WO1999035224A1

WO1999035224A1 - An aqueous shower rinsing composition and a method for keeping showers clean

Info

Publication number: WO1999035224A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/020993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert H. Black
Original assignee: Black Robert H
Priority date: 1998-01-06
Filing date: 1998-10-06
Publication date: 1999-07-15
Also published as: AU9602698A

Abstract

The invention relates to a composition for an aqueous rinsing solution for removing deposits from surfaces of showers and the like, and the use of such a composition for rinsing showers clean and for providing a pleasant sheen to shower surfaces without scrubbing or wiping. The composition includes a cleaning surfactant, in combination with a chelating agent, and optionally, an alcohol, a super wetting surfactant, a disinfectant and a base for adjusting pH.

Description

AN AQUEOUS SHOWER RINSING COMPOSITION AND A METHOD FOR

KEEPING SHOWERS CLEAN

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a rinsing solution composition for keeping showers and the like clean, and a method of using same. Description of the Related Art Shower stalls and tubs accumulate a steady build-up of organic and inorganic deposits on their surfaces as a result of repeated use. The accumulation of such deposits, which include insoluble soap curds, washed-off debris from the body partially coated with soap or shampoo, calcium carbonate, other insoluble metal salts, and growth of mildew and microorganisms, etc., creates an unsightly and unhealthy environment that is unacceptable from the standpoint of cleanliness and good hygiene, as well as aesthetics.

Conventionally, the build-up of deposits in a shower can be cleaned with any of a number of aggressive cleaners commercially available to the consumer. These cleaners, which contain combinations of surfactants, chelating agents, oxidizers, abrasives, and soluble salts, require repeated scrubbing or wiping with the cleaner, followed generally with a water rinse, to periodically remove the unsightly and unhealthy build-up in the shower. Considerable labor is required to maintain a clean shower using these conventional cleaners.

At the present time, apart from the aqueous shower rinsing composition disclosed in U.S. patents 5,536,432 and 5,587,022, there is no acceptable product for both maintaining shower surfaces clean and providing a pleasant sheen on shower surfaces without the action of scrubbing or wiping-off of surface deposits. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a composition for a shower rinsing solution for cleaning showers and keeping them clean.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of using the shower and tub rinsing composition to maintain a clean shower, provide a pleasant sheen on the tub and shower surfaces, and prevent the build-up of undesirable deposits on shower surfaces.

A further object of the invention is to provide a composition and a method of using the composition to maintain a clean shower where plastic components are prevalent in the shower surfaces .

The aqueous shower and tub rinsing composition of the present invention offers the distinct advantage of removing deposits from tub and shower surfaces while also providing a pleasant sheen on these surfaces without any immediate rinsing, wiping, scrubbing or the like. The present invention makes use of the water mist formed by subsequent showering to help in the removal of shower deposits in conjunction with the earlier application of the aqueous shower and tub rinsing solution following an earlier showering by the user.

The present invention relates to an easy and safe- to-use, non-streaking aqueous composition for rinsing shower and tub surfaces free from deposits, and without the necessity of wiping or scrubbing, which composition includes a surfactant in combination with a chelating agent, and optionally, an alcohol, a super wetting surfactant, and/or a disinfectant and/or a base for adjusting pH. The present invention also relates to a method of using the aqueous liquid rinsing composition to maintain clean shower and tub surfaces without scrubbing or wiping or even rinsing of the surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The aqueous shower and tub rinsing composition of the invention includes a surfactant in combination with a chelating agent, and optionally an alcohol, a super wetting surfactant, and/or a disinfectant, and/or a base for adjusting pH. In accordance with the invention, a preferred embodiment of the aqueous shower rinsing solution has the following composition expressed in percent (%) by weight: lauraminopropionic acid 2% ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid 1% propylene glycol 1% monoethanolamine 0.38% fragrance 0.006% deionized or distilled water balance The cleaning surfactant used in the present invention advantageously removes both cationic and anionic surfactant residues and deposits and is preferably a liquid at ambient temperatures. This cleaning surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant, such as C₁₂_₁₄ alkoxypropyl iminodiproprionate, alkyl betains, alkyl glycines, sultaines, alkyl amino acids and alkyl propionic acid, and preferably is the amphoteric surfactant, lauraminopropionic acid. Optionally, the cleaning surfactant can be a mixture of amphoteric surfactant and non-ionic surfactant. The optional non-ionic surfactant has the property that it does not exacerbate the stress cracks formed on plastic surfaces of a shower, such as the plastic panels that can be mounted above a bathtub. Non-limiting examples of such non-ionic surfactants include alkyl glycosides, acetylenic diols and alkyl sulfosuccinates . In general, the aqueous shower rinsing composition contains the cleaning surfactant in a range of about 0.3 to 5% by weight. It has been found that cleaning surfactant concentrations of less than 0.5% by weight did not result in satisfactory removal of shower deposits and that concentrations above 5% left too much residual (observed as a scummy film) on shower surfaces. Chelating agents, such as, but not limited to, carboxylate chelating agents, which include ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) , hydroxyethyl ethylene diaminetriacetic acid (HEEDTA) , diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) , and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) , and salts thereof, are used in combination with the cleaning surfactant according to the present invention. Phosphonate chelating agents, such as hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid, can also be used in combination with the cleaning surfactant . The carboxylate chelating agents and other non- phosphonate chelating agents mentioned above, as well as a solution of diammonium EDTA, can be mixed in the aqueous shower rinsing composition in an amount of about 0.1 to 4% by weight. There is too much residual left on the shower surfaces when the amount of chelating agent in the aqueous shower rinsing composition is above about 4% by weight whereas below 0.1% by weight of chelating agent, there is little or no removal of shower deposits. Another disadvantage of having less than 0.1% by weight of chelating agent in the aqueous rinsing composition is that the shower surfaces, including the shower floor, are made very slippery by the cleaning surfactant in the absence of a suitable amount of chelating agent. However, in the case of phosphonate chelating agents, the preferred amount is lower, in the range of about 0.005 to 1%.

When the optional alcohol is present in the aqueous shower rinsing composition according to the present invention, propylene glycol is the preferred alcohol. However, glycerol, glycol ethers, such as dipropylene glycol methyl ether, the isopropyl ether of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, and the ethyl ether of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol can be used as possible, though non- limiting, substitutes for propylene glycol. The alcohol, which increases the solvent properties and improves the sheeting action by keeping the surface tension low in order to minimize any residual film on shower surfaces, is optionally added to the aqueous rinsing solution in the range of 0.1 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 1% by weight. A short-chain alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, and isobutyl alcohol, can also be used.

When small quantities of super wetting surfactants are used in combination with the cleaning surfactant to prevent streaking on shower surfaces, the amount of the super wetting surfactant component is generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.5% by weight. Non- limiting examples of super wetting surfactants include silicone glycol copolymers, such as Lambent MFF-184 (Lambent Technologies, Norcross, GA) , pyrrolidones, such as N-octyl pyrrolidone, and alkyl acetylenic diols.

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a preferred example of a base that can be used to increase the pH of the aqueous shower rinsing solution depending on the acidity of the surfactant and the chelating agent. Other suitable bases for adjusting pH include, but are not limited to, organic amines, such as diethanolamine (DEA) , triethanolamine, monoisopropylamine and morpholine, and ammonium hydroxide. The pH of the aqueous shower rinsing solution is in the range of about pH 3.5 to 7.5, preferably in the range of about pH 3.5 to 5.0, and more preferably in the range of about 4.5 to 5.0.

Small quantities of disinfectant compounds may be used to enhance the effect of chelants in chelating metal ions and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, mildew and fungi. Non-limiting examples of these disinfectant compounds include dimethyl oxazolidine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, 1,3 bis (hydroxymethyl) -5, 5- dimethylhydantoin, orthophenyl phenol, etc. The aqueous rinsing solution also preferably contains fragrance to provide a fresh and clean smell. Although the addition of fragrance is optional, it satisfies the expectation of consumers that a clean shower would smell "fresh and clean". However, a composition which lacks a 00 L M to H H

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sprayed onto the shower surfaces with a pump or pressurized sprayer and, for best results, the shower rinsing solution is applied to wet shower surfaces before the deposits dry and set. While the rinsing solution does soften and remove dried deposits, its principal benefit is the removal of the deposits that are still wet . After application of the rinsing solution to the wet shower surfaces, the rinsing solution transports these undesirable deposits down the wet shower surfaces by gravity and into the shower drain. In subsequent showers, the water and mist from showering enhances the removal of deposits. Thus, a single cycle or repeated cycles of showering, spray application and drying of shower surfaces, especially when later followed by the next cycle beginning with the next showering, serve to convey deposits down to the shower drain in a semi-continuous fashion. Water rinsing following spraying can be done, but is unnecessary. No scrubbing, wiping, or other mechanical action is necessary, in contrast to conventional cleaning agents which are used to remove deposits only after such deposits have dried. The composition according to the present invention is particularly suitable for plastic shower surfaces, such as those that may be used to convert a bathtub to a shower/bathtub enclosure.

Previously accumulated build-up of undesirable deposits that have already dried and set can be softened and removed, albeit gradually, with continued application of the rinsing solution after each shower. While no wiping or other mechanical action is required to remove such previously dried and set deposits, gentle wiping accelerates the removal of softened deposits that have accumulated over a period of time. Wiping or even scrubbing are permissible, but unnecessary. This aqueous shower rinsing composition is not a shower or tub cleaner in the conventional sense, but is a rinsing solution for maintaining a clean shower. A non-limiting example for preparing the preferred embodiment of the aqueous shower rinsing composition is as follows :

EDTA and 80% of the MEA in the composition are added to water in a mixing vessel and mixed until the pH reaches equilibrium. At this point, there may be residual undissolved EDTA. The residual undissolved EDTA is then dissolved by slowly adding the remaining MEA to the mixture in the mixing vessel . The pH is monitored during this process to ensure that the pH does not exceed 5.

Lauraminopropionic acid, propylene glycol and fragrance (e.g., Fresh and Clean from AFF) are added to the solution and mixed until uniform. Other manners of preparing the aqueous shower rinsing composition of the present invention are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aqueous shower rinsing composition, comprising: about 0.3 to 5% by weight of a cleaning surfactant selected from the group consisting of an amphoteric surfactant and a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant; and about 0.005 to 4% by weight of a chelating agent, wherein said aqueous shower rinsing composition has a pH adjusted in a range of about 3.5 to 7.5 by the addition of a base.

2. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant .

3. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 2, wherein said amphoteric surfactant is lauraminopropionic acid.

4. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning surfactant is a mixture of an amphoteric surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant .

5. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said chelating agent is a carboxylate chelating agent and said carboxylate chelating agent is present in an amount of about 0.01 to 4% by weight .

6. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said chelating agent is a phosphonate chelating agent and said phosphonate chelating agent is present in an amount of about 0.005 to 1% by weight .

7. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising an alcohol .

8. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 7, wherein said alcohol is present in an amount of about 0.1 to 5% by weight.

9. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 7, wherein said alcohol is present in an amount of about 0.5 to 1% by weight.

10. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 7, wherein said alcohol is propylene glycol .

11. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 7, comprising:

2% by weight lauraminopropionic acid;

1% by weight ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid;

1% by weight propylene glycol; and

0.38% by weight monoethanolamine.

12. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a superwetting surfactant.

13. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 12, wherein said superwetting surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.01 to 0.5% by weight.

14. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said base for adjusting the pH is an organic amine or an ammonium compound.

15. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 14, wherein said base is monoethanolamine.

16. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the pH is in the range of about 3.5 to 5.0.

17. The aqueous shower rinsing composition according to claim 1, wherein the pH is in the range of about 4.5 to 5.0.

18. A method of rinsing showers clean without scrubbing or wiping, consisting essentially of repeated cycles of the steps of: wetting surfaces of a shower; spraying the wet shower surfaces after showering with the aqueous rinsing composition according to claim 1, whereby deposits resulting from showering are removed, without scrubbing or wiping by allowing said aqueous rinsing solution to transport said deposits down the shower surfaces to a drain, and shower surfaces air-drying spot-free and without streaking.

19. The use of the composition of any one of claims 1-17 as a rinsing solution to remove deposits on shower surfaces without any wiping, scrubbing or the like, which includes the steps of spraying tub or shower surfaces after use with the rinsing solution and allowing the aqueous rinsing solution to remove the shower deposits by transport down the shower surfaces to the drain, and wherein the shower rinsing solution air-dries spot free and without streaking.

20. The use of the composition of any one of the claims 1-17 as a rinsing solution to remove deposits on tub or shower surfaces without any wiping, scrubbing or the like, consisting essentially of one or more cycles of the steps:

(a) wetting the surface of the tub or shower in the normal course of bathing or showering;

(b) spraying the wet surfaces of the tub or shower with the composition;

(c) whereby the deposits resulting from showering or bathing are removed without any wiping, scrubbing, rinsing or the like by allowing the composition to transport the deposits down the surface of the drain.