Beard Grooming Applicator System, Device and Beard Conditioning Formulation

Abstract

A beard grooming system for men utilizing a device holding both a beard conditioning formulation and an application assembly permitting the beard conditioning formulation to be applied to the beard with no mess. The beard conditioning formulation utilizes various vegetable oils including Jojoba oil and copolymers to produce surface tension of the beard conditioning formulation on an applicator, such as a brush, to prevent dripping.

Claims

1. A beard grooming system for men comprising a container having an open end and defining a reservoir for receiving a beard conditioning formulation; an elongate applicator assembly carried by said container, said applicator assembly having a handle end, an applicator end and a shaft extending between said handle end and said applicator end; a wiper disposed adjacent said open end and of said container and having a passage therethrough slidably receiving said shaft of said applicator assembly; said applicator assembly having a storage position with said handle end closing said open end of said container and said applicator end disposed in said reservoir and immersed in said beard conditioning formulation to be coated with said beard conditioning formulation, said applicator assembly being removable from said storage position by sliding said shaft and said applicator end through said wiper passage to wipe excess beard conditioning formulation from said applicator end; and said beard conditioning formulation clinging to said applicator end to resist dripping due to surface tension of said beard conditioning formulation when said applicator assembly is removed from said storage position.

2. A beard grooming system as recited in claim 1 wherein said applicator end includes a brush extending along said shaft and having rigid bristles extending radially from said shaft.

3. A beard grooming system as recited in claim 1 wherein said applicator end includes a comb formed of rigid teeth extending radially from said shaft.

4. A beard grooming system as recited in claim 1 wherein said applicator end includes a foam body.

5. A beard grooming system as recited in claim 2 wherein said brush is disposed on a first side of said shaft and said applicator end includes a comb formed of rigid teeth extending radially from said shaft opposite said first side.

6. A beard conditioning formulation comprising various vegetable oils, including jojoba oil constituting at least 50% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight; ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymers; and butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymers.

7. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 6 wherein said vegetable oils constitute at least 60% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight.

8. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 7 wherein said copolymers constitute up to 10% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight.

9. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 6 wherein said vegetable oils include Macadamia seed oil, 2.4% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight, Sunflower oil, 2.0% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight, and Grape Seed oil, 4.0% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight, and Jojoba oil, 78.8% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight.

10. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 9 wherein said beard conditioning formulation includes Hydrogenated Polydecene, 10% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight, Vitamin E, 0.1% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight and D-Limonene, 0.2% of the beard conditioning formulation by weight.

11. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 6 wherein said beard conditioning formulation is an emulsion and includes Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer as an emulsifier.

12. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 5 wherein said beard conditioning formulation is anhydrous.

13. A beard conditioning formulation as recited in claim 1 wherein said beard conditioning formulation is an emulsion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a device for grooming men's beards according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device for grooming men's beards shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 are broken side and end views, respectively, of the applicator assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1 where the applicator end is a brush.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a broken side view of the applicator assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1 where the applicator end is a comb.

[0035] FIGS. 6 and 7 are broken side and end views, respectively, of the applicator assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1 where the applicator end is in the form of a brush and comb combination.

[0036] FIGS. 8 and 9 are broken side and end views, respectively, of the applicator assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1 where the applicator end is in the form of a comb and foam body combination.

[0037] FIGS. 10 and 11 are broken side and end views, respectively, of the applicator assembly of the device shown in FIG. 1 where the applicator end is in the form of a brush and foam body.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a broken side view of the applicator assembly of the device of FIG. 1 horizontally disposed with a brush at the applicator end carrying the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beard grooming device 10 of the present invention includes an elongate hollow container 12, similar to a bottle, having a closed bottom end 13 and an open upper end 14 defined by a neck 16. A wiper 18 is disposed in the open end at the neck either as a separate element or integrally as part of the container. The wiper has a frustoconical shape with a smaller lower end 20 of a side wall 22 being closer to a reservoir 23 defined within the container than a larger upper end 24. The upper end has an annular flange 26 engaging the neck of the container. The wiper has a passage 27 therethrough between the lower and upper ends. An applicator assembly 28 has an applicator end 30 disposed within the container and has a shaft 32 extending from a cap or handle 34 through the wiper 18 to terminate at the applicator end 30 of the applicator assembly. The applicator end can be in the form of a brush having rigid bristles and/or a comb having rigid teeth and/or a foam body. When the beard grooming device is not in use, the applicator assembly is in the storage position shown in FIG. 1 with the handle or cap 34 secured by threaded engagement with the upper end 14 of the container such that the applicator end 30 of the applicator assembly is disposed within the container and exposed to the beard conditioning formulation 36 which is stored in the reservoir defined by the container. The device can have dimensions to allow the device to be carried in a pocket.

[0040] The applicator end 30 can include a brush 40 as shown in the side and end views of FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, with the brush 40 extending along the shaft 32 such that rigid bristles 42 of the brush extend radially from the shaft. The applicator end 30 can also include a comb 44 as shown in the side view of FIG. 5 with the comb 44 extending along the shaft 32 such that rigid teeth 46 of the comb extend radially from the shaft. The applicator end 30 can also include both a brush 40 and a comb 44 on opposing sides as shown in the side and end views of FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The applicator end 30 shown in side and end views in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively, combines comb 44 and foam body 48 on opposing sides of shaft 32. The applicator end 30 shown in side and end views in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, combines brush 40 and foam body 48 on opposing sides of shaft 32.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 12, when the applicator end is in the form of brush 40 and the brush is removed from the reservoir 23 and held in a horizontal position, the beard conditioning formulation 36 is prevented from gravitational dripping due to the surface tension and adhesion of the beard conditioning formulation. That is, gravitational and surface tension equilibrium is achieved, and the beard conditioning formulation will not drip before or during application to the beard. Copolymers in the beard conditioning formula effectively create a molecular net at the outermost surface 49 of the beard conditioning formulation 36 where the beard conditioning formulation meets the air, i.e. is exposed to the atmosphere. It has been observed that the beard conditioning formulation at the ends of the brush tapers from the shaft 32 to the tips of the bristles 42 as depicted at 50 and 52.

[0042] The beard grooming device, without the chemically engineered beard conditioning formulation according to the present invention, would not work as intended for beard grooming since it would not have the rheological properties to impregnate the applicator end or stay on the applicator end once the applicator end is immersed in the beard conditioning formulation and then removed. Without the beard conditioning formulation according to the present invention, when the applicator assembly is removed from the reservoir, virtually all of the oils would drip off of the applicator end, and there would be virtually no formulation on the applicator end.

[0043] The beard conditioning formulation of the present invention is illustrated in the following, non-limiting examples with percentage ranges for each ingredient and a specific percentage:

Anhydrous Beard Conditioning Formula Example

[0044]

TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Range Preferred % Hydrogenated Polydecene 1% to 15% 10% Jojoba oil 15% to 80% 73.8% Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene 1% to 20% 2.5% copolymer and Butylene/ Ethylene/Styrene copolymer Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) 0.05% to 2.0% 0.1% D-Limonene 0.05% to 3.0% 0.2% Macadamia Seed Oil 0.1% to 4.5% 2.4% Sunflower Oil 0.5% to 6.5% 2.0% Grape Seed Oil 0.5% to 8.5% 4.0% 100%

[0045] The above is a sample beard conditioning formulation and can be varied. For example, sunflower oil could be replaced with coconut oil. The essential oil of blend could be altered with an aromatic essential oil to achieve desired fragrance.

[0046] Other oils that are more volatile aromatic essential oils could be added from 1%-15% to modify the fragrance without interfering with the conditioning properties in a perceptible manner since most essential oils have emollient properties to a degree.

[0047] The Hydrogenated Polydecene can be Silkflo 364 marketed by Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

[0048] The Jojoba oil and the Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene copolymer and Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene copolymer can be Jojoba Glaze LV marketed by Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Emulsion Beard Conditioning Formulation Example

[0049]

TABLE-US-00002 Ingredient Range Preferred % Water 30% to 60% 50% Jojoba Oil 15% to 45% 20% Macadamia Seed Oil 2% to 8% .sup.4% Sunflower Oil 2% to 8% .sup.4% PEG 60 Hydrogenated 5% to 15% .sup.8% Caster Oil Trideceth -6 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl 1% to 5% .sup.2% Acrylate Crosspolymer Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene 1% to 5% 1.5% Copolymer and Butylene/ Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer Tocopherol Acetate 0.1% to .2% 0.1% D-Limone .1% to .4% 0.2% Denatured Alcohol 3.0% to 10% 5.0% Benzyl Alcohol 3% to 15% 5.2% 100%

[0050] As noted, the first example described above is an anhydrous (without water) beard conditioning formulation example used in conjunction with the applicator according to the present invention. This beard conditioning formulation is close to 100% vegetable oil. The second example described above is an emulsion. There are several emulsifiers effective to bridge the oil and water phase of the beard conditioning formulation. Some examples include but are not limited to: PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, and Trideceth-6.

[0051] In order to prevent the emulsified oil and water beard conditioning formulation from dripping off of the applicator, beard conditioning formulation viscosity is altered. One polymer that will alter the viscosity is Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. This polymer used at, or around, 3% wt/wt will increases the viscosity of the beard conditioning formulation and prevents the beard conditioning formulation dripping off the applicator.

[0052] Adjusting surface tension, much more so than adjusting viscosity, is a critical key in enabling the beard conditioning formulation to work properly in accordance with the present invention. Many cosmetic formulations have a formulation that increases viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of flow. Higher viscosity, in and of itself, will not impede the beard conditioning formulation from dripping from the applicator. Higher viscosity does not create higher surface tension. Surface tension and viscosity are independent variables, and often their relationship is counter-intuitive.

[0053] Viscosity is adjusted in cosmetics to alter sensorial perception, and spreadability. Adjusting rheologic properties has not been a focus in cosmetic additives.

[0054] Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer. (Pemulen TR-1*) polymer is a high molecular weight, crosslinked copolymer of acrylic acid and a hydrophobic C10-30 alkyl acrylate co-monomer. It is a versatile, non-ethoxylated polymer designed to create stable and mild oil-in-water emulsions at low use levels. In most cases, the oils in the beard conditioning formulation will be <30% wt/wt. This polymer is added to the emulsion beard conditioning formulation example in order to increase the viscosity of the water phase of the emulsion. The ethylene/propylene/styrene and butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymers are used to increase the surface tension through the oil phase.

[0055] The method of use of the present invention is simple: [0056] 1. Unscrew cap. [0057] 2. Remove applicator. [0058] 3. A small amount of the beard conditioning formulation is automatically applied to the applicator. [0059] 4. Comb or brush one side of the beard including mustache, and then repeat on the other side of beard. Brush one side of the beard going with the grain of the hair growth. Then brush the beard against the grain in order to spread the conditioning formulation. Finally brush beard and mustache with the beard grain. Repeat on other side of beard if more beard conditioning formulation is desired. [0060] 5. If more beard conditioning formulation is desired, repeat the above steps. [0061] 6. Insert applicator into bottle and screw cap on tightly.

[0062] The best time to use the present invention is after washing the face or showering. An advantage of the present invention, compared to the prior art, is that it enables one to brush and condition the beard in locations where the process would have been virtually impossible to carry out using the prior art. The present invention can be used after a shower, after a coffee break, after cigarette or cigar, lunch or dinner.

[0063] The device is designed to apply a set amount of beard conditioning formulation to the applicator. If it is desired to remove some of the beard conditioning formulation, simply wipe the applicator end against the inside of the wiper structure. The wiper structure separates the outside of the bottle orifice from the inside of the bottle. Almost all the beard conditioning formulation can be removed from the brush if desired. If it is desired to apply more beard conditioning formulation to an area of the beard, simply give that area two applications.

[0064] The present invention enables the user to brush and condition the beard with one product, mess free. This exhibits tremendous utility and improvement over any beard conditioning method in the prior art since the hands are not required to contact the beard conditioning formulation or the beard to apply the beard conditioning formulation to condition and groom the beard.

[0065] The beard conditioning formulation saturated applicator end can be pressed against the beard to transfer the conditioning formulation from the applicator to the beard. After the beard conditioning formulation has been transferred to the beard, the brush or comb can be used to work the beard conditioning formulation throughout the beard for example, by stroking the beard from the top down and from the bottom up to distribute the beard conditioning formulation throughout beard.

[0066] The beard conditioning formulation of the present invention is designed to be efficacious as a beard and underlying skin moisturizer, emollient, hydrophobic hair sealant and conditioner. Prior art products to color beards include talc powder, black coal, iron oxide tan and/or iron oxide brown which are the antithesis of the conditioning properties of the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention since the more inert solids that are added to a formulation, the less beard hair conditioning properties the formulation will possess, if any at all.

[0067] As explained above, the present intention fills the need for a method to apply beard conditioners (oils) to the beard in a mess free manner in that it enables the user to brush beard conditioning oils into the beard without oil touching the hands and to simultaneously comb and/or brush the beard hair. The modified, highly efficacious, essential oil beard conditioning formulation has rheologic properties that enable it to remain on the applicator and at the same time be able to be transferred to beard hairs. With the use of specific copolymers from a polymer class, the viscosity will increase and reduce the flow of the liquid. Additionally, the copolymers increase the surface tension at the beard conditioning formulation. The copolymers comprise at least one alkene monomer. In particular, the monomer is selected from monomers of ethylene, propylene, butylene, and styrene. It is noted that an alkene monomer is a hydrocarbon monomer with a linear or branched carbon-based chain that contains a carbon-carbon double bond. A copolymer is a polymer comprising two different monomers. Such copolymers have good compatibility with hydrocarbons and good adhesion to keratin fibers such as beard hair. Additionally, the copolymer of the beard conditioning formulation has good adhesion to the fibers of the applicator brush. The copolymer is supplied by Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc. under the tradename of Jojoba Glaze. The copolymer has a molecular mass in Daltons greater than 1000. Preferably greater than 2000 to 150,000.

[0068] With the conditioning oils modified by the copolymers into the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention, unique rheological properties are created such that the oil formulation component of the present invention functions effectively and enables the method of the present invention to condition the beard and underlying skin.

[0069] The primary elements of fluid dynamics for the beard conditioning formulation to be used with the grooming device 10 are cohesion, which causes water, oil and other liquids to form drops, surface tension which causes the drops to be nearly spherical, and stay encapsulated, and adhesion keeps the drops in place. Cohesive forces among liquid molecules are responsible for the phenomenon of surface tension. The molecules well inside the liquid are attracted equally in all directions by the other similar molecules. The molecules on the surface (molecules at the liquid/air interface) experience an inward pull. Surface tension is the energy required to increase the surface area of a liquid by a given amount. The stronger the intermolecular interactions, the greater the surface tension.

[0070] Liquids that are non-polar, such as mixtures of vegetable oils, have little molecular electrostatic bonding, and as a result have very little cohesive forces within the liquid mass. The copolymer in the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention increases the cohesive forces of the beard conditioning formulation, and as a result, alter the physical properties of the liquid's outer membrane with an elastic, net-like polymeric film. The beard conditioning formulation of the present invention is engineered so that the outer membrane (or the liquid/air interface) has elasticity in order to absorb the surface tension, as well as the stress and strain the outer membrane must withstand in order for the formulation to stay on the applicator all the way from the liquid in the bottle, through the air, to the beard hair shaft outer surface or cuticle.

[0071] Adhesive forces are the acting forces between the molecules of different types and are a negative factor relative to the prior art method of applying beard oils to the beard by applying the oil with the palms of the hands used as an applicator. Adhesive forces are forces of attraction between a liquid and a solid surface. The difference in strength between cohesive forces and adhesive forces determine the behavior of a liquid in contact with a solid surface. Adhesive forces keep the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention bound to the applicator, while cohesive forces and surface tension keep the beard conditioning formulation as an encapsulated mass. The polymers used in the beard conditioning formulation of the present invention have innate ability to increase the surface tension of the beard conditioning formulation and as a result cause the beard conditioning formulation to stay encapsulated and on the applicator. This enables the beard conditioning formulation to work in conjunction with the applicator device 10 to provide a method for applying a beard conditioning formulation to the beard hair. Other polymers such as Acylates/10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross polymer, functions as a thickening agent (viscosity increasing agent), texture enhancer, film-forming agent, and an emulsifier.

[0072] Viscosity, unlike surface tension relates to movement. An important differentiating point between surface tension and viscosity is the fact that, while one would think that thick fluids would translate to a high surface tension, and that thin fluids would produce lower surface tension, this is not the case.

[0073] Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all subject matter discussed above or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and not be taken in a limiting sense.