Compositions – Textile processing aid compositions – or processes of preparing – For textile materials consisting wholly or in part of silk...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-24
2003-01-07
Hardee, John (Department: 1751)
Compositions
Textile processing aid compositions, or processes of preparing
For textile materials consisting wholly or in part of silk...
C442S102000, C510S466000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06503412
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumers use paper wiping products, such as tissues, for a wide variety of applications. For example, various types of tissues can be used for applications, such as for nose care, cosmetics, eyeglass cleaning, etc. Typically, a user of such tissues requires that they possess a relatively soft feel. In the past, various mechanisms have been utilized to produce tissues having a soft feel. For example, in many cases, a tissue is softened through the application of a chemical additive (i.e., softener) that is capable of enhancing the soft feel of the tissue product. However, one problem associated with some conventional softeners is the relative difficulty in applying the softeners to a tissue. For instance, many softeners contain components that cause the composition to be formed as a solid or semi-solid. To facilitate application of such solid or semi-solid compositions to a tissue, extensive heating is typically required. Moreover, even after extensive heating, the softeners often readily re-solidify upon returning to room temperature.
As such, a need currently exists for an improved softening composition that can be applied to a tissue, such as a bath tissue, to enhance the softness of the tissue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing drawbacks, and deficiencies of prior art constructions and methods. The present invention is generally directed to a softening composition that can be applied to a tissue to enhance the softness of the tissue. For example, in one embodiment, the softening composition is formed from a mixture of a silicone polymer, a surfactant, a softness-enhancing agent, and a solvent.
For example, in one embodiment, the silicone polymer used in a softening composition of the present invention is typically cationic so as to aid in the attachment of the composition to the cellulosic fibers of a tissue. For example, in one embodiment, the silicone polymer can be a silicone diquaternary ammonium salt. In general, the silicone polymer can be incorporated into the softening composition in any desired amount. In particular, a softening composition of the present invention usually contains up to about 40% by weight of a silicone polymer, and particularly from about 15% to about 30% by weight. In some instances, the silicone polymer can have antistatic properties to reduce static build-up.
In addition to a silicone polymer, a softening composition of the present invention may also contain a surfactant. In general, any type of surfactant (i.e., nonionic, ionic, cationic, or amphoteric) may be used in the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the surfactant is a nonionic silicone polyether. In general, the surfactant can be incorporated into the softening composition in any desired amount. In particular, a softening composition of the present invention usually contains up to about 20% by weight of a surfactant, and particularly from about 5% to about 15% by weight.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the chemistry of the surfactant can be varied to alter various characteristics of the surfactant. For example, the n/m ratio (i.e., ratio of propyoxylate groups to ethyoxylate), the molecular weight, the cloud point, etc., may be varied in accordance with the present invention. For instance, by decreasing the n/m ratio, the hydrophilicity of the surfactant is increased. Moreover, by increasing the hydrophilic nature of the surfactant, the softening composition may be applied to a tissue without substantially decreasing the water absorption capabilities of the tissue.
As stated, a softening composition of the present invention also typically contains a softness-enhancing agent to increase the softness of the tissue. For example, some suitable softness-enhancing agents include, but are not limited to, quaternary ammonium compounds, cellulose esters, monosaccharide ester compounds, phospholipid compounds, etc. In general, the softness-enhancing agent can be incorporated into the softening composition in any desired amount. In particular, a softening composition of the present invention usually contains up to about 20% by weight of a softness-enhancing agent, and particularly from about 5% to about 15% by weight.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the chemistry of the softness-enhancing agent can be varied to alter various characteristics of the softness-enhancing agent. For example, the carbon chain length of the agent may be varied in accordance with the present invention. In particular, a softness-enhancing agent used in the present invention usually has a carbon chain between 8 to 24 carbon atoms in length, and particularly between 12 to 24 carbon atoms.
Besides the above-mentioned components, a softening composition of the present invention may also contain a solvent. In general, any water and/or alcohol-based compounds can be utilized in the present invention. For example, some suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,3-methyl propanediol, isopentyldiol, etc. Moreover, a solvent of the present invention can also generally be incorporated within the softening composition in various amounts. In particular, the solvent can be utilized in the softening composition in amounts up to about 40% by weight of the composition, and particularly between about 15% to about 30% by weight.
Other ingredients may also be incorporated into the softening composition as desired. For example foaming aids may be utilized when foaming the composition onto a tissue. Moreover, various compositions that mask, inhibit, or prevent certain odors may also be incorporated into the softening composition.
Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
In general, the present invention is directed to a softening composition that can be applied to a tissue, such as bath tissue, to enhance the softness of the tissue. Moreover, various components can be utilized in conjunction with softening composition to provide the tissue with certain desired characteristics. For instance, in one embodiment, an odor control agent can be combined with the softening composition and applied to a bath tissue to wipe or clean the genital and perianal areas. A softening composition of the present invention generally includes a silicone polymer, a surfactant, a softness-enhancing agent, and a solvent.
In accordance with the present invention, the softening composition can generally contain any of a variety of different silicone polymers. In some embodiments, the silicone polymer can be cationic such that it is more substantive to the cellulosic fibers of certain substrates, such as tissue products. In particular, because a tissue typically contains cellulosic fibers that are anionic in nature, a cationic silicone polymer can allow the softening composition to more easily bond to the tissue. Moreover, a cationic silicone polymer can also enhance the ability of the cellulosic fibers of the tissue to retain other non-cationic components, such as non-ionic surfactants. In certain instances, the silicone polymer can also contain antistatic properties to enhance the lubricating
Dority & Manning P.A.
Hardee John
Kimberly--Clark Worldwide, Inc.
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