Biodegradable sink ring

Abstract

A degradable sanitary ring configured for nesting within a drain portion of a sink, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, is further configured to elute one or more sanitizing agents as the ring degrades. The sanitizing agents may include antimicrobial agents or scented oils. The degradable sanitary ring is used to improve sanitation in and around the sink area.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A fragrance-releasing sink ring configured for nesting within a drain portion of a sink, the fragrance-releasing sink ring comprising:
 an annular body structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface being configured for nesting against a surface of the drain portion of the sink for securely fixing therebetween;   the annular body structure being one of:
 molded or cast from a degradable polymer having one or more sanitizing agents embedded therein, or 
 coated with a degradable polymer having one or more sanitizing agents embedded therein; 
   wherein said one or more sanitizing agents comprises: a scented oil, an antimicrobial agent, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , further comprising a flange extending radially outward from the annular body structure. 
     
     
         3 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more flaps extending radially inward from the annular body structure, the flaps further comprising one or more slits and one or more apertures for channeling water and other material therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , said annular body structure being coated with said degradable polymer having one or more sanitizing agents embedded therein, wherein said degradable polymer coated on said annular body structure comprises two or more polymer layers. 
     
     
         5 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 4 , wherein said two or more polymer layers comprises a first layer having a first erosion rate associated therewith, and a second layer having a second erosion rate that is distinct from the first erosion rate. 
     
     
         6 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 4 , wherein said two or more polymer layers comprises a first layer having a first sanitizing agent, and a second layer having a second sanitizing agent that is distinct from the first sanitizing agent. 
     
     
         7 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , wherein said degradable polymer comprises soy protein isolate. 
     
     
         8 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , wherein said degradable polymer comprises crosslinked soy protein isolate. 
     
     
         9 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , wherein said degradable polymer comprises a cellulose-derived polymer. 
     
     
         10 . The fragrance-releasing sink ring of  claim 1 , wherein said degradable polymer comprises a carbohydrate-glass powder embedded therein, each particle of the carbohydrate-glass powder containing said one or more sanitizing agents.