Method for cleaning human keratin materials

Abstract

A method for cleaning a human keratin material, the method comprising the steps of subjecting a surface of the keratin material to a cosmetic composition comprising at least one surfactant and to acoustic waves emitted by at least one ultrasonic transducer excited by a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal, the electrical signal has at least one frequency component of from 20 kHz to 100 kHz, the sound intensity Isata on the surface is at least 0.1 W / cm2, the duty cycle Ton / Toff when the signal is a pulsed signal is from 20% to 100%, the pulse duration Ton when the signal is a pulsed signal is from 0.01 second to 1 second, so that within the cosmetic composition, the electrical signal has at least one frequency component of from 20 kHz to 100 kHz, the sound intensity Isata on the surface is at least 0.1 W / cm2, the duty cycle Ton / Toff is from 20% to 100%, and the pulse duration Toff is from 0.01 second to 1 second. Bubbles are generated near the surface of the material to be cleaned, and the bubbles are exploded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the cleaning of human keratin materials and more particularly, but not exclusively, to the treatment of the skin, scalp and / or hair, in particular the treatment of coloured hair. Background Art

[0002] Application JP 2007-311756 describes an ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning silicon wafers, mask substrates, etc. The device comprises an ultrasonic transducer mounted in a nozzle through which a cleaning liquid passes and means for introducing a gas to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid.

[0003] Application US2012 / 0227761 describes a device for cleaning a surface, comprising, on the one hand, a chamber supplied with a liquid and communicating with an outlet conduit opening outwardly on the surface to be cleaned, an ultrasonic transducer transmitting acoustic energy to the liquid contained in the chamber and the outlet conduit, and, on the other hand, a bubble generator for generating bubbles in the outlet conduit. The bubble generator may be an electrochemical generator, the liquid containing, for example, a salt, such as potassium chloride, to make the liquid conductive. A surfactant may be added to prevent the bubbles from agglomerating during their travel in the outlet conduit towards the surface to be treated and to ensure that the bubbles have the desired size when they reach the surface to be treated.

[0004] It is envisaged that the device will be used to clean the skin, particularly under the nails of surgeons, and on the hands.

[0005] The application mentions that surfactants may be added to influence the size of the bubbles produced. No cosmetic applications for treating facial skin or hair are disclosed.

[0006] Application ES2 708 149 discloses a device for cleaning a surface, the device comprising a sonotrode which generates ultrasonic waves in the vicinity of a cleaning solution present on the surface, cavitation causing dirt to be removed from the surface.

[0007] Patent US8486199 describes a device for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer, the device comprising a resonator for providing ultrasonic energy to a treatment fluid containing gas bubbles.

[0008] Document EP 1 645 342 describes a method for cleaning components of an apparatus, which method consists in placing a liquid containing gas bubbles in a sound field.

[0009] Patent KR101152920 describes a device for cleansing the skin comprising a vacuum pump and intended to be used on the skin in close proximity to a liquid containing microbubbles.

[0010] Applications US2017 0080257, KR 2020 0102956, US2009 / 318853, JP 2016 214424 and WO2020 / 029429 disclose methods for cosmetic treatment of the skin, in particular for cleansing the skin, using an ultrasonic device which generates microbubbles in a cosmetic composition applied to the skin to be cleansed.

[0011] Similar devices are disclosed in applications US2011 / 21328, US2010 / 010420, EP 3 634 643, CN206995178 and EP 2 470310.

[0012] Application EP 3 542 740 discloses a medical device for cleaning wounds, the device comprising a detachable cleaning nozzle and an ultrasonic transducer.

[0013] Some devices require large amounts of water and new composition each time they are used.

[0014] Environmentally friendly design of products promotes sustainable use of resources, which has become a key factor in minimizing the impact of products on the environment. Producers have begun to take responsibility and are motivated by changes in consumer habits to design their formulations and packaging in an environmentally friendly way, while still paying attention to optimizing industrial processes and managing production waste. This creates a virtuous circle. Similarly, helping consumers to reduce waste is also driving this global movement towards shared responsibility.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for products with a reduced environmental footprint that meet the growing practical expectations of consumers.

[0016] Furthermore, when one wishes to perform a dyeing treatment on already dyed hair, one may wish to first bleach the hair; however, ideally, such a bleaching treatment must be performed without damaging the hair fiber.

[0017] Currently, bleaching uses compounds that have a chemical effect on the hair, such as oxidizing agents, which have an impact on the environment and therefore it is desirable to avoid using these compounds or to reduce their use. In addition, these compounds have a relatively aggressive effect on the hair fiber.

[0018] In fact, treatments involving dyeing or bleaching hair are usually carried out using an oxidizing agent in an alkaline solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, potassium salts, sodium salts, ammonium salts, perborates or percarbonates, persulfates or percarbamides. The oxidizing agents used in these hair treatments usually lead to the cleavage of the disulfide bonds that link the keratin chains. Therefore, repeated treatments with oxidizing agents usually lead to the hair becoming brittle and losing its luster.

[0019] After rinsing the composition containing the oxidizing agent, it is recommended to apply a conditioning agent (such as silicone, cationic surfactant or cationic polymer) to the hair.

[0020] These conditioners can reduce the damage caused to the hair by forming a protective film, thereby improving the feel of the hair, but do not prevent the premature breakage of the hair that can be caused by continuous oxidative treatment. In addition, these conditioners have a significant impact on the environment.

[0021] In an attempt to address this problem, a number of solutions have been proposed.

[0022] US 5 100 436 thus discloses a hair dyeing composition comprising a metal chelate complex which reduces the exposure time of the hair to an oxidizing composition, thereby reducing the damage caused by the oxidizing agent. US 6 013 250 discloses a composition for treating hair against chemical damage and photodamage. US 4 138 478 discloses the use of specific compounds to reduce the damage caused to the hair during bleaching or dyeing. US 3 202 579 and US 3 542 918 disclose other protective compounds. US 5 635 167 discloses a method for eliminating exogenous metal ions attached to the hair, comprising the step of contacting the hair with a mixture of chelating agents. WO 97 / 24106 discloses a hair dyeing composition comprising a whitening additive for reducing the damage caused to the hair, having a low pH.

[0023] All these solutions are based on the use of specific chemical compounds and do not address the need to improve the environmental footprint of the processes used to dye and / or bleach or cleanse hair in a fully satisfactory manner. Furthermore, they do not completely prevent the damage to the hair caused by the action of bleaching agents (e.g. oxidizing agents). Summary of the invention

[0024] The present invention aims to propose a method for cleaning human keratin materials, in particular the facial skin, the scalp or the hair, which method is effective in cleaning said materials and which complies with a responsible sustainable development approach, thanks to a reduced carbon footprint.

[0025] The present invention also aims to propose a device and a method for treating human hair which minimizes the use of chemical products for bleaching the hair, limits the consumption of water and / or active agents and dispenses with substances harmful to the environment, reduces the risks associated with repeated exposure of the hair and scalp to aggressive substances and treatments, and makes the treatments for bleaching and dyeing the hair easier.

[0026] Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, a subject of the invention is a method for treating human keratin materials, comprising the steps of subjecting the surface of said keratin materials to a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant and to acoustic waves emitted by at least one ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer being excited by a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal having at least one frequency component between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, with a duty cycle T when the signal is a pulsed signal. 开 / T 关 Preferably, it is 20% to 100%. When the signal is a pulse signal, the pulse duration T 开 The acoustic intensity Isata on the surface is preferably at least 0.1 W / cm 2 .

[0027] Therefore, within the cosmetic composition, bubbles may be generated near the surface of the material to be cleaned and the bubbles may be burst.

[0028] For non-therapeutic purposes, the method is preferably cosmetic.

[0029] "Cosmetic composition" means a composition containing at least one cosmetic active agent, as defined in the 76 / 768 / EEC Cosmetics Directive. In particular, it may be an active agent that helps cleansing and / or bleaching the hair, as described below. According to the invention, mineral water or tap water does not constitute a cosmetic composition.

[0030] "Human keratin materials" refer to external keratin materials, such as the skin and its appendages, in particular the hair and nails, and internal keratin materials, such as the gums or other mucous membranes. The treatment can be carried out in particular on the surface layer of the skin. The skin area treated according to the invention can be the skin of the face, the skin on the trunk, the back, the arms, the legs, the hands and / or the feet, the scalp. The method according to the invention is very particularly suitable for removing make-up and / or cleaning the facial skin, in particular the forehead, the cheeks, the chin, the neck, the nose and the scalp.

[0031] The method according to the invention may also be suitable for caring for the skin or the hair, or for cleansing and / or preparing the skin, hair or scalp, in particular for preparing the hair for a dyeing or bleaching treatment.

[0032] “At least one frequency component” is understood to mean, for a periodic signal whose spectrum contains a single line (such as a sine line), its frequency in the conventional sense, and for a periodic signal whose spectrum contains multiple lines, the frequency of at least one line, in particular the frequency of the line with the highest amplitude.

[0033] Sound intensity I SATAIt can be defined as the average sound power over the surface area exposed to the sound wave divided by said surface area:

[0034] I SATA =P moy / S,

[0035] The average acoustic power is obtained from the activation voltage of the transducer and from the duty cycle when the electrical signal is a pulsed signal.

[0036] Sound intensity I SATA Preferably 0.1W / cm 2 Up to 10W / cm 2 , preferably 1W / cm 2 Up to 5W / cm 2 , or even better is 2.5W / cm 2 Up to 5W / cm 2 , or even better is 3W / cm 2 Up to 4W / cm 2 .

[0037] According to the method of the present invention, the parameter range of the above signal, especially the minimum sound intensity I SATA , exogenous impurities and endogenous impurities or defects can be eliminated or effectively treated.

[0038] Among the undesirable impurities that may be present on the keratin material (located on the surface and / or fixed deeper in the pores of the skin), a distinction can be made between exogenous impurities (e.g. make-up, environmental pollutants, dust, microorganisms, etc.) and endogenous impurities or defects (e.g. excess sebum, sweat, dead cells, dead skin, dandruff, blackheads, small scars and / or acne, pigment spots, etc.).

[0039] The sound waves obtained using the parameter range of the signal indicated above make it possible to generate complete cavitation of the gas bubbles within the composition, thus producing a mechanical effect on the keratin materials to be cleansed.

[0040] "Complete cavitation" is understood here to mean the creation and collapse of bubbles at the source of mechanical impact on the nearby surface.Before applying the sound waves, the cosmetic composition may or may not have bubbles already present inside it.

[0041] The generation and / or presence of bubbles may also promote the release of chemicals (eg free radicals) that aid in the cleansing of keratin materials.

[0042] Surfactants

[0043] The total concentration of surfactants in the composition is preferably 0.01% to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.01% to 5%, and even more preferably 0.1% to 1.5% by weight relative to the total mass of the composition; therefore, the composition can also have a cleaning effect without the bubble bursting caused by sound waves.

[0044] Surfactants can contribute to the formation and / or stabilization of bubbles, and are selected from, for example, foaming surfactants, such as anionic polyoxyalkylene alkyl (amido) ether carboxylic acid surfactants, anionic surfactants other than the above polyoxyalkylene alkyl (amido) ether carboxylic acids, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, and / or selected from compounds commonly present in cosmetic removal compositions, such as alkyl polysaccharides, fatty alcohol polyethylene glycols, oils, and mixtures thereof. Any surfactant capable of generating micelles in a medium can be used.

[0045] Sound Wave

[0046] The sound waves may be generated by a single transducer or, as a variant, by at least two transducers.

[0047] When the sound waves are emitted by a plurality of transducers, these sound waves are, for example, all directed towards the area to be treated, for example with longitudinal axes converging on the area. Where applicable, two transducers arranged facing each other can be used to treat a strand of hair interposed between them. This can allow two opposite sides of the strand of hair to be treated simultaneously. It is also possible to arrange the transducers side by side to treat a larger area, with overlapping or non-overlapping areas treated by each transducer.

[0048] Each transducer comprises one or more electro-active elements for converting electric current into mechanical vibrations, the one or more electro-active elements being based on piezoelectric materials, for example, as described below.

[0049] The one or more electro-active elements may be coupled to a sonotrode which may be placed into mechanical resonance by the one or more electro-active elements and used to define an emitting surface for emitting acoustic waves toward a surface or target volume.

[0050] Once the treatment device is operational, the sound waves may be generated continuously or, as a variant, only when certain operating conditions are met, for example when the composition is in contact with the ultrasonic generator and / or when the device is in contact with the area to be treated and / or if the device detects that this area contains dirt.

[0051] As a variant, the sound waves can be generated only when: the amount of composition in contact with the surface to be cleaned is sufficient; or when certain conditions for the generation of cavitation are detected, such as contact between the emitting surface of the ultrasonic generator and the surface to be treated, a minimum composition height, a composition temperature or a transducer temperature within a given range, etc.

[0052] The acoustic wave can be generated by a pulsed electrical signal or a continuous electrical signal, preferably a pulsed electrical signal.

[0053] The sound waves can be generated by a sinusoidal electrical signal or by a signal with a more complex waveform, for example a signal with frequency modulation or with amplitude modulation. The sound waves are preferably emitted at a single frequency so that they can be focused more precisely in a given area, but as a variant, they can also be emitted at a plurality of different frequencies.

[0054] The frequency is preferably between 30 kHz and 100 kHz, in particular between 30 kHz and 45 kHz. Such a frequency allows satisfactory generation and bursting of bubbles in the composition and allows any bubbles already present in the medium of the composition to burst. For example, the sound waves are generated by a transducer with a rated frequency of about 34 kHz.

[0055] The nominal frequency may vary around 34kHz, for example 34kHz+ / -5kHz.

[0056] The electrical signal for exciting one or more transducers may be a pulsed electrical signal, and the pulse duration thereof is preferably 0.01 second to 0.1 second, more preferably 0.02 second to 0.08 second.

[0057] When the signal is a pulse signal, the duty cycle is preferably 20% to 100%, more preferably 50% to 70%, for example approximately 50%+ / -10%, 58.3%+ / -10% or 66.7%+ / -10%.

[0058] Where applicable, some changes in the nominal values ​​may be caused by an increase in the temperature of the transducer, for example by excitation of the ceramic forming the piezoelectric electroactive element. These changes may also result from an increase in the temperature of the liquid in which the cavitation occurs.

[0059] The method may include the steps of detecting the presence of a cosmetic composition in contact with the ultrasonic generator and conditioning operation of the transducer on the detection.

[0060] This thus avoids the emission of sound waves in the absence of composition or when the device is not in the process of treating keratin materials.

[0061] Preferably, the acoustic waves are emitted without the emitting surface of the ultrasonic generator being in contact with the area to be treated. The distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated is, for example, 1 mm to 30 mm, more particularly 3 mm to 5 mm, so that the acoustic energy emitted into the keratin material can be limited and the cavitation of the bubbles in the composition can be promoted.

[0062] The “distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated” is understood to be the distance between the emitting surface of the ultrasonic generator and the surface to be treated.

[0063] The composition can be brought into continuous contact with the ultrasonic generator by continuous operation of one or more transducers, or as a variant, by pulsed operation of one or more transducers. The composition can also be supplied in a pulsed manner. Advantageously, the area subjected to the sound waves is supplied discontinuously, for example, a period of time is supplied to the area when no sound waves are generated, followed by a period of time when the composition present in the area is subjected to the sound waves but no replenishment of the composition is made during this exposure. This can avoid bubbles present in the composition being driven out by the sound waves present in the area before entering the area.

[0064] Thus, the supply of composition to the treatment area can be subordinated to the operation of the one or more transducers for generating the acoustic waves, or vice versa, and pulsed operation of the one or more transducers and / or the supply of composition can be achieved. In other words, the composition can be supplied with a certain time delay relative to the time period during which the acoustic waves are emitted into the area where the composition is supplied.

[0065] The presence of liquid in the composition aids the propagation of sound waves. Therefore, the gas / liquid weight ratio within the composition may benefit from not being too high, and the composition may advantageously contain a thickener (as described below) or any other compound that increases the temporal stability of the gas bubbles.

[0066] Preferably, the activation voltage is delivered to the transducer to obtain a voltage greater than or equal to 5 W / cm 2 The peak acoustic intensity I is preferably 5 W / cm 2 Up to 10W / cm 2 , preferably 6W / cm 2 Up to 7.5W / cm 2 .

[0067] The surface to be treated is preferably subjected to the sound waves for a duration of 0.2 to 10 seconds, more preferably 2 to 5 seconds, for example 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds. This "effective" application duration of the sound waves allows effective cleaning while still limiting any discomfort felt by the user. This duration may correspond to the time measured between the start of the excitation of the transducer to treat a given surface and the end of the excitation of the transducer in the treatment of said surface. This application time may be done once or in multiple times.

[0068] For example, the duration of the sound wave to be treated is equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds, and the peak sound intensity is equal to 6.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.6W / cm 2 ,and:

[0069] - The total concentration of surfactant in the composition is 0.8% to 1.5%, the pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 50% to 67%, or

[0070] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0071] oPulse duration T 开 0.025 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 50% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 The pulse width is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 52% to 65%.

[0072] As a variant, for example, the surface is subjected to the sound wave for a duration equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds and a peak sound intensity equal to 6.8 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and:

[0073] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0074] oPulse duration T 开 0.027 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 50% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 52% to 67%, or

[0075] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and

[0076] oPulse duration T 开 0.030 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 50% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 52% to 67%, or

[0077] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and

[0078] oPulse duration T 开 0.035 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 50% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 52.5% to 67%, or

[0079] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and

[0080] oPulse duration T 开 0.035 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 51.5% to 67%, or

[0081] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 54% to 67%, or

[0082] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0083] oPulse duration T 开 0.038 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 54% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 The pulse width is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 57.5% to 67%.

[0084] As a variant, for example, the surface to be treated is subjected to the sound waves for a duration equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds and a peak sound intensity equal to 7.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and:

[0085] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration T 开 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, duty cycle 50% to 67%,

[0086] or

[0087] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and

[0088] oPulse duration T 开 0.030 sec to 0.070 sec, duty cycle 51% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 52.5% to 67%, or

[0089] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and

[0090] oPulse duration T 开 0.030 sec to 0.070 sec, duty cycle 52.5% to 67%, or

[0091] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 55% to 67%, or

[0092] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and

[0093] oPulse duration T 开 0.025 sec to 0.070 sec, duty cycle 56% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 59% to 67%, or

[0094] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration T 开 The pulse width is 0.028 seconds to 0.045 seconds, and the duty cycle is 59% to 63%.

[0095] As a variant, for example, the surface to be treated is subjected to the sound waves for a duration equal to 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds, with a peak sound intensity equal to 6.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.6W / cm 2 ,and:

[0096] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0097] oPulse duration T 开 0.070 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 54% to 60.5%, or

[0098] oPulse duration T 开 0.055 seconds to 0.078 seconds, with a duty cycle of 56% to 62%, or

[0099] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and

[0100] oPulse duration T 开 0.040 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 51% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 56% to 67%, or

[0101] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and

[0102] oPulse duration T 开 0.035 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 51.5% to 67%, or

[0103] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 54% to 67%, or

[0104] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and

[0105] oPulse duration T 开 0.040 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 51.5% to 67%, or

[0106] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 54% to 67%, or

[0107] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0108] oPulse duration T 开 0.035 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 55% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 The operating time is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 57% to 67%.

[0109] As a variant, for example, the surface to be treated is subjected to the sound waves for a duration equal to 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds, with a peak sound intensity equal to 6.8 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and:

[0110] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% ± 0.1%, and

[0111] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.065 sec, duty cycle 56% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.035 sec to 0.075 sec, duty cycle 53.5% to 64%, or

[0112] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% ± 0.1%, and

[0113] oPulse duration T 开 0.030 sec to 0.072 sec, duty cycle 53% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 55% to 64.5%, or

[0114] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and

[0115] oPulse duration T 开 0.032 sec to 0.070 sec, duty cycle 54% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 56% to 64.5%, or

[0116] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and

[0117] oPulse duration T 开 0.032 seconds to 0.070 seconds, duty cycle 55.5% to 67%, or

[0118] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 58% to 64%, or

[0119] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and

[0120] oPulse duration T 开 0.025 seconds to 0.063 seconds, duty cycle 61.5% to 67%, or

[0121] oPulse duration T 开 The pulse width is 0.030 seconds to 0.058 seconds, and the duty cycle is 60% to 67%.

[0122] As a variant, for example, the surface to be treated is subjected to the sound waves for a duration of 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds, with a peak sound intensity equal to 7.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and:

[0123] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% ± 0.1%, and

[0124] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 57% to 65%, or pulse duration T 开 0.030 sec to 0.065 sec, duty cycle 55% to 67%, or

[0125] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% ± 0.1%, and

[0126] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.080 sec, duty cycle 58% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开0.020 seconds to 0.068 seconds, duty cycle 55% to 67%, or

[0127] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and

[0128] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 seconds to 0.0725 seconds, duty cycle 58.5% to 67%, or

[0129] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 seconds to 0.0575 seconds, duty cycle 56% to 67%,

[0130] or

[0131] - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and

[0132] oPulse duration T 开 0.020 sec to 0.060 sec, duty cycle 61% to 67%, or pulse duration T 开 The operating time is 0.020 seconds to 0.046 seconds, and the duty cycle is 58.5% to 67%.

[0133] bubble

[0134] Bubbles can be generated during the pressure drop in the composition and the reduction in the vapor pressure which generates the gas release. Preferably, the bubbles are generated by sound waves, but as a variant, the bubbles are additionally generated by a specific generator.

[0135] Among other possibilities, the gas bubbles may be bubbles of air, CO2, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and mixtures of these gases.

[0136] All the bubbles may be bubbles of the same gas or, as a variant, the composition may comprise bubbles of a first gas and bubbles of a second gas different from the first gas.

[0137] The gas may originate from the decomposition of the composition (for example by fermentation), or be extracted from the composition, or, as a variant, be introduced into the composition.

[0138] The diameter of the bubbles may range from 50 nm to 700 μm, more preferably from 500 nm to 50 μm. The size here refers to the average size D of half the population by number. 50 .

[0139] The dimensionless factor is equal to the ratio d / R 最大 , where d is the distance from the geometric center of the bubble to the surface to be cleaned when the bubble expands to its maximum, R 最大is the maximum expanded diameter of the bubble, and for maximum effectiveness this factor is preferably less than 3.5, more preferably less than 1.1, as described by F. Reuter in the publication Mechanisms of single bubble cleaning, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 29 (2016) 550-562.

[0140] The density of the medium formed by the cosmetic composition with gas bubbles exposed to sound waves may be 0.1 g / cm 3 Up to 1g / cm 3 , preferably 0.5g / cm 3 Up to 1g / cm 3 (at 20°C and atmospheric pressure).

[0141] The small bubble size can help it penetrate into protrusions and / or follicles in the skin, such as hair follicles, cracks, wrinkles, scars, crevices or folds, to exert an effective cleaning effect therein. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the size of the bubble to be less than or equal to 300 microns, more preferably 200 microns, such as 100 microns or less. The bubble can then penetrate into the follicle before being activated by the sound waves.

[0142] Additional generation of bubbles

[0143] Preferably, the bubbles are generated exclusively by sound waves in the cavitation phenomenon, in particular obtained by a minimum level of Isata and by the other above mentioned parameters, as described above.

[0144] As a variant, additional bubbles may be generated in the composition. These additional bubbles may be generated by any suitable means, for example by mechanical, physical, chemical or electrochemical means. In particular, the bubbles may be generated by depressions in the liquid which can reduce the vapor pressure and form gas in the form of bubbles.

[0145] The additional bubbles may be generated prior to the emission of the acoustic wave, simultaneously with the emission of the acoustic wave, or periodically relative to the emission of the acoustic wave.

[0146] The following techniques, among others, constitute exemplary techniques that can be implemented in the present invention to generate bubbles:

[0147] - For example, using a nozzle to depressurize a liquid, which may have been pressurized before,

[0148] - generating turbulence, in particular using rotating blades, turbines, ejectors, venturis, rotating gas or liquid flows, static or rotating porous bodies (especially rotating disks), generators (as described in the publication Performance of a new micro-bubble generator with a spherical body in a flowing water tube, M. Sadatomi Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 29 (2005) 615-623), venturis and vortices, as implemented by the company MEC (Iona Shower), or shear forces,

[0149] - Generating laminar flow through small openings, utilizing focused or confocal flow, porous membranes, using porous membrane fluid oscillators (such as described in the article Fluidic oscillator-mediated microbubble generation to provide cost-effective mass transfer and mixing efficiency to the wastewater treatment plants, Environ Res. 2015 February; 137: 32-9), emulsified microchannels (such as described in the article Monodispersed microbubble formation using microchannel technique; AIChE Journal, 50 (2004), pp. 3227-3233), due to the stability of the bubbles generated, these techniques for generating bubbles through laminar flow with small openings are more preferred than previous techniques.

[0150] -supply:

[0151] Light energy, for example, by irradiating nanoporous gold-coated microfluidic channels, as described in Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 9705, 2016, Article No. 97050D, Photothermal generation of microbubbles on plasmonic nanostructures inside microfluidic channels (Conference Paper); by laser irradiation, for example, as described in An Experimental study on microbubble generation by laser induced breakdown in water; The review of Laser Engineering (Suppl.) (2008), pp. 1273-1275 (2); by laser irradiation of carbon nanotubes, as described in the article Producing single microbubbles with control size using microfiber Advance in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2 (2011), pp. 385-390; by tapered optical fibers; by near-infrared plasmonic absorbers, as described in the publication Size-controllable micro-bubble generation using ananoimprinted plasmonic nanopillar array absorber in the near-infraredregion.Applied Physics Letters.108.2016,

[0152] Acoustic energy, for example by ultrasound, as described in the article Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Vol. 29, March 1, 2016, pp. 604-611, Influence of sonication conditions on the efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning with flowing micrometer-sized air bubbles, acoustic activation of microbubbles, ultrasound in the presence of nucleation sites, as described in application WO 2016 / 055883,

[0153] Electrical energy, for example by electrodynamic coaxial atomization, as described in the publication Preparation of microbubbles usage by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization, Medical Engineering and Physics, 29 (2007), pages 749-754; by electrolysis; by electroflotation; by electrolytic microgenerators, as described in the publication Micro-fabricated electrolytic micro-bubblers, International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 31 (2005), pages 706-722; by electrostatic spraying, as described in the publication Microbubble generation for environmental and industrial separations, Separation and Purification Technology, 11 (1997), pages 221-232; by electrically heating carbon nanotubes, as described in the publication Microbubble generation with micro-watt power using carbon nanotubes heating elements; Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology, August 2-5, 2007, Hong Kong, China (2007); or by microplasma, as described in the article Journal of Physics D; Applied Physics, Vol. 47, No. 35, September 3, 2014, Article No. 355203, Microbubble generation by microplasma in water.

[0154] Once the device is started, additional bubbles may be generated continuously. As a variant, the bubbles may be generated intermittently, for example only when the composition is dispensed, or periodically with a predetermined frequency so that the bubbles have time to disperse. Before the device is started, a certain number of bubbles may be present in the composition. As a variant, the bubbles may be generated beforehand or when the device is not in operation.

[0155] The intensity of bubble generation may be constant or variable and, where applicable, adjustable by the user or automatically by the device, depending on the desired result or on at least one operating parameter.

[0156] The bubbles may be generated by any of the above techniques, in particular by injecting a compressed gas into the composition, for example by means of a pump or a compressed gas tank, by electrolyzing the cosmetic composition, by stirring the composition, by sucking the gas into the composition, or by evaporating a liquefied gas mixed in the composition or dissolved in the composition. The bubbles may be generated by the reaction of two liquids, or by the reaction of a liquid with at least one solid, for example in the form of a powder, granules, tablets or in any other form.

[0157] If the bubbles are generated upstream, the flow rate of the liquid containing the bubbles can range from 0.01 mL / s to 10 mL / s.

[0158] Grinding

[0159] The method may comprise abrading the keratin material using abrasive particles and / or by a component of the apparatus which comes into contact with the keratin material.

[0160] The grinding may be performed by means other than the means for emitting the sound waves, by the device itself, or by specific parts mounted on the device, such as a grid, a blade, a scraper or any other suitable accessory.

[0161] For example, a part for performing grinding is mounted for performing grinding and then removed for performing treatment with air bubbles and sonication, for example the part can be interchanged with a part of the device for performing treatment with sonication and air bubbles.

[0162] During the treatment with bubbles and sonication, there may also be a component that is ground, as described below. In other possibilities, the component may have the form of a grid.

[0163] The abrasion may be carried out before the cosmetic composition and the bubbles are exposed to the sound waves, or, as a variant, simultaneously. When the abrasion is carried out beforehand, it may be carried out by any means, in particular by mechanical or chemical action.

[0164] The abrasion of keratin materials can be caused not only by the shock wave phenomenon generated by the gas bubbles after exposure to the sound waves, but also at least partly by the action of abrasive particles in contact with the surface to be treated, such as those present in the composition or on the surface of the device in contact with the external keratin material.

[0165] The abrasive particles present in the cosmetic composition may be insoluble in the medium of the composition or, as a variant, soluble in the medium of the composition and preferably then generate, when they dissolve, a gas which will then be used to generate all or part of the bubbles subjected to the sound waves. The abrasive particles may be formed by a precipitation reaction associated with a chemical reaction.

[0166] The abrasive particles may be selected from abrasive powders of materials having a Mohs hardness greater than or equal to 3, such as powdered aluminum oxide, powdered silicon dioxide, powdered aluminum silicate, powdered carbonate, powdered silicon dioxide-coated material, powdered aluminum oxide-coated material, or powdered aluminum silicate-coated material.

[0167] The abrasive particles can also be powdered fruit pits (especially apricot pits), wood cellulose (such as chopped bamboo poles, chopped coconut shells), oyster shells, shells, sand, silica, or synthetic materials (such as polyamide), or mixed particles combining organic compounds and inorganic compounds, and particles coated with the above compounds.

[0168] The abrasive particles may have a size of 0.1 micrometer to 500 micrometers, particularly 0.1 micrometer to 50 micrometers for hair treatment and 10 micrometer to 300 micrometers for scalp or facial skin treatment.

[0169] The solid particles used to exert the abrasive action may be flat, spherical, elongated, polyhedral or irregular in shape.

[0170] Abrasive particles may be added to the device or to the liquid during processing.

[0171] The device may include chambers specifically designed for the controlled storage and dispensing of abrasive particles, or compounds that allow the formation of these particles by reaction or precipitation.

[0172] Reuse

[0173] Preferably, the cosmetic composition is brought into contact with the keratin material so as to be able to be at least partially recovered in order to be reused.

[0174] The recovered composition may be filtered to remove solid debris or its particulate phase from the composition before returning to the surface to be cleaned.

[0175] Preferably, the composition is recovered by suction or absorption, for example using a porous medium or a suction system, in particular using a pump, as described below.

[0176] Application of cosmetic composition

[0177] In general, the composition itself, due to its formulation, can already contribute to the removal of the impurities desired to be removed by the action of the bubbles subjected to the sound waves. The action of the bubbles subjected to the sound waves can accelerate or improve the process. Thus, the waves generated by the bursting of the bubbles combined with the action of the composition, through synergy, can produce an effect greater than the effect of the waves alone or the effect of the composition alone.

[0178] The cosmetic composition may be applied first, whether or not bubbles are already present therein, and then, after having been applied to the keratin material, exposed to the sound waves in order to generate new bubbles and, after all bubbles have burst, to generate shock waves.

[0179] For example, the user first applies the cosmetic composition (eg, in foam form) to the area to be cleansed, such as by spraying the cosmetic composition onto the area, and then contacts the treatment device with the composition to subject the composition to the sonic waves.

[0180] The cosmetic composition can also be applied in another way, in particular continuously, that is to say by establishing a flow of the composition in contact with the keratin materials to be treated, this flow being for example in a closed circuit or in an open circuit.

[0181] When the flow takes place in a closed circuit, the composition is at least partially reused. To reduce losses, additional quantities of the composition may be introduced into the circuit continuously or intermittently.

[0182] The flow may be stopped at any time to promote prolonged static contact of the composition on the surface to be cleaned. The flow may be carried out without bubbles, for example to allow initial contact with keratin materials in preparation for cleaning.

[0183] In an open loop, the composition is not reused to carry out the process, for example the composition is siphoned into a collection container or directly siphoned off with the wastewater.

[0184] The composition flows in the device at a flow rate of, for example, 0.01 mL / sec to 15 mL / sec.

[0185] While the cosmetic composition is already in contact with the keratin material, bubbles may be formed under the action of sound waves and / or using a specific bubble generator of the device (for example operating by electrolysis).

[0186] Selection of treatment area

[0187] The method may be practiced on all or part of the facial skin, scalp or body for cleansing thereof.

[0188] The treated area may in particular be an area of ​​keratin material covered with a cosmetic product, such as foundation, lipstick, blush, mascara, eyeliner, powder, lotion, oil or sunscreen product etc., the treatment may aim at removing the product.

[0189] The method can be carried out by moving the handpiece along the area to be treated, thereby treating the entire area covered with cosmetic product or other material that is desired to be removed.

[0190] The method can also be implemented for treating skin areas not covered by cosmetic products, in order to deep cleanse them, remove or treat exogenous or endogenous impurities or imperfections, such as dead skin cells, traces of sebum or sweat, dandruff, bacteria, traces of pollution, blackheads, pigment spots, small scars or acne scars. The method can be implemented for treating the scalp. The method can also be implemented for nails, in order to remove nail polish.

[0191] The method may include the step of detecting an area to be treated, and certain parameters (such as acoustic intensity) can be automatically adjusted according to the requirements for cleaning or treatment of the detected area.

[0192] The device may include an optical detector for detecting the presence of a compound to be removed from the skin surface, such as foundation or sunscreen. The detector includes, for example, a light emitter and a sensor for sensing a reflected signal, which can be analyzed to detect the presence of the compound to be removed and the amount present can be determined. For example, the emission power of the sound waves is automatically adjusted according to the intensity absorbed at a predetermined wavelength.

[0193] The detection can also be carried out in liquid from the treatment area, especially if the liquid is reused; high turbidity of such liquid can represent the presence of a large number of particles removed from the surface. Therefore, the intensity of the sound waves can be automatically adjusted according to the transparency of the liquid, for example when the liquid is turbid due to the treatment removing a large number of particles, the intensity is automatically increased, and when the liquid becomes clear again, the intensity is reduced, indicating that the treatment is no longer removing a large number of particles.

[0194] The method may also be implemented for cleansing the hair, in particular in order to at least partially remove previously applied dyes.

[0195] The method may also be practiced on the hair to remove excess sebum or other substances, such as pathogenic or non-pathogenic biological agents and dandruff.

[0196] Additional methods

[0197] The method according to the invention can be preceded or followed by a cosmetic method, such as make-up or massage.

[0198] For example, the skin, hair or eyelashes are made up and then after a certain duration (eg less than 24 hours) the make up is removed by the cleansing method of the invention.

[0199] In another example, the skin is cleansed by practicing the method according to the present invention and then treated on the cleansed area (eg, immediately after or less than two hours after cleansing), such as massaging and / or applying a treatment composition.

[0200] Processing Kit

[0201] Another subject of the invention is a process kit for implementing the method according to the invention described above.

[0202] The kit includes:

[0203] - a cosmetic composition in which bubbles are generated,

[0204] - Means for exposing gas bubbles to sound waves in the vicinity of the surface to be treated.

[0205] The composition may or may not be packaged in the same package as the device.

[0206] The composition can be obtained by diluting the concentrate composition. Such dilution can be carried out with a liquid or solid composition (e.g. in the form of tablets, sticks, shavings, powder), preferably a liquid composition, which contains all or part of the ingredients of the concentrate composition (in different proportions).

[0207] Where applicable, the composition is contained in a container designed to be mounted on the device, for example constituting a cartridge designed to be fully or partially fixed in a corresponding recess of the device or to be connected to the device by a suitable connection, for example a tube.

[0208] Other compounds

[0209] The composition may generally comprise any compound customary in the formulation of cleaning and / or care compositions for human keratin materials which is compatible with the generation of sufficiently stable bubbles before the application of the sonication waves.

[0210] Device for treating keratinous materials

[0211] According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a device for treating keratin materials contacted with a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, in particular a device for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention as described above, comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit sound waves in the vicinity of the material to be treated, the transducer being powered by a current generator that delivers pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signals to the transducer.

[0212] The device may in particular comprise at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit sound waves into a fluid present in the vicinity of the material to be cleaned, the transducer being powered by a current generator which delivers to the transducer a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal, the electrical signal preferably having:

[0213] - at least one frequency component between 20kHz and 100kHz,

[0214] - When the signal is a pulse signal, the duty cycle T is between 20% and 100% 开 / T 关 , and / or

[0215] - When the signal is a pulse signal, the pulse duration T is 0.01 seconds to 1 second 开 ,

[0216] The acoustic intensity Isata on the surface of the keratin material is preferably at least equal to 0.1 W / cm 2 .

[0217] The features of the above-described methods may be applied to the device in combination with each other or independently of each other.

[0218] Device for treating hair

[0219] According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a device for treating human hair, in particular for cleaning the hair, removing previous dyes and / or bleaching said hair, the device being intended to treat the hair when said hair is in contact with a fluid, in particular an aqueous fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, the device comprising:

[0220] - at least one transducer having an emitting surface for emitting sound waves in the vicinity of the hair to be treated, in order to produce the bursting of said bubbles,

[0221] - At least one guiding and / or combing member designed to guide the hair with a movement of the hair approaching and / or in contact with said emission surface.

[0222] The sound waves emitted by the emitting surface of the transducer can in particular form and collapse bubbles in the fluid by cavitation, thereby producing a mechanical effect on the hair, which promotes the detachment of exogenous or endogenous elements and in particular leads to bleaching of the hair.

[0223] The cosmetic composition may contain very small amounts of surfactants, for example less than 5%. Such small amounts of surfactants may prove particularly beneficial for the action of the sound waves on the fluid and the gas bubbles present therein.

[0224] Among the unwanted impurities that may be present on the hair, a distinction can be made between impurities of exogenous origin (eg environmental pollutants, dust, microorganisms etc.) and impurities or defects of endogenous origin (eg excess sebum, dead cells etc.).

[0225] The cosmetic composition may or may not have air bubbles already present within it prior to application of the sonic waves.

[0226] The generation and / or presence of air bubbles may also promote the release of chemicals (eg, free radicals) that aid in the cleaning and / or bleaching of the hair.

[0227] The device according to the invention is very particularly suitable for bleaching hair, in particular hair that has been subjected to a dyeing treatment and has a colour other than its natural colour.

[0228] The device allows a strand of hair to be bleached only on the outside, giving the hair a swept-dyed effect.

[0229] The device can also bleach specific areas of hair, especially a strand of hair, by emitting ultrasound waves intermittently.

[0230] The device, in particular at least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member, can heat and / or scatter light, which makes it possible, for example, to activate certain compounds present in a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition.

[0231] Device with pump and tank

[0232] The device according to the invention preferably comprises a system for dispensing and / or recovering the composition, comprising at least one composition tank and at least one pump, in particular electrically driven, designed to guide the composition in a fluid circuit between the tank and the keratin material to be treated.

[0233] Another subject of the invention is therefore a device for treating keratin materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0234] - a handpiece comprising a treatment head placed in contact with the keratin material to be treated,

[0235] at least one ultrasonic transducer carried by the handpiece and designed to emit sound waves in the vicinity of the material to be treated and to generate gas bubbles in the fluid, these bubbles preferably being generated only by the transducer without the need for an additional bubble generator, and

[0236] - A system for distributing and / or recovering a fluid, comprising at least one fluid tank and at least one pump designed to conduct the fluid in a fluid circuit between one or more tanks and the keratin material to be treated.

[0237] Preferably, the device is for non-therapeutic use, in particular for topical administration of cosmetic compositions.

[0238] The device according to the present invention can effectively treat exogenous impurities and endogenous impurities or defects while meeting certain environmental requirements and applicable safety standards.

[0239] Systems for distributing and / or recovering fluids can conserve water and chemicals.

[0240] Preferably, the handpiece comprises a handle, which can be arranged non-coaxially with the treatment head. The handle can at least partially house a system for dispensing and / or recovering fluids. As a variant, the device can comprise a base station connected to the handpiece by an electric wire, the pump and / or one or more tanks being arranged in the base station.

[0241] Pump

[0242] The pump can have any type of drive, in particular a manual or electric drive, preferably an electric drive.

[0243] The pump can be of various types. For example, the pump is a positive displacement pump or a centrifugal pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, or a combination of several types.

[0244] The pump may be powered by a DC current or an AC current. Preferably, the pump is powered by a voltage less than 50V, for example by a voltage of 5V to 12V.

[0245] The pump is preferably compatible with liquids of varying nature, in particular aqueous liquids, oily liquids, mixed liquids, liquids containing suspended particles or fillers, or even polymers.

[0246] When the pump is driven by an electric motor, the motor is, for example, a brushed or brushless DC motor, in particular a motor with permanent magnets. These magnets may be based on ferrites or rare earth elements.

[0247] For example, when used to drive a pump, the rotation speed of the motor is 1 rpm to 10,000 rpm.

[0248] This speed may be fixed or variable, the motor for example being driven by a variable speed drive, for example with pulse width modulation, with a (passive or active) resistor acting on the current or supply voltage, or by a variable frequency drive.

[0249] The motor can be single phase or three phase.

[0250] The pump mechanism can be driven directly by a motor or using a speed reducer.

[0251] When the drive is manual, the device may include a handle that is actuated by the user to operate the pump.

[0252] Preferably, the pump is configured to provide a fluid flow rate of 0.01 mL to 15 mL per second.

[0253] The pump may be removable or may not be removable. The pump may create negative and / or positive pressure on the fluid to allow the fluid to flow and come into contact with the skin. The pump may also be used to clean the interior of all or part of the device.

[0254] The pump may house the filter in one or more components. The pump may be mechanically or electrically independent from the device, for example to be removed from the device for cleaning.

[0255] Can

[0256] The device may comprise one or more canisters of fluid, the fluid preferably being a cosmetic composition as mentioned above.

[0257] The one or more canisters may be arranged in the handpiece, in particular in a handle thereof, or at least partially outside the handpiece, for example in a base station connected to the handpiece.

[0258] As a variant, one or more canisters may be arranged to protrude from the handpiece.

[0259] The device may comprise a plurality of separate tanks, for example a tank for dispensing the fluid onto the area to be treated, and a tank for receiving the used fluid which has been at least partially recovered after treatment.

[0260] One or more tanks may be removable or non-removable. For example, one or more tanks may be disposable tanks that can be replaced when there is no more fluid or when the recovered fluid needs to be discharged.

[0261] Depending on the treatment to be performed on the keratin material, the tanks may also be provided in different capacities, the device being able to be configured to allow the user to install a tank of their choice, selected from a plurality of respectively different capacities.

[0262] The tank or tanks may be cleaned, filled or emptied, for example manually from outside by previously removing them from the device, or directly while they are still present in the device, for example using a pump and a fluid circuit.

[0263] In this case, the device comprises, for example, a selector making it possible to change the flow of the fluid from a first configuration, in which the flow takes place between the tank and the treatment area, to a second configuration for cleaning and / or filling the tank.

[0264] One or more tanks may comprise a plurality of compartments, in particular a plurality of compartments integrated in the same body and separated by walls, or a plurality of compartments in communication, for example connected by pipes. One or more tanks may comprise a compartment for accommodating the composition to be distributed on the area to be treated, and a compartment for collecting the used composition, for example for reuse. The two compartments may be communicated, for example, by a filter.

[0265] One or more cans may also include multiple compartments that can store different compositions. These compositions may be mixed at the time of their use, and in some cases these compositions may be in the form of solids and / or instant powders.

[0266] For example, a canister may comprise a first compartment containing a solid composition, for example in the form of a powder or crystals, and a second compartment containing a fluid composition, the two compartments being able to communicate during use so that the fluid composition dissolves the solid composition.

[0267] The first compartment may also contain a mixture of a suspended solid composition and a liquid in which the solid composition is insoluble, the fluid composition in the second compartment causing the mixture to dissolve during use of the device.

[0268] One or more tanks may include one or more filters for filtering impurities from the collected fluid prior to redistribution onto the area to be treated. The tank may also include a vent.

[0269] One or more of the tanks may comprise means for heating or cooling the fluid, in particular an electrical resistor.

[0270] The one or more canisters are preferably compatible with one or more liquids of varying nature, particularly various types of miscible or immiscible compositions and various types of cleaning liquids.

[0271] The tank or tanks are preferably at least partially transparent, thereby enabling a user to visually observe their fill level and / or the cleanliness level of the contained fluid.

[0272] One or more tanks may be deformable or made of a rigid material, in particular glass or plastic. The tank may include removable parts so as to have an adjustable volume as desired. One or more tanks may be equipped with a valve enabling the tank to be separated from the housing containing the tank without loss of fluid.

[0273] The one or more cans may be in the form of a generally cylindrical or other shaped box, or in the form of a flexible bag.

[0274] For example, the capacity of the one or more cans is from 1 ml to 200 ml, more preferably from 1 ml to 50 ml.

[0275] Fluid circuit

[0276] The fluid circuit preferably comprises a plurality of conduits suitably connected to produce the desired fluid flow, such as end-to-end or in parallel, connected together by suitable connections.

[0277] The fluid circuit connects together the various components of the device involved in the flow of fluid, such as the treatment head, one or more pumps or one or more fluid tanks, and one or more filters or other purification or sterilization or even additional bubble generation systems.

[0278] The fluid circuit may include one or more modifiable taps or valves, such as one or more manually or electronically controlled valves.

[0279] The pump may include a filter in one or more components.

[0280] The fluid circuit may include a water inlet for filling the fluid circuit with water and / or cleaning the fluid circuit from an external network.

[0281] The fluid circuit can also be adjusted with removable parts, such as parts that are added when cleaning the circuit. For example, a part can be added that contains a cleaning powder that at least partially dissolves when the liquid passes through the circuit. Thus, the added part can be used only for cleaning and then removed, or left in place until the next cleaning operation and then replaced with a new part.

[0282] One or more tanks and the fluid circuits that allow the fluid to flow may belong to the same assembly, which constitutes a refiller that can be manipulated as a whole to be installed on or removed from the device; thereby making product refilling more convenient. Where applicable, such a refiller may have a mechanical interface with a pump or other drive member so that when activated, the flow of product from the cartridge to the processing area can be established.

[0283] The components making up the refill may be arranged to be fixed in the handpiece, for example by a snap fit or the like, for example in the same housing as that housing another component of the device, such as a generator.

[0284] Fluid treatment and purification units

[0285] The device according to the invention may comprise a system for at least partially reusing a fluid, the system comprising a conduit opening out close to the area to be treated and communicating with a suction system, in particular a suction pump.

[0286] The suction system is preferably designed to convey the recovered fluid to the treatment and purification unit, for example at the output of the treatment and purification unit, returning the fluid to a tank for redistribution onto the area to be treated.

[0287] The processing and purification unit can be arranged inside the handpiece, in particular in its handle, or at least partially transferred to the outside, for example to a base station connected to the handpiece by electrical wires.

[0288] The treatment and purification unit preferably comprises one or more removable parts. It may be washable and fully or partially reusable.

[0289] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a filtering system capable of at least partially filtering any fluid flowing in the device, in particular the cosmetic composition used for the treatment, or any other liquid used to clean the device.

[0290] Preferably, the filtration system comprises at least one filter, in particular a filter having a pore size less than or equal to 50 micrometers.

[0291] The filter may be a nonwoven fabric, with or without pleats. The filter may comprise one or more elements selected from fabrics, porous materials, activated carbon particles, sand, silica, porous polymers, natural or synthetic foams.

[0292] The filter may be a filter with a high capture capacity, in particular a nanofilter.

[0293] The filtration system may also include a pre-filter, which may be placed downstream or upstream of the suction system.

[0294] The filtration system may include a sensor for sensing the efficiency of one or more filters, the sensor being configured to indicate to the user whether the filter should be replaced or cleaned, such as by changing color when the filtration system is saturated. Such a sensor may also be a pressure sensor capable of detecting whether a filter is clogged.

[0295] Where applicable, the fluid circuit of the device is designed to direct the fluid in a counter-current manner during the cleaning phase to unclog the filter.

[0296] The treatment and purification unit may comprise several elements distributed in different parts of the device; for example, the unit may comprise a filtration system situated in at least one conduit of the fluid circuit, and a disinfection system or a system intended to perform another treatment, arranged in a compartment of the tank.

[0297] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a centrifugal separator designed to extract impurities from the used fluid that has come into contact with the keratin material into a collection area by exploiting the centrifugal force exerted on the fluid by causing it to swirl.

[0298] The treatment and purification unit may include a disinfection unit that destroys any organisms present in the reused fluid, such as bacteria, viruses, spores or other pathogenic or non-pathogenic biological agents.

[0299] To this end, the disinfection unit may comprise any suitable biocidal means, preferably at least one UV lamp and / or an oxidant or an ozone generator, in particular a UVC LED lamp.

[0300] Ultrasonic transducer

[0301] The device includes an ultrasonic transducer.

[0302] As mentioned above, the transducer comprises one or more electroactive elements for converting electric current into mechanical vibrations, which one or more electroactive elements are advantageously connectable to an ultrasonic generator arranged in mechanical resonance and defining an emission surface for emitting sound waves towards a surface or target volume.

[0303] These sound waves can cause rapid pressure changes, which can lead to cavitation of gas bubbles; as mentioned above, the sound waves can cause the formation and collapse of gas bubbles, or cause the collapse of gas bubbles already present in the medium.

[0304] The longitudinal axis of the transducer may be designated as the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode. The sonotrode may be rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, or have another shape. This may be the axis of symmetry of the transducer, for example this may be rotationally symmetrical about said axis, or have another shape.

[0305] The longitudinal axis may also correspond to the direction in which the one or more electro-active elements have a maximum amplitude of movement when stimulated.

[0306] The ultrasonic generator can be made of metal, preferably titanium, to improve the cavitation effect of the bubbles. The ultrasonic generator can also be made at least partially of aluminum, stainless steel or ceramic. The ultrasonic generator can contain a variety of metals or alloys.

[0307] The transducer may comprise at least one piezoelectric material, in particular lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0308] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is made of a corrosion-resistant material so that it can be at least partially immersed in the composition.

[0309] The emitting surface of the sonotrode for emitting the sound waves may be covered with a protective layer to protect the sonotrode from any degradation caused by cavitation of bubbles in contact therewith, and / or from corrosion.

[0310] The present invention is not limited to a particular shape or given size of the sonotrode. However, in order to allow the user to operate it with one hand, a size that matches the portability of the handpiece is preferred.

[0311] The emitting surface of the ultrasonic generator in contact with the composition may, for example, have a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 100 mm, more preferably a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 50 mm, and more preferably a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to a surface area of ​​a circle with a diameter of 40 mm.

[0312] The ultrasonic generator can be tailored to any shape adapted to the shape of the surface to be treated, for example circular, oval or polygonal, in particular square or triangular.

[0313] The emitting surface of the transducer is detachable relative to the transducer, for example in order to be replaceable by a user, in particular in order to provide multiple solutions for guiding and / or combing hair and / or for adapting the type of relief of the guiding and / or combing member.

[0314] Preferably, the entire transducer or ultrasonic generator is detachable, that is, the user can easily remove them from the device, preferably without the aid of any tools. This facilitates their cleaning and, if desired, allows the replacement of multiple transducers or ultrasonic generators, depending on the desired use and energy parameters, for example by selecting the type of transducer or ultrasonic generator that is best suited to generating sound waves at a given frequency.

[0315] Replacing the transducer can change the sound intensity as needed.

[0316] Thus, depending on the selected transducer and / or ultrasound generator, the device can be used for a wide selection of applications. The choice of transducer and / or ultrasound generator may depend on various parameters, such as the nature of the desired treatment, the type of keratin material to be treated, or even the frequency of use of the device (daily, weekly, etc.).

[0317] The device may also include a mechanical element with an adjustable opening, such as a diaphragm, which is arranged in front of the ultrasound generator to limit the emission surface for emitting ultrasound waves. The diaphragm is user-adjustable to adjust the power of the treatment and / or the size of the treatment area.

[0318] The transducer and / or the ultrasonic generator may comprise fixing means for fixing to the rest of the device by a snap fit, by screwing, by a bayonet, by friction, by magnetism, by clamping (in particular using at least one clamping screw, a hose clamp, a magnet), or by any other suitable means.

[0319] The transducer may be movable longitudinally and / or transversely, in particular in order to move towards or away from the hair to be treated. The transducer may be capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis, and / or vibrating.

[0320] The sonotrode can have any shape at the emitting surface for emitting the sound waves.

[0321] The device may comprise a drive component for driving the transducer or the ultrasonic generator, the drive component being configured to generate an oscillating, vibrating and / or rotational movement of the transducer or the ultrasonic generator independently of the generated sound waves.

[0322] The transducer may be powered with DC or AC, and in particular may be powered independently of other elements of the device (eg a pump).

[0323] The transducer or associated ultrasound generator may include a conduit, which preferably opens outward on the emitting surface and is connected to a fluid circuit, so that the fluid flowing in the device can flow through the transducer or associated ultrasound generator. This flow can cool the transducer.

[0324] The device may comprise a plurality of transducers, in particular two transducers. This makes it possible, for example, to increase the effectiveness of the treatment by the device.

[0325] Relief on the emitting surface

[0326] The emitting surface for emitting sound waves towards the liquid medium may comprise reliefs where bubbles can be generated at different levels along the longitudinal axis of the transducer. In particular, these reliefs provide nucleation points at their top and their bottom.

[0327] Therefore, according to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a device for treating keratin materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0328] - at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emitting surface for emitting sound waves into the fluid in order to generate bubbles in the fluid which, when they burst, have a mechanical effect on the keratin material, the emitting surface having reliefs where bubbles can be generated at different levels along the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0329] The reliefs may allow for more uniform generation of bubbles. In contrast, smooth emitting surfaces tend to produce nucleation sites randomly distributed on the surface, resulting in non-optimal bubble generation. These reliefs may also promote the collapse of bubbles, since the different levels along the longitudinal axis allow for the generation of relatively large cavitation areas that are not confined to a single plane.

[0330] The relief can also create turbulence in the fluid, which can aid bubble generation, especially if the fluid contains surfactants.

[0331] The relief can be formed in various ways.

[0332] The relief may be produced by any method which allows a predetermined shape to be formed by removing material (for example by machining, chemical etching, electroerosion, laser etching, molding or additive synthesis) or by embedding a foreign object.

[0333] The relief may be integral with the sonotrode, for example by machining the sonotrode to produce the relief.

[0334] The relief may also be formed on at least one additional part fixed to the sonotrode.

[0335] The additive receives at least some of the vibrations of the sonotrode and transmits them to the liquid medium; the additive defines at least a portion of an emitting surface for emitting sound waves into the fluid.

[0336] The additive can be made of the same material as the sonotrode, or of a different material (especially a harder material). The additive including the relief is preferably made of a rigid material so as to transmit the sound waves without excessive attenuation. The additive can be made of metal, alloy or ceramic.

[0337] The use of an additive to define an emitting surface for emitting sound waves into a liquid medium can facilitate replacement of the emitting surface in the event of wear of the emitting surface (which is easily caused by bursting bubbles).

[0338] The additive can be fixed to the sonotrode in any manner, in particular by being held on the sonotrode in a detachable fixing manner. For example, the additive can be screwed onto the sonotrode. When a detachable fixing is not required, the additive can be welded or otherwise fixed to the sonotrode.

[0339] The sonotrode may be made of a material that is harder than aluminum, such as titanium or stainless steel.

[0340] Thus, the relief can be produced together with the sonotrode from titanium, for example by machining the end face of the sonotrode.

[0341] The additive can be made of a material harder than aluminum, such as titanium or stainless steel. In this case, since the sonotrode is not directly exposed to cavitation, the sonotrode can be made of titanium or a material (such as aluminum) with a lower hardness than titanium.

[0342] The reliefs preferably have a predetermined shape, but as a variant they may be randomly formed and have, for example, at least one random parameter, such as their size or position. Thus, all or some of the reliefs may have a random distribution on the emitting surface and / or have random sizes.

[0343] The reliefs may be arranged in a regular arrangement, in other words in a structured shape, for example in a regular array in two dimensions (the third dimension being the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode).

[0344] The relief may be identical; for example, the emitting surface comprises the same basic pattern, which is repeated in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0345] The pattern may have a prism shape, such as a pyramid shape, or the like, such as a hemispherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, a spire shape, or the like.

[0346] The relief may be in the form of ribs or ridges, where applicable, parallel or non-parallel to each other, linear or circular, or in a grid, or with a random distribution. For example, the ridges may be formed by scratching the surface. The relief may be formed by subjecting the surface to shot peening or sanding, which may result in a random distribution and / or random shape of the relief.

[0347] The emission surface may have a relief having a height, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, ranging from 0.001 mm to 50 mm, better still from 0.01 mm to 30 mm, even better still from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0348] In front view, that is to say when observing the emitting surface from the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, the maximum dimension of the relief may be between 0.001 mm and 100 mm, better still between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0349] The free end of the relief may be rounded or flat to avoid damaging the skin in case of contact with the skin.

[0350] Thus, the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves may comprise at least one relief having a pyramidal shape, a truncated cone shape, a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape or a prismatic irregular shape.The emission surface may comprise a regular array of tetrahedral pyramidal reliefs.

[0351] The emission surface for emitting the acoustic waves may comprise at least one relief having at least two facets oriented differently towards the area to be treated.

[0352] The reliefs may, where applicable, have other additional functions, such as guiding and / or combing the hair in the treatment area.

[0353] When the relief is formed by continuous patterns present in one or two directions, the size of the patterns and the distance between the continuous patterns are selected, for example, so that the pattern density is 1 to 10 6 Patterns / cm 2 .

[0354] When the pattern has vertices, all vertices belong, for example, to the same plane, or to the same sphere, cylinder, parabola or ellipsoid.

[0355] Besides the relief of the emitting surface which helps to improve the bubble generation, the emitting surface can also have reliefs pursuing other purposes, such as reliefs exerting the effect of retaining fluid or cleaning the area to be treated. These reliefs are for example reliefs made of flexible material, such as bristles, in particular flocked bristles.

[0356] The emitting surface of the transducer may have one or more reliefs, such as teeth, and / or natural and / or synthetic bristles, and / or etched patterns, and / or micro-protrusions, and / or metal tips, to comb and / or help guide the hair, for example upstream or downstream of a treatment area, or even within the treatment area.

[0357] The emission surface may have the same type of relief as the guiding and / or combing members or, as a variant, have a different relief.

[0358] When the guiding and / or combing member is devoid of any relief, the emission surface may also have one or more reliefs.As a variant, when the emission surface is devoid of any relief, the guiding and / or combing member may have one or more reliefs.

[0359] Additional vibration

[0360] Another subject of the invention is a device for treating keratin materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0361] at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emitting surface for emitting sound waves into said fluid in order to generate gas bubbles in said fluid which, when they burst, have a mechanical effect on said keratin material,

[0362] - a vibrator for subjecting at least a portion of the emitting surface to additional vibrations of a frequency lower than the frequency of the sound waves.

[0363] At least a portion of the emitting surface may be subjected to additional vibrations of a frequency lower than that of the sound waves, for example less than or equal to 1500 Hz, even better less than or equal to 150 Hz, or even 50 Hz.

[0364] The entire device may be subjected to said additional vibrations. As a variant, only parts are subjected to additional vibrations, for example only the transducer, the ultrasound generator or parts thereof, or the treatment head.

[0365] To this end, the device may comprise a vibrator, for example a vibrator comprising a motor driving the unbalance in rotation.

[0366] The emitting surface is thus subjected to additional vibrations of the vibrator, for example transversely and / or longitudinally and / or angularly, preferably longitudinally. The direction of the vibrations can be adjusted, for example by acting on the orientation of the rotation axis of the unbalance relative to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0367] These additional vibrations may promote better uniformity of the cavitation and may improve the wetting of the emitting surface for emitting the acoustic waves by the fluid.

[0368] The additional vibrations may be emitted simultaneously with the emission of the sound waves or, as a variant, alternately; where applicable, the device may be designed to be able to activate or deactivate the generation of these vibrations, for example by activating or deactivating the motor driving the unbalance, or even to be able to adjust the rotational speed of the unbalance.

[0369] In the case of the presence of the above-defined reliefs on the emitting surface, it can be particularly advantageous to subject the emitting surface to these additional vibrations, the combination of relief and vibration making it easier to obtain additional turbulence in the fluid in contact with the material to be treated, thereby improving the generation and collapse of bubbles within the fluid as described above.

[0370] Processing Head

[0371] The device may comprise a treatment head for contacting the keratin material to be treated, the treatment head preferably being designed to distribute fluid onto the area to be treated via at least one fluid outlet and / or to at least partially recover spent fluid from the area to be treated via at least one fluid return inlet.

[0372] The device for treating hair may comprise a treatment head in which a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, flows and within which the transducer and the guiding and / or combing member extend at least partially.

[0373] The transducer preferably extends at least partially within the treatment head. The transducer can in particular be arranged completely within the treatment head.

[0374] For example, the outlet and / or inlet are connected to the above-mentioned fluid circuit. In particular, the fluid circuit can be arranged relative to the treatment head so as to distribute and / or partially recover the fluid upstream and / or downstream of the emission surface of the sonotrode, for example through at least one orifice on the emission surface.

[0375] The treatment head may comprise a heating element (eg a resistor) for example, to heat the composition, and / or a light source arranged to illuminate the treatment area and / or activate certain components of the fluid in which cavitation occurs during use.

[0376] The treatment head may comprise at least one filter, for example for filtering the composition for reuse, the filter being arranged, for example, in the return path of the fluid.

[0377] The treatment head may comprise a porous material and / or a material capable of releasing or diffusing a fluid, in particular an open-cell foam, preferably carried by a detachable support, in particular a support in the form of a frame.

[0378] The treatment head may comprise a dispensing orifice, such as a slot, which is closed in a resting state, opens under pressure from an upstream composition and has elasticity allowing an increase in volume during filling and dispensing of a fluid which expands after the filling action has been completed.

[0379] The treatment head may comprise a chamber for storing an amount of fluid sufficient to allow cleaning of keratinous materials and to allow the gas bubbles to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0380] The processing head may comprise a plurality of separate or interconnected compartments.

[0381] The treatment head may comprise a part made of a flexible and / or deformable material, in particular an elastically deformable material, in particular the part which comes into contact with the keratin material to be treated.

[0382] The treatment head may have a variety of shapes depending on the intended use of the device.

[0383] The treatment head may comprise one or more removable parts which can be easily removed from the device by a user, preferably without the aid of any tools.

[0384] This facilitates cleaning of the treatment head between uses.

[0385] One or more removable parts of the treatment head may be fixed to the rest of the device by any suitable fixing means, in particular a ball joint, a spring or a piston. The treatment head is preferably movable; in some examples, the treatment head can be tilted or rotated about at least one axis by more than 180°, 270° or 360°.

[0386] The transducer is preferably arranged relative to the treatment head such that the emission surface of the ultrasound generator for emitting the sound waves is at a distance from the surface of the keratin material to be treated.

[0387] Where applicable, the transducer may be movable relative to a fixed portion of the device, for example driven in rotation or reciprocating motion, as described elsewhere herein.

[0388] Cavitation thus occurs in the front part of the head, in the space formed between the emission surface of the ultrasound generator and the surface of the keratin material to be treated.

[0389] Therefore, a fluid can be made to flow in the space and the space can be regulated.

[0390] As mentioned above, the flow may be continuous, or intermittent. With the handpiece in place, the space may also be filled with a fluid and acoustic waves may then be generated in the fluid filling the space.

[0391] Guiding and / or grooming member

[0392] In the case of hair treatment, the device according to the invention may comprise at least one guiding and / or combing member designed to guide the hair to move close to and / or into contact with the emitting surface of the transducer.

[0393] The guiding and / or combing members make it possible to ensure that the hair is located at an appropriate distance from the emission surface for emitting the sound waves during the treatment, thus maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0394] The guiding and / or combing member may keep the hair at a predetermined distance from the emission surface, eg functioning as a spacer.

[0395] The guiding and / or combing members may keep the hair near the emitting surface by preventing the hair from moving away in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer and the longitudinal direction of the hair; the guiding and combing members do not prevent the hair from passing in front of the emitting surface for emitting sound waves.

[0396] Without a spacer placed in front of the emitting surface for emitting sound waves, the guiding and / or combing members may not prevent the hair from coming into contact with the emitting surface for emitting sound waves.

[0397] The guiding and / or combing members also allow a lock of hair to be well separated, making it possible to obtain a uniform hair thickness in the treatment area, thus allowing an even treatment of the lock of hair.

[0398] In some examples, the hair is combed by the guiding and / or combing member, whereby it is possible to spread the hair in front of the emission surface to promote the action of the bubbles.

[0399] The guiding and / or combing member may be designed to guide the hair laterally, for example by providing stops between which the hair engages.

[0400] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one surface for guiding the hair laterally so that the hair can be held during treatment.

[0401] At least one lateral guide surface, even better still both lateral guide surfaces, of the guiding and / or combing member may be perpendicular to the emission surface for emitting the sound waves.

[0402] The guiding and / or combing members may be at least partially made of a metallic material and / or a polymer, such as a rigid plastic.

[0403] The guiding and / or combing member may have a treatment on its surface which reflects the sound waves, thereby extending the treatment of the hair.

[0404] The guiding and / or combing members may be detachably or non-detachably fastened to the device.

[0405] At least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member may vibrate and / or rotate and / or move longitudinally and / or transversely.

[0406] The guiding and / or grooming member may be in the form of a single-piece element, or in the form of a plurality of elements connected to each other or to the device in order to perform one or more desired guiding and / or grooming functions.

[0407] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one guiding portion for contacting the hair, and at least one supporting portion for holding the guiding portion in a desired configuration during treatment.

[0408] Guiding portion of the guiding and / or combing member

[0409] The guide part can be fixed or movable relative to the rest of the device, in particular relative to the transducer, for example in order to bring the guide part closer to or further away from the emission surface for emitting the sound waves. Thus, the distance between the emission surface and the surface of the hair to be treated can be controlled relatively accurately, so that the action of the bubbles near the hair surface can be improved while, if desired, also avoiding direct contact between the emission surface and the hair.

[0410] When the guide portion is movable, the guide portion may be rotatable or axially movable, for example rotate about its own longitudinal axis and / or move along its own longitudinal axis and / or move along an axis perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis.

[0411] The guide portion may have a guide surface, which extends at least partially facing the emission surface and / or extends on both sides of the guide portion, in particular the guide surface and the emission surface define a processing space.

[0412] The distance between the emission surface and the guide surface may be 0.1 mm to 50 mm, in particular 0.1 mm to 30 mm, and where applicable is user-adjustable, in particular in order to adapt the device to the thickness of the hair to be treated.

[0413] The width of the guide surface may be greater than or equal to the width of the emitting surface, for example having a width of 1 mm to 180 mm, and the emitting surface having a width of, for example, 1 mm to 150 mm. "Width" here refers to the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the hair and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0414] The guide portion may be hollow so as to define a cavity for guiding the hair to be treated, the cavity defining a treatment space. The cavity may be open at two opposite ends, between which the hair may extend. The guide portion may be movable along a strand of hair to be treated, the hair moving within the cavity between its ends.

[0415] The cavity may be open laterally between its ends in order to allow the insertion of hair. As a variant, the hair is inserted through one end and then exits through the other end.

[0416] The cavity can be formed by a substantially tubular, in particular cylindrical, in particular tubular guide section with an axial groove.

[0417] The inner surface of the cavity may have reliefs that aid in combing and / or retaining hair. These reliefs may be, for example, ridge-shaped, or have other shapes, as described below.

[0418] The guide portion may be at least partially transparent to sound waves and to a transducer placed outside the guide portion, so that the sound waves emitted by the emitting surface of the transducer reach the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, present in the cavity with the hair, generating and / or bursting bubbles.

[0419] The guide portion may also constitute all or part of the transducer, in particular all or part of its sonotrode, while still defining the above-mentioned cavity, in which case the emitting surface is constituted by at least a part of the surface of the cavity.

[0420] The inner diameter of the cavity may be constant or variable."Inner diameter"refers to the diameter of the largest circle inscribed in the cross section of the cavity.

[0421] The guide portion may be located between at least two transducers, such as two diametrically opposed transducers.

[0422] For example, the guide portion defines a cavity for guiding the hair between the two transducers; for example, the cavity is open between the ends at its axial ends so as to define a slot for inserting the hair.

[0423] The guide portion may be in contact with both transducers, for example constitute all or part of their sonotrode, and / or be transparent to the sound waves emitted thereby.

[0424] The guiding portion may comprise at least two parts which are movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration for inserting hair between them and a closed configuration for holding the hair in the treatment space, for example in the form of jaws.

[0425] The guide portion includes, for example, a proximal portion closer to the transducer and a distal portion farther from the transducer.

[0426] The proximal part is transparent to sound waves and, in front view, may at least partially overlap the emitting surface. "Front view" refers to a view in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emitting surface.

[0427] In order to be transparent to sound waves, the proximal part of the guide portion can contain holes, in particular in the form of a grid, or be made of a special material that is transparent to sound waves.

[0428] The distance between the proximal part and the distal part varies between 0 mm in the closed configuration and 100 mm in the spaced configuration, in particular between 0 mm in the closed configuration and 50 mm in the spaced configuration.

[0429] The proximal member may be fixed relative to the transducer, or movable relative to the transducer.

[0430] The distal member may be fixed relative to the transducer, or movable relative to the transducer, provided that at least one member is also movable relative to the other member.

[0431] At least one of the distal member and the proximal member may be urged to move to the rest position by at least one resilient return member, such as a spring.

[0432] In particular, the proximal and distal parts can be returned to the closed configuration or, as a variant, to the spaced configuration by one or more elastic return parts, and the proximal and distal parts are preferably also configured to allow the user to apply a force opposite to the return action in order to move the proximal and distal parts in opposite directions when necessary, for example when inserting hair between the parts, when removing hair, and / or during treatment.

[0433] The guide member may include a single guide portion or a plurality of guide portions.

[0434] Supporting portion of the guiding and / or combing member

[0435] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one supporting portion which holds the guiding and / or combing member during use of the device.

[0436] The support portion may comprise means allowing translational movement of the guiding and / or combing member along the longitudinal axis of the transducer, in particular means comprising one or more springs for returning the support portion to a rest position, which corresponds, for example, to pressing the hair against the guiding and / or combing member and / or against the emission surface during treatment.

[0437] The support portion may be movable relative to the transducer in order to clear space facing the emitting surface and allow, for example, the insertion of hair into the treatment area.

[0438] The part may move in translation or rotation, or in any kinematic movement combining at least one translation and one rotation.

[0439] For example, the support portion may be pivotable relative to the transducer about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0440] If the guiding and / or combing member comprises a two-part support portion, these two parts can be pivoted simultaneously in order to switch the guiding and / or combing member on one side of the transducer.

[0441] Relief on the guiding and / or combing member

[0442] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one guiding and / or combing relief on its surface.

[0443] The guiding and / or combing reliefs may extend continuously or discontinuously on the guiding and / or combing member. Certain parts of the guiding and / or combing member may be free of guiding and / or combing reliefs.

[0444] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise on its surface at least one guiding and / or combing macrorelief capable of engaging in the hair, in particular at least one tooth, and / or natural or synthetic bristles.

[0445] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise on its surface, in particular on the surface of at least one tooth, at least one micro-relief, in particular an etched pattern and / or micro-protrusions, in particular resulting from a sanding process on the guiding and / or combing member.

[0446] These guiding and / or combing reliefs can guide and / or comb and / or hold and / or tighten the hair during treatment.

[0447] At least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular at least one tooth and / or at least one bristle, can extend in a space situated facing the emission surface.

[0448] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular teeth and / or bristles, extending outside the space situated facing the emission surface. The guiding and / or combing member may in particular comprise at least one row of teeth or bristles extending outside the space situated facing the emission surface.

[0449] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one row of teeth or bristles between which the hair can engage.

[0450] The distance between the longitudinal axes of the teeth or bristles of a row may be from 0.1 mm to 10 mm.

[0451] The teeth or bristles of the same row can all be aligned. As a variation, the teeth or bristles of the same row can be arranged in a five-point shape.

[0452] At least one tooth may be conical, with a circular or elliptical base. As a variant, at least one tooth may be pyramidal, with a square or rectangular base, or at least one tooth may be cylindrical.

[0453] The height of at least one tooth or a bristle, in particular at least one tooth of a row of teeth or a bristle of a row of bristles, can each be 0.1 mm to 50 mm, in particular 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0454] At least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member may be in the form of a brush, for example a brush with a twisted core comprising natural and / or synthetic bristles.

[0455] When the hair passes between the guiding and / or combing member and the emission surface, at least a part of the guiding and / or combing member, for example a part of the guiding and / or combing member in the form of a brush (e.g. a brush with a twisted core) can rotate about its longitudinal axis below the emission surface.

[0456] The guiding and / or combing member may have a single type of guiding and / or combing relief or, as a variant, may have a plurality of different types of guiding and / or combing reliefs.

[0457] Directing and / or grooming fluid flow in a member

[0458] At least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member may be hollow in order to allow a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to flow inside.

[0459] For example, at least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member may be penetrated by a duct which makes it possible to supply a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to the treatment space.

[0460] The guiding and / or combing member may receive in its hollow portion an anhydrous composition, such as a composition of carbonates, in particular sodium or calcium carbonates, and an acid, such as citric acid, capable of dissolving and releasing gas bubbles when a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, flows.

[0461] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one orifice which allows the fluid flowing inside, in particular the cosmetic composition, to escape, the orifice opening outwards in the treatment space, for example. For example, the orifice opens outwards in the direction of the emission surface; for example, the orifice is situated facing the emission surface.

[0462] Such orifices make it possible to release a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in direct contact with the hair, thus contributing to the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0463] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise 1 to 100,000 or more apertures, allowing the fluid flowing inside, in particular the cosmetic composition, to drain. These apertures may be formed, for example, by machining, or may be produced by the inherent structure of the material used.

[0464] Thus, the guiding and / or combing member may be at least partially made of a porous material having a very large number of pores allowing a fluid flowing inside, in particular a cosmetic composition, to escape.

[0465] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one orifice allowing recovery of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, after treatment, for example by aspirating the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition.

[0466] The guiding and / or combing member may be at least partially covered by a woven or nonwoven cover; the cover may be at least partially made of a polymer so as not to damage the fibers of the hair. The cover may be formed to allow the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, leaving the orifice of the guiding and / or combing member to pass through, thereby allowing a better diffusion of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition.

[0467] The sleeve may be at least partially soluble, in particular completely soluble, when a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, is discharged through the orifice, so that the compounds released when the sleeve dissolves can help treat the hair. For example, the sleeve may be at least partially made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers or any other soluble polymer that can be in the form of a fabric, foil or even a nonwoven.

[0468] At least one guiding and / or combing relief may be hollow in order to allow a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to flow inside.

[0469] At least one guiding and / or combing relief may comprise at least one orifice allowing a fluid flowing inside, in particular a cosmetic composition, to escape.

[0470] nozzle

[0471] The treatment head may comprise a nozzle, which is preferably detachable, which comes into contact with the keratin material to be treated.

[0472] For example, when the nozzle is detachable, the nozzle is selected according to the application, such as by selecting the type, size, hardness and / or shape that best suits the morphology of the area to be cleaned.

[0473] Grille

[0474] Another subject of the invention is a device for cleaning human keratin materials brought into contact with a cosmetic composition in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, comprising:

[0475] - at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit sound waves into the vicinity of the material to be cleaned,

[0476] a grid, preferably non-absorbent, in particular at least partially made of non-absorbent material, which defines a contact surface with the material to be cleaned and has at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, through which the waves emitted by the transducer can propagate in the direction of the material to be cleaned.

[0477] By means of the grid, the distance between the transducer and the surface of the keratin material can be controlled more precisely, thereby improving the action of the gas bubbles in the vicinity of the surface of the keratin material, while also avoiding direct contact between the transducer and these keratin materials.

[0478] The grid is preferably non-absorbent, that is to say it is not porous.

[0479] In particular, the grid may not have the ability to absorb water when the grid is immersed in water, for example the grid retains less than 10% of the weight of water, and more preferably less than 5% of the weight of water.

[0480] The grille in particular is made of solid material, so it is not foam, fabric or felt.

[0481] The contact surface of the device with the keratin material may be defined by the non-absorbent surface of the grid.

[0482] The area of ​​the grid defining the opening therein may be defined by a non-absorbent portion of the grid.

[0483] The grille is preferably removable, that is to say it can be easily removed from the device by the user, preferably without any tools. This facilitates cleaning of the grille and makes it possible to replace the grille between uses, or even, if desired, to replace multiple grilles depending on the application, for example by selecting the type of grille that best suits the morphology of the area to be cleaned.

[0484] The contact surface defined by the grid may be substantially flat, for example in order to maintain a substantially constant distance between the transducer and the keratin material to be cleaned situated facing the emission surface for emitting the acoustic waves.

[0485] As a variant, the grid may define a contact surface tailored to the morphology of the area to be cleaned, for example having a curved shape.

[0486] Furthermore, where applicable, the grid may also have an adjustable effective diameter. The device may include a mechanical element of variable opening, such as a diaphragm, arranged upstream or downstream of the grid to adjust the accessible diameter of one or more openings. For example, the device includes a diaphragm centered on the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0487] Some or all of the openings in the grid can be completely or partially closed in a controlled manner. This makes it possible to define the surface area and intensity of the treatment, if desired, according to the area to be treated, in particular for the most sensitive areas, such as those located near the eyes. The device may comprise a shutter that can be moved between a position that does not block one or more openings in the grid and a blocking position that at least partially or even completely blocks one or more openings. For example, the shutter is manually controlled by the user as desired.

[0488] The thickness of the grid is preferably 0.1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm. This ensures that, whatever the position of the grid relative to the transducer, the minimum distance between the transducer and the keratin material is at least equal to the thickness.

[0489] The grid is preferably formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal or rigid plastic. For example, the grid is made of a material selected from metal (especially steel, stainless steel, alloy), silicone, polymer (especially polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polythiophene (PT)), or a combination of several of these elements.

[0490] During normal use, the grid can deform invisibly due to its rigidity. As a variant, the grid can be deformable. For example, by applying mechanical pressure to the contour of the grid, the diameter of the grid can be reduced.

[0491] The grid may comprise recesses, in particular recesses extending along its thickness. For example, the grid comprises deformable channels, the diameter of which may vary depending on the applied pressure, for example extending in a non-longitudinal direction. As a variant, the channels may be rigid so as to allow the fluid to flow even if pressure is applied to the grid.

[0492] The grid may also have relief, or may or may not be flocked.

[0493] The grid may be formed with relief or made of an inherently rough material so as to have a non-smooth contact surface with the keratin material. Such a surface state makes it possible to obtain a mechanical abrasive effect which can facilitate cleaning when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0494] The device may include a drive element for driving the grid, which is configured to generate an oscillating, vibrating and / or rotational movement of the grid on the keratin material. For example, the device includes a motor for driving the movement of the grid (e.g., alternating or non-alternating rotational, linear, eccentric movement, etc.). Where applicable, the device may include a vibrator for vibrating the grid. The amplitude of the movement may be fixed or adjustable.

[0495] Thus, due to the movement exerted by the device on the grid, a mechanical grinding effect is automatically obtained and the impurities can be cleaned more effectively.

[0496] Grilles can be made in a variety of ways.

[0497] The grille may comprise a peripheral frame which defines the outer contour of the grille in front view. The frame may be rigid, in particular more rigid than a central portion of the grille, the central portion being perforated.

[0498] In a front view, the outline of the grille may be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc., and the grille preferably has a closed outline.

[0499] One or more openings in the grid may be of substantially the same size.The grid may comprise a plurality of openings arranged in a regular array, for example in rows or columns.

[0500] As a variant, one or more openings may be arranged concentrically.

[0501] The openings may have various shapes, in particular the shape of portions of one or more disks or rings.

[0502] The grid may have a single opening, in particular with a non-circular contour, such as a slot, a cross, a regular or irregular polygon or an ellipse. The grid preferably has at least two openings, in particular two openings of substantially the same size.

[0503] When there is a single opening, that opening may or may not be centered.

[0504] A grid with a fine mesh improves the retention of the keratin surface to be treated during use of the device, thereby allowing better control of the constant distance between said material and the emission surface for emitting the acoustic waves, and therefore better control of the cavitation phenomena.

[0505] The openings in the grid may have a width of at least 1 mm. 2 In front view, the smaller dimension of the openings in the grille is, for example, at least 0.5 mm.

[0506] The ratio of the total surface area of ​​the openings of the grid relative to the surface area of ​​the grid in contact with the keratin material is preferably greater than or equal to 0.3, better still 0.5 and even better still 0.8.

[0507] This ratio prevents keratin materials, especially skin, from contacting or deforming the transducer, while still maintaining sufficient opening to allow ultrasound waves to reach the area to be treated or its vicinity to a sufficient degree to achieve the desired results.

[0508] Spacers with one or more legs

[0509] According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a device for cleaning human keratin materials (K) which are in contact with a cosmetic composition (C) in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, comprising:

[0510] - at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emitting surface for emitting sound waves into the vicinity of the material to be cleaned,

[0511] - a spacer which contributes to keeping the keratin material at a predetermined distance from the emission surface, the spacer advantageously comprising at least one leg extending axially over less than 360° around the axis of the transducer in front of the emission surface.

[0512] "In front" is to be understood as meaning that the legs extend beyond the emission surface in the direction of the keratin material to be treated.

[0513] For example, the spacer may be in the form of a nozzle which is added to the rest of the processing head by a fixing component, or may be integral with the body thereof.

[0514] One or more legs may rest directly against the keratin material via an end; for example, the end may have a rounded head or lug to enable easier sliding on the skin. As a variant, one or more legs are connected to a part that, for example, extends transversely to the one or more legs, for example in the form of a ring or a grid, and bears on the keratin material.

[0515] Thus, the device may include a spacer without the above-mentioned grid, a separate grid without the spacer with one or more legs, or a spacer with at least one leg connected to the above-mentioned grid.

[0516] Thus, the grid may be carried by a spacer comprising support means for the grid, the grid being connected to at least one leg extending axially over less than 360° around the axis of the transducer in front of the emission surface.

[0517] The one or more legs are preferably substantially rectilinear, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0518] The one or more legs may extend towards the keratin material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emitting surface for emitting ultrasound waves.

[0519] As a variant, one or more legs may extend so as to diverge away from the emission surface for emitting ultrasound waves, making it possible to improve the stability of the device against the keratin material.

[0520] The spacer may comprise a distal part for abutting against the keratin material, connected to one or more legs.

[0521] When the device is viewed along the longitudinal axis of the transducer, the distal part may extend at least partially facing the emission surface for emitting ultrasound waves or, as a variant, may extend around the emission surface.

[0522] For example, the distal part has the shape of a ring, a rod or a sliding lug, for example, the distal part is provided with at least one opening and can form the above-mentioned grid.

[0523] The spacer is preferably laterally perforated. For example, the spacer comprises a plurality of legs defining perforations between them. For example, there are less than five supporting legs. The angular spacing between the legs about the longitudinal axis of the transducer may be greater than the angular range of each leg measured about the longitudinal axis.

[0524] One or more of the legs may also themselves have one or more perforations.

[0525] Such perforations allow composition to flow more easily into contact with the transducer during use of the device and may allow a user to more easily visually monitor the position of the transducer and the presence of composition in contact with the keratin material, the perforations constituting windows allowing visual inspection of the space in front of the transducer.

[0526] The perforations also facilitate the potential passage of gases or light sources, or facilitate temperature changes (particularly temperature changes caused by heat or cold generating components of the device).

[0527] The fixing means of the nozzle allow one or more legs of the spacer to be fixed to the rest of the device, in particular to the treatment head, and the fixing means can have any shape, in particular annular, and include fixing means for fixing by snap fit, by screwing, by bayonet, by friction, by magnetism, by clamping (in particular using at least one clamping screw or hose clamp), or by any other suitable means.

[0528] The position of the fixed part of the nozzle relative to the rest of the device is preferably adjustable and can be adjusted to adjust the static distance between the emitting surface of the transducer and the keratin material. The device can be particularly formed so that the position is adjustable by the user, for example by acting on an adjustment member, such as a control knob or the like.

[0529] The spacer may have an adjustable height. For example, the nozzle may comprise a plurality of sub-components which can be stacked according to a desired spacing.

[0530] The spacer may include an elastic return member, preferably at least one coil spring or leaf spring, which is designed to elastically urge the distal end of the spacer away from the emitting surface for emitting sound waves and enable the pressure applied by the spacer to the keratin material to be controlled, thereby providing greater comfort when using the device.

[0531] For example, one or more of the legs may be telescopically formed, with the resilient return member acting to encourage deployment of the legs.

[0532] The leg can also be accommodated on its proximal side in a sliding manner in a guide, the elastic return member preventing the leg from being inserted into the guide.

[0533] When the grid is fixed on the spacer, it is thus movable relative to the rest of the device and is returned to the initial position by elastic return means which serve to press the grid against the keratin material to be treated.

[0534] Where applicable, after the device has been brought into contact with the keratin material to be treated, the return movement of the movable part of the grid or spacer is limited by a stop against which the grid or movable part comes into contact. The return movement of the grid or movable part can also be detected in order to automatically trigger the emission of the sound waves when the device comes into contact with the keratin material.

[0535] The grille and the support member holding the grille in position relative to the emitting surface may or may not be formed of different materials. Where applicable, the support member and the grille are one-piece, for example produced integrally by injection molding, machining or 3D printing.

[0536] One or more of the legs and / or grids may also conduct electrical current, for example, to deliver electrical current into the composition and / or to the material to be treated.

[0537] Flow of composition in spacers and / or grids

[0538] The device according to the invention may comprise at least one supply duct opening out close to the keratin material to be treated and capable of distributing the composition in contact with the keratin material to be treated, in particular at least one duct extending along one or more legs, or in one or more legs, or more generally in a support member for the grid and / or in said grid.

[0539] When the spacer carries the grid at its end in contact with the keratin material, the supply duct may extend in the grid or in a support member for the grid.

[0540] Such a device makes it possible to apply the cosmetic composition continuously, that is to say to establish a flow of the composition in contact with the keratin materials to be treated, this flow taking place, for example, in a closed circuit or in an open circuit.

[0541] When the flow is established in a closed circuit, the device may comprise at least one return duct connected to a suction pump making it possible to at least partially recover the composition in the vicinity of the keratin material to be cleaned, in particular at least one duct extending along one or more legs and which may extend in the grille or in a support member for the grille.

[0542] Method for cleaning keratin materials using grids and / or spacers

[0543] Another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning human keratin materials, said human keratin materials being brought into contact with a cosmetic composition in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, comprising the following steps:

[0544] - placing the grid or spacers of the device in contact with the keratin material to be cleaned,

[0545] - Exposing the gas bubbles to sound waves emitted by an ultrasonic transducer into the vicinity of the material to be cleaned, in particular so as to cause the bubbles to burst and produce a mechanical impact on the surface to be cleaned, thereby removing dirt from the surface to be cleaned.

[0546] Sound waves may propagate through at least one or both openings in the grille.

[0547] During treatment, the grid or spacer may be moved, for example intermittently by remaining stationary for a certain duration and then incrementally moving along the surface to be treated. The grid or spacer may also be moved continuously over the surface to be treated.

[0548] As mentioned above, the grids or spacers may be driven with a movement, in particular an oscillating movement, combined with a movement applied by a user.

[0549] The grids or spacers, by moving in contact with the keratin material to be treated, can cause abrasion of the keratin material.

[0550] Flexible lips

[0551] The treatment head may comprise at least one flexible lip, which may also act as a spacer to maintain the above-mentioned spacing between the emission surface of the transducer for emitting the acoustic waves and the surface to be treated.

[0552] When the treatment head is applied to the keratin material to be treated, the flexible lip may help to confine the fluid within the treatment area.

[0553] The lip may consist of sub-lips, between which the fluid may be recovered.

[0554] The flexible lip is preferably made of a material comprising silicone, polyurethane (PU), natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polythiophene (PT), or a combination of several of these elements.

[0555] The flexible lip may be formed with relief or made of an inherently rough material so as to have a non-smooth contact surface with the keratin material. The flexible lip may thus aid in cleaning keratin materials by a mechanical abrasive effect obtained when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0556] The flexible lip also aids in delivering, spreading, collecting and / or recycling fluids.

[0557] Battery

[0558] The device preferably comprises at least one battery, in particular a removable battery. The battery may power the entire device or only parts (in particular the pump).

[0559] The battery may be of various types, such as Li-ion or NiMH, preferably of a type suitable for wet conditions or capable of being at least partially immersed in a liquid.

[0560] The battery is preferably rechargeable, in particular in a wired manner or by induction, or when the device is placed on a support and / or docking station for recharging the battery.

[0561] The battery is preferably selected to ensure power for multiple consecutive treatments of the device without the need for recharging, or even for multiple treatments and cleanings of the device.

[0562] Other components

[0563] The device may include electronic circuitry for driving the operation of the transducer and possibly other elements of the device, such as an electric pump.

[0564] The electronic circuit preferably comprises a control unit, for example a control unit with a microcontroller, which can be carried by the handpiece and / or distributed between a potential base station and the handpiece, or be present only on the base station.

[0565] The device may comprise a plurality of sensors other than those mentioned above, such as a sensor for sensing the contact of the treatment head on the keratin material to be treated, or a tank filling sensor, which are capable of transmitting data to the control unit.

[0566] The device may further include a human-machine interface in communication with the control unit. The human-machine interface may include a display screen and / or control buttons.

[0567] The interface may provide various functions and / or programs, such as for adjusting certain operating parameters of the device, or for displaying certain information to the user, such as battery charge, usage time, liquid level in the tank, degree of clogging of various cleanable elements (tanks, filters, etc.), user-specific information, or even information related to the safety and / or usage conditions of the device.

[0568] The interface may also communicate with a terminal (eg a mobile phone) via a wired or wireless link (eg via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) in order to, for example, receive updates or send data related to the use of the device.

[0569] The interface may also include functionality for diagnosing the keratin material to be treated.

[0570] The device may comprise various switches, in particular an on switch and / or a standby switch, a program selection switch, or a switch for selecting certain parameters specific to ultrasound or for selecting a pump flow rate.

[0571] The device may also include one or more LED light sources that can be used to illuminate the area to be treated, or as an indicator, for example to notify the user that the tank needs to be replaced, filled or emptied, or to notify the user that the filter system needs to be cleaned.

[0572] As described above, the device may include a base station connected to the handpiece, which may be a station for recharging and / or storing the handpiece.

[0573] Bubble Generator

[0574] Preferably, as described above, the bubbles are generated exclusively by sound waves in the cavitation phenomenon, which is obtained by a minimum value of the parameter Isata and by the other above-mentioned parameters.

[0575] Therefore, the device preferably does not comprise a bubble generator.

[0576] As a variant, the device may comprise a bubble generator for generating additional bubbles within the fluid.

[0577] The bubble generator may be arranged in the device to generate bubbles prior to, simultaneously with, or periodically relative to the emission of the acoustic waves.

[0578] The bubble generator may employ any technique suitable for generating bubbles, such as using the mechanical, physical, chemical or electrochemical means mentioned above.

[0579] Therefore, the bubble generator may employ the above-mentioned techniques of decompressing the liquid, creating turbulence or providing energy.

[0580] Hair treatment methods

[0581] Another subject of the invention is a method for treating human hair, in particular for cleaning and / or bleaching hair, said hair being brought into contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, the method comprising the following steps:

[0582] The gas bubbles are subjected to sound waves emitted by a transducer in the vicinity of the hair to be treated, so as to cause said bubbles to burst and to produce mechanical impacts on the surface of the hair to be treated, in particular in order to remove impurities and / or dyes from this surface.

[0583] The transducer may in particular belong to a treatment device according to the invention as defined above, which device comprises a guiding and / or combing member for guiding and / or combing hair.

[0584] Thus, the method may comprise guiding and / or combing the hair before and / or after the hair passes through the treatment space, and / or the hair within the treatment space itself.

[0585] The method may comprise guiding the hair in order to bring it into the treatment space or to keep it in the treatment space and / or in order to keep it at a predetermined distance from an emission surface for emitting sound waves as it passes through the treatment space, in particular to prevent it from moving away from the emission surface for emitting sound waves by more than a given distance.

[0586] The method may comprise vibrating and / or rotating and / or moving the guiding and / or combing member and / or the transducer longitudinally and / or laterally.

[0587] The method according to the invention may comprise the step of the user adjusting the distance between the guiding surface of the guiding and / or combing member and the emitting surface of the transducer to adapt the method to the desired treatment and / or treated hair.

[0588] The method may comprise the step of the user adjusting the inner cross-section, in particular the diameter, of the cavity defined by the guiding and / or combing members in order to adapt the method to the hair being treated and the treatment desired.

[0589] The method may comprise the step of: the user adjusting the distance between the proximal part of the guiding and / or combing member (closer to the transducer) and the distal part thereof (further away from the transducer). This adjustment may adapt the method to the hair and / or the desired treatment.

[0590] The method according to the invention may comprise heating of the device and / or diffusion of light by the device, for example in order to activate certain compounds present in a fluid, in particular in a cosmetic composition.

[0591] The method for treating hair may comprise the step of applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to a lock of hair.

[0592] The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be supplied to the treatment space through the guiding and / or combing member, in particular when the member is hollow or is traversed by a conduit. The application can be carried out continuously or discontinuously. The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be delivered to the hair through one or more orifices of the guiding and / or combing member. As a variant, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is delivered in another way, for example through another application element of the device, or is applied to the hair in another way other than using the device.

[0593] In general, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, due to its formulation, may itself already contribute to bleaching and / or removal of impurities or dyes, which are intended to be removed by the action of the bubbles subjected to the sound waves. The action of the bubbles subjected to the sound waves can accelerate or improve the process. Thus, the waves generated by the bursting of the bubbles are combined with the action of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, to produce, by synergy, an effect greater than the effect of the waves alone or the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition alone.

[0594] The bubbles are preferably generated in the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, by sound waves, which then cause the bubbles to burst. Thus, the method can comprise applying a fluid without bubbles, the bubbles being formed under the action of the sound waves. This can avoid the use of a bubble generator and simplify the implementation of the device.

[0595] As a variant, or in addition, a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, is first applied with or without bubbles already present therein, and then, after the fluid has been applied to a lock of hair, it is exposed to sound waves in order to generate shock waves after the bubbles burst. The bubbles can be formed using a bubble generator of the device, for example operating by electrolysis.

[0596] For example, the user first applies a cosmetic composition in foam form to the area to be treated, for example by spraying the cosmetic composition onto said area, in particular along the strands of hair, and then brings the treatment device into contact with the composition so as to subject the composition to the sound waves.

[0597] The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be applied continuously, that is to say a flow of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is established to come into contact with the hair to be treated, for example in a closed circuit or in an open circuit.

[0598] When the flow occurs in a closed circuit, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be at least partially reused. Additional quantities of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be introduced into the circuit continuously or intermittently to reduce losses.

[0599] In an open circuit, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is not reused for carrying out the method, but is siphoned off, for example, into a collecting container or directly together with the waste water.

[0600] The flow of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is performed, for example, at a flow rate of 0.01 mL per second to 50 mL per second.

[0601] The method may comprise dissolving a cover made of a fabric or nonwoven cover, in particular a cover made of a polymer, which covers a portion of the guide and / or combing member. The dissolution may occur when the fluid is discharged, for example, through one or more orifices located on the guide and / or combing member.

[0602] The method according to the invention can be applied to hair which has been subjected to a coloring treatment, for example a so-called permanent coloring, a so-called semi-permanent coloring, a so-called tone-on-tone coloring, a streak coloring, a so-called sweep coloring, a henna coloring or a coloring treatment by using a coloring shampoo.

[0603] The method according to the invention can be carried out to bleach the hair and then not to dye it again within 24 hours. The method can also be carried out to then to dye the hair bleached by ultrasound treatment according to the invention again within 24 hours.

[0604] The method according to the invention may also be implemented to form a coloring gradient and / or at least one pattern along the hair strand, for example by varying the intensity and / or duration of the treatment as a function of the position along the hair strand.

[0605] The method can be implemented to bleach only the hair on the outside of the hair (that is, on the side opposite to the scalp) to give the hair a swept-dyed effect.

[0606] According to the method of the present invention, when used on hair in conjunction with chemical bleaching means to bleach the hair, it is possible to reduce the amount of active bleaching agents and / or reduce the time of exposure to these active agents.

[0607] Thus, the method may comprise exposing the hair to sonic waves according to the invention and at least one active bleaching agent, such as a persulfate, an alkaline agent or an oxidizing agent (eg hydrogen peroxide), a potassium salt, a sodium salt, or an ammonium perborate or percarbonate.

[0608] The risk of irritation associated with the use of active bleaching agents may be reduced, or even eliminated.

[0609] The method may comprise selectively treating portions of the hair by generating acoustic emissions only in certain areas of the hair, for example by operating the device intermittently.

[0610] Another subject of the invention, either independently of or in combination with the above-mentioned subject matter, is a method for treating at least one lock of hair treated with permanent or semi-permanent coloring, wherein said lock of hair, in contact with a fluid, for example a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, is exposed to sound waves generated by a transducer, the frequency and intensity of the sound waves being chosen so as to generate gas bubbles in the composition by cavitation and to collapse the bubbles, the bubbles present in the treatment zone being or having been generated predominantly by the transducer.

[0611] "Permanent coloring" or oxidation coloring means that the dye covers all the hair while penetrating into the hair core. As the name suggests, this coloring is designed to last forever.

[0612] "Semi-permanent coloring" refers to a type of coloring that specifically does not use ammonia, covers the surface of the hair without reaching the core, and is gradually washed out during shampooing.

[0613] The bleaching method according to the present invention may comprise drying the hair using a hair dryer after exposure to the sonic waves.

[0614] The bleaching process may be followed by a dyeing, for example a permanent or semi-permanent dyeing, using the same color as that used to color the hair that was treated to bleach it, or using a different color.

[0615] In the following description, the present invention is implemented using an aqueous medium as the fluid. However, more generally, the present invention can be implemented using any fluid that is compatible with consumer home use or in a hair salon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0616] The present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention and viewing the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0617] [ Figure 1 ] schematically illustrates the use of an example of a processing device according to the present invention,

[0618] [ Figure 2 ] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another example of a processing device for implementing the present invention,

[0619] [ Figure 3 ] is the present invention and Figure 2 A similar view of a variant embodiment,

[0620] [ Figure 4 ] schematically and partially shows a variant embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0621] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a variation of

[0622] [ Figure 6a ]and[ Figure 6b ] shows Figure 4 Details of the example,

[0623] [ Figure 7 ] schematically and partially shows a variant of the fluid circuit according to the invention,

[0624] [ Figure 8 ] is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention,

[0625] [ Fig. 9 ] schematically and partially shows another variant of the fluid circuit according to the invention,

[0626] [ Fig.10 ] schematically and partially shows a variant embodiment,

[0627] [ Fig.11a ]to[ Fig.11e ] schematically and partially shows a variant of the transducer according to the invention,

[0628] [ Fig.12a ]and[ Figure 12b ] schematically and partially illustrates an example of a transducer with relief,

[0629] [ Fig.13a ]to[ Fig.13c ] schematically and partially shows an example of such a relief,

[0630] [ Fig.14 ] schematically and partially shows an example of a vibrator according to the invention,

[0631] [ Fig.15 ] partially and schematically shows another example of a processing device according to the present invention,

[0632] [ Fig.16 ] Partially and schematically shows the adjustment Figure 1 The possibility of a stationary distance between the transducer and the grid in the device,

[0633] [ Fig.17a ]、[ Fig.17b ]、[ Fig.17c ]、[ Fig.17d ]、[ Fig.17e ]and[ Fig.17f ] partially and schematically shows a variant embodiment of the grid in an example of a device according to the invention,

[0634] [ Fig.18a ]to[ Fig.18e] schematically and partially shows a variant of the spacer implementation,

[0635] [ Fig.19a ]and[ Fig.19b ] schematically and partially show other variant embodiments of the device according to the invention,

[0636] [ Fig. 20 ] schematically and partially shows another variant embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0637] [ Fig.21 ] partially and schematically illustrates an example of a modulated electrical signal for exciting one or more ultrasonic transducers,

[0638] [ Fig. 22 ] is a partial schematic diagram of an example of a circuit including a transducer,

[0639] [ Fig.23 ] partially and schematically shows an example of a processing device according to the invention,

[0640] [ Fig.24 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0641] [ Fig.25 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0642] [ Fig.26 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0643] [ Fig. 27 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0644] [ Fig.28 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0645] [ Fig.29 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0646] [ Fig.30 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0647] [ Fig.31 ] is related to Figure 1A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0648] [ Fig.32 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0649] [ Fig.33 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0650] [ Fig.34 ] is related to Figure 1 A similar view of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0651] [ Fig.35 ] shows the color intensity within the hair fiber of three hair samples,

[0652] [ Fig.36 ] shows as Fig.14 Fluorescein staining levels of hair from the same three hair samples,

[0653] [ Fig.37 ] shows dyed and untreated hair strands A and B, and dyed and treated hair strands C and D,

[0654] [ Fig.38 ] shows the color intensity within the hair of five hair samples,

[0655] [ Fig.39 ] shows as Fig.16 Statistical analysis of color intensity of the same five hair samples,

[0656] [ Fig.40a ]、[ Fig.40b ]、[ Fig.40c ]、[ Fig.40d ]、[ Fig.40e ]、[ Fig.41a ]、[ Fig.41b ]、[ Fig.41c ]、[ Fig.41d ]、[ Fig.41e ]、[ Fig.42a ]、[ Figure 42b ]、[ Fig.42c ]、[ Fig.42d ]、[ Figure 42e ]、[ Fig.43a ]、[ Figure 43b ]、[ Fig.43c ]、[ Figure 43d ]、[ Figure 43e ]、[ Fig.44a ]、[ Figure 44b ]、[ Fig.44c]、[ Fig.44d ]、[ Figure 44e ]、[ Fig.45a ]、[ Fig.45b ]、[ Fig.45c ]and[ Fig.45d ] shows a calculated response surface showing examples of parameters that give satisfactory cleaning efficacy according to the method of the invention, and

[0657] [ Fig.45e ] shows a null response surface, which shows an example of a parameter combination that does not give the desired cleaning efficacy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0658] The method according to the invention comprises generating gas bubbles within a cosmetic composition and causing the bubbles to burst by exposure to sound waves.

[0659] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a cosmetic composition C is present on the surface of a keratin material K to be treated, and a treatment device 1 is brought into contact with the composition C so as to emit sound waves therein.

[0660] Before the emission of the sound waves, the composition C may contain no gas bubbles. As a variant, the composition C already contains gas bubbles, for example in the form of foam, and the gas bubbles are also formed by the sound waves.

[0661] The keratin material K is formed, for example, from facial skin or hair.

[0662] For example, wanting to cleanse the skin so that traces of makeup are removed faster and more effectively.

[0663] The treatment device 1 comprises a handpiece carrying an ultrasonic generator 4 in contact with the composition, from which acoustic waves are emitted.

[0664] The handpiece can be manipulated so as to form a minute space with the keratin material K and avoid contact between the ultrasonic generator 4 and the keratin material.

[0665] As a variant, the handpiece is designed to maintain this spacing by means of one or more elements 49 intended to come into contact with the keratin material and from which the sonotrode 4 is placed backwards.

[0666] Under the action of the sound waves, bubbles are generated in the composition C and then burst on their own, which generates shock waves, which proves to be effective in cleansing the skin.

[0667] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the composition C is applied, for example, from a pressurized container for generating foam, and then the handpiece carrying the ultrasonic generator 4 is brought into contact with the composition C.

[0668] like Figure 2 As shown, the composition can also be applied by means 1 for generating sound waves.

[0669] In this figure, the device 1 comprises a treatment head 10 designed to distribute the composition C onto the area to be treated, for example through at least one opening 31 .

[0670] As shown, the device 1 may include a cavity 32 in which the composition C flows and at least one ultrasonic transducer 4 for emitting sound waves into the cavity 32. The transducer 4 is powered by a generator 15, which may or may not constitute part of the handpiece, for example the generator 15 is present in a base station to which the handpiece is connected by a cable.

[0671] The composition C may be supplied to the cavity 32 via the conduit 16 , and the composition C may come from the composition tank 22 , for example.

[0672] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 3 , the handpiece is moved along the area to be treated and the composition delivered through the opening 31 is not reused.

[0673] exist Figure 3 In a variation of this, the composition is reused.

[0674] In this Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the device 1 for implementing the method according to the invention comprises at least one transducer 4 which emits sound waves into a cavity 32, such as Figure 2 As shown in the example.

[0675] However, the composition C distributed via the opening 31 onto the area K to be treated is recovered via at least one duct 27 in order to be reused.

[0676] In the example considered, this duct 27 opens out around an opening 31 in order to recover the composition that has come into contact with the area to be treated.

[0677] Where applicable, the device 1 may comprise a sealing element 19, such as a flexible lip, around the duct 27 for containing the composition and facilitating its return through the duct 27. The lip may be composed of sub-lips between which the liquid can be recovered.

[0678] The conduit 27 communicates with a suction pump 20 (eg, an electric pump) which, as shown, can deliver the returning composition to a filter 21. The filter can be designed to retain, for example, particles suspended in the composition, such as skin debris removed during cleansing.

[0679] The composition returns to the chamber at the outlet of the filter 21 .

[0680] The composition may come from a schematically shown canister 22, such as a canister carried by a handpiece.

[0681] This tank 22 makes it possible to fill the circuit in which the composition flows during operation of the device and to compensate for any losses of composition in the event that some of said composition is not reused.

[0682] Figure 4 and Figure 5 as well as Figure 6a and Figure 6b The corresponding detailed view in shows another example of a device according to the invention, comprising an ultrasonic transducer 4, two tanks 22a and 22b, a pump 20 and a fluid circuit comprising conduits 23, 25 and 27 which allow the composition C to flow between the tanks 22a and 22b and the keratin material K to be treated.

[0683] In the example considered, the device 1 is in the form of a handpiece comprising a handle 9 and a treatment head 10 comprising a spacer 7 which comes into contact with the keratin material K to be treated.

[0684] Apart from the transducer 4, the device does not comprise a bubble generator, the bubbles being generated by the sound waves in the cavitation phenomenon.

[0685] The transducer 4 is arranged relative to the spacer 7 so as to form a space E between the emission surface for emitting the acoustic waves and the surface of the keratin material K to be treated.

[0686] The cavitation of bubbles occurs in this space E, such as Figure 6a shown.

[0687] The device 1 may comprise a grid 6 in contact with the keratin material to be treated, the grid 6 being fixed, for example, to a spacer 7, the grid 6 comprising regular openings arranged, for example, in rows and columns, such as Figure 6b shown.

[0688] The device 1 also comprises an electronic circuit 12, which is connected via a connector 120 to an electronic generator 40 for powering the transducer, such as Figure 4 The generator includes, for example, an oscillator and a power stage.

[0689] The electronic circuit 12 may comprise a control unit capable of communicating with a human-machine interface 41 , which may comprise a screen, in particular an LED screen and / or control buttons, or even by a wireless link with a terminal, such as a mobile phone.

[0690] The human-machine interface 41 makes it possible to adjust certain operating parameters of the device, such as the intensity of the acoustic emission.

[0691] The electronic circuit 12 is capable of driving the pump 20, the operation of the battery 15 for powering the device (particularly its load), and receiving data from one or more sensors (not shown), such as sensors for sensing contact of the device on the skin.

[0692] In the latter case, the electronic circuit 12 can activate the pump 20 and emit the sound waves only when the area to be treated is in contact with the grid 6, in particular in a manner that allows the composition to be reused.

[0693] The electronic circuit can also be in communication with an optical detector 650, such as Figure 5 In order to detect the presence of compounds removed from the skin surface, the amount present can be determined.

[0694] As described above, the system for the flow of the composition includes a fluid circuit, one or more tanks, and a pump, which system can be arranged in a variety of ways.

[0695] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the device 1 comprises two separate tanks 22a and 22b. Tank 22a is, for example, a tank for dispensing a composition; it is connected to a pump 20 which, as shown, can deliver the composition C to the treatment area through a conduit 25 opening out through an outlet 250.

[0696] Tank 22b recovers the composition which has contacted the area to be treated via a conduit 27 opening outwardly to an outlet 270, such as Figure 6a shown.

[0697] Where applicable, the device 1 may include a sealing element 19 , such as a flexible lip, on the periphery of the end of the treatment head for containing the composition and facilitating its return through the conduit 27 .

[0698] The tanks 22a and 22b may be at least partially transparent, allowing the user to visually monitor their fill level and / or blockage level through a transparent window provided in the handle (where applicable). Each tank and / or the assembly formed by one or more tanks and the fluid circuit is preferably removable so that the user can easily clean or replace it.

[0699] A filter may also be disposed in the conduit connecting tank 22a and tank 22b.

[0700] The filter may also be carried by the canister 22b, for example so as to be automatically replaced when the composition is drained and the canister replaced.

[0701] exist Figure 7 In the variant shown, tanks 22a and 22b are directly connected to the treatment area via conduits 25 and 27 respectively.

[0702] In this example, pump 20 is connected to tank 22a and tank 22b without a flowing composition in the pump; the pump makes it possible to create a positive air pressure in tank 22a for dispensing the composition and a negative pressure in tank 22b for recovering the composition to maintain flow in conduits 25 and 27 between the treatment area and the tanks.

[0703] The pump 20 may also assist in creating bubbles in the tank 22a prior to dispensing the composition onto the treatment area.

[0704] In a variation, the device may also include a single canister 22 which may or may not include an internal filter which may be removable.

[0705] For example, the composition is recovered using a suction system 28 (e.g. a suction pump), which can be arranged at various locations in the fluid circuit, for example directly in the treatment head 7, where the composition is collected and retained by the flexible lip 19, such as Figure 8 Shown schematically.

[0706] like Figure 8 As shown, the device 1 may comprise a treatment and purification unit 29 for the composition, which allows the composition to be recycled to return to the keratin material to be treated, the composition then flowing at least partially in a closed circuit.

[0707] For example, the treatment and purification unit 29 is a filtering system, such as Figure 8 As shown schematically, one or more filters are included that are designed to retain particles suspended in the composition, such as skin debris removed during cleansing.

[0708] The filtration system may be arranged between the suction system 28 and the tank 22, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0709] exist Fig. 9 In the variant shown, the canister 22 comprises two compartments 220 and 225 separated by a piston 230. The compartment 220 contains, for example, the composition C to be dispensed and is directly connected to the treatment head via a duct 25 opening out on the treatment area.

[0710] The composition is recovered via conduit 27 connecting the treatment area to pump 20 , which returns the spent composition to second compartment 225 of tank 22 .

[0711] As shown, a filter 21 may be disposed in the conduit 27 between the treatment area and the pump 20 .

[0712] Flow is established by movement of the pump 20 and the piston 230 within the tank 22. In this example, compartments 220 and 225 of the tank 22 are not in communication.

[0713] The canister 22 is preferably partially or fully transparent so that the user can assess the position of the piston and the respective remaining levels of composition to be dispensed and used liquid.

[0714] The device may also include one or more control buttons 39, such as an on button or a standby button, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown.

[0715] For example, the device may be charged using a USB port (not shown) located directly on the body of the device, or by placement on a base station provided for this purpose, and may be charged inductively, or using any suitable connector.

[0716] The battery 15 can also be removed and charged separately. Fig.10 As shown, the device may also include an outlet 31 for delivering the composition C and a transducer 4 arranged in a manner offset from the outlet 31. In this case, after the device has been moved relative to the area to be treated, the composition deposited on the area to be treated K passes under the transducer 4, where the composition is exposed to the sound waves.

[0717] The device may comprise a possible additional bubble generator 17 .

[0718] For example, a spacing element 49, which may be a flexible lip, may be used to space the transducer 4 from the area to be treated to avoid direct contact with the skin.

[0719] The transducers 4 or their ultrasonic generators are preferably detachable. Therefore, they can be easily removed from the device to clean them.

[0720] It is also possible to interchange the various transducers and ultrasonic generators, in particular to provide ultrasonic generators of different sizes and / or transducers generating waves of different frequencies and acoustic intensities, depending on the intended use of the device.

[0721] To this end, the transducer or ultrasound generator may include various fixing components for fixing to the handpiece.

[0722] The fixing member is, for example, a threaded fixing member, such as Fig.11a and Fig.11b shown.

[0723] like Fig.11a As shown, the transducer 4 may have a threaded rod 102 at one end thereof, which can be screwed into a nut 103 fixed to the device, in particular into the treatment head.

[0724] In contrast, the transducer 4 may include a nut 103 on its upper surface, and the threaded rod 102 may be fixed to the treatment head 7, such as Fig.11bshown.

[0725] The removable transducer can also be fixed by snap-fit ​​(such as Fig.11c ), or by clamping, in particular by fixing with a hose clamp 106 (as shown in Fig.11d ), or by a seal 107, for example a seal made of a polymer or rubber (such as Fig.11e shown).

[0726] The emission surface for emitting sound waves may have reliefs 420 where, during cavitation, gas bubbles may be generated at different heights along the longitudinal axis X of the transducer.

[0727] These protrusions 420 may be integral with the ultrasonic generator (e.g. Fig.12a ), or may be formed on an additional component 95 added to the ultrasonic generator (as shown in Figure 12b As shown), the additional component is fixed to the ultrasonic generator, for example by screwing.

[0728] All or some of the reliefs 420 may have a random distribution and / or random size on the emitting surface, such as Fig.13a shown.

[0729] As a variant, the relief may have a predetermined shape, for example a cone shape, such as Fig.13b As shown, and can be arranged in a regular arrangement, for example, in a regular array, such as Fig.13c shown.

[0730] The relief 420 preferably has a height h, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sonotrode, comprised between 0.001 mm and 50 mm, better still between 0.01 mm and 30 mm, better still between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0731] The device may also include a vibrator 750, making it possible to subject at least a portion of the emission surface to additional vibrations having a frequency lower than the frequency of the sound waves.

[0732] The vibrator 750 includes, for example, a motor 751 that rotationally drives an unbalanced member 752, such as Fig.14 shown.

[0733] Fig.15 Another example of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. The device 1 comprises a body 2 housing a transducer 4, a spacer 7 in the form of a nozzle added to a treatment head, and a grid 6 arranged in front of the transducer 4.

[0734] The transducer 4 comprises an electroactive element coupled to an ultrasonic generator, generally made of metal, defining an emission surface S through which the sound waves are emitted to the keratin material to be treated.

[0735] The body 2 of the treatment device 1 may be in the form of a handpiece that is manipulated by a user to bring the grid 6 into contact with the area to be treated.

[0736] like Fig.16 As shown, during use of the device 1 , a composition C containing air bubbles B is present on the surface of the keratin material K to be cleansed.

[0737] Composition C is for example in the form of a foam or another composition which is applied to the keratin material before bringing the device into contact with the keratin material. Composition C may also be delivered by device 1 or partly present before the device 1 is brought into contact with the keratin material and partly supplied by the device.

[0738] The keratin material K consists, for example, of facial skin or hair.

[0739] The transducer 4 is in contact with the composition C.

[0740] Under the action of the sound waves, the bubbles burst on their own, which generates shock waves, which prove effective for cleaning keratin materials K. Where applicable, the sound waves may also assist in the formation of the bubbles.

[0741] The grid 6 can be manufactured in various ways.

[0742] The grille 6 comprises at least one opening 300; it may comprise Fig.17f Exactly one opening as shown, or Fig.17a Exactly two openings are shown, or more openings may be present.

[0743] like Fig.17b , Fig.17d or Fig.17e As shown, the openings may be mostly or all of similar size. They may be of various shapes, such as square, circular, or a portion of a disk or ring, such as Fig.17c shown.

[0744] The grid 6 preferably has a ratio of the total surface area of ​​the openings to the contact surface area with the keratin material greater than or equal to 0.5, thereby benefiting from relatively wide openings to allow the shock waves generated by the bubble collapse to reach the keratin material K over a suitable surface area.

[0745] The grille 6 may have a circular profile, such as Figures 17a to 17f as shown, or having an outline of another shape, such as a polygon.

[0746] The outer surface of the grid 6 may be flat and oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X, for example.

[0747] The grid 6 may be formed in one piece, for example by machining or injection molding.

[0748] The thickness of the grid 6 may be chosen so as to give it the desired rigidity.

[0749] The grid can be made of metal, with a smooth or rough surface condition on its surface in contact with the keratin material. The grid is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The grid can also be formed of rigid plastic or made of ceramic. The grid can also be composite, including, for example, a frame embedded in a plastic matrix.

[0750] The grid can be made of a deformable and / or compressible material. Thus, the grid can be compressed to a certain thickness during its use to ensure a minimum distance between the emission surface and the surface of the material to be treated.

[0751] A smooth surface texture may particularly facilitate movement over the skin, whereas a rough surface texture may exert a mechanical action that aids cleansing of the skin.

[0752] On the application side to the keratin material, each opening in the grid may be defined by a sharp edge. Such sharp edges may facilitate cleaning by scraping the keratin material during movement of the grid in contact with the keratin material.

[0753] like Fig.15 As shown, the device according to the invention may comprise a spacer 7 comprising a plurality of supporting legs 115 each extending axially in front of the emission surface S over less than 360° around the axis X of the transducer.

[0754] The grid 6 may be carried by the spacer 7 as in the example considered; in this case, the spacer may comprise a retaining member 110 for the grid 6, one or more supporting legs 115 as a rigid connection between the retaining member 110 and the fixing member 100 for fixing the spacer to the device.

[0755] The device may comprise no grid but only spacers 7 defining the contact surface with the keratin material to be treated.

[0756] As a variant, the spacer 7 may be carried directly by the transducer 4 , with, where applicable, a damper in between, for limiting the transmission of vibrations from the transducer to the spacer.

[0757] The spacers 7 make it possible to keep the transducer 4 at a distance d from the keratin material, so as to avoid direct contact between the emission surface S and said keratin material. When the device comprises a grid 6 carried by the spacers 7 , the distance d is at least equal to the thickness of the grid 6 .

[0758] The spacer 7 is preferably laterally perforated, the perforations being defined, for example, by the spaces between the support legs 115, such as Fig.15 As shown, the position of the transducer 4 can be observed and the flow of the composition between the transducer 4 and the keratin material can be promoted.

[0759] exist Fig.15 In the example of , the spacer 7 comprises three supporting legs 115 arranged at 120° to each other around the longitudinal axis X of the device. These supporting legs 115 form the connection between the fixing part 100 and the retaining part 110 for the grid, both of which are annular.

[0760] Other spacer shapes are possible.

[0761] For example, the spacer 7 may include a single support leg 115 extending substantially perpendicularly to the emitting surface S of the transducer 4, such as Fig.18a as shown, and with its free end directly against the keratin material.

[0762] Similarly, the spacer 7 may comprise three or four rectilinear support legs 115 arranged at 120° or 90° to each other around the longitudinal axis X of the device. These legs may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X, such as Fig.18b As shown, or tilted outwards to improve the bearing stability of the device on the keratin material, as Fig.18c shown.

[0763] The one or more supporting legs 115 may also be connected to a distal component 116 extending transversely to the legs and facing or surrounding (in front view) an emitting surface S for emitting ultrasound waves.

[0764] The distal end component 116 is, for example, annular. Fig.18d As shown, or in rod form, such as Fig.18e shown.

[0765] One or more of the legs and / or distal members may be made of a rigid material, such as metal or rigid plastic, or of a semi-rigid or flexible material.

[0766] The spacer may be integral to the body of the device, or in the form of a removable nozzle.

[0767] When the spacer 7 is in the form of a nozzle, it can be fixed to the body 2 of the device in various ways, for example by tightening it using screws 15, such as Fig.15 shown.

[0768] The axial position of the spacer is adjustable along the longitudinal axis X of the device relative to the longitudinal axis of the transducer; for example, the spacer can be more or less engaged on the body of the device 2, and the screw 15 can then be used to fix the spacer in the selected position, such as Figure 1shown.

[0769] This adjustable arrangement makes it possible to adjust the rest distance d between the transducer 4 and the keratin material precisely as desired.

[0770] The nozzle 7 may also be extendable at the supporting legs 115. The legs 115 are for example each height-adjustable, for example to adapt the position of the grid to the morphology of the keratin material to be cleaned. This may for example tilt the plane of the grid relative to the axis X.

[0771] One or more supporting legs 115 of the spacer 7 may also include an elastic return member 8, such as one or more springs, such as Fig.19a Highly schematically shown, or a telescopic connector, such as Fig.19b shown.

[0772] Such elastic means 8 make it possible to vary the spacing d between the transducer 4 and the keratin material K to be cleaned, depending on the pressure of the spacer against the keratin material K and / or to maintain a certain applied pressure when moving the device, for example making it possible to adapt to any protuberances of the material.

[0773] like Fig. 20 As shown, the device 1 may comprise one or more supply ducts 25 which pass from the composition tank 22 through the spacer 7, in particular by extending along one or more support legs 115, and open out via at least one outlet 250 which is located close to the area to be treated during use.

[0774] When the grid 6 is carried by the spacer 7, one or more supply ducts 25 may extend in the grid and / or the support member 110 for the grid 6. The device 1 comprises a plurality of outlets 250 (not shown), for example on the grid 6 or on the support member 110 for the grid 6.

[0775] Fig.23 A treatment device 1 according to the invention is shown, comprising a transducer 4 having an emission surface S for emitting sound waves into a cosmetic composition C and a guide member 70 for guiding a lock of hair K, allowing the hair K to be guided as it passes through a treatment area.

[0776] The processing device 1 may be in the form of a handpiece (not shown) which operates autonomously or is connected to a base station.

[0777] The transducer 4 may be detachably or non-detachably fixed to the device.

[0778] The guide member 70 may be made of one or more parts that can be disassembled and / or assembled and / or replaced and / or modified by a user.

[0779] The transducer 4 is powered by a generator (not shown in this figure) which may form part of the device 1 , for example integrated into the handpiece or connected to the handpiece by a flexible cable.

[0780] The guide member 70 may be detachably or non-detachably mounted on the rest of the device 1 and may be movable or non-movable relative to the rest of the device 1, for example between a use configuration in which the member 70 guides the hair K and a disengaged configuration in which the member 70 is spaced from the transducer 4 and allows the insertion of a strand of hair K. The guide member 70 may also be fixedly mounted on the device 1, forming a passage for inserting a strand of hair K to be treated.

[0781] The guide member 70 can be arranged to define a space together with the emission surface S, through which the hair K passes during treatment, and as shown, the guide member 70 extends at least partially facing the emission surface S, for example having a guide portion 71 that defines a guide surface 72 that is substantially parallel to the emission surface S.

[0782] The guide surface 72 may be flat, or have another shape suitable for moving over the strands of hair, such as circular.

[0783] The width L of the guide surface 72 may be greater than or equal to the width of the emitting surface, for example, the width L is 1 mm to 180 mm, and the emitting surface has a width of, for example, 1 mm to 150 mm.

[0784] The guide member 70 may comprise a support portion 73 extending, for example, along the transducer 4 and connected to the body of the device 1 at an end opposite to the guide portion 71 by any suitable means.

[0785] The guide member 70 can advantageously be used to supply the cosmetic composition C to the treatment area. To this end, the guide member 70 can be traversed by at least one duct 74 opening out via one or more orifices 75 in the guide portion 71 facing the emission surface S.

[0786] The conduit 74 is connected to a fluid circuit which ensures the flow of the composition, for example by taking it from a tank.

[0787] The distance D between the emission surface S and the guide surface 72 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 30 mm.

[0788] This distance D may be fixed or adjustable, for example by specifically mounting the guide member 70 on the device 1 , allowing the user to move the guide member 70 relative to the transducer 4 as desired.

[0789] The apertures 75 are for example evenly spaced along the guide portion 71 , as shown, but as a variant could be spaced differently.

[0790] The opening 75 is circular, for example, but may also be formed in another shape, for example in the shape of one or more grooves.

[0791] To use Fig.23 With the device 1 , the user can engage a lock of hair K between the guide portion 71 and the transducer 4 and move the device 1 along the lock of hair K, for example from the roots to the ends of the hair.

[0792] During this movement, the composition C is delivered by the device 1 to the treatment area, in particular through the dispensing orifice 75 .

[0793] The composition C present in the treatment zone and in contact with the hair K is acted upon by the sound waves emitted by the transducer 4 .

[0794] The bubbles are created by cavitation in the treatment area and then burst, creating shock waves that help clean and / or bleach the hair.

[0795] The composition C delivered to the treatment area may be discharged from the device or reused.

[0796] The guide member 70 may also be formed to comb the hair K upstream or downstream of the treatment area, or even in said treatment area. This makes it possible, for example, to have a lock of hair with a more uniform thickness facing the emission surface S, the lock of hair engaged in the device being divided into smaller, more accessible locks of hair by means of the teeth and / or bristles and / or etched patterns and / or micro-reliefs.

[0797] Fig.24 A variation of the guide member 70 is shown which allows such combing to take place and in this respect is similar to Fig.23 The guide member 70 of is different in that there is at least one row of teeth 80 , as schematically shown.

[0798] For example, as shown, the teeth 80 extend with their longitudinal axis Y parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4 .

[0799] The teeth 80 may extend facing the emission surface S, as shown, or, as a variant, be offset relative to this surface so as to comb the hair K upstream or downstream thereof.

[0800] As shown, the guide member 70 may include both teeth 80 and an orifice 75 for dispensing the composition C.

[0801] These orifices 75 open out, for example, between the teeth 80 .

[0802] The guide member 70 may include combing and / or guiding reliefs elsewhere than facing the emission surface S, for example on the opposite side, as shown. Fig.24 An additional row of teeth 81 is shown opposite the teeth 80 .

[0803] Fig.24 The height of the teeth 80 and 81 of the combing member 70 is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0804] Of course, the present invention is not limited to a particular tooth shape.

[0805] exist Fig.25 In the example of the embodiment, the tooth 80 is hollow and communicates with the conduit 74 so that the conduit 74 can be opened through the orifice formed in the tooth (in the embodiment of ... Fig.25 (not visible in Figure 3) dispense composition C.

[0806] As shown, the guide member 70 makes it possible to hold the dispensing orifice 75 on the guide portion 71 carrying the teeth 80 and 81. As a variant, the composition C is dispensed only through the orifice provided on the tooth 80.

[0807] Fig.25 Also shown is the possibility that the guide member 70 has one or more lateral guide surfaces 76 between which a strand of hair is held as it passes through the treatment area.

[0808] For example, the device comprises one lateral guide surface 76 defined by the support portion 73 and another lateral guide surface defined by an inwardly directed return 77 .

[0809] Where applicable, as shown, the return member 77 is hollow and communicates with the duct 74 in order to distribute the composition C through at least one orifice (not visible) opening outwards in the direction of the treatment zone.

[0810] The emission surface S of the transducer 4 may also have teeth 46 and / or bristles 47 and / or an etched pattern and / or micro-reliefs and / or spikes, in particular metallic, in order to comb the hair K upstream or downstream of the treatment zone, or even in said treatment zone. The emission surface S of the transducer 4 may comprise the same type of relief as the guide member 70, or, as a variant, may comprise a different relief.

[0811] Fig.26 A variant device 1 is schematically shown in which the emission surface S comprises teeth 46 or other reliefs for assisting in combing and guiding the locks K of hair.

[0812] As shown, these teeth 46 or other reliefs extend, for example, with their longitudinal axis Z parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4 .

[0813] As shown, the teeth 46 or other relief may be arranged to fit between the teeth 80 of the guide member 70 .

[0814] Fig. 27 A variant device 1 is schematically shown, which can also perform combing and is similar to Fig.26 The device 1 shown differs in that on the emission surface S there are bristles 47 and on the guide member 70 there are bristles 82 , which bristles 47 , 82 may be natural and / or synthetic.

[0815] The emission surface S of the transducer may be defined by detachable and replaceable parts in order to provide various solutions for guiding and / or combing the hair K depending on the guiding member 70 used.

[0816] The guide member 70 and the transducer 4 may be mounted on the device 1 so as to be movable relative to each other and / or relative to the device 1; for example, they move longitudinally, laterally, vibrate and / or rotate.

[0817] In particular, the guide portion 71 of the guide member 70 may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis W, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 As shown, for example, it is driven by a motor or rotates freely. When a strand of hair K passes between the guide member 70 and the transducer 4, the guide portion 71 can rotate toward the emitting surface S, which makes it possible to guide and / or comb the strand of hair K when the strand of hair K passes.

[0818] Fig.28 The transducer 4 can rotate about its longitudinal axis X. Fig.28 The guide member 70 and the transducer 4 can also be moved longitudinally along the axis X in order to move the guide surface 72 and the emission surface S towards or away from each other, for example to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the hair strand K. The guide member 70 can in particular be returned to the rest position using an elastic return member 730 (e.g. a spring) carried by the support portion 73.

[0819] As mentioned above, the device 1 may comprise a spacing element 7, also called a spacer.

[0820] The spacer element 7 can keep the hair K at a predetermined distance from the emission surface S. The spacer element 7 may or may not constitute a part of the guide member 70 .

[0821] For example, the spacing element 7 is carried by the guide member 70, for example fixed to the support portion 73, such as Fig.29 shown.

[0822] The spacing element 7 is transparent to the sound waves emitted by the transducer 4 and defines, together with the guide portion 71, a treatment area through which the hair K passes in order to be treated.

[0823] The spacer element 7 is, for example, in the form of a grid, for example made of a metallic material or plastic.

[0824] Fig.29 The dispensing of the composition C through the orifices 75 of the guide member is shown, but as a variant, the composition C may be supplied to the treatment area by any other means, or even already be present on the hair K inserted into the treatment area.

[0825] Fig.30 The variant device comprises a treatment head 10 which ensures the flow of the composition C between a supply duct 25 and a return duct 27 .

[0826] Thus, the composition is able to flow in the treatment area between conduit 25 and conduit 27 .

[0827] The flow of the composition is ensured, for example, by an electric or manual pump (not shown).

[0828] The treatment head 10 may comprise a sealing nozzle (not shown) which is applied to the hair around the treatment area to limit the loss of composition during treatment. The sealing nozzle may be applied to a support surface (not shown) which is lowered onto the treatment head 10 during use of the device 1, the treatment head 10 being carried, for example, by a first jaw of the device 1, the support surface being carried by an opposite second jaw which is hinged on the first jaw in the manner of a hair straightener.

[0829] During use, the guide member 70 may extend at least partially within the treatment head 10, such as Fig.30 In order to keep the hair K to be treated in the treatment area.

[0830] The hair K may be held at a distance from the emission surface S that is less than or equal to a predetermined value, in particular, by the guide portion 71 of the guide member 70 .

[0831] The guide member 70 may be carried by the above-mentioned second jaw.

[0832] like Fig.31 As shown, the guide member 70 may include a hollow guide portion 71 , such as a tubular hollow guide portion, to define a cavity 710 for guiding the hair K to be treated, the cavity being open in particular at two opposite ends 711 and 712 .

[0833] Cavity 710 may have a constant or non-constant cross-section.

[0834] In this example, a lock of hair K is inserted into the cavity 710 via the end 711 and exits the cavity 710 via the opposite end 712 .

[0835] The inner surface 716 of the cavity 710 may have reliefs that help comb and / or hold the hair. These reliefs may be in the form of ridges or teeth 713.

[0836] The guide portion 71 may be deformable and may in particular have a diameter which varies under the action of adjustment means of the device, for example using a clamping member (eg a hose clamp) to adapt the device to a lock of hair and the desired treatment.

[0837] The guide portion 71 is transparent to sound waves. As a variant, the guide portion may constitute all or part of the transducer, in particular all or part of the ultrasound generator.

[0838] The device may be configured such that the transducer 4 is movable along the guide portion 71, e.g. with its emitting surface S facing the outer surface 714 of the guide portion 71, as shown. The transducer 4 is moved e.g. in a motorized manner, e.g. reciprocating along the guide portion or manually by a user.

[0839] The transducer 4 can also be rotated around the guide portion 71 while preferably keeping its emission surface S facing the outer surface 714 of the guide portion 71. The rotation of the transducer can be motorized or performed manually by the user, for example in order to adjust the treated side of the hair.

[0840] The guide portion 71 may also be movable, for example along its longitudinal axis W, or rotatable about its longitudinal axis W. The movement of the guide portion 71 may be motorized, or not motorized.

[0841] like Fig.32 As shown, the device 1 may include multiple transducers 4, in particular two transducers 4, where applicable. The two transducers 4 may be diametrically opposed. They may be fixed relative to each other and the guide portion 71, or may be movable relative to each other and the guide portion 71, for example, movable or movable independently of each other.

[0842] The presence of a plurality of transducers makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the device 1 , for example by making it possible to treat two opposite sides of the hair simultaneously and / or to obtain a greater bubble density.

[0843] The emitting surface S of one or more transducers 4 may have a concave shape toward the guide portion, for example, in order to match the outer surface 714 of the guide portion 71 as closely as possible, as shown in FIG. Fig.32 shown.

[0844] If the Fig.32As shown, the guide member may have a groove 715 along the portion 71 between the two ends 711 and 712. The groove 715 may make it easier to insert a strand of hair K into the cavity 710.

[0845] Thus, the cavity 710 may be defined by a guide portion 71 comprising two parts 78 and 79 movable relative to each other, in particular in the form of jaws, such as Fig.33 As shown, the components are movable between an open configuration for inserting a lock of hair K therebetween and a closed configuration for treating the hair.

[0846] As shown, the jaws 78 and 79 may be carried by the support portion 73 of the guide member 70. They may be fixed to the support portion 73 detachably or non-detachably.

[0847] The distance E between the two jaws 78 and 79 can vary between 0 mm in the closed configuration and 50 mm in the spaced-apart configuration.

[0848] The two jaws 78 and 79 can be moved relative to each other along the axis X in order to increase or decrease the distance E, for example in order to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the lock of hair K to be treated.

[0849] Each jaw 78 or 79 can have teeth 78d and 79d and / or bristles or other reliefs on its surface facing the other jaw, making it possible in particular to separate the strand of hair K in order to better handle it.

[0850] The jaws 78 proximal to the transducer 4 are preferably transparent to the sound waves emitted by the transducer 4 and for this purpose may comprise holes, for example produced in the form of a grid, or be formed of a specific material transparent to sound waves.

[0851] like Fig.33 As shown, the guide member 70 may have two lateral guide surfaces 76 , one of which is defined by the support portion 73 and the other by the inwardly directed return 790 of the lower jaw 79 .

[0852] like Fig.34 As shown, as a variation, the space between the two clamping jaws 78 and 79 is closed by a closing portion 791 on the side opposite to the supporting portion 73 .

[0853] In this Fig.34 In the example, the support portion 73 and the closing portion 791 include, for example, at least one elastic return member 500, such as one or more coil springs, allowing the jaws 78 and 79 to move toward each other and push them into a static position, such as a closed configuration or a spaced configuration, depending on the variant.

[0854] Example of treating hair strands

[0855] Example 1

[0856] Confocal microscopy analysis of natural hair strands was performed to investigate whether the integrity of the cuticle was altered by the treatment devices using passive diffusion of fluorescent dyes through the fibers.

[0857] Three hair samples were prepared, namely:

[0858] - Sample 1: a strand of undyed and untreated natural hair as a reference,

[0859] - Sample 2: a lock of the same natural undyed hair treated with two passes of a treatment device according to the invention emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, in contact with a cosmetic composition C, for example a foam containing a soap surfactant (partially neutralized long-chain fatty acids),

[0860] - Sample 3: a lock of the same natural undyed hair treated with ten passes of a treatment device according to the invention emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, in contact with the same composition C.

[0861] Three strands of hair were then dyed with a hydrophilic fluorescent dye, specifically fluorescein, for microscopic study.

[0862] Cross-sections of the hair strands were then observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy to study the diffusion of fluorescein within the hair.

[0863] The acquired images are analyzed using software. A first analysis is performed on the color intensity within the fibers; the results are visible Fig.35 .

[0864] A second analysis was performed on the fluorescein color level. The results are visible Fig.36 .

[0865] The intensity of dyeing within the hair fiber was observed to be low, ranging from 6.2% to 6.5%, of the same order of magnitude for the hair used as reference and for the hair treated according to the invention using ultrasound. This means that the integrity of the cuticle of the treated hair is not altered. The ultrasound does not damage the capillary sheath.

[0866] Example 2

[0867] Transmitted light analysis of dyed hair strands was performed to visualize the reduction in thickness and to quantify the dye intensity within the treated hair fibers.

[0868] Five hair samples were prepared, namely:

[0869] - Sample 1: a strand of undyed and untreated natural hair as a reference,

[0870] - Sample 4: A strand of the same hair colored with the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and untreated, as Fig.37 As shown in A,

[0871] - Sample 5: a lock of the same hair dyed with the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and treated with ten passes of a treatment device according to the invention emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, such as Fig.37 As shown in B,

[0872] - Sample 6: A strand of the same hair dyed with the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" and untreated, as Fig.37 As shown in C,

[0873] - Sample 7: a strand of the same hair dyed with the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" and treated with ten passes of a treatment device according to the invention emitting ultrasound waves at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, such as Fig.37 As shown in D.

[0874] Cross-sections of hair strands were observed under transmitted light using a laser scanning confocal microscope.

[0875] Make the following observations on the grayscale images obtained using confocal microscopy:

[0876] - the undyed and untreated reference lock of hair (sample no. 1) had a light grey uniform hue,

[0877] - the hair dyed with the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and untreated (sample No. 4) showed mostly a coloration of more or less dark black rings on the surface, but mainly at the periphery,

[0878] - the hair dyed with the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" and untreated (sample No. 6) exhibits a much darker and deeper coloration, since the hair is almost completely dyed,

[0879] - Hair treated with ultrasound (Sample No. 5 and Sample No. 7) exhibited a less intense coloration relative to their respective dyed references, demonstrating the benefits of this treatment on bleached and dyed hair while minimizing the impact on hair integrity.

[0880] The analysis is performed by quantifying the average color intensity of the hair on a grayscale scale from 0 to 100, where 0 = white and 100 = black. Fig.38 .

[0881] After 10 passes of ultrasound on the dyed hair strands, a 34% reduction in coloration was observed for the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and a 23% reduction in coloration for the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro".

[0882] Statistical analysis of the coloring data was also performed and reproduced in Fig.39 This analysis confirmed that the differences between the measured means were statistically different within the 95% confidence interval.

[0883] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that have just been described.

[0884] Thus, even more shapes can be imparted to the guide member.

[0885] The device can be used for the following steps, which are given by way of example for a device comprising one or more removable tanks, transducers or removable ultrasonic generators, and / or a treatment head which can be equipped with additional elements (e.g. spacers, grids, etc.):

[0886] The user selects the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, according to the treatment they wish to carry out and fills the canister, or inserts a pre-filled canister, for example a disposable canister, into the handpiece.

[0887] - The user selects the type of ultrasound generator and the element in contact with the keratin material to be used according to the area they wish to treat, and fixes them to the rest of the device.

[0888] - The user turns on the device using the on / off button and selects a program which can be viewed on the screen.

[0889] - The start of a program can be associated with an acoustic signal, a vibration and / or an indicator light.

[0890] - The user brings the treatment head into contact with the keratin material, thereby triggering the activation of the pump and the transducer via the contact sensor.

[0891] The pump generates a vacuum for allowing the flexible lip provided at the end of the treatment head to remain in contact with the keratin material and to form a closed space between the emission surface for emitting the ultrasonic waves and the surface of the material to be treated.

[0892] - A fluid is set to flow in the space thus formed. The transducer generates acoustic waves which lead to cavitation of gas bubbles in the treatment area.

[0893] - The spent fluid is recovered in a second tank, or in a second compartment of the tank; it can be filtered and reintroduced into the fluid circuit, making multiple passes through the treatment area.

[0894] - The user can view the degree of contamination of the recovered fluid. The user can empty the tank containing the fluid at the end of the treatment or earlier if necessary.

[0895] - The device stops working as a safety precaution when the user removes the treatment head from the keratin material if an excessive increase in temperature is detected, or when the device is detected to be stationary.

[0896] - Once the treatment is finished, the user can place the device back on the dock to charge the device, or remove the battery to charge the battery separately.

[0897] The user can also start a cleaning program for the device by filling the tank with a specific product and placing the device on a dedicated surface that closes the fluid circuit for cleaning.

[0898] Examples of Skin Treatments

[0899] Artificial skin samples (from Bioskin) were prepared, onto which a stubborn foundation was applied with a thickness of approximately 6 μm + / - 20%.

[0900] Drying is carried out at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. As a variant, drying can be carried out at room temperature for 15 minutes, and drying can be completed using a hair dryer for 2 minutes.

[0901] The composition is, for example, one of the following compositions C1 to C5.

[0902] The sound waves are generated by the ultrasonic transducer 13, which is excited by a sinusoidal electrical signal U having a frequency of about 34 kHz and pulse width modulated (e.g. Fig.21 as shown) and delivered by generator G.

[0903] During the test, the user can adjust the amplitude of the voltage U by acting on the generator.

[0904] The pulse is characterized by its duration T 开 and duty cycle α = T 开 / (T 开 +T 关 ), where T 关 is the duration of the "low" or "passive" state within a cycle.

[0905] For example, Figure 1 The ultrasonic generator 4 shown is used to emit sound waves, and the ultrasonic generator moves slowly while in contact with the composition without contacting the foundation film.

[0906] The ultrasonic generator comprises, for example, a ceramic piezoelectric transducer system.

[0907] The nominal frequency of the transducer is, for example, approximately 34 kHz.

[0908] For example, the sonotrode is made of titanium.

[0909] The transducers consist, for example, of ceramics separated by insulators and mounted on each other by clamping.

[0910] The diameter of the ultrasonic generator is, for example, approximately 1.8 cm, which means that the surface area is approximately 2.5 cm. 2 The diameter of the ceramic of the transducer is, for example, slightly smaller than the diameter of the ultrasonic generator.

[0911] For example, the ultrasonic generator is accommodated in the housing, and its front end protrudes from the housing by several centimeters, preferably less than 5 cm.

[0912] The tests were performed by varying various parameters, namely:

[0913] - total concentration of surfactants in the composition (%),

[0914] -Peak sound intensity I (in W / cm 2 ), which directly depends on the activation voltage U,

[0915] - Pulse duration T 开 ,

[0916] -Duty cycle, T 开 / T 关 ,

[0917] - the duration of exposure of the surface to be cleaned to the sound waves,

[0918] - The distance between the emitting surface and the surface to be cleaned.

[0919] Sound intensity I on the surface to be cleaned SATA (in W / cm 2 ) is calculated based on the selected parameters. It is given by the following formula:

[0920]

[0921] Sound intensity I SATA It can also be expressed as the average sound pressure p applied to the treatment area m Function:

[0922]

[0923] Where ρ is the bulk density of the composition (in kg·m -3), c is the speed of sound in the composite (in m·s -1 , p m is the average sound pressure (in Pa, or equivalently in N·m -2 or kg·m -1 ·s -2 Count), I SATA In W·m - 2 plans.

[0924] The effectiveness of each tested parameter combination was evaluated based on the percentage of make-up removed (% Make-up Removed), which was calculated based on the gradient (ΔE) measured on a colorimetric chart.

[0925] It is considered that the cleansing effect is satisfactory when ΔE is greater than or equal to 15 and the makeup removal percentage is greater than 65%.

[0926] [Table 1]

[0927]

[0928] For the parameter combinations summarized in the table above, good foundation removal was observed in the area passed by the sonotrode while operating.

[0929] Great difficulty is also observed in removing makeup by simply rubbing it off with a sponge or brush, thereby highlighting the cleansing effect achieved in the present invention.

[0930] Response Surface

[0931] The parameter values ​​obtained in the above experiments and demonstrating good make-up removal efficacy can be extended to a range of parameters using an optimization scheme that takes into account various interactions between all parameters.

[0932] Thus, as shown in Figures 40 to 45, this provides a response surface showing the range of various parameter values ​​that achieve satisfactory makeup removal efficacy.

[0933] Makeup removal efficacy is considered satisfactory according to the same criteria as above, that is, a ΔE greater than or equal to 15 and a makeup removal percentage greater than 65%.

[0934] In the optimization scheme, three parameters are fixed, namely:

[0935] - total concentration of surfactants in the composition (%),

[0936] -Peak sound intensity I (in W / cm 2 ), and

[0937] - Duration of time the surface to be cleaned is exposed to the sound waves.

[0938] Determine the other two parameters (i.e., pulse duration T 开 and duty cycle T 开 / T 关 )’s optimal value range.

[0939] The optimum range is defined as the range that meets the above criteria for makeup removal. On the response curve shown, these correspond to the area above the isobar 0.

[0940] The table below summarizes the ranges of these values ​​and refers to each figure showing the corresponding response surface.

[0941] For certain parameter values, such as in Fig.45e The response surface shows the pulse duration and duty cycle T. 开 / T 关 The value of meets the above-mentioned cosmetic removal effectiveness standard.

[0942] For other parameter values, such as in Figure 40b to Figure 40e As shown in , the entire domain considered for optimization meets the makeup removal efficacy criteria.

[0943] [Table 2]

[0944]

Claims

1. A method for cleaning human keratin materials, the method comprising the following steps: The surface of the keratin material is subjected to a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant and to sound waves emitted by at least one ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer being excited by a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal having at least one frequency component of 20 kHz to 100 kHz, the acoustic intensity Isata on the surface being at least 0.1 W / cm 2 , when the signal is a pulse signal, the duty cycle T 开 / T 关 is 20% to 100%, when the signal is a pulse signal, the pulse duration T 开 The time is 0.01 to 1 second, so as to generate bubbles in the cosmetic composition near the surface of the material to be cleaned and cause the bubbles to burst.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic intensity Isata is 0.1 W / cm 2 Up to 10W / cm 2 , preferably 1W / cm 2 Up to 5W / cm 2 , or even better 3W / cm 2 Up to 4W / cm 2 . 3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the frequency is 30 kHz to 100 kHz, in particular 30 kHz to 45 kHz.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical signal is a pulse electrical signal, and the pulse duration T 开 It is 0.01 to 0.1 seconds, preferably 0.02 to 0.08 seconds.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical signal is a pulsed electrical signal, and the duty cycle is 20% to 100%, preferably 50% to 70%.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is from 0.01% to 20%, better still from 0.01% to 5%, even better still from 0.1% to 1.5% by weight relative to the total mass of the composition.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, the distance between the transducer and the surface being from 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 5 mm.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the surface being subjected to the sound waves for a duration of 0.2 to 10 seconds, better still 2 to 5 seconds.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An activation voltage is delivered to the transducer so as to obtain a voltage greater than or equal to 5 W / cm 2 The peak sound intensity I.

10. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: I is 5W / cm 2 Up to 10W / cm 2 , preferably 6W / cm 2 Up to 7.5W / cm 2 .

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 6.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.6W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactant in the composition is 0.8% to 1.5%, the pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.025 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 52% to 65%.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 6.8 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.027 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 52% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.030 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 52% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.035 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 52.5% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.035 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 51.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.038 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 57.5% to 67%.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 7.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 50% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.030 seconds to 0.070 seconds, the duty cycle is 51% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 52.5% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.030 seconds to 0.070 seconds, the duty cycle is 52.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 55% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.025 seconds to 0.070 seconds, the duty cycle is 56% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 59% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.028 seconds to 0.045 seconds, and the duty cycle is 59% to 63%.

14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 6.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.6W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.070 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 60.5%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.055 seconds to 0.078 seconds, the duty cycle is 56% to 62%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.040 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 51% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 56% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.035 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 51.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.040 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 51.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.035 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 55% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 57% to 67%.

15. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 6.8 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.065 seconds, the duty cycle is 56% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.035 seconds to 0.075 seconds, and the duty cycle is 53.5% to 64%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.030 seconds to 0.072 seconds, the duty cycle is 53% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 55% to 64.5%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.032 seconds to 0.070 seconds, the duty cycle is 54% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, and the duty cycle is 56% to 64.5%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.032 seconds to 0.070 seconds, the duty cycle is 55.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 58% to 64%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.025 seconds to 0.063 seconds, the duty cycle is 61.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.030 seconds to 0.058 seconds, and the duty cycle is 60% to 67%.

16. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is subjected to the acoustic wave for a duration equal to 3 seconds + / - 0.3 seconds and a peak acoustic intensity equal to 7.2 W / cm 2 + / -0.7W / cm 2 ,and: - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.5% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 57% to 65%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.030 seconds to 0.065 seconds, the duty cycle is 55% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 0.8% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.080 seconds, the duty cycle is 58% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.068 seconds, the duty cycle is 55% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.0% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.0725 seconds, the duty cycle is 58.5% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.0575 seconds, and the duty cycle is 56% to 67%, or - the total concentration of surfactants in the composition is equal to 1.2% + / - 0.1%, and oThe pulse duration T 开 is 0.020 seconds to 0.060 seconds, the duty cycle is 61% to 67%, or oThe pulse duration T 开 The time interval is 0.020 seconds to 0.046 seconds, and the duty cycle is 58.5% to 67%.

17. A device for treating human keratin materials, in particular for implementing the method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit sound waves into a fluid present in the vicinity of the material to be cleaned, the transducer being powered by a current generator delivering a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal, the electrical signal preferably having: - at least one frequency component between 20kHz and 100kHz, - When the signal is a pulse signal, the duty cycle T is between 20% and 100%. 开 / T 关 , and / or - When the signal is a pulse signal, the pulse duration T is 0.01 second to 1 second 开 , The acoustic intensity Isata on the surface of the keratin material is preferably at least 0.1 W / cm 2 .

Images