Antimicrobial coatings for household goods

Abstract

Various trashcans, their coatings, and coatings for other household goods are disclosed. In certain implementations, the disclosed coatings are antimicrobial. Various methods for forming antimicrobial coatings for household goods are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating comprises a substrate and an antimicrobial agent. In certain implementations the coating can be applied to a household good where the coating leaves a substantially streak-free finish. Some embodiments pertain to protective films that can be removed from a coated household good without leaving residue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A coating for a household good comprising:
 a polymeric substrate configured to adhere to a surface of the household good;   an antimicrobial agent dispersed within the substrate;   wherein the coating is substantially streak-free.   
     
     
         2 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of antimicrobial agent in the coating ranges from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight. 
     
     
         3 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of antimicrobial agent in the coating ranges from about 1.1% to about 1.2% by weight. 
     
     
         4 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric substrate comprises a material that resists or makes it easier to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. 
     
     
         5 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is sufficiently durable so that it can withstand repeated cleanings or washings without losing its antimicrobial properties. 
     
     
         6 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric substrate comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         7 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein 24 hours after an initial bacterial exposure to the coating, an amount of bacteria remaining on the coating is at least about 95% less than at the initial bacterial exposure. 
     
     
         8 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the coating reduces an amount of  E. coli  from about 2.3×10 5  colony forming units (CFU) per 50 mm×50 mm carrier to less than about 5 CFU/carrier over a period of about 24 hours and wherein the coating reduces an amount of  S. aureus  from about 3.85×10 5  CFU per 50 mm×50 mm carrier to less than about 5 CFU/carrier over a period of about 24 hours. 
     
     
         9 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a zeolite. 
     
     
         10 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises ionic silver, ionic copper, and ammonium. 
     
     
         11 . The coating of  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is supported on a nanoparticle. 
     
     
         12 . A coating for a household good comprising:
 a polymeric substrate configured to adhere to a surface of the household good;   an antimicrobial agent dispersed within the substrate;   wherein the coating is substantially streak-free;   wherein the surface of the household good is a metal surface;   wherein the coating is applied directly to a metal sheet used to form the surface of the household good by applying a slurry comprising a solvent, a polymeric substrate material, and the antimicrobial agent to the metal sheet using a reverse-rolling device and then drying to provide the coating on a coated sheet; and   wherein the coated sheet is shaped to form the surface of the household good.   
     
     
         13 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the amount of antimicrobial agent in the coating ranges from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight. 
     
     
         14 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the amount of antimicrobial agent in the coating ranges from about 1.1% to about 1.2% by weight. 
     
     
         15 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the polymeric substrate comprises a material that resists or makes it easier to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. 
     
     
         16 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the coating is sufficiently durable so that it can withstand repeated cleanings or washings without losing its antimicrobial properties. 
     
     
         17 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the polymeric substrate comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         18 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a zeolite. 
     
     
         19 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises ionic silver, ionic copper, and ammonium. 
     
     
         20 . The coating of  claim 12 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is supported on a nanoparticle.