Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel delivery system. The system allows a user to apply a cuticle oil gel to remove dust and other particles that accumulate on or around the cuticle without a brush. The present invention is also directed to a cuticle oil gel composition. The present invention is further directed to a method for dispersing cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/402,152 filed on Aug. 9, 2002. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to fingernail care, and to the apparatus and methods for accomplishing such care. Specifically, the present invention relates to a cuticle oil gel, a delivery system for dispensing the cuticle oil gel and method of dispensing the cuticle oil gel.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    There are many reasons why a person is interested in cuticle and fingernail care. One reason is improved appearance of the cuticles and nails. Another reason is to protect the cuticle and nails against damage from both environmental and mechanical abuse. Environmental problems occur when the cuticle and nails are exposed to too much cold, sun, chlorinated, salty or sudsy water, or dietary deficiencies. Mechanical abuse may occur responsive to almost any cause such cause such as typing, telephone dialing, striking or carelessness. Alternatively, the cuticle or nail may be damaged due to faulty filing, trimming or other manicure care. These and other problems may be overcome or alleviated if the nails are given a natural treatment.  
           [0004]    Certain oil-containing compositions have been disclosed as being useful as nail and cuticle conditioners or softeners. U.S. Pat. No. 2,765,257, for example, indicates that sulfonated mineral oil acts as an effective cuticle softener while sulfonated animal and vegetable oils are not effective. U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,609 discloses the soaking of fingertips in a hot, aqueous emulsion of vegetable and animal oils to moisturize, smooth and soften the surface of the nails and the tissue surrounding the nails.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,498 refers to an oil composition consisting of a cosmetic oil containing jojoba oil and tolnaftate. This substance is prescribed to treat fungal infections in nails, particularly sculptured nails, and known for their propensity to become contaminated. This type of formulation, although potentially effective if applied frequently has the difficulty that it has an oily texture that will only display its properties while present on the nail, and is easily removed by rubbing or when hands are washed with detergents.  
           [0006]    To date, cuticle oils have been applied in one of two ways: a liquid application where the oil is poured directly onto the cuticles; and a brush application where the oil is applied onto the cuticles by a brush. Both of these applications have drawbacks. The liquid application is difficult to control when pouring and applying to a person&#39;s fingernails and tends to spill requiring clean up. The brush application can cause potential cross-contamination of dust and particles from one user to the next when reusing the same brush.  
           [0007]    It would be advantageous to have a cuticle oil and a cuticle oil delivery system where the flow of the oil onto the cuticle can be controlled.  
           [0008]    It would further be advantageous to have a cuticle oil and delivery system that minimizes the cross-contamination of dust and other particles from one person to the next.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel composition. The gel-based cuticle oil composition allows a user to remove dust and other particles that accumulate on or around the cuticle. The cuticle oil gel composition also assists in smoothing unevenly cut cuticles. The cuticle oil gel is silica-based so that it has the advantage of providing consistency to the cuticle oil to eliminate spillage and control the flow of the cuticle oil.  
           [0010]    The present invention is also directed to a delivery system for the cuticle oil gel. The delivery system includes a housing and cuticle oil gel in the housing. The housing further includes an application tip at one end for the brushless dispersing of the cuticle gel oil and a removable cap that is disposed about the application tip when the system is not in use. Preferably, the housing is formed from a plastic so that a user may press on the housing in order to force the cuticle oil gel out of the housing. The delivery system is advantageous over known cuticle oil systems such as brush application delivery systems because the present delivery system drastically reduces the possibility of potential cross-examination.  
           [0011]    The present invention is further directed to a method for dispensing cuticle oil gel on a cuticle. The method includes the step of applying a cuticle oil gel to the cuticle. Preferably, the cuticle oil gel is a silica-based gel. The step of applying a cuticle oil gel to the cuticle further includes applying the cuticle oil gel to the cuticle from a cuticle oil gel delivery system.  
           [0012]    Still other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a preferred dispenser  10  including cuticle oil gel.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a preferred dispenser including an elongated applicator tip  12  and a removable cap  14 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0015]    The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel for manicures and similar cosmetic purposes. The present invention is also directed to a cuticle oil gel delivery system for the application of the cuticle oil gel that can control the spillage of the oil and minimize the potential for cross-contamination. The present invention is further directed to a method for dispensing a cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle.  
         [0016]    The cuticle oil gel is a silica-based compound. The silica allows the cuticle oil to exhibit a more viscous property. Preferably, the silica is less than about 75% by weight of the cuticle oil composition. More preferably, the silica is less than about 50% by weight of the cuticle oil composition. Most preferably, the silica is less than 25% by weight of the cuticle oil composition.  
         [0017]    Oils for use in the present composition include any known natural oil. Such oils include emollient oils such as peanut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, paraffin oil, cod liver oil, palm oil, soybean oil, wheat germ oil, linseed oil, sunflower seed oil, rice bran oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Preferably, the oils for use with the present composition include rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, tangerine oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. More preferably, the composition includes each of the aforementioned preferred oils.  
         [0018]    In general, the organic compounds used as oils are aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines, esters, ethers, glycols, glycol ethers, alkyl halides, or aromatic halides. Representative compounds are alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, cyclohexane, heptane, Varnish Maker&#39;s &amp; Painter&#39;s (VM&amp;P) solvent, and mineral spirits; alkyl halides such as chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, ethyl chloride, and chlorobenzene; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene; esters such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, amyl acetate, isobutyl isobutyrate, benzyl acetate, and isopropyl palmitate; ethers such as ethyl ether, n-butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,4-dioxane; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and propylene glycol monophenyl ether; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, diacetone alcohol, methyl amyl ketone, and diisobutyl ketone; petroleum hydrocarbons such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, gas oil, heavy oil, and crude oil; lubricating oils such as spindle oil and turbine oil; and fatty oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, olive oil, rape seed oil, cotton seed oil, sardine oil, herring oil, and whale oil.  
         [0019]    Other miscellaneous organic oils can also be used such as acetonitrile, nitromethane, dimethylformamide, propylene oxide, trioctyl phosphate, butyrolactone, furfural, pine oil, turpentine, and m-cresol.  
         [0020]    Further intended to be included in the term oil are volatile flavoring agents such as oil of wintergreen; peppermint oil; spearmint oil; menthol; vanilla; cinnamon oil; clove oil; bay oil; anise oil; eucalyptus oil; thyme oil; cedar leaf oil; oil of nutmeg; oil of sage; cassia oil; cocoa; licorice; high fructose corn syrup; citrus oils such as lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit; fruit essences such as apple, pear, peach, grape, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, and apricot; and other useful flavoring agents including aldehydes and esters such as cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, eugenyl formate, p-methylanisole, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, anisic aldehyde, citral, neral, decanal, vanillin, tolyl aldehyde, 2,6-dimethyloctanal, and 2-ethyl butyraldehyde.  
         [0021]    In addition, the term oil is intended to include volatile fragrances such as natural products and perfume oils. Some representative natural products and perfume oils are ambergris, benzoin, civet, clove, leaf oil, jasmine, mate, mimosa, musk, myrrh, orris, sandalwood oil, and vetivert oil; aroma chemicals such as amyi salicylate, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl acetate, citronellol, coumarin, geraniol, isobornyl acetate, ambrette, and terpinyl acetate; and the various classic family perfume oils such as the floral bouquet family, the oriental family, the chypre family, the woody family, the citrus family, the canoe family, the leather family, the spice family, and the herbal family.  
         [0022]    The present composition may also include an emulsifying agent. Emulsifying agents for use in the present composition can be a non-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant (e.g., polysorbate 20) is added mainly to emulsify the fragrance; however, the addition of non-ionic surfactant also leads to increased gel thickening. The non-ionic surfactants that can be used are those generally known in the art, and include mono-and diglycerides; sorbitol fatty acid esters; polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters; polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters; polyoxyethylene acids; polyoxyethylene alcohols; polyoxyethylene adducts; polymeric surfactants; and mixtures thereof. This list is not exhaustive, but rather illustrative, and other non-ionic surfactants can also be utilized. For various non-ionic surfactants, appropriate for cosmetic compositions according to the present invention, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,578 to Burger, et al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.  
         [0023]    Illustrative specific non-ionic surfactants further include glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate (Arlacel 165, from ICI Americas); sorbitan laurate (Arlacel 20, from ICI Americas and Span 20 from ICI Americas); polysorbate 20 (Tween 20, from ICI Americas); PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate (Arlatone T, from ICI Americas); PEG-40 stearate (Myrj 52, from ICI Americas); laureth-4 (Brij 30, from ICI Americas); PEG-25 hydrogenated castor oil (Arlatone G, from ICI Americas); and C11-15 Pareth-20 (Tergitol 15-S-20, from Union Carbide).  
         [0024]    These non-ionic surfactants can be incorporated in the composition in amounts of 0-20% by weight, of the total weight of the composition. As can be appreciated, these non-ionic surfactants are optional ingredients.  
         [0025]    The cuticle oil gel composition can further include fatty acid esters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, cetyl stearate, diisopropyl adipate, isodecyl oleate, diisopropyl sebacate, and lauryl lactate. The emollient octyl palmitate is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.  
         [0026]    Examples of fragrances include peppermint, rose oil, rose water, aloe vera, clove oil, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and other plant extracts. Certain fragrances may require a solubilizer, e.g., PPG-5-ceteareth-20. To eliminate certain odors from compositions, masking agents may be used. An example of a masking agent includes ethylene brassylate.  
         [0027]    The present composition may also include a component that prevents unsaturated fatty materials in the emollients and emulsifiers from becoming rancid. Preferably, such a component is butylated hydroxyanisole (CFTA name BHA). BHA is a food-grade antioxidant that offers outstanding compatibility with food fats and substantial carry-though effectiveness that imparts excellent stability to fats, oils, and fat-containing food products. BHA is a mixture of isomers of tertiary butyl-substituted 4-methoxyphenols, chiefly consisting of 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole with lesser amounts of 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole.  
         [0028]    The cuticle oil gel composition may further include vitamin-conditioning agents. Preferably, the cuticle oil gel includes one or more vitamin-conditioning agents such as tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate. Tocopheryl acetate is an ester of tocopherol and acetic acid. Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A and palmitic acid. Both of these items improve the appearance and feel of the cuticle and act as an antioxidant.  
         [0029]    The cuticle oil gel composition may further include antibacterial or antimicrobial agents. Any pharmaceutically acceptable anti-growth agent may be used, preferably an antifungal agent, antiyeast agent, or antibacterial agent, such as triclosan, clotrimazole, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition includes less than about 2% by weight of the anti-growth agent.  
         [0030]    Another aspect of the invention is a dispenser that comprises a cuticle oil gel composition as described above in a suitable container. The dispenser can be a sqeezable bottle, dropper bottle, or a tube. The dispenser can be made of any material, for example, glass, rigid plastic, or flexible plastic. Other means of administration include a tube with a suitable small orifice size, such as an extended tip tube.  
         [0031]    The dispenser may dispense the cuticle oil gel numerous ways. The dispenser may be designed so that a user must press on the dispenser in order to force the cuticle oil gel out of the dispenser. Alternatively, the dispenser may include a pump mechanism to allow the cuticle oil gel to be withdrawn from the dispenser for use. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any known dispensing mechanism may be utilized that avoids the use of a brush or similar applicator that may cause cross-contamination and can control spillage of the cuticle oil gel.  
         [0032]    Preferably, the dispenser also acts as an applicator where a user may dispense the cuticle oil gel from the dispenser onto the cuticle. The dispenser preferably includes an axially elongated reservoir tube with the cuticle oil gel in the tube. The dispenser may include an applicator tip where the cuticle oil gel is forced out of the dispenser through such a tip. The dispenser may include a cap or other closing means for covering the opening of the dispenser when not in use.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 shows a preferred dispenser  10  including the cuticle oil gel. FIG. 2 shows the preferred dispenser  10  having an extended application tip  12  and a removable cap  14  to enclose the tip  12  when not in use.  
         [0034]    The method for dispensing a cuticle oil gel includes applying a cuticle oil gel to a cuticle using a dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser used in applying the cuticle oil gel to the cuticle does not include a brush that would be removable from the dispenser for applying the cuticle oil onto the cuticle.  
         [0035]    The following example is merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered limiting of the scope of the invention in any way. This example and equivalents thereof will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure and accompanying claims.  
       EXAMPLE  
       [0036]    A cuticle oil gel was formed according to the following formulation:  
                                                   Ingredient   Percent by Weight                           Rice Bran Oil   37.14%           Sweet Almond Oil   34.50%           PEG-40 Peroleate    8.30%           Silica    7.85%           Jojoba Oil    5.65%           Octyl Palmitate    5.00%           Tangerine Oil    0.70%           Peppermint Oil    0.45%           Tea Tree Oil    0.10%           Tocopheryl Acetate    0.10%           Menthol    0.06%           Fragrance    0.06%           Lavender Oil    0.05%           BHA    0.03%           Retinyl Palmitate &amp; Ergocalciferol    0.01%                      
 
         [0037]    The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.