CA2354829A1

CA2354829A1 - Depilatory composition in sheeted substrate

Info

Publication number: CA2354829A1
Application number: CA002354829A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Valerie Dumont Dicianna
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-08
Filing date: 2001-08-08
Publication date: 2003-02-08

Abstract

A plurality of sheet-like substrates infused by an aqueous depilatory composition is enclosed in a dispensing enclosure, from which they may be removed one at a time. The depilatory composition adheres to each substrate while in the container, and transfers from the substrate when applied to the skin of a user. The aqueous depilatory composition comprises 45% to 65% by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea, 0.5% to 15% of a thioglycolate depilatory, 0.5% to 15% of a hair inhibitor, and other trace constituents such as an emollient, skin protectors, moisturizer, skin conditioners, essential oils, anti-oxidants, preservatives, sunscreen or the like. The substrates are infused by being placed in a vacuum chamber in which they can be agitated and tumbled, and the ingredients are added in a specific order at specific temperatures, with tumbling and agitation following each step for a specific period of time. The sheet-like substrates allow for easier application of the depilatory composition.

Description

DEPILATORY COMPOSITION IN
SHEETED SUBSTRATE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to sheet-like substrates such as towelettes, wipes, or the like, which are infused with a depilatory composition, and which are supplied in suitable containers such as canisters, wherein the container includes a plurality of similar sheet-like infused substrates. In particular, the present invention relates to the provision of a plurality of depilatory wipes which are supplied in a suitable sealed container to be removed therefrom by being dispensed one at a time. The present invention also relates to the formulation for a depilatory composition, and to the method of infusing the depilatory composition into sheet-like substrates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The removal of hair from the human body has received considerable attention, both for medical and for cosmetic reasons. Various methods exist to remove unwanted hair. Conventional methods focus on mechanical removal and chemical depilation, whereby unwanted hair is removed once it has already appeared above the surface of the skin. Other methods involve the prevention, suppression or retardation of hair growth, by an alteration in the rate and character of hair growth.
Mechanical methods employed for depilation include tweezing, plucking, electrolysis, laser application, shaving and X-ray techniques. Tweezing and plucking are of limited utility because their use is confined to a localized area.
Electrolysis, lasers and

2 0 X-ray techniques can be painful, and/or require the use of expensive equipment, while shaving can lead to skin irritation.
Compositions generally called "waxes" can also be used as a form of mechanical depilation. These waxes are applied to the skin in a molten state. On cooling and hardening, the wax enmeshes with the hair it contacts. The wax is then stripped from the skin, pulling out the enmeshed hair by its roots. Even though the waxing procedure is relatively long-lasting, it is generally disfavored because of the tendency to cause irritation, swelling or possible burning.
Chemical depilatory compositions are often effective in removing unwanted hair, and in particular, removing hair from larger areas on the skin. These compositions typically cleave disulfide bonds in hair keratin, causing the hair fiber to disintegrate.
Depilatory compositions are conventionally applied to the skin in the form of a cream, lotion, gel, aerosol or mousse. After sitting on the skin for a period of time, the depilatory composition, with dissolved hair remnants, is removed by suitable means, such as, for example, vigorous washing.
While these chemical depilatory compositions are widely used, they can be messy to handle and apply to the skin, and can be difficult to apply to localized areas of the skin.
Various products are currently available in the form of towelettes, or wipes, which are enclosed in an hermetically sealed, or re-sealable packages.
However, these towelettes tend to be wet; and depending on the amount of skin to be treated, there may be a necessity to open and employ several towelettes from several sealed packages.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need to develop a method to apply a chemical depilatory composition which is efficacious and which method can be used to provide 2 0 an easily administered depilatory composition to provide effective removal of unwanted hair.
Accordingly, it is an obj ect of the subject invention to provide a composition for removing hair from mammalian skin which composition can be easily administered from a towelette.
It is further object of the subject invention to provide such methods and formulations for the preparation of the depilatory towelettes.
The present invention thus provides a medium for transporting and transferring a depilatory composition to the skin, where the medium is infused with the depilatory composition, and is such that the depilatory composition will be transferred evenly to the skin of the user, or will be transferred effectively to a localized area of skin. To that end, the present invention provides a sheet-like substrate which is infused with a depilatory composition. It should be noted that composition is aqueous, and the material of the sheet-like substrate provides a transport medium for carrying the various ingredients of the depilatory composition whether or not they are soluble in the aqueous medium which is the principal component of the depilatory composition.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing sets which method comprises infusion of a plurality of sheet-like substrates with the depilatory composition, and packaging a plurality of similar sheet-like substrates, which are infused with the depilatory composition, together in a dispensing enclosure. The method provides a series of steps whereby a more even and more complete distribution of the various ingredients of the depilatory composition is achieved throughout the physical matrix of the sheet-like substrates, as discussed hereafter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART:
Wells, in United States Patent No. 4,618,344 (issued October 21,1986) describes 2 0 an aqueous depilatory composition comprising aminoguanidine and active thiol agents.
These formulations are used as creams, lotions, gels, aerosols, or the like, and may contain fillers, gelling agents, emulsifiers, emollients, thickeners, fragrances, colouring, and the like. However, these formulations are typically used in a standard fashion.
Hillebrand et al. in US Patent No. 5,897,857 (issued April 27, 1999) describes a 2 5 depilatory composition comprising sulflrydryl compounds. The formulations may be used as a liquid composition as a lotion, mousse or "milk". It is stated therein that "[S]uch liquid formulations may be formulated for use in conjunction with an applicator such as

3 a roll-bar applicator, a pad applicator, or a spray device such as an aerosol can contain[ing] propellant, or container fitted with a pump to dispense the liquid product, or a liquid-impregnated fabric, such as a tissue wipe". However, while liquid-impregnated fabrics are disclosed, no guidance is provided on the preparation of such fabrics, and in the absence of further guidance, it is contended that a liquid-impregnated fabric would be wet to the touch, and would not be suitable for storage and use in an application set, as discussed hereinbelow.
Hahn et al. also describe, in US Patent No. 6,139,850 (issued October 31, 2001) the use of formulations for reducing skin irritation attributable to chemical irritants, such as depilatory materials. The use of "pre-moistened" bandages, wipes, washcloths, or the like, is disclosed. Again, however, these materials would also feel wet to the touch since they are merely premoistened, and no guidance is provided as to the provision of a depilatory compositions which is ready for use as part of a depilatory composition application set.
Martin et al. in US Patent No. 6,203,784 (issued March 20, 2001) describe a depilatory composition containing a thixotropic agent in order to facilitate the easy removal of the depilatory from the skin, after use. The composition, however, is applied to the skin in a conventional fashion as a cream, or the like.
Tapper, in US Patent No. 6,206,869 (issued March 27, 2001) describes a hair 2 0 removal system which involves the use of a depilatory composition, in combination with an iontophoretic device to promote the delivery of the depilatory to the follicles of the user. The use of a "depilatory pad" for application of the depilatory is described, but it is stated that the use of a pad may not be suitable for depilatory compositions which are viscous or do not easily absorb into the pad. The use of low viscosity depilatory 2 5 composition having a "water-like consistency is preferred. This would essentially result in a pad which would feel wet to the touch. Further, no mention is made of a system for

4 providing depilatory pads which are readily for use in a application dispensing set as herein described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set which comprises a plurality of sheet-like substrates and a dispensing enclosure. Each of the sheet-like substrates is infused with an aqueous depilatory composition.
The plurality of sheet-like substrates is arranged in the dispensing enclosure for dispensing therefrom, one sheet at a time.
Each sheet-like substrate is such that the aqueous depilatory composition adheres to the sheet-like substrate when it is within the dispensing enclosure, and it is also such that the aqueous depilatory composition will transfer form the sheet-like substrate when it is applied to the skin of a user.
Accordingly, the present invention, in a first aspect provides, a sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set comprising of a plurality of sheet-like substrates and a dispensing enclosure;
wherein each of said sheet-like substrates is infused with an aqueous depilatory composition; and 2 0 wherein said plurality of sheet-like substrates is arranged in said dispensing enclosure for dispensing therefrom; and wherein each said sheet-like substrate is such that said aqueous depilatory composition adheres thereto when said sheet-like substrate is within said dispensing enclosure, and is such that said aqueous depilatory composition will transfer therefrom 2 5 when said sheet-like substrate is applied to the skin of a user.
In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous depilatory composition comprises 0.50 to 15% by weight of a thioglycolate. More preferably, the aqueous depilatory

5 composition comprises from 45% to 65% by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea, from 0.5% to 15% by weight of thioglycolate, from 1% to 15% of a hair inhibitor.
The depilatory composition may further comprise cosmetically acceptable and compatible additives, chosen from the group consisting of from hair inhibitors, skin protectants, acid neutralizers, emolients, emulsifiers, humectants, mositurizers, antiseptics, preservatives, skin conditioners, anti-oxidants, natural essential oils, and the like.
Still further, the depilatory composition may further comprise from 0.5% to 20%
by weight of sunscreen chosen from the group consisting of from 1% to 20% by weight of octyl methoxycinnamate, from 1% to 20% by weight of octyl salicylate, from 1% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-3, from 0.5% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-4, and mixtures thereof.
The material of the sheet-like substrates employed in the sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set, in keeping with the present invention, is preferably a material which can include woven or non-woven fabrics, paper, cellulose, or the like, and mixtures thereof.
A preferred fabric which may be used as the sheet-like substrate may comprise from 20% to 80% by weight of polypropylene (with a balance of 20 to 30%
viscous rayon), and from 20% to 80% by weight of viscous rayon (with a balance of 20 to 30%
2 0 of polypropylene.
When there is a plurality of sheet-like substrates which are arranged in the dispensing enclosure for dispensing therefrom one sheet at a time, the individual sheet-like substrates may be configured so as to be rolled in sheets which are separable at perforations between adjacent sheets, or in interleaved sheets, stacked sheets, or stacked 2 5 folded sheets.
Typically, the dispensing enclosure which is employed in keeping with the present invention may be a sealable canister which has a cruciform dispensing opening

6 formed at one end thereof, a sealable box which has a reclosable lid at the top thereof, resealable pouches having a dispensing slit on one side surface thereof, or resealable pouches having a resealable opening at one end thereof.
Typically, the sheets of the substrate are rectangular, and may have edge dimensions ranging from 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm up to 25 cm by 25 cm.
The amount of depilatory composition which is infused into the sheet-like substrate in keeping with the present invention, is preferably an amount which is sufficient to effect the depilatory effect, and will vary depending of the formulation of he depilatory. Preferably, however, the level of depilatory composition on the fabric will fall within the range of 0.015 grams per cm2 up to 0.5 grams per cm2.
The present invention also provides a preferred method for infusing a plurality of sheet-like substrates with an aqueous depilatory composition. The sheet-like substrates and the aqueous depilatory composition are as described above.
The preferred method of infusing a plurality of sheet-like substrates with the aqueous depilatory composition comprises the following steps:
(a) A plurality of sheet-like substrates is placed into a sealable vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is such that it has agitation means in the interior thereof which causes agitated movement of the plurality of sheet-like substrates when placed therein. Also, the sealable vacuum chamber is capable of being rotated about an axis so 2 0 as to cause a tumbling movement of the plurality of sheet-like substrates when they are placed therein. The sealable vacuum chamber is equipped with an injection port.
(b) The vacuum chamber is sealed.
(c) The interior of the vacuum chamber is heated to a temperature of 1 OS° C
to 115° C and is maintained at that temperature for a period of 30 to 35 minutes. During 2 5 that period of time, the sheet-like substrates in the vacuum chamber are tumbled and agitated.

7 (d) Then, the interior of the vacuum chamber is cooled to a temperature of 70°C to 75°C, where the cooling is carried out at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
(e) A vacuum is then drawn in the interior of the vacuum chamber, to a gauge vacuum in the range of 27 cm Hg to 42 cm Hg.
(f) Then, an aqueous extract of Japanese green tea is introduced into the vacuum chamber, while maintaining the temperature of step (d). Thereafter, the plurality of sheet-like substrates is tumbled and agitated for a period of 20 to 25 minutes.
(g) The interior of the vacuum chamber is then cooled to 62°C to 67°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
(h) A mixture of emolients, emulsifers, and solvents is then introduced into the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature of step (g), and the plurality of sheet-like substrates is tumbled and agitated for a period of 12 to 18 minutes.
(i) The interior ofthe vacuum chamber is cooled once again to 40°C to 50°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
(j) Then, a mixture of depilatory ingredients are introduced into the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature at that of step (i), and again the sheet-like substrates are tumbled and agitated for a period of 40 to 50 minutes.
(k) A further cooling step is carried out, cooling the interior of the vacuum chamber to a temperature of 33°C to 37°C, also at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
2 0 (1) A mixture of neutralizers are added into the vacuum chamber, in order to adjust the pH of the composition, while maintaining the temperature of step (k). Once again, the plurality of sheet-like substrates is tumbled and agitated for a period of 38 to 48 minutes.
(n) The interior of the vacuum chamber is again cooled to a temperature of 2 5 20°C to 25°C, again at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
(o) A mixture of hair inhibitors is slowly added into the vacuum chamber and mixed for 15 to 25 minutes, until the sheet-like substrates are essentially saturated.

8 (p) Thereafter, the vacuum in the vacuum chamber is relieved and the vacuum chamber is opened. The plurality of infused sheet-like substrates are then removed from the vacuum chamber for packaging in groups of pluralities thereof into dispensing enclosures therefor.
Typically, the sealable vacuum chamber has a double-walled structure, and heating is effected by injecting steam into the chamber formed by and between the two walls of the double-walled structure. Cooling is effected by injecting cool water into the same chamber.
The formulation is as described above, and may include a number of alternative and additional additives to those noted above. If those additives are to be employed, then a further step (o) is carried out as follows:
(q) After step (o), the interior of the vacuum chamber is maintained at 20 to 25°C, and any or all of the following may be added. A preferred method for addition is to added each material following by a period of 6 to 10 minutes of mixing/infusion between additions:
Disaccharides Camelia Oleifera Extract Aloe vera Extract Allantoin 2 0 Barrier Repair Complex (BRC) Sodium Lactate Sodium PCI
A mixture of: Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, and Lactic Acid 2 5 Sodium Silicate A mixture of Tredecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate

9 Tocopheryl Acetate Boron Nitride A mixture of Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate; and A mixture of essential oils Any of the above ingredients listed above may be added, and preferably, all are added. When added, however, the ingredients are preferably added in the order in which they are listed above. After these ingredients have been added, the wipes with the infused depilatory composition are removed from the vacuum chamber.
The depilatory composition might also comprise a sunscreen in which case the sunscreen is preferably introduced into the vacuum chamber during step (h).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Embodiments of this invention will now be described by 2 0 way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a typical vacuum chamber of the sort employed to carry out the methods of the present invention.

10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following discussion.
As noted above, the present invention provides a plurality of sheet-like substrates in a dispensing enclosure, where the sheet-like substrates are each infused with a depilatory composition.
Essentially, the nature of the sheet-like substrate is well known, comprising woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, paper, cellulose, and mixtures thereof.
These sheet-like substrates are commonly used in towelettes and wipes of various kinds, such as those which may be available in hermetically sealed, individual packages that are distributed in restaurants and the like for cleansing one's hands after a meal. Other typical uses for such sheet-like substrates are in wipes that axe used particularly during the care of an infant - such as when the diaper of the infant is being changed - as well as in many medical and surgical situations where an antiseptic is to be wiped onto the surface of the skin.
A typical fabric composition which is employed in sheet-like substrates such as those used in the present invention will comprise from 20% up to 80% by weight of 2 0 polypropylene, and/or from 20% up to 80% by weight of viscous rayon. Such polypropylene/viscous rayon fabrics are resistant to tearing, but have a physical structure, whether woven or non-woven, such that they may be infused with a liquid such as the aqueous depilatory composition of the present invention.
The present invention contemplates that at least two - and more generally, a 2 5 plurality in the order of 15, 30, or 50 - sheet-like substrates infused with the depilatory composition will be sold in a single dispensing enclosure as a depilatory composition

11 application dispensing set. The depilatory composition can then be conveniently applied to parts of the body where removal of unwanted hair is desired.
It should be noted that the user will likely regularly use the depilatory composition as hair re-growth occurs, and that the depilatory composition might be applied to small localized areas of the body, or may be applied to larger areas of the body. Accordingly, the user can be provided with a plurality of dispensing enclosures, each of which may contain one or more sheet-like substrates, or it may also be appropriate to supply to the user a plurality of sheet-like substrates in a single dispensing enclosure.
Since the sheet-like substrates of the present invention have been infused with the aqueous depilatory composition of the present invention, they are damp to the touch; but the present invention provides a method whereby the depilatory composition will not migrate away from the sheet-like substrate until such time as it is applied to the skin so as to transfer from the sheet-like substrate onto the skin of the user. This fact also permits the provision of a plurality of sheet-like substrates in a dispensing enclosure, but the dispensing enclosure is generally such that it can be sealed so as to preclude evaporation.
The nature of the dispensing enclosure, or container, is also one which is well known from the cleansing wipe industry. Essentially, similar or identical containers can 2 0 be used, and they typically are in the form of a circular or oval cylinder, a rectilinear box, or a pocket pouch. Typically, if a cylindrical dispensing enclosure is employed, it is sealable by having a hinged closure which covers a cruciform dispensing opening through which the sheet-like substrate or towelette extends for dispensing one at a time.
Those sheet-like substrates are dispensed from a roll, from the inside to the outside of the 2 5 roll, and are typically separated by perforations between each towelette on the roll. In other forms, such as a sealable box having a reclosable lid, the sheet-like substrates are typically placed in the manner of interleaved sheets or stacked sheets. Other dispensing

12 enclosures include pouches which may have a dispensing slit on one side surface thereof, or a resealable opening at one end thereof, through which the sheet-like substrates are again dispensed one at a time. Typically, the sheet-like substrates are folded and stacked when placed into a pouch.
The size of the sheet-like substrate may vary, although typically the shape is such as to be rectangular. A common size is 12.7 cm by 20.3 cm (5 inches by 8 inches), although other sizes may be employed. The sheet-like substrates may be as small as 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm (approximately 3 inches by 3 inches), and they may be as large as 25 cm by 25 cm (approximately 10 inches by 10 inches).
The depilatory composition is an aqueous composition, and its principal ingredients include the following:
~ 45% to 65% by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea ~ 0.50 to 15% by weight of a thioglycolate ~ 1 % to 15% of a hair inhibitor A listing of possible ingredients of use in the preparation of the depilatory compositions of the present invention, is provided, in Table 1. However, it should be noted that other, similar materials may be substituted. By way of example only, a 2 0 preferred formulation, with optional ingredients that might be used, in any combination thereof, is listed in Table 2.
The purpose of each of the ingredients which is used, either as a required ingredient or optionally, is now described:
Aqueous extract of Japanese green tea is a compound which contains ferric 2 5 ferrous salt, and a salt of an alkali metal. Indeed, ferric salt is added to an aqueous solution of a strong acid, and then a salt of an alkali metal or compound containing a metal is added. A typical mixture may be a stable mixture of ferric ferrous chloride,

13 which is known to have great absorption abilities. The absorption abilities are also enhanced by the polyphenolic compounds of Japanese green tea. The stable mixture controls ionization, and is also a mineral enhanced and fortified substance that contains catechins. The aqueous extract of Japanese green tea increases the activity of the other ingredients which are found in the depilatroy composition formulation.
Calcium, potassium and sodium thioglycolate are the salts of Thiglycolic Acid and are used almost exclusively in depilatory creams and lotions.
Barium sulfide is used in depilatories as a base.
Cysteine HCl is an amino acid that is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
Thiglycerin is used in depilatories and lotions.
Proline Plant Enzymes contain a secondary amino group and is a main component of Collagen.
Dithiothreitol is an effective hair inhibitor that is used in depilatories.
Saw Palmetto Extract, Willow Herb Extract, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Yarrow Extract and Papain Extract are hair inhibitors and skin protectants.
Calcium hydroxide, Sodium hydroxide and Lithium hydroxide are bases used in the formulation.
Cetearyl Alcohol is an emulsifying agent and stabilizing wax.
2 0 Butylene glycol has an antimicrobial action and acts as a humectant.
Other ingredients can be used in the formulation of the depilatory compositions of the present invention, and their functions are as generally set out in Table 1.
Various natural essential oils ofthe sort known in the cosmetics industry may also be employed.
2 5 The present invention also contemplates the further addition of a sunscreen in the amount of from 0.5% to 20% by weight, in the self tanning composition. The sunscreen may, itself, be chosen from the group which consists of from 1 % to 20% by weight of

14 methoxycinnamate, from 1 % to 20% by weight of octyl salicylate, from 1 % to 10% by weight of benzophenone-3, from 0.5% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-4, and mixtures thereof.
Turning now to Figure 1, which shows the principal features of an apparatus which is used to infuse a plurality of sheet-like substrates with an aqueous depilatory composition, in keeping with the present invention, the following discussion is directed to the process by which the plurality of sheet-like substances is infused with the aqueous depilatory composition wherein the depilatory composition is the formulation set out in Table 2.
The apparatus 10 comprises a sealable vacuum chamber 12 having a sealable hatch or cover 14. The specific structure of the vacuum chamber 12 is outside the scope of the present invention. However, typically, the cover 14 may be hinged at 16, with a latch 18 being provided to ensure that the cover or hatch 14 remains in a sealed and locked position, when necessary.
Typically, the vacuum chamber is a double-walled structure, having an interior wall 20 and an exterior wall 22. In essence, the vacuum chamber 12 comprises a cylinder having wall 20 being placed inside a cylinder having wall 22, with a chamber 24 being formed between the walls 20 and 22.
Steam may be injected into the chamber 24 through pipes 26 and 28, under 2 0 control of valve 30, from a source of steam 32.
The interior of the vacuum chamber 12 may be evacuated by a vacuum pump, not shown, and suitable gauges 34, 36 are employed to indicate the level of vacuum and the temperature of the interior of the vacuum chamber 12, respectively.
Various ingredients may be introduced into the vacuum chamber through such 2 5 as a funnel 38 or any other convenient injection port, as is well known.
The vacuum chamber 12 is conveniently mounted on such as a stand 40, which is provided with an appropriate motor or other drive means 42 to rotate the vacuum chamber 12 about an axis 44. This provides a tumbling action, whereby a plurality of rolls or stacks of sheet-like substrates 46, shown in the interior of the vacuum chamber 12, has a tumbling movement imparted thereto. The tumbling motion of the vacuum chamber 12 may be continuously in one or the other direction about the axis 44, or alternately in one direction and then in the other direction, all as indicated at double arrow 50.
Within the interior of the vacuum chamber 12 there is an agitator structure 52 -typically, a centrally disposed vertical rod 60 having a plurality of arms 62 extending perpendicularly therefrom and disposed radially at varying angles around the rod 60. An appropriate motor means or other drive means 54 is provided to impart an agitation or oscillatory movement to the agitator structure 52, first in one direction and then the other about its axis, as indicated by double arrow 56.
The operation of the apparatus 10 is fairly simple: a plurality of stacks or rolls of sheet-like substrates, as shown at 46, is placed in the interior of the vacuum chamber 12, and various steps which are described below are carried out after the vacuum chamber 12 is closed and sealed by closing the cover 14. Various constituents of the depilatory composition - all of which are flowable in one form or another - are inserted such as through the injection port 38. The interior volume of the vacuum chamber 12 may be heated by introducing steam into the chamber 24, and cooling of the interior of the 2 0 vacuum chamber 12 is effected by releasing steam and/or by introduction of suitable cooling gases or liquids, into the chamber 24. Such arrangements are outside the scope of the present invention, and are such that they are dictated by the precise structure of the vacuum chamber 12.
The first step is to place a plurality of rolls or piles 46 of sheet-like substrates into 2 5 the interior of the vacuum chamber 12, which comprises step (a) described as follows:
(a) Placing a plurality of sheet-like substrates in a sealable vacuum chamber 12, wherein the sealable vacuum chamber has agitation means 52 in the interior thereof to cause agitated movement of the plurality of sheet-like substrates 46 when placed therein, wherein the sealable vacuum chamber is capable of being rotated about an axis 44 so as to cause a tumbling movement of the plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates which are placed in the interior of the vacuum chamber 12, and wherein the sealable vacuum chamber 12 has an injection port 38.
This is followed by step (b), sealing the vacuum chamber.
Step (c) then requires that the interior of the vacuum chamber be heated to a temperature of 105°C to 115°C, and maintained at that temperature for a period of 30 to 35 minutes. During that period of time, the plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates in the interior of the vacuum chamber 12 is tumbled and agitated as shown by double arrows 50 and 56.
At this time, the plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates has been sterilized, and the sheet-like substrates have been conditioned to allow them to be infused with the ingredients of the depilatory composition, as described hereafter.
Step (d) then follows: the interior of the vacuum chamber is cooled to a temperature of 70°C to 75°C at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
This is followed by step (e), which draws a vacuum into the interior of the vacuum chamber to a gauge vacuum which is in the range of 27 cm Hg to 42 cm Hg.
After the vacuum has been drawn in step (e), step (f) comprises the introduction 2 0 of the aqueous extract of Japanese green tea into the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature which was established during step (d). The plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates in the interior of the vacuum chamber is tumbled and agitated, this time for a period of 20 to 25 minutes.
Step (g) then follows, wherein the interior of the vacuum chamber 12 is cooled 2 5 once again, to a temperature in the range of 62°C to 67°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.

Step (h) then follows. A mixture of Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Ceteareth 20, Stearyl Alcohol, Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Octyl Salicylate is sprayed into the vacuum chamber 12. The plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates is then tumbled and agitated at the temperature established in step (g) for a period of 12 to 18 minutes.
Step (i) then follows, in which the interior of the vacuum chamber is cooled once again to a temperature of 48°C to 52°C, at a rate of 5°
per 15 minutes.
Then, step (j) comprises the introduction of a mixture of Calcium Thioglycolate, Potassium Thioglycolate, Sodium Thioglycolate, Thiolactic Acid, Thiglycolic Acid, Barium Sulphide, Cysteine Hcl and Thioglycerin are added to the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature which was established in step (i); and once again tumbling and agitating the plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates for a period of 40 to 50 minutes.
Step (k) then follows, in which the interior of the vacuum chamber is cooled once again; this time to a temperature of 32°C to 37°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes.
This is followed by step (1), in which a mixture of Calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide is slowly sprayed into the vacuum chamber 12, while, once again, maintaining the temperature of the interior of the vacuum chamber at the temperature established in step (k). The plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates is tumbled and agitated for a period of 38 to 48 minutes.
2 0 In step (n), which follows, the interior of the vacuum chamber is cooled to a temperature of 20°C to 25°C, once again at a rate of 5°C
per 15 minutes. A mixture of Proline Plant Enzymes, Dithiothreitol, Saw Palmetto, Willow Herb, Pumpkin Seed, Yarrow and Papain Extracts is slowly sprayed onto the wipes, and mixed for a period of 12 to 28 minutes.
2 5 In step (o), while maintaining a temperature of 20°C to 25°C, the following ingredients are added in sequence, followed by a 6 to 10 minute mixing/infusion period between additions:

Disaccharides Camelia Oleifera Extract Aloe vera Extract Allantoin Barrier Repair Complex (BRC) Sodium Lactate Sodium PCI
A mixture of: Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, and Lactic Acid Sodium Silicate A mixture of Tredecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate Tocopheryl Acetate Boron Nitride A mixture of Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate; and A mixture of essential oils Thereafter, in step (p), the vacuum in the vacuum chamber is relieved, the vacuum chamber is opened, and the plurality of infused sheet-like substrates is removed 2 0 from the interior of the vacuum chamber 12 for packaging in groups of pluralities thereof into the appropriate dispensing enclosures therefore. Typically, the infused sheet-like substrates which have become wipes or towelettes infused with the depilatory composition, are handled by forceps or other appropriate material handling apparatus.
As noted above, there may be a number of other constituents that are optionally 2 5 included in the formulation of the self tanning composition which is to be infused into the plurality 46 of sheet-like substrates.

The quantity of each of the ingredients which are used, that is put into the vacuum chamber 12 during the various steps described above, is such that the amount of the depilatory composition which infuses into each sheet-like substrate is preferably, in the aggregate, in the range of 0.015 g/cmz to 0.5 g/cm2. More preferably, the range of depilatory composition is in the range of from 0.05 to 0.022 g/cm2. For example, with a load of 4500 to 5000 sheets of 12.7 cm by 20.3 cm size, from 20 to 25 total kilograms of the ingredients of the depilatory formulation are infused into sheet-like substrates.
The present invention has therefore provided a set of sheeted depilatory composition-infused sheet-like substrates, which are provided in a dispensing enclosure therefore, from which the infused sheet-like substrates are dispensed one sheet at a time.
The specific depilatory composition, including ranges of constituents thereof, and including optional additional constituents, has been described and explained.
A method has also been taught by which the plurality of sheet-like substrates is infused with the depilatory composition. Once the sheet-like substrates have been infused with the depilatory composition, the depilatory composition is stable within the matrix of the sheet-like substrate until it is transferred to the skin by having the sheet-like substrate - the wipe or towelette - applied to the surface of the skin.
The present invention has also provided a method for manufacturing the plurality of sheet-like substrates having the depilatory composition infused therein.
The method 2 0 is fairly time consuming, but results in an extremely stable product which can be easily handled and applied by the user.
However, it should be noted that other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Also, it should be noted that throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Table 1 INGREDIENTS: ~ PURPOSE RANGE

Aqueous 1=xtract of JapaneseAnti-OxidantlAnti-Irritant45.0 - 65.0 Green Tea Calcium Thioglycolate Depilatory 0.50 - 5.00 Potassium Thioglycolate Depilatory 0.50 - 5.00 Sodium Thioglycolate D~pilatory ~ 0.50 - 5.00 Thiolactic Acld Depilatory 0.50 - 5.00 Thioglycolic Acid . Depilatory 0.50 - 5.00 Barium Sulfide Depilatory ~ 0.50 - 5.00 Cysteine NCI Depilatory 0.25 - 2.50 Thioglycerin Depilatory 0.25 - 2.50 Proline Plant Ezymes Hair InhibitorlExfoliant 1.00 - 5.00 Dithivthreitol Hair Inhibitor 1.00 - 5.00 Saw Palmetto Botan.IHair InhibitorlSkin1.00 -5.00 Prot~ctant Willow Herb Botan.IHair lnhibitorlSkin1.00 - 5.00 Protectant Pumpkin Seed Botan./Hair InhibitorlSkin1.00 - 5.00 Proteciant Yarrow Extract Botan,IHair InhibitorlSkin1.00 . 5.00 Protectant Papain Extract Botan.lHair InhibitorlSkin1.00 - 5.00 Protectant Calcium Hydroxide Neutralizer 0.50 - 5.00 Sodium Hydroxide Neutralizer 0.50 - 5.00 Lithium Hydroxide Neutralizer 0.50 -5.00 Cetearyl Alcohol EmollientJEmuIsifierlOpacifier1.00 -3.00 Butytene Glycol Solubiliz~rl5olvent 1.00 - 5.00 Ceteareth-20 EmollientJEmulsifier 1.00 - 5.00 Sodium Silicate pH Stabilizer 0.50 - s.50 Disaccharides EmollientlHumectant 0.50 - 2.50 Camellia Oleifera Extract BotanicaIISkin Protector 0.50 - 5.00 Aloe Vera Extract BotanicallSkin Protector 0.50 - 5.00 Ailantoin Soothing 0.50 -1.00 BRC (Barrier Repair Complex)Botanical Skin Repair Complex0.50 -1.50 Sodium Lactate Moisturizer 0.20 - 2.00 Sodium PCA Moisturizer 0.20 - 2.50 Glycine Amino Acid 0.20 -1.00 Fructose Amino Acid 0.20 -1.00 Urea Moisturizer 0.20 -1.00 Niacinamide Vitamin B (Skin Stimulant)0.20 -1.50 Inositol Moisturizer 0.10 - 2.00 Sodium Benzoate AntisepticlPreservative 0.10 -1.00 Lactic Acid ExfoliantlMoisturizer 0.10 - 2.00 Octyl Methoxycinnamate Sunscreen 1.00 - 7.50 Octyl Salicylate Sunscreen 1.00 - 7.50 Stearyl Alcohol Emollient/Emuisifier 0.50 - 2.50 Tridecyl Stearate Skin Conditioner 0.10 -2.50 Neopentyl Glycol Skin Conditioner 0.10 -1.50 DicapryfatelDicaprate Skin Conditioner 0.10 -2.00 Tridecyl Trimellitate Skin Conditioner 0.10 -1.00 Tocopheryl Acetate Anti-Oxidant 0.10 - 2.50 Boron Nitride LubricitylSunscreen 0.10 -3.00 Geranium Oil Natural Essential OiI 0.05 - 0.75 Cypress Oil Natural Essential Oil 0.05 - 0.75 Chamomile Oil Natural Essential Oil 0.05 - 0.75 Lavender Oil Natural Essential Oil 0.05 - 0.75 Diazolidinyl Urea Preservative 0.05 - 0.10 lodopropynyl Butyicarbamate Preservative O.OS - 0.10 Table 2 INGREDIENTS: °l° Why Aqueous Extract of .lapanese Green Tea 52.65 Calcium Thioglycolate 2,00 Potassium Thiogtycolate . 1.00 Sodium Thioglycolate ' 1.25 Thiolactic Acid 0.75 Thioglycolic Acid 0.50 Barium Sulfide '4 0.50 Cysteine HC) 0.25 Thioglycerin 0,25 Proline Plant Ezymes 3.00 Dithiothreito) 3.00 Saw Palmetto Willow Herb Pumpkin Seed ____~___________M______________________w_______2.50 Yarrow Extract Papain Extract Calcium Hydroxide 3.00 Sodium Hydroxide 2.00 Lithium Hydroxide 1.00 Cetearyl Alcohol 1.50 Butylene Glycol 5_00 Ceteareth-20 1.85 Sodium Silicate 1.75 Disaccharides 1.00 Camellia Oleifera Extract 1.00 Aloe Vera Extract 1.00 Allantoin 0.75 BRC (Barrier Repair Complex) 0.75 Sodium Lactate 0.75 Sodium PCA 0.50 Glycine 0.50 Fructose 0.50 U rea 0.50 Niacinamide 0.50 Inositol 0.50 Sodium Benzoate 0.25 Lactic Acid 0.25 Octyl Methoxycinnamate 3.00 Octyl Salicylate 2.00 Stearyl Alcohol O.gS
Tridecyl Stearate 0.25 N~opentyl Glycol 0.25 DlcaprylatelDicaprate 0.15 Tridecyt Trimellitate 0.25 Tocopheryl Acetate 0.15 Boron Nitride 0.50 Geranium Oil 0.10 Cypress Oii 0.10 Chamomile Oil 0.10 Lavender Oil 0.10 Diazolidinyl Urea 0.05 iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate 0.05

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set comprising of a plurality of sheet-like substrates and a dispensing enclosure;
wherein each of said sheet-like substrates is infused with an aqueous depilatory composition; and wherein said plurality of sheet-like substrates is arranged in said dispensing enclosure for dispensing therefrom; and wherein each said sheet-like substrate is such that said aqueous depilatory composition adheres thereto when said sheet-like substrate is within said dispensing enclosure, and is such that said aqueous depilatory composition will transfer therefrom when said sheet-like substrate is applied to the skin of a user.

2. A sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said aqueous depilatory composition comprises 0.50 to 15% by weight of a thioglycolate.

3. A sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said aqueous depilatory composition comprises from 45% to 65% by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea, from 0.5% to 15% by weight of thioglycolate, from 1% to 15% of a hair inhibitor.

4. A sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said sheet-like substrates are arranged in said dispensing enclosure so as to be dispensed one sheet at a time.

5.. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 1, wherein said depilatory composition comprises 45.0 to 65% by weight of an aqueous extract of Japanese Green Tea, 0.5 to 5.0% each by weight of Calcium thioglycolate, Potassium thioglycolate, Sodium thioglycolate, Thiolactic acid, Thioglycolic acid, Barium sulfide, Cysteine HC 1, and Thioglycein and cosmetically acceptable and compatible additives chosen from 1.0 to 5.0% each by weight of Proline Plant Enzymes, Dithiothreitol, Saw Palmetto Extract, Willow Herb Extract, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Yarrow Extract and Papain Extract.

6. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 1, wherein said depilatory composition further comprises from 0.5% to 20% by weight of sunscreen chosen from the group consisting of from 1% to 20% by weight of octyl methoxycinnamate, from 1% to 20% by weight of octyl salicylate, from 1% to 10%
by weight of benzophenone-3, from 0.5% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-4, and mixtures thereof.

7. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 1, wherein the material of said plurality of sheet-like substrates is chosen from the group consisting of woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, paper, cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

8. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 5, wherein said fabrics have a composition which comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of polypropylene, and from 20% to 80% by weight of viscose rayon.

9. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sheet-like substrates is arranged in a manner chosen from the group consisting of a plurality of sheet-like substrates rolled in sheets which are separable at perforations therebetween, interleaved sheets, stacked sheets, and stacked folded sheets.

10. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 9, wherein said dispensing enclosure is chosen from the group consisting of sealable canisters having a cruciform dispensing opening formed at one end thereof, sealable boxes having a reclosable lid at the top thereof, resealable pouches having a dispensing slit on one side surface thereof, and resealable pouches having a resealable opening at one end thereof.

11. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 1, wherein each one of said plurality of sheet-like substrates is rectangular, and has a size in the range of 7.5 cm by 7.5 cm up to 25 cm by 25 cm.

12. The sheeted depilatory composition application dispensing set of claim 9, wherein each one of said plurality of sheet-like substrates is infused with an amount of said aqueous self-tanning composition in the range of 0.015 g/cm2 to 0.022 g/cm 2.

13. A method of infusing a plurality of sheet-like substrates with an aqueous depilatory composition;
wherein each of said plurality of sheet-like substrates has a surface area in the range of from 55 cm 2 to 625 cm 2;
wherein the material of said plurality of sheet-like substrates is chosen from the group consisting of woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, paper, cellulose, and mixtures thereof;
wherein each one of said plurality of sheet-like substrates is infused with an amount of said aqueous self-tanning composition in the range of 0.015 g/cm 2 to 0.022 g/cm 2; and wherein said aqueous depilatory composition comprises from 45% to 65%
by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea, from 0.5% to 15% by weight of thioglycolate, from 1% to 15% of a hair inhibitor.
wherein said method comprises the steps of:
(a) placing a plurality of sheet-like substrates in a sealable vacuum chamber, wherein said sealable vacuum chamber has agitation means in the interior thereof to cause agitated movement of said plurality of sheet-like substrates when placed therein, wherein said sealable vacuum chamber is capable of being rotated about an axis so as to cause a tumbling movement of said plurality of sheet-like substrates when placed therein, and wherein said sealable vacuum chamber has an injection port;
(b) sealing said vacuum chamber;
(c) heating the interior of said vacuum chamber to a temperature of 105° C
to 115° C, and maintaining that temperature for a period of from 30 to 35 minutes, while tumbling and agitating said plurality of sheet-like substrates;
(d) cooling said interior of said vacuum chamber to a temperature of 70° C
to 75° C, at a rate of 5° C per 15 minutes;
(e) drawing a vacuum in the interior of said vacuum chamber to a gauge vacuum in the range of 27 cm Hg to 42 cm Hg;
(f) introducing said aqueous extract of Japanese green tea into said vacuum chamber while maintaining said temperature of step (d), and tumbling and agitating said plurality of sheet-like substrates for a period of 20 to 25 minutes;
(g) cooling said interior of said vacuum chamber to a temperature in the range of 62° C to 67° C, at a rate of 5° C per 15 minutes;
(h) introducing a mixture of emolients, emulsifers, and solvents into the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature of step (g), and tumbling and agitating the plurality of sheet-like substrates for a period of 12 to 18 minutes.

(i) cooling the interior of the vacuum chamber to 40°C to 50°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes;
(j) introducing a mixture of depilatory ingredients into the vacuum chamber while maintaining the temperature at that of step (i), and tumbling and agitating the sheet-like substrates for a period of 40 to 50 minutes;
(k) cooling the interior of the vacuum chamber to a temperature of 33°C
to 37°C, at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes;
(1) introducing a mixture of neutralizers into the vacuum chamber, in order to adjust the pH of the composition, while maintaining the temperature of step (k), and tumbling and agitating the plurality of sheet-like substrates for a period of 38 to 48 minutes;
(n) cooling the interior of the vacuum chamber to a temperature of 20°C
to 25°C, again at a rate of 5°C per 15 minutes;
(o) introducing a mixture of hair inhibitors into the vacuum chamber and mixing for 15 to 25 minutes, until the sheet-like substrates are essentially saturated; and (p) relieving said vacuum, opening said vacuum chamber, and removing said plurality of infused sheet-like substrates therefrom for packaging in groups of pluralities thereof into dispensing enclosures therefor.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said sealable vacuum chamber has a double-walled structure, and step (c) is carried out by injecting steam into the chamber formed by and between the two walls of said double-walled structure.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said mixture of emolients, emulsifiers and solvents comprises a mixture of Cetearyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Cetearet-20, and Stearyl alcohol.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein said depilatory ingredients comprise calcim thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate, sodium thiogylcolate, thiolactic acid, thioglycolic acid, barium sulfide, cysteine HCl or Thioglycerin, or mixtures thereof.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein said neutralizers comprise calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein said hair inhibitors comprise proline plant enzymes, dithithreitol, Saw Palmetto extract, Willow Herb extract, Pumpkin seed extract, Yarrow extract or Papain extracts, or mixtures thereof.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said depilatory composition further comprises from 0.5% to 20% by weight of sunscreen chosen from the group consisting of from 1 to 20% by weight of octyl methoxycinnamate, from 1% to 20% by weight of octyl salicylate, from 1% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-3, from 0.5% to 10% by weight of benzophenone-4, and mixtures thereof;
wherein said sunscreen is introduced into said vacuum chamber during step (h); and wherein said plurality of sheet-like substrates are tumbled and agitated for a period of from 28 to 38 minutes.

20. The method of claim 13 additionally comprising the addition of further additives to the depilatory composition after step (o), and mixing and agitating the sheet-like substrate for a period of from 6 to 10 minutes after the addition of each substrate, wherein the further additives are selected from the group consisting of Disaccharides, Camelia Oleifera Extract, Aloe vera Extract, Allantoin, Barrier Repair Complex (BRC), Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCI, a mixture of: Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, 29 Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, and Lactic Acid, Sodium Silicate, a mixture of Tredecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, and Tridecyl Trimellitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Boron Nitride, a mixture of Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate; and a mixture of essential oils.