MX2008007408A - Two-sided applicator with reactive or complementary chemistries - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention described herein provides an applicator (10) for applying a substance, the applicator including an application side (15) and an opposed reactive side (20), the application side (15) including an application substance and the reactive side (20) including a reaction substance, wherein the application and reaction substances react with each other when the application and reactive sides (15, 20) of the applicator (10) are sequentially- wiped on a target surface. Also provided is a method for treating a target surface, the method including contacting the target surface with an application side (15) of an applicator (10) including an application substance, whereby the application substance is deposited onto the target surface;and thereafter contacting the target surface with a reactive side (20) of the applicator (10) including a reaction substance, whereby the reaction substance reacts with the application substance.

Description

TWO-SIDED APPLICATOR WITH REACTIVE OR COMPLEMENTARY COMPOSITIONS Background of the Invention As consumers become more sophisticated, they look for new cleaning products to make their lives easier. While certain combinations of substances may provide a benefit, they may not be conveniently available to consumers in a form to be used because they are reactive with one another in storage. Therefore there is a need for a product form that allows novel cleaning substances to be safely and reliably supplied to the consumer.

Synthesis of the Invention It has now been discovered that certain reactive substances can be supplied in a simple cleaning product that provides unique benefits related to cleaning or cleaning.

The invention described here solves the problem of complicated reactive chemistries by providing an applicator for applying a substance, the applicator includes an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes an application substance and the reactive side includes a substance of reaction, wherein the application and the reaction substances react with one another when the reactive and application sides of the applicator are sequentially cleaned on a target surface.

The present invention also provides an applicator for applying a substance, the applicator includes an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes a substance to be applied and the reactive side includes a reaction substance, wherein the application substance is deposited on a target surface, and wherein the reaction substance complements the action of the application substance when the reactive and application sides of the applicator are sequentially cleaned on the target surface.

The present invention also provides an applicator for applying a substance, the applicator includes an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes a substance to be applied and the reactive side includes a reaction substance, and wherein the Application and reaction are deposited on a target surface when the reactive and application sides of the applicator are sequentially cleaned on the target surface.

The present invention also provides a method for treating a target surface, the method includes contacting the target surface with the application side of an applicator including a substance to be applied, by which the application substance is deposited on the target surface; and then contacting the surface and objective with the reactive side of the applicator that includes a reaction substance, by which the reaction substance reacts with the application substance.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic view of an applicator according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Additions As used herein, the term "applicator" means any flexible structure adapted to be used in conjunction with a hand or tool to clean a surface, or by applying by removing a substance from a surface. Advantageously, the structure can generally be flat and have opposite opposite sides. A chemical or other substance can be included with the applicator. The applicator can take the form of a glove, a cleaning cloth, a tool cover, or any other appropriate form. Parts of the structure that include the different substances can be provided with a visual indicator, such as a color code, to provide the user with a guide for the proper placement of the hand, or to determine in which order the sides should be used.

As used herein, the term "glove-like" means an applicator adapted to receive and completely or partially enclose a person's hand or tool when the structure is being used. It may or may not have a separate opening other than accommodation for a thumb and / or one or more fingers for stability or control during use. Nevertheless, the structure can also generally be cylindrical, something similar to a sock, such that the opposing sides result from the position within the user's hand. In such a case, the part of the structure that contacts the palm of the hand becomes one side of the applicator similar to a glove and the part of the structure that contacts the back of the hand becomes the opposite side. The glove-like applicator can be sized to fit over one or multiple fingers.

As used herein, the term "cleaning cloth" means an applicator adapted to be maintained by a user or a tool but is not adapted to receive and completely or partially enclose a person's hand when the structure is being used.

As used herein, the term "sequentially cleaned" means one side of the applicator contacting a target surface and then the other side of the applicator contacts the same target surface with sufficient pressure, friction, movement, or other mechanism to cause the reactive substances from both sides of the applicator to mix and in other cases react with each other. More typically, each time a target surface is cleaned with the applicator, the effective substances associated with the side of the applicator in contact with the target surface is transferred to the target surface that is cleaned.

As used herein, the terms "target surface" and "surface" refer to the surface on which the applicator is acting and treating. The term "surface" and its plural are generally referred to herein and the uppermost or outermost limit of an object. The surface may refer to that of the skin, hair, fur, clothing, upholstery, tops of counters, floors, walls, windows, tables, household items, bathroom accessories, automobiles, or any other object that may require or accommodate cloth, cleaning, removing something from, or applying something to its surface. The term is used to distinguish from and avoid with fusion with references to the various surfaces of the applicator.

Figure 1 illustrates an applicator 10 according to the present invention. The glove-like applicator is used herein as a non-limiting example of the applicator 10 of the present invention. In other aspects of the present invention, the applicator 10 may be a wiping cloth, a pad, a tool cover, or any other suitable shape. More specifically, the glove-like applicator 10 is shown to include an application side 15 and an opposite reactive side 20.

The applicator 10 includes an application side 15. The application side 15 may be of any suitable shape, but is generally preferably planar and is additionally preferably generally rectangular or oblong. The application side 15 has a peripheral edge 25 extending around the application side 15. In another aspect of the present invention, the application side 15 is generally the size of a human hand held flat on a surface. In another aspect of the present invention, the application side 15 is generally the size of the four fingers of a human hand. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the application side 15 is generally the size of a human finger. The applicator 10 can be made in any shape or any size, including a size pad or cleaning cloth to better fit a child's hand, an adult hand, or any impediment to cleaning. In general, the application side 15 may be of any appropriate size, with the size preferably selected to be appropriate for use in the intention of the applicator 10. In other aspects of the present invention, the applicator 10 may be manufactured in other such forms like a glove or square or round pads or gloves, and so on. In another aspect of the present invention, the application side 15 can be pleated, layered, or of any other appropriate structure if an ability to retain liquid or additional surface area is desired.

The application side 15 includes a base sheet. Suitable materials for making the application-side base sheet include synthetic non-woven fibrous fabrics, such as meltblowing, spinning, coform, cellulose fabrics, woven fabrics, and any other suitable material. A Elastic film or other suitable materials may be used to form one or more barrier layers within the applicator 10 to prevent premature contact between substances or to protect the user's hand from contact with substances during use. The application side 15 can be a bonded and stretched (SBL) laminate with an elastic filament previously stretched a meltblown material with a fold of spin-bonded material on each outer surface and a basis weight of about 70 grams per square meter, but any suitable absorbent material can be used. The laminate bonded and stretched other non-woven elastic fabrics are further described in U.S. Patent No. 4,657,802 issued to Morman. In one aspect of the present invention, the application side 15 includes a coform laminate of 110 grams per square meter (gsm) dry etch available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation. In other aspects of the present invention, the application side 15 may include any suitable woven or nonwoven materials or other polymer coatings of any appropriate basis weight, and may be constructed of or may include an absorbent material. The material on the application side 15 acts to protect the user's hand from contacting the target surface.

The applicator 10 also includes an opposite reactive side 20. The reactive side 20 is preferably of the same size and general shape of the application side 15, although the size and / or shape of the reactive side 20 can be selected to be different from the size and / or shape of the application side 15 based on the intended use of the applicator 10. The reactive side 20 has a perimetric edge 30 that extends around the perimeter of the reactive side 20. The reactive side 20 can be made of the same material as the application side 15, or of a different material . In another aspect of the present invention, the reactive side 20 can be pleated, layered, or of any other appropriate structure if desired or liquid retention capacity or additional surface area.

In another aspect of the present invention, one or both of the application sides or reagents 15 and 20 can be breathable to allow air to circulate through the applicator 10.

The application side 15 is coupled to the reactive side 20. One of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 is positioned to overlap another of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20, such that the perimeter edges 25 and 30 Application and reagent sides 15 and 20 are generally aligned. A portion of the peripheral edge 25 of the application side 15 is attached to the perimetric edge 30 of the reactive side 20 to form a seam 35. The seam 35 formed to be in the peripheral edges 25 and 30, or the seam 35 may be adjacent or into the perimetric edges 25 and 30. The peripheral edges 25 and 30 may be joined by adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, heat, sewing, or by any other suitable method. The seam 35 around the periphery not only connects the application side 15 and the reactive side 20, but also prevents the substance (s) on one side from migrating to the other side, particularly if the substances on one or both sides are liquid or are in solution.

In another aspect of the present invention, the applicator 10 can be formed as a seamless tube with adequate physical separation that forms a sufficient barrier between the substances. In a related aspect, patches of base material may be coupled to the applicator 10, where each patch includes a substance.

Coupling from the application side 15 to the reactive side 20 forms the applicator 10 with a structure similar to a bag having an outer surface 40 and an inner surface 45 with an opening for the applicator 50. The applicator 10 can be formed such that the interior space 45 is the size to accommodate a human hand, a part of a human hand, a tool for bathing, or any other appropriate article. Because this design similar to a bag, the applicator 10 can be turned upside down by a user such that the previous interior space 45 becomes the new exterior surface, and the previous exterior surface 40 becomes and defines the new interior space . In turning the applicator 10 in reverse, any dirt or other substances captured in the outer space 40 of the applicator 10 becomes captured within the new interior space of the applicator 10.

By virtue of the design and materials chosen for the applicator 10, the applicator 10 is preferably designed to be disposable. In this case, the disposable medium that the applicator 10 is discarded, instead of being cleaned, after use.

In an alternate aspect of the invention of the applicator 10, the application side 15 and the reactive side 20 are two parts of the same piece of material. One of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 is bent over the other of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 and a portion of its perimetric edges 25 and 30 are engaged by any means described herein to form the applicator 10. In In this aspect, the seam 15 or equivalent structure still needs to prevent the substance (s) on one side from migrating to the other side, particularly if the substances on one or both sides are liquid or in solution.

The applicator 10 may include one or more thumb holes (not shown). In one aspect of the invention, the thumb holes are formed as openings in the seam 35 between the application and reagent sides 15 and 20. The placement of the thumb holes on opposite sides of the applicator 10 allows the applicator 10 to be used on the right or left hand of the user. In other aspects of the present invention, one or more thumb holes may be positioned or formed on one or both of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20. The thumb holes may also be partially formed with a cut in one of the application or reactive sides 15 and 20.

In an alternate aspect of the present invention (not shown), the applicator 10 may include a thumb space at least partially spaced from the interior space 45 and the size to accommodate a human thumb. A space for the thumb helps to stabilize the applicator 10 in use by helping to prevent rotation of the applicator 10 around the hand of a user. In another alternate aspect of the present invention, the applicator 10 can also be manufactured with a second thumb space (not shown) on the opposite perimeter edge 25 of the applicator 10, such that a thumb space can be used when the application side 15 is used, and the other thumb space (not shown) can be used when the reactive side 20 is used.

In other aspects of the present invention, the applicator 10 may include additional or alternate features such as a reinforcing bending, an access flap, an elastic bending mechanism, and other features described in co-assigned United States patents. America Nos. 5,542,566; 5,616,201, and 5,649,336, incorporated herein by reference.

The applicator 10 also includes an application substance included on or on the application side 15, and a reaction substance included on or on the reactive side 20. The application and reaction substances can react with each other to form a third The substance, or the substances of application and reaction may be complementary to one another to provide a complementary or improved cleaning, treatment, or other use. The substances included with each side of the applicator 10 may be distributed in any suitable manner to be transferred to a target surface. For example, the substances can be evenly distributed within one side or they can be supplied in a zone distribution. Suitable means for incorporating the substances on or on the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 of the applicator 10 include spraying, dipping, printing, dedusting, and any other appropriate means.

In other aspects of the present invention, one or more substances may be disposed in an explosive bladder 60 or a bladder 60 that may be open or unsealed. The bladder 60 can be any appropriate design, including those described in the co-pending patent application of the United States of America series No. 11 / 303,061, filed on December 13, 2005 and entitled "Device with Activation of Internal Pull Tab " The bladder 60 may be associated with a particular size or sides by any appropriate means, or it may be positioned within the interior space 45; between one or both of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 and a barrier layer associated with that side; or on the outer surface 40 associated with one or both of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20.

The dictator 10 can be packaged in various ways depending on the intended use of the applicator 10. If the substances on one or both of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 is a liquid, then the surface or those surfaces can be covered by a liquid. a film material to prevent inadvertent transfer of the substance from that surface or other surfaces. In another aspect of the present invention, if only one of the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 includes a liquid substance, then the applicator 10 can be folded, for example in half, such that the side that includes the liquid substance is inside the fold to prevent the inadvertent transfer of the liquid substance. In another aspect of the present invention, the folded edges of the applicator 10 can be sealed to prevent the escape of a liquid substance.

In use of the applicator 10, a user places the applicator 10 in the user's hand or in a tool, or the user grasps or releases the applicator 10. The user cleans the application side 15 of the applicator 10 on a surface to be cleaned or treated, so it deposits the application substance on that surface. The user then cleans the reactive side 20 of the applicator 10 on the same surface such that the reaction substance can react with or supplement the application substance. The application and reaction substances may react on the surface or on the reactive side 20 of the applicator 10. In some aspects of the present invention, water may be added by the user to the applicator 10 to dissolve or otherwise activate one or both substances before cleaning.

As previously described, the substances may be impregnated or saturated in the applicator 10. The application and reagent sides 15 and 20 distribute and / or mix the substances. The applicator 10 can be adapted to allow two cleaning or treatment schemes. The first rests on chemical activation: the substances on the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 are mixed to activate a cleaning or treatment composition having a simple purpose of cleaning or treatment. The application and reagent sides 15 and 20 keep the substances separate until they are used. The second cleaning or treatment scheme allows ease of application to complete the chemical task using substances that are complementary: the application and reaction sides 15 and 20 include substances that are complementary and when used together produce more effective cleaning results or treatment if they are applied sequentially instead of together.

In an example aspect of the complementary treatment scheme, a fragrance complements the cleaning task of a consumer by leaving a key that the task has been complemented. Separating the fragrance of a substance for efficient, effective cleaning means that the cleaning task has been completed faster with the same "complete task" key as that obtained with a more arduous or longer cleaning process. The rapid termination results of the substance to be cleaned do not need to compete with the fragrance and the substance to be cleaned does not become at least partially deactivated by contact with the fragrance while in storage or shipping. In any of these aspects, the cleaning substance may be one or more of a bleach, an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, an antimicrobial agent, or any other suitable cleaning substance.

In the first cleaning or treatment scheme, a variety of different chemistries can be used. Such reactive chemistries employ a substance on one of the application and reaction sides 15 and 20 which can react with one substance on the other of the application and reaction sides 15 and 20 to create a substantial third which can be effective for cleaning, treating , or another use. Examples of such reactive chemistries include, without limitation, the following: (1) Heat generation for comfort or cleanliness. The use of two substances that react exothermically provides heat when the reactive side 20 is cleaned on a substance deposited by the application side 15. In particular, a weak acid powder, such as malic or citric acid, can be provided on the one hand and a weak base, such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium borate, potassium phosphate or sodium citrate, can be provided on the other side to form a solution. The acid and base are balanced to raise the temperature in solution for maximum cleaning. (2) The activation of a peroxide bleach for an effective bleach at ambient temperatures. For example, a monopersulfate peroxygen bleach compound and a tricycle or bicyclic diketone bleach activator can react together in aqueous solution to form a dioxirane bleach composition. Alternatively, a peroxygen bleach can be activated by adjusting pH to create a change in pH that improves the bleaching effect of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide lacks adequate storage stability to be a viable product for consumption at low pH when sold in an aqueous solution. A weak acid, such as citric acid, can be employed in the form of a dry powder on the side of the applicator 10 opposite the side that includes hydrogen peroxide to improve the bleaching powder of the hydrogen peroxide on the target surface. In another example, a dry bleaching composition particularly useful for applications at low temperatures is provided in which the generation of hypochlorite by reaction between a peroxygen bleaching agent and a chloride salt is promoted by an aromatic diol or a diol activator. aromatic rusty. Preferred activators are in the ester form and provide generation of hypochlorite at levels of less than about 20 parts per million for at least about the first two minutes followed by dissolution of the compositions in an aqueous solution, but elevate to effective bleaching levels within a reasonable time afterwards. The initial lower hypochlorite level aids in the operation of washing additives, such as fabric brighteners. (3) The generation of bleaches for cash bleached at ambient temperatures. For example, a chloroisocyanurate disposed in dry form on one side of the applicator 10, when combined with a buffer on the other side of the applicator 10, generates sodium hypochlorite in situ when the water is added to the applicator 10. In this example, the Applicator 10 with chloroisocyanurate typically needs to be sealed before being used to keep moisture out. In another example, sodium hypochlorite can be combined with a buffer, generally at a pH between about 6.0 and 7.0. The pH of the buffer can be lower as long as the chlorine gas is not generated by the combination. This combination generates hypochloric acid in situ. Hypochlorite acid in situ is advantageous because it has very little shelf life, and because it is a substance to clean an effective hard surface and is disinfectant. (4) The generation of small amounts of chlorine dioxide or chlorine for bleaching in situ. For example, sodium chloride can be oxidized in aqueous solution to form chlorine dioxide. In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, one side of the applicator 10 includes a sodium chlorite solution while the other side of the applicator 10 includes a substance that oxidizes either as a solid or as a solution. Whether or not a particular reaction of an oxidizing agent and a metal can occur spontaneously can be predicted by reference to a standard table of half-cell potentials such as that in the CRC Physics and Physics Handbook (CRC Press). If the sum of the potentials of the half-oxidation reaction and the half-reaction reduction is positive, then the reaction may occur spontaneously.

The limited conversation of sodium chlorite to chlorine dioxide is desirable for many applications in which the applicator 10 is intended for the remediation of a hard surface to prevent the release of significant amounts of chloride dioxide gas into the air. The level of chloride dioxide generated in the cleaning solution supplied by the applicator 10 at any given time is preferably from about 5 parts per million to about 120 parts per million, such as from about 10 parts per million up to about 100 parts per million, and such as from about 10 parts per million up to about 60 parts per million. Additionally, a limited chlorite to chlorine dioxide convention extends the length of time for which the applicator 10 can produce and sustain chlorine dioxide levels within the aforementioned range. In general it is preferable that the applicator 10 hold a chlorine dioxide level of between 10 parts per million and 120 parts per million for a period of from about 30 seconds to about 15 minutes or more. The applicator 10 can hold a chlorine dioxide level such as from about 45 seconds to about 12 minutes, and another at about from 1 minute to about 10 minutes. (5) General cleaning and cooling the air. One side of the applicator 10 may include a substance for cleaning for all purposes that may be acidic, basic, or that includes an oxidant. The other side of the applicator 10 may include a microencapsulated fragrance ingredient to cool the air. In use, the ionic strength of the cleaning solution causes the fragrance ingredient to migrate to the air / liquid interface and bloom. This can provide an efficient and effective supply of fragrance without excessive loss of intensity due to the dilution in the solution to clean. The encapsulated storage of the fragrance ingredient avoids any question of fragrance incompatibility with the cleaning solution. In this regard, on one side of the applicator 10 includes a solution for aqueous cleaning, such as a cleaning solution that includes a surfactant and water, while the other side of the applicator 10 includes an encapsulated fragrance ingredient. The encapsulated material is soluble in water. A surface is cleaned with the wet side of the applicator 10 and transfers moisture to the surface. When the excess moisture is cleaned with the other side of the applicator 10, the encapsulated material dissolves and the fragrance is released. In another aspect, the encapsulation of the fragrance is insoluble in water, and the fragrance side of the applicator 10 includes water for rinsing. In this regard, the mechanical force produced by cleaning with the fragrance side causes the encapsulation to break, thereby releasing the fragrance. In any case there is a better chance of obtaining a desirable fragrance with less fragrance ingredient. (6) Visual indication of disinfection. One side of the applicator 10 may include a hypochlorite or peroxide bleach and the other side may include a weak dye that fades in a short time when exposed to the bleach. The color of the dye disappears giving the user a time for the disinfecting action. Disinfectants need a space of time while they are wet on the surface to really achieve the desirable levels to kill bacteria. Instructions and time regarding disinfectants are regulated by the government. A friendly weather system for the user resident in the applicator 10 helps to ensure that government regulations are met by the user while the user does not need to know about the requirements or even the existence of such regulations. (7) Epoxy finishes. Many epoxy reactions initiated with oxygen, moisture, and light provide stain repellency or other protective finishes. In simple terms, an epoxy is typically formed by combining two epoxy reagents and then applying the mixture to a surface. An epoxy reagent can be provided on one side of the applicator 10 and the other epoxy reagent can be provided on the other side of the applicator 10. Environmental conditions can provide the indicator for the reaction.

In another aspect of the present invention, the epoxy applicator includes a catalyst system. Both epoxy reagents are supplied on one side of the applicator 10 and the catalyst element is supplied on the other side of the applicator 10. As the concentration of the catalyst is not important to the epoxy reaction product anything other than affecting the rate, variation and Amount of catalyst applied may have less of an impact on the final quality than if two epoxy reagents are supplied separately. See the following reference: Blank, Werner J. et al., "Catalysis of the Epoxy Carboxyl Reaction", Presented at the International Waterborne, Symposium on Top Coatings and Powders, 21-23 February 2001.

In an exemplary aspect, one side of the applicator 10 may include 1: 1 of a molar mixture of a functional resin and glycidyl ester such as GMA 207-SA available from Reichhold Chemical and an acrylic functional carboxyl resin such as Joncryl 819 available from Johnson Polymer. The resins can be applied to the applicator 10 without additional substances or can be incorporated with an appropriate volatile organic solvent. The reactive side of the applicator 10 may include a catalyst such as 2-ethylhexyl amine, 2-ethylimidazole, or a similar compound. When the application side 15 of the applicator 10 is cleaned on the surface the resin functions as the glycidyl ester and the functional acrylic carboxyl resin is transferred to the surface. When the surface is subsequently cleaned with the reactive side 20 of the applicator 10, the amine catalyst is transferred to the surface to catalyze the reaction between the functional glycidyl ester resin in the functional acrylic carboxyl resin.

It is further within the scope of the present invention to treat the target surface with heat to aid in the interlaced reaction of epoxy. For example, a small part of metal can be cleaned with the application and reagent sides 15 and 20 of the applicator 10 and then placed in a curing oven at a temperature of from about 100 ° C to about 200 ° C or more to facilitate the interlacing reaction. In general, the epoxy reagents include a diglycidyl ether or other chemical compounds that include oligomeric species that include two or more unreacted epoxy groups. Especially preferred are glycidyl ether Bisphenol A and its oligomers. Another class of materials commonly used are glycidyl ester resins, especially Preferred are functional acrylic glycidyl ester resins. These substances can be homopolymerized or reactivated with active hydrogen, which include compounds such as the anhydride or carboxyl groups. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous crosslinking can occur without a catalyst but can be minimized by appropriate control of storage conditions such as pH. The catalysts are used to facilitate the interlacing reaction. Such catalysts include the phosphonium and amine functional compounds such as 2-ethylhexyl amine, Bis- (2-ethylhexyl) amine, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, 2-ethylimidazole, tetramethyl guanidine, and benzyltrimethylammonium bromide. Additionally, several metal salts known in the art can also be used. Especially preferred are zirconium and zinc salts such as zinc acetate, zinc acetylacetonate, zirconium octonoate. (8) The foamy generation of bubbles reaction. Any combination of substance that releases carbon dioxide or non-harmful gas during the reaction can be used. For example, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate embedded with citric acid powder can be used to promote foaming in a surfactant system. The foam can be made to dissipate quickly, but it can still provide an active cleaning signal to the user. The application side 15 of the applicator 10 includes a base substance or acid in conjunction with a foaming surfactant. The reactive side 20 of the applicator 10 includes a substance having a pH more acidic or more basic than the substance on the application side 15 of the applicator 10. Either an acidic or basic system is used on the application side 15 of the applicator 10. it depends on the nature of the surfactant, the basic or acidic species, and the surface that is cleaned. In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the basic species are selected from the group of bicarbonate or carbonate salts. Such salts react with acid to generate carbon dioxide and assist in the development of the foam. When a surface is first cleaned by a basic or acidic substance, and then cleaned by the side that has an opposite pH rating, the neutralization reaction that occurs forms carbon dioxide and aids in the development of the foam.

In an example of specific surface use, the application side 15 may include an acidic system for use on surfaces better cleaned under acidic conditions, such as brass, copper, and other metals, or for use in removing an appropriate substance from a surface, such as removing metal, rust, and staining with hard water from the glass.

The reactive side 20 is then cleaned on the surface to complete cleaning and neutralize the acid.

In another example of a specific surface use, the application side 15 includes a basic system for use on the best cleaned surfaces under basic conditions such as ceramics, glass and some plastics and coatings. The basic system is particularly useful for removing grease and grease residues. The reagent 20 is then cleaned on the surface to complete cleaning and neutralize the base. These examples make a universal and multi-functional applicator 10.

In another example, the isocyanurate or any other source of sodium hipclorite is placed in dry form on one side of the applicator 10, and a peroxide / surfactant mixture is placed on the other side of the applicator 10 or in a bladder 60. The combination of these substrates generate oxygen, causing the surfactant to foam.

A foaming surfactant can be defined as one that preferably has a foam height greater than 10 millimeters when measured according to the Ross-Miles method in the case of a solution that includes 0.02% by weight of surfactant (active substance) in distilled water at 25 ° C. Examples of such surfactants include anionic foaming surfactants. Exemplary foaming anionic surfactants include alkyl phosphates such as sodium lauryl phosphoate; alkyl taurates such as methyl palmitoyl sodium taurate; sulfosuccinates such as cocoyl sulfosuccinate; alkyl sulfates such as lauryl sulfate trietalonamine; alkyl ether sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate; and alkyl ether carboxylates such as the sodium decyl ether carboxylate alkyloxy. The foaming surfactant can also be non-ionic. Examples of nonionic foaming surfactants include alkyl polyglyceryl ethers such as polyglycerolated dodecanediol and alkyl glucosides such as dodecyl glucoside. The surfactant can also be cationic. Examples of the cationic foaming surfactants include amine oxides and quaternary ammonium salts such as polyquaternium 22. Example amphoteric foaming surfactants include disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocamidopropylbetaine and cocobetaine. (9) Reaction Precipitation. Improved cleaning can be achieved by generating an abrasive substance in place. In this aspect of the present invention, the user can decide whether or not the cleaning applicator is used as an abrasive cleaning article or a non-abrasive cleaning article. For example, one side of the applicator 10 may include an aqueous solution of a soluble salt. The other side of the applicator 10 includes a solution of a second soluble salt selected such that the combination of the first soluble salt solution with the second soluble salt solution creates an insoluble precipitate. In an exemplary aspect, the application side 15 of the applicator 10 includes a solution of a soluble calcium salt such as calcium chloride. The reactive side 20 of the applied 10 includes a solution of a soluble carbonate salt such as sodium carbonate. When the application side 15 of the applicator 10 is wiped across the surface a layer of calcium chloride solution is deposited on the specific surface. When the applicator 10 is cleaned on the surface using the reactive side 20 of the applicator 10, an insoluble precipitate of calcium carbonate is formed. This insoluble precipitate serves as an abrasive agent. Any side of the applicator 10 can be used independently as a non-abrasive cleaning implement. It is only when one side and then the other side is used that an abrasive cleaning implement is achieved.

In another aspect of the present invention, one of the substances may be present in solid form on the applicator 10. The specific salts are selected so that an insoluble precipitate can be formed. The salts can be used in conjunction with the surfactants and / or any other cleaning formulation. The salts and the surfactant are selected so that the interaction between any of the salts and the surfactant does not deactivate the surfactant. In an exemplary aspect, the calcium chloride is used as one of the salts, and the surfactant is preferably selected from a cationic nonionic surfactant to prevent precipitation of the calcium salt with the surfactant. As another example, the combination of sodium lauryl sulfate and the soluble calcium salts will react to form a calcium lauryl sulfate so that the properties of the original sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant will be lost.

As described above, the second treatment or cleaning scheme allows ease of application to complete the chemical task: The application and reactive sides 15, 20 include complementary substances that produce more effective treatment or cleaning results if sequentially applied rather that together In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the applicator 10 can be used to apply a soil deposit preventative. The dirt deposit preventative makes the cleaning task more effective by increasing the time between cleanings. Dirt preventives, however, typically interfere with the effectiveness of cleaning substances. When the dirt condoms and the cleaning substance are residing in the same formulation, the cleaning task requires more mechanical energy (such as user work) or a longer contact time with the surface to clean as well as the formulas that do not have the prevention of dirt. In a specific example of this aspect, the application of an insect repellent after cleaning a surface keeps the surface cleaned for a longer period because the insects soil the surfaces and introduce microbial organisms that contaminate the cleaned surfaces.

The invention has been described with reference to various aspects and specific and illustrative techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Therefore, this invention is intended to cover all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (34)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An applicator for applying a substance, the applicator comprises an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes an application substance and the reagent includes a reaction substance, wherein the application and reaction substances react with each other when the application and reagent sides of the applicator are sequentially wiped on a specific surface.

2. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application and reagent sides are separated by an interior space.

3. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is placed in a bladder associated with the application side.

4. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the reaction substance is placed in a veggie associated with the reactive side.

5. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the applicator is a mitt.

6. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the applicator is a cleaning cloth.

7. The applicator as claimed in the label 1, characterized in that one of the reactive application sides includes a base sheet and a barrier layer.

8. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each of the application and reagent sides includes a base sheet and a barrier layer.

9. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the substance of application is an acid, and wherein the reaction substance is a base.

10. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a cleaning substance and wherein the reaction substance is a fragrance ingredient.

11. The applicator as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that the cleaning substance is one of a bleach, an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, and an agent against microbes.

12. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a bleaching compound, wherein the reaction substance is a bleach activator.

13. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a bleaching compound, and wherein the reaction substance is a pH adjusting agent.

14. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance sodium chloride, and wherein the reaction substance is an oxidizing agent.

15. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance sodium chloride and wherein the reaction substance activates sodium chloride.

16. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance sodium hypochloride and wherein the reaction substance activates sodium hypochloride.

17. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a bleaching compound and wherein the reaction substance is a dye.

18. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a first epoxy reactant, wherein the reaction substance is a second epoxy reactant, and wherein the first and second epoxy reactants, when combined, they form an epoxy.

19. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a combination of two complementary epoxy reactants, and wherein the reaction substance is an epoxy catalyst.

20. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a combination of a base and a surfactant, wherein the reaction substance is an acid.

21. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a combination of an acid and a surfactant, and wherein the reaction substance is a base.

22. The applicator as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application substance is a first precipitation reagent, wherein the reaction substance is a second precipitation reagent, and wherein the first and second precipitation reagents, when they combine form a precipitant.

23. The applicator as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the first precipitation reagent is adapted to have a cleaning effect when used without the combination with the second precipitation reagent.

24. The applicator as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the second precipitation reagent is adapted to have a cleaning effect when used without combination with the first precipitation reagent.

25. An applicator for applying a substance, the applicator comprises an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes an application substance and the reactive side includes a reaction substance, wherein the application substance is deposited on a surface specific, and wherein the reaction substance complements the action of the application substance when the application and the reactive sides of the applicator are sequentially cleaned on the specific surface.

26. The applicator as claimed in the label 25, characterized in that the substances for the application of the reaction are complementary.

27. The applicator as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the reaction substance deposited on the specific surface.

28. The applicator as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the application substance is a cleaning substance and wherein the reaction substance is preventive of re-soiling.

29. The applicator as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that the preventive of re-soiling is an insect repellent.

30. An applicator for applying a substance, the applicator comprises an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes an application substance and the reactive side includes a reaction substance, wherein the application and reaction substances are deposited on a specific surface when the application and reagent sides of the applicator are sequentially cleaned on the specific surface.

31. The applicator as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the application and reaction substances are reactive substances.

32. The applicator as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the application and reaction substances are complementary substances.

33. A method to treat a specific surface, the method comprises: contacting the specific surface with an application side of an applicator including an application substance, whereby the application substance is deposited on the specific surface; Y then contacting the specific surface with a reactive side of the applicator including a reaction substance, wherein the reaction substances react with the application substance.

34. The applicator as claimed in clause 33, characterized in that the reaction substance is deposited on the specific surface. SUMMARY The invention described herein provides an applicator for applying a substance, the applicator includes an application side and an opposite reactive side, the application side includes an application substance and a reactive side including a reaction substance, wherein the application substances and reaction react with each other when the application and reagent sides of the applicator are sequentially rubbed on a specific surface. A method for treating a specific surface is also provided, the method includes contacting the specific surface with the application side of an applicator including an application substance, wherein the application substance is deposited on the specific surface, and then contacting the specific surface with a reactive side of the application surface. applicator, including a reaction substance, whereby the reaction substance reacts with the application substance.