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
2004-04-27
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
06727209
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 in combination with sucrose. In preferred embodiment, the polydextrose is within an approximate molecular weight window. Use of sucrose widens the window of polydextrose which can be used and lowers the levels of polydextrose necessary to achieve biphasic effect.
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 MultiPhase 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 4%, preferably about 3% by wt. or less and more preferably about 2% 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.
Unlike the biphasic compositions in the Williams et al. specification, the biphasic compositions of the subject invention are induced by a combination polydextrose and sucrose (and optionally salt). The biphasic compositions of the invention are stable and 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 in combination with sucrose, not salt, and no salt is required, although small amounts (e.g., up to about 4%, preferably about 3% or less, more preferably about 1.5% or less, more preferably about 1% or less) may be used. Use of small amounts of salt tend to allow use of less sucrose and/or polydextrose.
In some preferred embodiments of the invention (e.g., where MW of polydextrose is above 1800) use of some salt is preferred to help stability of lower aqueous phase which tends to be more opaque when higher MW polydextrose (e.g., above 1800) are 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.
Applicants have filed a co-pending application on same date as subject application in which biphasic as induced by use of polydextrose alone (and optionally salt depending on levels of polydextrose). The subject invention differs from said application in that there is required the use of sucrose in combination with polydextrose and this combination of polydextrose and sucrose provides greater flexibility as to amount of polydextrose used (with or without salt). Further, while the co-pending application requires polydextrose of defined molecular weight, such is not believed required by the present invention (although, as noted above, where MW of polydextrose is above 1800, preferably minimal amounts of salt, e.g., at least 0.1%, preferably at least 0.5%, should be used to help stabilize the lower, more opaque layer formed from the use of higher MW polydextrose; where no salt is used, preferably molecular weight of polydextrose is below 1500 and more preferably below 1200).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Applicants have now found that biphasic liquids (e.g., liquids which separate into top and bottom aqueous liquids) may be induced by addition of sufficient quantity of specifically defined polydextrose in combination with sucrose. This induction can occur with or without use of salt, although use of salt may lower amount of polydextrose used (and is also preferred when MW of polydextrose is above 1800; when such polydextrose is used, use of stabilizer, e.g., xanthan gum, is also preferred). Very low amounts of polydextrose (e.g., as low as about 2.5% by wt.) can be used if sucrose and/or surfactant levels are sufficiently high.
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 2.5%, more preferably at least 10% by wt. of polydextrose or mixture of polydextrose molecules. It is preferred, although not required that polydextrose have a degree of polymerization (e.g., number of linking glucose units) of 4 to 22 (this corresponds to MW of about 600 to about 3600);
(3) at least about 2.5% to 50% sucrose; and
(4) balance water and minors.
In a second embodiment of the claims, the invention comprises compositions wherein at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1%, more preferably at least 2% salt is used. Generally slightly higher salt allows use of slightly less polydextrose.
In another embodiment of the invention, when polydextrose of MW above 1800 is used, it is also preferred to use some salt. It is further preferred to use some stabilizer (e.g., xanthan gum, carbopol) to stabilize the generally more opaque lower layer.
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 in combination with sucrose. Preferably, the degree of polymerization (defining number of linking glucose groups) of the polydextrose is 4 to 22.
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 2.5%, preferably 10% by wt. polydextrose; preferably, although not necessarily, the degree of polymerization (i.e., number of linking glucose units) of the polydextrose is 4 to 22 corresponding to a MW of 600 to 3600; preferably MW is 700 to 1800, more preferably 900 to 1500 and more preferably 900 to 1200 (at higher MW polydextrose, use of at least 0.1% to, preferably at least 0.5% salt is preferred as is, even more preferred, use of some additional stabilizer);
(3) at least about 2.5% sucrose; and
(4) balance water and minors.
As noted, when polydextrose of MW above 1800 is used, some salt is preferably used.
The general concept behind the invention is that, when sufficient amount of specified polydext
Paredes Rosa
Pereira Daniel
Sabin Robert D.
Shana'a May
Koatz Ronald A.
Mruk Brian P
Unilever Home & Personal Care USA , division of Conopco, Inc.
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