Sanitary Composition

The present invention relates to sanitary compositions and sanitary products. Particularly, although not exclusively, to sanitary compositions and products for use in a toilet.

It is known that disease and illness can be spread by poor hygiene. One instance where a high level of hygiene is required is in the toilet. For example, when a toilet is flushed, it is known that the contents of the toilet are agitated and a proportion thereof may be made aerosol. A further problem is that when matter is dropped into a toilet, such as faecal matter, the water in the toilet bowl may splash back and contact the user, thus transferring germs to the user.

Mechanical modifications to the flushing of toilets have been proposed to address this problem, but these require extensive work to be carried out to an existing toilet, which is costly and impractical.

Some chemical solutions to the above mentioned problems have been suggested in the prior art, but they often require large amounts of chemicals and are therefore cumbersome and impractical to use.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a solution to the above or other problems.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sanitary composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one foam stabilising agent at least one source of gas, which at least one

source of gas is operable to release a gas upon contact with water.

Advantageously, a user may add the sanitary composition to a toilet, prior to the use thereof, whereupon the at least one source of gas will contact water and release gas that, in conjunction with the at least one foaming agent, will provide a surface layer of foam. Advantageously, the surface layer of foam overcomes the problems as stated above.

Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a surfactant. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an anionic surfactant. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a sulfosuccinate . Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an alkyl ether sulphate, Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an alkyl sulfoacetate . Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a fatty alcohol. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a fatty acid. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an alkanol amide. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an amine oxide. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether. Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester.

Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a polyethylene glycol alkyl ether, such as, for example, polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56) or

polyoxyethylene (9-10) octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-IOO). Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises a polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester, such as, for example, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate (Tween 20) or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). Preferably, the at least one foaming agent comprises an alkylsulfate, which alkylsulfate is preferably selected from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or ammonium dodecyl sulfate (ADS) .

Preferably, the at least one foaming agent is selected from one or more of the following: sodium dodecyl sulfate, ammonium dodecyl sodium dodecyl ether sulfate, ammonium dodecyl ether sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfoacetate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80), monoethanolamine dodecyl sulfate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56), polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether (Triton X- 100) .

The term foaming agent as used herein refers to an agent which, when added to a liquid, reduces the surface tension of the latter, thus allowing the generation of foam.

Preferably, the sanitary composition is buoyant in water between 5°C and 30 ⁰ C.

Preferably, the composition further comprises at least one chelating agent, which at least one chelating agent preferably comprises at least one acid, more preferably at least one organic acid. For example, the chelating agent may be selected from one or more of the following: citric

acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid.

Preferably, the composition further comprises at least one pH adjusting agent, which pH adjusting agent may comprise at least one acid. The pH adjusting agent may comprise an organic acid. For example, the pH adjusting agent may be selected from one or more of the following: citric acid, sodium citrate dehydrate, calcium carbonate.

The foam stabilising agents may stabilise the foam by any known method. For example, the foam stabilising agent may reduce the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the main foaming agent. The foam stabilising agent may reduce the coalescence of the bubbles. The foam stabilising agent may increase the viscosity of the aqueous solution, thus slowing down drainage.

Preferably the at least one foam stabilising agent is selected from one or more of the following: colloidal silicon dioxide; dodecyl alcohol; hexadecyl alcohol; octadecyl alcohol; dodecyl acid; hexadecyl acid; octadecyl acid; dodecyl betaine; hexadecyl betaine; octadecyl betaine; polyethylene glycol; coconut diethanolamide; coconut monoethanolamide; cocamidopropyl betaine; N, N- dimethyldodecyl amine oxide, xantham gum, carregeenan.

Preferably, the foam stabilising agent comprises an alkanolamide . Preferably, the foam stabilising agent comprises coconut diethanolamide (cocamide DEA) . Preferably, the foam stabilising agent comprises a coconut or beet derived betaine amphoteric surfactant, which may be cocamidopropyl betaine. Preferably, the foam

stabilising agent comprises an amine oxide, such as, for example N.N-dimethyldodecylamine oxide.

Preferably, the at least one foam stabilising agent is present in such an amount so as to ensure that the foam produced is stable for more than two minutes more preferably, more than three minutes and most preferably, more than five minutes.

Preferably, the at least one foaming agent present is in an amount of 3-10 times its cmc in the body of water to which it is intended to be added.

Preferably, the composition is provided in portions, which portions preferably weigh less than about 25 grams, more preferably between about 10 and 15 grams. The term

"portions" may refer to tablets, granules or powder.

Preferably, each portion produces between about 300ml and

900ml of foam, in use. More preferably, between about 400ml and 900ml.

Preferably, the foam produced by the reaction of the sanitary composition is stable for more than 120 seconds, in use.

The at least one source of gas may comprise at least one effervescent material. Preferably, the at least one source of gas comprises at least one source of carbonate ions and/or bicarbonate ions. Preferably, the at least one source of carbonate ions and/or bicarbonate ions comprises a salt thereof, such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate, for example. Preferably, the at least one source of gas comprises at least one acid. In this

context, the at least one is preferably an organic acid. Preferably, the at least one acid is selected from one or more of the following: citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one source of gas may comprise a container operable to contain at least one gas. For example, the at least one source of gas may comprise a container having a volume of gas therein which volume of gas may be stored in the container under compression. The container may comprise one or more outlets through which the gas may be released. Preferably, the one or more outlets are covered with a water soluble membrane .

Preferably, the compressed gas may be one or more of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or air.

The compresses gas container may contain apertures, which apertures may be covered with a water soluble membrane. Advantageously, the water soluble membrane may dissolve upon contact with water thus allowing the compressed gas to escape the compressed gas container.

Preferably, the gas container is generally cylindrical. Preferably, the apertures are situated toward longitudinal ends of the generally cylindrical container.

It is preferred that the at least one source of gas is operable to release gas after an elapsed time period upon contact with water. For example, it is preferred that more than half of the gas is released after a prolonged contact with water. In a preferred embodiment, more than

half of the gas is released after contacting water for at least 5 seconds, more preferably, at least 10 seconds and most preferably at least 15 seconds.

Preferably, the composition further comprises at least one antibacterial agent.

Preferably, the composition further comprises at least one perfume. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises (R) - ( + ) -limonene or (S) - (-) -limonene . Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises linalool. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises CC-pinene or β-pinene Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises terpinolene. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises nerol. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises geraniol. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises (+) -citronellol or (-) citronellol . Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises citronellal. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises neral . Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises geranial. Preferably, the at least one perfume comprises lemonal (citral) .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tablet comprising a sanitary composition, the sanitary composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one foam stabilising agent and at least one source of gas, which at least one source of gas is operable to release a gas upon contact with water.

Preferably, the tablet comprises an outer layer and a core. Preferably, most of the foaming agent is comprised

in the outer layer. Preferably, most of the at least one source of gas is comprised in the core.

Advantageously, upon immersing the tablet into water, the foaming agent dissolves into the water from the outer layer before most of the gas is released into the water by the core .

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a sanitary composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one foam stabilising agent at least one source of gas, which at least one source of gas is operable to release a gas upon contact with water, wherein the sanitary composition is contained in a water soluble container.

Preferably, the water soluble container comprises a bag, pouch, sachet or mesh.

Preferably, the water soluble container comprises a water soluble polymer. Preferably, the water soluble container is formed from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) .

Preferably, the sanitary composition within the water soluble container is in the form of powder, granules or tablets.

Preferably, the sanitary composition within the water soluble container has a specific surface area of greater than about 2xlCT ³ m ² q^ .

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a surface layer of

foam in a toilet bowl comprising adding at least one liquid surfactant to flush water of the toilet before or during flushing of the toilet, where, if the liquid surfactant is added before flushing, the method also comprises flushing the toilet.

By the term liquid surfactant it is meant a surfactant or surfactant containing moiety that is liquid between the temperatures of about 5 ⁰ C and about 4O ⁰ C at 1 atm pressure.

Preferably, the at least one surfactant comprises one or more of the following: a polyethylene glycol alkyl ether, such as, for example polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether (Brij 30) or polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether, or a polyoxyethylene sorbitol ester, such as, for example, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate (Tween 20) or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) or a polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, such as, for example, polyoxyethylene (9-10) octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-100) .

It is envisaged that the flushing mechanism will provide a suitable replacement to effervescence as a foam generation mechanism.

The at least one liquid surfactant may be provided by a dispenser, that may be adapted to hang under the rim of the toilet bowl. Such a dispenser may be operable to be refilled after each flush. Such a dispenser may be connected to a container, which container is adapted to hold the at least one liquid surfactant.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one liquid may be added directly into the cistern, for example, into the cistern flush outlet. In such an embodiment, the at least one liquid surfactant may be stored in a container inside the cistern. Preferably, the container is operable to store a sufficient volume of liquid surfactant for multiple additions of liquid surfactant to the flush water, for example, more than 10 or more preferably, more than 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one liquid surfactant is added to the flush water automatically.

Automatic delivery of the at least one liquid surfactant may be linked to the inside mechanism of the flush. For example, the inside mechanism of the flush may be adapted to apply a pressure on the container of the at least one liquid surfactant each time the flushing system is activated. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the at least one liquid surfactant will be delivered proximal to the cistern flush outlet and the delivery will coincide with the opening of the outlet. In an alternative preferred embodiment, delivery of the at least one liquid surfactant may be based on the vacuum effect created during the flushing process to suck out the solution of the at least one liquid surfactant each time the flush is used. Preferably, the container is refillable.

The abovementioned systems could be directly integrated into toilet designs or be retrofitted to existing toilets. Holders inside the bowl could still be used in conjunction, to add a perfume/antibacterial agent and maximise the foam formation.

In one alternative embodiment, surfactants which are solid or semi-solid at room temperature (rather than liquid) may be used. Examples of such include Brij56 pure, water/Brij 56 mix, or equivalent. Dispensers, or parts of them, may be made of these surfactants.

An example formulation of the at least one liquid surfactant is as follows.

Non-ionic Surfactant: >80 % w/w

Perfume: <10 % w/w

Antibacterial: <10 % w/w

Water: <10 % w/w

In one embodiment, the at least one liquid surfactant may be dispensed using compressed gas. The at least one surfactant may be dispensed as an aerosol. In such an embodiment, the at least one liquid surfactant may be comprised in a surfactant solution, which may be contained in an aerosol canister, operable to dispense the liquid surfactant in aerosol form, preferably by means of one or more compressed gas.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one liquid surfactant may be operable to be manually pressurised by a user when needed, for example, by storage thereof in a manually pressurisable container. Preferably, the manually pressurisable container is refillable.

An example formulation of an aerosol and refill formulation of a liquid surfactant composition is as follows .

Non-ionic Surfactant: >80 % w/w Perfume: <10 % w/w Antibacterial: <10 % w/w Water: <10 % w/w

Solid and semi-solid holder Non-ionic Surfactant: 60-95 % w/w Perfume: <10 % w/w Antibacterial: <10 % w/w Water: 2-30 % w/w

All of the features disclosed herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sanitary composition in tablet form;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sanitary composition;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a sanitary composition;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a capsule; and

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a sanitary composition.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a tablet 102 being generally cylindrical in shape. The tablet 102 is formed from a sanitary composition.

The components of the tablet 102 are as follows: Sodium bicarbonate (30 % w/w) Citric acid (30-35 % w/w) Sodium dodecyl sulphate (25-30 % w/w) Cocamidopropyl betaine (5 % w/w) Perfume (<2 % w/w) Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

In use, a user drops the tablet 102 into a toilet. This may be done via the user handling the tablet 102, or preferably by means of a mechanical dispenser (not shown) . The tablet 102 then reacts with water in the toilet to provide a layer of foam, which foam is stabilised by the cocamidopropyl betaine. A user may then use the toilet without the risk of water splashing up through the foam and also, when the toilet is flushed, the risk of the contents being rendered aerosol is minimised by virtue of the foam.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown a sanitary composition 202 in the form of a ring shaped tablet 204 having an elongate generally cylindrical capsule 206 extending through a generally centrally disposed aperture 208 thereof.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a sanitary composition of figure 2 comprising the capsule 206 coated with a coating 304, the coating 304 being similar in

composition to the tablet 204. Thus the coated capsule 206 is in the form of a pill 302.

The capsule 206 is shown in more detail in figure 4. The capsule 206 is hollow and contains compressed gas (such as

N ₂ , CO ₂ or mixtures thereof) . Toward a first longitudinal end 402 of the capsule 206 are a plurality of apertures

406. Toward a second longitudinal end 404 of the capsule

206, diametrically opposite the apertures 406, are a further plurality of apertures 408. The apertures, in use, allow gas to escape from the capsule 206.

The apertures are covered with a water soluble polymer, such as PVA, thus when the capsule 206 contacts water, the polymer dissolves and the gas is released.

In an alternative embodiment, a mild exothermic reaction may take place upon contact with water, thus causing the pressure inside the capsule 206 to increase and break seals placed over the apertures 406, 408.

The composition of the tablet 204 and the coating 304 is as follows.

Microcrystalline cellulose (20-25 % w/w)

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (60-70 % w/w)

Cocamidopropyl betaine (3-5 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

In use, the sanitary product 202, 302 is dropped into a toilet (not shown) . The tablet 204/coating 304 dissolves in the water, then the seals over the apertures 406/408

break to release the compressed gas, thus causing a layer of foam to be generated on top of the water. This generates a physical barrier between the person and the water. The positioning of the apertures 406, 408 cause the capsule 206 to rotate in the water, propelled by the release of gas, as indicated by arrows "x" and "Y" in figure 4. Thus the foam generation is increased by physical agitation of the liquid.

Referring now to figure 5 there is shown a further embodiment of a sanitary composition in the form of a sachet 502.

The sachet 502 comprises an outer membrane 504 that is formed from a water soluble polymer, such as PVA. Inside the sachet 502 are granules 506 of the sanitary composition that produce foam upon contact with water.

Examples of suitable granule compositions are as follows:

Granule composition 1

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w) Citric acid (45-55 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56) (6-8 % w/w) Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 2

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w) Citric acid (45-55 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate (Tween 20) (6-

10 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 3

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w) Citric acid (45-55 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (9-10) octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-IOO)

(-10 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 4

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w)

Citric acid (45-55 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56) (6-8 % w/w) Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (1-3 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 5 Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w)

Oxalic acid (40-45 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56) (8-10 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 6

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w)

Oxalic acid (40-45 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate (Tween 20) (8- 12 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w)

Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 7

Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w) Oxalic acid (40-45 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (9-10) octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-IOO) (10-15 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w) Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

Granule composition 8 Sodium bicarbonate (40-45 % w/w)

Oxalic acid (40-45 % w/w)

Polyoxyethylene (10) cetyl ether (Brij 56) (8-10 % w/w))

Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (1-5 % w/w)

Perfume (<2 % w/w) Antibacterial agent (<5 % w/w)

In use, a user drops the sachet 502 into a toilet (not shown) . This may be done by the user handling the sachet 502 or by a mechanical dispenser (not shown) . The membrane 504 dissolves and the granules 506 then, upon contact with water, react to produce foam.

A sanitary composition made in accordance with the present invention provides, in use, a blanket of foam in a toilet bowl. Thus problems associated with toilet water splashing up out of the toilet are minimised. Also, preferred embodiments of the invention provide tablets or sachets of the sanitary composition thus making them easy for a user to dispense prior to use of a toilet.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and

which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.