U.S. patent application number 09/218309 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for baldness cosmetic and method of application.
Invention is credited to BACKUS, ALAN L., POND, KENNETH, POPEIL, RONALD M..
Application Number | 20010006627 09/218309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27029525 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010006627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
POND, KENNETH ; et
al. |
July 5, 2001 |
BALDNESS COSMETIC AND METHOD OF APPLICATION
Abstract
A process for treating balding spots and a composition which
when applied to areas of thinning or balding hair increases the
width and visibility of the hairs within the thinning or balding
area and thus obscures visibility of the scalp or skin underlying
the hairs. A bonding agent helps make the spray more efficient in
application, decreases undesirable overspray, and increases formula
adherence to hair shafts.
Inventors: |
POND, KENNETH; (JINDALEE,
AU) ; POPEIL, RONALD M.; (LAS VEGAS, NV) ;
BACKUS, ALAN L.; (LOS ANGELES, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRAIN M. BERLINER
O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP
400 SOUTH HOPE STREET
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-2899
US
|
Family ID: |
27029525 |
Appl. No.: |
09/218309 |
Filed: |
December 22, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09218309 |
Dec 22, 1998 |
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07999740 |
Dec 31, 1992 |
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09218309 |
Dec 22, 1998 |
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08432497 |
May 1, 1995 |
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09218309 |
Dec 22, 1998 |
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08810974 |
Feb 27, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/70.6 ;
424/47; 424/70.1; 424/70.7; 424/78.02; 424/78.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 8/8147 20130101;
A61Q 7/00 20130101; A61K 2800/43 20130101; Y10S 424/01 20130101;
A61Q 5/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/70.6 ;
424/70.1; 424/70.7; 424/47; 424/78.02; 424/78.03 |
International
Class: |
A61K 007/00; A61K
009/00; A61K 007/06; A61K 031/74; A61K 006/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A composition to increase the width and visibility of hairs
within a balding or thinning hair area on a normally hair growing
body portion, said composition comprising: a coloring pigment
matching hair color, a bonding agent designed to adhere the
coloring pigment to hair shafts and thereby increase hair widths by
at least three times.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is applied
as a spray.
3. The composition of claim 2 wherein said composition is applied
as an aerosol.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is applied
to hair on a human.
5. The composition of claim 4 wherein said composition is applied
to the head.
6. A process for thickening and softening hair to obscure balding
areas on a normally hair growing body portion comprising: applying
a first substance to the hair in a balding area being treated which
first substance adheres to the hair shafts and thus thickens the
hair shafts; applying a second hair softening substance to the hair
shafts whereby the hair shafts and first substance adhered to the
hair shafts are softened by the second substance applied to the
hair shafts.
7. A composition applied in a single procedure to hair to
cosmetically obscure a balding area on a normally hair growing body
portion, said composition comprising: particles containing a
pigment which attaches to the hair in the balding area to be
treated and a bonding polymer resin, whereby the bonding polymer
resin bonds the particles containing pigment to the hair.
8. A process for cosmetically obscuring bald spots on a normally
hair growing body portion, said process comprising the steps of:
cleansing the hair on the subject body portion in the area of the
bald spots; utilizing a shampoo which leaves minimal conditioners
or other residues on the hair; applying a substance to the cleansed
hair which attaches to the hair shafts thus increasing hair
thickness, whereby said hair shafts with increased thickness
obscure skin underlying said hair shafts on the subject body
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a cosmetic for obscuring balding
areas by enhancing the visibility of existing hair within the
balding area and a novel method of application.
BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0002] Baldness has been a problem, both for men and women,
throughout the ages. A thinning scalp has long been a traditional
sign of aging.
[0003] People have used hair pieces, hair weaves, internal and
externally applied medicines, hair transplant and scalp reduction
surgeries, and many other means to try to avoid appearing bald.
Some attempts have worked, but most have proven expensive,
difficult and at best only partially successful.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] In order to understand how the present invention works in
hiding baldness, it helps to understand what baldness is to begin
with.
[0005] Male pattern baldness is in fact not generally a total
elimination of all hair within a balding area, but instead a
reduction of hair size, visibility and count within the balding
area. Even an individual who has a clearly visible scalp generally
has a substantial number of small hairs still left in the balding
area. The problem is that the hairs that are left are too few, too
translucent, and too small to visually cover the scalp.
[0006] Baldness in women generally differs from that found in men.
Instead of hairs shrinking in size and loosing pigmentation and
mass, women typically suffer a reduction in hair count over part or
all of their scalp. What women share in common with men, however,
is that the areas where the skin or scalp show through the hair
usually still have hair, but hair in insufficient amounts and size
to obscure the underlying epidermis.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0007] The present invention takes advantage of remaining hair
within a balding area by enlarging its size and enhancing its
visibility. Specifically, the present invention thickens and adds
pigment to the existing hairs which in turn increases their
prominence and visibility and thus obscures the underlying scalp or
skin.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention work so well in fact,
that both men and women who have clearly bald areas can
cosmetically eliminate the areas in just a matter of several
seconds.
[0009] In a previous invention (Australian Patent No. 73,413/74)
Kenneth Pond disclosed a composition which is inferior to
embodiments using the present invention.
[0010] Embodiments using aspects of our present invention may
improve over embodiments using the previous invention in several
areas. First, relative to the earlier first invention, embodiments
using our present invention may create significantly less overspray
(the airborne dust from an aerosol which is formed from aerosol
agents which don't adhere to their target). Next, embodiments using
our present invention may measurably decrease undesirable transfer
of the baldness cosmetic onto clothing and other objects the hair
may contact or come into proximity with. In addition, aspects of
our present invention may noticeably soften the treated hair in and
around the balding area both visually, and to the touch. Also,
aspects of our present invention may make the hair look more
natural by increasing its surface sheen. Finally, embodiments using
our present invention may be resistant to being washed out in the
rain or by heavy perspiration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Embodiments using our present invention may have up to four
parts including: a colored hair thickener, a finishing spray, a
hair cleanser and a special hair softener.
[0012] Although all four above mentioned parts are not necessary to
practice our present invention, the combination of the four parts
produces very satisfactory results.
[0013] A typical use of such a preferred embodiment may start with
washing the hair using the present invention's hair cleanser. The
hair is first wetted and the cleanser poured out of its bottle onto
the hand and applied to the hair in conventional shampooing
fashion.
[0014] The hair cleanser of this embodiment may differ from many
commercial shampoos in that it leaves little or no residue on the
hair and underlying skin. This helps build static charge on the
hair to attract the colored hair thickener. This is also intended
to provide a clean surface to help the hair thickener and finishing
spray, which will both be applied later, to better adhere to the
hair and skin.
[0015] The hair cleanser also may contain strengthened detergents
which will remove water resistant resins which may be used in the
hair thickener and/or in the finishing spray. Such water resistant
resins may be present to prevent an embodiment from washing out in
the rain or under heavy perspiration.
[0016] After rinsing, drying and styling the hair in the normal
manner, the colored hair thickener is applied from its aerosol can
with the can nozzle held 3 to 6 inches from the balding area. This
aerosol spray is applied directly on and around the hair and skin
of the balding area. It is best to blend the application in the
balding area with the surrounding hair for a more natural
appearance.
[0017] The hair thickener sticks to each hair shaft increasing its
mass, visibility and skin obscuring ability. It also coats the
underlying skin preventing direct skin observation regardless of
the sufficiency of hair coverage. Providing adequate hair is
present in the balding area, the bald spot, after the application
of hair thickener, generally appears to be mostly or completely
eliminated.
[0018] After the hair thickener dries, the finishing spray may be
applied from its aerosol can. Here the product is sprayed with the
can nozzle held 8 to 12 inches from the area being sprayed, in a
manner typical of applying a men's or women's hair styling
spray.
[0019] The finishing spray helps adhere the hair thickener to the
hair shafts and skin. With proper formulation, it also may help add
sheen to the surface of the hairs coated with the thickener. Also
with proper formulation, such as the addition of water resistant
resins, it may help prevent the thickener from being washed out in
the rain or by heavy perspiration.
[0020] Once the finishing spray has dried, the hair may be styled
by lightly brushing its outer surface with a comb, or with a brush,
such as an inexpensive coarse-toothed plastic styling brush. This
is a light brushing which should not scrape the skin or scalp.
Brushing the scalp can remove some or all of the hair thickener.
This brushing besides moving the hair into place, may help soften
the hair and blend the treated area with its surroundings.
[0021] Removal of the hair thickener and finishing spray from the
hair may be accomplished by again using the hair cleanser in the
manner described above, or through use of any of a variety of
conventionally available shampoos. This removal can be done at any
time during or after the application of the colored hair thickener
and finishing shield.
[0022] It is important to note that there are many variations to
the above procedure that may be practiced. As an example, it may
not be necessary to use the hair cleanser prior to applying the
hair thickener. Freshly washed hair is not even necessarily a
requirement for an embodiment to work.
[0023] Embodiments of the hair thickener may be applied and used
without using a finishing spray. The finishing spray generally
reduces the amount of hair thickener which may transfer onto
clothing and other objects but is not essential for an embodiment
to work.
[0024] Another way to apply the hair thickener is to apply the
finishing shield first, then apply the hair thickener before the
finishing shield dries. This may then be followed, as an optional
procedure, with another application of the finishing shield.
[0025] The special hair softener's use is also optional. If it is
used, it is applied any time after the hair thickener and finishing
shield have been applied. The hair is wetted under a shower for
just a few seconds without hand agitation. The special hair
softener is then applied to the outer surface of the hair, again
with minimal hand agitation. A final short rinse under the shower
removes most of the special hair softener, but leaves the hair very
soft in both the areas treated and untreated with hair
thickener.
[0026] One knowledgeable in the art will realize that there are
many different formulations which can be used to practice the
present invention. What follows is one exemplary embodiment of a
formulation for the hair cleanser, hair thickener, finishing spray,
and softener.
[0027] Formulation for colored hair thickener in black:
1 INGREDIENT WT/WT MAX % MIN % SD Alcohol 40 ANHYDROUS 13.84%
30.00% 5.00% (200 proof) PVP/VA Copolymer 2.36% 6.00% 1.00% Talc
0.41% 1.00% 0.10% Iron Oxide Black 4.10% 8.00% 1.00% Iron Oxide
Umber 0.51% 1.50% 0.10% Iron Oxide Ochre .10% 0.50% 0.10% Silica
1.24% 4.00% 0.50% Propellant (Isobutane/Propane) 77.54% 95.00%
50.00% TOTAL 100.00%
[0028] Formulation for colored hair thickener in white:
2 INGREDIENT WT/WT MAX % MIN % SD Alcohol 40 ANHYDROUS 13.84%
30.00% 5.00% (200 proof) PVP/VA Copolymer 2.36% 6.00% 1.00% Talc
2.69% 6.00% 1.00% Iron Oxide Black 0.02% 1.00% 0.00% Titanium
Dioxide 2.69% 6.00% 1.00% Silica 1.12% 4.00% 0.50% Propellant
(Isobutane/Propane) 77.28% 95.00% 50.00% TOTAL 100.00%
[0029] Manufacturing Procedures:
[0030] Disperse PVP/VA copolymer, talc, silica, titanium dioxide
and iron oxide in SD alcohol until homogenous, fill into aerosol
container and charge with propellant.
[0031] Distinctive features:
[0032] The colored hair thickener described in this preferred
embodiment contains a resin (PVP/VA Copolymer) which reduces
overspray and helps bond the colored hair thickener to the hair and
skin. This resin also helps increase the amount of hair thickening
that the colored hair thickener can produce.
[0033] The alcohol is present to aid in filling the aerosol cans
with a slurry mix. It may be replaced by any of a wide range of
other volatile liquids such as isopentane, or acetone. It also may
be eliminated altogether and the aerosol cans filled with a dry mix
plus propellant. The pigments suggested may be replaced with any of
a variety of pigments known in the art, to obtain particular
colors.
[0034] Formulation for finishing shield:
3 INGREDIENT WT/WT SD Alcohol 40-2, Anhydrous (200 proof) 93.63%
Resyn 28-2930 (a VA/crotonates/vinyl neodecanoate 5.50% copolymer)
AMP Regular (AMP 99%) (aminomethyl propanol) 0.47% 193
Fluid/Rhodosil 5193 (dimethicone copolyol) 0.15% DC 556 Silicone
Fluid, Cosm. (phenyl trimethicone) 0.10% Dehyquart SP - quarternium
- 52 0.05% Fragrance 0.10% TOTAL 100.00%
[0035] Manufacturing Procedures:
[0036] To a portion of the SDA in a SS tank, add the resyn with
high speed dispersion.
[0037] Add AMP, continue dispersion until dissolved.
[0038] Add balance of ingredients with good agitation.
[0039] Mix for 30 minutes or until uniform.
[0040] Fill Ratio:
[0041] Concentrate 75%
[0042] Propellant A-31 25% (Isobutane/Propane)
[0043] 100%
[0044] Distinctive features:
[0045] The above finishing shield imparts a high degree of sheen to
the hair due to a high content of silicone. This sheen is important
in making the treated hair look natural. The colored hair thickener
has a powder texture which imparts a matte appearance. Untreated
hair by contrast has a natural sheen. The high amount of silicone
helps restore sheen and luster to the areas treated with colored
hair thickener.
[0046] Formulation for hair cleanser:
4 INGREDIENT WT/WT Water, Deionized 56.15% AMP Regular (AMP 99%)
(Aminomethyl Propanol) 1.50% Crothix (Polyol Alkoxyl Ester) 1.00%
Stepanol WAT (Tea-Lauryl Sulfate) 32.00% Standamide KD (Cocamide
DEA) 5.00% Tetrasodium EDTA (Grace HAMP_ENE Na1/Ciba-Geigy) 0.10%
Actiplex 562 Al (Extracts of calendula, 0.10% rosemary, chamomile
and nettle) Germall II (Diazolidinyl Urea) 0.20% Lexaine C
(Cocamidopropyl Betaine) 2.50% Triton X-100 (Oxtoxynol-9) 0.70%
Fragrance 0.50% Mint Green (FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Yellow
No. 5) 0.00% FD&C Blue #1 0.00% H Kohnstamm FD&C Red #4
0.00% Ammonium Chloride 0.25% TOTAL 100.00%
[0047] Distinctive features:
[0048] One knowledgeable in the art will realize that the above
hair cleanser leaves little or no residues on the hair and
underlying skin, leaving both completely or close to completely
clean. This helps in creating static change in the hair to attract
the colored hair thickener. The cleanliness also helps the colored
hair thickener and finishing spray adhere to the hair and skin once
the thickener and finishing spray has been applied.
[0049] Such a knowledgeable person will also realize that the
detergents in the above are strong enough to remove water resistant
resins, such as PVP/VA Copolymer and resyn 28-2930, which may be
used in making the hair thickener and/or the finishing spray.
[0050] Both the lack of residue causing agents and the use of
detergents which are specifically directed to removing resins
should be considered options, either or both of which may be absent
from an embodiment practicing aspects of the present invention.
[0051] Formulation for special hair softener:
5 INGREDIENT WT/WT Special Blend of Cetearyl Alcohol, 6.00% PEG-40
Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride Dicetyldimonium
Chloride 1.00% Fragrance 0.05% Diazolidinyl Urea 0.10% Dl Water
92.85% TOTAL 100.00%
[0052] Distinctive features:
[0053] One knowledgeable in the art will recognize the above
closely resembles formulations practice by conventional hair
softeners. The distinctive feature of this embodiment component
lies in the manner of its use, not in its composition and
manufacture.
[0054] What have been described are certain aspects of a hair
thickening spray which obscures bald or thinning hair areas. It is
understood that the foregoing description and accompanying
illustrations are merely exemplary and are in no way intended to
limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the
appended claims and their equivalents. Various changes and
modifications to the preferred embodiments will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may
include, but are not limited to: applying the composition with
means other than an aerosol container such as using a powder puff
or salt shaker or perfume atomizer or pump dispenser or hand pump
aerosol; changing the proportions of the constituent components of
the composition, such as decreasing the Aerosil 200 to 1 gm or
increasing the alcohol to 15 ml so cans may be filled with a slurry
fill; substituting other components for the components in the
composition, such as using other pigments than those specified;
applying the composition to hair other than human hair, such as to
pets or other animals; spraying the finishing spray on first and
then applying the hair thickener, even possibly before the
finishing spray has had a chance to dry; spraying on several
applications of the first spray, possibly alternating each
application with an application of the second spray (the finishing
spray); using a lighter weight pigment such as very fine plastic
powder or powder such as is used in toners used in plain paper
copiers; applying an embodiment to increase the visibility or
thickness of other body hair such as beards and eyebrows, using
other methods to apply the hair cleanser such as a spray-on hair
cleanser, using other methods to apply the finishing spray such as
a pump spray or pump aerosol, applying the hair thickener in two
parts such as a thickener part and a pigmented part, putting
pigment in the finishing spray and using it to color the hair
instead of the hair thickener etc. Such changes and modifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims and
equivalents.
* * * * *