vomit disposal kit

Abstract

To provide a vomit disposal kit which can eliminate the risk of infection by killing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses mixed in vomit, and can also remove (deodorize) the smell of vomit, and is easy to handle, safe and effective. [Solution] The vomit disposal kit (10) contains a vomit disposal agent (1) consisting of an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution or sodium dichloroisocyanurate. In particular, in the case of the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution, it contains an oxidizing agent that releases chlorine dioxide when the pH of the vomit shifts to the acidic side due to the gastric juices contained in the vomit. The oxidizing agent is, for example, an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution stabilized to a weak alkaline pH of 8.0-8.5. The vomit disposal agent releases chlorine dioxide when poured onto the vomit, deodorizing and sterilizing the vomit. The vomit disposal kit (10) combines the vomit disposal agent with one or more of the following: a water-absorbent and waterproof polymer sheet (2), a gown (3), gloves (4), shoe covers (5), a mask (6), paper towels (7), and a garbage bag (8).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a technology for disposing of vomit from humans and pets such as dogs and cats, and more specifically to a vomit disposal kit that includes a vomit disposal agent that can kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that are mixed in the vomit, allowing it to be safely disposed of, and also removes (deodorizes) the odor of the vomit. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, no specific measures were taken to kill bacteria contained in vomit or to deal with the odor of vomit, and ordinary deodorizers and disinfectants were used haphazardly. However, conventional methods for sterilizing and deodorizing vomit have been extremely insufficient and shortcuts, resulting in the proliferation of bacteria and the persistent abnormal odor.

[0003] Therefore, the main issues when dealing with vomit are to safely disinfect it and to remove the odor it gives off. For example, to disinfect it, sodium hypochlorite solution is commonly used. However, sodium hypochlorite solution is far from being a safe chemical, does not have any deodorizing properties, and because it is an unstable liquid, there is the issue that its concentration decreases over time, so there are concerns about including it in a kit for dealing with vomit.

[0004] Furthermore, since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, sensitivity to viral infections has increased, making it important to be able to take safe and reliable virus prevention measures.

[0005] Based on the knowledge that most bacteria are killed and viruses are inactivated when the pH of alkaline agents such as sodium carbonate is 12 or higher, a composition has been proposed that combines a polyacrylate polymer powder as a highly absorbent polymer powder, kaolin powder as a mineral powder, and sodium carbonate powder as a disinfectant, with sodium carbonate added to ensure that the pH does not fall below 12, thereby absorbing the liquid portion of vomit, solidifying it, and disinfecting it at the same time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] A vomit disposal set has also been proposed that includes paper absorbent strips to be sprinkled on the vomit, a disposable dustpan to scoop up the vomit along with the sprinkled paper absorbent strips, a disposal container to store the paper absorbent strips and the disposable dustpan that has scooped up the vomit, and a packaging container to store the paper absorbent strips, disposable dustpan, and disposal container, allowing for quick response to sudden vomiting (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0007] However, as far as the applicant knows, no technology has yet been proposed that addresses not only the risk of infection but also the odor of vomit when treating the vomit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-167022 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-154616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide an easy-to-use, safe and effective vomit disposal technology that can eliminate the risk of infection by killing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that are mixed in vomit, and also remove (deodorize) the odor of vomit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first aspect of the present invention is a vomit disposal kit including a vomit disposal agent that is specifically designed for vomit disposal and is characterized by including an oxidizing agent that releases chlorine dioxide when the pH of the vomit shifts to the acidic side due to gastric juice contained in the vomit. In this case, the oxidizing agent is preferably a weakly alkaline stabilized aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide. The oxidizing agent is preferably an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide stabilized at a pH of 8.0 to 8.5. Furthermore, in this invention, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, which has the disinfecting and deodorizing properties of vomit and is suitable for stockpiling, and which releases chlorine dioxide when the pH shifts to the acidic side due to the gastric juices contained in vomit, can be used instead of the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution stabilized at a pH of 8.0-8.5 as a vomit treatment agent. This sodium dichloroisocyanurate has the disinfecting properties of vomit and is suitable for stockpiling. In this case, it is convenient to package the powdered sodium dichloroisocyanurate in a bag for use. The above-mentioned sodium dichloroisocyanurate (chlorinated isocyanuric acid = chlorine agent) is a granular or powdered agent that generates hypochlorous acid (a disinfectant) when dissolved in water, and does not release its active ingredient due to a change in pH like chlorine dioxide aqueous solution.

[0011] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is a vomit disposal kit characterized by including, as one of the combined items, an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution stabilized at a pH of 8.0-8.5, which releases chlorine dioxide when the pH shifts to the acidic side due to gastric juice contained in vomit, or a vomit disposal agent containing sodium dichloroisocyanurate. The combined product may further include one or more of the following items: water-absorbent / water-proof polymer sheet, gown, gloves, shoe covers, mask, paper towel, and garbage bag.

[0012] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present invention is a vomit treatment kit that includes, as one of its combination items, a vomit treatment agent that can treat vomit by contacting vomit with an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution stabilized at a pH of 8.0-8.5, and using gastric juice contained in the vomit to shift the pH of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution to the acidic side, thereby releasing chlorine dioxide and deodorizing and sterilizing the vomit. When sodium dichloroisocyanurate is brought into contact with vomit to treat the vomit, it is primarily used to disinfect the vomit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve deodorizing and sterilizing effects by utilizing the active properties of chlorine dioxide (aqueous solution). Therefore, it is possible to provide a safe and effective vomit disposal technique that is easy to handle and can eliminate the risk of infection by killing microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that are mixed in the vomit, and can also remove (deodorize) the odor of the vomit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vomit disposal kit according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The vomit disposal agent, vomit disposal kit, and vomit disposal method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention and are therefore subject to various technical limitations. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the vomit disposal kit 10 in this embodiment is configured as a combination of a vomit disposal agent 1, a water-absorbent and waterproof polymer sheet 2, a gown 3, gloves 4, shoe covers 5, a mask 6, paper towels 7, and a garbage bag 8, all of which are contained in a package bag 9. In addition, in the present invention, a coagulant that acts to coagulate vomit can be placed in a package bag and included as part of the vomit disposal kit 10.

[0017] The vomit disposal agent 1 in the vomit disposal kit 10 is an oxidizing agent that releases chlorine dioxide (ClO2) when the pH shifts toward the acidic side due to the gastric juices contained in the vomit, such as a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution stabilized at a weak alkaline pH of 8.0-8.5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "chlorine dioxide aqueous solution"). This chlorine dioxide aqueous solution is a stable aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide gas, which is toxic and explosive at room temperature. When the pH (hydrogen ion exponent) of the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution shifts from weak alkaline to acidic, the released chlorine dioxide is activated, and its oxidizing power dramatically and instantly disinfects and deodorizes the vomit. In addition, in the present invention, as mentioned above, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, which has the effect of sterilizing vomit and is suitable for stockpiling, can be packaged in a bag and used mainly for sterilization purposes instead of the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution.

[0018] As such a chlorine dioxide aqueous solution, for example, the "chlorine dioxide preparation" from BCI (Bio-Cide International) can be used. BCI's chlorine dioxide preparation kills bacteria, inhibits bacteria, and deodorizes by oxidizing rather than by using chlorine. In other words, BCI's chlorine dioxide formulation is a gaseous solution of chlorine dioxide stably dissolved in water. As it is adjusted to the alkaline side, it acts as a bacteriostatic agent and deodorizer, but as the pH shifts to the acidic side, as shown in Table 1 below, it releases chlorine dioxide and acts as a disinfectant.

[0019] Table 1 shows the experimental results of the sterilization rate (%) of Staphylococcus aureus by 100pp chlorine dioxide formulation, showing the number of remaining Staphylococcus aureus and the sterilization rate (%) after 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes at pH levels of 5.85, 6.8, and 7.5. The total number of control plates in the test was 1,200 organisms / 0.2mL.

[0020] [Table 1]

[0021] From the above test results, it can be seen that as the pH becomes more acidic, the bactericidal activity increases. In this embodiment, the vomit is deodorized and disinfected by applying a chlorine dioxide preparation from BCI to the vomit. That is, vomit contains gastric juice, which contains a digestive fluid called gastric acid. This digestive fluid is hydrochloric acid, which shifts the pH of the chlorine dioxide solution stabilized at 8.0-8.5 toward the acidic side. This instantly activates the stable chlorine dioxide solution, releasing chlorine dioxide gas.

[0022] It is well known that chlorine dioxide has deodorizing and sterilizing effects, and is said to have an oxidizing power approximately 2.6 times that of chlorine, making it effective against spore-forming bacteria and viruses. Chlorine dioxide is believed to be able to erode the protein portion of the cell membrane of microorganisms, destroying the protoplasm (cells) under the influence of internal pressure, and killing the cells. It is also believed to chemically decompose and neutralize odors. Moreover, unlike chlorine-based chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, it is believed to experience almost no decrease in concentration over time. Therefore, it can safely, effectively, dramatically, and instantly deodorize and disinfect vomit.

[0023] In other words, the chlorine dioxide aqueous solution of this embodiment (BCI's chlorine dioxide preparation) uses the gastric acid contained in vomit as an activator of chlorine dioxide, and when it comes into contact with vomit, the gastric acid contained in the vomit triggers the instant activation of chlorine dioxide, thereby deodorizing and sterilizing the vomit. In this embodiment, a chlorine dioxide formulation manufactured by BCI with a concentration of 500 ppm is used.

[0024] BCI's chlorine dioxide formulation is a safe and effective agent approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is listed in the "A1" group, which indicates safety, on the World Health Organization (WHO) list. Furthermore, BCI's chlorine dioxide formulation is used as a disinfectant and deodorizer for tap and drinking water in the United States and Europe, and boasts significantly stronger disinfecting power and superior safety compared to the chlorine agents used as disinfectants for tap water in Japan. Therefore, BCI's chlorine dioxide formulation is a desirable vomit disposal agent.

[0025] Although aqueous chlorine dioxide solution can also be obtained by dissolving sodium chlorite in an alkaline aqueous solution, there are safety issues due to impurities contained in the raw material sodium chlorite, stability issues, and problems with the inclusion of products other than chlorine dioxide. Therefore, the vomit disposal agent 1 in the vomit disposal kit 10 is preferably an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution, such as BCI's chlorine dioxide formulation, in which gaseous chlorine dioxide is dissolved and stabilized in weakly alkaline water with a pH of, for example, 8.0-8.5, and the chlorine dioxide is released when needed.

[0026] The water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 2 is an appropriately sized sheet in which an absorbent polymer is sandwiched between paper or nonwoven fabric, etc., with one side being water-absorbent and the other side being waterproof. For example, a rectangular water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 2 measuring 600 x 900 mm is contained in a package bag 9 as a combined item of the vomit disposal kit 10.

[0027] The gown 3 is a disposable product that is disposed of after one use to ensure safety. For example, a single disposable plastic gown 3 with sleeves and thumb hooks that prevent the sleeves from riding up is contained in a package bag 9 as a combination item of a vomit disposal kit 10.

[0028] The gloves 4 are also disposable products that are discarded after a single use to ensure safety; for example, a pair of disposable polyethylene gloves 4 are contained in a package bag 9 as a combination item of a vomit disposal kit 10.

[0029] The shoe covers 5 are also disposable products that are discarded after a single use to ensure safety; for example, one pair of disposable shoe covers 5 made of polyethylene is contained in a package bag 9 as a combination item of a vomit disposal kit 10.

[0030] The mask 6 is also a disposable product that is disposed of after one use to ensure safety; for example, one disposable mask 6 made of nonwoven fabric is contained in a package bag 9 as a combined item of a vomit disposal kit 10.

[0031] The paper towels 7 are disposable paper sheets, and for example, four rectangular paper sheets measuring 380 x 330 mm are stacked together, and ten of these paper towels 7 (ten sets of four sheets) are contained in a package bag 9 as a combination item of the vomit disposal kit 10.

[0032] The garbage bag 8 is a flexible container used for disposing of garbage in bulk, and for example, two white, semi-transparent, rectangular plastic garbage bags 8 measuring 500 x 600 mm are contained in a package bag 9 as a combination item of the vomit disposal kit 10.

[0033] The package bag 9 is a container that contains all of the combined items that make up the vomit disposal kit 10, namely, the vomit disposal agent 1 containing chlorine dioxide aqueous solution or sodium dichloroisocyanurate, the water-absorbent and waterproof polymer sheet 2, the gown 3, the gloves 4, the shoe covers 5, the mask 6, the paper towels 7, and the garbage bag 8. For example, it is a storage bag measuring 300 x 550 mm, made of a composite material with polyethylene (PE) as the main material, aluminum foil, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a bottom gusset, and equipped with a zipper to close the opening. In addition, in the present invention, as mentioned above, a coagulant that acts to coagulate vomit and is stored in a package bag can also be included as part of the vomit disposal kit 10.

[0034] Next, a method for using the vomit disposal kit 10, i.e., a method for disposing of vomit, will be described. First, before approaching the vomit, put on a disposable gown 3, a disposable mask 6, disposable gloves 4, and disposable shoe covers 5, in that order. Also, spread out a garbage bag 8 nearby and prepare it for immediate use. Furthermore, place another garbage bag 8 inside a packaging bag 9 and prepare it with the opening open.

[0035] Next, the water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 2 is spread and one side having water absorption properties is placed over the vomit to absorb the moisture, and the water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 2 is turned from the outside to gather and wrap the vomit in the center, scoop it up, and then discard the water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 2 into a garbage bag 8 prepared in advance. Next, the remaining vomit is covered with several paper towels 7, the vomit treating agent 1 is poured on top and thoroughly soaked, the vomit is wrapped in the paper towels 7 and disposed of in a garbage bag 8. That is, the vomit is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide whose pH has been stabilized at 8.0-8.5, and the gastric juice contained in the vomit shifts the pH of the aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide to the acidic side, releasing chlorine dioxide, which deodorizes and sterilizes the vomit. At this time, care should be taken not to use up all of the vomit treating agent 1 at once. If any vomit remains, repeat this process until all of the vomit is collected. When sodium dichloroisocyanurate is brought into contact with vomit to treat the vomit, it is used primarily to disinfect the vomit, as described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the area where the vomit was present is wiped up with a paper towel 7, and the paper towel 7 is then disposed of in a garbage bag 8. At this time, the paper towel 7 is used up without being left behind. Then, the remaining vomit treating agent 1 is poured into a garbage bag 8, and the container is disposed of in the garbage bag 8, the opening of the garbage bag 8 is tightly tied, and the remaining vomit treating agent 1 is disposed of in another garbage bag 8 prepared in a package bag 9, and the opening of the other garbage bag 8 is wrapped from the outside and tied tightly. Thereafter, the disposable shoe covers 5, disposable gloves 4, disposable gown 3, and disposable mask 6 are removed in this order, and disposed of inside the package bag 9 without touching the inside, and then the zipper is closed. This completes the process of cleaning up vomit. After cleaning up, wash your hands to prevent infection.

[0037] As described above, the vomit treating agent 1 in the vomit treating kit 10 of this embodiment is stable as is and does not release chlorine dioxide, making it easy to handle. On the other hand, by applying the vomit treating agent 1 to the vomit, chlorine dioxide is released (liberated) when needed to deodorize and disinfect the vomit. Therefore, if the vomit treating kit 10 includes this vomit treating agent 1 as one of the combined items, vomit can be treated safely and effectively.

[0038] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0039] The vomit disposal kit containing the vomit disposal agent of the present invention is expected to be widely used in taxis, tourist buses, hospitals, elderly care facilities, schools, individual homes, etc. Furthermore, the vomit treatment agent in the vomit treatment kit of the present invention is expected to be used as a treatment agent for deodorizing and sterilizing not only vomit but also other filth like vomit, such as food waste that contains a lot of organic acids, has an acidic pH, and generates a foul odor due to the proliferation of microorganisms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1. Vomit disposal agent 2. Water-absorbing and waterproof polymer sheet 3. Disposable gowns 4. Disposable gloves 5. Disposable shoe covers 6. Disposable masks 7 Paper towels 8 garbage bags 9 Package Bag 10. Vomit disposal kit

Claims

1. A vomit disposal kit comprising a vomit disposal agent specifically designed for vomit, which contains an oxidizing agent that releases chlorine dioxide when the pH of the vomit shifts to the acidic side due to gastric juice contained in the vomit, or a vomit disposal kit comprising a vomit disposal agent containing an oxidizing agent of sodium dichloroisocyanurate, and further comprising one or more of the following combined items: a water-absorbent / waterproof polymer sheet, a gown, gloves, shoe covers, a mask, paper towels, and garbage bags.

2. 2. The vomit disposal kit according to claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agent in the vomit disposal agent is a stabilized weakly alkaline aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide.

3. The vomit treatment kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxidizing agent in the vomit treatment agent is an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution that releases chlorine dioxide when the pH of the solution shifts to the acidic side due to the gastric juice contained in the vomit, and that is stabilized at a pH of 8.0-8.5, and that can deodorize and sterilize the vomit by contacting the vomit with the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution stabilized at a pH of 8.0-8.5 and causing the gastric juice contained in the vomit to shift the pH of the aqueous chlorine dioxide solution to the acidic side, thereby releasing chlorine dioxide.

4. 2. The vomit disposal kit according to claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agent in the vomit disposal agent is sodium dichloroisocyanurate, which can be brought into contact with the vomit to deodorize and disinfect the vomit.

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