[0001] The present invention relates to insect repellent floor cleaner. Specifically, the
5 present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner.The
present invention further relates to a method for preparing the novel antibacterial and
antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10 [0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the
present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
[0003] Cockroaches, the most common pests infesting homes and apartments have been the
15 bane of almost all home owners’ life for centuries. They are one of the hardest pets to get rid of.
Most of the people struggle to get rid of this little critter. They are especially troublesome where
food is prepared and sanitation is lacking. Cockroaches may contaminate food, kitchen utensils,
and other household items, and they leave an unpleasant odor.
[0004] The presence of cockroaches in homes and restaurants can pose a serious health risks
20 on people. Because cockroaches move freely from filth to food, they can transfer pathogenic
microbes that cause food poisoning and other illnesses. Many people are also allergic to
cockroach excrement and their shed skins. Cockroaches are known to carry a large number of
serious diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, poliomyelitis, and gastroenteritis to name a few.
Many substances on which cockroaches feed are already contaminated. They feed on just about
25 anything: fermenting products to faeces and rotting food. Cockroach-produced allergens may
cause congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, as well as life-threatening bronchial inflammation
(asthma) characterized by recurrent cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Additionally,
cockroach faeces may cause eczema and an allergic reaction in some people.
[0005] Many types of insecticides are available for controlling cockroaches. Most are sold as
30 liquid or aerosol sprays, while some are formulated as edible baits or dusts. The existing
cockroach killers are based on harmful chemicals and pesticides that can affect us if we breathe
3
them in or if we come into skin contact with them. Short-term exposure to some of the chemicals
found in products can cause tightness in chest, sweating, small pupils, stomach pains, vomiting
and diarrhea. The cost of these products is also very high and these pesticides are needed to be
handled carefully.
5 [0006] Some cleaning compositions available for commercial also act as insect repellents but
these cleaners available in the market are composed of harmful chemicals that have an effect on
the human body as well as our environment. Though these cleaners have the capability to not
only cleanse surfaces and stains but also does kill germs & act as a repellent to the insects, the
harmful synthetic chemicals responsible for insect repellent and cleansing properties contaminate
10 water as well as threaten aquatic creatures when discharged through drains to water bodies.
Since most chemical floor cleaners are not biodegradable, they re-join the water table, making
for an unsafe environment.
[0007] Thus there is an urgent need to develop safer alternatives of insect repellent floor
cleaners that can overcome the deficiencies associated with the art. Need is felt for safer
15 alternatives of insect repellent floor cleaners that offer cost effective, simple solution without the
use of any harmful chemicals and are bio-degradable.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to providean insect repellent floor cleaner that
20 overcomes the deficiencies associated with the art.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an insect repellent floor
cleaner that iscost effective, does not use any harmful chemicals and is biodegradable.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an insect repellent floor
cleaner that is effective in getting rid of cockroaches and also displays effective antibacterial and
25 antifungal properties.
[0011] Yetanother object of the present invention is to provide an insect repellent floor
cleaner that it can be used as a normal floor cleaner as well as repels insects like cockroaches and
mosquitoes.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an insect repellent floor
30 cleaner that is easy to prepare and utilizes common household ingredients and spices that are
available abundantly and easily.
4
[0013] The other objects and preferred embodiments and advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent from the following description of the present invention when read in
conjunction with the accompanying examples and figures, which are not intended to limit scope
of the present invention in any manner.
5
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form
that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
10 used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0015] The present invention relates to insect repellent floor cleaner. Specifically, the
present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner.
[0016] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and antifungal
insect repellent floor cleaner comprising natural ingredients that are easily available.
15 [0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising common household ingredients and spices.
[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and
cloves.
20 [0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and
cloves in the form of an aqueous solution.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner optionally comprising isopropyl alcohol.
25 [0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the floor cleaner is effective in
getting rid of cockroaches and also acts as effective antibacterial and antifungal cleaner. The
floor cleaner according to the present invention has dual applications as it can be used as a
normal floor cleaner with added advantage that it will kill the harmful bacteria and repel insects
like cockroaches and mosquitoes.
5
[0022] According to anotheraspect of the present invention, all the ingredient used in the
floor cleaner of the present invention are biodegradable natural ingredients. No harmful
chemicals are used.
[0023] In anotheraspect, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
5 antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner that can be used on a number of surfaces including but
not limited to tiles, stone, marble, granite and the like.
[0024] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the novel
antibacterial and antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner.
[0025] In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a facile method for preparing
10 the novel antibacterial and antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner comprising the steps of:
a) Mixing and grinding turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay leaves and cloves to obtain a fine
powder; and
b) Soaking the powder thus obtained in water for 4 to 6 hours to obtain an aqueous solution.
[0026] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in
15 part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The
embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount
20 of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within
the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be
25 incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term
provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”
means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the
30 embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one
embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not
6
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0030] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties
such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain
5 embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the
term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the
written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment.In some embodiments, the
numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
10 and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable.The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
15 testing measurements.
[0031] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning
of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
20 [0032] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the
word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0033] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range.Unless otherwise
25 indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were
individually recited herein.All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and
all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain
embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
30 limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed.No language in the specification
7
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.
[0034] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein
are not to be construed as limitations.Each group member can be referred to and claimed
5 individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein.One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability.When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification
is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the writtendescription of all
Markush groups used in the appended claims.
10 [0035] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by
way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and
aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation,
and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0036] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implementedin
15 numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these
implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes.
In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of
the invention.
[0037] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only
20 and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0038] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive
subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive
elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the
disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second
25 embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to
include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim
is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have
given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
30 [0040] “Turmeric” is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family,
Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are used in cooking. Major chemical components in turmeric
8
include diarylheptanoids, a class including numerous curcuminoids, such as curcumin,
demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The high curcumin content in turmeric hinders
the insects' access to oxygen, and the antimicrobial aspects create an unendurable environment
for insects.
5 [0041] “Sweet Flag” or Acoruscalamus is a species of flowering plant, a tall wetland
monocot of the family Acoraceae, in the genus Acorus. Calamus leaves and rhizomes contain a
volatile oil that gives a characteristic odor and flavor resembling a refreshing scent of cinnamon.
Sweet Flag acts as a natural preservative and the essential oils of Sweet flag also act as insect
repellent and insecticide. Sweet flag has been found to be effective against houseflies. The
10 essential oil obtained from the leaves of Sweet flag is used in perfumery and for making aromatic
vinegar. All parts of the plant can be dried and used to repel insects or to scent linen cupboards.
[0042] “Bay laurel” also called Laurusnobilis orBay leavesis an aromatic evergreen tree or
large shrub with green, glabrous smooth leaves, in the flowering plant family Lauraceae. The
plant is the source of several popular herbs and the aromatic leaves are added to a variety of
15 recipes. Aqueous extracts of bay laurel have been used as an astringent. The most abundant
component found in laurel essential oil is 1,8-cineole, also called eucalyptol. Bay leaves are
commonly touted as effective in repelling large insects like cockroaches, as well as fleas and
flying insects like wasps and flies; they don't kill the bugs, but likely produce a scent that
cockroaches find irritating or offensive, similar to how some repellents work on mosquitoes.
20 [0043] “Cloves” are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae,
Syzygiumaromaticum. Cloves are used in various cuisines and also to give aromatic and flavor
qualities to hot beverages. A major component of clove taste is imparted by the chemical
eugenoland the quantity of the spice required is typically small. Because of the bioactive
chemicals of clove, the spice may be used as an insect repellent.
25 [0044] The present invention relates to insect repellent floor cleaner. Specifically, the
present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner.
[0045] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising natural ingredients that are easily available
[0046] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
30 antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising common household products and spices.
9
[0047] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein the common household products and spices are
selected from but not limited to turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and cloves.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
5 antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and
cloves.
[0049] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprisingturmeric powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and
cloves in the form of an aqueous solution.
10 [0050] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner optionally comprising isopropyl alcohol.
[0051] In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial
and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein turmeric powder is present in the range of
0.001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.5% and most
15 preferably 0.03%.
[0052] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein sweet flag is present in the range of 0.0001 to
1%by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.0005 to 0.5% and most preferably
0.01%.
20 [0053] In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial
and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein bay laurel is present in the range of 0.001 to
1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.6% and most preferably
0.075%.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
25 antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein cloves are present in the range of 0.001 to 1%
by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.6% and most preferably
0.05%.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the floor cleaner is effective
in getting rid of cockroaches and also acts as effective antibacterial and antifungal cleaner. The
30 floor cleaner according to the present invention has dual applications as it can be used as a
10
normal floor cleaner with added advantage that it will kill the harmful bacteria and repel insects
like cockroaches and mosquitoes.
[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, all the ingredient used
in the floor cleaner of the present invention are biodegradable natural ingredients. No harmful
5 chemicals are used.
[0057] Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with water for use as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic. It is
also used in aftershave lotions, hand lotions, and other cosmetics. In industry, it is used as an
inexpensive solvent for cosmetics, drugs, shellacs, and gums, as well as for denaturing ethanol
(ethyl alcohol).Isopropyl alcohol dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds. It also
10 evaporates quickly, leaves nearly zero oil traces, compared to ethanol, and is relatively nontoxic, compared to alternative solvents. Thus, it is used widely as a solvent and as a cleaning
fluid, especially for dissolving oils.
[0058] In anotherembodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner that can be used on a number of surfaces including but
15 not limited to tiles, stone, marble, granite and the like.
[0059] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the
novel antibacterial and antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner.
[0060] In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a facile method for
preparing the novel antibacterial and antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner comprising the steps
20 of:
a) Mixing and grinding turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay leaves and cloves to obtain a fine
powder; and
b) Soaking the powder thus obtained in water for 4 to 6 hours to obtain an aqueous solution.
[0061] In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a facile method for
25 preparing the novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner further comprising
the steps of optionally mixing the aqueous solution with isopropyl alcohol to obtain a solution.
The solution thus obtained can be used as an insect repellent in spray form.
[0062] In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for preparing the
novel antibacterial and antifungalinsect repellent floor cleaner wherein one liter of aqueous
30 solution contains 30 grams turmeric, 10 grams sweet flag, 75 grams bay laurel and 50 grams
cloves.
11
[0063] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner that is mixed with isopropyl alcohol to obtain solution
used as sprays. Solution in the form of spray has the ease of application and has been found to be
very effective in getting rid of insects like cockroaches and mosquitoes, for atleast three days on
5 a single application. On regular application, complete elimination of insects is observed.
[0064] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a novel antibacterial and
antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner wherein a single application of floor cleaner repels the
insects for a minimum of three days.
[0065] The floor cleaner according to the present invention can be converted to other forms
10 of application such as sprays or liquidator to control insects.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shelf life of the floor
cleaner in aqueous form is one year and the shelf life of floor cleaner in spray form comprising
isopropyl alcohol is three years.
[0067] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and
15 further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not
limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a
person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with
information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
20
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0068] The present invention provides an insect repellent floor cleaner that iscost effective,
does not use any harmful chemicals and is biodegradable.
[0069] The present invention provides an insect repellent floor cleaner that is effective in
25 getting rid of cockroaches and also displays effective antibacterial and antifungal properties.
[0070] The present invention provides an insect repellent floor cleaner that it can be used
as a normal floor cleaner as well as repels insects like cockroaches and mosquitoes.
[0071] The present invention provides an insect repellent floor cleaner that is easy to
prepare and utilizes ingredients that are available abundantly and easily.

We Claim:

1. A novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor cleaner comprising turmeric
powder, sweet flag, bay laurel and cloves.
5 2. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefloor cleaner is in the form of an
aqueous solution.
3. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe floor cleaner optionally comprises
isopropyl alcohol.
4. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, wherein wherein turmeric powder is present in
10 the range of 0.001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001
to 0.5% and most preferably 0.03%.
5. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereinsweet flag is present in the range of
0.0001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.0005 to 0.5%
and most preferably 0.01%
15 6. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereinbay laurel is present in the range of
0.001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.6% and
most preferably 0.075%.
7. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereincloves are present in the range of
0.001 to 1% by weight of the composition, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 0.6% and
20 most preferably 0.05%.
8. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe ingredients used in the floor
cleaner of the present invention are biodegradable natural ingredients.
9. The insect repellent as claimed in claim 1, whereinfloor cleaner can be used on a number
of surfaces including tiles, stone, marble and granite.
25 10. A method for preparing the novel antibacterial and antifungal insect repellent floor
cleaner as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a) Mixing and grinding turmeric powder, sweet flag, bay leaves and cloves to obtain a
fine powder; and
b) Soaking the powder thus obtained in water for 4 to 6 hours to obtain an aqueous
30 solution.
13
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the steps of
optionally mixing the aqueous solution with isopropyl alcohol to obtain a solution that
can be used as an insect repellent in spray form.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein one liter of aqueous solution contains 30
5 grams turmeric, 10 grams sweet flag, 75 grams bay laurel and 50 grams cloves.
13. The floor cleaner obtained by the method as claimed in claim 10, wherein a single
application of floor cleaner repels the insects for a minimum of three days.