COMPOUND, COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING SKIN FROM TEMPERATURE EXTREMES

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a skin protection composition and method of use, for skin protection against extreme temperatures. The present disclosure teaches a silica-based composition applied to skin prior to extreme temperature exposure to protect skin from said exposure. The composition is formulated into a variety of topically-applied compositions and means for dispensing said compositions.

Claims

1. A temperature-protective composition comprising: silica; polyvinyl alcohol; and water.

2. The temperature-protective composition of claim 1, wherein the silica comprises 30-50% of the temperature-protective composition by weight.

3. The temperature-protective composition of claim 2, wherein: the polyvinyl alcohol comprises 20% by weight; and the water comprises 40% by weight.

4. The temperature-protective composition of claim 1, wherein the silica is silica aerogel.

5. The temperature-protective composition of claim 1, wherein: the silica comprises 35-45% by weight; and the clay comprises 10% by weight.

6. The temperature-protective composition of claim 1, further comprising clay.

7. The temperature-protective composition of claim 6, wherein: the silica comprises 35-45% by weight; and the clay comprises 10% by weight.

8. The temperature-protective composition of claim 7, wherein: the polyvinyl alcohol comprises 15-20% by weight; and the water comprises 30-40% by weight.

9. A method for protecting skin from extreme temperatures comprising applying the temperature-protective composition of claim 8 to a skin of a subject.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the application of the temperature protective composition is applied in a thickness between 1-5 mm ((0.039 to 0.197 in).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1ACertain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition applied to the skin of a subject.

[0013] FIG. 1BCertain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition applied to the skin of a subject.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Certain embodiments comprise a temperature-protective composition comprising, by weight: 35-45% silica; 15-20% polyvinyl alcohol; 30-40% water; and 10% clay; wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the temperature-protective composition. The silica can be a silica aerogel. Certain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition comprise surfactants.

[0015] In certain embodiments, a temperature-protective composition comprises by weight: 40% silica aerogel; 20% polyvinyl alcohol; and 40% water; wherein the percentages are based on the total weight of the temperature-protective composition.

[0016] While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few embodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in the art to practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0017] Certain embodiments surround a temperature-protective composition comprising, by weight: (a) silica; (b) a binder; (c) optionally, a viscosity modifier; (d) water, and (e) optionally, other additives including surfactants. For example, certain embodiments comprising a temperature-protective composition include by weight: (a) 35-45% silica; (b) 15-25% polyvinyl alcohol; (c) optionally, 5-15% clay; (d) 20-40% water and (d) optionally, 0-10% other additives, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the temperature-protective composition. It will be appreciated that temperature-protective compositions can provide protection from both extreme heat and extreme cold environments.

[0018] In certain embodiments, temperature-protective compositions comprise, by weight: (a) 35% silica; (b) 15% polyvinyl alcohol; (c) 10% clay; and (d) 40% water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the temperature-protective composition.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a temperature-protective composition comprises: (a) 40% silica; (b) 20% polyvinyl alcohol; and (c) 40% water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the temperature-protective composition. It will be appreciated that temperature-protective compositions can provide protection from both extreme heat and extreme cold environments.

[0020] Certain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition comprise silica. The following are the (by weight) percentage of silica comprised by various embodiments: (a) 30-50%; (b) 30-45%; (c) 30-35%; (d) 35-50%; (e) 35-45%; or (f) 35-40%.

[0021] Various embodiments of a temperature-protective composition comprises a binder. The following are the (by weight) percentage of binder comprised by various embodiments: (a) 15-25%; (b) 15-%, or (c) 20-25%.

[0022] Various embodiments of a temperature-protective composition comprises a viscosity modifier. The following are the (by weight) percentage of viscosity modifier comprised by various embodiments: (a) 5-15%; (b) 5-10%; (c) 5-8%; (d) 10-15%; or (e) 12-15%.

[0023] The silica as referenced herein includes but is not limited to: silicon dioxide, quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, coesite, keatite, lechatelierite, silica sand, sandstone, ceramics, silicon carbide, ferrosilicon, and silicones, silicone oils, refractory material as in gemstones and silica gels. The insulating component: (silica, polymer, carbon based of particle size 500 nm to 2 mm), a (e.g., a solid and hollow glass microspheres, microspheres, ceramic microsphere, microsphere made form fly ash, a mica, a wollastonite, a silica, a barium sulfate, a metal powder (e.g., a metal oxide), a carbon black, fumed silica, fumed alumina, a talc, a fiber (e.g., a cellulose fiber, a cotton fiber, a wood flour, a carbon fiber, a glass fiber), a microsphere may be between about 4 m to about 5000 m in diameter; though a hollow microsphere are generally up to about 200 m in diameter. This list is not intended to be limiting in defining the silica component.

[0024] The binder is described by but is not limited to: polyvinyl alcohol solution in water: including Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) as a water-soluble synthetic polymer, with the formula [CH2CH(OH)], poly vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers with any acrylic acid esters, polyurethanes, polyurea's, silicone's, polyesters, polyethylene oxides, poly propylene oxides and their copolymers, polymer and copolymer of fluorinated monomers, emulsion or dispersion of polymers in water and solvents, and mixtures of above polymers in different ratios.

[0025] Embodiments including a viscosity modifier have a viscosity modifier comprising clay. Alternative embodiments comprise a viscosity modifier comprising minerals, hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates, variable amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths, and other cations (kaolin), bentonite, montmorillonite, attapulgite clay, a sand/quartz powder, a calcium carbonate (e.g., limestone), calcium sulfate (gypsum) a whiting, or a combination thereofwhile in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present embodiment.

[0026] Other additives is described by but is not limited to: surfactants having a chemical structure having a polar head group and a hydrophobic tail, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, phospholipids, and zwitterionic surfactants.

[0027] The temperature-protective compositions described herein may include one or more silica, binders, viscosity modifiers, other additives or combinations thereof.

[0028] Certain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition comprise a gel form while others comprise: an emulsion, a cream, a foam, an aerogel, a lotion, a paste, oil and/or ointment, or combinations thereof. Embodiments of a temperature-protective composition as described herein are applied to the skin topically.

[0029] Application of the temperature-protective composition is mostly uniform on the area of skin that is in need of protection. Certain embodiments require an application of the temperature-protective composition in thicknesses of between 1-5 mm (0.039-0.197 in). Certain embodiments require an application of the temperature-protective composition in thicknesses of between 1-4 mm (0.039-0.157 in). Certain embodiments require an application of the temperature-protective composition in thicknesses of between 1-3 mm (0.039-0.118 in). Certain embodiments require an application of the temperature-protective composition in thicknesses of between 1-2 mm (0.039-0.079 in). Certain embodiments require an application of the temperature-protective composition in thicknesses of between 0.1-6 mm (0.0039-0.236 in). It will be appreciated that the applied thickness of the coating varies dependent upon the area of skin to be exposed to extreme temperatures.

[0030] Certain embodiments comprise a dispenser for holding and applying a temperature-protective material. Such dispensers include, but are not limited to: wall-mounted dispensers, aerosol or hand-spray containers, screw-top refillable squeeze bottles, screw-top containers, hand-held pump containers, refillable containers, individual one time use tear and use packages, toothpaste tube-like containers, multi-use clear containers, flip-top squeeze tubes, screw-top tub, material wipes stored in a sealed or resealable package, resealable topped cans or jars which can accommodate brush on application, or packaged material wipes. Temperature-protective material of certain embodiments can be dispensed from a soap like dispenser, such that the dispenser is attached to the wall in a dressing room or workstations. The temperature-protective material of certain embodiments can be dispensed from aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying onto skin. The temperature-protective material of certain embodiments can be dispensed from a screw-top bottle. Certain embodiments comprise a dispenser which is clear such that the amount of material in the dispensers, or other features of the material, is determined by visual inspection without opening the dispenser. Other features of the material such as by color coding or visual appearance of the texture of the material can be inspected through clear dispensers.

EXAMPLES

[0031] The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1

[0032] Formulation 1: (Percentages are by Weight)

TABLE-US-00001 Silica 30-45% Binder 10-20% Water 30-40% Viscosity Modifier 5-10% Other Additives 0-25%

[0033] Formulation 2: (Percentages are by Weight)

TABLE-US-00002 Silica 35-45% Polyvinyl alcohol .sup.15% Water 30-40% Clay .sup.10%

[0034] Formulation 3: (Percentages are by Weight)

TABLE-US-00003 Silica Aerogel 40% Polyvinyl alcohol 20% Water 40%

[0035] Certain embodiments of a temperature-protective composition, such as formulations 1-3 for instance, were tested for their ability to protect skin from extreme heat wherein a flame 1000 was brought in near proximity to a subject's hand 2000, wherein the temperature-protective composition 3000 was applied to the subject's hand 2000. The temperature-protective composition 3000 was applied the hand 2000 to provide coverage of the hand 2000 with a substantially uniform thickness coating. Following application of formulation 2 to a subject's hand 2000, the hand 2000 was exposed to extreme heat from a flame 1000 having a temperature between 815-1927 C. (1500-3500 F.). The skin of the hand 2000 did not have any damage during or after exposure to the extreme heat.

Example 2: Protection for Power Plant, Refinery, Chemical Plant Workers

[0036] Power plant, refinery, and chemical plant workers work around steam pipes and other equipment that expose them to temperatures in excess of 538 C. (1000 F.). Worker injuries are caused by accidental contact to super-heated pipes and equipment, and steam purging from pipes. A temperature-protective composition in a soap like dispenser attached to the wall of a dressing room or on wall near a workstation provides an easy way to apply temperature-protective composition to their skin for protection from the extreme heat to which they are exposed. Other methods of applying temperature-protective composition could include: temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw-top, in refillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtoothpaste tube-like packagingclear packaging showing the amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip-top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of or type of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw-top tubfor hand applying, protective fabric material wipes stored in resealable packaging.

Example 3: Protection for Military Personnel Skin

[0037] Military personnel are exposed to many different extreme hot and cold temperatures, whether in battle or working with equipment associated with jet engines, ship engines, power plants, weapons in addition to exposure to winter conditions. The use of a temperature-protective gel can help prevent burns, frostbite and hypothermia. Temperature-protective composition in a soap like dispenser attached to the wall of their dressing room or on a wall near a workstation or in a vehicle, would provide an easy way to apply temperature-protective composition onto their skin for protection from the extreme temperatures to which they are exposed. other methods of applying temperature-protective composition could include: temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand applied use, temperature-protective composition in individual toothpaste tube-like packagingclear packaging shows the type or amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip-top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw-top tub for hand applying, temperature-protective fabric material wipes stored in re-sealable packaging.

Example 4: Protection for Sportsmen from Extreme Cold

[0038] Protection from extreme cold (frostbitehypothermia) for winter sport athletes, their fans and outdoor winter activities such as football players, winter hikers, skiers, snow boarders, runners, cyclists, walkers, skin divers, surfers, pond hockey players, shoveling, sledders, ice fisherman, snowmobilers, outdoor winter enthusiast, motorcycle drivers/rides, polar event swimmers, cold water kayaking, hunters, pond hockey players. Methods of applying temperature-protective composition could include: wall-mounted soap type dispenser filled with temperature-protective composition, temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable hand-held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand-applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtoothpaste tube-like packaging, clear packaging showing type or amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip-top squeeze tube for hand applying, clear tube showing type or amount of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw-top tub for hand applying, temperature-protective fabric material wipes stored in resealable packaging.

Example 5: Protection for Auto, Motorcycle, Boat, Airplane Racers and their Crews from Extreme Heat and Flames

[0039] Racers and crews are exposed to extreme heat from engine and fuel fires. A temperature-protective composition in a soap like dispenser attached to the wall of their dressing room or crew bus would provide an easy way to get temperature-protective composition onto their skin help protect them from these dangers. Other methods of applying temperature-protective composition could include: temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw off top re-fillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw off toprefillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtooth paste like packagingclear packaging shows amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw off top tubfor hand applying, temperature-protective Fabric Material wipes stored in re-sealable packaging.

Example 6: Protection from Extreme Heat from Motorcycle and Automobile Exhaust Equipment

[0040] Leg burns from Motorcycle exhaust pipes and automobile side exhaust systems are very commonespecially in the summer. Applying temperature-protective compositions to the skin area in close proximity to these exhaust systems would help prevent burns from accidental contact. Methods of applying temperature-protective composition include: temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw off top re-fillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw off toprefillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtooth paste like packagingclear packaging shows amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw off top tubfor hand applying, temperature-protective fabric material wipes stored in re-sealable packaging.

Example 7: Protection from Extreme Heat for Stuntmen, Music Performers and Showmen

[0041] Stuntmen, music performers and showmen often use fire to make their performances more exciting. Temperature-protective composition in a soap like dispenser attached to the wall of their dressing room or tour bus would provide an easy way to get temperature-protective composition onto their skin help protect them from burns. Other methods of applying temperature-protective composition could include: temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw off top re-fillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw off toprefillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtooth paste like packagingclear packaging shows amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of product remaining in package, Temperature-protective composition in screw off top tubfor hand applying, Temperature-protective Fabric Material wipes stored in re-sealable packaging.

Example 8: Temperature-Protective Composition Placed in Exit Stairs Emergency CasesProtection from Fire and Extreme Heat

[0042] Building codes require emergency equipment to be placed at egress points for occupants of a building seeking to escape from a fire and for emergency personnel for emergency use. Equipment such as fire hoses and axes are located within stairwells and near emergency exits. A temperature-protective composition within a nonflammable compressed-air spray cans, or other containers of temperature-protective material, placed in the emergency case for rapid application prior to entering an area of fire-danger or extreme heat offers added protection for getting through and away from the danger.

Example 9: Home and Auto Personal-Protection from Fire and Extreme Heat

[0043] Temperature-protective compositions in various containers and applicators can be place in automobile glove-boxes, home/auto emergency kits, hiking/camping kits and in-home kitchen draws to help prevent injuries from fire and extreme heat. Dispensing means include: a temperature-protective composition in aerosol or hand spray container for quickly spraying on to skin, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable squeeze bottle for hand applying material, temperature-protective composition in screw-top refillable hand held pump container, temperature-protective composition in individual one time use tear and use packages for hand applied use, temperature-protective composition in individualtooth paste like packagingclear packaging shows amount of product remaining, temperature-protective composition in flip top squeeze tube for hand applyingclear tube shows amount of product remaining in package, temperature-protective composition in screw off top tubfor hand applying, temperature-protective Fabric Material wipes stored in re-sealable packaging.

[0044] The description of the various embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention to the form disclosed. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0045] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments are described and claimed herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described or claimed embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used herein to express quantities, dimensions, and so forth used should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise, and use of the terms and and or means and/or unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term including, as well as other forms, such as includes and included, should be considered non-exclusive. Also, terms such as element or component encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0047] The term aerogel refers to a synthetic, porous, ultralight material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel is replaced with a gas.

[0048] The term silica refers to silicon dioxide, compounds, synthetic products, polymorphs, and minerals.

[0049] The term silica aerogel refers to a silica-based aerogel derived from silica gel.

[0050] The term skin is used to describe human and or animal skin.

[0051] The term topical as used herein refers to direct application to the skin, in terms of dermatological compositions being applied to the skin. Examples of topical applications include gels, aerogels, semisolids, solutions to spray, liquids to be applied by an applicator, lotions, and foams.

[0052] It will be appreciated that ranges of various embodiments are inclusive and combinable. For examples, any value or point described herein that falls within a range described herein can serve as a minimum or maximum value to derive a sub-range, etc.

[0053] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or adding and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.