The present invention relates to a device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp. It applies to the field of hairdressing, in particular for hair colouring, and to the field of dermatology, in particular for scalp treatment.
In both the field of hairdressing and that of dermatology, it is common practice to prepare a product in a container and then apply it manually to the base of hair shafts, on the hair roots or on the scalp.
The manual application is usually performed by a standard method consisting of using a comb to separate the hairs and then applying the product with a brush, these actions then being repeated over all of the hair, or at least over the entire area to be treated.
For each product, there are usually operating instructions to be complied with for an optimum result and safe use. These instructions can be, for example, a waiting time, a uniform and homogeneous application, or an application targeting regrowths only by avoiding application over the lengths of the hair.
In the field of colouring, not complying with the instructions can result in a visual degradation of the hair, firstly, by damaging hairs that undergo repeated colouring operations. Secondly, the result of the colouring may not be of good quality, since banding may become noticeable between the colour of the newly coloured regrowths, whose final tint will be lighter, and the colour of the lengths already coloured, whose tint will be deeper since these lengths have been covered by several successive colouring operations.
In the field of dermatology, not complying with the instructions can, firstly, reduce the effectiveness of a medical treatment, for example if the product does not reach a result in an area of the scalp to be treated, and, secondly, lead to medical complications, caused for example by too long a waiting time for the product.
The standard method of manually applying the product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp is time-consuming and requires great dexterity, and this method makes strict compliance with the operating instructions difficult, for both hairdressing products and dermatological products.
For hairdressing professionals, manually applying a colouring product to all the hair roots takes one person at least fifteen minutes and delivers little added value.
For individuals carrying out the same operation at home, it is common to obtain a product in a store and then apply it over all or part of the length of the hair, since it is difficult as a person on their own to keep to just the roots.
None of these solutions of the prior art make it possible to quickly and precisely deliver a product directly to the hair root and/or on the scalp.
The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.
To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention envisions a device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp of a predefined user, which device comprises:
Thanks to these provisions, the user only has to grasp the case in the palm of one of his hands, position it at the border between the face and the hair, and then move the case resting on his scalp, while actuating the pump with the button of the case. During this movement of the case, the delivery assemblies slide over the scalp while following its curvature, both in the direction of the sliding movement and in its orthogonal direction. The product is therefore delivered and spread uniformly over the base of the hairs and/or over the scalp. Each tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly makes it possible to speed up and facilitate the delivery of product to the root of the hairs and/or on the scalp, because a single continuous movement of a tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly makes it possible to separate and treat a complete band of hair in one operation.
In some embodiments, at least one assembly has a cross-section perpendicular to the radius of curvature, whose width, measured in the plane of the flat curve, decreases, at least in part, as a function of the distance between this cross-section and the flat curve, this decrease creating a free compartment for the hairs separated by the tooth.
This lateral narrowing of the assemblies between the surface of the case and the surface of contact allows the hair, separated tangentially at the surface of the scalp by the tooth, to be held away from the scalp between two assemblies and not compressed. This compartment between two assemblies prevents the hair from remaining in contact with the scalp, so that only the root of the hairs is in contact with the product delivered.
In some embodiments, this radius of curvature is between seven and eleven centimetres. These radii of curvature correspond to the majority of adult skulls.
In some embodiments, at least one distributor takes the form of a curved spatula.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a second row of assemblies offset relative to the previous row such that the teeth of a second row are positioned between two teeth of the previous row in the direction perpendicular to the flat curve to which the contact surfaces of the assemblies of the first row are tangential. In this way, the hairs are separated in two steps and the hair roots can be in contact with the product in a more localised and more precise way.
In some embodiments, the distance, between two successive assemblies whose contact surfaces are tangential to the same flat curve, is between one half and three-quarters of the width of the contact surface measured in the plane of the flat curve. These ratios ensure a good delivery of the product on the hair roots.
In some embodiments, the manual case has a maximum dimension, in the plane perpendicular to the radius of curvature, which is less than twelve centimetres.
In some embodiments, the pump is a peristaltic pump. Such a pump ensures a pressure suitable for liquid, semi-liquid or paste products.
In some embodiments, the container is configured to receive a cartridge containing the product to be delivered, this cartridge comprising a plug, the base comprising a means for opening this plug.
For example, this is a ball plug where the ball is moved by the opening means such that the product is pumped in this cartridge.
In some embodiments, the base comprises a means for magnetically retaining the case. In this way, the case can be easily stored on the base and kept there.
In some embodiments, at least one tooth incorporates at least one nozzle.
Thanks to these provisions, the precision of the delivery of the product is improved, because the nozzle is located at close as possible to the place where the hairs are separated by the tooth.
In some embodiments, in at least one assembly, at least one nozzle comprises at least one side opening for delivering the product mainly on the roots of hair strands separated by the tooth.
Thanks to these provisions, the side openings of this nozzle make it possible to deliver the product more precisely on the hair roots. These provisions are especially advantageous in the context of colouring hair roots.
In some embodiments, at least one applicator comprises a brush.
Thanks to these provisions, the delivery of product is homogenised and uniformised on the hair roots and/or scalp. In effect, the flexible applicator benefits from the qualities of the brush to spread a liquid or viscous substance forming the product.
In some embodiments, at least one container comprises a first storage chamber for storing a first substance, a second storage chamber for storing a second substance, and an intermediate chamber connected to the first chamber and the second chamber, for mixing the first substance and second substance forming the product for hair and/or scalp, at least one nozzle being connected to the intermediate chamber.
It is noted that several groups, each comprising a first chamber, a second chamber and an intermediate chamber, can be provided, in particular to enable different colours to be delivered on the top of the skull and on the sides of the skull of the user.
In some embodiments, the base comprises a system for pressurising at least one container.
In some embodiments, the case forms part of a headband, each assembly being positioned on an inner portion of the headband.
In some embodiments, the device also comprises a hairdressing band mechanically connected to the headband, the band being configured to prevent the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and/or neck, the mechanical connection leaving the headband free to rotate relative to the band around an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples.
Thanks to these provisions, the headband makes it possible to adapt to different skull shapes. In addition, the user will be able to distribute the product on the hair roots and/or on the scalp with a single gesture moving the headband from the forehead to the nape. In addition, la presence of a plurality of assemblies on the headband makes it possible to speed up the delivery of the product by carrying out the treatment in parallel.
According to a second aspect, the present invention envisions a hairdressing band mechanically connected to the headband described above. The band is configured to prevent the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and/or neck. In addition, the mechanical connection leaves the headband free to rotate relative to the band around an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples.
Thanks to these provisions, the band makes it possible to prevent the product flowing outside the user's hair. In addition, the mechanical connection between the band and the headband makes it possible to simplify the movement of the headband for the distribution of the product from the forehead to the nape of the user.
Other advantages, aims and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the non-limiting description that follows of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method that are the subjects of the present invention, with reference to drawings included in an appendix, wherein:
The present description is given as a non-limiting example, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous way.
It is noted that the figures are not to scale.
Throughout the description, the term “root” refers to the base of a hair shaft, in the context of the present disclosure one is particularly concerned with a visible portion of the hair shaft of the order of one centimetre measured from the scalp.
The term “tooth” refers to an element configured to separate the hairs at the root. Such a tooth is, for example, similar to a comb tooth, synthetic claw, or any other hooked and/or pointed item. A tooth according to the invention has, at its end, a thinness chosen to be inserted between hairs without hurting the scalp, and sufficient toughness to withstand the mechanical forces needed to separate the hairs.
The term “nozzle” refers to a tube for delivering a liquid or viscous product to the hair roots and/or on the scalp.
The term “flexible applicator” refers to an element configured to spread a liquid or viscous product by applying a slight frictional force on the hair roots and/or on the scalp thanks to its flexibility. A flexible applicator is, for example, a colouring brush or a spatula made of silicone.
The term “interior” of a container refers to an area of the support configured to store a liquid or viscous substance.
For the clarity of the figures, the hair is not shown. Nevertheless, in the framework of this description, there is of course hair on the scalp 101.
The product to be delivered is suitable for hairdressing, it can, for example, be a chemical composition used for all types of hair colouring (permanent, semi-permanent, tone-on-tone or vegetable colouring). Alternatively, the product is a dermatological product indicated in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or hair loss.
The delivery device 100 comprises a support 102 which forms a support frame for an assembly comprising a tooth 103 associated with a nozzle 104 and a flexible applicator 106.
It is described below that a support can take the form of a headband (with respect to
However, the form of the support is not limited to these two examples.
The assembly 110 of the tooth 103, nozzle 104 and flexible applicator 106 is mechanically attached to the support 102.
The operation of the delivery device 100 is as follows: a user manually moves the support 102 in the direction such that, in succession, the tooth 103 and then the applicator 106 pass next to each hair (as indicated by the arrow in
The tooth 103 separates hairs at their roots in the same way as a comb tooth. Once the hairs have been separated by the tooth 103, the nozzle 104 applies the product on the roots of the hairs that have just been separated and/or on the scalp exposed by the separation of the hairs.
Next, the flexible applicator 106 spreads the product delivered by the nozzle 104 over the roots and/or scalp.
In this first embodiment, the support 102 comprises a container 107 of the product used. The container 107 comprises at least one storage chamber for storing the product and a network for delivering the product to each nozzle 104. The delivery network comprises, for example, one or more perforations through the support 102 between each nozzle 104 and a chamber of the container 107. Each nozzle 104 is connected to the container 107 via the delivery network. Each nozzle 104 forms a tube comprising at least one opening 115 for delivering the product. Note that several containers can be provided, in particular to enable different colours to be delivered on the top of the skull and on the sides of the skull of the user.
In practice, the tube of each nozzle 104 has, for example, a volume of less than 0.01 millilitre in order to avoid the formation of clumps of product in the hair and to provide a uniform delivery of the product.
The arrangement of the opening 115 on the nozzle 104 determines whether the product is delivered mainly on the roots, on the scalp, or on both the roots and the scalp. In an embodiment, especially advantageous for the dermatological treatment of the scalp, a nozzle 104 is configured to deliver the product mainly on the scalp. For this purpose, at least one opening of the nozzle 104 is located so as to face the scalp.
According to one variant, especially advantageous for colouring roots, the nozzle 104 is configured to deliver the product mainly on the roots. For this purpose, at least one nozzle 104 comprises at least one side opening 115 connected to the container 107. In the first embodiment, the nozzle 104 comprises two side openings 115. A “side opening” here means an opening that is configured to not face the scalp directly. These side openings 115 make it possible to deliver the product over the side portions of the nozzle 104 in direct contact with the hair roots. In some embodiments (not shown) at least one nozzle comprises a side opening and a distal opening.
In the first embodiment, the support 102 comprises a system 108 for pressurising the container 107 to facilitate the circulation of the product from the container 107 to each nozzle 104. The pressurisation system 108 is, for example, a piston, a gas cartridge, an electrical pumping system or a manual pumping system. The pressurisation system 108 can also comprise a manual control element 109 positioned on the support 102 to allow a user to control the speed of delivery of the product. The manual control element 109 is, for example, a monostable button, a two-position switch or the moveable fitting of a piston pressing the product in the container 107.
Advantageously, the nozzle 204 comprises at least one opening 215 through the tooth 203, this opening 215 being located on the downstream side of the tooth 203, in the direction (shown by the arrow in
In addition, the support 302 comprises a pressurisation system 308 suitable for pressurising the first chamber 317 and the second chamber 327, and a control element 309.
The intermediate chamber 337 connects the first chamber 317 and the second chamber 327. The intermediate chamber can, for example, take the form of a channel. In addition, at least one nozzle 104 is connected to the container by the intermediate chamber 337. The first chamber 317 stores a first substance and the second chamber 327 stores a second substance advantageously different from the first substance. The intermediate chamber 337 carries out the mixing of the first substance and the second substance into a hair and/or scalp product.
It is noted that several groups, each comprising a first chamber, a second chamber and an intermediate chamber, can be provided, in particular to enable different colours to be delivered on the top of the skull and on the sides of the skull of the user.
In some embodiments, the container of the headband 402 comprises at least one first storage chamber, at least one second storage chamber, and at least one intermediate chamber, as described with respect to
In some embodiments, the headband 402 is formed of at least two detachable housings 411, 412. The two housings 411, 412 are, for example, clipped together or held together by a tightening system. When the housings 411, 412 are uncoupled, the container is open so that all the chambers of the container are accessible to allow a user to clean them. Conversely, when the housings 411, 412 are coupled together, each container of the headband is sealed and the device 400 can be used to deliver the product.
In some embodiments, the container of the headband 402 is supplied with product by a refill cartridge 401. The cartridge 401 can be adjusted on the headband 402, for example by clipping. The cartridge 401 can, for example, contain the product and gas under pressure to deliver the product from the container to the nozzles.
The fitting 611 is, for example, screwed or simply pushed into the end of the applicator channel 612.
As can be seen by reading the description above, the device according to the invention enables a user to treat the hair roots from the forehead to the nape with a single gesture. This device groups together the tools required in a manual application and considerably reduce the efforts of both professionals and individuals.
The device also comprises a base (not shown) comprising a container for the product, equipped with a filler cap, and an electric pump aspirating the product in the container and pushing it into a flexible tube 809 connected to the case 800. This case 800 comprises a control button 808 for controlling the operation of the pump. The pump is, preferably, a peristaltic pump, which ensures a pressure and a constant flow rate for liquid, semi-liquid or paste products.
The device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp is configured for a predefined user, for example a user having the average curvature of a portion of the adult population or of a portion of the adolescent population. The person skilled in the art utilising the invention knows, in effect, from published anatomical studies, that the curvatures, in a frontal plane, of the skulls of adult and adolescent users are relatively uniform. This radius of curvature is between eight and ten centimetres. A single case 800 can therefore be suitable for the majority of users. However, in order to cover a larger portion of the populations, several cases can have stepped radii of curvature, preferably between seven and eleven centimetres.
The case 800 has a geometry configured to be held in the palm of this user's hand. Again, the person skilled in the art knows, from published anatomical studies, the most suitable geometry for the hands of adults and adolescents. For example, the body 807 of the case 800 has a maximum dimension, in the plane perpendicular to the radius of curvature, i.e. in the plane of
To utilise the invention, the user grasps the case 800 in the palm of one of his hands, positions it at the border between his face and his hair, and then moves the case 800 resting on his scalp 820, while actuating the pump with the button 808 of the case 800. During this movement of the case 800, the delivery assemblies 810 slide over the scalp 820 while following its curvature 818, both in the direction of the sliding movement (shown by the arrow in
As shown in
In
In some embodiments (not shown), the device comprises a second row of assemblies 810. This second row would be located, in
As shown in
In some embodiments (not shown), the container is configured to receive a cartridge containing the product to be delivered, this cartridge comprising a plug, the base comprising a means for opening this plug.
For example, this is a ball plug where the ball is moved by the opening means such that the product is pumped in this cartridge.
In some embodiments (not shown), the base comprises a means for magnetically retaining the case. In this way, the case can be easily stored on the base and kept there.
As in other embodiments described with reference to
The characteristics described with reference to
In some embodiments (not shown), the case 800 forms part of a headband, each assembly being positioned on an inner portion of the headband.
In some embodiments, the device also comprises a hairdressing band mechanically connected to the headband. The band is therefore configured to prevent the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and/or neck. The mechanical connection between the band and the case leaves the headband free to rotate relative to the band around an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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FR2113094 | Dec 2021 | FR | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2022/084835 | 12/7/2022 | WO |