LU93042B1 - Method and device for increasing the household use time of a sponge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge (1) comprising the following steps: a) Introduction of a support (2) mounted on at least three springs (3) in position uncompressed, in a container (4) having a lid (5), said support (2) comprising an upper surface (6) and a lower surface (7), b) Pouring a composition (8) containing more than 99 % by weight of a household vinegar solution and less than 1% by weight of eucalyptus essential oil in said container (4), the level of said composition (8) being lower than the lower surface (7) of said support (2) when the springs are in the uncompressed position, c) Flow of said composition (8) under the lower surface (7) of said support (2) when the springs are in the uncompressed position, the level of said composition (8) being lower than said lower surface (7) of said support (2), d) Abai slowly acting of the support (2) by vertical pressure towards the bottom of the container (4), said pressure being directed on the center of gravity of said support (2) in order to immerse the upper surface (6) of said support in said composition (8); e) Slow rise of the support (2) by progressive release of the pressure, so that a thin liquid layer (9) of the composition (8) of step b) covers the upper surface (6) of the support (2), f) placing the cellulosic surface of the sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2) for capillary absorption of the thin liquid layer of the composition (8), g) Return to sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2), so that the composition (8) diffuses by gravity through the sponge (1), h) Closing the lid (5) of the container (4) ). 93042

Description

Method and device for increasing the household use time of a sponge

Description - Prior art:

The present invention relates to a method and a device for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge, as well as the use of this device. The term "vinegar" is reserved for the product obtained exclusively by the double fermentation, alcoholic then acetic, food and drink of agricultural origin or their aqueous dilutions. This is a natural process, the alcohol vinegar is obtained by acetic fermentation of ethanol distillation. The vinegar can then be diluted with water to lower its degree of acidity to 14 °. 14 ° vinegar is a concentrated cleaner / descaler with many applications that make it indispensable in the bathroom, kitchen or for the general maintenance of the house. Economical as versatile and highly concentrated, it can be used to clean, descale and shine sinks and faucets, showers, refrigerators, dishes, appliances.

Appearance: Clear liquid.

Color: Colorless.

Odor: Characteristic.

Relative density (20 ° C): 1.022 +/- 0.010. PH (20 ° C): 2.15 +/- 0.10.

Total acidity: 14 +/- 0.2 g of acetic acid per 100 mL.

Residual alcohol: max 0.5%.

SO2 content: max 10 mg / L.

Depending on the media and the desired application, the 14 ° vinegar can be used pure or diluted in water.

With a cloth or sponge, apply pure or diluted vinegar to the surface to be cleaned. Leave for a moment, then rinse and dry.

Repeat the operation if necessary.

For surfaces in contact with food, rinse with potable water.

It is known from the website http://www.consoglobe.com/vinaigre-blanc-arme-nettoyage-ecolo-3127-cg that the white vinegar in the house can be used as: -desinfectant (household appliances, toilets, cooking surfaces) the kitchen and the bathroom ...) -deodorizer (to spray in toilets, trash cans) -anti-limestone (joints, faucets, sinks, kettles, carafes, coffee makers, pots, toilets, washing machine, lava - dishwashing machine for laundry - stain and anti-mildew - cleaning (windows, mirrors, copper, tiles, silverware, baby toys) - weed killer.

The particular properties known for the essential oil of eucalyptus radiata are as follows:

Stimulating immune, anti-infectious (anti-bacterial, anti-viral), antiseptic aerial, expectorant and respiratory (mainly upper respiratory tract), anti-inflammatory. http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/HuilesEssentielles/Fiche.aspx?doc=huile-essentielle-eucalyptus-radiata

Any type of eucalyptus essential oil may be suitable. Summary of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to clean up a sponge by eliminating as many bacteria as possible, to deodorize a sponge so that it does not smell rancid or moldy, to moisten a sponge so that it no longer dries while increasing its life time.

The present invention relates to a method for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge (1) comprising the following steps: a) introduction of a support (2) mounted on one or more spring (3) in uncompressed position, in a container (4) having a lid (5), said support (2) comprising an upper surface (6) and a lower surface (7), b) Pouring a composition (8) containing more than 99% by weight a solution of household vinegar and less than 1% by weight of eucalyptus essential oil in said container (4) and on said carrier (2), c) Flow of said composition (8) under the lower surface (7). ) of said support (2) when the springs are in the uncompressed position, the level of said composition (8) being lower than said lower surface (7) of said support (2), d) Slow lowering of the support (2) by vertical pressure towards the bottom of the container (4), said pressure being directed on the center e of gravity of said support (2) in order to immerse the upper surface (6) of said support in said composition (8), e) Slow rise of the support (2) by progressive release of the pressure, so that a thin layer (9) liquid of the composition (8) of step b) covers the upper surface (6) of the support (2), f) Placement of the cellulosic surface of the sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2) for capillary absorption of the thin liquid layer of the composition (8), g) turn the sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2), so that the composition (8) ) diffuses by gravity through the sponge (1), h) Closing the lid (5) of the container (4).

Preferably, the composition of step b) comprises a solution of household vinegar between 10 and 20 degrees and 0.001 to 0.005 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar, preferably a solution of household vinegar between 12 and 18. degrees and 0.002 to 0.004 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar, preferably a solution of household vinegar between 13 and 16 degrees and 0.0025 to 0.0035 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar.

Preferably, the composition of step b) comprises a solution of household vinegar at 14 degrees and 0.002775 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar.

Preferably, the vertical pressure of step d) is performed manually.

Preferably, the thin layer (9) of step e) comprises a liquid thickness of between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

Preferably, the placement of the cellulosic surface of a sponge in step f) takes place within a period of time of between 1 to 2 seconds.

Preferably, the upper surface of the support (2) is at the same height level as the longitudinal axis of the hinge (10) of the lid (5) of the container (4) when said one or more springs (3) is in position uncompressed in steps a) and b).

The present invention also relates to a device for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge (1) comprising: a support (2) flat mounted on one or more springs (3), -one or more studs (11) fixed (s) on the lower part of the support (3) on which is anchored said one or more spring (3), -a container (4) connected to a cover (5) by a hinge (10), -a closing means of the container (4), said container (4) being airtight in the closed position, -said container (4) containing a composition (8) comprising more than 99% by weight of a household vinegar solution between 10 and 20 degrees and less than 1% by weight of eucalyptus essential oil, -a sponge (1).

Preferably, the support (3), the container (4) and the lid (5) are made of plastic.

Preferably, the dimensions of the sponge adapt to the dimensions of the support (3) and the container (4) while leaving a space for the flow of the composition (8) to the bottom of the container.

Preferably, the support (2) is rectangular, square, oval, circular, triangular, parallelepipedal or parallelogram-shaped.

Preferably, the springs (3) are made of stainless steel and each spring (3) is respectively anchored to a circular stud (11).

The present invention also relates to a use of the device for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge.

The present invention also relates to a use of the device for disinfecting a household sponge.

The present invention also relates to a use of the device for descaling a household sponge.

The present invention also relates to a use of the device to present the user with a sponge having a pleasant nose odor.

A household sponge is usually and generally used with very little, if ever, sanitized and deodorized, and not kept wet after use, a new sponge after a short time of use, becomes a real nest of bacteria, its smell is degraded and becomes unsustainable, the sponge, after a few days of use, dries quickly thus losing its properties, it hardens what causes the deterioration of the sponge, decreases its service life and thus increases the number of sponge used, and by definition causes sponge waste.

The device according to the invention overcomes these disadvantages.

The device according to the invention comprises, according to a first characteristic, a box with its receiving closure flap lid, a non-submerged flat support mounted on at least three springs and a liquid sanitizing and deodorizing solution, the level of the liquid solution of which is always kept below the support. This support serves as a diffuser by its flat surface in contact with the sponge, the user by manually pressing the spring-mounted support, compresses the springs, and lowers the support under the level of the solution, once the immersed support, the user stops pressing on the support, which goes back wet with the appropriate volume of solution to soak the sponge, the user deposits the sponge always well rinsed and wrung on the support, side cellulose sponge, then , the user turns the sponge on its opposite side (for example green side scraper) and deposits the sponge on the support, thus allowing the solution to penetrate well in the sponge (by making play the gravity) to clean up, deodorize and moisten the sponge, which is impregnated on both sides, the lid of the box is folded and closed, thus keeping the sponge in a hermetically sealed environment (hermetic to bacteria), fragrant and moist until the next use. When you use it again and after opening the box, you must tighten the sponge on top of the box, allowing it to be wrung out and to save sanitizing, deodorizing and moistening solution.

Any type of sponge of substantially parallelepipedic shape and having at least one planar surface is suitable for the present invention.

The support may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more springs anchored on one or more studs fixed on the lower surface of the support. The flow of the composition at the bottom of the container is done either by the space between the support and the container, or by one or more orifices pierced through the support of the present invention. The space between the longitudinal portion of the support and the longitudinal portion of the container is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably 4 mm. The space between the lateral part of the support and the lateral part of the container is between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2.5 mm.

The height of a stud of the lower part of the support on which a spring is anchored is between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, and is preferably 4 mm. Detailed summary of the invention:

The present invention relates to a device for sanitizing, deodorizing and keeping a wet sponge. The invention makes it possible to maintain, under excellent conditions and for a longer time, a sanitized, deodorized and moist sponge. The user opens a container (or box) with a lid, deposits the support in the. container mounted on 3 springs, the user fills the container with deodorizing sanitizing solution without ever drowning nor never covering the support, the user presses the support, this compresses the springs and lowers the support in the deodorizing and humidifying sanitizing solution . Once the support immersed in the deodorizing sanitizing solution, the user releases the pressure exerted on the support which rises thanks to the decompression of the three springs which maintain, above the level of the solution, the support wet on all its upper surface , the user deposits the sponge on the wet support, the solution impregnates the sponge by contact and the solution rises the sponge by capillarity, then the user returns the sponge allowing the solution to better penetrate the two faces of the sponge, and once the operation is over the lid of the box is closed now so the sponge in a healthy medium, with a pleasant smell to the nose and moist.

This operation is necessary only once a day, preferably at the end of the day after the last use of the sponge, so it will spend the night in a healthy environment, with a pleasant odor to the nose and moist.

Figure 1 shows a container (or box) open

Figure 2 shows a container closed in an airtight manner

FIG. 3 shows a support comprising 3 springs each anchored on a stud respectively. FIG. 4 shows the support and its three anchoring studs of the springs FIG. 5 shows the support provided with three springs

Figure 6 shows three springs ...

Figure 7 shows a vial containing the composition of the present invention

Figure 8 shows a sponge made of cellulosic material

FIG. 9 shows the open container assembly, spring-mounted support in the use position, the composition under the support and the sponge

Figure 10 shows the assembly contained in the airtight closed container. Figure 11 shows the closure system of the container containing the spring-mounted support assembly in use position, the composition under the support and the 'sponge.

Figure 12 shows a sectional view of the device of the present invention (except for the composition).

Example: By way of non-limiting example, the container (or box) will have dimensions of the order of 110mm for the length, 72mm for the width and 58mm for the height.

The support will have dimensions of the order of 102mm for its length, 67mm for its width and 2.5mm for its thickness.

The three round studs of the support will have an identical dimension of the order of an outer diameter of 13mm, an internal diameter of 8mm, a thickness of 2.5mm and a height of 4mm.

The springs have a number of 5.5 turns, a straight winding direction for a wire diameter of 0.8mm, a dimension of 33mm in length, and an outside diameter of 14.2mm.

The sanitizing and deodorizing aqueous composition contains: powerful household cleaning vinegar concentrated at 14 °, mixed with eucalyptus essential oil.

A dose of concentrated active ingredient = 120ml household vinegar at 14 ° + 10 drops (ie 0.333 ml) essential oil of eucalyptus, to dilute in half a liter (500ml) of water to obtain 620ml of liquid sanitizing and deodorizing solution .

Fill the box with liquid organic disinfectant and deodorant, while always remaining under the level of the support to never immerse or ever cover with the liquid solution. The sponge will have a size ranging from 100mm to 125mm (110mm) in length, from 60mm to 80mm (72mm) in width and 20mm to 30mm (25mm) in height.

Operation:

Once the sponge finishes to be used and rinsed well every evening for example, put the sponge in its box, but before, by simple manual pressure exerted on the support, support in such a way until it is covered with the liquid product and release, so the support goes back while being covered in liquid product surface just enough liquid product to put the sponge on the support thus allowing the liquid product to be in contact with the liquid. sponge, without wasting product, turn the sponge on the upper part of the support for absorption by capillarity of the thin liquid layer of the composition, then leave the sponge in the box and close the lid.

It is possible to carry out the operation on both sides of the sponge.

Never immerse the sponge entirely in the product. Only the support once reassembled will regulate the necessary quantity of product to use.

Once the sponge comes out of its box, press the sponge manually over its box to recover a maximum of liquid product without wasting liquid composition. Thus, a significant saving in liquid composition prolongs the use of the disinfecting and deodorizing system.

The container containing the well-rinsed sponge should contain the sponge overnight (medium saturated with vinegar and eucalyptus essential oil).

Comparative tests:

Test 1: sponge not used at day 0 (ie just leaving its envelope), sponge not subject to the process of the present invention.

Test 2: state of the sponge after 7 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge not subject to the process of the present invention.

Test 3: state of the sponge after 7 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge subjected to the process defined in the claims of the present invention.

Test 4: state of the sponge after 30 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge not subject to the process of the present invention.

Test 5: state of the sponge after 30 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge subjected to the process defined in the claims of the present invention.

Test 6: state of the sponge after 180 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge subjected to the process defined in the claims of the present invention.

Test 7: state of the sponge after 7 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge not subjected to the process of the present invention but the sponge is placed in an empty container (ie without composition of the present invention) and airtight after each use.

Test 8: state of the sponge after 30 days of use, three times a day (morning, noon, evening), sponge not subjected to the process of the present invention but the sponge is placed in an empty container (ie without composition of the present invention) and airtight after each use.

Table 1:

Bacterial disinfection is expressed as% removal of bacteria on the sponge and was measured by a conventional method known to those skilled in the art.

The presence of scale is expressed in% scale on the total surface of the sponge and was measured by a conventional method known to those skilled in the art. The pleasant smell on the nose is expressed on a scale of 1 to 10. A rating of 1 means that the smell is extremely unpleasant to the nose, a score of 2 means that the smell is unpleasant to the nose, a rating of 5 means that the smell is neutral on the nose, a note of 9 means that the smell is very pleasant to the nose. This experiment was conducted on a sample of 100 volunteers.

The level of decomposition of the sponge (rancid, mold, sticky sponge, cellulose tear etc.) is expressed on a scale of 1 to 10. A note of 1 that no decomposition of the sponge has occurred, a score of 8 means that a decomposition took place, a score of 9 means that a strong decomposition has taken place. This experiment was conducted on a sample of 100 volunteers.

Table 1 shows that a sponge subjected to the method and device of the present invention: retains its original dimension - eliminates 80% to 90% of the bacteria, preferably 85% of the bacteria, - completely descale the sponge provides an odor pleasant to the nose - prevents the decomposition of the sponge.

Certain features of the invention which are described as separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. In contrast, certain features of the invention which are described as an embodiment in combination in a single embodiment may also be provided separately in the form of several separate embodiments.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be detected by a person skilled in the art. Thus, we intend to encompass such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (16)

Claims. A method for increasing the household use time of a sponge (1) comprising the steps of: a) inserting a support (2) mounted on one or more spring (3) in an uncompressed position into a container (4) having a lid (5), said support (2) comprising an upper surface (6) and a lower surface (7), b) Pouring a composition (8) containing more than 99% by weight of a household vinegar solution and less than 1% by weight of eucalyptus essential oil in said container (4) and on said carrier (2), c) Flow of said composition (8) under the lower surface (7) of said carrier (2) when the springs are in an uncompressed position, the level of said composition (8) being lower than said lower surface (7) of said support (2), d) Slow lowering of the support (2) by vertical pressure towards the bottom of the container (4), said pressure being directed on the center of gravity of said support (2) in order to immerse the upper surface (6) of said support in said composition (8), e) Slow rise of the support (2) by progressive release of the pressure, so that a thin liquid layer (9) of the composition ( 8) of step b) covers the upper surface (6) of the support (2), f) Placement of the cellulosic surface of the sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2) for absorption by capillarity of the thin liquid layer of the composition (8), g) invert the sponge (1) on the upper part (6) of the support (2), so that the composition (8) diffuses by gravity through the sponge (1), h) Closing the lid (5) of the container (4). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition of step b) comprises a solution of household vinegar between 10 and 20 degrees and 0.001 to 0.005 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar, preferably a solution. household vinegar between 12 and 18 degrees and 0.002 to 0.004 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar, preferably a solution of household vinegar between 13 and 16 degrees and 0.0025 to 0.0035 ml of essential oil of vinegar eucalyptus per ml of vinegar. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition of step b) comprises a solution of household vinegar at 14 degrees and 0.002775 ml of eucalyptus essential oil per ml of vinegar. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the vertical pressure of step d) is performed manually. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin layer (9) of step e) comprises a liquid thickness between 0.5mm and 1mm. The method of claim 1, wherein the placement of the cellulosic surface of a sponge in step f) takes place within a time period of between 1 to 2 seconds. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the support (2) is at the same height level as the longitudinal axis of the hinge (10) of the lid "" (5) of the container (4) when said one or more springs (3) is in an uncompressed position in steps a) and b). 8. Device for increasing the duration of household use of a sponge (1) comprising: a support (2) flat mounted on one or more springs (3), -one or more pads (11) fixed (s) on the lower part of the support (3) on which is anchored said one or more spring (3), -a container (4) connected to a lid (5) by a hinge (10), -a means for closing the container (4) ), said container (4) being airtight in the closed position, said container (4) containing a composition (8) comprising more than 99% by weight of a household vinegar solution of between 10 and 20 degrees and less than 1% by weight of eucalyptus essential oil, -a sponge (1). 9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the container (4) and the lid (5) are made of plastic. 10. Device according to claim 8, wherein the dimensions of the sponge adapt to the dimensions of the support (3) and the container (4) while leaving a space (12) for the flow of the composition (8). towards the bottom of the container. 11. Device according to claim 8, wherein the support (2) is rectangular, square, oval, circular, triangular, parallelepiped or parallelogram-shaped. 12. Device according to claim 8, wherein the springs (3) are made of stainless steel and each spring (3) is respectively anchored to a stud (11) circular. 13. Use of the device according to claim 8 to increase the duration of household use of a sponge. 14. Use of the device according to claim 8 for disinfecting a household sponge. 15. Use of the device according to claim 8 for descaling a household sponge. 16. Use of the device according to claim 8 to present the user with a sponge having a pleasant smell to the nose.