Patent Application
20190024027
The technology relates to the field of cleaning formulations, applicators for such formulations, and methods of using such formulations and applicators; more particularly, the technology relates to removal of contaminated residues from surfaces and sanitizing the surfaces.
Cosmetics commonly referred to in the US as “make-up,” have been in use at least since the time of the Pharaohs. In the late 20th century, the use of make-up increased significantly with the rise of major manufacturers and marketers such as Revlon, L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, and many others. The term “cosmetics” covers a wide range of products that are perceived to enhance beauty. Often, cosmetics include compositions that may have, or that are asserted as having, health enhancement properties, for example, “sun screen” agents in facial creams, to minimize potentially harmful levels of ultra-violet solar radiation, and lotions that include anti-oxidants.
With regard to cosmetics applied to the lips, these are available in a range of products, colors and textures. Lipstick is well known, and is most commonly supplied in a cylindrical container that allows presentation of the “stick” as a colored, waxy solid that can be easily applied to the lips. Lipstick generally includes pigments that provide the desired color, a carrier of a mixture of oils and waxes, and emollients (moisturizers and skin conditioners). Lip-gloss is a sheer composition applied to the lips, most commonly as a liquid using an applicator referred to as a “doe foot applicator,” to impart a glossy sheen. Lip balm may include a composition to prevent drying out of the lips, and may include a moisturizing conditioner. Lip balm is often clear (not colored) but may be colored. Lip plumper, which may be solid, gel/cream or liquid, is formulated with compositions, such as niacin or retinol, or a harmless skin irritant (e.g., menthol, camphor, cayenne, cinnamon), that causes the lips to swell and become fuller (“plumper”). Lip plumpers may range from translucent to any color desired. Lip plumper may be formulated to be used by itself as a lip-gloss, or may be formulated for receiving an application of lipstick over the lip plumper.
While there has been a growing trend toward the use of “natural” ingredients and organic ingredients in cosmetics, there has also been a demand for cosmetics that are suited to an active lifestyle, and for a busy work day. As a result, there has been a growing market for a long wearing lipstick that does not require frequent application and does not come off the wearer's lips readily, so that fresh application, or “touch up,” might be required fewer times daily, sometimes only once or twice in an eight hour work day. In response to this need, the cosmetics manufacturers developed new lipstick formulations. The “traditional” lipstick, which generally has to be “freshened” several times a day, has a “soft waxy solid” carrier structure that results from the use of a wax, or a mixture of waxes, typically including carnauba wax (a high melting point wax for structural support), beeswax, ozokerite, and candelilla wax. The carrier formulation further includes oils and fats that are blended with the waxes to provide the texture and sheen of the lipstick. These oils and waxes include, for example, olive oil, mineral oil, cocoa butter, lanolin, and petrolatum. Some may contain pig fat and castor oil in addition, to improve the shiny appearance when applied.
The recent introduction of “long wearing” lipstick was made possible by changes in lipstick formulations to include compositions that reduce the tendency of traditional lipstick to gradually wear off the lips during normal daily activities of talking, drinking, eating, etc. These formulations adhere more stubbornly to the lips, and may also be expected to adhere more stubbornly to other surfaces, for example the surface of a drinking glass or cup. This lipstick residue often resists cleaning in ordinarily used cleaning methods, for example automatic dish washing machines used in restaurants, resulting in the embarrassing presentation of a “cleaned” glass or cup with lipstick residue to a customer.
US Patent Publication 2005/0227884 discusses a method of removing lipstick residue, particularly such residue from long wearing lipstick, from a glass or cup (collectively, “drink ware”) by pretreating the used drink ware with a chemical formulation prior to the usual cleaning in a dish washing machine. The pretreatment formulation includes at least 0.1 to 100 wt. % of a solvent specified as a ketone; an ester, such as the soy esters; a paraffin hydrocarbon, such as Norpar 13, available from Exxon Mobil; and a glycol ether, glycol, or a terpene. In addition, the formulation includes an organic surfactant (from a specified list), a hydrotrope to assist in dissolving all the components of the formulation, a dye a viscosity modifier, and a source of alkalinity, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, and a builder, such as sodium tripolyphosphate. The pretreating formulation is a liquid solution and may be applied either only to the rim of the drink ware, where the residue is typically found, or to the entire drink ware surface. The pretreatment solution can be applied by spraying, misting, foaming, dipping, wiping, fogging, or rolling. Thereafter, the drink ware is washed in a washing machine. There is no indication that the pretreatment solution is non-toxic, or that it can be ingested in any amounts, without harm. Since the drink ware is subsequently cleaned in a washing machine, toxicity may not be of concern.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,640 relates to a cleaning composition, asserted to clean graffiti from walls, and also lipstick from surfaces. The patent describes five different cleaning liquid compositions, each directed to a specific cleaning job. Each of the cleaning liquids includes the “stem ingredients” which are N-methylpyrrolidone, propylene carbonate, isocetyly alcohol, dipropylene glycol methyl (or mono-methyl) ether acetate.
PCT Publication WO 1998/004660 is directed to a glass washing composition said to be effective in cleaning lipstick from glass. The composition includes a nonionic surfactant, a suitable solvent, such as water, and optionally a co-solvent, such as a short chain alcohol. The nonionic surfactant may be present in the range 2.5 to 50 wt. %, and is preferably a low foaming surfactant selected from the alkoxylate surfactants. The co-solvent is preferably selected from isopropyl alcohol, white mineral spirits, glycols and sodium cumene sulfonate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,522 relates to a biodegradable cleaning composition asserted to be effective in cleaning lipstick residues. This cleaning composition includes a furan-based alcohol mixed with a nonionic surfactant, an aromatizing composition, and an emulsifier.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,812,202 and 6,436,893 relate to an alkaline detergent composition asserted to be effective in cleaning lipstick residues. The detergent composition includes a blend of nonionic surfactants, an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant, and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic group and a pendant hydrophilic group.
A study in Spain showed that the tops of soda cans are more contaminated and full of germs and bacteria. So to wash them with water is advised before putting it to the mouth to avoid any kind of fatal accident. Beverage containers frequently have provision for opening a portion of the top of the can so that the purchaser can drink the contents directly from the can. The area that is to serve as the discharge opening is formed as a “knock-out” in the metal top, and a ring is secured to the knock-out near the center portion of the can top for tearing the knock-out from the can top so as to provide the discharge opening. Such containers have the disadvantage that the top of the can becomes dirty as the result of dust settling on it or other contaminants falling on it while it is standing on store shelves or elsewhere. Additionally, rodents and other pests can spread waste products onto the surfaces of the containers. Moreover, insecticides can be sprayed on areas where the cans are stored, and this insecticide accumulates and dries on top of the can. People who buy these containers often open them for immediate consumption and without either the facilities or the inclination to wash the container before bringing their lips in contact with the contaminated surfaces. Health authorities in some jurisdictions require that such self-opening containers have a plastic cover over the area around the discharge opening for protection from contamination. Such plastic covering adds considerable expense to preparation of the containers for sale; and the equipment for applying such plastic covers is a large expense to plants where beverage containers are labelled and packed. Furthermore, such plastic covers are not adequate for preventing contamination, because customers have favorite flavors and they break open several packs on the supermarket shelf and collect different favorite individual flavors which they purchase at the check-out counter. Store managers cannot effectively prevent this practice and the unsold containers remain on the store shelf with some or all of the containers deprived of their protection against dust, dirt and other contamination. Some of the containers that are purchased are stored on pantry shelves and elsewhere where they gather dust and dirt with no protection whatever for the areas around the discharge opening. Sometimes rats in the storage shelves may contaminate with urine that contains toxic and deadly substances.
Exemplary embodiments of the technology provide formulations, applicators or carriers for the formulations, and methods of using the formulations to remove cosmetic residue from surfaces, especially for removing more stubborn residues, such as, for example, long wearing lipstick residue from drink ware, clothing, and other surfaces. In the case of clear or translucent surfaces, the formulations provide a cleaned surface that is streak-free and shiny-clean to the eye.
In an exemplary embodiment, a non-toxic, sanitizing formulation for removing contaminated residue from the tops of beverage cans, coffee mugs and wine glass surfaces includes a non-ionic surfactant; water soluble preservative; pH reducer, chelating agent; glycerin; water; and optionally an edible fragrance. Optionally, the exemplary formulation may include from about 2.7 to about 3.3 wt. % isopropyl alcohol, or about 3 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be present at from about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, or about 0.75 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be Caprylyl or Decyl Glucoside. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.2 to 0.3 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of water soluble preservative. Further optionally, the water soluble preservative may be sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate or a combination thereof. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of chelating agent. Further optionally, the chelating agent is Phytic acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of a pH reducer. Further optionally, the pH reducer is Citric acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of glycerin.
Another exemplary embodiment provides a wipe impregnated with a non-toxic, sanitizing aqueous formulation for removing long wearing lipstick residue from glass, porcelain and plastic surfaces. Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a wipe impregnated with a non-toxic, sanitizing aqueous formulation for removing contaminated residue from the tops of beverage cans, coffee mugs and wine glass surfaces. The wipe acts as a carrier for a formulation and has about 2.7 to about 3.3 wt. % isopropyl alcohol, or 0.2 to 0.3 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of water soluble preservative; an non-ionic surfactant; chelating agent; water soluble preservative; pH reducer and optionally an edible fragrance; and water. The wipe may optionally be made of woven fibers, such as nylon, cotton, and the like. Moreover, the wipe may be textured to provide a mild soft scrubbing to a surface and/or may be textured to enhance polishing of surfaces. The wipes can be individual wipes, individually packaged in a water tight, tearable enclosure, or can be a roll of connected, but perforated wipes in a tube for dispensing through.
In some exemplary embodiments the formulation is an aqueous liquid, and in other exemplary embodiments, it is an alcohol-based solution, free of water, which is added in the cleaning stage. In some embodiments it is supplied in a sealed sachet that dissolves in water to release the sanitizing and cosmetic residue-cleaning formulation contained therein. In other exemplary embodiments, it is provided as a concentrated bulk liquid for dispersal or mixing into water that will be used to clean cosmetic residue-marked surfaces and to sanitize these.
The foregoing summary is not exhaustive; more details and exemplary embodiments about the cosmetic residue removal formulation technology that is the subject of the appended claims are provided here below.
The following drawings are not to scale and depict exemplary, non-limiting embodiments that are intended to facilitate an understanding of the inventions, which are set forth in the appended claims. The technology may be best understood by reference to the following Detailed Description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative, not-to-scale drawing, wherein:
The term “exemplary” as used herein, means “an example of,” and the examples provided herein are non-limiting of the invention, which is solely expressed in the patent claims.
In the specification and claims, the term “cosmetic residue” means residue that results from cosmetics having contacted a surface and having adhered to that surface after such contact. Sometimes at least a portion of that residue remains tightly bound to the surface, even after a standard cleaning procedure, appropriate to that surface, has been applied. While much of the following discussion focuses on lipstick, and long wearing lipstick, other cosmetics may have similar effects with regard to residues. Further, while much of the discussion may focus on drink ware, for ease of explanation, the formulations are also useful in cleaning other surfaces, such as clothing of natural or synthetic materials, or both, utensils, plates, pacifiers and anything that needs a sanitary finish.
In the specification and claims, the term “contaminated residue” means residue that results from dust, dirt, insecticides and/or any other particles including feces and urine that might collect on a surface and/or adhere to that surface after such collection.
The term non-toxic, as used in the specification and claims means compositions, and formulations of these compositions, that are either not toxic when ingested or that are present in such minute and barely detectible residual amounts, if any, on cleaned surfaces as to pose virtually no risk to human health, if ingested in food or drink in contact with that surface.
The term “sanitizing” as used in the specification and claims relates to the capability of embodiments of the formulation to clean surfaces having a cosmetic or contaminated residue of micro-organisms associated with that residue, to thereby significantly reduce the population of the micro-organism and any associated risk.
The introduction of long wearing lipstick has exacerbated an issue that has long presented in the field of cleaning glass and porcelain surfaces, in particular, of lipstick residue resulting from contact with lips of the wearer. Even after washing drink ware, for example, in a dish washing machine, at temperatures selected to ensure sterilization of pathogens, the residue often remains. Although the drink ware is not contaminated with pathogens, the residue is nonetheless unsightly and evokes feelings of distaste, resulting in a diminished impression of the standards of hygiene of an establishment that serves beverages in such drink ware. The removal of such residues is, therefore, of some significance to business establishments.
In addition, sometimes when make-up is being applied, the lipstick might slip from the grasp and in falling cause a mark on clothing: a blouse, scarf, skirt, pants, or the like. These marks are not readily removable with standard cleaning techniques, especially marks from long wearing lipstick. In fact, some techniques may result in “setting” of the mark and make it virtually impossible to remove this cosmetic residue later. Depending upon the prominence of the cosmetic residue, this potentially permanent “stain” may result in the clothing item being perceived as “ruined” and not fit for further use.
The recently introduced long wearing lipsticks pose more significant residue issues than the older “traditional lipsticks.” For example, referring to
An exemplary embodiment provides a sanitizing formulation for removing cosmetic residue from surfaces, especially glass, porcelain, and polymeric surfaces and the surfaces of clothing made from natural or synthetic fibers, or a combination of both. It is theorized, without being bound, that the efficacy of the exemplary formulation may arise from its component compositions. These compositions include a polar solubilizer for the polymeric waxes and dimethicones present in the long wear lipsticks. The solubilized polymeric waxes may interact with a surfactant, and are thereby rendered soluble in either the water of the formulation, if in aqueous form, or water added in the cleaning process. Because of detergent activity, the polymer waxes and dimethicones do not re-deposit. In addition, the formulations may include an anti-streaking agent that finish-cleans the surface to remove any streaks visible to the naked eye, and a conditioning agent that imparts a shiny, clean appearance.
In an exemplary embodiment, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant, or a mixture of such surfactants. In another exemplary embodiment, the surfactant is an ionic surfactant, or a mixture of such surfactants. Of these surfactants, a non-limiting, useful surfactant, or mixture of surfactants, may be selected from Caprylyl or Decyl Glucoside. Non-ionic surfactants that are non-toxic at levels of concentration left on cleaned surfaces, and with low or no risk of allergic reactions at these concentrations, are preferred. Furthermore, the surfactants may have some antimicrobial (preserving) ability. In addition, the surfactants may be mild, low in toxicity, readily biodegradable and do not leave any streaks on the surfaces that are cleaned.
In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-streaking agent that cleans clear or translucent surfaces to a visibly streak-free appearance may be isopropyl alcohol, for example, or a like anti-streaking agent. Anti-streaking agents that are non-toxic at levels of concentration left on cleaned surfaces, and with low or no risk of allergic reaction are preferred. A combination of the isopropyl alcohol along with the surfactants cleans surfaces to a visibly streak-free appearance while providing anti-microbial properties.
The anti-streaking agent is not essential, for example on porcelain that is opaque, but provides an added assurance of a streak free shine to clear or translucent surfaces, for example, acrylic or glass stem ware.
In an exemplary embodiment, the combination of a water soluble preservative, a chelating agent, and pH adjuster in the formulation may prevent the product and/or the formulation from microbial contamination. Isopropyl alcohol content by itself may not be sufficient enough to preserve the product. A chelating agent may sequester metals from the water or the aqueous formulation. In an exemplary embodiment, a non-limiting example the chelating agent may be phytic acid. According to another exemplary embodiment, the sanitizing formulation may further comprise a pH reducer such that the preservatives in the formulations are more effective. In an exemplary embodiment, a non-limiting example pH reducer may be citric acid.
In an exemplary embodiment, a non-limiting example of the conditioning agent may be glycerin. Glycerin is non-toxic and provides a shiny, cleanly polished look to smooth surfaces, such as glass, acrylic or porcelain, for example. Conditioning agents that are non-toxic at levels of concentration left on cleaned surfaces, and with low or no risk of allergic reactions at these concentrations, are preferred.
In an exemplary embodiment, a non-toxic, sanitizing formulation for removing contaminated residue from the tops of beverage cans, coffee mugs and wine glass surfaces includes a surfactant; water soluble preservative; pH reducer, chelating agent; glycerin; water; and optionally an edible fragrance. Optionally, the exemplary formulation may include from about 2.7 to about 3.3 wt. % isopropyl alcohol, or about 3 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be present at from about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, or about 0.75 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be Caprylyl or Decyl Glucoside. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.2 to 0.3 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of water soluble preservative. Further optionally, the water soluble preservative may be sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate or a combination thereof. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of chelating agent. Further optionally, the chelating agent is Phytic acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of a pH reducer. Further optionally, the pH reducer is Citric acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of glycerin. The remainder of the composition is water, preferably deionized, to avoid ionic interference with the surfactant activity.
Another exemplary embodiment provides a sachet filled with a non-toxic formulation for removing long wearing lipstick residue from glass, porcelain and plastic surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the sachet is sealed, but is water soluble, in exemplary embodiments. The sachet maintains the formulation within it until the shell of the sachet dissolves in the water that is used to clean the affected surfaces. As depicted in
Another exemplary embodiment provides a bulk liquid non-toxic formulation for removing long wearing lipstick residue from glass, porcelain and plastic surfaces. The formulation is in concentrated form and can be diluted with water, preferably deionized water, in a 50:50 ratio. The bulk formulation prior to dilution may include from about 2.7 to about 3.3 wt. % isopropyl alcohol, or about 3 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be present at from about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, or about 0.75 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be Caprylyl or Decyl Glucoside. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.2 to 0.3 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of water soluble preservative. Further optionally, the water soluble preservative may be sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate or a combination thereof. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of chelating agent. Further optionally, the chelating agent is Phytic acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of a pH reducer. Further optionally, the pH reducer is citric acid.
Referring to
An exemplary embodiment of the formulation for removing cosmetic residues from surfaces includes chemical components that are non-toxic and have low risk of producing an allergic reaction when a human is exposed to the minor amounts left behind on a surface after that surface has been cleaned using the formulation, whether such exposure is by touch or through ingestion as from cleaned drink ware.
Another exemplary wipe impregnated with a formulation to clean the contaminated residue from the beverage can may comprise the following composition as illustrated in Table 2.0.
A further exemplary embodiment provides a sanitizing wipe impregnated with a non-toxic aqueous formulation for removing cosmetic residue such as long wearing lipstick residue from glass, porcelain and plastic surfaces. Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a sanitizing wipe impregnated with a non-toxic aqueous formulation for removing residue contaminated with dirt and dust from surfaces such as beverage cans, coffee mugs and the like. The wipe acts as a carrier for a formulation having a non-ionic surfactant; water soluble preservative; pH reducer, chelating agent; glycerin; water; and optionally an edible fragrance; and water. The wipe may optionally be made of woven fibers, such as nylon, cotton, paper-pulp fiber, and the like, and mixtures of such fibers. Moreover, the wipe may be textured to provide a mild soft scrubbing to a surface and/or may be textured to enhance polishing of surfaces. An exemplary embodiment includes a wipe that has a rougher texture on one side for facilitating a slight scrubbing action, and a smoother surface of the other side to facilitate a polishing action. Optionally, the exemplary formulation may include from about 2.7 to about 3.3 wt. % isopropyl alcohol, or about 3 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be present at from about 0.5 to about 1 wt. %, or about 0.75 wt. %. Further optionally, the surfactant may be Caprylyl or Decyl Glucoside. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.2 to 0.3 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of water soluble preservative. Further optionally, the water soluble preservative may be sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate or a combination thereof. Optionally, the formulation may have from about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt. %, or about 0.25 wt. % of chelating agent. Further optionally, the chelating agent is Phytic acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of a pH reducer. Further optionally, the pH reducer is Citric acid. Optionally, the formulation may have less than 0.01 wt. % of glycerin. The beverage can in one preferred exemplary embodiment may be packaged with the exemplary sanitary wipe impregnated with the formulation to enable a user to wipe the top surface of a beverage can providing a sterile surface free of micro-organisms associated with the residue on the contaminated surface. The user may open the can for immediate consumption before bringing their lips in contact with the top of the beverage can. The wipe may further be packaged with the beverage at a plurality of points through any adhesion means. For example, as illustrated in
While exemplary embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the patent claims, and such equivalents thereof that a court may provide under the doctrine of equivalents.
