GB2622121A

GB2622121A - Phosphorescent biodegradable carrier and applicator

Info

Publication number: GB2622121A
Application number: GB2302780.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Spencer Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2023-02-27
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: GB202302780D0

Abstract

A device for illuminating the interior of sanitaryware comprises a water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprising: a phosphorescent material e.g. strontium aluminate; and a biodegradable carrier material comprising: gelatin; water; and a cross-linking additive e.g. citric acid. The device is preferably received in a housing that is mounted on an applicator to permit deployment of the device to a surface of sanitaryware.

Description

PHOSPHORESCENT BIODEGRADABLE CARRIER AND APPLICATOR FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a phosphorescent biodegradable carrier and in particular a carrier used to illuminate a sanitary container.

BACKGROUND

A wide range of devices to illuminate a sanitary container such as a toilet bowl or urinal are known, with the aim of guiding urination (primarily by men and in particular young boys), guiding users to the container (both sexes) and informing when a toilet seat is down (both sexes) in low light conditions. Such devices typically are of the following types: powered light sources powered by mains supply or battery that shine down into the container, some actuated by a user's presence or movement of a seat; powered light sources adapted to be positioned inside the rim of the container; and luminescent devices that may be positioned inside the rim of the container, charged by exposure to ambient light and that then glow in the dark. Advantageously the devices should show the position of the container, but also guide a male user to urinate in the right place. For this purpose the rim mounted devices are optimal, though powered devices in this application have the disadvantage that they will tend to be covered in water and urine in use and so need to be robustly built and waterproof, and hence costly; they are also potentially unpleasant to clean and to replace the batteries. Luminescent devices are therefore advantageous, and the prior art provides examples of device using standard luminescent tape components to provide illumination inside a toilet bowl, for example. However, such devices suffer from a further disadvantage: they impede cleaning of the container, and their fixing to the surface may itself act to trap contamination and bacteria. The present invention aims to improve on the present art of such luminescent devices.

PRIOR ART

GB2514695 (SPENCER) discloses a luminescent device to illuminate a sanitary container. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for illuminating the interior of sanitaryware, comprising a water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprising: a phosphorescent material; and a biodegradable carrier material comprising: gelatin; water; and a cross-linking additive.

The device (carrier) is placed inside sanitary ware such as in a toilet bowl to guide a user whilst using the toilet during the night or in low light levels. In this way a user is able to negate the use for bright artificial lights being switched on during the night or when low level lighting is in use, advantageously minimising disturbance to a user who has woken to use the toilet and thereby reducing sleep interruption. The device offers a natural luminescence bright enough to illuminate the toilet yet dim enough so that the user's sleep is not interrupted.

The use of the device in sanitary ware reduces risks associated with low quality and disturbed sleep through the user getting up to use the toilet during the night, as normal practice would be for the user to switch on the bathroom light which can trick the user's body into thinking it is time to wake up. As the device provides low light illumination inside the toilet bowl to ensure the user can identify the toilet in the dark, without requiring brighter lighting that can affect ability to get back to sleep afterwards.

The device is biodegradable and is gradually dissolved each time the device is exposed to water, for example when the toilet is flushed, eventually dissolving entirely. Advantageously the device may include an antibacterial cleaner, preferably a non-pollutant antibacterial cleaner so that the device performs two functions; toilet cleaning and a low-level light guide for the user.

In some embodiments the device may also include a fragrance or a deodoriser. For example the device may be scented. It is appreciated that a fragrance component is added to the device, so that a scent is emitted during the life of the device. The fragrance component may be part of the phosphorescent material; and/or part of the biodegradable carrier.

The term "phosphorescent material" is used herein to refer to a material which continues to emit light after exposure to a source of radiation (such as for example a light source) has been removed. Preferably, the phosphorescent material is capable of emitting light for a period of at least 3 hours, preferably at least 6 hours, for example up to 12 hours after exposure to radiation.

The term "biodegradable carrier material" is used herein to refer to carrier material which is able to withstand wet conditions and able to slowly degrade over a predetermined period of time. The carrier material is safe to use in connection with sanitaryware and to flush away without any further impact on the environment or to have any effect on aquatic life.

The water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is preferably non-toxic.

Preferably, the biodegradable carrier material is substantially transparent.

Preferably, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is configured to maintain the phosphorescence of the phosphorescent material which mixed within the biodegradable carrier material.

Preferably, the phosphorescent material is strontium aluminate. Strontium aluminate is biologically and chemically inert and as such would have little to no impact on the environment.

Preferably, the phosphorescent material is dispersed within the biodegradable carrier material. Preferably, the phosphorescent material is homogeneously dispersed within the biodegradable carrier material.

The phosphorescent material may fluoresce in different spectra. In a preferred embodiment the material may fluoresce in the green/yellow region of the spectra, or within a blue region of the spectra. The colour of fluorescence typically depends upon the type of material(s) used. The use of different polymers can affect the colour fluoresced. For example fluorescing sheets may be formed from polyethylene or biopol. In tests both produced the same intensity of light in the green/yellow region of the spectra. Biopol appears to naturally fluoresce itself in the blue region of the spectra, however, this is not seen as the intensity of the blue light fluorescence is low and the green/yellow light produced by the polymer mixture is so intense.

In one embodiment, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises at least 0.5% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably at least 1% w/ phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably at least 2% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), for example at least 3% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate).

In one embodiment, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises no more than 15% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably no more than 10% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably no more than 6% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), for example no more than 5% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate).

In one embodiment, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises between 0.5% w/w and 15% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably between 0.5% and 10% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably between 1% and 10% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), preferably between 1% and 5% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate), for example about 4% w/w phosphorescent material (for example strontium aluminate).

Preferably, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises at least 0.5% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably at least 1% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably at least 1% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid). Preferably, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises no more than 10% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably no more than 5% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid). Preferably, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises between 0.5% w/w and 10% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably between 1% w/w and 10% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably between 0.5% and 5% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid), preferably between 1% w/w and 5% w/w cross-linking additive (for example citric acid).

In one embodiment, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises at least 1% w/w gelatin, preferably at least 5% w/w gelatin. Preferably, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises no more than 10% w/w gelatin. In one embodiment, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises between 1% w/w and 10% w/w gelatin, preferably between 5% w/w and 10% w/w gelatin.

Gelatin is preferably high-strength gelatin. Preferably, the gelatin has a gel strength of at least 200 g, preferably at least 300g.

In one embodiment, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises 3% w/w strontium aluminate; 7% w/w gelatin; 88% w/w water; and 2% citric acid.

The phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is preferably provided as a homogeneous layer. The device may be a multi-layer component, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is provided as a single layer.

The phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is preferably provided as a continuous layer.

The device may be elongate in shape comprising a pair of opposed side portions and a pair of opposed ends extending therebetween. For example, the device may be substantially rectangular in shape.

In one embodiment, the phosphorescent biodegradable carrier is provided as a plurality of discrete regions. For example, the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier may be provided as a plurality of discrete regions spaced apart between opposing ends of the device. The discrete regions may be evenly spaced apart along the length (as measured between opposing ends) of the device.

The phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier (for example each discrete region of carrier) preferably extends between the opposing side portions of the device.

The device may comprise an adhesive layer configured in use to secure the phosphorescent biodegradable carrier in a predetermined position on the interior of sanitaryware.

The adhesive layer preferably comprises a water soluble adhesive. For example, the water soluble adhesive preferably comprises a layer of PLA (poly-lactic acid or polylactide). The device may further comprise a peel-off backing layer in contact with the adhesive layer.

In some embodiments the carrier material may be suitable for adhering to a surface without requirement for a separate adhesive layer.

The device preferably is stored within a housing with a removable base portion configured to retain the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier therein until use.

The housing and removable base portion define a cavity extending therebetween. The cavity preferably being shaped and dimensioned to receive the device. The base portion is removed from the housing to provide access to the cavity and the device stored therein. For example the base portion may be a peel-off backing layer that is in contact with the carrier, so that once removed the carrier is presented and adhered to the sanitaryware surface.

In one embodiment, the sanitaryware may be selected from: a toilet bowl, a urinal, a wash basin, or chemical toilet bowl.

The housing is preferably mounted on a flexible body having a substantially planar form and having a front surface and a rear surface. The water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is preferably provided or mounted at or adjacent the front surface which is substantially transparent or translucent so as to be visible on that surface.

The flexible body is preferably configurable to act as an applicator for attaching the device to the sanitaryware.

The flexible body may include a single water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier or a plurality of water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carriers. The plurality of devices may be equally spaced apart from each other along the length of the flexible body, or a plurality of flexible bodies, each flexible body holding a device, are connected and each flexible body can be separated to permit application of a device from the housing to a surface.

In one embodiment, the devices may be provided as a set of devices each mounted on their own flexible body which in turn is able to be used as an applicator. For example the set of devices may comprise a plurality of flexible bodies each having a housing that contains a device and the flexible bodies are releasably connected to each other. For example each flexible body may be aligned with and engaged with an adjacent device along a line of weakness, such as for example perforations. In this way one flexible body and device can be removed from the set when required for use.

A presentation surface of the device is provided at or adjacent the rear surface so that the presentation surface engages with the surface of the sanitaryware. In some embodiments the device has an adhesive layer provided at or adjacent the rear surface, so that the adhesive surface is presented to the surface of the sanitaryware.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a liquid flow pathway across a region of a rear surface of the device surface, such that in use when the rear surface of the device is adhered to the surface of sanitaryware, liquid may flow behind one or more part of the water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier through the one or more liquid flow pathway(s).

The liquid flow pathway may be provided by one or more grooves, provided on the rear surface of the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier. The liquid pathway (for example one or more grooves) may extend at an angle to (for example perpendicular to) the elongate axis of the device (for example at an angle to (for example perpendicular to) an axis extending between opposed ends of the device). Preferably the liquid pathways extend to allow liquid to flow behind the device and exit to a point of drainage provided on the sanitaryware.

The flexible body may be elongate and comprise a pair of opposed side portions with a pair of opposed ends extending therebetween and defining an elongate axis extending between said opposed ends.

The flexible body may be moveable between a first configuration for use in installing the device onto sanitaryware, and a second stowed configuration for storage.

The flexible body may comprise one or more hinge portions to enable the flexible body to be configured by folding at the hinges.

In one embodiment, the set of packages (devices provided in a housing that are each mounted on the flexible body) may further comprise a casing defining a cavity for receiving the set of devices in the second stowed configuration. The casing may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example cardboard and/or plastic. In one embodiment, the casing is preferably composed of biodegradable material such as Polylactic acid plastic (PLA). The housing may for example be in the form of a sleeve.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to the following Examples together with the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1A is a photograph of samples of water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carriers according to one embodiment of the present invention with the light on; Figure 1B is a photograph of the samples of Figure 1A with the light off demonstrating the phosphorescence; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the device of Figure 2 in the first configuration; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the device of Figure 2 in the second stowed configuration; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the biodegradable carrier within a mountable housing; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of devices of Figure 2 in the first configuration and releasably mounted to each other; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a review view of the plurality of devices shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the plurality of devices of Figure 7 in the second stowed configuration; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of devices of Figure 8, each set of devices placed in the second stowed configuration and received within a casing; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of the tray for holding a plurality of devices; Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a set of devices of Figure 8 placed in the second stowed configuration and received within a housing; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of an end view of the device shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a plan view of the housing; Figure 14A shows an exploded view of four devices and the housing; Figure 14B shows four devices; Figure 14C shows an exploded view of an individual device; and Figure 15 shows diagrammatic set of step by step instructions for deploying the carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example 1: Phosphorescence of High-Strength Gelatin-Citric Acid Carrier Table 1 shows the samples which were prepared to test the phosphorescence of a water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprising: strontium aluminate; gelatin; water; and citric acid.

Each sample comprises 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength), 50 mL water and 1 g citric acid. The amount of strontium aluminate varies between samples: Sample Composition of Sample Sample 1 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 0.5 g strontium aluminate Sample 2 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 1.0 g strontium aluminate Sample 3 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 1.5 g strontium aluminate Sample 4 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 2 g strontium aluminate Sample 5 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 3 g strontium aluminate Sample 6 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid 4 g strontium aluminate

Table 1

The samples were prepared by heating the water, gelatin and citric acid to approximately 40 °C. The samples were then poured into a mould which contained a layer of strontium aluminate. The samples are left to set overnight.

Example 2: Water degradation of Gelatin-Citric Acid Biodegradable Carrier Material It was noted that commercially available strips are provided in gel-form and the packaging states that the strip could last up to four weeks in a toilet. Tests showed that when these strips were submerged in water, that the strip had fully degraded in a day. As such, a correlation was made between a degradation time of one day (when submerged in water) and the ability to last four weeks when present within a toilet environment. This reference point was used in relation to the biodegradable carrier materials used in the present invention.

Table 2 shows the samples which were prepared to test the water degradation properties of the biodegradable carrier material comprising: gelatin; water; and citric acid as the cross-linking additive.

The water, citric acid and gelatin were heated and stirred to approximately 40 °C before allowing to cool down to 21-23°C to provide the biodegradable carrier material.

Biodegradable Carrier Material Composition of Biodegradable Carrier Material Biodegradable Carrier Material 1 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 0.25 g citric acid Biodegradable Carrier Material 2 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 0.5 g citric acid Biodegradable Carrier Material 3 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 1 g citric acid Biodegradable Carrier Material 4 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 2 g citric acid Biodegradable Carrier Material 5 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) 50 mL water 4 g citric acid Biodegradable Carrier Material 6 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength) SO mL water Biodegradable Carrier Material Composition of Biodegradable Carrier Material 6 g citric acid

Table 2

The biodegradable carrier materials (1 to 6) of Table 2 were analysed to determine the time taken for the materials to degrade when submerged in water. The results are shown in Table 3.

Biodegradable Carrier Material No. of Days before Degradation Occurred Biodegradable Carrier Material 1 7 Biodegradable Carrier Material 2 7 Biodegradable Carrier Material 3 6 Biodegradable Carrier Material 4 5 Biodegradable Carrier Material 5 4 Biodegradable Carrier Material 6 1.5

Table 3

Table 3 shows that as the amount of citric acid present within the biodegradable carrier material increased, the amount of time that the material survives within a water based environment decreases. The presence of the cross-linking agent (e.g. citric acid) has been found to affect the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) which gives rise to a decrease in time for degradation to occur.

Example 3: Phosphorescence of water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carriers A number of samples were prepared using a biological carrier material comprising: 4 g gelatin (300 g gel strength); 50 mL water and 1 g citric acid and varying amounts of strontium aluminate as shown in Table 4: Strontium Aluminate Content (B) Time of Intense Time of Diminished Phosphorescence (hrs) Phosphorescence (hrs) 0.5 2 3.9 1 2 3.9 1.5 2 3.9 2 2 3.9 3 2 3.9 4 2 3.9

Table 4

Each sample was exposed to three minutes of dimmed visible light to mimic the natural environment of a toilet bowl. The samples were then placed in darkness and observed using a Go-Pro camera to document a time-lapse of the intensity of the phosphorescence of each sample over time. The results are shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

The Go-Pro camera was set up to capture a frame every 0.5 second with a video output to play a speed of 30 frames per second. This information was then converted into real time, as every second in the time-lapse is equivalent to 15 seconds of real time. It was found that a reasonable intensity (herein referred to as "intense phosphorescence") of phosphorescence can be seen up to and around 8 minutes (2 hours of real-time) for all samples with varying strontium aluminate content. Lower intensity phosphorescence was captured up to 15 minutes and 24 seconds (approximately 3.9 hours real-time). It therefore appears that the concentration of phosphorescent material (e.g. strontium aluminate) within the biodegradable carrier material does not have an effect on the phosphorescent life time of the carrier. It is considered, in light of the results shown in Figure 1B, that a greater concentration of phosphorescent material is required to provide a uniform phosphorescence across the strip.

With reference to Figures 2 to 14, the device 5 is provided a device 5 within a housing 11 that is mounted on a flexible body 2, portions of which define flaps for example, that are foldable to serves as an applicator. The device 5 together with the applicator 2 is a package 1. The flexible body (applicator) 2 has a substantially planar form and having front 3 and rear 4 surfaces. The water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier 5 (the device) within the housing 11 is mounted on the flexible body 2 so as to extend from the front surface 3 so as to be visible on that surface.

The flexible body 2 is substantially elongate in shape with a substantially rectangular profile. The flexible body 2 provides a pair of opposed side portions 6, 7 with a pair of opposed end portions 8, 9. The flexible body 2 provides a substantially centrally located aperture 10 located between the side portions 6,7 and end portions 8,9. The aperture 10 is shaped and dimensioned to receive and engage the housing 11 that contains the water soluble, phosphorescent biodegradable carrier 5 mounted therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 10 is substantially rectangular in shape and configured to receive a substantially rectangular shaped housing 11. It is however to be understood that the flexible body 2 may comprise any suitable number of apertures 10, each aperture 10 having any suitable shape and dimension to receive a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned housing 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 5 is releasably mounted within the housing 11 of the flexible body 2. As such, the carrier 5 may be removed and replaced when required.

The flexible body 2 that holds the housing 11, 13 that contains the carriers 5 is connected to a panel section 2A (see Figures 7 and 8). In preferred embodiments the panel section 2A includes the instructions (see Figure 15) for configuring the flexible body 2 and deploying the carrier 5 from the housing 11, 13 onto a surface.

As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 14C, the carrier 5 is received and stored within a mountable housing 11 shaped and dimensioned to prevent unintentional removal of the carrier 5 from the aperture 10 provided by the flexible body 2. The mountable housing 11 defines a cavity 12 for receiving the carrier Sand a removable base portion 13 encloses the carrier within the housing. In use the base portion 13 is peeled away to reveal an abutment surface of the carrier 5 that attached to the sanitary unit.

The housing 11 has a lip 11A for contacting the rear surface 4 of the flexible body 2 adjacent the aperture 10. The lip 11A prevents the housing from passing through the aperture 10.

The carrier 5 further comprises a liquid flow pathway 14 extending across the rear region thereof and positioned in use adjacent the rear surface 4 of the device 5. The liquid flow pathway 14 provides a plurality of spaced apart grooves extending substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the flexible body 2.

In use, the flexible body 2 is moveable between a configuration suitable for use and application to sanitaryware (as shown in Figure 3) from a stowed configuration (as shown in Figure 4) in which they are packaged and stored. The flexible body 2 comprises two spaced apart hinge portions 16a, 16b. Each hinge portion 16a, 16b is located between an end portion 8, 9 and the aperture 10. The aperture 10 receives a housing 11 that contains the carrier S. This embodiment enables the flexible body 2 to be reused by inserting it into a new housing. It is to be understood that the body 2 may comprise any suitable number of hinge or foldable portions or tabs. The hinge portions 16a, 16b enable the flexible body 2 to be moved between the first and second configurations and when folded tabs provide a suitable grip for a user to hold during deployment of the device.

As shown in Figures 6 to 11, the package 1 may be provided as a set comprising a plurality of packages 1 with each package 1 comprising a housing 11 which encases the device 5 and the flexible body 2 that is configured to be an applicator tool. Within the set, each package 1 is releasably engaged to a further package 1 along edges of the side portions 6, 7 and end portions 8, 9 thereof. A line of weakness, in the form of for example perforations, is provided between adjacent edges of the side portions 6, 7 and end portions 8, 9 to enable ease of separation of one package 1 from the adjacent package 1. The panel section 2A connects to ends of the end portions 8 (see Figure 6). It is appreciated that the panel section 2A may be connected to either end portion 8, 9.

The set of packages 1 may be stored within a casing 15 within the second stowed configuration as shown in Figures 9, 11 and 12. Advantageously the casing 15 which prevents the flexible body 2 from unfolding.

For storage and display purposes packages 1 are received within a casing 15 which in turn are arranged in a tray 20, which has a plurality of slots 21 for receiving an end of the set of devices 1. It is appreciated that the tray 20 has slots 21 that correspond to the shape and dimensions of the devices 1 and that the number of slots 21 provided may vary depending on requirements for storage, manufacture, transport or display.

In use, the user slides the set of packages 1 out of the casing 15. The housing 15 is formed from a sheet of material (see Figure 13) which is folded to create the casing 15. The casing 15 has a plurality of bend points X1 to X8. The pictured embodiment includes preferred dimensions, but it is appreciated that the housing may be provided in different shapes and sizes.

The preformed bend points X1 to X8 are detailed below including the bend direction, bend angle and bend radius.

BEND ID BEND DIRECTION BEND ANGLE BEND RADIUS

X1 DOWN 84,54 2,5 X2 UP 39,54 2 X3 DOWN 45 2 X4 DOWN 48,814 2,5 X5 DOWN 90 2,5 X6 DOWN 41,186 2,5 X7 DOWN 41,186 2,5 X8 DOWN 48,814 2,5 The user separates a package 1 from the remaining packages 1 within the set by, for example, tearing along a perforation or line of weakness.

The user then unfolds the flexible body 2 of the package 1 at the hinge portions 16a, 16b to position the flexible body 2 in the first configuration in which the flexible body 2 is held at the end points 8, 9 so that the user's hands are spaced apart from the surface of the sanitaryware, making application easier. The peelable base portion 13 is removed and the rear surface of the carrier 5 is then placed into contact with the sanitaryware, for example by use of an adhesive layer provided on the device 5, or simply by the adhesive nature of the device 5 itself.

After exposure to a light source, the device 5 is able to provide phosphorescence for a predetermined period of time.

During use, for example exposure to water during flushing, the device 5 biodegrades. The devices is non-toxic and as such does not have any environmental impact. Once the device 5 has biodegraded, the user may replace the devices (i.e. by applying a new device using a new applicator (flexible body 2) or by inserting a further device into an empty housing on the applicator and applying the new device, or by inserting a new housing with a new device into an aperture on the flexible body 2 and applying the new device).

Figure 15 shows a set of instructions for deploying a package 1 formed of the device 5 and flexible body 2. The side portions 6, 7 and end portions 8, 9 are unfolded from the stowed configuration so as to present a rear face 4 of the device 5 towards the sanitaryware. The end portions 8, 9 are arranged adjacent to one another to form a handle for a user to hold whilst attaching the device 5 to a surface. The peelable base portion 13 is then removed to allow the device 5 that is sealed within the housing 11 and the base portion 13 to be attached to the sanitaryware.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for illuminating the interior of sanitaryware, comprising a water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprising: a phosphorescent material; and a biodegradable carrier material comprising: gelatin; water; and a cross-linking additive.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the phosphorescent material is strontium aluminate.
3. A device as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises at least 1% w/w phosphorescent material.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the cross-linking additive comprises citric acid.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises 1% w/w of a cross-linking agent.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises at least 1% gelatin.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which gelatin is high-strength gelatin.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier comprises 3% w/w strontium aluminate; 7% w/w gelatin; 88% w/w water; and 2% citric acid.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is provided as a homogeneous layer.
A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device is a multi-layer component, in which the phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is provided as a single layer.
11 A device as claimed in claim 10, in which the device comprises an adhesive layer configured in use to secure the phosphorescent biodegradable carrier in a predetermined position on the interior of sanitaryware.
12 A device as claimed in claim 11, in which the adhesive layer comprises a water soluble adhesive.
13 A device as claimed in claim 12, in which the water soluble adhesive comprises a layer of PLA (poly-lactic acid or polylactide).
14 A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the water soluble phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier is provided as a continuous layer.
15. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the water soluble phosphorescent biodegradable carrier is provided as a plurality of discrete regions.
16. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sanitaryware is one of: a toilet bowl, a urinal, a wash basin, or chemical toilet bowl.
17. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a liquid flow pathway across a region of the carrier, such that in use when adhered to the surface of sanitaryware, liquid may flow behind the water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier through the liquid flow pathway.
18. A device according to any preceding claim include a fragrance combined with the water soluble, phosphorescent, biodegradable carrier.
19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, received in a housing with a removable base portion.
20. A device according to claim 19 wherein the housing and removable base portion is received by a flexible body together forming a package.
21. A package according to claim 20 wherein the flexible body has a substantially planar form with hinge portions to permit folding for forming an applicator.
22. A package as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 21, in which the housing containing the device is releasably mounted on the flexible body.
23. A package as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the flexible body is moveable between a first configuration for use in installing the device onto sanitaryware, and a second stowed configuration for storage.
24. A package as claimed in either one of claims 20 to 23, further comprising a casing defining a cavity for receiving the flexible body and device in the second stowed configuration.