U.S. patent application number 16/295792 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for cleaning composition that provides residual benefits.
This patent application is currently assigned to S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael E. Klinkhammer, Francis J. Randall, John R. Wietfeldt, Russell B. Wortley.
Application Number | 20190233775 16/295792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42827308 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190233775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wortley; Russell B. ; et
al. |
August 1, 2019 |
CLEANING COMPOSITION THAT PROVIDES RESIDUAL BENEFITS
Abstract
A composition for use on a hard surface. The composition has:
(i) at least 7.5 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected; (ii) a
blend of linear primary alcohols, or a blend of ethoxylated linear
primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of the non-ethoxylated blend
or ethoxylated blend includes a carbon chain containing 9-17
carbons; (iii) a transport rate factor of less than about 55
seconds; and (iv) an adhesion time of greater than about 8
hours.
Inventors: |
Wortley; Russell B.;
(Kenosha, WI) ; Klinkhammer; Michael E.; (Dunedin,
FL) ; Wietfeldt; John R.; (Franksville, WI) ;
Randall; Francis J.; (Racine, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. |
Racine |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
S. C. Johnson & Son,
Inc.
Racine
WI
|
Family ID: |
42827308 |
Appl. No.: |
16/295792 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15205232 |
Jul 8, 2016 |
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16295792 |
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12461103 |
Jul 31, 2009 |
9410111 |
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15205232 |
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12388588 |
Feb 19, 2009 |
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12461103 |
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61064181 |
Feb 21, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/2068 20130101;
C11D 1/72 20130101; C11D 11/0023 20130101; C11D 1/123 20130101;
C11D 1/8305 20130101; C11D 17/003 20130101; C11D 17/0056 20130101;
C11D 3/18 20130101; C11D 1/29 20130101; C11D 3/2013 20130101; C11D
1/722 20130101; C11D 3/50 20130101; C11D 1/662 20130101; C11D 1/75
20130101; C11D 1/8255 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C11D 17/00 20060101
C11D017/00; C11D 11/00 20060101 C11D011/00; C11D 3/20 20060101
C11D003/20; C11D 3/50 20060101 C11D003/50; C11D 3/18 20060101
C11D003/18; C11D 1/83 20060101 C11D001/83; C11D 1/29 20060101
C11D001/29; C11D 1/72 20060101 C11D001/72; C11D 1/825 20060101
C11D001/825 |
Claims
1. canceled.
2. A self-adhesive gel for use on a hard surface comprising: (a)
less than about 10 wt. % fragrance; (b) at least about 20 wt. % of
an adhesion promoter, which is one or more of substituted or
unsubstituted, linear or branched compounds selected from the group
consisting of polyethylene glycol, cellulose, polysaccharide,
alginate, polyurethane, gelatine, pectine, oleyl amine, alkyl
dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl ether sulfate, polyalkoxy substituted
compounds, and stearates; (c) solvent, which comprises alkylene
glycol, polyalkylene glycol, glycerin, alkyl ether of a
polyalkylene glycol and/or alkyl ether of an alkylene glycol; (d)
hydrophilic acrylic polymer; and (e) at least about 25 wt. % water;
wherein the gel has a transport rate factor of less than about 55
seconds, a gel temperature of about 50 to 80.degree. C., and an
adhesion time of greater than 8 hours.
3. The gel of claim 2, wherein the adhesion promoter comprises one
or more C.sub.16-C.sub.22 ethoxylated alcohols having an average of
about 25 to 50 ethoxy subunits.
4. The gel of claim 2, wherein the adhesion promoter comprises one
or more polyalkoxy substituted compounds.
5. The gel of claim 4, wherein the one or more polyalkoxy
substituted compounds comprise polyalkoxyalkane.
6. The gel of claim 5, wherein the polyalkoxyalkane comprises a
C.sub.16 ethoxylated alcohol, a C.sub.18 ethoxylated alcohol, a
C.sub.20 ethoxylated alcohol and/or a C.sub.22 ethoxylated
alcohol.
7. The gel of claim 2, wherein the adhesion promoter comprises
polyethylene glycol, alkyl ether sulfate, and one or more
C.sub.16-C.sub.22 ethoxylated alcohols having an average of about
25 to 50 ethoxy subunits.
8. The gel of claim 2, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate comprises an
alkali metal C.sub.6-C.sub.18 alkyl ether sulfate.
9. The gel of claim 8, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate comprises
sodium lauryl ether sulfate.
10. The gel of claim 2, wherein the gel comprises about 1 to 10 wt.
% glycerin.
11. The gel of claim 3, wherein the gel comprises about 1 to 10 wt.
% of the solvent.
12. The gel of claim 2, further comprising from greater than 0 to 5
wt. % of the hydrophilic acrylic polymer.
13. The gel of claim 12, wherein the hydrophilic acrylic Polymer
comprises a hydrophilic acrylic acid and/or acrylate copolymer
having quaternized ammonium groups.
14. The gel of claim 2, further comprising one or more
C.sub.11-C.sub.15 ethoxylated alkyl alcohols having an average of
about 3 to 12 ethoxy subunits.
15. The gel of claim 2, comprising about 20 to 40 wt. % of the
adhesion promoter, which comprises polyethylene glycol, alkyl ether
sulfate, and polyalkoxyalkane; about 1 to 10 wt. % glycerin.
16. The gel of claim 15, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate comprises
an alkali metal C.sub.6-C.sub.18 alkyl ether sulfate; and the
polyalkoxyalkane comprises a C.sub.16 ethoxylated alcohol, a
C.sub.18 ethoxylated alcohol, a C.sub.20 ethoxylated alcohol and/or
a C.sub.22 ethoxylated alcohol.
17. The gel of claim 15, wherein the gel further comprises one or
more C.sub.11-C.sub.15 ethoxylated alkyl alcohols having an average
of about 3 to 12 ethoxy subunits.
18. A self-adhesive gel for use on a hard surface comprising: (a)
less than about 10 wt. % fragrance; (b) at least about 20 wt. % of
an adhesion promoter, which comprises polyethylene glycol, alkyl
ether sulfate; and polyalkoxyalkane having an average of about 25
to 50 ethoxy subunits; (c) solvent, which comprises glycerin; (d) a
hydrophilic acrylic polymer; (e) one or more C.sub.11-C.sub.15
ethoxylated alkyl alcohols having an average of about 3 to 12
ethoxy subunits; (f) at least about 40 wt. % water; wherein the gel
has a transport rate factor of less than about 55 seconds, a gel
temperature of about 50 to 80.degree. C., and an adhesion time of
greater than 8 hours.
19. The gel of claim 18, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate comprises
sodium lauryl ether sulfate; the polyalkoxyalkane comprises a
C.sub.16 ethoxylated alcohol, a C.sub.18 ethoxylated alcohol, a
C.sub.20 ethoxylated alcohol and/or a C.sub.22 ethoxylated alcohol;
and the gel comprises about 1 to 10 wt. % glycerin; greater than 0
to about 5 wt. % of the hydrophilic acrylic polymer.
20. The gel of claim 18, wherein the polyalkoxyalkane comprises one
or more C.sub.16-C.sub.22 ethoxylated alcohols.
21. The gel of claim 18, wherein the hydrophilic acrylic polymer
comprises a hydrophilic acrylic acid and/or acrylate copolymer
having quaternized ammonium groups.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
15/205,232 filed Jul. 8, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.
No. 12/461,103 filed Jul. 31, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,410,111 B2,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/388,588 filed
Feb. 19, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/064,181, filed Feb. 21, 2008.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0004] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a
self-adhering composition that may provide residual benefits based
on an extended spreading or coating provided by the composition
upon exposure to a layer of water. In addition, the composition has
improved stability under varying conditions of temperature and
humidity, as well as improved self-adhesion to hard surfaces, for
example a ceramic surface, such as toilet bowls, glass, windows,
doors, shower or bath Walls, and the like. Additionally, due to the
inclusion of a blend of certain linear primary alcohols or blend of
certain ethoxylated linear primary alcohols, a composition as
described has improved stability during manufacture and as a
finished product.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0005] It is known to hang cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or
fragrancing agents in a container under the rim of a toilet bowl by
appropriate hanging devices from which the sanitary agents are
released upon each flush into the toilet bowl.
[0006] While effective, some consumers do not use such devices
because of reasons such as the need to remove a used device by
hand. For example, consumers may perceive such requirement as
unsanitary or generally unappealing. Additionally, only one device
may be used at a time in a toilet bowl and such devices tend to
release composition locally, resulting in an effect that may be
limited by the location and flow of the water.
[0007] In addition, consumers may shy away from using conventional
under-the-rim toilet bowl hanging devices because such devices may
impede the consumer during the course of a regular cleaning. During
cleaning with a toilet bowl brush, a hanging device may be easily
displaced and then must be put back in place by using the
consumers' hands, which may be perceived as unhygienic or
unappealing.
[0008] Exemplary sanitary agents for dispensing in toilet bowls may
be in the form of solid blocks, liquids, and gel form.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,286 discloses a sanitary agent in paste
or gel form which provides a long-lasting cleaning and/or
deodorant-releasing and/or disinfecting effect and which can be
applied directly to the surface of a toilet bowl in a simple and
hygienic manner. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0190457 discloses a
self-sticking cleansing block that may be applied directly to the
surface of a toilet bowl. The present invention provides an
improvement to such a sanitary agent by providing greater
stability, e.g. longevity in use, as well as improved self-adhesion
to hard surfaces, especially ceramic surfaces such as a toilet
bowl.
[0010] In some embodiments, the present invention provides
consumers with the benefit of delivering a composition or active
ingredient to a relatively wide area of a toilet bowl or other hard
surface. In other nonlimiting embodiments, the present invention
provides consumers with the benefit of efficiently delivering a
composition or active ingredient to a relative wide area of the
toilet bowl or other hard surface. In some embodiments, improved
component stability is achieved through the inclusion in the
composition of certain blends of linear primary alcohols or blends
of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In a first nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention
relates to a composition for use on a hard surface. The composition
has: (i) at least 7.5 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected;
(ii) from 0 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of a blend of linear primary
alcohols or a blend of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols, wherein
each alcohol of the blends includes a carbon chain containing from
9-17 carbons; (iii) a transport rate factor of less than about 55
seconds; and (iv) an adhesion time of greater than about 8
hours.
[0012] In a second nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention
relates to a gel composition for use on a hard surface. The
composition has: (i) less than 6 wt. % fragrance; (ii) from 0 wt. %
to about 2.0 wt. % of a blend of linear primary alcohols or a blend
of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of the
blends includes a carbon chain containing from 9-17 carbons; and
(iii) a transport rate factor of less than about 55 seconds.
[0013] In a third nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention
relates to a solid composition for use on a hard surface. The
composition has: (i) less than 10 wt. % fragrance; (ii) from 0 wt.
% to about 2.0 wt. % of a blend of linear primary alcohols or a
blend of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol
of the blend includes a carbon chain containing from 9-17 carbons;
and (iii) a transport rate factor of less than about 55
seconds.
[0014] In a fourth nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention
relates to a composition for use on a hard surface. The composition
has: (i) at least 7.5 wt. % of at least one surfactant; (ii) from 0
wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of a blend of linear primary alcohols or a
blend of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols wherein each alcohol
of the blends includes a carbon chain containing from 9-17 carbons;
(iii) less than about 10 wt. % fragrance; and (iv) a transport rate
factor of less than about 55 seconds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The following detailed description of specific nonlimiting
embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when
read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like
structures are indicated with like reference numerals and in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows perspective view of an exemplary gel dispensing
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-E shows gel compositions having different mineral
oil compositions at different times under test conditions as
described below.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the downward shift in gel point as
a function of a blend of linear primary alcohols as to four
examples, i.e., three blends of linear primary alcohols having,
respectively, an average chain length of 11.0, 12.6 and 14.5
carbons, and a base formula which contains no alcohol.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the optimum gel point suppression
in the region of C13 (carbon length of 13) based on the downward
shift in gel point as a function of chain length based on the
results shown in FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the downward shift in gel point as
a function of the amount of a blend of linear primary alcohols
having an average chain length of 12.6 carbons.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the gel point suppression of the
blend of linear primary alcohols having an average chain length of
12.6 carbons based on the downward shift in gel point as a function
of the percent of C12.6 primary alcohols present.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a graph showing that as the amount of linear
primary alcohol is increased, the phase transition region between a
liquid phase to a cubic phase becomes an increasing
consideration.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a graph showing that when ethoxylation is added to
the blend of linear primary alcohols, the phase transition region
between the liquid phase and the cubic phase is eliminated with
minimal effect on the overall gel point suppression. At 1 mole of
ethoxylation (1EO), the phase transition region is greatly reduced.
At 2 moles of ethoxylation (2EO), the phase transition region is
eliminated.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the effect on the phase transition
region in relation to varying the amount of ethoxylated linear
primary alcohol blend. When the amount of the 2 mole ethoxylated
linear primary alcohol blend is increased from 0.25% or 0.5% to
0.75%, a phase transition region is again formed. Upon a further
increase in ethoxylation, the phase transition region should again
be eliminated.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a graph summarizing the gel point shift (GP) and
phase transition (PT) area for a blend of primary alcohols having
chain lengths with an average of 12.6 carbons.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a comparison of a blend of
primary alcohols having an average chain length of 12.6 carbons
without ethoxylation (0EO) and with 2 moles of ethoxylation
(2EO).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0027] As used herein, "composition" refers to any solid, gel
and/or paste substance having more than one component.
[0028] As used herein, "self adhesive" refers to the ability of a
composition to stick onto a hard surface without the need for a
separate adhesive or other support device. In one embodiment, a
self adhesive composition does not leave any residue or other
substance (i.e., additional adhesive) once the composition is used
up.
[0029] As used herein, "gel" refers to a disordered solid composed
of a liquid with a network of interacting particles or polymers
which has a non-zero yield stress. As used herein, "fragrance"
refers to any perfume, odor-eliminator, odor masking agent, the
like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a fragrance is
any substance which may have an effect on a consumer, or user's,
olfactory senses.
[0030] As used herein, "wt. %" refers to the weight percentage of
actual active ingredient in the total formula. For example, an
off-the-shelf composition of Formula X may only contain 70% active
ingredient X. Thus, 10 g. of the off-the-shelf composition only
contains 7 g. of X. If 10 g. of the off-the-shelf composition is
added to 90 g. of other ingredients, the wt. % of X in the final
formula is thus only 7%.
[0031] As used herein, "hard surface" refers to any porous and/or
non-porous surface. In one embodiment, a hard surface may be
selected from the group consisting of: ceramic, glass, metal,
polymer, stone, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, a
hard surface does not include silicon wafers and/or other
semiconductor materials. Nonlimiting examples of ceramic surfaces
include: toilet bowl, sink, shower, tile, the like, and
combinations thereof. A nonlimiting example of a glass surfaces
includes: window and the like. Nonlimiting examples of metal
surfaces include: drain pipe, sink, automobiles, the like, and
combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of a polymeric surface
includes:
[0032] PVC piping, fiberglass, acrylic, Corian.RTM., the like, and
combinations thereof. A nonlimiting example of a stone hard surface
includes: granite, marble, and the like.
[0033] A hard surface may be any shape, size, or have any
orientation that is suitable for its desired purpose. In one
nonlimiting example, a hard surface may be a window which may be
oriented in a vertical configuration. In another nonlimiting
example, a hard surface may be the surface of a curved surface,
such as a ceramic toilet bowl. In yet another nonlimiting example,
a hard surface may be the inside of a pipe, which has vertical and
horizontal elements, and also may have curved elements. It is
thought that the shape, size and/or orientation of the hard surface
will not affect the compositions of the present invention because
of the unexpectedly strong transport properties of the compositions
under the conditions described infra.
[0034] As used herein, "surfactant" refers to any agent that lowers
the surface tension of a liquid, for example water. Exemplary
surfactants which may be suitable for use with the present
invention are described infra. In one embodiment, surfactants may
be selected from the group consisting of anionic, non-ionic,
cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof. In
one embodiment, the present invention does not comprise cationic
surfactants. In other nonlimiting embodiments, the surfactant may
be a superwetter. One of skill in the art will appreciate that in
some embodiments, a substance which may be used as an adhesion
promoter may also be a surfactant.
[0035] In use, the composition of the invention may be applied
directly on the hard surface to be treated, e.g. cleaned, such as a
toilet bowl, shower or bath enclosure, drain, window, or the like,
and self-adheres thereto, including through a plurality of flows of
water passing over the self-adhering composition and surface, e.g.
flushes, showers, rinses or the like. Each time water flows over
the composition, a portion of the composition is released into the
water that flows over the composition. The portion of the
composition released onto the water covered surface provides a
continuous wet film to the surface to in turn provide for immediate
and long term cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or fragrancing or
other surface treatment depending on the active agent(s) present in
the composition. It is thought that the composition, and thus the
active agents of the composition, may spread out from or are
delivered from the initial composition placement in direct contact
with the surface to coat continuously an extended area on the
surface. The wet film acts as a coating and emanates from the
self-adhering composition in all directions, i.e., 360.degree. ,
from the composition, which includes in a direction against the
flow of the rinse water. Motions of the surface of a liquid are
coupled with those of the subsurface fluid or fluids, so that
movements of the liquid normally produce stresses in the surface
and vice versa. The mechanism for the movement of the gel and/or
the active ingredients is discussed in greater detail infra.
[0036] Surprisingly, it is observed that the nonlimiting exemplary
compositions of the present invention provide for a more rapid and
extended self-spreading. Without wishing to be limited by theory,
it is thought that the self-spreading effect may be modified
through the addition of specific surfactants to the composition.
Nonlimiting examples of factors which are thought to affect the
speed and distance of the self spreading include: the amount of
surfactant present, the type of surfactant present, the combination
of surfactants present, the amount of spreading of the surfactant
over the water flow, the ability of the surfactant to adsorb at the
liquid/air interface, and the surface energy of the treated
surface. It is thought that the surfactant of the composition
serves to push other molecules, e.g. compounds, around so as to
deliver these compounds to other parts of the surface. Compounds
desirable for extended delivery over a treated surface are active
agents, e.g. agents capable of activity as opposed to being inert
or static. Nonlimiting examples of active agents, or active
ingredients, that may be used include: cleaning compounds,
germicides, antimicrobials, bleaches, fragrances, surface
modifiers, stain preventers (such as a chelator) the like, and
combinations thereof. The composition is especially useful in
treating the surface of a toilet bowl since it allows for delivery
and retention of a desired active agent on a surface above the
water line in the bowl as well as below the water line.
[0037] In some embodiments, the composition can be applied directly
to a surface using any suitable applicator device, such as a pump
or syringe-type device, manual, pressurized, or mechanized,
aerosol, or sprayer. The consumer may activate the applicator for
application of the composition directly to a surface without the
need to touch the surface. In the case of a toilet bowl surface,
this provides for a hygienic and easily accessible method of
application. The amount and location(s) of the composition may be
chosen by the user, e.g. one or more dollops or drops of
composition, or one or more lines of composition. The composition
self-adheres to a hard surface to which it is applied, such as the
ceramic side wall of a toilet bowl or shower wall. A surprising and
unique feature not provided by conventional devices is that the
composition is delivered to surfaces located above the site of
application of the composition to the surface.
Composition
[0038] In one embodiment, the composition has a gel or gel-like
consistency. In the described embodiment, the composition is, thus,
firm but not rigid as a solid. In an alternative embodiment, the
composition is a solid. In still another embodiment, the
composition is a malleable solid.
[0039] The improved adhesion obtained by the composition of the
invention allows application on a vertical surface without becoming
detached through a plurality of streams of rinse water and the
gradual washing away of a portion of the composition over time to
provide the desired cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or fragrance
or other treatment action. Once the composition is completely
washed away, nothing remains for removal and more composition is
simply applied.
[0040] In some embodiments, the composition may include an adhesion
promoter which causes a bond with water and gives the composition a
dimensional stability even under the action of rinse water; at
least one nonionic surfactant (which may serve all or in part as
the adhesion promoter), preferably an ethoxylated alcohol; at least
one anionic surfactant, preferably an alkali metal alkyl ether
sulfate or sulfonate; mineral oil; a blend of linear primary
alcohols or a blend of ethoxylated linear primary alcohols, wherein
each alcohol of the blends includes a carbon chain containing 9 to
17 carbons (also referred to herein for convenience as the "linear
C9-C17 primary alcohol blend" or "ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blend", respectively); water; and optionally at least one
solvent. More particularly, the hydrophilic polymer holds the
composition to the surface to enhance the maintenance and thereby
extend the times of spreading and, thus, delivery of active agents
for treatment of the surface and/or surrounding environment. In
some embodiments, the composition may also include a superwetter
compound to enhance the spreading of the wet film. The composition
displays extended durability without the necessity of an exterior
hanging device or holder thereby only requiring a new application
of the composition to the surface after a long lapse of time and no
need to remove any device. The linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend
and ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend each serve to
lower the gel temperature of the composition during processing
which allows the composition to be processed at a lower temperature
which reduces degradation or the chance of degradation of
composition components. The inclusion of the linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blend or ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend
each, therefore, provide for more stable components and, thus, more
stable product. A key formulating parameter for the composition of
the invention is adhesion. Generally, to improve product
performance, the adhesive property of the composition is increased.
Upon increase in adhesion, however, the gel point of the
composition also increases. It is desired for optimum product
performance to keep the gel point balanced minimizing the
processing temperature while maintaining the composition's gel
structure under and during shipping, storage and use conditions.
This is obtained through the inclusion of the linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blend or the ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol
blend, which serve to reduce or suppress the gel point to a desired
value with minimal effect on adhesion, force to actuate and maximum
gel viscosity.
[0041] In some nonlimiting examples, there are a number of
components of the present invention composition that are suitable
for treating hard surfaces. In one embodiment, the composition
comprises an adhesion promoter present in an amount of from about
20 wt. % to about 80 wt. %. In another embodiment, the composition
comprises an adhesion promoter in the amount of from about 20 wt. %
to about 60 wt. %. In another embodiment, the composition comprises
an adhesion promoter in the amount of from about 40 wt. % to about
60 wt. %. In an alternative embodiment, the composition comprises
an adhesion promoter in the amount of from about 20 wt. % to about
30 wt. %.
[0042] In another embodiment, the composition comprises at least
one surfactant in an amount of greater than 7.5 wt. %. In another
embodiment, the composition comprises at least one surfactant in an
amount of from about 7.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %. Surprisingly, it
is discovered that providing an optimal amount of surfactant, in
particular anionic surfactant, provides the product with a
particularly strong "foaming" characteristic that greatly pleases
consumers.
[0043] In one embodiment, the composition comprises a non-polar
hydrocarbon such as mineral oil in an amount of less than about 5
wt. %. In another embodiment, the composition comprises mineral oil
in an amount of from greater than zero wt. % to about 5 wt. %. In
another embodiment, the composition comprises mineral oil in an
amount of from about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %.
[0044] In one embodiment of the composition, the composition
comprises a linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or an ethoxylated
linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend present in an amount greater
than 0 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. %. In another embodiment, the
composition comprises a linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or an
ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend present in an
amount of from about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %. In another
embodiment, the composition comprises a linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blend or an ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend
present in an amount of about 0.4 wt. % to about 0.8 wt. %. In an
alternative embodiment, the composition comprises about 0.6 wt. %
of a linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or an ethoxylated linear
C9-C17 primary alcohol blend. Surprisingly, it has been found that
the inclusion of a linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or an
ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend serves to lower the
gel temperature of the composition approximately 2.degree. C. for
each 0.1 wt. % of the non-ethoxylated or ethoxylated alcohol blend
included in the composition which allows the product to be
processed at a lower temperature, which during production and
subsequently, serves to reduce component and, thus, product
degradation. This is particularly advantageous since some of the
raw materials or components added during processing should not be
processed at a temperature above 45.degree. C. The inclusion of the
linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or an ethoxylated linear C9-C17
primary alcohol blend provides for enhanced stability of the
composition.
[0045] In some embodiments, the compositions may be brought to 100
wt. % using any suitable material for the intended application. One
of skill in the art will appreciate that this may include, but not
be limited to, a balance of water, surface modifiers, germicides,
bleaches, cleaners, foamers, the like, and combinations
thereof.
[0046] Optionally, the compositions of the present invention may
further comprise at least one solvent in an amount of from 0 wt. %
to about 15 wt. % and the composition may further comprise at least
one fragrance in an amount of from 0 wt. % to about 15 wt. %.
Additionally, the composition may optionally include a hydrophilic
polymer in an amount from 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % to amplify
transport effects of the composition. In one embodiment, "solvent"
does not include water.
[0047] A further optional component is a superwetter. Without
wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that a superwetter
may enhance the wet film provided in use of the composition.
Superwetters, as may be used in the present invention composition,
are described in greater detail infra. In other nonlimiting
embodiments, additional optional components include conventional
adjuvants, such as a preservative, colorant, foam stabilizer,
antimicrobial, germicide, or the like, present in an effective
amount.
[0048] Exemplary components suitable for use as an adhesion
promoter may have long or long-chained molecules, for the most part
linear, that are at least in part hydrophilic and thus include at
least a hydrophilic residual or a hydrophilic group so as to
provide interaction with water molecules. Preferably, the adhesion
promoter has unbranched molecules to form a desired network-like
structure to form adhesion-promoting molecules. The adhesion
promoter may be totally hydrophilic or partly hydrophilic, partly
hydrophobic.
[0049] Exemplary pure adhesion hydrophilic promoters suitable for
use in the present invention include, for example: polyethylene
glycol, cellulose, especially sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,
hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or polysaccharides
such as xanthan gum, agar, gellan gum, acacia gum, carob bean
flour, guar gum or starch. Polysaccharides can form networks with
the necessary solidity and a sufficient stickiness in
concentrations of from 0 wt. % to about 10 wt. %; from 0 wt. % to
about 5 wt. %; and from about 1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %.
[0050] The adhesion-promoting molecules can be synthetic or natural
polymers, for instance, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, polyvinyl
alcohols, or polyvinyl pyrrolidones. It is also possible to use
alginates, diurethanes, gelatines, pectines, oleyl amines, alkyl
dimethyl amine oxides, or alkyl ether sulfates.
[0051] Organic molecules with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic end may
also be used as adhesion promoters. As hydrophilic residuals, for
example, polyalkoxy groups, preferably polyethoxy, polypropoxy, or
polybutyoxy or mixed polyalkoxy groups such as, for example,
poly(ethoxypropoxy) groups can be used. Especially preferred for
use as a hydrophilic end, for example, is a polyethoxy residual
including from 15 to 55 ethoxy groups, preferably from 25 to 45 and
more preferably from 30 to 40 ethoxy groups.
[0052] In some embodiments, anionic groups, for example,
sulfonates, carbonates, or sulfates, can be used as hydrophilic
ends. In other embodiments, stearates, especially sodium or
potassium stearate, are suitable as adhesion promoters.
[0053] In embodiments wherein the adhesion-promoting molecules also
have a hydrophobic end, straight-chained alkyl residuals are
preferred for the hydrophobic residual, whereby in particular
even-numbered alkyl residuals are preferred because of the better
biological degradability. Without wishing to be limited by theory,
it is thought that to obtain the desired network formation of the
adhesion-promoting molecules, the molecules should be
unbranched.
[0054] If alkyl residuals are chosen as hydrophobic residuals,
alkyl residuals with at least 12 carbon atoms are preferred. More
preferred are alkyl chain lengths of from 16 to 30 carbon atoms,
most preferred is from 20 to 22 carbon atoms.
[0055] Exemplary adhesion promoters are polyalkoxyalkanes,
preferably a mixture of C.sub.20 to C.sub.22 alkyl ethoxylate with
from 18 to 50 ethylene oxide groups (EO), preferably from about 25
to about 35 EO, and also sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. With a
reduction of the number of alkoxy groups the adhesion promoter
becomes more lipophilic, whereby, for example, the solubility of
perfume and thus the intensity of the fragrance can be raised.
[0056] Molecules that generally act like thickeners in aqueous
systems, for example, hydrophilic substances, can also be used as
adhesion promoters.
[0057] Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that
the concentration of the adhesion promoter to be used depends on
its hydrophilicity and its power to form a network. When using
polysaccharides, for example, concentrations from about 1 wt. % to
about 2 wt. % of the adhesion promoter can be sufficient, whereas
in embodiments comprising polyalkoxyalkanes the concentrations may
be from about 10 wt %. to about 40 wt. %; in another embodiment
from about 15 wt. % to about 35 wt. %; and in another embodiment
still from about 20 wt. % to about 30 wt. %.
[0058] Also without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought
that in order to produce the desired number of adhering sites with
the adhesion-promoting molecules through the absorption of water,
the composition may contain at least about 25% by weight water, and
optionally additional solvent. In one embodiment, the composition
comprises water from about 40 wt. % to about 65 wt. %. One of skill
in the art will appreciate that the amount of water that is to be
used is dependent on, among other things, the adhesion promoter
used and the amount of adjuvants also in the formula.
[0059] Exemplary anionic surfactants suitable for use include
alkali metal C.sub.6-C.sub.18 alkyl ether sulfates, e.g. sodium
lauryl ether sulfate; .alpha.-olefin sulfonates or methyl taurides.
Other suitable anionic surfactants include alkali metal salts of
alkyl, alkenyl and alkylaryl sulfates and sulfonates. Some such
anionic surfactants have the general formula RSO.sub.4M or
RSO.sub.3M, where R may be an alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 to
about 20 carbon atoms, or an alkylaryl group, the alkyl portion of
which may be a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group of about 9
to about 15 carbon atoms, the aryl portion of which may be phenyl
or a derivative thereof, and M may be an alkali metal (e.g.,
ammonium, sodium, potassium or lithium).
[0060] Exemplary nonionic sulfactants suitable for use include
C.sub.20-C.sub.22 alkyl ethoxylate with 18 to 50 ethylene oxide
groups (EO). In another embodiment, C.sub.20-C.sub.22 alkyl
ethoxylate comprise 25 to 35 ethylene oxide groups, preferably as
an adhesion promoter and nonionic surfactant.
[0061] Additional nonlimiting examples of other nonionic
surfactants suitable for use include alkylpolyglycosides such as
those available under the trade name GLUCOPON from Henkel,
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. The alkylpolyglycosides have the following
formula: RO--(R'O).sub.x--Z.sub.n where R is a monovalent alkyl
radical containing 8 to 20 carbon atoms (the alkyl group may be
straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated), O is an oxygen
atom, R' is a divalent alkyl radical containing 2 to 4 carbon
atoms, preferably ethylene or propylene, x is a number having an
average value of 0 to 12, Z is a reducing saccharide moiety
containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, preferably a glucose, galactose,
glucosyl, or galactosyl residue, and n is a number having an
average value of about 1 to 10. For a detailed discussion of
various alkyl glycosides see U.S. Statutory Invention Registration
H468 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, which are incorporated herein by
reference. Some exemplary GLUCOPONS are as follows (where Z is a
glucose moiety and x=0) in Table A.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Exemplary Glucopons Product N R (# carbon
atoms) 425N 2.5 8-14 425LF 2.5 8-14 (10 w/w % star-shaped alcohol
added) 220UP 2.5 8-10 225DK 2.7 8-10 600UP 2.4 12-14 215CSUP 2.5
8-10
[0062] Other nonlimiting examples of nonionic surfactants suitable
for use include alcohol ethoxylates such as those available under
the trade name LUTENSOL from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany. These
surfactants have the general formula
C.sub.13H.sub.25/C.sub.15H.sub.27--OC.sub.2H.sub.4)n--OH (the alkyl
group being a mixture of C.sub.13/C.sub.15). Especially preferred
are LUTENSOL AO3 (n=3), AO8 (n=8), and AO10 (n=10). Other alcohol
ethoxylates include secondary alkanols condensed with
(OC.sub.2H.sub.4) such as TERGITOL 15-S-12, a C.sub.11-C.sub.15
secondary alkanol condensed with 12 (OC.sub.2H.sub.4) available
from Dow Surfactants. Another example of a nonionic surfactant
suitable for use is polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether. Amine oxides
are also suitable.
[0063] At least one solvent can be present in the composition to
assist in blending of surfactants and other liquids. The solvent is
present in an amount of from about 0 wt. % to about 15 wt. %,
preferably from about 1 wt. % to about 12 wt. %, and more
preferably in an amount from about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %.
Examples of solvents suitable for use are aliphatic alcohols of up
to 8 carbon atoms; alkylene glycols of up to 6 carbon atoms;
polyalkylene glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms per alkylene
group; mono- or dialkyl ethers of alkylene glycols or polyalkylene
glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms per glycol group and up to 6
carbon atoms in each alkyl group; and mono- or diesters of alkylene
glycols or polyalkylene glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms per
glycol group and up to 6 carbon atoms in each ester group. Specific
examples of solvents include t-butanol, t-pentyl alcohol; 2,3
dimethyl-2-butanol, benzyl alcohol or 2-phenyl ethanol, ethylene
glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol
mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,
propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol
mono-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,
diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl
ether, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, glycerin,
ethanol, isopropanol, and dipropylene glycol monoacetate. One
preferred solvent is polyethylene glycol.
[0064] It is thought that the inclusion of a non-polar hydrocarbon,
such as mineral oil, may serve to achieve increased stability and
self-adherence to a hard surface, especially a ceramic surface. The
mineral oil is present in an amount of greater than 0% by weight to
about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
In one embodiment, mineral oil is present in an amount of from
about 0.5% wt. % to about 3.5 wt. %. In another embodiment, mineral
oil is present in an amount of from about 0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt.
%. The amount of mineral oil to be included will depend on the
adhesion performance of the balance of the formula. Without wishing
to be limited by theory, it is thought that as the amount of
mineral oil is increased, the adhesion is also increased.
[0065] Although it provides benefits when used in the composition,
it is also thought that the inclusion of the mineral oil in higher
amounts without decreasing the amount of surfactant and/or
thickener and/or adhesion promoters will result in the composition
being thickened to a degree which makes processing of the
composition during manufacture and use difficult because the
firmness of the composition makes it difficult to process. In
manufacture, the processing can be carried out under increased
temperatures, but such also increases the cost of manufacture and
creates other difficulties due to the increased temperature
level.
[0066] The inclusion in the composition of the invention of a blend
of linear primary alcohols or a blend of ethoxylated linear C9-C17
primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of the blend includes a
carbon chain length containing 9 to 17 carbons, is beneficial in
that such has been found to lower the gel temperature about
2.degree. C. for each 0.1 wt. % of the linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blend or the blend of ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary
alcohols present in the composition. The inclusion of the linear
C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or the blend of ethoxylated linear
C9-C17 primary alcohols allows the cleaning product to be produced
at a lower temperature which reduces degradation or the chance of
degradation of at least some components of the composition which
improves stability of the components and, therefore, also the
composition. A product with improved cleaning properties due to the
enhanced stability of the product components is thereby
obtained.
[0067] The lowering of the gel temperature by the inclusion of the
linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend or the ethoxylated linear
C9-C-17 primary alcohol blend is beneficial since some of the raw
materials of the components forming the cleaning composition should
not be processed at a temperature above 45.degree. C. Lowering of
the gel temperature during processing, thus, reduces any
degradation which occurs to such materials during processing
resulting in the full component amount and properties thereof being
present in the composition produced. This necessarily also provides
a more cost-efficient product since higher amounts of these
components do not have to be utilized to account for any
degradation which would otherwise occur. The inclusion of the
alcohol blend or ethoxylated alcohol blend allow for improved
adhesion to improve product performance by keeping the gel point of
the composition suppressed to minimize the composition processing
temperature while maintaining the desired gel structure under
shipping, storage and use conditions. The blends described herein
serve to reduce the gel point to a desired value with minimal
effect on the properties of adhesion, force to actuate and maximum
gel viscosity.
[0068] Nonlimiting examples of linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blends
suitable for use in the present invention are blends including C12
and C13 alcohols, C9 to C11 alcohols, C12 to C15 alcohols, C14 and
C15 alcohols, C11-C13-C15 alcohols, C16 and C17 alcohols, and C10
to C12 alcohols; and the ethoxylates of these blends. Such alcohols
are commercially available from the Shell Company and are sold
under the trademark NEODOL. Examples of the linear C9-C17 primary
alcohol blends include NEODOL 23, NEODOL 91, NEODOL 25, NEODOL
45,
[0069] NEODOL 135, and NEODOL 67 and NEODOL 1. The generic formula
for the alcohols of the blend is C.sub.nH.sub.(2n+1)OH wherein
n=9-17.
[0070] NEODOL ethoxylates suitable for use retain the same
description of the parent alcohol followed by a number indicating
the average moles of ethylene oxide added, and include, for
example, NEODOL 23-1, NEODOL 23-3, NEODOL 23-6.5, NEODOL 23-2,
NEODOL 91-8, NEODOL 91-2.5, NEODOL 91-5, NEODOL 91-6, NEODOL
25-2.5, NEODOL 25-3, NEODOL 25-7, NEODOL 25-9, NEODOL 25-5, NEODOL
25-1.3, NEODOL 45-4, NEODOL 45-7, NEODOL 45-6.8 and NEODOL 1-9.
[0071] The linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blends, or ethoxylated
blends thereof, are present in an amount of greater than 0 wt. % to
about 2.0 wt. %, preferably about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, and
more preferably about 0.4 wt. % to about 0.8 wt. %.
[0072] A preferred example of a linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend
suitable for use in the present invention is a blend of C12 and C13
primary alcohols, such as sold under the name NEODOL 23. Typical
properties of NEODOL 23 are as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 Property Value C11 and lower alcohols <1% m/m C12
alcohol 41% m/m C13 alcohol 58% m/m C14 and higher alcohols <1%
m/m Normality 75 min % m/m Hydroxyl number 285-294 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 191-197 g/mol
[0073] The C12-C13 primary alcohol blend is preferably used in an
amount of about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.8 wt. %.
[0074] Typical properties for other primary alcohol blends suitable
for use in the present invention are set forth below.
[0075] (1) NEODOL 25--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00003 Property Value C11 and lower alcohols <1% m/m C12
alcohol 21% m/m C13 alcohol 29% m/m C14 alcohol 25% m/m C15 alcohol
25% m/m C16 and higher alcohols <1% m/m Normality 75 min % m/m
Hydroxyl number 267-276 mg KOH/g Molecular mass 203-210 g/mol
[0076] (2) NEODOL 45--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00004 Property Value C13 and lower alcohols 1% m/m C14
alcohol 49% m/m C15 alcohol 50% m/m C16 and higher alcohols <1%
m/m Normality 75 min % m/m Hydroxyl number 250-257 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 218-224 g/mol
[0077] (3) NEODOL 91--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00005 Property Value C8 and lower alcohols <1% m/m C9
alcohol 18% m/m C10 alcohol 42% m/m C11 alcohol 38% m/m C12 and
higher alcohols 1% m/m Normality 75 min % m/m Hydroxyl number
342-355 mg KOH/g Molecular mass 158-164 g/mol
[0078] (4) NEODOL 67--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00006 Property Value C14 and lower alcohols <0.5% m/m
C15 alcohol 5% m/m C16 alcohol 31% m/m C17 alcohol 54% m/m C18
alcohol 7% m/m C19 alcohol 2% m/m C20 and higher alcohols <0.2%
m/m Normality 5.0 max % m/m Hydroxyl number 220-230 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 244-255 g/mol
[0079] (5) NEODOL 135--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00007 Property Value C10 and lower alcohols <0.5% m/m
C11 alcohol 12% m/m C12 alcohol 1.5% m/m C13 alcohol 42% m/m C14
alcohol 1.5% m/m C15 alcohol 42% m/m C16 and higher alcohols
<0.5% m/m Normality 75 min % m/m Hydroxyl number 267-276 mg
KOH/g Molecular mass 203-210 g/mol
[0080] (6) NEODOL 1--Typical Properties
TABLE-US-00008 Property Value C10 and lower alcohols 0.5% m/m C11
alcohol 98.5% m/m C12 and higher alcohols 1% m/m Normality 75 min %
m/m Hydroxyl number 323-327 mg KOH/g Molecular mass 172-173
g/mol
[0081] Examples of NEODOL ethoxylates based on certain of the above
linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blends, which are suitable for use in
the invention, are described below as to certain properties. The
average moles of ethylene oxide (EO) present are per mole of
alcohol.
[0082] (1) NEODOL 23-1--Typical Properties (Average 1 mole EO)
TABLE-US-00009 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 0.9-1.0 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 231-241 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 233-243 g/mol
[0083] (2) NEODOL 23-2--Typical Properties (Average 2 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00010 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 1.8-2.2 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 194-204 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 275-289 g/mol
[0084] (3) NEODOL 23-3--Typical Properties (Average 3 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00011 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 2.8-3.2 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 167-177 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 317-336 g/mol
[0085] (4) NEODOL 23-6.5--Typical Properties (Average 6.5 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00012 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 6.0-7.0 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 112-122 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 460-501 g/mol
[0086] (5) NEODOL 91-2.5--Typical Properties (Average 2.5 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00013 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 2.4-2.6 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 203-213 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 263-276 g/mol
[0087] (6) NEODOL 91-5--Typical Properties (Average 5 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00014 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 4.7-5.3 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 143-153 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 367-392 g/mol
[0088] (7) NEODOL 91-6--Typical Properties (Average 6 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00015 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 5.7-6.4 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 127-137 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 410-442 g/mol
[0089] (8) NEODOL 91-8--Typical Properties (Average 8 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00016 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 7.4-8.3 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 105-115 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 488-534 g/mol
[0090] (9) NEODOL 25-1.3--Typical Properties (Average 1.3 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00017 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 1.1-1.4 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 209-219 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 256-268 g/mol
[0091] (10) NEODOL 25-2.5--Typical Properties (Average 2.5 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00018 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 2.3-2.7 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 172-182 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 308-326 g/mol
[0092] (11) NEODOL 25-3--Typical Properties (Average 3 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00019 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 2.7-3.0 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 166-172 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 326-338 g/mol
[0093] (12) NEODOL 25-5--Typical Properties (Average 5 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00020 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 4.6-5.4 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 127-137 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 409-442 g/mol
[0094] (13) NEODOL 25-7--Typical Properties (Average 7 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00021 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 6.5-7.6 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 104-114 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 492-540 g/mol
[0095] (14) NEODOL 25-9--Typical Properties (Average 9 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00022 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 8.3-9.8 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 88-98 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 573-638 g/mol
[0096] (15) NEODOL 45-4--Typical Properties (Average 4 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00023 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 3.7-4.3 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 136-146 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 384-412 g/mol
[0097] (16) NEODOL 45-6.8--Typical Properties (Average 6.8 Moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00024 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 6.3-7.4 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 103-113 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 498-547 g/mol
[0098] (17) NEODOL 45-7--Typical Properties (Average 7 moles
EO)
TABLE-US-00025 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 6.8-8.0 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 98-108 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 519-573 g/mol
[0099] (18) NEODOL 1-9--Typical Properties (Average 9 moles EO)
TABLE-US-00026 Property Value Polyethylene Glycol 2 max % m/m
EO/Alcohol ratio 8.4-9.7 mol/mol Hydroxyl number 94-104 mg KOH/g
Molecular mass 539-597 g/mol
[0100] As evident from the examples of blends suitable for use as
the non-ethoxylated linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blend and
ethoxylated blends thereof, small amounts of other linear primary
alcohols may be present, including for example, side products
resulting from the manner of providing the blend. The
non-ethoxylated and ethoxylated linear primary alcohol blends
useful in the composition of the invention include alcohols having
C9-C17 chain lengths as a major component which together provides a
majority of the alcohols present. No non-linear alcohols are
present in the blend.
[0101] Nonlimiting examples of hydrophilic polymers useful herein
include those based on acrylic acid and acrylates, such as, for
example, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,593,288, 6,767,410,
6,703,358 and 6,569,261. Suitable polymers are sold under the trade
name of MIRAPOL SURF S by Rhodia. A preferred polymer is MIRAPOL
SURF S-500.
[0102] A superwetter is optionally included in the composition to
enhance the maintenance of the wet film provided. A superwetter may
thereby assist in decreasing the time of spreading. Examples of
superwetters suitable for inclusion in the composition hydroxylated
dimethylsiloxanes such as Dow Corning Q2-5211 (Dow Corning,
Midland, Mich.). The superwetter(s) may be present (in addition to
any other surfactant in the composition) in an amount of 0 to about
5 wt. %; preferably from about 0.01 to about 2 wt. %, and most
preferably from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %.
[0103] Fragrances and aromatic substances can be included in the
composition to enhance the surrounding atmosphere.
[0104] In one embodiment, a gel composition comprises less than 6
wt. % fragrance. In another embodiment, the gel composition
comprises from 0 wt. % to 6 wt. % fragrance. In another embodiment
still, the gel composition comprises from 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. %
fragrance. In yet another embodiment, the gel composition comprises
from about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. % fragrance.
[0105] In one embodiment, a solid composition comprises less than
10 wt. % fragrance. In another embodiment, the solid composition
comprises from 0 wt. % to 10 wt. % fragrance. In another embodiment
still, the solid composition comprises from 2 wt. % to about 8 wt.
% fragrance. In yet another embodiment, the gel composition
comprises from about 4 wt. % to about 7 wt. % fragrance.
[0106] The composition according to the invention sticks to hard
surfaces through self-adhesion. The solid, gel and gel-like
materials are dimensionally stable so that they do not "run" or
"drip" through a plurality of streams of water flowing thereover.
It is thought that consumers prefer such a composition because the
adhesion and shape of the composition remain intact even through a
plurality of water rinses. Exemplary compositions comprising
mineral oil are described in Table B, below:
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE B Exemplary Compositions Comprising Mineral
Oil SAMPLE SAMPLE INGREDIENTS 1 SAMPLE 2 3 SAMPLE 4 C.sub.22
Ethoxylated 13 13 13 13 Alcohol (30 EO) C.sub.16-18 Ethoxylated 13
13 13 13 Alcohol (30 EO) Preservative 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 Dionized
Water 44.85 44.75 44.35 43.85 Mineral Oil 0 0.1 0.5 1.0 Glycerine 5
5 5 5 Polyethylene 1 1 1 1 Glycol 6000 Sodium lauryl 18 18 18 18
ether sulfate Fragrance 5 5 5 5 Total Wt. % 100 Wt. % 100 Wt. % 100
Wt. % 100 Wt. %
Transport of Active Ingredients
[0107] As described supra, the composition of the invention may be
applied directly on the surface of a sanitary object to be cleaned,
such as a toilet bowl, shower or bath enclosure, or the like, and
self-adheres thereto through a plurality of streams of water
flowing over the self-adhering composition, e.g. flushes or
showers. Each time water flows over the composition, a portion of
the composition is released onto the surface to which the
composition adheres as well as into the water to provide long term
cleaning, disinfecting, fragrancing, stain prevention, surface
modification, UV protection, whitening, bleaching, and the like. It
is thought that any residual benefits may be obtained from the
composition through the inclusion of ingredients described above
which provide for the spreading and/or transport of the composition
along the hard surface to areas wherein the composition was not
originally deposited. More specifically, the composition, and thus
the active agents of the composition, spread out from or are
delivered from the initial composition placement in direct contact
with the surface to coat an extended adjoining area on the surface.
Motions of the surface of a liquid are coupled with those of the
subsurface fluid or fluids, so that movements of the liquid
normally produce stresses in the surface and vice versa. The
movement of the surface and of the entrained fluid(s) caused by
surface tension gradients is called the Marangoni effect (IUPAC
Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd Edition, 1994). Thus, the
composition of the invention provides that liquid flows along a
liquid-air interface from areas having low surface tension to areas
having higher surface tension. The Marangoni flow is
macroconvection, i.e., the gradient in the interfacial tension is
imposed on the system by an asymmetry, as opposed to
microconvection where the flow is caused by a disturbance that is
amplified in time (an instability). Thus, upon a flow of water over
the composition of the invention, the composition spreads outward
to cover extended adjoining surface areas as opposed to only the
local area covered by or immediately adjacent the composition.
[0108] More specifically, it is thought that this effect is
observed due to mass transfer on, or in, a liquid layer due to
differences in surface tension on that liquid layer. Without
wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that because a
liquid with a relatively high surface tension pulls more strongly
on the surrounding liquid compared to a liquid with a relatively
low surface tension, a surface tension gradient will cause liquid
to flow away from regions of relatively low surface tension towards
regions of relatively high surface tension. Such property, the
Marangoni effect, is used in high-tech semiconductor wafer
processing. Nonlimiting examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,343,922;
7,383,843; and 7,417,016.
[0109] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a
dimensionless unit often referred to as the Marangoni number may be
used to estimate the Marangoni effect, and other transport
properties, of a material. One of the factors which may be used to
estimate the Marangoni effect of a material, the Marangoni number,
may be described by Eq. 1. One of skill in the art will appreciate
that the Marangoni number provides a dimensionless parameter which
represents a measure of the forces due to surface tension gradients
relative to viscous forces.
Marangoni number, M.sub.a=-.GAMMA.(d.sigma./dc) /D.mu. [0110] Where
M.sub.a is the Marangoni number [0111] .GAMMA. is the surface
excess concentration of surfactant (mol/m.sup.2) [0112] .sigma. is
the surface tension (N/m) [0113] c is the bulk surfactant
concentration (mol/m.sup.3) [0114] .mu. is the bulk dynamic
viscosity (Pascal seconds) [0115] D is the bulk surfactant
diffusion coefficient (m.sup.2/s)
[0116] As described supra, there exist a number of compositions
that are used to transport active ingredients around a surface.
However, most of the aforementioned compositions rely on gravity or
the adhesion-cohesion of liquids as the lone mechanisms for
transporting the composition around the surface. Similarly,
traditional liquid bathroom cleaners or similar compositions in the
bath cleaning arts, for example, often require the user to use a
brush, other implement, to manually spread the composition around
the surface.
[0117] Surprisingly, it was discovered that, despite the complexity
associated with transport phenomena, the transport properties of a
composition could be enhanced through the addition of specific
surfactants and other ingredients, to the composition. Even more
surprisingly, the composition may be used as a vehicle for active
ingredients when the composition is in the presence of a liquid
layer.
[0118] With respect to a hard surface, such as a toilet bowl, it is
thought that by providing a composition according to the present
invention, one may be able to provide consumers with additional
benefits of limiting the amount of touching or other interaction
between the consumer and the toilet bowl. Such minimal interaction
may be achieved by taking advantage of the composition's ability to
move from one area of the toilet (or other hard surface) via
gradients in surface tension which may be induced by the
surfactants. Thus, it is thought that when a user flushes a toilet,
the interaction of the liquid layer (from the flush) with the
composition will cause the gel composition to migrate along the
surface tension gradient, thus moving the composition around the
toilet.
[0119] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the transport
mechanism described above may be used with any hard surface that is
provided with a liquid layer and is not necessarily limited to use
in a toilet bowl. For example, it is hypothesized that a user may
be able to provide a composition to the surface of a sink, window,
drain, or any other hard surface on which water, or other liquid,
may be provided. Additional exemplary surfaces are described
throughout.
Considerations for Treatment of Hard Surfaces
[0120] The self-spreading of the composition to provide a coating
effect and residual benefits from active treating agents, is based
on the surfactant(s) present in the composition. Nonlimiting
factors which may be thought to affect the speed and distance of
the self-spreading, in addition to the essential requirements of
direct contact of the composition with the surface to be treated
and a flow of water over and around the composition, are the amount
and type of surfactant present, in addition to and the amount or
rate of dissolution of the surfactant in the water flow.
[0121] It is surprisingly discovered that when the surfactant
amount and dissolution are controlled as described above, the
product is capable of covering an extended area outward 360.degree.
from the area of initial product application. Further, in
embodiments including active ingredients, also described above, the
composition may provide an initial and/or further residual
treatment of a surface. The speed of spreading is significant since
the extent of spreading as desired must be complete prior to drying
of the water on the surface since the water is a necessary
component in providing the continuous film.
Method of Use
[0122] As described above, the present invention compositions may
be used to provide immediate and/or residual benefits to a hard
surface upon application to that surface wherein the surface will
be subject to water or some other liquid which will provide a layer
for a surface energy gradient.
[0123] In one embodiment the present invention composition may be
comprised of the following steps: (1) Application of one or more
doses of the composition onto a hard surface; (2) Exposure of the
hard surface, and subsequently the one or more doses of
composition, to a liquid layer to provide a spread out and
dissipated composition layer. The method for using the product may
further comprise the optional steps: (3) Exposure of the hard
surface, and subsequently the spread out and dissipated composition
layer to a liquid layer to provide a further spread out and
dissipated composition layer. One of skill in the art will
appreciate that (3) may be repeated indefinitely until the
composition is completely dissipated. In some embodiments, the
liquid layer is water.
[0124] As described supra, the hard surface may be selected from
the group consisting of: ceramic, glass, metal, polymer,
fiberglass, acrylic, stone, the like and combinations thereof.
[0125] A liquid layer may be provided through any means that is
suitable for the intended function. For example, in a toilet bowl,
a dose of composition may be applied to the inside surface of the
toilet bowl (a ceramic hard surface) and the toilet may be flushed
to provide the liquid layer that is necessary to facilitate the
transport of the composition around the toilet bowl. In another
example, a dose of composition may be applied to the outside
surface of a window. The outside surface of the window may be
sprayed with water by the user using a hose or power washer, or
rain may deposit a layer of water to the window. In yet another
example, a dose of composition may be applied to the inside of a
sink or drain pipe. The user may simply activate the faucet to
provide a layer of water to the sink or drain pipe. In still
another example, a dose of composition may be applied to the wall
of a shower. The user may activate the shower to provide a liquid
layer to the surface. In yet another example, it is envisioned that
the liquid layer may also be provided with steam or a relatively
high humidity.
[0126] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the different
applications and embodiments of the present invention composition
may be provided with different active ingredients or benefit agents
which may vary depending on the desired application.
Method of Use: Dispensing Considerations
[0127] There exist applicators for gel-like substances. For
example, PCT Int. Pat. App. WO 03/043906 and WO 2004/043825
disclose exemplary dispensing devices. However, while the
aforementioned dispensers succeed in applying an adhesive gel-like
substance to a surface, some users may find that the inability to
provide consistent dosing frustrating. Specifically, consumers
realize that overapplication of the product may be wasteful and
lead to the purchase of unnecessary refills, while underapplication
of the product may minimize the efficacy of the composition.
[0128] A nonlimiting exemplary dispenser that is capable of
providing metered doses of a composition that may be compatible
with the present invention compositions is described in U.S. Pat.
App. No. 2007/0007302A1. Without wishing to be limited by theory,
it is thought that consumers may prefer to provide the compositions
of the present invention in unitized, discrete doses because such a
device is relatively easy to use compared to devices wherein the
consumer controls the dose size.
[0129] Further, one of skill in the art will appreciate that, when
used in conjunction with a metered dispenser, the dispenser may
provide doses of the composition in any volume and/or size and/or
dose that is suitable for the intended application. Similarly, the
shape of the dispenser may be any shape that is desired. For
example, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser
10 that may be used to dispense gel composition 20 according to the
present invention. The dispenser 10 comprises a cylindrical body 11
and a gel composition 20 contained therein. The dispenser 10
further comprises a resistive push-button 13 which fits a user may
push into a guide hole 14, and then slide a guide member 15 in the
negative-y direction to push gel composition 20 towards the
dispenser mouth 12. Upon moving the guide member 15 a predetermined
distance, the push-button 13 may then "pop" out of the next guide
hole 14 to allow for a precise dose of composition 20 to be
dispensed. The cross-section 17-17 of the dispenser 10 may be any
shape that is desirable for the intended purpose. In one
embodiment, the cross section 17-17 may be annular. Nonlimiting
examples of cross-sectional shapes may be selected from: squares,
circles, triangles, ovals, stars, the like, and combinations
thereof.
[0130] In one embodiment, a composition according to the present
invention may be provided in a dispenser wherein the dispenser
provides unitized doses. In a particular embodiment, the unitized
dose is from about 4 g/dose to about 10 g/dose. In another
embodiment, the unitized dose is from about 5 g/dose to about 9
g/dose. In yet another embodiment, the dispenser may provide from
about 6 to about 8 g/dose unitized doses. In still another
embodiment, the dispenser may provide from about 3 to about 12
unitized doses. In some embodiments, the dispenser may be refilled
with additional composition.
[0131] In embodiments wherein the composition is a solid, or a
malleable solid, an exemplary method and apparatus for dispensing
is described in U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0190457.
Experimental Results and Data
Samples
[0132] Samples 1-13 comprise a base ingredient set in addition to a
surfactant. It should be noted that the amount of deionized water
in the base ingredient set is adjusted to accommodate the
additional surfactant in Samples 1-13. The Scrubbing Bubbles Sample
describes an embodiment of a current product (Scrubbing Bubbles
Toilet Gel "Citrus Scent", S.C. Johnson & Son, Racine, Wis.).
The 6,667,286 samples are derived from Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No.
6,667,286. '286 (1) includes the Rhodopol component. '286 (2) is a
sample that is made with ingredients at the midpoint of the
described ranges. Measurements are made to the samples for
different properties. Surprisingly, the samples comprising the
surfactant, and other ingredients according to the present
invention samples provide an ideal combination of various
properties which are described in greater detail below:
Base Ingredient Set ("Base"):
TABLE-US-00028 [0133] Ingredient Wt. % Deionized Water 64.000000
C.sub.22 Ethoxylated Alcohol (30 13.000000 EO) C.sub.16-18
Ethoxylated Alcohol (30 13.000000 EO) Glycerine, USP, 99.5%
5.000000 Quest .RTM. F560805 5.000000
Samples
TABLE-US-00029 [0134] Sample Surfactant Wt. % 1 Alkyl Polyglycoside
425 N 2.00 2 Pluronic .RTM. F127 1.00 3 Tergitol .RTM. 15-S-12 1.03
4 Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 1.43 2EO, 70% 5 Q2-5211 1.67 6
Leutensol .RTM. XL140 1.00 7 Leutensol .RTM. XP 30 1.00 8 Aerosol
.RTM. OT-NV 1.20 9 Macat .RTM. AO-12 3.33 10 Macat .RTM. AO-8 3.51
11 Tegopren .RTM. 6922 2.00 12 Alkyl Polyglycoside 425 N 4.00 13
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 8.00 2EO, 70% '286 (1) Example 1 of
6,667,286 - 6.00 Rhodopol '286 (2) Example 1 of 6,667,286 - 6.00
Midpoints of ranges Scrubbing Quest .RTM. F560805 12.60 Bubbles
Surface Spreading
[0135] As described supra, the present invention compositions
provides the unexpected benefit over existing compositions of,
inter alia, increased mobility and transport. Exemplary
compositions are made according to the Detailed Description and are
tested for surface spreading using the "Surface Spreading Method"
described below.
[0136] Surprisingly, it is noticed that the addition of the
surfactants provide a significant increase in transport of the
compositions. In one embodiment, the compositions of the present
invention provide a transport rate factor of less than 55 seconds.
In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention
provide a transport rate factor of less than about 50 seconds. In
still another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention
provide a transport rate factor of from about 0 seconds to about 55
seconds. In another embodiment, the compositions of the present
invention provide a transport rate factor of from about 30 seconds
to about 55 seconds. In yet still another embodiment, the
compositions of the present invention provide a transport rate
factor of from about 30 seconds to about 50 seconds. In still
another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention
provide a transport rate factor of from about 30 seconds to about
40 seconds.
[0137] Results for the surface spreading (Transport Rate Factor) of
a product is reported in Table C below.
[0138] The surface spreading of a product is measured by the
Surface Spreading Test described below.
TABLE-US-00030 TABLE C Surface Spreading Measurements Sample
Transport Rate Factor 1 33.2 2 47.7 3 53.3 4 50.5 5 30.4 6 50.1 7
46.3 8 36.9 9 37.0 10 42.7 11 56.9 12 38.5 13 40.2 Base 50.1 '286
(1) 65.9 Scrubbing Bubbles 39.1
Composition Adhesion
[0139] In addition to the mobility of the composition, it is
surprisingly discovered that the ability of the composition to
adhere to a hard surface provides additional unexpected benefits,
such as product longevity during use. A product must have an
ability to adhere to a surface for a period of at least 5 hours, as
measured by the adhesion test described below. In one embodiment, a
product has a minimum adhesion of greater than about 8 hours. In
another embodiment, a product has a minimum adhesion of from about
8 hours to about 70 hours.
[0140] Results for the minimum adhesion of a product is reported in
Table D below.
[0141] The minimum adhesion of a product is measured by the
Adhesion Test described below.
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE D Minimum Adhesion Measurements Sample
Adhesion Time (Hours) 1 >64 2 >64 3 >64 4 >64 5 >64
6 >88 7 >64 8 >64 9 >64 10 >64 11 >88 12 >64
13 >88 Base >64 '286 (1) 6.0 '286 (2) 7.5 Scrubbing Bubbles
21.0
Composition Gel Temperature
[0142] It is thought that an additional property which is important
to compositions is the ability to maintain its form despite being
subject to relatively high temperatures. Similarly to adhesion, the
ability to maintain its form, and being resistant to melting.
Specifically, this metric measures the temperature at which the
composition transitions to a viscosity of greater than 100 cps as
the composition cools. Further, having a relatively high
composition gel temperature may provide processing, manufacturing,
transport, and packaging advantages to producers.
[0143] In one embodiment the composition has a gel temperature of
greater than 50.degree. C. In another embodiment, the composition
has a gel temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to about
80.degree. C. In another embodiment still, the composition has a
gel temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree.
C.
[0144] The composition gel temperature is measured by the Gel
Temperature Test described below.
[0145] Results for the composition gel temperature of a product is
reported in Table E below.
[0146] The minimum adhesion of a product is measured by the Gel
Temperature Test described below.
TABLE-US-00032 TABLE E Gel Temperature Measurements Sample Gel
Temperature (.degree. C.) 1 72.3 2 67.9 3 72.9 4 72.2 5 70.0 6 71.0
7 71.8 8 65.6 9 68.0 10 71.4 11 68.4 12 74.3 13 62.1 Base 70.5 '286
(1) 68.9 '286 (2) 72.7 Scrubbing Bubbles 70.5
Composition Viscosity
[0147] In some nonlimiting embodiments, the composition of the
invention is in the form of a self-adhering gel or gel-like
composition for treating hard surfaces. In the embodiments wherein
the compositions are self-adhering gels, the viscosity of the
composition is from about 15,000 cps to about 100,000 cps. In
another embodiment, the viscosity is from about 25,000 cps to about
80,000 cps. In yet another embodiment, the viscosity is from about
30,000 cps to about 60,000 cps.
[0148] The composition gel temperature is measured by the Viscosity
Test described below. The viscosity is measured based on 80 Pascals
(Pas) at 25.degree. C. at 10 shear.
TABLE-US-00033 TABLE F Viscosity Measurements Sample Viscosity (Pa
s) 1 213 2 187 3 233 4 155 5 270 6 187 7 282 8 199 9 239 10 208 11
104 12 168 13 349 Base 143 '286 (1) 309 '286 (2) 436 Scrubbing
Bubbles 351
Test Methods
Surface Spreading Method
[0149] The "transport rate factor" is measured as described
below.
[0150] A 12''.times.12'' pane of frosted or etched glass is mounted
in a flat-bottomed basin that is large enough to support the pane
of glass. The basin is provided with a means for drainage such that
water does not accumulate on the surface of the pane of glass as
the experiment is performed at a room temperature of approximately
22.degree. C. in ambient conditions. The pane of glass is supported
on top of the bottom of the basin of water using 4''.times.4''
ceramic tiles--one tile at each side of the bottom edge of the
pane. The middle 4 inches of the pane is not touching the bottom,
so that water can run down and off the glass pane. The pane of
glass is juxtaposed such that pane of glass is at an angle of
approximately 39.degree. from the bottom of the basin.
[0151] The glass pane is provided with 0.5 inch measurement markers
from a first edge to the opposing edge.
[0152] A glass funnel (40 mm long.times.15 mm ID exit, to contain
>100 ml) is provided approximately 3.5'' over the 9'' mark of
the pane of glass.
[0153] The pane of glass is cleaned with room temperature water to
remove trace surface active agents. The cleaned pane of glass is
rinsed until there is no observable wave spreading on the pane.
[0154] A sample of approximately 7 g. (approximately 1.5'' diameter
circle for gels) of composition is applied to the pane of glass at
the 0 mark. Four beakers (approximately 200 mL each) of water (are
slowly poured over the top of the glass pane at the 9'' height
point and is allowed to run down the pane of glass to condition the
composition.
[0155] After about one minute, the funnel is then plugged and is
provided with approximately 100 mL of water. An additional 100 mL
of water is slowly poured onto the glass pane at approximately the
9'' marker. After approximately 10 seconds, the stopper is removed
and a timer is started as the water in the funnel drains onto the
pane of glass.
[0156] A wave on the surface of the draining water film above the
composition is observed to creep up the glass and the time for the
composition to reach the 5'' marker is recorded.
[0157] The test is repeated for 10 replicates and the time in
seconds is averaged and reported as the "transport rate factor"
(time in seconds).
Adhesion Test
[0158] The ability of a composition to adhere to an exemplary hard
surface is measured as described below.
[0159] A workspace is provided at a temperature of from about
86.degree. F. to about 90.degree. F. The relative humidity of the
workspace is set to from about 40% to about 60%.
[0160] A board comprising twelve 4.25''.times.4.25'' standard grade
while glossy ceramic tiles arranged in a 3 (in the
y-direction).times.4 (in the x-direction) configuration (bonded and
grouted) to a plexi-glass back is provided.
[0161] The board is rinsed with warm (about 75.degree. F. to about
85.degree. F.) tap water using a cellulose sponge. The board is
then re-rinsed thoroughly with warm tap water. A non-linting cloth
(ex. Kimwipe.RTM., Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, Wis.)
saturated with isopropanol is used to wipe down the entire tile
board.
[0162] The board is juxtaposed to be in a horizontal position
(i.e., such that the plane of the board is flat on the floor or lab
bench).
[0163] Samples approximately 1.5'' in diameter and weighing from
about 5.5 g to about 8.0 g are provided to the surface of the board
such that the bottom of the sample touches the top-most,
horizontally oriented (i.e., in the x-direction), grout line of the
board. Samples are spaced approximately 2'' apart from each other.
A permanent marker is used to draw a straight line (parallel to the
x-direction) approximately 0.75'' below the top-most grout
line.
[0164] The board is juxtaposed to then be in the vertical position
(i.e., such that the plane of the board is perpendicular with the
floor or lab bench). A timer is started as the board is moved to
the vertical position. The time that a sample takes for the sample
to slide down the tile a distance of about 1.5 times the diameter
of the sample is measured, recorded as the "sample adhesion
time."
Viscosity Test
[0165] A Brookfield temperature controlled Cone/Plate Viscometer
(Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Middleboro, Mass.) is
used according to the manufacturer's specifications. The specific
parameters used on the device are: Shear rate of 10; C-25-1 Cone;
and an 80.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. temperature ramp-down for 240
seconds. The device provides the viscosity measurement in Pascals
(Pas).
Gel Temperature Test
[0166] A Brookfield temperature controlled Cone/Plate Viscometer
(Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Middleboro, Mass.) is
used according to the manufacturer's specifications. The specific
parameters used on the device are: Shear rate of 10; C-25-1 Cone;
and an 80.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. temperature ramp-down for 240
seconds. The gel temperature is reported as the temperature at
which the composition transitions to a viscosity of greater than
100 cps as the composition cools.
Example 1: Transport Along Water Film
[0167] To illustrate the surprising range and speed of the
Marangoni effect provided by the composition of the invention, an
experiment is described below.
[0168] A conventional white toilet bowl (Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis.)
is cleaned twice using a conventional cleaner ("The Works" Toilet
and Bathroom Cleaner (20% HCl)) and brush to insure that no
material is present on the ceramic surface of the toilet bowl. A 5%
solution of blue dye in water is sprayed onto the surface of the
toilet bowl to provide an essentially even blue coating over the
entire bowl surface above the water line. The dye remains a
substantially uniform blue and is substantially stationary and
non-moving upon visual observation for about one minute. The toilet
is flushed and the dye rinsed away.
[0169] A sample of composition weighing approximately 7 g. as set
out above as "Sample 2" is applied as a single dollop to one
location in an upper side of the toilet bowl above the water line.
The toilet is flushed so water runs down over the composition and
along the inside surface of the toilet. Thereafter, the blue dye
solution was again sprayed over the toilet bowl surface to cover
the entire area above the water line as indicated by the blue
color. Upon visual observation for about two minutes, it is
observed that the blue dye moved away from the applied composition
in all directions by material emanating from the composition as
evident by the now visual white surface of the bowl. By the end of
two minutes, the composition covered approximately one half of the
bowl surface as evident from the essential absence of blue dye from
the surface. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought
that the spread of the composition occurred through the Marangoni
effect.
[0170] Due to the spread of the composition over the bowl, the
desired action sought by the active agent(s) (e.g. cleaning,
disinfecting and/or fragrancing) present in the composition is
achieved over an extended area and provides residual benefit on the
surface to prevent build up from subsequent use and prevent water
stains.
Example 2: Effect of Mineral Oil on Adhesion of Gel
Compositions
[0171] Samples of compositions (approximately 7 g.) according to
the present invention containing 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt. % (Samples
E-H, respectively) are tested according to the Adhesion Test Method
described herein. Two trials of each of Samples E-H is applied to a
tile board according to the adhesion test method described below.
FIGS. 2A-E are photographs of the tile board at times of 8.5 hours,
9.5 hours, 11 hours, 12.5 hours, and 15 hours, respectively.
Surprisingly, it is discovered that the compositions with a
relatively lower wt. % mineral oil tend to have lower adhesion
times than samples with a relatively higher wt. % mineral oil.
Tests re Non-Ethoxylated and Ethoxylated Linear Primary Alcohol
Blends
[0172] It is desirable to keep the gel point of the composition
balanced between minimizing processing temperatures during
manufacture of the product while maintaining gel structure to
insure increased adhesion to improve product performance. This
property is to be maintained under shipping, storage and use
conditions. The use of the linear C9-C17 primary alcohol blends,
and ethoxylated blends thereof, serve to reduce the gel point to a
desired value while having a minimal effect on the properties of
adhesion, force to actuate and maximum gel viscosity.
[0173] FIG. 3 is a graph as to four tested composition formulas
(which are identical as to components except as to the alcohol
blend included therein) showing the downward shift in gel point as
a function of chain length of various primary alcohol blends, i.e.,
alcohols having an average chain length of 11.0 carbons (C11.0),
12.6 carbons (C12.6) and 14.5 carbons (C14.5). For comparison, a
base formula (Base) which contains no alcohol is also shown.
[0174] From the downward shift in gel point as a function of chain
length of the alcohols of FIG. 3, an optimum gel point suppression
is obtained in the region of C13 as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in
FIG. 4, for chain length C11 the gel point shift was 6.7, for chain
length C12.6 the gel point shift was 9.4, and for chain length
C14.5 the gel point shift was 7.6.
[0175] The graph shown in FIG. 5 shows the downward shift in gel
point as a function of the amount of C12.6 primary alcohol blend
present. As shown in the key to FIG. 5, the amounts were 0.25% by
wt., 0.50% by wt. and 0.75% by wt. of a C12.6 alcohol blend in
three respective formulas which were otherwise identical. For
comparison, a base formula containing no alcohol is also shown.
[0176] In FIG. 6, the downward shift in gel point as a function of
the percent of C12.6 present illustrates the ability to obtain good
control of gel point suppression. For the formulas including NEODOL
23 (C12.6 average) in the amount of 0.25%, the gel point shift was
0.9; in the amount of 0.50%, the gel point shift was 9.4; and for
the amount of 0.75%, the gel point shift was 13.7. In formulas
where gel point suppression is not sought by inclusion of the
linear primary alcohol blends, a sharp transition from liquid to
cubic phase of the gel is present. Suppression of gel points with a
primary alcohol blend can result in a phase transition stage which
interferes with the cubic phase of the gel. This gives a
temperature range where there is thickening of the product before a
sharp viscosity increase is obtained. This transition phase is not
desirable. In considering in FIG. 5 the viscosity data at amounts
of 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% and the range of 0 to 10 Pa's, this phase
transition area can be seen.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 7, as the amount of primary alcohol blend
is increased, the phase transition region described above becomes a
more significant consideration. As shown in FIG. 8, in formulation
where the presence of a phase transition region is a concern, the
use of an ethoxylated linear primary alcohol blend serves to
eliminate this phase transition area with minimal effect on the
desired overall gel point suppression. As shown in FIG. 8, at 1
mole ethoxylation, the phase transition is greatly reduced, and at
2 moles ethoxylation, the phase transition is eliminated. The four
formulas tested, for which the results are shown in FIG. 8, include
no alcohol (BASE), 0.5% by wt. primary alcohol blend with an
average carbon chain length of 12.6 (C12.6); 0.5% by wt.
ethoxylated primary alcohol blend with an average carbon chain
length of 12.6 and average 1 mole ethylene oxide (EO) per mole of
alcohol (C12.6 1 EO), and 0.5% by wt. ethoxylated primary alcohol
blend with an average carbon chain length of 12.6 and average 2
mole EO per mole of alcohol (C12.6 2 EO).
[0178] As shown in FIG. 9, when the amount of the 2 mole
ethoxylated primary alcohol as shown in FIG. 8 is increased to
0.75% by wt., a phase transition region is again formed. Upon
further increase in ethoxylation, this phase transition region
should be eliminated.
[0179] FIG. 10 summarizes the gel point shift and phase transition
area for the primary alcohol blend having an average of 12.6
carbons in the chain length. The data of FIG. 10 is as follows:
TABLE-US-00034 Gel Point Shift Phase Transition % Alcohol 0 EO GP 2
EO GP EO 2 EO PT 0.25 0 1.9 0.5 0 0.5 9.4 6.7 5.1 0 0.75 13.7 8.9
10 6.8
[0180] FIG. 11 shows the gel point shift as to the % of a primary
alcohol blend with an average 12.6 carbon chain length, with zero
ethoxylation and with 2 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of
alcohol. The data charted is as follows:
TABLE-US-00035 Gel Point Shift % Alcohol 0EO 2EO 0.25 0 1.9 0.5 9.4
6.7 0.75 13.7 8.9
[0181] Test data as to formulas containing certain linear primary
alcohol blends and ethoxylated linear primary alcohol blends are
set forth in the Table below. The components of the formulas were
the same except for the alcohol blend present. A Base formula
containing no alcohol is also present as a control. The same test
methods were used as to each formula to allow for comparison as to
the data set forth.
TABLE-US-00036 Average Phase Gel Trade Chain Max Gel Transition
Point Phase Name Length EO Amount Adhesion FTA Viscosity Point
Point Shift Transition Base (No NA NA 0.00% 20.00 12.6 294 69.7
70.2 0.5 Alcohol) NEODOL 12.6 0 0.50% 16.25 12.5 266 60.3 65.4 -9.4
5.1 23 NEODOL 12.6 1 0.50% 18.00 12.1 287 64.0 65.4 -5.7 1.4 23-1
NEODOL 12.6 2 0.50% 18.25 12.4 282 63.0 63.0 -6.7 0.0 23-2 NEODOL
11.0 0 0.50% 17.50 12.0 289 63.0 65.4 -6.7 2.4 1 NEODOL 14.5 0
0.50% 17.75 12.8 280 62.1 66.2 -7.6 4.1 45 NEODOL 12.6 0 0.25%
19.50 12.5 263 70.6 71.1 0.9 0.5 23 NEODOL 12.6 0 0.75% 15.50 12.5
259 56.0 66.2 -13.7 10.2 23 NEODOL 12.6 2 0.25% 18.75 12.4 277 67.8
67.8 -1.9 0.0 23-2 NEODOL 12.6 2 0.75% 16.75 12.3 259 60.8 67.6
-8.9 6.8 23-2 FTA = Force to actuate EO = Ethylene Oxide
[0182] The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended
to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the
invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in
order to explain the principles of the present invention so that
others skilled in the art may practice the invention. As will be
apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be
made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such
modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art
form a part of the present invention.
[0183] It is noted that terms like "specifically," preferably,"
"typically," "generally," and "often" are not utilized herein to
limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain
features are critical, essential, or even important to the
structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms
are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features
that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the
present invention. It is also noted that terms like "substantially"
and "about" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of
uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison,
value, measurement, or other representation.
[0184] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "50 mm" is intended to mean "about 50 mm."
[0185] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
* * * * *