Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of treating the coat of an animal. The method includes the steps of applying a composition to the coat of the animal, diffusing the composition by action of a carrier, storing the active ingredients of the composition by the sebaceous glands of the animal, and gradually releasing the active ingredients from the sebaceous glands. The dermo-cosmetic composition includes a diffusion solvent vehicle that enables, by a simple application to one or more points of the cutaneous surface, a diffusion over the entirety thereof and at the level of the sebaceous glands. The active ingredients, primarily including a complex of essential oils and of polyunsaturated fatty acids, stored in these sebaceous glands can be salted out progressively with the sebum product to the surface of the skin.

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/574,760, filed on Mar. 28, 2008, presently pending. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention concerns a method of treating the coat of an animal. More particularly, the invention concerns a method of applying a dermo-cosmetic composition for pets (including new “NAC” pets.) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Veterinary dermatology products for animal preventive or maintenance usage are generally designed in the form of creams, lotions or shampoos. Their application to animals is always delicate and sometimes unpleasant for them. The user&#39;s normal trend is often to overdose the quantity of product applied as it is frequently the case for lotions and powders, which causes some disturbance in the animal. 
     Powders, shampoos or lotions often have a localized effect, which does not make it possible to cover in one single application all needs for a dermo-cosmetic treatment, which include: skin care and hydration; soothing effects; deodorant effects; sanitizing and purifying effects; antioxidant and anti-radical effects; and insect repellent effect. 
     The purpose of this invention is to eliminate these disadvantages by achieving a method and composition which is easier to apply and that in its most elaborate formulation can meet many basic needs of an animal dermo-cosmetic treatment. 
     The method under the invention makes it possible after a localized application to diffuse the active ingredients over the whole surface through the diffusion carrier solvent. Then the invention uses the capacity of the sebaceous glands to store in certain conditions the treatment active ingredients and to gradually release them through the natural production of sebum. 
     To that effect, the dermo-cosmetic composition of the method of the present invention, using the capacity of the sebaceous glands to store the active ingredient(s) and to diffuse them through the sebum, is characterized mainly in that it comprises at least: a carrier that is a solvent, and a complex of essential oils is selected by themselves or in combination based on the effects to be achieved. 
     This combination makes it possible to propose a composition ready for use made mainly of a carrier that is a solvent and of essential oils that, once applied in one or more locations of the animal coat, achieves treatment over the whole skin surface of the animal for several days. Tests performed showed that a result was achieved within 7 days minimum. 
     According to another characteristic of the invention, the solvent making up the carrier is an ethoxydiglycol. 
     According to another characteristic, the composition comprises: a carrier consisting of an organic solvent, a complex of essential oils, and polyunsaturated fatty acids used locally in animals. 
     According to a further characteristic of the invention, the above-described composition can contain a soothing agent and/or an anti-inflammatory and/or anti-pruriginous agent. 
     Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will become obvious when reading the description below. 
     The purpose of the composition under the invention is to achieve a treatment of animal skin that has several effects which include: prevention and hydration; soothing effects; deodorant effects; sanitizing and purifying effects; antioxidant and anti-radical effects; and insect-repellent effect. 
     The advantage of the invention is to be able to combine all or part of the above effects based on the complexity of the composition from an application over a limited area of the animal skin. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a method of treating a coat of an animal including the steps of applying a composition to at least one specific location on the coat of the animal, the composition having a carrier being a solvent and at least one complex of essential oils, the composition having active ingredients. The composition is diffused by an action of said carrier. The active ingredients of the composition are stored by sebaceous glands of the animal. Finally, the active ingredients are gradually released from the sebaceous glands. 
     The solvent may be ethoxydiglycol. The carrier may be an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, benzyl alcohol, butyldiglycol, dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl formamide, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethanol, isopropanol, methanol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, monoethyl acetamide, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, liquid polyoxyethylene-glycol, propylene glycol, 2-pyrrolidone including N-methylpyrrolidone, diethyelene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the composition may be polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. The fatty aids may be hemp oils in a proportion of 1 to 15% by weight of the total composition. These fatty acids may be selected from a group consisting of fish oil, borage oil, coconut oil, kukui oil, sesame oil, reconstituted synthetic polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, shea butter, olive oil, canola oil, walnut oil, soybean oil, and anchusa oil in a proportion of 3 to 50% by weight of the total composition. In one embodiment, the composition may further include a soothing agent, the fatty acids being omega 3 and omega 6. The composition may also include an anti-inflammatory agent, the fatty acids being omega 3 and omega 6. The composition may also include an anti-pruriginous agent, the fatty acids being omega 3 and omega 6. 
     Where the composition includes an anti-inflammatory agent, it may be selected from a group consisting of bisabolol, azulene, allantoin, glycyrrhetinic 18 beta acid and its salts, aloe extracts,  calendula  extracts, and carrot extracts in a proportion of 0.01 to 10% by weight of the total composition. 
     In one embodiment, the method further includes a thickening or stabilizing crystallization-inhibiting film-forming agent selected from a group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohols, vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, polyethylene glycols, benzyl alcohol, mannitol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, lecithin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and methacrylates. 
     In another embodiment, the method may further include an insect-repellent product selected from a group consisting of nem seed oil, castor oil, dimethyl phtalate, ethyl hexane oil, natural and synthetic oil camphor, pyrthrum, and oil garlic. 
     In an embodiment where the carrier is ethoxydiglycol, and wherein the complex of essential oils is  Rosmariums Officinalis, Lavaendula Hybrida, Eugenia Caryophyllus, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Cinnamomum Camphora, Mentha Piperita, Cedrus Atlantica, Curcuma Longa, Origanum Compactum , and  Gaultheria Procumbens , Musk, the composition further includes a hemp oil, a neem seed extract at 0.25% by weight of azadirachtin, laureth 9, a film-forming agent with thickening, stabilizing and crystallization-inhibiting functions, an antioxidant, and an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     The composition may further include a delay formula allowing for extended release of the active ingredients. The delay formula may be selected from a group consisting of Beta-cyclodextrins, cyclic natural sugar having a concentration ranging from 2 to 10% by weight of the total composition, cellulose fibers from wood having a concentration ranging from 2 to 10% by weight of the total composition, polymethyl methacrylate and nylon spheres having a concentration ranging from 4 to 12% by weight of the total composition, coated or non-coated silica microreservoirs having a concentration ranging from 2 to 10% by weight of the total composition, linear polyester polymers with a molecular weight of 800 through 5000 Daltons both occlusive and retentive having a concentration ranging from 10 to 20% by weight of the total composition, and a mixture thereof. 
     The animal is may be a pet. The step of diffusing may include diffusing the composition over an entire skin of the animal. The step of applying may include applying the composition to one or two locations. 
     The invention is based on the association of a unique and innovating aromatic synergy with other skin hydrating, soothing, antioxidant and nurturing ingredients. Each essential oil that is part of the composition is subject to a precise qualitative definition based on EOBBD (Essential Oil Botanically and Biochemically Defined, ISO 9002 Certified Quality Assurance Process) criteria. 
     One single application is sufficient for a small size animal. Two will be necessary for a larger size animal. 
     The presence of the carrier allows for the application of the composition in one or two locations of the skin surface, the diffusion of the product, its storage through the sebaceous glands and its gradual release. 
     To date, the capacity of the carrier had been used only to provide the animal with an insecticide product. The advantage of the invention is to propose a complete treatment of the skin and coat that has a sanitizing, appeasing and soothing effect on the animal through restoration of a balanced cutaneous ecosystem. The invention makes it possible to prevent inflammatory and infectious disorders of the epiderm and the appeasing and soothing effect of the composition provides the animal with a feeling of well-being and freshness that is a mood stabilizer. 
     The originality of the composition makes it possible to bathe the animal 48 hours before or after the treatment, while still benefiting from the efficiency of the composition applied for one week minimum. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a method of treating a coat of an animal, possibly a pet. The method includes the steps of applying a composition to at least one specific location on the coat of the animal. The composition has a carrier being a solvent and at least one complex of essential oils. The composition having active ingredients. The composition is then diffused by an action of the carrier. The active ingredients of the composition are then stored by sebaceous glands of the animal. Finally, the active ingredients are gradually released from the sebaceous glands. 
     The organic solvent making up the carrier of the method of the present invention is preferably an intermediate polarity solvent, for example: an ethoxydiglycol or butylenes glycol, or propylene glycol, or glycerin in a proportion from 1% to 99% of the total composition in relation to its other components. 
     More generally, the carrier is chosen from the following group: Acetone, acetonitrile, benzyl alcohol, butyldiglycol, dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl formamide, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethanol, isopropanol, methanol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, monoethyl acetamide, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, liquid polyoxyethylene-glycol, propylene glycol, 2-pyrrolidone, including N-methylpyrrolidone, diethyelene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol, diethyl phtalate, and a mixture of at least two of them. 
     The above composition can be supplemented by polyunsaturated essential fatty acids to improve the skin surface. 
     Polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 can be introduced by adding hemp seed oil (cannabis sativa) in a proportion that can range from 1% to 15% of the total composition or through natural substitutes such as: fish oil (orange roughy), borage oil ( Borago Officinalis ), coconut oil ( Cocos Nucifera ), kukui oil, sesame oil ( Sesamum indium ), reconstituted synthetic AGPI&#39;s or natural extracts, Eicopentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), shea butter, olive oil ( Olea Europea ), canola oil, walnut oil, soybean oil, and anchusa oil ( Echium Plantagineum ), that can be added to the composition in the proportion of 1 to 99%, more specifically 2% to 50% and preferably 5% to 10% of the total composition. 
     The composition can also contain a soothing and/or anti-inflammatory and/or anti-pruriginous agent. 
     Preferably, the soothing agent is laureth 9 in the proportion of 0.8% to 3% or its substitutes, such as: menthol, and its salts, procaine, lidocaine, corticoids, by themselves or in combination of at least two of them. 
     The laureth 9 polymer is a mixture of polyethylene glycol monolauric ethers with an average of 9 ethylene oxide groups per molecule. 
     The anti-inflammatory agent can be bisabolol in the proportion of 1% to 5% or its substitutes: natural or synthetic azulene, allantoin, glycyrrhetinic 18 beta acid and its salts in the proportion of 0.01% to 10%, and preferably from 0.01 to 1%, and aloe extracts,  calendula  extracts, carrot extracts, in the proportion of 0.01 to 10%, and preferably from 5 to 10%. 
     Bisabolol also called alpha-bisabolol has the following formulation:
         1-methyl-4(1,5-dimethyl-1 hydroxyhex-4 (5)-enyl)-cyclohexen-1;   6-methyl-2-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-hepten-2 ol.       

     The above composition contains an antioxidant and anti-radical product: tocopherol or vitamin E, in the form of tocopheryl acetate in the proportion of 0.2% to 2% or its substitutes, such as tocopheryl palmitate or tocopheryl linoleate. 
     The composition also contains in combination with any one of the above compounds a thickening or stabilizing crystallization-inhibiting film-forming agent, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a product chosen from the following group: hydroxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohols, vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, polyethylene glycols, benzyl alcohol, mannitol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, lecithin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylic derivatives such as methacrylates derived from polyesters of the trimethyl pentanediol/adipic acid type and others. 
     The composition also contains an insect-repellent product, such as neem seed oil that is in fact  Azadirachta indica  at 0.25% of azadirachtin or its substitutes such as: castor oil ( Ricinus Communis ), diethyl toluamide and butyl acetylaminopropionate, dimethyl phtalate, ethyl hexanediol, natural and synthetic camphor, pyrethrum and derivatives ( Pyrethum Album ), and oil garlic ( Allium Sativum ). 
     More generally, the composition under the invention can contain the following essential oils by themselves or in combination.  Rosmarinus officinalis  in the proportion of 0.3% to 0.9% with a purifying and soothing sanitizing effect or eucalyptol.  Lavandula hybrida  in the proportion of 0.3% to 0.9% or  lavandula angustifolia  with a deodorant effect.  Eugenia caryophyllus  with an insect-repellent effect, in the proportion of 0.3% to 0.9%.  Melaleuca Alternifolia  or  origan majorana  in the proportion of 0.3% to 0.9% with an anti-infectious effect  Cinnamorum Camphora  or  camphor , in the proportion of 0.15% to 0.6% with a deodorant and anti-pruriginous effect.  Mentha Piperita  or  mentha orvensis  in the proportion of 0.15% to 0.6% with a deodorant effect.  Cedrus atlantic  ou SAS libanus, in the proportion of 0.15% to 0.6% with an anti-parasitic, cicatrizant and anti-carcinogen effect.  Curcuma longa  or  curcuma zedoaria  in the proportion of 0.15% to 0.6% that also has an anti-parasitic effect.  Origanum compactum  or  origonum vulgare , in the proportion of 0.06% to 0.3% with an insect-repellent and antimicrobial effect.  Gaultheria procumbens  or its methyl salicylate substitute with a sedative and anti-pruriginous effect. Synthetic musk or musk ketone, in the proportion of 0.06% to 0.3% to perfume or mask natural odors. 
     The above compounds are used in combination in the composition under the method of the present invention based on the effects sought. 
     More generally, the essential oils in the attached list can be combined in the composition under the invention. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 ESSENTIAL OIL COMPLEX SUBSTITUTES 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                   Ajowan 
                 
                 Almond  
                   Ammi , Khella 
                 Odorant  
                 
                   Angelica 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Tree, Bitter 
                   
                 Dill Seed 
                   
               
               
                 White  
                 Basilic 
                 Bay 
                 Bergamot 
                 Rosewood 
               
               
                 Armose Herb 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Sandlewood 
                 
                   Boldo 
                 
                 Bucchu 
                 Cabreuva 
                 Cajeput 
               
               
                 
                   Calamus 
                 
                 Chamomile, 
                 Camphor 
                 Cinnamon,  
                 Cinnamon,  
               
               
                   
                 Roman or 
                   
                 Ceylon 
                 China 
               
               
                   
                 Noble 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Cardamones 
                 Carrot 
                 Carvi 
                 Catmin 
                 Cedarwood,  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Atlas 
               
               
                 Cedarwood, 
                 Celeri 
                 
                   Chenopodium 
                 
                 Rockrose, 
                 Yellow  
               
               
                 Virginia 
                   
                 Vermifuge. 
                 Labdanum- 
                 Lemon 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Bearing 
                   
               
               
                   Citronnella , 
                   Citronnella ,  
                 Copahu 
                 Coriander 
                 Cubeb 
               
               
                 Ceylon 
                 Java 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Cumin 
                 
                   Curcuma 
                 
                 Evergreen  
                 Douglas 
                 Elemi 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cypress 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Incense 
                 Black Spruce 
                 Tarragon 
                 
                   Eucalyptus 
                 
                 Lignum Vitae 
               
               
                 Galbanum 
                   Gaultheria , 
                 Juniper 
                   Geranium , 
                 Ginger 
               
               
                   
                 Wintergreen 
                   
                 Odorant 
                   
               
               
                 Clove Tree 
                 
                   Helichrysum 
                 
                 Hyssop with  
                 
                   Hyssopus 
                 
                 
                   Inula 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lying down 
                 
                   Officinalis 
                 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 branches 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Iormenie, Wild 
                 
                   Lantana 
                 
                 
                   Laurus Nobilis 
                 
                 Spike Lavender 
               
               
                 Chamomile 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 
                   Lavandula  
                 
                 
                   Stoechas 
                 
                 
                   Lavandula  
                 
                 Lemongrass 
               
               
                 
                   Officinalis 
                 
                 Lavender 
                 Hybrida 
                   
               
               
                 
                   Pistacia  
                 
                 
                   Lepstospermum 
                 
                 Sweet Lime 
                 
                   Litsea 
                 
               
               
                 
                   Lentiscus 
                 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Lovage 
                 Red Mandarin 
                 Sweet  
                 
                   Majorana  
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Marjoram 
                 
                   Sylvestris 
                 
               
               
                 Wild Marjoram 
                 
                   Matricaria 
                 
                 Larch 
                 
                   Melissa  
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 
                   Officinalis 
                 
               
               
                 Wild Mint 
                 Peppermint 
                 Pennyroyal 
                 Yarrow 
               
               
                 St. Johns-wort 
                 Nutmeg 
                 Myrrh 
                 Myrtle 
               
               
                 Spikenard 
                 Niaouli 
                 Orange Tree 
                 Sweet Orange 
               
               
                 
                   Origanum 
                 
                 Spanish  
                 
                   Origanum  
                 
                 Palmarosa 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Origanum 
                 
                 
                   Vulgare 
                 
                   
               
               
                 Grapefruit 
                 Patchouli 
                 Parsley 
                 Landes Pine 
               
               
                 
                   Pinus Syvestris 
                 
                 Black Pepper 
                 Aromatic Vinyl 
                 
                   Rosemarinus  
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pyrrolidone 
                 
                   Officinalis 
                 
               
               
                 Pyramidal  
                 Bulgarian Rose 
                 Sandalwood  
                 
                   Santolina 
                 
               
               
                 Rosemary 
                   
                 
                   Amyris 
                 
                 Dwarf Cypress 
               
               
                 Balsam Fir 
                 Siberian Fir 
                 Silver Fir 
                 Savory 
               
               
                 
                   Sassafras 
                 
                 Small Leaf Sage 
                 
                   Salvia  
                 
                 Clary 
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                   Officinalis 
                 
                   
               
               
                 Wild Thyme 
                 Blue Tansy 
                 Tea tree 
                 Turpentine 
               
               
                 Thuya 
                 Thyme 
                 Savory Leaf  
                 Goldenrod 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Thyme 
                   
               
               
                 Fleabane 
                 Lemon Verbena 
                 Vetiver 
                 Ylang-ylang,  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Full Distillation 
               
               
                 Ylang-ylang, 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 First Batch 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The essential oils were selected based on precise specifications with regard to the active ingredients they contain. Among the active ingredients can be found in particular sesquiterpenes with anti-inflammatory properties, phenol compounds with locally immunostimulating and anti-infectious properties, other phenol compounds (eugenol et carvacrol) with insectifuge and repellent effects and esters with antalgesic and decongestant properties they may temper, even prevent, a possibly irritant action of the phenols on the skin. 
     A formula especially suited for the composition under the invention contains: As carrier and skin solvent, an ethoxydiglycol. As vegetal oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, hemp oil (cannabis sativa). As concentrated essential oils:  Rosmarius Officinalis, Lavendula Hybrida, Eugenia Caryophyllus, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Cinnamomum Camphora, Mentha Piperita, Cedrus Atlantica, Curcuma Longa, Origanum Compactum, Gaultheria Procumbens , Musk. As insect repellent and soothing product, neem seed extract ( azadirachta Indica ) at 0.25% of azadirachtin). As soothing, desensitizing and anti-pruriginous ingredients, laureth 9. As thickening, stabilizing crystallization-inhibiting agent forming a film on the animal skin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as mentioned above in the description. A vitamin E with antioxidant function, such as D alpha tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate, or the products mentioned above in the description, or the products mentioned above (other antioxidants): butyl hydroxyanisole, butyl hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulfate, propyl gallate, sodium thiosulfate, mixture of no more than two of them. An anti-inflammatory agent such as alpha-bisabolol, bisabolol or its substitutes as mentioned above in the description. 
     The formulation active ingredients can be included in whole or in part in a “delay” formulation allowing for extended release time and thus extended action duration of these active ingredients. The compounds allowing for that modification can be chosen among beta-cyclodextrins, silica, cellulose fibers, nylon, poly-methacrylates. 
     A delay or scheduled release formula can allow for extended release of the active ingredients up to twenty-eight days after application. The delay formulas use: beta-cyclodextrins, cyclic natural sugars: present in the formulation with a concentration ranging from 2 to 10%; and/or cellulose fibers from wood: present in the formulation with a concentration ranging from 2 to 10%; and/or polymethyl methacrylate and nylon spheres: present in the formulation with a concentration ranging from 4 to 12%; and/or coated or non-coated silica microreservoirs: present in the formulation with a concentration ranging from 2 to 10%; and/or linear polyester polymers with a molecular weight of 800 through 5000 Daltons both occlusive and retentive: present in the formulation with a concentration ranging from 10 to 20%. 
     The proportions of each component are taken in the above-mentioned percentage values, said values being expressed in percentages of the total and full composition. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.