A TABLET FOR ABSORBING WASTE DRAINAGE COMPRISING

HYDROGEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a tablet for absorbing waste drainage comprising hydrogel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquids and fluids are a major portion of waste in terms of volume and weight. Pills for absorbing said liquid are commonly used, for decreasing said weight and volume. These pills further comprise deodorizing means to improve the fragrance rising from the waste.

Hydrogel is a network of polymer chains that are water-soluble, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion medium. Superabsorbents are hydrogels that are and may contain over 99% water.

Common uses for hydrogel are in disposable diapers where they "capture" urine, or in sanitary towels, Contact lenses (silicone hydrogels, polyacrylamides), and medical electrodes using hydrogels composed of cross linked (polyethylene oxide, polyAMPS and polyvinylpyrrolidone)

Other, less common uses include Breast implants, Granules for holding soil moisture in arid areas, Dressings for healing of burn or other hard-to-heal wounds, reservoirs in topical drug delivery; particularly ionic drugs, delivered by iontophoresis (see ion exchange resin)

Common ingredients are polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, acrylate polymers and copolymers with an abundance of hydrophilic groups.

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are primarily used as an absorbent for water and aqueous solutions for diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and similar applications. Undoubtedly, in these applications, superabsorbent materials will replace traditional absorbent materials such as cloth, cotton, paper wadding, and cellulose fiber.

The most commonly available superabsorbent polymers are hard, dry, granular powders that look much like clean white sand or granular table sugar. When these polymer particles are placed in water, slurry of water and the particles is formed. Gradually the superabsorbent polymer absorbs the water, turning into a soft, rubbery gel. On average, fluffed cellulose pulp fibers will absorb about 12 g of water per gram of dry fiber, whereas superabsorbent polymers will absorb up to 1,000 g of water per gram of polymer.

US patent 6827792 discloses powdered compositions comprising in admixture inorganic alkali salts and silica gel, and optionally fragrance additives, are disclosed. The novel compositions are useful in absorbing and deodorizing liquid waste and for removing such waste from irregular surfaces, such as textiles and carpeting, as well as from smooth hard surfaces. The compositions are effective in absorbing liquid biohazards, such as blood, vomit, urine, and other body fluids. For this application, a halogen-containing compound, such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite is preferably included in the composition. The mixtures can also be utilized for the absorption of oil-based spills and hydrocarbons and are also effective in removing moisture and malodors associated with pet urine and other moisture-related stains encountered in the home. When applied to liquid wastes, the absorbent properties of the compositions contain the spill, creating a solid cohesive matrix that allows for easy disposal. Methods for removing liquid wastes are also disclosed.

European patent application 0732945 depicts disinfecting and solidifying of an aqueous waste containing microorganisms in which dry glutaraldehyde is used as the disinfectant. In preparing the product for use in the method dry glutaraldehyde is mixed with a superabsorbent to partially transfer an aqueous solution from the dry glutaraldehyde to the superabsorbent. The European application uses superabsorbent material for the disinfecting and solidifying an aqueous waste containing microorganisms in which dry glutaraldehyde is used as the disinfectant and not for absorbent of any liquid drainage.

A superabsorbent pill using hydrogel or superabsorbent material is hence still a long felt need.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications,

however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a tablet for absorbing waste drainage comprising hydrogel.

It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the hydrogel is a superabsorbent (SAP) material, i.e., material adapted to contain more than 90 g water per gram of dry matter.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet is selected from a group consists of granules, tablets, pills, encapsulated matrices, compressed powders or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet further comprising deodorizing means. The deodorizing means are selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consists of potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, ethanolamine, hexamethylenediamine, piperazine phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, malic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acidv biguanide polymers, vinylic polymer, a polyamino acid, an amino-modified silicone resin, hydroxylated ethyleneurea, copper, or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet further comprising perfuming means.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet further comprising fillers. The fillers are selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consists of barite, perlite, bentonite, kaolin, silica, sand, talc, red iron oxide, iron ore, concentrate, cements, calcium carbonate, diatomite earth, feldspar, fluorspar acid & metallurgical grade, zinc concentrate, mill scale, lead ore, limestone, hydrate lime, zeolite dolomite, gilsonite, kaolin, silica and red iron oxide or any mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the matrix is comprised of diatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhr, kieselgur, perlite, celite, nonplastic clays, claylike materials or any of mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet further comprising biocides. The biocide is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including bactericide, insecticide, fungicide, algaecide, pesticides: germicides, herbicide, paracide, especially endoparasites.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the biocide is essential oil or etheric oils. The etheric oil is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including tea tree oil, lavender oil, pine oil, manuka oil, kanuca oil, eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, clove oil, tall oil, lemon oil, lemon grass oil, rosemary oil, geranium oil or any mixture thereof; while said etheric oil comprises ethereal compound selected among terpinenes, cymenes, pinenes, cineole, sesquiterpenes, sequiterpene alcohols or any mixture thereof.

Alternatively or additionally, the biocide is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including chlorohexidine, cirtarmide, gluteraldhyd, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypocholorite, hydrogen hydroxide, boric acid, borax, zinc oxide, cupric oxide, sodium benzoate, bezoic acid or any mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the biocide is malachite green.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet comprising indicating means, indicating when the tablet is contaminated or wet. The indicating means are selected in a non- limiting manner from a group consists of color, smell, text upon the tablet or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet further comprising anchoring means, selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consists of glue, electrostatic, rope, Velcro TM or any combination thereof. The tablet may further comprised of at least one means for holding said tablet after use.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the holding means is selected in a non- limiting manner from a handle or a cord or a rigid shaft; said means is either exceeding from said tablet or being attached to it by attaching means selected from glue, electrostatic, rope, Velcro TM or any combination thereof. a portion of said hydrogel or superabsorbent materials is coated or doped.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the tablet is being coated, doped or enveloped by an inorganic matter, organic matter of any mixture thereof. The inorganic enveloping layer may comprise one or more matrices selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including Sorrel cement, Portland cement, Gypsum cement, Fly ash cement, Slag cement, calcium alumina cement or any mixtures thereof. The cements are preferably, yet not exclusively comprised of a material or materials selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium chloride, zinc oxide,

zinc hydroxide, zinc chloride, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxides, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium sulfate, calcium sulfate dehydrate, metal oxides, metal hydroxide, metal sulphides, calcium alumina salts, silicic acid, silica, silicon dioxide, silica oxide, silca-based salts, borates, bore-based salts or any of mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the enveloping layer comprising salts selected in a non-limited manner from a group comprising magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, at least one oxide or hydroxide of the group consisting of alkaline-earth metals, iron, zinc, molybdenum, aluminum, manganese; alkaline-earth oxides or hydroxides or any mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein at least a portion of the enveloping layer is an organic matter. The organic enveloping layer is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, alginic acid, alkyd, butyl rubber, carbomers, celluloid, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, cyamelide, dyneema, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polyepoxide, fluoropolymer, galactomannan, glycerine phthalate, polybutadiene, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide, lignin, polyethylene, melanin, nitrocellulose, nylon, especially nylon 6,6 or nylon 12, parkesine, phenol formaldehyde resin, poly ethylene glycol (PEG) or it sderivatives, poly vinyl pyrrolidone, poly (3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(p-phenylene oxide), Poly(p-phenylene sulfide) Poly(p- phenylene vinylene), polyacetylene, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyaniline, polybutadiene, polybutylene terephthalate, polycaprolactone, polydiacetylenes, polydimethylsiloxane, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene amine, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyglycolide, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyimide, polyketone, polylactic acid, especially PLLA, PDLLA, PDLA, polyglutamin acid, polymethyl methacrylate, polyoxymethylene, polyphthalamide, polypropylene, polypropylene glycol, polypyrrole, polysaccharide, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyurea, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, hydrocarbon polymer, sodium polyaspartate, spandex, tannin, tholin, triacetate, tyvek, vectran, viton, zylon or any of mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein at least a portion of the organic enveloping layer is a wax or a wax-containing water immiscible matter. The wax is selected in anon-limiting manner from a group including animal wax, insect wax; beeswax, Chinese wax, shellac wax, spermaceti, lanolin, vegetable wax, bayberry wax, candelilla wax, carnauba

wax, castor wax, esparto wax, japan wax, jojoba oil, ouricury wax, rice bran wax, mineral wax; ceresin wax, montan wax , ozocerite, peat wax, petroleum wax; paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, synthetic wax; polyethylene wax, fischer-tropsch wax, chemically modified wax, substituted amide wax, and polymerized α-olefms wax or any of mixture thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the organic enveloping layer is a water immiscible diluent. The water immiscible diluent is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consists of polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, acrylate polymers and copolymers with an abundance of hydrophilic groups, poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-l-propanesulfonic acid).

The tablet further adapted to be applied at the bottom of a garbage bag.

The tablet is preferably attached to said garbage bag by means selected from glue or Velcro. The tablet further comprising material with higher density so as to ensure that said tablet is mounted in the bottom of said garbage bag. The tablet is partially void so as to float on the upper line of said liquid.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a process for absorbing liquid using a pill comprising hydrogel or superabsorbent materials, comprising applying said pill to a liquid residing on a surface or in a receptacle and allowing said liquid and said pill to form a cohesive solid matrix.

The process further comprising deodorizing and indicating when said tablet is contaminated or wet over a predetermined threshold. The process further comprising anchoring said tablet to said surface or a receptacle.

The process further comprising holding said tablet after use using means selected from a handle or a cord or a rigid shaft; said means is either exceeding from said tablet or being attached to it by attaching means selected from glue, electrostatic, rope, Velcro TM or any combination thereof.

The tablet is useful for absorbing urine. It is useful for diapers and chemical toilets, and public toilets, especially toilets in airplanes; to be applied at the bottom of a waste container such as a garbage can, garbage bag, trash can. The tablet may be useful in retaining liquid for transporting it to another environment and for treating liquid in a suitable environment. It is useful to plumbers when fixing a blocking or plugging. It is useful in absorbing liquid in laboratories and factories.

Referring now to figure 1, schematically describes an out-of-scale trash can (11) comprising a trash bag (12) characterized by a hole (14) adapted to allow liquid to the bottom of said trash can, where said pill (13) absorbs said liquid.

Referring now to figure 2, schematically describes an out-of-scale plurality of receptacles (21A, 22A, and 23A), each having an orifice (21B, 22B, and 23B, respectively) through which liquid flows from said receptacle to a water trough (25). a hydrogel pill (24) is mounted in the water through, where all liquids are drained and absorbed. The orifices and the water trough are connected by tubes (21C, 22C, and 23C, respectively).

The present invention also discloses a rubbish bag comprising or connected with at least one tablet as defined in any of the above useful for absorbing waste drainage comprising hydrogel.