U.S. patent application number 12/645696 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-01 for silicone and siloxane-based impregnated coating and polymeric materials for conditioning.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROVCAL, INC.. Invention is credited to David W. Everett, JR., Giovanni Gonzalez, Richard A. Harthun, Maciej Murzynski.
Application Number | 20100163071 12/645696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42115732 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100163071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Everett, JR.; David W. ; et
al. |
July 1, 2010 |
SILICONE AND SILOXANE-BASED IMPREGNATED COATING AND POLYMERIC
MATERIALS FOR CONDITIONING
Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to a personal care
device comprising an immiscible conditioning composition formed by
combining a hydrophilic matrix, such as a polymeric material, and a
hydrophobic conditioning agent. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a personal care device comprising a
hydrophilic matrix, such as a polymeric material, and a hydrophobic
conditioning agent dispersed therein, such as a silicone or a
siloxane-based agent suitable for transferring from the device
surface, and more particularly the matrix surface, to hair or skin
surfaces in contact therewith.
Inventors: |
Everett, JR.; David W.;
(Verona, WI) ; Murzynski; Maciej; (Verona, WI)
; Gonzalez; Giovanni; (Sun Prairie, WI) ; Harthun;
Richard A.; (Eagle, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher M. Goff (27860);ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Assignee: |
ROVCAL, INC.
Madison
WI
|
Family ID: |
42115732 |
Appl. No.: |
12/645696 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61141939 |
Dec 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/223 ;
264/241; 30/34.05; 424/484; 424/70.1; 424/70.12; 424/78.03;
427/402; 514/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/104 20130101;
A46D 1/00 20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101; B32B 37/08 20130101; B05D
5/00 20130101; A45D 24/22 20130101; A46B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/223 ;
424/484; 424/70.1; 424/70.12; 424/78.03; 514/63; 30/34.05; 264/241;
427/402 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/00 20060101
A45D002/00; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 8/89 20060101
A61K008/89; A61K 8/58 20060101 A61K008/58; B26B 19/00 20060101
B26B019/00; B29C 70/58 20060101 B29C070/58; B05D 7/24 20060101
B05D007/24 |
Claims
1. A personal care device comprising a component having a surface
for contacting hair or skin, the contact surface component
comprising an immiscible composition of a hydrophobic conditioning
agent and a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophobic
conditioning agent is a fluid and the hydrophilic material is a
porous solid, and further wherein the hydrophobic conditioning
agent fluid is dispersed in the pores of the solid matrix of the
hydrophilic material.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the conditioning agent is
selected from the group consisting of a silicone-based oil,
siloxane-based polymer, silicone derivative, silicone polyester,
silicone polyether fluid, dimethyl silicone fluid, dimethyl
silicone emulsion, amino silicone fluid, amino silicone emulsion,
polydimethylsiloxane, and combinations thereof.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the conditioning agent is
polydimethylsiloxane.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the conditioning agent has a
viscosity of from about 5 centistokes to about 5000
centistokes.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the conditioning agent has a
flash point of at least about 150.degree. C.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from
about 0.1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the conditioning
agent.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from
about 90% by weight to less than about 100% by weight of a
hydrophilic polymeric material.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic material is a
polymer selected from the group consisting of Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6,
Nylon 6,10, Nylon 6,12, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acetal,
olefinic thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer,
polytrimethylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the porous matrix comprises pores
having a size in the range of from about 50 nanometers to about 50
microns.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a hair styling
device.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the hair styling device is
selected from the group consisting of a hair straightener, curling
iron, comb, epilator, brush, shaver, razor, curler, trimmer,
clipper, dryer, attachment for such a device, and combinations
thereof.
12. A personal care device comprising a substrate and a
conditioning layer for contacting a hair or skin surface, the
conditioning contact layer comprising a porous matrix of a solid
hydrophilic material and a hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid
dispersed in the pores of the solid matrix of hydrophilic
material.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the conditioning agent is
selected from the group consisting of a silicone-based oil,
siloxane-based polymer, silicone derivative, silicone polyester,
silicone polyether fluid, dimethyl silicone fluid, dimethyl
silicone emulsion, amino silicone fluid, amino silicone emulsion,
polydimethylsiloxane, and combinations thereof.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the conditioning agent is
polydimethylsiloxane.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the conditioning layer has a
thickness of from about 5 microns to about 100 microns.
16. The device of claim 12, wherein the substrate is aluminum.
17. The device of claim 12, wherein the substrate is steel.
18. The device of claim 12, wherein the porous matrix comprises
pores having a size in the range of from about 50 nanometers to
about 50 microns.
19. The device of claim 12, wherein the conditioning agent has a
viscosity of from about 5 centistokes to about 5000
centistokes.
20. The device of claim 12, wherein the conditioning agent has a
flash point of at least about 150.degree. C.
21. The device of claim 12, wherein the porous matrix comprises
from about 0.1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the
conditioning agent.
22. The device of claim 12, wherein the porous matrix further
comprises from about 40% by weight to about 99% by weight of a
hydrophilic material selected from a polymeric material or a
ceramic material.
23. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is a hair styling
device.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the hair styling device is
selected from the group consisting of a hair straightener, curling
iron, comb, epilator, brush, shaver, razor, curler, trimmer,
clipper, dryer, attachment for such a device, and combinations
thereof.
25. A method for making a personal care device comprising a
component having a contact surface, the contact surface component
comprising a solid matrix of a porous, hydrophilic material and a
hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid dispersed in the pores of the
solid matrix, the method comprising: forming an immiscible
composition comprising a hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid and a
hydrophilic material; extruding the immiscible composition to form
a personal care device; and, cooling the extruded device; wherein
extrusion and cooling are carried out under conditions sufficient
for the hydrophilic material to form a porous solid matrix having
the hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid disperse therein.
26. A method for coating a personal care device with a conditioning
layer for contacting a hair or skin surface, the conditioning layer
comprising a solid matrix of a porous, hydrophilic material and a
hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid dispersed in the pores of the
solid matrix, the method comprising: preparing an immiscible
composition comprising a hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid and a
hydrophilic material; forming the immiscible composition into a
layer by a sol-gel process, wherein the hydrophilic polymeric
material is a porous solid matrix having the hydrophobic
conditioning agent fluid dispersed in the pores thereof; and,
applying the layer to a surface of a component the personal care
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/141,939, filed Dec. 31, 2008, the
entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a personal care
device comprising an immiscible conditioning composition formed by
combining a hydrophilic matrix, such as a polymeric material, and a
hydrophobic conditioning agent. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a personal care device comprising a
hydrophilic matrix, such as a polymeric material, and a hydrophobic
conditioning agent dispersed therein, such as a silicone or a
siloxane-based agent suitable for transferring from the device
surface, and more particularly the matrix surface, to hair or skin
surfaces in contact therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Conditioning agents are commonly employed to enhance the
manageability, health and/or appearance of the hair and skin
surfaces of humans and animals. A variety of conditions agents are
known, including various modified proteins and other film-forming
natural and synthetic polymers, as well as silicones. Typically,
these conditioning agents are in the form of a paste, cream,
liquid, or gel. Conventionally, these agents have been used by
applying directly to the hair or skin surface.
[0004] Alternatively, however, conditioning agents, such as
silicones, may be used by incorporating them into a skin-care or
hair-care product or device. For example, the agents may be added
to liquid coatings, applied to a surface of a skin-care or
hair-care product or device and dried or cured to create a coating.
The resulting coatings may then transfer the conditioning agent
(e.g., the silicone material) to skin or hair surfaces that come
into contact therewith. Alternatively, the conditioning agent may
be added to plastics used to manufacture the personal care
products, to provide beneficial conditioning and moisturizing
properties; again, the agent being transferred from the plastic
surface to skin or hair that comes into contact therewith.
[0005] While previously known methods for conditioning the hair and
skin by means of a skin-care or hair-care device successfully
impart some benefits to the skin and hair, there are drawbacks. For
example, the compositions and mixtures containing the conditioning
agent (e.g., a silicon agent) are typically homogeneous or
miscible. As such, it is difficult for the conditioning agent to
separate from the mixture to provide maximum conditioning
properties to the contact surface. More specifically, when a
conventional silicon-containing composition is applied to the
contact surface of a skin-care or hair-care device or product, the
surface generally absorbs the entire composition, rather than just
the conditioning agent. As such, repeated use of these compositions
can lead to a build-up of undesirable effects, including, for
example, a heavy, oily feel to the contact surface. Additionally,
it is often difficult to transfer a significant amount of the agent
from the device or product to the skin or hair surface over an
extended period of time. This is because, once the conditioning
agent on or near the surface of the device or product has been
removed or transferred to the skin or hair, little of any
additional benefit is obtained from using the product or device.
The product or device therefore needs to be replaced in its
entirety, adding to consumer costs and waste.
[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a device
that includes a conditioning agent that can be incorporated into a
skin-care or hair-care product or device in order to impart
beneficial conditioning properties to the skin and hair over an
extended period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Briefly, therefore, the present disclosure is directed to a
personal care device comprising a component having a contact
surface (i.e., a surface designed to contact the skin or hair), the
contact surface component comprising an immiscible composition of a
hydrophobic conditioning agent and a hydrophilic material, wherein
the hydrophobic conditioning agent is a fluid and the hydrophilic
material is a porous solid, and further wherein the hydrophobic
conditioning agent fluid is dispersed in the pores of the solid. In
one particular embodiment, the hydrophilic material is a polymeric
or ceramic material, and/or the contact surface component is
selected from the group consisting of a handle, the teeth of a comb
or brush, the barrel of a hair curler, or a surface of a hair
straightener.
[0008] The present disclosure is further directed to a personal
care device comprising a substrate and a conditioning layer for
contacting a hair or skin surface. The conditioning contact layer
comprises a porous matrix of a solid hydrophilic material and a
hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid dispersed in the pores of the
matrix of solid hydrophilic material. In one particular embodiment,
the solid hydrophilic material of the matrix is a solid polymeric
or ceramic material.
[0009] The present disclosure is still further directed to a method
for making a personal care device comprising a component having a
contact surface (i.e., a surface designed to contact the skin or
hair), the contact surface component comprising a solid matrix of a
porous, hydrophilic material and a hydrophobic conditioning agent
fluid dispersed in the pores of the solid. The method comprises:
(i) forming an immiscible composition comprising a hydrophobic
conditioning agent fluid and a hydrophilic material; (ii) extruding
the immiscible composition to form a personal care device; and,
(iii) cooling the extruded device; wherein extrusion and cooling
are carried out under conditions sufficient for the hydrophilic
material to form a porous solid matrix having the hydrophobic
conditioning agent fluid dispersed therein.
[0010] The present disclosure is further directed to a method for
coating a personal care device with a conditioning layer for
contacting a hair or skin surface. The method comprises: preparing
an immiscible composition comprising a hydrophobic conditioning
agent fluid and a hydrophilic material; forming the immiscible
composition into a layer wherein the hydrophilic material is a
porous solid matrix having the hydrophobic conditioning agent fluid
dispersed therein; and, applying the layer to a surface of a
component of the personal care device. In one particular
embodiment, the immiscible composition is formed into a layer using
a sol-gel process. In this or another particular embodiment, the
layer is applied to a component of the personal care device
selected from the group consisting of a handle, the teeth of a comb
or brush, the barrel of a hair curler, or, a surface of a hair
straightener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a hair-curling device of an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a hair-straightening device of another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a hair-brushing device of an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4D depicts FTIR spectra, as further detailed in
Example 1. In particular, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict FTIR spectra for
hair samples after undergoing 30 and 10,000 brush strokes,
respectively, using brushes prepared in accordance with the present
disclosure. FIGS. 4C and 4D are reference FTIR spectra, 4C
illustrating the spectra of the conditioning agent used, and 4D
illustrating the spectra of the hair sample prior to being
brushed.
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5D depict FTIR spectra, as further detailed in
Example 1. In particular, FIG. 5A depicts a FTIR spectrum obtained
during core analysis of a brush bristle prepared in accordance with
the present disclosure. FIGS. 5B and 5C depict FTIR spectra of
hydrophilic polymeric materials (FIG. 5B--Nylon 6; FIG. 5C--Nylon
6,6), used to prepare the brush bristles. FIG. 5D depicts a FTIR
spectrum of a conditioning agent (PDMS) used to prepare the brush
bristles of FIG. 5A
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6C depict FTIR spectra, as further detailed in
Example 2. Specifically, FIG. 6A depicts a FTIR spectrum obtained
during analysis of a hair straightener plate in accordance with the
present disclosure. FIG. 6B depicts a FTIR spectrum obtained from a
hair sample after application of the hair straightener. FIG. 6C
depicts a FTIR spectrum of a reference conditioning agent (PDMS)
used to coat the hair straightener plate.
[0017] It is to be noted that corresponding reference characters
indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the
drawings.
[0018] It is to be further noted that the design or configuration
of the components presented in these figures are not to scale,
and/or are intended for purposes of illustration only. Accordingly,
the design or configuration of the components may be other than
herein described without departing from the intended scope of the
present disclosure. These figures should therefore not be viewed in
a limiting sense.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] In accordance with the present disclosure, it has been
discovered that an improved personal care device that is capable of
imparting benefit to skin or hair that comes into contact with the
device may be achieved by proper selection of the materials from
which the device, or a component or layer of the device, is
prepared. In particular, it has been discovered that such a device
may be prepared having a conditioning agent incorporated into the
device, or component or layer thereof, during manufacture of the
device, or component or layer, itself. It has further been
discovered that by proper selection of the conditioning agent and
the material from which the device, or component or layer, in which
the conditioning agent is incorporated, an increased amount of the
conditioning agent may be transferred to the skin or hair.
Specifically, it has been discovered that, by incorporating a
hydrophobic conditioning agent with a hydrophilic material used to
prepare the device, or component or layer thereof, the inherently
immiscible materials (or the naturally repulsive forces in the
materials) help the conditioning agent to naturally migrate to the
surface of the device, or component or layer, over time, thus
increasing the amount of agent present at or near the device, or
component or layer, surface (i.e., the device contact surface) that
is available for transfer to the surface of the skin or hair of the
subject (i.e., the subject contact surface).
A. Terms
[0020] It is to be noted that as used herein, the following terms
or phrases, or variations thereof, generally have the following
meanings.
[0021] The term "device" generally refers to a device, such as a
personal care device or a hair styling device, used to impart
beneficial hair or skin properties to the body of a human or
animal.
[0022] The term "hair styling device" generally refers to a device
used to style or fix hair into a desired configuration, such as
imparting a style or temporary curl or set (straight or curly) to
human or animal hair and retaining or maintaining (grooming,
restyling) a desired set or curl configuration. Thus, the present
disclosure can include hair styling, hair fixative and hair
grooming products that conventionally are applied to wet, dry or
semi-dry hair. The term also includes devices that groom hair while
making contact with skin surfaces, such as a shaver, epilator,
razor and the like, and their attachments.
[0023] The term "contact surface" generally refers to either the
"subject contact surface", or the surface of the subject that comes
into contact with the device of the present disclosure. For
example, "subject contact surface" can refer to the hair or skin of
the user of the device. Alternatively, "contact surface" may refer
to the "device contact surface", or the surface of the device that
comes into contact with the surface of the subject.
[0024] The term "immiscible" generally refers to a composition that
is substantially incapable of mixing or attaining homogeneity.
Further, the term as used herein can also refer to a composition
that comprises components that are substantially incompatible,
i.e., substantially incapable of blending into a homogenous
mixture.
[0025] The term "hydrophilic" generally refers to a compound or
material that has an affinity for water, as opposed to an oil or
other hydrophobic solvent (i.e., tending to dissolve in, mix with,
or be wetted by water).
[0026] The term "hydrophobic" generally refers to a compound or
material that lacks affinity for water (i.e., tending to repel and
not absorb water, or tending not to dissolve in or mix with or be
wetted by water).
[0027] The term "porous matrix" generally refers to a solid matrix
of hydrophilic material (e.g., a ceramic, or other polymeric
material) having pores therein, and more particularly to pores
having a size in the range of from about 50 nanometers to about 50
microns (e.g., about 100 nanometers to about 25 microns, or about
150 nanometers to about 1 micron). As used in the present
disclosure, the porous matrix can include a hydrophobic
conditioning agent dispersed or present in the pores therein,
and/or additive (e.g., a pigment) present within the matrix
itself.
[0028] The term "substrate" as used herein generally refers to a
part of a device. The substrate may be made of several materials,
such as, for example, metal.
[0029] The term "extrusion" generally refers to a process where a
material is processed or pressed (e.g., under an elevated
temperature and/or pressure) through an opening or through an area
having a certain size (e.g., a die), so as to shape the material to
conform to the opening or area. In general, extrusion refers to a
process that is used to shape a moldable composition without
cutting, milling, sawing or the like, and usually includes pressing
or passing the material through an opening having a pre-defined
cross-sectional area.
[0030] The term "sol-gel" generally refers to a process involving
the evolution of inorganic networks through the formation of a
colloidal suspension (sol) and gelation of the sol to form a
network in a continuous liquid phase (gel). Through sol-gel
processing, small molecules can, for example, be converted into a
ceramic material.
[0031] The term "flash point" as used herein generally refers to
the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable
mixture in air; that is, it is the minimum temperature at which
there is a sufficient concentration of evaporated fuel in the air
for combustion to propagate after an ignition source has been
introduced.
[0032] The term "dip coating" generally refers to the immersing of
a substrate into a tank containing coating material, removing the
device from the tank, and allowing it to drain so that the coating
is sustained on the substrate.
[0033] The term "spin coating" generally refers to a process of
applying a coating to a substrate by placing a solution onto a
substrate and rotating the substrate at high speed in order to
spread the solution by centrifugal force.
B. Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Components
[0034] 1. General Device/Device Component
[0035] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a personal care
device (or a component or layer thereof) is disclosed that is
suitable for imparting a benefit to the hair and/or skin, such as
an improved sensory feel. The device includes or is prepared from
an immiscible composition, which in turn includes or comprises a
hydrophobic conditioning agent and a hydrophilic material (e.g., a
polymeric or ceramic material). In the device (or component or
layer thereof), the hydrophobic conditioning agent is in the form
of a fluid, while the hydrophilic material is in the form of a
solid matrix having pores in which the hydrophobic condition fluid
is dispersed. Due to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of the
two materials, the materials naturally or inherently repel each
other to some degree. This allows or causes the fluid conditioning
agent to migrate from the pores of the solid matrix to a surface of
the device, and then be transferred to a surface that comes into
contact therewith (e.g., the user's hair or skin). Additionally,
proper selection of, for example, (i) the material used for the
matrix and/or the conditioning agent (e.g., the materials being
selected to increase or decrease the repulsive nature, by means of
selecting more or less hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials, and/or
the viscosity of the conditioning agent), (ii) the pore density (or
number of pores) and/or pore size, and/or (iii) the concentration
of the conditioning agent present in the matrix, may be used to
prolong or increase the duration over which the hydrophobic
conditioning agent migrates from the matrix to the device
surface.
[0036] In this regard it is to be noted that, in some embodiments,
the immiscible composition may optionally include additional
hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic components (e.g., pigments for the
matrix or conditioning agent, a fragrance or scented material,
etc.).
[0037] The conditioning agent used in the device (or composition
used to prepare it) may be selected from essentially any
hydrophobic conditioning agent known to be cosmetically acceptable
in the hair and skin industries. Suitable conditioning agents
include, for example, silicone-based oils, siloxane-based polymers,
silicone derivatives, silicone polyesters, silicone polyether
fluids, dimethyl silicone fluids, dimethyl silicone emulsions,
amino silicone fluids, amino silicone emulsions,
polydimethylsiloxane (hereinafter "PDMS"), and combinations
thereof. More suitably, PDMS is used as the conditioning agent in
the composition, in one or more particular embodiments.
[0038] It should be recognized that the conditioning agent
desirably has a viscosity that does not significantly affect the
make-up of the immiscible composition used to prepare the device,
or device component, and/or does not significantly affect the
ability of the conditioning agent to migrate from the pores of the
solid matrix over an acceptable period of time. For example, if the
conditioning agent is too viscous, it may affect the processability
of the matrix material (e.g., a polymeric material), such a
conditioning agent may lead to a tacky or gummy appearance of the
immiscible composition, and/or the resulting device or device
component surface.
[0039] Accordingly, a suitable conditioning agent typically has a
viscosity of from about 5 centistokes to about 5000 centistokes.
More suitably, the viscosity of the conditioning agent is from
about 100 centistokes to about 1000 centistokes, or from about 250
centistokes to about 500 centistokes. In this regard it is to be
understood, however, that the viscosity may be other than herein
described without departing from the intended scope of the
invention, the viscosity being modified, for example, in order to
increase or decrease the rate of migration of the conditioning
agent from the pores of the solid matrix.
[0040] Additionally, the immiscible composition used to prepare the
device, or the device component or layer, typically comprises from
about 0.1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the conditioning
agent. More suitably, the composition comprises from about 0.5% by
weight to about 10% by weight of the conditioning agent. Even more
suitably, the composition comprises from about 1% by weight to
about 5% by weight of the conditioning agent. In this regard it is
to be understood, however, that the concentration of the
conditioning agent may be other than herein described without
departing from the intended scope of the invention, the
concentration being modified, for example, in order to increase or
decrease the rate of migration of the conditioning agent from the
pores of the solid matrix.
[0041] With respect to the nature of the conditioning agent, it is
to be noted that the flash point thereof is to be considered,
particularly in view of the method or technique by which the device
(or device component or layer) is prepared, and more particularly
the temperatures to which the conditioning agent is exposed. In
particular, it is to be noted that because the conditioning agent
is a fluid within the resulting device (or device component or
layer), or more specifically is in a fluid state when in use (e.g.,
a fluid at room temperature, or a fluid at an elevated temperature,
the device being, for example, a curling iron and therefore being
heated when used, the heat for example liquefying or becoming a
fluid once heated sufficiently), evaporation and/or the flash point
of the conditioning agent is to be considered. Accordingly, in one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the conditioning
agent is selected such that little if any evaporation occurs at or
above room temperature for an extended period of time. More
particularly, however, the conditioning agent is selected such that
it has a flash point of at least about 150.degree. C. (e.g., about
160.degree. C., about 170.degree. C., about 180.degree. C., about
190.degree. C., about 200.degree. C., about 230.degree. C. or
more). If the flash point of the conditioning agent is too low,
then the conditioning agent may not survive the conditions under
which the device (or device component or layer) are prepared or
formed, and/or the heating conditions of certain devices (e.g.,
hair straightener or curling), and may subsequently breakdown.
[0042] Along with the conditioning agent, the immiscible
composition used to prepare the device (or device component or
layer) comprises a hydrophilic material, which may be generally
selected from those materials known in the art. Typically, however,
the hydrophobic material is a polymeric or ceramic material.
Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to: Nylon
6; Nylon 6,6; Nylon 6,10; Nylon 6,12; acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS); acetal; olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TEO);
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); polytrimethylene terephthalate
(PIT); and combinations thereof. Typically, the immiscible
composition comprises from about 90% by weight to less than about
100% by weight of the hydrophilic polymeric material, or about 92%
to about 99%, or about 95% to about 98%.
[0043] As previously noted, the immiscible composition can also
further include additional additives that are known and used in the
industry. For example, in one embodiment, the composition includes
a pigment. Suitable pigments that can be used include those that
are known to those skilled in the art, such as pearlescent,
metallic, fluorescent, phoshphorescent, thermochromic,
photochromic, titanium dioxide pigments and the like.
[0044] Other potentially suitable additives that may be present in
the immiscible composition include, for example: reducing agents,
antioxidants, sequestering agents, softeners, antifoams,
moisturizers, emollients, basifying agents, gelling agents, wetting
agents, thickening agents, spreading agents, dispersants,
plasticizers, sunscreens, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, pigments,
mineral fillers, clays, colloidal minerals, nacres, nacreous
agents, fragrances, peptizers, preserving agents, fixing or
non-fixing polymers, ceramides, proteins, antioxidants, active
agents, vitamins, antidandruff agents, aliphatic or aromatic
alcohols, and more particularly ethanol, benzyl alcohol, modified
or unmodified polyols, such as glycerol, glycol, propylene glycol,
dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol or butyl diglycol, volatile
silicones, mineral, organic or plant oils, oxyethylenated or
non-oxyethylenated waxes, paraffins, fatty acids, associative or
non-associative thickening polymers, fatty amides, fatty esters,
fatty alcohols, and the like.
[0045] As further detailed elsewhere herein, the immiscible
composition may be formed into any number of known personal care
devices, or components or layers thereof, using methods and
techniques generally known in the art. For example, the personal
care device comprising the composition can be a conditioning strip
of a razor or shaver (the composition being the conditioning strip
or handle of the razor or shaver, or present therein), such that
when the device comes into contact with the user's skin, the
conditioning agent migrates into the skin and provides beneficial
skin care properties.
[0046] Alternatively, the personal care device comprising the
composition can be a hair styling device, such as a brush or comb.
When the hair styling device comes into contact with hair, the
conditioning agent is transferred from the composition in the hair
styling device into or onto the hair of the user. When the
conditioning agent is transferred into or onto the hair, it
provides beneficial hair care properties, as well as an improved
sensory feel. Suitable hair styling devices that can comprise the
composition include, for example, hair straighteners, curling
irons, combs, epilators, brushes, shavers, razors, curlers,
trimmers, clippers, dryers, and the like, their attachments, and
combinations thereof.
[0047] 2. Thin Layer on Device/Device Component
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, a personal care device
including a substrate and a conditioning layer (comprising or
prepared from the immiscible composition) is present thereon (as
opposed to be incorporated into the substrate, during formation of
the substrate itself). The conditioning layer again includes both
hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, as previously detailed
above. Specifically, the conditioning layer includes a hydrophilic
porous matrix and the hydrophobic conditioning agent, both of which
are described above.
[0049] The substrate, upon which the conditioning layer is applied
or present, may be selected generally from those materials known in
the art, including, for example, aluminum and steel, as well as
various known ceramic and plastic or polymeric materials.
[0050] The physical properties (e.g., dimension, thickness, etc.)
may be optimized for a given or desired application (the thickness,
for example, increasing at the desired concentration of
conditioning agent, and/or duration of migration and/or release of
the agent, increases). Typically, however, a suitable thickness for
the conditioning layer is from about 1 micron to about 250 microns,
about 2 microns to about 200 microns, about 4 microns to about 150
microns, or about 5 microns to about 100 microns.
[0051] As previously noted, the composition and/or properties of
the conditioning agent, including viscosity, and/or the
concentration thereof, may be selected in order to optimize
performance of the device for a given purpose. In one particular
embodiment, however, the viscosity of the conditioning agent within
the noted conditioning layer has a viscosity of from about 5 to
about 5000 centistokes, or about 100 to about 1000 centistokes, or
about 250 to about 500 centistokes, and, in one particular
embodiment, is about 350 centistokes.
[0052] In general, the conditioning layer, or more specifically the
solid, porous matrix of the conditioning layer, may comprise from
about 0.1% by weight to about 12% by weight of the hydrophobic
conditioning agent, and in some particular embodiments may comprise
from about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight, or from about 1%
by weight to about 8% by weight, or even about 5% by weight, of the
conditioning agent. Additionally, the conditioning layer, or more
specifically the solid, porous matrix of the condition layer, may
further comprise a Along with the conditioning agent, the porous
matrix can further comprise a hydrophilic material, such as a
ceramic or polymeric material, the concentration thereof being for
example from about 40% by weight to about 99% by weight, or from
about 50% to about 90% by weight, or from about 60% to about 80% by
weight, of a ceramic or polymeric material. In one particular
embodiment, the porous matrix comprises about 70% by weight of a
ceramic or polymeric material.
[0053] The conditioning layer, or more specifically the solid,
porous matrix of the conditioning layer, further include additional
additives known in the art, such as a pigment, a fragrance or
scent, etc. Suitable pigments that can be used include, for
example, mineral, plant color and synthetic pigments.
[0054] Further, the conditioning layer, or more particularly the
solid, porous matrix, may include other suitable additives, such
as, for example, those chosen from: reducing agents, antioxidants,
sequestering agents, softeners, antifoams, moisturizers,
emollients, basifying agents, gelling agents, wetting agents,
thickening agents, spreading agents, dispersants, plasticizers,
sunscreens, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, pigments, mineral
fillers, clays, colloidal minerals, nacres, nacreous agents,
fragrances, peptizers, preserving agents, fixing or non-fixing
polymers, ceramides, proteins, antioxidants, active agents,
vitamins, antidandruff agents, aliphatic or aromatic alcohols, and
more particularly ethanol, benzyl alcohol, modified or unmodified
polyols, such as glycerol, glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene
glycol, butylene glycol or butyl diglycol, volatile silicones,
mineral, organic or plant oils, oxyethylenated or
non-oxyethylenated waxes, paraffins, fatty acids, associative or
non-associative thickening polymers, fatty amides, fatty esters,
fatty alcohols, and the like.
C. Exemplary Embodiments
[0055] As previously noted, the immiscible composition of the
present disclosure may be incorporated into any number of known
personal care devices or device components. Accordingly, the
following discussion is provided for purposes of illustration only,
and therefore should not be viewed in a limiting sense.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary personal care device
(a hair curling iron) 1 is shown. In this device, a substrate 2,
having a conditioning layer (i.e., a layer comprising a porous,
solid matrix of hydrophilic material having present in the pores
thereof a hydrophilic conditioning agent in fluid form) present
thereon, is also shown. The substrate 2 has a first curling element
or barrel 8, and a second curling element 9, the second element
having a curved shaped or formed so as to receive a portion of the
first element or barrel therein. The personal care device 1 further
comprises a hinge 10, a grip 4, a shaft 6, a guard 5, a handle 7
and a handle element 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate 2
comprises a conditioning layer 11, which is applied to the contact
surface of element or barrel 8 and/or element 9 (not shown), when
the personal care device 1 is being used.
[0057] In this regard it is to be noted that additionally, or
alternatively, a conditioning layer may be applied to the grip 4 of
the device, the grip acting as a substrate for the condition layer.
It is to be further noted that, additionally or alternatively,
rather than a conditioning layer being present on a substrate
(i.e., elements 8 and/or 9 of the device, or the grip 4), the
immiscible composition may be used to form the grip and/or one or
more of the elements, the conditioning agent thus being present
therein and migrating to the surface thereof.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2, another exemplary personal care
device (a hair straightener) 24 is shown. In this device, a
substrate 22 that is capable of being heated has a conditioning
layer (i.e., a layer comprising a porous, solid matrix of
hydrophilic material having present in the pores thereof a
hydrophilic conditioning agent in fluid form) present thereon, is
also shown. A substrate 22 is present on one of the arms 21 (which
also serves as handles), a jointing unit 25 linking the two arms,
and apertures 23. The substrate 22 comprises a conditioning layer
26 present on the surface thereof, which when applied to the
contact surface can straighten hair while conditioning the hair
with the hydrophobic conditioning agent.
[0059] In this regard it is to be noted that, in another embodiment
(not shown), the substrate 22 is present on both arms 21 and both
substrates comprise the conditioning layer. In this regard it is to
be further noted that additionally, or alternatively, a
conditioning layer may be applied to the outer surfaces 27 of the
arms 21 of the device, which also serves as handles for the device,
the arms acting as a substrate for the condition layer. It is to be
further noted that, additionally or alternatively, rather than a
conditioning layer being present on a substrate (i.e., 22 of the
device, or the arms 21), the immiscible composition may be used to
form the arms 21 and/or one or more of the elements 22, the
conditioning agent thus being present therein and migrating to the
surface thereof.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary personal care device
(hair brush) 31 is shown. In this device, a substrate 32 for
contacting skin or hair comprises an immiscible composition of a
hydrophobic conditioning agent and a hydrophilic material. The
substrate 32 comprises bristles 33, which comprise the immiscible
composition. The bristles 33 are attached to a handle 34. The
substrate 32 of the device 31 is applied to the contact surface of
a user so that the bristles 33 come in contact with the user's
hair. When the bristles 33 come in contact with the user's hair,
the hydrophobic conditioning agent is able to migrate from the
bristles 33 to the user's hair and impart a beneficial conditioning
effect.
D. Methods of Preparation
[0061] Additionally, in another alternative embodiment, the present
disclosure relates to a method for making personal care devices
with a conditioning agent present therein. The method involves
forming an immiscible composition, as detailed herein above, and
extruding or molding the composition to form a device (or a
component thereof, such as a handle, brush bristles, etc., the
device later being assembled using such components). As discussed
above, the composition has both a hydrophilic material (e.g., a
polymeric material) and a hydrophobic material (i.e., fluid
conditioning agent), which allow for the conditioning agent to
migrate to a contact surface of the device or component, when used.
The composition can be extruded or molded into various shapes and
sizes to form a desired device (or device component).
[0062] The immiscible composition itself can be formed by any known
or otherwise effective technique suitable for providing such a
composition, provided that the resulting composition has the
chemical properties as described herein. Methods for forming the
embodiments of the composition of the present disclosure include
conventional formulation and mixing techniques.
[0063] There are a number of different variations of extrusion
and/or molding equipment which are suitable for use in accordance
with the present disclosure. Common extrusion equipment pieces
include one or more of a mixer or mixing zone, an extrusion ram or
screw, a press, a heating element, chambers that enable pressure to
be applied to the composition, and an extrusion die or nozzle.
Suitable molding equipment may including appropriate mixing and
heating elements, a mold, pumps for transferring the composition
thereto, and a press for closing the mold or forming the device (or
device component).
[0064] A major characteristic of the extrusion equipment is
movement of the extrusion with relation to the ram ("direct
extrusion" occurs when the die is held stationary and the ram moves
towards the die, whereas "indirect extrusion" occurs when the ram
is held stationary and the die moves towards the ram); the position
of the press (either vertical or horizontal); the type of drive
(either hydraulic or mechanical); and, the type of load applied
(either conventional or hydrostatic). Furthermore, some embodiments
may use a single or twin screw auger, powered by an electric motor,
or a ram, driven by hydraulic pressure.
[0065] It has been recognized that polymeric extrusion uses plastic
chips or pellets, which can be dried, or alternatively softened or
melted, in a hopper before going to a feed screw. The screw forces
the composition through a die, thus forming the composition into
the desired device (or device component) shape. The extrudate is
cooled and solidified as it is pulled through the die.
[0066] Suitably, the composition can be formed by compounding the
conditioning agent with various additives (e.g., a pigment), as
detailed elsewhere herein. After compounding the conditioning
agent, a suitable material for forming the solid matrix (e.g., a
polymeric material) is melted with the conditioning agent and a
pellet is generated. After generating the pellets, which contain
the immiscible composition, they may be further subjected to the
extrusion (or molding) process, or alternatively stored for later
used. the pellets are extruded into a device. As previously noted,
extrusion can be conducted by any method known to those skilled in
the art, so long as the desired chemical properties of the
composition are present and remain intact. It is to be recognized,
however, that during extrusion, the temperature of the process, and
thus for example the melting temperature of the polymeric material,
are controlled so as not to exceed the flash point of the
conditioning agent.
[0067] As noted, the device (or device component) may be extruded
by any typical method known in the art utilizing typical extrusion
equipment. The extrusion may be continuous or semi-continuous.
Suitably, hot extrusion can be done at an elevated temperature to
keep the pelletized composition from hardening and to make it
easier to push the material through a die.
[0068] In the present disclosure, the die may take on any
particular shape or size that produces a device. Non-limiting
examples of suitable die shapes include those in the form of a hair
styling device, such as hair straighteners, curling irons, combs,
epilators, brushes, shavers, razors, curlers, trimmers, clippers,
dryers, and the like, their attachments, and combinations thereof,
or alternatively some suitable component thereof (e.g., the handle
of such a device, or the bristles or teeth of such a device).
[0069] After extrusion, through any known method including those
embodiments described above, the resulting device comprises an
immiscible composition, wherein when the device is applied to a
contact surface of the hair or skin, the conditioning agent
migrates from the device into or onto the contact surface of the
hair or skin, in order to impart a benefit thereto.
[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure
additionally relates to a method for coating a personal care device
with a conditioning layer that comprises the immiscible
composition. The method comprises forming a solid, porous matrix of
the hydrophilic material, through a sol-gel process. As previously
noted, the pores of the matrix contain or include the hydrophobic
conditioning agent. Additionally, the solid matrix itself, or the
pores thereof, may include additional components or additives,
including for example ceramics, a pigment, etc. After forming the
porous matrix, the matrix is introduced or applied as a layer (or a
series of layers) on a substrate. The matrix can be introduced onto
the substrate through a variety of methods generally known in the
art. Once applied to the substrate, the conditioning agent can
migrate to an exposed surface of the solid, porous matrix, and may
then be transferred therefrom to a contact surface of the hair or
skin.
[0071] The porous matrix can be formed by any known or otherwise
effective sol-gel technique, provided that the resulting porous
matrix has the chemical properties as described herein.
[0072] Sol-gel processing is a method whereby small molecules can
be converted into ceramic materials. As an example, such a material
may be formed using the sol-gel technique from organic polymers and
inorganic polymers. Generally, the technique involves forming a
cationic network of metal alkoxides in an appropriate solvent (such
as an alcohol with water and a catalyst). In the catalyzed
solution, the alkoxides are partially or completely hydrolyzed and
then polymerized to form molecules of a glass-like oxide or ceramic
network linked by bridging oxygen atoms.
[0073] Accordingly, in one particular embodiment, the porous matrix
is formed through a ceramics solution through a sol-gel process
from metal alkoxides, for purposes of coating a desired device or
product. After forming the porous matrix, the matrix is then
introduced onto the substrate, generally using any known method in
the art. Suitably, the porous matrix can be introduced onto the
substrate by spin coating, wherein the porous matrix is coated onto
the substrate by centrifugal force. The porous matrix is sprayed
onto the substrate and then rotated at accelerated speeds at a
constant rate until the desired thickness of the porous matrix is
achieved. More suitably, the porous matrix can be introduced onto
the substrate through dip coating, wherein the substrate is
immersed into a tank containing the coating material. The substrate
is then removed from the tank and allowed to dry, for example by
force-air drying or heating (baking). Even more suitably, the
porous matrix can be introduced onto the substrate by spraying. Any
typical spraying process known in the art can be used, so long as
the spray occurs in a controlled environment to prevent
contamination. The conditioning layer comprising the porous matrix
can then be cured at a temperature from about 160.degree. C. to
about 300.degree. C. Alternatively, the conditioning layer
comprising the porous matrix can be cured at about room
temperature.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 1, the method may comprise
introducing (e.g., spraying) the conditioning layer 11 onto the
substrate 2 (and more particularly curling elements 8 and/or 9) of
the personal care device 1. By coating the personal care device 1
with the conditioning layer comprising the porous matrix, the
personal care device 1 can impart beneficial hair care properties
to the user when applied to a contact surface of the hair.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 2, the method may comprise introducing
(e.g., spraying) the conditioning layer 26 onto the substrate 22 of
the personal care device 24. When the arms 21 clamp down on the
contact surface (e.g., hair), the substrate 22 comes into contact
with the surface and transfers the conditioning agent from the
substrate 22 to the contact surface. The contact surface of the
hair absorbs the conditioning agent, which imparts beneficial hair
care properties to the user.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 3, the method may comprise introducing
a conditioning layer (not shown) onto the substrate 32 of the
personal care device 31. When the bristles 33 of the personal care
device 31 come into contact with the contact surface the bristles
33 transfer the conditioning agent from the substrate 32 (which
comprises the bristles 33) to the contact surface. The contact
surface of the hair absorbs the conditioning agent, which imparts
beneficial hair care properties to the user.
[0077] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
personal care device comprises a removable surface or surfaces.
Referring again to FIG. 1, in one particular embodiment, the
curling elements 8 and/or 9 may be removable, such that when then
porous matrix has exhausted the conditioning agent (i.e., the
conditioning agent is no longer present in the porous matrix, or
the state of the device is such that conditioning agent is no
longer migrating from the porous matrix), the user can replace
elements 8 and/or 9 with new curling elements that are also coated
with the conditioning layer comprising the porous matrix. In this
manner, the user of the personal care device 1 does not have to
purchase an entirely new personal care device 1; rather, the user
can keep the same personal care device 1 by replacing the curling
elements 8 and/or 9, in which the conditioning agent has been
exhausted, with a fresh set of elements comprising a new
conditioning layer. This allows the user to save both cost and
time.
[0078] Referring again to FIG. 2, the substrate 22 can be removable
and replaced with a new substrate once the conditioning layer 26
has been exhausted through repeated use. As such, the user may not
have to purchase an entirely new personal care device 24; rather,
the user can replace the substrate 2 in which the conditioning
layer is exhausted with a new substrate comprising a wholly new
conditioning layer.
[0079] It is to be noted that in all of the exemplary embodiments
and disclosures discussed above, the present disclosure is able to
be used on both humans and animals.
[0080] The following Examples describe various embodiments of the
present invention. Other embodiments within the scope of the
appended claims will be apparent to a skilled artisan considering
the specification or practice of the invention as described herein.
It is intended that the specification, together with the Examples,
be considered exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the
invention being indicated by the claims, which follow the
Examples.
EXAMPLES
[0081] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further
illustrate the present disclosure.
Example 1
Conditioning Release of PDMS onto Hair
[0082] The following example illustrates the release of a
conditioning agent (e.g., PDMS) from an immiscible composition
contained on a personal care device into a contact surface
(hair).
[0083] The immiscible composition discussed above comprising a
hydrophobic conditioning agent and a hydrophilic polymeric material
was extruded into three personal care devices. More particularly,
the devices were hair styling devices, and, specifically, the hair
styling devices were brushes.
[0084] The three brushes contained PDMS as the conditioning agent
in the immiscible composition. One brush, which was new, was
life-tested for 10,000 strokes using means generally available in
the art, a second brush, which was also new, was life-tested for 30
strokes using means generally available in the art, and a third
brush was environmentally conditioned without stroking a reference
hair sample. As used herein, the term "stroke" requires the device
to travel a minimum of about three inches.
[0085] After previously experiencing 10,000 and 30 strokes,
respectively, the first and second brush both demonstrated transfer
of PDMS onto a reference hair sample. Moreover, the third brush,
following environmental conditioning, continued to maintain the
presence of PDMS within the brush bristles.
[0086] The transfer of PDMS from the immiscible composition into
the reference hair sample was evaluated via micro-Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance (ATR)
mode. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) involves the
study of molecular vibrations, wherein a continuous beam of
electromagnetic radiation is passed through or reflected off the
surface of a sample thereby causing individual molecular bonds and
groups of bonds to vibrate at characteristic frequencies and absorb
infrared radiation at corresponding frequencies. As a result,
different molecules generate distinct patterns of absorption known
as "spectra", allowing one skilled in the art to characterize and
identify certain molecules.
[0087] A first brush, which included the immiscible composition
with PDMS as the conditioning agent, through testing generally
known in the art, underwent 10,000 brush strokes. A second brush,
which also included the immiscible composition with PDMS as the
conditioning agent, through testing generally known in the art,
underwent 30 brush strokes. After each brush had undergone their
respective stroke processes, each brush was used to brush a unique
section of a reference hair sample between 10 to 20 strokes. Though
the present disclosure can work on both human and animal hair, the
reference hair sample used for the exemplary embodiments is human
hair obtained from standard hair suppliers known in the
industry.
[0088] The reference hair samples were directly analyzed following
brushing using FTIR spectra by wiping the hair samples directly
onto an ATR crystal, which produced the results shown in FIGS.
4A-4D. No additional absorbances associated with the PDMS were
detected within the limitations of the instrumentation.
[0089] FIG. 4D provides the spectrum results of a hair reference
sample before being brushed with the 10,000 and 30 stroke brushes.
FIG. 4A provides the spectrum results of a reference hair sample
after being brushed with the 30 stroke brush. FIG. 4B provides the
spectrum results of a reference hair sample after being brushed
with the 10,000 stroke brush. FIG. 4C provides the spectrum results
of a conditioning agent (PDMS) present in the reference hair
sample.
[0090] The PDMS spectrum provides that PDMS is present at around
1300 cm.sup.-1, 1200 cm.sup.-1, and 800 cm.sup.-1. Analysis of the
spectra of the hair samples brushed with the 10,000 and 30 stroke
brushes provides that the peaks associated with PDMS are present in
similar locations in the 10,000 and 30 stroke brush hair samples,
whereas the peaks associated with PDMS are not present in the
reference hair sample before brushing (FIG. 4D). Thus, the results
show that the conditioning agent continues to migrate from a device
comprising the immiscible composition to the contact surface (i.e.,
reference hair sample) after 30 and even 10,000 brush strokes.
[0091] The third brush containing the immiscible composition (with
PDMS as the conditioning agent) was not tested on a reference hair
sample, but, rather, was environmentally conditioned to determine
the shelf life of the composition in a hair styling device. First,
the brush was conditioned for 48 hours at 49.degree. C. and 90%
relative humidity. Then, the third brush was conditioned for an
additional 37 days at 55.degree. C. After the conditioning process,
the core material of the brush bristles was analyzed, the results
of which are provided in detail in FIGS. 5A-5D.
[0092] FIG. 5A depicts a spectrum of the bristle core after the
environmentally conditioning process described above. FIG. 5B
depicts a spectrum of a hydrophilic polymeric material (Nylon 6)
present in the bristle core. FIG. 5C depicts a spectrum of a
hydrophilic polymeric material (Nylon 6,6) present in the bristle
core. FIG. 5D depicts a spectrum of a hydrophobic conditioning
agent (PDMS) present in the bristle core.
[0093] As provided for in FIGS. 5A-5D, one skilled in the art would
recognize the PDMS peaks present in FIG. 5D at about the 1300-1200
cm.sup.-1, 1100-1000 cm.sup.-1 and the 700-900 cm.sup.-1 marks and
the corresponding peaks present in the bristle core spectrum in
FIG. 5A. Applicants further note that various types of nylon
polymeric materials are spectrally indistinguishable and a melting
point determination is generally needed for further
characterization.
[0094] Nevertheless, for purposes of this disclosure, the tests
associated with the third brush provide that after accelerated
environmental conditioning, the immiscible composition is still
present on the brush. That is, both a hydrophobic conditioning
agent (PDMS) and a hydrophilic polymeric material (Nylon 6 and/or
Nylon 6,6) were present in the bristle core of the brush. This is
notable, as the results of FIGS. 5A-5D provide that the immiscible
composition comprises a lengthy shelf-life. Shelf-life is an
important feature, as there may be various times throughout the
life of a device, as described herein, where the device goes unused
for a substantial period of time. The present disclosure, then,
allows for a user to be able to continue to receive the beneficial
conditioning properties of the immiscible composition over a longer
period of time, thus saving consumer costs and time.
Example 2
Conditioning Release of PDMS onto Hair from Device Plate
[0095] The following example illustrates the analysis of a panel of
a personal care device coated with the immiscible composition
discussed herein.
[0096] The immiscible composition discussed above comprising a
hydrophobic conditioning agent and a hydrophilic polymeric material
was coated onto a panel of a personal care device. More
particularly, the personal care device was a hair straightener.
[0097] The coated panel was placed into a laboratory oven set at
200.degree. C. and allowed to acclimatize for several minutes. A
reference hair sample was then utilized to directly wipe the
surface of the coated panel of the device. FTIR analysis of the
hair following the wipe resulted in the FTIR spectra shown in FIGS.
6A-6C.
[0098] Specifically, FIG. 6A provides the spectrum results for the
surface of the coated panel. FIG. 6B provides the spectrum results
for the reference hair sample that was wiped across the surface of
the coated panel. FIG. 6C provides the spectrum results of a
conditioning agent (PDMS).
[0099] Analysis of the spectra indicate that the PDMS remained
present on the coated panel after wiping the reference hair sample,
and, further, that the PDMS was present in the reference hair
sample after wiping the coated panel. Thus, this Example provides
that after coating the panel with the immiscible composition,
heating the panel and wiping a reference hair sample, a transfer of
the conditioning agent from the coated panel to the reference hair
sample occurred.
[0100] It is to be noted that, through methods generally known in
the art, it can be observed that after the personal care device
comes into contact with a surface, the conditioning agent is
imparted into the contact surface. It can be further observed that
after at least about 10,000, 20,000 or 30,000 hair strokes or
contacts with a user's skin, the conditioning agent continues to
migrate to the contact surface of the user. As a result, the
personal care device of the present disclosure advantageously
enables the prolonged release or migration of the hydrophobic
conditioning agent to the contact surface of the user of the
personal care device.
[0101] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
advantages of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous
results attained. As various changes could be made in the above
processes and composites without departing from the scope of the
disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0102] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the
various versions, embodiment(s) or aspects thereof, the articles
"a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one
or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and
"having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be
additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of
terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top", "bottom",
"side", etc.) is for convenience of description and does not
require any particular orientation of the item described.
* * * * *