MXPA97008160A - - Google Patents

Description

COMPOSITION AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING SURFACES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in general, to a bleaching or cleaning composition, and more particularly to a liquid composition which includes an oxidizing agent and which is useful for the treatment of surfaces. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the delivery of the composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liquid cleaning compositions, which include an oxidizing agent, for bleaching or cleaning a discolored or dirty surface, are known. See Bir elo, US Patent No. 4,367,155, filed May 7, 1981 and issued January 4, 1983. These liquid cleaning compositions are typically prepared by combining the oxidizing agent and the remaining ingredients of the cleaner and mixing REF .: 25986 or integrating the combination, to form a homogeneous composition suitable for application to the surface to be treated. However, most liquid cleaners prepared in this manner have proven to be deficient in terms of the bleach stability or the cleaning efficiency of the oxidizing agent. For example, Birkelo (mentioned above) discloses that its mixed composition, which includes a solution of the hypochlorite salt, is stable only for a limited period of time, so that the use, virtually immediate, of the mixture is desired, for maximum efficiency in polishing. Attempts have been made to overcome the lack of cleaning efficacy or stability of the oxidizing agent, in specific liquid cleaners. For example, Alvarez et al., In US Patent No. 4,151,104, filed on February 6, 1978, and issued April 24, 1979, recognizes the problem of the decomposition of hypochlorite in liquid, conventional, base bleach. of hypochlorite, and the resulting undesirable loss, of the oxidizing power of these bleaches during their shelf life. Alvarez et al, describe a bleaching composition based on hypochlorite, used for laundry applications, which includes an alkali metal orthophosphate buffer and an alkali metal pyrophosphate addition product. In US Patent No. 4,908,215, filed on November 21, 1988 and issued on March 13, 1990, Perlman discusses the problem of rapid destruction of hypochlorite in liquid cleaners in which hypochlorite and thiosulfate are combined and left to react . Perlman describes a liquid cleaner that includes hypochlorite, thiosulfate, and a "preamort iguador" * which is initially inactive, where the hypochlorite and the thiosulfate react until the pH falls to a value close to the pKa of the buffer and substantially below the Initial pH of the cleaner, whereby the pre-shock absorber becomes a buffer. A buffer is not included in Perlman's initial reaction solution, since Perlman states that maintaining a constant pH through the process of The iosulfate-hypochlorite reaction is advantageous. Additionally, in U.S. Patent No. 4,898,681, filed on August 31, 1988 and issued on February 6, 1990, Burton discusses the problem of hypochlorite decomposition, during the storage of diluted hypochlorite-based bleaches (which is opposed to household bleach without any mixture), which are used as disinfectants for laboratories. It is said that these diluted bleaches, based on hypochlorite, are prone to rapidly losing power and thus practically require daily preparation. Burton describes a disinfectant formulation of dilute, aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution and a small proportion of calcium disodium etherendiaminetetraacetic acid, which is said to stabilize the diluted sodium hypochlorite component, against decomposition during storage. Burton states that this stabilizing action is apparently unique to the calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and that it is not shared by other chelators chemically related narrowly. Burton also states that the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid calcium is unique in that it does not degrade during storage, due to the strong oxidizing action of sodium hypochlorite, which degrades most of the available chelating agents and thus renders them ineffective. improve the stability of hypochlorite. As for a liquid whitening composition, for laundry applications, La Barge et al. discloses that the components of its bleaching composition, which become unstable through normal interaction, can be found separately in a package of several compartments from which they are emptied before mixing, in the presence of water, to form a bleaching bath. La Barge et al., US Patent No. 3,660,295, filed April 27, 1970 and issued May 2, 1972. In another application for laundries, Arnau-Munoz et al. Describes a container having compartments that separately receive the mutually incompatible constituents of a detergent composition, such as the constituents that release active oxygen or chlorine and constituents that form the remainder of the detergent composition. Arnau-Munoz et al., US Patent No. 4,835,804, filed March 25, 1988 and issued June 6, 1989. Each of the compartments has openings that allow the diffusion of its components in a washing machine, during the washing process. The prior art fails to provide an effective means for the delivery of a liquid cleaner, including any of a variety of possible oxidizing agents, such that the oxidizing agent thereof is stable and effective as a cleaning or bleaching agent, when supply to a surface to be treated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a bleaching or cleaning composition, including an oxidizing agent, wherein the composition provides an environment appropriate to maintain the effectiveness of cleaning or stability of the oxidizing agent. A further objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for convenient and effective delivery of that composition to a surface to be treated. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention, which provides a bleaching or cleaning composition, which includes an oxidizing agent, wherein the composition provides a sufficient means to maintain a cleaning efficiency or the stability of the oxidizing agent, be supplied to a surface to be treated. The composition is produced in such a way that the cleaning efficiency or the stability of the oxidizing agent is effectively maintained before use, as well as during storage, when used, when spraying or otherwise supplied to the surface being will try. More specifically, the composition is a product of two liquids that are kept separately before forming a mixture during the supply to a surface that is going to be treated, where the pH of the mixture is kept at a sufficient level so that there is that efficiency in cleaning and that stability. One liquid includes an oxidizing agent and the other includes an addition product or chelating agent. Since the two liquids are initially separated, the oxidizing agent can be maintained in a free medium of the addition product or chelating agent and this is favorable to its cleaning activity and to the stability up to the time of use. In the present invention, one or both of the liquids includes an agent for pH adjustment. The pH adjusting agent is present in an amount such that when the liquids form a mixture during delivery to a surface, the mixture is maintained at a pH sufficient to maintain the cleaning efficiency and stability of the oxidizing agent. Thus, when the liquids, initially separated, are allowed to interact, the resulting liquid cleaning composition, which is supplied to the surface, will have the whitening or cleaning activity, and the stability, appropriate, for cleaning or bleaching. that surface.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus that keeps the two liquids separated, until their supply and is the one providing that supply, during which the mixture is formed, which has a maintained pH, and is supplied to a leaving surface. to treat. The apparatus includes a compartment for the liquid that includes the oxidizing agent, and another compartment for the liquid that includes the addition product or chelating agent. Any or both of these compartments may contain the pH adjusting agent which, collectively, is present in an amount sufficient to provide cleaning efficiency and stability of the mixture of the two liquids, as described above. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus may have separate supply channels for the two liquid components for the supply of the two liquids, whereby the mixture is then formed. These supply channels can be constructed to provide the simultaneous supply of the two liquids to the outside of the apparatus, where the two liquids meet to form mix. Alternatively, the separate supply channels can communicate with a mixing space in which the two liquids form the mixture and from which the mixture is supplied to the outside of the apparatus. In the present invention, a variety of oxidizing agents can be used. For example, the oxidizing agent may be a hypohalite or a hypohalite generator, such as a hypochlorite. In addition, as described in the Application Serial No. /, issued to Choy et al., Presented concurrently with the present, the oxidizing agent may be a peroxide or a peroxide generator, such as hydrogen peroxide, or a peracid or a persal, including organic and inorganic peracids and persalts, such as peracetic acid and monoperoxysulfate, respectively. Accordingly, the Application with Serial No. /, issued to Choy et al. it is incorporated herein in its entirety as a reference. Additionally, a variety of addition products or chelating agents, pH adjusting agents, and other additives can be used in the present invention. These components are they may initially hold with either or both of the liquid components separated, as appropriate, as desired or as necessary for compatibility or other purposes. The oxidizing agent, addition product or chelating agent, and the pH adjusting agent, are preferably selected to provide a composition that is useful for removing mold or soap scum from a surface, such as a wall or floor tiles. Additionally, the apparatus for supplying the composition, preferably facilitates the supply in the form of spray, of the composition, to the surface. Additional objectives, advantages and characteristics of various aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of their preferred embodiments, which description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an illustration, in cross section, of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an illustration, in cross section, of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3-9 are data representations for compositions of the invention, including a hypochlorite-based oxidizing agent (NaOCl), briefly described as follows: Figure 3 shows graphs of the concentration of hypochlorite versus time, for the compositions A, B and C of varied caustic concentration (NaOH); Figures 4, 5 and 6 show plots of pH versus time, for mixtures D, E and F, respectively, of varying caustic concentration (NaOH); Figure 7 shows a graph of the decomposition rate of hypochlorite (NaOCl), as a function of the variable composition of NaOCl; Figure 8 shows a graph of the decomposition rate of hypochlorite (NaOCl), as a function of the variable composition of the addition product (EDTA); Y Figure 9 shows a graph of the time required for the decomposition of the hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a function of the concentration of the addition product (EDTA).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the present invention, it has been found that a liquid, bleach or cleaning composition, including an oxidizing agent, an addition product or a chelating agent, and an agent for pH adjustment, can be formulated and delivered in a form such that the bleaching or cleaning efficiency is improved, and the stability of the component of. oxidizing agent. The liquid composition, formulated, is thus particularly effective in the cleaning or bleaching of a surface. In addition, as demonstrated in the examples herein, the formulated liquid composition is especially effective in cleaning or bleaching a surface having mold or web deposits or soap stains on it, such as in the tiles or kitchen or bathroom tiles. Although the term "cleaning" typically refers to the removal of dirt, without the use of an oxidizing agent, and the term "bleached" typically refers to the removal of spots using an oxidizing agent, these terms are generally used interchangeably. , for convenience, unless they become different implicitly, obviously or speci fi cally. In accordance with the present invention, the individual components of the composition that may be subject to deactivation or destabilization, before or during formulation of the composition, are protected from that deactivation and destabilization. More particularly, before that formulation, these components are kept separate from the environment that they disable or destabilize them. Additionally, these compounds are protected from deactivation and destabilization during formulation of the composition. Figure 1 is an illustration of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, which holds two liquids 14 and 18, separately, and facilitates the formulation and supply of a mixture 32 thereof, for application to a surface that is going to try. The apparatus 10 can be divided by a divider 36, such as a wall, to form a compartment 12 containing a liquid 14 and another compartment 16 containing a liquid 18. One or both liquids 14 and 18 can include one or more components of the composition, which is otherwise subject to an influence or environment that deactivates or destabilizes it. Each liquid is kept in its compartment in an environment conducive to a desired level of activity or stability, for those components. By way of example, the environment can be a consistent one of a pH level or range suitable for the cleaning or bleaching activity, or for the stability, of a component of the oxidizing agent.

Although the present invention is described in terms of two compartments that separate two liquid components, it will be understood that additional compartments may be used when desirable, to keep the additional components separate, for reasons of compatibility or for other purposes. It will also be understood that the apparatus 10 may comprise separate compartments that can be joined to facilitate the formulation of a mixture of several components and the delivery of the mixture to a surface to be treated. In accordance with the present invention, one of the liquids, arbitrarily designated as the "first" liquid 14, includes an oxidizing agent. The other liquid, arbitrarily designated as the "second" liquid 18, includes an addition product or chelating agent. (As used herein, the terms "product of addition" or "chelating agent" are interchangeable, unless they otherwise become different, implicit, obvious or specific). It is known that a variety of oxidizing agents, such as hypochlorites or hypochlorite generators, described in present, are sensitive to the combination with other cleaning additives, such as addition product or chelating agents, surfactants, fragrances and solvents. Often, a reaction between the oxidizing agent and an addition product will result in the rapid, autocatalytic destruction of the oxidizing agent and a rapid reduction in pH, situations that are not favorable to obtain a desired level in the cleaning activity or in the stability, of the oxidizing agent. In the present invention, the first liquid 14 which includes the oxidizing agent, can be maintained in a medium, such as at a preselected pH, which is favorable to obtain a desired level of cleaning activity and stability, for the agent oxidant Additionally, the first liquid 14 is initially maintained separate from the second liquid 18, which includes an addition product, to protect the oxidizing agent from unwanted deactivation or destabilization, such as by autocatalytic destruction. In accordance with the present invention, one or both of the first and second liquids, 14 and 18, includes an agent for pH adjustment. Preferably, the first liquid 14 which includes the oxidizing agent also includes the agent for adjusting the pH. The agent for adjusting the pH is present in an amount sufficient to maintain a mixture of the oxidizing agent and the addition product, at a pH sufficient to provide cleaning efficacy and stability of the oxidizing agent. Thus, in cases where the mixture of the oxidizing agent and the components of the addition product may result in a pH which is not favorable for preserving the cleaning efficiency or stability, of the oxidizing agent, the agent for adjusting the pH protects against that undesirable condition. The apparatus 10 of the present invention is of sufficient construction to supply the first liquid 14 and the second liquid 18, from a compartment 12 and a compartment 16, respectively, to form a mixture 32 of the first and second liquids. Thus, liquids are kept separately until it is desired to supply them. By way of example, the apparatus 10 can including a first supply channel 20 and a second supply channel 22 leading, from the compartment 12 and from the compartment 16, respectively, to a supply activator 24. Preferably, the first and second channels 20 and 22 are completely separate to prevent contamination of the first and second compartments, subsequent to use. In this manner, after use, some of the first liquid 14 that remains in the first channel flows back into the first compartment 12, while some of the second liquid 18 remaining in the second channel flows back into the second compartment. 16. The supply actuator 24 may be a pump dispenser (not shown), a trigger sprinkler, or the like, which are suitable for the supply of two liquids, to a site in which the two liquids are located to form a liquid. mix 32. That site may be a point 28, external to the apparatus, in which, two streams, one for liquid, intersect to form a mixture 32 during their simultaneous supply from the apparatus.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the site may be a mixing space 30, such as a chamber, to which the two liquids are supplied and in which the mixture 32 is allowed to form, prior to delivery to the outside of the apparatus. In the last mode the mixing space can have a preselected volumetric capacity, so that only a small volume of mixture can reside therein, subsequent to use. For example, the mixing space may have a capacity for approximately 1.0 milliliter or less of the mixture. Preferably, the supply activator 24 is a pump dispenser or a trigger sprayer, sufficient for spraying the two liquids up to the point of intersection 28, and of the resulting mixture 32 to the surface 34 to be treated ( Figure 1), or of the mixture 32, from the mixing space 30, to the surface 34 (Figure). When the supply actuator 24 is a pump dispenser, the supply can be carried out by pressing the actuator in a downward direction, which is represented by the arrow 26. Preferably, the apparatus can be manipulated with one hand, such as by holding the apparatus in one hand while pressing the supply actuator with one or more fingers or with the thumb of the same hand. When the supply actuator is a trigger sprayer (not shown), the supply can be carried out by holding a neck of the dispensing apparatus in the hollow formed by one hand while pulling the trigger activator, inward, with respect to the neck , with one or more fingers of the same hand, as is well known. Preferably, the delivery activator includes a closure mechanism (not shown) to prevent unwanted delivery, after use, such as when a child is snooping the appliance, or undesirable dripping or tripping of the liquid from the appliance. Considering the first of these two potentially undesirable situations, a child-proof mechanism and / or a conventional closure mechanism that prevents leakage can be employed. Many of these mechanisms are known and used commercially. Regarding the undesirable firing of liquid, of many dispensing systems, conventional, it seems that these shots occur when the contents of the dispenser produce gas and let it accumulate in the closed dispenser. When the closing mechanism moves from a closed position to an open position, the accumulated gas pressure can cause the liquid triggering of the dispenser. This occurrence is reduced or avoided in the present invention, since the two liquids that could produce gas are separated before delivery. Additionally, in the embodiment of Figure 1, these two liquids interact only when supplied to the exterior of the apparatus, so that the gas that could be produced by the mixture of these two liquids, does not occur inside the apparatus. Further, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the mixing space 30 preferably has a limited volumetric capacity such that only a small amount of the mixture can be formed by supplying the two liquids thereto and possibly remaining there after the use. This volumetric capacity can be selected in such a way that only one amount, small or insignificant (in terms of possible gas production) of the mixture, can remain in the mixing space after use, so that only little gas is produced or accumulated, if that happens. In this way, in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 2, liquid tripping (i.e., tripping force and travel distance, and the amount of liquid fired) can be eliminated or reduced. In accordance with any of these modalities, after the supply, the liquid that is in any of these supply channels, separated, returns to its original compartment where it does not interact with the other liquid that is separated in the other compartment. This also eliminates or reduces the potential for gas production due to the mixing of the two liquids. Other supply activators may be chosen to accommodate various arrangements or supply applications, such as supply to hard-to-reach surfaces. In addition, although the surface 34 is shown as, a vertical surface, such as a wall, it will be understood that the surface may be otherwise oriented, such as at a certain angle, or horizontally, or may be the surface of a scouring pad, sponge, laundry, or the like, to be used in a cleaning application. The apparatus 10 will be further understood, in terms of the following description of a composition that is produced by a process, in accordance with the present invention. The composition 32, which is useful for whitening or cleaning a surface 34, is produced by a process consisting in maintaining a first liquid 14 and a second liquid 18, separated, and forming a mixture 32., of the same, during the supply to a surface 34. As described above, the first liquid 14 includes an oxidizing agent, the second liquid 18 includes an addition product or a chelating agent, and at least one of the first or second liquid includes an agent for pH adjustment. The agent for adjusting the pH is present in an amount such that the mixture 32 is maintained at a pH sufficient to maintain the cleaning efficiency and the stability of the oxidizing agent.

Oxidizing agents The oxidizing agent that is included in the first liquid 14 is now described. In the present invention, the oxidizing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 50 weight percent of the first liquid. In general, the amount of the oxidizing agent is preferably from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of the first liquid and more preferably from about 5 to about 10 weight percent of the first liquid, although when the oxidizing agent is a hypohalite or a hypohalite generator (described further herein), such as sodium hypochlorite, the amount is preferably from about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent of the first liquid. In accordance with the present invention, the oxidizing agent can be a halogen-based bleach. Preferably, the agent Oxidant is a source of halogen bleach that can be selected from various species that produce hypohalite, for example, bleaches selected from the group consisting of hypohalite salts of alkali and alkaline earth metals, haloamines, haloimines, haloimides, and haloamides. It is believed that all these produce hypohalous whitening species, in si t u. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is a hypoalite or a hypohalite generator, capable of generating hypohalose whitening species. Hereinafter, the term "hypohalite" is used to describe both a hypohalite and a hypohalite generator, unless otherwise indicated. Preferably, the hypohalite-based oxidizing agent is a hypochlorite or a hypochlorite generator, in aqueous solution, although a hypobromite or a hypobromite generator is also suitable. Representative hypochlorite generators include sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium and calcium hypochlorite, trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate, chlorinated, potassium and sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and trichlorocyanuric acid. The sources of organic bleaches, suitable for use, include the N-bromo and N-chloroimides, heterocyclics, such as trichlorocyanuric acid and trichromocyanuric acid, dibromocyanuric acid and dichlorocyanuric acid, and the sodium and potassium salts thereof, succinimide , N-brominated and N-chlorinated malonimide, phthalimide and naphthale. Also suitable are hydantoins, such as dibromodimethyl-hydantoin and dichlorodimethyl-hydantoin, chlorodimethyl-hydantoin, N-chlorosulfamide (haloamide) and chloramine (haloamine). More preferably, the hypohalite oxidizing agent is an alkali metal hypochlorite, an alkaline earth metal hypochlorite salt, or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred oxidizing agent in this embodiment is sodium hypochlorite, which has the chemical formula NaOCl.

Addition Product or Chelating Agents Now we describe the addition product or chelating agent that is included in the second liquid 18. In the present invention, the addition product is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 weight percent of the second liquid. The amount of the addition product is preferably from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of the second liquid and more preferably from about 5 to about 15 weight percent of the second liquid. In accordance with the present invention, suitable addition products can be selected from the group consisting of a carbonate, a phosphate, a pyrophosphate, an aminocarboxylate, a polycarboxylate, a polyacrylate, a phosphonate, an aminophosphonate, a polyphosphonate, a salt of the same, and a mixture of them. Suitable addition products include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ("EDTA"), tartaric acid, citric acid, trichotriacetic acid ("NTA"), carboxy and sodium ilsuccinic acid, N- (2-hydroxypropyl) -iminodiacetic acid sodium , (N-hydroxyethyl) eti lendiamintriacetic acid ("HEDTA"), N-di et i 1 engl icol-N, N-diacetic acid ("DIDA"), diethylenetriaminpentaacetic acid ("DTPA"), a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof. Suitable polyacrylate-based addition products are commercially available, for example, from Rohm & Haas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, under the name of SOKALAN. In addition, suitable chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of a gluconic acid, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof. These chelating agents are commercially available, for example, as PMP Sodium Gluconate from PMP Fermentation Products of Rosemont, Illinois. The salts are preferably compatible and include the ammonium, sodium, potassium, and alkanolammonium salts. A preferred addition product is NTA, such as the sodium salt of NTA. A more preferred addition product is citrate, such as the sodium or monoethanolamine salt, of citrate. An even more preferred addition product is tartaric acid. More preferably the addition product is EDTA, such as the sodium salt of EDTA.

Agents for pH Adjustment The agent for adjusting the pH is now described, which is present in either or both of the two liquids 14 and 18. In accordance with the present invention, the agent for pH adjustment maintains the pH of the mixture of the two liquids, in such a way that the oxidizing agent is sufficiently stable and effective as an active product for cleaning. As used herein, the term "pH adjusting agent" includes an agent that can act to adjust the pH of the mixture, as well as a buffer that can act to maintain the pH of the mixture. Preferably, the agent for adjusting the pH is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxide, a hydroxide generator, a buffer, and a mixture thereof. Suitable pH adjusting agents include the alkali metal salts of various inorganic acids, such as phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates, borates, carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides, of alkali metals, and mixtures thereof. A preferred pH adjusting agent is an alkali metal hydroxide, especially sodium hydroxide. Also suitable as pH adjusting agents are monoethanolamine compounds, and beta-aminoalkanol compounds, particularly beta-amino alcohols having a primary hydroxyl group, and a mixture thereof. Suitable amine compounds should exhibit reasonable solubility relative to the mixture. In the present invention, the mixture is maintained at a pH which is appropriate to preserve the activity for cleaning and the stability of the oxidizing agent. When the oxidizing agent is a hypohalite, the pH of the mixture is alkaline. For example, when a hypohalite oxidizing agent is used, the pH of the mixture is preferably maintained above about 11, such as from above about 11 to 11.5, and most preferably at about 12 or higher. It is believed that a pH of the mixture, above approximately 11 is sufficient to preserve the cleaning efficiency and stability of the hypohalite. More particularly, it is believed that this pH of the mixture is sufficient to protect against the rapid and autocatalytic destruction of the hypohalite (via the reaction with the addition product) that might otherwise occur when the mixture is formed . In accordance with the present invention, the amount of the agent for pH adjustment is present in one or both of the first and second liquids, in an aggregate amount, sufficient to adjust the pH of the mixture to the desired level, as described above. . By way of example, the agent for adjusting the pH may be present in an amount between about 0.1 and about 30 weight percent of one of the liquids or in an amount between about 0.05 and about 15. percent by weight, of the mixture. Preferably, the pH adjusting agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent, from one of the liquids, or in an amount that is between about 0.05 and about 10 percent by weight of the mixture.

Additives The composition of the present invention can be formulated to include additives such as fragrances, coloring agents, bleaches, thickening agents, chelating agents and addition products, surfactants, and disinfectants, and the like, which improve efficiency, stability or aesthetic aspect of the compositions. These components can be included in one or both liquids 14 and 18, according to the compatibility, wishes of the manufacturer, convenience, or other factors. Generally, all these additives are also selected with the characteristic that they are resistant to the oxidizing agent employed. In any of the compositions produced in accordance with the embodiments described herein may be included fragrances such as those that are commercially available from International Flavors and Fragrance, Inc. The right fragrances can take the form of aromatic oils. A fragrance or mixture of fragrances may be present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 2.0 weight percent of the composition. Preferably, a fragrance or mixture of fragrances is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent of the composition. When the oxidizing agent is a halogen-based bleach, such as a hypohalite, the aromatic additives are preferably included in the second liquid 18 which includes the addition product and is preferably maintained at a pH appropriate for the stability of the fragrance. When the fragrance is included in the second liquid 18, it is preferable to include the agent for adjusting the pH in the first liquid 14 including the oxidizing agent, so as not to interfere with the stability of the fragrance. Colorants and pigments may be included in small amounts. Ultramarine Blue (UMB) and phthalocyanines from Copper are examples of widely used pigments that can be incorporated into the compositions produced in accordance with the present invention. Suitable addition products may optionally be included in the composition, as also discussed above. These addition products include, but are not limited to, carbonates, phosphates and pyrophosphates, which are known to reduce the concentration of free alkali metal ions in aqueous solution. Certain agents for pH adjustment, such as carbonates, phosphates, phosphonates, polyacrylates and pyrophosphates, also function as addition products. Addition products that also do not function as pH adjusting agents include sodium potassium tripolyphosphate and sodium potassium hexametaphosphate. These addition products can also function as electrolytes. Various solvents, surfactants and disinfectants can also be included in the composition. For example, suitable solvents include alcohols, glycols and glycoethers. Solvents consisting of glycols and glycocerers are preferred since they are generally less odorous, less volatile and more compatible with other components for cleaning, than solvents consisting of alcohols. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol n-butyl ether are preferred, the preceding being the most preferred. In addition, by way of example, suitable solvents for use herein include propylene glycol t-butyl ether and propylene glycol n-butyl ether, which readily improve the non-streaking / non-streaking characteristic of the composition . If mixtures of solvents are used, the amounts and ratios of those solvents used are important in determining the optimum cleaning and streaking / film characteristics of the composition of the invention. It is preferred to limit the total amount of the solvent to not more than 50 percent by weight, more preferably to not more than 25 percent by weight, and most preferably, not more than 15 percent by weight, of the composition. A preferred interval for the total amount of the solvent is about 1-15 weight percent of the composition although in some of the compositions of this invention, the solvent may be omitted. If a system of mixed solvents of alkanol / glycol ether is used, the ratio of alkanol to alkylene glycol ether should be from about 1:20 to 20: 1, more preferably from about 1:10 to 10: 1, and in the most preferred form from about 1: 5 to 5: 1. Other dispersible or less water soluble organic solvents may also be used herein, although in a formulation with a high water content there may be a need for an additional dispersant (for example a hydrotrope or other emulsifier). These dispersible or water soluble organic solvents include those commonly used as constituents for proprietary fragrance mixtures, such as terpene derivatives. The terpene derivatives herein include the terpene hydrocarbons with a functional group. Effective terpenes, with a functional group, include, but are not limited to, alcohols, ethers, ethers, aldehydes and ketones. Representative examples of each of the above classes of terpenes, with functional groups, include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) terpene alcohols, including for example, verbenol, transpinocarveol, cis-2-pinanol, nopol, isoborneol, carbeol, piperitol, thymol, terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, menthol, 1,8-terpine, dihydroterpineol, nerol, geraniol, linalool, ci tronel-lol, hydroxycitronellol, 3,7-dime t -iloctanol, dihydromyrcenol , -terpineol, you trahidro-aloocimenol and perilalcohol; (2) terpene ethers and esters, including, for example, 1,8-cineole, 1,4-cineole, isobornylmethyl ether, pyran rose, terpini lmethyl ether, mentofuran, transanetol, me tichchavicol, alkoxymethioxide , limonene monoepoxide, isobornyl acetate, nopyl acetate, -terpinyl acetate, linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate and neryl acetate; and (3) terpene aldehydes and ketones, which include, for example, the micronal, aldehyde, campylenic, perilaldehyde, citronellal, citral, hydroxy citronellal, camphor, verbenone, carvenone, dihydrocarvone, carvone, piperitone, menthone, geranyl acetone, pseudoionone, -ionone, isoseudomet ilionone, normal-seudomet ilionone, isomet ilionone and normal methyl ionone. The terpene hydrocarbons with functional groups, which seem suitable for use in the present invention, are discussed substantially in greater detail Simonsen and Ross, The Terpenes, Volumes I-IV, Cambridge University Press, second edition, 1947 (incorporated herein by reference to the same). See also commonly assigned US Patent No. 5,279,758 to Choy, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, by way of example, surfactants include co-surfactants that are added to the composition for various purposes (such as for cleaning, stability, thickening, etc.) that can be initially selected based on their cleaning ability. The surfactants can also be selected based on moderate to high stability, in the presence of the bleach, although that stability is not necessary since in the present invention the surfactants can be placed in separate compartments of the bleaching agents. In general, a wide variety of surfactants may be stable in the presence of bleaching agents such as hypochlorite, in an aqueous solution, and include, but are not limited to, amine oxides, betaines, sarcosinates, taurates, alkyl sulfates, sulfonates of alkyl, alkylaryl sulphonates, alkyl phenol alkyl ether sulphates, alkyldi phenylic oxide sulfonates, alkyl phosphate esters, etc. Generally, these co-surfactants can be any of a variety of different types including anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric, etc. types. For example, lauroyl sarcosinates are suitable co-surfactants since they are particularly resistant to oxidation caused by bleaching materials such as hypochlorite. Therefore, these materials are resistant to bleaches, even at high temperatures. They are also useful are hydrotropes such as the alkyl sulfonate of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, eumeno sulfonate and the alkylnaphthalenesulphonate alkali metal salts. Preferred co-surfactants are the alkyl sulfonate of 6 to 12 carbon atoms and the sodium salt of a sulfonic acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms. In any case, the specific identity of the co-surfactant is not critical to the present invention as long as the co-surfactant is relatively stable to the bleach and compatible with the other components of the composition, to perform the functions of either bleaching. or stabilizers. Suitable disinfectants that can increase the disinfecting action of the oxidizing agent include the following: (1) mercury compounds, such as mercuric chloride, phenylmercuric borate; (2) halogens and halogen compounds, such as chlorine, iodine, fluorine, bromine, calcium and sodium hypochlorite; (3) phenols, such as creosol from coal tar and orthophenol 1 phenol; (4) detergents synthetics, for example anionic detergents such as alkylbenzene sulphonates, and cationic detergents such as quaternary ammonium compounds; (5) alcohols, such as low molecular weight alcohols (except methanol); (6) natural products such as pine oil; and (7) gases, such as sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and ethylene oxide.

EXAMPLES An exemplary embodiment of the composition of the invention, produced by the process described herein, comprises the components listed below for Example 1. These components are grouped according to their preferred presence, either in liquid 14 ("Liquid 1") or in liquid 18 (" Liquid 2"). In addition, the preferred amount of each component is provided in terms of a weight percent range of each component, relative to Liquid 1 or Liquid 2 that includes the component.

EXAMPLE 1 Liquid 1 Component Percent in Weight%) Sodium Hypochlorite 0.1-15 Sodium Hydroxide 0.1-3 Sodium Carbonate 0-8 Sodium Silicate 0-8 Water The rest Liquid 2 Component Percent by weight Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 1-15 Liquid 2 (continued) Component Percent by weight Diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol n-butyl ether 0-15 Alkyl sulfonate of 6 to 12 carbon atoms 1-8 Alcohol ethoxylate of 10 to 12 carbon atoms (6 moles of ethoxylate) 0-5 In this example, the diethylene glycol n-butyl ether may be in the form commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. under the name DOWANOL DB. Additionally, the ethoxylate alcohol of 10 to 14 carbon atoms may be a primary, linear, ethoxylated alcohol, or an ethoxylated octyl phenolic alcohol which is a surface active agent commercially available from Union Carbide of Danbury, Connecticut, under the name TRITON X -100. The alkyl sulfonate of 6 to 12 carbon atoms can be a salt of sodium of a sulfonic acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

Compositions of Hypochlorite In an embodiment comprising a hypochlorite-based oxidizing agent, the composition of the invention is produced by mixing Liquids 1 and 2 of Example 1, as described herein, wherein the components listed in Table 1, below, are they are present in the amounts presented in the same (in percent by weight, in relation to Liquid 1 or Liquid 2 that includes the component).

Table 1 Component Percent by weight (%) of Liquid 1 or 2 Sodium Hypochlorite 5.5 Sodium Hydroxide 0.5 EDTA 10.8 Table 1 (Continued) Component Percent by weight (%) of Liquid 1 or 2 N-butyl ether of 0.9 diethylene glycol Ethoxylated octylphenol 6.0 Aromatic oil 0.3 In a preferred embodiment comprising a hypochlorite-based oxidizing agent, the composition of the invention is produced by mixing Liquids 1 and 2 of Example 1, as described herein, wherein the components listed in Table 2 below, are they are present in the amounts shown therein (in percent by weight in relation to Liquid 1 or Liquid 2 that includes that component).

Table 2 Component Percent by weight (%) of Liquid 1 or 2 Sodium Hypochlorite 5.5 Sodium Hydroxide 0.75 EDTA 10.8 Ethylene glycol n-butyl ether 9.0 Sodium salt of a sulfonic acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms 3.75 Ethoxylated alcohol from 10 to 14 carbon atoms 2.0 Aromatic oil 0.65 Funcionality test In experiments carried out to analyze the operation of the composition of the invention, several mixtures 32 were formulated, mixing a first liquid 14 and a second liquid 18, as described herein. Then these mixtures were analyzed to determine its operation or performance in the elimination of mold and cloth or soap stains from a tile that had an area of 19.4 cm2 (3 square inches). For tests of operation against mold, dirty tiles were prepared, painting them with dead A. Niger mold and allowing the mold to dry. For the tests of operation before the cloth or soap stains, the stained tiles were prepared by applying a standard coating of cloth or soap scum, to the tiles, allowing the soap sheet to dry. Each mix was sprayed onto the stained tile, as described above, and then scored by a panel of ten people, in terms of the level of cleanliness. The grading scale ranged from (1) for when there was no cleaning, to (10) for a complete cleaning. In the performance tests, a concentrated bath cleaner (hereinafter "CBC") was used as the second liquid, which included an addition product. The CBC comprises EDTA as the addition product, n-butyl ether of ethylene glycol, sodium salt of sulfonic acid of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and ethoxylated alcohol of 10 to 14 carbon atoms, in the amounts of 10.8, 9.0, 3.75, and 2.0 in percent by weight of the second liquid and is present in the composition shown in the Table 2. In the performance tests for the compositions having hypochlorite, in various (subsequent) mixtures, the water or the CBC without the addition product based on EDTA, replaced the CBC and was used as a control for the second liquid.

Operation of Hypochlorite Compositions In the performance tests for the hypochlorite compositions, the five mixtures listed below were analyzed.

Liquid 1 Mixture (percent by weight) Liquid 2 1 100% Water Water 2 100% Water CBC 3 5.5% hypochlorite Sodium water 0.75% Sodium hydroxide Operation of Hypochlorite Compositions (Continued) Liquid Mix 1 Liquid 2 (percent by weight) 4 5.5% Hypochloride-CBC sodium rite 0.75% Sodium Hydroxide 5 5.5% CBC Hypochlorite without sodium EDTA 0.75% Sodium Hydroxide The ratings of the panel, for the operation against mold and the soap sheet, are presented below.

Mixture Operation Operation against mold before the soap cloth 1 2 * 2 1 10 Qualifications (continued) Me z c l a Func ionami ent Func i onami before Mold before the soap screen 3 9 1 4 7 9 5 * 2 * not analyzed The performance ratings of • mold indicate that the composition of the invention, sodium hypochlorite, which is opposite to water, is necessary for the effective removal of mold. The results also show that sodium hypochlorite has sufficient cleaning efficiency and stability in the presence of the EDTA-based addition product, when used in accordance with the present invention. The ratings of the operation before the soap sheet indicate that the EDTA-based addition product is necessary for the removal of the soap sheet. In addition, results show that the addition product based on EDTA works in the elimination of the soap sheet, in the presence of the oxidizing agent based on sodium hypochlorite.

Compositions of Hypochlorite The compositions of the invention comprising a hypohalite-based oxidizing agent are now described with reference to Figures 3-9. These compositions of the invention comprise sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the oxidizing agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the addition product, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the agent for pH adjustment. In the absence of any other materials, a mixture of a bleaching solution of about 1 to 10 weight percent NaOCl and a solution of addition product or chelating agent, of about 2 to 15 weight percent EDTA has little hypochlorite available remaining after approximately three minutes. The rapidity of destruction of hypochlorite in this mixture results of the formation of acid species from the reaction between hypochlorite and EDTA. This formation of acid species accelerates the hypochlorite-EDTA reaction, lowering the pH and making the hypochlorite species more reactive. For a bleaching operation, effective, the hypochlorite should be present in an amount from at least about 5 to 10 minutes. In accordance with the present invention, for a bleach (hypochlorite) stability to exist for more than five minutes, it is necessary to add NaOH (or other pH adjusting agent) to the above-described hypochlorite-EDTA mixture of such that the initial concentration of NaOH is at least about 0.2 weight percent of the mixture (or an equivalent amount of an agent for pH adjustment other than NaOH). A higher concentration of NaOH in the hypochlorite-EDTA-NaOH mixture results in a longer effective bleaching time of the mixture. A limit to about 2 weight percent of NaOH is reached relative to the mixture, so that the addition of more caustic will not provide an effective bleaching time.

For this limiting situation of about 2 weight percent NaOH relative to the mixture, about 5.5 weight percent NaOCl relative to the bleaching solution, and about 10 weight percent EDTA relative to the product solution of addition, the effective bleaching time, or the half-life of the bleach, is approximately 40 minutes. As shown in Figure 3, the half-life of the hypochlorite-based bleach can be controlled based on the amount of NaOH found in the composition of the invention. Figure 3 shows effective bleaching times, for three different mixtures A, B and C, for which the concentration of NaOH was varied, as described below. Particularly, the data of Figure 3 were obtained from mixtures of a first liquid, including NaOCl at 5.5 weight percent of the first liquid, and a second liquid including an EDTA formulation, cleaning, containing EDTA, ether n -butyl ether of diethylene glycol and a surfactant, ethoxylated octyphenolic alcohol (such as TRITON X-100), in amounts of . 8, 9.0, and 6.0 percent by weight of the second liquid, respectively. For the three different mixtures A, B, and C, the second liquid also includes NaOH in amounts of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.6 percent by weight of the second liquid, respectively. When mixing the first and second liquids, the amount of NaOCl remaining over time (starting at about 2.75 percent by weight of the mixture when sprayed) was determined and plotted, as shown, for each of the mixtures A , B, and C. Figure 3 shows that the composition of the invention provides effective bleaching times ranging from about 5 to about 10 minutes, which is considered sufficient for effective performance or operation, and preferably from about 20 to about 40 minutes, which is considered sufficient for more optimal operations. The data shows that for the three mixtures A, B and C, a higher concentration of NaOH (0.5, 1.0 and 1.6 weight percent of the second liquid, respectively) results in an effective blanching time, greater (approximately 23 , 27 and 40 minutes, respectively). As shown in Figures 4-6, the half-life of the hypochlorite-based bleach can be controlled, over time, based on the pH of the composition of the invention. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show effective bleaching times for three different mixtures D, E and F, respectively, for which the concentration of NaOH was varied, as described below. Particularly, the data for Figures 4-6 were obtained from mixtures of a first liquid including NaOCl, and a second liquid, which included a cleaning formulation containing EDTA, as described above in relation to Figure 3. For the three different mixtures D, E and F, the second liquid also included NaOH in amounts of 0.26, 0.40 and 0.88 percent by weight of the second liquid, respectively. When mixing the first and second liquids, the pH of the mixture was determined and plotted, as shown, over time for each of the mixtures D, E and F. Figures 4-6 show that the pH of the each mix is initially high, with a value which is between 12 and 13, and then decreases markedly (up to about a pH of about 11) as the NaOCl is consumed. As shown, the three blends provide effective bleaching times, from about 5 to about 10 minutes, which is considered sufficient for effective operation or performance, and preferably from about 10 to about 20 minutes, which is considered sufficient for a optimal functioning. The data shows that for the three mixtures D, E and F, a higher concentration of NaOH (0.26, 0.40 and 0.88 weight percent of the second liquid, respectively) results in a longer effective blanching time (approximately 10, 14). and 18 minutes, respectively). Figures 7-9 show the effect of various components of the composition of the invention, as the bleach decomposes. For example, Figure 7 shows the effect of NaOCl concentration on the decomposition rate of NaOCl. The data for Figure 7 were obtained from mixtures of a first liquid, which included several amounts of NaOCl (in weight percent of the first liquid), and a second liquid, which included the cleaning formulation containing EDTA, described above, in relation to Figures 3-6. The second liquid also included NaOH in an amount of 0.5 percent by weight of the second liquid. When mixing the first and second liquids, the decomposition rate of NaOCl or the reduction of the concentration of NaOCl (in percent by weight of the mixture) over time was determined and plotted for each mixture, as shown. Figure 7 shows that a higher initial concentration of NaOCl results in a higher rate of decomposition of NaOCl. Figure 8 shows the effect of EDTA concentration on the decomposition of NaOCl. The data for Figure 8 were obtained from mixtures of a first liquid that included NaOCl at the rate of 5.3 percent of the first liquid, and a second liquid that included the cleaning formulation containing EDTA, described above, in relation to the Figures 3-7, with the exception that the amount of EDTA was varied (in percent in weight of the second liquid). The second liquid also included NaOH in an amount of 0.5 percent by weight of the second liquid. When mixing the first and second liquids, the decomposition rate of NaOCl, or the reduction of NaOCl concentration (in weight percent of the mixture) over time, for each mixture, as shown, was determined and plotted. Figure 8 shows that a higher initial EDTA concentration results in a higher decomposition rate of NaOCl, although this effect on the decomposition rate of NaOCl appears to be level for mixtures having high EDTA initial concentrations, such as from about 10. up to about 15 weight percent of the second liquid. Figure 9 shows the effect of the concentration of EDTA in the time required for the decomposition of NaOCl. The data for Figure 9 were obtained from mixtures of a first liquid and a second liquid, as described above in relation to Figure 8. The second liquid also included NaOH in the amount of 0.5 weight percent of the second liquid. When mixing the first and second Liquids were determined and graph the decomposition rate of NaOCl, or the reduction of NaOCl concentration (in percent by weight of the mixture), over time, for each mixture, as shown. Figure 9 shows that a higher initial concentration of EDTA results in a shorter decomposition time of NaOCl, since the pH drop occurs earlier. In accordance with the present invention, when the first and second liquids described in relation to Figures 3-9, are initially separated and then mixed during delivery to a surface to be treated, the hypochlorite and the EDTA react, giving as a result the decomposition of the hypochlorite, through time, which is dependent on the amount of NaOH added. Thus, the stability and effectiveness of hypochlorite for bleaching deposits such as mold, on a surface, can be effectively controlled. Although hypochlorite and EDTA react, EDTA does not degrade or substantially oxidize and thus remains in an effective amount to act against deposits, such as soap or soap, that are on a surface. For the both, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a composition that includes an oxidizing agent based on hypochlorite, an addition product based on EDTA and an agent for adjusting the pH, of NaOH, for bleaching or cleaning, effective , of a surface. As described above in relation to the apparatus 10 of Figure 2, of the invention, the first and second liquids described above can be mixed in a mixing space 30. The mixing space can be volumetrically limited in such a way that it is only allowed that there is, in that mixing space, a predetermined volume of the mixture, through and after the supply process. Thus, only the small amount of the mixture that is in the mixing space can possibly include a compromised oxidizing agent, such as a destabilized or decomposed hypochlorite. In accordance with this embodiment, the apparatus is capable of supplying a bleaching or cleaning composition 32, effective, in the first supply (i.e., in the initial spray), and this small amount of potentially compromised mixture is It will be combined with the first and second liquids, fresh, that are being supplied to the mixing chamber so that they are mixed before the supply to the surface to be treated. In accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1, the apparatus is also capable of supplying an effective, whitening or cleaning composition 32 (ie, in the initial spraying), since each of the two liquids, whichever may affect the stability or effectiveness of the other, is not allowed to interact before mixing, external to the apparatus, during the supply to the surface to be treated. It should be understood that although the invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred preferred embodiments, it is intended that the description and examples illustrate the scope of the invention and not limit it, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (42)

1. An apparatus for cleaning surfaces, characterized in that it comprises: a first compart having a first liquid placed therein and a second compart having a second liquid placed therein, the first and second comparts separate the first and second liquids, the first liquid includes an oxidizing agent selected from a group consisting of a hypohalite and a hypohalite generator, the second liquid includes an addition product or a chelating agent, and at least one between the first and second liquids includes an agent for the pH adjust, the agent for adjusting the pH is in an amount such that when the first and second liquids are supplied from the first and second comparts, to form a mixture during delivery to a surface, the mixture is maintained at a pH sufficient to preserve the cleaning efficiency and stability of the oxidizing agent.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is selected from a group consisting of an alkali metal hypochlorite, an alkaline salt of hypochlorite, and a mixture thereof.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is sodium hypochlorite.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pH is above about 11.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is present in an amount between about 0.1 and about 15 weight percent of the first liquid.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the addition product of the chelating agent is selected from a group consisting of a carbonate, a phosphate, a pyrophosphate, an aminocarboxylate, a polycarboxylate, a polyacrylate, a phosphonate, an aminosulfonate, a polyphosphonate, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the addition product or the chelating agent includes ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a salt thereof.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the addition product or the chelating agent is in an amount between about 0.1 and about 20 weight percent of the second liquid.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the agent for pH adjust is selected from a group consisting of a hydroxide, a hydroxide generator, a buffer, and a mixture thereof.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the agent for pH adjust is an alkaline metal hydroxide.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is present in an amount between about 0.05 and about 10 weight percent relative to the mixture.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is present in one of the first and second liquids, in an amount that is between about 0.05 and about 10 weight percent of the liquid.

13. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is find above about 5 minutes.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that a lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is above about 20 minutes.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is about 40 minutes.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first and second liquids includes a fragrance.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is in the first liquid and the fragrance is in the second liquid.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a first supply channel, for the supply of the liquid from the first compartment, and a second supply channel, for the supply of the second liquid from the second compartment, and when supplying The first and second liquids form the mixture.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the first and second supply channels are of sufficient construction to supply the first and second liquids, respectively, simultaneously and externally with respect to the apparatus, and the liquids meet to form the mixture .

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a mixing space, wherein the first and second supply channels communicate with the mixing space to supply the first and second liquids, respectively, to the same, whereby the liquids form the mixture.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the mixing space has a capacity for approximately 1.0 milliliters or less of the mixture.

22. A composition useful for bleaching or cleaning a surface, produced by a process characterized in that it comprises: maintaining a first liquid and a second liquid, separately, and forming a mixture thereof during delivery to a surface, the first liquid includes a oxidizing agent selected from a group consisting of a hypohalite and a hypohalite generator, the second liquid includes an addition product or a chelating agent, and at least one between the first and second liquids includes an agent for adjusting the pH, the agent for adjusting the pH is in such an amount that the mixture is kept at a sufficient pH to maintain the cleaning efficiency and stability of the oxidizing agent.

23. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is selected from a group consisting of an alkali metal hypochlorite, an alkaline earth salt of hypochlorite and a mixture thereof.

24. The composition according to claim 23, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is sodium hypochlorite.

25. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the pH is above about 11.

26. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is in an amount between about 0.1 and about 15 weight percent of the first liquid.

27. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the addition product or the chelating agent is selected from a group consisting of a carbonate, a phosphate, a pyrophosphate, an aminocarboxylate, a polycarboxylate, a polycarboxylate, a polyacrylate, a phosphonate , a fonato aminophos, a polyphosphonate, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof.

28. The composition according to claim 27, characterized in that the addition product or the chelating agent includes ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a salt thereof

29. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the addition product or the chelating agent is in an amount between about 0.1 and about 20 weight percent of the second liquid.

30. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the agent for pH adjustment it is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxide, a hydroxide generator, a buffer, and a mixture of the same.

31. The composition according to claim 30, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is an alkali metal hydroxide.

32. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is present in an amount of between about 0.05 and about 10 weight percent, relative to the mixture.

33. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is present in one of the first and second liquids, in an amount between about 0.1 and 20 weight percent of that one liquid.

34. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that a lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is above about 5 minutes.

35. The composition according to claim 34, characterized in that a lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is above about 20 minutes.

36. The composition according to claim 35, characterized in that the lifetime of the oxidizing agent in the mixture is about 40 minutes.

37. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the first and second liquids includes a fragrance.

38. The composition according to claim 37, characterized in that the agent for adjusting the pH is found in the First liquid and the fragrance is in the second liquid.

39. The composition according to claim 22, characterized in that maintaining the first and second liquids, separated, comprises providing a container or dispenser having a first compartment and a first supply channel for the first liquid and a second compartment and a second supply channel. supply for the second liquid, and the composition produced by the process further comprises supplying the first and second liquids to form the mixture.

40. The composition according to claim 39, characterized in that the first and second liquids are supplied simultaneously and externally with respect to the container or dispenser, and the liquids are located outside to form the mixture.

41. The composition according to claim 39, characterized in that the dispenser includes a mixing space and the supply comprises supplying the first and second liquids to the mixing space, to form the mixture.

42. The composition according to claim 41, characterized in that the mixing space has a capacity for approximately 1.0 milliliters or less of the mixture.