JP2009542323A - Composition and aerosol spray dispenser for removing odor in air - Google Patents

Abstract

  An air treatment composition for removal of malodorous airborne odors and / or sterilization of air in combination with spray valves (4) and actuators (16) and spray performance parameters providing maximum dispersion of the composition. Disclosed. The particles of the composition are small, so that the active ingredient is sprinkled in the air as a fine dispersion, resulting in more contact with malodors, resulting in malodor and / or rapid absorption of bacteria. The particle size of the composition is adjusted by the dimensions of the valve (4) and actuator (16) and the formulation requirements of the composition. The air treatment composition includes water, a low molecular weight polyol, and a propellant. The composition may contain, for example, one or more auxiliary agents such as an emulsifier, a co-solvent, a fragrance, a corrosion inhibitor, and a pH adjuster.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO BACKGROUND RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part application from US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 476,243, filed Jun. 28, 2006, which was filed on June 28, 2005. It is related to and claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 694,439, filed on a daily basis.

  The present disclosure relates to deodorant and air sterilized aerosol spray compositions in combination with spray valves and spray performance parameters to provide optimal dispersion of the composition into ambient air.

  Various compositions are available for masking odors in the air. In addition, various compositions are available for sterilizing air and removing malodour therefrom. These compositions can be dispensed by a variety of spray devices including aerosol dispensers.

  Aerosol dispensers are commonly used to dispense personal, household, industrial, and medical products, and to provide a low-cost, easy-to-handle method for dispensing liquid products. Has been used. Typically, aerosol dispensers comprise a container that contains the liquid product to be dispensed. A propellant is used to release the liquid from the container. The propellant may be a mixture, typically having a boiling point slightly below room temperature, so that under pressure the propellant exists as an equilibrium between the gas phase and the liquid layer. The propellant gas phase provides sufficient force to release the liquid product from the container when the user actuates the discharge valve, for example, by pressing an actuator button. When the valve is closed and the container is sealed again, the equilibrium between the gas phase and the liquid layer is restored in the container, so that the propellant gas phase is replenished by the liquid layer.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a conventional aerosol dispenser generally includes a container (not shown) and propellant for holding a liquid product, and a valve assembly 104 for selectively discharging the liquid product from the container. Is provided. The valve assembly 104 includes a mounting cup 106, a mounting gasket 108, a valve body 110, a valve stem 112, a stem gasket 114, an actuator cap 116, and a return spring 118. The valve stem 112, stem gasket 114, and return spring 118 are disposed within the valve body 110 and are movable relative to the valve body 110 to selectively regulate the discharge of the liquid product. The valve body 110 is mounted on the lower side of the mounting cup 106 so that a valve stem 112 extends through the mounting cup 106 and protrudes outward therefrom. The actuator cap 116 is fitted on the outwardly projecting portion of the valve stem 112 and is provided with an actuator opening 132. Actuator openings 132 guide the spraying of the liquid product into the desired spray pattern. The dip tube 120 is attached to the lower part of the valve body 110 and supplies the liquid product to the valve assembly 104 for discharge. The entire valve assembly 104 is sealed to the container by a mounting gasket 108.

  In use, when the actuator cap 116 of the dispenser is depressed, the propellant pushes the liquid product up in the dip tube 120 and up to the valve body 110 via the body opening 122. Within the valve body 110, the liquid product may be mixed with further propellant supplied to the valve body 110 through a vapor tap 124. The vapor tap 124 facilitates the mixing of the liquid product and propellant within the valve body 110, thereby breaking the product into smaller particles suitable for ejection. From the valve body 110, the product is ejected through the valve stem 112, through the stem opening 126, and through the actuator opening 132 formed in the actuator cap 116.

One of the propellants used to inject a liquid product from an aerosol container using the valve assembly 104 of FIG. 3 is an injection of 40 psig (B-40) at 70 ^° F. (2.722 atmospheres at 294.261 K). It may be a B-series propellant with agent pressure. “Propellant pressure” refers to the approximate vapor pressure of the propellant, as opposed to “can pressure”, which represents the initial gauge pressure in a filled aerosol container. In order to dispense liquid product effectively, the valve assembly has a 2 × 0.020 ″ (2 × 0.508 mm) stem opening diameter, ie, two holes of 0.020 ″ diameter, It may have a vapor tap diameter of 020 "(0.508mm), a body opening diameter of 0.062" (1.575mm), and a dip tube inner diameter of 0.060 "(1.524mm). One currently known aerosol air disinfectant is a hydrocarbon propellant in an amount of approximately 29.5% by weight of the contents of the dispenser assembly, pure water free of 6-8.8% by weight glycol and water. With a good alcohol solvent.

  Hydrocarbon propellants are considered volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOC content in aerosol air disinfectants may be regulated by federal and / or state regulatory agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

  One way to reduce the VOC content in such aerosol air disinfectants is to reduce the content of the hydrocarbon propellant used to discharge the liquid product. However, reducing the propellant content can adversely affect product performance. Specifically, the decrease in propellant content in the aerosol air disinfectant may result in excessive product remaining in the container (product residue) at the end of the dispenser assembly life, This may result in an increase in particle size (increase in particle size). Minimize the particle size of the discharged product to maximize the diffusion of the particles in the air and prevent the particles from “raining” or “falling out” from the air. It is desirable. Thus, an aerosol dispenser assembly that can deliver an aerosol product satisfactorily should contain the desired level of propellant to provide good product performance throughout the life of the dispenser assembly.

  The “life of the dispenser assembly” is defined in terms of the pressure in the container (ie, can pressure), and the life of the dispenser assembly is the pressure within the container at its initial pressure (typically maximum). The period between one time and the time when the pressure in the container is substantially reduced, ie equal to atmospheric pressure.

  Here, the use of the terms “sanitizing” and “disinfecting” refers to US Environmental Protection Agency Disscientific Technical Science Section (DIS-TSS) Nos. 01, 08, 11, and 13 (http: // www) .Epa.gov / oppad001 / sciencepolicy.htm). For example, for hard surface cleaning products, according to DIS-TSS-01, the products labeled "disinfectant" are three different, one being at least 60 days old Using 60 carriers (for a total of 180 samples), each containing 3 different samples, representing a batch, Salmonella choleraesuis (ATCC 10708-gram negative) or Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538-gram positive) Need to be tested against. In DIS-TSS-01, in order to support the label claim of a product that is a “disinfectant”, the product must have a complete kill of 59 out of 60 carriers with 95% confidence. It is necessary to provide at a standard. Thus, DIS-TSS-01 is effective for a wide range of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, for label claims of effectiveness as "general disinfectants" In order to show that it is, complete death is basically necessary.

  In contrast to the requirement of “disinfection” and DIS-TSS-01 indicating complete killing of all bacteria on the test (hard) surface, the term “sterilization” does not represent complete killing of bacteria in the air . EPA regulations are currently used in the air and forbid disinfectant label claims for disinfecting products that reduce airborne bacteria but do not result in the complete killing of all bacteria in the air . In practice, the EPA imposes another requirement on the use of the “sterilization” indication for air (DIS-TSS-11).

  DIS / TSS-11 applies to products that have label claims to reduce airborne microbes or bacteria. Glycol vapor has been shown to significantly reduce the number of airborne bacteria that can survive in an enclosed space. Aerosol formulations containing glycols (triethylene, dipropylene, or propylene glycol) at a concentration of 5% or higher temporarily reduce the number of airborne bacteria when an appropriate amount is dispensed indoors. Unlike DIS-TSS-01, no specific criteria or method for evaluating air disinfectants has been introduced and incorporated into DIS-TSS-11.

  Thus, it has become known to use certain glycols in aerosol compositions for sterilizing indoor air by reducing the presence of airborne bacteria that often cause malodors. Yes. One specific glycol, triethylene glycol (“TEG”), has been found to be particularly effective in sterilizing air when supplied by aerosol spray. A commercially successful OUST® air disinfectant product utilizes a mixture containing about 6% by weight TEG. TEG has also been used to treat air against tobacco smoke.

  The aerosol composition effectively suppresses airborne microorganisms and malodors and has a low total VOC content, and an aerosol dispenser delivers the composition to the ambient air at the desired particle size and spray rate. There is a need for improved aerosol compositions and aerosol dispensers that improve air sterilization performance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to malodor reduction and / or air sterilization compositions in combination with spray valves, actuators and spray performance parameters to provide optimal diffusion of the composition into the air. Specifically, the aerosolized composition is such that the composition is sprayed as a fine mist or dispersion resulting in sufficient contact with malodor and / or bacteria, resulting in rapid absorption of malodor. And sufficiently small airborne particles. The particle size of the composition is controlled by specific compositional requirements such as the choice of valve and actuator dimensions, and propellant content in the range of about 10 to about 50 weight percent.

  The disclosed aerosol composition includes at least one low molecular weight polyol, i.e., a polyol having a molecular weight of about 250 or less. One particularly effective class of polyols that may be added to the disclosed aerosol compositions are glycols. Preferred low molecular weight polyols are mono-, di-, or tri-alkylene glycols or glycerol. The most preferred polyol is triethylene glycol (TEG) used alone or with propylene glycol.

  An aqueous solution of polyols may be difficult to effectively eject in an aerosol form. Trigger sprays are also generally not effective because the homogeneity of the mixture hinders the separation of the polyol therefrom during evaporation and the particle size cannot be adjusted well. The present disclosure provides a two-phase oil-out emulsion in a pressurized aerosol dispenser that is suitable for dispensing an aqueous polyol solution as a fine mist. The particle size of the present disclosure is adjusted by the choice of valve and actuator dimensions and formulation requirements.

  In one embodiment, the air treatment composition of the present disclosure may include water, a low molecular weight (MW) polyol, an emulsifier, and a propellant as follows:

  A co-solvent such as alcohol may be added to the aerosol composition to facilitate solubilization of the components. Preferably, the co-solvent is a low molecular weight monohydric alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol or isobutanol. Other cosolvents, such as acetone, may be added to the aerosol composition. In general embodiments, an emulsifier may be present as described above. If the co-solvent is present in the composition in an amount that is insufficient to form an emulsion in the absence of the emulsifier, the emulsifier may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.4 to about 4% by weight. Additional adjuvants such as perfumes, corrosion inhibitors, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, preservatives and the like may also be included. Preferred individual ranges for the adjuvants listed above are from 0 to about 5% by weight, more preferably from 0 to about 2% by weight. The preferred pH of the composition is in the range of about 8 to about 10.

  The air treatment composition may be used in combination with the following valve and actuator dimensions and spray performance parameters:

  Valve and actuator dimensions and spray performance parameters other than those described above may also exist. With respect to particle size, more preferred particle sizes are in the range of about 25 to about 40 μm, most preferably about 30 to about 38 μm.

  The dispenser of the present disclosure provides the desired small particle size and consistency throughout the life of the package. The resulting retention rate is also preferred. Methods for measuring particle size, spray rate and residue are described below.

  The present disclosure preferably dispenses substantially all of the aqueous air treatment composition (i.e., with low product residue) as a spray that exhibits the desired particle size and feed rate, while simultaneously discharging the aqueous product from the container. An aerosol dispenser assembly is provided that uses an optimal amount of propellant.

  In one aspect, an aerosol dispenser assembly of the present disclosure comprises a container having an aqueous air treatment product and a propellant for injecting the product from the container. The propellant is preferably a hydrocarbon propellant and may be present in an amount ranging from about 10 to about 50% by weight. Preferably, the propellant is present in an amount of 45 wt% or less, more preferably 40 wt% or less, and most preferably about 35 wt% or less. The contents of the container are pressurized from about 55 psig (3.743 atm) to about 120 psig (8.166 atm). In particular, the contents of the container are pressurized from about 55 psig (3.743 atm) to about 80 psig (5.444 atm).

  In order to selectively dispense liquid product as mist from the container, such that the mist exhibits an average particle size of 45 μm (0.0018 ″) or less over the first at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly, The vessel is fitted with a valve, the average particle size used here being the mass median particle size (also known as volumetric median) D (V , 0.5) using a Malvern® Mastersizer 2600 particle size analyzer with a Basic Principles of Particle Size Analytical by A. Rawle, Malvern Instruments Limited. In addition, the dispenser assembly is preferably capable of dispensing more than 95 wt% aqueous polyol solution from the container, i.e. showing less than 5 wt% product residue, More preferably 98% by weight of the aqueous air treatment product can be discharged from the container, i.e. less than 2% by weight of product residue.

  A vapor tap is formed in the valve to facilitate thorough mixing of the propellant and liquid product prior to dispensing, and a valve stem is disposed in the valve. The valve stem defines at least one stem opening for the flow of the mixed product (ie, vapor from the vapor tap and liquid from the dip tube) during discharge. The vapor tap is about 0.003 "(0.076 mm) to about 0.020" (0.508 mm), more preferably about 0.013 for dispensing in the propellant range of -20 to -25 wt%. "(0.330 mm) to about 0.019" (0.483 mm); and about 0.003 "(0.076 mm) to about 0 for dispensing in the propellant range of -15 to -20% by weight. In the range of .013 "(0.330 mm);

  A dispenser cap is mounted on the valve stem to actuate the valve and discharge the liquid product. The dispenser cap defines an exit path through which the liquid product can be discharged. An agitating / mixing component is placed in the outlet path of the dispenser cap to shred or mix the liquid product to reduce the size of the particles before the liquid product is dispensed can do. The agitation / mixing member may be a spin chamber, a breakup bar, and variations or other suitable members.

  The valve may also have the specifications described in US Pat. Nos. 6,824,079 and 7,014,127, assigned to the assignee of the present application, which are incorporated herein by reference. Shall be.

  A further understanding of these and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed description which illustrate and describe some preferred embodiments.

  For a more complete understanding of the disclosed method and apparatus, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in more detail on the accompanying drawings.

  It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments may be illustrated diagrammatically or in partial views. In certain instances, details may be omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatus or that make it difficult to understand other details. Of course, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional and perspective view of a first embodiment of a valve useful for implementing the concepts of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partial front plan view of the valve of FIG. 1, which is installed in a partially shown container. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a conventional aerosol valve assembly and actuator cap.

  Combinations of deodorant and / or air sterilizing compositions with spray valves, actuators and spray performance parameters that provide optimal diffusion of the composition into the air are described in more detail below. Preferably, the composition is supplied as an aerosol spray. The particles of the composition provide the components of the composition as a fine dispersion in the ambient air to provide sufficient contact with malodor and / or airborne bacteria and / or provide rapid absorption of malodor. Small enough to be. The particle size of the composition is adjusted by specific compositional requirements, such as the choice of valve and actuator dimensions, and propellant content ranging from about 10 to about 50 weight percent.

  The composition of the present disclosure preferably relates to an aerosol air treatment composition comprising water, at least one low molecular weight (MW) polyol, a propellant, and optionally a solvent and / or emulsifier.

  The air treatment compositions of the present disclosure may also contain additional optional additives such as perfumes, corrosion inhibitors, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, preservatives and mixtures thereof. The one or more additional adjuvants may each be present in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 0 to about 2% by weight.

  The components of one disclosed composition are as follows:

Polyols Low MW polyols suitable for use in the disclosed air treatment compositions preferably have a MW of about 250 grams / mole or less. One group of polyols that are particularly suitable for inclusion in the composition are glycols. Preferred examples of low molecular weight polyols used are mono-, di-, or tri-alkylene glycols or glycerol. Alkylene is preferably ethylene or propylene. The most preferred low MW polyol used is triethylene glycol (TEG). One or more low MW polyols may be used in the air treatment composition, for example, a low MW polyol selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

  The low MW polyol may be present in the composition at a concentration of about 5 to about 25% by weight of the composition. Preferably, the composition may comprise from about 5 to about 20 weight percent, more preferably from about 5 to about 15 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 5 to about 10 weight percent low MW polyol. In one embodiment, the composition comprises about 6-7% by weight TEG.

Water The composition of the present disclosure may comprise a liquid carrier. Preferably, the liquid carrier includes water and optionally a cosolvent. The disclosed composition may contain about 20 to about 90 weight percent water. In one embodiment, the composition comprises 40-70% water by weight. However, it should be noted that water supplements the weight balance of the disclosed composition and thus the water content disclosed above should not be considered limiting to the present disclosure.

Emulsifier The air treatment composition of the present disclosure may also include an emulsifier. The emulsifier may contain one or more surfactants. There are many types of surfactants that can be added to the composition, and one or more cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof However, it is not limited to these.

  The cationic surfactant may contain a quaternary ammonium salt. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium salt has a general molecular structure of one or more alkyl groups bonded to a nitrogen atom, where the alkyl group has 12 to 20 carbon atoms. These quaternary ammonium salts include: dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride, pentadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, stearyltrimethylammonium bromide, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium methylsulfate, tallow trimethyl Examples include, but are not limited to, ammonium acetate. Other useful cationic surfactants are: didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, ditetradecyldimethylammonium chloride, dipentadecyldimethylammonium chloride, didodecyldiethylammonium chloride, ditetradecyldipropylammonium chloride, ditallowdiethylammonium Examples include chloride, didodecyldiethylammonium chloride, didodecyldiethylammonium acetate, ditallowdipropylammonium phosphate, and tallowdimethylbenzylammonium chloride.

  Cationic surfactants also include other cationic nitrogen-containing compounds such as substituted imidazolium salts, substituted pyridinium salts, substituted morpholinium salts, and mixtures thereof.

  Quaternary ammonium salts and other cationic nitrogen-containing compounds may further include ether groups, ester groups, epoxy groups, amide groups, carbonyl groups, carboxyl groups, aromatic groups, amino groups, cyano groups, etc., but these You may have a functional group which is not limited to.

  In cationic surfactants, any anion that is compatible with other compositions of the laundry sheet is included in the compound to provide electrical neutrality. . In most cases, the anions used to provide electrical neutrality with these salts are derived from strong acids, particularly halides such as chloride, bromide, or iodide. However, other anions such as methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, acetate, formate, sulfate, carbonate, etc. can be used. Although less preferred, in some cases, the anion, although less preferred, may have a double charge.

  Nonionic surfactants present in the air treatment composition include sorbitol esters, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, condensates of alkanolamines with fatty acids, polyol fatty acid esters, ethoxylation Examples include, but are not limited to, polyol fatty acid esters, alkylpolyglucosides, and N-alkylpyrrolidones. Nonionic surfactants also include nonionic polymers such as ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers. Furthermore, further nonionic surfactants not specifically mentioned above may be used. In one embodiment, the nonionic surfactant added to the air treatment composition is a sorbitan ester. In one refinement, the sorbitan ester may be sorbitan monooleate.

  Examples of the anionic surfactant used in the present disclosure include carboxylates, primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, sulfosuccinate esters, and organic phosphate esters. However, it is not limited to these. The counterions for the aforementioned salts of the anionic softening compound may be of the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkanol ammonium, and alkyl ammonium types.

  Examples of the amphoteric surfactant used include, but are not limited to, tertiary amine oxides and zwitterionic quaternary ammonium compounds. Preferred amine oxides have a general molecular structure of one or more long chain alkyl groups bonded to a nitrogen atom. Examples of such amine oxides include, but are not limited to, didecylamine oxide, dinonylamine oxide, dioctylamine oxide, didodecylamine oxide, and the like.

  Preferably, the emulsifier added to the air treatment composition of the present disclosure includes a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant is trimethylalkylammonium chloride. In one refinement, the cationic surfactant is trimethylstearyl ammonium chloride. In other embodiments, the nonionic surfactant is a sorbitan ester such as sorbitan monooleate. In yet another embodiment, the emulsifier is a mixture of trimethylstearyl ammonium chloride and sorbitan monooleate.

Propellants Suitable propellants for inclusion in the aerosol compositions of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon propellants, ether propellants, CFCs, soluble or insoluble compressed gases, and mixtures thereof. Preferred propellants of the present disclosure may include one or more hydrocarbon propellants. In one embodiment, the propellant is a mixture of propane, isobutane, and n-butane. Other propellants that may be added to the disclosed aerosol composition will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The propellant may be present in a wide range of concentrations in the air treatment composition. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the composition is about 10 to about 50% by weight, preferably about 10 to about 45% by weight, more preferably about 10 to about 35% by weight, and even more preferably about 25 to about 35% by weight. % Propellant. In one embodiment, the aerosol composition comprises about 30% by weight propellant.

  A wide range of propellant concentrations may be included within the scope of this disclosure, as shown in Examples C1-C4 and C7-C11 below. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable concentrations of propellant are also included.

A co-solvent may optionally be added to the aerosol composition to promote solubilization of the co-solvent components in the composition or to promote the formation of the desired emulsion. The cosolvent is preferably a low molecular weight monohydric alcohol, for example an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol. In addition, the co-solvent may also include other low molecular weight organic solvents such as acetone. In one embodiment, the co-solvent is ethanol. In other embodiments, the co-solvent is isopropanol.

  Since the co-solvent can contribute to the total VOC content of the composition, the presence of the co-solvent in the aerosol composition is optional, preferably not exceeding about 40% by weight, and preferably the water content. Lower concentration. In a preferred embodiment, no solvent is present and therefore the emulsifier needs to be present in an amount of about 0.4 to about 4% by weight to ensure formation of the desired emulsion. On the other hand, the emulsifier content may be reduced when a co-solvent is utilized. In one embodiment, the air treatment composition does not include an emulsifier.

Perfume Perfume usually consists of a mixture of a number of fragrances each having a particular fragrance. The number of aromatic substances in the fragrance is typically 10 or more. The range of fragrance materials used can vary. The material comes from various chemical categories, but is generally a water-insoluble oil. In many cases, the molecular weight of the fragrance is greater than 150 but does not exceed 300.

  In the disclosed air treatment composition, the perfume that may be optionally added may be present in an amount sufficient to provide a favorable odor that can be perceived by the consumer. In the presence of malodor, the perfume may be present in an amount that masks at least a substantial portion of the malodor in the air. More preferably, the perfume is present in an amount that not only completely masks malodors floating in the air, but provides a favorable odor to be perceived by the consumer. In one embodiment, the perfume is in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 1 wt%, more preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt%, most preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.3 wt%. Exists.

  The perfume may include one or more fragrance materials or materials that provide chemically active vapors. In one embodiment, the perfume can include and / or include volatile fragrance compounds such as, but not limited to, natural plant extracts, essences, fragrance oils, synthetic fragrances, and the like. As is known in the art, many essential oils and other natural plant derivatives contain a high percentage of highly volatile aromas. In this connection, a number of essential oils, essences and scented concentrates are generally available from fragrance and food trading companies. Exemplary oils and extracts include the following plants: almonds, amiris, anise, armoise, bergamot, cabreuva, calendula, ylang ylang, cedar, chamomile, coconut, eucalyptus, fennel, jasmine, juniper, lavender, Examples include, but are not limited to, those obtained from lemon, orange, palm, peppermint, cassia, rosemary, thyme and the like.

Corrosion inhibitor When an aqueous aerosol composition is used, a product with low flammability and low raw material cost can be produced. However, the use of water in such an aerosol composition also increases the corrosion problem on the inner surface of the very widely used tinned steel cans, so that the contamination and corrosion of the aerosol product is severe enough If it is, it will eventually lead to leakage of the can. For this reason, preferably a corrosion inhibitor is added into the aqueous aerosol composition.

  When corrosive cans are used with water-containing compositions, one or more corrosion inhibitors such as potassium phosphate, potassium nitrite, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrite, mixtures thereof, or one or more other A corrosion inhibitor may be added.

Di-potassium phosphate (K ₂ HPO ₄ ) is useful as both a corrosion inhibitor and a buffer. Dipotassium phosphate may be used alone or in combination with mono-potassium phosphate (KH ₂ PO ₄ ). Di-sodium phosphate (Na ₂ HPO ₄ ) is also useful as both a corrosion inhibitor and a buffer, and may be substituted for dipotassium phosphate. Mono-sodium phosphate (NaH ₂ PO ₄ ) may also be used instead of or in addition to monopotassium phosphate. Only di-potassium and / or sodium phosphate, or the combination of di- and mono-potassium and / or sodium phosphate, other corrosion in the form of potassium nitrite (KNO ₂ ) and / or sodium nitrite (NaNO ₂ ) It has been found to be enhanced by the presence of the inhibitor. Accordingly, the presence of dipotassium phosphate or disodium phosphate may range from about 0.01 to about 1.0 wt%, more preferably from about 0.02 to about 0.25 wt%. Suitable pH ranges for these salts are from about 6 to about 12, more preferably from about 7 to about 11, and even more preferably from about 8 to about 10.

  The amount of dipotassium phosphate or disodium phosphate may be reduced if a small amount of monopotassium phosphate and / or monosodium phosphate is utilized as shown above in Examples 2 and 4, It is possible to use only diphosphate or only monophosphate. When used, it is sufficient that a small amount of monopotassium phosphate and / or monosodium phosphate is present, but its presence is about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight, more preferably about 0.02% by weight. Range. When utilized, potassium nitrite may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight, more preferably from about 0.07 to about 0.15% by weight. Inhibitors may be generated in situ using potassium hydroxide and phosphoric acid, or using sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. The amount of monopotassium phosphate / sodium phosphate added is dipotassium phosphate / sodium phosphate so that the buffer system is in the acidic to alkaline pH range of about 5 to about 10, preferably about 7 to about 9. The amount may exceed the amount of.

Ammonium phosphate and / or ammonium nitrite may also be used or combined with the corrosion inhibitors discussed above. However, ammonium nitrite is explosive and therefore has a handling problem. Tri-potassium phosphate and tri-sodium phosphate can also be used and can be neutralized to an acceptable pH with acids such as phosphoric acid. The use of triethanolamine with sodium benzoate or with one or more of the other inhibitors discussed above is a less preferred option for corrosion protection. As another option, corrosion protection may be achieved by borax (Na ₂ B ₄ O ₇ / H ₂ O) alone or in combination with sodium nitrite or one or more other inhibitors discussed above. May be provided.

  In one embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor comprises potassium monophosphate and sodium diphosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor comprises a 50/50 mixture of potassium monophosphate and sodium diphosphate. Other suitable corrosion inhibitors added to the composition will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

pH adjusters Suitable pH adjusters include common acids, bases, and salts thereof such as ammonia, alkali metal hydroxides, silicates, borates, carbonates, bicarbonates, citrates, Citric acid or a mixture thereof may be used. In one embodiment, the pH adjuster is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. In other embodiments, the pH adjuster is ammonium hydroxide.

  The pH of the composition should be in the range of about 6-12, more preferably about 7 to about 11, and most preferably about 8 to about 10. The amount of pH adjusting agent added to the air treatment composition to obtain the desired pH will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the amount of pH adjusting agent may be present in an amount of about 0 to about 5% by weight, more preferably about 0 to about 2% by weight.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol dispenser assembly of the present disclosure generally includes a container 2, and a valve assembly 4 disposed at the upper end thereof selectively discharges a liquid product from the container 2.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the valve assembly 4 further includes a mounting cup 6, a mounting gasket 8, a valve body 10, a valve stem 12, a stem gasket 14, an actuator cap 16, and a return spring 18. The actuator cap 16 defines an outlet path 28 and an actuator opening 32. The valve stem 12, the stem gasket 14, and the return spring 18 are disposed in the valve body 10 and are movable relative to the valve body 10. The valve body 10 is added to the lower side of the mounting cup 6 so that a valve stem 12 extends through the mounting cup 6 and protrudes outward therefrom. The actuator cap 16 is fitted on the outwardly projecting portion of the valve stem 12, and the dip tube 20 is attached to the lower portion of the valve body 10. The entire valve assembly 4 is sealed to the container 2 by a mounting gasket 8.

  The actuator cap 16 shown in FIG. 1 is a simple push button actuator, but it will be understood that any suitable actuator may be used, such as an actuator button with an integral overcap, for example. In use, when the actuator cap 16 of the dispenser 1 is depressed, this moves the valve stem 12 downward, unsealing between the stem gasket and the stem opening, thereby allowing flow from the contents of the container to the external environment. A path is formed. The propellant pushes the liquid product up through the dip tube 20 to the valve body 10 via the body opening 22. Within the valve body 10, the liquid product is mixed with further propellant supplied to the valve body 10 through a vapor tap 24. The vapor tap 24 facilitates the mixing of the liquid product and propellant within the valve body 10, thereby breaking the product into smaller particles suitable for ejection. From the valve body 10, the liquid product is ejected through at least one stem opening 26, through the valve stem 12, and through an outlet path 28 formed in the actuator cap 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of stem openings 26 may be used. However, only one stem opening is essential. A stirring / mixing member may be provided in the outlet path to further mix or stir the product. The agitation / mixing member may be any suitable member such as, but not limited to, for example, a spin chamber, a break-up bar, and variations thereof, or other similar members. The product is then dispensed from the actuator cap 16 through the actuator opening 32, which disperses the product and produces the desired spray pattern. In one variation of the dispenser assembly, instead of the breakup bar shown in FIG. 1, the dispenser assembly may comprise a pair of breakup plates located inside or below the outlet passage 28.

  Some valve members are known to affect the dispensed ratio of the liquid product to the propellant, including the vapor tap, stem opening, body opening, and dip tube inner diameter. sell. In general, reducing the size of the vapor tap produces a leaner mixture (low propellant to liquid ratio) and reduces residual volume, but increases particle size and spray product spray rate. Have Conversely, reducing the size of the stem opening, body opening, and / or dip tube inner diameter generally reduces both spray rate and particle size, potentially increasing the amount of product residue.

  Based on the above experiments and analyses, and as discussed below, a combination of propellant type, can pressure, and valve opening dimensions can be used to spray a high quality aerosol spray into the air. Can thus produce a dispenser that improves the performance of the air treatment composition.

  In addition, the aerosol product dispenser assembly of FIGS. 1-2 comprises an aqueous two-phase oil-out emulsion comprising about 10 to about 50% by weight propellant and about 5 to about 25% by weight water-soluble polyol having odor removal activity. Can be discharged satisfactorily when the diameter of the vapor tap 24 is about 0.003 ″ (0.076 mm) to about 0.020 ″ (0.508 mm). More preferably, the diameter of the vapor tap 24 is about 0.013 "(0.330 mm) to about 0.019" (0. 0 mm) when the propellant content is in the range of -20 to 35% by weight. 483 mm) and the diameter of the vapor tap 24 is about 0.003 ″ (0.076 mm) to about 0.013 when the propellant content is in the range of ˜15 to ˜20 wt%. ”(0.330 mm). The diameter of the stem opening 26 is about 0.020 "(0.508 mm) to about 0.030" (0.762 mm) (a pair of stem openings is used when a single stem opening is used). The range is from about 0.014 "(0.356 mm) to about 0.025" (0.635 mm)). The diameter of the body opening 22 is about 0.008 ″ (0.203 mm) to about 0.062 ″ (1.575 mm) when the propellant content is in the range of ˜20 to ˜25 wt%. Preferably it ranges from about 0.050 "(1.270 mm) to about 0.062" (1.575 mm). The diameter of the body opening 22 is about 0.040 ″ (1.016 mm) to about 0.060 ″ when the propellant content is in the range of ˜15 to ˜20 wt% and the inner diameter of the dip tube 20 is about 0.040 ″ (1.016 mm) to about 0.060 ″. (1.524 mm) is in the range of about 0.008 "(0.203 mm) to about 0.050" (1.270 mm).

  Accordingly, any of the valve members, propellant types, propellant pressures, and valve opening dimensions described above may be used in combination to provide the dispenser assembly of the present disclosure.

  In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol dispenser assembly 1 dispenses a liquid product from the container 2 using an A series propellant (ie, A-57 propellant) having a propellant pressure of about 57 psig (4.083 atmospheres). To do. In this embodiment, the container is initially pressurized to a can pressure of about 70 psig (4.763 atmospheres) to about 80 psig (5.444 atmospheres). The diameter of the vapor tap 24 in this embodiment is about 0.016 "(0.406 mm). Even with two stem openings 26 each having a diameter of about 0.024" (0.610 mm). Good. The diameter of the body opening is about 0.050 "(1.270 mm) and the inner diameter of the dip tube is about 0.060" (1.524 mm).

  Other embodiments of the dispenser assembly 1 use a single stem opening 26. Also in this embodiment, the dispenser assembly 1 uses A-57 propellant and a can pressure of about 70 psig (4.763 atmospheres) to about 80 psig (5.444 atmospheres) for dispensing the liquid product from the container 2. . The diameter of the vapor tap is about 0.016 "(0.406 mm), the diameter of the single stem opening is about 0.025" (0.635 mm), and the diameter of the body opening is about 0.062. "(1.575 mm) and the inner diameter of the dip tube is about 0.060" (1.524 mm).

  These embodiments of the dispenser assembly eject the liquid product contained in the container as a mist having an average particle size of 45 μm (0.0018 ″) or less during a period of at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly. Because the discharged mist has such a small particle size, the particles are more than using an assembly that produces a larger particle size, including a limited amount of propellant of about 10 to about 50% by weight. It diffuses more easily into the air and is less likely to fall out, which reduces the odor removal (eliminating) effect of the dispenser assembly and allows the liquid product to be placed on a flat surface such as a countertop, table or floor. It helps to prevent unwanted residues from settling, and the spray rate is In at least 75% of the life of the Nburi, preferably in the range of about 0.5 g / s to about 2.5 g / s.

  Preferred particle sizes and spray rates are described above and in the following test examples, but the particle sizes and spray rates are different from dispenser to dispenser and due to variations in various conditions such as but not limited to temperature and / or humidity, etc. Can be different.

  A spray rate of 200 g / s and a particle size of 200D (V, 0.5) is preferably at a late in product performance measurement collected at about 50-75% of the product's lifetime. is there. Because the spray rate and particle size measurements consume the product for that measurement, the process of collecting the two spray rates and the two particle size measurements results in a reduction in product weight depending on the spray rate. Thus, the product weight value remains constant at about 45% of the initial product weight. The selection of the initial product weight prior to this late measurement is such that the dischargeable product is not depleted in this process for a fill weight of 260 grams in an 80 gram package at an injection rate of up to 2.5 g / s. Allows to collect measurements appropriately.

  Furthermore, these preferred embodiments of the dispenser assembly dispense more than 95% by weight of liquid product from the container, ie leave less than 5% by weight product residue, and more preferably 98% by weight from the container. It is possible to dispense super liquid products, i.e. having less than 2% by weight of product residues. In one embodiment, substantially all of the product can be discharged into the air. Also, less liquid product is wasted by minimizing the amount of product remaining in the container at the end of the life of the dispenser assembly. This is important from a consumer satisfaction perspective, as consumers tend to be more satisfied with the dispenser assembly when substantially all of the product is dispensed.

  Further embodiments of the composition, valve, actuator overcap, and spray performance parameters are described in the examples below. The examples are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Composition

  Examples C1, C2, C3 and C4 form an oil-out emulsion when shaken. The formation of an oil-out emulsion is important to maintain good spray performance.

  All of the C1-C4 examples and Comparative Example C7 have a pH value of about 8.5 to about 9.5 for a liquid carrier containing an aqueous and optionally included alcoholic moiety.

  Comparative Example C7 is a single phase system. No shaking is necessary and there is no two-phase emulsion.

  All examples of C1-C4 and C7-C11 have propellant concentrations not exceeding about 50% by weight. However, higher propellant values, such as 55 wt%, 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, or even 80 wt% may be suitable and are considered within the scope of this disclosure. It is. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to incorporate propellants at various other concentrations.

  The maximum level of ethanol content in Examples C1, C2, C3, and C4 is 38.4% by weight. In Comparative Example C7, the contents of the composition dissolve together to form a single phase product. Without being bound by any particular theory, the presence of a solvent (ethanol) can contribute to the formation of a single phase liquid. However, ethanol increases the total VOC content and, depending on the amount of ethanol present, can result in a composition having a high VOC content, as shown, for example, by composition C7 with ethanol and no water. . In order to reduce the total VOC content of the composition, some or all of the ethanol content of the composition may be replaced with water, for example as shown in compositions C1-C4 and C8-C11. Since water is not classified as a VOC, the total VOC content of the product is reduced when water is present. In some examples (not shown), the ethanol content is sufficient to completely dissolve the added water. In Examples C3 and C4, however, the water content is comparable to the ethanol content, so a two-phase system is formed. The hydroalcoholic mixture forms a two-phase oil-out emulsion when shaken, and the stability of the emulsion so formed can be promoted (in Example C3) by the presence of an emulsifier.

  Examples C8-C11 show the addition of a propellant in an amount of about 30% by weight or more. However, compared to Comparative Example C7 discussed above, the total VOC content of Compositions C8-C11 is greatly reduced due to the decrease in cosolvent content. Preferably, the aerosol composition may have a total VOC content not exceeding 60% by weight.

  The following two tables summarize suitable valves and overcaps. These show the spray performance parameters shown in the following third table when used with each of the formulations described above.

valve

Actuator over cap

Spray performance parameters

  The standard package valve and actuator overcap combinations shown in V1 and AO1 can be used with similar performance results in Examples C1 and C2. Valve V7 for composition C7 is also available from Summit Packaging Systems (body opening = 0.062 ″, stem opening = 1 × 0.025 ″, dip tube ID = 0.060 ″, and Vapor tap = 0.020 ").

  In one embodiment, the aerosol dispenser assembly may comprise a container that includes an odor removal composition for treating air and a valve attached to the container for selectively discharging the composition. The resulting composition has a mass median particle size of 45 μm or less during a period of at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly and about 0.5 g / s during a period of at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly. A spray rate in the range of about 2.5 g / s; and wherein the valve has a vapor tap having a diameter in the range of about 0.003 "to about 0.20" and at least one stem opening And a total diameter of the at least one stem opening is at least 0.010 ″.

  The air treatment composition may have one or more of the following advantages: (1) odor removal; (2) fine mist; (3) adequate spray rate; (4) low residue; (5) cans (6) low manufacturing costs; and (7) no toxicity or other harmful effects.

  The above examples were tested using a predetermined test procedure. The following is a summary of the test procedure conditions and parameters used to measure conditions and results such as spray rate, particle size and residue.

Spray performance was evaluated under ambient indoor conditions, ie 70 ^° F. and normal humidity. Samples were stored under ambient room conditions for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

  The spray rate is measured by the change in weight during the 10 second spray, recorded in grams / second, and averaged over 2 sprays during the first 40 seconds of the sample life. Press down the actuator completely during the measurement. The can is shaken appropriately before spraying and left for 2-4 seconds between shaking and spraying.

  A spray rate of 200 is collected after spraying the sample to 200 g (formulation + package) and averaged over two measurements.

  The particle size is the mass median diameter, D (V, 0.5) (μm), recorded using a Malvern® laser diffraction particle size analyzer equipped with a 300 mm lens. The aerosol was sprayed from the probe beam using a 18 "spray tip. A cutoff was applied at 301.7 μm to eliminate the ghost peaks caused by“ beam steering ”. The spray time for particle size measurement was between 5 and 10 seconds, depending on the spray obscuration. Results were averaged over two measurements collected during the first 40 seconds of the sample life. Samples were shaken appropriately before taking measurements and left for 2-4 seconds between shaking and spraying.

  A particle size of 200 was also measured using a Malvern® analyzer, collected for samples sprayed to 200 g (formulation + package) and averaged for at least two measurements. The aerosol was sprayed from the probe beam using a 18 "spray tip. Typically, measurements of particle size 200 and spray rate 200 were alternated until each was completed twice.

  Spray-down was achieved by spraying the spray can once per hour for 10 seconds, usually a maximum of 6 times per day. This process reduced the can pressure, which was restored by leaving it for about 24 hours depending on the amount of spray down. Other heavy measurements, such as particle size and spray rate, were not measured within 24 hours of substantial spray down (3 or more 10 second sprays).

  Product residue is the weight of material remaining in the aerosol after complete ejection of the propellant by the spray-down procedure. The weight of the remaining product is completely discharged (from the final weight of the package when the internal pressure is equal to the ambient pressure), the container is opened and the remaining contents are washed away with acetone (and dried). It was measured by the difference after subtracting the weight of the package. Product residue may be recorded in residual grams or percent remaining.

  Although only some embodiments have been described, alternatives and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. These and other alternatives are considered equivalent and are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims (20)

From about 5 to about 25% by weight of at least one polyol having a molecular weight of about 250 grams / mole or less;
0 to about 4% by weight of an emulsifier;
From about 10 to about 50 weight percent propellant;
From 0 to about 40% by weight of a co-solvent;
water and;
One or more components selected from the group consisting of a fragrance, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH adjuster, an antibacterial agent, and a preservative, which may optionally be included;
An air treatment composition comprising:
Here, when the composition is ejected, it has an average particle size of 45 μm or less during a period of at least 75% of the useful life of the composition, and at least 75% of the useful life of the composition An air treatment composition having an injection rate in the range of about 0.5 g / s to about 2.5 g / s during the period.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the propellant is present in an amount of about 10 to about 40 weight percent.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the propellant is present in an amount of from about 10 to about 35% by weight.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the total VOC content of the composition is about 60 wt% or less.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the propellant comprises a hydrocarbon propellant.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the emulsifier comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of sorbitan esters, quaternary ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the co-solvent is ethanol.   The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of monoalkylene glycols, dialkylene glycols, trialkylene glycols, glycerols, and mixtures thereof.   The composition of claim 4, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.   The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 8 to about 10. From about 5 to about 25 weight percent triethylene glycol;
0 to about 4% by weight of an emulsifier;
About 10 to about 50 weight percent propellant;
From 0 to about 40% by weight of a co-solvent;
water and;
One or more ingredients selected from perfumes, corrosion inhibitors, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, and preservatives, which may optionally be included;
An air treatment composition comprising:
Here, when the composition is discharged, the composition has an average particle size of 45 μm or less during a period of at least 75% of the service life of the composition, and at least 75% of the service life of the composition An air treatment composition having an injection rate in the range of about 0.5 g / s to about 2.5 g / s during the period of time.   12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the propellant is present in an amount of about 10 to about 40% by weight.   The composition of claim 11 wherein the propellant is present in an amount of from about 10 to about 35 weight percent. A container containing an odor removing composition for treating air;
A valve attached to the container for selectively discharging the composition;
An aerosol dispenser assembly comprising:
Wherein the dispensed composition has a mass median particle size of 45 μm or less during a period of at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly and a period of at least 75% of the life of the dispenser assembly Having an injection speed in the range of about 0.5 g / s to about 2.5 g / s,
Wherein the valve comprises a vapor tap having a diameter ranging from about 0.003 "to about 0.20" and a valve stem defining at least one stem opening, the at least one stem The opening has a cumulative diameter of at least 0.010 ″;
Wherein the composition is:
From about 5 to about 25% by weight of at least one polyol having a molecular weight of about 250 grams / mole or less;
0 to about 4% by weight of an emulsifier;
From about 10 to about 50 weight percent propellant;
From 0 to about 40% by weight of solvent;
water and,
including,
Aerosol dispenser assembly.   The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of monoalkylene glycols, dialkylene glycols, trialkylene glycols, glycerols, and mixtures thereof.   The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the propellant is a hydrocarbon propellant.   The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the dispenser assembly exhibits less than 5% of the composition remaining. The dispenser assembly is:
A body opening having a diameter in the range of about 0.008 "to about 0.062";
A dip tube extending from the valve to the container, wherein the dip tube has a diameter in the range of about 0.040 "to about 0.060";
The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 14, further comprising: The dispenser assembly is:
A spray actuator mounted on the valve stem for actuating the valve to discharge the composition, the spray actuator defining an outlet path for discharging the composition;
An agitation member located within the spray actuator, optionally contained, to shatter the composition and reduce the particle size of the composition before the composition is ejected;
The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 14, further comprising:   The aerosol dispenser assembly of claim 19, wherein the agitation member includes at least one of a spin chamber and a break-up bar.

Images