CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/006,439 filed on April 7, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a single-use hand sanitizing capsule and, particularly, to encapsulation of a sanitizing solution therein.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Use of hand sanitizer dispensers has become increasingly frequent in hospitals and medical offices. Personal and industrial dispensers in the form of bottled hand sanitizing solutions have become increasingly popular as a simple and effective way of instantly sanitizing hands without the need for soap or water. These solutions have become of particular importance with the outbreak of diseases all over the world. Some outbreaks are considered epidemics, and some are considered pandemics. Partly due to increased air travel and antibiotic resistance, such outbreaks can be dangerous and widespread.

[0004] Simple personal hygiene in public and private places may have a significant effect on the reduction of disease transmission. Currently, there is no widespread use of hand sanitizer in places such as offices, restaurants, public toilets, shopping centers, and the like, even though the transfer of pathogens from one person to another is prevalent. Moreover, the increased use of moist wipes in public places leads to the mistaken impression that such products disinfect the hands while, in fact, such use prevents disinfection and may increase morbidity. The prior art suggests various types of dispensers of hand sanitizing compositions and solutions in a variety of forms. Other patents disclose a variety of dispensing mechanisms as well as hand sanitizing solutions. Some of the dispensers are deficient in that they require that the user physically touch the dispenser for the purpose of dispensing the sanitizing materials. Some dispensers are automatic and sense the presence of the hands and dispense the sanitizing materials. However, such dispensers are dependent on the availability of energy, for example, electricity, for proper operation.

[0005] It would be beneficial to provide an easy, personal, visually-appealing way for the public, customers, workers, or restaurant diners, and other, similar, parties, to be able to instantly sanitize their hands without having to remember their own hand sanitizer or find a public restroom. A no-waste, single-use and degradable hand- sanitizing solution would allow users to instantly, discreetly sanitize their hands without the need to dispose of packaging or a container, which is environmentally friendly and, in addition, more functional and discreet.

SUMMARY

[0006]A summary of several example embodiments of the disclosure follows. This summary is provided for the convenience of the reader to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments and does not wholly define the breadth of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. For convenience, the term “some embodiments” or “certain embodiments” may be used herein to refer to a single embodiment or multiple embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a dissolving capsule, the dissolving capsule comprising a sanitizing substance; and an outer shell encapsulating therein the sanitizing substance, wherein the outer shell is adapted to collapse upon applying at least a predetermined amount of force thereupon, and wherein the outer shell dissolves upon coming into contact with the sanitizing substance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a hand sanitizing dissolving capsule in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a human hand squeezing a hand sanitizing dissolving capsule in accordance with an embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a hand sanitizing dissolving capsule under pressure in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 4A is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional view of a dissolving capsule comprising a plurality of notch lines in the outer shell.

[0013] Fig. 4B is a schematic illustration of a three-dimensional view of a dissolving capsule comprising a plurality of notch points in the outer shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed herein are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claims. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss of generality.

[0015] Some example embodiments include a single-use hand sanitizer dissolving capsule. The example disclosed capsule has an outer shell that is crushed upon use by a human wishing to perform a sanitization such as, for example, sanitization of the hand. The material of the outer shell is adapted to dissolve upon use, reducing waste and costs and increasing usability. The outer shell encapsulates therein a sanitizing substance which, once the dissolving capsule is crushed, provides the desired sanitization effect. The capsule may further contain substances that accelerate the dissolving of the crushed outer shell. In an embodiment, a barrier layer separates the outer shell and the sanitization substance, thereby preventing any chemical interaction therebetween. The barrier layer may include moisturizing substances to moisturize the hands of a user of the dissolving capsule.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an example schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a dissolving capsule 100 according to an embodiment. The dissolving capsule 100 may be a sphere-shaped capsule having a width (w1) and a volume (v1). In an example embodiment, a dissolving capsule 100 has such a configuration, wherein the width (w1 ) ranges from 1 cm to 2cm, and wherein the volume (v1 ) ranges from 0.5ml_ to 4.2 ml_.

[0017] It should be noted that other values of w1 and v1 may also be applicable, without loss of generality or departure from the scope of the disclosure. It should be noted that the dissolving capsule 100 may be shaped as, without limitation, a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, a cube, a disc, or any other three dimensional (3D) geometric shape.

[0018] In an embodiment, the dissolving capsule 100 includes an outer shell 130 that encapsulates therein a sanitizing substance 110. In an embodiment, the dissolving capsule 100 is structured with a barrier layer 120 that separates the outer shell 130 and the sanitizing substance 110, as further explained herein. The sanitizing substance 110 includes a sanitizing solution aimed to kill or otherwise neutralize most microorganisms found on, for example, the skin of the hands of a human.

[0019] In an embodiment, the composition of the sanitizing substance 110 that is contained within the outer shell 130, or at least one active ingredient thereof, includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following disinfectants; alcohol (such as ethanol and isopropanol), aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde, anilides, biguanides such as chlorhexidine, diamidines, halogen-releasing agents, silver compounds, peroxygens such as hydrogen peroxide, phenols, bis-phenols, halophenols, and quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride. In addition to the disinfectant, the sanitizing substance 110 may further include sodium citrate (typically up to 40% by volume). It should be appreciated that other combinations of substances that include the sanitizing substance are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The sanitizing substance 110 may be, for example, a liquid or a gel-phase. In an embodiment, the volume of the sanitizing substance 110 is within the range of 0.25ml-2.2ml.

[0020] In one embodiment, scent emitting substances (e.g., fragrant formulations or aromatic compositions) are added to at least one of the sanitizing substances 110, the barrier layer 120, or the outer shell 130. Scent emitting substances may be based on essential oils which may have a scent and additionally possess antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The scent emitting substance may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following essential oils: clove essential oil, which contains 90% eugenol and has known efficacy on common bacteria on the skin, such as E.Coli and S. Aureus, peppermint essential oil, aloe vera gel, lavender essential oil, lemon essential oil, and witch hazel essential oil.

[0021] The barrier layer 120, if used in an embodiment, serves as a barrier between the sanitizing substance 110 and outer shell 130. The barrier layer 120 is further used to protect the integrity of the dissolving capsule before use. In another embodiment, the materials used for the barrier layer 120 may contain one or more moisturizing substances, such as those moisturizing substances described hereinbelow, to provide moisturization of the hand when the dissolving capsule 100 is used as discussed herein. The barrier layer 120, according to the same embodiment, includes moisturizing substances such as, without limitation, glycerol, silicone oil, paraffin oil, essential oil, or combinations thereof. The barrier layer 120 creates a barrier between the sanitization substance 110 and the outer shell 130, thus preventing premature contact prior to use. In addition, the barrier layer 120 provides moisturization when in contact with skin. In an example embodiment, the thickness of the barrier layer 120 ranges from 10 pm to 1000pm.

[0022] In an embodiment, the outer shell 130 is a film that includes a step-growth polymer which dissolves, for example, when it comes into contact with at least some of the contents of the sanitizing substance 110. The polymer used for the outer shell 130 includes, but is not limited to, calcium-alginate, which is biocompatible, inexpensive, and degrades upon contact with sodium citrate solution which may be contained in the sanitizing substance 110. In another embodiment, the outer shell 130 includes polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates or combinations thereof. Other, like, step-growth polymers which may be used include, without limitation, various alginates, polyesters, polyamides, methyl- derivative polymers, ethyl-derivative polymers, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyacrylic acid, and the like, as well as any combination thereof. Further, applicable polyesters include, without limitation, polyethylene glycol polyester, aliphatic homopolymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), aliphatic copolymers such as polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and the like, as well as any combination thereof.

[0023] In one embodiment, alginate polymers, such as alginate, may be stiffened and stabilized with addition of a cross-linking calcium solution, such as calcium lactate or calcium chloride. A calcium-linked alginate polymer is more chemically, thermally, and mechanically stable than native alginate polymers. When the calcium-linked alginate polymer comes into contact with sodium citrate that may be contained in the sanitizing substance 110, the sodium citrate breaks the cross links in the calcium alginate, returning it to pure alginate. In yet another embodiment, the polymer used for the outer shell 130 is polyester, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the like, as well as various combinations and copolymers thereof, such as, as an example, and without limitation, Syntonav SR300, a polyester which is sensitive to 70% ethanol and which rapidly breaks down in the presence of 70% ethanol. In this embodiment, sodium citrate would not be added to the sanitizing substance 110. In an embodiment, the thickness of the outer shell 130 ranges from 10pm to 1000pm. Syntonav SR300 is chemically known as polyethylene glycol polyester, (CioHi206(C2H40)nH20)x. Its CAS number is 9016- 88-0, and it is also referred to also as 1 ,4-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Polymer with 1 ,2-Ethanediol and alpha-Hydro-omega-Hydroxypropyl(Oxy-1 ,2-Ethanediyl). A typical final concentration may be 15-50% in water.

[0024] In an embodiment, the outer shell 130, the barrier layer 120, and the sanitizing substance 110 contain surfactant material to stabilize and strengthen bonding therebetween. The surfactant used may be, but is not limited to, Sorbitan monostearate, Tween 20, Tween 80, Polyethlene Glycol (PEG), Lecitine, or combinations thereof. In any of the three layers, the outer shell 130, the barrier layer 120, and the sanitizing substance 110, any combination of one or more surfactant may be present in order to create a stronger chemical bond between the layers and to increase the chemical stability of the dissolving capsule. The dissolving capsule 100 is adapted, therefore, to be moisture-resistant and stable in temperatures up to 80°C. The sanitizing substance 110 is adapted to maintain efficacy for at least a desired period of time following manufacture.

[0025] In an example embodiment, the outer shell 130 consists of polyester or a copolymer consisting of polyester and a second polymer, such as PEG, the barrier layer consists of glycerol, and the sanitizing substance 110 consists of alcohol. In another embodiment of the dissolving capsule 100, the outer shell 130 includes a polyamide, the barrier layer 120 includes silicon oil, and the sanitizing substance 110 includes aldehydes. In yet another example embodiment of the dissolving capsule 100, the outer shell 130 includes methyl- or ethyl-derivative polymers, the barrier layer 120 includes paraffin oil, and the sanitizing substance 110 includes anilides.

[0026] It should be readily appreciated that other combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments, and the examples above should not be viewed as limiting upon the scope of the invention. Moreover, though these particular examples pertain to cases were the barrier layer 120 is used, these are merely for illustration purposes, and other embodiments that do not include a barrier layer 120 are explicitly included within the scope of the invention. For example, but not by way of limitation, the sanitizing substance 110 may contain therein microbeads of sodium citrate while the outer shell 130 is made of calcium- alginate. Such a case would not require the use of the barrier layer 120.

[0027] Fig. 2 is an example schematic illustration of a human hand 200 squeezing the dissolving capsule 100 in accordance with an embodiment. When used as intended, a human hand, either one hand or both hands, applies pressure to the capsule by squeezing it. The pressure applied causes the outer shell 130 to crack, rupture, or otherwise disintegrate, resulting in the sanitizing substance 110 reaching the human hands, as well as engaging with the outer shell 130. As a result, a process of dissolving of the outer shell 130 begins until such a time that the entire material that comprised the outer shell 130 dissolves.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of a hand sanitizing dissolving capsule 100 under pressure in accordance with an embodiment. Here, pressure (arrows 320) is applied on the capsule 100 on a plurality of rupture points 330-n, where ‘n’ is an integer equal to or greater than Ί.’ Upon application of sufficient pressure to the outer shell 130 of the capsule, e.g. when squeezed by a hand (see Fig. 2), or squeezed between two fingers, or crushed by palm of one hand, or crushed by the palms of two hands, the outer shell 130 ruptures. Upon contact of the outer shell 130 with the sodium citrate in the sanitizing substance 110, the outer shell 130 degrades and dissolves. At rupture point 330, the sanitizing substance 110 is no longer encapsulated by the outer shell 130 and freely flows (arrows 340). When used as intended, upon rupture of the capsule 100, the user rubs the entire composition over the surface area of the user’s hands, sanitizing the hands with the sanitizing substance 110. Typically, the user rubs hands until the outer shell 130 fully dissolves into the sanitizing substance 110. In one embodiment, the rubbing of the composition over the user’s hands further includes moisturization of the user’s hands by the barrier layer 120, which provides moisturization.

[0029] Fig. 4A is an example three-dimensional illustration of a dissolving capsule 100 according to an embodiment. The dissolving capsule 100 includes a plurality of notch lines 410 in the outer shell 130 of the capsule. In one embodiment, the capsule 100 has at least one notch line 410 in the outer shell 130, which allows the dissolving capsule 100 to rupture more easily when pressure is applied. The notch lines 410, which are like slight abrasions upon the surface of the outer shell 130, are mechanically weaker, allowing the capsule to rupture when pressure is applied. In an embodiment, notch lines 410 may cross each other, for example, but not by way of limitation, as longitude and latitude lines.

[0030] Fig. 4B is an example three-dimensional illustration of a dissolving capsule 100 further comprising a plurality of notch points 420 in the outer shell 130 of the dissolving capsule 100. In this case, rather than having one or more notch lines, dots are used to create notch points 420 where the surface of the outer shell is weaker and, therefore, more likely to rupture upon the application of pressure. Regardless of the use of notch lines 410 or notch points 420, the scratch-like notches should not penetrate the outer shell 130 width, so that neither the sanitizing substance 110 nor the barrier layer 120 is exposed thereby.

[0031] It should be appreciated that a combination of notch points may be used. That is, some of the notch points may be notch lines and others may be notch dots. In another embodiment of the invention, one or more colors may be used in any one of sanitizing substance 110, barrier layer 120, and/or the outer shell 130 to provide any desired coloring effect. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that logos, text, and/or other images may be embossed or carved in the outer shell 130, or otherwise appear as part of the dissolving capsule, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032]AII examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosed embodiment and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosed embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e. , any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0033] It should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations are generally used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise, a set of elements comprises one or more elements.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” followed by a listing of items means that any of the listed items can be utilized individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be utilized. For example, if a system is described as including “at least one of A, B, and C,” the system can include A alone; B alone; C alone; 2A; 2B; 2C; 3A; A and B in combination; B and C in combination; A and C in combination; A, B, and C in combination; 2A and C in combination; A, 3B, and 2C in combination; and the like.