Patent Application
20100239619
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semi-permanent color camouflage patches/colour stays and to a method and apparatus for applying semi-permanent color to a person's skin. More particularly, the present invention is directed to water-resistant semi-permanent color patches/colour stays arranged on a substrate, including skin tone shades for covering, concealing or camouflaging skin imperfections, and to a method and apparatus for applying distinct shades of semi-permanent color to the skin for use in concealing scares or imperfections, or to be used for make-up such as eye shadows, lip liners and lip shades, eye liners, brow liners, and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of cosmetic compositions for covering skin imperfections, such as varicose veins and scars, have been proposed. The compositions are usually in the form of a crème including powders dispersed in a binder, where the powders generally contain colored pigments such as iron oxides and particulate additives. However, these compositions do not provide a natural appearance since the composition applied to the skin is not translucent. An example of a makeup product in the form of a crème is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,559, which teaches a translucent makeup product composed of a powder having particles presenting a spherical or spheroidal shape dispersed in a fatty binder. Application of these crèmes requires the user to rub the crème onto his/her skin which can be a messy process resulting in residual crème on the user's fingers or necessitating a make-up application pad. As the crème products are appointed to be applied to the skin, the user must be sure to apply the makeup product evenly over the skin. Moreover, the crème product may run or smear in the presence of perspiration or the application of water during water activities. Therefore, it may become necessary to re-apply the makeup product numerous times.
In addition to cosmetics for covering skin imperfections, there has also arisen a desire to have semi-permanent and permanent color applied to an individual's skin, such as eyelids, lips, brows, to eliminate the need for reapplication of certain color products. Recently, the application of permanent tattoos as a permanent eye liner, brow liner and/or lip liner has become popular to eliminate the need for reapplication.
However, application of permanent color by tattoo methods requires the use of needles to inject non-fugitive dyes and pigments in subcutaneous patterns. The process of applying the tattoos is both painful and expensive, and the image is permanent. Thus, only if the individual uses the same color eye liner or lip liner daily is the permanent color desirable. Moreover, many individuals have serious health reservations concerning the application of permanent color by way of needles as the needles may not be properly sterilized and the application may be required in delicate areas, like the eyelid.
There remains a need in the art for a skin product adapted to conceal skin imperfections, which is easy to apply and long lasting. Also needed is an applicator that is readily utilized to deliver the semi-permanent skin product to a user's skin. Further needed is a water and perspiration resistant, hypoallergenic skin product that is readily applied using the applicator and imparts semi-permanent color to the cheeks, face, eyebrows, eyelids and lips.
The present invention provides a skin product for covering skin imperfections or for use as a make-up, which is easy to apply and long lasting. The skin product is readily applied using an applicator; and imparts semi-permanent color to the face as a foundation, to other parts of a user's body to conceal imperfections (such as legs to cover varicose veins), cheek bones (to act as a blush), eyelids, eye brows and lips, for example. The skin product is resistant to water and perspiration, and is hypoallergenic to a person's skin. Where a pen-like applicator is provided, the applicator is appointed to be refilled, for applying semi-permanent color to the eye lids, eye brows, and lips, for example.
In a first embodiment, the invention includes a translucent substrate which has on one surface a designated color and on the other surface a pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of the translucent backing, together with the designated color, provides a natural look when applied to the skin. A semi-permanent skin colorant patch is provided comprising a thin, flexible matte surface film having a first and second side. A semi-permanent color is printed on the first side of the matte surface film. The semi-permanent color and the matter surface film are adapted to be semi-permanently secured to a user's skin. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer is located on the semi-permanent color printed on the first side of the matte surface film. Additionally, a water soluble slip layer is located on the second side of the matte surface film and a decal paper is located on this water soluble slip layer. During application of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch the matte surface film and semi-permanent color are semi-permanently adhered to the user's skin when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and the decal paper and slip layer are wetted and separated from the matte surface film and semi-permanent color. In this manner, the patch provides a transfer vehicle for imparting semi-permanent color to the skin.
A method of making the semi-permanent skin colorant patch of the first embodiment is also provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) coating a top side of a decal paper with a water soluble solution; (ii) drying the water soluble solution on the decal paper to form a water soluble slip layer; (iii) coating the water soluble slip layer with a very thin film of water resistant, flexible, extensible material to form a thin, flexible matte surface film; (iv) printing a semi-permanent color on the matte surface film, wherein the semi-permanent color and the matter surface film are adapted to be semi-permanently secured to a user's skin; and (v) coating the semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
A second embodiment of the invention involves an applicator having a hollow body, which receives a refill. The hollow body comprises a chamber for receiving semi-permanent color, and a porous or fibrous tip which receives semi-permanent color from the chamber and releases the semi-permanent color into the skin tissue to which it is applied. In this embodiment a semi-permanent skin colorant system is provided, comprising an applicator having a hollow body including a chamber and a fibrous tip. The chamber is appointed to receive a semi-permanent skin colorant cartridge. The semi-permanent skin colorant cartridge has a cartridge cavity for holding a semi-permanent colorant adapted to be applied to a user's skin.
The semi-permanent skin colorant is insoluble in water and is preferably an alcohol-based colorant that is removable from the user's skin by an oil or alcohol. The semi-permanent skin colorant can come in different shades and colors depending on its application. Applications include use as a lip colorant, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, blush (via cheek bone application) or a concealer for use anywhere on the body that the user needs to cover a scar or other cosmetic flaw.
The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawing, in which:
a illustrates a top schematic view of a first embodiment of the invention wherein a semi-permanent skin colorant patch is provided;
b shows a cross-sectional side view of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch of
c shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch of
a-2d illustrate the steps taken in the application of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch shown in
A semi-permanent skin product for covering skin imperfections or for use as a make-up is provided. The semi-permanent skin product is readily applied using an applicator in the form of a pen-like apparatus or, in another embodiment, in the form of a semi-permanent color patch. The skin product imparts semi-permanent color to the face as a foundation, cheek bones (to act as a blush), eyelids and lips, and/or to other parts of a user's body to conceal imperfections (such as legs to cover varicose veins). The skin product is resistant to water and perspiration, and is hypoallergenic to a person's skin. Where a pen-like applicator is provided, the applicator is appointed to be refilled, for applying semi-permanent color to the eye lids and lips, for example.
a illustrates a top schematic view of a first embodiment of the invention wherein a semi-permanent skin colorant patch is provided, shown generally at 10.
During application of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch 10 the matte surface film 11 and semi-permanent color 12 are semi-permanently adhered to the user's skin when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 13 and the decal paper 15 and slip layer 14 are wetted and separated from the matte surface film 11 and semi-permanent color 12. Application is similar to that utilized in placement of temporary transfer tattoos to the skin.
According to the present invention, the decal paper 15 and the slip layer 14 protect the film 11 and color 12 until they are actually secured in place on the skin. The pressure sensitive adhesive 13 enables the colored film 11, 12 to be secured in place while its integrity is protected by the decal paper 15. The pressure sensitive adhesive 13 holds the film 11 and the color 12 against the skin so that it is not disrupted by stresses generated in wetting and removing the decal paper 15 and the slip layer 14 and in wiping off any residual material. Finally, the film 11 protects the semi-permanent color 12 so that the skin surface and the applied film 11 and the semi-permanent color 12 may be wiped off using an appropriate solvent such as alcohol.
Preferably, the semi-permanent color 12 is composed of an ink, or alcohol based makeup product. The semi-permanent color 12 and matte film 11 is applied to the outer surface of the skin of the user and remains thereon via adhesive 13 until the image either fades away (typically after 3-5 days) or is removed. Removal may be accomplished by applying an oil or alcohol based product. Baby oil, mineral oil and suntan lotion may be utilized. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) may also be used, but should be used with caution as it can dry and irritate the skin.
Extreme thinness of the matte surface film 11 and semi-permanent color 12 is important to provide a natural appearance. The thinness is also needed to enable the matte surface film 11 and semi-permanent color 12 to flex and stretch with the skin without cracking.
a-2d illustrate the steps taken in the application of the semi-permanent skin colorant patch shown in
The semi-permanent color patches according to the present invention include skin tone shades including three primary shade categories, (1) light, (2) medium, and (3) dark. The light shade category will comprise numerous shades within that color scale. For example, the light shade of color will have tones varying from light to dark so that a person can select a color to coincide with changes in skin tone during the winter and summer months. The semi-permanent skin colorant patch may include semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film having designated color corresponding to skin tone shades adapted to be utilized as a foundation. Alternatively, the semi-permanent skin colorant patch is adapted to be utilized on or around an eye area of the user's skin and the semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film is a designated color ranging in degree of shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet and mixtures thereof. Optionally, the semi-permanent skin colorant patch is adapted to be utilized on a lip area of the user's skin and semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film is a lip colorant. Further, optionally, the semi-permanent skin colorant patch is adapted to be utilized on or around cheeks or cheek bones of the user's skin and semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film is a blush. The semi-permanent skin colorant patch may be provided as a patch system wherein a variety of different applications of semi-permanent skin colorant patches are provided, including lip, eye and cheek area patches and foundation patches.
The semi-permanent skin tone color patches can be applied to those areas where one wishes to cover or camouflage a skin imperfection. The waterproof semi-permanent color patch has a wearing time of at least two days, and may have a wearing time ranging from 2 to 15 days, without requiring reapplication. Advantageously, the semi-permanent color does not smear when the user perspires or participates in a water activity such as swimming.
The color patch is easily applied, water-proof, long-lasting and hypoallergenic. Moreover, the color cover according to the present invention improves upon the prior cosmetic cover-up crèmes since the color cover according to the present invention does not smear or smudge in the presence of perspiration or water. The color cover patches/colour stays can be formed into sheets of various sizes depending upon the area of intended use, including large, medium and small sized patches for example, and/or the patches can be readily cut or shaped to fit the user's needs.
Alternatively, the semi-permanent skin colorant patch may further include a moisturizer treatment or a medicament. One medicament that is particularly well suited for use in the patch is an acne-fighting formulation sold under the brand name Clearasil. This skin care and acne medication comprises chiefly benzoyl peroxide, triclosan or salicylic acid, as active ingredients. The moisturizer treatment is preferably integrated within the semi-permanent color printed on the first side of the matte surface film. This moisture treatment is also semi-permanent due to the protection afforded by the matte surface film. Advantageously, such semi-permanent nature of the moisture treatment renders a highly optimal delivery of the moisturizer to the skin so that delivery is continuous and directly deliverable to the area of skin needing the moisture treatment.
The patch may be formed by known methods such as offset lithography, which enables delicate shading and a translucency characteristic. Color gradation can be achieved by air brushing. The method includes the steps of: (i) coating a top side of a decal paper with a water soluble solution; (ii) drying the water soluble solution on the decal paper to form a water soluble slip layer; (iii) coating the water soluble slip layer with a very thin film of water resistant, flexible, extensible material to form a thin, flexible matte surface film; (iv) printing a semi-permanent color on the matte surface film, wherein the semi-permanent color and the matter surface film are adapted to be semi-permanently secured to a user's skin; and (v) coating the semi-permanent color printed on the matte surface film with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
For manufacture of the decal, a coating of a solution of dispersion of water soluble material is sprayed or otherwise applied to one surface of a base sheet of decal paper and dried to form a slip layer. The area of the decal paper coated is preferably limited to the general area which will receive the color patch. Thereafter, the coated area and, preferably the remaining area also of this face of the paper are coated lithographically with a very thin film of water resistant, flexible, extensible material. The film is microscopically thin, preferably no thicker than necessary to resist penetration of water to the slip layer and paper. A suitable film material is the material commercially available as a standard “offset overprint varnish” but other natural or synthetic soluble alcohol-based solutions having the necessary covering and water resistant properties may be used.
Pressure sensitive adhesive is next applied over the color patch in a liquid vehicle non-solvent for the ink of the color patch and the water resistant film. A preferred adhesive is an aqueous emulsion of vinyl-acrylic copolymer such as the material known as Borden adhesive “ED-9306”. It is important that the adhesive layer be uniform. The adhesive is deposited in a thin, extremely uniform substantially invisible layer, which, after drying, is uniform and which does not cause perceptible optical interference between design and a skin surface to which the decal is secured. After the screen is removed and the adhesive is dried, the decal is ready for use.
A second embodiment of the invention involves an applicator having a hollow body, which receives a refill. According to this embodiment, semi-permanent colors are applied to areas of the skin for use as eye shadows, eyeliners, lip color, lip liners, eyebrow liners, etc. The semi-permanent colors to be applied are those which are approved by the FDA. The applicator for applying the semi-permanent color may be designed in accordance with known writing instruments having fibrous or felt writing tips, such as the writing instrument disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,136, which is herein incorporated by reference.
The semi-permanent color stay has optimal cosmetic application, ranging from being utilized as a make-up to enhance one's appearance to that of a concealer to cover cosmetic flaws, such as birth marks, scars, blemishes, spider veins, varicose veins, etc. The semi-permanent color is not obvious to the eye or to the touch and camouflages imperfections on virtually any part of the body. With use of the semi-permanent color stay of the present invention, children and people with cosmetic flaws can confidently dance, shower, swim, and play sports in general, without the fear of the application dissolving due to perspiration or water contact. Further, the semi-permanent color stay can be provided in the form of eye shadows, lip tints, blush, foundations, etc., so that a woman can wear the semi-permanent color stay transparency layer to look as natural as if she was wearing absolutely nothing at all. The semi-permanent color will come in varying shades of different colors which are typically used as eye color, lip color and brow color, as well as skin color. Moreover, the semi-permanent colors will be varied in accordance with current trends and seasons.
Additional semi-permanent color patches/colour stays can be applied as eye shadow, lip color and lip liner for water-resistant long-lasting use. Sheets of color patches include a variety of colors typically used as eye shadows and lip colors. The colors will be changed in accordance with the season and new trends in eye and lip color. Colors and textures used in application of the patches can vary to accommodate different skin textures and colors. Additional features such as beauty marks and liners can optionally be incorporated into the patch and transferred to the skin to selectively create enhancements over the eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks and lips. In each instance, application of color is simple and readily achieved; the colors patch, whether for cosmetic or camouflage, will color and conceal.
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
