Article for cleaning surfaces and method for producing same

Abstract

1. The invention relates to a sponge-like article for cleaning surfaces, wherein the article comprises a sponge-like material and a cleaning agent in the form of solid soap integrated into the article, wherein the article has at least one cavity in the sponge-like material that is closed on the circumferential side and in which the cleaning agent is deposited in a non-replaceable manner, wherein the cleaning agent comprises a dye in the form of a color indicator that can be visually represented as the course of use until the article becomes unusable or until a predetermined end of its usability, and / or the cleaning agent is enriched with disinfectant.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an article for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for its production according to claim 5 and is used in particular for cleaning kitchen areas, bathrooms, vehicles, windows and doors and other facades and coverings using rinsing liquid.

[0002] Cleaning is the removal of unwanted deposits from or in a substrate or object.

[0003] Disinfection involves killing or inactivating pathogens. This reduces the number of pathogens on surfaces or objects so that they can no longer infect humans.

[0004] A rinsing liquid is understood to be water, organic liquid substances or mixtures thereof.

[0005] Various cleaning sponge products combined with a bar of soap or soap-containing liquid capsules for general household use are known from the prior art. The publications DE 10 2009 040 205 A1, DE 299 09 726 U1, US 3,114,928 A, and US 4,457,643 A describe sponges that can be used for cleaning household items such as dishes, pots, pans, glasses, plates, and tiles.

[0006] DE 29909726 U1, for example, describes a dishwashing sponge with an integrated cleaning cartridge. The cleaning cartridge contains liquid cleaning agent. The detergent in the cartridge penetrates the fine pores of the cleaning cartridge into the dishwashing sponge, making it ready for use. The cartridge can either be permanently attached to the sponge or be replaceable.

[0007] The production of this cartridge with the pores and the liquid cleaning agent contained therein represents a great deal of effort.

[0008] US Pat. No. 3,114,928 also describes a sponge with a wide slit at its end, followed by a chamber into which, among other things, a bar of soap can be inserted. This can, of course, be replaced or refilled. The slit can be closed with a Velcro fastener, for example.

[0009] From the publication DE 10 2009 040 205 A1, a cleaning sponge for domestic use for cleaning household objects is known, wherein the cleaning sponge has an interior storage space for storing and dosing a cleaning agent and an introduction channel for introducing the cleaning agent. A liquid cleaner, powder cleaner, or solid-state cleaner is used as the cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning agent has a casing that is permeable to water or wherein the casing has openings or is designed as a membrane. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the casing is water-soluble. According to the publication, the cleaning agent can further comprise preservatives, dyes or fragrances, as well as disinfectants.

[0010] The publication DE 202 17 888 U1 also describes a sponge for washing and cleaning that features a slot for a cleaning agent. A pad of liquid cleaning agent, which has a dispensing opening for the cleaning agent, is pushed through an insertion opening into a receptacle in the sponge. The cleaning agent can also be replaced or exchanged via this slot.

[0011] The document DE 20 2004 012 415 U1 describes a care sponge, particularly for body care, comprising a sponge body that at least largely encloses an inner chamber for receiving a care and / or cleaning fluid or emulsion. The inner chamber has chamber walls that are porous or semi-permeable. The inner chamber has a supply channel and can be filled or refilled with cleaning fluid via this channel. According to a variant of this solution, the sponge body can be manufactured in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Furthermore, different liquids can be introduced into the inner chamber.

[0012] Another sponge with a container is from the publication US2015 / 0289744 A1, comprising a sponge with a textured underside and an inner cavity as well as an opening to the inner cavity, wherein the opening allows a substance to penetrate the inner cavity and then distribute the substance throughout the sponge. The inner cavity thus holds a liquid substance, which is then distributed throughout the sponge and is refillable. The substance can be liquid dishwashing liquid, dish soap, tile cleaner, soap powder, or similar. The sponge can also be of different colors.

[0013] US 4,457,643 A describes a sponge container for holding and storing soap with a hollow interior and a tab-like closure. It goes without saying that the soap can be removed or refilled.

[0014] US 6,187,728 A describes a sponge in the shape of a fruit or vegetable filled with a bar of soap.

[0015] The disadvantage of the aforementioned refillable solutions is that the sponge is already contaminated with bacteria / pathogens after prolonged use and should actually be disposed of after a certain period of use.

[0016] However, the ability to refill the sponge encourages the user to keep refilling and reusing it, which is very unhygienic. DE 10 2006 052 662 A1 (D5) describes a foam sponge containing depot particles, which in turn contain a solid, absorbent and / or liquid active ingredient. The active ingredient contained in the depot particle can be released when the sponge is used due to temperature stimulus, mechanical stress or contact with water. Depot particles are particles in which the active ingredient is stored, e.g. zeolite particles. Antimicrobial agents such as benzalkonium chloride can be used as active ingredients to combat microorganisms. This solution is relatively complex, as the active ingredients must first be introduced into the depot article and then the depot articles must be integrated into the foam sponge.

[0017] A dishwashing pad for manual dishwashing is described in WO 2015 / 091680 A1. The dishwashing pad is intended for single use and is at least partially coated with a dishwashing detergent on one or both sides.

[0018] A challenge and difficulty with the well-known cleaning sponges or cleaning pads is that they cannot hold the cleaning agent for the ideal usage time of 7 hours over 14 days.

[0019] Common sponges are made of materials that tend not to retain water and thus have poor lathering properties. As the detergent deteriorates with repeated use, the structure also weakens and loses effectiveness. Furthermore, lathering becomes more challenging, requiring additional effort from the consumer. Many well-known cleaning utensils also exist for other tasks such as dishwashing. These include sponges and scrubber-sponge combinations. One problem associated with the conventional method of dishwashing using such sponges and scrubber-sponge combinations is that the setup time can be lengthy.

[0020] Washing a few items with a scrubber or sponge requires significant setup time and resources. First, the utensil must be located, then a suitable container must be found, filled with water, and finally, liquid dish soap must be added. Another problem associated with conventional dishwashing is that the item being cleaned can contaminate the rinse water with residue. Once dirty, the rinse water typically becomes greasy and loses its ability to effectively clean the remaining items without the addition of additional detergent.

[0021] As an example, a dishwashing solution is assumed to have an initial capacity of washing 50 plates. To accomplish this task of washing 50 plates, the user would have to pre-wash the plates before immersing them in the dishwashing solution. However, this does not occur in practice, as it would require too much additional time to complete the task. Therefore, the potential capacity is typically never realized. More detergent is used than necessary, wasting resources. This undermines sustainability and increases environmental impact. Some cleaning utensils have hollow containers for storing liquid soap.

[0022] Traditionally, manual dishwashing requires a variety of tools, such as a dish brush, a dish sponge or dishcloth, and a bottle of dishwashing liquid.

[0023] Accordingly, it is highly desirable that a sponge cleaning product overcome the many shortcomings of the state of the art.

[0024] The object of the invention is to develop an article for cleaning surfaces which is easy to use for the user, contains a cleaning agent and has a high yield and long usability, but which should avoid negative health effects on the user due to excessive use, whereby the user can recognize when the article is used up and must be disposed of.

[0025] This problem is solved by the features of the 1st and 5th patent claims. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0026] A disclosed article for cleaning surfaces comprises a sponge-like material (a sponge) and a cleaning agent in the form of a solid soap (a soap bar) integrated into the article, wherein the sponge-like material has at least one circumferentially closed or closed cavity in which the cleaning agent is deposited in a non-replaceable manner, wherein the cleaning agent has a dye in the form of a color indicator that can visually represent the course of use until the article becomes unusable or until a predetermined end of its useful life, and wherein the cleaning agent is enriched with disinfectant.

[0027] Once the cleaning agent has been used up, it cannot be replaced. The user is alerted to the use of the cleaning agent, for example, by the textile feel of the product and / or visually, as they can no longer feel the solid soap or bar of soap. Furthermore, no more foam is produced.

[0028] This indicates to the user that he or she should dispose of the item and replace it with a new, unused item.

[0029] This ensures greater safety for the consumer, as the sponge that may have become contaminated with pathogens during use will not be reused.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention provides for adding a colorant to the cleaning agent in the form of a color indicator that visually represents the use of the article until it becomes unusable or until a predetermined end of its useful life. For example, a color that gradually fades over time or a color that suddenly emerges from the soap can be used as a color indicator to indicate the use of the article and thus signal that it needs to be replaced with a new one.

[0031] The dye is a food coloring, specifically a food additive according to Regulation (EC) No. 1333 / 2008. It is harmless to health.

[0032] The disinfectant is preferably mixed with the soap.

[0033] Cetrimide, benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide or any mixture thereof is used as a disinfectant and the soap is only enriched with the disinfectant to a maximum of 2% by volume.

[0034] The dye allows the article's usage history to be visually displayed until it becomes unusable or until a predetermined end of its useful life. The dye indicates when the article, and thus the sponge and the bar of soap contained therein, is "used up" and should be replaced with a new article.

[0035] The color indicator tells the user that the item should not be used any further, because after a certain period of use, there is a very high risk that harmful bacteria are present in the sponge-like material.

[0036] Also, when the soap is used up, this indicates the end of the usage cycle for the cleaning product and it should be disposed of.

[0037] The cavity in which the cleaning agent is deposited can advantageously be larger than the cleaning agent, so that the cleaning agent can be moved and flushed within the cavity.

[0038] The cleaning agent and the disinfectant can advantageously be released over a defined period of time when used with a rinsing liquid (water, water mixture, organic liquid substances or mixtures thereof).

[0039] Optionally, a cleaning agent can be provided which is integrated into the article and injected into the sponge-like material at one or more locations.

[0040] The still-liquid cleaning agent then penetrates the sponge's pores in a "depot-like" manner and hardens within them. The cleaning agent should not be too thin, so that it doesn't flow through during injection and instead tends to accumulate in the middle of the sponge's thickness.

[0041] It was found that after removing the injection cannula(s), the puncture site(s) are no longer visible or almost invisible.

[0042] Because the cavity is slightly larger than the detergent, which is preferably in solid form, the rinsing liquid can freely surround the detergent and produce abundant foam, especially when the article is used and squeezed when using rinsing liquid.

[0043] Numerous tests have shown that better foam production occurs when the cavity is larger than the soap bar in the form of the detergent. When used manually, the item is immersed in the rinsing liquid and then squeezed several times with the hand, allowing the rinsing liquid to reach the detergent body / detergent, which begins to dissolve. The larger cavity allows the sponge to rub against the detergent, dissolving it even more effectively and promoting foam formation.

[0044] In addition, the disinfectant-enriched cleaning agent extends the service life of the item, as the item itself is also disinfected during use.

[0045] The disinfectant contained in the cleaning agent is also intended to additionally disinfect the cleaned surface area.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, in addition to the first scouring or cleaning section made of the sponge, the article has a second scouring section made of a flexible layer of fibers with which stubborn soiling can be removed. These are preferably metal fibers or synthetic fibers. These can be, for example, non-woven synthetic fibers that are adhesively bonded to one another at their contact points. The metallic fibers are preferably made of stainless steel and can be, for example, woven, knitted, or scrim fabrics or steel wool. The cleaning agent is preferably formed in the cavity between the first and second scouring sections.

[0047] According to the invention, the cleaning agent is essentially solid in the form of a bar of soap and has a softening temperature greater than room temperature or ambient temperature.

[0048] By positioning the solid cleaning agent within the cavity, even moisture distribution and foam formation when used with a rinsing liquid is possible on all areas of the exterior of the article, including the edges.

[0049] The article advantageously has means for displaying wear in the form of a tactile feel.

[0050] Furthermore, the article must have a color indicator that visually demonstrates the wear and tear until the article becomes unusable. This can be done, for example, by a fading color, where "strong color means article is fully ready for use, very faint color means article is worn out." The use of a color indicator with additional disinfecting properties is also possible.

[0051] The color indicator is in the form of a dye within the cleaning agent. In an advantageous embodiment, this dye is harmless to health and does not cause skin irritation. The use of a food coloring in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1333 / 2008 is particularly advantageous.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the cleaning agent and the dye and / or the disinfectant and / or a fragrance are mixed together or incorporated separately in the article.

[0053] Furthermore, it is possible to deposit a dye into the object in the form of the cleaning agent, e.g. in the center of the cleaning bar / soap bar.

[0054] When the detergent is used up or almost used up, the dye leaks out and indicates this to the user by discoloring the item and the detergent.

[0055] After preferably 14 days of use, the solid cleaning agent is washed out, making it possible to physically observe when the product needs to be replaced. However, a different composition of the cleaning agent for longer use would also be possible.

[0056] For this purpose, the solid and / or liquid cleaning agent is preferably in the form of a soap with a defined alkyl chain length such that retention occurs over a predetermined period of time. A duration of application of 7 hours spread over 14 days is achieved. Preferably, use occurs for up to 30 minutes daily over the specified period, ensuring the cleaning and disinfection properties during this period.

[0057] The porosity of the foam-like material and the increased polarity of its pores are crucial for the success of retaining the cleaning agent for the ideal application time of preferably 7 hours spread over 14 days.

[0058] The foam-like material / sponge can be made from various foam materials, including polymerized urethane, neoprene, styrene, vinyl alcohol, and a natural cellulose sponge combined with fiber padding. In general, the foam-like material can be made from any material or combination of materials now known or later developed that is suitable for water absorption and retention.

[0059] The material to be used is preferably selected based on pore size, pore dispersion and foam polarity to ensure retention of the cleaning agent over the required period.

[0060] In one possible design of the article, an additional sanding pad is provided for heavy scrubbing and cleaning of the foam-like material.

[0061] To determine the ideal mass of the cleaning agent for the specified requirements, different amounts of cleaning agent were tested, ranging from 20 g to 40 g.

[0062] The article can also hold a liquid detergent in the range between 2 mL (milliliters) and 10 mL (milliliters) in the sponge-like material or cavity to improve the retention of the detergent in the sponge.

[0063] With the aforementioned invention, the cleaning agent generally lasts much longer than liquid soap or dishwashing detergent.

[0064] In practice, a family of two consumes an average of 250 mL of liquid soap over 14 days when washing dishes conventionally. However, when using the inventive article over 14 days, the same family consumed 80 to 85 percent less soap while cleaning the same number of dishes.

[0065] The present invention is used for cleaning and in particular also for disinfecting various surfaces in conjunction with a rinsing liquid, preferably water, in particular for manual cleaning in the kitchen work area, on kitchen dishes and utensils, on kitchen tiles, on bathroom tiles, in the area of the grill, in the area of the automobile, as well as windows and doors and other areas or objects to be cleaned.

[0066] But the article can also be used in conjunction with mechanically driven devices.

[0067] The article and the cleaning agent contained therein comply with the "German Law on the Environmental Compatibility of Detergents and Cleaning Agents" and REGULATION (EC) No. 648 / 2004 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 31 March 2004 on detergents.

[0068] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an article 100 made of sponge-like material, which is composed of two sponge layers - parts A and B, which both have approximately half of the cavity, Figure 2 shows a sectional view of an article 100 made of two sponge layers A, B, where only layer A has a depression V and the other layer B closes the depression V to form the cavity 102, Figure 3 shows a section CC according to Figure 2, Figure 4 shows a cross section of a further variant of an article 100 made of a sponge layer A with a recess V, which is open at the top here and in which the cleaning agent 200 in the form of a soap bar is positioned, Figure 5 shows the cross section according to Figure 4 , wherein the recess V above the cleaning agent 200 is closed with a layer B which fits into the recess V, Figure 6 the view of the article 100 according to Figure 5 from above, Figure 7 a side view of another variant of article 100, Figure 8 the front view according to Figure 7 , Figure 9 a plan view of Article 100 according to the Figures 7 and 8, Figure 10 a motor-driven, rotatable disc 500 with a layer of hook-and-loop material 600 on the underside and a disc-shaped article 100 connectable thereto, Figure 11 sponge cloth made of two layers A, B with cleaning agent 200 arranged therebetween, Figures 12 and 13 sponge cloth made of two layers A, B with cavities 102 arranged therebetween, in which cleaning agent 200 is arranged, in two variants, Figure 14 a soap bar / cleaning agent 200 with a recess 204, Figure 15 cross-section of the soap bar / cleaning agent 200 according to Figure 14 with closed recess 204 in which dye 400 is deposited, Figure 16 the section through a cleaning agent 200 in the form of a spherical soap bar in which a recess 204 is present in which a spherical dye 400 is deposited, Figure 17 the top view according to Figure 16with closed recess 204, Figure 18 cleaning agent 200 injected into the article 100, which consists only of sponge-like material 102. Figure 19 variant of a cleaning agent 200 injected into the article 100, wherein the article 100 consists of a first scouring section S1 made of sponge-like material 101 and a second scouring section S2 made of fibers 103. Figure 20 another variant for producing the article in a preparatory phase, Figure 21 article with a soap bar pressed into the foam, Figure 22 another variant with a soap bar pressed in, Figure 23 a variant, similar Figure 21 and 22 , but with cleaning agent in the form of soap pellets.

[0069] Figure 1shows an article 100 in the form of an open-pored sponge or sponge-like material 101, which has a circumferentially closed cavity 102 essentially in the center. The cleaning agent 200 is arranged in the cavity 102 in the form of a cuboid block (like a bar of soap). This block cannot be removed or replaced from the cavity 102.

[0070] The sponge-like material 101 is composed of two parts A and B, bonded together at their adjacent surfaces using an adhesive K. Parts A and B each have a recess V that is approximately the same size and aligned after bonding. After bonding, both recesses V form the cavity 102 in which the cleaning agent 200 is deposited.

[0071] Before gluing the two parts A, B, the cleaning agent 200 is deposited in one of the recesses V.

[0072] Instead of one bar of soap, you can also use several bars of soap or even soap pallets or soap granules, always in solid form.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a cross section through an article 100 and Figure 3 the section CC according to Figure 2 . Article 100 is also divided into two parts A and B, with a recess V provided only in part A. The cleaning agent 200 and the disinfectant 300 were deposited in recess V of part A.

[0074] These can be formed separately, as indicated, but can also be partially connected to one another or even mixed together. A dye 400 is deposited inside the cleaning agent 200. Once the cleaning agent 200 has dissolved during the cleaning process with a rinsing liquid, the dye 400 is released, indicating that the article is "used up" and should not be reused. Here, too, no new cleaning agent can be introduced due to the closed cavity.

[0075] Another variant of the design of Article 100 is in the Figures 4 to 6 shown. Figure 4shows a sponge layer A made of open-pore foam (sponge-like material 101), as is commonly used for a cleaning sponge, with a recess V, which is open at the top here, and in which the cleaning agent 200 with the disinfectant 300 added thereto is positioned in the form of a disc-shaped soap bar. Dye 400 is deposited within the soap bar / cleaning agent 200 with integrated disinfectant 300. Alternatively, the dye can also be added to the soap bar / cleaning agent 200.

[0076] According to Figure 5 The recess V above the cleaning agent 200 was closed with a layer or plug B of sponge-like material 101, which fits into the recess V, whereby the cavity 102 is enclosed on all sides with sponge-like material 101 (foam). The view of the article 100 according to Figure 5 from above is Figure 6shown. This shows that the article 100 has an oval shape, for example. Layer B is also bonded to the first layer A using adhesive K.

[0077] If the sponge layer A as in Figure 4 shown has a depression V, it is also possible to use this sponge layer A with its depression V as a mold for pouring in the soap / cleaning agent 200. The cleaning agent 200, which may contain additives in the form of the disinfectant 300 and / or the fragrance and / or the dye 400, then hardens in the depression V. Subsequently, the depression V is closed with the insert / sponge layer B, which is preferably glued. The closed depression V then forms the cavity 102. Here, too, the end of use is indicated when the dye 400 is released or when the dye that was added to the soap no longer causes any coloring of the water.

[0078] Alternatively, a sponge layer B, for example, can be applied over the first sponge layer A to close the depression V to form the cavity 102 essentially over the entire surface, as in Figure 2 or a layer of fibers 103 as in the Figures 7 to 9 or a sponge cloth made of spongy material 101 as in Figure 13 be attached.

[0079] If the cleaning agent 200 is poured into the cavity 102 and hardens therein, it is of course not mobile in the cavity 102 at the start of use and also not completely flushable.

[0080] However, due to the open porosity of the sponge-like material 101, it is almost completely washable and, after at least partially dissolving during use with a rinsing liquid, is also movably received in the cavity. Instead of pouring, one or more bars of soap, or even soap pellets, or soap granules can be placed into the recess V and then sealed.

[0081] According to the Figures 7 to 9 The article 100 is constructed in the form of a sponge cleaning article made of a sponge-like material 101 / a sponge. This article has a first scouring section S1 made of the sponge-like material 101 and a second scouring section S2 made of metallic and / or synthetic fibers 103.

[0082] The spongy material 101 / sponge, here and in the other embodiments, is open-cell and can be made of various foam materials, including polymerized urethane, neoprene, styrene, vinyl alcohol, natural cellulose sponge, and combinations thereof. In general, the spongy material / sponge 101 can be made of any material or combination of materials now known or later developed that is suitable for water absorption and retrieval.

[0083] The shape of the sponge cleaning article 100 can be oval, square, triangular, spherical, or any other geometric shape. The actual sponge-like material 101 of the article 100 was selected to ensure retention of a cleaning agent 200 for 7 hours over 14 days. This corresponds to a typical household use case of up to 30 minutes daily.

[0084] This means that the detergent 200 gradually dissolves and is released when used with rinsing liquid during the cleaning process.

[0085] Here, too, the article 100 comprises at least one cavity 102 that can accommodate a solid cleaning agent 200. The cleaning agent 200 is, for example, a solid soap enriched with disinfectant and / or dye and / or fragrance, which is incorporated into the cavity 102 of the article 100. The solid soap can be in one or more bars, as granules, or in pellet form.

[0086] The cleaning agent 200 can also have a wide variety of geometric shapes and can be designed, for example, in the form of a polygon, e.g., cuboid, oval, spherical, disc-shaped and the like.

[0087] The soap material selected for Detergent 200 is enhanced in a manufacturing process with a known alkyl chain length to enable retention beyond 7 hours of use over 14 days. Additionally, Disinfectant 300 is infused into the soap material of Detergent 200, i.e., Disinfectant 300 is blended with Detergent 200 to enable control of common household microbes.

[0088] The cleaning agent 200 is introduced into the cavity 102 of the article 100 before a second scouring section S2 made of a flexible layer of preferably metallic or synthetic fibers 103 is adhesively bonded to the contact point of the sponge-like material 101. The cavity 102 is designed to be slightly wider and taller than the solid cleaning agent 200, allowing the cleaning agent 200 to move freely within the cavity 102. The dimensions of the cavity 102 vary according to the dimensions of the cleaning agent 200 used. The dimensions of the cleaning agent 200 depend on the intended service life.

[0089] However, the cleaning agent 200 can also be accommodated essentially flush in the cavity 102.

[0090] The article according to the invention can also be used in conjunction with motor-driven devices or systems for cleaning surfaces.

[0091] In Figure 10 For example, a variant is shown in which an electrically driven disc 500 is used, which, for example, performs rotating and / or oscillating movements and has Velcro material 600 on its underside.

[0092] The article 100 is disc-shaped and has on its upper side a layer of fibers 103, which on the one hand can be used as a second abrasive layer S2 but advantageously also adheres to the hook and loop material 600 when the article 100 is pressed against it in the direction of the arrow.

[0093] The sponge-like material 101, as the first scouring section S1, is located here beneath the layer of fibers 103. The cleaning agent 200 (indicated by dashed lines) is located within the article 100. The cleaning agent 200 is arranged here in the form of a flat disc within the sponge-like material 101. The outer diameter of the cleaning agent 200 is adapted to the outer diameter of the sponge-like material and is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the sponge-like material 101.

[0094] To remove coarser dirt, a fiber layer of fibers 103 can also be provided on the lower side. The article 100 can, for example, be immersed in cleaning fluid (e.g., water) and then pressed against the surface to be cleaned, causing the cleaning agent 200 to dissolve and, with foam formation, be brought into contact with the surface to be cleaned via the sponge-like material / sponge 101 and, if applicable, the fiber layer 103. The rotating and / or oscillating movement here achieves a good cleaning effect on the surface to be cleaned.

[0095] Figure 11shows an article 100 consisting of two thin layers / regions A, B of sponge-like material 101. The two layers / regions A, B are preferably designed in the manner of a sponge cloth. The cleaning agent 200 is located between the two regions A, B in the cavity 102. The two regions A, B are connected to one another circumferentially, e.g., by means of adhesive K, so that here too the cleaning agent 200 is securely enclosed and cannot be replaced.

[0096] According to the Figures 12 and 13 two layers / areas A, B made of sponge-like material 101 in the form of a sponge cloth, for example, which are connected to one another, for example by means of adhesive K, have a plurality of cavities 102.

[0097] In Figure 12 Each cavity 102 contains a type of soap bar (e.g. round or cuboid) in the form of the cleaning agent 200.

[0098] According to Figure 13Spherical cleaning agent 200 is contained in the cavities 102. In at least one cavity 102, here in all cavities 102, dye 400 is also present, which is encased in a shell H that dissolves only after the period of intended use and releases the dye 400, thereby indicating that the article should no longer be used.

[0099] The cavity or cavities 102 with the cleaning agent 200 deposited therein can be arranged centrally and / or externally in the article 100.

[0100] In Figure 14 A disc-shaped soap bar / cleaning agent 200 is shown, which, after curing and removal from a correspondingly designed mold, preferably has a substantially central recess 204. Dye 400 (preferably liquid or powdered - or solid) is filled into this recess, and the recess 204 is sealed with soap / cleaning agent 200.

[0101] Figure 15 shows the cross section of the soap bar according to Figure 14 with closed recess 204 in which dye 400 is deposited.

[0102] Sealing is preferably done with cleaning agent 200 while it is still liquid.

[0103] The cleaning agent 200 enveloping the dye 400 preferably always has the same wall thickness (not shown).

[0104] A variant in which the soap / cleaning agent 200 always has the same distance or the same wall thickness to the dye 400 is the one shown in the Figures 16 and 17 In a spherical semi-finished product made of soap / detergent 200, Figure 16 a recess 204 is present, into which a spherical solid dye 400 has been inserted. Of course, this can also be powdered or liquid.

[0105] Then the recess 204 is closed with soap / cleaning agent 200, see top view according to Figure 17 .

[0106] If the cleaning agent 200 is dissolved in one place up to the dye 400, the dye is released.

[0107] Figure 18 shows a further embodiment variant in which cleaning agent 200 is injected into the article 100, which consists only of sponge-like material 102, by means of indicated cannulas 700. Here, three depots of cleaning agent 200 were injected into the sponge / sponge-like material approximately in the middle of the layer thickness. The cavity is thus created by the injected cleaning agent in the sponge, with the cleaning agent being present in the cavity as a solid soap after it has hardened.

[0108] In the variant according to Figure 19The article 100 consists of a first abrasive section S1 made of sponge-like material 101 and a second abrasive section S2 made of fibers 103, which form a scratch layer. Here, cleaning agent 200 was injected into the sponge-like material 101 at two positions using indicated cannulas 700. The layer of fibers 103 acts as a kind of stop layer for the cleaning agent 200, so that the cleaning agent does not escape from the article or from the first abrasive section S1.

[0109] The cleaning agent partially penetrates into the pores of the sponge / sponge-like material 101 or forms a cavity 102 and hardens therein.

[0110] A further variant for producing the article according to the invention consists in positioning a bar of soap / cleaning agent 200 on the upper side 101a of a sponge or sponge-like material 101 (scouring section S1), and then pressing the second scouring section S2 onto it with its underside (not labeled). The second scouring section S2 is preferably a layer of fibers 103 that form a scratch layer.

[0111] According to Figure 20 The cleaning agent 200 in the form of a soap bar was positioned on the upper surface 101a of the first scrubbing section S1 made of sponge-like material. Then, the scrubbing section S2 made of the layer of fibers 103 was positioned over it and pressed onto it. Previously, the upper surface 101a of the first scrubbing section S1 and / or the underside of the second scrubbing section S2 was provided with adhesive.

[0112] According to Figure 21This produces a cleaning article in which the cavity 102, in which the soap bar (cleaning agent 200) is located, is created by pressing the soap bar (cleaning agent 200) into the sponge-like material 101 (first scouring section S1) and attaching the second scouring section S2 - layer of fibers 103 - above it. The sponge-like material 101 is compressed at least below the soap bar (cleaning agent 200) in an indicated area 101.1. The second scouring section S2 in the form of the layer of fibers 103 forms an elevation 103.1 above the cleaning agent 200. The first and second scouring sections S1, S2 are connected to one another by an adhesive layer K.

[0113] During use of the article as a cleaning sponge, the soap bar becomes smaller and the elevation 103.1 also becomes smaller, which is visible to the user.

[0114] If the raised portion 103.1 is no longer present and / or the cleaning agent 200 (soap bar) can no longer be felt, the article should be discarded. Additionally, a color indicator may be provided in the cleaning agent 200.

[0115] According to Figure 22 two parts A, B made of sponge-like material 101, between which a bar of soap (cleaning agent 200) is arranged, can also be pressed together and glued together, whereby these parts A, B are pressed together in an area 101.1 in the region of the bar of soap and the cavity 102 is thereby formed.

[0116] The adhesive layer K between parts A and B is also indicated.

[0117] There is no elevation in the area of the soap bar here, but this would be the case if one of the parts A and / or B were relatively thin.

[0118] Here too, instead of one bar of soap, several bars of soap could be used, even in pellet form, as in Figure 23 is indicated.

[0119] In Figure 23 several pellets of cleaning agent 200 are enclosed between two sponge parts A, B which are bonded together with adhesive K.

[0120] As with the variants described above, the changing feel of the article during use due to the reducing cleaning agent makes it possible to feel when the cleaning agent is almost or completely used up.

[0121] In this variant, too, disinfectant and / or dye and / or fragrance can be integrated into the cleaning agent.

[0122] Even in variants with a cleaning agent integrated into the cavity, it can be provided that this is not arranged in a movable manner in the cavity before initial use.

[0123] The cleaning agent 200 is preferably enriched with disinfectant 300 and / or fragrance and / or dye 400. For this purpose, the disinfectant 300 and / or fragrance and / or dye 400 are mixed with the cleaning agent.

[0124] The cleaning agent 200 is specifically designed like a bar of soap. After mixing its components, it is poured into a mold and removed after hardening.

[0125] If the mold is the sponge-like material, it hardens and remains there. The present invention provides an article with a cleaning agent, in particular a sponge cleaning product incorporating a cleaning agent. In combination with a disinfectant for combating microbes, the article itself is also disinfected during use.

[0126] The product is designed for an ideal usage period, with a color indicator used to indicate the usage period. The combination of the cleaning agent with a fragrance makes it pleasant to use.

[0127] Through testing, the composition and dimensions of the article suitable for the respective application can be determined.

[0128] Sodium hydroxide and / or potassium hydroxide are used as a base for the production of the soap (cleaning agent).

[0129] Sodium hydroxide is preferably used in pellet form, which is dissolved in water. Then, a fat, such as coconut oil or palm oil, is added. After curing, a cleaning agent is obtained that can be used in an article according to the invention.

[0130] As a disinfectant, a disinfectant used in medicine can preferably be added in the aforementioned production, especially before saponification. According to the invention, cetrimide, preferably benzalkonium chloride or polyhexanide, are used, which are used, among other things, as preservatives for pharmaceuticals.

[0131] Fragrance can also be added during soap production. Natural products, especially essential oils / fragrance oils, are preferred. Orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, and lavender oil are particularly suitable. Of course, other fragrance oils can also be used.

[0132] During soap production, a colorant must be added, or the colorant must be introduced into a recess in the hardened soap, which is then also sealed with soap. According to the invention, a food colorant is used for this purpose because it is harmless to health. In particular, E141 (green), for example, is used, which is preferably dissolved in water and added before the fat is added.

[0133] The colorant E 141 consists of copper-containing complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins. These are natural pigments derived from leaf green. The magnesium contained in chlorophyll has been replaced with copper to achieve a more vibrant color. Copper-containing complexes are used as colorants in the food industry. These copper-containing complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins are a purely organic colorant extracted from, for example, alfalfa, nettle, grass, or algae. E 141 is currently used as a green colorant in the food industry and is incorporated into a wide variety of foods, including beverages, baked goods, sweets, and soups.

[0134] Some variations for producing the cleaning agent are explained in more detail below. Non-inventive Variant 1 - Production of a cleaning agent / soap without additives:

[0135] For example, 5 to 40 g, in particular 10 to 30 g, particularly preferably 15 to 25 g of sodium hydroxide are advantageously mixed in pellet form with water, in particular with 5 to 50 mL, preferably with 10 to 40 mL, particularly preferably with 20 to 30 mL.

[0136] Next, 30 to 200 g, preferably 50 to 150 g, and particularly preferably 100 to 125 g of liquid fat, preferably coconut oil, is added and stirred for a few minutes, during which the saponification process begins and the viscosity increases. When the viscosity is sufficient, the mixture is poured into molds.

[0137] The cleaning agent / soap produced in this way can be removed from the molds after drying and, if necessary, dried outside the mold(s) for a further period of time.

[0138] If the sponge material has a recess, this can be used as a mold. In this case, the cleaning agent remains in the recess during and after drying. This recess is then preferably sealed with sponge material and / or a layer of fiber material (second scouring layer). This soap contains no other additives such as disinfectants, fragrances, and / or dyes and, in this form, can be used as a cleaning agent for the intended purpose in the article. Non-inventive Variant 2 - Production of a cleaning agent / soap with disinfectant:

[0139] In experiments, the cleaning agent described in variant 1 was enriched with disinfectant in the form of benzalkonium chloride.

[0140] Benzalkonium chloride has the following structural formula with variable chain length n: n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

[0141] It is a highly viscous mixture of substances. This chemical is widely used in medicine. It is used, for example, as a preservative and contraceptive.

[0142] It is important that the disinfectant in the form of benzalkonium chloride is only contained in the cleaning agent / soap to a maximum of 1% (wt%).

[0143] To make soap with benzalkonium chloride, it is added to the solution of sodium hydroxide and water.

[0144] Once everything is dissolved, liquid coconut oil is added and the mixture is stirred for a few minutes until the saponification process begins and the mixture becomes more viscous. When the viscosity is sufficient, the mixture is poured into the appropriate molds. As with variant 1, the resulting cleaning agent / soap can be removed from the molds after drying and left to dry outside for an additional period of time, if necessary.

[0145] Under normal conditions, drying preferably takes place at room temperature (without drying oven or elevated temperature).

[0146] If the cleaning agent containing the disinfectant is used in the article according to the invention, the article is disinfected by the disinfectant when used with rinsing liquid, thereby reducing the formation of bacteria in the article and preventing it from developing an unpleasant odor. Furthermore, the surfaces cleaned with the article are disinfected. Non-inventive Variant 3 - Production of a cleaning agent / soap with disinfectant and fragrance:

[0147] In the third variant, a cleaning agent is produced which contains fragrance in addition to the disinfectant.

[0148] In particular, 0.1 to 5 mL, preferably 0.2 to 2 mL, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 1 mL of fragrance oil can be used for the aforementioned quantities of variants 1 and 2. Fresh-scented oils such as citrus oils or lavender oil, rose oil, and the like are preferably used. It is also possible to use combinations of different fragrance oils.

[0149] As with variant 2, benzalkonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and water are mixed. The fragrance oil is added to the liquid coconut oil. The NaOH solution is then layered with the liquid oil and the mixture is stirred for a few minutes. During this time, as with variants 1 and 2, the saponification process begins, and the mixture becomes more viscous. When the viscosity is sufficient, the mixture is poured into the appropriate molds. In variant 3, the soap also dries for a few days, for example, after which it is removed from the mold and, if necessary, dried for a few more days for ideal further processing. Inventive Variant 4 - Production of a cleaning agent / soap with disinfectant, fragrance and dye:

[0150] For the aforementioned amounts of benzalkonium chloride, sodium hydroxide, water, and coconut oil, 10 mg to 1 g, preferably 20 to 500 mg, and particularly preferably 40 to 400 mg of dye are used. The dye is preferably dissolved in water.

[0151] In the tested variant, the latter quantity was used and the green food coloring sodium copper chlorophyllin E141 was used as the colorant: Structural formula: The reason for this decision was the intensity of the color and the water solubility.

[0152] Another advantage of E141 is that this dye can have a disinfectant effect.

[0153] The preparation up to the start of the saponification process is carried out as described in variant 3. Shortly before pouring the soap solution into the mold(s), the dye, completely dissolved in the water, is added and stirred thoroughly again. When the mixture has reached sufficient viscosity, phase separation is no longer visible, and it is poured into the appropriate mold(s).

[0154] Drying is also carried out as described for the other variants 1 to 3.

[0155] In addition to the use of E141, the following colorants can also be used: Tartrazin yellow-orange E102 Quinoline Yellow yellow-orange E104 Yellow Orange S yellow-orange E110 Carmine) dark red E120 Azorubine red E122 Amaranth red E123 Cochineal red red E124 Erythrosine brown E127 Allura Red AC red E129 Patent blue dark blue E131 Indigo carmine dark blue E132 Brilliant Blue FCF blue E133 Green S green E142 Brilliant black black E151 Brown HAT brown E155 Betanin red E162 Litholrubin BK red-pink E180

[0156] These can be added to the soap / cleaning agent as described above or used separately.

[0157] It is of course possible to add the disinfectant, the dye and the fragrance to the basic mixture according to variant 1 individually or in any combination.

[0158] However, variant 4 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0159] Furthermore, with variants 2 to 4 it is also possible to pour the still liquid soap mixture into one or more recesses of a sponge-like material / sponge, allow it to harden therein and then close the recess(es) as described above.

[0160] The dishwashing liquid (preferably water) turns slightly green when the product is used, for example, to wash dishes, and a pleasant fragrance is released. By immersing the product in the water and repeatedly pressing it out of the water, the soap begins to foam, and the sponge product can be used to clean the products. Excellent foam formation was observed in the tests.

[0161] The slightly green color of the water was not perceived as disturbing, and no undesirable discoloration was observed on the items after drying. Thanks to the integrated disinfectant, the product did not develop any unpleasant odor even after extended use or until it was used up.

[0162] The cleaning agent / soap bar should, for example, have a weight of 8g to 40g, preferably 10g to 30g, particularly preferably 12g to 25g, for a standard household sponge, which can also be intended for body cleaning.

[0163] Surprisingly, it was found that, for example, with a 20 g bar of soap integrated into an article according to the invention, a total of two 0.5 L bottles of conventional dishwashing detergent could be saved.

[0164] It is important that the soap is always in solid form, e.g. as one or more bars of soap or as pellets or granules.

[0165] Once the cleaning agent is used up, the water no longer becomes discolored. Furthermore, the cleaning agent deposited in the item is no longer noticeable when squeezing the sponge, and no more foam is produced.

[0166] Then the item must be replaced.

[0167] In addition to using the article as a cleaning sponge for the surfaces of objects, it is of course also possible to use it for body cleaning.

[0168] In retirement and nursing homes, for example, washing people in need of care can be made much easier.

[0169] It can also be beneficial for children to wash themselves with the article according to the invention, for example, when bathing, since the soap is then integrated into the sponge and no washing lotion or the like needs to be handled separately. Furthermore, the dye can then be used to color the bathwater, as children generally like colored bathwater.

[0170] The article according to the invention can also be used during conventional showering, bathing or washing. List of reference symbols

[0171] 100Article 101Spongy material 101aTop 101.1Areal 102Cavity 103Fibers S1First scouring section / Spongy material S2Second scouring section / Fibers 103.1Elevation 200Cleaning agent 204Recess 300Disinfectant 400Dye 500Disc 600Hook and loop material 700Injection cannulas AFirst part / layer BSecond part / layer HSleeve KKlEad VRecess

Claims

1. Article for cleaning surfaces, wherein the article (100) comprises a sponge-like material (101) and a cleaning agent (200) integrated into the article (100) in the form of solid soap, characterized in - that the article (100) has at least one cavity (102) closed at the periphery in the sponge-like material (101), - that the cleaning agent (200) is non-replaceably deposited in the cavity (102) closed at the periphery in such a way that it cannot be replaced after consumption, - for which purpose at least one piece of solid soap is deposited in a recess of a first part of the article and the recess is closed with a second part of the article by an adhesive bond, - that the cleaning agent has a dye (400) in the form of a color indicator that can be visually displayed during use until the article (100) is unusable or until a predetermined end of its useful life, wherein the dye (400) is a food coloring and the end of the useful life of the article (100) can be indicated when the dye (400) is released or when the dye which was added to the soap no longer causes any coloring of the water, and wherein - the cleaning agent (200) is enriched with disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is cetrimide, benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide or any mixture thereof, and that the soap is enriched with the disinfectant to a maximum of 2 percent by volume.

2. Article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fragrance is integrated into the article (100).

3. Article according to claim 1, characterized in that the article (100) has means for indicating wear in the form of a tactile feel, whereby the wear is palpable and / or visually apparent through the reduction in size of the soap bar / cleaning agent (200) during use.

4. Article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article (100) has a first scrubbing section (S1) made of the sponge-like material (101) and in that the article (100) has a second scrubbing section (S2) made of a flexible layer of non-woven synthetic fibers (103) bonded to each other at their contact points, wherein the non-replaceable cleaning agent (200) in the form of solid soap is arranged in the cavity between the first and second scrubbing sections (S1, S2).

5. Method for producing a cleaning agent for an article according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that sodium hydroxide and / or potassium hydroxide is / are mixed with water, then liquid fat, preferably coconut oil, is added and everything is stirred, wherein the saponification process begins and the viscosity increases, and in that when the viscosity is sufficient, the mixture is injected into molds or into the sponge-like material and then hardens, and in that in the case of a cleaning agent with dye and disinfectant: - the disinfectant in the form of cetrimide, benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide or any mixture thereof is added to the solution of sodium hydroxide and / or potassium hydroxide and water, - when everything is dissolved, liquid fat (e.g. coconut oil or palm oil) is added and everything is stirred for a few minutes, - the food coloring dissolved in water is added to the previously prepared mixture, - everything is stirred for a few minutes until the saponification process begins and the mixture becomes viscous, - then the mixture is poured into at least one mold in which it hardens.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that fragrance is added during the production of the cleaning agent.

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