WO2018129583A1

WO2018129583A1 - Improved applicator for dermatological compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2018129583A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cameron CAMPBELL; Jeffrey MOON
Original assignee: Aristan Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-15
Filing date: 2018-01-05
Publication date: 2018-07-19

Abstract

A manually operated applicator for applying a composition to the skin of a human being suitable for the self-application of artificial tanning or skin lightening compositions. The applicator is configured to be associated with the hand of the user (and may be a mitt or a glove) and comprises a reservoir portion configured to retain a volume of a liquid dermatological composition, the applicator further configured to controllably dispense a retained liquid dermatological composition to a skin surface in contact therewith. The reservoir portion may be configured to retain at least about 10 ml of a liquid dermatological composition. The applicator may have a structure and/or composition which inhibits or substantially prevents lateral migration of a dermatological composition across the applicator.

Description

IMPROVED APPLICATOR FOR DERMATOLOGICAL COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is broadly in the field of manually operated applicators for applying a composition to the skin of a human being. In particular, but not exclusively, the applicator of the present invention is suitable for the self-application of artificial tanning compositions and skin lightening compositions to the skin. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

With an increasing awareness of the dangers of sun tanning, and also sun-bed tanning, sunless tanning compositions have become very popular amongst those seeking the cosmetic advantages of a tanned skin. While commercial operations provide spray tanning services, for economic and privacy reasons many individuals prefer to perform spray tanning at home.

Various liquid sunless tanning products are available for application at home, for example dihydroxy acetone (also known as DHA, or glycerone). Applicator mitts of various types are known to be useful in the application of such compositions to the skin. Typically, the user applies the sunless tanning composition to the mitt and then spreads the composition over the skin surface with the aim of obtaining an even coverage. The mitt may be covered in a flocking which facilitates the movement of the mitt over the skin.

While the application of sunless tanning compositions using prior art mitts is generally effective, it is typically an overly time-consuming activity. Users of sunless tanning compositions are often desirous of obtaining a tanned appearance over large areas of the body, this requiring multiple dextrous manipulations of the tanning composition container and the mitt to repeatedly provide fresh composition to the mitt.

In an effort to improve mitt-based application of sunless tanning compositions, the prior art provides various contrivances configured to spray the composition onto the skin. For example, the composition may be packaged with a propellant in a spray canister, such as an aerosol spray. Release with a propellant from a canister allows the liquid product to be discharged from a small atomizing nozzle to produce a fine disbursed mist that allows for uniform application to the skin in a short amount of time. However, such products (being essentially disposable) are expensive. Apparatuses not requiring propellant have been developed for home use. However while these domestic spray tan apparatuses are generally effective in allowing for the rapid application of composition to large areas of the body, they are typically cumbersome affairs with long tubes used to convey the solution to the spray head and separate air compressors to drive the spray process. In using such prior art contrivances, the user is often restricted in his or her ability to move or ideally position the applicator, particularly during self-application. Moreover, the motorized components of existing apparatuses (such as the compressor) are typically heavy and inconvenient to move. An additional problem is that a source of electricity is required for operation.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a relatively inexpensive and rapid means to apply a sunless tanning product to the large areas of the body.

It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome a problem of the prior art to provide an improved sunless tanning composition applicator. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to applicators of the prior art.

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides an applicator for applying a liquid dermatological composition to the skin, the applicator being configured to be associated with the hand of a user, the applicator comprising a reservoir portion configured to retain a volume of a liquid dermatological composition, the applicator further configured to controllably dispense a retained liquid dermatological composition to a skin surface in contact therewith.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reservoir portion is configured to retain at least about 5 ml of a liquid dermatological composition. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reservoir portion is configured to retain at least about 10 ml of a liquid dermatological composition. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reservoir portion comprises an absorbent material configured to retain a dermatological composition therein.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the absorbent material has a cellular structure, the cells of which are configured to retain a dermatological composition therein.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the absorbent material is a sponge.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the absorbent material has a thickness of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the absorbent material has a structure and/or composition which inhibits or substantially prevents lateral migration of a dermatological composition across the applicator.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator is configured as a mitt, or a sleeve, or a glove.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator is graspable, or comprises a graspable portion, or comprises a portion retainable between two fingers.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator comprises one or more bands configured to retain the applicator against the palm side of a user hand and/or finger(s). In one embodiment of the first aspect, the reservoir portion is configured to require an action on the part of the user to dispense a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir from the reservoir.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator is configured to passively dispense a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir from the reservoir portion when applied to a skin surface.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator is configured to inhibit or prevent the hand of a user contacting a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion onto the hand of a user. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator comprises barrier means configured to inhibit or prevent dispensation of a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion onto the hand of a user. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the barrier means is a flexible liquid-impermeable layer configured so as to prevent or inhibit the contact of a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion with the hand of a user.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator is substantially devoid of any barrier means configured to prevent or inhibit dispensing of a liquid dermatological composition onto the non-hand skin of the user.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the applicator has a liquid dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is a sunless tanning composition or a skin lightening composition.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the sunless tanning composition is a substantially aqueous composition comprising dihydroxyacetone and/or a tint, or the skin lightening composition is a substantially aqueous composition comprising a hydroquinone.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is not a cream or a lotion or a gel.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is pourable.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is readily absorbable by a sponge.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <30,000 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius).

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <10,000 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <10 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius).

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of the applicator as defined by any embodiment of the first aspect and a separately packaged liquid dermatological composition.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is a sunless tanning composition or a skin lightening composition.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is not a cream or a lotion or a gel.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition is pourable.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, wherein the liquid dermatological composition is readily absorbable by a sponge.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <30,000 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius).

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <10,000 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment of the second aspect, the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <10 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius).

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for applying a liquid dermatological composition to the skin of a user, the method comprising the steps of: providing the combination as defined by any embodiment of the second aspect as defined herein, filling or partially filling the reservoir portion with the liquid dermatological composition, and contacting the applicator to a skin surface of a user so as to cause or allow the liquid dermatological composition to be dispensed onto the skin surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 A shows diagrammatically a face-on view of a highly preferred mitt-type applicator of the present applicator useful in the application of low viscosity sunless tanning and skin lightening compositions to human skin. FIG. 1 B is shows diagrammatically a side-on view of the applicator of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 1 C shows the applicator of FIG. 1 A with a user hand inserted therein, as occurs during use. FIG. 2A shows diagrammatically a cross-section of the composite material used to fabricate the mitt-type applicator shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG 2B shows diagrammatically the application of sunless tanning composition (as indicated by the arrows) to the composite material of the applicator of FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 2C shows diagrammatically the composite material of the applicator of FIG. 1 A being applied to the surface of the users skin. The movement of sunless tanning composition from the material to the skin is indicated by the arrows. FIG. 2D shows diagrammatically the composite material of the applicator of FIG. 1 B being compressed by the user hand inside the mitt. The compressive force is shown the heavier weight arrows, and the active movement of composition from the material to the skin is indicated by the lighter weight arrows. FIG. 3 show diagrammatically the result of an experiment showing containment of a tanning solution within a limited region of an applicator mitt.

FIG. 4A is a SEM micrograph of the outer surface of a sponge-like material used to fabricate an applicator.

FIG. 4B is a BSE micrograph of the outer surface of the same sponge-like material used to fabricate an applicator as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a SEM micrograph of a cross-section of a sponge-like material used to fabricate an applicator. FIG. 4D is a BSE micrograph of a cross-section of the same sponge-like material used to fabricate an applicator as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIGS 5A, 5B, and 5C are spectra showing the elemental composition at three different regions as indicated in the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims.

Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

Furthermore, it is not represented or suggested that any embodiment of the invention described herein has all advantages discussed herein, or indeed has any advantage whatsoever.

The present invention is predicated at least in part on Applicant's finding that the provision of a reservoir in a hand applicator facilitates the application of a composition (such as a sunless tanning composition) to the skin. This arrangement is particularly advantageous where the composition is to be applied to large areas of the body given that the user is not required to replenish the composition on the applicator or the skin as often as required for prior art applicators.

In the prior art, applicators typically comprise a flocked region adapted to smooth a composition over the skin. Generally, a user applies an amount of composition (which is typically formulated as a cream or a lotion) onto the flocked region or directly onto the skin and then moves the applicator over the skin so as to evenly distribute the composition. Not being provided with a reservoir, prior art applicators require the user to frequently apply more composition to the applicator or the skin so as to ensure all skin is exposed to sufficient amounts of composition. There is a tendency amongst users to avoid the need to constantly replenishing the composition by placing excessive amounts onto the applicator or skin, however this causes difficulty in the even distribution of the composition on the skin surface and typically leads to skin areas that are overly saturated. Uneven distribution of a sunless tanning composition can lead to a less than satisfactory result with some areas of skin being darker than other.

The present applicator may overcome or ameliorate such problems by allow for the user to charge the reservoir with a relatively large amount of composition, and then controllably dispensing the composition over a relatively large area of the body. The reservoir avoids the need to frequently apply further composition, whilst still allowing large areas of the body to be rapidly covered.

The reservoir portion of the present application may be any means deemed suitable by the skilled person having the benefit of the present specification for holding a liquid composition. The reservoir portion is preferably capable of retaining at least about 5 ml, 6 ml, 7 ml, 8 ml, 9 ml, 10 ml, 1 1 ml, 12 ml, 13 ml, 14 ml, 15 ml, 16 ml, 17 ml, 18 ml, 19 ml or 20 ml of composition. Each additional milliliter of composition retained by the reservoir provides incremental advantage given the reduced need to apply fresh composition for each milliliter of composition retained.

The reservoir portion is configured to controllably dispense the composition onto the skin surface. Advantageously, this overcomes the problem of excessive amounts of composition being applied to an area of skin by allowing the majority of composition to be retained away from the skin, and only applied to the skin as required. Thus, as the applicator is moved over the skin the reservoir dispenses composition when moved to a new (untreated) area of skin The reservoir may be a vessel-like contrivance such as a small tank or a bladder with the composition being controllably dispensed actively by the user through one or more outlets in the reservoir portion. An outlet may be a defined aperture or a pore, although in other embodiments the outlet may be provided by a liquid-permeable region in the reservoir wall, such as may be provided by a loosely woven material permitting the composition to seep or weep therethrough. An essentially aqueous composition may be adsorbed onto a skin surface from the reservoir with the normal hydrogen boding of water molecules causing further composition to be drawn through the outlet(s). Any capillary action provided by the outlet(s) may also facilitate the passive transfer of composition from the reservoir to the skin.

In addition or alternative to passive means, the applicator may be configured to controllably release composition by active means requiring some effort on the part of the user. For example, the reservoir may be manually compressible so as to dispense composition upon application of a compressive force by the user. In such circumstances, when the user decides that further composition is required, he/she compresses the reservoir to dispense a further amount and continues to smooth the composition over the skin.

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir comprises an absorbent material capable of absorbing the composition thereinto. The absorbent material may passively dispense the composition onto the user's skin as discussed supra in relation to vessel-like reservoirs. An advantage of many adsorbent materials is the high levels of capillarity inherent therein. For example, woven materials and cellular materials (such as sponges) absorb compositions with the assistance of capillary forces. These same forces can act to draw compositions from within and toward the external surface the absorbent material which, in use, contacts the skin such that deposition of composition onto the skin passively transports composition from inner to surface regions of the absorbent material.

In one embodiment, the absorbent material is also a compressible material, which upon application of a compressive force by the user actively dispenses composition onto skin which is in contact with the material. A particularly suitable absorbent and compressive material for use in the present applicators is a sponge. While thin sponge materials have been used in prior art sunless tanning composition application mitts, the sponge material functions not as a reservoir for the composition but instead as a material to afford structure to the mitt structure, albeit with some flexibility and softness. A flocking material or similar is typically adhered to the outer surface of the sponge material, this providing a barrier to the absorption of tanning composition into the sponge. In any event, the sponge material of prior art mitt-type applicators is made deliberately thin and is incapable of holding any significant amount of tanning composition. The present applicators provide for thicker sponge materials so as to increase the amount of composition that may be retained therein. In some embodiments, the sponge has a thickness of at least about 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 1 1 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm or 15 mm. Each additional millimeter of thickness allows for the sponge material to retain a greater amount of composition, and therefore provides incremental advantage given the reduced need to apply fresh composition for each milliliter of composition retained. Applicant has found a thickness of between about 5 mm and 7 mm is able to retain significant amounts of sunless tanning composition while still retaining some flexibility and avoiding any untoward bulkiness which may make the applicator difficult or inconvenient to use.

Sponge-type reservoir portions provide advantage is so far sponge materials readily absorb liquids when dry, or at least less than saturated. Furthermore, sponge materials readily passively dispense an absorbed liquid when placed onto a dry surface (such as untreated skin), and also actively dispense when compressed. Moreover, the amount dispensed is generally proportion to the compressive force applied. Thus, a user of the present applicator may press downwardly onto the absorbent material so as to cause the dispensing of composition onto the underlying skin. This selective use of compression or varying degrees allows for fine user control of the amount of sunless tanning composition applied to the skin.

As will be well appreciated by users, some parts of the body are more liable to take up a sunless tanning composition than others. Areas of the body having a relatively thick stratum corneum (such as the knees, elbows and ankles) tend to overly tan compared with surrounding areas. Embodiments of the present applicator which allow for some user control over the amount of sunless tanning composition applied are capable of limiting the amount of composition deposited on the knees, ankles and elbows so as to avoid aesthetically undesirable over-tanning of these areas. For example, where the reservoir portion of the applicator is a sponge the user may apply little (if any) pressure when passing the applicator over the knee, ankle and elbow areas so as to limit the amount of composition deposited thereon.

The applicator may be configured as a mitt, a glove or a sleeve so as to slip over the hand and be retained thereon during use. In these embodiments, the applicator may be configured to dispense composition from all surfaces. For example where the reservoir is an absorbent material, the absorbent material may cover the palm-side and back-side of the hand such that composition is dispensed from both sides of the hand. This arrangement is useful in self- application of composition to a user's back, which is more easily achieved by contacting the back of the hand with the back.

In other embodiments the absorbent material forms only a portion of the applicator, and may be present only in the region of the applicator that is configured to overly the palm-side of the hand. The remainder of the mitt, sleeve or glove may be comprised of a stretchable fabric which overlies the back-side of the hand and acts only to retain the absorbent material against the palm-side of the hand. Alternatively, the applicator may be dimensioned for as to be graspable by hand of the user. In such embodiments, the applicator will typically be shaped and dimensioned so as to be easily held within the palm or held with the fingers while still exposing a surface to the skin to be treated. As a further alternative, the applicator may comprise a graspable portion expressly designed for the purpose of holding the applicator in or about the hand. For example, where the reservoir is an absorbent material, a non-absorbent rigid plastic handle may be attached to a side of the absorbent material not intended to contact the skin. As another example a rigid plastic nub may be attached to the absorbent material, with the nub being shaped so as to sit snugly between two fingers.

Yet a further alternative means for retaining the applicator on or about the hand is by way of one of more bands configured to slip over the finger(s) and or palm of a user. These bands will typically be elastically deformable so as to snugly fit onto the finger(s) and or palm of a user.

As will be appreciated, sunless tanning compositions users wish to avoid contacting the palms of the hands with compositions. Palms do not naturally tan, and the appearance of tanned palms is therefore aesthetically undesirable. Accordingly, in some embodiment of the invention a barrier is provided so as to prevent contact of composition with the hand. Where the reservoir portion of the applicator is vessel-like the wall of the reservoir portion may be sufficient to provide barrier means. Where the reservoir is an absorbent material a dedicated barrier means may be provided so prevent passage of composition from the reservoir to a user's hand. Typically, a continuous, flexible, liquid-impermeable polymer layer is applied to absorbent material so as to provide the required barrier. Any barrier means is configured so as to not inhibit or prevent the dispensing of composition from the reservoir to the skin intended for treatment.

Some embodiments of the present invention are a further departure from the prior art which use sunless tanning compositions formulated as creams, lotions and the like. It is typical in the prior art for applicators to be used to apply creams and lotions to the body. Such compositions are relatively viscous, and therefore not amenable to absorption in absorbent materials such as sponge materials. Instead, these viscous materials are applied to the surface of a prior art applicator in small amounts only given the propensity for larger and more useful volumes to simply fall off the applicator surface. To a limited extent the flocking layer which is present on the surface of many prior art applicators prevents the cream or lotion from sliding off the applicator. Accordingly, in some embodiments the present applicator is devoid of a flocking layer on the surface. Some embodiments of the present applicators are configured to absorb useful amounts of low viscosity sunless tanning compositions, and therefore of limited use in the application of high viscosity compositions such as creams and lotions. Applicant has found that the use of low viscosity sunless tanning compositions in combination with applicators having a reservoir of an absorbent material allows for significant amounts of tanning composition to be retained in the applicator. It is accepted dogma in the art that low viscosity sunless tanning compositions are applied by way of a spray apparatus, the present invention departs from that dogma by proposing the use of non-spray means in application. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provides for an applicator (and preferably an applicator having an absorbent material as a reservoir portion) having a low viscosity sunless tanning composition retained in the reservoir portion. Such embodiments will typically use an aqueous solution of dihydroxyacetone as the sunless tanning composition. In addition or alternatively an aqueous solution of a tint may be used. Such solutions have a viscosity approaching that of water, and are therefore particularly amenable to absorption into the cells of sponges and other materials having spaces that aqueous compositions are capable of readily entering and exiting.

Where the applicator is used in relation to a skin lightening composition, an aqueous solution of a hydroquinone may be retained in the reservoir portion of the applicator. Such compositions have a viscosity approaching that of water, and are therefore also amenable to absorption in sponges and similar material having spaces that aqueous compositions are capable of readily entering and exiting. In one embodiment, the composition retained in the reservoir portion has a viscosity less than that of a cream, such as less than about 30,000 cp, or about 25,000 cp, or about 20,000 cp, or about 15,000 cp; all measurements taken at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, the composition retained in the reservoir portion has a viscosity less than that of a lotion, such as less than about 10,000 cp, or about 5,000 cp, or about 1 ,000 cp, or about 100 cp; all measurements taken at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius.

In one embodiment, the composition retained in the reservoir portion has a viscosity less than that approaching that of water, such as less than about 100 cp, or about 75 cp, or about 50 cp, or about 25 cp; or about 10 cp; all measurements taken at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius.

In one embodiment, the composition retained in the reservoir portion has a viscosity substantially that of water.

Given the novel use of low viscosity tanning and skin lightening compositions with wipe on applicators, the present invention further provides the combination of an applicator as described herein with a low viscosity tanning or skin lightening composition. The combination may be embodied in the form of a vendible package configured so as to ensure that the two components are sold together. The packaging may be the simple taping of the applicator to the composition, or shrink wrapping the applicator to the composition. Alternatively the two components may be placed together in a sealed plastic bag, box or clamshell container. The packaging may comprise printed instructions (within or printed thereon) to fill or partially fill the reservoir with composition, and then to contact the applicator to a body surface so as to dispense composition to the body surface. The instructions may further instruct the user to actively modulate the amount of composition deposited, optionally by varying the amount of hand pressure exerted by the user on the applicator.

The novel combination of low viscosity composition with a wipe on applicator may be embodied in a method comprising the steps of providing the combination, filling or partially filling the reservoir portion of the applicator with the composition, and contacting the applicator to a skin surface of a user so as to cause or allow the liquid dermatological composition to be dispensed onto the skin surface. The present invention has been described mainly in relation to the application of sunless tanning compositions and skin lightening compositions. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily restricted to applicators and methods useful only for applying these specific types of compositions. The invention may be extended to cover the application of any other dermatological composition that is to be applied to a large area of the body. For example, compositions comprising pharmaceutically active ingredients for the treatment of non-localized skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, hives may be applied by the present applicators and methods. Nevertheless, particular advantage is provided for the application of sunless tanning compositions (such as dihydroxyacetone and/or tints) as well described herein.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIGS. 1 A and 1 B there is generally shown a highly preferred wipe-on mitt-type applicator 10 of the present invention that is useful in the self-application of a low viscosity DHA sunless tanning composition. The applicator is comprised of two opposing portions 12, 14 each opposing portion fabricated from identical composite material (the material being more fully described infra with reference to FIG. 2). The two opposing portions are attached together about the edges by a peripherally applied adhesive (not shown) and mattress stitching 16. The two opposing portions 12, 14 are attached about the entire periphery except for one region so as to leave an opening 18 for the user's hand to insert. In this embodiment, the mitt is configured to accept only the four fingers of the hand, with the thumb intended to remain outside the mitt, as shown in FIG. 1 C. It will be noted that in this embodiment the opening edge 19 terminates such that the majority of the palm is uncovered, however all four fingers are covered.

The composite material forming the opposing portions 12, 14 is slightly elastic so as to resiliently urge against the hand to thereby lessen the opportunity for the mitt to slip off the hand during use.

The opposing portions 20, 22 of the applicator 10 comprise a flexible and compressible sponge material. The sponge material of each opposing portions 12, 14 is capable of absorbing and retaining about 10 ml of a DHA sunless tanning composition. The thickness of the sponge material is generally even, set at about 5 mm.

It will be apparent the outer surfaces of the mitt 10 present a sponge material onto which a sunless tanning composition may be poured and according absorbed thereinto. The sponge material therefore functions as a reservoir to retain a relatively large amount of tanning composition. The cellular structure of the sponge is such that the composition remains within the sponge material until the user contacts an external surface of the sponge material onto an area of skin requiring deposition of a tanning composition. Upon contact with the skin, the sponge material of the skin contacting surface exudes tanning composition onto the skin and the user proceeds to smooth the composition with the application over the skin. As the skin becomes coated with the composition, the movement of composition from the sponge material to the skin slows. The user notes that the present area of skin is effectively covered and moves the applicator 10 to a fresh area of skin. Again, movement of composition from the sponge to the skin occurs so as to saturate the fresh area of skin. This process is repeated until all skin is coated with composition or the amount of composition in the sponge material is depleted. In the latter circumstance the user will notice that the skin is no longer being effectively coated and lift the skin contacting surface of the mitt away from the skin. More tanning composition is applied to the skin contacting surface of the mitt and the skin contacting surface of the mitt is wiped again over the skin so as to deposited more composition.

A cross-section of the composite material used to fabricate the opposing portions 10, 12 is shown at FIG. 2A. The material comprises a synthetic sponge material 30, the pores of which are exposed to the environment at the outer face 32. The sponge material is flexible and slightly elastically stretchable. Applied to the opposed side of the sponge material 30 is a waterproof polymer layer 34 which acts to prevent seepage of sunless tanning composition to the inside of the mitt thereby preventing tanning of the user's hand.

In use, sunless tanning composition is applied to the outer face 32 by the user so as to saturate the sponge material 30, this being shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in FIG 2C, once saturated the user contacts the outer face 32 on the sponge material 30 onto the skin surface 36. The skin surface 36 is generally dry and so the tanning composition naturally flows onto the skin surface 34. As shown in FIG 2D the user may place pressure on the inner side of the mitt so as to cause compression of the sponge and therefore actively expel tanning composition onto the skin surface 34.

Composition containment feature of the sponge material

In some embodiments of the invention, the sponge material 30 acts not only to absorb, retain and expel a dermatological composition onto the skin, but is further configured to prevent migration of the composition across the applicator. By that configuration, composition will tend not to dissipate throughout the sponge, and instead is substantially contained within a region of the sponge material. This substantial containment of the composition may be maintained for a period of at least 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 minutes. Generally, the substantial containment need only be achieved for the period of time taken to apply the composition to the desired area of skin. Once all desired composition is applied, any dissipation through the sponge material 30 is inconsequential.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which shows the result of an actual experiment whereby a 15 ml volume of a liquid (i.e. relatively low viscosity) tanning composition was poured onto a small region of the external surface of an applicator. It was noted that as the sponge material in the small region became saturated, the composition spread across the applicator surface to form a larger region. However, when the pouring ceased, the composition ceased spreading and appeared contained within the region as marked 100. The applicator was left facing upwards It was for a period of 10 minutes, at the end of which period only minor spread of the composition beyond the border of the region 100 was observed.

The containment of composition as described above may provide advantage to a user. Composition that spreads to the periphery of a mitt applicator is essentially wasted as the user will generally expel composition from the applicator by applying force with the palm of the hand. Maintaining the composition within a central region of the mitt provides a contained reservoir of composition about the palm region of the mitt, with little of that composition in the reservoir being wasted given that that user will generally preferentially expel composition from the palm region of the applicator mitt. A corollary of the advantage described above is that the user needs to replenish the mitt with fresh composition less often. Where a user applies a tanning composition to the entire body (or at least a large proportion of the body) it is typically necessary to halt the application process at regular intervals to replenish the mitt. This is especially the case with flocked applicators which retain only small amounts of composition within the flocking. The need to replenish the mitt applicator protracts the application process, and is generally undesirable.

Embodiments of the present invention that are capable of retaining a reservoir of composition, and optionally also contain the retained composition within a small region of the mitt allows the user to extend the period of time between which the applicator must be replenished. The user has a reduced need to manipulate of the vessel holding the composition (which can be difficult where a mitt is disposed on the user's hand) and also saves the user time. Given the benefit of the present invention, the skilled person is enabled to identify materials (and particularly sponge-like materials) that function to absorb, retain, and contain a given composition. As will be appreciated, less viscous compositions will tend to dissipate across the applicator surface more readily, and will therefore where such compositions are to be used with the applicator particular attention to the issue of containment should be given.

The ultrastructure of an exemplary sponge-like material capable of absorbing, retaining and containing a low viscosity composition is shown in FIG. 4. This exemplary material was used to fabricate the applicator used in the experiment described supra the result of which is shown at FIG. 3.

The images in FIG. 4 are electron micrographs showing the cellular structure of the spongelike material. The magnifications used are indicated by scale bars shown in the images. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the surfaces of the sponge-like material, while FIGS. 4C and 4D are cross-sectional (outer surface in the upper region of the micrographs).

Each sample of material was mounted on an aluminium stub with double-sided conductive carbon tape and then iridium coated using a Cressington 208 HR sputter coater achieving an approximate thickness of 4 nm. Conductive coating is necessary to prevent charge accumulation to ensure clear images, especially for insulating or non-conducting samples.

Each sample was analysed using a Zeiss Merlin Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) operated in the secondary electron (SE) and backscatter modes (BSE) . SE images contrast topographical features and BSE contrasts atomic mass in which heavier elements such as Silicon will appear brighter such as Oxygen. Elemental semi-quantification (EDS) was achieved using an Oxford Instruments 80 mm² SSD detector. An accelerating voltage of 15 kV was used for imaging and for EDS analysis at a working distance of 8.5 mm. The detector has a beryllium window which absorbs nitrogen therefore the values for carbon and nitrogen are not to be taken as absolute and trends only of different areas to be compared. Spectra for the regions marked "Spectrum 1 ", Spectrum 2" and "Spectrum 3" in FIGS. 4C and 4D are shown as FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C respectively.

It will be noted from FIG. 4A that the sponge-like material is comprised of closely-packed cellular spaces of maximum diameter around 120 μηι. Each of the cells is in fluid communication with neighbouring cells via intercellular pores so as to form a network. The intercellular pores are variable in size. Without wishing to be limited by theory in any way, it is thought that the number of smaller intercellular pores act to restrict the flow of composition from cell-to-cell and accordingly retain the composition in a given region of the sponge-like material. Given the limited depth of the sponge-like material (i.e. along the y-axis) the migration of composition along the y-axis is naturally limited by the upper and lower surfaces of the material. However, no such limitation is proximal to composition along the y-axis or the z-axis, and in which case the pores may function to limit excessive flow of composition across the material.

It will be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An applicator for applying a liquid dermatological composition to the skin, the applicator being configured to be associated with the hand of a user, the applicator comprising a reservoir portion configured to retain a volume of a liquid dermatological composition, the applicator further configured to controllably dispense a retained liquid dermatological composition to a skin surface in contact therewith.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the reservoir portion is configured to retain at least about 5 ml of a liquid dermatological composition.

3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the reservoir portion is configured to retain at least about 10 ml of a liquid dermatological composition. 4. The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the reservoir portion comprises an absorbent material configured to retain a dermatological composition therein.

5. The applicator of claim 4 wherein the absorbent material has a cellular structure, the cells of which are configured to retain a dermatological composition therein.

7 The applicator of any one of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the absorbent material is a sponge.

8. The applicator of any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the absorbent material has a thickness of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

9. The applicator of any one of claim 4 to 8 wherein the absorbent material has a structure and/or composition which inhibits or substantially prevents lateral migration of a dermatological composition across the applicator.

10. The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 8 configured as a mitt, or a sleeve, or a glove.

1 1 . The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 13 configured to inhibit or prevent the hand of a user contacting a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion onto the hand of a user.

12. The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 14 comprising barrier means configured to inhibit or prevent dispensation of a dermatological composition retained in the reservoir portion onto the hand of a user.

13. The applicator of claim 15 devoid of flocking on an exterior surface configured to contact the skin of a user.

14. The applicator of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the liquid dermatological composition is a sunless tanning composition or a skin lightening composition.

15. The combination of the applicator of any one of claims 1 to 26 and a separately packaged liquid dermatological composition.

16. The combination of claim 27 wherein the liquid dermatological composition is a sunless tanning composition or a skin lightening composition.

17. The combination of any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the liquid dermatological composition is pourable.

18. The combination of any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the liquid dermatological composition is readily absorbable by a sponge.

19. The combination of any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein the liquid dermatological composition has a viscosity of about <30,000 cp (at 5 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius).

20. A method for applying a liquid dermatological composition to the skin of a user, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the combination of any one of claims 27 to 34,

filling or partially filling the reservoir portion with the liquid dermatological composition, and

contacting the applicator to a skin surface of a user so as to cause or allow the liquid dermatological composition to be dispensed onto the skin surface.