Device for cleaning hair by ultrasound, with corresponding shaping

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic device for cleansing hair, comprising: - an ultrasonic emitter, - a handpiece (18) comprising a probe (2) cooperating with a corresponding shaping member (3) so as to clamp a lock of hair between a support surface (31) of the corresponding shaping member (3) and a distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2). The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for cleansing hair using said device, preferably with a cleansing composition comprising at least one surfactant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a handheld device for cleaning hair using ultrasound. The invention also relates to a method of using the handheld device in the presence of a cosmetic composition, particularly a shampoo.

[0002] More generally, beauty products are those defined in European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) 1223 / 2009 of 30 November 2009 on beauty products. Background Technology

[0003] Various devices for cleaning hair are known.

[0004] Several documents related to the hairdressing field involve multifunctional combs or hairbrushes with water reservoirs and ultrasonic atomization systems, such as documents CN105124902, CN204909967, JPH09308518, or JPH081104.

[0005] Other literature refers to troughs or basins for cleaning hair, such as CN204448700, JP2015019670, or CN107716391.

[0006] Other literature also relates to shower devices, such as CN2191621.

[0007] Document US2018207690 relates to the use of emulsifiers to clean hair extensions, which is done by moving hair strands through multiple compartments that allow for washing, rinsing, and then drying.

[0008] Document CN2720876 relates to a portable device having two separate compartments for holding water and shampoo, respectively, and an ultrasonic emission system for washing hair. However, this device does not allow for easy gripping of the entire head of hair to be treated, resulting in a lack of effectiveness and loss of surfactant solution.

[0009] Patent application WO 2011001084 relates to a method of treating hair fibers by applying a cosmetic composition and sonic treatment, the two steps being separate. The document does not mention the application of ultrasound for hair washing. Shampoo washing is only mentioned as a post-treatment for hair coloring and therefore not included in sonic treatment, as the two objectives (i.e., closing the cuticles for shampooing and opening the cuticles for sonic treatment) conflict.

[0010] Patent application WO 2017118984 relates to a system for removing parasites from a whole head of hair, which is accomplished by means of a device comprising an ultrasonic transmitter for generating ultrasonic radiation and a plurality of teeth extending from the base of the device, wherein the plurality of teeth includes vibrating teeth and reflecting teeth, wherein the ultrasonic radiation is emitted by the vibrating teeth and reflected by the reflecting teeth to allow for the killing of parasites located between these teeth. This document never mentions any application other than the elimination of parasites and their larvae. In particular, it never mentions washing hair. Furthermore, the use of the device described in this document is never accompanied by the use of a composition, whether cosmetic or otherwise.

[0011] Patent application AU2012221702 relates to a device for killing parasites when they are located on the surface of a mammal's body. The device includes: an ultrasonic transmitter for generating ultrasonic radiation; and a handheld device coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter, adapted to be placed close to the parasite and transmit the ultrasonic radiation to it. The handheld device includes a plurality of teeth extending from a base of the device, wherein the plurality of teeth and / or the ultrasonic transmitter includes at least one vibrating element coupled to the plurality of teeth. According to this document, parasite removal can be performed by combing after irradiation or under vacuum. No mention is made of washing hair during irradiation.

[0012] U.S. Patent Application US16 / 805,586, filed on February 28, 2020, discloses an apparatus for applying a hair product, the apparatus comprising: an electrostatic charger electrically connected to electrodes; a body structure having one or more teeth at a front end, the ends of the teeth including electrodes; and a tube containing the hair product.

[0013] Ultrasonic treatment occurs only in variants of the device with an electrostatic charger, and more specifically, in variants of a sprayer used to generate a spray from shampoo formulations. The sprayer is located upstream of the comb teeth in the device. This spray is expelled through holes located at the distal ends of the teeth. A sprayer, which may be equipped with an ultrasonic generator, is located upstream of the comb teeth in the device. Therefore, the ultrasound is not emitted at the hair.

[0014] Generally, due to repulsion, the generation of static charge on hair may inhibit the adsorption of shampoo surfactants, thus potentially reducing their effectiveness. If hair is negatively charged, the adsorption of anionic surfactants and anionic polymers may be limited. If hair is positively charged, the adsorption of cationic conditioning polymers may be limited.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an improved portable device for ultrasonic hair cleaning that performs well while using significantly less water and surfactants compared to existing devices—specifically, one-twentieth to one-tenth of known devices—to meet current environmental requirements. Further, wastewater recycling can be envisioned. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The subject of this invention is a beauty device for cleaning hair, the beauty device comprising:

[0017] - An ultrasonic transmitter having an ultrasonic transducer powered by a current generator and configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations.

[0018] - A handheld device including a probe coupled to an ultrasonic transmitter to transmit ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer to the hair strand to be treated, the probe extending along a longitudinal axis X between the proximal and distal outer surfaces.

[0019] The handheld device also includes a corresponding molded part having a support surface for at least partially receiving the hair strand to be processed. The probe cooperates with the corresponding molded part to clamp the hair strand between the support surface of the corresponding molded part and the distal outer surface of the probe.

[0020] Hair can be effectively cleaned using the device according to the invention. Ultrasound can also help release chemicals, such as free radicals, from the cleaning composition, which contribute to a more thorough cleaning of keratinous materials. Where appropriate, the foam of the cleaning composition generates shock waves under the influence of sound waves, which can exert a mechanical effect on the hair, thus improving cleaning.

[0021] Advantageously, the distal outer surface of the probe is positioned "close to the surface of the hair to be cleaned".

[0022] This invention also relates to a beauty method for cleaning hair, the beauty method comprising the following steps:

[0023] (i) Provide the apparatus as described above.

[0024] (ii) Clamp at least one region of the hair strand between the support surface of the corresponding molded part and the distal outer surface of the probe.

[0025] (iii) Generate ultrasound.

[0026] (iv) Where appropriate, after moving the hair strand relative to the probe, one or more other areas are processed in sequence to clean the desired portion of the hair strand.

[0027] Preferably, the method includes the following steps: (v) applying a metered amount of a cleaning composition to the hair during step (iii), the cleaning composition preferably comprising at least one surfactant, particularly anionic surfactant.

[0028] Preferably, the method is performed dynamically, wherein the movement speed of the hair strand relative to the probe is between 5 mm / s and 5 cm / s.

[0029] Advantageously, the device does not have an electrostatic charger, thus not inhibiting the effect of the cleaning composition and avoiding electrifying the hair and preventing it from becoming straight.

[0030] Preferably, the corresponding molded part does not have a circular or semi-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, in order to optimize cleaning quality.

[0031] Main Definitions

[0032] "The cross section of the component about axis X" is the cross section of the component perpendicular to axis X.

[0033] The term "longitudinal axis of a component" refers to the line connecting all the centroids of the component's cross-section.

[0034] The phrase "close to the surface of the hair to be cleaned" should be understood as meaning close enough that the sound waves have a beneficial effect on the cleaning process. For example, the distal outer surface is positioned less than 15 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm, even more preferably less than 5 mm, and most preferably less than 2.5 mm from the surface of the hair section to be cleaned. The probe can then come into contact with the hair section to be cleaned.

[0035] The term "corresponding shaping element" refers to a component whose shape is complementary to that of the probe, capable of holding the hair between the corresponding shaping element and the probe. The corresponding shaping element and the probe are advantageously movable relative to each other so that the hair to be treated can be inserted when the probe and the corresponding shaping element are in a spaced-out position, and pressure can then be applied to the hair when the probe and the corresponding shaping element are in a moved-to-joint position or in the use position of the device, to ensure particularly good contact between the hair and the probe transmitting ultrasound.

[0036] "Ultrasound" consists of radio waves with frequencies ranging from 16 kHz to 10 MHz.

[0037] In order to generate ultrasound or ultrasonic waves, the "high-frequency generator" converts the normal power supply frequency of 50 Hz to 60 Hz into a high-frequency oscillation, preferably from 16 kHz to 60 kHz.

[0038] An "ultrasonic transducer," or transducer, then converts these electrical oscillations into acoustic vibrations of the same frequency. The transducer is simply a resonant system driven by an energy supply suited to natural oscillations. The transducer converts electrical energy into acoustic energy in the ultrasonic range (from a few mW to a few kW).

[0039] An acoustic electrode is a metal component or tool attached to a transducer and redirects this vibrational energy back to a target element, such as a hair. Depending on the standard frequency range used in ultrasound, an acoustic electrode resonates at a frequency by "contracting" and "expanding" x times per second with an amplitude of a few micrometers. This half-wavelength acoustic resonance follows the properties of the material's constant elasticity, its density ρ, the speed at which sound travels through the material, and the frequency. Acoustic electrodes are made of titanium, aluminum, or steel, with or without heat treatment. Small-diameter acoustic electrodes are sometimes referred to as probes. The shape of the acoustic electrode depends on the magnitude of the vibrational energy and the physical constraints of the precise application.

[0040] The "sound wave" is generated by one or more ultrasonic transducers. According to the present invention, the sound wave is ultrasound.

[0041] The sound waves can be generated by a single transducer, or, as a variant, by at least two transducers. Each transducer may include an acoustic electrode, typically made of metal, that defines a surface through which the sound waves are emitted. The transducer may include at least one piezoelectric material.

[0042] Once the device is switched on, it can generate sound waves permanently, or, as a variant, it can generate sound waves only when certain operating conditions are met (such as the device being located near hair).

[0043] Sound waves can be generated from sinusoidal signals or signals with more complex shapes, such as those modulated by frequency modulation or amplitude modulation. Sound waves are preferably emitted at a single frequency, which allows them to be more precisely focused on a given area; however, as a variation, sound waves can be emitted at several different frequencies. Sound waves can be emitted continuously or in pulses.

[0044] The device may also include a system for detecting whether the device is in contact with the hair to be treated and adjusting the function of the transducer based on this detection.

[0045] The "probe" allows for the transmission and reception of signals, such as ultrasonic signals.

[0046] Suction unit

[0047] The device according to the invention may include a suction system for recovering used cleaning composition and cleaning residues (natural or chemical contaminants, damaged keratin residues present on the surface of hair). The suction system may, for example, include a fan and filter for collecting particles and / or a pump and filter and / or a liquid recovery system, and / or an electrostatic system that attracts particles to a surface by generating an electric potential field. The device according to the invention may include a reservoir for used surfactant composition, which is drawn in by the suction system.

[0048] Preferably, the power of the suction unit is set between 80 air watts and 120 air watts.

[0049] Air wattage is the ratio between airflow, suction power, and power consumption. According to the ASTM international standard, this data is calculated as follows:

[0050] P = 1 / 8.5 × F × S

[0051] Where P is the power in watts; F is the airflow in CFM; and S is the suction force.

[0052] Therefore, the air wattage indicates the overall performance of the motor in the suction unit, and thus the efficiency of the suction unit.

[0053] Recycling

[0054] Advantageously, the cleaning composition is sent to contact with hair so that it can be at least partially recycled and / or filtered.

[0055] The recovered composition can be filtered to remove solid debris or its particulate phase, and then sent back to the hair strands to be cleaned.

[0056] Preferably, for example, a porous carrier is used to recover the composition by suction or absorption.

[0057] Advantageously, the processing and purification unit includes a separator and a processing unit inlet for receiving the used composition, including the composition that has come into contact with the hair.

[0058] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the processing and purification unit includes a disinfection unit for killing bacteria in the recycled composition, the disinfection unit including a UV lamp and / or an ozone or oxidant generator and / or a chemical product or bactericide dispenser and / or a heating device.

[0059] Preferably, the treatment and purification unit includes a filter with a pore size of 50 micrometers or less. The filter may be a nonwoven fabric with or without pleats.

[0060] sprayer or sprayer

[0061] The device according to the invention can be an electrically powered device including a spraying component for misting, spraying, or atomizing the cleaning composition. Preferably, the device includes a unit for processing and recycling the used cleaning composition.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sprayer includes a compressor, a pump, and uses ultrasonic waves to generate a spray from the cleaning composition and air. Preferred embodiment

[0063] Preferably, the application element according to the invention has one or more of the following features, used alone or in combination:

[0064] The corresponding molded part defines a container, the bottom of which defines a supporting surface. This shape helps to hold and retain hair strands.

[0065] The probe has an axial guide channel that passes through it. Preferably, the probe has a flared and hollowed-out shape. The guide channel optimizes wave guidance.

[0066] The probe has a flared shape in the direction of its distal end. This shape allows ultrasound to pass through more easily and may make it easier to dispense the cleaning composition.

[0067] The supporting surface of the corresponding forming part is parallel to the distal outer surface of the probe. Preferably, the contact angle between the longitudinal axis of the probe and the hair is close to 90°. In this case, the base of the probe advantageously lies flat against the hair, and this provides better processing efficiency.

[0068] In a variant, the handheld component includes a first comb or brush positioned next to the probe and oriented toward the corresponding shaping element to untangle and ventilate the hair strand before, during, or after ultrasonic treatment, thereby facilitating the passage of ultrasound between individual hair strands.

[0069] In this variant, the corresponding forming element includes a second comb or a second brush, which is disposed on the outer side of the support surface and oriented toward the probe.

[0070] Therefore, the corresponding molded part is preferably equipped with a groove formed in the inner contour of the corresponding molded part and positioned between the first comb or first brush and the second comb or second brush when the device is in the use position. This groove provides space to facilitate the removal of used composition during combing or brushing.

[0071] The transducer uses an ultrasonic frequency range from 16 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably from 16 kHz to 60 kHz.

[0072] The device includes a cleaning composition supply conduit connected to the outlet of a reservoir containing the cleaning composition.

[0073] The device preferably includes a used composition discharge conduit connected to the corresponding molded part.

[0074] The apparatus preferably includes a unit for processing and recycling the used cleaning composition. The apparatus further includes a system for recovering the used cleaning composition, particularly contaminated surfactant solutions. Even more preferably, this recovery device includes a suction device. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying schematic partial drawings, in which:

[0076] Figure 1 This is an oblique perspective view of the device according to the present invention.

[0077] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the device in the diagram.

[0078] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device is connected to a reservoir containing a cleaning composition.

[0079] Figure 4 The device for positioning hair strands according to the invention is demonstrated. Detailed Implementation

[0080] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shows an embodiment of the invention, wherein the processing apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer 13 for emitting sound waves at the input of the probe. The transducer 13 is powered by a current generator 15, which may be part of a handheld device 18 or may not be part of the handheld device, for example, existing in a base to which the handheld device 18 is connected via a cable.

[0081] The device 1 has a corresponding molded part 3 for receiving a hair strand, which is subjected to sound waves emitted by a hollowed-out and flared probe 2. The probe 2 has a longitudinal axis X extending between its proximal outer surface 21 and its distal outer surface 22.

[0082] The probe 2 and the corresponding forming element 3 can be positioned relative to each other in a spaced structure (not shown) for introducing hair strands between them. Figure 1 The structures shown are moved together for processing.

[0083] The probe 2 and the corresponding molded part 3 can be carried by an upper arm and a lower arm, respectively, which can be independent of each other or connected at one end by a joint, thus forming a gripper 18. The invention is not limited to a specific connection method between the probe 2 and the corresponding molded part 3. However, the presence of a joint may be preferred because it provides ergonomics.

[0084] The probe 2 and the corresponding forming element 3 define an area between them for processing the entire head of hair. This area is designed to receive the hair strands to be processed, which move during processing, for example, in a direction from the root of the hair to the tip of the hair, to ensure that the hair strands are completely cleaned.

[0085] As can be seen in the figure, the probe 2 includes a partially hollow elongated body with a flared and flat head designed to contact or approach a hair strand that spreads out on a support surface 31 formed by the bottom of the container 30, such that the area of ​​the hair strand to be processed faces the distal outer surface 22 of the probe 2.

[0086] By providing a space between the support surface 31 and the distal outer surface 22 to form a recess 60 for the hair clip, the probe 2 forms a removable component with a cooperative shape associated with the corresponding molded part 3. In the example shown, the user moves the probe 2 along the longitudinal axis X of the handheld part 18 to move it away from or towards the corresponding molded part 3, thereby positioning the distal outer surface 22 and the support surface 31 facing each other and simultaneously allowing the hair clip to be clamped.

[0087] A groove 39 may be provided on the edge of the upper surface 36 of the corresponding molded part 3, for example, to facilitate the discharge of used cleaning composition.

[0088] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the probe 2, two first combs 32 and 33 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the probe, and two second combs 34 and 35 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the longitudinal edge of the corresponding forming part. The two first combs 32 and 33 are symmetrical with respect to the middle plane of the probe 2, and the two second combs 34 and 35 are symmetrical with respect to the middle plane of the corresponding forming part 3.

[0089] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The device supplies a cleaning composition via a supply conduit 45 connected to a mixer 41, which may be connected to a reservoir 42 and a reservoir of concentrated cleaning solution 43, the concentrated cleaning solution advantageously comprising at least one surfactant, preferably anionic. The hair composition passes through a probe via an axial guide channel and is then dispensed onto the hair, for example, via a jet or sprayer, after passing through an outlet orifice in the guide channel.

[0090] The corresponding molded part 3 has a used hair composition discharge conduit 44, which passes through, for example, the sidewall 37 of the recess 60 for receiving hair strands and leads to a cup 48 for collecting the used composition.

[0091] The supply and discharge conduits can be equipped with a motor system 40, which makes discharge easier.

[0092] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a strand of hair M that is prepared to be inserted between the combs 34 and 35 of the probe 2 and the corresponding molded part 3 as the probe 2 moves closer to the corresponding molded part 3.

[0093] In order to use the device according to the invention, the probe 2 and the corresponding molding 3 are moved away from each other so that a hair strand can be placed between them. Then, the probe 2 and the corresponding molding 3 are moved closer to each other so that the hair strand is sandwiched between the distal outer surface 22 of the probe 2 and the support surface 31 of the corresponding molding 3.

[0094] The handheld component 18 has a preferably cylindrical base 19. This base houses an electrical power source (e.g., one or more batteries or battery cells) and a printed circuit board carrying the electronic components of the device. These components, for example, ensure the generation of the pressure required to spray the cleaning composition, control various electrical components, and perform auxiliary functions such as calculating the remaining amount of product to be sprayed in order to notify the user that the cartridge containing the cleaning composition needs to be replaced.

[0095] The user turns on the power to expose a strand of hair to ultrasonic vibration for a selected duration, particularly at least one second. The spraying of the cleaning composition can begin simultaneously with the switching on of transducer 13 and can also stop simultaneously, or the start of the spraying and the switching on of the transducer can be staggered in time.

[0096] Next, the user moves the hair strand relative to container 30 to ensure that the hair strand is completely cleaned along its entire length or desired length.

[0097] The cleaning composition preferably comprises one or more surfactants. Preferred surfactants are nonionic, anionic, or amphoteric surfactants. Even more preferably, the cleaning composition contains at least one anionic surfactant. Anionic surfactants may, in particular, be alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates.

[0098] Preferably, the concentration of surfactant in the cleaning composition varies by weight from 0.05% to 20%, more preferably from 0.1% to 10%, and even more preferably from 0.2% to 5% relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0099] The cleaning composition may also include one or more hair conditioners, particularly selected from non-silicone cationic or amphoteric polymers, nonionic or cationic silicone oils or gums, mineral oils, plant-derived oils, plant-derived waxes or greases.

[0100] The cleaning composition may also include other compounds selected from thickeners, pearlescent or matting agents, alkalizing or acidifying agents, UV protectants, preservatives, antibacterial agents, anti-hair loss agents, oil-controlling agents, and fragrances.

[0101] This invention is not limited to the specific examples described. In particular, this invention covers other structures of the handheld device 18 and other relative arrangements of the transducer 13 and the probe 2.

Claims

1. A beauty device for cleaning hair, the beauty device comprising: - An ultrasonic transmitter having an ultrasonic transducer (13) powered by a current generator and configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. - A handheld device (18) comprising a probe (2) coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer (13) to the hair strand to be treated, the probe (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) between a proximal outer surface (21) and a distal outer surface (22). The probe is characterized in that it is configured such that the hair composition passes through the probe via its axial guide channel and is dispensed onto the hair by a jet or sprayer; the handheld part (18) further includes a corresponding forming part (3) having a support surface (31) for at least partially receiving the hair strand to be treated; the probe (2) cooperates with the corresponding forming part (3) to clamp the hair strand between the support surface (31) of the corresponding forming part (3) and the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2); and The corresponding molded part (3) defines a container (30), the bottom of which defines the support surface (31), wherein the device includes a used cleaning composition discharge conduit (44) connected to the corresponding molded part (3).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe (2) has a shape that is flared in the direction of its distal end.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support surface (31) of the corresponding molded part (3) is parallel to the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The handheld component (18) includes a first comb or a first brush (32) which is positioned next to the probe (2) and oriented toward the corresponding molded component (3).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The corresponding forming part (3) includes a second comb or a second brush (34), which is disposed on the outside of the support surface (31) and oriented toward the probe (2).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The corresponding molded part (3) is equipped with a groove (39) formed in the inner contour of the corresponding molded part and disposed between the first comb or the first brush (32) and the second comb or the second brush (34) when the device is in the use position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transducer (13) uses an ultrasonic frequency range from 16 kHz to 10 MHz.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a supply conduit (45) connected to a mixer (41), which is connected to a reservoir for concentrating a cleaning solution (43).

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The concentrated cleaning solution (43) includes at least one surfactant.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes a unit for processing and recycling the used cleaning composition.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transducer (13) uses an ultrasonic frequency range from 16 kHz to 60 kHz.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one surfactant is anionic.

13. A beauty method for cleaning hair, the beauty method comprising the following steps: (i) Providing an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, (ii) clamping at least one region of the hair strand between the support surface (31) of the corresponding molding (3) and the distal outer surface (22) of the probe (2), (iii) Generate ultrasound, (iv) After moving the hair strand relative to the probe (2), one or more other areas are processed in sequence to clean the desired portion of the hair strand.

14. The method of claim 13, the method comprising: (v) applying a metered amount of cleaning composition to the hair strand during operation (iii).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cleaning composition includes at least one surfactant.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The at least one surfactant is anionic.

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