EP0946808A2 - Systeme d'hygiene animale et litiere a retenue reduite des mauvaises odeurs - Google Patents

Systeme d'hygiene animale et litiere a retenue reduite des mauvaises odeurs

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Publication number
EP0946808A2
EP0946808A2 EP97953385A EP97953385A EP0946808A2 EP 0946808 A2 EP0946808 A2 EP 0946808A2 EP 97953385 A EP97953385 A EP 97953385A EP 97953385 A EP97953385 A EP 97953385A EP 0946808 A2 EP0946808 A2 EP 0946808A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
perfume
composition
animal
cyclodextrin
litter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97953385A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Toan Trinh
Helen Bernardo Tordil
Alex Haejoon Chung
George Joseph Harvey
Zaiyou Liu
Leslie Anderson Mowry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Publication of EP0946808A2 publication Critical patent/EP0946808A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/015—Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
    • A01K1/0152—Litter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/01—Deodorant compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
    • A61L2209/22—Treatment by sorption, e.g. absorption, adsorption, chemisorption, scrubbing, wet cleaning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to animal litter with reduced malodor impression comprising both odor absorbent preferably, cyclodextrin, or derivative thereof, and material for reducing the formation of malodor, preferably water-soluble metallic salt. It also relates to the preparation of the animal litter and compositions designed to augment the malodor reduction during use. It also relates to the use of various odors to control the behavior of animals, especially cats.
  • bacteriostats such as: halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,482, Arnold, issued Jan. 22, 1985); soluble salts of transition metals of Group lb or Group lib of the periodic table of elements, especially zinc, which are taught as both bacteriostats and urease inhibitors (U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,481, Rodriguez et al., issued Jan. 22, 1985 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,706, Lang, issued Apr. 12, 1988); boron containing compounds which are claimed to be urease inhibitors (U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • animal litter Many types of materials are used as animal litter. Clay and various cellulosic materials are commonly used, as disclosed in the above patents and additional disclosures of materials that can be used are found in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,064,407, Peiffer, issued Nov. 12, 1991; 5,100,600, Keller et al., issued Mar. 31, 1992; 5,207,389, Hall et al., issued May 4, 1993; 5,209,186, Dewing, issued May 11, 1993; and 5,229,348, Ivie, issued Jul. 20, 1993.
  • Preferred animal litter materials are those that "clump" to permit ready removal of the material that has been contacted by, e.g., urine and/or feces, such as U.S. Pats. Re. 33,983, Hughes, issued Jul. 7, 1992 and 5,193,489, Hardin, issued Mar. 16, 1993. All of the above patents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • a pet control system is provided, optionally, but preferably comprising a solid liquid-absorbing litter material, e.g., one that is useful as animal litter, containing both an effective amount of material that inhibits the formation of odor that has at least one attribute selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial activity, urease inhibition activity, pH adjustment activity, and mixtures thereof, and also, an effective amount of odor absorbing material for objectionable odor molecules, said odor absorbing material preferably being selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrin; zeolites; activated carbon; acidic, salt-forming materials; and mixtures thereof.
  • the combination does not include both bicarbonate and zinc oxide, as discussed hereinafter.
  • animal litter comprises litter for birds, etc., and any other species that creates a soil that contains urea or any other material that decomposes to form malodors.
  • the system also optionally, but preferably, comprises providing odorants that attract and/or repel pets, while at the same time are pleasant to humans, so that the pet owner can influence the behavior of the pet to benefit both the pet and the owner.
  • Such odorants are optionally, but preferably, provided in multiple forms, including, optionally, but preferably, either complexed, or chemically altered, so as to provide timed presentation of the odorants, and/or optionally, but preferably, in a form that allows them to be distributed, e.g., as in a spray, to create, augment, and/or sustain the desired effect, as disclosed hereinafter.
  • a desirable way to control objectionable odor in animal litter is to inhibit its formation.
  • the most effective inhibitors of odor formation cannot totally prevent formation of malodor and some malodor is associated with the excretions of animals.
  • the levels required for total prevention create health risks. Therefore, the most effective, and safest, way to control objectionable odor in animal litter is to combine inhibition with absorbence of the malodor that is produced.
  • the preferred combination is a mixture of zinc compound that provides zinc ions to inhibit odor formation and cyclodextrins or their derivatives, especially ⁇ - cyclodextrin and/or its derivatives, to absorb the odor that is created.
  • the animal litter is a highly desirable part of the pet control system. It is used for its normal purpose, i.e., to control the undesirable odors created by the natural excretions of the pet.
  • the animal litter herein comprises: (A) solid liquid-absorbing litter material; (B) an effective amount of material that inhibits the formation of odor that preferably has at least one attribute selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial activity, urease inhibition activity, pH adjustment activity, proteolytic activity, and mixtures thereof; and (C) materials for absorbing the undesirable odors, all of the above ingredients being present in effective amounts to provide the desired effects.
  • A THE SOLID LIQUID- ABSORBING LITTER MATERIAL
  • Any solid liquid (moisture) absorbing material suitable for use, e.g., as an animal litter is suitable for use in the present invention.
  • Suitable examples include minerals, typically clay such as kaolinites, montmorillonites, or bentonites; fly ash as obtained from the burning of coal; but also absorbing fibrous materials or webs, like paper, cellulosic webs, or polymeric fibrous webs; wood chips; alfalfa; bark; straw; sand; pelletized absorbing litter materials (e.g. sawdust or polyurethane foam); and the like, including mixtures thereof.
  • Other examples of suitable solid absorbing litter materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,581, issued Nov. 25, 1975 to Brewer, incorporated herein by reference.
  • a cellulosic material e.g., a cereal or grain hull, or peanut hulls, along or preferably in admixture with, a second cellulose material comprised of plant pulp, either vegetable or fruit pulp.
  • the cellulosic material, hulls and pulp are ground to a desirable particle size and admixed with a minor amount of a suitable binder, up to about 20% by weight.
  • suitable binder are the carbohydrates, protein or mixtures thereof, such as flour and starch from plant sources, and the synthetic binders disclosed hereinafter.
  • the cellulosic hull materials will generally be obtained from cereal grain sources such as corn, rice, wheat, oats and the like, soybean, sunflower and cotton seeds or peanut hulls.
  • the plant pulp materials are generally obtained from vegetable sources such as beets, tomato, apple, grape or citrus pulp generally obtained for citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit and the like.
  • the carbohydrate binders are generally flours and starches from cereal grains such as corn, rice, wheat, oats and the like. Protein such as gluten found in wheat flour, or protein from bean or seed sources such as soybean or flaxseed and the like also provide suitable binders.
  • litters include clay or clay-like materials. Their ability to absorb, or adsorb, moisture makes them excellent candidates for litters.
  • Suitable litters include specific clays such as Georgia White clay, attapulgite, bentonite, kaolinite, halloysite, montmorillonite, smectite, vermiculite, hectorite, diatomaceous earth, Fuller's earth, fossilized plant materials, expanded perlites, gypsum and other equivalent litter materials known to those skilled in the art.
  • Preferred clays are those having water expanding crystal lattices, such as bentonite, i.e., montmorillonite. The clay particles can be comminuted.
  • pelletized or formed into particles which have a size varying from about 200 mesh USS (0.075 mm) to about 3 l ⁇ mesh (5.6 mm), preferably from about 60 mesh (0.25 mm) to about 4 mesh (4.75 mm).
  • the liquid with which the litter has been wet is entrained in the clump and is removed with it. Where the earth has good clumping properties substantially all of the liquid can be retained in the clump and the portion of the earth which remains after the removal of the clump can be completely dry.
  • This property provides a means for removing urine from used litter which, in conjunction with the physical removal of feces, results in a residue of relatively uncontaminated litter, with diminished levels of undesired odors.
  • the litter can then be replenished with fresh litter. This represents an economical use of litter in comparison with the complete replenishment of the litter.
  • the present invention is especially good when the litter has clumping properties, which further limits the amount of odor that is created. If the litter has only poor or medium clumping properties, or if better clumping is required, one can use techniques such as are found in U.S. Pat. 5,193,489.
  • the litter can be an earth, for example, such as a montmorillonite or other smectite, suitably in the alkaline earth metal form, an attapulgite, a palygorskite or a sepiolite.
  • 5,014,650 relates to litter comprising a porous, inert solid substrate, such as a clay, containing a cellulosic ether in an amount sufficient to agglomerate the animal urine deposited on the litter to form a gelled agglomerate having sufficient mechanical integrity to be conveyed from the litter box as a discrete entity.
  • Additional polymers disclosed to be useful in the litter include polyvinyl alcohol, xanthan gum, gum acacia and various water-soluble polysaccharides.
  • 4,676,196 describes an absorbing non-clay litter material comprising a mix of particulate litter materials which are caused to agglomerate to form non- compacted particles of a required size by tumbling in the presence of a moistened binder comprising starches, gums such as guar gum or glues.
  • the '489 patent provides an animal litter comprising a particulate earth substrate in admixture with a water soluble or dispersible polysaccharide selected from the galactomannan gums, said polysaccharide being present in an amount sufficient to increase the inherent clumping ability of the earth.
  • a galactomannan is a polysaccharide mainly or wholly consisting of mannose and galactose, and preferably comprising a chain of mannose units bearing galactose side-chains. It is alleged that the galactomannans can be selected to be effective at relatively low concentrations and to give a fast clumping response. Vegetable based gums are usually marketed in a number of grades ranging from the relatively impure base gum, through purified gums from which some extraneous vegetable matter has been removed to derivatised gums which have been treated chemically to alter their characteristics in some way. The '489 patent teaches that the gums are preferably relatively purified and can be derivatised, e.g.
  • the gum can also be treated to reduce its alkalinity in aqueous dispersion or solution e.g. by the inclusion therein of a relatively weak organic or inorganic acid for example one having a pK value in aqueous solution of at least 4.0.
  • Preferred galactomannan gums are guar gum or derivative thereof.
  • concentrations of cellulose ethers specifically disclosed to be effective in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,650 range from 0.3% upwards with some failures at 0.5% by weight.
  • the galactomannans used according to the '489 patent are alleged to give effective clumping at concentrations down to 0.05% by weight of the earth (dry weight) or below in certain instances and are preferably used in from 0.02% to 1% by weight although any larger quantities, for example up to 2.5% or more by weight.
  • Such litters are mixed with particles of the polysaccharide.
  • the earth preferably has a particle size mainly, for example at least 95% by weight, in the range of about 10 mesh (1.7 mm) to 140 mesh (0.1 1 mm), preferably about 18 mesh (1 mm) to about 100 mesh (0.15 mm).
  • the polysaccharide preferably has a similar size range. The presence of the polysaccharide in particulate form is alleged to encourage swift dissolution or dispersion in liquid, in comparison with gum which might have been deposited onto the earth particles from solution, and therefore to encourage a quick clumping response.
  • Pellitized litter materials e.g., sawdust or polyurethane foam
  • the basic litter material can be any of the art recognized materials, with those that have the ability to clump being preferred.
  • the litter contains an effective amount of material to inhibit the formation of undesirable odors, typically comprising urease inhibitor and/or antimicrobial.
  • Metallic Salts typically comprising urease inhibitor and/or antimicrobial.
  • the animal litter products of the present invention are prepared by contacting the solid absorbing litter material with, preferably, an aqueous solution of the antimicrobial and/or urease inhibitor, preferably transition metal ion.
  • the antimicrobial and/or urease inhibitor preferably transition metal ion.
  • Suitable sources of the transition metal ions are their soluble salts.
  • the preferred salts are silver, copper, zinc, ferric, and aluminum salts, more preferably zinc. It is also desirable that the anion provide some benefit. E.g., the anion can have the ability to provide urease inhibition, such as borate, phytate, etc.
  • Suitable examples are silver chlorate, silver nitrate, mercury acetate, mercury chloride, mercury nitrate, copper metaborate, copper bromate, copper bromide, copper chloride, copper dichromate, copper nitrate, copper salicylate, copper sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc borate, zinc phytate, zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc chlorate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, cadmium acetate, cadmium borate, cadmium bromide, cadmium chlorate, cadmium chloride, cadmium formate, cadmium iodate, cadmium iodide, cadmium permanganate, cadmium nitrate, cadmium sulfate, and gold chloride.
  • Other salts that have been disclosed as having urease inhibition properties include ferric and aluminum salts, especially the nitrates, and bismuth salts. Zinc salts are preferred.
  • Silver salts and mercury salts are very effective but are also toxic and expensive and are therefore used at levels ranging from about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm, preferably from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm. Copper salts, zinc salts and cadmium salts are most effectively used at levels ranging from about 500 ppm to about 7500 ppm, preferably at levels from about 1000 ppm to about 4000 ppm, more preferably from about 1500 ppm to about 2500 ppm. Gold salts are effective and substantially less toxic than silver or mercury. However, it is doubtful that the use of gold salts would ever be economically feasible.
  • the preferred metallic salt preferably water-soluble zinc salts
  • a water-soluble metallic salt can be used as an odor control agent.
  • a water-soluble metallic salt can be present in the freshening composition of the present invention to absorb amine and sulfur- containing compounds. Furthermore, they usually do not contribute an odor of their own.
  • the water-soluble metallic salts are selected from the group consisting of copper salts, zinc salts, and mixtures thereof.
  • the preferred zinc salts have been used most often for their ability to ameliorate malodor, e.g., in mouth wash products, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,939, issued Apr. 20, 1982 and 4,469,674, issued Sept. 4, 1983, to N. B. Shah, et al., incorporated herein by reference.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,817, issued to Leupold, et al. discloses deodorizing compositions containing slightly water-soluble salts of an acyl-acetone with a polyvalent metal, including copper and zinc salts. Said patents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the zinc salts are preferably water soluble, and therefore the solutions herein should not be so alkaline so as to avoid formation of zinc oxide, which is much less soluble.
  • Examples of preferred water-soluble zinc salts are zinc chloride, zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, zinc maleate, zinc salicylate, zinc sulfate, etc. Highly-ionized and soluble zinc salts such as zinc chloride, provide the best source of zinc ions.
  • Examples of preferred copper salts are copper chloride and copper gluconate.
  • Preferred metallic salts are zinc chloride and copper chloride.
  • Metallic salts are added to the litter composition of the present invention typically at a level of from about 0.001% to about 2%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight of the litter composition.
  • the pH of the solution is adjusted to less than about 7, more preferably less than about 6, most preferably, less than about 5, in order to keep the solution clear.
  • a partial list of materials that exhibit urease inhibition and/or suppression includes the metallic salts listed above; hydroxamic acid, modified hydroxamic and/or dihydroxyamic acids, e.g., substituted with various hydrocarbon groups such as acyl, e.g., aceto-, chloronitrobenzamidoaceto-, and nitrobenzamidoaceto- (e.g., 2-para), Cj_2i alkyl, aryl, and/or alkaryl groups, cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclohexyl), peptidyl, naphthyloxy-alkane, and their salts; thiourea; hydroxylamine; salts of phytic acid, especially sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; extracts of plants of various species, including various tannins, e.g.
  • carob tannin and their derivatives such as chlorogenic acid derivatives; naturally occurring acids such as ascorbic acid, citric acid, and their salts; phenyl phosphoro diamidate/diamino phosphoric acid phenyl ester; metal aryl phosphoramidate complexes, including substituted phosphorodiamidate compounds; phosphoramidates without substitution on the nitrogen; boric acid and/or its salts, including especially, borax, and/or organic boron acid compounds; the compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 408,199, incorporated by reference; sodium, copper, manganese, and/or zinc dithiocarbamate; quinones; phenols; thiurams; substituted rhodanine acetic acids; alkylated benzoquinones; formamidine disulphide; l :3-diketones maleic anhydride; succinamide; phthalic anhydride; pehenic acid; N,N-dihalo-2- imidazolidinones; N-
  • urease inhibitors are known, some having been purposefully synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry, and others whose original use was for purposes outside the realm of urease inhibition, but which can also be suitably employed to act as structural mimics of urea.
  • These latter compounds include low molecular weight, water soluble materials which act as an irreversible substrate or modifier of the active site of the urease enzyme.
  • hydroxamic acid hydroxamic acid and the substituted hydroxamic acids mentioned above.
  • Acetohydroxamic and propiohydroxamic acid are the most common of the acyl substituted hydroxamic acids. These two compounds, as well as the parent hydroxamic acid and the alkali or alkaline earth salts of said acids, are particularly efficacious in inhibiting urease enzyme activity in vitro.
  • phosphorus triamides of the general formula:
  • R-NH-P(O)(NH )2 wherein R is hydrogen, phenyl, substituted phenyl, alkyl, alkenyl, and other suitable moieties or preferably N-(diaminophosphinyl)arylcarboxamides of the formula:
  • R is 3-pyridyl, 2-furanyl, 2-naphthyl, cinnamenyl, benzyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl are efficacious as urease inhibitors when added in a sufficient amount to inhibit the enzyme urease.
  • R , R ⁇ , R3, and R ⁇ is more preferably hydrogen, nitro, halogen, amino, Cj_4 alkyl, C]_4 alkoxy, trifluormethyl, cyano, phenoxy, phenyl, and mixtures thereof.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention includes urease inhibitors of the general formula:
  • R! and R ⁇ are the same or different and are hydrogen or alkyl having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms;
  • R is oxygen or sulfur
  • R4, R5 and R ⁇ are the same or different and are hydrogen, alkyl, arylamino, diarylamino, halogen, hydroxy, mercapto, alkylmercapto, alkyl mercapto, O-diamino- phosphinyl, S-diaminophosphinyl, N-diaminophosphinyl, diaminophosphonyl, amino, cyano, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylmercapto, isocyano, isocyanato, trihalo- methyl, alkoxy, thiocyano, alkanoyl, or any two R ⁇ , R5 and R ⁇ group taken together may form an alkylene or alkenylene chain which may optionally include one or more t divalent oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur moieties forming a 3,4,5 or 6 membered fused ring structure.
  • nitrogen containing compounds have been prepared for in vivo use against urease activity. These materials are effective urease inhibitors when used in vivo in the present invention.
  • R 1 -(NR 6 )i-C(M)-C(NOR 3 )-R 2 wherein R ⁇ and R 2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, or R* and R 2 may be covalently bonded together to form a cyclic alkyl;
  • R 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl;
  • R ⁇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; and
  • i is selected from the group consisting of 1 and 0.
  • R! is aryl
  • it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, 2-thienyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl and phenyl.
  • R! is alkyl
  • it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted Cj-Cj alkyl,
  • R2 is aryl, it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl and phenyl.
  • R2 is alkyl, it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted Cj-Cjg alkyl, more preferably Cj-C ⁇ straight chain.
  • R3 is aryl, it is preferably substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
  • R-* is alkyl, it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted Cj-Cjg alkyl, more preferably C1-C12 straight chain.
  • R 3 is most preferably hydrogen.
  • R When R is aryl, it is preferably substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
  • R ⁇ is alkyl, it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted Cj-Cjg alkyl, more preferably C1-C12 straight chain. R ⁇ is most preferably hydrogen.
  • R" is aryl, it is preferably substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
  • R ⁇ is alkyl, it is preferably selected from substituted and unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted Cj-Cjg alkyl, more preferably Cj-C ⁇ straight chain. R ⁇ is most preferably hydrogen.
  • Suitable compounds for use in the present invention include syn- and anti-forms or mixtures thereof.
  • R is hydrogen; or R and R 2 are the same or different Cj-C22 alkyl and branched alkyl, C1-C22 alkenyl or branched alkenyl; an aryl group substituted with one or more amino; heterocyclic rings, preferably 2-furanyl, substituted 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, and substituted 3-furanyl wherein the furanyl substituents are one or more alkyl, amino, cyano, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino, aryl mercapto, isocyanato, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, thiocyano, alkanoyl and halogen moieties; in the case where two aryl or two heterocyclic rings or one of each are present that contain more than one substituent, for example, when R or R 2 each comprise an aryl or heterocyclic ring such as a 2,4- dichlorofuranyl, 2-chloro-4-methylfuranyl, or a tri-substit
  • R is hydrogen; or R and R 2 are the same or different C ⁇ -C22 alkyl and branched alkyl, C1-C22 alkenyl or branched alkenyl; aryl groups substituted by one or more halogen, hydroxy, mercapto, alkyl mercapto, O-diaminophosphinyl, S- diaminophosphinyl, diaminophosphinyl, diaminophosphonyl, amino, cyano, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino, aryl mercapto, isocyanato, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, thiocyano, alkanoyl; or R and R 2 taken together may form an alkylene or alkenylene chain which may optionally include one of more divalent oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur moieties forming a 3, 4, 5 or six membered fused ring structure; R and R 2 each comprise a heterocyclic ring, preferably 2-
  • the furanyl substituents can be substituted by one or more alkyl, amino, cyano, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino, aryl mercapto, isocyanato, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, thiocyano, alkanoyl and halogen moieties and mixtures thereof.
  • R or R 2 may each comprise the same or different di-substituted aryl or heterocyclic moiety such as 2,4-dichlorofuranyl, 2-chloro-4-methylfuranyl, or a tri- substituted moiety such as 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl, or 3,4,5-trichlorofuranyl.
  • violuric acid and derivatives of violuric acid having the general formula:
  • R and R 2 can be the same or different and are hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl and branched alkyl, C1-C22 alkenyl or branched alkenyl; an aryl or heterocyclic ring substituted by one or more amino, halogen, hydroxy, mercapto, alkyl mercapto, O- diaminophosphinyl, S-diaminophosphinyl, diaminophosphinyl, diaminophosphonyl, cyano, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino, ' aryl mercapto, isocyanato, trihalomethyl, alkoxy, thiocyano, alkanoyl or mixtures thereof.
  • the urease inhibitor is included in the animal litter composition of the present invention at an effective amount.
  • effective amount means a level sufficient to inhibit or significantly reduce the hydrolysis of urea for a specific period of time.
  • Preferred levels of urea inhibitor are from about 0.0002% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.002% to about 0.5%, most preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition. , 3 Antimicrobials
  • Organic antimicrobials can also be used in the present invention. It is preferable to use a broad spectrum antimicrobial, e.g., one that is effective on both bacteria (both gram positive and gram negative) and fungi.
  • a limited spectrum antimicrobial e.g., one that is only effective on a single group of microorganisms, e.g., fungi, can be used in combination with a broad spectrum antimicrobial or other limited spectrum antimicrobials with complimentary and/or supplementary activity.
  • a mixture of broad spectrum antimicrobials can also be used.
  • Antimicrobials useful in the present invention can be biocidal compounds, i.e., substances that kill microorganisms, or biostatic compounds, i.e., substances that inhibit and/or regulate the growth of microorganisms.
  • Preferred antimicrobials are those that are water-soluble and are effective at low levels because the organic antimicrobials can form inclusion complexes with the preferred cyclodextrin molecules in the treatment solution used to form the animal litter, thus rendering the complexed antimicrobials much less effective.
  • Water-soluble antimicrobials useful in the present invention are those that have a solubility in water of at least about 0.3 g per 100 ml of water, i.e., about 0.3% at room temperature, preferably greater than about 0.5% at room temperature. These types of antimicrobials have a lower affinity to the cyclodextrin cavity, at least in the aqueous phase, and are therefore more available to provide antimicrobial activity.
  • antimicrobials such as short chain alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, commonly known as parabens; N-(4- chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea, also known as 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide or triclocarban; 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether, commonly known as triclosan are not preferred in the present invention since they are relatively ineffective when used in conjunction with cyclodextrin. Less water soluble antimicrobial materials can be used, but it is better to apply such materials separately with drying in between the application of the cyclodextrin and the antimicrobial to minimize interaction.
  • the water-soluble antimicrobial is included in the present invention it is included at an effective amount.
  • effective amount means a level sufficient to prevent growth of microorganisms for a specific period of time.
  • Preferred levels of antimicrobial are from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, more /i preferably from about 0.0002% to about 0.2%, most preferably from about 0.0003% to about 0.1%, by weight of the composition.
  • the antimicrobial can be any organic antimicrobial material.
  • Alkyl monocarboxylic acids having from about 3 to about 9 carbon atoms and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., halogenated phenols, halogenated diphenyls and halogenated bis-phenols such as para-chloro-meta-cresol, hexachlorophene, 2,4,4'- trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, trichlorocarbanalide, 2.4-dichloro-meta-xylenol, 3,4,5-tribromosalicylanalide, 3,5,3',4'-tetrachlorosalicylanalide, and mixtures thereof, can be used.
  • Preferred water-soluble antimicrobials include organic sulfur compounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight aldehydes, quaternary compounds, dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, and mixtures thereof.
  • Non-limiting examples of the preferred water-soluble antimicrobials for use in the present invention include a mixture of about 77% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin- 3-one and about 23% 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, a broad spectrum antimicrobial available as a 1.5% aqueous solution under the trade name Kathon® CG by Rohm and Haas Co.; 5-bromo-5-nitro-l,3-dioxane, available under the trade name Bronidox L® from Henkel; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l,3-diol, available under the trade name Bronopol® from Inolex; l,l'-hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), commonly known as chlorhexidine, and its salts, e.g., with acetic and digluconic acids; a 95:5 mixture of l,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2
  • Non-limiting examples of such antimicrobials are short chain alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, commonly known 1 as parabens; N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea, also known as 3,4,4'- trichlorocarbanilide or triclocarban; 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy diphenyl ether, commonly known as triclosan.
  • Such poor water soluble antimicrobial materials can be used, but it is better to apply such materials separately (e.g., sprayed as an ethanolic solution) with drying in between the application of the cyclodextrin and the antimicrobial to minimize interaction.
  • the antimicrobial is included in the animal litter composition of the present invention at an effective amount.
  • effective amount means a level sufficient to prevent growth of microorganisms for a specific period of time.
  • Preferred levels of antimicrobial are from about 0.001% to about 0.3%, more preferably from about 0.003% to about 0.2%, most preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by weight of the composition.
  • materials that can inhibit the formation of odor include materials with pH activity.
  • Especially useful materials are acidic materials that neutralize the amine molecules that are typically created by bacteria.
  • Polymeric carboxylate materials like polyacrylic acid are useful for this purpose.
  • Proteases can be useful in preventing odor by digesting excretions in such a way that non-odorous products are created. They can also reduce odor by destroying other enzymes that break down excretions.
  • the typical proteases are disclosed hereinafter as part of the cleaning ingredients used for compositions of type (V).
  • the animal litter products of this invention contain an effective, i.e., odor- absorbing, amount of various odor-absorbing materials.
  • the liquid absorbing litter materials such as clay, saw dust, and the like, are not considered to be odor absorbing materials, except when specifically noted, because the novel development of this invention has the purpose of improving the malodor absorbing/neutralizing capability of the litter compositions which already contain these liquid absorbing litter materials.
  • Odor-absorbing materials control the undesirable odor by various means to reduce the concentration, or availability, of the malodorous molecules in the ambient air, thus reducing or eliminating the undesirable smell in the air.
  • Such materials include, for example, cyclodextrins, zeolites, activated carbon, kieselguhr, chelating agents, chitin, alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates, pH buffered materials such as carboxylic acids, and the like.
  • Preferred materials are those which absorb primary amines. Materials like the carbonates and bicarbonates that absorb fatty acids are not preferred, and are desirably excluded.
  • Some partially neutralized hydrogel- forming odor absorbing gelling materials such as polyacrylate gelling material and acrylate grafted starch gelling material (vide infra), are also useful in the present invention to control certain ammonia-type odors. These materials also function as fluid absorbing materials.
  • zeolites comprise an aluminate/ silicate framework, with associated cations, M, providing overall electrical neutrality.
  • the zeolite framework can be represented as x AIO2 • y Si ⁇ 2 and the electrically neutral zeolite as x/n M .
  • x AlO 2 • y SiO 2 . z H 2 O wherein: x and y are each integers, M is a cation and n is the charge on the cation.
  • zeolites may also comprise waters of hydration (z H2O).
  • M can be a wide variety of cations, e.g., Na + , K + , NH4 + , alkylammonium, heavy metals, and the like.
  • a preferred class of zeolites useful in the present invention is characterized as "intermediate" silicate/aluminate zeolites.
  • the "intermediate” zeolites are characterized by SiO2 AlO2 molar ratios of less than about 10. Typically, the molar ratio of SiO2/AlO2 will range from about 2 to about 10.
  • the intermediate zeolites have three advantages over "high" zeolites, disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,482 and 4,826,497, which are incorporated herein by reference. First, the intermediate zeolites have a higher capacity for amine-type odors which is important for absorbing urine and menses odors.
  • the intermediate zeolites have a larger surface area (about 700-800 m ⁇ /g) than high zeolites (about 400 rn ⁇ /g). Therefore, less intermediate zeolite is needed to absorb a given amount of odor on a weight to weight basis. Third, intermediate zeolites are more moisture tolerant and retain more odor-absorbing capacity in the presence of water.
  • VALFOR CP301-68 A wide variety of intermediate zeolites suitable for use herein are commercially available as VALFOR CP301-68, VALFOR 300-63, VALFOR CP300-35 and i n
  • VALFOR CP300-56 from PQ Corporation, and the CBV100 series (other than Mordenite, as noted below) of zeolites from Conteka.
  • zeolites used herein are not of the fibrous type, e.g., various Mordenites, and some types of Y zeolites, since these may be subject to safety issues. Accordingly, the term "zeolite" as used herein is intended to encompass only the non-fibrous zeolites. While some naturally-occurring zeolites meet the objectives of this invention, the synthetic zeolites of the types available in commerce are generally more preferred.
  • High zeolites are also preferred and can be employed in the practice of this invention either alone or in combination with the intermediate ratio zeolites.
  • High zeolites include, for example, the well-known "molecular sieve” zeolites of the ZSM, beta zeolite, etc., type and the zeolite materials marketed under the trade name ABSCENTS by the Union Carbide Corporation and UOP (See: ABSCENTS, A New Approach for Odor Control by A. J. Gioffre, copyright 1988 by the Union Carbide Corporation). Such materials are preferred over the "intermediate" zeolites for control of odors associated with sulfur compounds, e.g., thiols, mercaptans.
  • modified zeolite-type materials which can be used in the present invention, such as the manganese-aluminum-phosphorus-silicon-oxide molecular sieves and other zeolite odor-absorbing compositions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,833, Lok et al.; 4,604,110; 4,437,429; and 4,648,977, which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Zeolites typically are present at a level of from about 0.01% g to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight of fluid absorbing litter materials disclosed herein, to provide odor control benefits.
  • Cyclodextrins typically are present at a level of from about 0.01% g to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight of fluid absorbing litter materials disclosed herein, to provide odor control benefits.
  • the preferred odor absorbing material is uncomplexed cyclodextrin which can be added to the composition of the present invention.
  • cyclodextrin includes any of the known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha- cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives and/or mixtures thereof.
  • the alpha-cyclodextrin consists of six glucose units, the beta- cyclodextrin consists of seven glucose units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose units arranged in a donut-shaped ring.
  • the specific coupling and conformation of the glucose units give the cyclodextrins a rigid, conical molecular structure with a hollow interior of a specific volume.
  • the "lining" of the internal cavity is formed by hydrogen atoms and glycosidic bridging oxygen atoms, therefore this surface is fairly hydrophobic.
  • the unique shape and physical-chemical property of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to absorb (form inclusion complexes with) organic molecules or parts of organic molecules which can fit into the cavity. Many odor molecules can fit into the cavity.
  • Non-derivatised (normal) beta-cyclodextrin can be used and is preferred.
  • the aqueous solution is preferably heated.
  • a preferred method is to spray an almost saturated aqueous solution of beta-cyclodextrin, preferably heated, e.g., from about 40°C to about 90°C, preferably from about 50°C to about 80°C, more preferably from about 60°C to about 75°C, onto the litter material, preferably with mixing or stirring, to permit a uniform incorporation of as much as possible of the cyclodextrin with the least amount of water.
  • beta-cyclodextrin powder in the slurry typically has an average particle size of less than about 12 microns, preferably less than about 10 microns, more preferably less than about 8 microns, and even more preferably less than about 5 microns, to provide the best odor control benefit.
  • the particle size is typically between about 0.001 and 10 microns, preferably between about 0.05 and 5 microns. It is highly desirable that at least an effective amount of particles having the said particle sizes. It is desirable that at least about 50%, preferably at least about 65%, more preferably at least about 80%, of the beta-cyclodextrin powder that is present have the said particle sizes.
  • small particles of the invention are conveniently prepared by grinding techniques.
  • Cyclodextrin crystals with large particle sizes can be pulverized to obtain the desired smaller particles of less than about 12 microns by using, e.g., a fluid energy mill.
  • the large beta-cyclodextrin crystals can be pulverized into small particles, then added to water to form the desired slurry.
  • a slurry of large beta-cyclodextrin can be milled to obtain a small particle size slurry.
  • fluid energy mills examples include the Trost Air Impact Pulverizers, sold by Garlock Inc., Plastomer Products, Newtown, Pennsylvania; the Micronizer fluid energy mills sold by Sturtevant, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts; and the Spiral Jet Mill sold by Alpine Division, MicroPul Corporation (Hosokawa Micron International, Inc.), Summit, New Jersey.
  • the particle size refers to the largest dimension of the particle and to the ultimate (or primary) particles.
  • the size of these primary particles can be directly determined with optical or scanning electron microscopes. The slides must be carefully prepared so that each contains a representative sample of the bulk cyclodextrin powder.
  • the particles sizes can also be measured by any of the other well-known methods, e.g., wet sieving (non-aqueous), sedimentation, light scattering, etc.
  • a convenient instrument that can be used to determine the particle size distribution of the dry powder directly (without having to make a liquid suspension or dispersion) is the Malvern Particle and Droplet Sizer, Model 2600C, sold by Malvern Instruments, Inc., Southborough, Massachusetts.
  • cyclodextrins useful in the present invention are highly water-soluble such as, alpha-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof, derivatised beta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof.
  • the derivatives of cyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein some of the OH groups are converted to OR groups.
  • Cyclodextrin derivatives include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such as methylated cyclodextrins and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R is a methyl or an ethyl group; those with hydroxyalkyl substituted groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and/or hydroxyethyl cyclodextrins, wherein R is a "CH2- CH(OH)-CH3 or a "CH2CH2-OH group; branched cyclodextrins such as maltose- bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those containing 2-hydroxy-3- (dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-N(CH3)2 which is cationic at low pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g., 2-hydroxy-3-
  • (trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride groups wherein R is CH2-CH(OH)-CH2- N + (CH3)3C1"; anionic cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin sulfates, and cyclodextrin succinylates; amphoteric cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl/quaternary ammonium cyclodextrins; cyclodextrins wherein at least one glucopyranose unit has a 3-6-anhydro-cyclomalto structure, e.g., the mono-3-6- anhydrocyclodextrins, as disclosed in "Optimal Performances with Minimal Chemical Modification of Cyclodextrins", F.
  • Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water solubility of at least about 10 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water, more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature. These are easy to use, but are typically more expensive than the non-derivatised beta- cyclodextrin.
  • Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl beta- cyclodextrin.
  • Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of substitution.
  • Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from about 3 to about 16.
  • a known methylated beta-cyclodextrin is heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, commonly known as DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a degree of substitution of about 14.
  • a preferred, more commercially available methylated beta- cyclodextrin is a randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin having a degree of substitution of about 12.6.
  • the preferred cyclodextrins are available, e.g., from Cerestar USA, Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
  • cyclodextrins can complex with a wider range of odor molecules having a wider range of molecular sizes.
  • Preferably at least a portion of such a mixture of cyclodextrins is alpha-cyclodextrin or its derivatives, gamma-cyclodextrin or its derivatives thereof, and/or beta-cyclodextrin or its derivatives.
  • Cyclodextrin molecules are known for their ability to form complexes with perfume ingredients and have typically been taught as a perfume carrier.
  • the prior art teaches the use of drier-added fabric softener sheets containing high levels of cyclodextrin/perfume complexes wherein the fabrics treated with this solid cyclodextrin complex release perfume when the fabrics are rewetted.
  • the art also teaches that cyclodextrin/perfume complexes used in aqueous rinse-added fabric softener compositions must be protected, e.g., with a hydrophobic wax coating so the cyclodextrin/perfume complexes will not decompose due to the presence of water. See U.S. Pat.
  • Mixtures of uncomplexed cyclodextrin and small amounts of perfume/cyclodextrin complex in the amounts disclosed hereinafter are preferred.
  • the particle size of the uncomplexed cyclodextrin and the perfume/cyclodextrin complex should be small.
  • the cyclodextrin is preferably applied as a spray. It is preferable that the level of cyclodextrin is from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.6%, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.4%, by weight of the litter material. Litter with higher concentrations is more effective, but is not normally economical.
  • Compositions which can be used to retreat the litter in use can contain from about 0.03% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, cyclodextrin.
  • Activated Carbon Odor-Absorbing Agent Activated Carbon Odor-Absorbing Agent
  • the carbon material employed herein is the material well known in commercial practice as an adsorbent for organic molecules and/or for air purification purposes. Carbon suitable for use herein is available from a variety of commercial sources under trade names such as CALGON Type “CPG”, Type “PCB”, Type “SGL”, Type “CAL”, and Type “OL.” Often, such carbon material is referred to simply as “activated” carbon or “activated” charcoal. Typically, it is available in the form of extremely fine, dusty particles (e.g., 0.1-300 microns) having large surface areas (about 200 to several thousand m ⁇ /g). It is to be understood that any of the "air purifying” or “activated” carbons of commerce can be used in the practice of this invention.
  • zeolites herein are optionally used in conjunction with the activated carbon, it is preferred (for aesthetics reasons) to coat the carbon with the zeolite using a binder.
  • a binder for aesthetics reasons.
  • odor-absorbing agents include kieselguhr, chelating agents, chitin, pH buffered materials, and the like.
  • Perfume is an important part of the animal care system.
  • the use of desirable, refreshing perfume ingredients to formulate a "refreshing perfume", in preferred delivery systems, can make the undesirable odors more palatable to the owners.
  • use of appropriate perfume ingredients can influence the animals' behavior.
  • the right perfume ingredients in an "attractant perfume” can attract a cat to its litter box, its toys, scratching post, etc., and the right perfume in a "deterrent perfume” can influence the cat to stay away from objects such as furniture that it likes to use as a scratching post.
  • the refreshing perfume compositions typically, and preferably, contain ingredients with odor characteristics which are preferred by humans in order to provide a fresh impression and deodorizing benefit.
  • the perfume ingredients are selected predominantly from two groups of ingredients, namely, (a) volatile ingredients having a boiling point (BP) at normal pressure of less than about 260°C, and more preferably less than about 250°C, and (b) ingredients having significantly low detection threshold.
  • BP boiling point
  • Nonlimiting examples of preferred volatile perfume ingredients are allo- ocimene, allyl caproate, allyl heptoate, amyl acetate, amyl propionate, anisic aldehyde, anisole, benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl butyrate, benzyl formate, benzyl iso valerate, berrzyl propionate, beta gamma hexenol, camphene, carvacrol, laevo-carveol, d-carvone, laevo-carvone, cinnamyl formate, cis-3-hexenyl higlate, cis- jasmone, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl isobutyrate, citronellyl nitrile, citronellyl propionate, cycl
  • perfume compositions of this invention examples include diphenyl methane, gamma-n-methyl ionone, isobutyl quinoline, eugenol, indole, beta-caryophyllene, methyl-n-methyl anthranilate, dodecalactone, lilial (p-t-bucinal), phenyl heptanol, phenyl hexanol, ethyl methyl phenyl glycidate, para-methoxy acetophenone, amyl benzoate, phenoxy ethyl proprionat, heliotropine.
  • the odor detection threshold of an odorous material is the lowest vapor concentration of that material which can be olfactorily detected.
  • the odor detection threshold and some odor detection threshold values are discussed in, e.g., "Standardized Human Olfactory Thresholds", M. Devos et al, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, 1990, and "Compilation of Odor and Taste Threshold Values Data", F. A. Fazzalari, editor, ASTM Data Series DS 48 A, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1978, both of said publications being incorporated by reference.
  • perfume ingredients having significantly low detection threshold useful in the animal litter of the present invention, are selected from the group consisting of coumarin, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, methyl dihydro isojasmonate, isoeugenol, lyral, gamma-undecalactone, gamma-dodecalactone, methyl beta naphthyl ketone, and mixtures thereof.
  • These materials are preferably present at low levels in addition to the volatile ingredients of group (a), typically less than about 20%, preferably less than about 15%, more preferably less than about 10%, by weight of the total perfume compositions of the present invention Typically, at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, and most preferably at least about 80% by weight of the perfume is composed of perfume ingredients of the above groups (a) and (b).
  • An optional but preferred perfume ingredient useful in the formulation of attractant perfume compositions of the present invention is nepetalactone (and its derivatives), the active ingredient of catnip.
  • the catnip extract can also be used in place of nepetalactone.
  • Nepetalactone (or catnip extract) should not be used in the litter since cats do not like to replace the desirable odor with the odor of their excretions.
  • compositions to be applied to cat quarters and/or toys (such as scratch posts) to provide freshening and/or attracting benefits can contain a level of nepetalactone, preferably in combination with other perfume ingredients, typically of from about 0.005% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 1%, by weight of the composition.
  • Attractant perfume compositions such as these, and especially the more dilute compositions described hereinafter, can be used both initially, and on an ongoing basis, to maintain the attractiveness of certain objects and areas to the animal, especially cats.
  • Repellent perfume compositions should contain, and refreshing and attractant perfume compositions should minimize, the levels of some perfume ingredients which are repulsive to animals, especially cats, that are allowed freedom of movement. These include methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, propyl salicylate, n-butyl salicylate, isobutyl salicylate, iso-amyl salicylate, salicylic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, menthol, linalool, thymol, cresol, cineol, camphor, citral, terpinene, pinene, limonene, beta-myrcene, muscone, menthone, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, methyl nonyl ketone, methyl phenyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, leaf aldehyde, pelargonolactone,
  • these cat repelling ingredients connote a fresh impression to human. As stated above, these ingredients should be maximized in the perfumes that are applied to objects like furniture, which the animal should avoid and minimized in the refreshing and attractant perfumes. If present, to provide the freshening effect, these repellent ingredients should be less than about 0.05 %, preferably less than about 0.03 %, and more preferably less than about 0.01 %, by weight of the animal litter material. ⁇ 5 In the perfume compositions to be incorporated in the animal litter herein, as discussed below, the repellent ingredients should be less than about 25%, preferably less than about 20%, and more preferably less than about 15% by weight, of the headspace vapor composition of said perfume compositions.
  • perfume compositions to be used as animal repellents should typically contain at least about 30%, preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 50%, and most preferably at least 60%, by weight, of these repellent perfume ingredients.
  • Perfume in animal litter should typically contain at least about 30%, preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 50%, and most preferably at least 60%, by weight, of these repellent perfume ingredients.
  • the refreshing perfume compositions are typically selected for use in the animal litter of the present invention.
  • the optional, but highly preferred, refreshing perfume is preferably present in the animal litter at an effective level to provide a freshening benefit, typically from about 0.001 % to about 0.3 %, preferably from about 0.005 % to about 0.2 %, more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.1 %, by weight of the animal litter material.
  • Nepetalactone (or catnip extract) and perfume ingredients that repel cats should not be used in the perfume for the litter.
  • repellent perfume ingredients described above which provide the freshening effect, can be present in the perfume in the animal litter.
  • these repellent ingredients should be less than about 0.05 %, preferably less than about 0.03 %, and more preferably less than about 0.01 %, by weight of the animal litter material and are preferably essentially absent.
  • the repellent ingredients should be less than about 25%, preferably less than about 20%, and more preferably less than about 15% by weight, of the headspace vapor composition of said perfume compositions. Current perfumes used in litter are believed to be higher in the repellent ingredients.
  • the encapsulation can be in the form of molecular encapsulation, such as the inclusion complex with cyclodextrin, coacevate microencapsulation wherein the perfume droplet is enclosed in a solid wall material, "cellular matrix” encapsulation wherein solid particles containing perfume droplets stably held in the cells.
  • Perfume can also be more crudely embedded in a matrix, such as a starch or sugar matrix.
  • the encapsulated perfume can be released either by a moisture activation and/or a pressure activation mechanism.
  • Moisture-activated microcapsules release perfume upon being wetted, e.g., by the animal urine.
  • Pressure-activated microcapsules release perfume when the shell wall is broken by, e.g., the scratching or stepping of the animals on the litter.
  • Some microcapsules can be activated both by moisture and pressure.
  • Cyclodextrin/perfume complex is preferred for its effectiveness and ease of processing.
  • the complex protects and retains the perfume ingredients very well from physical effects (e.g., no rupture/perfume loss during processing, packaging, shipping, and storing of the animal litter, or perfume loss from diffusion) and from chemical effects (e.g., degradation during storage).
  • the perfume loading in the cyclodextrin complex is fairly low, e.g., from about 10% to about 18% in beta-cyclodextrin/perfume complex.
  • Perfume microcapsules e.g., coacevate microcapsule where the perfume droplet is enclosed in a solid wall material or "cellular" microcapsule where a solid particle contains perfume droplets stably held in the cells, are preferred for their perfume loading which can be as high as 60-80%.
  • the perfume release upon activation e.g., in presence of moisture and/or pressure, is effective.
  • the encapsulation process is more demanding, and perfume leakage due to breakage of the microcapsules during processing, packaging, shipping, and storing of the animal litter does tend to occur.
  • Porous particles can also be used to retain perfume and release it slowly in use.
  • the crude matrix particles where the perfume is embedded in a matrix such as a starch or sugar matrix are inexpensive and easy to produce.
  • the perfume loading is medium.
  • the activation to release perfume is normally less effective than the encapsulation methods described herein above.
  • a nonlimiting example of such porous particles is starch granules, as are disclosed by Whistler et al in Food Technology, July 1994, pp. 104-105, incorporated wherein by reference.
  • the perfume is filled into the starch granules and is retained, apparently, by capillarity forces.
  • the perfume loading ⁇ 7 can be as high as about 30% to about 50%.
  • the perfume is released slowly and continuously by diffusion.
  • the filled particles can be coated with suitable materials to improve perfume retention.
  • the preferred particle size is from about 10 microns to about 100 mucrons, more preferably from about 15 microns to about 60 microns.
  • the perfume-filled porous particles are used when a continuous perfume release is desired. But they are not preferred if one wants to have the perfume released only when the animals start using the litter.
  • the animal litter of the present invention can also contain pro-perfumes.
  • a pro- perfume is a normally nonvolatile molecule which consists of a volatile perfume ingredient covalently bonded to another moiety by a labile covalent bond. In use, the pro-perfume is decomposed to release the volatile perfume ingredient.
  • the pro- perfumes useful in the present invention is selected from the group consisting of complexes of bisulfite with perfume ingredients having an aldehyde or ketone functional groups, and esters of phosphoric acids, and sulfuric acids with perfume ingredients having a hydroxyl group.
  • the bisulfite complex can be prepared according to the disclosure in U.S. Pat. 5,267,531, issued to Appel et al., issued Dec.
  • pro-perfumes work in the following manner.
  • the nonvolatile pro-perfumes are sprayed on the animal litter.
  • a small amount of urea in the urine is decomposed to form some ammonia, even in the presence of a urease inhibitor.
  • the pro- perfumes are hydrolyzed to release the volatile perfume ingredients, to mask the ammonia odor. Since most pro-perfumes are not very volatile, they can be applied to the litter material without the need for encapsulation. However, if a pro-perfume is chemically labile, it is also advantageous to protect it via encapsulation, and only release it in use.
  • Cvclodextrin/Perfume Inclusion Complexes Cvclodextrin/Perfume Inclusion Complexes
  • the perfume/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes useful herein are formed in any of the ways known in the art.
  • the complexes are formed either by bringing the perfume and the cyclodextrin together in a suitable solvent, e.g., water, or, preferably, by kneading/slurrying the ingredients together in the presence of a suitable, preferably minimal, amount of solvent, preferably water.
  • a suitable solvent e.g., water
  • the kneading/slurrying method is particularly desirable because it produces smaller complex particles and requires the use of less solvent, eliminating or reducing the need to further reduce particle size and separate excess solvent. Disclosures of complex formation can be found in Atwood, J.L., J.E.D. Davies & D.D.
  • perfume/cyclodextrin complexes have a molar ratio of perfume compound to cyclodextrin of about 1 :1.
  • the molar ratio can be either higher or lower, depending on the size of the perfume compound and the identity of the cyclodextrin compound.
  • the molar ratio can be determined by forming a saturated solution of the cyclodextrin and adding the perfume to form the complex. In general the complex will precipitate readily. If not, the complex can usually be precipitated by the addition of electrolyte, change of pH, cooling, etc. The complex can then be analyzed to determine the ratio of perfume to cyclodextrin.
  • the actual complexes are determined by the size of the cavity in the cyclodextrin and the size of the perfume molecule. Desirable complexes can be formed using mixtures of cyclodextrins since perfumes are normally mixtures of materials that vary widely in size. It is usually desirable that at least a majority of the material be alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-cyclodextrin, more preferably beta-cyclodextrin.
  • the content of the perfume in the beta-cyclodextrin complex is typically from about 5% to about 15%, more normally from about 7% to about 12%.
  • Continuous complexation operation usually involves the use of supersaturated solutions, kneading/slurrying method, and/or temperature manipulation, e.g., heating and then either cooling, freeze-drying, etc.
  • the complexes are dried to a dry powder to make the desired composition.
  • the fewest possible process steps are preferred to avoid loss of perfume.
  • Complexes of this invention having a particle size of less than about 12 microns, preferably less than about 10 microns, more preferably less than about 8 microns, and even more preferably less than about 5 microns, improve the release, especially the speed of release of the perfume when the complexes are wetted.
  • the particle size is typically between about 0.001 and 10 microns, preferably between about 0.05 and 5 microns. It is highly desirable that at least an effective amount of the perfume be in complexes having the said particle sizes. It is desirable that at least about 75%, preferably at least about 80%, more preferably at least about 90%, and even more preferably at least about 100%, of the complex that is present have the said particle sizes.
  • small particles of the invention are conveniently prepared by kneading methods and/or grinding techniques. Cyclodextrin complexes with large particle sizes can be pulverized to obtain the desired smaller particles of less than about 12 microns by using, e.g., a fluid energy mill. Examples of fluid energy mills are given hereinbefore.
  • At least an effective amount of the cyclodextrin/perfume complex is to be applied to the litter material of this invention in order to deliver the desired levels of perfume. Effective amounts are typically in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.04% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.07% to about 1%, by weight of the animal litter material.
  • Pressure-Activated Perfume Microcapsules are typically in the range of from about 0.01% to about 3%, preferably from about 0.04% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.07% to about 1%, by weight of the animal litter material.
  • Microcapsules suitable for affixation to the inventive animal litter can have a diameter of from about 25 microns to about 200 microns, and more preferably have a diameter of from about 50 microns to about 1 10 microns.
  • the microcapsules include a fragrance or a deodorizer encapsulated therein, and the fragrance or deodorizer preferably is about 75 weight % to about 85 weight % of the microcapsules.
  • the microcapsules are adapted to release the fragrance in response to contact between exterior surfaces of the particles during relative movement of the particles, such as occurs during agitation by the animal. This release of fragrance or deodorizer occurs when the microcapsules rupture. Suitable microcapsules rupture when subjected to a force of from about 200 psi (1400 kPa) to about 1600 psi (11000 kPa), more preferably from about 300 psi (2300 kPa) to about 800 psi (5600 kPa).
  • Microcapsules suitable for affixation to absorbent particles in accordance with the present invention are preferably formed of a substantially water insoluble wall material, such as a urea formaldehyde polymer.
  • Suitable microcapsules for the present invention can be made, for example, in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,941, inventor Matson, issued June 23, 1970 (incorporated herein by reference).
  • the affixed microcapsules are desirably sufficiently frangible so that they release the perfume after more harsh contact between exterior surfaces during relative movement of the particles, e.g., by the "scratching" of the animal, but should be sufficiently strong to ' resist breakage during packaging, shipping and storing of the animal litter. Although some breakage, or rupture, of the affixed microcapsules does tend to occur during packaging, shipping, and storing, sufficient microcapsules should survive to provide selective fragrance release. Sufficient amount of perfume microcapsules should be used to deliver the desired levels of perfume, depending on the perfume loading of the microcapsules. Effect°ive amounts of microcapsules are typically in the range of from about 0.002% to about 0.6%, preferably from about 0.007% to about 0.4%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, by weight of the animal litter material.
  • Water-soluble cellular matrix perfume microcapsules are solid particles containing perfume stably held in the cells.
  • the water-soluble matrix material comprises mainly polysaccharide and polyhydroxy compounds.
  • the polysaccharides are preferably higher polysaccharides of the non-sweet, colloidally-soluble types, such as natural gums, e.g., gum arabic, starch derivatives, dextrinized and hydrolyzed starches, and the like.
  • the polyhydroxy compounds are preferably alcohols, plant-type sugars, lactones, monoethers, and acetals.
  • the cellular matrix microcapsules useful in the present invention are prepared by, e.g., (1) forming an aqueous phase of the polysaccharide and polyhydroxy compound in proper proportions, with added emulsifier if necessary or desirable; (2) emulsifying the perfumes in the aqueous phase; and (3) removing moisture while the mass is plastic or flowable, e.g., by spray drying droplets of the emulsion.
  • the matrix materials and process details are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,852, Brenner et al., issued July 27, 1976, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Moisture-activated perfume microcapsules of the cellular type can be obtained commercially, e.g., as IN-CAP® from Polak's Frutal Works, Inc., Middletown, New York; and as Optilok System® encapsulated perfumes from Encapsulated Technology, Inc., Nyack, New York.
  • Water-soluble cellular matrix perfume microcapsules preferably have size of from about 0.5 micron to about 300 microns, more preferably from about 1 micron to about 200 microns, most preferably from about 2 microns to about 100 microns.
  • Sufficient amount of moisture-activated perfume microcapsules should be used to deliver the desired levels of perfume, depending on the perfume loading of the microcapsules. Effective amounts of microcapsules are typically in the range of from about 0.002% to about 0.6%, preferably from about 0.007% to about 0.4%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, by weight of the animal litter material.
  • Cruder starch matrix perfume particles can be prepared according to the disclosure in U.S. Pat. 5,267,531, Appel et al., issued Dec. 7, 1993, said patent being incorporated herein by reference.
  • the perfume oil is emulsified with various starches and water for a period of two hours.
  • the emulsion is then spray dried and checked for proper oil content.
  • the animal care system comprises a method in which an animal attractant perfume, an animal deterrent perfume, and/or a refreshing perfume, are applied at effective levels to provide the desired effects (deterrence, avoidance, and refreshment) to various areas and/or objects which the animal owner selects with respect to an animal that has a relatively high degree of freedom of movement.
  • the animal attractant perfume can desirably be applied to toys, scratching posts, etc. for cats and the animal repellent perfume can be applied to furniture, drapes, etc.
  • Repellent perfume compositions are desirable additives to compositions used to clean up unwanted excretions, so as to lower the likelihood of a reoccurrence.
  • the perfume of choice will normally be either a refreshing perfume, or an attractant perfume to make the animal happier.
  • perfume compositions can be used to treat litter, animal toys, etc. as they are originally manufactured. In the original treatment, it is preferred that the perfume be protected. These same perfume compositions can also be used as is, or in diluted form compositions, to treat animal litter, toys, etc. to replenish the perfume and prolong the desired effect. Typically these compositions are dilute with respect to the perfume.
  • the perfume materials disclosed above for the refreshing perfumes are preferred for most uses. However, attractant and repellent materials can also be incorporated. As disclosed hereinbefore, the attractant materials and perfumes are best for application to toys and other items like scratching posts, whereas the repellent materials and perfumes are preferably used on items like furniture, drapes, spots on carpets, plants, etc. where the owner does not want the pet to be.
  • the animal litter can be refreshed by application of a dilute composition comprising refreshing perfume.
  • the freshening composition contains an effective amount of perfume to provide the freshening fragrance when first sprayed and some lingering fragrance with time.
  • Effective level of perfume is from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, most preferably from about 0.015% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition.
  • Aqueous solutions are preferred in the present invention for the preparation of the animal litter and/or freshening the animal litter.
  • the preferred aqueous carrier of the present invention is water.
  • the water which is used can be distilled, deionized, or tap water.
  • Water containing a small amount of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols, e.g., ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol, or polyols, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, can also be useful.
  • the volatile low molecular weight monohydric alcohols such as ethanol and/or isopropanol should be limited since these volatile organic compounds can contribute both to flammability problems and environmental pollution problem.
  • the level of monohydric alcohol be less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 3%, by weight of the composition used to prepare the animal litter.
  • Aqueous solutions can also be used to treat the litter during use, to "refreshen” the litter. These aqueous solutions can also be used to treat "accidents” where the animal soils rugs, carpets, furniture, clothes, etc.
  • the aqueous composition used to form the animal litter of the present invention can optionally, but preferably, contain a solubilizing aid to solubilize any excess hydrophobic organic materials, especially the perfume, and also optional ingredients which can be added to the composition, e.g., insect repelling agent, antioxidant, etc., that are not readily soluble in the composition.
  • a suitable solubilizing aid is surfactant or wetting agent.
  • the surfactant is a non-foaming or low-foaming surfactant.
  • Suitable surfactants are nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, preferably nonionic surfactants and cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
  • Anionic surfactants are not preferred when the preferred urease inhibiting transition metal ions are present, because they can form water-insoluble salts with the metal ions.
  • Suitable surfactants can be emulsifiers and/or detersive surfactants. Mixtures of emulsifiers and detersive surfactants are also preferred.
  • a surfactant containing one, or more, alkyl group it is preferred that it contain relatively short alkyl chains of from about 5 to about 14 carbon atoms.
  • Typical nonionic surfactants are polyethylene glycol- polypropylene glycol block copolymers, such as Pluronic® and Pluronic R® surfactants from BASF; Tetronic® and Tetronic R® surfactants from BASF, ethoxylated branched aliphatic diols, such as Surfynol® surfactants from Air Products; ethoxylated alkyl phenols, such as Igepal® surfactants from Rh ⁇ ne-Poulenc; ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids; polyethylene glycol diesters of fatty acids; and mixtures thereof.
  • Pluronic® and Pluronic R® surfactants from BASF
  • Tetronic® and Tetronic R® surfactants from BASF
  • ethoxylated branched aliphatic diols such as Surfynol® surfactants from Air Products
  • ethoxylated alkyl phenols such as Igepal® surfact
  • said solubilizing aid is a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters of ethoxylated sorbitans. More preferably said solubilizing aid is selected from the group consisting of mixtures of laurate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides; mixtures of stearate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides; and mixtures of oleate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides.
  • said solubilizing aid is selected from the group consisting of Polysorbate 20, which is a mixture of laurate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide; Polysorbate 60 which is a mixture of stearate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydride, consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide; Polysorbate 80 which is a mixture of oleate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides, consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide; and mixtures thereof.
  • Polysorbate 20 is a mixture of laurate esters of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides consisting predominantly of the monoester, condensed with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide
  • Polysorbate 60 which is a mixture of stearate esters of sorbito
  • said solubilizing aid is Polysorbate 60.
  • Preferred cationic surfactants are di(Cg-Cj2 alkyl)di(Cl-C2 alkyl)ammonium halides, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium halides, amine oxides, and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred amphoteric surfactants are the betaines.
  • surfactant have good wetting properties. Also preferred are surfactants that have the hydrophilic groups between hydrophobic chains, such as,
  • Pluronic R surfactants Surfynol surfactants, polyethylene glycol diesters of fatty acids, fatty acid esters of ethoxylated sorbitans, di(C -Ci2 alkyl)di(C j -C2 alkyl)ammonium halides, and mixtures thereof; surfactants that have hydrophilic groups situated at the extremities of the hydrophobic chain, such as Pluronic surfactants; and mixtures thereof.
  • Mixtures of these surfactants and other types of surfactants are also preferred to form no-foaming or low-foaming solubilizing agents.
  • Polyalkylene glycol can be used as defoaming agent in combination with the solubilizing agents.
  • solubilizing aid when used in the composition of the present invention, more specifically when fatty acid esters of ethoxylated sorbitans are used as the solubilizing aid, it is preferable to use the process of high shear milling in order aid in the incorporation of excess hydrophobic organic material.
  • solubilizing aids disclosed in the present invention can be used in any type of composition where excess hydrophobic organic material, particularly perfume, separates out of solution and needs assistance to be incorporated into the composition.
  • solubilizing agent is typically present at a level of from about 0.02% to about 3%, by weight of the composition, more preferably from about
  • composition 0.05% to about 1%, by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition.
  • a preferred method of affixing solid powder active ingredients is to form a slurry of said ingredients in a liquid carrier, preferably water, and then the slurry is sprayed onto the animal litter substrate.
  • a liquid carrier preferably water
  • the slurry can also be separately packaged in a suitable spray dispenser for spraying onto litter particles by an animal's owner.
  • the slurry can optionally include a suitable binding agent in an effective amount to help affix (improve the affixation) the solid powder active ingredients to the animal litter substrate when the slurry is sprayed thereon.
  • suitable binding agents will function to form a bond between the solid powder or microcapsules and exterior surfaces of the substrates which is strong enough to affix and hold at least a major portion of the solid powder active ingredients onto the substrate during handling, such as shaking, pouring and the like, as is encountered in packaging procedures.
  • binding agent is preferably an amount of at least about 3 %, preferably from about 5% to about 20%, by weight of the solid powder active ingredients in the slurry.
  • Preferred binding agents include polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of at least about 2,000, more preferably at least about 3,000, acrylic emulsions (such as are commercially available from Rohm & Haas as Rhoplex AC 61) and neoprene latex.
  • a preferred adhesive agent is neoprene latex 735 A, commercially available from DuPont.
  • the binding agent is desirably selected from materials which are compatible with the suspended actives and other ingredients.
  • materials which can substantially form complex with cyclodextrin should not be used to suspend uncomplexed cyclodextrin and/or cycl dextrin/perfume complex powder, and polyacrylates should not be used in the presence of water soluble, heavy transition metal ions, such as zinc ions.
  • Polyethylene glycols are particularly suitable to be used with cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin complexes.
  • the binding agent should be dispersible in the liquid carrier, with water being the most preferred liquid carrier.
  • a suspension aid is optionally used to suspend solid powder active ingredients, such as uncomplexed cyclodextrin powder, perfume/cyclodextrin complex, and perfume 3S microcapsules, so that they are fairly evenly dispersed to form a relatively evenly distributed layer upon the substrate's surface when the slurry is sprayed thereon. More particularly, for commercial preparation of the animal litter of this invention, the suspension agent should be present in a sufficient amount to provide suspension stability for the slurry (e.g., prevent separation, or settling, of the microcapsules in the slurry), so that the slurry can be pumped and sprayed in metered amounts over a period of time.
  • solid powder active ingredients such as uncomplexed cyclodextrin powder, perfume/cyclodextrin complex, and perfume 3S microcapsules
  • the suspension agent preferably provides a stably suspended slurry for a length of time, e.g., at least about 12 hours, more preferably for greater than about 24 hours.
  • the suspension agent should be dispersible in the slurry composition, and preferably thickens the slurry to a viscosity of at least about 100 centipoise.
  • Preferred materials for use as the suspension agent are polyacrylic acids, such as are available from B. F. Goodrich as Carbopol (e.g., neutralized Carbopol 941) and from Rohm & Haas as Acrysol, which are very effective (in the neutralized form) in stably suspending microcapsules of the slurry at levels as low as about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.2%, by weight of the slurry.
  • Carbopol e.g., neutralized Carbopol 941
  • Rohm & Haas as Acrysol
  • a preferred clay suspending agent is calcium bentonite clay, available from Southern Clay Products under the trade name Bentolite® L.
  • the clay suspension agent is preferably present at a level of from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, by weight of the slurry.
  • the suspension agent must desirably be selected from materials which are compatible with the suspended actives and other ingredients.
  • materials which can substantially form complex with cyclodextrin should not be used to suspend uncomplexed cyclodextrin and/or cyclodextrin/perfume complex powder, and polyacrylates and ion-exchangeable clays should not be used in the presence of water soluble, heavy transition metal ions, such as zinc ions.
  • the suspension agent should be dispersible in the liquid carrier, with water being the most preferred liquid carrier.
  • Enzymes are desirable components for the purpose of cleaning and for destroying animal excretions, including regurgitated. Enzymes other than ureases can be used to destroy the soils, especially in aqueous solutions used to treat the litter in use and accidental soils. Proteases are especially desirable. Proteases can actually be urease inhibitors. The activity of commercial enzymes depends very much on the type and purity of the enzyme being considered. Enzymes that are water soluble proteases like pepsin, tripsin, ficin, bromelin, papain, rennin, and mixtures thereof are particularly 3 (p useful. In the claims herein, when a material can be defined as having more than one function, it is defined as the first type of material listed.
  • Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to provide up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically from about 0.001 mg to about 3 mg, preferably from about 0.002 mg to about 1 mg of active enzyme per gram of the aqueous compositions.
  • the aqueous compositions herein can comprise from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, preferably 0.005%-0.3% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation.
  • Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.0005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of aqueous composition.
  • Nonlimiting examples of suitable, commercially available, water soluble proteases are pepsin, tripsin, ficin, bromelin, papain, rennin, and mixtures thereof.
  • Papain can be isolated, e.g., from papaya latex, and is available commercially in the purified form of up to, e.g., about 80% protein, or cruder, technical grade of much lower activity.
  • Other suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and B. licheniforms.
  • Another suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold by Novo Industries A/S under the registered trade name ESPERASE®.
  • proteases suitable for removing protein-based stains include those sold under the trade names ALCALASE® and SAVINASE® by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark) and MAXATASE® by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands).
  • Other proteases include Protease A (see European Patent Application 130,756, published January 9, 1985); Protease B (see European Patent Application Serial No.
  • Amylases include, for example, ⁇ -amylases described in British Patent Specification No. 1,296,839 (Novo), RAPIDASE®, International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL®, Novo Industries.
  • Suitable lipase enzymes for usage herein include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in British Patent 1,372,034. See also lipases in Japanese Patent Application 53,20487, laid open to public inspection on February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name
  • Other commercial Upases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRLB 3673, commercially available from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata,
  • LIPOLASE® enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and commercially available from Novo is a preferred lipase for use herein.
  • Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilized by various techniques, e.g., those disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Patent 3,600,319, issued August 17, 1971 to Gedge, et al., European Patent Application Publication No. 0 199 405, Application No.
  • Enzyme-polyethylene glycol conjugates are also preferred.
  • PEG-subtilisin polyethylene glycol
  • cleaning components are the typical detergent surfactants at a level of from about 0.001% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.3% ' by weight of the composition.
  • Detersive surfactants utilized can be of the anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, ampholytic or cationic type or can comprise compatible mixtures of these types.
  • Detergent surfactants useful herein are described in U.S. Patent 3,664,961, Norris, issued May 23, 1972, U.S. Patent 3,919,678, Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, U.S. Patent 4,222,905, Cockrell, issued September 16, 1980, and in U.S. Patent 4,239,659, Murphy, issued December 16, 1980. All of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Detergent builders can optionally be included in the compositions herein to assist in controlling mineral hardness. Inorganic as well as organic builders can be used.
  • Builders are typically used to assist in the removal of particulate soils.
  • the level of builder when present in the compositions, will typically comprise from about 0.1% to about 5%, more typically about 0.5% to about 1%, by weight, of detergent builder.
  • Inorganic P-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates) and/or phosphonates.
  • alkali metal phosphates are sodium and/or potassium tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates and/or orthophosphates.
  • Phosphonate builders such as ethane- l-hydroxy-l,l-diphosphonate and other known phosphonates (see, for example, U.S. Patents 3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,400,148 and 3,422,137) can also be used.
  • nonphosphorus, inorganic builders include the silicates, borates phytic acid, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulfates, and aluminosilicates. Particularly preferred are sodium and potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, tetraborate decahydrate, and silicates having a weight ratio of Si ⁇ 2 to alkali metal oxide of from about 0.5 to about 4.0, preferably from about 1.0 to about 2.4.
  • silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a Si ⁇ 2:Na2 ⁇ ratio in the range 1.6:1 to 3.2:1. Also, crystalline layered silicates such as those discussed in Corkill et al, U. S. Patent No.
  • NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated herein as "SKS-6"). Unlike zeolite builders, the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum. NaSKS-6 has the delta-Na2Si ⁇ 5 morphology form of layered silicate. It can be prepared by methods such as those described in German DE-A-3 ,417,649 and DE-A-3,742,043.
  • SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi x ⁇ 2 ⁇ + yH2 ⁇ wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4. preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein.
  • Various other layered silicates from Hoechst include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-1 1, as the alpha, beta and gamma forms.
  • the delta-Na2Si ⁇ 5 (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred for use herein.
  • Other silicates can also be useful such as for example magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granular formulations, as a stabilizing agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems.
  • carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on November 15, 1973.
  • Water-soluble, nonphosphorus organic builders useful herein include the various alkali metal, ammonium and/or substituted ammonium polyacetates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyhydroxy sulfonates.
  • a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds are suitable.
  • polycarboxylate refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates.
  • Polycarboxylate builders can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred.
  • Particularly preferred polycarboxylate builders the ether carboxylate builders.
  • the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate, are disclosed in, e.g., Berg, U.S. Patent 3,128,287, issued April 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. Patent 3,635,830, issued January 18, 1972. See also "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. Patent 4,663,071, issued to Bush et al, on May 5, 1987.
  • Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.
  • ether hydroxypolycarboxylates copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid, and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid
  • various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid
  • polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5- tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.
  • Citrate builders e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of particular importance due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Oxydisuccinates are also useful.
  • succinic acid builders include the C5- C20 alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof.
  • a particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid.
  • succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2- dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like. Laurylsuccinates are the preferred builders of this group, and are described in European Patent Application 86200690.5/0,200,263, published November 5, 1986.
  • Fatty acids e.g., Ci2-C ⁇ g monocarboxylic acids
  • Ci2-C ⁇ g monocarboxylic acids can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the aforesaid builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity.
  • Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator.
  • Adjuvants can be optionally added to the animal litter herein for their known purposes.
  • Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to, preservatives, insect repelling agents, colorants, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.
  • the animal care system herein comprises products that control animal behavior, primarily by the presence and selection of perfumes as disclosed hereinbefore.
  • These products are preferably aqueous, containing the aqueous carrier described hereinbefore, optionally, solubilizing aid as disclosed hereinbefore, and an effective amount of the perfume.
  • the products are preferably packaged in containers having spray means, and preferably in association with instructions for using the product to provide the indicated control.
  • the animal, normally cat, repellent compositions contain an effective amount, of from about 0.01% to about 6%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 4%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 2%, of the repellent perfumes.
  • Repellent perfumes contains at least about 40%, preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 60%, of repellent perfume ingredients described hereinbefore. These perfumes can deter the animal from remaining in areas that the owner establishes.
  • the products normally contain the aqueous carrier and optional solubilizing aid and/or solvents such as ethyl alcohol.
  • the repellent perfumes preferably contain at least four repellent perfume ingredients, more preferably at least five repellent ingredients, and even more preferably at least six repellent ingredients, with no single ingredient comprising more than about 40%, and no two ingredients comprising more than about 50% of the repellent perfume composition.
  • the perfume in addition to the repellent ingredients, can also contain a substantial amount, e.g., from about 1% to about 60%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 10% to about 40%, of ingredients that provide a freshness impression to humans, as discussed hereinbefore.
  • the animal attractant composition contains ingredients to attract the animal, especially nepetelactone and its derivatives such as dihydronepetalactone for cats.
  • Such compositions contain an effective amount, of from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 2%, of the attractant perfumes described hereinbefore.
  • These products can attract the animal to the areas where the owner wants the animal to spend time. For example, the toys, scratch post, cage for bedding area, transport cage, etc. can be made more desirable. It is especially desirable to have a way of encouraging cats to spend more time in desirable areas.
  • the attractant product is used in combination with the repellent product, there is positive reinforcement for the desired behavior.
  • the products normally contain the aqueous carrier and optional solubilizing aid and/or solvents such as ethyl alcohol.
  • the perfume contains not only the attractant ingredients, but also a substantial amount of from about 0.005% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%, of ingredients that provide freshness impression to humans, as discussed hereinbefore.
  • the freshening composition herein is similar to the compositions used to prepare the litter, but with the addition of more aqueous carrier, e.g., at a level of from about 80% to about 99%, preferably from about 85% to about 99%, more preferably from about 90% to about 98%.
  • the freshening products do not contain either repellent perfume ingredients or attractant perfume ingredients.
  • the freshening compositions contain a freshening perfume at a level of from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, as well as a mixture of material to control the creation of odor (B) at a level of from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, and the material for absorbing odor (C) disclosed hereinbefore at a level of from about 0.05% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, by weight of the freshening composition.
  • a freshening perfume at a level of from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, as well as a mixture of material to control the creation of odor (B) at a level of from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.
  • the composition also contains, where necessary, solubilizing aid and/or suspension aid as described hereinbefore.
  • the preferred material (B) is water soluble heavy metal salt, more preferably water soluble zinc and/or copper salts, as described hereinbefore.
  • the preferred material (C) is soluble cyclodextrin as described hereinbefore.
  • the perfume should not have either attractant or repellent perfume ingredients, except possibly in very small amounts, preferably in non-effective amounts for their primary purpose.
  • a freshening product is a very effective way to increase the effective life of a litter, especially one that clumps.
  • the clumps are removed, and the surrounding area is specifically treated with the freshening product to increase the effective levels of the ingredients that have been used up by the first excretion.
  • the cleaning composition herein is primarily for cleaning up a pet's "accidents", e.g. excretions, and contains a freshening perfume, an aqueous carrier and optional solubilizing and/or suspending aids.
  • the levels of perfume and liquid carrier are similar to those of the freshening composition described herein above, with typically an aqueous carrier at a level of from about 80% to about 99%, preferably from about 85% to about 99%, more preferably from about 90% to about 98% and a freshening perfume at a level of from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight of the cleaning composition.
  • the cleaning product will contain an effective amount of the cleaning ingredients, especially the enzymes, described hereinbefore, to provide a cleaning effect.
  • the product optionally, but desirably contains the material to control the creation of odor (B) at a level of from about 0.01 to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, and/or the material for absorbing odor (C) disclosed hereinbefore at a level of from about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 3%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%.
  • the perfume used is a repellent perfume.
  • This preferred cleaning product provides an aesthetic benefit for humans as well as minimizing odors and stains that would encourage a repeat accident.
  • the present invention comprises a total system in which the component parts work together to provide the desired behavior pattern.
  • the invention comprises kits co In 3 taini •ng at least two of the behavior control products herein, or one product and the litter herein, but preferably comprises more of the products, up to, and including all of the products and the litter. It also comprises packaging each of the products in association with the instructions for applying the products to provide the desired behavior, e.g., either on the container, or in attached instructions, advertising, etc.
  • the above products of the present invention can also be, and are preferably, used in an article of manufacture comprising said composition plus a dispensing means, preferably a spray dispenser.
  • the article of manufacture herein comprises a spray dispenser.
  • the products are placed into a spray dispenser in order to be distributed onto the desired area, e.g., litter, toys, etc.
  • Said spray dispenser is preferably any of the manually activated means for producing a spray of liquid droplets as is known in the art, e.g. trigger-type, pump-type, non-aerosol self-pressurized, and aerosol-type spray means.
  • the spray dispenser herein preferably does not include those that will substantially foam the products. It is preferred that at least about 80%, more preferably, at least about 90% of the droplets dispensed by the spray dispensers have a particle size of larger than about 30 ⁇ m.
  • the spray dispenser can be an aerosol dispenser.
  • Said aerosol dispenser comprises a container which can be constructed of any of the conventional materials employed in fabricating aerosol containers.
  • the dispenser must be capable of withstanding internal pressure in the range of from about 20 to about 110 p.s.i.g., more preferably from about 20 to about 70 p.s.i.g.
  • the one important requirement concerning the dispenser is that it be provided with a valve member which will permit the product contained in the dispenser to be dispensed in the form of a spray of very fine, or finely divided, particles or droplets.
  • the aerosol dispenser utilizes a pressurized sealed container from which the product is dispensed through a special actuator/valve assembly under pressure.
  • the aerosol dispenser is pressurized by incorporating therein a gaseous component generally known as a propellant.
  • a gaseous component generally known as a propellant.
  • gaseous hydrocarbons such as isobutane, and mixed halogenated hydrocarbons
  • Halogenated hydrocarbon propellants such as chlorofluoro hydrocarbons have been alleged to contribute to environmental problems.
  • Hydrocarbon propellants can form complexes with the cyclodextrin molecules thereby reducing the availability of uncomplexed cyclodextrin molecules for odor absorption.
  • Preferred propellants are 7 compressed air, nitrogen, inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc.
  • the spray dispenser can be a self-pressurized non-aerosol container having a convoluted liner and an elastomeric sleeve.
  • Said self-pressurized dispenser comprises a liner/sleeve assembly containing a thin, flexible radially expandable convoluted plastic liner of from about 0.010 to about 0.020 inch thick, inside an essentially cylindrical elastomeric sleeve.
  • the liner/sleeve is capable of holding a substantial quantity of product and of causing said product to be dispensed.
  • Another type of aerosol spray dispenser is one wherein a barrier separates the odor absorbing composition from the propellant (preferably compressed air or nitrogen), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,110, issued April 7, 1981, and incorporated herein by reference.
  • a barrier separates the odor absorbing composition from the propellant (preferably compressed air or nitrogen), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,110, issued April 7, 1981, and incorporated herein by reference.
  • Such a dispenser is available from EP Spray Systems, East Hanover, New Jersey.
  • the spray dispenser is a non-aerosol, manually activated, pump- spray dispenser.
  • Said pump-spray dispenser comprises a container and a pump mechanism which securely screws or snaps onto the container.
  • the container comprises a vessel for containing the aqueous product to be dispensed.
  • the pump mechanism comprises a pump chamber of substantially fixed volume, having an opening at the inner end thereof.
  • a pump stem having a piston on the end thereof disposed for reciprocal motion in the pump chamber.
  • the pump stem has a passageway there through with a dispensing outlet at the outer end of the passageway and an axial inlet port located inwardly thereof.
  • the container and the pump mechanism can be constructed of any conventional material employed in fabricating pump-spray dispensers, including, but not limited to: polyethylene; polypropylene; polyethyleneterephthalate; blends of polyethylene, vinyl acetate, and rubber elastomer.
  • a preferred container is made of clear, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate. Other materials can include stainless steel.
  • the spray dispenser is a manually activated trigger-spray dispenser.
  • Said trigger-spray dispenser comprises a container and a trigger both of which can be constructed of any of the conventional material employed in fabricating trigger-spray dispensers, including, but not limited to: polyethylene; polypropylene; polyacetal; polycarbonate; polyethyleneterephthalate; polyvinyl chloride; polystyrene; blends of polyethylene, vinyl acetate, and rubber elastomer. Other materials can include stainless steel and glass.
  • a preferred container is made of clear, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the trigger-spray dispenser does not incorporate a propellant gas into the odor-absorbing composition, and preferably it does not include those that will foam the odor-absorbing composition.
  • the trigger-spray dispenser herein is typically one which acts upon a discrete amount of the product itself, typically by means of a piston or a collapsing bellows that displaces the composition through a nozzle to create a spray of thin liquid.
  • Said trigger-spray dispenser typically comprises a pump chamber having either a piston or bellows which is movable through a limited stroke response to the trigger for varying the volume of said pump chamber. This pump chamber or bellows chamber collects and holds the product for dispensing.
  • the trigger spray dispenser typically has an outlet check valve for blocking communication and flow of fluid through the nozzle and is responsive to the pressure inside the chamber.
  • the trigger As the trigger is compressed, it acts on the fluid in the chamber and the spring, increasing the pressure on the fluid.
  • the bellows spray dispenser As the bellows is compressed, the pressure increases on the fluid.
  • the increase in fluid pressure in either trigger spray dispenser acts to open the top outlet check valve.
  • the top valve allows the product to be forced through the swirl chamber and out the nozzle to form a discharge pattern.
  • An adjustable nozzle cap can be used to vary the pattern of the fluid dispensed.
  • the spring acts on the piston to return it to its original position.
  • the bellows acts as the spring to return to its original position. This action causes a vacuum in the chamber.
  • the responding fluid acts to close the outlet valve while opening the inlet valve drawing product up to the chamber from the reservoir.
  • the preferred trigger sprayers are the blue inserted Guala® sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Corp., or the Calmar TS800-1A sprayers, available from Calmar Inc., because of the fine uniform spray characteristics, spray volume, and pattern size.
  • Any suitable bottle or container can be used with the trigger sprayer, the preferred bottle is a 17 fl-oz. bottle (about 500 ml) of good ergonomics similar in shape to the Cinch® bottle. It can be made of any materials such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, glass, or any other material that forms bottles. Preferably, it is made of high density polyethylene or clear polyethylene terephthalate.
  • a finger pump can be used with canister or cylindrical bottle.
  • the preferred pump for this application is the cylindrical Euromist II®, from Seaquest Dispensing.
  • Animal litter products according to the present invention can be prepared as follows.
  • the calculated amounts of actives i.e., antimicrobial and/or urease inhibitor, odor absorbing actives, and optional ingredients, e.g., perfume microcapsules, binders, and the like, are dissolved and/or suspended, in appropriate amounts of liquid carrier, preferably water, enough to sufficiently uniformly distribute the actives over the solid absorbing litter material. All actives are preferably incorporated in the same solution and/or slurry.
  • the actives are not totally compartibles, such as in the case of cyclodextrin odor control active and an organic urease inhibitor which can form complex with the cyclodextrin, or in the case of a water-insoluble organic antimicrobial which is more effectively soluble in a solvent such as alcohol (and such organic antimicrobial can form complex with the cyclodextrin), it is preferably that the incompatible actives are distributed, e.g., by spraying, sequentially to the animal litter, preferably with a drying step in between. For some absorbing clay litter materials, since the water of the aqueous solutions can be absorbed quickly into the clay particles, the drying step(s) may not be necessary.
  • the water is preferably heated to from about 40°C to about 90°C, preferably from about 50°C to about 80°C, more preferably from about 60°C to about 75°C, to permit the use of the minimum amount of water, thus lowering the time and/or heat needed to dry the litter material.
  • Such poorly soluble materials can also preferably be used in as a finely divided powder and be suspended in a suitable amount of liquid carrier (e.g., preferably, water) into a mobile and sprayable slurry, typically at a liquid carrier-to-powder ratio of from about 1 :1 to about 10:1, more preferably from about 2:1 to about 5:1.
  • the perfume/cyclodextrin complex is preferably added as a slurry. It is convenient to use the slurry used to form the complex and add any uncomplexed cyclodextrin to that slurry, the excess cyclodextrin helping to make more efficient use of the perfume.
  • the amount of water necessary will vary with the kind of actives and/or absorbent litter material used and typically is in the range of from about 5 ml to about 500 ml, preferably from about 8 ml to about 250 ml, more preferably from about 12 ml to about 150 ml, per kg of solid absorbing litter material.
  • the amount of solution is preferably just sufficient to distribute the actives on the absorbing litter material. This insures quantitative deposition of the actives and eliminates the necessity of handling excess water.
  • the solid absorbing litter material is then dried at ambient conditions, or in an oven at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 95°C.
  • the more water soluble materials which are added to the animal litter, replenishment compositions, etc., to control the formation of odor and/or absorb odor are desirable to promote spreading.
  • the less toxic materials are more desirable, since animals, and cats, especially, will tend to lick off any litter that sticks to their fur.
  • Mixtures of the above compounds can be used. Mixtures can be more effective and, by limiting the amount of any one material, can be less toxic.
  • An animal litter in accordance with the present invention is preferably formed by spraying metered quantities of the slurry onto a quantity of absorbent particles to affix the frangible microcapsules onto at least some of these absorbent particles in substantially intact form.
  • the solutions and/or slurries can be pumped with a conventional metering pump and sprayed through a plurality of conventional spray nozzles onto an evenly distributed bed of absorbent particles being moved, as by a conveyor belt, past the spray nozzles.
  • the moving bed of absorbent particles is preferably fairly thin, for example about Vi" (1.3 cm) to about l '/i" (3.8 cm), so that a significant number of the litter particles have affixed actives, and to aid in homogeneous dispersion of the particles with affixed actives in packaging.
  • Non-limiting illustrative examples of perfume compositions to be used in the following Examples are as follows:
  • Perfume A Freshening perfume for use in animal litter
  • Perfume B Freshening perfume for use in animal litter
  • Perfume D Attractant perfume to be spra yed in animal q
  • Perfume F Freshening deterrent perfume to keep animal away Wintergreen
  • the creamy complex can also be heat dried such as in a rotary drum dryer.
  • Complex 1 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly sprinkling, mixing, or distributing the complex particles onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material. Slurry 1
  • a mobile slurry is prepared by mixing about 600 g of beta-cyclodextrin and 600 ml of water in a stainless steel mixing bowl of a KitchenAid® mixer using a plastic coated heavy duty mixing blade. Mixing is continued while about 105 g of the perfume is slowly added. The liquid-like slurry immediately starts to thicken and becomes a creamy paste. Stirring is continued for about 30 minutes. About 1,200 ml of water is slowly added to the slurry with stirring. The stirring continues for about an additional 10 minutes to give a liquid Slurry 1.
  • Slurry 1 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material followed by a drying step.
  • Slurry 2 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material followed by a drying step.
  • a mobile slurry is prepared similar to that of Slurry 1, except that the additional 1,200 ml of water contains about 20 g of dissolved polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of about 3,400.
  • the stirring continues for about an additional 10 minutes to give a liquid Slurry 2.
  • Slurry 2 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material followed by a drying step.
  • Mixed Perfume Complex/Cyclodextrin Slurry 1 beta-Cyclodextrin powder is obtained by grinding beta-cyclodextrin crystals in a Trost Air Impact Pulverizer jet mill. The powder has an average particle size of about 5 microns.
  • a mobile slurry is prepared by mixing about 200 g of the beta-cyclodextrin H powder in about 800 ml of water in a stainless mixing bowl of a KitchenAid® mixer using a plastic coated heavy duty mixing blade. Mixing is continued while about 50.1 g of cyclodextrin/perfume complex Slurry 1 is added. Stirring is continued for about 5 minutes to yield the mixed perfume complex/cyclodextrin Slurry 1.
  • the mixed perfume complex/cyclodextrin Slurry 1 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material followed by a drying step.
  • a mobile slurry is prepared similar to that of the mixed perfume complex/cyclodextrin Slurry 1, except that about 10 g of polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of about 4,600 is dissolved in the cyclodextrin slurry before the addition of the cyclodextrin/perfume complex slurry.
  • the mixed perfume complex/cyclodextrin Slurry 2 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material followed by a drying step.
  • Solid cyclodextrin/perfume complex/polyethylene glycol particles are prepared as follows. One part of Complex 1 is mixed thoroughly with about 2 part of molten polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of about 3,400, at about 70°C. The composition solidifies upon cooling, and is cryogenically ground in dry ice. The resulting solid cyclodextrin/perfume complex/polyethylene glycol particles are sorted to get particle size of less than about 500 microns.
  • Complex Particles 1 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly sprinkling, mixing, or distributing the complex particles onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material and the resulting mixture is heated to about 80°C for 5 minutes in an oven or under infrared light to attached said Complex Particles 1 onto said animal litter material.
  • Complex Particles 2 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly sprinkling, mixing, or distributing the complex particles onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material and the resulting mixture is heated to about 80°C for 5 minutes in an oven or under infrared light to attached said Complex Particles 1 onto said animal litter material.
  • Solid cyclodextrin/perfume complex/polyethylene glycol particles are prepared as follows. One part of Complex 1 is mixed thoroughly with about 3 part of molten polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of about 1,450, at about 80°C. The molten composition is atomized in a spray drying tower to obtain solid particles. Solid particles solidify on the wall of the tower and are removed for particle size classification. Particles larger than about 500 microns are ground further to reduce the particle size by cryogenic grinding with dry ice.
  • Complex Particles 2 can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly sprinkling, mixing, or distributing the complex particles onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material and the resulting mixture is heated to about 66 80°C for 5 minutes in an oven or under infrared light to attached said Complex Particles
  • Moisture-activated matrix perfume microcapsules can be applied to the animal litter by uniformly sprinkling, mixing, or distributing the microcapsules onto the solid liquid-absorbent litter material.
  • An example of water-activated matrix perfume microcapsules is made according to Example 1 of U.S. Pat 3.971,852, having a perfume loading of about 60%.
  • Two samples of commercial clay cat litter products are used in the following non-limiting animal litter compositions of the present invention.
  • One product is the Unscented Ever Clean® Premium Clumping Litter, Extra Strength for Multiple Cats, a clumping clay product from A&M Products, a First Brands Company, Danbury, Connecticut.
  • the Unscented Ever Clean Premium Clumping Litter is used as is.
  • the other product is Sophista-Cat® Cat Litter, a simple ground clay product from Pacific Coast Distributing, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona.
  • the unscented Sophista-Cat ground clay is further sieved through Sieve # 7 (2.80 mm) and retained on Sieve # 10 (2 mm) for use in the preparation of the animal litter compositions.
  • aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (approximately 40% active) is blended with about 4 parts of an aqueous solution of zinc chloride (approximately 70% active) to form a mixed concentrated cyclodextrin-zinc chloride solution which contains about 25.45% hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and 5 about 25.45% zinc chloride.
  • a mixed concentrated cyclodextrin-zinc chloride solution which contains about 25.45% hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin and 5 about 25.45% zinc chloride.
  • about 57.36 g of the mixed cyclodextrin-zinc chloride solution is sprayed uniformly with frequent mixing onto about 2,000 g of Sophista-Cat ground clay, and let dry to obtain the animal litter composition of Example I.
  • Example II is prepared similarly to the procedure of Example II
  • Example I except that only about 28.68 g of the mixed cyclodextrin-zinc chloride solution is sprayed onto about 2,000 g of Sophista-Cat ground clay.
  • compositions of Examples III and IV are prepared similarly to the procedure of Examples I and II, respectively, except that the Ever Clean clumping clay is used instead of the Sophista-Cat ground clay.
  • Comparative Example V is prepared similarly to the procedure of Example I, except that about 73 g of the hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin aqueous solution (approximately 40% active) is sprayed onto about 2,000 g of Sophista- Cat ground clay.
  • Comparative Example VI is prepared similarly to the procedure of Example I, except that about 41.74 g of the zinc chloride aqueous solution (approximately 70% active) is sprayed onto about 2,000 g of Sophista-Cat ground clay.
  • the product is evaluated for odor control by placing about 3 pounds (about 1,362 g) of product in a cat litter tray in homes which have 2 to 4 cats. The feces is removed daily. At the end of the third day, malodor level of the litter tray is graded. It is found that animal litter of Example I has noticeable lower malodor than the untreated animal litter as well as having noticeable lower malodor than those of Comparative Examples V and VI. ⁇ Ex. VII Ex. VIII Ex. IX
  • Example XIV beta-Cyclodextrin powder is obtained by grinding beta-cyclodextrin crystals in a Trost Air Impact Pulverizer jet mill.
  • the powder has an average particle size of about 5 microns.
  • a mobile slurry is prepared by mixing about 200 g of the beta-cyclodextrin powder in about 800 ml of water in a stainless mixing bowl of a KitchenAid® mixer using a plastic coated heavy duty mixing blade. Mixing is continued while about 285.7 g of a zinc chloride aqueous solution (approximately 70% active) is added. Stirring is continued for about 5 minutes to yield the mixed cyclodextrin and zinc chloride slurry.
  • Example XV The litter composition of Example XV is prepared similarly to that of Example XIV using the appropriate amounts of actives. 5 ⁇ 6 Example XVI
  • a mobile slurry is prepared by mixing about 200 g of the beta-cyclodextrin powder and about 1 1 g of a polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of about 4,600 in about 800 ml of water, in a stainless mixing bowl of a KitchenAid® mixer using a plastic coated heavy duty mixing blade. Mixing is continued while about 95.24 g of a zinc chloride aqueous solution (approximately 70% active) is added. Stirring is continued for about 5 minutes to yield the mixed cyclodextrin and zinc chloride slurry.
  • Example XVII The litter composition of Example XVII is prepared similarly to that of Example XVI using the appropriate amounts of actives.
  • a warm solution is prepared by mixing about 1 part of the beta-cyclodextrin in about 9 parts of water maintained at a temperature of about 70°C, in a stainless vessel. About 80 g of the warm solution is applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the solution, with frequent mixing, onto about 2,000 g of ground clay litter material and let dry. About 15 g of a aqueous zinc chloride solution (about 40% active) is then uniformly sprayed, with mixing, onto the litter material, to obtain the animal litter composition of Example XVIII.
  • Example XIX is prepared similarly to that of Example XVIII using the appropriate amounts of beta-cyclodextrin and zinc chloride, followed by spraying of about 20 g of an aqueous solution (about 1% active) of trichlorophenol.
  • the litter compositions of Examples XX and XXI are prepared by sequential spraying of appropriate amounts of a hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin solution and a antimicrobial solution.
  • Example XXII An aqueous slurry containing beta-cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin/Perfume A complex and polyethylene glycol of average MW of about 4600 is prepared according to the procedure of Mixed Perfume Complex/Cyclodextrin Slurry 2 given hereinabove. About 42.4 g of the slurry is applied to the animal litter by uniformly spraying the mobile slurry onto about 2,000 g of solid liquid-absorbent litter material, followed by a spraying of a 5% ethanolic solution of 3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide, and a drying step, to obtain the animal litter composition of Example XXII.
  • Example XIII An aqueous slurry containing beta-cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin/Perfume A complex and polyethylene glycol of average MW of about 4600 is prepared according to the procedure of Mixed Perfume Complex/Cyclodextrin Slurry 2 given herein
  • aqueous slurry containing beta-cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin/Perfume B complex and polyethylene glycol of average MW of about 4600 is prepared similar to the procedure of Mixed Perfume Complex/Cyclodextrin Slurry 2 given hereinabove.
  • the cyclodextrin slurry is first applied to the animal litter by spraying, followed by a spraying of the ethanolic solution, and a drying step, to obtain the animal litter composition of Example XXIII.
  • Example XXIV The animal litter composition of Example XXIV is prepared by a successive spraying of an aqueous solution of the cyclodextrin derivative, a solution of the urease inhibitor, and a slurry of beta-cyclodextrin/Perfurne C complex which is prepared according to the procedure of the Slurry 1 given hereinabove.
  • Example XXV The animal litter composition of Example XXIV is prepared by a successive spraying of an aqueous solution of the cyclodextrin derivative, a solution of the urease inhibitor, and a slurry of beta-cyclodextrin/Perfurne C complex which is prepared according to the procedure of the Slurry 1 given hereinabove.
  • Example XXV The animal litter composition of Example XXV
  • the animal litter composition of Example XXV is prepared by a successive spraying of an aqueous solution of the cyclodextrin derivative and a solution of the urease inhibitor, followed by a drying step.
  • a suitable amount of cyclodextriri/perfume A complex, coated by polyethylene glycol, prepared according to the Complex Particles 1 given hereinbefore, is uniformly blended with the animal litter material, then the resulting composition is heated to melt the polyetlylene glycol and to bind the cyclodextrin complex to the litter material.
  • Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin 0.30 Hydroxypropyl-alpha-cyclodextrin 0.13 Propylene glycol 0.03 beta-Cyclodextrin — 0.20
  • the cyclodextrin/perfume complex is prepared according to the procedure of Slurry 2 given hereinabove, using beta-cyclodextrin, Perfume A, and polyethylene glycol with an average MW of about 4,600. About 0.179% of Slurry 2 is needed to provide about 0.05% of cyclodextrin/perfume complex.
  • the pressure-activated matrix perfume microcapsules is prepared according to U.S. Pat. 4,407,231, Colborn et al, issued Oct. 4, 1983, using Perfume A; the capsules have a perfume loading of about 65%.
  • the surfactant for use in cleaning and/or in solubilizing the preferred perfumes in aqueous compositions containing cyclodextrins is preferably cyclodextrin- compatible, that is it should not substantially form a complex with the cyclodextrin so as to diminish performance of the cyclodextrin and/or the surfactant.
  • Complex formation diminishes both the ability of the cyclodextrin to absorb odors and the ability of the surfactant to solubilize the perfumes in the aqueous compositions.
  • Nonlimiting examples of cyclodextrin-compatible nonionic surfactants include block copolymers of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes, and alkyldiphenyl oxide disulfonates.
  • Nonlimiting examples of cyclodextrin-compatible EO/PO surfactants are Pluronic® and Tetronic®.
  • Examples of polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes are the Silwet® surfactants which are available from OSi Specialties, Inc., Danbury, Connecticut.
  • alkyldiphenyl oxide disulfonate surfactants are sold under the name Dowfax®, and are available from the Dow Chemical Company.
  • compositions and articles of manufacture for use to repel animals Following are nonlimiting Examples of compositions and articles of manufacture for use to repel animals.
  • Example XXX is loaded into a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ ., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a clothed sofa, and allowed to evaporate off the sofa.
  • Example XXXVII (fi S The composition of Example XXXII is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto draperies, and allowed to evaporate off the draperies.
  • Example XIII is loaded into a Calmar TS800-1A trigger sprayer, available from Calmar Inc., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a ca ⁇ et, and allowed to evaporate off the ca ⁇ et.
  • a Calmar TS800-1A trigger sprayer available from Calmar Inc.
  • compositions and articles of manufacture for use to attract animals.
  • Example XXXX is loaded into a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ ., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to attract animals to said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto an animal bed, and allowed to evaporate off the bed.
  • a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ .
  • Example XXXXII The composition of Example XXXII is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a scratching post, and allowed to evaporate off the scratching post.
  • Example XXXXVII The composition of Example XXXXII is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a scratching post, and allowed to evaporate off the scratching post.
  • Example XXXXIII is loaded into a Calmar TS800-1A trigger sprayer, available from Calmar Inc., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas to keep animals away from said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a ca ⁇ et, and allowed to evaporate off the ca ⁇ et.
  • a Calmar TS800-1A trigger sprayer available from Calmar Inc.
  • Example XXXXIX is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition on to areas where animals have caused, or may cause, an odor to freshen said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a dry ca ⁇ et that is previously soiled with animal's urine, and allowed to evaporate off the ca ⁇ et.
  • a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing
  • Example LII The composition of Example LII is loaded into a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ ., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition on to areas where animals have caused, or may cause, an odor to freshen said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a floor area surrounding an animal litter tray, and allowed to evaporate off the floor.
  • a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ .
  • Example VIII is loaded into a Calmar TS 800-1 A trigger sprayer, available from Calmar Inc., said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition on to areas where animals have caused, or may cause, an odor to freshen said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is sprayed onto a soiled animal litter, and allowed to evaporate off the litter.
  • a trigger sprayer available from Calmar Inc.
  • Example L The composition of Example L is loaded into a plastic bottle, said bottle comprising instructions to apply said composition onto areas where animals have caused, or may cause, an odor to freshen said areas, and then, in accordance with said instructions, the composition is poured from the bottle onto a dry ca ⁇ et that is previously soiled with animal's urine, and allowed to evaporate off the ca ⁇ et.
  • Example LVIII is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing, said sprayer comprising instructions to spray said composition onto areas where animals have made a mess as part of a cleaning process.
  • a ca ⁇ et is soiled with animal's feces.
  • the solid soil is removed and the soiled area is wiped with paper towels.
  • the composition of Example LVIII is then > 7 sprayed on the soiled area in accordance with said instructions, and then wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • Example LIX is loaded into a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ , said sprayer comprising instructions to use said composition on animal soils to assist in their removal.
  • a ca ⁇ et is soiled with animal's vomit.
  • the solid soil is removed and the soiled area is wiped with paper towels.
  • the composition of Example LIX is then sprayed, in accordance with said instructions, on the soiled area, and wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • Example LXV Guala® trigger sprayer
  • Example LXVIA The compositions of Example LX is loaded into a Calmar TS800-1A trigger sprayer, available from Calmar Inc. A ca ⁇ et is soiled with animal's urine. The soiled area is wiped with paper towels. The composition of Example LX is then sprayed on the soiled area, and wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • Example LXI is loaded into a blue inserted Guala® trigger sprayer, available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ . A linoleum floor is soiled with animal's feces. The solid soil is removed and the soiled area is wiped with paper towels. The composition of Example LXI is then sprayed on the soiled area, and wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • Guala® trigger sprayer available from Berry Plastics Co ⁇ .
  • a linoleum floor is soiled with animal's feces.
  • the solid soil is removed and the soiled area is wiped with paper towels.
  • the composition of Example LXI is then sprayed on the soiled area, and wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • Example LXII is loaded into a cylindrical Euromist II® pump sprayer available from Seaquest Dispensing. A car seat is soiled with animal's saliva. The soiled area is first wiped with paper towels. The composition of Example LXII is then sprayed on the soiled area, and wiped off with paper towels and allowed to dry.
  • An aqueous composition comprising about 200 g of beta-cyclodextrin, about 200g of zinc chloride, about 1.5 g of perfume A, and about 900 g of water is prepared according to the procedure of Example XIV and packaged in association with instructions to apply said composition uniformly to absorbent animal litter material to prepare a litter that minimizes odor.
  • This composition is used in accordance with said instructions and is sprayed uniformly, with sufficient mixing to provide uniform 6>S distribution, on fresh solid litter material in a litter tray at a level of from about 10 g to about 80 g of composition per 1000 g of litter material.
  • An aqueous composition comprising about 50 g hydroxypropyl beta- cyclodextrin, about 100 g of zinc chloride, about 1 g perfume B, about 1 g of Silwet L- 7600 surfactant, about 0.5 g of chlorhexidine, and about 850 g of water is prepared by mixing the ingredients together.
  • This composition is used to spray uniformly, with sufficient mixing to provide uniform distribution, on fresh solid litter material in a litter tray at a level of from about 20 g to about 100 g of composition per 1000 g of litter material.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
  • Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

Systèmes d'hygiène animale qui se présentent sous forme de litière à retenue réduite des mauvaises odeurs et comprennent une matière solide absorbant l'humidité et des quantités efficaces de matière absorbant les odeurs, de préférence la cyclodextrine ou un de ses dérivés, et une matière destinée à réduire la formation de mauvaises odeurs, par ex. un anti-bactérien et/ou inhibiteur d'uréase, de préférence des sels de métaux solubles, tel que le sel de zinc. Lesdits systèmes comprennent aussi des produits visant à contrôler le comportement, tels que les produits répulsifs et attractifs, de préférence sous forme de spray, et des produits désodorisants et de nettoyage, également sous forme de spray, de préférence assortis du mode d'emploi des produits fournissant une méthode de contrôle de l'animal dans laquelle la litière est nettoyée au besoin et certaines zones sont traitées avec des produits répulsifs et attractifs en vue d'inciter les animaux à éviter certains endroits et à en fréquenter d'autres. Lesdits systèmes comprennent en outre des produits de nettoyage des endroits où se sont produits les accidents et des produits tendant à dissuader l'animal de retourner dans ces endroits.
EP97953385A 1996-12-17 1997-12-17 Systeme d'hygiene animale et litiere a retenue reduite des mauvaises odeurs Withdrawn EP0946808A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US3302296P 1996-12-17 1996-12-17
US3365096P 1996-12-17 1996-12-17
US3275296P 1996-12-17 1996-12-17
US32752P 1996-12-17
US33650P 1996-12-17
US33022P 1996-12-17
PCT/US1997/023702 WO1998027261A2 (fr) 1996-12-17 1997-12-17 Systeme d'hygiene animale et litiere a retenue reduite des mauvaises odeurs

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0946808A2 true EP0946808A2 (fr) 1999-10-06

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97953385A Withdrawn EP0946808A2 (fr) 1996-12-17 1997-12-17 Systeme d'hygiene animale et litiere a retenue reduite des mauvaises odeurs

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0946808A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002514912A (fr)
BR (1) BR9714042A (fr)
CA (1) CA2275217A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998027261A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR9714042A (pt) 2000-10-24
JP2002514912A (ja) 2002-05-21
WO1998027261A2 (fr) 1998-06-25
WO1998027261A3 (fr) 1998-09-03
CA2275217A1 (fr) 1998-06-25

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