"DEVICE FOR DETERGENT COMPOSITION”

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to devices comprising a spray container, a propellant and a detergent composition.

STATE OF THE ART

Presently, consumers and producers have expressed increasing need to have cleaning products which safeguard the consumer’s health, do not have allergenic and irritating effects, and they are characterized by a low environmental impact.

For such purpose, ICEA - Istituto per la Certificazione Etica ed Ambientale [Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification] - has set forth guidelines with the purpose of defining the characteristics and the requirements of ecological detergents.

The following products fall within the field of application of such guidelines: detergents usable for washing dishes, kitchen equipment and other kitchen utensils, both by hand and in dishwashers for home use and in those for professional use; detergents intended for cleaning floors, glasses and other hard surfaces and for descaling both for home and professional use; detergents for the laundry made of powder, liquids or another form for washing textile products both by hand and in the washing machine, both for home and professional use; aids that can be used during the cleaning cycle which can fall within the formulation of detergent products, for the purpose of conferring particular functions thereto (softeners, brighteners, sequestrants, buffers for stabilizing the pH) and the raw materials used in preparing the aforesaid products.

Based on such guidelines, ecological detergents can contain raw materials of plant origin, animal origin, inorganic, deriving from chemical synthesis processes, enzymes and water.

With regard to the raw materials of plant origin, these must come from biological cultivations or from spontaneous harvest; it is permitted to use products deriving from conventional agriculture so long as not GMO or deriving from GMO; products deriving from species at risk of extinction are not allowed.

With regard to the raw materials of animal origin, so as to safeguard the animal wellbeing, these must come from organic farms; raw materials of animal origin cannot be used when this involves the killing thereof; products deriving from species at risk of extinction are not allowed.

With regard to the substances of inorganic origin, the following can be used: zeolite (insoluble inorganic substance), clay (insoluble inorganic substance), carbonates, silicates, sodium percarbonate, sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride and sodium chloride, silicon dioxide, quartz (insoluble inorganic ingredient), Na-/Mg- /KOH, tinctures, sodium silicate, bentonite.

With regard to raw materials deriving from chemical synthesis processes, these can be used if there are no valid alternatives of natural origin available on the market; in the case of surfactants, synthesis surfactants can be used if their alkyl chain is of plant origin.

It is possible to use enzymes and other raw materials from bacteria fermentation even if they were produced from genetically-modified microorganisms, so long as the latter are suitably limited.

Potable water or demineralized water or osmotic water can be used.

In particular, the following ingredients must be of certified sustainable origin:

- palm oil, palm kernel oil,

- glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine, coco-betaine,

- fatty acids: stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid.

- fatty alcohols: ethyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol.

- esters with fatty acid or fatty alcohol base: ethyl palmitate, ethyl phosphate, myristyl myristyl myristate, glyceryl (mono-) stearate and glyceryl oleate.

- triglycerides: Cs-Cio caprylic/capric triglyceride and C1o-Cis triglycerides.

Finally, the ecological detergent as finished product must contain at least 95% by weight of ingredients of natural origin, taking under consideration the level of natural content that derives from chemical synthesis regarding which the natural origin is proven for the raw materials that provide the carbon atom chain distinguishing such molecules. Ecological detergents for cleaning hard surfaces and for descaling, both for home and for professional use, are commercially available, in which both the raw materials used and the finished detergent product meet the above criteria.

Such products are applied to the surface to be cleaned by means of sponges or clothes, or by means of nebulization with trigger. These application methods do not allow a uniform and precise application of the product on the surface portion to be treated; in particular, by applying the product by means of nebulization with trigger to vertical surfaces, the products trickles downward, leaving dirty strips that will have to be subsequently cleaned. In addition, these application methods determine an excessive use of product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Applicant has confronted the problem of how to improve the application of detergent products for cleaning hard surfaces and for descaling and in particular has studied how to render uniform and precise the application of such products to surfaces, simultaneously maintaining or improving their detergent effectiveness.

The Applicant has found that by using spray technology, it is possible to obtain a precise application of the detergent product on the surface portion to be treated.

In particular the present inventors have found that by using as propellant of the spray a compound belonging to the hydrofluoroolefin class (HFO), the product generated by the device in accordance with the invention exits from the container in foam form, which is adhered to the treated surface portion without trickling downward, allowing a uniform and precise application and simultaneously an optimal cleaning.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is a device comprising:

• a spray container (A) comprising the following elements

(1) a can,

(2) a valve,

(3) a dispenser, and optionally

(4) a closure cap, in which said elements (1-4) are made of recyclable material,

• an ecological propellant (B) consisting of a hydrofluoroolefin, or of an association of one or more of these, and

• an ecological detergent composition (C) comprising

(c1) at least one surfactant,

(c2) at least one acid or one base, and/or (c3) at least one co-solvent, and (c4) water, and optionally (c5) a further component. Such device, in addition to solving the problem of improving the application of detergent products on hard surfaces, has the further advantage of being environmentally friendly since it uses recyclable materials for the spray container (A), an ecological propellant (B) and an ecological detergent composition (C). Finally, the device of the invention is also environmentally friendly since the product comprising the particles of propellant and of detergent composition exits in foam form, hence such particles are not dispersed in the environment. The devices for nebulization with trigger that are available on the market, however, disperse the detergent particles into the environment. A further aspect of the invention is the use of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention for cleaning hard surfaces and for descaling, both for home use and professional use.

A further aspect of the present invention consists of the use of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention for sanitizing hard surfaces and/or for sanitizing machinery and tools used in food producing industries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 represents a schematic drawing of a tapered can (1) comprising the dispenser (2) and its closure cap (4).

Fig. 2 represents a schematic figure of valves (2) of male type (M) and of female type (F).

Fig. 3 represents a schematic figure of an exploded view of a male valve (M) comprising the dispenser (3), the covering (4), the stem (5), the gasket (6), the spring (7), the valve seat (8), and the immersed tube (9).

Fig. 4 represents schematic figures of various types of dispensers (3). Fig. 5 represents a photographic image of a product in foam form generated by a device in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 6 represents a photographic image of a product in liquid form generated by a reference device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention consists of a device comprising:

• a spray container (A) comprising the following elements (1) a can,

(2) a valve,

(3) a dispenser, and optionally

(4) a closure cap, in which said elements (1-4) are made of recyclable material,

• an ecological propellant (B) consisting of a hydrofluoroolefin, or of an association of one or more of these, and

• an ecological detergent composition (C) comprising

(c1) at least one surfactant,

(c2) at least one acid or one base, and/or (c3) at least one co-solvent, and (c4) water, and optionally (c5) a further component.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the constituent elements (1-4) of the spray container (A) are completely made of recyclable material.

The recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from among aluminum, steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, and rubber.

Advantageously, the can (1) consists of steel, preferably stainless steel, or aluminum. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can (1) can be tapered, straight or with bands, preferably it is tapered. A tapered can (1) suitable for the purposes of the present invention is exemplified in Fig.1.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can (1) can have diameter greater than 40 cm and/or lower than 70 cm; preferably it has diameter of 45, or 52, or 57, or 65 cm.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can (1) can withstand a test pressure greater than 10 bar and/or lower than 20 bar; preferably it withstands a pressure of 12, or 15, or 18 bar.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can (1) is produced according to FEA (European Aerosol Federation) standards and directives. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve (2) can have diameter greater than 15 mm and/or lower than 30 mm; preferably it has diameter of 20 or 25,4 mm.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve (2) can be of male or female type. Examples of valves (2) of male type (M) and of female type (F) according to the invention are illustrated in Fig. 2.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of valve (2) of male type (M) according to the invention comprising a dispenser (3), a covering (4), a stem (5), an internal gasket (6), a spring (7), a valve seat (8), and an immersed tube (9).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the covering (4) can consist of steel, for example tinned steel, chrome-plated iron or aluminum.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stem (5) and the valve seat (8) can be made of polyamide, for example PA 6.6.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the internal gasket (6) can consist of rubber, for example of Buna, neoprene or butyl type.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spring (7) can consist of steel, for example stainless steel.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stem (5) can consist of polyethylene.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser (3) can have size of the channel comprised between 0.50 and 1 mm.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser (3) consists of polypropylene.

Examples of suitable dispensers (3) according to the invention are illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spray container (A) can further comprise a closure cap (4), preferably made of recyclable plastic material, preferably polypropylene.

An example of a suitable closure cap (4) according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1

Examples of spray container (A) that are commercially available are those made by the company Capsol S.p.A., Agrate Brianza, Italia. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ecological propellant (B) consists of a hydrofluoroolefin, or of an association of one or more of these.

The compounds belonging to the hydrofluoroolefin class (HFO) are unsaturated organic compounds consisting of hydrogen, fluoride and carbon. The HFOs are of commercial interest in the refrigeration field. Unlike the chlorofluorocarbon compounds (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (FICFC) and hydrofluorocarbons (FIFC), the FIFOs have an ozone depletion potential (ODP) equal to zero and a low global warming potential (GWP), therefore such compounds represent a more ecological alternative with respect to CFC, HCFC and FIFC.

In addition, many of the compounds belonging to the FIFO class are intrinsically chemically stable and inert, non-toxic and not inflammable or slightly inflammable, according to the method ASTM E-681 and the test EU A-11.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ecological propellant (B) consisting of a hydrofluoroolefin or of an association of one or more of these, has one or more of the following characteristics:

- ODP lower than 0.01 , preferably substantially equal to 0,

- GWP at 100 years lower than 10, more preferably lower than 8, lower than 5;

- MIR lower than 0.5 g 03/g VOC, more preferably lower than 0.1 g 03/g VOC, still more preferably lower than 0.05 g 03/g VOC;

- POCP lower than 20, more preferably lower than 15, or 10, or 7;

- not inflammable or moderately inflammable, according to the method ASTM E- 681 and the test EU A-11.

The ozone elimination potential (ODP) of a chemical compound is the relative value of degradation of the ozone layer that it can cause. The value of the ozone elimination potential associated with a substance is defined as the ratio between the loss of ozone produced by the considered substance and the loss of ozone produced by an equivalent mass of trichlorofluoromethane (R-11), to which the ODP value of 1 ,0 is assigned.

The global warming potential (GWP) is a parameter used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in order to measure the quantity of heat that a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere up to a specific time horizon, generally 20, 100 or 500 years, with respect to carbon dioxide. Such parameter compares the quantity of heat trapped by a specific mass of the gas in question with the quantity of heat trapped by a similar mass of carbon dioxide and it is expressed with reference to carbon dioxide, whose GWP is standardized to 1 .

The maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) is a parameter used by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to measure how much a compound contributes to the photochemical formation of ozone. The EPA uses the reactivity of ethane as threshold for determining if a compound has negligible reactivity. The compounds which are less reactive or equally reactive to ethane in specific presumed conditions can be considered as negligibly reactive, and therefore suitable for not being legally defined as VOCs (volatile organic substances). The compounds which are more reactive than ethane continue to be considered VOCs for regulation purposes and, therefore, they are subjected to control requirements.

The European Union uses a slightly different measurement for characterizing the propensity for ozone formation at the ground level, i.e. the Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP); POCP is defined as the additional ozone that is formed in a modeling of multiple days when a specific quantity of volatile organic compound is added relative to the addition of the same mass of ethane. The POCP scale relates to the POCP for ethane, defined as 100.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ecological propellant (B) consists of a derivative of hydrofluoropropene or hydrofluorobutene, such as, for example:

• 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf);

• trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze);

• cis-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (FIFO-1234zd);

• trans-1 ,1 ,1 ,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (FIFO-1336mzz-E); and

• cis-1 ,1 ,1 ,4,4, 4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO-1336mzz-Z; DR-2).

More preferably, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the propellant is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (FIFO-1234ze).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ecological detergent composition (C) comprises (d ) at least one surfactant, (c2) at least one acid or one base, and/or (c3) at least one co-solvent, and (c4) water As used in the present application, with the sentence “ecological detergent composition” or ““ecological detergent composition (C)” or “composition (C)” it is intended a composition that safeguards the health of the consumer, that does not have allergenic and irritating effects and is characterized by a low environmental impact. An example of an ecological composition in accordance with the present application is a composition that complies with the criteria of the technical guidelines for obtaining the ECODETERGENZA certification by means of the ICEA certifying body.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one surfactant (d) is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants (d .1 ), non-ionic surfactants (d .2), ampholytic surfactants (d .3), cationic surfactants (d .4), and mixtures thereof. Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the anionic surfactant (c1.1) is selected from the group consisting of salts of fatty acids of plant origin (soaps), preferably potassium salt of coconut fatty acid; salts of alkyl sulfates, preferably sodium octyl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium coco sulfate; salts of ethoxy sulfate fatty alcohols; preferably sodium lauryl ether sulfate; salts of secondary alkyl sulphonates; salts of sulfonated alkenyls, preferably sodium alpha olefin sulfonate C14-C16 salt; salts of sulfomethylesters of fatty acids; mono-, di alcohol sulfosuccinate salts; mono-alcohol ethoxylated sulfosuccinate salts; salts of sarcosinates of fatty acids; salts of alkylmethyl taurides; mono- and di-phosphate sodium, potassium and triethanolamine salt esters; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers of carboxylic acid; alkyl naphthalene sulfonate salts; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the non-ionic surfactant (d .2) is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated fatty alcohols; ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols; ethoxylated fatty acids; ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids; ethoxylated castor oil; sorbitan polyethers; ethoxylated alkylamines; alkanolamides; amides and alkanolamides of ethoxylated fatty acids; amine oxides; alkyl polyglucosides; glucoside esters; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the ampholytic surfactant (d .3) is selected from the group consisting of alkyl betaine; alkyl amido betaine; alkyl sulfobetaine; alkyl mono- and di-propionate sodium, potassium and triethanolamine salts; alkyl mono- and di-acetate sodium, potassium and triethanolamine salts; and mixtures thereof. Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cationic surfactant (d .4) is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride; dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; quaternary ammonium salts, quaternary triethanolamine esters with methylsulfate; and mixtures thereof. The compositions in accordance with the invention which comprise a cationic surfactant, due to the antibacterial properties of these compounds, also have hygienizing and sanitizing action, in addition to cleaning action.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one surfactant (c1) is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants (c1.1), non- ionic surfactants (d .2) and/or ampholytic surfactants (d .3); and mixtures thereof.

More preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said at least one anionic surfactant (c1.1 ) is a fatty acid salt of plant origin; preferably it is potassium salt of fatty acids from coconut.

More preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said at least one non-ionic surfactant (d .2) is an alkyl polyglucoside; preferably it is decyl/octyl glucoside.

More preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said at least one ampholytic surfactant (d.3) is an alkyl amido propyl betaine; preferably it is cocamidopropyl betaine. Preferably, according to another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one surfactant (d) is a cationic surfactant (d .4), more preferably it is alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said acid or base (c2) is selected from the group consisting of organic acids (c2.1), for example citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid; preferably citric acid or lactic acid; inorganic bases (c2.2), for example sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium orthosilicate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, sodium sesquisilicate; preferably sodium carbonate or sodium metasilicate; organic bases (c2.3), for example monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, triethanolamine; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said organic acid (c2.1) is selected from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid. Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said inorganic base (c2.2) is selected from among the group consisting of sodium carbonate and sodium metasilicate.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said organic base (c2.3) is selected from among the group consisting of monoethanolamine and triethanolamine.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one co-solvent (c3) is selected from the group consisting of alcohols (c3.1), for example ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol or 2-ethylhexyl alcohol; glycols (c3.2), for example propylene glycols, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, methoxy propanol, methoxy dipropanol, methoxy tripropanol, butoxy propanol, butoxy dipropanol, butoxy tripropanol, phenoxy ethanol or phenoxy propanol; glycol ethers (c3.3), for example dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, n-propyl ether, n-butylether, tripropylene glycol n- butylether; carboxylic esters (c3.4); and mixtures thereof Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention said at least one co solvent (c3) is selected from the group consisting of alcohols (c3.1), more preferably from the group consisting of ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said water (c4) is selected from among the group consisting of pure water, ultra-pure water, distilled water, demineralized water, deionized water, ultra-filtered water, osmotic water, water purified via ion exchange, low-mineral water, and so on.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent composition (C) can also comprise at least one further component (c5) selected from the group consisting of calcium and magnesium ion sequestrants (c5.1), for example sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, tetrasodium salt of N,N- bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate, sodium salt of carboxymethyl inulin; preservatives (c5.2), colorants (c5.3), for example those provided in cosmetics and in the food industry; and (c5.4) fragrances, preferably essential oils and natural extracts or synthetic substances which do not cause skin sensitization. Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention the detergent composition (C) comprises at least one fragrance (c5.4), more preferably eucalyptus or lemon essential oil. Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention the detergent composition (C) comprises

(c1 ) at least one surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic surfactant (d .2) and/or at least one ampholytic surfactant (d .3) ,

(c2) at least one acid or one base, preferably at least one organic acid (c2.1),

(c4) water, and

(c5) at least one further component, preferably at least one fragrance (c5.4); or

(d) at least one surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant (d .1 ) and/or at least one non-ionic surfactant (d .2)

(c3) at least one co-solvent, preferably at least one alcohol (c3.1) and (c4) water, and

(c5) at least one further component, preferably at least one fragrance (c5.4).

More preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent composition (C) comprises from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant (d), from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one acid or one base (c2), and/or from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one co-solvent (c3), optionally lower than 3% by weight of at least one further component (c5), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and

(c4) water as needed up to 100%.

Still more preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention the detergent composition (C) comprises

(d) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic surfactant (d .2) and/or at least one ampholytic surfactant (d .3),

(c2) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one acid or one base, preferably at least one organic acid (c2.1), and

(c5) lower than 3% of at least one further component, preferably at least one fragrance (c5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%; or

(c1) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant (c1.1) and/or a non-ionic surfactant (d .2),

(c3) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one co-solvent, preferably at least one alcohol (c3.1) and

(c5) less than 3% by weight of at least one further component, preferably of at least one fragrance (c5.4) with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%.

Still more preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention the detergent composition (C) comprises

(c1) from 1 to 10% total by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside, preferably decyl octyl glucoside (1.2), and of alkyl amido propyl betaine, preferably cocamidopropyl betaine (c1.3),

(c2) from 1 to 10% by weight of citric acid or lactic acid (c2.1), and (c5) less than 3% by weight of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil (c5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%; or

(c1 ) from 1 to 10% total by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside (d .2), preferably decyl octyl glucoside, and optionally of a fatty acid salt of plant origin (c1.1), preferably potassium salt of fatty acids from coconut, and

(c3) from 1 to 10% by weight of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (c3.1), and (c5) less than 3% by weight of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil (c5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%.

Preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention - the recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from among steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, rubber;

- the ecological propellant (B) is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze); and - the detergent composition (C) comprises at least one surfactant (d) selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants (c1.1), non-ionic surfactants (d .2), ampholytic surfactants (d .3) and cationic surfactants (d .4); and mixtures thereof; at least one acid or one base (c2) selected from the group consisting of organic acids (c2.1), for example citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid; preferably citric acid or lactic acid; inorganic bases (c2.2), for example sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium orthosilicate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, sodium sesquisilicate; preferably sodium carbonate or sodium metasilicate; organic bases (c2.3), for example monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, triethanolamine; and mixtures thereof and/or at least one co-solvent (c3) selected from the group consisting of alcohols (c3.1), for example ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol or 2-ethylhexyl alcohol; glycols (c3.2), for example propylene glycols, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, methoxy propanol, methoxy dipropanol, methoxy tripropanol, butoxy propanol, butoxy dipropanol, butoxy tripropanol, phenoxy ethanol or phenoxy propanol; glycol ethers (c3.3), for example dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, n-propyl ether, n- butylether, tripropylene glycol n-butylether; carboxylic esters (c3.4); and mixtures thereof, and, optionally at least one further component (c5), selected from the group consisting of calcium and magnesium ion sequestrants (c5.1), such as sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, tetrasodium salt of N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate, sodium salt of carboxymethyl inulin; preservatives (c5.2) and/or colorants (c5.3) for example those provided in cosmetics and in the food industry; fragrances (c5.4), preferably essential oils and natural extracts or synthetic substances which do not cause skin sensitization. More preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention

- the recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from the group consisting of steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, rubber; - the ecological propellant (B) is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze); and

- the detergent composition (C) comprises from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant (d) selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants (c1.1), non-ionic surfactants (d .2), ampholytic surfactants (d .3) and cationic surfactants (d .4); and mixtures thereof; from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one acid or one base (c2), selected from the group consisting of (c2.1) citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid; preferably citric acid or lactic acid; (c2.2) sodium and potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium orthosilicate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, sodium sesquisilicate; preferably sodium carbonate or sodium metasilicate; (c2.3) monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, triethanolamine; and mixtures thereof; and/or from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one co-solvent (c3) selected from the group consisting of alcohols (c3.1), for example ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol or 2-ethylhexyl alcohol; glycols (c3.2), for example propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, methoxy propanol, methoxy dipropanol, methoxy tripropanol, butoxy propanol, butoxy dipropanol, butoxy tripropanol, phenoxy ethanol or phenoxy propanol; glycol ethers (c3.4), for example dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, n-propyl ether, n-butylether, tripropylene glycol n-butylether; carboxylic esters (c3.3); and mixtures thereof, and optionally less than 3% by weight of at least one further component (c5) selected from the group consisting of calcium and magnesium ion sequestrants (c5.1), such as sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, tetrasodium salt of N,N- bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate, sodium salt of carboxymethyl inulin; preservatives (c5.2) and/or colorants (c5.3) for example those provided in cosmetics and in the food industry; fragrances (c5.4), preferably essential oils and natural extracts or synthetic substances which do not cause skin sensitization, with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%.

Still more preferably, according to one embodiment of the present invention

- the recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from the group consisting of steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, rubber;

- the ecological propellant (B) is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze); and

- the detergent composition (C) comprises

(c1) at least one surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant (d .2) and an ampholytic surfactant (d .3),

(c2) at least one acid or one base, preferably an organic acid (c2.1), and (c5) at least one further component, preferably a fragrance (c5.4), or d) at least one surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant (d .2), and optionally an anionic surfactant (d .1 ) and

(c3) at least one co-solvent, preferably an alcohol (c3.1), and (c5) at least one further component, preferably a fragrance (c5.4).

According to one embodiment of the device of the present invention

- the recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from the group consisting of steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, rubber;

- the ecological propellant (B) is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze); and

- the detergent composition (C) comprises

(d ) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant (d .2) and an ampholytic surfactant (d.3),

(c2) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one acid or one base, preferably an organic acid (c2.1), and

(c5) less than 3% of at least one further component, preferably a fragrance (c5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%; or c1 ) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one surfactant, preferably a non-ionic surfactant (c1.2), and optionally an anionic surfactant (c1.1) and

(c3) from 1 to 10% by weight of at least one co-solvent, preferably an alcohol (c3.1), and

(c5) less than 3% by weight of at least one further component, preferably a fragrance (C5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%.

According to one embodiment of the device of the present invention

- the recyclable material of the spray container (A) is selected from the group consisting of steel, tinned steel, stainless steel, chrome-plated iron, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide, rubber;

- the ecological propellant (B) is trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze); and

- the detergent composition (C) comprises

(c1 ) from 1 to 10% total by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside (d .2), preferably decyl octyl glucoside, and of alkyl amido propyl betaine (d .3), preferably cocamidopropyl betaine,

(c2) from 1 to 10% by weight of citric acid or lactic acid (c2.1), and

(c5) less than 3% by weight of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil (c5.4) with respect to the total weight of the composition, and

(c4) water as needed up to 100%; or

(d ) from 1 to 10% total by weight of an alkyl polyglucoside (d .2), preferably decyl octyl glucoside, and optionally of a fatty acid salt of plant origin (d .1 ), preferably potassium salt of fatty acids from coconut,

(c3) from 1 to 10% by weight of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (c3.1), and (c5) less than 3% by weight of eucalyptus or lemon essential oil (c5.4), with respect to the total weight of the composition, and (c4) water as needed up to 100%. The above-described device is easily adapted, with greater ease of use and comfort, and less waste of detergent, for cleaning hard surfaces and for descaling, both for home use and professional use.

Therefore, a second aspect of the present invention consists of use of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention for cleaning hard surfaces and for descaling, both for home use and professional use.

A third aspect of the present invention consists of use of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention for sanitizing hard surfaces and/or for sanitizing machinery and tools used in food producing industries.

EXAMPLES

1 ) Preparation of a detergent composition (1) representative of the invention

With methods known to the man skilled in the art, a detergent composition (1a) was prepared having the following composition

- decyl/octyl glucoside (d .2-non-ionic surfactant) in a concentration comprised between 2% and 4% by weight,

- cocamidopropyl betaine (c1.3-ampholytic surfactant) in a concentration lower than 1% by weight,

- citric acid (c2.1 - organic acid) in a concentration comprised between 5% and 7% by weight,

- eucalyptus essential oil (c5.4- fragrance) in a concentration comprised between 0% and 1 % by weight,

- purified water (c4) up to 100.

Value of the pH referred to the product as is = 2.4.

The detergent composition (1a) has descaling action on the calcareous encrustations present on ceramic and metal surfaces of bathrooms and kitchens, such as: sinks and washbasins, faucets, tiles, toilets, bath tubs and showers.

The detergent composition (1 a) has limited environmental impact: the long-term effects on aquatic organisms, i.e. the aquatic toxicity; the quick biodegradability i.e. aerobic biodegradability; and the biodegradability of long duration i.e. the anaerobic biodegradability, were calculated through the Critical Dilution Volume method (VCDTOX) according to the Ecolabel method (DC 2003/200/CE).

With methods known to the man skilled in the art, a detergent composition (1 b) was prepared having the following composition

- potassium salt of fatty acids from coconut (d .1 -anionic surfactant) in a concentration comprised between 0% and 1 .4% by weight,

- decyl/octyl glucoside (d .2-non-ionic surfactant) in a concentration comprised between 1 .2% and 3.2% by weight,

- ethyl alcohol (c3.1 -co-solvent/alcohol) in a concentration comprised between 5% and 7% by weight,

- lemon essential oil (c5.4-fragrance) in a concentration comprised between 0% and 0.25% by weight,

- purified water (c4) up to 100.

Value of the pH referred to the product as is = 10.7.

The detergent composition (1b) is a multiuse degreaser with action on dust, smog, greasy residues present on glass surfaces, ceramics, plastic, plasticized wood and metal such as: mirrors and windows, tiles, cooking surfaces and furniture.

The detergent composition (1 b) has limited environmental impact: the long-term effects on aquatic organisms, i.e. the aquatic toxicity; the quick biodegradability i.e. aerobic biodegradability; and the biodegradability of long duration i.e. the anaerobic biodegradability, were calculated through the Critical Dilution Volume method (VCDTOX) according to the Ecolabel method (DC 2003/200/CE).

2) Preparation of a device (1) representative of the invention and of a comparison device i

With methods known to the man skilled in the art, a device (1 ) was prepared comprising

• a spray container consisting of recyclable material, represented in Fig.1 ;

• the propellant trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze), and

^• the ecological detergent composition (1 b) prepared in example 1 . With methods known to the man skilled in the art, a device (2) was prepared comprising

• a spray container consisting of recyclable material, represented in Fig.1 ;

^• the propellant CO2,

• the ecological detergent composition (1 b) prepared in example 1.

3) Comparison between the performances of the device P) representative of the invention and those of the comparison device (2).

A quantity of product, comprising particles of propellant and of detergent composition, was applied on a portion of a vertical hard surface by means of the device (1), and the same quantity of product was applied on another portion of the same vertical hard surface by means of the device (2).

The device (1) and the device (2) were made of an equivalent spray can and comprised the same ecological detergent composition (1b).

The device (1) differed from the device (2) due to the type of propellant, which was trans-1 ,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) in the device (1) and CO2 in the device (2).

As can be inferred from the photographic image of Fig. 5, by using as propellant of the spray a compound belonging to the hydrofluoroolefin class (FIFO), the product generated by the device (1) in accordance with the invention exits from the container in foam form, which is adhered to the treated surface portion without trickling downward.

On the contrary, as can be inferred from the photographic image of Fig. 6, by using CO2 as propellant of the spray, the product generated by the comparison device (2) exits from the container in liquid form that trickles downward. Analogous to the applications by means of trigger, the application by means of the device (2) leaves dirty strips that must be subsequently cleaned.

From the comparison between Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, it is therefore clear that the application of the product by means of the device (1) is advantageously uniform and precise and simultaneously allows an optimal cleaning, also with respect to the application that uses CO2 as propellant.