Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing – For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-09
2004-05-04
Ogden, Necholus (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
C510S352000, C510S357000, C510S426000, C510S492000, C510S536000, C510S537000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06730650
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a liquid detergent composition and more particularly to a heavy-duty liquid detergent composition having relatively small amounts of anionic surfactants, at least one viscosity-enhancing agent and a liquid carrier, and which is substantially free of nonionic surfactants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents generally have high amounts of surfactants, that is, 10% by weight or greater. Surfactants promote and facilitate the removal of stains and soil from fabrics laundered in wash solutions formed from such liquid detergents and water. Typically, these laundry detergents have both nonionic and anionic surfactant components. Nonionic surfactant components, which are relatively expensive components of liquid detergents, are generally added to detergents to remove stains and soil, particularly to remove oil and grease. However, when present above certain levels, nonionic surfactant components significantly reduce the viscosity of the liquid laundry detergent, thus rendering the detergent composition unstable. While inorganic electrolytes generally may increase the viscosity of the liquid detergent, nonionic surfactant components may cause inorganic electrolytes to precipitate from the solution. Accordingly, to compensate for the reduced viscosity of the detergent, organic thickeners and hydrotropes are generally added to the detergent. However, addition of such components may significantly increase the cost of the liquid laundry detergent.
Anionic surfactants are also added to detergents for the removal of stains and soils. However, when present above a certain amount, anionic surfactants result in redeposition of the dirty wash solution on the items being washed. Unless inhibited, such redeposition on the fabrics tends to create unsightly films. After several washes, particularly in the case of colored fabrics, such redeposition can result in fading or other loss of color.
While attempts have been made to provide a low cost heavy-duty liquid detergent that provides satisfactory cleaning with improved anti-redeposition properties, none have satisfactorily accomplished that objective, particularly in the context of a stable, suitably viscous heavy-duty liquid detergent. The present invention addresses this long felt, yet unresolved need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary of the invention section is intended to introduce the reader to aspects of the invention and is not a complete description of the invention. Particular aspects of the invention are pointed out in other sections herein below, and the invention is set forth in the appended claims which alone demarcate its scope.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a liquid detergent composition is provided. The liquid detergent composition includes an anionic surfactant component, a viscosity-enhancing agent, and a liquid carrier. The liquid detergent composition is substantially free of nonionic surfactant. The anionic surfactant component is present in an amount at least as great as about 2% by weight. The anionic surfactant component is also present in an amount no greater than about 7% by weight. The anionic surfactant component includes an alkyl ether sulfate material and a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate material. The alkyl ether sulfate material and the linear alkyl benzene sulfonate material are present in a ratio in the range of from about 5:1 to about 1:0.5. The viscosity-enhancing agent is present in an amount sufficient so that the liquid detergent composition has a viscosity no less than about 120 centipoise.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a liquid detergent composition is provided. The liquid detergent composition consists essentially of an anionic surfactant component, a viscosity-enhancing agent, optionally at least one additive, and a liquid carrier. The anionic surfactant component is present in an amount at least as great as 3% by weight. The anionic surfactant component is also present in an amount no greater than about 6% by weight. The anionic surfactant component comprises an alkyl ether sulfate material and a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate material which are present in a ratio in the range of from about 4:1 to about 1:1. The viscosity enhancing agent is present in an amount at least as great as 2% by weight. The viscosity enhancing agent is also present in an amount no greater than 10% by weight.
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Snell & Wilmer LLP
The Dial Corporation
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