Appeal No. 95-4812
Application No. 08/170,839
excellent rheological properties (i.e., good paste-shape
retention properties ). To achieve these improved properties,2
appellants’ toothpaste composition includes a cationically-
modified hydroxyethylcellulose having a particularly high
molecular weight and a particular cationization degree as a
thickening agent. Further details of the claimed invention are
illustrated by appealed claim 1 which is reproduced below:
1. A toothpaste composition comprising:
(1) a water-soluble bactericide selected from the group
consisting of pyridinium compounds, quaternary ammonium
compounds and biguanide compounds in an amount of 0.001% to
5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition;
(2) a cationacally-modified hydroxyethylcellulose having
an average molecular weight of 1,000,000 or higher in the
hydroxyethylcellulose portion thereof and having a
cationization degree of 0.05 to 0.5 mol/glucose in an amount
of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition;
(3) a surfactant selected from the group consisting of
polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers and
2Toothpastes exhibiting ideal rheological properties have
non-Newtonian behavior known as “pseudoplasticity”, i.e., the
toothpaste stays in place until directed to spread by a
physical force. See Ogawa, “Toothpaste formula retaining
activities of cationic antimicrobials”, Sunstar INC. This
reference is referred to in the brief as “Document 2”. See
the brief at page 7. No publication date has been provided
for the reference. Thus, its availability as prior art is
uncertain.
2
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