These are water-floating antibacterial balls that utilize the antibacterial properties of copper ions to provide antibacterial action in bathtub water and washing machine tubs, where bacteria tend to multiply.

Abstract

We provide an antibacterial agent that suppresses the growth of bacteria in leftover bathwater. [Solution] The antibacterial material is an antibacterial ball made by molding wool-like copper wires into a spherical shape of appropriate size, enclosing it in a net of water-permeable chemical fibers, and providing buoyancy with a float 2. When placed in a bathtub or washing machine tub, it provides an antibacterial effect that inhibits bacterial growth through the antibacterial action of copper ions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antibacterial material obtained by molding wool-like copper fibers into spherical shapes of appropriate sizes, encapsulating them in a chemical fiber net, and giving them buoyancy to float in water.

Background Art

[0002] Proteins such as human sweat and sebum remain in the bathwater after bathing, and various bacteria breed using this as food, forming a biofilm in the bathtub and causing sliminess. Also, when washing clothes, if the bacteria attached to the fibers are not removed during the washing and dehydration processes, they will grow until drying, generating odors such as musty smell and damp smell. Furthermore, if the remaining bacteria form a biofilm on the clothes, the bacteria will survive. To prevent this odor, detergents and fabric softeners containing fragrances and disinfectants for airing indoors have been developed, and using hot water disinfection or bleach is also a method. However, some people may feel resistance to the use of chemicals and fragrances, and the use of hot water and bleach may cause color fading of clothes and deterioration of fibers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0005] Reheating leftover bathwater for multiple people to use multiple times is a common practice to save on water and energy costs. Similarly, using leftover bathwater for laundry is also done. However, there are hygiene concerns regarding bacterial growth in the bathtub and potential adverse effects on human health, as well as concerns about the transfer of bacteria to clothing if leftover bathwater containing bacteria is used for laundry. Furthermore, when using a washing machine, if bacteria multiply, it can lead to unpleasant odors such as damp or musty smells when wearing clothes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To address these issues, copper wool, composed of fine copper wires, is molded into a ball shape, wrapped in a water-permeable synthetic fiber net, and placed in a bathtub or washing machine tub. This activates copper ions in the water or hot water, thereby suppressing bacterial growth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, this invention is expected to keep the bathwater clean after bathing, manage the water quality when reusing bathwater for laundry, and suppress the growth of bacteria and their attachment to clothing when added to the washing machine tub when using tap water, stored water, or well water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An inclusion illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] An appearance showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. "First Embodiment" Copper wool was molded into a spherical shape in appropriate quantities and wrapped in a water-permeable synthetic fiber net along with buoyancy material such as polystyrene foam to serve as a float. [Examples]

[0010] The net containing the copper wool and float shown in Figure 1 was floated in the bathwater.

[0011] The net containing the copper wool and float shown in Figure 1 was floated in the washing machine along with the laundry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0012] 1. Copper wool body 2. Buoyancy material (float) 3. A net made of water-permeable synthetic fibers.

Claims

1. This antibacterial material is made by forming copper wool, which is composed of fine copper wires, into a ball shape and packaging it in a water-permeable synthetic fiber net.

2. An antibacterial material for bathtubs according to claim 1, which suppresses the growth of bacteria in the bathtub by being immersed in the leftover bathwater.

3. An antibacterial agent according to claim 1, which is added to the washing machine tub together with clothes during washing and suppresses the growth of bacteria in the washing machine tub during the washing and rinsing process.

4. An antibacterial agent according to claim 2 and claim 3, wherein the antibacterial agent contains a material that floats on water.

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