Aid for use in hair treatment

Abstract

The invention relates to an aid for use in hair treatment, namely a partial hair guard designed as a hair capsule for protecting a section of the scalp hair from contact with media used in hair treatment. An inner shell element (2) is hinged to an outer shell element (1) of the hair capsule, which consists of two shell elements (1, 2) open at one end, at two opposing pivot points (7, 8), and is thereby movable into or out of the outer shell element (1). One of the shell elements (1, 2) has, in the region of its opening edge (3, 4), a section extending along it with a comb structure (9) projecting from its inner surface (5', 6') and designed to be slid under the scalp hair gathered in the section to be protected.With the comb structure (9) pushed under the head hair, the hair capsule can be closed in such a way that the outer mantle surface (6) of the inner shell element (2) and the inner mantle surface (5') of the outer shell element (1) partially overlap each other in the area of ​​their opening edges (3, 4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an aid intended for use in hair treatment, in particular in the treatment of scalp hair. It relates to partial hair protection for protecting a portion of the scalp hair from wetting with liquid or pasty media brought into contact with the scalp hair for hair treatment. Where scalp hair is mentioned in this context, the aid described and claimed below is preferably used for treating the scalp hair, but is not limited to this. Accordingly, with appropriate dimensions, the aid could also be used for treating beard hair, which in this respect is also considered scalp hair.From a practical perspective, however, the focus of the invention is on the use of the aid, i.e. the partial hair protection, in the treatment of the hair on the head, whereby in the following the term head hair is generally referred to.

[0002] Essentially, everyone treats their hair more or less regularly and in different ways. A typical example of such a hair treatment is shampooing, which involves at least water being applied to the hair. Other forms of hair treatment include, in particular, the use of chemical or natural substances, such as hair dyes, tints, and the like.

[0003] For a variety of reasons, it may be desirable to exclude a section of the scalp from the respective liquid treatment agent (e.g., water) or paste-like treatment agent. In this context, it should be considered, for example, that people with long hair often have to spend a considerable amount of time drying their correspondingly long hair after washing. On the other hand, it may not always be necessary for such people to always include their entire head of hair in their hair care routine by washing.

[0004] The greatest need for hair care through washing is often in the area around the hairline near the scalp due to oily secretions that occur there. Furthermore, in sanitary areas of public buildings, such as hotels or indoor swimming pools, long-haired individuals are occasionally confronted with the situation that, when using a shower for personal hygiene, the shower head is permanently mounted above them on the wall or ceiling. This makes it almost impossible not to get their hair wet while showering. Consequently, in such cases, it may be desirable for long-haired individuals to only wet at least part of their hair with water when showering, due to the aforementioned effort required to dry their long hair.

[0005] In everyday practice, this group of people often resort to less than comfortable means. For example, they wrap a section of their hair in a cellophane or plastic bag, which they then loosely secure to their head with a hair tie. Firstly, the application of such solutions is already less than comfortable, especially when it comes to protecting sections of the head hair. Secondly, due to this lack of comfort, it is not uncommon for the initially protected areas of hair to end up getting wet when the protective layer is removed. This latter aspect may play an even greater role in hair treatments involving chemicals.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an alternative solution to the problems mentioned above. Therefore, a suitable aid is to be provided that allows its user to effectively and conveniently protect a portion of the scalp hair during hair treatment using liquid and pasty media brought into contact with the scalp hair.

[0007] The object is achieved by an aid having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the aid according to the invention are given by the subclaims.

[0008] In accordance with this objective, the proposed aid is a partial hair protector for protecting a portion of the head hair. According to the solution proposed here, this partial hair protector is designed as a hair capsule. The aforementioned hair capsule consists of two shell elements (half-shells) that are open on one side and hinged to one another, namely an inner shell element and an outer shell element. Each of these two shell elements has an inner and an outer surface, which are connected to one another via an edge, more precisely via an edge (opening edge) surrounding its one-sided opening. The inner shell element is hinged to the outer shell element at two opposite hinge points, in such a way that the inner shell element can be partially moved into or out of the outer shell element via these two hinge points.

[0009] One of the two aforementioned shell elements has, in the region of its opening edge, a section running along the opening edge with a comb structure protruding from its inner surface, which is designed to be pushed under the head hair gathered in the partial area to be protected. When the comb structure of the shell element provided with this comb structure is pushed under the head hair, the hair capsule can be closed by rotating the two shell elements relative to one another via the hinge points such that the outer surface of the inner shell element and the inner surface of the outer shell element partially overlap one another in the region of their opening edges. As a result, the head hair gathered in the region of the comb structure is completely enclosed by the hair capsule and very well protected from wetting with a liquid or pasty medium brought into contact with the head hair for hair treatment.

[0010] In principle, it is conceivable to form the previously mentioned comb structure on the inner shell element, but experiments have shown that forming the comb structure on the outer shell element is advantageous, particularly with regard to handling, but probably also with regard to closing the hair capsule as tightly as possible. The improved handling of a hair capsule designed in this way results from the fact that a user of the hair capsule will typically grip it on the outside, i.e., on the outer shell or the outer shell element, and thus directly has the part of the hair capsule in their hand that needs to be pushed under the gathered hair when used in the area of ​​the head hair to be protected.

[0011] As mentioned above, two shell elements or half-shells are generally considered for these elements. However, for practical reasons, including the handling of the hair capsule, the shell elements are preferably dome-shaped. Thus, according to this preferred design, the hair capsule essentially has a spherical shape when closed during practical use.

[0012] According to an advantageous development, a locking mechanism is formed between the two shell elements. This locking mechanism securely holds the hair capsule in the closed state during use. According to one existing possibility, the locking mechanism is implemented by means of several small, preferably ramp-shaped elevations (locking elements) formed on the inner surface of the outer shell element, which are arranged in a row extending orthogonally into the interior of this shell element, starting from the opening edge. When the hair capsule is closed, at least one lug protruding from the outer surface of the inner shell element hooks behind one of these elevations. The user can then reopen the hair capsule by applying a force that exceeds the mechanical holding force acting between the elements of the locking mechanism.With the help of the several elevations arranged in a row on the inner surface of the outer shell element, the locking mechanism can be flexibly adapted to different hair thicknesses and thus to different volumes of hair to be enclosed by the hair capsule.

[0013] To improve handling, a handle element can be formed on the outer surface of at least one of the two shell elements of the hair capsule. This can be a recessed grip, a bracket or bar protruding from the outer surface, or the like. Particularly in an embodiment with the comb structure on the outer shell element, a recess serving as a handle element can preferably be formed on the outer surface of the inner shell element. This enables better handling of the hair capsule after the hair treatment has been completed, as the user can reach into this recess with a finger when opening the hair capsule and move the inner shell element into the outer shell element, i.e. slide the hair capsule open.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the aid, or rather the hair capsule, a collar element angled outward from the outer surface is molded onto the opening edges of both shell elements in a section located in the area of ​​the comb structure of the shell element provided with this. These collar elements additionally seal the hair capsule against the penetration of a medium used to treat scalp hair when used in the area of ​​the comb structure.

[0015] In a further development of this design, the aforementioned collar elements are configured such that the collar element of one of the shell elements has a concave outer contour, the ends of which each form a support point for resting on the head surface of a user of the hair capsule. The other collar element, i.e., the collar element formed on the other shell element, preferably has a convex outer contour, which forms a support point for the user's head surface approximately in the center. Accordingly, the closed hair capsule as a whole has a three-point support for secure contact with the user's head surface.

[0016] As stated at the outset, or as stated in the patent claims, that the comb structure is formed in the region of the opening edge of one of the shell elements (projecting from the inner lateral surface of the shell element in question in a corresponding section running along the opening edge), this means that the comb structure is in any case located at least in the immediate vicinity (a few millimetres up to a maximum of approximately 2 cm away) of the opening edge, wherein, in embodiments without the presence of a collar element on the shell element having the comb structure, it can even project directly onto the opening edge from the inner lateral surface of the shell element.Or, in other words, the comb structure rising from the inner lateral surface is arranged in a section on the opening edge of the shell element in question or in a section at a distance of a few millimetres up to 2 cm from the opening edge and essentially following its course.

[0017] The shell elements of the hair capsule are preferably made of plastic. Regardless of the material used, they can also have a rubber coating on their outer surfaces. In addition to potentially improving their appearance, this improves the feel, potentially further enhancing the handling of the hair capsule. According to a practical design, the shell elements of the hair capsule are detachable from one another, preferably at the hinge points by which they are connected to one another. This advantageously allows for cleaning of the hair capsule, or rather the insides of its two shell elements.

[0018] The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the proposed and claimed solution (hair capsule) and details of this solution. It should be noted that an element of the hair capsule shown in one drawing for illustrative purposes does not necessarily have to correspond in terms of its specific design and shape to the corresponding element shown in another drawing in connection with the overall representation of the hair capsule. The drawings show in detail: Fig. 1: an exemplary embodiment of the hair capsule in a spatial overall view in the opened state, Fig. 2: the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in the closed state of the hair capsule, Fig. 3: a possible design of the outer shell element of the hair capsule, Fig. 4: a possible design of the inner shell element of the hair capsule.

[0019] The Fig. 1 shows a possible design of the proposed hair capsule in a three-dimensional view. The hair capsule is shown in the open state. It essentially consists of the two shell elements 1, 2, which are hinged at two opposite hinge points 7, 8, i.e. an outer shell element 1 and an inner shell element 2. In the example shown, the shell elements 1, 2 have a dome shape, so that the hair capsule in the Fig. 2 shown closed state is approximately spherical.

[0020] In the area of ​​the opening edge 3 of the outer shell element 1, the comb structure 9 is formed, projecting from its inner surface 5' in a section running along the opening edge and intended to be pushed under the gathered hair, preferably secured with a hair tie or the like. The inner shell element 2, which is hinged to the outer shell element 1 via the two hinge points 7, 8, can be moved partially into or out of the outer shell element 1 by performing a pivoting movement about the hinge points 7, 8, or by rotating the shell elements relative to one another. In the open state of the hair capsule shown here, the inner shell element 2 has been largely moved into the outer shell element 1.

[0021] The Fig. 2 shows the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 , as already explained, in the closed state. Here, the inner shell element 2 has been largely moved out of the outer shell element 1 after the comb structure 9 of the outer shell element 1 has been pushed under the hair gathered in an area to be protected from wetting with a liquid or pasty medium.

[0022] When the hair capsule is closed, the outer surface 6 of the inner shell element 2 and the inner surface 5' of the outer shell element 1 partially overlap in the region of their opening edges 3, 4. As a result, the hair (a bun or a gathered braid or ponytail) that has previously been gathered and engaged with the comb structure 9 of the outer shell element 1 is completely enclosed by the capsule. Consequently, the hair enclosed by the hair capsule is not wetted by a liquid or pasty medium applied to the remaining areas of the head hair, such as water when showering.

[0023] This does not mean, of course, that the hair capsule guarantees a 100% seal, but it can be assumed that the hair in the capsule remains largely unaffected by the medium used. Figuren 3 and 4The outer shell element 1 and the inner shell element 2 of the hair capsule are shown again, separated from each other.

[0024] Here the Fig. 3 A three-dimensional view of the outer shell element 1 with a view of its interior. This illustration particularly clearly shows the comb structure 9 formed in a section of the inner surface 5' in the region of the opening edge 3. Furthermore, the illustration shows a series of ramp-shaped elevations 10 located opposite the comb structure on the inner surface 5' of the shell element 1 and extending orthogonally to the opening edge 3, which form part of a locking structure. When the hair capsule is closed, i.e., when the inner shell element 2 is moved out of the outer shell element 1, a lug (not visible in the drawings) projecting from the outer surface of the inner shell element engages with this structure, thus hooking behind one of the elevations 10 formed on the inner surface 5' of the outer shell element 1.In the area of ​​the comb structure, as can also be seen from the figure, a convexly shaped collar element 12 is arranged on the opening edge 3 of the outer shell element 1, wherein the central area of ​​its outer contour forms a support point 14 for the hair capsule on the head of a person using it.

[0025] The Fig. 4 shows a spatial external view of the inner shell element 2. Two mutually opposite elevations on the outside of the shell element can be clearly seen, which are designed in the shape of pins or stumps 18, 19 and, when the two shell elements 1, 2 are joined together, engage with complementary circular recesses 16, 17 of the outer shell element 2 (compare the Fig. 3) are brought into engagement. At the same time, two articulation points 7, 8 are formed, via which the two shell elements 1, 2 are pivotally connected to one another.

[0026] A collar element 13 is also formed on the inner shell element 2 in an area of ​​the opening edge 4. When the hair capsule is assembled and closed, this collar element 13 is approximately congruent with the collar element 12 formed on the outer shell element 1. As can be seen from the illustration, the collar element 13 of the inner shell element 2 is concavely shaped, with the ends of this concave outer contour each forming a support point 15, 15' for resting on the head surface of a user of the hair capsule. Together with the convexly shaped collar element 12 of the outer shell element 1, this creates a three-point support for the hair capsule for resting on the head surface of a user.

[0027] The illustration also shows a recess formed on the rear side, i.e., opposite the opening edge 4, on the outer surface 6 of the inner shell element 2. This recess forms a grip element 11, into which a user can insert a finger, particularly for opening the hair capsule after completing the hair treatment, and slide the hair capsule open.

Claims

1. Aids for use in hair treatment, namely partial hair protection to protect a part of the hair from wetting with liquid or pasty media brought into contact with the hair for hair treatment, characterized in thatthe partial hair protection is designed as a hair capsule, consisting of two shell elements (1, 2) which are open on one side and hinged to one another and each have inner and outer shell surfaces (5, 5', 6, 6') connected to one another via an opening edge (3, 4), with an outer shell element (1) and with an inner shell element (2) which is hinged to the outer shell element at two opposite hinge points (7, 8) and which is partially movable into or out of the outer shell element (1), wherein one of the two shell elements (1, 2) has, in the region of its opening edge (3, 4), a section running along the opening edge (3, 4) with a comb structure (9) projecting from the inner shell surface (5', 6') and which is to be pushed under the head hair gathered in the partial area to be protected, and that the hair capsule, when the comb structure (9) of the hair protection provided with this is pushed under the head hair shell element (1, 2),by rotating the two shell elements (1, 2) relative to each other via the articulation points (7, 8), in such a way that the outer surface (6) of the inner shell element (2) and the inner surface (5') of the outer shell element (1) partially overlap each other in the region of their opening edges (3, 4).

2. Aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the comb structure (9) is formed on the outer shell element (1).

3. Aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two shell elements (1, 2) are dome-shaped, so that the hair capsule has a substantially spherical shape when closed.

4. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hair capsule, after being closed, remains in the closed state by a locking mechanism formed between the shell elements (1, 2) which can be released again by a user.

5. Aid according to claim 4, with a comb structure (9) formed on the outer shell element (1) characterized in that the locking mechanism is formed by a plurality of elevations (10) formed on the inner surface (5') of the outer shell element (1), which elevations are arranged in a row extending orthogonally to the opening edge (3) into the interior of the outer shell element (1) with respect to the comb structure, and by at least one nose projecting from the outer surface (6) of the inner shell element (2) and hooking behind one of these elevations (10) when the hair capsule is closed, wherein the hair capsule can be opened again by the user by applying a force which exceeds the mechanical holding force acting between the elements of the locking mechanism.

6. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a handle element (11) is formed on the outer surface of at least one of the shell elements (1, 2).

7. Aid according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer surface (6) of the inner shell element (2) has a recess forming a handle element (11).

8. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a collar element (12, 13) angled outwards from the outer surface (5, 6) is formed onto the opening edges (3, 4) of both shell elements (1, 2) in a section located in the region of the comb structure (9) of the shell element (1, 2) provided with this.

9. Aid according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe collar element (12, 13) of one of the shell elements (1, 2) has a concave outer contour, the ends of which each form a support point (15, 15') for resting on the head surface of a user of the hair capsule, and that the collar element (12, 13) of the other shell element (1, 2) has a convex outer contour which forms a support point (14) for resting on the head surface of the user of the hair capsule, so that the hair capsule consisting of the two shell elements (1, 2) has a three-point support overall in the closed state.

10. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the shell elements (1, 2) are made of plastic.

11. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer surfaces (5, 6) of the shell elements (1, 2) are rubberized.

12. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thata sealing arrangement is formed on the shell elements (1, 2), which seals the hair capsule in the closed state against the penetration of a liquid or pasty medium acting on the head hair, with a sealing lip running around the outer surface adjacent to the opening edge (3, 4), leaving out the area of ​​the comb structure.

13. Aid according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in thatthe two articulation points (7, 8) via which the shell elements (1, 2) are articulated to one another are formed by two pins or stumps (18, 19) projecting from the outer surface of the inner shell element (2) and running in two circular recesses (16, 17) of the outer shell element (1), wherein the shell elements (1, 2) can be detached from one another for the purpose of cleaning at the articulation points (7, 8) of the hair capsule by pressing the pins or stumps (18, 19) out of the circular recesses (16, 17) of the outer shell element (1).

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