Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing – For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
Reexamination Certificate
2002-08-14
2004-09-07
Mruk, Brian P. (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
C510S159000, C510S405000, C510S417000, C510S421000, C510S426000, C510S470000, C510S474000, C510S475000, C510S483000, C510S535000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06787511
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to aqueous liquid cleansing compositions which are biphasic in nature. More specifically, such compositions are characterized by having (assuming they have been standing a sufficiently long period of time after shaking) both an upper aqueous layer and a separate lower aqueous layer. In the subject invention, formation of the biphasic liquids is induced by use of sufficient amount of polydextrose wherein the polydextrose is within an approximate molecular weight window. The amount of polydextrose required to induce biphasic formation can be reduced if some salt is used.
BACKGROUND
Biphasic liquids defined by the general fact that the liquid is divided into two phases are not new. Most of these liquids comprise both one layer which is an aqueous layer and a second layer comprising a water immiscible oily material.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,609 to Weimer, for example, discloses a liquid detergent composition having an aqueous layer and a layer of liquid water immiscible oily material. When shaken, the liquid forms a temporary oil-in-water emulsion.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,478 to Olson Jr. et al. discloses a two phase shampoo composition made by preparing substantially polar and lipophilic portions of a shampoo composition.
Biphasic compositions comprising an upper and lower aqueous phase are also disclosed in the art. U.S. Ser. No. 09/643,142 to Williams et al., entitled “A Separating Multi-Phase Personal Wash Composition in a Transparent or Translucent Package” discloses biphasic compositions comprising:
(a) 5 to 35% surfactant;
(b) 1 to 12% thickener;
(c) 4 to 20% polyalkylene glycol; and
(d) sufficient non-chelating mineral salt to induce phase separation.
While the total amount of salt/electrolyte is not specifically discussed in the above specification, it is apparent from the examples that the amount sufficient to induce formation of biphasic layer is at least in the order of 4%, 5%, 6% and greater. By contrast, in the subject invention, salt is not required at all for biphasic formation and, if used, is generally in an amount less than 3%, preferably about 2% by wt. or less and more preferably about 1% by wt. or less. As discussed in the specification below, using small amounts of salt (i.e., about 0.5% to 3%, preferably 0.5% to 1%) does allow less amount of polydextrose to be used to induce biphasic formation.
In addition, unlike the compositions in the Williams et al. specification, the compositions of the subject invention are induced by polydextrose and are stable and they do not require either thickener or polyalkylene glycol as is required by the compositions of Williams.
EP 0,116,422 to Reckett and Coleman also discloses multi-layered compositions in which two liquids are dispersible and which separate on standing. Again, at least 6% salt/electrolyte (e.g., sodium hexamataphosphate) are required in these compositions (see page 4, lines 17-19). The biphasic liquids of the invention are induced by polydextrose, not salt, and no salt is required, although small amounts (e.g., up to about 3%, preferably about 2% or less, more preferably about 1.5% or less, more preferably about 1% or less) may be used.
In addition, the compositions of the subject invention are preferably used in translucent or transparent compositions (i.e., for the sensorial benefit) and such is not taught or suggested in EP 0,116,422.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Unexpectedly, applicants have now found that biphasic liquids (e.g., liquids which separate into top and bottom aqueous liquids) may be induced merely by addition of sufficient quantity of specifically defined polydextrose.
More specifically, the present invention comprises liquid personal cleansing compositions comprising:
(1) 5% to 75%, preferably 6% to 40% by wt. of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof;
(2) at least about 15%, more preferably at least 20% by wt. of polydextrose or mixture of polydextrose molecules, wherein the degree of polymerization (e.g., number of linking glucose units) is 4 to 22 (this corresponds to MW of about 600 to about 3600); and
(3) balance water and minors.
In a second embodiment of the claims, the invention comprises compositions wherein at least 1% salt is used and levels of polydextrose may be 10%. In a third embodiment, the invention comprises composition wherein at least 2% salt is used and polydextrose level may be as low as 5%.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to biphasic liquid cleansing compositions wherein the formation of the biphasic liquid is induced by the addition of sufficient amount of polydextrose, wherein the degree of polymerization (defining number of linking glucose groups) is 4 to 22. This corresponds approximately to MW of about 600 to 3600.
More specifically, the invention comprises:
(1) 5% to 75% by wt. of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic, cationic surfactant and mixtures thereof;
(2) at least 15% polydextrose, wherein the degree of polymerization (i.e., number of linking glucose units) is 4 to 22 or have an MW of 600 to 3600; preferably MW is 700 to 1800, more preferably 900 to 1500 and more preferably 900 to 1200; and
(3) balance water and minors.
The general concept behind the invention is that, when sufficient amount of specified polydextrose is added, phase separation occurs. For example, this is shown in the Examples wherein, when 20% polydextrose MD180 (MW 1000) is added, separation occurs. Different surfactant systems can be used and the specific type of surfactants is not a limiting factor.
The inventive compositions may be used in combination with a transparent package in order to view the liquid. Thus, in one embodiment, the invention also comprises a system comprising said transparent or translucent package in combination with the liquid.
Typically, once the biphasic composition is formed (e.g., the composition “settles” after having been shaken), the viscosity of the lower layer is lower than that of the upper layer.
Also, the density of lower layer is typically greater than that of upper layer.
Typically, in such biphasic liquids, there is no recrystallization visible after composition has been standing for 6 months at room temperature.
The final product will have shower-gel like viscosity of 100 to 5000 mPas, preferably 200 to 4000 at shear rate 10 s
−1
at 25° C. measured using Haake RV20 Rotovisco Rheometer.
In a second embodiment of the invention, a small amount of salt is used and the amount of polydextrose needed to induce biphasic liquid is reduced. More specifically, in this embodiment, the composition comprises at least 1% salt and at least 10% polydextrose.
In a third embodiment, the composition comprises at least 2% salt and at least 5% polydextrose.
The various components of the composition are discussed in greater detail below.
Surfactant
The surfactant generally will comprise 5 to 75% by wt. of the total composition.
The surfactant is a surfactant which may be selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Preferably, there will be at least one anionic surfactant.
Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants are disclosed in McCutcheon's
Detergents and Emulsifiers
, North American Edition (1986), published by Allured Publishing Corporation; McCutcheon's
Functional
materials, North Americas Edition (1992), both of which are incorporated by reference into the subject application.
Examples of anionic surfactants include sarcosinates, sulfates, isethionates, taurates, phosphates, lactylates, glutamates and mixtures thereof. Among isethionates are preferred alkoxyl isethionates such as sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate and mixtures.
The alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates typically have the respective formulae
Massaro Michael
Patel Rajesh
Koatz Ronald A.
Mruk Brian P.
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA , division of Conopco, Inc.
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