[Para l ] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Para 2] Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[Para 3] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 4] Commercially available hair color generally falls into one of three categories: permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. The term "permanent" generally refers to oxidative dyes, which provide hair color that lasts about four to six weeks. Oxidative hair dyes are usually sold in the form of a two component kit. In one container is an aqueous alkaline composition in the liquid, gel, or creme form that contains oxidative dyes in addition to other ingredients. In the other container is a developer composition that contains an oxidizing agent, usually hydrogen peroxide. The two components are mixed immediately prior to use and applied to hair. The peroxide in the composition causes the hair shaft to swell, permitting the dye precursors in the lotion to penetrate the hair shaft. The oxidizing agent then oxidizes the dye precursors, which then combine to form large color molecules within the hair shaft.

[Para 5] The mixture is left on the hair for an appropriate period of time, generally 20 to 60 minutes, then rinsed off with water. Oxidative dyes provide the most long lasting color because the dye molecules polymerize within the hair

shaft. However, the oxidizing agents necessary to the process sometimes cause undesirable effects on sensitive hair. Some consumers with sensitive hair note that prolonged use of oxidizing agents may cause dry, brittle, overprocessed hair. It is known in the art that oxidative hair color can be removed from the hair by applying to the hair an aqueous composition containing an oxidizing agent. However, the color removal is very inconsistent, and the oxidizing agents are prone to causing further damage to the hair.

[Para 6] Semi-permanent hair color differs from oxidative color because the dye molecules are preformed prior to application to the hair, and the size of the molecules does not change during the dye process. These molecules tend to deposit on the surface of the hair, rather than penetrating the hair shaft. Semipermanent hair color is perceived to be gentler to hair because peroxide is not used, and the dye molecules deposited on the hair surface do not affect the integrity of the hair shaft. Unfortunately, semi-permanent hair color only remains on the hair through six to twelve shampoos. As with oxidative color, semipermanent color may be removed from the hair by application of an aqueous based composition containing an oxidizing agent, however with the same drawbacks.

[Para 7] Temporary hair color is applied to the hair much in the manner of a superficial coating. It is generally removable with shampooing. Temporary hair color is most often used when a unique effect is desired for a very short period of time.

[Para 8] One drawback to prior art hair coloring techniques, particularly with permanent hair color, is that a period of regrowth of typically six to eight weeks is required before the hair can be processed again without excessive damage. As a

result, undesirable regrowth or "roots" are visible. Traditional semi-permanent and temporary hair color products are not suitable for covering the regrowth. Accordingly, a need in the art exists for a temporary or semi-permanent hair color product to cover regrowth between permanent hair coloring sessions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 9] The present invention covers hair with color (like paint) and forms a film when the solvent evaporates after application to the hair. The result is a non- transferable, water-resistant color application. In particular, the present invention is a temporary or semi-permanent hair color touch-up system. The hair color comes in matte and light-reflective or pearl shades. Thus, the present invention is directed to a hair coloring composition and an applicator for application of the composition to the hair of an individual.

[Para 10] The present coloring composition preferably includes a solvent, at least one film-producing compound, a pigment, and a pigment dispersant.

[Para 1 1 ] The hair coloring applicator preferably includes a housing, said with a continuous sidewall defining a reservoir therein, an applicator tip portion adapted to be received in an opening of said housing, the applicator tip portion having a conduit formed therein and extending across a longitudinal axis thereof, and a brush portion in fluid communication with the conduit of said applicator tip portion. The hair colorant contained within said housing is adapted to move through said conduit to said brush portion for application to a user's hair.

[Para 1 2] It is further preferred that a piston be included in the housing, the piston being moveable by any suitable means, preferably a screw portion engaged

with a turnable end portion for easy turning by the user, such that when the user turns an end of the applicator, hair colorant is forced through the conduit and onto the brush portion of the applicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an applicator constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[Para 14] Referring now to the drawing of an applicator 10 of the present invention, the applicator includes a generally cylindrical housing 1 2 having a longitudinal axis and having a first end 30 and a second end and defining a coloring composition reservoir 14 therein. Coloring composition reservoir 14 is configured to receive a coloring composition therein and extends from about the middle of housing 12 to first end 30. Coloring composition reservoir 14 is also configured to decrease in volume in response to removal of color composition from reservoir 14. First end 30 is configured to receive an applicator tip 1 6. Applicator tip 1 6 includes a housing 1 8 that is generally cylindrical at an insertion end 26 and tapers to a brush end 24. Insertion end 26 is configured to be coupled to or received within first end 30. In a preferred embodiment, first end 30 is the female end configured to receive the male insertion end 26. The inner surface of first end 30 and the outer surface of insertion end 26 may be threaded so that first end 30 and insertion end 26 may be coupled or screwed together in a secure manner. Applicator tip 16 further includes an anchoring tube (not shown) mounted therein having two ends. A brush 20 configured for applying color composition is also provided. Brush 20 is anchored or coupled to the top end of

anchoring tube and the brush extends outwardly from anchoring tube through the aperture in the brush end. A color composition conduit 28 is coupled to the bottom end of the anchoring tube. Color composition conduit 28 may have a smaller diameter than that of the anchoring tube and color composition conduit 28 extends outwardly and through the insertion end into color composition reservoir 14. Color composition conduit 28 is configured to draw the color composition from color composition reservoir 14 through color composition conduit 28 to the anchoring tube and to brush 20 so that it may be applied. A cap 40 configured to completely enclose the applicator tip and the first end is also provided.

[Para 1 5] A rotatable screw member 32 is axially disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Screw member 32 has a proximal end and a distal end and is threaded along its axis. A gear 42 is attached to the distal end of screw member 32. Gear 42 is rotatably disposed at the second end of the housing. A piston 34 is axially slidably disposed within the housing. Piston 34 has a central threaded aperture which cooperates with the screw member to move the piston axially within the housing with the relative rotation of the gear. The perimeter of piston 34 is designed to contact the inner wall of the housing in such a manner which will allow the piston to move axially within the housing. It will be evident to the skilled artisan that the degree of contact required between the perimeter of the piston and the wall of the product compartment will depend on the characteristics of the product contained within the color composition reservoir. For example, if the product is relatively non-viscous then the degree of contact will have to be greater in order to form a barrier through which the product will have difficulty passing.

[Para 16] In one embodiment of the present invention, rotatable end 38 is rotated in order to cause the rotation of gear 42. This, in turn cases piston 34 to travel along the longitudinal axis of reservoir 14, thereby forcing coloring compound in to conduit 28.

[Para 17] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a master gear is rotatably mounted to the bottom of the housing. The master gear contacts the screw member gear. The rotation of the master gear causes the screw member gear to rotate, which, in turn, causes piston 32 to slide axially within the housing through the interaction between the threaded aperture of the piston and the screw member. In another alternative embodiment, the master gear can be formed so as to wrap around and contact the screw member gear. With this embodiment, the master gear is rotatably attached to the bottom of the housing by a post which engages a recess in the bottom of the housing. With this embodiment, the master gear and the base are preferably formed as an integral unit, thereby allowing the post to extend from a dividing wall positioned between the base and the master gear.

[Para 18] The color composition of the present invention comprises de-ionized water, isododecane, cyclomethicone (cyclopentasiloxane), disteardimonium hectorite, PVP/Eicosene copolymer, VD/hexadecene copolymer, acrylates copolymer, polysilicone-7, BISPEG/PPG-20/20 dimethicone, sodium chloride, dimethicone copolyol, trimethylsiloxysilicate, pentaerytrityl tetraisostearate, propylene carbonate, phenoxyethanol, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride, carmine, ferric ferrocyanide, and various coloring agents known in the art

including, but not limited to, manganese violet Cl 77742, Red 28 Lake Cl 45410, Red 6 Cl 1 5850, and Yellow 5 Lake Cl 19140.

[Para 19] In particular, the preferred composition includes isododecane which is a liquid capable of dissolving substances. A solution with this solvent forms films when this ingredient evaporates after application to a surface. The composition also includes cyclomethicone and polysilicone-7: This is a polymer in the formula which leaves a highly substantive film on substrate with silicone-like characteristics and provides water repellency, lubricity, flexibility and gloss. The composition also includes isododecane acrylates copolymer. This is a clear, water- white liquid which dries to a glossy, continuous, hard, water-insoluble film. It is cosmetically useful in non-transfer, water-resistant, or anhydrous systems. The composition also includes VD/hexadacene copolymer: Excellent film formers and pigment dispersants. Provides water and wear resistance with moisture barrier properties. The composition also includes trimethylsiloxysilicate: This highly cross-linked silicone resin is primarily used for its film-forming properties. It is an excellent water-resistant additive and helps hold pigments in place. In hair compositions, this silicone resin provides volume and body, while imparting humidity resistance to the hair.

[Para 20] A method of making the color composition of the present invention is also provided.