Materials and methods utilizing a temporary visual indicator

• US 5,837,645 A
• Filed: 07/01/1996
• Issued: 11/17/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Christopher D. Batich, Richard J. Melker, Ronnie S. Fuerst
• Original Assignee: Christopher D. Batich, Richard Melker, Ronnie S. Fuerst
• Inventors: Batich, Christopher D., Melker, Richard, Fuerst, Ronnie S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dodson, Shelley A.
• Application Number:
  US08/674,069
• Time in Patent Office: 869 Days
• Field of Search: 563/201, 273/363, 273/418, 424/59, 428/34.1, 428/35.7, 428/36.92, 428/321.1, 428/321.5, 514/470, 549/308
• US Class Current: 503/201
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 2800/45 Colour indicators, e.g. pH- or Redox indicators
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 6/20 Protective coatings for natural or artificial teeth, e.g. sealings, dye coatings or varnish
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 6/65 Dyes
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 8/046 Aerosols; Foams
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 8/4973 with oxygen as the only hetero atom
• CPC Class Codes: A61Q 17/04 Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 7/00 Features of coating compositions, not provided for in group C09D5/00 driers C09F9/00; Processes for incorporating ingredients in coating compositions
• CPC Class Codes: C11D 3/40 Dyes ; Pigments
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 31/221 for investigating pH value
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/13 Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1352 Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1397 Single layer [continuous layer]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249995 Constituent is in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/249997 Encapsulated liquid

Abstract

This invention relates to novel compositions containing temporary visual indicators and methods for using these compositions. Specifically, this invention relates to a sunscreen composition containing an indicator that is visible when the substance is applied to the skin, but becomes invisible shortly after application. The continued presence of the indicator allows the indicator to be reactivated temporarily to the visible form so that a user can verify the presence of the sunscreen. The visible indicator ensures that the sunscreen is applied evenly and completely to the area to be protected, but becomes invisible so as not to interfere with the action of the sunscreen or discolor the skin.

Claims

1. A method for marking a surface with a temporary visual indicator comprising:

(a) applying an indicator to the surface at a first pH, the indicator being invisible at the first pH and visible at a second pH;

(b) applying a pH-modifying substance to the surface in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the indicator to the second pH and which evaporates or degrades, thereby causing the pH to change to said first pH.

2. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said indicator is 3,3-bis 4 hydroxyphenyl!-1- 3H!-isobenzofuranone.

3. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said pH-modifying substance is a volatile base.

4. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said volatile base is a monoamine.

5. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said volatile base is a diamine.

6. The method, according to claim 1, wherein said volatile base is a cyclic amine.