Abstract:
A therapeutic skin patch for treatment of dry skin, includes a porous sheet-like body of inactive material, certain pores of said body being impregnated with solidified polyvinyl alcohol which contains a first combination of skin nutrients, and polyvinyl alcohol which occupies the pores of another portion of the body containing a second combination of skin nutrients, which second combination of skin nutrients is different from the first combination of skin nutrients. The polyvinyl alcohol which is contained in the pores of the one portion of the sheet-like body is characterized by a first color, and the polyvinyl alcohol which is contained in the pores of the other portion of the body is characterized by a second color that is different from the first color. The arrangement is such that the user can visually distinguish between the two portions and the corresponding skin nutrients contained in each, for the purpose of positioning the patch such that the colored sheet-like body can be applied with a predetermined desired orientation when the patch is initially applied to the skin.

Description:
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     Research and development of the present invention and application have not been Federally-sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to products for the treatment of dry skin, particularly dry skin on the face. It also relates to a method for using such products, and a method for the manufacture thereof. 
     2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR Sections 1.97-1.99 
     More particularly, the invention relates to variations in the method and apparati disclosed in applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,072, granted Feb. 9, 1999, and entitled METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A GLOVE, said application having common ownership with the present application. 
     The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,072 is specifically incorporated, by reference, into the present application in accordance with Section 608.01(p) of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. 
     Returning now to the issue that is addressed by the present invention, it is well known today that dry skin has been and continues to be a problem, not only for individuals in the teen-age group, but also for the public in general. With advancing age, a person experiences pronounced inability to maintain the condition of the skin, especially skin around the face, and more specifically the eyes. Wrinkles at the far corner of each eye, and dark circles under the eyes are well known phenomena, and efforts to cover up such undesirable characteristics constitute an ongoing field of research. 
     The problem can be stated simply as a person&#39;s natural inclination to be as attractive as possible, this going hand-in-hand with attempts to make the person look younger. Unfortunately, the emphasis on youth has become all-encompassing, as is well documented by the number of people who seek hair transplant and/or face lifts, particularly for those over 35 years of age. 
     As a consequence, there is a multitude of skin care products on the market, including various types of creams, lotions and oils. 
     In the decades subsequent to 1940, lotions incorporating homogenized oil-water mixtures were developed, the theory being that the water was, at least in part, absorbable into the skin, with the oil remaining on the skin so as to form a barrier. It was considered that the barrier restricted the inevitable evaporation which occurred, but in practice, evaporation was found to be an ongoing process, and the results obtained were marginal at best. Also, oil-based moisturizers suffer from the disadvantage of imparting to the skin a residual, greasy feel and appearance. 
     Subsequent discoveries included lotions containing urea, which is hygroscopic, and which has the ability to absorb and hold water in place on the skin itself. An undesirable side effect included inadvertent irritation to the skin, due to the fact that urea was somewhat on the base side, pH wise, and was capable of forming salts only when combined with a relatively strong acid. 
     Other ventures involved the use of lecithin, a naturally occurring substance derived from the soybean. It is generally considered to be a phosopholipid, and is capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of water. A preparation containing this is purportedly sold under the trademark COMPLEX 15, manufactured by Key Pharmaceuticals. 
     Still other compounds involved the use of emulsions containing water, glycerine, mineral oil, alcohol, propylene glycol, lanolin, and fatty acids. Additional products comprise preparations known to contain what is known as Retin-A, a vitamin A derivative. 
     A-hydroxy-acids have also been used for skin treatment. While this class of product is often referred to as a moisturizer, in fact, the action of the A-hydroxy-acid is actually one involving a mild attack on the skin, wherein the outermost cells, which are likely to be the dry ones, are chemically extricated, and the remaining cells, previously lying below the outer layer, then become the new, outer layer. Naturally, these new cells, being younger and more protected, yield the desired result, namely a “new” skin look and feel, as well as increased moisture content, at least for the period immediately following the use of the A-hydroxy-acid. 
     Other methods of treatment involved what are known as “peeling agents”, such as benzoyl peroxide; astringents, which firm up the tissues of the skin; and in some cases, oral or topical antibiotics, where infection is suspected to be a problem. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,501 and 5,302,377 are directed to related objectives in the treatment of dry skin. 
     In particular, Pat. No. 4,591,501 relates to a film that is produced by applying to a suitable base paper or material, a polypeptide, a plasticizer, and a polymer. The film, when moistened, will release the polypeptide and enable it to cover the skin. The nature of the polypeptide utilized is given in col. 1, line 61, namely, “‘Polypeptide’ as used herein, means and refers to polyamino acids derived from protein along with the proteins themselves. The polyamino acids useful in the practice of the invention are those . . . having a molecular weight of at least 3000. Preferably, the polyamino acids are derived from collagen.” 
     Specific reference is made to the prior art cited during the prosecution of the application which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,501. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,377 relates to lotions for use as cold creams, after shaves, antiperspirants, skin moisturizers, and related functions. More particularly the patent involves a topical preparation prepared from a fatty alkoxylate ester. The patentee claims that such use of the preparation as an emollient, to smooth and soften skin, is superior to some prior known techniques, in that there is little or no oily or greasy feel experienced by the user, and thus the product is aesthetically more acceptable. 
     Finally, most of the creams and lotions on the market today utilize, of necessity, a preservative of some type, which can be irritating to the skin of the user. In essence, a preservative is a chemical that kills or controls bacteria, and application of such a compound to the skin, while deemed acceptable in limited amounts, is considered a potential hazard over the long term. An example of a preservative widely used is methylparaben, which is a crystalline compound HOC 6 H 4 —COOCH 3 ; it is the methyl ester of parahydroxybenzoic acid. Also, propylparaben is frequently used as a preservative. It is a crystalline ester, HOC 6 H 4 COOC 3 H 7 ; it is sometimes referred to as propyl para-hydroxy-benzoate. 
     At least three “moisturizers” currently being marketed in this country, are known to contain propylparaben. 
     Failure to include a preservative in sufficient quantity to control bacterial growth can have serious consequences, as can well be appreciated when it is considered that skin care products are used by persons from infancy through the geriatric stage. This latter group is most susceptible to adverse side effects, and it is considered that wherever possible, use of preservatives in products which are ingested or topically applied, should be minimized to the greatest possible extent, since the potential hazardous long-term effects of chemicals in our environment is only recently, within the last decade or so, being considered to any great degree. 
     Finally, with most lotion/cream products, it is necessary to apply the substance and leave it on all day. This leads to inadvertent soiling of papers that may be handled as during office work. Products applied at bed time tend to be rubbed off onto the linens, as the user continuously and unconsciously, shifts position during sleep. 
     Accordingly there has existed a long-felt need for a product which can be applied to the skin for a relatively short time interval and without leaving a greasy look or feel to the skin, and thereafter perform its intended function and be discarded. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved beneficial skin applique which is extremely simple in its structure, and which is both effective in obtaining improved results and convenient to use. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved skin applique as above outlined, which contains ingredients that are substantially completely natural. 
     A related object of the invention is to provide an improved applique of the kind indicated, which does not utilize preservatives of any kind. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved applique in accordance with the foregoing, which is essentially completely chemically inactive during storage and shipping, and which becomes activated solely just prior to the use of the product by the consumer. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide an improved applique as above characterized, which has an extended shelf life, due to the inherently inactive nature of the product. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved applique as noted above, which can be inexpensively packaged in a watertight pouch, and sold in multiple units containing a plurality of individual pouches, each being wholly self-contained and totally inactive until just prior to use by the consumer. 
     The above objects are accomplished by a therapeutic applique for treatment of dry skin, comprising in combination a porous, flexible base member which is to be applied to the skin, and a water-activatable substantially solidified material carried on the surfaces of the member and permeating the pores thereof, the water-activated material having a moisture content of substantially less than 10% by weight, of the member, and wherein the material is soluble in water, so as to partially disassociate from the member and leach onto the skin of the user when water is applied to the exterior of the member while the latter is being worn. 
     The objects are further accomplished by a method of manufacturing a therapeutic member for treatment of dry skin, comprising the steps of mixing a quantity of water with polyvinyl alcohol, and heating the mixture so as to dissolve the alcohol in the water, applying the mixture onto a sheet, heating the sheet so as to reduce the water content to substantially less than 10% by weight of the sheet, and converting the polyvinyl alcohol substantially to a solid, cutting the sheet so as to form members of desired shapes, and sealing the members in substantially water-impervious containers, so as to shield them against moisture loss and thereby keep the solid polyvinyl alcohol in a water-inactive state until the consumer opens the package. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a heated vat or tub as used for mixing ingredients. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus showing the various steps utilized in carrying out the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the apparatus of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the composite scrap sheet as it comes from the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3. 
     FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of the invention wherein the skin patches have pressure-sensitive adhesive and do not require wetting. 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view of one skin patch as made with the apparatus of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of a similar skin patch but constituted as a mirror image of the patch of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of a skin patch having pressure-sensitive adhesive protected by a release paper backing. 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of a patch similar to that of FIG. 8 but constituted as a mirror image of the patch of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a plan view of a water-tight package for the skin patches of the present invention, and 
     FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a person&#39;s face, and showing water-activatable appliques in the form of kidney-shaped patches in position around the person&#39;s eyes. 
     FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of the invention wherein a composite sheet is produced. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     List of Reference Characters 
       8 . Applique or patch 
       9 . Mirror-image applique or patch 
       10 . Vat or tub 
       12 . Paddle 
       14 . Heater 
       16 . Storage tank 
       18 . Storage tank 
       20 . Outlet hose 
       22 . Outlet hose 
       24 . Pump 
       26 . Pump 
       28 . Hose 
       30 . Hose 
       32 . Doctor blade 
       34 . Divider strip 
       36 . Sheet of paper 
       37 . Paper roll 
       38 . Application station 
       40 . Application station 
       42 . Application station 
       44 . Application station 
       46 . Application station 
       48 . Application station 
       52 . Mesh or scrim 
       54 . Pressure roller 
       56 . Pressure roller 
       58 . Composite sheet 
       62 . Pull through roller 
       63 . Pull through roller 
       64 . Die roller 
       66 . Bin 
       68 . Water-tight packet 
       69 . Scrap 
       70 . Roll of scrap 
       72 . Motor 
       74 . Mesh portion 
       75 . Applique or patch 
       76 . Roll of composite 
       76 ′. Roll of composite storage 
       78 . Paper portion 
       80 . Idler roller 
       82 . Oven 
       84 . Nozzles 
       85 . Pipe 
       86 . Pump 
       88 . Supply tank 
       90 . Back-up roller 
       92 . Mesh 
       94 . Idler roller 
       96 . Heated pressure roller 
       98 . Heated pressure roller 
       103 . Composite sheet 
       104 . Composite sheet 
       105 . Pull through roller 
       106 . Pull through roller 
     The present invention involves essentially the production and use of appliques or skin patches that are intended to be applied to the skin of a person, such appliques preferably taking the form of simple single-layer patches which can be oval or generally kidney-shape, or other outline. Each patch is intended to be placed in a desired position on the skin of the face, which preferably has been wetted with water just prior to application such that the patch will adhere to the skin, with an action to be described below. 
     Two quantities of water-based solution are produced, in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred example, one quantity is prepared and contains a yellow dye in an amount of typically less than ½ of one percent by weight, and the other solution contains a similar quantity of a blue dye. However, other color arrangements or combinations could be used as well, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to solely the yellow and blue dyes noted. 
     In preparing the first solution containing a yellow dye, FD&amp;C yellow is preferably used. A vat or tub generally designated  10  is filled with a quantity of pure, cold water. Pellets of polyvinyl alcohol, which may be of a type sold under the Trademark AIR VOL 523, are introduced into the cold water in the vat, along with the yellow dye. The pellets are small in size, sufficiently so to be characterized as granular in nature. As the pellets are being introduced into the vat, a paddle  12  is activated to stir the water, and in addition, the vat is heated up to a temperature on the order of 140-165 degrees F. by a heater  14 , for a period of up to 3-4 hours, depending on the time required for the polyvinyl alcohol pellets to completely dissolve in the hot water. 
     The solution is admixed with extracts of vitamins A, C and E, together with other, optional nutrients which include, but are not limited to substances that sooth, heal, and/or moisturize the skin. 
     For example, other optional ingredients comprise PG-865 propylene glycol; Phospholipid EFA, a moisturizer comprising Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate; AMG-O, comprising Oleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride, a surfactant; Honey, AJIDEW N-50, comprising sodium PCA, moisture retention salt; VEGEPLEX 2500, which is a botannical extract complex; and Aloe Vera, which moisturizes, soothes and heals. 
     Additionally, there may be included Extracts of the following: Cranesbill, Comfrey, Elder Flower, Calendula, Tormentil, Plantain, Horsetail, Burdock, and Cucumber. In some of the appended claims the polyvinyl alcohol is considered to be a water-activatable substance, since the polyvinyl alcohol is solid when dry, but dissolves readily in water. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the yellow solution contains a combination of elements, some or all of which are taken from the ingredient list in the previous two paragraphs. In a similar manner, the blue solution contains a combination which preferably contains some or all of the elements of the yellow solution, but in addition, contains vitamin K, kojic acid derivative. The yellow solution is devoid of the vitamin K. 
     During the production of the patches of the invention, there are provided two storage tanks  16  and  18 , one containing a solution having the yellow dye, and the other containing a solution having the blue dye. Each tank has an outlet hose  20 ,  22 , and each hose connects with a pump  24 ,  26 , respectively. The outlet of each pump is connected to hoses  28  and  30  respectively that extend downwardly to a doctor blade  32 , sometimes known as a knife-over-roller device. 
     In accordance with the invention and referring to FIG. 3, there is disposed on the upstream side of the doctor blade  32  a series of plastic divider strips  34 , which in practice are about 1 inch high, and 3 inches long. A total of 5 divider strips is utilized, and a sheet of wax- or silicon-backed paper  36  from a roll  37  passes under the strips  34  prior to contacting the doctor blade  32 . With the arrangement shown, a total of 6 application stations  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  is used, being fed by the tubing  28 ,  30  from the output of the respective pumps. At a first station  38 , the open end of a tube drips the solution having the blue color onto the paper  36  from the roll  37 . One of the divider strips  34  confines the blue solution, which is somewhat more viscous than water, to the edge area of the paper  36 . 
     A similar tube feeds station  40 , except the tube is from the tank  18  having the yellow mixture, and the open end of a tube drips onto the paper  36  at this station  40 . 
     Similarly, additional hoses  28 ,  30  respectively feed stations  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48 . The result is that the paper  36  emerges from the doctor blade  32  with alternating strips of yellow and blue slurry or slush thereon, still in a wet condition, and wherein the slush has a thickness of 2.5 mils, typically. 
     Subsequently, from a supply roll of nylon or plastic mesh, or scrim  52  comprising a porous sheet-like body of inactive material, there is a continuous feed over and onto the paper  36  as the paper moves. A pair of pressure rollers  54 ,  56  is provided downstream of the doctor blade  32 , and the superposed mesh and paper are forced against one another, with the still-wet slurry therebetween. The arrangement is such that a two-layer assemblage or composite sheet  58  is produced, one layer consisting of the paper  36 , and the second layer consisting of the scrim  52 . The slurry comprising various colored stripes of polyvinyl alcohol and water remain intact as the mesh and wax paper pass through the rollers  54 ,  56 . The pores of the mesh are filled with the slurry of polyvinyl alcohol and water. 
     Immediately following the pressure rollers  54 ,  56  the composite sheet  58  enters a series of ovens or furnaces  60 , which remove all but 6 to 8percent of the water that is present. The polyvinyl alcohol and water mixtures thus dry to the extent that they become somewhat adhesive and thereby bind the scrim  52  to the paper  36  after the composite sheet  58  exits the furnaces. 
     Subsequently the composite sheet  58  passes between cooperable die rollers  62 ,  64  which punch out the oval or kidney-shaped patches  8 , FIG. 6, from the composite sheet  58 . Some of the patches fall from the sheet  58  by gravity, while others are manually removed by workmen who stand at the die rollers  62 ,  64  and knock out any remaining patches that have inadvertently clung to the composite sheet  58 . 
     The patches  8  are collected in a bin  66 , for subsequent packaging in water-tight packets  68 . What remains of the composite sheet is collected as scrap  69  on a scrap roll  70  powered by a motor  72 , and is discarded. 
     The nature of the packaging for the patches is an important factor in the production of a patch of the invention. Since the patches are provided sealed in the moisture-resistant pouch  68 , there exists insufficient water for the formation of bacteria. In a preferred embodiment, the pouch  68  consists of a 3½ mil. metallic foil laminated onto a polyethylene film. 
     In this connection, it is noted that many prior art skin treatment products are water based. Where water-based materials are utilized, it is usually necessary to include an anti-bacterial agent, which in effect is a mild poison. 
     In contrast, by the present invention no preservatives are required. Accordingly, there is no chance of irritation to the skin of the user, because all of the ingredients are natural, and no anti-bacterial chemicals are needed. Stated differently, the patch is inactive as long as it remains dry. Adding water to the dry patch renders it active at the time the consumer opens the foil and lays the patch on his skin, and/or adds water to it. Thus the product of the invention is very beneficial for people who have sensitive skin, and/or who are allergic to preservatives. Generally, the fewer ingredients which might be irritating, the better. 
     In accordance with the invention, the die rollers  62 ,  64  are positioned with respect to the incoming composite sheet  58  in such a way that each patch  8  is cut so that one portion of the patch is derived from the yellow area that contains a particular combination of skin nutrients thereon, and another portion of the same patch is derived from the blue area, which contains a combination of skin nutrients that is different from the first combination. As a consequence, where the combinations of skin nutrients of the yellow and blue areas differ, a double-function skin patch is realized. 
     In the case of crescent-shaped patches of the type shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 it is noted that these are symmetrical pairs, for application to the left and right eye simultaneously and with a predetermined orientation. That is, the patch  9  of FIG. 7 is the mirror image of the patch  8  shown in FIG.  6 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the skin nutrient characterized by the yellow color contains polyvinyl alcohol and some or all of the substances noted above, typically vitamins A, C and E, whereas the skin nutrient characterized by the blue color contains, in addition, vitamin K, or Kojic acid derivative. The kojic acid has the ability to lighten the skin, and accordingly when the user is applying the patches to his face, he is instructed to position the blue portion below the eyes, where dark circles tend to form as a natural part of the aging process. The yellow portion of the patch is positioned to the outer side of the eye socket near the edge of the eyebrow, and contains some or all of the skin nutrients as above described, but which omits the vitamin K, since this is not needed here. The addition of Kojic acid might produce an undesirable lightening to this outer area of the face, which would be aesthetically undesirable. Correct positioning of two patches of the invention is shown in FIG. 11, wherein the blue end of the patch, containing the Kojic acid, is positioned under the eye. 
     The patches, when removed from their water-impervious packaging are inactive. The addition of water to the patch prior to application dissolves some of the polyvinyl alcohol, and renders the patch active prior to contact with the skin. 
     As an alternative, the user can first wet the skin, and then immediately apply the dry patches to the wet skin. Under this circumstance, the inside surface of the patch becomes tacky and sticks the entire patch to the skin. The outside surface of the patch may begin to dry by evaporation, which is desirable since the drying polyvinyl alcohol and water mixture tend to captivate the moisture on the skin below, by forming an occlusive layer of dried polyvinyl alcohol, or partially dried polyvinyl alcohol. This layer prevents or diminishes evaporation of moisture below, which latter is in contact with the skin. 
     Any air bubbles which may inadvertently form between the skin and the patch can be readily smoothed out by the user. Also the position of a patch can be adjusted with the fingers, as needed. FIG. 11 shows a person&#39;s face with patches applied thereto. 
     The dies cut the patches or objects  8 ,  9 , and they emerge from the die-cut machine. There is a certain amount of waste from the procedure. Such waste is discarded, not recycled. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 wherein the patch  75  of FIG.  8  and the patch  75  of FIG. 9 are produced from at least two layers of the composite sheet, and as many as three. These are especially produced so that the top layer  104  of the composite sheets masks the color of the composite sheet beneath it  103  so that when the patch is activated by water, the color of the composite sheet  104  of FIG. 9 begins to mix with the color of composite sheet  103  of FIG.  9  and effect a color change in the top composite sheet  104  of FIG.  9 . This is desirable because it indicates to the user that the patch is functioning. The thickness of the composite layers can also be predetermined so that the timing of the color change can be controlled and thereby used to effect a color change over a specific period of time which can be used to indicate to the user that the patch has completed it&#39;s function and can therefore be removed from the skin when a specific color has materialized. 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the furnace  60  which receives the composite sheet  104  as in the previous embodiment of the invention can be utilized. After the composite sheet  104  leaves the oven  60  and the pull-through rollers  61  and  63  it is separated into its components  104  and silicone-backed paper  36 . The silicone-backed paper  36  can be rolled up for reuse. The composite sheet  104  is rolled up in the roll  76 . 
     As shown in FIG. 12, The composite sheet  103  is produced in a second oven  82 . This composite sheet is produced without the addition of the nylon mesh as described in the previous embodiment of the invention. 
     In the area between the rollers  106  and  90 , the composite sheet  103  is coated with water from nozzles  84  that are fed through a horizontal pipe  85  and pump  86  from a supply tank  88 . The composite sheet  103  is backed up by a roller  90  at the coating point where the nozzles  84  are located, as shown. 
     After leaving the roller  90 , the composite sheet  103  is overlaid by composite sheet  104  and finally brought through heated pressure rollers  96  and  98 , which bonds the composite sheet  104  to the composite sheet  103 . Thereafter the composite can be die cut as by the rollers  62  and  64  to produce various shapes. 
     It will now be seen that I have provided, by the present invention, improved therapeutic appliques or patches having unique properties by which the skin tone and appearance can be greatly enhanced when they are applied to the various areas of the human body. The patches are small and convenient to use, and effective for their intended purpose. 
     Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the invention which is separate and distinct from all others, and accordingly it is intended that each claim be treated in this manner when examined in the light of the prior art devices in any determination of novelty or validity.