IMPREGNATED COSMETIC ARTICLE WITH FIBERS AND SCREEN NET

Abstract

An impregnated cosmetic article including a screen net and a fiber carrier impregnated with a cosmetic composition; the article having: a thickness in a range between 1 mm and 200 mm, a surface density between 30 g/m.sup.2 and 5500 g/m.sup.2, and an elasticity between 50% and 100%.

Claims

1. An impregnated cosmetic article comprising: a screen net, a fiber carrier impregnated with a cosmetic composition, the article having: a thickness in a range between 1 mm and 200 mm, a surface density between 30 g/m.sup.2 and 5500 g/m.sup.2, an elasticity between 50% and 100%, wherein the screen net being designed to form a pick-up surface of the cosmetic composition impregnated in the fiber carrier as it passes through holes of the screen net, and wherein the fiber carrier is made with polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, or a mixture thereof.

2. The cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the screen net is melted or glued to adhere its whole surface to the fiber carrier.

3. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the fiber carrier comprises a non-woven material.

4. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the fibers have a diameter between 1 μm to 100 μm.

5. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the fiber carrier comprises air cavities and a volume percentage of the air cavities in the fiber carrier is in the range of 35% to 90%.

6. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the screen net comprises a polyolefin.

7. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the fiber carrier adheres to the screen net.

8. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, the screen net being designed to form a pick-up surface of the cosmetic composition impregnated in the fiber carrier as it passes through holes of the screen net.

9. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, the screen net comprising holes having each a surface from 0.05 mm2 to 0.50 mm2.

10. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, having hardness in the range of 13 to 70 as measured with a durometer hardness tester, type F.

11. The impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic composition comprises a UV absorbing agent or a preservative.

12. The impregnated d cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the cosmetic composition is between 1,000 and 20,000 cps.

13. A method for manufacturing an impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, the method comprising: producing layers of fiber carriers; cutting the layers of fiber carriers; placing a screen net on the layers of fiber carriers; adhering the screen net to the fiber carriers; and impregnating a cosmetic composition.

14. A cosmetic product, comprising: an impregnated cosmetic article according to claim 1, and a container for the article.

15. A cosmetic product according to claim 14, further comprising a cosmetic tool to take up the cosmetic composition.

16. A cosmetic product according to claim 14, further comprising a mat positioned under the impregnated cosmetic article.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] The invention can be better understood from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] FIG. 1 is a disassembled oblique view of a cosmetic product according to one of the embodiments of the present invention;

[0090] FIG. 2 is a disassembled oblique view of a cosmetic product according to another of the embodiments of the present invention

[0091] FIG. 3A shows parameters for a low viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0092] FIG. 3B shows parameters for a low viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0093] FIG. 3C shows parameters for a low viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0094] FIG. 3D shows parameters for a low viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0095] FIG. 3E shows parameters for a low viscosity composition for various surface densities and a thickness;

[0096] FIG. 4A shows parameters for a high viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses; FIG. 4B shows parameters for a high viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0097] FIG. 4C shows parameters for a high viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0098] FIG. 4D shows parameters for a high viscosity composition for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0099] FIG. 4E shows parameters for a high viscosity composition for various surface densities and a thickness;

[0100] FIG. 5A shows the results for the valuation for a low and high viscosity formula for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0101] FIG. 5B shows the results for the valuation for a low and high viscosity formula for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0102] FIG. 5C shows the results for the valuation for a low and high viscosity formula for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0103] FIG. 5D shows the results for the valuation for a low and high viscosity formula for various surface densities and thicknesses;

[0104] FIG. 5E shows the results for the valuation for a low and high viscosity formula for various surface densities and a thickness;

[0105] FIG. 6 shows elasticity before use, the elasticity after 300 uses, and the restitution rate for each article; and

[0106] FIG. 7 shows the absorption rate evaluated for each article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0107] The cosmetic product 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a liquid foundation system in a compact format. The cosmetic product 1 includes an impregnated article 2 comprising a fiber carrier 3 and a screen net 4 covering an exterior surface (upper surface) of the fiber carrier 3, a container 5 for the article 2, and a sealing member 6. The fiber carrier 3 is impregnated with a cosmetic fluid composition, such as a liquid, creamy, or gel composition. The term “fluid” here means that the cosmetic composition is capable of flowing and changing its shape at a steady rate when acted upon by a force to change its shape, preferably is a liquid, at a temperature of from 20 to 40° C., and preferably an ambient temperature, i.e., 25° C.

[0108] The container 5 comprises a storage part 50 for enclosing the impregnated article 2, a peripheral wall part 51 surrounding the storage part 50, and a lid part 52 which can be put on the storage part 50 and the peripheral wall part 51, and which is hingedly connected with the peripheral wall part 51.

[0109] The sealing member 6 has a ring shape, which is fitted on an upper edge of the storage part 50 and exposes the impregnated article 2. The sealing member 6 is capable of preventing the cosmetic fluid composition from leaking from the upper edge of the storage part 50 and pressing a periphery of the screen net 4 to retain the article 2 within the storage part 50. The sealing member 6 can be pressed but it is not compulsory. It is just better under certain conditions such as formula rheology.

[0110] The impregnated article 2 has a shape conforming to an internal shape of the storage part 50. The screen net 4 is fabric, net, film with openings/orifices/pores/porosity, or the like which has permeability for the cosmetic composition across the whole sheet. The screen net 4 is attached to the upper surface of the fiber carrier 3 such that it is integral with the fiber carrier 3. Alternatively, the fiber carrier 3 and the screen net 4 may be constituted separately.

[0111] In addition, an additional cover sheet, such as a metallic net, may be positioned on the screen net 4.

[0112] The fiber carrier 3 is a fiber block composed of a set of fibers organized randomly or non-randomly. The fiber carrier 3 is porous, and can absorb a cosmetic fluid composition. The fiber carrier 3 may comprise a network structure of pores. The size of the pores is not limited, and may be from 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 4 mm, and more preferably from 0.6 to 3 mm. The composition according to the present invention can be stored in the pores.

[0113] The length and width of the fibers are not limited. The length may be from 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably from 1 to 15 mm, and more preferably from 3 to 10 mm. The width of the fibers may be from 1 to 500 μm, preferably from 10 to 400 μm, and more preferably from 50 to 300 μm.

[0114] The material of the fibers is not limited. Preferably, the fiber material comprises a non woven. The fibers may be prepared from synthetic resins such as polyolefins (in particular, polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, and polyethylene terephthalate; or natural fibers such as cotton, cellulose and silk. Preferably, the fiber carrier 3 is made with polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, or a mixture thereof Herewith, even if the cosmetic fluid composition includes UV filters or preservatives, neither the sunscreen SPF level nor the effects of the preservatives will deteriorate since these fibers are capable of no or low absorption of UV filters or preservatives. Preferably, the cosmetic composition comprises a UV absorbing agent or a preservative.

[0115] The fibers can be of different natures and can be mixed at the same time to maximize the permeability of the fiber carrier 3, its restitution (use up ratio) and its elasticity, which will enable compatibility with the cosmetic fluid composition having a wide range of viscosities. The fiber carrier 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a circular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] A user of the cosmetic product 1 can take the cosmetic fluid composition from the fiber carrier 3 with a tool such as a puff For example, by applying the tool onto the fiber carrier 3, with or without pushing the tool to the fiber carrier 3, the composition in the fiber carrier 3 can be transferred to the tool from the carrier. The user may take the cosmetic fluid composition from the fiber carrier 3 with his/her hand.

[0117] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the cosmetic product according to the invention. The cosmetic product 10 shown in FIG. 2 is also a liquid foundation system in a compact format. The cosmetic product 10 further comprises a honeycomb mat 7 with springiness in addition to the above-mentioned components, that is, the impregnated article 2, the container 5, the sealing member 6, and the cosmetic fluid composition. The honeycomb mat 7 is a sponge made of polyurethane, etc. The honeycomb mat 7 is enclosed in the storage part 50 and is positioned under the article 2. The honeycomb mat 7 includes many cells communicating with each other, and is also impregnated with the cosmetic fluid composition. The honeycomb mat 7 directly contacts with the fiber carrier 3, and is in fluid communication with the fiber carrier.

[0118] Preferably, the screen net 4 comprises a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyurethane, an acryl or an epoxy resin. More preferably, the screen net comprises a polyolefin. Even more preferably, the fiber carrier 3 adheres to the screen net 4.

[0119] The screen net 4 may be connected to the fiber carrier 3 by thermic treatment and calendaring.

[0120] The thickness of the screen net 4 is preferably within the range between 0.01 mm and 0,5 mm, and even more preferably within the range between 0.05 mm and 0.3mm.

[0121] The surface of each of the hole of the screen net may be preferably from 0.05 mm.sup.2 to 0.50 mm.sup.2. It may different according to the rheology of the cosmetic composition. The reparation of the holes over the surface can be organized or randomized, till the proportion of holes preferably remains at least over 30%.

[0122] The thickness of the fiber carrier 3 is preferably within the range between 10 mm and 60 mm, and even more preferably within the range between 13 mm and 30 mm.

[0123] The surface density of the fiber carrier 3 is preferably within the range between 200 g/m.sup.2 and 2000 gm.sup.2, and even more preferably within the range between 200 g/m.sup.2 and 1600 g/m.sup.2.

[0124] The restitution rate for the composition impregnated in the fiber carrier 3 is preferably within the range between 40% and 99%, and more preferably within the range between 60% and 99%.

[0125] Preferably, the fiber carrier 3 comprises air cavities and the volume percentage of the air cavities in the fiber carrier is in the range of 35% to 90%.

[0126] The elasticity of the article 2 is preferably within the range between 40% and 99%, and more preferably within the range between 60% and 99%.

[0127] The absorption rate of the article 2 is preferably within the range between 40% and 99%, and more preferably within the range between 60% and 99%.

[0128] The Asker hardness F of the fiber carrier 3 is preferably 65±13, that is, within the range between 52 and 78. This allows a “cushion” feeling for users when the users touch or press the exterior surface of the fiber carrier 3 either directly or using any tool. In addition, this allows proper bulk flow though the fiber carrier, and therefore, a suitable amount of the cosmetic fluid composition can be transferred through the fiber carrier from the fiber carrier 3 to the tool or skin of the users. The term “bulk flow” here means a flow of the cosmetic fluid composition through pores in the fiber carrier 3. The diameter of fibers is preferably within the range between 1 μm to 100 μm, preferably between 10 pm and 53 μm. This allows the proper ratio of cavities per fiber carrier volume, for optimized impregnability, bouncy effect, and hardness. The percentage of cavities in the fiber carrier 3 is preferably between 35% and 90%, more preferably between 45% and 80%, and even more preferably between 55% and 70%. This allows high impregnability with different types of liquid/creamy/gel compositions.

[0129] Evaluation of Impregnated Articles

[0130] Several impregnated articles with differing thicknesses, surface densities, and elasticity before the first use were prepared.

[0131] Impregnated compositions were:

[0132] a low viscosity composition,

[0133] a high viscosity composition.

[0134] The elasticity before use, the elasticity after 300 uses, the restitution rate and the absorption rate were evaluated for each articles as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0135] Description of the Article Before Impregnation

[0136] Fiber Carrier

[0137] The fiber carrier is made of PP inside and PE outside.

[0138] The volume percentage of air cavities in the fiber carrier is 77%.

[0139] Screen Net

[0140] The screen net is made of polyolefin covered with a hot melt layer of copolymer ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0141] Its thickness is 0.12 mm with a size of holes of 0.189 mm.sup.2.

[0142] Process for the Preparation of the Non-Impregnated Article

[0143] The fiber carrier is first produced and cut at the right thickness, in order to Rain a sheet of 1 m.sup.2 with a thickness of 15 mm.

[0144] Then the screen net is placed on top of the surface in order to cover it all.

[0145] The screen net is then melted with an iron plate covering the whole surface, in order to melt the EVA hot melt layer and the PP/PE fibers.

[0146] It is finally cut to reach the final shape that fits with the container.

[0147] Process for Impregnating the Cosmetic Composition

[0148] The cosmetic composition is filled in a container.

[0149] The non-impregnated cosmetic article is put on top of the surface of the cosmetic composition.

[0150] The screen net of the non-impregnated cosmetic article is pressed slowly.

[0151] A ring is plugged to the container in order to maintain the impregnated article in the container.

[0152] Cosmetic Compositions

[0153] The cosmetic compositions were:

[0154] Low viscosity composition: Shu Uemura™ Cleansing Oil® (61±5 UD (M1)) called Shu Uemura skin Purifier blanc chroma brightening and polishing gentle cleansing oil®.

[0155] High viscosity composition: Lanecôme Blanc Expert Cushion® High Coverage SPF 50 (30-40 UD (M1)).

[0156] The results of the tests are shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, 4A-4E for various surface density and thickness of articles.

[0157] In these tables, the term “top coat” means “exterior surface of the screen net”.

[0158] The conditions for the evaluation of the articles are shown in FIGS. 5A-5E.

[0159] The results “pass” or “fail” of the article with respect to the following results:

[0160] the restitution rate,

[0161] the absorption rate,

[0162] the elasticity after 300 applications

[0163] depends on three parameters:

[0164] the thickness of the fiber carrier,

[0165] the elasticity before the first use of the article,

[0166] the surface density of the article.

[0167] It can be seen that when these three parameters are in the range claimed in the present patent application, either the absorption rate or the restitution rate or the elasticity at after 300 applications passes. This demonstrates the importance of choosing the parameters specifically as found by the inventor to reach the aim of the invention.

[0168] In some cases, when the three parameters are in the range claimed in the present patent application, then even two results are reached.

[0169] For some cases, even the three results are reached.

[0170] Furthermore, regarding potential absorption of the ingredients (UV filters and preservative) in the cosmetic fluid composition, a test carried out by the inventor is explained below.

[0171] Two kinds of samples made of different materials (PU and PP/PE) were prepared. The test was performed by contacting each of these samples with the cosmetic fluid composition for a predetermined time, and the UV absorbances of the samples as well as the contents of preservative (phenoxyethanol) in the samples were calculated.

[0172] The results of the test were as shown below.

TABLE-US-00001 Contact Time PU PP/PE UV Absorbance Deviation from Reference Formula Reference: 5.93  3 h 5.61 (−5.4%) 5.93 (0%) .sup.   24 h 5.44 (−8.3%) 5.73 (−3.4%) 72 h 5.41 (−8.8%) 5.57 (−6.1%) Content of Phenoxyethanol Deviation from Reference Formula Reference: 0.62%  3 h 0.44 (−29%)  0.61 (−2%).sup.  24 h 0.45 (−27%)  0.62 (0%) .sup.  

[0173] As shown in the above results of the test, the reductions in the UV absorbance and the content of phenoxyethanol were confirmed in the PU sample. Contrastingly, neither significant reductions in the UV absorbance nor the content of phenoxyethanol were confirmed in the PP/PE sample.

[0174] This system can be used in many variations: Compact cases, jars or even bottles, and it is adaptable to all cosmetic formulas, except for solid formulations. This article can in fact also be used with almost all kinds of cosmetic compositions including make-up, skincare, haircare, hair dye, etc. it can also be integrated into caps or into direct application systems. It is also adaptable to a mask version.

[0175] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.