Enhanced Urushiol Removal and Skin Comfort Compositions and Methods
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
Improved urushiol cleaning compositions and methods that prioritize skin comfort, efficiency, and convenience, addressing the limitations of existing solutions for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.
Background and Problem Solved
Urushiol, an oily mixture found in plants, causes severe skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Existing compositions and methods for removing urushiol have limitations, including skin discomfort, inefficiency, and inconvenience. The original patent disclosed a non-buffered detergent composition for removing urushiol, but it lacked consideration for skin comfort, removal efficiency, and user convenience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept introduces several enhancements to the original patent. Firstly, a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5 is formulated to enhance skin comfort during treatment. Secondly, a novel blend of C12 and C14 surfactants improves urushiol removal efficiency. Additionally, a specially designed washcloth with micro-pockets traps urushiol, reducing skin irritation. Furthermore, an added moisturizing agent reduces skin dryness after treatment. Finally, a single-use, water-activated packet improves user convenience. These enhancements provide a more comprehensive solution for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious improvements to the original patent, including pH level optimization, surfactant blend innovation, washcloth design, moisturizing agent addition, and packet packaging. These enhancements collectively provide a more effective, comfortable, and convenient solution for urushiol removal and skin treatment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the pH level range, using different surfactant blends, or modifying the washcloth design. Variations may also include incorporating additional ingredients, such as soothing agents or antimicrobial compounds, to further enhance skin comfort and treatment efficacy.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced urushiol removal and skin comfort compositions and methods have significant commercial potential in the personal care, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. Target markets include individuals and professionals dealing with urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, such as outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, and healthcare workers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61K8/8147 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/342 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/345 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/42 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/44 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/60 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/86 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/894 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/10 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/30 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/41 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/596 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Dermatological compositions and methods for treating contact dermatitis, specifically focused on urushiol removal and skin treatment technologies within pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation sciences
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in surfactant chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation, dermatological product development, with advanced degrees in chemistry or chemical engineering and 3-5 years of specialized experience in topical treatment composition design
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable incremental improvements to the source patent's urushiol cleaning composition. The disclosed modifications involve standard pharmaceutical formulation techniques such as pH adjustment, surfactant blending, and packaging innovations that would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize urushiol removal and skin treatment efficacy.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,666 |
|---|---|
| Title | Detergent compositions for washing urushiol and methods of treating urushiol induced contact dermatitis |
| Assignee(s) | The William M. Yarbrough Foundation |