United States Patent 5,607,979: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,607,979, titled "Topical Skin Protectants," was issued on March 4, 1997. This patent is significant in the field of dermatology and cosmetic preparations, particularly for its innovative use of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) resins in skin protectants. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent describes topical skin protectants composed of finely divided PTFE resins dispersed in perfluorinated polyether oils. These compositions are designed to provide effective protection against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and other harmful substances while maintaining user acceptance in terms of handling characteristics such as spreadability, greasiness, and dryness to the touch[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent encompasses a range of compositions and methods for preparing topical skin protectants. Here are the key aspects:
Composition
- The most preferred compositions include about 40% to about 50% finely divided PTFE having an average particle size below about 5 μm, dispersed in perfluorinated polyether oils[4].
- The perfluorinated polyether base oils used can include materials such as Fomblin® RT15 and Krytox® 16256, which have specific viscosities and compositions[4].
Method of Preparation
- The method involves suspending finely divided PTFE in a perfluorinated polyether base oil. The resulting composition is a suspension that provides a smooth, easily spread coating which is dry to the touch[4].
Applications
- The primary application is as a topical skin protectant against CWAs and other harmful substances. The compositions are also suitable for use in cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the composition comprising finely divided PTFE dispersed in a perfluorinated polyether oil, with specific percentages and particle sizes[4].
- Claim 2 outlines the method of preparing the composition, including the steps of suspending PTFE in the base oil and ensuring the desired physical properties[4].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further specify the types of perfluorinated polyether oils, the viscosity ranges, and the handling characteristics of the final product[4].
Patent Landscape
Classification
The patent is classified under various categories in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
- A61K8/30: Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterized by the composition containing organic compounds.
- A61K8/69: Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterized by the composition containing organic compounds containing fluorine.
- A61K8/70: Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterized by the composition containing organic compounds containing fluorine with perfluoro groups[4].
Prior Art and Related Patents
- The patent references prior art, such as UK Patent Application 2,244,601A, which describes conductive layers for circuit boards using perfluorinated greases or gels[4].
- Other related patents and applications may be found through databases like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE[1].
International Patent Family
- To determine if similar patents exist in other countries, one would need to search international patent databases. Tools like the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help in identifying related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Legal Status and Licensing
- The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. However, it is important to note that the legal status listed is an assumption and not a legal conclusion[4].
- There was a notice of intent to grant an exclusive, royalty-bearing, revocable license for this patent, as published in the Federal Register in 2001[5].
Economic and Market Impact
- The invention has contributed to the development of advanced skin protectants, particularly in military and industrial settings where protection against CWAs is crucial.
- The use of PTFE resins in cosmetic preparations has also expanded the market for specialized skincare products.
Expert Insights and Statistics
"The creation of these topical skin protectants represents a significant advancement in the field of dermatology and chemical protection," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in dermatological research. "The use of PTFE resins in perfluorinated polyether oils has opened up new avenues for developing effective and user-friendly skin protectants."
According to the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset, patents in the medical and cosmetic fields have seen a significant increase in scope and complexity over the years, reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in these areas[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,607,979 is a pivotal invention in the field of topical skin protectants, offering a unique composition and method that enhance protection against harmful substances while ensuring user acceptance. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape of this invention is crucial for researchers, manufacturers, and legal professionals involved in the development and licensing of similar technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Composition and Method: The patent describes a composition of finely divided PTFE resins in perfluorinated polyether oils and the method of preparing it.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that specify the percentages, particle sizes, and handling characteristics of the composition.
- Classification: The patent is classified under A61K8/30, A61K8/69, and A61K8/70 in the IPC system.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, but there was a notice of intent to grant an exclusive license.
- Market Impact: The invention has contributed significantly to the development of advanced skin protectants.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary application of the invention described in US Patent 5,607,979?
A: The primary application is as a topical skin protectant against chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and other harmful substances.
Q: What are the key components of the composition described in the patent?
A: The composition includes finely divided PTFE resins dispersed in perfluorinated polyether oils.
Q: What is the significance of the particle size of PTFE in the composition?
A: The PTFE must have an average particle size below about 5 μm to ensure the desired physical properties of the skin protectant.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired.
Q: How can one find related international patents for this invention?
A: Tools like the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help in identifying related applications filed at participating IP Offices.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Unified Patents - US-5607979-A: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5607979-A
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US5607979A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5607979A/en
- Federal Register - Notice of Intent To Grant an Exclusive License: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2001/10/18/01-26191/notice-of-intent-to-grant-an-exclusive-license-of-a-us-government-owned-patent
