IT202000018640A1 - PRODUCT OR SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT FOR ITS MANUFACTURING INCLUDING TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND THERMAL ACTIVATOR - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

annexed to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION PATENT entitled:

?Product or semi-finished product for its realization comprising titanium dioxide and heat activator?

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a finished product or a semi-finished product for its realization comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics, where said finished product is preferably a mattress, a cushion, an armchair, a sofa, a chair, a seat of a vehicle (car, truck, bus, camper, caravan, and so on), a seat or a berth of a train, an armchair of an airplane, a theater or cinema seat, a pet kennel, a piece of clothing, or their external covering.

In particular, the present invention relates to a finished product, preferably a mattress or cushion, or a semi-finished product for its construction, comprising a layer made of polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex, wherein said layer comprises a blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a finished product, preferably a covering for a mattress or cushion, or a semi-finished product for its realization, comprising a textile layer, preferably made of fabric or non-woven fabric, where said textile layer comprises a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

STATE OF THE ART

Mattresses and pillows made of polymeric material are known, which are used to provide a support surface for a user's body and typically comprise one or more elements. layers made of latex and/or polyurethane foams.

External coatings of mattresses and cushions are also known which are suitable for protecting the mattresses and cushions to which they are applied to protect the internal layers from stains and wear; they usually constitute the interface surface between the mattress or pillow and the external environment.

In domestic applications, mattresses and pillows are usually used by the same user, while in other environments, such as hotels, hospitals, residences, hostels, farmhouses, rest homes and hospices, the same mattress or pillow can be used over time by a plurality? of different users. The promiscuous, continuous and prolonged use of a mattress or pillow can sometimes lead to the proliferation of germs, bacteria and viral agents on the external coverings and inside the mattresses and pillows. In the case of subsequent use by more? users of the same pillow or mattress, the process of proliferation of germs, bacteria and viral agents can be particularly accentuated precisely because of the promiscuity? of use. To overcome these drawbacks, mattresses, pillows and their external coverings are generally cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilized, which is often scheduled at regular time intervals (for example, before the start of each tourist season ).

The coatings are more? easy cleaning compared to mattresses and pillows as they can be easily removed and washed, for example by hand or in the washing machine, even in industrial processes.

As for the cushions, they too can be washed by hand or in the washing machine; in the latter case, however, due to their volumetric size (higher than that of the previously described coatings), it can? need a larger size washing machine. Simple hand or machine wash does not result for? usually effective in the complete elimination of germs and bacteria; to optimize the sanitization process of cushions and coverings, alternative methods are therefore used, such as the use of known washing machines which provide dedicated disinfection and/or sterilization cycles.

As for the mattresses, the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization operations are more? complex due to their considerable size; the mattresses are therefore usually sanitized using appropriate equipment and specific methods.

In accordance with a known cleaning method, the mattress is treated with a bactericidal detergent solution, which is usually applied to the external lining of the mattress and introduced into the padding of the mattress by means of dedicated equipment. The cleaning solution can be for example applied and subsequently removed by means of an injection and extraction system; the application of the solution foresees that it is sprayed on the surface of the mattress and/or injected inside it through a nozzle and subsequently sucked up together with the dirt removed.

After the steps described above, other operations can be carried out such as rubbing the cover, manually removing stains from the mattress, drying the mattress at least partially and carrying out an antibacterial and anti-mite treatment.

Do the equipment and methods for washing, disinfecting and/or sterilizing mattresses, pillows or mattress and pillow coverings present for? some major drawbacks.

The disinfection and/or sterilization of the cushions and coverings of mattresses or cushions is inconvenient to use, since it requires a specific machine, such as a washing machine suitable for implementing suitable dedicated disinfection and/or sterilization cycles.

Washing cushions in washing machines also carries the risk of damaging the cushion itself.

As far as mattresses are concerned, disinfection and sterilization according to known methods require long times, in the order of a few hours; in particular, in accordance with known methods, the disinfection of the mattress can take 5 to 9 hours. This duration includes the treatment of the mattress using the appropriate equipment (from 1 to 4 hours) and the following 4 or 5 hours to complete the complete drying of the mattress, necessary to completely remove the humidity from the mattress. from the mattress in order to avoid the existence of an atmosphere conducive to the proliferation of bacteria.

The high duration of the disinfection process and its complexity? of mattresses is particularly inconvenient in environments where it is necessary to disinfect and/or sterilize a large number of mattresses or pillows, such as hotels, hospitals, residences, hostels, farmhouses, retirement homes and hospices. In this type of environment, where the disinfection and sterilization of mattresses and pillows can be necessary on a monthly or even weekly basis, a short, but at the same time effective, duration of the disinfection and/or sterilization process would be particularly desired.

The known apparatuses for carrying out the disinfection and/or sterilization of mattresses are also inconvenient to use and expensive.

The main purpose of the present invention ? to solve one or more? of the problems encountered in the prior art.

An object of the present invention ? that of developing a finished product, such as for example a mattress and/or a pillow and/or their covering, or a semi-finished product for their construction, capable of self-sanitizing during use by a person lying down and/or leaning on them.

An object of the present invention ? that of proposing a mattress, a pillow and a covering for mattresses or pillows, or a semi-finished product for their construction, capable of self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing during use by means of the heat generated by a person lying down and / or leaning on them.

AND? furthermore, an object of the present invention is to propose a mattress, a cushion and a covering for mattresses or cushions which are simple and economical to produce. These aims and others, which will become clearer from the following description, are substantially achieved by a mattress, a cushion and a covering for mattresses or cushions, or a semi-finished product for their production, in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the attached claims, taken alone or in combination with each other or in combination with any of the further aspects or characteristics described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a finished product or a semi-finished product for its production comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

In a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, said finished product is a mattress or pillow.

In said first embodiment, said semi-finished product ? a layer of polymeric material.

In said first embodiment, said mattress or cushion comprises at least one layer of polymeric material.

In said first embodiment, said mattress or pillow ? multilayer type.

In said first embodiment, said polymeric material ? chosen from the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

In said first embodiment, said at least one layer of polymeric material comprises said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

In said first embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? homogeneously distributed in said layer of polymeric material. In said first embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? at least equal to 1 phr or php.

In said first embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? between 2 and 40 phr or php.

In said first embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? between 3 and 30 phr or php.

In a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, said finished product is a mattress or pillow cover.

In said second embodiment, said coating ? a mattress cover, a sheet, a pillowcase or a pillowcase.

In said second embodiment, said finished product comprises at least one textile layer, preferably of fabric or non-woven fabric.

In said second embodiment, said semi-finished product ? a textile layer, preferably of fabric or non-woven fabric.

In said second embodiment, said textile layer comprises said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

In said second embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? homogeneously distributed in said textile layer.

In said second embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said textile layer in quantity? at least equal to 1% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer.

In said second embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said textile layer in quantity? comprised between 2% and 30% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer.

In said second embodiment, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in said textile layer in quantity? between 3% and 20% by weight, preferably between 3% and 15% by weight, more? preferably between 3% and 10% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, said finished product is chosen from the group that includes an armchair, a sofa, a chair, a vehicle seat, a seat or berth on a train, an airplane seat, a theater or cinema seat, a kennel for animals, a head of ?clothing, and their outer covering.

In said first and second embodiments, said titanium dioxide ? in the crystalline form called anatase.

In said first and second embodiments, said bioceramics comprises a mixture of metal oxides, preferably aluminum, zirconium, iron and magnesium oxides, and non-metal oxides, preferably silicon and boron oxides.

In said first and second embodiments, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? present in the form of a powder having a micrometric dimension.

In said first and second embodiments, said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? consisting of microparticles, preferably characterized by a diameter substantially included in the range from 2 to 200 µm.

In said first and second embodiments, said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics shows a weight ratio between titanium dioxide and bioceramics ranging from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably ranging from 5:1 to 1:5, and more preferably between 2:1 and 1:2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of one or more? preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 shows a layer of a mattress according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 3 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a second distribution;

figure 4 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a third distribution;

figure 5 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a fourth distribution;

figure 6 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a first distribution;

Figure 7 shows a multilayer mattress in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a mattress in accordance with the present invention comprising two layers;

Figure 9 shows a cushion in accordance with the present invention;

figure 10 shows a cushion comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 11 shows a cushion comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a second distribution;

figure 12 shows a cushion comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with a first distribution;

Figure 13 shows a cover for mattresses in accordance with the present invention partially applied externally to a mattress;

Figure 14 shows a cover for cushions in accordance with the present invention partially applied externally to a cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the joined figures, with 1 ? overall indicated a mattress or pillow. From a structural point of view, the mattress 1 can? comprising at least one layer 2; especially the mattress 1 pu? be made in a single layer 2 (single layer mattress ? figure 1), or in more? layers (multi-layer mattress), as illustrated in figure 7 and in figure 8, in particular at least two layers.

In the case of a single layer mattress 1, the single layer 2 of the mattress 1 substantially coincides with the mattress 1; figures 1 to 6, illustrating a layer 2 of a mattress 1, are therefore to be understood as also illustrating a single layer mattress 1.

From the point of view of the materials constituting the mattress 1, at least one layer 2 of the mattress 1 can be made of polymeric material, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

Mattress 1 can include at least one additional layer 3, which can? also be made of polymeric material, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

In a mattress 1 comprising two or more? layers, at least the layer 2 pu? be made of a polyurethane-based foam and at least the additional layer 3 can? be made of latex, or vice versa, and/or at least two layers 2, 3 can be made of a polyurethane-based foam and latex; in the latter case, in particular, each of the two layers 2, 3 made of the same material can differ from? other layer 3, 2 for a different value of density? of the material.

Obviously the mattress 1 could? comprise any number of layers, not necessarily all of polymeric material and of different geometries and combinations as currently known.

However, the overall shape of the internal structure comprising the aforementioned layers 2, 3 will be? parallelepiped (with a thickness smaller than the longitudinal and transversal development) with flat upper and lower surfaces of the structure and adapted respectively to receive and support a user and to rest on the bed frame.

From a structural point of view, the layers 2, 3 of the mattress 1 have an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 5. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces 4, 5 of at least one layer 2 can? be substantially flat, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7; preferably, the upper surface 4 and the lower surface 5 of the same layer 2 are flat, as illustrated in figures 1 to 7. In accordance with an alternative geometric shape of the layers of the mattress, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces 4, 5 of at least one layer 2 pu? present an at least partially curvilinear geometry; in particular, a layer 2 of the mattress 1 pu? have one of the upper and lower surfaces 4, 5 substantially flat and the respective lower or upper surface 5, 4 opposite (opposite the upper or lower surface 4, 5 substantially flat) at least partially curvilinear.

In particular, at least two layers 2, 3 can be characterized by this geometry, as shown in figure 8, so that the partially curvilinear surface of one layer 2, 3 can be mutually coupled with the partially curvilinear surface of the other layer 3, 2. Preferably a layer 2 pu? present an at least partially curvilinear geometry at its upper surface 4 and an additional layer 3 can? present an at least partially curvilinear geometry in correspondence with its lower surface 5 suitable for being coupled (marrying) with the upper surface 4 of the layer 2, as illustrated in figure 8.

In particular, as illustrated in figure 8, the surfaces of the layers 2, 3 opposite to the at least partially curvilinear surfaces can be substantially flat.

As regards the cushion 1, as shown in figure 9, it can consist of a single layer made of polymeric material; as an alternative to the single-layer structure, it is not excluded that the cushion 1 could possibly be made in a structure comprising two or more? layers in polymeric material or not, the characteristics of which may be in accordance with what was previously described for layers 2, 3 of the mattress 1.

The polymeric material with which? realized at least partially, in particular completely, the cushion 1 ? preferably selected from the group of polyurethane-based foams and latexes.

From a structural point of view, the mattress and the cushion 1 have some common characteristics.

The mattresses and cushions 1 in accordance with the present invention are provided with an upper portion 6 and a lower portion 7, which are defined with reference to the conditions of use of the mattress or cushion 1; in a mattress 1 the upper portion 6 and the lower portion 7 are usually substantially flat and parallel to each other. By conditions of use of the mattress 1 we mean the condition in which the upper portion 6 of the mattress 1 bears at least in part the weight of a user and the lower portion 7 of the mattress 1 lies on the frame of a bed or similar device; in particular, the upper portion 6 and/or the lower portion 7 can be elastically deformable to allow the mattresses 1 to adapt, under the weight of the user, to his physiognomy, so as to constitute a comfortable support. By conditions of use of the cushion 1 we mean instead the condition in which the upper portion 6 of the cushion 1 bears at least in part the weight of a user and the lower portion 7 of the cushion 1 lies in correspondence with the upper portion 6 of the mattress 1.

With regard to a mattress 1 of the single layer type, the upper surface 4 of the layer 2 can substantially coincide with the upper portion 6 of the mattress 1 and the lower surface 5 of the layer 2 can substantially coincide with the lower portion 7 of the mattress 1, as illustrated in figure 1.

As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the present invention also relates to an external covering 8 for mattresses or cushions 1; preferably, the coating 8 pu? be a mattress protector or pillowcase 1.

In the course of the present description, the term covering means a covering suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or cushions 1.

From a geometric point of view, the mattress and the cushion 1 develop for a length L, for a height H and for a width J. Due to the dimensional differences which usually exist between the mattresses and the cushions, the values of the length L , height H and width J of mattress 1 can be different from the values of length L, height H and width J of cushion 1.

The length L, the height H and the width J of the mattress or cushion 1 are calculated with reference to a rest condition of the mattress or cushion 1. By rest condition of the mattress or cushion 1 we mean the non-deformed condition, in which the mattress or the pillow 1 not ? in contact with the user. In the rest condition of the mattress 1, since the upper and lower portions 6, 7 of the mattress 1 are substantially flat and parallel to each other, the height H of the mattress 1 is usually constant along the length L, while in the condition of rest of the cushion 1 the height H of the cushion 1 can? vary along the length L.

Again from the geometric point of view, the mattress and the cushion 1 comprise a first end portion? 9 and a second portion of the end? 10 opposite the first portion of the end? 9. The first and second portion of the end? 9, 10 are characterized by a height substantially equal to the height H of the mattress or cushion 1, by a depth substantially equal to the width J of the mattress or cushion 1 and extend for a first fraction L? of the length L of the mattress or cushion 1; in particular? the extension of the first and second portion of the end? 9, 10 ? equal to or less than a value equal to half? of length L, as visible in figure 4 with regard to a mattress 1. The first and second end portions? 9, 10 can be defined with reference to a plane of symmetry which vertically crosses the mattress or cushion 1 in correspondence with the middle of the length L of the mattress or cushion 1; the first and the second portion of the end? 9, 10 represent the two portions in which the mattress or cushion 1? subdivided by the plane of vertical symmetry. The mattress 1, the cushion 1 and the covering 8 advantageously comprise a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in at least one portion 11; in particular, in a mattress or pillow 1, the portion 11 comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can belong to at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1.

Titanium dioxide? a chemical compound characterized by the chemical formula TiO2 and ? present in nature in three different crystalline forms: rutile, anatase and brookite. The rutile? the most common, in whose atomic structure each atom of titanium? surrounded by six oxygen atoms in such a way as to form an octahedral structure. A second polymorphism of titanium dioxide ? constituted by the brookite, which ? rare and ? characterized by an orthorhombic crystalline structure. A third crystalline form of titanium dioxide? represented by anatase, characterized by a tetragonal atomic structure and excellent properties? photocatalytic. The preferred crystalline form of titanium dioxide for the purposes of its use in a mattress 1, in a cushion 1 and/or in a covering 8 according to the present invention ? constituted, precisely because of its properties? photocatalytic, from anatase; however, rutile can also be used for the purpose as, albeit to a lesser extent than all?anatase, denotes property? photocatalytic.

Due to its characteristics, titanium dioxide, when subjected to radiation of a suitable frequency, by absorbing it, generates an electron-hole pair. The generation of the electron-hole pair ? due to the fact that, being titanium dioxide a semiconductor characterized by an energy gap between 3 eV (gap energy of rutile) and 3.2 eV (gap energy of anatase), when it absorbs photons with sufficient energy (at least equal to the gap energy), the passage of the electrons from the valence band to the conduction band occurs; this leaves a positively charged hole in the valence band. Bioceramics? an inorganic material capable of emitting far infrared radiation due to the heat that can be made with a variety of inorganic compounds. Bioceramics are generally obtained from a mixture of metal and non-metal oxides, and include, for example, aluminum oxides, silicon oxides, zirconium oxides, iron oxides, magnesium oxides, boron oxides in various forms and combinations with quantity? minors of other elements such as sodium, calcium, lithium, iron, and chromium. The most commonly used bioceramics are obtained from quartz, kaolinite, tourmaline, mullite, alumina, hydroxyapatite, zirconia, and their mixtures.

Has the Applicant found that the radiations emitted by the bioceramics due to the heat effect are capable of activating the properties? photocatalytic titanium dioxide. In particular, the Applicant has found that the radiations emitted by the bioceramics due to the heat developed by a human body lying on a mattress 1, a cushion 1 and/or a covering 8 were capable of activating the properties photocatalytic effects of titanium dioxide also and above all at night during the rest of the human body.

For activation of the properties? photocatalytic reactions of titanium dioxide means the triggering of photocatalytic reactions consequent to the absorption by the titanium dioxide of radiations having sufficient energy to activate the reaction. By far infrared radiation we mean radiations having wavelengths between 1 and 100 ?m, preferably between 2 and 50 ?m, and even longer? preferably between 3 and 15 ?m.

Therefore, under the effect of the radiation emitted by the bioceramics, the electrons of the titanium dioxide are free to migrate within the conduction band, while the holes can be filled by the migration of an electron from an adjacent molecule, leaving a new hole ; the process can? repeat. Electrons and holes can recombine or generate, when they reach the surface, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which carry out their action respectively near the surface. and at a distance from the portion 11 characterized by the presence of titanium dioxide. When germs, bacteria and/or viral agents present in the mattress 1 are in direct contact with the catalyst (titanium dioxide), it can direct oxidation of their cellular components occur.

Titanium dioxide activated by bioceramics? therefore capable of degrading numerous organic compounds by oxidation, disinfecting and/or sterilizing the surfaces on which they are nestled. In other words, the titanium dioxide, acting as a photocatalyst,? able to exploit the energy of the radiations emitted by the bioceramics to promote chemical reactions in other molecules that are in contact with or near the? of its surface. The disinfectant and/or sterilizing action of titanium dioxide? therefore double as it takes place both on germs, bacteria and/or viral agents in direct contact with the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics, and on those in the vicinity? of it.

The blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be distributed in such a way as to optimize the disinfection and/or sterilization process of the mattress 1, the cushion 1 or the covering 8 on which ? applied, how will it come? detailed in the sequel.

In a mattress or pillow 1, in particular, at least one layer 2 can? comprising, in at least one portion 11 thereof, a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics; preferably the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics pu? be homogeneously distributed in correspondence with at least one portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or cushion 1. In particular, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? homogeneously distributed within at least one portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1. The portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can? substantially coincide with the entire mattress or cushion 1, as illustrated in figure 1 as regards a mattress 1 and in figure 9 as regards a cushion 1, or extend over a portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 with dimensions smaller than those characterizing the mattress or pillow 1 (height H, length L and width J). Preferably, in the event that the portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics substantially coincides with the entire mattress or cushion 1, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? homogeneously distributed within the volume of the internal structure of the mattress or cushion 1 and/or in correspondence with the external surfaces of the mattress or cushion 1.

Portion 11 can develop along a substantially vertical direction for a first fraction H? of the height H of the mattress or pillow 1; the substantially vertical direction can? be substantially parallel to? Height H. The first fraction H? of?height H pu? be substantially equal to the height H; in other words, the height of the portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 characterized by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can assume a value substantially equal to the height H of the mattress 1. As regards the longitudinal extension of the portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics, it can? develop along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L? of the length L of the mattress or cushion 1; the first direction essentially horizontal pu? be parallel to the length L. In particular the first fraction L? of the length L pu? be substantially equal to the length L of the mattress or cushion 1. The portion of the mattress or cushion 1 characterized by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can? also develop along a second substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction J? of the width J of the mattress or cushion 1; the second direction essentially horizontal pu? be parallel to the width J. In particular, the first fraction J? can? be substantially equal to the width J; in other words, the width of the portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 characterized by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can assume a value substantially equal to the width J of the mattress or cushion 1.

The portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 characterized by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be characterized by any distribution in correspondence with the upper portion 6, the lower portion 7, the side surfaces and/or the layers of the mattress or cushion 1. In particular, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can? characterizing at least an entire layer 2 of the mattress or cushion 1; preferably the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? homogeneously distributed within the volume of the internal structure of the mattress or cushion 1, as illustrated in figure 1 for a mattress 1 and in figure 9 for a cushion 1.

According to a first distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be arranged at the upper portion 6; in other words, according to the first distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics is not present inside the mattress or pillow 1, but exclusively in correspondence with the upper portion 6, which, being in contact with the user's body under conditions of use of the mattress or pillow, represents one of the surfaces of the mattress or pillow 1 most subject to the proliferation of germs and bacteria. According to the first distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be arranged in correspondence with the entire upper portion 6 of the mattress or cushion 1, as illustrated in Figure 2 for a mattress 1 and in Figure 10 for a cushion 1, or in correspondence with a portion 11 thereof, as illustrated in Figure 6 for a mattress 1 and in figure 12 for a pillow 1. In accordance with the first distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can? be arranged in correspondence with the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the mattress or cushion 1.

According to a second distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? distributed in correspondence with a surface layer of the mattress or cushion 1, so as to carry out its disinfectant and/or sterilizing function in correspondence with and in the vicinity of of at least one surface of the mattress or cushion 1. Preferably, the surface layer ? facing upwards in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow.

The surface layer characterized by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can? be arranged at least in correspondence with the upper portion 6 of the mattress or cushion 1, as illustrated in figure 3 for a mattress 1 and in figure 11 for a cushion 1, and/or in correspondence with the lower portion of the mattress and/or cushion 1. In especially the surface layer pu? extend along a substantially vertical direction parallel to the height H for a first fraction H? of the height H of the mattress or cushion 1 at least equal to 1 mm. Preferably, the surface layer develops for a first fraction H? of the height H of the mattress or cushion 1 between 1 mm and 5 cm. As regards the longitudinal extension, the surface layer comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can develop along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L? of the length L of the mattress or cushion 1; in particular, the first fraction L? can? be substantially equal to the length L of the mattress or cushion 1. In other words, the surface layer can? extend for a length substantially equal to the length of the mattress or cushion 1, as illustrated in figure 3 for a mattress 1 and in figure 11 for a cushion 1.

According to a third distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics ? distributed in correspondence of at least one of the first portion of the end? 9 and the second portion of the end? 10 of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 4 for a mattress 1.

In accordance with a fourth distribution, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics present in at least a portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or cushion 1 follows a distribution in accordance with any regular geometric pattern or scheme, as illustrated by way of example and non-limiting in Figure 5 for a mattress 1. In particular, Figure 5 shows a mattress 1 comprising three portions 11 characterized by the presence of a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics; each portion 11 ? spaced from the adjacent portion(s) 11 by a distance M and extends along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L? of the length L of the mattress or pillow 1.

The types of distributions described can coexist in any combination in a mattress or cushion 1; for example a mattress or cushion 1 in accordance with the present invention can present a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in its upper portion 6 in accordance with the first distribution and a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics distributed on a surface layer placed in its lower portion 7 in accordance with the second distribution.

According to the present inventive concept, further types of distributions of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can also be provided inside and/or outside the mattress or cushion 1.

As regards a mattress or cushion 1 of the multilayer type, in particular comprising at least two layers 2, 3, each layer can be characterized by one or more characteristics previously described with reference to a single layer 2 of the mattress or cushion 1, such as the materials with which it can be used? be made, its geometry and the possible locations of the portion 11 of the mattress or cushion 1 comprising the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. Preferably, at least one additional layer 3 of the mattress or cushion 1 can be characterized by a blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. In particular, a layer 2 of the mattress or cushion 1 comprising a distribution of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics and an additional layer 3 of the mattress or cushion 1 comprising a distribution of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be contiguous; in other words, the two layers 2, 3 comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be in direct contact, in particular overlapping, as there are no interposed layers of the mattress or cushion 1 without a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

In particular, in a mattress 1 comprising two layers 2, 3, one layer 2 can be arranged at the lower portion 7 of the mattress or cushion 1 and an additional layer 3 can be arranged at the upper portion 6 of the mattress or cushion 1.

Returning to the description of the characteristics of the present invention common to all its possible variants, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be present in certain percentages by weight, calculated with reference to the weight of the polymeric material with which it is mattress or cushion 1, in particular expressed as parts by weight per hundred parts of polymeric material (commonly known as ?phr? from the English ?parts per hundred rubber? referring to latex, and ?php? from the English ?parts per hundred polyol? referring to polyurethane). The quantity? of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in the polymer material can? be at least equal to 1 phr or php, preferably pu? be between 2 and 40 phr or php, and more? preferably can? be between 3 and 30 phr or php.

The mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics shows a weight ratio of titanium dioxide to bioceramics between 10:1 and 1:10, preferably between 5:1 and 1:5, and more? preferably between 2:1 and 1:2. Advantageously, the weight ratio between titanium dioxide and bioceramics? between 1.5:1 and 1:1.5.

Useful examples of quantity (in phr or php) of titanium dioxide present in a mixture in the polymeric material according to the present invention are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Useful examples of quantity (in phr or php) of bioceramics present in a mixture in the polymeric material according to the present invention are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Experimental data have shown how a quantity? of the blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics (1:1 to 1:1.5 weight ratio) approximately 18 to 25 phr in latex or approximately 7 to 12.5 php in polyurethane provides optimal disinfection results and / or sterilization of the surface on which the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? applied, managing to break down more than 90%, preferably more than 95%, and more? preferably more than 99% of the microorganisms nested therein.

As the quantity decreases the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics significantly decreases the disinfectant and/or sterilizing effect; when the quantity? of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in a percentage lower than 1 phr, the disinfectant and/or sterilizing effect? quite contained.

Obviously quantity? higher than 25-30 phr or 15-20 php perform the functionality? of disinfection, but increase the weight and cost of the product and/or semi-finished product.

The present invention also relates to a coating 8 suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or cushions 1 comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in at least one portion 11 thereof; preferably, the coating 8 pu? be a mattress cover or pillowcase 1. A mattress cover 8 1 in accordance with the present invention? shown in figure 13 in a configuration in which ? partially applied to a mattress 1, while a cover 8 for pillows 1 in accordance with the present invention ? shown in figure 14 in a configuration in which ? partially applied externally to a cushion 1. Figures 13 and 14 respectively illustrate a mattress and a cushion not comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics; however the coating 8 pu? also be applied to a mattress or pillow 1 comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with the present invention. In other words, a mattress or pillow 1 comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be lined with a coating 8 comprising a blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics according to the present invention; in this way, by means of exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a suitable frequency, the disinfectant and/or sterilizing action exerted by the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can concern both the mattress or cushion 1 and the external covering 8 applied thereto at the same time.

Coating 8 can be made at least partially of woven or non-woven fabric; preferably the fabric or non-woven fabric can? be of the elastic type.

The fabric or non-woven fabric can be made from any natural, man-made, or synthetic textile fiber, such as natural cotton, wool, linen, silk, and hemp fibers, man-made acetate, lyocell, modal, triacetate, and viscose or rayon fibers, and synthetic acrylic fibers, aramid (Kevlar and Nomex), vinyl chlorine, modacrylic (acrylic modified for flame resistance), neoprene, polyamide (Nylon), polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-tex) and polyurethane (Elastam).

The blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be homogeneously distributed in correspondence with at least one portion 11 of the coating 8. In particular, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be homogeneously distributed inside the covering 8; in other words, the coating 8 pu? be entirely characterized by a homogeneously distributed mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics.

Coating 8 can include a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in certain percentages by weight, calculated with reference to the weight of the material with which it is made? made the coating 8. The percentage by weight of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramic can? be at least equal to? 1% of the weight of the material with which ? cladding 8 made; advantageously, can? be between 2% and 30%. In particular, the percentage by weight of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be between 3% and 20%, preferably between 3% and 15%, more? preferably between 3% and 10% of the weight of the material with which it is made? cladding 8 made.

The mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics characterizing at least a portion 11 of the coating 8 can present any distribution inside and/or outside the coating 8. In particular, the portion 11 can? comprising a distribution of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics in accordance with the distributions previously described and illustrated, with reference to a mattress, in figures 1 to 6.

As regards the characteristics of the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics common to a mattress 1, a pillow 1 and a cover 8 according to the present invention, it can be present in the form of a white or colorless crystalline powder. From a granulometric point of view, the mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics can be present in the mattress or cushion 1 or in the covering 8 in accordance with the present invention in the form of a powder having a micrometric dimension; in particular, the mixture pu? be made up of microparticles of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. The microparticles can be characterized by a diameter substantially between 2 and 200 µm; advantageously, the micrometric dimensions of the particles increase (compared to particles of larger dimensions) the reaction surface of the titanium dioxide with the radiation capable of activating its properties. photocatalytic, consequently increasing the disinfectant and/or sterilizing effect.

The titanium dioxide included in the mattress or cushion 1 or in the covering 8, preferably in its anatase and/or rutile form, can be preliminarily subjected to a doping process in order to modulate its properties? electronics (and consequently the photocatalytic ones) by means of the addition of elements suitable for the purpose. Titanium dioxide can be doped with, for example: metal ions, in particular transition metals, rare earth ions, anions, aluminum and/or silicon. The effect of doping consists in enhancing the activity? photocatalytic of titanium dioxide, by varying the absorption region and therefore the frequency and wavelength ranges responsible for the activation of the properties? photocatalytic titanium dioxide. In particular, the? anatase pu? be doped with metal ions, especially transition metals or rare earths.

The present invention allows to obtain one or more? of the following advantages. First, the invention allows you to solve one or more? of the problems encountered in the prior art. The present invention allows to combat the proliferation of germs, bacteria and/or viral agents in mattresses, cushions and/or coverings; There? is particularly advantageous in environments where there is a? high promiscuity? d? use of mattresses and / or pillows.

The present invention also allows to sterilize and/or disinfect mattresses, cushions and/or coverings without having to resort to dedicated and expensive equipment, during the user's rest by exploiting the heat emitted by the user's body; the invention is therefore convenient to use and easy to implement, simplifying the disinfection and/or sterilization of mattresses, cushions and/or coverings.

The invention in fact allows to carry out the disinfection and/or sterilization of mattresses, cushions and/or coverings during use without the intervention of any operator and/or the use of complex and expensive equipment. The invention is therefore simple and economical to produce and use.

Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to mattresses, cushions, their coverings and semi-finished products for their realization, the invention is not intended to be limited to such products, but extends to any finished or semi-finished product for its realization which can welcome or cover or protect a human or animal subject, such as an armchair, a sofa, a chair, a seat of a vehicle (car, truck, bus, camper, caravan, and so on), a seat or a bunk of a train, an armchair on an airplane, an armchair in a theater or cinema, a kennel for animals, an item of clothing, and so on? Street.

In the field of clothing, this invention can be applied in the context of commercial products intended for the general public such as clothes, jackets, coats, trousers, shirts, sweaters, socks, underwear, t-shirts, polo shirts, and so on. via, or professional products intended for operators, such as overalls, protective suits, aprons, uniforms, protective medical material (masks, gloves, shoes, gowns), and so on? Street.

EXPERIMENTAL PART

Two types of substrate were used, one based on natural latex (LN series) and one based on polyurethane (PU series) having the formulation as shown in the following tables A and B.

Table A

LN series

Table B

PU series

(*) quartz/mullite - 80% silicon dioxide 20% alumina

The bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, the fungus Candida albicans ATCC 10231, the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1 strain F, ATCC VR-733), and SARS-CoV-2 (clinical isolate ) were maintained under standard growth conditions. At the time of the essay ? been set up a suspension containing 2x106 units? colony forming (CFU)/ml or unit? plaque-forming agents (UFP)/ml. SARS-CoV-2 ? been diluted to TCID50.

What are microbial preparations? obtained were distributed on substrate samples placed inside sterile test tubes. Specifically, 1 cm<3 > of each substrate ? was incubated with 1 mL of microbial suspension. Samples will be incubated for 8 hours in the dark at a controlled temperature of 37?C.

At the end of the incubation, the volume of microbial culture ? been recovered by wringing the substrate, diluted in an appropriate manner and sown in standard conditions in order to evaluate the vitality? of microorganisms. In particular, the bacteria and the mycete were seeded on agar plates and incubated at 37°C (bacteria) or at 30°C (mycete). The presence of microbial colonies? monitored every 24 hours up to a maximum of 72 hours. The microbial colonies were counted and the results are reported as a percentage of reduction in viability. microbial with reference to cultures of microorganisms prepared as described above but not incubated with the substrate.

Similarly, suspensions of HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 were recovered and incubated with a VERO or VERO E6 cell monolayer, respectively. The cultures were incubated at 37°C and the appearance of cytopathic effect on the cell monolayer ? was evaluated every 24 hours up to a maximum of 72 hours. Any plaques formed were counted and the results are reported as a percentage of reduction of infectious viral particles with reference to samples prepared as described above but not incubated with the substrates.

Are the results reported as average ? standard error. Experiments were performed in triplicate; each replicate ? was conducted independently. The significance statistics ? was calculated by One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post test.

As reported in Table 1, the LN0 substrate (without the titanium dioxide and bioceramic mixture) shows a poor antimicrobial effect. In fact, this substrate inhibits the growth of S. aureus by only 29.28?6.35% and that of E. coli by 12.89?3.04%. The effect on HSV-1 likewise is not? important (reduction of 26.96?7.99%) while the minor antimicrobial effect is found against C. albicans. The substrates LN1 and LN2 (comprising respectively 18 and 25 phr of titanium dioxide and bioceramic mixture) reported a moderate activity? antifungal and a? excellent activity? antibacterial and antiviral. Notably, LN1 completely inactivated HSV-1 and SARS-CoV2.

Table 1

Antimicrobial effect of LN series substrates (Natural Latex)

* denotes a significance? statistic <0.05 versus LN0 for the same organism

As reported in Table 2, the substrates PU1 and PU2 (comprising respectively 7 and 12.5 phr of a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics) have a significant activity antibacterial against S. aureus and E. coli and the HSV-1 virus. Furthermore, unlike PU1, PU2 inhibits C. albicans by 63.61?3.20%. The PU2 substrate? been tested also against the SARS-CoV2 virus, reporting an excellent activity? antiviral (>96%), in contrast to the PU0 substrate (free of the titanium dioxide-bioceramic mixture) which showed very little effect.

Table 2

Antimicrobial effect of PU (Polyurethane) series substrates

denotes a significance statistic <0.05 versus PU1 for the same microorganism * denotes a significance? statistic <0.05 versus PU0 for the same microorganism

The different substrates tested including the blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics all have the ability to to inhibit the growth of the tested microorganisms. Regardless of the substrate, this capability? increases gradually with? increasing quantities? in formulations 1 and 2 compared to formulation 0. Overall, the LN1 and PU2 samples were the most? effective, completely inhibiting the infectivity? of the HSV-1 and SARS-CoV2 viruses, optimally limiting the growth of the E. coli bacterium and significantly reducing that of the S. aureus bacterium and the C. albicans mycete.

Claims (24)

1. A finished or semi-finished product for its realization comprising a mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. 2. The finished product according to claim 1, where said finished product is chosen from the group consisting of a mattress, a pillow, and a mattress or pillow cover. 3. The finished product according to claim 2, wherein said mattress or cushion comprises at least one layer of polymeric material. 4. The semi-finished product according to claim 1, where said semi-finished product is a layer of polymeric material. 5. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said polymeric material ? chosen from the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex. 6. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said layer of polymeric material comprises said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. 7. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? homogeneously distributed in said layer of polymeric material. 8. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? at least equal to 1 phr or php. 9. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? between 2 and 40 phr or php. 10. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said layer of polymeric material in quantity? between 3 and 30 phr or php. 11. The finished or semi-finished product for its realization according to claim 2, where said coating? chosen from the group that consists of a mattress protector, a sheet, a pillowcase and a pillowcase. 12. The finished product according to claim 2, wherein said covering comprises at least one textile layer, preferably of fabric or non-woven fabric. 13. The semi-finished product according to claim 1, where said semi-finished product is a textile layer, preferably of fabric or non-woven fabric. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said textile layer comprises said blend of titanium dioxide and bioceramics. 15. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? homogeneously distributed in said textile layer. 16. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said textile layer in quantity? at least equal to 1% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer. 17. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said textile layer in quantity? comprised between 2% and 30% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer. 18. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in said textile layer in quantity? between 3% and 20% by weight, preferably between 3% and 15% by weight, more? preferably between 3% and 10% by weight with respect to the weight of said textile layer. 19. The finished or semi-finished product according to claim 1, where said finished product is chosen from the group that includes an armchair, a sofa, a chair, a vehicle seat, a seat or berth on a train, an airplane seat, a theater or cinema seat, a kennel for animals, a head of ?clothing, and their outer covering, and where said semi-finished product? a layer of polymeric material as defined in any of claims 4 to 10 or a textile layer as defined in any of claims 13 to 18. 20. The finished or semi-finished product according to any of the preceding claims from 1 to 19, wherein said titanium dioxide ? in the crystalline form called anatase. 21. The finished or semi-finished product according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 19, wherein said bioceramic comprises a mixture of metal oxides, preferably aluminum, zirconium, iron and magnesium oxides, and non-metal oxides, preferably silicon oxides and boron. 22. The finished or semi-finished product according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 19, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? present in the form of a powder having a micrometric dimension. 23. The finished or semi-finished product according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 19, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics? consisting of microparticles, preferably characterized by a diameter substantially included in the range from 2 to 200 µm. 24. The finished or semi-finished product according to any of the preceding claims from 1 to 19, wherein said mixture of titanium dioxide and bioceramics shows a weight ratio between titanium dioxide and bioceramics ranging from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably between 5:1 and 1:5, and more? preferably between 2:1 and 1:2.