Chemical cleaning product containers and associated labels

Abstract

There is provided a container for a cleaning chemical and including a label that includes three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container. The three separate information types are: functional text, such as English language functional text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical; a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and a graphical icon that shows the function of the cleaning chemical.

Description

[0001] CHEMICAL CLEANING PRODUCT CONTAINERS AND ASSOCIATED LABELS

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The field of the invention relates to a product label or a product container including a product label.

[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0006] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0007] A wide variety of cleaning products, each with a specific purpose, are used in commercial premises; using a cleaning product for the wrong task can be dangerous; for example, re-filling a bathroom dispenser (e.g. in a hotel or cruise ship bathroom) designed for hand-soap with say oven degreaser could lead to serious injury. But these substances themselves often appear similar and the shape of the containers in which they are supplied are standard (e.g. 10L bottle; a 5L bucket; a hand-spray); product labelling is key to prevent accident and injury.

[0008] But in many contexts, such as cleaning commercial buildings, offices, cruise liners etc. the cleaning staff may have low levels of English-language literacy, thereby increasing the risk of misuse and associated hazards. It is also impractical to use multi-lingual labels on all products, since the range of languages familiar to the cleaning staff may not be known or may be so large as to make multi-lingual labels impractical. Current labelling approaches do not adequately accommodate users with varying literacy levels or visual impairments. Text-heavy labels can be challenging for those with limited reading abilities or vision issues, hindering their ability to understand a product’s intended purpose and safe usage instructions. This lack of accessibility poses a significant barrier, potentially leading to improper product application and potential safety risks.

[0009] To address these challenges, there is a need for an improved labelling system that effectively communicates the function and appropriate use of cleaning products.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An aspect of the invention is a product label applied to a product container, with three separate information types that each individually define the function of a cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:

[0012] (a) text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;

[0013] (b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and

[0014] (c) a graphical icon that shows the function or category of the cleaning chemical.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a container including a cleaning chemical and including a label that includes three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:

[0016] (a) functional text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;

[0017] (b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and

[0018] (c) a graphical icon that shows the function of the cleaning chemical.

[0019] The graphical icon can pictorially represent the function: for example, the graphical icon for a hand soap could be a picture of two hands being rubbed together, with soap bubbles.

[0020] In a different variant of the invention, the graphical icon that uniquely shows the function of the cleaning chemical is not essential: for example, where each cleaning product can be classed into a different general category, such as task, team, or physical location in a ship or building, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, then it may be sufficient to have a unique coloured strip, band, or icon that is uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning product belongs. For example, in a cruise ship, the colour blue might be associated with cleaning chemicals that are used in the galleys; the colour green could be associated with cleaning chemicals that are used in the guest rooms by the housekeeping team etc. In this scenario, it may be sufficient to simply have a coloured strip, band, or icon that implies a specific category, like Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, and not necessarily include the more detailed graphical icon that pictorially represents the function of the cleaning chemical.

[0021] We can generalise to:

[0022] A product label applied to a product container, with three separate information types that each individually define the function of a cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:

[0023] (a) text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical.

[0024] (b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and

[0025] (c) a coloured strip, band, or object that is associated with a category, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, to which the cleaning product belongs.

[0026] Another aspect is a container including a cleaning chemical and including a label that includes three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:

[0027] (a) functional text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;

[0028] (b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and

[0029] (c) a coloured strip, band, or object that is associated with a category, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, to which the cleaning product belongs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Aspects of an implementation of the invention will now be described, by way of example(s), with reference to the following Figures, which each show features of an implementation of the invention:

[0031] Figure 1 shows the front and back labels of an anti-bacterial hand soap product.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the front and back labels of a multipurpose surface cl eaner and degreaser product.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the front and back labels of a metal poli sh product.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the front and back labels of a HD dishwasher detergent product.

[0035] Figure 5 shows the front and back labels of another HD dishwasher detergent product.

[0036] Figure 6 shows the front and back labels of a dishwasher rinse aid product.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the front and back labels of a food and drink utensil stain remover product.

[0038] Figure 8 shows the front and back labels of a dishwasher detergent manual product.

[0039] Figure 9 shows the front and back labels of an oven / cooker heavy duty degreaser product.

[0040] Figure 10 shows the label of a sanitising tablets product.

[0041] Figure 11 shows the label of a stain remover powder (whites) product.

[0042] Figure 12 shows another label of a stain remover powder (whites) product.

[0043] Figure 13 shows the label of a laundry detergent product.

[0044] Figure 14 shows the label of a laundry stain remover (whites) product.

[0045] Figure 15 shows the label of a laundry sour / neutraliser product.

[0046] Figure 16 shows the label of an alkali boost product.

[0047] Figure 17 shows the label of a detergent boost product.

[0048] Figure 18 shows the label of a laundry starch product.

[0049] Figure 19 shows a table with examples of categories and multi-digit numbers.

[0050] Figure 20 shows a table with examples of categories and multi-digit numbers.

[0051] Figure 21 shows a table with examples of categories and multi-digit numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] This invention is implemented in a system called CBN+. In this system, each cleaning product can be classed into a different general category, such as task, team or physical location in a ship or building, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry. When general categories like these are used, then each label may also include a colour strip, band or object that is uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning product belongs. And the first number of the multi-digit number can also be uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning product belongs.

[0053] For example, if there are three Main Categories: Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry

[0054] Then, each category can be associated with a different colour band on the label:

[0055] Housekeeping: green

[0056] Galley: blue

[0057] Laundry: pink

[0058] Further, each product can start with a different 3 digit number:

[0059] Housekeeping: 3 XX

[0060] Galley: 5XX

[0061] Laundry: 7XX

[0062] Within each colour band (or elsewhere on the label) is an icon or object that shows the specific function of the chemical cleaning product, which is also encoded by the 3 digit number, adjacent to the 3 digit number and the English language description:

[0063] So this labelling system provides for the replication and reinforcement of information used in a label to describe the purpose of chemicals in a chemical container: • the icon replicates information associated with the detailed English language functional text and vice versa (e.g. the handwashing icon replicates the 'antibacterial hand soap' text.

[0064] • the icon replicates information associated with the function encoded in the three digit number and vice versa

[0065] • the three digit number replicates information associated with the detailed functional text

[0066] • the colour band gives general context, and replicates information associated with the icon (if used), three digit number and also detailed English language functional text

[0067] This labelling system, by replicating and reinforcing information, greatly reduces the risk of injury and harm arising from the incorrect use of cleaning products.

[0068] Note that there is a functional inter-relationship between the information contents of the label applied to a container, the chemical substances in that container and how the user can safely use the chemicals in that container. (It is analogous to a computer display providing visual indications that concern technical conditions of the system and that consequently relate to a technical problem.)

[0069] An advantage of the labelling system lies in its multi-redundant labelling system, which uniquely integrates text, numerical codes, icons, and colour indicators to provide functional information that is easy to verify. This arrangement addresses a long-felt but unresolved need in the cleaning and hygiene industry: enabling safe and accurate identification of chemical products by users who may have limited language proficiency, low literacy, or visual impairments. Unlike conventional systems that rely predominantly on text or isolated symbols, the present invention ensures that even if one mode of information (e.g., text) is misinterpreted or obscured, the other modes (e.g., icon or colour) maintain clarity of the product’s function.

[0070] Moreover, by correlating specific numerical codes with both functional categories and unique product functions — further reinforced by category-specific colour bands — the system minimizes errors (e.g., using a galley cleaner in a housekeeping context). The positioning and co-location of the numerical code, icon, and text on the label serve to enhance rapid recognition, especially in fast-paced or low-visibility environments, such as cruise ship kitchens or industrial laundry rooms.

[0071] Unlike conventional standardized hazard communication system, which primarily use pictograms or hazard statements to convey safety warning, the labelling system is focused on functional identification of various products. The labelling system integrates a structured numerical code that directly correlates with product category and specific function of the product.

[0072] Figures 1-18 show examples of a variety of different labels that use this scheme. For each figure, the overall design and labelling scheme aim to clearly identify and categorize the cleaning product for appropriate usage within a systematic organization of cleaning supplies. For examples, the labels include alphanumeric codes, colour- coded bands, and text descriptors that are arranged in a structured, segmented layout. This layout improves the accuracy of product identification by users who may face literacy challenges, language barriers, or visual impairments, and ensures that the function of the cleaning chemical is unmistakably communicated through multiple modalities. The depicted variations highlight the adaptability of the labelling system to different container geometries and product categories while maintaining consistent information hierarchy and user accessibility.

[0073] Figure 1 shows the front and back labels of an anti-bacterial hand soap product. The front label displays the product name "anti-bacterial hand soap" along with a large multi-digit number "310" that describes the function of the cleaning product. The placement of the graphical icon adjacent to the multi-digit number and the functional text forms a compact, cohesive layout, which facilitates rapid visual identification of the product’s purpose, even in high-pressure or low- visibility environments. The front label also includes a colour-coded strip or band 11 and a graphical icon 12 that shows the function of the cleaning material. The back label provides additional details about the product, including its intended use for maintaining hand hygiene in catering and food handling environments, a list of ingredients, and usage instructions. The back label also includes the multi-digit number, “310”, the colour-coded strip or band, and the graphical icon. Figure 2 shows the front and back labels of a multipurpose surface cleaner and degreaser product. The front label displays the product name " multipurpose surface cleaner and degreaser” along with a large multi-digit number "320" that describes the function of the cleaning product. The front label also includes a colour-coded strip or band 21 and a graphical icon 22 that shows the function of the cleaning material. The back label provides additional details about the product, including its intended use, a list of ingredients, usage instructions, and warning symbols. The back label also includes the multi-digit number, “320”, the colour-coded strip or band 21, and the graphical icon 22.

[0074] Figure 3 shows the front and back labels of a metal polish product. Figure 4 shows the front and back labels of a HD dishwasher detergent product. Figure 5 shows the front and back labels of another HD dishwasher detergent product, aim for glassware. Figure 6 shows the front and back labels of a dishwasher rinse aid product. Figure 7 shows the front and back labels of a food and drink utensil stain remover product. Figure 8 shows the front and back labels of a dishwasher detergent manual product. Figure 9 shows the front and back labels of an oven / cooker heavy duty degreaser product.

[0075] Figure 10 shows the label of a sanitising tablets product. Figure 11 shows the label of a stain remover powder (whites) product. Figure 12 shows a label of a stain remover powder (colours) product. Figure 13 shows the label of a laundry detergent product. Figure 14 shows the label of a laundry stain remover (whites) product. Figure 15 shows the label of a laundry sour / neutraliser product. Figure 16 shows the label of an alkali boost product. Figure 17 shows the label of a detergent boost product. Figure 18 shows the label of a laundry starch product.

[0076] Figures 19-21 show tables with examples of categories and multi-digit numbers.

[0077] Alternatively, the label may also incorporate tactile elements, such as raised icons, embossed numbers, or Braille, to improve readability for users with visual impairments. These tactile features would then replicate the functional information provided by the multi-digit number, text, and graphical icons. Alternatively, the label may include digital elements, such as QR codes that link to safety videos or dynamic e-ink screens that display functional text, numerical codes, and icons corresponding to the cleaning chemical contained within a reusable dispenser. These elements further extend the redundancy and accessibility of the labelling system. Further these digital elements allow the labelling system to provide real-time updates, thereby reducing the risk of outdated product information.

[0078] Additionally, users may also develop assumptions based on the colour of the product, such as cleaning liquid, visible through a container (e.g., pink liquid assumed to be a particular product). This can cause dangerous misuse if different chemicals share similar colours. To address this problem, the invention may also include the use of opaque or semi-opaque containers that conceal the liquid’s colour, ensuring that identification relies solely on the multi -redundant labelling system. This design discourages reliance on liquid colour and further strengthens product safety by ensuring the label — comprising functional text, numerical coding, graphical icons, and / or coloured strips — is the primary means of product identification.

[0079] Another advantage of the labelling system is that it minimizes the need for extensive user training. Because the label communicates product function via multiple, intuitive modalities — text, numerical codes, graphical icons, and colour coding — users can quickly and accurately identify products without requiring in-depth familiarity with any single information type. This reduces the risk of misidentification, especially among new or transient staff.

[0080] The labelling system is also designed to be scalable and modular, enabling new cleaning products to be integrated seamlessly by assigning new multi-digit numbers and corresponding icons, while maintaining category-specific colour bands. This ensures long-term usability across large and evolving product lines.

[0081] Note

[0082] It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for a cleaning chemical and including a label that includes three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:(a) functional text, such as English language functional text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;(b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and(c) a graphical icon that shows the function of the cleaning chemical.

2. The container of claim 1, in which each cleaning chemical is classified into a general category, such as Housekeeping, Galley, and Laundry.

3. The container of claim 2, in which the first number of the multi-digit number is uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning chemical belongs.

4. The container of claim 3, in which each label includes a colour strip, band or object whose colour is uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning chemical belongs.

5. The container of preceding claim 4, in which the graphical icon that uniquely shows the function of the cleaning chemical is positioned in or adjacent to the colour strip, band or object.

6. The container of any preceding claim, in which the graphical icon replicates information associated with the detailed English language functional text and vice versa.

7. The container of any preceding claim, in which the graphical icon replicates information associated with the function encoded in the three-digit number and vice versa8. The container of any preceding claim, in which the three digit number replicates information associated with the English language functional text.

9. The container of claim 4, and any preceding Claim dependent on Claim 4 in which the colour of the colour strip, band or object replicates information associated with the multi-digit number.

10. The container of any preceding claim, in which the functional text, multi-digit number, and graphical icon are arranged to redundantly convey the same functional information, thereby improving accuracy of identification by users with low literacy, language barriers, or visual impairments.

11. The container of any preceding claim, in which the label is designed to comply with workplace safety standards and enhances useability by prioritizing non-textual communication through the graphical icon, multi-digit number, and colour coding.

12. The container of any preceding claim, in which the graphical icon is positioned adjacent to the multi-digit number and the functional text, forming a layout that facilitates rapid visual identification of the cleaning chemical’s function.

13. The container of any preceding claim, in which the label further includes tactile elements that replicate the functional information conveyed by the functional text, multi-digit number, and graphical icon.

14. The container of any preceding claim, in which the label further includes a machine-readable code, such as a QR code, that, when scanned, links the user to functional information related to the cleaning chemical.

15. The container of any preceding claim, in which the label further includes a dynamic electronic display, such as an e-ink screen, configured to display the functional text, multi-digit number, and graphical icon corresponding to the cleaning chemical contained within the container.

16. The container of any preceding claim, when including the cleaning chemical.

17. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the container is opaque or semi-opaque to prevent visual identification of the cleaning chemical based on the colour of the liquid, thereby ensuring that product identification is based solely on the label.

18. A container including a cleaning chemical and including a label that includes three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:(a) functional text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;(b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and(c) a coloured strip, band, or object that is associated with a category, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, to which the cleaning product belongs.

19. The container of claim 18, in which the colour of the colour strip, band or object replicates information associated with the multi-digit number.

20. The container of claim 18 -19, in which the first number of the multi-digit number is uniquely associated with the general category to which the cleaning chemical belongs.

21. The container of any preceding claim 18 -20, in which the three digit number replicates information associated with the English language functional text.

22. The container of claim 18-21, in which the label includes a graphical icon that uniquely shows the function of the cleaning chemical.

23. The container of preceding claim 22, in which the graphical icon that uniquely shows the function of the cleaning chemical is positioned in or adjacent to the colour strip, band or object.

24. The container of any preceding claim 22 - 23, in which the graphical icon replicates information associated with the detailed English language functional text and vice versa.

25. The container of any preceding claim 22 - 24, in which the graphical icon replicates information associated with the function encoded in the three digit number and vice versa.

26. The container of any preceding claim 22 - 25, in which the functional text, multi-digit number, and graphical icon are arranged to redundantly convey the same functional information, thereby improving accuracy of identification by users with low literacy, language barriers, or visual impairments.

27. The container of any preceding claim 18 - 26, in which the label further includes tactile elements that replicate the functional information conveyed by the functional text, multi-digit number, and coloured strip.

28. The container of any preceding claim 18 - 27, in which the label further includes a machine-readable code, such as a QR code, that, when scanned, links the user to functional information related to the cleaning chemical.

29. The container of any preceding claim 18 - 28, in which the label further includes a dynamic electronic display, such as an e-ink screen, configured to display the functional text, multi-digit number, and coloured strip corresponding to the cleaning chemical contained within the container.

30. The container of any preceding claim 18 - 29, when including the cleaning chemical.

31. The container of any preceding claim 18 - 30, wherein the container is opaque or semi-opaque to prevent visual identification of the cleaning chemical based on the colour of the liquid, thereby ensuring that product identification is based solely on the label.

32. A product label applied to a container for a cleaning chemical, the product label including three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:(a) functional text, such as English language functional text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;(b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and(c) a graphical icon that shows the function of the cleaning chemical.

33. A product label applied to a container for a cleaning chemical, the product label including three separate information types that each individually define the function of the cleaning chemical in the container, the three separate information types being:(a) functional text, such as English language text, that describes the function of the cleaning chemical;(b) a number, such as a multi-digit number, that defines the function of the cleaning chemical; and(c) a coloured strip, band, or object that is associated with a category, such as Housekeeping, Galley, Laundry, to which the cleaning product belongs.

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