JPH07173031A - Cosmetics delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a cosmetic delivery system improved in problem of environmental pollution and capable of providing excellent perception advantage comparable to conventional spraying method by a small amount. CONSTITUTION: A cosmetic agent is delivered to skin or other target area of body by using an electrostatically spraying principle. The cosmetic is electrostatically sprayed to an intended part of the body by operating an operating means 11 in an apparatus equipped with a reservoir 2 for containing the cosmetic agent to be fed which is in an electrostatically sprayable form, a delivery means 14 in communication with the reservoir 2, a high voltage generator 6 powered from an electricity source 8 and a control means 11 for selectively applying the high voltage from the generator 6 to the delivery means. A cosmetic agent having 10<4> to 10<12> ohm.cm, especially 10<6> to 10<10> ohm.cm resistivity is used as applied cosmetic agent. The preferable voltage generated by high voltage generator is 5-20 kv, especially preferably 12-18 kv.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for delivering cosmetic agents to various parts of the body. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and devices for delivering cosmetics using, for example, the skin or other target areas of the body using the principle of electrostatic spraying.

[0002]

PRIOR ART AND PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION Conventionally,
Cosmetics for application to various parts of the body are delivered by spraying, especially when the cosmetics are applied to large or non-topical areas of the body, such as the use of deodorant compositions on the skin. It is often done. Such spray methods, often referred to simply as "aerosols", generally refer to one or more of them, often with one or more other additive substances as conventionally used in personal product formulations. It relies on pressurized propellant-containing cans or manual pump-action spray devices to generate sprays of the substance to be delivered which are solutions or mixtures of cosmetic agents in the above solvents.

These known aerosol delivery systems are inefficient and represent an uneconomical use of cosmetic ingredients.
They are often bulky, heavy, and expensive,
There is noise when used. A further problem associated with these known aerosol delivery systems is that they generally have a limited sensory appeal, especially when producing cold, wet sprays. Furthermore, with these sprays, partial entrapment of the substance at the intended site is observed, and thus considerable depletion due to the loss of the cosmetic active substance and additional ingredients (if present) to the atmosphere. It will be appreciated that this may also cause unwanted atmospheric mist and air pollution to the user's eyes, or other parts of the body, resulting in respiratory or other health problems for the user.

When using propellants to generate aerosol sprays, these are often volatile organic compounds, which are detrimental to the environment and possibly harmful to health and, in fact, counteract in many countries of the world. It is now well recognized as being legislated to.

Conventional sprays also have certain targets, such as the entire area of the surface of the hair fibers, the entire area of the surface of the skin (which is not flat and shows a very rough area on a microscopic scale), or usually Or, as a result of lack of some ability, it is also not 100% applicable to areas of the body surface that are difficult to reach.

The principles of electrostatic spraying of liquid and solid substances are also known in very different technical fields. In this technique, the formulation to be sprayed is elevated to a high potential in a spray nozzle and the formulation is crushed into a spray of charged droplets. Such charged droplets seek the closest grounded object to discharge their charge, which can be positioned to be the desired spray target.

Traditionally, electrostatic spray technology has been used primarily for delivering reactive materials such as paints, adhesives, and other surface coatings, as well as pesticides and other agricultural or agrochemical formulations. It has only been proposed for large-scale industrial and agricultural applications for large-scale delivery of. Examples of disclosures in this field include British Patent Application Publication No. 1,393,3
33, British Patent Application Publication No. 1,569,707, British Patent Application Publication No. 2,092,025, European Patent Application Publication No. 029,301, European Patent Application Publication No. 253.
539, and International Patent Application Publication WO-A-85 / 00.
No. 761 is included, but the content of the description is included in the present specification by reference.

More recently, in particular application specifications other than those mentioned above, a few proposals have been made regarding the use of known principles of electrostatic spraying for delivering particular substances.

European Patent Application Publication No. 224,352 discloses
It suggests the use of electrostatic sprayers to deliver pharmaceutically active agents to the eye, as an alternative to conventional eye treatments using eye drops.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-97214 (dated 1981) is for applying a particulate (ie solid particle) colorant to the hair to effect a coating on the hair surface. Suggests the use of electrostatic spraying. The use of hair sprays instead of coloring substances has been explicitly and speculatively described, but the disclosed system is inadequate as far as consumer applicability and demands, and still remains. Some of the above disadvantages are unavoidable, especially air pollution and non-local application.

Further noteworthy is US Pat. No. 4,776,515, albeit less relevant,
It proposes an electrodynamic fine particle anion generator modified for spraying various liquids, especially water (but also alcohols), perfume, ammonia, liquid agents, and surfactants. The purpose of the disclosed system is to provide an ozone-free mist of anionized liquid particles (provided that the material to be sprayed is ionizable), and the mist produced is the device. Immediately disperses in open areas where it is manipulated, for example in rooms, thus producing a wide range of uniform aerosols, which has particular applicability to large public areas such as hospitals, restaurants and offices . Obviously, this system is unsuitable for small-scale personal use and, in many of its subjects, directly conflicts with the principle that a solution to the above-mentioned problems of the prior art must be found.

As a result of ascertaining and understanding the above problems, disadvantages and limitations of the known art, and by numerous experiments,
We have devised a system that can effectively use the principle of electrostatic spraying to deliver cosmetics to different parts of the body, and therefore such a device and method are technically efficient. A delivery method that is cost-effective, safe, has wide consumer applicability and requirements, and solves or at least improves upon many, if not all, of the problems associated with the prior art. Provided for.

[0013]

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for delivering a cosmetic agent to the body which comprises electrostatically spraying the cosmetic agent as described above onto the body. .

More particularly, the method of this aspect of the invention preferably comprises: (a) (i) a reservoir containing the cosmetic agent to be delivered in electrostatically sprayable form; and (ii) said At least one delivery means in communication with the reservoir, (iii) a high voltage generator powered by a power source, and (iv) selectively applying the high voltage from the generator to the delivery means or each delivery means And (b) actuating the control means for electrostatically spraying the delivery means or a cosmetic agent from each delivery means onto an intended site on the body. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for delivering a cosmetic agent to the body, comprising: (a) a reservoir containing the cosmetic agent in an electrostatically sprayable form; )
At least one delivery means in communication with the reservoir;
(C) a high voltage generator powered by a power source,
(D) control means for selectively applying a high voltage from the generator to the delivery means or each delivery means to electrostatically spray a cosmetic agent from the delivery means or each delivery means. Provide a device.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a combination of a device as defined above with an electrostatically sprayable composition consisting of or containing a cosmetic agent to be delivered to the body.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the cosmetic agent to be delivered is any cosmetic agent conventionally used by known aerosol spraying methods, but preferably one or more desired sensations. A drug commonly applied to the body to impart a physical benefit, preferably the benefit being associated with the olfactory, tactile or tactile sensation.

[0017] Particularly surprisingly, the novel delivery system of the present invention, as well as significant additional capture.
Effective spraying techniques to provide the body, especially on the back,
It has been found to produce unusual and unexpected sensory results upon delivery of various cosmetic actives to the feet and arms. 360
The high rap-around, high material capture, quiet, invisible, and non-wetting spray characteristics are features that are considered to be particularly novel and beneficial herein.

Accordingly, the major aspects, preferred embodiments, and various optional features and characteristics of the invention described are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The cosmetic agents delivered using the system of the present invention may be any of a wide variety of agents used to impart one or more sensory benefits to an area of the body, such as the skin, to which they are applied. Is the substance of. Preferred cosmetic agents, which may be used alone or in combination, impart deodorant, antibacterial, freshening, moisturizing, or conditioning benefits, and examples of such agents are well known in the art. Examples of official cosmetically active substances of the above type include: Deodorant-fragrance, essential oil; 2. Antibacterial agent-triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxy-diphenyl ether), chlorhexidine acetate (1,6-di-N-p-chlorophenyl diguanide hexane acetate); 3. Fresheners-ethanol, volatile hydrocarbons, volatile silicones, menthol; Moisturizers-glycerol, isoprene glycol, 2
4. Pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, 2-hydroxyalkanoic acid, and its acid-soap complex; Conditioners-silicone oils, silicone copolyols, olive oils and other vegetable oils.

Particularly useful substances to which the present invention may be applied are deodorant substances such as those found in conventional body sprays which contain one or more perfumes as the main active agent.

A particular advantage of the present invention is that it dispenses with at least some or substantially all of the additive components as conventionally used in body spray and other cosmetic spray products. It results in a simpler, cheaper, less waste delivery system (however, this is generally not the case for solvents, diluents or carriers, which are preferably still present, as explained further below). However, any such additional ingredients may be used within the scope of the invention, if desired or necessary.

Within the above summary, the cosmetic agent to be delivered in accordance with the present invention contains one or more solvents, diluents or carriers for the cosmetic agent, as known in the art. Or in the form of a composition, with or without minor amounts of one or more additional substances, as further described below. Suitable solvents, diluents or carriers are those which are soluble in, which solubilize or are compatible with the cosmetic active substance to be delivered. Examples of suitable solvents or diluents include, for example, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, phenylethyl alcohol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,2-propanediol, isoprene glycol. Examples include alcohols or polyols.

In the above-mentioned compositions for delivery according to the invention, the concentration of the cosmetically active substance can be varied within wide limits, eg the type of substance delivered, other spray parameters of the system and / or the user's. Selected by demand or desire. Suitable concentrations of active agent are from about 0.01% to about 99% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 80%.
% By weight. By way of explanation, the cosmetic active substances of the types mentioned above can be effectively used in the concentrations indicated in the amounts exemplified below.

-Deodorant: perfume 0.01-10% by weight-Antibacterial agent: 0.1-2% by weight-Refreshing agent: menthol 0.1-2% by weight Volatile oil 10-75% by weight, more preferably 10
-25 wt% Ethanol 1-99 wt% -Humectant: 0.1-30 wt% -Conditioner 1-75 wt%, more preferably 5-25 wt%.

The composition to be delivered using the present invention is
It is preferably a liquid. In addition to any solvent or diluent present in combination with the cosmetic agent, any additional substances further contained are preferably liquid at room temperature, but used in small amounts to improve the electrostatic spray properties of the composition. It may optionally be solid if it is not lost.

In the present invention, a combination of one or more active cosmetic agents may be used to deliver different cosmetic agents simultaneously from the same composition sprayed from a single delivery means of the device or from different delivery means. Are sent simultaneously.

Generally, it is an essential overall requirement for compositions useful in the present invention that they be electrostatically sprayable.

A major property of such electrostatically sprayable compositions that is usually required to be carefully selected or adjusted as needed (as discussed further below) is its resistivity. . The preferred resistivity is from about 10 ⁴ to about 10 ¹² o.
hm cm, more preferably about 10 ⁶ to about 10 ¹⁰ oh
Within the range of m cm. Perhaps a resistivity lower than 10 ⁴ could be used. Resistivities greater than about 10 ¹² , for example up to about 10 ¹⁴ or higher, may be used, but such values are difficult to measure using inexpensive and conventional resistance measuring equipment. Resistivity is generally 25 ° C
, Using standard conventional equipment and methods.

Preferably, the composition for delivery using the present invention is substantially non-aqueous or in a slightly small amount, eg less than 10% by weight, preferably 5% by weight.
Less, more preferably less than 1% by weight. This is because primarily aqueous compositions are difficult to effectively spray using electrostatic means because of their low resistivity.

As mentioned above, depending on the composition or cosmetic substance to be delivered, it is necessary to add one or more resistivity adjusting substances to adjust their resistivity. Examples of this substance and Suitable amounts are known to those skilled in the art or can be easily deduced by simple experimentation. A polar substance such as alcohol, eg ethanol, is used to reduce the resistivity of a given cosmetic agent or composition containing it, while non-polar substances such as oils and other hydrophobic substances are used to reduce the resistivity. It is preferable to raise it. Further suitable resistivity modifiers include charged species such as salts, eg sodium chloride, or salts conventionally used as buffers in personal products or pharmaceutical formulations. In general, any resistivity modifier used is preferably solubilizing or soluble in, or compatible with, the cosmetic agent or composition containing it.

In the context of the present invention, in particular in the context of a body spray containing a perfume solution dissolved in an alcohol such as ethanol, the change in resistivity with concentration of perfume is unusual and a surprising resistivity profile. Was found to occur. This is a fragrance dissolved in ethanol (HDO220, Quest International).
3) of the accompanying drawings showing the resistivity profiles of various compositions of the solution of

Surprisingly, the addition of perfume, which has a higher resistivity than ethanol, reduces the resistivity of the mixture and this behavior is present over a relatively wide range of compositions. In particular,
It is surprising that the mixture of perfume and ethanol has a resistivity lower than that of the perfume or ethanol alone.
This unexpected behavior has important consequences for the optimization of a given spray system and may, at least to some extent, dictate the selection of other spray parameters as described below. For example, these resistivity data, as well as similar data for other combinations of substances, may vary as to the given concentration of cosmetically active substance and the variability and values of other parameters of the system, such as flow rate or voltage. /
Or it may be used to predict resistivity-based electrostatic sprayability or spray characteristics, taking into account limits.

In addition to resistivity, another parameter of the composition to be sprayed that needs to be carefully selected and adjusted is viscosity.

Compositions having a wide range of viscosities are suitable for use in the present invention, but preferably the viscosities are from about 0.1 to about 50,000 mPas, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 1.
0000 mPas, more preferably about 0.5 to about 50
The range is 00 mPas (both values at 25 ° C.).
Optionally or optionally, one or more viscosity modifiers may be included. Examples of such agents include salts such as alkali metal or ammonium halides, polymers and conventional thickeners, and oils and polar oil thickeners such as cosmetic oils, waxes, glycerides, and> 20 ° C., for example. Suitable amphiphiles having a melting point are mentioned.

The hardware and electrical components and circuitry for use with the present invention can be any suitable construction and design. The electrostatic spraying approach contains numerous examples of suitable devices that may be used in the present invention, such disclosures of such devices or their particular features either alone or in combination with the spraying system of the present invention. Applied.

Examples of suitable electrostatic spraying hardware include those in the above-referenced prior art as well as the following published references: British Patent Application Publication No. 2,061,769. , British Patent Application Publication No. 2,07
3,052, European Patent Application Publication No. 031,649,
European Patent Application Publication No. 132,062, European Patent Application Publication No. 163,390, European Patent Application Publication No. 171,1
84, European Patent Application Publication No. 234,842, European Patent Application Publication No. 243,031, European Patent Application Publication No. 3
68,494, European Patent Application Publication No. 441,501.
, European Patent Application Publication No. 468,735, and European Patent Application Publication No. 468,736. All of these descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particular architectural features and designs of such devices, as well as the electrical and other operating parameters, are as required, eg, sprayed in the context of the present invention. It is selected or adjusted according to the desired functional properties, as dictated by the composition or substance to be processed, and / or as required or desired by the user.

The features of the device of the invention that are selected and / or adjusted include, for example, the voltage generated by the high voltage generator and the power supply, the electric field strength in the region of the substance delivery means, from the reservoir to the delivery means. These include the flow rate of the substance sprayed from the delivery means, the size and arrangement of the delivery means itself, and the construction and characteristics of any substance supply mechanism used between the reservoir and the outlet of the delivery means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the preferred voltage generated by the high voltage generator from the power supply is about 5
~ About 20 kilovolts, more preferably about 12 to about 18
It is in the kilovolt range. Voltages greater than 20 kilovolts, such as up to about 24 kilovolts or more, are desired, for example having a particularly low resistivity, eg about 1
It may be used for spray substances with a resistivity of less than 0 ⁶ ohm cm and / or with a particularly high flow rate, for example> 5 ml / min. The most suitable voltage for a given system depends on the material to be sprayed as well as other parameters, all of which are generally chosen to give a global optimization system. However, as a general rule, with a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention (further described below), for a given flow rate of the substance during delivery, a relatively low resistivity, eg about 10 ⁶ ohm cm. It has been found that when using a liquid substance having a resistivity of less than, a high voltage is required to maintain a fine spray with a large spray width. This is illustrated in Figure 4 ((a)-(e)) of the accompanying drawings.

The field strength involved in the spraying action of electrostatic devices is highly dependent on the applied voltage. However, the electric field strength can be controlled or adjusted, if necessary, for example by changing the arrangement or shape of the nozzle and / or the use of electric field enhancing electrodes, which are well known in the prior art cited above.

The optimum flow rate of the substance to be sprayed is often dependent on the composition of the substance to be delivered, eg the "activity" during application.
It will depend on the concentration of cosmetic ingredients. Furthermore, as already described with respect to the viscosity of the sprayable material, the suitable flow rate is selected by the particular delivery regimen and / or user habits or requirements. By way of example, a preferred flow rate of the composition for delivery according to embodiments of the present invention is from about 0.001 to about 10 ml / min, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 5 ml / min, more preferably per delivery means. The range is from about 1 to about 3 ml / min. With the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention (further described below), in order to obtain a fine spray with a high spray width, a flow rate in the latter range, ie in the range 1-3 ml / min. Was found to be the most preferred, which is generally sensory superior to the coarse and narrow equivalent sprays. This is shown in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings.
((A)-(e)).

The size and arrangement of one or more delivery means in the device of the present invention has any suitable form and is associated with other parameters in order to obtain an optimized functionalized electrostatic spray delivery system. Selected. Generally, the or each delivery means is preferably in the form of a nozzle of an insulating or semi-insulating material, such as plastic or various polymers, as is known in the art.

In the preferred form of the nozzle, the conduit for carrying the substance to be sprayed terminates in a hole at the tip of the nozzle, from which the substance is first extruded, for example as a string. , But anyway it eventually disperses as a spray of charged droplets. The pores preferably have a diameter of about 400 microns or less, more preferably about 350 microns or less. More preferably, the pore mouth is about 1
It has a diameter of 25 to about 250 microns.

The delivery means advantageously comprises metering means for providing a dosing mechanism for delivering a predetermined quantity of substance from its or each nozzle. Such advantages would be useful, for example, in conjunction with systems having controlled flow rates.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the or each delivery means is sprayed with one or more (eg more than one cosmetic agent or composition) from the same device or the same delivery means by means of the substance supply means. (E.g., if desired) to the reservoir, i.
id communication). Such a delivery means preferably comprises a hollow conduit through which the substance or composition passes, for example under the influence of capillary action. Additional or additional feed means, such as pumps, may be added, especially in systems requiring high flow rates. It may be of any suitable type, for example electrically operated, but is simple to apply pressure to the reservoir or reservoirs containing the substance or compositions to be sprayed. A simple mechanical device is more convenient whereby its contents are extruded and sent to the delivery means. Alternatively, the supply means comprises a wick, eg a porous wick, through which the substance to be sprayed and / or
Or through it, a charged spray of droplets or particles (c
A point of high electric field strength, which is dispersed as a charged spray, is reached.

As is known in the art, the device of the present invention comprises:
Preferably, a trigger for selectively applying a high voltage from the generator to the delivery means or each delivery means (i.e. manually) to electrostatically spray the cosmetic agent or composition onto the intended site of the body surface. Control means) or automatic control means.
However, any other suitable control means for automatically controlling the operation of the system may be used, and such means will be well within the skill of those in the art.

A detailed description of two preferred embodiments of the device of the present invention will now be given with reference to the accompanying FIGS.

In a first preferred embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the spray device is a hand-held unit which is easy to operate and use and suitable for personal use. To form
It is built with the same size, shape, and weight as a conventional aerosol spray. The device comprises an elongated housing 1, which is preferably insulative, i.e. made of plastic, in which the electrical and other hardware parts of the device are mounted.

At the base of the device is a cell containing a battery 8 of conventional low voltage, for example 1.5 to 12 volts, especially 9 volts, which position facilitates battery removal when needed. Can be replaced. Designated by numeral 6 is a high voltage generator, which is necessary for raising the low voltage from the battery 8, for example to the high potential necessary to carry out the electrostatic spraying of the sprayed substance. Convert to a high voltage of about 12-18 kilovolts. Suitable components of the high voltage generator 6 are well known in the art and include primarily coils or transformers for performing the voltage step-up function. If desired or necessary, various filling components of the electrically insulating material, such as shown in FIG. 1 as 7, increase the safety aspects of the high voltage device and if the device is in use. Provided to reduce undesired leakage paths to ground.

Between the battery 8 and the high voltage generator 6, one or more circuit boards 12 containing any necessary auxiliary electrical components to ensure an effective and satisfactory functionalization of the device, And between the high voltage generator 6 and the remaining electrical components of the device. Such additional circuit board or boards may be, for example, DC / AC (or vice versa).
It includes a voltage regulating means for controlling the high voltage applied to the converter as well as the substance delivery means to which the substance to be sprayed is delivered.

A reservoir 2 is mounted in the upper region of the device, this preferred embodiment being a bag-in-bag, as is known per se in the art of body products and spray devices. can type) reservoir. The in-can bag type reservoir 2 constitutes a low pressure substance supply mechanism by which the substance to be sprayed is supplied to the nozzle 14 of the device ready for medium to high flow rate spray delivery. The substance contained in the reservoir 2 to be sprayed may be any of a wide range of substances, as described above, but preferably one related to olfaction, tactile sensation when applied to the body. A composition consisting of or containing one or more cosmetic agents that provides one or more sensory benefits. In one preferred embodiment, the substance to be sprayed is naturally similar to conventional body sprays, ie a solution of perfume in a suitable solvent, eg an alcohol such as ethanol.

In fluid communication with the reservoir 2 via the conduit 16, the nozzle 14 is electrically connected to the high voltage electrical circuit of the device, so that the material in the nozzle is under electrostatic force into and out of the nozzle. , And thus to the high potential required to carry out its electrostatic spraying. The nozzle 14 is
Internal chamber 1 ending at the tip of the nozzle at the hole opening 18 where the substance in the chamber 17 emerges under the influence of electrostatic forces
Including 7. As described above, the hole opening 18 is about 125 to
Most preferably, it has a diameter of about 250 microns,
Most preferably, the flow rate of the material emerging therefrom is in the range of about 1-3 ml / min. For these flow rates, in general,
It is necessary to use a substance supply means such as a pump (not shown) to transfer the substance from the reservoir 2 to the nozzle 14 at the required rate. Generally about 1-4 psi
A positive pressure of is suitable for this.

The placement of the nozzle 14 in the region of the orifice 18 is varied in relation to the other spraying parameters in order to obtain an optimized system for the given substance to be delivered,
To be selected. For example, a nozzle tip arrangement such as that shown in FIG. 1 has a relatively high resistivity to be sprayed, eg, about 10%.
Particularly suitable for liquids with a resistivity greater than ⁷ ohm cm, this arrangement produces a very satisfactory fine, broad spray of such substances.

The device is preferably equipped with some type of cap 30 to protect the nozzle 14 and other delicate components at the top of the device from physical damage or contamination when the device is not in use. .

Shown schematically as 11 in FIG. 1 is a control means for selectively electrically pressurizing the unit for applying a high voltage to the nozzle for electrostatically spraying the substance therefrom. It is a manual trigger that configures. Like other elements of the device, the trigger 11, which is at risk of unwanted voltage leakage or shock, should be constructed and arranged in a manner known in the art to minimize such problems. preferable.

With reference to FIG. 2, which shows a schematic enlarged embodiment of the device of the invention, the main form and construction of the device are almost the same as above, except that in this case certain components The position and arrangement have been modified.

As shown diagrammatically in the figure, the reservoir 2 ′ containing the substance to be sprayed is constructed as a positive pressure substance supply device incorporating a diaphragm pump, which pump is the equivalent of the pump. Well known in the industry. Therefore,
The reservoir 2'delivers a constant supply of substance at a medium to high flow rate to a delivery nozzle 14 'ready to be delivered therefrom. As shown, a metering means 17 is provided between the reservoir 2'and the nozzle 14 'to ensure the delivery of a constant amount of substance for a given stage or period of operation of the device.

In the alternative device embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the electrical hardware components are preferably housed within the lower portion 20 of the device, which may include, for example, a reservoir containing different deliverable substances. Construct a separable module modified to easily replace, for example, a different upper portion of the device that has it.

In the described modified arrangement of the nozzle 14 ', the material tends to return the trigger as the nearest ground target to manual operation by the user, thereby reducing leakage current. With the trigger control means 11 'thus located at the tip of the device, it is ejected horizontally from it in a manner similar to conventional aerosol sprays. This behavior is not particularly desirable, and thus, in general, when grasping the device during use, the nozzle 1
It is important to increase the distance between the 4, 14 'aperture 18, 18' and the user's finger.

FIG. 2 further schematically shows another arrangement of the nozzles 14 'in the area of the apertures 18', but a certain arrangement has a relatively low resistivity, for example less than 10 ⁷ ohm cm. It has been found useful to carry out a fine, widespread spray of the substance having.

To demonstrate the advantages of the cosmetic delivery system of the present invention as compared to conventional aerosol spraying methods,
Some comparative experiments were performed as described in the examples below.

[0062]

EXAMPLE 1 A conventional "IMPULSE" aerosol perfume body spray was compared to delivery of an equivalent composition using the preferred device of the present invention. The device used had its main features corresponded to those described and described with respect to FIG. 1 of the drawings, but additionally contained means for varying various operating parameters thereof such as flow rate, voltage. The spray voltage used was 16 kilovolts and the material flow rate was 1.5 gms /
It was a minute. The sprayed material is a conventional IMPU
Of the same fragrance used for LSE body spray,
It was a 1% by weight solution dissolved in ethanol.

The two delivery methods were subjected to a one-person, two-person comparison test using 15 panelists, and the panelists performed each method on each of the seven characteristics as shown in the table below. Graded. Each spray was applied to the skin and spraying was continued for 2 seconds.

The results are shown in Table 1.

[0065]

[Table 1]

Thus, the electrostatic delivery system of the present invention was perceived as significantly quieter, less powerful and less misty than conventional aerosol delivery systems. While the cold and cold air during application was reduced, the freshness and perfume intensity after application was retained, indicating a positive advantage of the present invention when compared to the prior art. As a further advantage, the system of the present invention further demonstrated effective perfume utilization as the electrostatic spray system was delivered in a similar delivery manner at a dose of about 1/20 that of conventional aerosols.

Example 2 Example 1 was repeated, but this time using the electrostatic spraying device of the present invention at a flow rate of 3.0 gms / min and a voltage of 18 kilovolts. Equivalent two-person comparative tests on the same characteristics were conducted by 18 panelists. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0068]

[Table 2]

The above results show that the same excellent sensory benefits
Recognized and perceived at relatively high flow rates (coarse droplet size), and perfume perception when electrostatic spray dose was 1/10 of conventional aerosol compared to prior art It is close to the target.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic midline view of one preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic midline view of another embodiment of the device.

FIG. 3 This figure shows the change in resistivity when a composition of perfume solution dissolved in ethanol is used.

FIG. 4 ((a)-(e)) shows the spray width characteristics of various perfume + ethanol solutions delivered using the preferred device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 ((a)-(e)) shows the spray quality characteristics of various perfume + ethanol solutions delivered using the preferred device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Housing 2, 2'Reservoir 6 High Voltage Generator 7 Electrical Insulation Material 8 Battery 11, 11 'Manual Trigger 12 Circuit Board 14, 14' Nozzle 16, 16 'Conduit 17 Internal Chamber 18, 18' Pore 20 Device Lower part of 30 cap

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 16, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 4

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 4 This is a spray width profile of various perfume + ethanol solutions delivered using the preferred device of the present invention.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 5

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 5: Spray quality characteristics of various perfume + ethanol solutions delivered using the preferred device of the present invention.

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A method of delivering a cosmetic agent to the body, comprising electrostatically spraying the cosmetic agent onto the body. 2. The method comprises: (a) (i) a reservoir containing a cosmetic agent to be delivered in electrostatically sprayable form; and (ii) at least one delivery means in communication with the reservoir. And (iii) a high voltage generator powered by a power source, and (iv) control means for selectively applying the high voltage from the generator to the delivery means or each delivery means. 2. The method of claim 1 including providing and (b) activating the control means to electrostatically spray the delivery means or cosmetic from each delivery means to an intended site on the body. . 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cosmetic agent to be delivered is in the form of a composition containing one or more solvents or diluents. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition has a resistivity of 10 ⁴ to 10 ¹² ohm cm. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic agent is selected from deodorants, antibacterial agents, fresheners, humectants, conditioners, and mixtures thereof. 6. The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator is 5
6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, which is in the range of ~ 20 kilovolts. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the voltage is in the range of 12-18 kilovolts. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic agent is in the form of a composition sprayed at a flow rate of 0.001 to 10 ml / min. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the flow rate is in the range of 1-3 ml / min. 10. A device for delivering a cosmetic agent to the body, comprising: (a) a reservoir containing the cosmetic agent in an electrostatically sprayable form; and (b) at least one in communication with the reservoir. One delivery means, (c) a high voltage generator supplied with power from a power source, and (d) the delivery means or each delivery means by selectively applying the high voltage from the generator to the delivery means or Control means for electrostatically spraying the cosmetic from each delivery means. 11. A substance supply means for moving a cosmetic agent to be sprayed from the reservoir to the delivery means or each delivery means, between the reservoir and the delivery means or each delivery means. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 including. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the substance supply means comprises a conduit, optionally in combination with a pump. 13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the delivery means or each delivery means comprises a nozzle having a port through which the cosmetic agent should be electrostatically sprayed. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the aperture has a diameter of about 400 microns or less. 15. A device for delivering a cosmetic agent to the body, comprising: (a) a housing; and (b) a reservoir within the housing for containing the electrostatically sprayable cosmetic agent. (C) at least one having a blowhole and in fluid communication with the reservoir via a conduit optionally combined with a pump
One nozzle, (d) a high voltage generator in the housing, which is also powered by a power source, and (e) a high voltage from the generator for the nozzle or each nozzle. Control means for electrostatically spraying the cosmetic agent from the hole mouth or each hole mouth of the nozzle. 16. A combination of a device according to any one of claims 10 to 15 with an electrostatically sprayable composition consisting of or containing a cosmetic agent to be delivered to the body. 17. An electrostatically sprayable composition comprising or containing a cosmetic agent to be delivered to the body. 18. The cosmetic agent is a deodorant, an antibacterial agent, a freshener,
18. The composition of claim 17, selected from humectants, conditioners, and mixtures thereof. 19. The composition contains one or more solvents or diluents for cosmetics, together with one or more conventional additives as optional ingredients found in personal product formulations. The composition according to claim 17 or 18, which comprises: 20. A composition according to any one of claims 17 to 19 having a resistivity of 10 ⁴ to 10 ¹² ohm centimeters. 21. The composition according to claim 17, further comprising a resistivity modifier and / or a viscosity modifier. 22. Substantially non-aqueous or only 1
22. A composition according to any one of claims 17 to 21 containing less than 0% water. 23. Use of electrostatic spray to deliver a cosmetic agent to the body. 24. Use according to claim 23, using the device according to any one of claims 10-14.