FR2598077A1 - Method for producing a cryogenic treating effect of the cutaneous layer and assembly for implementing this method - Google Patents

Abstract

At least one liquefied refrigerant gas (Freon), at least one non-cryogenic volatile substance (silicone) capable of solubilising one or more active (moisturising, regenerative, anti-wrinkle, etc.) substances within a pressurised receptacle 17 are packaged within the said pressurised receptacle 17. The refrigerant gas or gases form an extended phase; the resulting composition is ejected from the said receptacle 17 in the liquid state. At this moment, it is not transferred directly onto the skin which it would burn, but onto the highly absorbent surface 4 of an absorbent element 3 which is subsequently applied onto the cutaneous layer. At this moment, the refrigerant gas or gases evaporate slowly in order to cause the cryogenic effect; the non-cryogenic volatile substance or substances evaporate when the cutaneous layer returns to its normal temperature, leaving on the latter the said active substance or substances.

Description

PROCESS FOR REALIZING A CRYOGENIC TREATING EFFECT OF
SKIN COATING AND ASSEMBLY FOR IMPLEMENTATION
OF THIS PROCESS
The present invention relates to a process for applying to the skin covering at least one active substance by means of a cryogenic fluid, in order to simultaneously benefit from the well-known effect of cold on the skin, in particular for stimulating it: the present invention also relates to an assembly for implementing this method.

 We already know different types of applicators which are used in cosmetology and, more generally, for all skin treatments requiring a cryotherapeutic effect. In particular, applicators are used, which consist of a pouch containing cooled materials or cryogenic mixtures.

We also know, from French Patent No. 2,563,728, an applicator, with a cryotherapeutic effect, making it possible to massage the skin by a vaso-constricting effect followed by vaso-dilation; this applicator consists of a spherical container, provided with a flat surface to facilitate application to the skin,
This container contains a cooling mixture which is maintained at low temperature and is closed by a flexible nipple provided, at its end, with a metal cover which promotes the punctual application on the skin.

 Such cold massage applicators do not allow active substances to penetrate the skin. of the hydrating, regenerating or analog products type. Indeed, at the time of application, a wall is always interposed between the refrigerant mixture and the skin.

 Admittedly, European patent application No. 17,595 discloses cosmetic products in the form of blocks or frozen breads, directly applicable on the skin and allowing each of the multiple applications, the action; # so-constrictrices du cold added to the actual action of these cosmetic substances; this ensures rapid penetration of cosmetic products --------- into the epidermis. However, it becomes apparent, in use, that this mode of application has drawbacks: first, the blocks or cosmetic breads should be stored in a freezer; secondly, on application, a film of the substance is formed which has come into contact with the epidermis, which very quickly forms a liquid, which does not give the assurance that the active substance has actually penetrated into the epidermis.

 The present invention provides a completely original process for stimulating the epidermis, by the action of cold, while causing a dermophilic active substance to penetrate inside it. The Applicant Company has in fact discovered that by packaging, in a pressurized container, at least one liquefied refrigerant gas such as a halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon, at least one non-cryogenic volatile substance, for example of the silicone type or a cosmetically acceptable organic solvent. and at least one stimulating active substance soluble in said volatile substance, the phase consisting of --------------- by the liquefied gas (s) being very "long" (it that is to say proportionally large compared to the whole), it was possible, by transferring a dose of this composition, at the outlet of the pressurized container, onto an appropriate absorbent element, apply to the skin this element having absorbed the composition and thus obtain desired effects.

 Choosing a very "long" liquefied gas phase makes it possible to deliver, at the outlet of the pressurized container, a liquid which impregnates the absorbent element, which preferably comprises a surface made superabsorbent, for example by flocking. While the liquid substance could not be directly applied to the skin at its exit from the pressurized container, since it is at this time, due to the expansion of the gas, at a very low temperature of the order of -420C , which would burn the skin on the one hand, and would not provide a lasting cold effect on the other hand, it is observed, when there is transfer to an absorbent element, that the application of the composition on the skin becomes quite bearable, causing no burning thereof, and remains durable, because the evaporation of the liquefied gas is much slower, since it is trapped in the absorbent element.

 The following process then takes place; first, the liquefied gas slowly evaporates into the air, providing the skin, as indicated, with the bearable and long-lasting cryogenic effect; then, the film of the volatile substance which has formed on the skin disappears when it returns to its normal temperature, then leaving in place the active substances which were dissolved therein.

 The present invention therefore firstly relates to a method for applying to the skin covering at least one active substance while simultaneously causing a cryogenic treatment effect, characterized in that one conditions, inside a pressurized container of the “aerosol can” type, on the one hand, at least one liquefied refrigerant gas, on the other hand, at least one non-cryogenic volatile substance capable of dissolving said (or said) active substance (s) within said pressurized container, and finally said (or said) active substance (s), the liquefied refrigerant gas (s) forming a long phase so that the resulting composition ejected from said pressurized container comprises a quantity significant amount of gas in the liquid state, and by the fact that at the time of use, the impregnation is carried out, by the liquid jet leaving said pressurized container, with an absorbent element which is applied then on the skin coating, the refrigerant gas (es) ) liquefied (s) evaporating slowly, causing the desired cryogenic effect, and the volatile non-cryogenic substance (s) evaporating when the skin coating returns to its normal temperature, leaving on the latter said (or said) active substance (s) that it (s) contain (s).

 Preferably, the non-cryogenic substance (s) are introduced into the pressurized container, at a rate of 5 to 35% by weight, in particular from 10 to 30% by weight relative to the weight of the (or ) refrigerant gases) liquefied.

In particular, the liquefied refrigerant gas (s) is chosen from halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as by
example trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorine
difluoromethane, chloro-1 difluoro-1,1 ethane or a mixture of these
substances.

We choose in particular, as non-cryo volatile substance
gene, a volatile silicone, such as for example polydimethylsiloxane
cyclic, cited in CTFA COSMETIC INGREDIENT DICTIONARY, 3rd edition,
under the name of "CYCLOMETHICONE".

We choose, in particular, as active substance
a dermophilic substance taken from the group formed by
moisturizing, regenerating, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne agents,
anti-cellulite, hyperemiant and firming.

According to a party embodiment
particularly interesting method according to the present invention
for the application, an absorbent element is used which is
made of a plastic foam or felt material and
whose absorption and release capacities have been improved by a
flocking of its surface intended to receive the treated composition
cryogenic aunt.

It is also interesting to place the element
absorbent in a receptacle or fix said element
absorbent on a support, said receptacle and said support
being made of an insulating material and constituting with
said absorbent element an applicator device.

The present invention also relates to
a set for the implementation of the process which has just been
defined, this set being characterized by the fact that it
behaves
- a pressurized container of the "aerosol bcmbe" type containing, on the one hand, at least one liquefied refrigerant gas, on the other hand at least one non-cryogenic liquid substance capable of dissolving within said pressurized container (or them) active substance (s) intended to be applied to the skin covering and, finally, said active substance (s), the refrigerant gas (es) forming a phase "long"; and
- At least one applicator device carrying an absorbent element intended to come into contact with the skin covering, once it has been soaked with a jet of liquid composition leaving said pressurized container.

 The preferred conditions relating to the proportions of the constituents of the composition introduced into the pressurized container, as well as the preferred ingredients, have been indicated above.

 Also as indicated above, the absorbent element is placed (or can be placed) in a receptacle, or else is placed on a support, the receptacle or the support having on its face opposite to that carrying the absorbent element the means for gripping the applicator device thus formed, in particular means making it possible to hold the hand of the user placed flat on said face, these holding means being advantageously adjustable.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, the pressurized container is provided with a dispensing valve on the outlet tube of which a dispenser is fitted, the movable part of which receives a nozzle having a porous end wall in the form of a grid or lamellae, serving as
jet breaker, to allow easier distribution of the jet
liquid leaving the pressurized container on the absorbing element
bant.

To better understand the object of the present invention, there will be described in more detail below, purely by way of non-limiting example, two embodiments of an applicator device according to the present invention, with reference to the attached drawing on which - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first mode
for producing the applicator device according to the present
invention, in the position ready for application - Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device
tif-applicateur of Figure 1 - Figure 3 is a side view of the absorbent pad
of the applicator device of FIG. 1 :: - FIG. 4 shows, in perspective, the applicator of the
Figure 1, in the position it occupies to review the composition
treating cryoga'ni #, the pressurized container from which
said composition .... being also represented on
this figure 4 - figure 5 shows the applicator device and the reci
pressurized pient containing the cryogenic treatment composition in
the respective position they occupy during the impregnation
tion of the absorbent pad by a dose of said
composition - Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a dis
positive-applicator according to the present invention, said dis
positive-applicator being shown in the rest position,
placed on its face with the absorbent pad :: and - Figure 7 shows a side view of the device
applicator of Figure 6, in the position it occupies
for massage.

 Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 5, it can be seen that there has been designated by 1, as a whole, a device allowing the application to the skin covering, of a cryogenic fluid intended to provide an effect " cryotherapeutic "during application, with simultaneous deposition of a moisturizing active substance on said skin covering.

 This applicator device 1 comprises a receptacle 2 capable of receiving a wafer 3, one face 4 of which is made absorbent in order to receive a dose of the composition. The face 4 of the wafer 3, which is directed outwards in the mounting position of said wafer 3 in the receptacle 2, therefore constitutes a sole by which said applicator device 1 will be applied to the skin covering in order to following massage, cold treatment and application of moisturizer.

 The receptacle 2 is made of a flexible plastic material, which is also insulating, since said receptacle 2, containing the wafer 3 while it has received the composition, must be able to be grasped by the hand of the user, by its opposite side to said plate 3, without the user feeling the cold effect. This material can be, inter alia, plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

The receptacle 2 comprises a rectangular frame 5 rounded at the corners. The cross section of each of the branches, both longitudinal 6 and transverse
7 of the frame 5, has a surface substantially in the form of a quarter of a circle, so that a rounded external side wall 8 is formed, a flat upper wall 9 (the frame 5 being considered in the position it occupies on the Figures 1 and 2), and an internal side wall 10, perpendicular to said wall 9.

 The frame 5 has an internal rim 11, formed all along the edge delimited by the junction of the external 8 and internal 10 side walls, this rim 11 lying in a plane parallel to the upper wall 9.

 Furthermore, the latter is extended externally, by two flexible tabs 12, 13, in the form of an elongated rectangle, each connecting substantially perpendicularly and centrally, by one of its short sides, to a longitudinal branch 6 of the frame 5.

 One 12 of the flexible tabs comprises, in its end region and on its face opposite to the wall 9, the "hook" part 14a of an adjustable fastening system of the "velvet-hook" type, of which the part " velvet "14b is carried by the end zone of the opposite tab 13, on its face situated on the side of the wall 9.

 The frame 5 is completed by a shutter 15 of rectangular shape, articulated on said frame 5, along the inner upper liarete of one of its longitudinal branches 6, by a film hinge 16 coming from molding. The dimensions of the flap 15 are such that, when said flap 15 is in the folded position, for example as shown in FIG. 1, it occupies substantially the entire space delimited by the internal upper edge of the frame 5, being located in a plane substantially coincident with that of the upper wall 9 of said frame 5.

 The plate 3 also has a rectangular shape, it is made of plastic foam or felt, the face 4 of which has been made very absorbent, for example by a flocking process. Furthermore, the plate 3 is stiffened by a flat peripheral frame 3a made of plastic. In the case where the wafer 3 is made of plastic foam, the frame 3a can be formed by over-injection.

 The eemposition, which is intended to be applied to the absorbent face 4 of the wafer 3, is contained in a pressurized container 17, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 as well as in FIG. 5, on which it is presented in the position of use.

 This reluctant comprises a body 18 having a cylindrical side wall, on the upper end edge of which is fixed, by means of a crimping, a valve holder cup. In the central area of the valve holder cup, there is a valve provided with an emerging outlet tube. The valve holder cup, the valve and its scrtie tube do not appear in the drawing: they are of quite conventional structure. If the outlet tube of the valve is pushed in, the contents of the container are brought into the open air, which, in the case of the present invention, is projected out of the latter in the form of a jet of liquid, the impregnation of the wafer 3 being done with the pressurized container upside down, as can be seen in FIG. 5.

 On the body 18, comes a dispensing head 19 constituted by a fixed part 20 and by a movable part 21, the latter receiving a nozzle 22.

 A dispensing head of this type is described more fully in French patent application No. 85-19133, this is why the detailed description of this dispensing head will not be repeated here. However, it will be indicated that the end wall 23 is constituted by a grid and that the deflector device disposed upstream of this grid which is specifically described in the aforementioned patent application, could be omitted. In the case of the present invention, the dispensing head of the type shown in the drawing has the advantage of allowing, given its flared free end, to absorb a larger surface of the wafer 3 more quickly.

The composition in the container
surise 17 can be made up of a 50/50 mixture of the two
following refrigerants: trichlorofluoromethane and di
chlorodifluoromethane, to which a volatile silicone was added,
namely the product known under the name "cyclométhico
ne "defined above, in a proportion of 15% by weight per
relative to the weight of said mixture; we thus constitute a phase
very long liquefied gas. We incorporate in this mixture a
active substance with hydrating effect, in an amount of 10% in
weight compared to the weight of the "cyclomethicone" which ensures
solubilization.The composition contained in the container
pressurized 17 can also be constituted by a mixture
60/40 of the following two refrigerants: chloro-1 difluo ro-1, ethane and chlorodifluoromethane sold by the company
DUPONT de NEMOURS under the name "DYMEL", to which an organic solvent is added in a proportion of 10% by weight relative to the weight of said mixture, capable of dissolving at least one active substance with a treating effect.

 In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown another embodiment of the applicator device according to the invention. This applicator device 101 comprises, on the one hand, a rectangular plate 103, similar to the plate 3 of the first embodiment, and on the other hand, a support 102 consisting of a rectangular plate whose angles are rounded, which has a surface overall greater than that of the wafer 103 and which can be made of a material identical to that of the receptacle 2.

 Said plate 103 is fixed, for example by gluing, by its face opposite to its very absorbent face 104, to the central region 115 of the support 102, which thus constitutes protection against cold from the palm of the hand of the user, at the time of application.

 The remaining border area 105, which has the shape of a flat frame, carries, on the side opposite the plate 103, two handles 112, 113 in the shape of a U, arranged symmetrically with respect to the transverse axis of the support. 102.

Each handle 112, 113 is fixed in an articulated manner of the hinge-film type, in the middle region of the longitudinal branches 106 of said support 102 by the end edges, respectively 112c, 113c, of its arms 112a, 113a, the edges 112c, 113c being arranged substantially parallel to the transverse axis of symmetry of the support 102. Thus, the arms-112a, 113a of the handles respectively 112, 113 lie in the extension of one another, the cores respectively 112b, 113b being arranged at the opposite of each other.

 When the user wishes to perform a massage using the device according to the first embodiment described above, he introduces a plate 3 into the receptacle 2, the flap 15 of the latter being open, as shown in FIG. 2 He then introduces a wafer 3, presenting it in the manner shown in FIG. 2, until the peripheral frame 3a of said wafer comes to rest on the rim 11 of said receptacle 2. Then, it flaps the flap 15, he places a hand on said flap 15 and he fixes the flexible legs 12 and 13 to each other while ensuring their fixing, with the desired tightening, by the cooperation of the parts respectively "hook" 14a and "velvet" 14b on the palm of your hand.

By turning the hand, the user presents the super-absorbent face 4 of the wafer 3, which can receive a dose of the composition, delivered to one being liquid by the pressurized container 17, placed in the position shown in the figure 5, because the outlet jet is liquid. By pressing on the mobile part 21 which constitutes a push button, of the dispensing head 19, in the direction of the arrow F (FIG. 5), the dose of ejected liquid (M) rapidly soaks the entire surface 4 of the wafer 3 The liquefied gas constituted
by the mixture of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons is ejected from the pressurized container 17 at a temperature of the order of -420 C. The face 4 being thus soaked, the user applies the device 1 to the skin, the liquefied gas retained by the super face -absorbent 4 then evaporates very slowly above this face, causing a cold effect of the order of one minute.

 As for silicone and volatile solvents, which contain the active substance (s), they make it possible to deposit a liquid film on the skin, a film which will disappear when the skin has returned to its normal temperature. The user therefore finds a hydrated, stimulated and soft skin after prolonged contact in the cold, the hydrating agent having been able to penetrate into the skin.

 When the user wishes to perform a massage using the device according to the second embodiment described above, he slides a hand along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support 102, between the plate which carries the absorbent pad 103 and the handles 112 and 113: these are raised to occupy the position represented in FIG. 7. By turning the hand, the user has the super-absorbent face of the plate 103 and he can then proceed as indicated previously.

 It is clearly understood that the .m.odes of embodiment described above are in no way limiting and may give rise to any desirable modifications, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention, it is thus in particular that, in the case of the first embodiment described above, the shutter 15 could be independent of the frame 5 or could also have snap-in means complementary to the means carried by said frame 5; or that the handles 112, 113 of the support 102 according to the second embodiment could be fixed to the frame 105 by gluing in said frame 105.

Claims (9)

 1 - Assembly intended to apply to the skin covering at least one active substance while simultaneously causing a cryogenic treatment effect, characterized in that it comprises - a pressurized container (17) of the "aerosol can" type containing, on the one hand , at least one liquefied refrigerant gas, on the other hand, at least one non-cryogenic liquid substance capable of dissolving, within said pressurized container (17), the active substance (s) intended (s) to be applied (s) to the skin covering, and, finally, said (or said) active substance (s), the phase consisting of (or the) refrigerant gas (s) forming a long phase; and - at least one applicator device (1; 101) carrying an absorbent element (3; 103) intended to come into contact with the skin covering, once soaked with a jet of liquid composition leaving said pressurized container (17).  2 - assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the pressurized container (17), the (or the) substance (s) non-cryogeLnique (s) is (or are) present (s) at a rate of 5 to 35% by weight, in particular from 10 to 30% by weight, relative to the weight of the liquefied refrigerant gas (s).  3 - assembly according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the (or) refrigerant gas (s) liquefied (s) is (or are) chosen (s) from halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons.  4 - assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the (or) substance (s) volatile (s) non-cryogenic (s) is (or are) chosen (s) from volatile silicone derivatives .  5 - Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the (or the) active substance (s) is (or are) chosen (s) from the dermophilic substances taken from the group formed by moisturizing, regenerating, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, anti-cellulite, hyperemic and firming agents.  6 - assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an absorbent element (3 '; 103) is made of a material of the plastic foam or felt type, whose absorption and release capacities have been improved by flocking its surface (4; 104) intended to receive the cryogenic treatment composition.  7 - Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an absorbent element (3 103) is placed in a receptacle (2) or is fixed on a support (102), said receptacle (2) and said support (102) being made of an insulating material and constituting with said absorbent element (3; 103) an applicator device (1; 101).  8 - assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the receptacle (2) or the support (102) has on its face opposite to that carrying the absorbent element (3; 103) gripping means of the applicator device (1 ; 101), in particular means (12-13 112-113) making it possible to keep the user's hand placed flat on said face, said means (12-13) being able to be adjustable.  9 - assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pressurized container (17) is provided with a dispensing valve on the outlet tube of which adapts a dispensing head (19) whose movable part (21) receives an end piece (22) having an end wall (23) of relatively large dimensions, to allow easier distribution of the jet of liquid leaving the pressurized container (17) on the absorbent element (3; 103).