COMPRESSED HAIR SPRAY

Abstract

An aerosol hairspray product includes a pressurisable container having a propellant and a container wall which encloses a reservoir, a hairstyling formulation having from 20 wt % to 75 wt % alcohol, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant and from 1.0 wt % to wt % hairstyling polymer, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant, and a spraying device attached to the pressurisable container and having a valve and an actuator. The reservoir is configured to store the hairstyling formulation. The valve has a spring means, a valve body having a stem, a restricted tail piece (RTP) having a first diameter of from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, and a vapour phase tap (VPT) having a second diameter of from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. The actuator has a main spray channel and communicates with an insert.

Claims

1. An aerosol hairspray product comprising: a pressurisable container having a propellant and a container wall which encloses a reservoir; a hairstyling formulation having: from 20 wt % to 75 wt % alcohol, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant; and from 1.0 wt % to 15 wt % hairstyling polymer, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant; and a spraying device attached to the pressurisable container and having a valve and an actuator, wherein the reservoir is configured to store the hairstyling formulation; wherein the valve has a spring means, a valve body having a stem, a restricted tail piece (RTP) having a first diameter of from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm and a vapour phase tap (VPT) having a second diameter of from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm; wherein the actuator has a main spray channel and communicates with an insert having an exit orifice and from 1 to 8 sub-spray channels; wherein the sub-spray channels are tangentially disposed about the exit orifice; wherein the exit orifice is capable of being in liquid communication with the hairstyling formulation in the reservoir; wherein the exit orifice has a third diameter of from 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm and an orifice thickness of from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm; and wherein the sub-spray channels have a height of from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm and a length of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

2. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the hairstyling formulation also has less than 2 wt % water, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant.

3. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the hairstyling formulation is anhydrous.

4. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the hairstyling polymer is present in an amount of from 1.0 wt % to 10 wt %, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant.

5. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the hairstyling polymer includes at least one of a VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer, a Polyurethane-14 AMP-Acrylates Copolymer, a Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer, a Polyester-5, an Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, an Acrylates/Hydroxyesters Acrylates Copolymer, or a Polyurethane-6, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer and Acrylates Copolymer.

6. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the hairstyling formulation also has an alkaline base.

7. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

8. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the second diameter is from 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

9. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the pressurisable container has a volume of from 200 ml to 300 ml.

10. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the insert has 6 sub-spray channels.

11. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the height is from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

12. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the length is from 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm.

13. The aerosol hairspray product of claim 1, wherein the orifice thickness is from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm.

14. (canceled)

15. A method of treating hair with a hairspray product that includes a pressurisable container having a propellant and a container wall which encloses a reservoir, a hairstyling formulation having from 20 wt % to 75 wt % alcohol, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant, and from 1.0 wt % to 15 wt % hairstyling polymer, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and the propellant, and a spraying device attached to the pressurisable container and having a valve and an actuator, the reservoir being configured to store the hairstyling formulation, the valve having a spring means, a valve body having a valve stem, a restricted tail piece having a first diameter of from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, and a vapour phase tap having a second diameter of from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, the actuator having a main spray channel and communicating with an insert having an exit orifice that is capable of being in liquid communication with the hairstyling formulation in the reservoir and from 1 to 8 sub-spray channels that are tangentially disposed about the exit orifice, the exit orifice having a third diameter of from 0.01 mm to 2.0 mm and an orifice thickness of from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, and the sub-spray channels having a height of from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm and a length of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, the method comprising: applying the hairstyling formulation to hair using the hairspray product.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hairspray product in accordance with the invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of a spraying device (4) used in the hairspray product of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of a valve (5) used in the hairspray product of the invention, where the valve is installed in the container (seated in a valve cup (16)).

[0027] FIG. 4 (a) is a cross section view of an insert (6) as used in the hairspray product of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 (b) is a cross sectional view of an insert (6) for use in the hairspray of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hairspray product comprising a pressurisable container (1) having a container wall (2) and a reservoir (3); with a spraying device (4) comprising an actuator (5) having an insert (6) with an exit orifice (7).

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of a spraying device (4) comprising an actuator (5) having a main spray channel (8) and an insert (6) with an exit orifice (7). A stem socket is also shown.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a valve (10) used in the hairspray product of the invention, where the valve is installed in the container, seated in a valve cup (16). The valve (10) comprises a valve body (11), said valve body comprising a stem (12) and a spring means (13); and wherein the valve has a restricted tail piece (RTP) (14) with a diameter indicated by a double ended arrow A, and a vapour phase tap (VPT) (15). The valve cup (16) comprises an outer gasket (17) and an inner gasket (18).

[0032] FIG. 4a is a cross section view of an insert (6) comprising an exit orifice (7) and four sub-spray channels (19); wherein said channels are tangentially disposed about the exit orifice (7). Double ended arrow X indicates the length of the sub-spray channel as defined in claim 1.

[0033] FIG. 4b is a cross section view of an insert (6) showing the exit orifice (7). Double ended arrow XX indicates the orifice thickness as defined in claim 1.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Aerosol Hairspray Product

[0034] The product relates to an aerosol hairspray product comprising: a container comprising a reservoir for a hairstyling formulation and a liquefied gas propellant, and a spraying device attached to the container.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the product comprises from 50% to 65% hairstyling formulation, or from 55% to 60% hairstyling formulation, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the product comprises from 35% to 50% propellant, or from 40% to 45% propellant, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant.

[0037] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, details of the hairstyling formulation refers to the formulation before it is placed into the container whereupon it will mix to an extent with the propellant since the propellant is a liquefied gas propellant. The same is true where details of the propellant are mentioned, unless otherwise stated.

[0038] The product is an aerosol hairspray product and thus does not include mousse products or any pump spray products.

[0039] Conventional spray rates are typically in the range of from 0.5 to 1.5 g/sec. The product of the invention delivers 80 to 20% of this range, preferably 70 to 30%, most preferably from 60 to 40% of this spray rate. This reduction in spray rate without loss of performance is one of the advantages of this invention. Therefore, the aerosol hairspray product sprays at a delivery rate of from 80 to 20%, preferably from 70 to 30%, most preferably from 60 to 40% of 0.5 to 1.5 g/sec.

The Pressurisable Container

[0040] The pressurisable container comprises a container wall which encloses a reservoir for storing a hairstyling formulation, and a propellant.

[0041] The container wall may be predominantly straight, curved or tapered.

[0042] The container can be any size, but is preferably a compressed size or travel size.

[0043] The container preferably has a volume (so-called over fill capacity) of from 200 to 300 ml, more preferably from 220 to 280 ml, most preferably from 230 to 260 ml.

[0044] The container preferably has a diameter of from 35 to 50 mm, more preferably from 40 to 45 mm.

[0045] The container preferably has a height of from 80 to 220 mm, preferably from 90 to 180 mm, most preferably from 110 to 150 mm.

The Propellant

[0046] The hairspray composition further comprises a propellant. Preferred propellants are selected from hydrofluorocarbons (for example hydrofluorocarbon 152A), dimethylether, hydrocarbons such as propane, isobutane, butane and mixtures thereof, and compressed gasses such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide and mixtures thereof.

The Hairstyling Formulation

[0047] The product comprises a hairstyling formulation comprising a hair styling polymer and a neutraliser in an alcoholic composition. It is well known in the art that a water based composition leads to consumer negative performance such as curl droop, long drying times and stickiness on the hair. These negatives are not experienced with alcoholic compositions.

The Hair Styling Polymer

[0048] The hairstyling polymer is present in an amount of from 1.0 to 10 wt %, preferably from 1.0 to 8.0 wt %, most preferably from 2 to 7 wt % by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant.

[0049] The hairstyling polymer may be selected from a VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer, Polyurethane-14 (and) AMP-Acrylates Copolymer (for example, DynamX available from AzkoNoble), Butyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer (for example, Gantrez available from Ashland), Polyester-5, Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, imidized isobutylene/maleic anhydride copolymer (for example, Aquaflex FX-64 available from Ashland), Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Acrylates/Hydroxyesters Acrylates Copolymer (for example, Acudyne 180 available from DOW), Polyurethane-6, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer and Acrylates Copolymer (for example, Balance CR available from AkzoNoble and Luvimer 100 P available from BASF), and more preferably from VA/CrotonatesNinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer (for example, Resyn 28-2930 available from AkzoNoble) and Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer (for example, Amphomer available from AkzoNoble).

[0050] Preferably the styling resin comprises VA/CrotonatesNinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer (for example, Resyn 28-2930 available from AkzoNoble) and Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer (for example, Amphomer available from AkzoNoble).

The Neutralizer

[0051] The neutralizer provides an alkaline base. The neutralizer is preferably selected from potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, triisopropanolamine, 2-aminobutanol, 2-aminomethyl propanol, aminoethylpropandiol, dimethyl stearamine, sodium silicate, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, ammonia, triethanolamine, trimethylamine, aminomerhylpropandiol, and more preferably 2-aminomethyl propanol, dimethyl stearamine and 2-aminobutanol and mixtures thereof.

The Alcohol

[0052] The alcohol is preferably selected from ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, most preferably ethanol.

[0053] The alcohol is present in an amount of from 30 to 75 wt % by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant, preferably from 35 to 70 wt %, more preferably from 35 to 60 wt %, most preferably from 35 to 55 wt %, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant.

Substantially Water Free

[0054] The hairstyling formulation is preferably substantially free of water. The hair styling formulation preferably comprises less than 2 wt % water, by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant. In at least one embodiment, the hairstyling formulation comprises 0.001 to 1.8 wt %, or 0.001 to 1.5 wt %, or 0.001 to 1 wt % water by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant. Most preferably, the formulation is anhydrous.

Additional Ingredients

[0055] The formulation may also comprise other adjuncts commonly used in hair sprays. Preferably perfume, silicone (for example phenyl trimethicone, cyclopentylsiloxane, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone), emotives, corrosion inhibitors, emollients, UV absorbers (for example benzopheonone-4, ethyl hexyl methoxy cinnamate) and mixtures thereof.

The Spraying Device

[0056] Attached to the container is a spraying device for spraying the hairstyling formulation onto a substrate.

Valve

[0057] The spraying device comprises a valve.

[0058] The valve comprises a valve body, said valve body comprising a stem and a spring means.

[0059] The valve comprises a restricted tail piece (RTP) of diameter 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, most preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm.

[0060] The valve comprises a vapour phase tap (VPT) of diameter 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm, most preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

[0061] When installed in the container, the valve is preferably seated in a valve cup (16). The valve cup (16) preferably comprises an outer gasket (17), which enables connection to the can by crimping onto a can bead; and an inner gasket (18). The inner gasket controls the release product when the actuator is pressed.

Actuator

[0062] The spraying device comprises an actuator. The actuator typically sits over the stem.

[0063] The actuator comprises a main spray channel and communicates with an insert.

Insert

[0064] The insert comprises an exit orifice and from 1 to 8 sub-spray channels, preferably 4 to 6 sub-spray channels, most preferably 6 sub-spray channels; wherein said channels are tangentially disposed about the exit orifice.

[0065] Suitable inserts are available from, for example, Coster.

[0066] The insert controls the cone angle. A wide cone angle is preferred whilst maintaining the desirable particle size distribution.

Channels

[0067] The sub-spray channels have a height of from 0.1 to 0.8, preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm and a length of from 0.1 to 0.5, preferably from 0.25 to 0.35 mm.

Exit Orifice

[0068] The exit orifice is capable of being in liquid communication with the hairstyling formulation in the reservoir.

[0069] The exit orifice has a diameter of from 0.01 to 2 mm, most preferably 0.5 mm; and an orifice thickness of from 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.3 to 1.0 mm;

[0070] The orifice may be straight or conical in shape.

EXAMPLES

[0071] The following hair sprays were prepared:

[0072] Hair Spray 1, in accordance with the invention.

[0073] Hair Spray A, which was a comparative hair spray.

[0074] Details of the hairstyling formulations and the spraying device features are given in Table 1 below.

[0075] The performance of Hair Sprays 1 and A was assessed using a standard half head mannequin test protocol. The mannequin head (with hair no more than 12 cm in length) was first prepared using a lightweight shampoo and conditioner and blow-dried into a straight smooth style. The hair sprays were shaken gently before each use.

[0076] The comparative Hair Spray A was sprayed for 10 seconds evenly over the hair on one side of the mannequin head from a distance of 30 cm. This was repeated on the other side of the mannequin head using Hair Spray 1 in accordance with the invention. A perspective divider was placed down the centre of the mannequin to ensure there was no cross contamination during the hair spray application.

[0077] The performance attributes of Hold, Flexibility and Softness were evaluated by expert graders using a 1 to 9 point scale with half units for each attribute (wherein the higher rating would be more desirable).

[0078] Hold was defined as how well the hair holds the style post spraying with a tactile assessment by expert graders.

[0079] Softness was assessed by the expert graders using their hands to scrunch the hair in their palms whilst evaluating the feel of softness.

[0080] Flexibility was defined as the ability for the hair to move and bend without disruption of the style and was assessed by gently swinging the head from side to side 3 times, and the expert grader visually assessing both movement and hold.

[0081] Results are given in Table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Inventive Hair Spray A Hair Spray 1 Spraying Device Valve RTP 0.33 mm 0.8 mm Valve VPT None 0.5 mm Valve STEM 0.33 mm 0.3 mm Actuator (type & orifice) Aptar 0.64 mm Coster 0.5 mm Actuator No. of channels n/a 6 Spray rate 100%.sup. 50% Hairstyling Formulation Total hairstyling Polymer 4-5% 5.5% Ethanol 53% 53% Propellant 40% 40% Minors (fragrance, pH 2-3% 1.5% modifiers) Performance Hold 7.0 6.5 Flexibility 5.5 5.0 Softness 3.0 3.0

[0082] The results clearly show that the inventive example 1 achieves the same performance with a 50% reduced spray rates compared to the comparative example A.