Cleaning article with coating, method of making same, and kit

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cleaning article. The cleaning article includes a compressed composition having an outer surface, wherein the compressed composition includes a gas generating agent, an acid, a surfactant, and a binder. The cleaning article also includes a solid coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition, wherein the solid coating includes a polyethylene oxide support and at least one functional ingredient. The cleaning article can be manufactured by obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional component; applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of an outer surface of a compressed composition; and cooling the applied molten mixture to form a solid coating. A kit is also provided that includes a cleaning article and a tool configured to be attached to the cleaning article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning compositions, such as bathroom cleaning compositions. Background Art

[0002] Cleaning the bathroom is an unwelcome but necessary task. Various products have been developed for cleaning bathrooms (e.g., toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc.). Further developments in cleaning articles would be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a cleaning article is provided. The cleaning article comprises a compressed composition having an outer surface, wherein the compressed composition comprises a gas generating agent, an acid, a surfactant and a binding agent. The cleaning article also comprises a solid coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition, wherein the solid coating comprises a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional component.

[0004] In a second aspect, a method for making a cleaning product is provided. The method includes obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient; applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of the outer surface of a compressed composition; and cooling the applied molten mixture to form a solid coating.

[0005] In a third aspect, a kit is provided. The kit comprises a cleaning article according to the first aspect and a tool configured to be attached to the cleaning article.

[0006] At least some embodiments of these aspects advantageously provide cleaning articles comprising active ingredients in a water-soluble coating, thereby expanding the types of functional ingredients that can be incorporated into cleaning articles. Such cleaning articles can be used alone and / or with tools to manipulate the cleaning articles.

[0007] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or each implementation of the present disclosure. The following description more specifically illustrates exemplary embodiments. In several places throughout the present application, guidance is provided by lists of examples, which can be used in various combinations. In each case, the cited lists are only used as representative groups and should not be construed as exclusive lists. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary cleaning article.

[0009] Figure 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary cleaning article.

[0010] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B is a photograph of an exemplary cleaning article of Example 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a compressed composition having a cavity in one major surface.

[0012] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B is a photograph of an exemplary cleaning article of Example 3.

[0013] Figure 5A is a photograph of one view of an exemplary cleaning article of Example 4.

[0014] Figure 5B is a photograph of one view of the uncoated tablet of Example 4.

[0015] Figure 5C is a photograph of relative views of an exemplary cleaning article of Example 4.

[0016] Figure 5D is a photograph of a relative view of the uncoated tablet of Example 4.

[0017] Figure 6 A generalized flow chart of an exemplary method is shown.

[0018] Fig. 7A is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary kit for cleaning a toilet.

[0019] Figure 7B is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary cleaning article being placed in a toilet for cleaning.

[0020] Although the above drawings show several embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also conceivable as indicated in the specification. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In all cases, the present disclosure is merely illustrative and not restrictive of the various aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Glossary

[0022] As used herein, "external surface" refers to the outermost surface.

[0023] As used herein, "solid" refers to solid matter as opposed to liquid matter or gaseous matter.

[0024] As used herein, "molten" refers to a mixture that is free flowing but has a constant volume due to being at a temperature above its melting point.

[0025] As used herein, "polyethylene oxide carrier" includes polyethylene oxide (PEO) homopolymers, PEO copolymers greater than 50 mass % PEO, and PEO derivatives. Each of the above PEO components may independently be linear or branched.

[0026] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present disclosure that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. In addition, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] In this application, terms such as "a", "an", and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include general categories, specific examples of which may be used for illustration. The terms "a", "an", and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one". The phrases "at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" followed by a list refer to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

[0028] As used herein, the term "or" is generally used in its ordinary sense, including "and / or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements, or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0029] Likewise, all numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about" and preferably by the term "exactly." As used herein, with respect to a measured amount, the term "about" refers to the deviation in the measured amount that would be expected by a skilled artisan with a certain degree of care in making the measurements commensurate with the objective of the measurements and the precision of the measuring equipment used.

[0030] As used herein, as a modifier to a characteristic or property, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "substantially" means that the characteristic or property will be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill, without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / -20% for a quantifiable characteristic). Unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "substantially" means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / -10% for a quantifiable characteristic), but again does not require absolute precision or a perfect match. Terms such as identical, equal, uniform, constant, strict, etc. should be understood to be within a common tolerance, or within a measurement error applicable to a particular situation, rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0031] Consumers may like to include various active ingredients in cleaning compositions, but such ingredients may be incompatible with other ingredients and / or with the form factor of compositions (e.g., compressed tablets). For example, the manufacturing process of making solid effervescent products, such as compression, limits the feasible range of the composition of such tablets. This is because compositions are usually optimized to provide acceptable fluidity of powder mixtures, and clean release from molds during tablet manufacturing, and cause finished tablets to have enough mechanical integrity. Therefore, some functional ingredients will bring challenges as long as there is (or high loading), especially those causing at least one manufacturing problem or damaging the composition of mechanical properties or tablet aging stability. Unexpectedly found that one or more functional ingredients can be included in cleaning products by active ingredient being incorporated into the coating applied to the outer surface of compressed tablets.

[0032] Cleaning Products

[0033] In a first aspect, a cleaning product is provided. The cleaning product comprises:

[0034] A compressed composition comprising an outer surface, the compressed composition comprising a gas

[0035] Generators, acids, surfactants and binders; and

[0036] A solid coating is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition, the solid coating comprising a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient.

[0037] See also Figure 1A , a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary cleaning article 100a is provided, which includes a compressed composition 110 and a solid coating 120 disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface 112 of the compressed composition 110. In this specific embodiment, the solid coating 120 is present on at least four surfaces of the compressed composition 110.

[0038] See also Figure 1B , provides a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary cleaning article 100b, which includes a compressed composition 110 and a solid coating 120 disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface 112 of the compressed composition 110. In this specific embodiment, the solid coating 120 is present on at least one major surface of the compressed composition 110. Similar to Figure 1B An exemplary cleaning article 100b of FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B A photograph of an exemplary cleaning article 200 of Example 1 (described in detail below) is provided in . As can be seen, the solid coating 220 is disposed on the major outer surface 212 of the compressed composition 210 (eg, present on the top surface based on the orientation of the cleaning article 200 in the photograph).

[0039] It is expressly contemplated that the solid coating may be present on one or more of the outer surfaces of the compressed composition in any convenient amount or pattern. For example, in some cases, the solid coating is present on 5% or more, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% or more of the total area of ​​the exterior of the compressed composition; and 100% or less, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, or 55% or less of the total area of ​​the exterior of the compressed composition. The solid coating may be disposed on the compressed composition in a continuous or discontinuous pattern.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the compressed composition is in the form of a tablet having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein a portion of the second major surface defines a cavity in the tablet. Figure 3 , the compressed composition 310 includes a first major surface 312 and an opposing second major surface 314. The second major surface 314 defines a cavity 350, so that the second major surface 314 provides the edge of the tablet. Such a configuration may be advantageous when the cleaning article is used with a tool configured to engage the compressed composition. For example, a portion of the tool may be configured to clamp and / or insert into the cavity 350 (e.g., such as Fig. 7A shown).

[0041] The cleaning article can gradually dissolve in the presence of water, produce effervescence, foaming, acidity and optional additional properties (e.g., abrasiveness), thereby achieving effective cleaning. In one embodiment, the cleaning article is used to clean and / or remove stains, such as hard water stains from toilet bowls.

[0042] Compressed composition

[0043] Suitable compositions for making compressed cleaning products are described herein. After the composition is dissolved in water, it produces effervescence, foaming and acidity. In addition, the composition can be pressed into solid products at low temperatures. Generally, such compositions have good stability at room temperature and high temperatures. The composition can be dissolved in water and has very little residue after cleaning. At least some embodiments of the composition can be adjusted according to the needs of product development to particularly enhance oxidizing ability, acidity or effervescence. The composition can be molded into a compressed composition under pressure at room temperature.

[0044] As described above, the composition includes each of a gas generating agent, an acid, a surfactant, and a binder.

[0045] Gas generators are used as effervescent agents to generate foam / bubbles. By generating foam and / or bubbles, the composition can reach additional surface area. Examples of suitable gas generators include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide generators and oxygen generators. Examples of suitable carbon dioxide generators include, but are not limited to, bicarbonates of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or transition metals; carbonates of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or transition metals; and percarbonates of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or transition metals. Examples of particularly suitable carbon dioxide generators include, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium carbonate.

[0046] Examples of suitable oxygen generators include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide; peracetic acid produced from sodium percarbonate / TAED (tetraacetylethylenediamine); percarbonates of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or percarbonates of transition metals; chlorates and perchlorates of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or chlorates and perchlorates of transition metals; superoxide salts of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or superoxide salts of transition metals; and peroxide salts of Group I metals, Group II metals and other cations (including ammonium, alkyl (mono-, di- or tri-) ammonium), or peroxide salts of transition metals.

[0047] Suitable amounts for the presence of one or more gas generating agents are typically 10 wt % or greater, 11 wt %, 12 wt %, 13 wt %, 14 wt %, 15 wt %, 16 wt %, 17 wt %, 18 wt %, 19 wt % or 20 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the compressed composition; and 50 wt % or less, 45 wt %, 40 wt %, 35 wt %, 30 wt % or 25 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0048] The acid acts as an effervescent agent and a cleaning agent. The acid can be any solid form of an organic or inorganic acid. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, sodium bisulfate, aminosulfonic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, and / or succinic acid.

[0049] Suitable amounts for the one or more acids to be present are generally 15 wt % or greater, 16 wt %, 17 wt %, 18 wt %, 20 wt %, 22 wt %, 24 wt %, 26 wt %, 28 wt % or 30 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the compressed composition; and 70 wt % or less, 65 wt %, 60 wt %, 55 wt %, 50 wt %, 45 wt %, 35 wt %, 30 wt % or 25 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0050] At least one surfactant is included and used as a cleaning and foaming agent. Examples of suitable surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, oligomeric and polymeric surfactants. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates, sulfated monoglycerides, sulfonated olefins, alkyl aryl sulfonates, primary or secondary alkyl sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, acid taurates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acid isethionates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfonated methyl esters, sulfonated fatty acids, alkyl phosphates, acyl glutamates, acyl sarcosinates, alkyl lactylates, anionic fluorosurfactants, sodium lauroyl glutamate, and combinations thereof. Other suitable anionic surfactants include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 120,765, and those disclosed in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1992), Allured Publishing Corp. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylated alkylphenols, polyoxyethylated alcohols, polyoxyethylated polyoxypropylene glycols, glycerol esters of alkanoic acids, polyglycerol esters of alkanoic acids, propylene glycol esters of alkanoic acids, sorbitol esters of alkanoic acids, polyoxyethylated sorbitol esters of alkanoic acids, polyoxyethylene glycol esters of alkanoic acids, polyoxyethylated alkanoic acids, alkanolamides, N-alkyl pyrrolidones, alkyl glycosides, alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl amine oxides, and polyoxyethylated siloxanes. Examples of suitable cationic surfactants include, but are not limited to, those selected from the class of "quaternary ammonium" materials, including, but not limited to, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, tallowtrimethylammonium chloride, cocotrimonium chloride, dipalmitoylethyldimethylammonium chloride, PEG-2 oleyl ammonium chloride, and salts thereof, wherein the chlorine is replaced by a halogen (e.g., bromine), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulfate, or alkyl sulfate. Examples of suitable zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, amine oxides, betaines (carboxylic acid / quaternary ammonium or carboxylic acid / phosphonium), sulfo- or carboxy-betaines, sultaines (sulfonic acid / quaternary ammonium or sulfonic acid / phosphonium), amino acid derivatives, imidazoline derivatives, lecithins, and phospholipids.Examples of suitable polymeric surfactants include, but are not limited to, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and fatty alkyl residues, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, hydrophobically modified polyacrylates, hydrophobically modified celluloses, silicone polyethers, silicone copolyol esters, dimethicone diquaternary ammonium salts, and co-modified amino / polyether silicones.

[0051] Suitable amounts for the one or more surfactants to be present are generally 0.5 wt % or greater, 0.75 wt %, 1 wt %, 1.25 wt %, 1.5 wt %, 1.75 wt %, 2 wt %, 2.5 wt %, 3 wt %, 3.5 wt %, 4 wt %, 4.5 wt % or 5 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the compressed composition; and 10 wt % or less, 9.5 wt %, 9 wt %, 8.5 wt %, 8 wt %, 7.5 wt %, 7 wt %, 6.5 wt %, 6 wt %, 5.5 wt % or 5 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0052] The effect of the binding agent is to keep the components of the composition together. The binding agent must be strong enough to maintain mechanical integrity and optionally also provide hardness for the composition until the composition contacts with water, at which point it can dissolve. For example, in the presence of an aqueous liquid, the binding agent can chemically or physically keep the components of the composition together to form covalent bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions or other secondary interactions. The binding agent can be an inorganic or organic substance or a combination of the two. The binding agent can be chemically reactive or non-chemically reactive in the bonding process.

[0053] In one embodiment, the binder is an inorganic binder that reacts with water to cause the composition to harden. Hardening refers to the reaction of the binder with water to form a new hydrated form or the condensation and crosslinking of the binder in the presence of water. The hardened binder provides structural support for the composition and resists degradation caused by water. During the hardening process, the binder can form hydrogen bonds with other components, thereby improving the structural integrity of the composition. Compared with non-reactive binders, the use of inorganic binders that react with water can significantly improve the hardness and mechanical integrity of the composition after the composition is compressed under the same amount of force at room temperature.

[0054] In some embodiments, after forming the compressed article, the composition containing the reactive inorganic binder can maintain sufficient hardness, mechanical integrity and durability for scrubbing and cleaning, while the swelling of the formed geometric shape is minimal when contacted with water in a flush toilet, for example. It is the strong bonding ability of the reactive inorganic binder that makes the compressed article durable when used in water or in a wet environment. The durability of the compressed article in the wet state can be quantified by the number of cycles that the compressed article can move back and forth linearly at a selected path length (5cm, 10cm, 20cm) and speed; or in the wet state, under a certain applied weight (0.5kg, 1.0kg, 2.0kg, 5kg, 10kg) on ​​a suitable machine (e.g., Taber Linear Abrasion Tester or Taber Rotating Platform Abrasion Tester in North Tonawanda, NY) quantified by the selected number of cycles on a circular path and speed. The wet state refers to the state in which the compressed article is immersed in water and then removed, or immersed in water during the test. In order to simulate the use of the compressed product in water or in a wet environment, the compressed product having a cylindrical geometry (4 cm in diameter and 0.25 cm, 0.38 cm, 0.50 cm or 0.56 cm in height) was first immersed in water to allow the water to completely penetrate the compressed product, pressed on a hard surface, and then moved back and forth with a hand for a path length of about 20 cm. When used in a wet state, the compressed product is considered to show sufficient "wet hardness", i.e., sufficient mechanical integrity and durability. When the hard surface is rubbed with a force applied by hand, the compressed product effervesces and foams, and the mass gradually decreases during the simulated cleaning process.

[0055] When used in water, the compressed product containing non-reactive binder will lose its hardness and mechanical integrity or swelling in a short time (e.g., about 2 minutes). The hardness of the composition can be measured, for example, by compressing the durometer of Shore hardness A or D on the surface of the composition according to the procedure described in ASTM D 2240-00. The aged hardness is the hardness measured on the compressed composition aged for two weeks in air at room temperature. The example of particularly suitable reactive inorganic binder includes, but is not limited to: calcium sulfate hemihydrate, anhydrous calcium sulfate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, potassium silicate, potassium metasilicate, lithium metasilicate, lithium silicate, cement and their combination. The example of particularly suitable reactive inorganic binder includes, but is not limited to, the binder composition based on the preparation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, such as purchased from USG (USG, located in Chicago, IL) in Chicago, Illinois DURABOND 20, DURABOND 45 and DURABOND 90.

[0056] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the compressed composition provides a soft soap that does not require scrubbing ability. In such embodiments, the above wet hardness and Shore hardness values ​​need not be met for the compressed composition to be considered useful for cleaning.

[0057] Examples of particularly suitable organic binders include, but are not limited to, sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose and liquid glucose), organic acid salts (e.g., sodium acetate, calcium acetate, sodium propionate, sodium glycolate and sodium citrate), polymers (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatin, gum arabic, chitosan, alginic acid, starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, acrylate polymers, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyester, polyamide, polyethyleneimine, vinyl polymers) and combinations thereof.

[0058] Suitable amounts for the one or more binders to be present are generally 1 wt % or greater, 2 wt %, 4 wt %, 6 wt %, 8 wt %, 10 wt %, 12 wt %, 14 wt %, 16 wt %, 18 wt % or 20 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the compressed composition; and 50 wt % or less, 45 wt %, 40 wt %, 35 wt %, 30 wt % or 25 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0059] Typically, the composition also includes an aqueous liquid. When the aqueous liquid is present, it acts as a reactant with the binder, as a medium for reacting with other components in the composition, and as a carrier for additives. The reactive inorganic binder can react with the water in the aqueous liquid to harden and provide hardness and mechanical integrity to the composition. The water in the aqueous liquid can also serve as a medium for the reaction of the acid and the gas generator and generate more water, which produces hydrogen bonding in the composition to improve hardness and mechanical integrity. The aqueous liquid has a water content sufficient to react with the binder. In one embodiment, the aqueous liquid has a water content of at least about 0.1%, particularly at least about 1% by weight. Examples of suitable aqueous liquids include, but are not limited to: water, aqueous solutions of inorganic compounds, aqueous solutions of polymers, aqueous dispersions of polymers, aqueous dispersions of organic molecules, liquid organic compounds, mixtures of liquid water and organic compounds, aqueous solutions of organic compounds, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable liquids include, but are not limited to, deionized water, aqueous solutions of calcium chloride, calcium acetate, sodium acetate, aqueous solutions of polyacrylic acid and its sodium salt, aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyethyleneimine, polystyrene sulfonate, polyester aqueous solutions, polyurethane aqueous dispersions, polyvinyl acetate aqueous dispersions, styrene-butadiene rubber aqueous dispersions, polyacrylate aqueous dispersions, polyamide aqueous dispersions, polyolefin aqueous dispersions, aqueous dispersions of rosin and its derivatives, mixtures of water and acetic acid, mixtures of water and lactic acid, glycolic acid aqueous solutions, and gluconic acid aqueous solutions, fragrance aqueous dispersions, pigment aqueous dispersions, dye aqueous solutions, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Suitable amounts for the presence of one or more aqueous liquids are generally 0.1 wt % or greater, 0.5 wt %, 1 wt %, 2 wt %, 3 wt %, 4 wt %, 5 wt %, 6 wt %, 7 wt %, 8 wt %, 9 wt % or 10 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the compressed composition; and 20 wt % or less, 18 wt %, 16 wt %, 14 wt %, 12 wt % or 10 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0061] Other additives may be included in the composition to perform various functions. Examples include, but are not limited to, chelating agents, oxidants, biocides, antimicrobial agents, anti-caking agents, hydrophilic agents, dispersants, co-binders, fillers / tougheners, softeners, abrasive particles, desiccants, mold release agents, lubricants, disintegrants, detergents, coupling agents, photoinitiators, thermal initiators, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, grinding aids, wetting agents, dispersants, light stabilizers, antioxidants, defoamers, colorants, dyes, pigments, and fragrances. Particularly suitable additives include components that help improve the stability of the composition before compression and forming compressed products. Examples include anti-caking agents, dispersants, and co-binders. Particularly suitable additives that help the demoulding of compressed products include, but are not limited to, mold release agents and lubricants.

[0062] When a chelating agent is included in the composition, the chelating agent primarily acts as a complex forming agent with metal ions dissolved in water or deposited as stains on the toilet bowl surface. It also promotes cleaning as well as foaming. Examples of suitable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, citric acid and its sodium salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its sodium salt, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and its sodium salt, and maleic acid and its sodium salt.

[0063] When the composition includes an oxidant, the oxidant serves to oxidize organic stains and remove bacteria. Examples of suitable oxidants include, but are not limited to, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, sodium percarbonate, urea peroxide, a complex of polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, peracetic acid, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable commercially available oxidants include, but are not limited to, Oxone, available from Dupont, Wilmington, Delaware. In one embodiment, when the solid composition includes an oxidant, the solid composition includes up to about 15% by weight of the oxidant, particularly up to about 5% by weight of the oxidant.

[0064] The composition may optionally contain a biocide to remove bacteria. Examples of suitable biocides include, but are not limited to, benzalkonium chloride, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, benzisothiazolinone chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonium derivatives, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, when the composition contains a biocide, the solid composition contains up to about 5% by weight of the biocide, particularly up to about 2% by weight of the biocide.

[0065] When the composition includes abrasive particles, such abrasive particles tend to help scrubbing. The abrasive particles are preferably hard enough to fully clean the surface while minimizing any scratching of the surface. In one embodiment, the abrasive particles are sufficiently soft so as not to cause scratches on the substrate below. In one embodiment, the cleaning article is used for bathroom surfaces. Because most surfaces in the bathroom are relatively hard, typically having a Mohs hardness higher than 4.5, the abrasive particles can be selected from materials having a Mohs hardness of about 3 to about 4. Examples of suitable abrasive particles include, but are not limited to: crushed or ground shells of nuts / fruits, including, but not limited to, almonds, argan, coconut, hazelnuts, macadamia, pecans, pine, pistachios, and walnuts; crushed or ground kernels / kernels of fruits, including, but not limited to, apricots, olives, peaches, cherries, plums, palms, and tagua; crushed or ground corn cobs, crushed or ground synthetic polymeric materials, including, but not limited to, any thermoplastic polymer or any thermosetting polymer; crushed, ground or unmodified naturally derived polymeric materials, including, but not limited to, polyhydroxyalkanoates; precisely shaped synthetic polymeric materials; crushed or ground soft minerals, including, but not limited to, calcium carbonate (marble, limestone, etc.), talc and related clay minerals, pumice and gypsum and related minerals.

[0066] If the particle size is too large, the composite material is more likely to cause unintentional "brutal" scratches on the surface being cleaned. If the particle size of the abrasive article is too small, they may be ineffective when scrubbing. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the abrasive particles is from about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to about 2.0 mm, particularly from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. In one embodiment, when abrasive particles are included in the composition, the composition comprises 3 wt % to 8 wt % of abrasive particles, such as 5 wt % to 7 wt % of abrasive particles, based on the total weight of the compressed composition.

[0067] The composition has an acidic pH, making it useful for cleaning surfaces etched by protons in aqueous solutions, such as toilet bowls. In addition, hard water stains and scale can be dissolved under acidic conditions. Alkaline pH is beneficial for the formation of hard water stains and deposits of organic matter on toilet bowls. Therefore, it is desirable that the composition has an acidic pH. In one embodiment, the pH of the composition when dissolved in water is from about 0 to about 6, particularly from about 1 to about 5, particularly from about 2 to about 5.

[0068] Partly due to its low pH, the composition can effectively remove various debris and stains, such as hard water stains and scale. In practice, the composition must be contacted with a sufficient amount of water or a mixture of water and polar solvents to start the reaction required for cleaning the expected surface. Once the composition is exposed to water, the composition will begin to dissolve and foam. Water is used as a medium for the reaction. Acid and gas generating agent react to release carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide rises to the surface through the aqueous solution of surfactant, produces bubbles in the solution and forms a foam layer on the surface. Foaming enables the composition to contact difficult-to-reach surfaces, such as the lower side of the inner surface of a toilet bowl. In one embodiment, a sufficient amount of foam is produced to have a foam height of at least about 0.1cm, at least about 0.5cm, at least about 0.75cm, at least about 1cm, at least about 1.25cm, at least about 1.5cm, at least about 1.75cm, at least about 2cm and at least about 3cm.

[0069] The composition has two key features: cleaning efficacy and the ability to be molded into various geometric shapes at room temperature. The cleaning efficacy includes effervescence, foaming, acidity and abrasive properties for removing hard water stains, scale and organic stains from the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the composition can be added to water, wherein the cleaning efficacy is static without using mechanical force. In one embodiment, the composition can be used as a scrubber on the surface, wherein the cleaning efficacy is a convolution of static cleaning efficacy and washing by mechanical force. The additional features of the composition include fragrance, color, oxidation ability and antimicrobial properties, which can be incorporated into the basic formula of the composition to allow the production of a variety of cleaning products. In one embodiment, the composition can remove at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% of hard water stains. In one embodiment, the solid composition can remove at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% of scale.

[0070] In some cases, after being molded into concentrated solid form, composition provides enough mechanical integrity, hardness, toughness and durability to be used on hard surface.In one embodiment, solid composition is the form of tablet or pod that can be dripped into for example flush toilet to provide cleaning.In one embodiment, composition can be molded into cleaning head and used in combination with hand-held tool.This provides the soluble head used as scrubbing tool, and provides the required chemical substance for cleaning.Therefore, solid composition has the dual function of being used as tablet and / or being used on handle.This solid composition can also be first used on handle to clean with mechanical force, and then be released into water to carry out static cleaning.

[0071] Optionally, the composition has a certain hardness and durability so that it does not immediately dissolve or decompose when it comes into contact with water, and must remain in solid form long enough to contact and clean the surface. In one embodiment, the composition has an aged Shore A hardness of at least about 30, particularly at least about 30, more particularly at least about 50 and about 100, and even more particularly at least about 80. In one embodiment, the solid composition has an aged Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 100, particularly about 20 to about 70.

[0072] The amount of time the composition remains in solid form can be measured as the dissolution time, which is defined as the time it takes for 5 grams of the solid composition to disintegrate and dissolve when immersed in 195 grams of water without stirring after the 5 grams of the solid composition has been aged in air under ambient conditions for 2 weeks. The solid composition has an optimal dissolution time for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the dissolution time of the solid composition is from about 1 to about 60 minutes, particularly from about 5 to about 40 minutes, and particularly from about 10 to about 30 minutes.

[0073] In order to prepare the solid composition of the present invention, the components are mixed together. If there is a fragrance, the composition must include an anti-caking agent. In one embodiment, the anti-caking agent is hydrophobic. Examples of suitable anti-caking agents include, but are not limited to, fumed silica, fumed alumina, clay, and corn starch. First, the anti-caking agent and fragrance are mixed, then mixed with any surfactant to form a premix, and then the premix is ​​mixed with the mixture of the remaining components. The final mixture of the composition is added to a cavity or a mold, wherein a mechanical force is applied to compress the mixture into a compressed product. The compressed product can be in any geometric shape without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. After being released from the cavity or the mold, the compressed product is aged in the air or in a sealed environment under ambient conditions to allow it to harden over time. In one embodiment, the solid composition obtained is pressed into tablets. In one embodiment, the solid composition is wrapped by a water-soluble polymer film to form a pod.

[0074] Solid coating

[0075] Compressed compositions tend to be sensitive to water (including moisture) and heat due to the presence of various components in the compressed composition that contribute to the cleaning ability. Therefore, it is challenging to successfully apply a molten material to the compressed composition and cool the coating without causing a significant amount of damage / degradation to the compressed composition.

[0076] Solid coating advantageously provides at least one active ingredient, and it has the characteristics of being able to melt process and being able to dissolve in water.Solid coating comprises polyethylene oxide (also referred to as polyethylene glycol) carrier.Term " polyethylene oxide carrier " comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO) homopolymer, PEO copolymer and PEO derivative greater than 50 mass % PEO.Each component in the above-mentioned PEO component can be linear or branched independently.Usually, polyethylene oxide carrier has 600 grams per mole (g / mol) or greater, 800g / mol, 1000g / mol, 2000g / mol, 4000g / mol, 6000g / mol, 8000g / mol, 10,000g / mol, 16,000g / mol, 20,000g / mol, 50,000g / mol, 80,000g / mol, 100,000g / mol, 160,000g / mol or 20 and a molecular weight of 5,000,000 g / mol or less, 4,000,000 g / mol, 3,000,000 g / mol, 2,000,000 g / mol, 1,000,000 g / mol, 800,000 g / mol, 600,000 g / mol, 200,000 g / mol, 100,000 g / mol, 40,000 g / mol, or 20,000 g / mol or less.

[0077] Some suitable PEO homopolymers include, for example but not limited to, those commercially available under the trade name "CARBOWAX" from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, such as each of CARBOWAX polyethylene glycol 400 polyethylene glycol 1450, polyethylene glycol 6000, and polyethylene glycol 8000. In selected embodiments, polyethylene oxide homopolymers having a molecular weight of 4000 to 8000 (including the end values) may be particularly suitable due to having a convenient melting temperature of about 70° C. to 90° C. and tending to solidify well upon cooling. Some suitable PEO copolymers include, for example but not limited to, those commercially available from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany under the trade designation "PLURONIC", such as Pluronic F127, a triblock copolymer of PEO100-PPO65-PEO100 having an average molecular weight of 12600 g / mol.

[0078] Typically, the polyethylene oxide carrier is present in an amount of 30 wt % or more of the total weight of the solid coating, such as 40 wt %, 45 wt %, 50 wt %, 55 wt %, 60 wt %, 65 wt %, 70 wt %, 75 wt %, 80 wt %, 85 wt % or 90 wt % or more; and 99.5 wt % or less of the total weight of the solid coating.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one functional ingredient is selected from fragrances, dyes, surfactants, antimicrobial agents, emulsifiers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, acids, chelating agents, polyelectrolytes, silanes, or any combination thereof. Suitable surfactants, acids, and chelating agents are as described above in connection with the compressed composition.

[0080] Some suitable light stabilizers include, for example, but not limited to, those commercially available from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) under the trade name "TINUVIN", such as TINUVIN 1130 and TINUVIN 292. Some suitable antioxidants include, for example, but not limited to, those commercially available from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) under the trade name "IRGANOX", such as IRGANOX 1076 and IRGANOX 245. Some suitable polyelectrolytes include, for example, but not limited to, those commercially available from BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) under the trade name "LUPASOL" and "SOKALAN", such as Lupasol PS and Sokalan CP50. Some suitable silanes include, for example, but not limited to, 3-[methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)6-9]propyltrimethoxysilane and 3-{[dimethyl(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonio}propane-1-sulfonate available from Gelest, Morrisville, PA.

[0081] In some cases, the functional ingredient comprises a microencapsulated fragrance. The shell of a microencapsulated fragrance is often too fragile to be properly incorporated into a compressed composition, so including the microencapsulated fragrance as a functional ingredient in a solid coating advantageously allows it to be used in a cleaning article comprising a compressed composition. Microencapsulated fragrances are known in the art; one commercially available microencapsulated fragrance can be obtained from Sozio Inc., Piscataway, NJ, under the trade name "Sozio Microcap 1323" microencapsulated fragrance.

[0082] method

[0083] In a second aspect, a method for making a cleaning product is provided. The method comprises:

[0084] obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient;

[0085] applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition; and cooling the applied molten mixture to form a solid coating.

[0086] Each of the compressed composition and the solid coating is according to any embodiment of the first aspect described in detail above.

[0087] See also Figure 6 The method includes the following steps: obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient 610; applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition 620; and cooling the applied molten mixture to form a solid coating 630.

[0088] In some embodiments, obtaining a molten mixture comprises mixing a solid polyethylene oxide carrier with at least one functional ingredient and applying heat at least until the solid polyethylene oxide carrier is melted. In some embodiments, heat is applied to the solid polyethylene oxide carrier, followed by adding at least one functional ingredient and mixing. If two or more functional ingredients are present, each functional ingredient can be independently added to the mixture before, during, or after melting the polyethylene oxide carrier.

[0089] The manner in which the molten mixture is applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition is not particularly limited. For example, the molten mixture may include pouring, brushing, spraying, dipping, spin coating, roller coating, rod coating, curtain coating, rotogravure coating, blade coating, slide coating, inkjet printing, or any combination thereof.

[0090] When the molten mixture is applied to the compressed composition, the molten mixture may have a temperature of 60°C or more, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, or 95°C or more; and 200°C or less, 190°C, 180°C, 170°C, 160°C, 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, 120°C, 110°C, or 100°C or less. In other words, in some embodiments, the molten mixture has a temperature of 60°C to 200°C, 70°C to 130°C, or 90°C to 110°C when applied to the compressed composition.

[0091] The way in which the molten mixture is cooled is not particularly limited. For example, cooling may include exposing the applied molten mixture to flowing air, exposing the molten mixture to ambient air, exposing the molten mixture to refrigerated air, or any combination thereof. Refrigerated air has a temperature lower than the environment, such as 19°C or lower, 17°C, 15°C, 13°C, 11°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C or 0°C or lower; and -10°C or higher. Where the molten mixture is applied at a higher temperature, it may be advantageous to expose the applied molten mixture to flowing air and / or refrigerated air to solidify the molten mixture more quickly, thereby minimizing the thermal damage to the compressed composition.

[0092] Kits

[0093] In a third aspect, a kit is provided. The kit comprises:

[0094] A cleaning article according to any embodiment of the first aspect; and

[0095] A tool is configured to be attached to a cleaning article.

[0096] In some cases, the tool is a handheld tool configured to grip the outer surface of the cleaning article. Fig. 7A , the kit 760 is depicted as including a cleaning article 700 and a handheld tool 770 that grips the outer surface of the cleaning article 700. In particular, the end 772 of the handheld tool is inserted into the cavity 750 of the cleaning article 700. In addition, Fig. 7A An illustration of the kit in use is provided. A user 790 grips the opposite end 774 of the handheld tool 770 and the cleaning article 700 is positioned against the inner bowl surface 782 of the toilet 780. The user 790 has the option of manipulating the handheld tool 770 to apply pressure and / or scrub the cleaning article 700 in the toilet 780. Some dissolved cleaning article 752 in the toilet 780 is also depicted.

[0097] In some cases, cleaning articles can be used without the use of hand-held tools. For example, Figure 7B An illustration is provided of a user 790 dropping a cleaning article 700 into a toilet 780, where the cleaning article may dissolve and release a cleaning agent.

[0098] Implementation

[0099] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article. The cleaning article comprises a compressed composition, the compressed composition comprising an outer surface; and a solid coating disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition. The compressed composition comprises a gas generating agent, an acid, a surfactant, and a binder. The solid coating comprises a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient.

[0100] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to the first embodiment, wherein the compressed composition is in the form of a tablet having a first major surface and a second major surface, and wherein a portion of the second major surface defines a cavity in the tablet.

[0101] In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, wherein the polyethylene oxide carrier has a molecular weight of 600 grams per mole to 5,000,000 grams per mole.

[0102] In a fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the polyethylene oxide carrier is present in an amount of 30 wt % or more of the total weight of the solid coating, 40 wt %, 50 wt %, 60 wt %, 70 wt %, 80 wt % or 90 wt % or more of the total weight of the solid coating.

[0103] In a fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the at least one functional ingredient is selected from a fragrance, a dye, a surfactant, an antimicrobial agent, an emulsifier, a light stabilizer, an antioxidant, a pigment, an acid, a chelating agent, a polyelectrolyte, a silane, or any combination thereof.

[0104] In a sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the at least one functional ingredient comprises a microencapsulated fragrance.

[0105] In a seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the compressed composition further comprises a plurality of abrasive particles.

[0106] In an eighth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the binder comprises at least one of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, calcium sulfate anhydrous, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, potassium silicate, potassium metasilicate, lithium metasilicate, lithium silicate, or cement.

[0107] In a ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the gas generating agent comprises at least one of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or percarbonate.

[0108] In a tenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning article according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the acid comprises at least one of sodium bisulfate, sulfamic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, or succinic acid.

[0109] In an eleventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for making a cleaning article. The method includes: obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient; applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of the outer surface of a compressed composition; and cooling the applied molten mixture to form a solid coating.

[0110] In a twelfth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein obtaining the molten mixture comprises mixing a solid polyethylene oxide carrier with at least one functional ingredient, and applying heat at least until the solid polyethylene oxide carrier is melted.

[0111] In a thirteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to the eleventh embodiment or the twelfth embodiment, wherein applying the molten mixture comprises pouring, brushing, spraying, dipping, spin coating, roller coating, rod coating, curtain coating, rotogravure coating, knife coating, slide coating, inkjet printing, or any combination thereof.

[0112] In a fourteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments, wherein the molten mixture has a temperature of 60°C to 200°C, 70°C to 130°C, or 90°C to 110°C when the molten mixture is applied to the compressed composition.

[0113] In a fifteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments, wherein cooling comprises exposing the applied molten mixture to flowing air.

[0114] In a sixteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments, wherein the compressed composition and the solid coating are according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments.

[0115] In a seventeenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising: a cleaning article according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments; and a tool configured to be attached to the cleaning article.

[0116] In an eighteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a kit according to the seventeenth embodiment, wherein the tool is a handheld tool configured to grip the outer surface of the cleaning article.

[0117] Example

[0118] Unless otherwise indicated or readily apparent from the context, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the examples and the remainder of the specification are by weight. The following Table 1 lists the materials used in the examples and their sources.

[0119] Table 1. Table of materials, abbreviations and sources .

[0120]

[0121]

[0122] Example 1

[0123] The composition of the following compressed composition (e.g., tablet) is shown in Table 2. First, 44.7 g of calcium sulfate hemihydrate was mixed with 7.6 g of Sipernat 50S, followed by the addition of 22.3 g of Sokalan CP10. The mixture was mixed on a Ross mixer for 1 minute. Next, 97.4 g of sodium carbonate, 12.5 g of citric acid, and 232.8 g of sulfamic acid were added each time, followed by mixing for 30 seconds. Finally, 9.4 g of Lathanol LAL, 5.4 g of Stepanol WA-100NF / USP, 8.9 g of pumice, and 8.9 g of magnesium stearate were added all at once, followed by mixing for 30 seconds. During the entire mixing process, the temperature in the chamber was about 22°C.

[0124] The prepared mixture was added to a Teflon mold and a Carver hydraulic press was used to apply a weight of about 1134 kg. The mixture was allowed to remain in the mold for 1 minute before the pressure was released. The compressed composition was in the shape of a disk, 43 mm in diameter, and weighed about 24 g.

[0125] To prepare the coating formulation, 5.0 g PEG 1450, 0.5 g Lathanol LAL, 0.3 g Stepanol WA-100 NF / USP, 0.1 g SZ 41894 Citrus, and 0.02 g Duasyn Ink Blue SLK were added to an aluminum weighing dish and then heated in an oven set at 120°C until they formed a molten mixture. The curved surface of the compressed composition was wrapped with tape to create a reservoir extending above the upper surface of the compressed composition (i.e., the tape was wrapped around the edges to form a cylindrical shape). The molten mixture was poured into the reservoir and allowed to cool to room temperature to solidify. See again Figure 2A , which shows a photograph of the resulting cleaning article 200 , including a solid coating 220 on a major outer surface 212 of a compressed composition 210 .

[0126] The above coating compositions are shown in Table 3.

[0127] Table 2. Compression composition in Example 1 (EX 1)

[0128] Element weight(%) Weight(g) Sodium carbonate 21.6％ 97.4 Citric Acid 2.8％ 12.5 Sulfamic acid 51.7％ 232.8 Lathanol LAL 2.1％ 9.4 Stepanol WA-100NF / USP 1.2％ 5.4 Sipernat 50S 1.7％ 7.6 Calcium sulfate hemihydrate 9.9％ 44.7 Sokalan CP10 5.0％ 22.3 Pumice(FFF) 2.0％ 8.9 Magnesium Stearate 2.0％ 8.9 total 100.0％ 450.0

[0129] Table 3. Coating composition in EX 1

[0130] Element weight(%) Weight(g) PEG 1450 84.5％ 5.0 Lathanol LAL 8.4％ 0.5 Stepanol WA-100NF / USP 5.1％ 0.3 SZ 41894Citrus 1.7％ 0.1 Duasyn Ink Blue SLK 0.3％ 0.02 total 100.0％ 5.92

[0131] Example 2

[0132] The compressed composition used in Example 2 (EX 2) was prepared using the procedure described in Example 1 and the composition in Table 2.

[0133] To prepare the coating formulation, 4.5 g of PEG 1450 was added to an aluminum weighing dish and heated in an oven set at 100° C. until melted. Next, 0.01 g of Rhodamine B and 0.50 g of Capmul 908P were added and the resulting mixture was heated in an oven set at 100° C. The temperature of the oven was reduced to 95° C. and the tablets were dipped in the molten mixture. The coating weight applied to the tablet surface was 4.76 g. The coated tablets weighed 28.80 g. The Capmul 908P loading in the coated tablets was 1.65%, calculated as follows: ((4.76 g x 0.1) / (4.76 g coating + 24.04 g bare tablets)) x 100. The above coating compositions are shown in Table 4.

[0134] Table 4. Coating composition in EX 2

[0135] Element weight(%) Weight(g) PEG 1450 89.8％ 4.5 Rhodamine B 0.2％ 0.01 Capmul 908P 10.0％ 0.50 gross weight 100.0％ 5.01

[0136] Example 3

[0137] The compressed composition used in Example 3 (EX 3) has Figure 3 More specifically, the compressed composition 310 had an outer diameter of 51 mm, a cavity 350 diameter of 30.94 mm, an overall height H of 20.2 mm, and a thickness between the first major surface 312 and the cavity surface 316 of 7.15 mm. The compressed composition was prepared using the procedure described in Example 1, having the composition described in Table 5, and weighing about 53 g.

[0138] To prepare the coating formulation, 4.0 g PEG 1450 and 1.0 g thymol were added to an aluminum weighing dish and heated in an oven set at 110° C. until they formed a molten mixture. Next, 0.005 g Duasyn Ink Blue SLK was added and the resulting mixture was heated in an oven set at 110° C. until it formed a molten mixture. The temperature of the oven was reduced to 95° C. and the molten mixture was applied to the bottom dome surface and top edge of the tablet. The total coating weight was about 4.3 g. The above coating compositions are shown in Table 6.

[0139] The curved surface of the compressed composition is wrapped with tape to create a reservoir. The molten mixture is poured into the reservoir and allowed to cool to room temperature to solidify. The edges of the cavity side are dip-coated in the molten formulation. See FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , provides a photograph of a cleaning article 400 of Example 4, comprising a compressed composition 410 having a solid coating 420 on both a continuous major outer surface and an edge defining a top of a cavity 450 .

[0140] Table 5. Composition of tablets in EX 3

[0141] Element weight(%) PEG 400 0.3 Duasyn Ink Blue SLK 0.01 Sodium carbonate 23.0 SZ 41894Citrus 0.3 Sokalan CP10 1.5 Stepanol WA-100NF / USP 1.5 Lathanol LAL 2.5 Sipernat 50S 0.5 Calcium sulfate hemihydrate 10.0 Citric Acid 10.4 Sulfamic acid 50.0 total 100.01

[0142] Table 6. Coating composition in EX 3

[0143] Element weight(%) Weight(g) PEG 1450 79.9％ 4.00 Thymol 20.0％ 1.00 Duasyn Ink Blue SLK 0.1％ 0.005 gross weight 100.0％ 5.01

[0144] Example 4

[0145] The compressed composition used in Example 4 (EX 4) is Figure 3 A compressed composition having the composition described in Table 7 and having an outer diameter of 20 mm was prepared using the procedure described in Example 1.

[0146] To prepare the coating formulation, 4.1 g PEG 1450 and 0.013 g Duasyn Ink Blue SLK were added to an aluminum weighing dish and heated in an oven set at 95° C. until they formed a molten mixture. Next, 0.41 g Sozio Microcap 1323 was added and the resulting mixture was kept in an oven set at 95° C. until it formed a molten mixture. The molten mixture was applied to the continuous major outer surface, side surface and top edge of the compressed composition. The total coating weight was 0.94 g. The above coating composition is shown in Table 8. Figure 5A and Figure 5C A photograph of a cleaning article 500 is shown, including a solid coating 520 on the surface, but not on the cavity 550, as just described.

[0147] Figure 5B and Figure 5D A photograph of a compressed composition 510 prior to coating is shown. Figure 5B A continuous major outer surface 512 is shown, and Figure 5B The cavity 550 in the compressed composition 510 is shown. In order to test the foaming dynamics, the uncoated compressed composition (3.38g) and the cleaning product (3.25g before coating, 4.19g after coating) are all dropped into 150mL tap water in a 500mL beaker. The foaming height is measured as a function of time. The cleaning product produces a slower and more stable effervescence than the compressed composition. It is known that PEG can serve as a defoamer, but the cleaning product still provides foam. The results are shown in Table 9. The cleaning product contains a significantly higher concentration of dye (0.3% by weight after coating compared to 0.01% by weight before coating), which causes a dark blue color after it is dissolved in water.

[0148] Table 7.EX 4. Composition of the compressed composition

[0149]

[0150] Table 8. Coating composition in EX 4

[0151] Element weight(%) Weight(g) PEG 1450 90.5％ 4.1 Sozio Microcap 1323 9.2％ 0.41 Duasyn Ink Blue SLK 0.3％ 0.013 gross weight 100.0％ 4.47

[0152] Table 9.EX 4 Foaming kinetics before and after coating

[0153]

[0154] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning product, comprising: a compressed composition comprising an outer surface, the compressed composition comprising a gas generant, an acid, a surfactant, and a binder; and A solid coating is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the compressed composition, the solid coating comprising a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient.

2. The cleaning article of claim 1, wherein the compressed composition is in the form of a tablet having a first major surface and a second major surface, and wherein a portion of the second major surface defines a cavity in the tablet.

3. A cleaning article according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the polyethylene oxide carrier has a molecular weight of from 600 grams per mole to 5,000,000 grams per mole.

4. The cleaning article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyethylene oxide carrier is present in an amount of 30 wt % or more of the total weight of the solid coating, 40 wt %, 50 wt %, 60 wt %, 70 wt %, 80 wt % or 90 wt % or more of the total weight of the solid coating.

5. The cleaning article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one functional ingredient is selected from fragrances, dyes, surfactants, antimicrobial agents, emulsifiers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, acids, chelating agents, polyelectrolytes, silanes or any combination thereof.

6. The cleaning article of claim 5, wherein the at least one functional ingredient comprises a microencapsulated fragrance.

7. The cleaning article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the compressed composition further comprises a plurality of abrasive particles.

8. The cleaning article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the binder comprises at least one of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, calcium sulfate anhydrous, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, potassium silicate, potassium metasilicate, lithium metasilicate, lithium silicate or cement.

9. The cleaning article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gas generating agent comprises at least one of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid or percarbonate.

10. The cleaning article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the acid comprises at least one of sodium bisulfate, sulfamic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, or succinic acid.

11. A method of making a cleaning product, the method comprising: obtaining a molten mixture of a polyethylene oxide carrier and at least one functional ingredient; applying the molten mixture to at least a portion of an outer surface of a compressed composition; as well as The applied molten mixture is cooled to form a solid coating.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said obtaining said molten mixture comprises mixing a solid polyethylene oxide carrier with said at least one functional ingredient and applying heat at least until said solid polyethylene oxide carrier is melted.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein applying the molten mixture comprises pouring, brushing, spraying, dipping, spin coating, roller coating, rod coating, curtain coating, rotogravure coating, knife coating, slide coating, inkjet printing, or any combination thereof.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the molten mixture has a temperature of 60°C to 200°C, 70°C to 130°C, or 90°C to 110°C when the molten mixture is applied to the compressed composition.

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the cooling comprises exposing the applied molten mixture to flowing air.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the compressed composition and the solid coating are according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

17. A kit, comprising: The cleaning article according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and A tool is configured to be attached to the cleaning article.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the tool is a handheld tool configured to grip an outer surface of the cleaning article.

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