GB2563671A

GB2563671A - Water-soluble film head for cleaning a target surface

Info

Publication number: GB2563671A
Application number: GB1710086.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hussain Rasib; Jones Kevin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-06-23
Filing date: 2017-06-23
Publication date: 2018-12-26
Also published as: GB201710086D0

Abstract

A dissolving cleaning head 1, particularly for sanitising surfaces such as a toilet bowl, is made from water-soluble films 2 which define a plurality of individual compartments 3 filled with cleaning agents. Preferably the cleaning head 1 has a core compartment covered and sealed in a soluble film 2, and soluble filled pouches 3 external and adjacent to the core. The core compartment and pouches can be filled with starches, enzymes, fragrances, bleach or other cleansing ingredients in the form of liquids, powders or granules. The soluble films 2 are preferably made from a non-toxic material such as polyvinyl alcohol and may have an abrasive outer coating to aid scrubbing. In order to stagger the release of pouch contents, the soluble films 2 may have different thicknesses. The cleaning head 1 may be single use. The cleaning head 1 may be formed from a sheet of soluble film material (2, fig 33) rolled and sealed around the core compartment (3, fig 33).

Description

Title: WATER-SOLUBLE FILM HEAD FOR CLEANING A TARGET SURFACE

WATER-SOLUBLE FILM HEAD FOR CLEANING A TARGET SURFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to cleaning devices and more particularly to cleaning devices suitable for cleaning a wet target surface. The device is water-soluble and will dissolve and break down in water and may comprise of a cleaning head that is removable, attachable to a handle.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

[0003] Devices for cleaning dirty and unsanitary areas are well known in the art. Typically these are brush heads or a pad attached to a handle the pad or head may have a scratching agent these devices make contacting with the surface of the unsanitary area. These devices are normally reusable and need to be clean and stored in unsanitary holders or receptacle [0004] Water-soluble packets are known in the art. These compositions have the advantage that they are easy to dose, handle, transport and store.

[0005] One example of such a device is a toilet brush. The brush head may be permanently attached to an elongate handle for gripping by the user. The toilet brush when being used may be wet and drip on other surfaces like the Toilet seat, Lid, Floor, creating contamination of these wet surfaces.

[0006] Examples of such devices are as follows. The cleanser may be separately dispensed into the toilet bowl. Dual brush head may be employed, as taught by US 5,440,775.

[0007] Example: A two-sided scrub brush having bristles and a sponge head may be employed as taught by US 6,832,405.

[0008] Example: A brush head which may include a toilet cleaning chemical embedded therein. US 6,880,197.

[0009] However none of the aforementioned attempts in the art overcome the duelling problems of providing flush ability with sufficient cleaning power to be efficacious. The toilet brush may be unsanitary even if rinsed after use, and may have unpleasant smell and or breed germs. Normally held in Unsanitary storage holders or cups there is always a potential hazard that adults children or pets may come into contact with spills or drips from the toilet brush or storage holder and this in turn has the potential to cause illness or infections.

[0010] There is a Starch head for cleaning a target surface, wo 2012/134673 A2

This embodiment of a starch head having flat layers of starch material disposed in face to face relationship and having mutually different widths. The starch head may be presented as a unit dose suitable for a single cleaning task, then discarded. To be flushable, the head may be water disposable, by water disposable it is meant that the head is disperses into constituent parts which are small enough to be flushed down and ordinary toilet system. The starch head may contain certain components which are water dispersible and other components which are water soluble.

[0011] Accordingly there is still a need in the art for an improved cleaning device, usable for cleaning unsanitary areas such as a toilet, with an attachable head that is made from soluble material.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention comprises a head (1) for cleaning a target surface and optionally being attachable to a handle.

The Head is made from various water-soluble films and resulting pouches including compartments which may hold capsulate ingredients, granular material/liquids/powders/gases/foam/ starch based material or other cleansers.

The head may be made from a none toxic film and natural starch both being water soluble and will not be harmful if Ingested. The film serves as the carrier or vehicle for delivery of the ingredient.

The head/Packets may be attached to an elongated handle, so that the user's hand is remote from, and does not contact, the dirty and unsanitary surface during cleaning.

Typical target surfaces include a toilet, sink, countertop, floor, Bath, Shower tray, Shower base, Tiles, or other hard surfaces.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0015]

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a head (1) according to the present invention. Having many individual pouches (3) Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 2 is a Front view of the head (1) of fig. 1.

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 3 is a Bottom view of the head of fig. 1.

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

[0016]

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 1, taken along the lines L - L of figure 1.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) the main body inside pouch (3)is made up of liquid or gas, covered and sealed in a soluble film (2) with other pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 1, taken along the lines L - L of figure 1.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) the main body having a Starch material covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 1, taken along the lines L - L of figure 1.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) the main body having granular or powder covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0017]

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a head (1).

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 8 is a front view of the head (1) of figure 7. Having many individual pouches (3).

Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 9 is a Bottom view of the head (1) of figure 7. Having many individual pouches (3).

Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 10 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 7, taken along the lines L - L of figure 9.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) the main body inside pouch (3) is made up of liquid or gas covered and sealed in a soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 7, taken along the lines L - L of figure 9.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 7, taken along the lines L - L of figure 9. This an alternative embodiment of the head (1) the main body having granular or powder covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powder or liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0018]

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a head (1) Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 14 is a front view of the head (1) of figure 13. Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 15 is a Bottom view of the head (1) of figure 13 showing the bottom soluble film pouch (3) filled with Granules or powders. Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 16 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 13, taken along the lines L - L of figure 15.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) and has a core made of liquid or gas, core covered and sealed in a soluble film (2) with a pouch (3) holding a combination or single fill of granules or powders or liquid. The soluble film (2) will make contact with the surface and break down, then the granules or powder or liquid will make contact with the surface.

Figure 17 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 13, taken along the lines L - L of figure 15.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) and has a core made of Starch material covered by the soluble film (2) with a pouch (3) holding a combination of granules or powder or liquid.

Figure 18 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 13, taken along the lines L - L of figure 15

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) and has a core made of granular or powder covered by the soluble film (2) with a pouch (3) holding a combination of granules or powder or liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0019]

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a head (1).

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 20 is a front view of the head (1) of figure 19.

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 21 is a Bottom view of the head (1) of figure 19 showing the bottom soluble film pouch (3) filled with Granules or powders. Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 22 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 19, taken along the lines L - L of figure 21.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) and has a core made of liquid or gas, covered and sealed in a soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 23 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 19, taken along the lines L - L of figure 21.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) having a core made of Starch material covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powder or liquid.

Figure 24 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 19, taken along the lines L - L of figure 21.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) having a core mode of granular or powder covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powder or liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0020

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a head (1).

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 26 is a back view of the head (1) of figure 25.

Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure Y1 is a front view of the head (1) of figure 25 showing the bottom soluble film pouch (3) filled with Granules or powders. Having many individual pouches (3). Covered and sealed in a soluble film (2).

Figure 28 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 25, taken along the lines L - L of figure 25.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) and has a core made of liquid or gas, core covered and sealed in a soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 29 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 25, taken along the lines L - L of figure 25.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) having a core made of Starch material covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid.

Figure 30 is a sectional view of the head (1) of figure 25, taken along the lines L - L of figure 25.

This is an alternative embodiment of the head (1) having a core made of granular or powder, covered by the soluble film (2) with pouches (3) holding a combination of granules or powders or liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0021]

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the head (1). This is an alternative embodiment of a head (1) made from a soluble film (2) sheet having a number of individual pouch (3) making one soluble film (2) sheet rolled back on its self and sealed, to stop the soluble film (2) sheet unfolding.

Figure 32 is a front view of the head (1) of figure 31.

Having many individual pouches (3).

This head (1) is made from one sheet of Soluble film (2) with pouches (3) rolled and sealed.

Having many individual pouches (3)

Figure 33 This head (1) has an alternative central core made from a combination of granules, powders, starch material which are formed into a long tube shape and then sealed using the soluble film (2) sheet with pouches (3)

The soluble film (2) sheet with the pouches (3) is then rolled round the core to form a head (1) various shapes may be formed using the sheet of soluble film (2) once the shape has been formed the soluble film (2) will be sealed together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0022]

Referring to Figures 1-3 Figures 7-9 Figures 13-15 Figures 19-21 Figures 25-27 Figures 31-33 the invention comprises a head (1). Suitable for cleaning a surface such as a unsanitary or unclean or dirty surface.

The head (1). Will be used for a single cleaning task then discarded.

The head (1). Is water soluble so that it dissolves and disperses into constituent parts which are small enough to be flushed down an ordinary toilet water system.

The head (1). Is water soluble so that it dissolves and disperses into constituent parts small enough when placed into running water that the head will flush down into an ordinary sink or shower or bath plug hole.

The head (1). May be made from none toxic water soluble film such as Vivos film made by MonoSol ,LLC, this film is claimed to be edible, and may be mixed with other edible foams, and starches or powders to make a head (1).

If ingested will be none toxic to human or animal life and will also not contaminate aqua life once dissolved into the water system.

The water soluble film pouches (3) this water-soluble film (2) may be coated by a powder wherein the powder that come into contact with the cleaning surface may contain a combination of granules or powders, the granules or powders or liquids inside the pouches (3) will come into contact with the surface, once the soluble film on the outside of the water soluble film pouch (3) has broken down due to, friction, heat, dissolving, dissolution.

[0023]

The head (1). May be used when submerged in water such as in a toilet bowl or bath, or may be used when adding an external water source, and may contain certain components which are water soluble or dispersible in water.

The head (1). Is a water soluble film (2) made up of pouches (3) one of the pouches (3) to be used as the main stiffening core and shaped to aid the handle attachment and to aid resistance when cleaning a surface.

The head (1). May be generally shaped as indicated on the Figures 1-33 but may also be generally shaped like pin cushion, boxed, oblong, square, parallel piped, cylinder, disk, tube, cone, flat, or any other suitable shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0024]

The head (1). May have appendages, protrusions, texture, compartments, packet, compartments, pouches (3).

The head (1). Water soluble film (2) and water soluble or water dispersible material will visibly change when submerged into water, this includes cool water, as commonly encountered in a toilet 5 degrees C or so, and in warm and hot water such as found in a domestic washing machine 60 degrees C or so.

The water soluble film (2). Makes up the outer layer and forms a skin like film over the head (1) and has compartments or packets/pouches that may be filled with different material.

The water soluble film (2). Is made of Polyvinyl alcohol-based film it is colourless to light yellow translucent, used as a water-soluble unit-dose delivery system suitable water soluble film substances may be obtained from MonoSol AF, Ltd of Hartlebury Trading Estate Hartlebury, Worcestershire, UK.

[0025]

The water soluble film (2). May also be made from a water soluble mixture of water soluble resin, a compatible agent and a sugar alcohol plasticizer that is a solid at room temperature, where in the water soluble film (2) is substantially transparent, that dissolves in contact with water, the water soluble film (2) has a tear strength of at least 400 g/MI and the water soluble film (2) is claimed to be edible in the US, may be obtained from MonoSol ,LLC, Merrillville, IN, US.

[0026]

The Liquid pouches (3). May be enzymes, oils, colorants, fragrances, scavengers, bleach, each head (1). May have a number of Liquid filled pouches (3) filled with different Liquids to form different functions such as giving a fresh fragrance and colour to the cleaning area. These water soluble film pouches (3) may be of different thicknesses which will delay or speed up the dispensing time, to alter the brake down of the water soluble film (2) filled pouches.

[0027]

The Granules or Powder pouches (3). May includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent colorants, fragrances, scavengers, bleach, to give grit a scratching agent to assist in the removal of solids from the surface.

Each head (1). May have a number of Granules or Powder filled pouches (3) filled with different grain sizes to form different functions such as giving a fresh fragrance and colour or scratching compound to the cleaning area. These water soluble film pouches (3) may be of different thicknesses which will delay or speed up the dispensing time, to alter the brake down of the water soluble film filled pouches (3). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0028]

In Figure 4. In Figure 10. In Figure 16. In Figure 22 In Figure 28. In Figure 33 The main pouch called the body or core forms the central part of the head (1). May consist of a Sealed Liquid to give the core of the head (1) some strength and stiffening of the core/body some shaped to aid the handle attachment and to aid resistance when cleaning a surface. Once the water soluble film (2) seal has been broken during the cleaning of the surface, or after a given time submerged in water such as a toilet bowl, the soluble film (2) will break down and the liquid will disperse with in the water. The liquid may be used to give colour, fragrance, or add a cleaner, to the water or surface.

[0029]

In Figure 5. In Figure 11. In Figure 17. In Figure 23 In Figure 29. In Figure 33 The main pouch the central part of the head (1). May consist of a Sealed Solid blown Starch material such as corn or rise or potato starch which is used and known in the art of dissolvable packaging to give the core or body of the head some strength and stiffening of the core/body some shaped to aid the handle attachment and to aid resistance when cleaning a surface. Once the water soluble film (2) seal has been broken during the cleaning of the surface, or after a given time submerged in water such as a toilet bowl, the water soluble film (2) will break down and the starch will start to disperse and dissolve in the water and show visible change when flushed into a residential toilet and pass through the system and dissolve away with in the water system.

[0030]

In Figure 6. In Figure 12. In Figure 18. In Figure 24 In Figure 30. In Figure 33 The main pouch 7 which forms the core/body of the head 1. May consist of a Sealed Solid powder or granules to give the core/body of the head some strength and stiffening of the core/body and shaped to aid the handle attachment and to aid resistance when cleaning a surface. Once the water soluble film (2) seal has been broken during the cleaning of the surface, or after a given time submerged in water such as a toilet bowl, the Powder or Granules will disperse with in the water and may be used to give colour, fragrance, or add a cleaner, to the water or surface, example of the powder or granules may be an effervescent. The effervescent may comprise of sodium bicarbonate, ect this will produce gas and form bubbles when in water.

[0031]

The Water soluble film (2) may be sealed and bonded together using heat fusion or Water mist and mechanical seal the Forming of pouches (3) and adding materials and liquids to the water soluble film is well known in the art.

Claims

[0032] What is claimed is:

1. A water dissolvable head for cleaning a target surface, said head having various shapes as shown in Figures 1- 33 but may also be generally shaped like pin cushion, boxed, oblong, square, parallel piped, cylinder, disk, tube, cone, flat, or any other suitable shape.

2. A water dissolvable head for cleaning a target surface, the head is made from a water-soluble film that forms compartments, pouches.

3. A water dissolvable head for cleaning a target surface, these compartments, pouches may be filled with dissolvable powders, granules, Gasses, foam, Starch based material, bleach, fragrance, liquids, the water-soluble film and the material held inside the water-soluble film compartments, pouches, will break down and dissolve in water.

4. A water dissolvable head for cleaning a target surface, may be made from nontoxic material such as vivos film by MonoSol LLC, and the compartments, pouches may be filled with nontoxic corn, potato, rise foam starch, sea salt, sugars.

5. A water dissolvable head for cleaning a target surface, the water-soluble film may have an outer coating of salt, sugars, powders, granules, to act as a scrubbing agent.