Solid cosmetic composition and uses thereof

A solid composition for topical application comprising, in an aqueous phase, a gelling system comprising (i) gellan gum, (ii) at least one other hydrocolloid chosen from the group formed by xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, agar-agar, carrageenans, alginates, carob gum, guar gum, gum arabic, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, ghatti gum, pectins, gelatin, caseinates and hydroxypropylguar, and (iii) at least one amphiphilic polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to a solid composition for topical
 application, as well as to its use in cosmetics and/or dermatology, in
 particular for conditioning and/or treating the skin, the scalp, the hair
 and/or mucous membranes, for making up the skin and/or keratin fibers such
 as the eyelashes and the hair, and for styling and/or shaping keratin
 fibers, and in particular the hair.
 2. Description of the Background
 Products in solid form are known in the cosmetics industry. Products of
 this type include, for example, in the field of make-up, tubes or "sticks"
 of lipstick, foundation or eyeshadow; in the field of skin- or lip-care,
 lip-repair pencils and depigmenting, make-up-removing or moisturizing
 tubes or "sticks"; in the field of hygiene, deodorant sticks and foaming
 sticks or bars for shaving or washing the skin. Solid products also
 include patches, which act, in particular, transdermally, for example,
 either to make an active agent penetrate the skin or to cleanse the skin.
 Formulated sticks based on waxes have certain drawbacks: they have a greasy
 nature which users do not appreciate and they lack freshness when applied.
 In addition, it is difficult to introduce hydrophilic active agents
 therein.
 Moreover, non-greasy sticks such as deodorant sticks generally contain a
 relatively large amount of fatty acid salts, which may exhibit an irritant
 effect in applications where care of the skin of the face is desired.
 Moreover, these sticks leave a sticky film after application to the skin.
 Aqueous rigid gels are disclosed in the publications WO-A-97/17055 and
 WO-A-97/17053. However, these gels require a fairly high concentration of
 gelling agent or involve a specific preparation technique such as
 extrusion. In addition, the sticks described in publication WO-A-97/17055
 lack transparency and, because of the high concentration of gelling agent,
 lack freshness and softness when they are applied to the skin. The sticks
 described in publication WO-A-97/17053 must be hydrated at the time of
 use.
 Publication EP 0 803 245 describes aqueous solid compositions containing
 heat-reversible polysaccharides, a wetting agent and a powdery phase
 (fillers). However, the presence of a powdery phase may give rise to the
 drawbacks of a visible trace when the composition is applied to the skin
 and a reduction in the sensation of comfort of the skin. Further, when the
 powdery phase is removed from the composition described in the
 publication, a composition is obtained which is neither sufficiently solid
 nor sufficiently stable, and which does not give satisfactory transfer or
 deposition of the product on the skin. Thus, there is still a need for a
 solid composition for topical application to the skin which does not have
 the drawbacks of the prior art.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a
 composition which feels fresh when applied to the skin and gives a good
 deposit of the product on the skin while at the same time being
 sufficiently solid.
 Briefly, this object and other objects of the present invention as
 hereinafter will become more readily apparent can be attained by a solid
 composition, comprising, in an aqueous phase, a gelling system comprising
 (i) gellan gum, (ii) at least one other hydrocolloid selected from the
 group consisting of xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose,
 hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose,
 hydroxyethylcellulose, agar-agar, carrageenans, alginates, carob gum, guar
 gum, gum arabic, karaya gum, gum tragacanth, ghatti gum, pectins, gelatin,
 caseinates and hydroxypropylguar, and (iii) at least one amphiphilic
 polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and at least one hydrophilic
 unit.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 The discovery of the present invention is a specific gelling system based
 on hydrocolloids and an associative polymer for preparing homogeneous,
 rigid, aqueous compositions which are stable even at low contents of
 gelling agent, and which do not necessarily require the use of a specific
 technique of preparation. In addition, the gelling system permits the
 direct application of product onto the skin without the necessity of
 prewetting the skin.
 An associative polymer is an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least one
 fatty chain, and thus a hydrophobic portion, and at least one hydrophilic
 unit, and thus a hydrophilic portion.
 For the purposes of the present invention, the expression "solid
 composition" refers to any composition which has a compression strength of
 greater than or equal to 20 grams at room temperature (20-25.degree. C.),
 after penetration with an axisymmetric probe of diameter 0.8 cm into the
 matrix of the composition to a depth of 1 mm at a speed of 0.5 mm/s and
 removal of the probe from the matrix of the composition at a speed of 0.5
 mm/s. Compression strength is measured with an analyzer such as the "LFRA
 Texture Analyzer" sold by the company Stevens/Mechtric.
 The solid composition of the invention can be applied directly to a
 substrate, i.e. it does not need to be made wet to be applied to the
 support, and in particular to the skin. The term "substrate" for the
 composition of the invention means any surface on which a topical
 application can be made, in particular the skin, keratin fibers such as
 the eyelashes and the hair, the scalp and mucous membranes such as the
 lips.
 The gelling system of the invention gives, even in small amounts, a solid
 composition whose strength and rigidity are satisfactory while at the same
 time leaving a good deposit on the skin.
 In addition, unlike solid compositions comprising a large proportion of
 powdered material, the composition of the invention has the advantage of
 not leaving a visible powdery deposit when it is applied to a substrate.
 Moreover, it has the property of being transparent or translucent in the
 absence of oil.
 Furthermore, the solid composition of the invention has good transfer
 properties, i.e. when applied to a substrate, in that it releases an
 effective amount of product onto the substrate, while at the same time
 being particularly solid.
 In the composition of the invention, the gellan gum is present in an amount
 of at least 1.5% based on the total weight of the composition, and, for
 example, in an amount ranging from 1.5-15%, preferably from 2-8% and
 better still from 2-4% by weight, based on the total weight of the
 composition.
 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydrocolloid (ii) is
 preferably selected from xanthan gum, carob gum, carboxymethylcellulose
 and hydroxypropylguar, and mixtures thereof.
 The hydrocolloid(s) (ii) is (are) present in the composition of the
 invention in an amount which can vary within a wide range. Thus, this
 amount can range, for example, from 0.1-10%, preferably from 1-5% and
 better still from 2-4%, by weight based on the total weight of the
 composition.
 Depending on the proportions, and in particular when the total amount of
 hydrocolloids (gellan plus hydrocolloid (ii)) exceeds 4%, the mixture can
 advantageously be prepared in a twin-screw extruder by the technique
 described in document EP-A-667,148.
 Any associative polymer can be used in the composition of the invention as
 amphiphilic polymer (iii). In this amphiphilic polymer, the hydrophobic
 portion can be present in a reduced amount with respect to the rest of the
 polymer chain, can be located laterally relative to the chain and can be
 distributed randomly (random copolymers) or distributed in the form of
 sequences or grafts (block copolymers or sequenced copolymers). Moreover,
 water-soluble or water-dispersible polymers or alternatively
 water-swellable polymers can be used.
 The amphiphilic polymers can be of any chemical nature; it is thus possible
 to choose polymers of natural origin, which are optionally modified;
 radical polymers, in particular vinyl or acrylic polymers;
 polycondensates; and mixtures thereof. They can be ionic or nonionic, and
 are preferably anionic or nonionic.
 The amphiphilic polymers comprising at least one fatty chain and at least
 one hydrophilic unit, which are used in the invention, are preferably
 selected from the group consisting of:
 (1) holosides modified with groups comprising at least one fatty chain.
 Modified holosides include, for example:
 celluloses or derivatives thereof, modified with groups comprising at least
 one fatty chain such as an alkyl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl group or mixtures
 thereof in which the alkyl groups contains from 8-22 carbon atoms;
 nonionic alkylhydroxyethylcelluloses such as the products Natrosol Plus
 Grade 330 CS, Polysurf 67 and ADX 410, (C.sub.16 alkyl) sold by Aqualon;
 quatemized (cationic) alkylhydroxyethylcelluloses such as the products
 Quatrisoft LM 200, Quatrisoft LM-X 529-18-A, Quatrisoft LM-X 529-18-B
 (C.sub.12 alkyl) and Quatrisoft LM-X 529-8 (C.sub.12 alkyl) sold by
 Amerchol and the products Crodacel QM, Crodacel QL (C.sub.12 alkyl) and
 Crodacel QS (C.sub.18 alkyl) sold by Croda;
 nonionic nonoxynylhydroxyethylcelluloses such as the product Amercell
 HM-1500 sold by Amerchol;
 nonionic alkylcelluloses such as the product Bermocoll EHM 100 sold by
 Berol Nobel;
 polyalcohol (C.sub.12 -C.sub.18) saccharides such as the product Emulsan
 (D-galactosamine/aminuronic acid mixture) and the product Biosan LPS-50
 sold by Petroferm;
 hydroxypropylguars modified with a fatty chain such as the product Esaflor
 HM 22 (modified with a C.sub.22 alkyl chain), sold by Lamberti; the
 product Miracare XC 95-3 (modified with a C.sub.14 alkyl chain) and the
 product RE 205-146 (modified with a C.sub.20 alkyl chain) sold by
 Rhone-Poulenc;
 (2) copolymers of maleic anhydride or of a derivative thereof and of
 monomers comprising at least one fatty chain. Examples which include:
 N-octadecyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymers such as the product
 Gantrez AN-8194 sold by ISP;
 vinyl acetate/isobutyl monomaleate/vinyl neodecanoate terpolymers such as
 the products ACV-4033 and 9649-147 sold by ISP, the product Meypro-Fix 509
 sold by Meyhall and the products Densodrin BA and Lipoderm Liquor FP sold
 by BASF;
 (3) polyurethanes and derivatives thereof comprising groups containing at
 least one fatty chain such as, for example, the following commercial
 products:
 Rheolate 204, 205, 208, 210, 255 and 278 sold by Rheox; Bermodol Pur 2130
 sold by Berol Nobel; Acrysol SCT-275, Acrysol RM-870, Acrysol RM-825,
 Acrysol 44 and Acrysol 46, DW-1206 B, DW-1206 F, DW-1206 G and DW-1206 J
 sold by Rohm & Haas; Dapral T 212 sold by Akzo; SER-AD FX 1100 sold by
 Huls; Borchigel LW.44 and Borchigel L.75.N sold by Borchers;
 (4) copolymers of crotonic acid and of monomers comprising at least one
 fatty chain such as vinyl acetate/crotonic acid/allyl stearate
 terpolymers;
 (5) copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and of monomers comprising at least
 one fatty chain such as olefins substituted with an alkyl radical
 comprising a long hydrocarbon-based chain such as, for example, the
 products Antaron V216 and Antaron V220 sold by ISP;
 (6) copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and of monomers comprising at least
 one fatty chain; these monomers are selected from hydrophobic monomers
 containing-a fatty chain, amphiphilic monomers comprising a hydrophobic
 portion containing a fatty chain and a hydrophilic portion, or mixtures
 thereof. Copolymers of this type include, for example:
 crosslinked copolymers of acrylic acid/C.sub.10 -C.sub.30 alkyl acrylate
 such as the products Pemulen TR 1, Pemulen TR 2, Carbopol 1382, Carbopol
 1342 and Carbopol ETD 2020 sold by Goodrich;
 (meth)acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/alkyl acrylate copolymers such as the
 product Acusol 823 sold by Rohn & Haas and the product Imperon R sold by
 Hoechst;
 acrylic acid/vinyl isodecanoate crosslinked copolymers such as the product
 Stabylen 30 sold by 3V;
 acrylic acid/vinylpyrrolidone/lauryl methacrylate terpolymers such as the
 products Acrylidone LM, ACP-1184, ACP-1194 sold by ISP; acrylic
 acid/lauryl (meth)acrylate copolymers such as the products Coatex SX sold
 by Coatex;
 (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl acrylate/polyethoxylated alkyl allyl ether
 terpolymers such as Rheovis --CR, --CR.sub.3, --CR.sub.2 and --CRX sold by
 Allied Colloids;
 methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/polyethoxylated stearyl allyl ether
 terpolymers such as the products Salcare-SC90 and -SC80 sold by Allied
 Colloids;
 methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/polyoxyethylenated lauryl acrylate
 terpolymers such as the product Rheo 2000 sold by Coatex;
 methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/polyoxyethylenated stearyl methacrylate
 terpolymers such as the products Acrysol 22, Acrysol 25 and DW-1206A sold
 by Rohm & Haas;
 methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/polyoxyethylenated nonylphenyl acrylate
 copolymers such as the product Rheo 3000 sold by Coatex;
 acrylic acid/polyoxyethylenated stearyl monoitaconate copolymers or acrylic
 acid/polyoxyethylenated cetyl monoitaconate copolymers such as the
 products 8069-72A and 8069-72B sold by National Starch;
 copolymers of methacrylic acid/butyl acrylate/hydrophobic monomer
 comprising at least one fatty chain such as the product 8069-146A sold by
 National Starch;
 acrylic acid/C.sub.15 alkyl acrylatelpolyethylene glycol acrylate (28 mol
 of ethylene oxide) terpolymers such as the product Dapral GE 202 sold by
 Akzo;
 salts of a partial fatty acid ester of an acrylic acid/dimethylethanolamine
 copolymer such as the product Dapral GE 202 DMA sold by Akzo;
 copolymers of acrylic acid/acrylate/amphiphilic monomer comprising a fatty
 chain containing urethane groups such as the product Additol VXW 1312 sold
 by Hoechst;
 acrylic copolymers modified with hydrophobic groups containing a fatty
 chain such as the product Acusol 102 sold by Rohm & Haas;
 (7) nonionic copolymers of lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) alkyl (meth)acrylate
 and of amphiphilic monomers comprising a fatty chain such as, for example,
 copolymers of methyl methacrylate/polyoxyethylenated stearyl acrylate such
 as the product Antil 208 sold by Goldschmidt; and
 (8) nonionic copolymers of hydrophilic (meth)acrylates and of hydrophobic
 monomers containing a fatty chain such as, for example, polyethylene
 glycol methacrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers.
 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the amphiphilic polymer is more
 particularly selected from polyurethanes and modified holosides.
 Either an amphiphilic polymer or a mixture of amphiphilic polymers can be
 used in the composition of the invention.
 The amphiphilic polymers are used in the composition of the invention in an
 amount which is effective in obtaining the estimated result. The amount of
 amphiphlic polymer(s) preferably ranges from 0.05-20% by weight relative
 to the total weight of the composition. More preferably, this amount
 ranges from 0.1-10% by weight and even more preferably from 0.2-5% by
 weight relative to the total weight of the composition.
 The gelling system comprising the compounds (i), (ii) and (iii) in the
 composition of the invention is used in an amount which is effective in
 obtaining the estimated result. The gelling system preferably represents
 from 2-30% and better still from 2-10% by weight, based on the total
 weight of the composition.
 The aqueous phase of the composition of the invention generally represents
 from 60-97% and preferably from 80-95% by weight, based on the total
 weight of the composition.
 It is possible to modify the rigidity of the compositions of the invention
 by adding thereto one or more salts which increase the rigidity of the
 composition. These salts can be selected from salts of mono-, di- or
 trivalent metals, and more particularly alkali metal and alkaline-earth
 metal salts and in particular sodium and calcium salts. The ions
 constituting these salts can be selected, for example, from carbonates,
 bicarbonates, sulfates, glycerophosphates, borates, chlorides, nitrates,
 acetates, hydroxides and persulphates, as well as the salts of
 .alpha.-hydroxy acids such as citrates, tartrates, lactates and malates or
 of fruit acids, or alternatively salts of amino acids such as aspartate,
 arginate, glycocholate and fumarate.
 The salt is preferably selected from sodium, calcium, magnesium, strontium,
 neodymium or manganese chloride, calcium, magnesium or strontium nitrate,
 calcium or magnesium borate, magnesium or calcium sulfate, and calcium or
 magnesium acetate, and mixtures thereof The amount of salt(s) can range
 from 0.01-5% and preferably from 0.1-2% based on the total weight of the
 composition.
 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition also comprises
 at least one solvent other than water. Suitable solvents include primary
 alcohols containing from 1-4 carbon atoms such as ethanol and isopropanol,
 glycols such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and
 diethylene glycol, glycol ethers such as mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol
 (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl ether or mono-, di- or triethylene glycol (C.sub.1
 -C.sub.4) alkyl ether, and mixtures thereof. The amount of solvent(s) can
 range from 0.01-20% and preferably from 0.1-5% by weight, based on the
 total weight of the composition.
 The solid composition of the invention is advantageously a composition for
 topical application, in particular a cosmetic or dermatological
 composition. Such a composition comprises a medium which is
 physiologically acceptable, in particular for the skin, including the
 scalp, mucous membranes, the nails and/or keratin fibers (hair or
 eyelashes).
 According to one specific embodiment of the invention, the composition also
 comprises at least one oil, this addition of oil giving a greater
 sensation of comfort when the composition is applied to the skin.
 Suitable oils which can be used include mineral oils, oils of plant origin,
 oils of animal origin, synthetic oils such as fatty esters, silicone oils
 such as volatile silicone oils, polymethylsiloxanes,
 polymethylphenylsiloxanes, polysiloxanes modified with fatty acids, fatty
 alcohols and polyoxyalkylenes, fluorosilicones and perfluoro oils. Other
 fatty substances such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols and waxes can also be
 employed.
 The oil(s) and the other fatty substances optionally present constitute the
 fatty phase.
 The fatty phase can be present in proportions ranging, for example, up to
 30%, preferably from 0.1-20% and better still from 0.5-10%, b y weight of
 the total weight of the composition, these proportions varying depending
 on the application selected.
 The fatty phase can be introduced into the aqueous phase in the presence of
 one or more surfacants to ensure better dispersion.
 The compositions of the invention can thus also contain one or more
 nonionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants of the type usually
 employed in cosmetics and/or dermatology. The amounts of surfactant(s) can
 range from 0.05-8% and better still from 0.05-5% by weight, based on the
 total weight of the composition.
 The compositions of the invention can also contain additives usually
 employed in cosmetics and/or dermatology. Suitable such additives
 particularly include antioxidants and free-radical scavengers,
 water-soluble dyes such as FD&C Red No. 4 and D&C Green No. 5, and
 alternatively liposoluble dyes, if the composition comprises a fatty
 chain, hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, fragrances and fillers.
 The active agents can be selected, for example, from hydrating or wetting
 agents such as polyols and in particular glycerol, UV screening agents,
 antidandruff agents, conditioners, deodorant active agents, depigmenting
 agents and bleaching agents, tensioning agents and anti-wrinkle agents,
 latices and pseudolatices, and any other active agent which is appropriate
 for finishing the solid product in question.
 Suitable latices and pseudolatices include, for example, dispersions of
 synthetic polymers of the polycondensate type or of the radical type.
 Suitable polymers constituting the latex or pseudolatex include the
 anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric polyurethanes,
 polyurethane-acrylics, polyurethane-polyvinylpyrrolidones,
 polyester-polyurethanes, polyether-polyurethanes, polyureas, acrylic
 polymers, acrylic copolymers, sulfonated isophthalic acid polymers and
 polymers resulting from the radical polymerization of one or more radical
 monomers. Suitable synthetic polymers which may be used in the preparation
 of latices include in particular the dispersions of
 polyester-polyurethanes and of the polyether-polyurethanes sold under the
 names "Sancure 2060" (polyester-polyurethane), "Sancure 2255"
 (polyester-polyurethane), "Sancure 815" (polyester-polyurethane), "Sancure
 878" (polyether-polyurethane) and "Sancure 861", (polyether-polyurethane)
 by Sanncor, under the names "Neorez R974" (polyester-poly-urethane),
 "Neorez R981 " (polyesterpoly-urethane), "Neorez R970"
 (polyether-polyurethane) by ICI and the acrylic copolymer dispersion sold
 under the name "Neocryl XK-90" by Zeneca.
 Suitable fillers include, for example, insoluble dyes, pigments and
 powders, and in particular, talc powders, starch powders, acrylate polymer
 and copolymer powders, mica powder, kaolin powder, polyamide (Nylon)
 powder, polyethylene powder, silica powder and silicone powder.
 These additives can be present in the final composition in an amount
 ranging from 0-30% by weight, preferably from 0.5-20% and even more
 particularly from 0.5-10% by weight, based on the total weight of the
 composition.
 Needless to say, the person of skill in the art will select the one or more
 optional additives and the amounts thereof for a given composition in
 order to obtain the advantageous properties intrinsically desired for a
 composition of the invention. Of course, the selection of additive(s)
 should not be such as to substantially, adversely affect the properties of
 the composition desired.
 The compositions of the invention can constitute products for the care
 and/or conditioning and/or hygiene of the skin, mucous membranes, the
 scalp and/or the hair. Among the care, conditioning or hygiene products in
 bar, stick or pencil form, such products include, for example, hair care
 and solid gels for styling and/or shaping the hair; in skincare,
 moisturizing products, slimming products, depigmenting and bleaching
 products, and lipcare products; for facial and/or body hygiene, shaving
 products and deodorants.
 Another object of the invention is a cosmetic treatment process for the
 care and/or conditioning and/or hygiene of the skin, the hair, the scalp
 and/or mucous membranes, this process consisting in applying a solid
 composition as defined above to the skin, the hair, the scalp and/or
 mucous membranes.
 The compositions of the invention can also be employed in make-up products
 such as lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows, blushers, concealers,
 mascaras, lip contour pencils, eye contour pencils or sticks for dyeing
 locks of hair. The compositions can, in particular, constitute
 "transfer-free" make-up products, i.e. products which deposit a film
 which, after application, does not transfer or migrate or stain a surface
 with which the make-up product applied to the skin may subsequently come
 into contact such as clothing, glass, cups, or the like.
 Thus, an aspect of the present invention is also the use of the composition
 of the invention to formulate a transfer-free make-up product. If the
 make-up product also contains a latex or a pseudolatex, a product with
 good staying power is obtained.
 An aspect of the present invention is also a process for making-up the skin
 and/or keratin fibers, which consists in applying a solid composition as
 defined above to the face, the lips, the contour of the eyes, the cheeks,
 the contour of the lips, the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the hair and/or the
 eyelids.
 The composition of the invention can also constitute patches which are
 intended for application directly onto the skin. These patches may
 comprise the composition of the invention alone or incorporated in a
 composite structure in the form of layers, which can comprise in
 particular, besides the composition of the invention, a support layer
 and/or a detachable protective layer.
 Thus, an aspect of the invention is also a patch which comprises the
 present composition as defined above.
 Having now generally described the invention, a further understanding can
 be obtained by reference to certain specific Examples which are provided
 herein for purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be
 limiting unless otherwise specified. The percentages in the Examples are
 expressed-by weight, except where otherwise mentioned.

EXAMPLE 1: A MOISTURIZING STICK

Gellan gum 2%
 Xanthan gum 1%
 Sodium chloride 1%
 Ethanol 1%
 Polyurethane (SER-AD FX 1100) 0.5%
 Water qs 100%
 The stick is prepared by mixing the constituents together at 80.degree. C.
 with stirring and casting while hot.
 The stick obtained is transparent and deposits a film which feels fresh
 when applied to the skin. In addition, it has good hardness (700
 g/cm.sup.2) and leaves a good deposit on the skin.
 Comparative Example
 The same composition as described above without polyurethane, which has a
 satisfactory hardness (800 g/cm.sup.2), but leaves virtually no deposit on
 the skin.
 The disclosure of French priority Application No. 9809793 filed Jul. 30,
 1998 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application
 Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention
 are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be
 understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may
 be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.