within the material and the surface or substrate and (2) the distance between the contacting material and the surface or substrate during use. In general, the closer the distance, the greater will be the magnitude of this attraction.
  • Surface smoothness or roughness can affect attraction such that the required attraction can be adjusted by appropriate control of the rheology of the self-adhesive material.
  • the viscoelastic properties of the material should fall within a certain range for the material to be effective.
  • a stiff or non-malleable material can result in air gaps between the material and the surface or substrate which effectively lowers adhesive force strength.
  • a fluid or soft material can flow, drip, or drain down the surface and prevent retention of a reasonable volume of the material within a desired area of the surface or substrate.
  • the self-adhesive material is viscous semi-solid having viscoelastic properties that can be measured using a penetrometer and/or appropriate rheometric techniques. A "Stickiness Test" as described in U.S. Pat. Application No.
  • 2008/0190457 titled "Self-sticking Disintegrating Block for Toilet or Urinal” is another useful technique for determining optimal adhesive force to surfaces and other substrates. Once the various properties of the self-adhesive material are determined, a range can be established for the rheology of the material that can lead to good adhesion.
  • the adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material 130 are controlled such that adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 130 to the surface portion 1 16 is less than adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 130 to a substrate. In this way, portion 1 16 readily releases the self-adhesive material when self-adhesive material 130 comes in contact with a surface or a substrate such as the inside surface of a toilet bowel.
  • the inner surface 1 10 defines a void 1 14 for accepting the self-adhesive material 130 which adheres to the portion 1 16.
  • the void formed by inner surface has a generally concave shape so the self-adhesive material 130 fits within the void.
  • a cover 140 attaches to a periphery surrounding the void and seals the self-adhesive material within the void.
  • indicia can be included on the various surfaces of the applicator and related components.
  • the indicia can be used to convey a wide variety of information including, but not necessarily limited to, health, safety, environmental, use, brand identification and so forth.
  • Use of the applicator 100 as shown in FIG. I B typically involves grasping the applicator 100 between a finger and thumb. With the cover 140 removed the self- adhesive material 130 is exposed within the void 1 10 and is ready to be delivered to a substrate. To position the applicator for delivery of the exposed self-adhesive material 130, a finger and thumb grasp handle 125 and maneuver the applicator 100 into contact with a substrate. Applicator 100 is positioned so that the self-adhesive material 130 can be brought into contact with the substrate.
  • the applicator can be used to deliver a single dose of the self-adhesive material to a surface of a toilet by placing the applicator 100 with self-adhesive material 130 in contact with the surface of the toilet above a water line.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B Cross-sectional views of an applicator 100 having a portion 1 16 of inner surface 1 10 for holding a self-adhesive material 130 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
  • the inner surface 1 10 includes a rim 144 that encircles the void 1 14 formed by inner surface 1 10.
  • the rim 144 is designed to facilitate removable attachment of the cover 140 to the rim 144 so as to enclose the self- adhesive material 130.
  • the cover 140 protectively seals the self-adhesive material 130 inside the void 1 14. Prior to use of the applicator the cover 140 is detached from the rim 144 to expose the self-adhesive material 130 disposed in void 1 14.
  • Cover 140 is made from material that provides a barrier against moisture and odor or fragrance.
  • the cover 140 is made of multilayer foil, a metalized barrier film such as a metal foil for example aluminum foil, plastic film, or combinations thereof.
  • polymers used to form plastic films include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terphthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyesters, polycarbonates, polystyrene, acrylics, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, and mixtures and copolymers thereof.
  • the cover 140 can be formed to have a tab 146 that can used to facilitate the removal of the cover.
  • a non-limiting example of material used to form or make the applicator 100 and related components such as the cover 140 can also include biodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials.
  • the applicator components can be made of single-layer sheets or multi-layer laminate sheets such as the combination of barrier foil with plastic.
  • the materials can be transparent, translucent, or opaque as deemed desirable for various product supply, packaging, marketing, and various other business considerations.
  • a non-limiting example of material includes heat sealable thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • Layered laminates having generally a sandwich construction can include any combination or order of polyethylene, cellophane, paper, polyester, and so forth including variations thereof. Selection of materials, and the thickness thereof, is determined by the nature of the material being packaged.
  • biodegradable materials generally includes consideration of decomposition in both natural aerobic and anaerobic environments. More specifically for plastics material, biodegradability is achieved by materials that can be metabolized by microorganisms into inert material having minimal impact on the environment.
  • a plastic can be selected based on ASTM D6400-04 Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics, ASTM D6868-03 Standard Specification for Biodegradable Plastics Used as Coatings on Paper and Other Compostable Substrates, and the ASTM D7081 -05 Standard Specification for Non-Floating Biodegradable Plastics in the Marine Environment.
  • a plastic for biodegradation in an anaerobic environment a plastic can be selected based on ASTM D551 1 -02 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions or ASTM D5526-94 (2002) Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Accelerated Landfill Conditions.
  • biodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials can include water-soluble material.
  • water-soluble materials are materials that disintegrate or dissolve in the presences of water.
  • Non-limiting examples of water-soluble material include, but is not necessarily limited to water-soluble polymers, particularly polymers that are useful in film forming, such as poly-vinyl alcohol, cellulose ether, and so forth either individually or in various combinations.
  • various additives can be incorporated into the water-soluble polymers to alter disintegration and dissolution as desired.
  • the cover 140 protectively seals the substrate surface of the self-adhesive material 130.
  • Such protection is desirable when the environment affects the adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material such as the loss of adhesive force due to oxidation, moisture, and so forth.
  • surface portion 1 16 is optionally the surface a of release layer 1 18 that is attached to the inner surface 1 10.
  • the optional release layer 1 18 can be used to control adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 130. If the properties of the inner surface do not allow proper adhesive force with the self- adhesive material, the release layer 1 18 can be attached to the inner surface to provide a surface portion 1 16 that allows for the desired adhesive force with the self-adhesive material 130.
  • the optional release layer 1 1 8 may be made of a wax paper, silicone coated paper, and so forth that is glued to the inner surface 1 10.
  • the release layer 1 18 can be formed to release from the inner surface 1 10 and remain attached to the self-adhesive material 130 when the self-adhesive material is applied to the hard surface.
  • the release layer 130 can provide a protective layer or backing for the self-adhesive material until the appliance with the hard surface is put into use such as by flushing in the case of a toilet.
  • the release layer 1 18 is desirably formed of biodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials. More specifically, the release layer can be formed from water-soluble material as describe herein which upon contact with water, such as through flushing, will dissolve or disintegrate to fully expose the self-adhesive material.
  • the adhesive properties of the portion 1 16 are controlled by the use of a coating to modify the adhesive properties of the portion 1 16.
  • coatings can be used to control adhesive force.
  • application of silicone to the portion 1 16 reduces adhesive force and makes the self-adhesive material easier to release from the applicator.
  • FIGS. 3 A and 3-B Cross-sectional views of an applicator 100 delivering self-adhesive material 130 to a surface are as shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3-B.
  • the void 1 14 has a general concave shape.
  • the concave shape can be in the form of a deformable resilient shape of a dome and sidewalls. Such a shape easily deforms when force is applied and then recovers to its original profile when the force is removed.
  • Material useful in the making such a deformable applicator 100 include deformable resilient material, such as flexible or rigid plastic including, but not limited to, thermoformed plastic.
  • the cover 140 is removed to expose the self-adhesive material. As shown in FIG. 3 A the exposed self-adhesive material is positioned against a substrate. Appropriate pressure is applied to facilitate any required deformation of the applicator surfaces and the adhesion of self-adhesive material 130 to the substrate.
  • an optional handle 125 it can be grasped between a finger and thumb to help steady the applicator as it is being pressed against the substrate.
  • the surfaces that define the normally concave void 1 14 deform so as to allow contact of the self-adhesive material with the substrate or surface. Because the adhesive force to the substrate or surface is greater than the adhesive force to surface portion 1 16, the self-adhesive material is released from the applicator 100.
  • the surface portion 1 16 is optimally designed to facilitate release of self-adhesive material 130.
  • the surface portion 1 16 can be designed and formed based on adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material so that less force is demanded to separate the self-adhesive material 130 from the surface portion 1 16 than to separate the self-adhesive material 130 from the substrate.
  • the self-adhesive material 130 when the self-adhesive material 130 is brought into simultaneous contact with both the surface portion 1 16 and a substrate surface, and force is applied to remove the applicator 100 from the substrate surface, the self-adhesive material 130 is released from the surface portion 1 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3B.
  • the applicator 100 upon release of self-adhesive material 130, the applicator 100 resumes its original profile with inner surface 1 10 forming a void 1 14 having a generally concave shape.
  • Self- adhesive material 130 remains in contact with the substrate and is left behind on the substrate when applicator 100 is pulled away. The self-adhesive material 130 is held in place on the substrate by its adhesive properties.
  • FIG. 4 An embodiment of an applicator 400 for delivering a self-adhesive material to a substrate is as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the applicator 400 has an inner surface 410 that defines a void 414 for holding a self-adhesive material 430.
  • the applicator includes an outer surface 420 which along with the void can be individually formed to facilitate the handling and delivery of the self-adhesive material.
  • the applicator can be formed from either a single material or various different materials.
  • the outer surface can be made of a rigid material this is formed to facilitate the holding, moving, manipulating, and so forth of the applicator while the inner surface can be made of material designed for the holding and delivery of the self-adhesive material.
  • a portion of the applicator extends essentially laterally from the outer surface 420 so as to for a handle 425 which can be adapted to be grasped between a finger and thumb.
  • the handle 425 can include texturing 427 on either side to facilitate grasping the applicator.
  • the outer surface 420 of the applicator can be formed to accommodate the optional handle 425.
  • the handle 425 facilitates maneuvering of the applicator into position for delivery of the self-adhesive material 430 to the surface.
  • Such a handle can be useful for the attaching self-adhesive material to the inside surface of a toilet or generally and container that holds.
  • the outer surface 420, the inner surface 410, and the handle 425 are formed together as a single unitary device.
  • the inner surface 410 has a portion (not shown) that is adapted to receive and adhere a self-adhesive material 430.
  • Self-adhesive material 430 can be a paste, gel or the like that is adapted for applying directly to a substrate.
  • the self-adhesive material 430 may be a sanitary agent that may be used to clean, disinfect or odorize a substrate.
  • the self-adhesive material 430 can sanitize the substrate by disintegrating and releasing cleaning, disinfecting and/or deodorizing substances when contacted with a rinse liquid.
  • the adhesive properties of the self-adhesive material 430 are controlled such that adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 430 to a surface portion (not shown) is less than adhesive force of the self-adhesive material 430 to a substrate. In this way, surface portion (not shown) readily releases the self-adhesive material when self-adhesive material 430 comes in contact with a surface or a substrate such as the inside surface of a toilet bowel.
  • the inner surface 410 defines a void 414 for accepting the self-adhesive material 430 which adheres to a portion (not shown) of the inner surface.
  • the void formed by inner surface has a generally concave shape so the self-adhesive material 430 fits within the void.
  • a cover 540 attaches to a periphery surrounding the void and seals the self-adhesive material within the void.
  • Use of the applicator 400 typically involves grasping the applicator 400 by the handle 425 between a finger and thumb. Any cover over the void is removed so as to expose the self-adhesive material 430 within the void 410 for delivery to a substrate.
  • a finger and thumb grasp handle 425 and maneuver the applicator 400 into contact with a substrate.
  • Applicator 400 is positioned so that the self-adhesive material 430 can be brought into contact with the substrate.
  • a free finger on either hand can press on the outer surface 420 opposite the self-adhesive material to deform the applicator as required so that the self-adhesive material comes in contact with the substrate.
  • the applicator can be used to deliver a single dose of the self-adhesive material to a surface of a toilet by placing the applicator 400 with self-adhesive material 430 in contact with the surface of the toilet above a water line.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B An example of product packaging for use in providing self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate is as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
  • a plurality of applicators 400a-e for delivering a self-adhesive material can be combined in a single package as desired to meet marketing and customer need for convenience and cost.
  • product package 500 that holds multiple applicator in a fashion similar to a pack of chewing gum. Once opened the residual portion of the product package forms a container 510 that holds any remaining applicators while allowing for the easy removal of individual applicators.
  • an end 520 of the product package is designed for easy and convenient removal so as to expose the plurality of applicators 400a-e.
  • the products package 500 can include a perforated portion 530 and underlying pull tab 532 which can be used to "open" the product package by facilitating the removal of end 520. Once the end 530 is removed individual applicators can slide out of the product package 500 as is being exhibited by applicator 400e.
  • the applicator 400e can include a handle 525. Besides being useful during application of the self-adhesive material to a substrate as described above, such a handle can be used to facilitate the removal of an applicator such as 400e from the container 510. By grasping and pulling on the handle 525, the applicator 400e can be withdrawn from the container 510.
  • the applicators, such as 400e can include a cover 540 that can used to protect the contained self-adhesive material. The cover can be formed to have a tab 546 which is to be used to help remove the cover 540.
  • the outer surface of the adjacent applicator can function as a cover.
  • hangable product packaging 600 for use in providing self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate is as shown in FIG. 6.
  • a plurality of applicators 400f-h for delivering a self-adhesive material can be combined in a single package as desired to meet marketing and customer need for convenience and cost.
  • hangable product packaging 600 is designed to contain multiple applicators that are removably attached to one another in series.
  • This type of hangable product packaging can include a tab 660 having aperture 662 for use in supporting hangable product packaging 600 form a marketing display or storage support such as by a peg, rod, nail, and so forth.
  • the tab 600 and the applicators 400f-g are attached sequentially in series via separable connections 602a-c.
  • the connections can include a series of perforations or serrations, which allow each applicator to be serially removed from the hangable product packaging.
  • each applicator 400f-h includes a self-adhesive material 630 which is contained in a void 610.
  • a cover 640 that attached to rim 612 can cover and protect the self-adhesive material in the void 610 and can have a tab 646.
  • the applicator can include a handle 625 with optional gripping 627 that among other functions can be useful during the separation of an applicator from the hangable product packaging 600.
  • the hangable product packaging 600 can include optional protective layer 650 that surrounds and protects either individual or multiple applicators.
  • a non-limiting example of material used to form the various embodiments of the product packaging can includes biodegradable or other environmentally compatible materials include water-soluble materials as described above for use with the applicator.
  • the product packaging materials can be transparent, translucent, or opaque and can be constructed from single-layer sheets or multilayer laminate sheets as deemed desirable based on a variety of considerations related to product supply, packaging, marketing, business needs, and so forth.
  • FIG. 7 provides an exemplary alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
  • the applicator packaging may be provided in a hangable product packaging 600 for use in providing self-adhesive materials that are delivered to a substrate.
  • hangable product packaging 700 is designed to contain multiple applicators that are removably attached to one another in series.
  • the individual applicators may be separated by perforations 708 between the applicators.
  • This type of hangable product packaging can include a tab 760 having aperture 762 for use in supporting hangable product packaging 700 form a marketing display or storage support such as by a peg, rod, nail, and so forth.
  • each applicator 400i-k includes a self-adhesive material 730 which is contained in a void 710.
  • a cover 740 that attached to rim 712 can cover and protect the self-adhesive material in the void 710 and can have one or more gripping areas 747 along the edge of the cover 740.
  • the gripping areas 747 may be recesses that may accommodate the finger of a user.
  • a surprising benefit of providing such gripping areas 747 is that the user may be able to place her fmger(s) into the gripping areas 747, such as a thumb and middle finger and secure the adhesive material 730 and then use her index finger to engage the outer surface 720 and apply force, F, to effectively "press" the adhesive material 730 onto whichever surface she desires.
  • her fmger(s) into the gripping areas 747, such as a thumb and middle finger and secure the adhesive material 730 and then use her index finger to engage the outer surface 720 and apply force, F, to effectively "press” the adhesive material 730 onto whichever surface she desires.
  • FIG. 8 Such a process is shown in FIG. 8 with the addition that an applicator 4001 is provided with a removable material 840 on the underside of the applicator 4001 that may be removed prior to engaging the material onto a surface (not shown).
  • the removable material may be a foil that is adhered onto the underside of the applicator 4001 that secures the adhesive material 730 within the void of the applicator 4001 during storage, transport, etc.
  • FIGS. 9A-9E Another exemplary applicator 900 is depicted in FIGS. 9A-9E. Like reference numerals from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 A-3B will be used to describe the applicator 900. It is understood that this embodiment can incorporate some or all of the aspects from any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. As depicted in FIGS.
  • the applicator 900 includes an outer surface 920 that contains a handle 925 that can be grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for applying a self-adhesive material 930 to a surface desired to be cleaned.
  • FIG. 9C 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator 900 with self-adhesiye material 930 located in the applicator 900.
  • FIG. 9C2 shows an enlarged section of FIG. 9C 1 .
  • FIG. 9D shows a bottom view of the applicator 900 without the self-adhesive material 930 located in the applicator 900 and cover 940 removed.
  • FIG. 9E shows a top view of an exemplary adhesive material 930, which can be applied to a surface desired to be cleaned by the applicator 900.
  • the outer surface 920 of the applicator 900 can be formed with an ornamental design or shape 904 to make the product more appealing to the consumer.
  • the design or shape 904 can be any type of ornamental feature and can also include a company name, logo, etc.
  • the design 904 can be shaped into a self-adhesive material 930 by the applicator 900 when the self-adhesive material 930 is applied to a surface to be cleaned as discussed herein.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 is formed such that it can be formed into the shape of the applicator 900 when the user applies a force to the applicator 900.
  • the applicator 900 is transparent; however, the applicator 900 can be formed translucent, opaque, or a solid color.
  • the applicator 900 can be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other materials described herein. Additionally, other suitable materials are contemplated for forming the applicator 900 such that the applicator 900 flexes once a force is applied to the applicator 900 to assist in releasing the self-adhesive material 930.
  • PET material can be thermoformed into the desired shape of the applicator 900.
  • the applicator 900 can be formed with a flange 906.
  • the flange 906 provides a surface for attaching cover 940.
  • the cover 940 can be formed of a foil material and the other materials described herein. Additionally, other suitable materials for containing the self-adhesive material 930 within the applicator 900 are contemplated.
  • the flange 906 can extend around the perimeter of the periphery of the applicator 900 and provides a bottom surface for receiving the cover 940.
  • the flange 906 can extend continuously, as shown, or intermittently around the perimeter of the applicator 900.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be placed into the applicator 900, and the cover 940 can be heat sealed onto the applicator 900.
  • the cover 940 can be secured to the flange 906 using a suitable adhesive.
  • the flange 906 can also be formed with at least one enlarged or outwardly projecting region, shown as an angled portion 908.
  • the angled portion 908 defines a location for the user to remove the cover 940 to expose the self- adhesive material 930 to a surface desired to be cleaned and can provide a region along the flange 906 that eases removal of the cover 940.
  • a degree of separation can be provided between the angled portion 908 and the cover 940 to provide the user with a grasping portion to remove the cover 940.
  • the applicator 900 includes an inner surface 910 having an inner recess or void 914 for receiving the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the inner surface 91 0 and inner recess 914 are defined by upper regions 91 OA and angled side regions 910B.
  • the inner surface 910 can include a correspondingly shaped design as the outer surface 920.
  • the inner surface 910 can include a shaped design that is different than the shape of the outer surface 920.
  • the design 904 can be wholly or partially imprinted onto the adhesive material 930 when the user applies a downward force to the applicator 900 sufficient to apply the self-adhesive material 930 to a surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900 can define a contour that is initially offset from the self-adhesive material 93 1 and the upper region 91 OA can be configured to at least partially imprint the contour onto the self-adhesive material 931 when the self-adhesive material 930 is applied to the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be a toilet bowl freshening and cleaning product.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be formed of a gel of the materials described herein. However, other suitable materials are also contemplated.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can have a paste, dough or putty-like consistency, which can be fonned into the shape of the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be designed or selected based on force parameters as defined herein.
  • an air gap 912 can be formed within the inner recess 914 between the inner surface 910 and the self-adhesive material 930 when the self-adhesive material 930 is placed into the applicator 900.
  • the upper region 91 OA of the inner surface 910 and a first surface 931 A of the self- adhesive material 930 forms an air gap or pocket 912 between the self-adhesive material 930 and the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900.
  • side air gaps 913 can be formed between the self-adhesive material 930 side portions 932 and the applicator 900 angled side portions 932 around the periphery of the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the side air gaps 913 can provide an easier and cleaner removal of the self-adhesive material 930 from the applicator 900 during use.
  • the upper region 91 OA of the inner surface 910 can also define the ornamental design 904 for molding the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the force from the user pressing the self-adhesive material 930 onto the surface can form the shape of the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900 onto the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 flows into the shape of the inner surface 910.
  • the shape of the inner surface 910 and design 904 defined by the upper region 91 OA is formed or molded onto the first surface 931 A of the self- adhesive material 930.
  • Configuring the applicator 900 such that the user molds the design 904 of the applicator 900 into the self-adhesive material 930 also may provide the user with a tactile feedback in sensing how much force should be applied to the applicator 900 for the self-adhesive material 930 to properly adhere and remain attached to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the gap 912 between the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900 and the self-adhesive material 930 can help achieve the desired adhesive force between the application surface and the self-adhesive material 930 prior to placement of the adhesive material 930 onto the surface to be cleaned.
  • the gap 912 can also assist the user by giving a tactile feedback in dispensing the self-adhesive material 930 onto a surface.
  • the user can sense that the applicator 900 is engaging the first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930.
  • FIG. 9E shows the self-adhesive material 900 removed from the applicator 900 prior to applying the self-adhesive material 930 to a surface.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be formed in a flat square shape. Additionally, the first surface 931 A can be formed flat for being shaped by the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900.
  • a release layer 918 can be included on the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the release layer 918 can be formed to only partially cover the self- adhesive material 930 to provide for only selected regions of the first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930 to adhere to the applicator 900.
  • the release layer 918 can be formed such that it covers a majority of the entire first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930 except for thin strips 933A, 933B of the first surface 93 1 A along opposite edges.
  • Exposing these thin strips 933A, 933B on the first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930 to the applicator 900 can provide for the desired adhesive force between the applicator 900 and the self-adhesive material 930 for ensuring that the self-adhesive material 930 releases properly from the applicator 900.
  • the thin strips 933A, 933B of the self-adhesive material 930 can provide an adequate adhesive force on the applicator 900 such that the self- adhesive material 930 does not become dislodged from the applicator 900 before being placed into contact with the application surface.
  • the release layer 918 can be provided with a certain adhesive force and together the adhesive forces of the release layer 918 and the self-adhesive material 930 can provide for the desired adhesive forces between the first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930 and the applicator 900.
  • the release layer 918 can be provided with holes or notches (not shown), in lieu of or in addition to the thin strips 933A, 933B, to provide for the requisite adhesive force between the applicator 900 and the adhesive material 930. Such holes or notches would allow for additional regions on the first surface 931 A of direct contact between the self-adhesive material 930 and the applicator 900.
  • the release layer 918 can be formed of a clear polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film and the other materials described herein with respect to other embodiments. However, other suitable materials are also contemplated.
  • the release layer can be formed of a paper substrate, that is transparent and breaks up in water rapidly, a powder-like talc, or corn starch that inhibits the self-adhesive material 930 from sticking to the applicator 900.
  • the release layer 918 can be formed of any suitable material that limits the area of the self-adhesive material 930 to be less than the area of the second surface 93 IB of the self-adhesive material 930 that will be applied to desired cleaning surface. It is also contemplated that the applicator 900 can be designed such that the release layer 918 can be omitted.
  • the release layer 918 also prevents the self-adhesive material 930 from fracturing when the self-adhesive material 930 is removed from the applicator 900.
  • the release layer 918 allows the self-adhesive material 930 to de-adhere from the applicator 900 rather than fracturing the self-adhesive material 930 when it is applied to a surface. This ensures that the self-adhesive material 930 is fully removed from the applicator 900 when applying the self-adhesive material 930 to the surface to be cleaned and that all of the self-adhesive material 930 is placed on the surface to be cleaned. This helps ensure that none of the self-adhesive material 930 is wasted.
  • the applicator can also be provided with undercuts on the inner surface to provide for retention of the self-adhesive material in the applicator during application of the self-adhesive material to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the undercuts and the applicator can be formed such that during the application of the self- adhesive material to the surface to be cleaned, the undercuts move out of the way allowing the self-adhesive material to become detached and to be transferred to the surface to be cleaned.
  • a certain level of flexibility can be designed into the package such that during the application of the self-adhesive material to the surface to be cleaned, a tensile force is generated in the region where the self-adhesive material is secured to the applicator. This may facilitate the removal of the self-adhesive material from the applicator.
  • the PET material can be thermoformed into the desired shape of the applicator 900.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can then be loaded into the applicator 900 recess 914.
  • a limited force can be applied to the self-adhesive material 930 once loaded into the applicator 900 such that the air gap 912 is formed within the inner recess 914 between the inner surface 910 and the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the size of the self-adhesive material 930 can be selected such that side air gaps 913 are formed between the self- adhesive material 930 side portions 910B and the applicator 900 angled side portions 932 around the periphery of the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the cover 940 can then be heat sealed onto the applicator 900.
  • the cover 940 can be secured to the flange 906 using a suitable adhesive.
  • the adhesive material 930 can be placed onto the cover 940 and then loaded into the applicator 900 to form the air gap 912.
  • the user peels off the cover 940 to expose the self-adhesive material 930 to a surface desired to be cleaned, such as the inner surface of a toilet above the water line and below the rim of the toilet.
  • a surface desired to be cleaned such as the inner surface of a toilet above the water line and below the rim of the toilet.
  • the user can grab the cover 940 near the angled portion 908.
  • the angled portion 908 can include a degree of separation between the cover 940 and the flange 906 to provide an easier grasping portion on the cover for the user to remove the cover 940 from the applicator 900.
  • the user then gripping the handle 925 can place the self-adhesive material 930 into contact with the surface desired to be cleaned by taking the opened side of the applicator 900 exposing the self-adhesive material 930 and pressing the self-adhesive material 930 onto the surface to be cleaned.
  • the user can then press the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900 against the self-adhesive material 930 first surface 931 A to apply the self-adhesive material 930 second surface 93 I B onto the surface of the toilet while imprinting the design 904 from the inner surface 910 of the applicator 900 onto the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the applicator 900 can be configured to flex outwardly from the handle 925 once a force is applied to the applicator 900 and handle 925 to assist in releasing the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the user then removes the self- adhesive material 930 from the applicator by pulling back on the handle 925 to apply a force substantially perpendicular to the second surface 93 I B. In this way, the self-adhesive material 930 readily comes out of the applicator 900 and remains stuck to the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate an exemplary method of using the applicator 900 and self- adhesive material 930.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be used to clean a toilet surface 960.
  • the user may dry the desired surface 960 to be cleaned.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be applied to a wet surface.
  • the user then removes the cover 940 from the applicator 900 to expose the self-adhesive material 930.
  • FIG. I4C the user presses the applicator 900 and the self-adhesive material 930 firmly against the toilet surface 960 to secure the self-adhesive material to the surface 960.
  • the applicator 900 is then pulled away from the toilet surface 900 to apply a force substantially perpendicular to the self-adhesive material, and the self-adhesive material 930 remains fixed to the surface 960.
  • the user can place the self-adhesive material 930 slightly below the rim 962 of the toilet such that the water can come into contact with the self- adhesive material 930 when the toilet is flushed. The user can then flush the toilet to activate the cleaning components of the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can function as a continuous toilet bowl cleaner such that after each flush of the toilet water comes into contact with the material and the cleaning components are dispersed about the toilet surface 960. Thus, cleaning takes place without further efforts from the user.
  • a user can then use the remaining portion of the self-adhesive material 930 as a manual toilet bowl cleaner. For example, as shown in FIG. 14F, the user can brush the remaining portions of the self-adhesive material 930 to conduct a manual cleaning of the toilet surface 960.
  • the applicator 900 and self-adhesive material 930 in this example are used to clean a toilet, other applications and uses of the applicator 900 and self-adhesive material 930 are contemplated.
  • the square-like shape of the applicator 900 can have both functional and ornamental features.
  • the square shape of the applicator 900 may provide for a more even distribution of forces when the applicator 900 is pressed against the desired cleaning surface to uniformly release the self-adhesive material 930 onto the desired cleaning surface.
  • the rectangular structure of the applicator 900 can also provide a strong force feedback to the user when applying the self- adhesive material 930 to the desired cleaning surface such that the user knows how much force to apply to the desired cleaning surface to ensure that the self-adhesive material 930 is adequately secured to the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the correspondingly shaped self-adhesive material 930 can uniformly dissolve in a toilet during use. Furthermore, the square shape may help in providing the requisite ratio of weight of the self-adhesive material 930 to surface area of the self-adhesive material 930 for adhering the self-adhesive material 930 to the desired cleaning surface.
  • the square shape of the applicator 900 can also be ornamental and ascetically pleasing to the user and entice a user to purchase the product based on the appearance of the applicator 900 and the self-adhesive material 930 within the applicator 930.
  • the force required to fracture the self-adhesive material must be higher than the force required to transfer the self-adhesive material from the applicator 900 to the surface desired to be cleaned. Otherwise, the self-adhesive material will fall apart when being transferred the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the self-adhesive material 930 can be placed into a tensile testing device to determine the fracture force of the self-adhesive material 930 to determine whether the self-adhesive material 930 has the right amount of fracture force.
  • FIG. 9F A schematic of the forces involved in transferring the self-adhesive material 930 to the desired cleaning surface 960 from the applicator 900 is depicted in FIG. 9F.
  • the adhesion force Fl between the applicator 900 and the first surface 931 A of the self- adhesive material 930 must be less than the adhesion force between the self- adhesive material 930 second surface 93 I B and the desired cleaning surface 960. In this way, the self-adhesive material 930 can properly transfer from the applicator 900 to the desired cleaning surface 960.
  • the adhesion force Fl between the applicator 900 and the first surface 931 A of self-adhesive material 930 and the adhesion force F2 between the self-adhesive material 930 and the desired cleaning surface 960 must be greater than the weight W of the self-adhesive material 930.
  • the adhesion force Fl between the self-adhesive material 930 and the applicator 900, the adhesion force F2 between the self-adhesive material 930 and the surface desired to be cleaned, and the force required to fracture the self-adhesive material 930 can each be used to determine the total surface area required to retain the self- adhesive material 930 in the applicator 900. As the surface area of the self-adhesive material 930 increases, the adhesive forces Fl and F2 also increase.
  • the size of the release layer 918 can also be determined by calculating or measuring forces Fl and F2. For example, if the surface area of the second surface 931 B of the self-adhesive material 930 is less than the surface area of the first surface 931 A of the self-adhesive material 930, Fl is likely to be greater than F2. Therefore, by including the release layer 918 onto a portion of the first surface 931 A of the self- adhesive material 930, the surface area of the first surface 93 1 A of the self-adhesive material 930 is effectively reduced thereby reducing Fl , the adhesion force between the self-adhesive material 930 and the applicator 900. By calculating F2 and the weight of the adhesive material 930, the area of the first surface 931 A which is covered by the release layer 918, can be determined.
  • the force Fl required to retain the adhesive material in the applicator is 0.045 lbs. based on a 10 gm product weight and a safety factor of 2.
  • the pressure to remove the gel from the applicator was measured at 4.1 psi.
  • the required surface area of the first surface of the self-adhesive material to ensure that the self-adhesive material does not fall out of the applicator is 0.01 1 in 2 .
  • the release layer can be sized to only leave 0.01 1 in. 2 of surface area on the first surface of the self-adhesive material exposed. This is also equivalent to having two openings sized to 0.085 in. in diameter in the release layer.
  • the force F2 required to pull the self-adhesive material from the desired surface to be cleaned is measured.
  • the adhesion force between the desired surface and the self-adhesive material is 1.5 lbs. This force is greater than the adhesion force of 0.045 lbs. and, therefore, the self-adhesive material will be transferred effectively from the applicator 900 to the desired surface to be cleaned.
  • FIG. 13 shows an example of force variations with the surface area between the self-adhesive material and the applicator.
  • the force Fl required to remove the self- adhesive material from the applicator is displayed on the Y-axis, and the contact surface area between the self-adhesive material and the applicator is displayed on the X-axis in in. 2 .
  • a curve 1302 represents Fl, the force required to remove the self-adhesive material from the applicator. As shown by the graph as the contact area between the applicator and the adhesive material increase, the force Fl increases.
  • a stable zone is represented between a minimum diameter boundary 1304 and a maximum diameter boundary 1306. The stable zone provides a range where the self-adhesive material will be effectively transferred from the applicator to the surface to be cleaned.
  • FIG. 13 is merely an example of a suitable operational range.
  • the stable zone and operational range are subject to the particular design of the applicator and self-adhesive material. Thus, other force variations are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B Another exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B where like reference numerals represent like components. It is understood that this embodiment can incorporate some or all of the aspects from any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the applicator 1000 is formed in a circular dome-like shape. However, other shapes and configurations are contemplated. Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, a self-adhesive material 1030 is held within the inside area of the applicator 1000 for dispensing by the user onto a cleaning surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the applicator 1000 includes a handle 1025 and a flange 1006 for receiving a cover 1040.
  • the flange can include an extension 1008, which permits the user to easily peel the cover 1040 from the applicator 1000 to apply the self-adhesive material 1030 to the surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the applicator 1000 can be provided with an ornamental design 1004 on the outer surface 1020 of the applicator 1000.
  • FIGS. 1 1A and 1 IB Another exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 1 1A and 1 IB where like reference numerals represent like components. It is understood that this embodiment can incorporate some or all of the aspects from any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the applicator 1 100 is also formed in a circular shape. However, again other shapes and configurations are contemplated.
  • a self-adhesive material 1 130 is held within the inside recess of the applicator 1 100 for dispensing by the user onto the cleaning surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the self-adhesive material 1 130 can be placed into the applicator 1 100 such that no air gap is formed between the self-adhesive material 1 130 and the applicator 1 100.
  • the applicator 1 100 includes a side handle 1 125 and a flange 1 106 for receiving a cover 1 140.
  • the side handle 1 125 can provide for a degree of flexing of the applicator 1 100 when rotated by the user.
  • the side handle 1 125 assists the user when dispensing the self-adhesive material 1 130 by permitting the applicator 1 100 to flex the dome shape of the applicator 1 100 downward and release the self-adhesive material 1 130 onto the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the cover 1 140 is removed, and the user can grasp the handle 1 125, while pressing on the top surface of the applicator and adhering the self-adhesive material 1 130 to the surface desired to be cleaned. Additionally, once the self-adhesive material 1 130 is placed into contact with the desired cleaning surface, the handle 1 125 can be rotated inward such that the self-adhesive material 1 130 dislodges from the applicator 1 100 and is applied to the desired cleaning surface.
  • the applicator 1 100 can be provided with one or more ornamental designs 1 104 on the outer surface 1 120 of the applicator 1 100.
  • the round shape of the applicators 1000, 1 100 can have both functional and ornamental features.
  • the round dome-like shape of the applicators 1000, 1 100 may provide for a more even distribution of forces when the applicators 1000, 1 100 are pressed up against the desired cleaning surface.
  • the round dome-like shape of the applicators 1000, 1 100 can provide for a stiff structure that applies the uniform load of force against the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 when applying the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 to the surface desired to be cleaned. This structure may also provide a strong force feedback to the user to give a perception to the user that the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 are adequately secured to the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the correspondingly shaped self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 can uniformly dissolve in a toilet during use. Furthermore, the round shape may help in providing the requisite ratio of weight of the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 to surface area of the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 for adhering the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 to the desired cleaning surface.
  • the round shape of the applicators 1000, 1 100 can also be ornamental and ascetically pleasing to the user and entice a user to purchase the product based on the appearance of the applicators 1000, 1 100 and the self-adhesive materials 1030, 1 130 within the applicators 1030, 1 130.
  • FIGS. 12A and 12B Another exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B where like reference numerals represent like components. It is understood that this embodiment can incorporate some or all of the aspects from any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the applicator 1200 is formed in a rectangular shape. However, again other shapes and configurations are contemplated. Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, a self-adhesive material 1230 is held within the inside area of the applicator 1200 for dispensing by the user onto the surface desired to be cleaned.
  • the applicator 1200 includes a handle 1225 and a flange 1206 for receiving a cover 1240.
  • the cover 1240 is removed, and the user can grasp the handle 1225, while pressing on the top surface.
  • the applicator 1200 can be provided with one or more ornamental designs 1204 on the outer surface 1220 of the applicator 1200.
  • the rectangular shape of the applicator 1200 can have both functional and ornamental features.
  • the rectangular shape of the applicator 1200 may provide a larger surface area for achieving the desired adhesion forces on the desired cleaning surface when the applicator 1200 is pressed up against the desired cleaning surface.
  • the rectangular shape of the applicator 1200 can also be ornamental and ascetically pleasing to the user.
  • the disclosure herein provides applicators and methods for delivering a self- , adhesive material. These applicators and methods can, in certain examples, be used for dispensing a single dose of a sanitary agent to a surface, for example, the surface of a toilet.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un applicateur (100), sur un système d'applicateur associé et sur un procédé pour distribuer un matériau auto-adhésif. L'applicateur (100) comprend une surface externe (120), et une surface interne (110) opposée à la surface externe. La surface interne (110) de l'applicateur (100) définit un vide (114) qui peut fonctionner de façon à recevoir le matériau auto-adhésif (130). Au moins une partie de la surface interne (110) adhère de façon libérable au côté d'applicateur du matériau auto-adhésif, la force d'adhérence entre la partie de la surface interne et le côté d'applicateur étant inférieure à la force d'adhérence entre le substrat et le côté de substrat. L'applicateur (110) est utilisé par disposition de l'applicateur (100) en contact avec un substrat, pression de l'applicateur (100) contre le substrat de telle sorte que le matériau auto-adhésif (130) adhère au substrat, et libération de l'applicateur (110) à partir du substrat.
PCT/US2013/068748 2012-11-09 2013-11-06 Applicateur de dose unique et procédé correspondant WO2014074599A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/673,653 US9364872B2 (en) 2010-08-10 2012-11-09 Single-dose applicator and method
US13/673,653 2012-11-09

Publications (1)

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WO2014074599A1 true WO2014074599A1 (fr) 2014-05-15

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019179780A1 (fr) * 2018-03-19 2019-09-26 Klebchemie M. G. Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg Emballage-coque pourvu de corps moulés de matériau adhésif, de matériau de revêtement ou de matériau étanche

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10222009A1 (de) * 2002-05-17 2003-12-04 Henkel Kgaa Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme einer in das Innere eines Toilettenbeckens oder dergl. abzugebenden gelförmigen Wirkstoffzubereitung
US6667286B1 (en) 1998-06-12 2003-12-23 Buck-Chemie Gmbh Adhesive sanitary agent
US20080190457A1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Veltman Jerome J Self-sticking disintegrating block for toilet or urinal
US20090215661A1 (en) 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Klinkhammer Michael E Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits
WO2011135330A1 (fr) * 2010-04-28 2011-11-03 Reckitt Benckiser Llc Applicateur amélioré pour une composition adhésive de traitement de toilettes

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6667286B1 (en) 1998-06-12 2003-12-23 Buck-Chemie Gmbh Adhesive sanitary agent
DE10222009A1 (de) * 2002-05-17 2003-12-04 Henkel Kgaa Vorrichtung zur Aufnahme einer in das Innere eines Toilettenbeckens oder dergl. abzugebenden gelförmigen Wirkstoffzubereitung
US20080190457A1 (en) 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Veltman Jerome J Self-sticking disintegrating block for toilet or urinal
US20090215661A1 (en) 2008-02-21 2009-08-27 Klinkhammer Michael E Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits
WO2011135330A1 (fr) * 2010-04-28 2011-11-03 Reckitt Benckiser Llc Applicateur amélioré pour une composition adhésive de traitement de toilettes

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019179780A1 (fr) * 2018-03-19 2019-09-26 Klebchemie M. G. Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg Emballage-coque pourvu de corps moulés de matériau adhésif, de matériau de revêtement ou de matériau étanche
US20210032511A1 (en) * 2018-03-19 2021-02-04 Klebchemie M. G. Becker Gmbh & Co. Kg Blister pack containing a shaped adhesive, coating material or sealant article
US11879074B2 (en) 2018-03-19 2024-01-23 Kleiberit Se & Co. Kg Blister pack containing a shaped adhesive, coating material or sealant article

Also Published As

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