Applicator with separator layer for self-adhesive sanitary means

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (10), which has a casing (20), a sanitary means (40), and furthermore a separator layer (30) which is arranged between the casing (20) and the sanitary means (40) in a chamber (21). The invention also relates to the use of the applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims for cleaning hard surfaces, in particular for cleaning and fragrancing sanitary surfaces.

Description

[0001] APPLICATOR WITH SEPARATOR LAYER FOR SELF-ADHESIVE SANITARY AGENTS

[0002] Such cleaning agents and air fresheners, for example, general sanitary products, in gel form are known from the prior art. These can be self-adhesive agents, as described in EP 1 086 199 B1, DE 10 2004 056554 A1, EP 1 894 989 A1, and WO 2014 / 033259 A1, or non-self-adhesive agents, as described in DE 197 15 872 A1 and EP 1 029 911 A1.

[0003] The advantages of gel-based cleaning agents over solid or liquid cleaning agents are primarily their ease of dosing and general handling, combined with an appealing appearance. Another advantage over solid cleaning agents is that they are generally easier to dissolve and can therefore take effect more quickly. Compared to liquid cleaning agents, however, they have the advantage that they are generally less easily rinsed away and also evaporate more slowly. For example, gel-based cleaning agents adhere to soiling longer than liquid cleaning agents and can therefore take effect over a comparatively longer period of time.

[0004] The gel is usually applied to the surface of the toilet using an applicator. These applicators are usually syringe-like and made of plastic. They contain the product and can be squeezed out to apply it to the surface of the sanitary fixture. These elongated applicators are typically filled with multiple units of the product. This allows the user to dispense multiple units of the product from the applicator. These applicators typically consist of a cylindrical container or cylinder, a plunger, and optionally a selection of shaping attachments. The cylinder contains the product. The plunger is a movable part that is inserted into the cylinder. The applicator is typically made of plastic.Such multi-part plastic syringes contribute to plastic pollution because plastic is a durable material that decomposes very slowly. If plastic syringes are not properly disposed of or recycled, they can enter the environment and harm ecosystems.

[0005] To avoid the disadvantages of syringe applicators, applicators for single-dose sanitary agents can also be used. These consist of a sleeve and a sanitary agent incorporated into the sleeve. This applicator can be used in sanitary areas such as bathrooms to clean surfaces and freshen the air. The sanitary agent is released from the sleeve by pressing the applicator itself and applied to the sanitary surface. A separate plunger is therefore unnecessary. This allows dirt to be removed and unpleasant odors to be eliminated at the same time, creating a clean and fresh environment. However, the agents applied to the toilet surface in this way are not very dimensionally stable, which often makes it impossible to apply them in a shape-retaining manner.

[0006] There is therefore still a need for stable gel-like cleaning agents and air fresheners that do not have the aforementioned disadvantages or have them to a reduced extent.

[0007] This object is solved by the present invention.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an applicator comprising: a shell having at least one first chamber; a sanitary means; characterized in that the applicator further comprises a separator layer arranged between the shell and the sanitary means in a chamber.

[0009] It has been shown that this separator layer reduces the adhesion or attachment force of the active ingredient preparation to such an extent that the gel matrix can be applied from the application aid to the toilet surface, for example, without leaving any residue. The surrounding toilet flush water then simply removes the barrier layer, allowing the active ingredient preparation to be released evenly over days or weeks.

[0010] In this way, the product can be placed on the toilet surface in a shape-stable manner, which often makes a shape-preserving application possible.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the separator layer is formed as a water-soluble film.

[0012] Water-soluble films, also known as "soluble foils," are typically made of materials that dissolve in water and are biodegradable. The following materials are preferred:

[0013] PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol): Polyvinyl alcohol is one of the most common materials for water-soluble packaging. It is biodegradable and can dissolve in water without leaving residue. PVA films are often used for detergent packaging.

[0014] PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol plastic): This is a special type of PVA developed for water-soluble packaging. PVOH films are resistant to moisture and dissolve easily in water. Alginates: Alginates are extracts from algae and are used in some water-soluble packaging. They are biodegradable and are used in some environmentally friendly cleaning products.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the separator layer is in direct contact with the agent.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the applicator is described wherein the separator layer is in direct contact with the agent and the shell.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, which is designed such that the agent can be pressed out of it without the use of a separate piston. This advantageously saves material.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described in which the sleeve is formed as a single piece. Unlike prior art applicator syringes, which have a piston inserted into a cylinder, thus forming a multi-part applicator, the applicator according to the invention requires less material, making it more environmentally friendly.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described wherein the sanitizing agent is present in an amount sufficient for a single application. This distinguishes the applicator from prior art syringe applicators, which are filled with multiple units of sanitizing agent. Residues can remain in the syringes for various reasons and can pose potential hygiene problems. If the syringe is not stored properly or if it comes into contact with germs or bacteria during use, residues may remain in the form of microbial contamination. These disadvantages are overcome in the applicator described here.

[0020] According to a first preferred embodiment, the applicator is described wherein the agent is a solid gel. A solid gel is a type of colloidal system consisting of a continuous network of interconnected molecules or particles enclosing a liquid. Chemically speaking, a gel is a dispersion phase dispersed in a continuous phase. The continuous phase is usually a liquid, while the dispersion phase can be solid particles or molecules.

[0021] A shape-stable gel is a special type of gel that has the ability to retain its shape over an extended period of time without flowing or melting. Essentially, a shape-stable gel retains its shape and consistency at room temperature or under the relevant conditions. This can be of interest in various applications, particularly when a certain structure or shape needs to be maintained. It has been shown that, particularly when solid gels are used, the separator layer reduces the adhesion or attachment force of the active ingredient preparation to such an extent that the gel matrix can be applied from the application aid to the toilet surface, for example, without leaving any residue. The barrier layer is then simply detached by the surrounding toilet flush water, and the active ingredient preparation can be released evenly over days or weeks.In this way, the agent can be placed on the toilet surface in a dimensionally stable manner, enabling shape-retaining application without leaving any gel residue in the cavity of the casing. According to this particularly preferred embodiment, the effect of the separator layer is particularly effective when using solid gels as sanitary agents.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the sanitary agent comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant having an aliphatic chain consisting of 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of fatty alcohol alkoxylates, preferably from the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol propoxylates, fatty alcohol butoxylates and mixed fatty alcohol alkoxylates.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises at least one hydrophobic residue, wherein the number of carbon atoms in the at least one hydrophobic residue is 12 to 18, in particular 12 to 16, most preferably 12 to 14.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the use of the applicator for cleaning hard surfaces, in particular for cleaning sanitary surfaces, and / or for refreshing the air, in particular for refreshing the air in sanitary areas, is described.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the use of the applicator is described, wherein the sanitary agent is squeezed out of the sleeve and thus placed on the sanitary surface.

[0027] Further embodiments for the solid gel are described below:

[0028] A corresponding cleaning and / or air freshener is preferably a solid gel, wherein the agent comprises at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature, wherein the at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature has at least one aliphatic chain consisting of 10 to 20 carbon atoms. In a further aspect, the invention also relates to the use of a surfactant that is solid at room temperature for stabilizing a gel-like cleaning and / or air freshener, wherein the surfactant that is solid at room temperature has at least one aliphatic chain consisting of 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0029] Finally, the invention also relates to the use of a gel-like cleaning and / or air freshening agent as disclosed herein for cleaning hard surfaces, in particular for cleaning sanitary surfaces, and / or for refreshing the air, in particular for refreshing the air in sanitary areas.

[0030] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description and claims. Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be employed in any other aspect of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but not to limit it, and in particular, the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0031] All percentages are by weight unless otherwise stated. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" include the stated values. If multiple preferred numerical ranges are specified in this format, it is understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the various endpoints are also included.

[0032] Numerical values ​​stated without decimal places refer to the full specified value with one decimal place. For example, "99%" stands for "99.0%."

[0033] The expressions “approximately,” “ca.”, or “about,” in connection with a numerical value, refer to a variance of ±10% relative to the stated numerical value, preferably ±5%, particularly preferably ±1%, even more preferably less than ±0.1%.

[0034] “At least one”, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and more. In relation to an ingredient, the information refers to the type of ingredient and not to the absolute number of molecules. “At least one surfactant” thus means, for example, at least one type of surfactant, i.e., one type of surfactant or a mixture of several different surfactants can be meant. Together with weight information, the information refers to all compounds of the specified type that are contained in the product, i.e., the product does not contain any further compounds of this type beyond the stated amount of the corresponding compounds. When reference is made herein to molar masses, this information always refers to the number-average molar mass Mn, unless explicitly stated otherwise.The number-average molar mass can be determined, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) according to DIN 55672-1:2007-08 using THF as the eluent. The mass-average molar mass Mw can also be determined by GPC, as for M. n described.

[0035] Whenever alkaline earth metals are mentioned below as counterions for monovalent anions, this means that the alkaline earth metal is naturally present in only half the amount of the anion - sufficient to balance the charge.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, "gel-like" refers to an ointment-like, pasty, and / or cream-like consistency, preferably a dispersed system consisting of at least two components. The solid component forms a sponge-like, three-dimensional network whose pores are at least partially filled with a solvent. Such a special micro- or nanostructure results in a unique optical appearance, particularly in the case of toiletry applications, due to the transparency of the gel. Furthermore, it also enables a uniform release of additives such as dyes and, in particular, fragrance compositions.

[0037] “Solid”, as used herein, refers to compositions that are solid at room temperature (20 °C) and at standard pressure (1 bar), i.e. not liquid, gel or gas.

[0038] The agents described herein can be both self-adhesive and non-self-adhesive. "Self-adhesive" in the context of the present invention means that the agent is capable of adhering to surfaces independently, in particular without additional aids. In both embodiments, a corresponding agent according to the invention can, in various embodiments, be filled into containers, in particular multi-chamber containers, for installation, particularly in the toilet.

[0039] The terms "toilet product," "toilet article," or "toilet accessory article" are to be used synonymously in the context of this invention. Preferably, the toilet product is a toilet cleaner or a toilet freshener, e.g., a toilet air freshener or toilet air freshener. In particular, the present invention generally encompasses both self-adhesive and non-self-adhesive toilet products. Corresponding products fall under the term "sanitary agents," which is also used in the context of the present invention.

[0040] In the context of the present invention, the term "sanitary agent" is used in the sense of a "composition suitable for use as a sanitary agent." In the context of the present invention, "sanitary article" is preferably understood to mean an article that is commonly used in private or public bathrooms and toilets. In particular, sanitary articles include toilets, preferably toilet bowls, urinals, urinals, but also hand-rinsing basins.

[0041] In the context of the present invention, the term "EO" refers to alkoxy groups in general. For example, the term "20 EO" means the presence of 20 alkoxy groups, which are particularly preferably present as a block in the molecule in question and even more preferably arranged as end groups in the molecule in question. In particular, the term "EO" refers to the group containing ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy groups, more preferably to the group containing ethoxy and propoxy groups, and particularly preferably to only ethoxy groups.

[0042] In the context of the present invention, the terms “lipophilic” and “lipophilicity” are used synonymously with the terms “hydrophobic” and “hydrophilicity”.

[0043] The invention relates to gel-like cleaning and / or air freshening agents, wherein the agent comprises at least one surfactant which is solid at room temperature, wherein the at least one surfactant which is solid at room temperature has at least one aliphatic chain consisting of 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0044] The term “room temperature” means, in the context of the present invention, a temperature of approximately 25°C.

[0045] The at least one surfactant which is solid at room temperature is further characterized in that it melts at temperatures above room temperature, for example at a temperature of approximately 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 °C.

[0046] In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature is a nonionic surfactant.

[0047] In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature is selected from the group of fatty alcohol alkoxylates, preferably from the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol propoxylates, fatty alcohol butoxylates, and mixed fatty alcohol alkoxylates. A fatty alcohol alkoxylate that has both ethoxy and propoxy groups is referred to in the context of the invention as a mixed fatty alcohol ethoxypropoxylate. In the context of the present invention, the term "fatty alcohol alkoxylate" refers to compounds that comprise at least one hydrophobic radical and at least one hydrophilic radical, wherein the hydrophilic radical is at least one EO unit bonded to the hydrophobic radical. The hydrophobic radical is derived in particular from aliphatic, long-chain, monohydric alcohols.The hydrophobic residue is an aliphatic chain consisting of 10 to 20 carbon atoms, which can also be mono- or polyunsaturated, with fully saturated residues being preferred.

[0048] A particularly preferred hydrophilic group is a polyethoxy radical, which more preferably comprises between 15 and 55 ethoxy groups, more preferably between 20 and 50 and particularly preferably between 22 and 28 ethoxy groups.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the hydrophobic group of the surfactant can be either branched or unbranched. However, linear, i.e., unbranched, alkyl radicals are preferred, as this promotes their suitability for network formation. Even-numbered alkyl radicals are preferred due to their better biodegradability. Alkyl radicals with at least 12 carbon atoms are particularly preferred. In the context of the present invention, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 12 to 18, in particular 12 to 16, most preferably 12 to 14.

[0050] In general, reducing the number of alkoxy groups makes the surfactant more lipophilic. This makes it possible to regulate the solubility of hydrophilic substances, such as fragrances or dyes.

[0051] As the degree of alkoxylation increases, the surfactant becomes more hydrophilic, which can particularly influence the formation of a network and the ability to form a visually appealing gel and can also influence the rinsing behavior of the agent.

[0052] The type and, in particular, the length of the hydrophobic residue also affects the lipophilicity of the surfactant, with longer alkyl residues in particular increasing the hydrophobicity of the surfactant. Overall, by appropriately selecting the hydrophobic residue, especially a linear, i.e., unbranched, alkyl residue on the one hand, in coordination with the degree of alkoxylation, i.e., the number of alkoxy groups, a tailor-made surfactant can be provided that is optimized with regard to the rinsing behavior of the agent, its adhesion to surfaces, and the solubility of hydrophobic or hydrophilic additives.

[0053] In various embodiments, the surfactant that is solid at room temperature has an aliphatic chain consisting of 12 carbon atoms, wherein the chain is an unbranched alkyl chain. In various embodiments, the surfactant that is solid at room temperature has precisely such an aliphatic chain. In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol ethers, with a number of EOs of 20 to 25 being preferred. In various such embodiments, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic radical is preferably 12 to 18, in particular 12 to 16, most preferably 12 to 14.

[0054] In various further embodiments, the at least one surfactant that is solid at room temperature is a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, with the number EO being preferably 20 to 25, more preferably 22 to 24, for example 23. In various such embodiments, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic radical is preferably 12 to 18, in particular 12 to 16, most preferably 12 to 14.

[0055] In various embodiments, the at least one surfactant which is solid at room temperature is present in the agent in an amount of approximately 1 to 20% by weight, for example in an amount of approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20% by weight, preferably in an amount of 2 to 17% by weight, more preferably in an amount of approximately 3 to 15% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the agent.

[0056] In various embodiments, the agent comprises less than 15 wt.%, preferably less than 10 wt.%, more preferably less than 5 wt.%, even more preferably less than 3 wt.%, each based on the total weight of the agent, of fatty alcohol alkoxylates with a degree of alkoxylation of <8 EO. In this way, the stability of the agent is further improved.

[0057] In various embodiments, it is further provided that the agent contains anionic surfactants in an amount of less than 20 wt.%, preferably less than 15 wt.%, more preferably less than 10 wt.%, in particular less than 5 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the agent. In this way, the stability of the agent is further improved.

[0058] In various embodiments, the agent is substantially free of sodium lauryl ether sulfates, preferably lauryl ether sulfates, and even more preferably fatty acid ethyl ether sulfates. This further improves the stability of the agent.

[0059] In various embodiments, the agent further comprises at least one polyol, preferably in an amount of approximately 1 wt.% to 35 wt.%, for example in an amount of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of approximately 2 to 15 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of approximately 3 to 15 wt.%, in particular in an amount of 5 to 15 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the agent, wherein the at least one polyol is preferably glycerol.

[0060] Advantageously, an agent according to the invention contains, in addition to the components described above, at least one further ingredient, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 further ingredients, preferably at least two further ingredients, selected from the group consisting of further surfactants, bleaching agents, solvents, thickeners, fragrances and / or perfumes, active ingredients for reducing bad odors, perfume boosters, dyes, preservatives, antimicrobial active ingredients, pH adjusters, corrosion inhibitors, enzymes, microorganisms, active ingredients for biofilm removal, active ingredients for inhibiting limescale deposits, active ingredients for reducing dirt adhesion and active ingredients for improving processability.

[0061] The solvents used in the context of the present invention are preferably polar solvents, more preferably aqueous solvents, and in particular water. In various embodiments, it is preferred that the gel composition contains water in an amount between 25 and 70 wt.%, based on the total amount of the gel composition.

[0062] The use of fragrances and / or perfumes enables an improvement in the air quality in the room during the application of the product, but also contributes to a pleasant overall product impression for the end consumer, for example when opening the packaging of the product.

[0063] Preservatives suitable in the context of the agents according to the invention are available, for example, under the trade names Acticide B 20, Acticide MBR 1, and Acticide SR 1500. The preservatives preferably comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of isothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone, and benzisothiazolinone (BIT). Depending on the type of preservative, it is preferably present in amounts of 0.0001 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the agent.

[0064] In various embodiments, the agent can have a pH value of 1 to 10, preferably 3 to 8, measured in a 10% solution of the agent in water. This is advantageous in that it can limit or even largely prevent the formation of a biofilm.

[0065] In various embodiments, the gel-like agent described herein is gel-stable up to a temperature of about 50°C, preferably about 40°C, more preferably about 35°C, even more preferably about 30°C, most preferably about 25°C. According to a preferred embodiment, the gel has a cubic phase.

[0066] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a surfactant that is solid at room temperature for stabilizing a gel-like cleaning and / or air freshening agent, wherein the surfactant that is solid at room temperature has at least one aliphatic chain consisting of 12 to 20 carbon atoms. Corresponding solid surfactants have already been described and defined above in the context of the cleaning and / or air freshening agent. All definitions and embodiments relating to the agent are also applicable analogously to the inventive use of such a surfactant.

[0067] According to a second particularly preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, wherein the sanitary means is designed as a shaped body.

[0068] According to the first embodiment, a solid gel is understood as a material that exhibits both solid and liquid properties. It consists of a network of molecules or particles that form a solid structure, while simultaneously containing a liquid enclosed within this structure. This combination gives the gel its characteristic consistency, which is firm enough to retain its shape but flexible enough to deform easily under slight pressure. After the pressure is removed, the gel returns to its original shape. Solid gels are usually at least partially transparent.

[0069] A molded body in the sense of the second embodiment, on the other hand, is solid and / or pasty. A molded body for a toilet block is a solid, shaped product that is used in toilet bowls to release cleaning agents and fragrances with each flush. These molded bodies typically consist of a mixture of cleaning agents, fragrances, and binding agents that are pressed or extruded into a specific shape. They are designed to dissolve slowly and work over a longer period of time to keep the toilet clean and fresh. A molded body for a toilet block offers better flushability than a gel because it is solid and dissolves in a controlled manner. This prevents residue and ensures that the cleaning agents and fragrances are released evenly. This keeps the toilet clean and fresh for a longer period of time without unwanted deposits.

[0070] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the sanitary agent comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside to improve the plasticity and stability of the products. In particular, the at least one alkyl polyglycoside is present in an amount of at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt.%.

[0071] Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) is preferably present in the ranges of 10-20%, 12-18%, and 14-16%. Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) is preferably present in the ranges of 3-20%, 4-20%, and 6-20%. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES) varies between 5-20%, 8-18%, and 10-15%. The remainder of the composition is supplemented with sodium sulfate to complete the formulation to 100%. All values ​​are given as wt%.

[0072] More preferably, the shaped body has a planar underside and a top side. The shaped body is provided in the applicator according to the invention. An adhesive layer is preferably arranged on the planar underside of the shaped body, wherein the adhesive layer is formed from a water-soluble material (PVA film). The adhesive layer, which is formed from a water-soluble material, only becomes self-adhesive upon contact with a moistened surface. Closure means to prevent the products from sticking together before use are therefore not necessary. The inventive solution according to this embodiment is therefore ecologically sustainable in this respect.

[0073] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the molded body has a planar underside and a top side, with an adhesion layer preferably arranged on the planar underside of the molded body, and the molded body comprising at least one alkyl polyglycoside. The alkyl polyglycoside improves the adhesion of the film to the body. The separator layer of the applicator allows the molded body to be removed from the applicator without difficulty, despite the improved adhesion of the APG.

[0074] A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of the cleaning and / or air freshening agent in gel form or in the form of a shaped body, as described above. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a gel-form cleaning and / or air freshening agent according to the invention for cleaning hard surfaces, in particular for cleaning sanitary surfaces, and / or for freshening the air, in particular for freshening the air in sanitary areas. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the gel-form cleaning and / or air freshening agent according to the invention is in particular a sanitary product, in particular a toilet product.

[0075] The adhesion of a self-adhesive agent according to the invention according to the use according to the invention preferably takes place in such a way that the agent adheres directly to the surface of the sanitary article.

[0076] The achieved adhesion to the sanitary article, preferably even when applied to a vertical surface, is such that the agent does not detach suddenly, even under the additional force of flushing water streams. The agent can preferably only be rinsed off after a considerable number of flushing cycles. The number of flushing cycles depends on the composition of the respective agent, as well as the amount applied and the form of the agent.

[0077] The product can also be applied to multiple areas of the sanitary fixture at once. For example, the product can be applied to both the right and left sides of a toilet bowl. This allows for a more even cleaning effect than applying it to just one side.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the agent can be adhered to a sanitary article at different locations in different compositions. This allows, for example, two different perfumes to be used separately to scent the toilet together.

[0079] According to a further preferred embodiment, the applicator is described, comprising: a first chamber; and a second chamber, wherein the separator layer is arranged between the shell and the sanitary agent in the one first chamber and the one second chamber.

[0080] According to a still further preferred embodiment, the applicator is described comprising a first sanitary means and a different second sanitary means, wherein the first sanitary means is present in the first chamber; and the second sanitary means is present in the second chamber.

[0081] For example, the two products can differ in at least one fragrance and / or one colorant. The applicator can therefore be formed from several cavities to visualize the multi-phase and multifunctional nature of such toilet preparations.

[0082] Embodiments of the applicator according to the invention:

[0083] Figure 1 shows an applicator according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

[0084] Figure 2 shows an applicator according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0085] Figure 1 shows an applicator according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

[0086] The applicator 10 has a casing 20 with at least one chamber 21. A sanitary agent 40 in the form of a solid gel or alternatively as a shaped body is introduced therein. The agent is separated from the surface of the at least one chamber 21 by a separator layer 30, which is arranged between the casing 20 and the sanitary agent 40. The separator layer 25 is designed as a water-soluble film, in particular as a PVA and / or PVOH film. It has been shown that, particularly when using solid gels, the separator layer reduces the adhesion or attachment force of the active ingredient preparation to such an extent that the gel matrix can be applied from the application aid to the toilet surface, for example, without leaving any residue.

[0087] The applicator 10 is used to clean sanitary surfaces by squeezing the sanitary agent 40 out of the casing and placing it on the sanitary surface.

[0088] Figure 2 shows an applicator according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0089] The applicator 10 has a first chamber 21 and, furthermore, a second chamber 22. The separator layer 30 is arranged between the casing 20 and the sanitary agent in the one first chamber 21 and the one second chamber 22. The advantage of this embodiment is that a first sanitary agent 41 and a different second sanitary agent 42 can be used. The first sanitary agent 41 is present in the first chamber 21, while the second sanitary agent 42 is present in the second chamber 22. Thus, the two agents can differ in particular in at least one active ingredient, in particular a fragrance and / or a dye. The applicator can therefore be formed from several cavities in order to reflect multi-phase and multifunctionality.

[0090] Examples of solid gels:

[0091] The applicator according to the invention was prepared using the formulations shown in Table 1, all of which form a transparent, solid gel. Furthermore, the applicator according to the invention was prepared using the formulations shown in Table 2, all of which form a molded body.

[0092] The quantities of the raw materials contained are given in weight percent (wt%) based on the total amount of the respective composition in Table 1 below:

[0093] Table 1 : Formulation recipes Gel-like composition Table 2: Molded body formulations

[0094] C10-13 linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) is present in formulations E3 to E5 at 15.0% and in E6 and E7 at 10.0%. C10-16 alkyl polyglucoside (APG) is present in E3 to E5 at 5.0% and in E6 and E7 at 10.0%. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES) varies from 20.0% in E3 to 5.0% in E7. Colorants and fragrances are present at a constant 0.1% in all formulations. The remainder of the composition is made up of sodium sulfate.

[0095] In the case of the formulations in Table 2, a molded body having a planar underside and a top side was provided in the applicator according to the invention. An adhesive layer was arranged on the planar underside of the molded body, with the adhesive layer being formed from a water-soluble material (PVA film). The adhesive layer, which is formed from a water-soluble material, only becomes self-adhesive upon contact with a moistened surface. Closure means to prevent the products from sticking together before use are therefore not necessary. The inventive solution according to this embodiment is therefore ecologically sustainable in this respect.

[0096] C10-C16 alkyl polyglucoside (APG) is commonly used in formulations to increase plasticity. APGs are nonionic surfactants known for their mild action and good skin tolerance.

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Applicator (10) comprising: a shell (20) with at least one chamber (21); a sanitary agent (40), wherein the sanitary agent (40) is present in the chamber (21), characterized in that the applicator (10) further comprises a separator layer (30) arranged between the shell (20) and the sanitary agent (40) in the at least one chamber (21).

2. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the separator layer (25) is formed as a water-soluble film.

3. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the separator layer (25) is formed as a water-soluble PVA and / or PVOH film.

4. Applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separator layer (25) is in direct contact with the agent (40).

5. Applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary agent is formed as a solid gel.

6. Applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaped body has a water-soluble layer on a planar underside.

7. Applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the sanitary means is designed as a shaped body.

8. Applicator (10) according to claim 7, wherein the sanitizing agent comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside.

9. Applicator (10) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one alkyl polyglycoside is included in an amount of at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt.%.

10. Applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first chamber (21); and a second chamber (22), wherein the separator layer (30) is arranged between the sleeve (20) and the sanitary agent in the one first chamber (21) and the one second chamber (22). 11 . Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a first sanitary agent (41) and a second sanitary agent (42) different therefrom, wherein the first sanitary agent (41) is present in the first chamber (21); and the second sanitary agent (42) is present in the second chamber (22).

12. Use of the applicator (10) according to one of the preceding claims for cleaning hard surfaces, in particular for cleaning sanitary surfaces, and / or for refreshing the air, in particular for refreshing the air in the sanitary area, wherein the sanitary agent (40) is pressed out of the sleeve and thus placed on the sanitary surface.

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