EP1199955A2

EP1199955A2 - Method for treating and preventing finger disorders

Info

Publication number: EP1199955A2
Application number: EP00944155A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kristin Lewis Moody; Mannie Lee Clapp
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1999-07-30
Filing date: 2000-07-24
Publication date: 2002-05-02
Also published as: AU5838700A; JP2003505175A; MXPA02001144A; WO2001008529A3; WO2001008529A2; CN1367658A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating finger disorders. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved methods of delivery and application of nail and cuticle treatment compositions. The method comprises the steps of: A.) providing a dispensing device (10) for dispensing a finger treatment composition comprising: i.) housing (20) defining a chamber (21) having a dispensing end (24) and an actuating end (26), said dispensing end having an application portion (84) providing a smooth and even surface distribution of the finger treatment composition; ii.) a piston (40) located within said chamber (21), said piston having a top side (42) facing towards said dispensing end (24) of said housing and having an advancing mechanism (46) opposite said top side, said top side of said piston forming a variable volume portion (22) of said chamber for storing said nail and cuticle composition; and iii.) an adjuster (51) movably mounted to said housing (20) at said actuating end (26), said adjuster engaging said advancing mechanism (46) for advancing said piston (40) directionally toward said dispensing end; wherein the device is pre-filled with the finger treatment composition, the finger treatment composition comprising from about 1.0 % to about 99 % of an oily component and wherein the composition contains less than 1.0 % film-forming polymer and less than 0,1 % pigment; and B.) dispensing the finger treatment composition from the dispensing device onto the finger or finger nail.

Description

METHOD FOR TREATING AND PREVENTING FINGER DISORDERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating finger disorders. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved methods of delivery and application of nail and cuticle treatment compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of finger or fingernail treatments exist in today's market. Such fingernail treatments range from the purely decorative to the almost completely medicinal. Ideally, such fmger or nail treatments should be both decorative and medicating. These twin goals, however, are often difficult to achieve in single application treatments. For example, decorative fingernail treatments, typically, require non-medicating components such as film-forming polymers or pigments which are not designed for application to the cuticle or neighboring skin and, oftentimes, adversely affect such areas of the fmger (e.g., promote dryness).

Medicating fingernail treatments help smooth and soften the nail surface. Specifically, such treatments nourish and soften the cuticle and surrounding skin tissues while reducing the brittleness of the nail itself. This is particularly important for persons with dry and brittle nails.

Additionally, the application of finger or finger nail treatments should be both convenient and controllable. The consumer should retain control over the amount of the treatment applied for efficacy as well as aesthetic purposes (i.e., smooth and even applications). Such ease of use and control properties also avoid messy excess applications of the treatment composition and help promote improved consumer compliance regarding the use of such treatments. The present inventors have found that the methods of the present invention provide improved delivery of finger or fingernail treatment compositions, resulting in improved convenience, aesthetics and improved consumer compliance regarding such treatments.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide new and improved methods for treating or preventing fmger disorders, especially nail and cuticle disorders. An additional aspect is to provide methods for moisturizing, smoothing, and softening the surface of the nails and of the skin and tissues surrounding the nail.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide methods for moisturizing, smoothing, and softening the surface of the nails and of the skin and tissues surrounding the nail comprising the application of fmger or fingernail treatment compositions using an improved application device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing fmger disorders comprising the steps of :

A.) providing a dispensing device for dispensing a finger treatment composition comprising: i.) housing defining a chamber having a dispensing end and an actuating end, said dispensing end having an application portion and said chamber having an interior surface, said application portion providing a smooth and even surface distribution of the finger treatment composition; ii.) a piston located within said chamber, said piston being capable of translational movement within said chamber, said piston having a top side facing towards said dispensing end of said housing and having an j advancing mechanism opposite said top side, said top side of said piston forming a variable volume portion of said chamber between said chamber and said top side of said piston, wherein said variable volume portion is for storing said nail and cuticle composition; and iii.) an adjuster movably mounted to said housing and movably engaging said internal surface at said actuating end of said housing, said adjuster engaging said advancing mechanism for advancing said piston directionally toward said dispensing end; wherein the device is pre-filled with the fmger treatment composition, the fmger treatment composition comprising from about 1.0% to about 99% of an oily component and wherein the composition contains less than 1.0% film-forming polymer; and B.) dispensing the fmger treatment composition from the dispensing device onto the fmger or fmger nail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctively claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the dispensing device seen in FIG. 1 without the cap; and

FIG. 3 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the dispensing device seen in FIG. 1 with the cap installed and having an alternative embodiment of the product elevator;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. The Dispensing Device

Referring to the drawings, a fmger treating dispensing device is illustrated generally as 10, for dispensing a fmger treating composition, such as a fluid, cream, semisolid, gel, past, liquid, or the like. The dispensing devise 10, comprises , in part, an adjuster, which can be a rotatable hand wheel, generally indicated at 51, movably connected to a housing 20 which is attached to an applicator, generally indicated as 80. The adjuster can be any mechanism suitable for advancing a piston. For example, pushbutton or push type ratcheting advance mechanisms are suitable alternatives. A cap 14 having a closed end 17 and an open end 18 is also, optionally, provided. Cap 14 is removably connected to the dispensing device 10, for example, by frictional engagement with applicator 80.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in which a vertical cross-sectional view of dispensing device 10 is seen, housing 20 is hollow and elongated and has an axis extending lengthwise therethrough. Housing 20 has a chamber 21 therein and includes an open dispensing end 24 located opposite an actuating end 26 with actuating end 26 having an interior surface 28. Preferably interior surface 28 is cylindrical. Cylindrical, as used herein refers to a three-dimensional shape that is elongated while also having a generally circular cross-section. Preferably, interior surface 28 extends from actuating end 26 to dispensing end 24 of housing 20. The cross-sectional shape of chamber 21 can alternatively be of various shapes, such as oval, rectangular, oblong, irregular, or the like. At actuating end 26, interior surface 28 includes a lip 30 and at least one detent 32. Detent 32 comprises a substantially localized indentation, recessed area, or protrusion in interior surface 28. Interior surface 28 can include a plurality of detents 32 and preferably these detents 32 are radially spaced along interior surface 28. Preferably lip 30 is positioned adjacent to and aft of the radially spaced detents 32. Dispensing end 24 can include a first reducer 23 which acts to reduce or decrease the cross section through which product passes when being dispensed. Preferably, first reducer 23 is frusta-conical in shape. Additionally, dispensing end 24 of housing 20 preferably has an exterior surface 34 which includes a ridge 36. Exterior surface 34 is preferably cylindrical. Housing 20 is preferably constructed from a material such as nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), or more preferably, a material such as polybutylene terapthalate (PBT) with ABS, or most preferably, a rubber modified acrylonitrile copolymer which is commercially available as BAREX.TM. 210 from BP Chemicals can be used.

A piston 40 is located within chamber 21 of housing 20. This piston 40 is preferably limited to axial or translational movement within chamber 21 and preferably does not rotate relative to interior surface 28. Piston 40 has a top-side 42 facing dispensing end 24 of housing 20 and a bottom-side 44 opposite top-side 42. As piston 40 axially translates within chamber 21, top-side 42 of piston 40 forms a variable volume portion 22 within chamber 21. This variable volume portion 22 is used for storing the product that is to be dispensed from the twist-up dispensing device 10. In a preferred embodiment, top-side 42 of piston 40 is provided with an upper-sealing rim 43 which sealingly engages interior surface 28. Bottom-side 44 of piston 40 can also be provided with a lower-sealing rim 45 which sealingly engages interior surface 28. Extending radially outward from top-side 42 and bottom-side 44 of piston 40 are upper-sealing rim 43 and lower-sealing rim 45, respectively. Preferably, upper-sealing rim 43 and lower- sealing rim 45 prevent the product stored in variable volume portion 22 from leaking past piston 40 toward actuating end 26 of housing 20 or any other part of chamber 21. The sealing engagement and the frictional forces between upper-sealing rim 43 and lower- sealing rim 45 with interior surface 28 inhibit rotation of piston 40. Thus, piston 40 is generally limited to translational movement. These frictional forces can be increased or decreased by varying the amount of surface contact between upper-sealing rim 43 or lower-sealing rim 45 and interior surface 28.

Housing 20, as shown, is preferably cylindrical in shape having a generally circular cross-section. Alternatively, housing 20 may have a generally oval cross-section or even an irregular cross-section. When chamber 21 within housing 20 is non-circular in cross-section, the contour or cross-sectional shape of chamber 21 further prevents rotation of piston 40, since piston 40 preferably has the same contour as chamber 21. Preferably piston 40 is constructed from a fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) although many other flexible polymers can also be used.

As illustrated, piston 40 also has a threaded rod 46 extending therefrom, opposite top-side 42. Thus, threaded rod 46 extends from bottom-side 44 of piston 40 toward actuating end 26 of housing 20. Preferably threaded rod 46 is made from an acetal. Upper-end 47 of threaded rod 46 is fixedly attached to bottom-side 44 of piston 40. Thus both threaded rod 46 and piston 40 move in unison and that movement is limited to axial translation. The combination of piston 40 being attached to threaded rod 46 forms a product elevator 48 which functions to move the product by pushing it outof variable volume portion 22 of chamber 21 in housing 20. As seen in FIG. 3, product elevator 48 can be a single component which includes threaded rod 46 being integrally formed with piston 40. In the preferred embodiment, seen in FIG. 2, piston 40 and threaded rod 46 can be separate components. In order to limit the axial travel of product elevator 48, a rod stop 49 can be provided on threaded rod 46 at the end opposite upper-end 47 of threaded rod 46. The amount of travel of product elevator 48 can also be limited by product elevator 48 or piston 40 simply bottoming out in the variable volume portion 22 of chamber 21. Alternative methods of limiting axial travel can be used, such as, threaded rod 46 can be partially threaded, threaded rod 46 or piston 40 can be made shorter or longer, piston 40 can be provided with a protrusion on top side 42, or various other methods known in the art for limiting axial travel of similar components.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the adjuster is a hand wheel, an actuator 50 having a threaded aperture 52 therethrough is provided on the hand wheel 51. Preferably, threaded aperture 52 is concentric within actuator 50. Actuator 50 engages interior surface 28 at actuating end 26 of housing 20 and is adapted to rotate with respect to housing 20 in only one direction, that being an advancing direction. Since the threads on threaded rod 46 mate with threaded aperture 52, threaded rod 46 engages with threaded aperture 52 such that advancement of piston 40 toward dispensing end 24 of housing 20 occurs when actuator 50 is rotated, thereby causing the product to be dispensed from dispensing device 10.

When used, the hand wheel 51 is preferably a single integral component which includes both actuator 50 and a grip portion 54. As such, hand wheel 51 includes actuator 50 having a threaded aperture 52 therethrough and has a grip portion 54 connected to actuator 50. Grip portion 54 extends from actuating end 26 of housing 20 and preferably has a grooved or knurled surface in order for the user to easily grasp hand wheel 51. Preferably, a cavity 59 extends axially through grip portion 54 of hand wheel 51 in order to provide access to threaded aperture 52. More preferably, threaded aperture 52 is smaller than rod stop 49 while cavity 59 allows rod stop 49 to pass therethrough. Actuator 50 includes a groove 56 which engages with or is captured by lip 30 on interior surface 28 at actuating end 26 of housing 20 such that actuator 50 is rotatable but cannot move axially relative to interior surface 28. This arrangement allows rotation of hand wheel 51 while prohibiting axial movement of hand wheel 51. Preferably hand wheel 51 is unitarily formed using an injection molding process from a plastic material such as ABS which is commercially available as MAGNUM.TM. 9015 from DOW Chemicals or a PP homopolymer or copolymer with a calcium carbonate filler having a loading level of from about 5% to about 40% by weight can also be used. Actuator 50 on hand wheel 51 also preferably includes at least one resilient arm 58 extending radially outwardly therefrom and can be inclined radially toward interior surface 28. Resilient, as used herein, refers to the nature of resilient arm 58 which urges it to return to its original position upon being deflected from its original position. Resilient arms 58 can be better seen with reference to FIG. 4 in which a full cross-section of dispensing device 10 taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 2 is shown. Resilient arms 58 engage detents 32 located on interior surface 28 such that actuator 50 is rotatable in an advancing direction but not in an opposite direction. Preferably, actuator 50 has at least two resilient arms 58. More preferably, resilient arms 58 are oriented at an angle directed radially outwardly toward interior surface 28 such that resilient arms 58 engage detents 32 and are deflected inward by detents 32 when hand wheel 51 is rotated in an advancing direction. When hand wheel 51 is rotated in the advancing direction, the engagement of threaded rod 46 with threaded aperture 52 causes piston 40 to translate toward dispensing end 24. Any attempted rotation of hand wheel 51 in the opposite direction is limited and causes resilient arms 58 to abut detents 32 which prevents rotation of hand wheel 51 in an opposite direction. Since hand wheel 51 is limited to rotation in only the advancing direction, product elevator 48 is only allowed to translate in one direction. Thus, dispensing device 10 is unidirectional in nature.

Hand wheel 51 is rotated by the user in order to dispense the product in a controlled manner from dispensing device 10. Preferably, detents 32 are radially spaced about interior surface 28 and resilient arms 58 engage and disengage with detents 32 as hand wheel 51 is rotated in the advancing direction. Each engagement of resilient arms 58 with detents 32 provides a certain incremental translational movement of piston 40 and thus provides incremental movement of product elevator 48. The radial spacing between detents 32 can be varied to provide more or less axial translation of piston 40 with each increment of rotation. For example, detents 32 can be uniformly spaced apart, irregularly spaced, or even intermittently spaced at varying distances about interior surface 28. The amount of product dispensed from variable volume portion 22 is controlled by the incremental movement of piston 40 and an incremental volume of product is dispensed thus achieving incremental dosing of the product. This incremental dosing assists the user in dispensing an accurate or regulated amount of product and helps avoid messy or wasteful over-dispensing.

One advantage of this configuration is that an audible sound is produced as hand wheel 51 is rotated in the advancing direction. This clicking sound is created when resilient arm 58 springs back against detent 32 and contacts interior surface 28 of housing 20 during rotation of actuator 50. Additionally, a tactile signal is produced as hand wheel 51 is rotated in the advancing direction. The feel of intermittent resistance to rotation is created when tension is created by resilient arm 58 being deflected inward while riding over interior surface 28 between each detent 32. This tension is released when resilient arm 58 springs back outward toward and into detent 32. For example, an incremental dose is achieved by rotating hand wheel 51 a certain number of clicks which can be specified in order to provide accurate dosing of the product.

An applicator 80 can be attached at dispensing end 24 of housing 20 in fluid communication with variable volume portion 22 of chamber 21 such that the product is dispensed through applicator 80. Applicator 80 is hollow and includes ferrule 82 and application portion 84. Preferably applicator 80 is constructed of a plastic material such as PP, PE, polyethylene terapthalate (PET), nylon, or even a polyester like those commercially available as HYTREL.TM. 5526 by DuPont. Ferrule 82 is located opposite application portion 84 and is attached to dispensing end 24 of housing 20. Ferrule 82 includes an internal surface 85 having a bead 89. Bead 89 mates with ridge 36 on dispensing end 24 forming a snap-fit 79 engagement between ferrule 82 and dispensing end 24 thereby attaching applicator 80 to housing 20. Application portion 84 of applicator 80 has at least one orifice 86 therein in order to dispense the product through applicator 80. Preferably orifice 86 can have a diameter of from between about 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) to about 5 mm (0.2 inch).

Referring again to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment is shown in which application portion 84 has an orifice 86 with fiber bristles 72 extending therethrough. Fiber bristles 72 of this type can be tapered and preferably fiber bristles 72 have a thickness or diameter of from about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) to about 0.05 mm (0.002 inch). These fiber bristles 72 can be made from various materials but preferably are made of a plastic such as nylon, and more preferably made of polybutylene terapthalate (PBT). The amount which fiber bristles 72 extend beyond application portion 84 can be easily varied by changing the length of fiber bristles 72 or the thickness of the adjoining parts. In this preferred embodiment, seen in FIG. 2, an interior shoulder 88 and a platform lock 95 are formed within applicator 80. Preferably platform lock 95 is spaced axially toward orifice 86 while also being spaced radially inward from interior shoulder 88 in a stair-stepped fashion. Platform lock 95 is in the form of four inwardly protruding struts being equally spaced apart. Alternatively, platform lock 95 can be in the form of any radially inward protrusion. A transition piece 90 having an edge 96 extending radially therefrom is positioned within dispensing end 24 of housing 20 such that edge 96 is captured between the interior shoulder 88 and dispensing end 24 of housing 20. Preferably edge 96 separates transition piece 90 into an upper transition 97 and a lower transition 93. Transition piece 90 can be constructed of a fluorinated HDPE or some other flexible polymer. Transition piece 90 has a passageway 92 therethrough which places orifice 86 and fiber bristles 72 in fluid communication with variable volume portion 22 of chamber 21. Within passageway 92 can be located a second reducer 25, similar to first reducer 23, which acts to reduce or decrease the cross section through which product passes when being dispensed and thereby functioning to reduce the flow area through passageway 92. Preferably, transition piece 90 is positioned such that it extends through ferrule 82 into application portion 84 of applicator 80. Alternatively, transition piece 90 having passageway 92 therethrough can extend through applicator 80 and beyond application portion 84. In this preferred embodiment, an annular platform 94 having a central opening therein is affixed to fiber bristles 72 forming a brush tip 74. Upper transition 97 of transition piece 90 extends through the central opening in annular platform 94. Annular platform 94 is captured between edge 96 on transition piece 90 and platform lock 95 such that annular platform 94 positions fiber bristles 72 of brush tip 74 relative to orifice 86 in application portion 84.

Referring back to FIG. 3, optional cap 14 is shown in the installed position on applicator 80 of dispensing device 10 thereby sealingly enclosing orifice 86 and application portion 84 of applicator 80. Preferably closed-end 17 of cap 14 is spaced away from and does not contact applicator 80. Cap 14 is removable, as shown in FIG. 1. An applicator rib 16 is provided on applicator 80 and a cap locking rib 19 is provided on the interior of cap 14. Cap locking rib 19 can be in the form of an intermittent or continuous protrusion. When cap 14 is installed onto the applicator 80, applicator rib 16 and cap locking rib 19 cooperate to removably affix cap 14 onto applicator 80. In order to attach cap 14 in place on applicator 80 open-end 18 (FIG. 1) engages applicator 80 such that applicator rib 16 engages with cap locking rib 19. Accordingly, a user can simply snap cap 14 into place on applicator 80 when dispensing device 10 is not in use and can also easily remove cap 14 in order to access applicator 80. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, cap locking rib 19 or applicator rib 16 deflects slightly and then returns to its normal position to ensure cap 14 stays in place until the user removes cap 14 in order to dispense the product. The interior of cap 14 is also provided with a sealing bead 15 which is positioned so as to align with sealing land 81 on applicator 80. Sealing bead 15 on cap 14 engages with sealing land 81 of applicator 80 providing sealing engagement of cap 14 and applicator 80 such that when cap 14 is installed on applicator 80 an airtight seal is created between cap 14 and applicator 80. Thus, cap 14 sealingly engages ferrule 82 on applicator 80 prohibiting any product escape or drying out of the product contained within variable volume portion 22 of dispensing device 10. Preferably, a smooth or flush contour is generated between the exterior of cap 14 and applicator 80 and housing 20 when cap 14 is in the installed position.

Assembly of dispensing device 10, as shown in FIG. 2 and 3, is easily accomplished and one can start by threadably connecting product elevator 48 to hand wheel 51. Threaded rod 46 is engaged with threaded aperture 52 in a manner that allows bottom-side 44 of piston 40 to be attached to upper-end 47 of threaded rod 46 if needed. Product elevator 48 and hand wheel 51 are then inserted into actuating end 26 of housing 20 such that groove 56 and lip 30 engage, thereby rotatably connecting hand wheel 51 in place while also positioning piston 40 within chamber 21 and forming variable volume portion 22. Care should be taken during assembly to orient resilient arms 58 for proper engagement with detents 32 in order to avoid loading or creep of resilient arms 58. Variable volume portion 22 can then be filled with product. Transition piece 90, if needed, can be placed in dispensing end 24 of housing 20 and, if needed, brush tip 74 can be installed over transition piece 90. Applicator 80 can be attached at dispensing end 24, over transition piece 90 and capturing brush tip 74, if installed. Cap 14 can also be removably attached on applicator 80.

Alternatively, assembly may also be initiated by inverting housing 20 such that actuating end 26 is facing upward and then placing piston 40 into chamber 21 of housing 20 through actuating end 26 such that bottom-side 44 is facing upward. Hand wheel 51 can then be inserted into actuating end 26 of housing 20 and upper-end 47 of threaded rod 46 can be attached to bottom-side 44 of piston 40 through cavity 59 while engaging threaded aperture 52 of hand wheel 51. Although various products such as fluids, flowable materials, semisolids, or liquids can be dispensed utilizing dispensing device 10 described herein, of particular interest are finger treatment compositions free of film- forming polymers and/or pigments. A uniform thin film is achieved when a fmger or fingernail treatment composition is dispensed and applied using this dispensing device 10.

Although particular versions and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications can be made to this dispensing device 10 without departing from the teachings of the present invention. For example, the various connections between the components can be fabricated using methods other than snapping the components together, including, threaded engagement, adhesive bonding, welding, and the like. The terms used in describing the invention are used in their descriptive sense and not as terms of limitation, it being intended that all equivalents thereof, be included within the scope of the appended claims. Other suitable embodiments can be found in U.S. Patents 5,851,079; 5,827,002 and 5,830,640, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. A particularly preferred dispensing device is the UC18C pencil available from Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha. A more detailed description of the UC18C pencil can be found in PCT application number PCT/JP99/01450, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. B. The Finger Treating Composition

The fmger or fingernail treating compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the personal cleansing compositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

The phrase "fmger or fmger nail" as used herein means the fmger nail and portion of the finger surrounding the fingernail including the cuticle and surrounding skin tissue.

The phrase "fmger disorders," as used herein includes, but is not limited to brittle nail, dry nails, peeling nails, tearing nails, cracked skin, dry skin, peeling skin, ashy skin, callous skin, and hangnail.

The phrase "safe and effective amount" as used herein means an amount of a compound or composition sufficient to significantly induce a positive benefit, preferably a moisturizing and softening benefit, more preferably the visual reduction of dryness, including independently the benefits disclosed herein, but low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e., to provide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the scope of sound judgment of the skilled artisan.

As used herein, the term "treatment" or "treating and/or preventing " means any treatment of nail or skin disorders around the nail in a mammal, including:

(i) preventing the disorder, that is, causing the clinical symptoms of the disorder not to develop; (ii) inhibiting the disorder, that is, arresting the development of clinical symptoms; and/or (iii) relieving the disorder, that is, causing the regression of clinical symptoms. The fmger treatment compositions of the present invention, including the essential and optional components thereof, are described in detail hereinafter.

Essential Components Oily Component An essential component of the present invention is an oily component. Examples of the suitable oily components include fats and oils, waxes, hydrocarbons, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, esters, essential oils, and silicone oils. Examples of the fats and oils include natural fats and oils, such as soybean oil, bran oil (rice polishing oil), jojoba oil, avocado oil, almond oil, olive oil, cacao oil, safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame oil, persic oil (apricot karnel oil), castor oil, palm oil, mink oil, tallow, and lard; hardened oils obtained by hydrogenation of these natural fats and oils; and synthetic triglycerides, such as trimyristin and glyceryl tri(2-ethylhexanoate). Examples of the wax include carnauba wax, whale wax, bees wax, and lanolin. Examples of the hydrocarbon include liquid paraffin, vaseline, paraffin microcrystalhne wax, ceresin, squalane, and pristane. Examples of the higher fatty acid include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lanolin fatty acid, and isostearic acid. Examples of the higher alcohol include lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, cholesterol, and 2-hexyldecanol. Examples of the ester include cetyl octanoate, glyceryl trioctanoate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesteryl isostearate, and polyoxyethylene (POE) sorbitol fatty acid ester. Examples of the essential oil include mentha oil, jasmine oil, camphor oil, hinoki oil, orange peel oil, ryu oil, turpentine oil, cinnamon oil, bergamot oil, mandarin oil, calamus oil, pine oil, lavender oil, bay oil, clove oil, hiba oil, rose oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, sage oil, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, citronellal, borneol, linalool, geraniol, camphor, thymol, spilanthol, pinene, limonene, and terpene compounds. Examples of the silicone oil include dimethylpolysiloxane. These oily components may be used either individually or as a combination of two or more thereof. In the present invention, it is preferred to use glyceryl myristate, glyceryl tri-(2-ethylhexanoate), lanolin, liquid paraffin, vaseline, paraffin microcrystalhne wax, squalane, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, cholesterol, cetyl octanoate, glyceryl trioctanoate, isopropyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, cholesterol isostearate, POE sorbitol fatty acid esters, mentha oil, orange peel oil, cinnamon oil, rose oil, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, citronellal, geraniol, pinene, limonene, and dimethylpolysiloxane.

The oily component preferably comprises from about 1% to about 99%, more preferably from about 50% to about 95%, most preferably from about 75% to about 90% of the fmger treatment composition. Substantially Free of Film Forming Agents

The finger treatment compositions of the present invention are preferably substantially free of film-forming agents. In general, the phrase "substantially free," as used herein, means that the level of such film forming agents is about 1% or less, more preferably about 0.5% or less, most preferably 0.1% or less, even more preferably 0% or no more than about 0.05%.

Typical film formers include, without limitation: acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymer; ammonium acrylates copolymer; Balsam Peru; polyurethane and polyurethane derivatives such as aliphatic polyether polyurethanes; cellulose gum; cellulosic polymers (e.g., cellulose esters such as nitrocellulose), ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer; hydroxyethylcellulose; hydroxypropylcellulose; polyacrylamide; polyethylene; polyvinyl alcohol; pvm/MA copolymer (polyvinyl methylether/malei c anhydride); PVP

(polyvinylpyrrolidone); maleic anhydride copolymer such as PA-18 available from Gulf Science and Technology; PVP/hexadecene copolymer such as Ganex V-216 available from GAF Corporation; acryliclacrylate copolymer; and the like. Additional examples of film formers are found in U.S. Patent 5,639,447, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that film-formers adversely affect the cuticle and skin tissue surrounding the nail. The present inventors have found that film forming polymers leave such areas of the skin feeling dry and irritated. The present invention is directed improving skin feel (i.e., softening and moisturizing the skin) and improving the overall appearance of the skin (i.e., the evening of skin tone and the reduction of the "ashy" appearance of skin). Substantially Free of Pigments The fmger treatment compositions of the present invention are preferably substantially free of pigments. In general, the phrase "substantially free," as used herein, means that the level of such coloring components or pigments is about 0.1% or less, more preferably about 0.075% or less, most preferably 0% or no more than about 0.05%.

Typical pigments include, but are not limited to organic and inorganic pigments and dyes. The organic pigments are generally various aromatic types including azo, indigoid, triphenylmethane, anthraquinone, and xanthine dyes which are designated as D&C and FD&C blues, browns, greens, oranges, reds, yellows, etc. Organic pigments generally consist of insoluble metallic salts of certified color additives, referred to as the Lakes. Inorganic pigments include iron oxides, ultramarine and chromium or chromium hydroxide colors, and mixtures thereof.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that pigments adversely affect the healthiness of the cuticle and the skin tissue surrounding the nail as perceived by consumers. Consumers typically avoid applying pigments to these areas of the skin to maintain the healthy and youthful appearance of these areas.

Optional Components

The finger treatment compositions according to the invention can contain cosmetic auxiliaries as they are conventionally used in such formulations, for example preservatives, skin care actives such as biotin, vitamin B₅ and derivatives thereof (e.g., panthenol), vitamin B₃ and derivatives thereof (e.g., niacinamide), vitamin E and derivatives thereof (e.g., tocopherol nicotinate), phospholipids, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), beta hydroxy acids (e.g., salicylic acid), vitamin A and derivatives thereof (e.g., retinoids and retinoid esters), vitamin C and vitamin D; bactericides; perfumes; foam inhibitors; thickeners; surface-active substances; emulsifiers; plasticizers; moisturizers and/or humectants; fats and waxes other than those disclosed as essential ingredients; or other conventional components of a cosmetic product such as alcohols, polyols or water; foam stabilizers; electrolytes; organic solvents or silicone derivatives. These and other suitable optional ingredients are described in detail in U.S. Patent 5,776,918, to Blank et al, issued July 7, 1998 and PCT application WO 97/39733, published October 30, 1997, to Oblong et al, both of which are herein incorporated by reference their entirety.

When water soluble materials are added to the finger treating compositions of the present invention, the composition can be in the form of water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. Preferably, the emulsion is a water-in-oil emulsion. Methods for Treating and/or Preventing Finger Disorders

The methods for treating and preventing fmger disorder involves topically applying to the finger, especially the nails a safe and effective amount of the finger treatment composition of the present invention. The amount of the composition which is applied, the frequency of application and the period of use will vary widely depending upon the level of treatment desired, e.g., in light of the progression of the fmger disorder and the rate of further clinical presentations.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition is chronically applied to the fmger, especially the fmger nail. By "chronic topical application" is meant continued topical application of the composition over an extended period during the subject's lifetime, preferably for a period of at least about one week, more preferably for a period of at least about one month, even more preferably for at least about three months, even more preferably for at least about six months, and more preferably still for at least about one year. While benefits are obtainable after various maximum periods of use (e.g., five, ten or twenty years), it is preferred that chronic application continue throughout the subject's lifetime. Typically applications would be on the order of about once per day over such extended periods, however application rates can vary from about once per week up to about three times per day or more.

A wide range of quantities of the compositions of the present invention can be employed to provide a fmger and/or fmger nail appearance and/or feel benefit. Quantities of the present compositions which are typically applied per application are, in mg composition/cm^ skin and nail, from about 0.1 mg/cm^ to about 100 mg/cm^. A particularly useful application amount is about 10 mg/cm^.

The methods of the present invention are preferably practiced by applying a composition in the form of an oil composition, or a oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion, or the like which is intended to be left on the skin for some aesthetic, prophylactic, therapeutic or other benefit (i.e., a "leave-on" composition). After applying the composition to the skin, it is preferably left on the skin for a period of at least about 15 minutes, more preferably at least about 30 minutes, even more preferably at least about 1 hour, most preferably for at least several hours, e.g., up to about 12 hours.

Examples The methods comprising the use of the dispensing device and the fmger treatment compositions of the present invention are illustrated in the following non-imiting examples. Other modifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The methods exemplified using the dispensing device and the finger treatment composition of the present invention provide improved moisturization consumer compliance with respect the fmger treating composition.

All exemplified compositions can be prepared using conventional formulation and mixing techniques. Component amounts are listed as weight percents and include minor materials such as diluents, filler, and so forth. The listed formulations, therefore, comprise the listed components and any minor materials associated with such components.

Example I A method for treating finger disorders by using the dispensing device to apply the following fmger treatment composition in the form of an oil composition.

Sunflower Seed Oil 25%

Safflower Oil 25%

Soybean Oil 25%

Olive Oil 20%

Vitamin E Tocopherol 2%

Minors (preservatives, etc.) 3%

The above components added to a stainless steel vessel and are mixed thoroughly using conventional mixing technology. The finger treatment oil is then loaded into the dispensing device and applied to the fmger, especially the nails and cuticle, using the dispensing device.

Example II A method for treating fmger disorders by using the dispensing device to apply the following fmger treatment composition in the form of an water-in-oil emulsion.

Sunflower Seed Oil 23%

Safflower Oil 23%

Soybean Oil 25%

Cetyl Dimethicone Copolyol (emulsifier) 0.5%

Water 10%

Glycerine 10%

Niacinamide 2%

Minors (preservative, etc.) 4.5%

In a stainless steel vessel equipped with a heat source, the oils (sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil) and emulsifier are mixed and heated to 150 F with stirring. In a separate stainless steel vessel, the water, glycerine, niacinamide and preservatives are added with stirring and mixed until homogeneous. The oil and water mixtures are then mixed together and cooled with agitation to room temperature. The fmger treatment emulsion is then loaded into the dispensing device and applied to the finger, especially the nail and cuticle, using the dispensing device.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for delivering and applying a nail and cuticle treatment composition for treating or preventing fmger disorders comprising the steps of :

A.) providing a dispensing device for dispensing a fmger treatment composition comprising: i.) housing defining a chamber having a dispensing end and an actuating end, said dispensing end having an application portion and said chamber having an interior surface, said application portion providing a smooth and even surface distribution of the nail and cuticle composition; ii.) a piston located within said chamber, said piston being capable of translational movement within said chamber, said piston having a top side facing towards said dispensing end of said housing and having an advancing mechanism opposite said top side, said top side of said piston forming a variable volume portion of said chamber between said chamber and said top side of said piston, wherein said variable volume portion is for storing said nail and cuticle composition; and iii.) an adjuster movably mounted to said housing and movably engaging said internal surface at said actuating end of said housing, said adjuster engaging said advancing mechanism for advancing said piston directionally toward said dispensing end; wherein the device is pre-filled with the fmger treatment composition, the fmger treatment composition comprising from 1.0% to 99% of an oily component and wherein the composition contains less than 1.0% film- forming polymer; and B.) dispensing the fmger treatment composition from the dispensing device onto the fmger or fmger nail.

2. A method for delivering and applying a nail and cuticle treatment composition for treating or preventing finger disorders comprising the steps of : A.) providing a dispensing device for dispensing a fmger treatment composition comprising: i.) housing defining a chamber having a dispensing end and an actuating end, said dispensing end having an application portion and said chamber having an interior surface, said application portion providing a smooth and even surface distribution of the nail and cuticle composition; ii.) a piston located within said chamber, said piston being capable of translational movement within said chamber, said piston having a top side facing towards said dispensing end of said housing and having an advancing mechanism opposite said top side, said top side of said piston forming a variable volume portion of said chamber between said chamber and said top side of said piston, wherein said variable volume portion is for storing said nail and cuticle composition; and iii.) an adjuster movably mounted to said housing and movably engaging said internal surface at said actuating end of said housing, said adjuster engaging said advancing mechanism for advancing said piston directionally toward said dispensing end; wherein the device is pre-filled with the fmger treatment composition, the fmger treatment composition comprising from about 1.0% to about 99% of an oily component and wherein the composition contains less than 0.1% pigment; and B.) dispensing the fmger treatment composition from the dispensing device onto the finger or fmger nail.

3. A method for delivering and applying a nail and cuticle treatment composition for treating or preventing finger disorders comprising the steps of :

A.) providing a dispensing device for dispensing a fmger treatment composition comprising: i.) housing defining a chamber having a dispensing end and an actuating end, said dispensing end having an application portion and said chamber having an interior surface, said application portion providing a smooth and even surface distribution of the nail and cuticle composition; ii.) a piston located within said chamber, said piston being capable of translational movement within said chamber, said piston having a top side facing towards said dispensing end of said housing and having an advancing mechanism opposite said top side, said top side of said piston forming a variable volume por tion of said chamber between said chamber and said top side of said piston, wherein said variable volume portion is for storing said nail and cuticle composition; and iii.) an adjuster movably mounted to said housing and movably engaging said internal surface at said actuating end of said housing, said adjuster engaging said advancing mechanism for advancing said piston directionally toward said dispensing end; and wherein the device is pre-filled with the fmger treatment composition, the finger treatment composition comprising from about 1.0% to about 99% of an oily component and wherein the composition contains less than 1.0% film-forming polymer and less than 0.1% pigment; and B.) dispensing the fmger treatment composition from the dispensing device onto the finger or finger nail.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interior surface further comprises at least one detent.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjuster further comprises a at least one resilient arm extending outwardly and engaging the detent such that the adjuster is movable in an advancing direction but not in an opposite direction.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston has a top side facing the dispensing end of the housing and having a threaded rod extending therefrom opposite the top side and wherein the adjuster is a hand wheel having a grip portion and an actuator, the actuator engaging said interior surface at said actuating end of the housing and being adapted to rotate with respect to the housing in only one direction, the actuator having a threaded aperture therethrough, the threaded rod engaging the threaded aperture such that advancement of the piston toward the dispensing end occurs when the actuator is rotated, thereby causing said product to be dispensed.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjuster further comprises lips such that said actuator is rotatable but not cannot move axially relative to the interior surface.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is a single integral component unitarily formed from a thermoplastic material.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing device further comprises an applicator attached to the dispensing end of the housing in fluid communication with said variable volume portion of said chamber, wherein the finger treatment composition is dispensed through said applicator.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the finger treatment composition further comprises a skin care active.