Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-05
2001-10-30
Douyon, Lorna M. (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
C510S130000, C510S135000, C510S137000, C510S138000, C510S159000, C510S276000, C510S278000, C510S338000, C510S400000, C510S407000, C510S437000, C510S441000, C510S470000, C424S401000, C134S042000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06310014
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to personal and household care products that include a gasified solid. The gasified solid provides a popping, crackling, or sizzling sound during product use. If the product is used on the skin, the gasified solid also provides a tingling sensation. The sound and/or tingle indicates the presence and continued action of the product.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Many types of personal and household care products are known and used every day by consumers. These products include items such as skin cleaners, moisturizers, bath additives, rug cleaners, room fresheners, and laundry detergents. Many other products, of course, fit into these general categories.
In the past, developers of consumer products determined that a consumer is generally more satisfied if more than one sense is involved in the use of a product. This is why fragrance is added to personal care and household products, why food manufacturers pay so much attention to product taste and texture, why a variety of colors and appearances are available for most cosmetic items, and why package design is such an important feature in a product's marketability.
For example, many of the personal and household care products of today stimulate the sense of smell through the use of perfumes. Interesting colors are utilized in products in order to stimulate the sense of sight. Warming sensations or texture is incorporated into the product or some attribute of its performance (e.g., foam) to stimulate the sense of feel. However, the sense of hearing is rarely, if ever, stimulated by the personal and household care products of today.
The present invention fills that void by allowing the sense of hearing to be stimulated by many everyday products.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4, 289,794; 3,012,893; 3,985,909; 3,985,910; 4,001,457; 4,837,039; 4,952,417, and 5,165,842 disclose processes that may be germane to the process for the preparation of a gasified material. Each of these patents are incorporated by reference herein. The products disclosed in the above-identified patents are products that are intended for use as a candy. These products provide a sensation of popping and crackling when they are placed in the mouth. The popping sensation is caused by the release of carbon dioxide when the candy is dissolved in the mouth or the carbon dioxide bubbles are ruptured by chewing. There is no discussion or suggestion of using a gasified solid in personal or household care products.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,052 discloses a crackling aerosol foam. In this invention, a crackling sound is created when an absorbed liquefied gas (i.e., zeolite or a molecular sieve) is released from the pressure of an aerosol container. However, the present invention does not require the use of pressurized packaging, which is beneficial because it reduces the possibility of the product exploding and potentially causing damage. Further, the present invention does not demand that the gas be liquified.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,947,566, 3,947,567, and 3,947,568 describe effervescent compositions in which bubbles are created by releasing liquefied gas from the pressure of an aerosol package. In the present invention, neither pressurized packaging nor liquified gas is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide personal and household care products that contain a gasified solid. The gasified solid provides a popping, crackling, or sizzling sound during product use, and, if used on the skin, also provides a tingling sensation.
A water soluble material, hereinafter referred to as a “gasified solid”, encapsulates carbon dioxide into a solid matrix of sugar, glucose, and lactose. This matrix can hold tiny pockets of carbon dioxide gas at pressures exceeding several hundred pounds per square inch. When the water soluble material is placed in water, thereby dissolving the solid structure, or when the water soluble material is mechanically abraded, thereby rupturing the solid matrix structure, the pressurized gas is released with a popping sound.
Generally, personal care products are items or compositions used by an individual to clean and/or moisturize the body. Some personal care products possible within this invention include crackling bath additives and skin cleansers that make a popping noise during use.
Household care products are items or compositions used by an individual to clean and/or deodorize a house or items within a house. Some possible household care products included within this invention are crackling laundry detergents, dish and hard surface detergents, and rug cleaners that make a popping sound when walked upon.
A primary benefit of this technology is that the popping, crackling, or sizzling sound generated by the rupturing of the gasified solid can be used as an indicator of the presence and continued action of the product. Additionally, the sound generated stimulates the sense of hearing to aesthetically please the consumer and further creates an impression of an improved use of the product.
A secondary benefit of this technology is that when products containing gasified solids are used in contact with the skin, a tingling sensation can be felt. This sensation creates an impression of an improved cleansing or softening of the skin.
A third benefit of this technology is that pressurized packaging is not required. This reduces the possibility of the product exploding and causing damage.
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Douyon Lorna M.
Kelber, Esq. Steven B.
Phyzz Inc.
Piper Marbury
Rudnick & Wolfe LLP
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