HAIR REMOVAL STRIPS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to epilatory strips for removing unwanted hair.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to epilatory strips for removing unwanted hair from skin, especially from human bodies. Various means are known for removing unwanted hair from skin, such as shaving, plucking, and depilation that normally is understood to involve using a cream which contains substances that dissolve or weaken hair follicles by chemical means, and epilation that is normally understood to involve the mechanical pulling of hair from the skin.

Epilation can involve an electro-mechanical device that plucks large numbers of hairs at a time, or can involve manual means, where an adhesive substance is applied to the hairy skin in the form of a layer, and then the layer adhering to the hair is pulled away, removing the hair along with it. This manual process is often known as "waxing", as it traditionally involved applying hot wax to the skin and hair, allowing the wax to cool, and then quickly pulling the wax layer off the skin along with the unwanted hair. Often cloth or paper strips are applied to the wax while it is hot, to assist with its removal. An alternative approach is known as "sugaring" where a sticky paste is prepared from sugar, honey, molasses, and the like, which is spread on the hairy skin using a spatula. A strip of cloth or paper is then applied, and the strip is quickly pulled off, removing the trapped hairs embedded within the sticky sugar matrix.

Commonly in these approaches a composition may be warmed if necessary and then applied to the skin, for example by means of a spatula or other applicator. Strips of fabric or a non-woven material such as paper are then applied so that they adhere to the epilatory composition. The strips are then pulled sharply to remove the epilatory material and hair from the skin. Alternatively, an epilatory compo sition may be warmed and applied to the skin by means of an applicator. The composition is then allowed to set or harden and then pulled sharply to remove the epilatory material and hair from the skin without the necessity of applying a strip of fabric or the like.

More recently, some "cold waxing" formulations have come to be used, which normally utilise the two traditional methods, using waxes that soften or melt with body heat, and/or sticky sugar mixtures. It is known to provide the formulation already preformed on a backing strip, generally sandwiched between two sheets of paper or similar backing; which are pealed apart before use to expose the sticky layer on one side of each of the backing layers. A typical wax strip of this type is shown in FIG. 1, where a typical such strip (1) is shown, having a sticky "wax" layer (2) sandwiched between two backing strips (3). There is an unwaxed portion (4) around the periphery to allow the two backing strips (3) to be gripped before being pulled apart, so as to expose the wax layer (2) on each.

In use, a person would peel away the sheets apart, press the wax- containing side of the strip firmly onto an area to be plucked, and then rapidly pull one end of the strip sharply away from the area. The hairs trapped in the wax composition are removed from the treated area ideally along with all of the composition, still attached to the remaining backing strip. Commonly, the user will re-use the strip, which would have a reduced, but still effective ability to remove hair, when reapplied to the same or different skin.

For example, United States patent no. 6336462 describes a template that may be formed from surgical tape or other suitable material, having an opening cut therein in the shape of an eyebrow. The template may have a

low-tack adhesive coating on one side, or a depilatory coating, or one of each on both sides of the substrate. When used for waxing, the depilatory coating is applied to the region around the shape of the eyebrow to be left after the depilation procedure. The depilatory coating may be a heat- activated composition, or a pressure-activated composition. The templates may be provided in pairs or in rolls of groups of pairs.

United States patent no. 3470877 describes a method for removing hairs from the skin by placing a very thin layer of pressure sensitive fluid adhesive on the skin, which encapsulates the individual hairs to be removed. A second layer of higher viscosity pressure sensitive fluid adhesive is then pressed against the first adhesive layer after which the second adhesive is peeled away from the skin, which carries away the hairs and the fluid adhesive.

United States patent no. 2425696 a simple and inexpensive device, which may be self-applied by ordinary persons without any assistance, and which requires no treating apparatus, no timing or metering equipment and no heating, moistening or other pre-treatment. The device serves to remove all hair from a given area of skin instantly, completely and painlessly, without cutting, shearing or chemically dissolving or degenerating the hair tissue, but by uprooting each hair as a unit.

However, there are problems with these previously known approaches. Often a residue of the sticky substance is left behind on the skin, which is messy and detracts from its appeal to users. This messiness is possibly the result of the relatively thick layer of wax used with these products. Also, the thick layer of wax apparently increases the pain experienced by the person when the strip is ripped off of the skin. A product with a thinner layer of wax would reduce these problems identified with previously known products.

Also, the previously known kinds of products were often presented to purchasers in easy to open cardboard boxes instead of in a hygienic,

- A - waterproof, and tamper-proof packaging, which is also an area where such products can be improved. The cardboard packaging can allow the product to degrade, especially in moisture containing environments, such as a bathroom, for instance. There would therefore likely be advantages in providing a hygienic and water-proof package for the improved strip. Also, a packaging that is easy to transport, and is convenient and easy to use would have advantages in the marketplace.

In addition, previously available products have been designed to work in the same way for all users, sometimes with variations according to the type of skin the user has, such as oily or dry skin. It has now been found that a better result is obtained, if a product is designed especially for the type of hair the user has; such as fine or coarse hair. Products formulated and designed for specific hair types will work better than the single type of product in previously known hair removal products.

Therefore it would be advantageous to provide an improved epilatory strip that may overcome at least some of the disadvantages of previously known approaches in this field, or that would provide a useful alternative.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an epilatory strip for removing unwanted hair from skin which comprises a support layer and a peel-off protective layer covering at least the adhesive coating. The support layer has an adhesive coating adhered thereto. The adhesive being adapted to attach to hair. The coating covers a substantial portion of the area of the support layer and includes aloe vera and/or vitamin E. The peel-off protective layer is able to be removed prior to application on to skin.

Preferably, the adhesive coating layer includes aloe vera in an amount of from 0 to 25% by weight and/or vitamin E in an amount of from 0 to 25% by weight.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an epilatory strip for removing unwanted hair from skin which comprises a support layer and a peel-off protective layer covering at least the adhesive coating. The support layer has an adhesive coating adhered thereto. The adhesive being adapted to attach to hair. The coating covers a substantial portion of the area of the support layer and includes a colouring agent. The peel-off protective layer is able to be removed prior to application on to skin.

Preferably, the colouring agent is present in an amount of from 0% to 10% by weight and if present, renders the adhesive layer blue or green.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an epilatory strip for removing unwanted hair from skin which comprises a support layer and a peel-off protective layer covering at least the adhesive coating. The support layer has an adhesive coating adhered thereto. The adhesive being adapted to attach to hair. The coating covers a substantial portion of the area of the support layer and is between 0.2mm and 0.05mm thick. The peel-off protective layer is able to be removed prior to application on to skin.

Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises an admixture of a resin component, an oil component and a polymeric component. The resin component is a hydrocarbon resin, Colophonium, or mixtures thereof; the oil component is liquid paraffin; and the polymeric component is a styrene/isoprene copolymer.

Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises an admixture of (i) a hydrocarbon resin in an amount of 40-80% by weight, (ii) Colophonium in an amount of from 20 to 60 % by weight, (iii) liquid paraffin in an amount of from 20 to 60% by weight, relative to the whole weight of the adhesive

layer, and (iv) styrene/isoprene copolymer is present in an amount of from 1 to 25% by weight, and the weights selected to equal 100%.

Preferably, the adhesive layer includes beeswax present in an amount of from 0 to 25% by weight.

The epilatory strip of the invention is preferably packaged in a hygienic, waterproof and airtight pouch. The airtight pouch has discrete section on at least one edge that contains a hole adapted to allow the pouch to be retained on retaining means, for display at a point of sale. Most preferably, the pouch is a clear plastic pouch.

Preferably, the support layer is a thin layer of a transparent plastics material, which is less than 100 micron in thickness and is most preferably either about 23 micron or about 50 micron thick. The support layer is preferably a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) polyester film.

The protective layer is preferably a thick layer of paper or a plastics material and is opaque. The protective layer has a non-stick coating on its surface in contact with the adhesive layer and is most preferably a siliconised paper of about 30gsm to 75gsm.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of enhancing the shelf life of an epilatory strip, which comprises packing the epilatory strip within an airtight plastic pouch.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of removing unwanted hair from skin, which comprises taking an epilatory strip, removing the protective layer from the strip, applying the strip to the skin containing unwanted hair with the adhesive layer in contact with the unwanted hair, and removing the strip, which plucks at least some of the unwanted hair from the skin. Preferably, the

application is carried out only once with each strip and the application is carried out in the direction of hair growth, and the removal is carried out against the direction of hair growth. The strip, once applied to the skin, is rubbed several times by hand in the direction of hair growth, prior to removal. The strip is held and massaged between the hands for a short period before application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is now discussed, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG 1 shows a typical waxing strip according to the prior art;

FIG 2 shows a series of two epilatory strips according to the present invention; and

FIG 3 shows a cross-section of one of the epilatory strips from FIG 2.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

An example of an epilatory strip according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, where identical reference numerals are used to identify the same feature. An epilatory strip (1) is shown that is capable of removing unwanted hair from skin.

The strip (1) has a support layer (2) that has an adhesive layer (3) adhering to it. A protective layer (4) covers at least the adhesive layer (3), and preferably also the support layer (2). It is preferred that the adhesive layer (3) only covers the central portion of the support layer (2) to leave a surrounding area (5) which does not have an adhesive covering. FIGS. 2

and 3 show a product that has two strips side by side. However, the product may equally be provided in the form of single strips.

The adhesive layer (3) adheres strongly to the support layer (2), and less strongly to the protective layer (4), and holds the strip (1) together, until the user peals the protective layer off, allowing the strip to be applied to the skin. The surrounding area (5) without adhesive, if present, allows the user to get an easy grip on the support layer, to peel it away from the protective layer, as illustrated in the left hand strip in FIG. 2, and then to apply it on to skin. The adhesive layer also has a tendency to spread, and the surrounding space will act to prevent the adhesive oozing completely out of the strip, and creating a mess, or detracting from the look of the product in the marketplace. As an alternative, there may not be a surrounding area and the adhesive may cover the entire surface of the support layer.

It is preferred that the protective layer be coextensive with the support layer, as shown in FIG. 2. However, as an alternative, the protective layer may only overlie the adhesive layer, and may not cover the entire support layer, or as a further alternative, may only cover a portion of the support layer. The support layer is preferably the same size as the protective layer, but may be of a larger area, or as yet another option, may be of a smaller area as the protective layer. As another alternative, the protective layer may have cuts across or along it, to allow it to be peeled away in segments.

The protective layer (4) may preferably have a non-stick coating (6) on its surface, which will reduce its adhesion to the adhesive layer (3). This non-stick layer is positioned on the inside of the strip, against the adhesive layer. The non-stick layer may be a silicone type coating, or some other substance that does not bond well to the adhesive layer.

The protective layer (4) may be of any suitable material. It may comprise paper or a plastics material, such as polyester. It is preferably an opaque material, and it preferably has a substantial thickness, in contrast to

that of the other layers, to help a user to grip the strip easily. The protective layer is preferably covered by a non-stick coating, like a shiny and waxy coating to reduce its adhesion to the adhesive layer. This coating may utilise any suitable substance or material for this purpose.

Most preferably the protective layer (4) is a siliconised paper. The layer may be in the range of from 30 to 75 gsm and ideally of about 60 gsm in thickness. A silicone release liner type of paper is particularly suitable. This would ideally be as high transparency, and high tensile strength, white, glassine paper release liner. One side is coated with a 100% solids solvent- less silicone. Alternatively, it may be of another substrate apart from paper, such as polyester, or polyvinylchloride polymer sheets.

The protective layer (4) may include advertising, such as a trade name, or it may include printing such as printed instructions for using the strips. The printing may be on one or both sides, especially on its outer side. It is preferably opaque, and may be of any colour, especially white.

This protective layer is discarded, and so it is also preferable that it may be made of a material that is environmentally friendly, such as one that biodegrades easily, for instance.

The support layer (3) is preferably of a plastics material, and most preferably a transparent material. A preferred material is a biaxially- oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET) polyester film. This product has high tensile strength, good chemical and dimensional stability, is transparent, and has good gas and aroma barrier properties. This product is manufactured under a variety of trade names, such as "Mylar" or "Melinex".

As a particularly preferred feature, the support layer (3) is a thin layer, compared to the other layers, especially the protective layer. Preferably the layer is from provided as a relatively thin layer. The layer is generally less that 1000 micron (= lmm), and preferably less that 100 micron. More preferably it is less than 75 micron. For fine hair, a layer of about 23 micron (0.023mm) is preferred, and for courser hair a thickness of 50 micron

(0.05mm) is preferred. The layer may preferably be at least 12 micron in thickness. This very thin layer provides a number of advantages over other, prior art products. The thinness allows the strip to bind more to the hairs, and less to the skin than for prior known products. This it has now been discovered will cause less pain to users, when the strip is pulled quickly from contact with the skin. Reduction in discomfort to users will add significantly to the popularity of the product with customers. A thin clear plastic support layer also has considerably greater aesthetic appeal to consumers.

Preferably the support layer is strong and reasonably flexible, as well as being thin. It should have reasonable tensile strength. The use of boPET material for the support layer provides an ideal example of a suitable such material. The support layer is to be placed on the skin, and smoothed down with some applied pressure, so that the adhesive layer bonds to the hairs on the skin. The support layer is gripped and then ideally torn or ripped quickly from the skin, which action will best remove the hairs. The ability of the support and its adhesive coating to achieve good results in hair removal, has been found to be reliant on the selection of a suitable support layer.

The adhesive layer is preferably composed of an admixture of (a) a tackifying resin component, such as a hydrocarbon resin, or a rosin such as Colophonium, or mixtures of these, and (b) an oil component, such as liquid paraffin, and (c) a polymeric component such as a styrene/isoprene copolymer. Preferably the tackifying resin component is made up both of a rosin and a resin.

It may also include other components, especially cosmetic or skin health improvement type components, selected from among any one or more of, a wax such as beeswax (cera alba), colouring, scents, components that improve the feel of the admixture on the skin, cosmetic excipients or carriers, and the like.

It is preferred that the adhesive layer should be coloured. Any colour may be used, or the product may be left in its natural state of appearance. For example, it may be coloured as blue or green. These colours can help distinguish different versions of the strips suitable for men (ie, coloured blue) from those suitable for women (ie, coloured green or pink). It may be better to avoid red or pink colours, as there is a possibility of mistaking any residue remaining on the skin in this colour as wrongly being skin inflammation. Suitable colouring ingredients include "Blue 1" (CI 42090) which may be combined with "Yellow 5" (CI 19140) to provide a green colour, for instance. A green colour is especially suitable if aloe vera extract is included in the admixture, which itself has a greenish tinge. Also, if desired, the colour may be selected to indicate different versions of the product, such as one colour to represent intended use with fine to medium hair, and a different colour for medium to course hair.

In one preferred form of the invention, the strips include vitamin E (α- tocopheryl) or vitamin E acetate (α-tocopheryl acetate), or acceptable derivates of it. The strips may also or alternatively contain aloe vera extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract), or equivalent extracts. These substances are recognised as providing benefits to the skin.

The components may be present in the adhesive layer in the following amounts, expressed as percentages by weight, relative to the total weight of the adhesive.

The adhesive layer is applied as a thin layer. Preferably it is applied as a layer of a thickness less than lmm, and more preferably less than 0.5mm and most preferably less that 0.2mm. A suitable thickness is between about 0.2 mm to 0.05mm. Some examples of a suitable thickness for the adhesive layer are 0.18 mm or 0.10 mm.

It has been found that the epilatory strips of the invention will work very effectively to remove unwanted hair. Little or no residue is left on the skin, which is a problem with previous types of hair removal products. The strips according to the invention create less pain as they are removed, possibly due to the lower level of the tacky "grab" on the skin.

The strips are optimised to be single use strips. By only encouraging a single application to the hair and skin, the product is much more hygienic and safe than with previous waxing systems. In previous systems, the wax layer is frequently reapplied to the same or different areas of the skin, until the stickiness reduces to a level where the hair no longer comes away from the skin. The initial application will pick up skin cells, bacteria and debris from the skin. If the strip is re-used then these unwanted and potentially

hazardous materials is re-applied to other areas of the skin. A single use style of strip will be safer to use as it will prevent such cross-contamination of the skin.

It is also preferred to package the strips in an airtight and waterproof pouch. This helps to extend their shelf life, and also provides an attractive appearance to the product. The pouch may be of a transparent plasties material. The pouch will ideally include advertising, identification and similar materials, and directions for use, such as on a pamphlet. There may be a mark shown on or in the packaging showing consumers where to cut, to best open the package. Also, the package may have a discrete section on one or more of its edges that contains a hole, which can engage with some point of sale display, such as a hook arrangement that will suspend the packets of strips. The packaging being waterproof, before it is opened, will assist with its storage after purchase in areas that are likely to be damp, especially in consumer's bathrooms, for example.

Preferably the packaging pouch may be of a clear PVC plastic, or a similar type of plastic.

This pouch is a very hygienic manner of providing the strips to consumers. It also discourages tampering. The form of a pouch will also use less packaging material than with other packaging methods, which is environmentally conscious. The pouch form takes up less shelf space at retail outlets, which is also an advantage.

Each pouch will hold a number of strips. The strips may be of varying sizes. Small sized strips, with an effective area of about 60 x 20 mm for example, are useful for treating small areas of skin, such as around the lips or eyebrows. Larger sized strips, with an effective area for adhesive of about 140 x 40 mm for example, are preferred for removing hair from larger areas of skin. The strips may be provided as individual sheets, or may be provided as multiples, such as with 4 small strips, or 2 large strips per sheet. The support layer has perforations or "tear-apart" weakened

slits, between individual strips, to allow them to be separated, as each is used. Optionally, the protective layer in multiple packages may also include perforations or "tear-apart" weakening, to allow these to be separated as well, but this is often not necessary, since it is preferred that the support will be separated from a whole protective layer.

The use of a pouch also makes the product easier to transport, and more convenient for users to carry around. Women are major users of such products, and a form of packaging that is small enough and convenient enough to carry along with their other cosmetics supplies would be an advantage.

As a further embodiment, the pouch may be re-sealable, so that after opening, it can be closed in such a way that moisture and air is prevented or reduced from entering the package once opened. However, this feature may not be necessary in all instances, as consumers will in many instances use up all the sheets within the package at the one time.

The invention also involves a method of removing unwanted hair from skin, which comprises taking an epilatory strip, removing the protective layer from the strip, applying the strip to any skin that contains unwanted hair (with the adhesive layer in contact with the unwanted hair), and removing the strip, which plucks at least some of the unwanted hair from the skin.

Preferably, the application is carried out in the direction of hair growth, and the removal is carried out against the direction of hair growth. It is also preferred that the strip, once applied to the skin, is rubbed several times by hand in the direction of hair growth, prior to the removal step. It is also preferred that the strip is held and massages between the hands for a short period before application.

The strip, when used in this manner, will ideally be capable of removing sufficient hair, which will not grow back for around 5 or 6 weeks

on average, (6 weeks is approximately 1000 hours) for most people, before requiring another application.

Each strip is ideally to be used a single time, in contrast to previous versions, making it more hygienic and safer to use. It is the relatively thin layer of adhesive especially that generally only encourages a single use for each strip. The single use, and thinness of the adhesive layer, will help reduce or eliminate any residue remaining on the skin, which provides an advantage over other known wax strips. The single use of each strip is encouraged also, by providing instructions on the packaging, and/or on an instruction pamphlet or note including with the product, how to use the product, and to use it only once. The strip according to the invention is also generally less painful to use, which is a major advantage over other known strips.

The word "comprising", or similar words, is generally intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than exclusively, unless specifically indicted otherwise, and would normally allow other examples or features to be included.

It will be apparent that obvious variations or modifications may be made in accordance with the spirit of the invention that are intended to be part of the invention, and any such obvious variations or modification are therefore within the scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be utilised in the manufacture of epilatory strips for removing unwanted hair from skin, especially from human bodies.