Abstract:
Topical compositions, such as lip balms and other products for lip care, include combinations of ingredients that condition and heal the lips and skin. The topical compositions may be configured to remain in place on the lips or skin for relatively long periods of time. Methods of making topical compositions are also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to topical compositions, such as lip balms and other products for lip care. More specifically, this disclosure relates to topical compositions, including compositions for application to lips and other body parts, that include combinations of ingredients that condition and heal the lips and skin. In some embodiments, the topical compositions may be configured to remain in place on the lips or skin for relatively long periods of time. 
       RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Many skin care products and other topical compositions are commercially available. Many of the items of the line of skin care products marketed under the BERT&#39;S BEES® brand include beeswax as a major component. BERT&#39;S BEES® products are used primarily for chapped hands or lips. CHAPSTICK®, which is primarily intended for lip care, is another well-known topical composition. There are many similar products, some of which are based on or include beeswax, others of which are based on or include petroleum jelly and other petroleum-based products and other products are based on other materials. 
         [0003]    Products designed for lip care are often very soft and easily rubbed off of an individual&#39;s lips. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A topical composition according to this disclosure may be configured to be used on any area of the body, including, but not limited to, the lips. The topical composition may be durable, or configured not to be easily rubbed off or removed. In some embodiments, the topical composition may be particularly useful for persons that are engaged in work that requires frequent hand washing and/or exposure to antiseptics or solvents. Some embodiments of topical compositions that incorporate teachings of this disclosure may be formulated for use by people with particularly sensitive or dry skin. 
         [0005]    A topical composition, in various embodiments, may comprise a very durable long lasting protective skin product. The topical composition may include a variety of restoring and soothing oils with protective and healing properties in a convenient package. 
         [0006]    In a specific, but non-limiting embodiment, a topical composition may include a combination of twenty (20) or more waxes and oils that provide healing features not found in other products, and various combinations of which may function synergistically. In some embodiments, the topical composition may be formulated to protect skin and/or lips, moisturize dry and/or chapped skin, facilitate the healing of injured lips or skin, heal injured lips or skin, or any combination of the foregoing. The topical composition may have antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory properties, or any combination of these properties. 
         [0007]    The topical composition may be configured for durability. In some embodiments, the topical composition may be configured to enable an individual to wash his or her hands without the need for re-application, to apply the topical composition before bed with the expectation that the topical composition will remain in place while the individual sleeps, etc. 
         [0008]    Methods for making a topical composition may include adding components or ingredients in decreasing order of melting temperature. The temperature may decrease gradually over the course of mixing. 
         [0009]    The topical composition may be carried by a container, or dispenser. Packages for the topical composition may include two or more containers, or dispensers. The different containers, or dispensers, of such a package may carry the same topical composition, but be labeled for different uses (e.g., one for use on lips, another for use on one or more other body parts, etc.). The containers, or dispensers, of such a package may, in some embodiments, be arranged in a piggy-back orientation (e.g., one on top of or next to the other, etc.). 
         [0010]    Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various aspects, of the disclosed subject matter will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description and the appended claims. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     1. Composition of Embodiments of the Present Invention 
       [0011]    Various embodiments of a topical composition include, consist essentially of or consist of the following ingredients, which may or may not be present in the amounts indicated: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Beeswax 
                 1400 grams (g) 
               
               
                   
                 Lanolin 
                 400 g 
               
               
                   
                 Shea butter 
                 400 g 
               
               
                   
                 Cocoa butter 
                 400 g 
               
               
                   
                 Castor oil 
                 200 g 
               
               
                   
                 Jojoba oil 
                 200 g 
               
               
                   
                 Avocado oil 
                 100 g 
               
               
                   
                 Flax seed oil 
                 100 g 
               
               
                   
                 Grape seed oil 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Aloe vera oil 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Meadowform oil 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Hemp oil 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Sea buckthorn 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Baobab oil 
                  50 g 
               
               
                   
                 Carrot seed oil 
                  25 g 
               
               
                   
                 Arnica oil 
                  25 g 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin E oil 
                 50,000 International Units (I.U.) 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin D oil 
                 50.000 I.U. 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin A oil 
                 50.000 I.U. 
               
               
                   
                 Tea tree oil 
                  15 g 
               
               
                   
                 Balsam fir oil 
                  5 g 
               
               
                   
                 Green tea oil 
                  10 g 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0012]    Referring to the foregoing list, the following is a more detail description of some of the ingredients: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Bees Wax 
                 C 15 H 31 COOC 30 H 61   
               
               
                   
                 Consists of Palmitate, Palmitoleate,  
               
               
                   
                 Hydroxypalmitate and Olepte Esters of Long  
               
               
                   
                 Chain Aliphatic Alcohols. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Melting Point 
                 62°-64° C. (144-147° F.) 
               
               
                 Cocoa Butter 
                 Complex Fat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Saturated Fat 
                 57-64% 
               
               
                   
                 Stearic Acid 
                 24-37% 
               
               
                   
                 Palmitic Acid 
                 22-29% 
               
               
                   
                 Unsaturated Fat 
                 36-43% 
               
               
                   
                 Mono Unsaturated Fat 
                 29-43% 
               
               
                   
                 Oleic Acid 
                 29-41% 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Rich in Antioxidants, Prevents rancidity. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Shelf Life: 2-5 years 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Melting Point 
                 34-38° C. 
               
               
                 Shea Butter 
                 Oleic Acid 
                 50-60% 
               
               
                   
                 Palmitic Acid 
                  ~-05% 
               
               
                   
                 Linoleic Acid 
                  ~-7.9% 
               
               
                   
                 Stearic Acid 
                 35-45% 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Melting Point: 32-35° C. (89-95° F.) 
               
               
                 Lanloin USP 
                 Actually a wax. Not a fat. 97% Long chain  
               
               
                 (ANHYDROUS) 
                 waxy esters 
               
               
                   
                 Melting Point 36-42° C. (97-108° F.) 
               
               
                 Castor Oil 
                 Nearly 90% of Fatty Acid content is Ricinoleic  
               
               
                   
                 Acid (a Triglyceride of Fatty Acids) 
               
               
                   
                 Antifungal properties, Anti-Inflammatory,  
               
               
                   
                 Analgesic, Antibacterial 
               
               
                 JoJoBa 
                 Structurally closely resembles natural sebum.  
               
               
                   
                 Actually a liquid Wax ester rather  
               
               
                   
                 than an oil hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and 
               
               
                   
                 Antifungal. Also, very stable with indefinite shelf life.  
               
               
                   
                 Also acts as a preservative. 
               
               
                 Avocado Oil 
                 Rich in Vitamin A, D, &amp; E. Helps increase the amount  
               
               
                   
                 of Collagen in the skin. Also helps prevent itching. 
               
               
                 Grape Seed Oil 
                 Extremely light oil— Readily penetrates  
               
               
                   
                 skin for deep restoration. 
               
               
                 Aloe Vera Oil 
                 Increases rate of skin repair, strength, antiviral,  
               
               
                   
                 antifungal and antibacterial. Penetrating  
               
               
                   
                 ability increases skins hydration and 
               
               
                   
                 carries or transports other nutrients through  
               
               
                   
                 the skin. Anti-Inflammatory. 
               
               
                 Meadowfoam Oil 
                 Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.  
               
               
                   
                 A very stable oil. Acts as a 
               
               
                   
                 Preservative. Gives UV protection and skin  
               
               
                   
                 the ability to retain \ Moisture. 
               
               
                 Hempseed Oil 
                 Anit-Inflammatory properties, rich in gamma  
               
               
                   
                 linoleic acid and Omega-6, 3 &amp; 9 oils.  
               
               
                   
                 Restores damaged skin. 
               
               
                 Carrot seed Oil 
                 Expensive but has amazing effects on skin. Rich  
               
               
                   
                 in Beta-Carotene Vitamins B, C, D &amp; E.  
               
               
                   
                 Also contains daucol, Alphe pinene, carotol 
               
               
                   
                 Asorone, Limonene &amp; Bisabolene. Stimulates cell  
               
               
                   
                 growth, gives UV protection. Carotoid Daucol,  
               
               
                   
                 Antifungal, Vasodilotory &amp; Antioxidant. 
               
               
                 Arnica Oil 
                 Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory  
               
               
                   
                 properties. Improves wound healing.  
               
               
                   
                 Also stimulates blood circulation. 
               
               
                 Sea Buckthorn Oil 
                 Rich in Carotenes, Tocopnerols,  
               
               
                   
                 Phytosterols—All important for 
               
               
                 Sea Buckthorn Oil 
                 Healthy skin. High Anti-Oxidant  
               
               
                   
                 nature. Aids in Healing due 
               
               
                   
                 in part to Pro-Vitamin A Beta Carotene &amp;  
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin E. Anti-Bacterial—Inhibits  
               
               
                   
                 growth of saphylocci and other Bacteria. 
               
               
                 Tea Tree Oil 
                 Antiseptic, Anti-Bacterial &amp; Antifungal.  
               
               
                   
                 Has strong activity Against staphylococcus  
               
               
                   
                 aureus, including MRSA. (Methycillin 
               
               
                   
                 Resistant Staph Aureus) 
               
               
                 Balsam Fir Oil 
                 Anitmicrobial, Analgesic, Antiseptic and Fragrant. 
               
               
                   
                 Also Anti-Inflammatory. 
               
               
                 Baobab Oil 
                 Rich in vitamins A, E &amp; D. Also rich in  
               
               
                   
                 essential fatty acids, Omegas 3, 6 &amp; 9,  
               
               
                   
                 fatty acids. Extremely stable and very effective 
               
               
                   
                 for treatment of Eczema &amp; psoriasis. 
               
               
                 Vitamin S 
                 E, D &amp; A supplement. Overall composition  
               
               
                   
                 to increase the concentration to  
               
               
                   
                 super therapeutic levels. 
               
               
                 Green Tea Oil 
                 Strong Antioxidant &amp; Anti-Inflammatory.  
               
               
                   
                 Has pleasant aromic Fragrance. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       2. Processes for Making Embodiments of the Topical Composition 
       [0013]    A topical composition that incorporates teachings of this disclosure may comprise a complex compounded product manufactured (at least in some embodiments) as follows: 
         [0014]    First, the wax that has the highest melting point may be heated first. This may be beeswax, which has a melting point of 62-64° C. (144-147° F.). Beeswax may be melted by heating it to a temperature just above its melting point. Then waxes, butters and other components having progressively decreasing melting points may be added. In some embodiments, the temperature of the composition being manufactured (e.g., the melted beeswax, the mixture, etc.) may be progressively decreased, or cooled. This process may continue until oils are to be added and even, in some embodiments, until all of the components of the topical composition have been added. 
         [0015]    Manufacturing a topical composition by adding each component at or near its melting point may prevent the degradation of each component and/or enable the mixture or topical composition to rapidly cool and solidify once all of the components have been mixed and introduced into a mold or cast. In addition, such a process may cause all of the components to be substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the resulting product, which may prevent lighter, less dense components and heavier, denser components from separating from each other, or layering. 
       3. Working Model in Dispenser 
       [0016]    In a further aspect, once a topical composition (e.g., a topical composition that incorporates teachings of this disclosure, etc.) has substantially solidified, it may be assembled with (e.g., introduced into, etc.) a container or dispenser, such as a tube (e.g., a malleable tube, a substantially rigid tube, etc.). A container may be used to contain and dispense the topical composition. Without limitation, a tube that contains or otherwise carries a topical composition may be approximately 5½ inches long and approximately one inch wide. Alternatively, a tube that contains or otherwise carries a topical composition may have a length of approximately 3 inches and a width of approximately ½ inch. Such a tube may comprise a substantially cylindrical member. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, two or more sizes of tubes and, thus, two or more quantities of a topical composition, may be packaged together (e.g., combined in a single sales unit, etc.). The Different quantities of a topical composition may be packaged together for marketing purposes, sold for different uses (e.g., large quantities for application to hands, feet, etc.; small quantities for lips, fingers, etc.). 
       4. Function of the Topical Compositions 
       [0018]    A topical composition according to this disclosure may restore damaged, chapped and dried skin and/or lips. The topical composition may be formulated to replace depleted or missing fatty components that are useful for maintaining healthy skin. In one application, a topical composition was applied to damaged, dry and fissured skin every day for a week. The result was a substantial healing and restorative effect on the skin. 
       5. Alternative Embodiments 
       [0019]    In one alternative embodiment, a topical composition may be formulated with less beeswax and more shea butter and cocoa butter to change the characteristics of the product for easier use on the lips. 
         [0020]    A topical composition may also be specifically formulated for use on hands, feet, heels, elbows and/or knees. 
         [0021]    Although the foregoing description sets forth many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments and variations of elements or features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.