Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Preparations characterized by special physical form – Cosmetic – antiperspirant – dentifrice
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-31
2003-03-11
Krass, Frederick (Department: 1614)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Preparations characterized by special physical form
Cosmetic, antiperspirant, dentifrice
C424S047000, C424S063000, C424S069000, C424S078030, C424S490000, C514S063000, C514S762000, C514S770000, C514S844000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06531142
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to stable electrostatically-sprayable topical compositions, and methods of treating the skin by electrostatic application of such compositions. Examples of electrostatically-sprayable compositions include color cosmetics and skin care compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of topically-applied skin treatment products are known. Typically, such products are applied by massaging or rubbing into the skin with the fingers or a sponge-type applicator. Other methods of application are also known, including aerosol spraying, non-aerosol pump spraying, and electrostatic spraying. For example, electrostatic spraying of skin treatment agents is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,674, issued to Barnett et al. on Feb. 27, 1996.
Electrostatic spraying of topical materials has been proposed as a means for more efficient consumption and product activity, control over application, ease and cleanliness/hygiene of application, and even coverage.
In particular, the art has described electrostatically-sprayable formulations which involve modifying the conductivity of typically insulating fluids by blending with conductive fluids like ethanol. The insulating and conductive fluids in such systems comprise a single, semi-conductive phase which contributes to the electrostatic sprayability of the composition.
The formulation of more complex, electrostatically sprayable topical compositions, for example, those containing particulates such as pigments, is not straightforward. Pigmented color cosmetics typically contain multiple components such as oils, resins, solvents, pigments, oil absorbers, polymers, emollients and the like. A mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components is often used. These systems can tend to separate due, for example, to chemical incompatibility and/or gravity effects, e.g., particulate materials may settle out. In electrostatic processes, prevention of such separation is a particular challenge, since charging of the fluid during the spray process tends to exacerbate separation or instability. Any unsprayed product tends to show separation due to polarization of components. In either case, the resultant non-homogeneous fluid exhibits poor spray quality when sprayed electrostatically.
As a result of identifying and appreciating the limitations of the known art, and through much experimentation, the present inventors have now discovered improved electrostatically-sprayable compositions and improved methods of applying topical compositions to the skin by electrostatically spraying. In particular, the present inventors have discovered electrostatically sprayable topical compositions which exhibit improved stability, and particularly improved stability upon exposure to electric fields necessary for electrostatic spraying. The compositions contain defined amounts of liquid insulating material, conductive material, insoluble particulates and thickener, wherein the liquid insulating materials and conductive materials are sufficiently miscible or soluble in the composition such that they are in substantially, preferably essentially, one phase.
The present compositions tend to provide good spray quality under conditions of electrostatic spraying.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrostatically sprayable topical compositions which exhibit improved stability, and particularly improved stability upon exposure to electric fields necessary for electrostatic spraying.
In one aspect the present invention relates to a topical composition which is electrostatically sprayable, the composition comprising
(a) from about 2% to about 90% of a liquid insulating material;
(b) from about 2% to about 90% of a conductive material;
(c) from about 0.1% to about 35% of a particulate material which is insoluble and immiscible in the composition; and
(d) from about 0.5% to about 30% of a thickener for stabilizing the composition.
The liquid insulating materials and conductive materials present in the composition are sufficiently miscible or soluble in the composition such that they are in substantially, preferably essentially, one phase. The compositions comprise a component for providing some esthetic or functional benefit to the skin, which may be the insulating, conductive, particulate or other material.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating the skin by electrostatically spraying such compositions.
When electrostatically sprayed, compositions of the invention may provide one or more skin care benefits, including one or more of improved color integration with bare skin (enabling broader useable shade palettes for a given skin color as well as a very natural look), reduced potential for local irritation, improved evenness of particle (e.g., pigment) deposition, and improved skin feel (e.g., in long-wear topical formulas).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The essential elements of the present invention are herein described below. Also included are non-limiting descriptions of various optional and preferred elements useful in the compositions of the present invention.
The present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any of the required or optional components and/or limitations described herein.
In the description of the invention various embodiments and/or individual features are disclosed. As will be apparent for the skilled practitioner all combinations of such embodiments and features are possible and can result in preferred executions of the invention.
All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated.
All component or composition levels are in reference to the active level of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources.
Referred to herein are trade names for materials. The inventors herein do not intend to be limited by materials under a certain trade name. Equivalent materials (e.g., those obtained from a different source under a different name or catalog (reference) number) to those referenced by trade name may be substituted and utilized in the compositions herein.
The compositions and components thereof herein described are suitable for topical applications, that is suitable for use in contact with human skin without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like within the scope of sound medical judgment.
Active and other ingredients useful herein may be categorized or described herein by their cosmetic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic benefit or their postulated mode of action. It is to be understood that the active and other ingredients useful herein can in some instances provide more than one cosmetic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic benefit or operate via more than one mode of action. Therefore, classifications herein are made for the sake of convenience and are not intended to limit an ingredient to the particularly stated application or applications listed.
Compositions of the present invention are electrostatically sprayable, topical compositions comprising:
(a) from about 2% to about 90% of a liquid insulating material;
(b) from about 2% to about 90% of a conductive material;
(c) from about 0.1% to about 35% of a particulate material which is insoluble and immiscible in the composition; and
(d) from about 0.5% to about 30% of a thickener for stabilizing the composition.
The liquid insulating materials and conductive materials present in the composition are sufficiently miscible or soluble in the composition such that they are in substantially, preferably essentially, one phase.
The compositions hereof are electrostatically sprayable and are suitably directly applied to the skin by electrostatic spray techniques. In general, this method involves raising the composition to be sprayed to a high electric potential in a spray nozzle to cause the composition to atomize as a spray of el
Nicols Spiros Aristotle
Rabe Thomas Elliot
Yen Helen Shu Ying
Clark Karen F.
Kendall Dara M.
Krass Frederick
Ostrup Clinton
Rosnell Tara M.
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