Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Topical sun or radiation screening – or tanning preparations
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-15
2001-02-20
Dodson, Shelley A. (Department: 1616)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Topical sun or radiation screening, or tanning preparations
C424S060000, C424S070100, C424S070900, C424S400000, C424S401000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190645
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sunscreens. More particularly, the present invention relates to sunscreens that protect the scalp and hair from the damaging effects of sunlight.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Sunscreen compositions are applied to the skin to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays that can lead to erythema, a reddening of the skin also known as sunburn. Sunlight or ultraviolet radiation in the UV-B range has a wavelength of 290 nm to 320 nm and is known to be the primary cause of sunburn. While, ultraviolet rays at a wavelength of 320 nm to 400 nm, known as UV-A radiation, produces tanning of the skin. However, in the process of doing so, the UV-A rays can damage or harm the skin.
Besides the immediate malady of sunburn, excessive sunlight exposure can lead to skin disorders. For instance, prolonged and constant exposure to the sun may lead to actinic keratoses and carcinomas. Another long-term effect is premature aging of the skin. This condition is characterized by skin that is wrinkled, cracked and has lost its elasticity.
In general, sunscreen compositions are oil and water emulsions. In this system, the UV-absorbing compounds are typically incorporated into the oil phase.
Sunscreens may also include physical or inorganic metal oxides that block the sun's rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are commonly used for this purpose.
As stated above, sunscreens are typically formulated with the goal of inhibiting skin damage from the sun's rays. The sunscreen composition filters or blocks the harmful UV-A and UV-B rays that can damage and harm the skin. It is believed that sunscreen agents accomplish this by absorbing the UV-A and/or UV-B rays.
However, the skin is not the only area that can be harmed by the sun's rays. Hair can also suffer damage from excessive exposure to the sun. For example, the hair cuticle can be damaged, which leads to a split end. In addition, the hair can become brittle and dry and also experience color fading.
Consumers consider many factors when purchasing a sunscreen product. One of the most important considerations is the sun protection factor (SPF). This determines the amount of protection that the sunscreen composition provides over a given period of time. There are many to choose from and selection will be based upon the consumer's needs. The consumer also gives consideration to the substantivity of the product, that is how durable is the product after applying it. This effects how often the composition will need to be applied when the consumer is out in the sun. A third consideration is product feel and how well the product spreads. Typically, consumers want a product that feels smooth and silky. Another factor is the shelf life of the product, which is determined by the chemical and physical stability of the sunscreen composition. In addition, product form will also play a part since there is a variety of choices such as lotions, gels, creams, sprays, and aerosols that are available.
However, if the consumer is searching for a sunscreen product that protects the scalp and hair from ultraviolet irradiation, he or she will be forced to use a sunscreen product that is meant to be applied on the skin. The result is that the scalp may be protected, but the hair may not be. As such, there is a need to provide the consumer with a sunscreen product that is specifically formulated to provide protection to both the scalp and hair from the damaging effects of the sun that can lead to color fade, dryness, and cutical separation. Furthermore, the product provides the additional benefit of imparting grooming and styling benefits.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,554 claims a cosmetic composition for treating hair that contains a hydrolyzed protein comprising anionic and cationic amino acids, a divalent cationic compound, a vitamin compound, and a cosmetic carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,331 claims a topically applicable sunscreen/cosmetic composition for the photoprotection of human skin and/or hair against the damaging effects of UV-A and/or UV-B irradiation. The composition is an ultrafine oil-in-water emulsion of homogeneously and finely dispersed particulates of an inorganic nanopigment of a metal oxide, such as titanium dioxide. The average particle size of the globules in the oily phase is in the range from 100 nm to 1,000 nm.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,811 discloses cinnamido amine cationic quaternary salts that have UV-absorbing properties. These compounds are soluble in water and when used in formulations, typically will improve skin feel by reducing the greasy, oily feel that one normally finds.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sunscreen composition that protects both the scalp and hair from sun damage.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a sunscreen composition that provides photoprotection to the skin, in particular the scalp and hair, from the sun.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a sunscreen composition that combines a sunscreen agent with a water soluble UV-absorbing agent.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide such a sunscreen composition that provides a grooming and styling benefit for added control.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of protecting the scalp and hair from damaging sunlight.
To accomplish the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, is a sunscreen composition that is formulated to provide protection to the scalp and hair. The composition contains at least one sunscreen agent and a cinnamido alkyl amine cationic quaternary salt. In a preferred embodiment, the sunscreen composition also contains an emulsifier, a solvent, a pH adjuster, and a preservative/antioxidant.
The present invention also includes a method for protecting the scalp and hair from damaging sunlight, whereby an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one sunscreen agent and a cinnamido alkyl amine cationic quaternary salt is applied to the scalp and hair.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5208011 (1993-05-01), Vaughan
patent: 5601811 (1997-02-01), Gallagher et al.
patent: 5609854 (1997-03-01), Guerrero et al.
patent: 5616331 (1997-04-01), Allard et al.
patent: 5681554 (1997-10-01), Cannell et al.
patent: 5776438 (1998-07-01), Tokue et al.
patent: 5843411 (1998-12-01), Hernandez et al.
Russo Thomas
SaNogueira James
Dodson Shelley A.
Ohlandt Greeley Ruggiero & Perle LLP
Playtex Products Inc.
LandOfFree
Sunscreen for the scalp hair and hair does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Sunscreen for the scalp hair and hair, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sunscreen for the scalp hair and hair will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2616070