Hair treatment device and process

Abstract

Hair treatment device and method. A treatment device (1) for human hair (K), particularly for cleaning hair (K), removing previous coloring, and / or bleaching it, this device (1) being intended to treat hair (K) while it is in contact with a fluid, particularly a cosmetic composition (C), in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, this device comprising: - at least one transducer (4) having an emission surface (S) for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair (K) to be treated, in order to generate a collapse of said bubbles, - at least one guiding and / or combing member (70) arranged to guide the hair (K) in its movement near and / or in contact with said emission surface (S). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 23

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device and method technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the cleaning of human keratinous materials, and more particularly but not exclusively to the treatment of skin, scalp and / or hair, especially hair that has undergone coloring. Previous technique

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

[0003] US patent application 2012 / 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 onto 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 of a gas 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 electrically conductive. A surfactant may be added to prevent the bubbles from coalescing as they travel through the outlet conduit to the surface to be treated, and to ensure that they are of the required size when they reach the surface to be treated.

[0004] The application of the device to cleaning the skin, in particular under the nails of a surgeon, is envisaged, as well as the hands.

[0005] This application mentions the possible addition of a surfactant to influence the size of the bubbles produced. No cosmetic application for treating facial skin or hair is disclosed.

[0006] Application ES 2 708 149 discloses a surface cleaning device comprising a sonotrode generating ultrasound in the vicinity of a cleaning solution present on the surface, cavitation enabling the removal of dirt from the surface.

[0007] US patent 8486199 describes a device for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer comprising a resonator for supplying ultrasonic energy to a treatment fluid containing gas bubbles.

[0008] Document EP 1 645 342 describes a method for cleaning equipment consisting of to subject a liquid containing bubbles to an acoustic field.

[0009] Patent KR101152920 describes a skin cleansing device comprising a vacuum pump and intended for use near a liquid containing microbubbles on the skin.

[0010] Applications US 2017 0080257, KR 2020 0102956, US 2009 / 318853, JP 2016 214424 and WO 2020 / 029429 disclose cosmetic skin treatment methods, including cleansing, using an ultrasonic device that generates microbubbles in a cosmetic composition applied to the skin to be cleansed.

[0011] Similar devices are disclosed in US applications 2011 / 21328, US 2010 / 010420 and EP 3 634 643, CN206995178 and EP 2 470 310.

[0012] EP application 3 542 740 discloses a medical device for wound cleaning, comprising a removable cleaning tip and an ultrasonic transducer.

[0013] Some devices involve a significant amount of water and new compositions with each use.

[0014] Eco-design of products, by promoting the sustainable use of resources, is becoming a key factor essential for minimizing the environmental impact of products. Producers are empowered and incentivized by changing consumption habits to eco-design their formulas and packaging, while also ensuring the optimization of industrial processes and the management of production waste. A virtuous cycle is thus established. Similarly, supporting consumers towards greater restraint contributes to this overall movement towards individual responsibility.

[0015] There is therefore a need for products with a reduced environmental footprint, which can reflect the increasingly real expectations of consumers.

[0016] Furthermore, when applying a colouring treatment to already coloured hair, it may be desirable to bleach it beforehand; however, such a bleaching treatment should ideally be carried out without damaging the hair fibre.

[0017] However, bleaching is currently carried out using compounds that have a chemical action on the hair, such as oxidants, which can have an impact on the environment, and whose use should ideally be avoided or reduced in quantity. Furthermore, these compounds can have a relatively aggressive effect on the hair fiber.

[0018] Indeed, hair coloring or bleaching treatments are generally carried out using an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, a potassium, sodium, ammonium, perborate or percarbonate salt, persulfate or percarbamide, in an alkaline solution. The oxidizing agents used in these hair treatments generally cause the breaking of disulfide bonds. connecting the keratin chains. Repeated treatments with oxidizing agents therefore often result in hair becoming fragile and brittle, and losing its shine.

[0019] Conditioning agents, such as silicones, cationic surfactants or cationic polymers, could be proposed for application to the hair after rinsing off the composition containing the oxidizing agents.

[0020] These conditioning agents help to mitigate damage to hair by creating a protective film, which improves the feel of the hair, but they do not prevent premature breakage that can be caused by successive oxidative treatments. Furthermore, these conditioning agents have a significant environmental impact.

[0021] Numerous solutions have been proposed to try to address this problem.

[0022] US 5,100,436 discloses hair dye compositions comprising metal-chelating complexes that reduce the exposure time of hair to oxidizing compositions, thereby reducing damage caused by the oxidizing agent. US 6,013,250 discloses a composition for treating hair against chemical and photodamage. US 4,138,478 discloses the use of a particular compound to reduce damage to hair during bleaching or coloring. US 3,202,579 and US 3,542,918 disclose other protective compounds. US 5,635,167 discloses a process for removing exogenous metal ions attached to hair, comprising a step of contacting the hair with a mixture of chelating agents. WO97 / 24106 discloses hair coloring compositions comprising a bleaching adjuvant to reduce damage to hair, at a low pH.

[0023] All these solutions rely on the use of specific chemical compounds and do not fully meet the need to improve the environmental footprint of hair coloring and / or bleaching or cleansing treatments. Furthermore, they do not completely prevent damage to hair caused by the action of bleaching agents such as oxidants. Description of the invention

[0024] The invention aims to provide a method for cleaning human keratinous materials, in particular facial skin, scalp or hair, allowing for the effective cleaning of said materials, and fitting into a responsible sustainable development approach, thanks to a reduced carbon footprint.

[0025] The invention also aims to provide a device and a method for processing human hair that minimizes the use of products chemicals for hair bleaching, to limit the consumption of water and / or active ingredients and the release of harmful substances into the environment, to reduce the risks associated with repeated exposure of the hair and scalp to harsh substances and treatments, and to facilitate hair bleaching and coloring treatments. Summary of the invention

[0026] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to a method for treating human keratinous materials, comprising the step of subjecting a surface of said keratinous materials to a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, and to acoustic waves emitted by at least one ultrasonic transducer excited by a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal, having at least one frequency component between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, a duty cycle Ton / Toff when the signal is pulsed preferably between 20 and 100%, a pulse duration Ton when the signal is pulsed preferably between 0.01 and 1 s, and a sound intensity Isata on said surface preferably at least equal to 0.1 W / cm².

[0027] In this way, bubbles can be generated within the cosmetic composition in the vicinity of the surface of said materials to be cleaned and cause them to collapse.

[0028] This process is preferably cosmetic with a non-therapeutic purpose.

[0029] The term "cosmetic composition" refers to a composition containing at least one cosmetic active ingredient, as defined in the Cosmetics Directive 76 / 768 / EEC. This may include, in particular, an active ingredient contributing to the cleansing and / or bleaching of hair, as detailed below. According to the invention, mineral or tap water does not constitute a cosmetic composition.

[0030] The term "human keratinous materials" refers to external materials such as skin and skin appendages, including hair and nails, and internal materials such as gums or other mucous membranes. The treatment can be performed on the superficial layers of the skin. The skin area treated according to the invention can be the skin of the face, chest, back, arms, legs, hands and / or feet, and the scalp. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for removing makeup and / or cleansing facial skin, including the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, nose, and scalp.

[0031] The process according to the invention may also be suitable for the care of the skin or hair, or for the cleaning and / or preparation of the skin, hair or scalp, in particular for the preparation of hair for a coloring or bleaching treatment.

[0032] By "at least one frequency component", we mean frequency in its classical sense for a periodic signal whose spectrum comprises a single line, by example of sinusoidal type, and for a periodic signal whose spectrum includes several lines, the frequency of at least one line, in particular the one with the highest amplitude.

[0033] The acoustic intensity ISata can be defined as the average acoustic power on the surface subjected to acoustic waves, divided by said surface:

[0034] I.SATA ~ Pmoy / s,

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

[0036] The acoustic intensity ISAta is preferably between 0.1 and 10 W / cm2, better between 1 and 5 W / cm2, even better 2.5 and 5 W / cm2, even better between 3 and 4 W / cm2.

[0037] The process according to the invention, thanks to the aforementioned parameter ranges for the signal, and in particular a minimum acoustic intensity ISata, makes it possible to eliminate or treat effectively both exogenous impurities and endogenous impurities or defects.

[0038] Among the undesirable soiling that may be present on keratinous materials (on the surface and / or embedded deeper in the pores of the skin), we can distinguish exogenous impurities such as makeup, environmental pollution, dust, microorganisms, etc., and endogenous impurities or defects such as excess sebum, sweat, dead cells, dead skin, dandruff, blackheads, light and / or acne scars, pigmented spots, etc.

[0039] The acoustic waves obtained using the aforementioned parameter ranges for the signal make it possible to cause the complete cavitation of bubbles within the composition in order to generate a mechanical effect on the keratinous materials to be cleaned.

[0040] By "complete cavitation," we mean both the generation and collapse of bubbles that cause a mechanical shock to the surrounding surfaces. The cosmetic composition may or may not already contain bubbles before the application of the acoustic waves.

[0041] The bubbles generated and / or present can also contribute to the release of chemical species that contribute to the cleaning of keratinous materials, such as free radicals. Surfactant

[0042] The composition preferably has a total surfactant concentration of between 0.01% and 20% by weight relative to the total mass of the composition, better between 0.01% and 5%, even better 0.1% and 1.5%; thus, the composition can have a cleaning action even in the absence of bubble collapse by acoustic waves.

[0043] Surfactants can contribute to bubble formation and / or their stabilization, for example being chosen from foaming surfactants such as surfactants Anionic alkyl(amido) ether polyoxyalkylenated carboxylic acids, anionic surfactants other than the aforementioned alkyl(amido) ether polyoxyalkylenated carboxylic acids, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, are selected from compounds commonly found in makeup remover compositions such as alkyl polysaccharides, polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, oils, and mixtures thereof. Any surfactant capable of generating micelles in the medium may be used. Acoustic waves

[0044] Acoustic waves can be generated by a single transducer, or alternatively by at least two transducers.

[0045] When acoustic waves are emitted by several transducers, these are, for example, all directed towards the area to be treated, having longitudinal axes converging towards it. Two transducers arranged facing each other can be used, if necessary, to treat a strand of hair inserted between them. This allows for the simultaneous treatment of two opposite sides of the strand. Transducers can also be arranged side by side to treat a larger area, with or without overlap between the areas treated by each transducer.

[0046] Each transducer includes one or more electroactive elements to transform an electric current into mechanical vibrations, this or these electroactive elements being, for example, based on piezoelectric materials, as detailed later.

[0047] This or these electroactive elements can be coupled to a sonotrode which can be mechanically resonated by the electroactive element(s) and serves to define an emission surface of acoustic waves towards the target surface or volume.

[0048] Acoustic waves can be generated permanently as soon as the treatment device is switched on, or alternatively only be generated when certain operating conditions are met, such as for example the presence of the composition in contact with the sonotrode and / or the presence of the device in contact with the area to be treated and / or if the device detects that the area contains dirt.

[0049] Alternatively, acoustic 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 generating cavitation are detected, such as contact between the emission surface of the sonotrode and the surface to be treated, a minimum composition height, a composition or transducer temperature within a given range, or other.

[0050] Acoustic waves can be generated by a pulsed electrical signal, or continuous, preferably a pulsed electrical signal.

[0051] They can be generated by a sinusoidal electrical signal or by a signal of a more complex shape, for example, frequency-modulated or amplitude-modulated. Acoustic waves are preferably emitted at a single frequency, which can allow them to be focused more precisely in a given area, but alternatively they can be emitted at several different frequencies.

[0052] Said frequency is preferably between 30 and 100 kHz, in particular between 30 and 45 kHz. Such a frequency allows both the generation and satisfactory collapse of bubbles in the composition, and the collapse of any bubbles already present in the medium within the composition. The acoustic waves are, for example, generated by a transducer with a nominal frequency of approximately 34 kHz.

[0053] The nominal frequency can vary around 34kHz, for example 34 kHz + / - 5 kHz.

[0054] The electrical signal exciting the transducer(s) can be pulsed with a pulse duration preferably between 0.01s and 0.1s, better between 0.02 and 0.08s.

[0055] The duty cycle, when the signal is pulsed, is preferably between 20% and 100%, better between 50% and 70%, for example about 50% + / - 10%, 58.3% + 10% or 66.7% + / - 10%.

[0056] Variations from a nominal value may arise, where applicable, from a temperature rise in the transducer, for example through the excitation of the ceramics constituting a piezoelectric electroactive element. These variations may also result from a temperature rise in the liquid in which cavitation is generated.

[0057] The process may include a step of detecting the presence of the cosmetic composition in contact with the sonotrode, and conditioning the operation of the transducer to this detection.

[0058] This avoids the emission of acoustic waves in the absence of composition or when the device is not in a situation of processing keratinous materials.

[0059] Preferably, the acoustic waves are emitted without the emitting surface of the sonotrode coming into contact with the area to be treated. The distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated is, for example, between 1 and 30 mm, more particularly between 3 and 5 mm, which makes it possible to limit the acoustic energy emitted in keratinous materials, and to promote the cavitation of bubbles in the composition.

[0060] “The distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated” should be understood as the distance between the sonotrode's emission surface and the surface to be treated.

[0061] A composition can be circulated continuously in contact with the sonotrode, with continuous operation of the transducer(s), or alternatively, with pulsed operation of the transducer(s). The composition can also be supplied in a pulsed manner. Advantageously, the supply to a zone subjected to acoustic waves is discontinuous, with, for example, a period The area is supplied with sound while no acoustic waves are being generated, followed by a period during which the composition within the area is subjected to acoustic waves without being replenished. This helps prevent bubbles present in the composition before entering the area from being repelled by the acoustic waves within it.

[0062] The composition supply to the processing zone can thus be linked to the operation of the transducer(s) for the production of acoustic waves, or vice versa, and the transducer(s) and / or the composition supply can be operated in pulsed mode. In other words, the composition can be supplied with a time lag relative to the emission period of the acoustic waves in the composition supply zone.

[0063] The propagation of acoustic waves is facilitated by the presence of liquid in the composition. The gas / liquid mass ratio within the composition can therefore benefit from not being too high, and the composition can advantageously contain a thickener, as detailed later, or any other compound that increases the temporal stability of the bubbles.

[0064] Preferably, an activation voltage is supplied to the transducer enabling a peak acoustic intensity I greater than or equal to 5 W / cm2. The peak intensity I is preferably between 5 and 10 W / cm2, better between 6 and 7.5 W / cm2.

[0065] The surface to be treated is preferably subjected to acoustic waves for a duration of between 0.2 and 10 seconds, ideally between 2 and 5 seconds, for example, 4 seconds + / - 0.4 seconds. Such an "effective" application time of the acoustic waves allows for efficient cleaning while limiting any potential discomfort for the user. The duration can correspond to the time measured between the start of excitation of the transducer to treat a given surface and the end of its excitation in the treatment of said surface. This time can be applied in a single application or in several cumulative applications.

[0066] The surface to be treated is, for example, subjected to acoustic waves for a duration of 4 s + / - 0.4 s, the peak acoustic intensity is equal to 6.2 + / - 0.6 W / cm2, and: - the composition has a total surfactant concentration between 0.8 and 1.5%, the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%, or, - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.025 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 52 and 65%.

[0067] Alternatively, the surface is subjected, for example, to acoustic waves for a duration of 4 s + / - 0.4 s, the peak acoustic intensity is 6.8 W / cm² + / - 0.7 W / cm² and: - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.027 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 52 and 67%,

[0068] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.8% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 52 and 67%,

[0069] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.0% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.035 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 52.5 and 67%,

[0070] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.2% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.035 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 51.5 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 67%,

[0071] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.038 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 57.5 and 67%.

[0072] Alternatively, the surface to be treated is, for example, subjected to acoustic waves For a duration of 4 s + / - 0.4 s, the peak sound intensity is 7.2 W / cm² + / - 0.7 W / cm², and: - the composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.5% + / -0.1%, the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 50 and 67%,

[0073] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.8% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.070 s and the duty cycle is between 51 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 52.5 and 67%,

[0074] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.0% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.070 s and the duty cycle is between 52.5 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 55 and 67%,

[0075] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.2% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.025 and 0.070 s and the duty cycle is between 56 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 59 and 67%,

[0076] or - the composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.5% + / -0.1%, the pulse duration Ton is between 0.028 and 0.045 s and the duty cycle is between 59 and 63%.

[0077] Alternatively, the surface to be treated is, for example, subjected to acoustic waves for a duration of 3 s + / - 0.3 s, the peak acoustic intensity is 6.2 W / cm² + / - 0.6 W / cm², and: - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.070 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 60.5%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.055 and 0.078 s and the The duty cycle is between 56 and 62%.

[0078] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.8% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.040 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 51 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 56 and 67%,

[0079] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.0% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.035 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 51.5 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 67%,

[0080] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.2% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.040 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 51.5 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 67%,

[0081] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.035 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 55 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 57 and 67%.

[0082] Alternatively, the surface to be treated is, for example, subjected to acoustic waves for a duration of 3 s + / - 0.3 s, the peak acoustic intensity is 6.8 W / cm² ± 0.7 W / cm², and: - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.065 s and the duty cycle is between 56 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.035 and 0.075 s and the duty cycle is between 53.5 and 64%,

[0083] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.8% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.072 s and the duty cycle is between 53 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 55 and 64.5%,

[0084] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.0% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.032 and 0.070 s and the duty cycle is between 54 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 56 and 64.5%,

[0085] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.2% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.032 and 0.070 s and the duty cycle is between 55.5 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 58 and 64%,

[0086] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.025 and 0.063 s and the duty cycle is between 61.5 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.058 s and the duty cycle is between 60 and 67%.

[0087] Alternatively, the surface to be treated is, for example, subjected to acoustic waves for a duration of 3 s + / - 0.3 s, the peak acoustic intensity is 7.2 W / cm² + / - 0.7 W / cm², and: - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.5% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 57 and 65%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.030 and 0.065 s and the duty cycle is between 55 and 67%,

[0088] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 0.8% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.080 s and the duty cycle is between 58 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.068 s and the duty cycle is between 55 and 67%,

[0089] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.0% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.0725 s and the duty cycle is between 58.5 and 67%, or • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.0575 s and the duty cycle is between 56 and 67%,

[0090] or - the composition has a total concentration of surfactant(s) equal to 1.2% + / -0.1%, and • the pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.060 s and the duty cycle is between 61 and 67%, or • The pulse duration Ton is between 0.020 and 0.046 s and the duty cycle is between 58.5 and 67%. Gas bubbles.

[0091] Bubbles can be generated during pressure drops in the composition and the decrease in vapor pressure that generates the release of gases. Preferably, the bubbles are generated by acoustic waves, but alternatively, they are generated additionally by a specific generator.

[0092] The gas bubbles can be bubbles of air, CO2, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, among other possibilities, as well as a mixture of these gases.

[0093] All the bubbles may be bubbles of the same gas or, alternatively, the composition may include bubbles of a first gas and bubbles of a second gas, different from the first.

[0094] The gas may come from a decomposition of the composition, for example by fermentation, or be extracted from it, or alternatively be introduced into the composition.

[0095] The diameter of the bubbles can range from 50 nm to 700 pm, preferably from 500 nm to 50 pm. The size here refers to the average size D50 in number at half the population.

[0096] The dimensionless factor is equal to the ratio d / Rmax, where d is the distance from the geometric center of the bubble to the surface to be cleaned when the bubble expansion is at its maximum, and Rmax is the maximum diameter of bubble expansion, preferably less than 3.5, better less than 1.1 in order to have maximum efficiency, as detailed in the publication “Mechanisms of single bubble cleaning”, F. Reuter, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 29(2016) 550-562.

[0097] The density of the medium formed by the cosmetic composition with the gas bubbles, exposed to acoustic waves, can be between 0.1 and 1 g / cm3, better between 0.5g and 1g / cm3 (at 20°C and atmospheric pressure).

[0098] A small bubble size can facilitate their penetration into skin contours and / or follicles, such as hair follicles, crevices, wrinkles, scars, interstices, or folds, and thus exert an effective cleansing action within them. It may therefore be advantageous for the bubbles to be 300 microns or less in size, preferably 200 microns, for example, 100 microns or less. The bubbles can then penetrate the follicles before being activated by the acoustic waves. Additional generation of bubbles

[0099] Preferably, the bubbles are generated only by acoustic waves during the cavitation phenomenon, obtained in particular by means of a minimum level of Isata and the other parameters mentioned above, as described above.

[0100] Alternatively, additional bubbles can be generated within the composition. These additional bubbles can be generated by any suitable means, for example, by mechanical, physical, chemical, or electrochemical means. In particular, the bubbles can be generated by a pressure drop in the liquid, which lowers the vapor pressure and generates the formation of gas in the form of bubbles.

[0101] The generation of additional bubbles can be prior, simultaneous or cyclic with respect to the emission of acoustic waves.

[0102] By way of example of techniques that can be implemented to generate the bubbles in the invention, the following techniques are included, among others:

[0103] - for decompression of liquids using nozzles, for example, decompression which may be preceded by pressurization,

[0104] - the creation of a turbulent flow, in particular using rotating blades, of a turbine, ejector, Venturi, vortex flow of gas or liquid, static or rotating porous body, including rotating disk, generator as described in the publication Performance of a new micro-bubble generator with a spherical body in a flowing water tube by M. Sadatomi Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 29 (2005) 615-623, Venturi tube and vortex, Venturi as implemented by MEC Co. (Iona Shower), or shear forces,

[0105] - of creating a laminar flow through small openings, with focus lization or co-focusing of the flow, of a porous membrane, using a porous membrane fluidic oscillator such as described for example in the article Fluidic os- cillator-mediated microbubble generation to provide cost effective mass transfer and mixing efficiency to the wastewater treatment plants Environ Res. 2015 Feb ; 137 :32-9, of a micro-channel emulsification as described in the article Mono-dispersed microbubble formation using microchannel technique; AIChE Journal, 50 (2004), pp. 3227-3233, these bubble creation techniques by laminar flow through small openings being preferred to the previous ones because of the stability of the bubbles produced.

[0106] - energy supply,

[0107] luminous, for example by irradiation of microfluidic channels coated with nanoporous gold, as described in Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Pro-ceedings of SPIE Volume 9705, 2016 Article number 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 on carbon nanotubes, as described in the article Producing single microbubbles with control size using microfiber Advance in Bioscience and Bio-technology, 2 (2011), pp.385-390, by a tapered optical fiber, by a plasmonic absorber in the near-infrared, as described in the publication Size-controllable micro-bubble generation using a nanoimprinted plasmonic nanopillar array absorber in the near-infrared region. ; Applied Physics Letters. 108. 2016, .

[0108] acoustic, for example by ultrasound as described in the article Ultrasonics Sono-chemistry Volume 29, 1 March 2016, pp. 604-611, Influence of sonication conditions on the efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning with flowing micrometer-sized air bubbles, sonic activation of microbubbles, ultrasound in the presence of nucleation sites, as described in application WO2016 / 055883,

[0109] electrical, for example by a coaxial electrodynamic atomization process as described in the publication Preparation of microbubble suspensions by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization, Medical Engineering and Physics, 29(2007), pp749-754, by electrolysis, electro-flotation, by a micro electrolytic generator as described in the publication Micro-fabricated electrolytic micro-bubblers, International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 31 (2005), pp. 706-722, by electrostatic spraying as described in the publication Microbubble generation for environmental and industrial separations, Separation and Purification Technology, 11 (1997), pp. 221-232, by electrical heating of 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 (2007) or by microplasma, as described in the Journal of Physics D article; Applied Physics Volume 47 Issue 35, 3 September 2014, Article number 355203; Microbubble generation by microplasma in water.

[0110] Additional bubbles can be generated continuously, as soon as the device is switched on. Alternatively, the bubbles are generated intermittently, for example, only when the composition is dispensed, or periodically at a predefined frequency to allow them time to disperse. A certain number of bubbles may be present in the composition before the device is switched on. Alternatively, the bubbles can be generated before or without the device being switched on.

[0111] The intensity of bubble production can be constant or variable, and where appropriate adjustable by the user or automatically by the device according to the desired result or at least one operating parameter.

[0112] The bubbles may be generated by any of the techniques mentioned above, in particular by injecting a gas under pressure into the composition, for example by means of a pump or a compressed gas tank, by electrolysis of the cosmetic composition, by stirring the composition, by drawing a gas into the composition, or by vaporizing a liquefied gas mixed with or dissolved in the composition. The bubbles may result from the reaction of two liquids or of a liquid and at least one solid in the form, for example, of a powder, granules, tablets, or any other form.

[0113] The flow of liquid containing the bubbles, in the case where bubbles are generated upstream, can range from 0.01 mL / s to 10 mL / s. Abrasion

[0114] The process may include abrasion of keratinous materials using abrasive particles and / or by a part of the device in contact with the keratinous materials.

[0115] This abrasion can be achieved by a device other than the one emitting the acoustic waves, by the device itself, or by a specific part mounted on the device, such as a grid, blade, scraper or any other suitable accessory.

[0116] The part enabling the abrasion is for example put in place to carry out the abrasion, then removed at the time of treatment by bubbles and acoustic waves, being for example interchangeable with a part of the device used for treatment by acoustic waves and bubbles.

[0117] The part that performs the abrasion may still be present during the treatment of bubbles and acoustic waves, as will be described below. This part may then have the shape of a grid, among other possibilities.

[0118] Abrasion can be carried out prior to exposing the cosmetic composition and the bubbles to acoustic waves, or alternatively concomitantly. When abrasion is a preliminary step, it can be carried out by any means, including mechanical or chemical action.

[0119] The abrasion of keratinous materials can be caused not only by the shock wave phenomenon which follows the exposure of the bubbles to acoustic waves, but also at least in part by the action of abrasive particles contacting the surface to be treated, these abrasive particles being for example present in the composition or on a surface of the device coming into contact with the external keratinous materials.

[0120] The abrasive particles present in the cosmetic composition may be insoluble in the composition medium or, alternatively, soluble in it, and preferably generate a gas upon dissolution, which gas will then be used to generate all or part of the bubbles subjected to acoustic waves. The abrasive particles may be formed by a precipitation reaction linked to a chemical reaction.

[0121] The abrasive particles can be chosen from abrasive powders of materials having a hardness on the Mohs scale greater than or equal to 3, for example alumina, silica, aluminosilicate, carbonate powders, or a material coated with silica, alumina or aluminosilicate.

[0122] It may also be fruit kernel powder, in particular apricot, wood cellulose, for example crushed bamboo stem, crushed coconut shell, oyster, shell, sand, silica, or a synthetic material such as polyamide, or mixed particles combining organic and inorganic compounds, and particles coated by the above compounds.

[0123] The abrasive particles can have a size between 0.1 and 500 microns, in particular between 0.1 and 50 microns for hair treatment, between 10 and 300 microns for scalp or facial skin treatment.

[0124] The solid particles used to exert an abrasive action may have a flattened, spherical, elongated, polyhedral or irregular shape.

[0125] Abrasive particles may be added during processing in the device or liquid.

[0126] The device may contain a chamber dedicated to the controlled storage and distribution of abrasive particles or of a compound enabling the formation of these particles by reaction or precipitation. Recycling

[0127] Preferably, the cosmetic composition is sent into contact with keratinous materials in such a way that it is at least partially recovered for recycling.

[0128] The composition that is recovered can be filtered to remove solid debris or its particulate phase, before being returned to the surface to be cleaned.

[0129] Preferably, the composition is recovered by aspiration or absorption, by for example using a porous support or a suction system, in particular using a pump as detailed later. Application of the cosmetic composition

[0130] Generally speaking, the composition itself, by virtue of its formulation, can already contribute to the removal of the impurities that one wishes to remove through the action of bubbles subjected to acoustic waves. The action of the bubbles subjected to acoustic waves can accelerate or improve this process. Thus, the combination of the wave generated by the collapse of the bubbles with the action of the composition can, through synergy, have a greater effect than that of the waves alone or that of the composition alone.

[0131] The cosmetic composition can be applied initially, with bubbles already present within it or not, then exposed in a second stage, after its application on the keratinous materials, to acoustic waves to generate new bubbles, and cause shock waves following the collapse of all the bubbles.

[0132] For example, the user first applies a cosmetic composition, for example in the form of a foam, to the area to be cleaned, for example by spraying it on said area, and then brings a treatment device into contact with the composition, to subject it to acoustic waves.

[0133] The cosmetic composition can also be applied in other ways, and in particular continuously, that is to say that a circulation of the composition is established in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, this circulation being for example in a closed or open circuit.

[0134] When circulation is in a closed loop, the composition is recycled at least partially. An additional quantity of composition can be introduced continuously or intermittently into the loop to compensate for losses.

[0135] At any time, circulation can be stopped to promote prolonged static contact of the composition on the surface to be cleaned. Circulation can occur without the presence of bubbles, allowing initial contact with the keratinous material to prepare it for cleaning, for example.

[0136] In open circuit, the composition is not recycled for the implementation of the process, and for example disposed of in a collection bin or directly with wastewater.

[0137] The circulation of the composition in the device is carried out for example with a flow rate of between 0.01 mL per second and 15 mL per second.

[0138] The bubbles can be formed while the cosmetic composition is already in contact with the keratinous materials, under the action of acoustic waves and / or with the aid of a bubble generator specific to the device, operating for example by electrolysis. Selection of treated areas

[0139] The process can be implemented on all or part of the skin of the face, scalp or body, to cleanse it.

[0140] The treated area may in particular be an area of ​​keratinous material coated with a makeup product such as foundation, lipstick, blush, mascara, eyeliner, powder, emulsion, oil or sunscreen, among others, and the treatment may aim to remove this product.

[0141] The method can be implemented by moving a handpiece along the area to be treated, so as to treat the entire area covered by the makeup product or other substance that one wishes to remove.

[0142] The process can also be used to treat an area of ​​skin not covered with makeup, in order to deeply cleanse it and remove or treat exogenous or endogenous impurities or defects, for example, dead skin cells, traces of sebum or sweat, dandruff, bacteria, traces of pollution, blackheads, pigmented spots, minor scars, or acne scars. The process can be used to treat the scalp. The process can also be used on the tops of the nails to remove nail polish.

[0143] The process may include a step of detecting the areas to be treated, certain parameters such as acoustic intensity being able to be adjusted automatically according to the cleaning or treatment needs for the detected areas.

[0144] The device may include an optical detector for detecting the presence of a compound to be removed from the skin surface, for example, foundation or sunscreen. The detector includes, for example, a light emitter and a sensor for the reflected signal, which can be analyzed to detect the presence of the compound to be removed and, if necessary, determine the quantity present. For example, the emission power of the acoustic waves is automatically adjusted according to the intensity absorbed at a predefined wavelength.

[0145] Detection can also be performed in the liquid from the treated area, particularly in the case of its recycling; high turbidity of this liquid can indicate the presence of a large quantity of particles removed from the surface. Thus, the intensity of the acoustic waves can be automatically adjusted according to the transparency of the liquid, the intensity being automatically increased, for example, when the liquid is cloudy, because many particles are being removed by the treatment, and decreased when it becomes clear again, indicating that the treatment is no longer removing much.

[0146] The process can still be used to clean hair, in particular by with a view to at least partially eliminating a previously applied stain.

[0147] The process can also be implemented on hair to remove excess sebum or other substances such as biological agents, pathogenic or not, of dandruff. Ancillary processes

[0148] The process according to the invention can be preceded or followed by a cosmetic process such as makeup or massage.

[0149] For example, the skin, hair or eyelashes are made up, then the makeup is removed after a certain period (for example less than 24 hours) by means of the cleaning process according to the invention.

[0150] In another example, the skin is cleansed by implementing the process according to the invention, then a treatment is performed on the cleansed area (for example, just after or less than two hours after), for example, a massage and / or the application of a treatment composition. Treatment kit

[0151] The invention further relates to a treatment kit for implementing the process according to the invention, as defined above.

[0152] This kit includes: - the cosmetic composition in which the bubbles are generated, - a device for exposing bubbles to acoustic waves in the vicinity of the surface to be treated.

[0153] The composition may or may not be packaged with the device in the same package.

[0154] The composition may be obtained by diluting a concentrated composition. This dilution may be carried out by a liquid or solid composition, for example in tablets, bars, flakes, powder, preferably a liquid composition, containing all or part of the constituents of the concentrated composition (in different proportions).

[0155] Where appropriate, the composition is contained in a container arranged to be mounted on the device, this container constituting for example a cartridge arranged to be fixed in whole or in part in a corresponding housing of the device, or to be connected to the device by a suitable connection such as a hose. Other compounds

[0156] The composition may generally include any compound that is classically used in the formulation of compositions for cleaning and / or caring for human keratinous materials, compatible with the generation of sufficiently stable bubbles before the application of acoustic waves. Keratin material processing device

[0157] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a device for treating keratinous materials in contact with a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, in particular for implementing the process according to the first aspect of the invention described above, the device comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer arranged to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of said materials to be treated, the transducer being powered by a current generator delivering to the transducer an electrical signal, pulsed or not.

[0158] The device may in particular include at least one ultrasonic transducer arranged to emit acoustic waves in a fluid present in the vicinity of said materials to be cleaned, the transducer being powered by a current generator delivering to it an electrical signal, pulsed or not, this electrical signal preferably having: - at least one frequency component between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, - a duty cycle Ton / Toff when the signal is pulsed between 20 and 100%, and / or - a pulse duration (Ton) when the signal is pulsed, ranging from 0.01 to 1 second.

[0159] the acoustic intensity Isata on the surface of said keratin materials being preferably at least 0.1 W / cm2.

[0160] The characteristics of the method described above apply to the device in combination or independently of each other. Hair treatment device

[0161] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a device for treating human hair, particularly for cleaning hair, removing previous coloring, and / or bleaching it, this device being intended to treat hair while it is in contact with a fluid, in particular an aqueous fluid, especially a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, this device comprising: - at least one transducer with an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair to be treated, in order to generate a collapse of said bubbles, - at least one guiding and / or combing device arranged to guide the hair in its movement near and / or in contact with said emission surface.

[0162] The acoustic waves emitted by the transducer's emitting surface make it possible, in particular, to cause, through cavitation, the formation and collapse of bubbles within the fluid, and thus generate a mechanical effect on the hair that promotes the detachment of exogenous or endogenous elements, and in particular leads them to discolor.

[0163] The cosmetic composition may contain very small amounts of surfactants, for example less than 5% surfactants. This low level of surfactants may prove particularly favorable to the action of acoustic waves on the fluid and the bubbles present therein.

[0164] Among the undesirable impurities that may be present on the hair, we can distinguish exogenous impurities such as environmental pollution, dust, microorganisms, etc., and endogenous impurities or defects such as excess sebum, dead cells, etc.

[0165] The cosmetic composition may, or may not, have bubbles already present within it before the application of acoustic waves.

[0166] The bubbles generated and / or present may also contribute to the release of chemical species that contribute to the cleaning and / or bleaching of hair, such as free radicals.

[0167] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for bleaching hair, especially hair that has already undergone a coloring treatment and has a color that is not its natural color.

[0168] The device can bleach a strand of hair only on the outside, so as to give a balayage effect to the hair.

[0169] The device can also be used to bleach specific areas of the hair, in particular specific areas of a strand of hair, by means of an intermittent emission of ultrasound.

[0170] The device, and in particular at least part of the guiding and / or combing member, can heat and / or diffuse light, thereby enabling, for example, the activation of certain compounds present in the fluid, particularly in the cosmetic composition. Device with pump and tanks

[0171] The device according to the invention preferably comprises a distribution and / or recovery system for the composition, comprising at least one composition reservoir and at least one pump, in particular electrically driven, arranged to circulate the composition in a fluidic circuit between the reservoir and the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0172] Thus, the invention also relates to a device for treating keratinous materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, the device comprising: - a handpiece comprising a treatment head to be placed in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, - carried by the handpiece, at least one ultrasonic transducer arranged for to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of said materials to be treated and generate bubbles in the fluid, the bubbles preferably being generated exclusively by the transducer, without an additional bubble generator, and - a fluid distribution and / or recovery system, comprising at least one fluid reservoir and at least one pump arranged to circulate the fluid in a fluidic circuit between the reservoir(s) and the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0173] Preferably, the device is for non-therapeutic purposes, in particular for the topical application of a cosmetic composition.

[0174] The device according to the invention makes it possible to treat both exogenous impurities and endogenous impurities or defects effectively, while meeting certain environmental requirements and safety standards in force.

[0175] The fluid distribution and / or recovery system allows for savings in water and chemical compounds.

[0176] Preferably, the handpiece includes a handle, which may be arranged non-coaxially with the treatment head. The handle may at least partially contain the fluid distribution and / or recovery system. Alternatively, the device may include a base station connected to the handpiece by a cable, with the pump and / or the reservoir(s) located in the base station. Pump

[0177] The pump may be driven by any type, including manual or electric, preferably electric.

[0178] The pump can be of various types. The pump is, for example, a positive displacement or centrifugal pump, in particular peristaltic, diaphragm, piston, or a combination of several types.

[0179] The pump can be powered by direct or alternating current. Preferably, the supply voltage of the pump is less than 50V, for example being powered by a voltage ranging from 5 to 12V.

[0180] The pump is preferably compatible with liquids of various natures, including aqueous, oily, mixed liquids, liquids containing particles or suspended charges, or even polymers.

[0181] When the pump is driven by an electric motor, the motor is, for example, a brushed or brushless direct current motor, in particular a permanent magnet motor. These magnets may be based on ferrites or rare earths.

[0182] The motor, for example, when used to drive the pump, has a rotational speed between 1 and 10000 rpm.

[0183] Such a speed can be fixed or variable, the motor being, for example, controlled by a speed controller, for example with pulse-width modulation, with resistance (passive or active) acting on the current or voltage of the supply, or by a variable frequency drive.

[0184] The motor can be single-phase or three-phase.

[0185] The pump mechanism can be driven directly by the motor or by a reduction gear.

[0186] When the drive is manual, the device may include a handle which is operated by the user to operate the pump.

[0187] Preferably, the pump is configured to provide a fluid flow rate between 0.01 mL and 15 mL per second.

[0188] The pump may be removable or not. The pump may generate negative and / or positive pressure on the fluid to allow the fluid to circulate and come into contact with the skin. The pump may also be used for internal cleaning of all or part of the device.

[0189] The pump may contain a filter in one or more parts. The pump may be mechanically or electrically isolated within the device, for example, to be removed from the device for cleaning. Reservoirs

[0190] The device may include one or more fluid reservoirs, this fluid preferably being the aforementioned cosmetic composition.

[0191] The reservoir(s) may be arranged in the handpiece, in particular in its handle, or at least partially outside the handpiece, for example in a base station connected to the handpiece.

[0192] Alternatively, the reservoir(s) may be arranged to protrude from the handpiece.

[0193] The device may include several separate tanks, for example a fluid tank to be distributed over the area to be treated and a receiving tank for the used fluid which has been at least partially recovered following the treatment.

[0194] The tank(s) may or may not be removable. The tank(s) may, for example, be single-use and may be replaced when there is no more fluid, or when the recovered fluid needs to be disposed of.

[0195] It is also possible to provide reservoirs of varying capacities depending on the treatment to be carried out on the keratinous materials, the device being able to be configured to allow the user to set up the reservoir of his choice, chosen from several of different respective capacities.

[0196] The tank(s) can be cleaned, filled or emptied, for example manually from outside after being removed from the device beforehand, or directly while they are still present in the device, for example using the pump and the fluidic circuit.

[0197] In this case, the device includes, for example, a selector which allows the fluid circulation to be changed from a first configuration where the circulation takes place between the tanks and the treatment area, and a second configuration used for purging and / or filling the tank.

[0198] The tank(s) may comprise several compartments, in particular several compartments integrated within the same body and separated by a partition, or several communicating compartments, for example connected by a tube. The tank(s) may comprise a compartment containing the composition to be distributed over the area to be treated, and a compartment collecting the used composition, for example for recycling. The two compartments may communicate, for example through a filter.

[0199] The tank(s) may further comprise several compartments in which different compositions may be stored. These compositions may be mixed at the time of use and may, for some, be solid and / or in the form of rapidly soluble powders.

[0200] For example, a reservoir may contain a first compartment comprising a solid composition, for example in the form of powder or crystals, and a second compartment comprising a fluid composition, the two compartments being able to communicate during use so that the fluid composition dissolves the solid composition.

[0201] The first compartment may further comprise a mixture of a suspended solid composition and a liquid in which the solid composition is insoluble, the fluid composition of the second compartment solubilizing the mixture during use of the device.

[0202] The tank(s) may include one or more filters for filtering impurities from the collected fluid before redistributing it to the area to be treated. The tank may also include a vent.

[0203] The tank(s) may include a device for heating or cooling the fluid, in particular an electric resistance.

[0204] The reservoir(s) are preferably compatible with one or more liquids of various natures, including different types of composition, miscible or not, and cleaning liquids.

[0205] The tank(s) are preferably at least partially transparent, which allows the user to visually observe their fill level and / or the cleanliness level of the fluids they contain.

[0206] The tank(s) may be deformable or made of rigid material, in particular glass or plastic; A tank may have a removable part, and thus its volume may be adjustable as required. The tank(s) may be equipped with valves allowing them to be decoupled from the housing receiving them without loss of fluid.

[0207] The reservoir(s) may be in the form of cartridges, generally cylindrical or of other shape, or of flexible pouches.

[0208] The capacity of the reservoir(s) is for example between 1ml and 200ml, better between 1 and 50ml. Fluidic circuit

[0209] The fluidic circuit preferably comprises a plurality of conduits, which are connected appropriately to achieve the desired fluidic circulation, for example with butt-to-end or parallel connections, being linked together by appropriate connections.

[0210] The fluidic circuit connects together the different parts of the device involved in the circulation of the fluid, such as the treatment head, the pump(s) and the fluid reservoir(s), as well as the filter(s) or other purification or disinfection systems, or even additional bubble generation systems.

[0211] The fluidic circuit may include one or more modifiable branches or valves, for example one or more manual or electrically controlled valves.

[0212] The pump may contain a filter in one or more parts.

[0213] The fluidic circuit may include a water inlet for charging it with water and / or to clean it from an external network.

[0214] The fluidic circuit can also be modularized with removable sections, for example, sections that are added during circuit cleaning. For instance, a section containing a cleaning powder can be added, which dissolves at least partially when a liquid passes through the circuit. The section added in this way can be used only for cleaning and removed afterward, or left in place until the next cleaning, at which point it is replaced by a new one.

[0215] The reservoir(s) and the fluid circuit enabling fluid circulation may belong to a single assembly forming a refill unit, capable of being handled as a single unit for installation on and removal from the device; thus facilitating product refilling. Such a refill unit may, where appropriate, have a mechanical interface with the pump or other drive mechanism, enabling product circulation from the cartridge to the treatment area when actuated.

[0216] The refill assembly can be arranged to be fixed, for example by snap-fitting or otherwise, in the handpiece, for example in the same housing as that containing another component of the device, for example an electric generator. Fluid processing and purification unit

[0217] The device according to the invention may include a system for at least partial recycling of the fluid, comprising a conduit opening near the area to be treated and communicating with a suction system, in particular a suction pump.

[0218] The suction system is preferably arranged to send the recovered fluid to a treatment and purification unit, the fluid being returned for example from the outlet of the treatment and purification unit into a reservoir in order to be distributed again over the area to be treated.

[0219] The treatment and purification unit can be located inside the handpiece, in particular in its handle, or be located at least partially outside, for example in a base station connected to the handpiece by a cord.

[0220] The treatment and purification unit preferably comprises one or more removable parts. It may be washable and reusable in whole or in part.

[0221] The treatment and purification unit may include a filtration system capable of filtering at least partially any fluid circulating in the device, including the cosmetic composition used for the treatment, or any additional liquid used to clean the device.

[0222] Preferably, the filtration system includes at least one filter, in particular a filter having a pore size less than or equal to 50 microns.

[0223] The filter may be a non-woven material, with or without pleats. The filter may comprise one or more elements selected from a fabric, a porous material, activated carbon particles, sand, silica, a porous polymer, a natural or synthetic foam.

[0224] The filter may have a high capture capacity, in particular a nano-filter.

[0225] The filtration system may further include a pre-filter, which may be positioned in downstream or upstream of the suction system.

[0226] The filtration system may include a filter efficiency sensor, configured to indicate to the user whether a filter needs to be changed or cleaned, for example by changing color when the filtration system is saturated. Such a sensor may also be a pressure sensor capable of detecting filter clogging.

[0227] Where appropriate, the fluidic circuit of the device is arranged to circulate the fluid in a counter-current manner during a cleaning phase, in order to unclog the filter.

[0228] The treatment and purification unit may include several elements distributed in different parts of the device; for example, this unit may include a filtration system present in at least one conduit of the fluidic circuit, and a disinfection system or system for carrying out other treatment, arranged in a compartment of a tank.

[0229] The treatment and purification unit may include a centrifugal separator arranged to extract, by means of the centrifugal force imparted to the fluid, the swirling the impurities from the used fluid that has been in contact with the keratinous materials towards a collection area.

[0230] The treatment and purification unit may include a disinfection unit which destroys any living organisms present in the recycled fluid, such as bacteria, viruses, spores or other pathogenic or non-pathogenic biological agents.

[0231] The disinfection unit may include for this purpose any suitable biocidal means, preferably at least one UV lamp and / or an oxidant or ozone generator, in particular a UVC LED type lamp. Ultrasonic transducer

[0232] The device includes an ultrasonic transducer.

[0233] As described above, the transducer includes one or more electroactive elements to transform an electric current into mechanical vibrations, this or these electroactive elements being advantageously coupled to a sonotrode brought into mechanical resonance and defining an emission surface of acoustic waves towards the target surface or volume.

[0234] These acoustic waves can cause rapid pressure changes that can lead to bubble cavitation; acoustic waves can, as described above, lead to the formation of bubbles and their collapse, or to the collapse of bubbles already present in the medium.

[0235] The longitudinal axis of the transducer may refer to that of the sonotrode. The latter may be rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis, or of another shape. It may be an axis of symmetry of the transducer, the latter being, for example, rotationally symmetric about said axis or of another shape.

[0236] The longitudinal axis can also correspond to the direction in which the electroactive element(s) have the greatest amplitude of movement when excited.

[0237] The sonotrode may be made of metal, preferably titanium, which enhances the effects of bubble cavitation. The sonotrode may also be at least partially made of aluminum, stainless steel, or ceramic. The sonotrode may comprise several metals or alloys.

[0238] The transducer may include at least one piezoelectric material, in particular lead zirconate titano (PZT)

[0239] Preferably, the sonotrode is made of a corrosion-resistant material that allows it to be at least partially immersed in the composition.

[0240] The acoustic wave emission surface of the sonotrode can be covered with a protective layer to protect the sonotrode from possible degradation due to cavitation of bubbles in contact with it, and / or corrosion.

[0241] The invention is not limited to a particular shape or size for the sonotrode. However, preference is given to a size compatible with the portability of the handpiece, in order to allow it to be manipulated with one hand by the user.

[0242] The sonotrode can have an emission surface in contact with the composition which goes for example from the surface of a circle of 5mm in diameter to a circle of 100 mm in diameter, better from the surface of a circle of 5mm in diameter to that of a circle of 50mm, even better from the surface of a circle of 5mm in diameter to that of a circle of 40mm.

[0243] The sonotrode can be given any shape adapted to that of the surface to be treated, for example round, oval, or polygonal, in particular square or triangular.

[0244] The emission surface of the transducer can be removable from the transducer, for example so that it can be replaced by the user, in particular to offer different solutions for guiding and / or combing hair and / or to adapt to the type of relief of the guiding and / or combing organ.

[0245] Preferably, the transducer as a whole or the sonotrode is removable, that is to say, it can be easily detached by the user from the device, preferably without the use of any tools. This facilitates cleaning and allows, if desired, the interchangeability of several transducers or sonotrodes depending on the application and the desired energy parameters, for example by choosing the type of transducer or sonotrode best suited to generating acoustic waves at a given frequency.

[0246] By interchanging the transducers, the acoustic intensity can be varied according to the needs.

[0247] Thus, the device can be used for a wide range of applications, depending on the transducer and / or sonotrode chosen. The choice of transducer and / or sonotrode may depend on various parameters, for example, the nature of the treatment sought, the type of keratinous material to be treated, or the frequency of use of the device (daily, weekly, etc.).

[0248] The device may further include a mechanical element with an adjustable aperture, such as a diaphragm, positioned in front of the sonotrode so as to limit the surface area emitted by the ultrasound waves. The diaphragm may be adjustable by the user to adjust the treatment power and / or the extent of the treatment area.

[0249] The transducer and / or sonotrode may include means of attachment to the rest of the device by snap-fit, screw-fit, bayonet, friction, magnetic, clamping, in particular by means of at least one clamping screw, a clamping collar, a magnet, or by any other suitable means.

[0250] The transducer can move longitudinally and / or transversely, in particular to move closer to or further away from the hair to be treated. It can rotate around its longitudinal axis and / or vibrate.

[0251] The sonotrode can have any shape at the level of the surface emitting the acoustic waves.

[0252] The device may include means for driving the transducer or sonotrode, configured to generate an oscillatory, vibratory and / or rotational motion of the latter, independently of the generated acoustic waves.

[0253] The transducer can be powered by direct current or alternating current, in particular independently of other elements of the device such as the pump.

[0254] The transducer or associated sonotrode may include a conduit opening preferably onto the emission surface, connected to the fluidic circuit so that it is traversed by the fluid circulating in the device. Such circulation allows the transducer to be cooled.

[0255] The device may include several transducers, in particular two transducers. This allows, for example, for increased effectiveness of the treatment by the device. Relief at the emission surface

[0256] The surface from which acoustic waves are emitted to the liquid medium may have reliefs where bubbles can originate at different levels along the longitudinal axis of the transducer. In particular, these reliefs may offer nucleation sites at their apex and base.

[0257] Thus, the invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a device for treating keratinous materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, the device comprising: - At least one ultrasonic transducer having an acoustic wave emission surface in said fluid to generate bubbles in the fluid having a mechanical action when they collapse on said keratinous materials, the emission surface having reliefs where the bubbles can originate at different levels according to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0258] Surface features can allow for more homogeneous bubble production. In comparison, a smooth emission surface tends to generate nucleation sites randomly distributed across the surface, and suboptimal bubble production. These features can also promote bubble collapse, as differences in level along the longitudinal axis allow for the generation of relatively extensive cavitation zones, not limited to a single plane.

[0259] Reliefs can also generate a turbulent flow in the fluid, which can contribute to the production of bubbles, particularly when the fluid contains a surfactant.

[0260] Reliefs can be formed in various ways.

[0261] Reliefs can be produced by any process that allows a shape to be created predefined by material removal, for example by machining, chemical attack, electro-erosion, laser engraving, by molding or additive synthesis, or by inlay of foreign bodies.

[0262] The reliefs can be monolithic with the sonotrode, for example being made by machining it.

[0263] The reliefs can still be formed on at least one added piece, which is fixed to the sonotrode.

[0264] This added part receives at least part of the vibrations of the sonotrode and transmits them to the liquid medium; it defines at least part of the surface of emission of acoustic waves in the fluid.

[0265] The added component may be made of the same material as the sonotrode, or of a different material, particularly a harder one. Preferably, the added component with the raised features is made of a rigid material, in order to transmit the acoustic waves without excessive attenuation. It may be metallic, an alloy, or a ceramic.

[0266] The use of an added part to define the surface of emission of acoustic waves in the liquid medium can facilitate its replacement in the event of wear of the emission surface, the collapse of bubbles being likely to produce wear of it.

[0267] The added component may be attached to the sonotrode by any means, in particular by a removable fastener. For example, the added component may be screwed onto the sonotrode. Where the fastener does not need to be removable, the added component may be welded or otherwise attached to the sonotrode.

[0268] The sonotrode can be made of a material harder than aluminium, for example titanium or stainless steel.

[0269] The reliefs can thus be made in titanium with the sonotrode, for example by machining the end face of the latter.

[0270] The added part can be made of a material harder than aluminum, for example titanium or stainless steel. In this case, the sonotrode can be made of titanium or a less hard material, for example aluminum, because it is not directly exposed to cavitation.

[0271] The relief features preferably have a predefined shape, but alternatively, they can be created randomly and may, for example, have at least one random parameter, such as their size or location. Thus, all or part of the relief features may have a random distribution over the emission surface and / or a random size.

[0272] The reliefs can be arranged in a regular pattern, in other words a structured form, for example in a regular two-dimensional network (the third being the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode).

[0273] The reliefs may be identical; for example, the emission surface comprises a the same elementary motif which is repeated in two directions perpendicular to each other.

[0274] This motif may have a prismatic shape, for example pyramidal, or another shape, for example hemispherical, cylindrical, semicylindrical, ogival, ...

[0275] The relief may be in the form of ribs or striations, as appropriate, which may be parallel or not, straight or circular, or in a grid pattern, or have a random distribution. The striations may be formed by scratching the surface, for example. The relief may be formed by subjecting the surface to shot blasting or sandblasting, which may lead to a random distribution and / or relief patterns.

[0276] The emission surface may have reliefs having a height, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, of between 0.001 mm and 50 mm, better 0.01 mm and 30 mm, even better between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0277] In front view, that is to say when the emission surface is observed in the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, the largest dimension of the reliefs can be between 0.001 mm and 100 mm, better between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0278] The free end of the reliefs may be rounded or flat, in order to avoid injuring the skin in case of contact with it.

[0279] The acoustic wave emission surface may thus include at least one relief having a pyramidal, frustoconical, cylindrical, hemispherical, or irregular prismatic shape. The emission surface may include a regular array of four-sided pyramidal reliefs.

[0280] The acoustic wave emission surface may include at least one relief having at least two facets oriented differently towards the area to be treated.

[0281] The reliefs may, where appropriate, have another additional function, for example of guiding and / or combing hair in the treatment area.

[0282] When reliefs are formed by the presence of successive patterns in one or two directions, the size of the patterns and the distance between consecutive patterns are chosen for example so that the pattern density is between 1 and 106 patterns / cm2.

[0283] When the motifs have vertices, the set of vertices belongs for example to the same plane or to the same spherical, cylindrical, parabolic or ellipsoidal surface.

[0284] In addition to the surface features that contribute to improved bubble production, the surface may have features that serve another purpose, for example, to retain the fluid or to clean the area to be treated. These features may include, for example, features made of a flexible material, such as hairs, particularly flocking hairs.

[0285] The emitting surface of the transducer may have one or more reliefs, such as teeth, and / or natural and / or synthetic hairs, and / or engravings, and / or micro-protrusions, and / or metal bristles, for example to comb and / or help guide the hair, upstream or downstream of the treatment area, or even at the level of the treatment area itself.

[0286] The emission surface may have the same type of relief as the guiding and / or combing element, or alternatively different relief.

[0287] The emission surface may also have one or more raised features when the guiding and / or combing element has none. Alternatively, the guiding and / or combing element may have one or more raised features when the emission surface has none. Additional vibrations

[0288] The invention also relates to a device for treating keratinous materials in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, the device comprising: - At least one ultrasonic transducer having an acoustic wave emission surface in said fluid to generate bubbles therein which have a mechanical action upon their collapse on said keratinous materials, - a vibrator to subject at least part of the emission surface to additional vibrations, of a frequency lower than that of the acoustic waves.

[0289] It is possible to subject at least part of the emission surface to additional vibrations, of a frequency lower than that of the acoustic waves, for example vibrations of a frequency less than or equal to 1500 Hz, even better less than or equal to 150 Hz, or even 50 Hz.

[0290] The entire device can be subjected to said additional vibrations. Alternatively, only a part is subjected, for example only the transducer, the sonotrode or a part thereof, or the processing head.

[0291] The device may include for this purpose a vibrator, for example a vibrator comprising a motor driving a rotating unbalance.

[0292] The emitting surface is thus subjected by the vibrator, for example, to additional transverse and / or longitudinal and / or angular vibrations, preferably longitudinal. The direction of the vibrations can be adjusted, for example, by changing the orientation of the axis of rotation of the unbalance relative to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0293] These additional vibrations can promote greater homogeneity of cavitation and can improve the wetting of the acoustic wave emission surface by the fluid.

[0294] Additional vibrations may be emitted simultaneously with the emission of acoustic waves or alternatively; the device can be arranged to allow, where appropriate, the generation of these vibrations to be activated or not, for example by switching on or off the motor driving the unbalance, or even by adjusting its rotation speed.

[0295] It can be particularly advantageous to subject the emission surface to these additional vibrations in the presence of features such as those defined above on the emission surface. The combination of features and vibrations makes it easier to obtain additional turbulence in the fluid at the point of contact with the materials to be treated, which, as described above, improves the production and collapse of bubbles within the fluid. Treatment head

[0296] The device may include a treatment head in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, the head preferably being arranged to distribute the fluid over the area to be treated by at least one fluid outlet, and / or to recover at least partially the fluid used from the area to be treated by at least one fluid return inlet.

[0297] The hair treatment device may include a treatment head in which the fluid circulates, including the cosmetic composition, the transducer and the guiding and / or combing organ extending at least partially into this treatment head.

[0298] Preferably, the transducer extends at least partially into the processing head. In particular, it may be housed entirely within it.

[0299] The outlet and / or inlet are, for example, connected to the aforementioned fluidic circuit. In particular, the fluidic circuit can be arranged with respect to the head so as to distribute and / or partially recover the fluid in front of and / or behind the emission surface of the sonotrode, for example through at least one orifice on the emission surface.

[0300] The treatment head may include a heating element such as an electric resistance, for heating the composition for example, and / or a light source arranged to illuminate the treatment area during use and / or activate certain constituents of the fluid in which cavitation occurs.

[0301] The treatment head may include at least one filter, which is used for example to filter the composition which is recycled, this filter being for example located on the return path of the fluid.

[0302] 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 removable support, in particular in the form of a frame.

[0303] The processing head may include distribution orifices such as slots, closed at rest, opening under the pressure of the upstream composition, and exhibit elasticity allowing an increase in volume during filling and a dis fluid contribution continuing after the end of the filling action.

[0304] The treatment head may include a chamber for storing a sufficient quantity of fluid to allow the cleaning of keratinous materials and the contacting of bubbles with the surface to be cleaned.

[0305] The treatment head may comprise several compartments, independent or communicating with each other.

[0306] The treatment head may include parts made of flexible and / or deformable material, in particular elastically deformable, especially for parts in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0307] The treatment head can be of various shapes, depending on the intended use of the device.

[0308] The treatment head may include one or more removable parts, easily detachable by the user of the device, preferably without the use of any tools.

[0309] This makes it easier to clean between uses.

[0310] The removable part(s) of the treatment head can be attached to the rest of the device by any suitable fastening means, in particular a ball joint, spring, or piston. The treatment head is preferably movable; in some examples, it can tilt or be rotated more than 180°, 270°, or 360° around at least one axis.

[0311] The transducer is preferably arranged with respect to the treatment head so as to keep the acoustic wave emission surface of the sonotrode away from the surface of the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0312] Where appropriate, the transducer is mobile relative to a fixed part of the device, for example animated by a rotational or back-and-forth movement, as described elsewhere.

[0313] Cavitation thus occurs in the front part of the head, in a space provided between the emission surface of the sonotrode and the surface of the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0314] Thus, the fluid can be made to circulate in this space, which is possibly modular.

[0315] This circulation can be continuous, as mentioned above, or intermittent. The space can also be filled with the fluid while the handpiece is in place, and then acoustic waves can be generated within the fluid filling this space. Guiding and / or combing element

[0316] In the case of hair treatment, the device according to the invention may include at least one guiding and / or combing member arranged to guide the hair in its movement near and / or in contact with the emission surface of the transducer.

[0317] The guiding and / or combing device ensures that the hair is positioned at an appropriate distance from the surface emitting acoustic waves during treatment, and thus maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0318] The guiding and / or combing device can maintain the hair at a predefined distance from the emission surface, for example by acting as a spacer.

[0319] The guiding and / or combing member can retain the hair in the vicinity of the emission surface, opposing the movement of the hair away in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer or in a direction that is both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer and the longitudinal direction of the hair; the guiding and combing member does not oppose the movement of the hair in front of the acoustic wave emission surface.

[0320] The guiding and / or combing device may not prevent the hair from coming into contact with the acoustic wave emission surface, in the absence of a spacer placed in front of it.

[0321] The guiding and / or combing element also allows for good division of a strand of hair and for obtaining a homogeneous thickness of hair in the treatment area, which allows for homogeneous treatment of the strand.

[0322] In some examples, the hair is combed by said guiding and / or combing member, which may allow it to be spread out in front of the emission surface in order to facilitate the action of the bubbles.

[0323] The guiding and / or combing member can be arranged to guide the hair laterally, for example by having stops between which the hair is engaged.

[0324] The guiding and / or combing member may include at least one lateral hair guidance surface, allowing the hair to be held during processing.

[0325] At least one lateral guiding surface, preferably two lateral guiding surfaces, of the guiding and / or combing member, may be perpendicular to the acoustic wave emission surface.

[0326] The guiding and / or combing member may be made at least partially of a metallic material and / or a polymer, for example a rigid plastic material.

[0327] The guiding and / or combing member may have, on its surface, a treatment which makes it possible to reflect the acoustic wave, which makes it possible to amplify the treatment of the hair.

[0328] The guiding and / or combing element can be fixed removably or not on the device.

[0329] At least part of the guiding and / or combing member may vibrate, and / or rotate, and / or move longitudinally and / or transversely.

[0330] The guiding and / or combing member may be in the form of an element one piece or several elements assembled together or on the device to perform the desired guiding and / or combing function(s).

[0331] The guiding and / or combing element may include at least one guiding portion intended to come into contact with the hair and at least one support portion which serves to maintain the guiding portion in the desired configuration during treatment.

[0332] Guiding portion of the guiding and / or combing member

[0333] The guiding portion may be fixed or movable relative to the rest of the device, and In particular, it can be movable relative to the transducer, for example, to move it closer to or further from the surface emitting the acoustic waves. This makes it possible to control the distance between the emission surface and the surface of the hair being treated with relative precision, thus improving the action of the bubbles near the hair surface, while avoiding direct contact between the emission surface and the hair if desired.

[0334] When mobile, the guiding portion can be rotating or axially mobile, for example, rotating around its own longitudinal axis and / or moving along its own longitudinal axis and / or moving along an axis perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis.

[0335] The guiding portion may have a guiding surface extending at least partially opposite the emission surface and / or on either side of it, in particular defining a processing space with the emission surface.

[0336] The distance between the emission surface and this guide surface can be between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 30 mm, and where appropriate adjustable by the user, in particular to adapt the device to the thickness of hair to be treated.

[0337] The guiding surface may have a width greater than or equal to that of the emitting surface, for example, a width between 1 mm and 180 mm, the emitting surface being, for example, a width between 1 and 150 mm. "Width" here refers to the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the direction of hair flow and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0338] The guide portion may be hollow to define a cavity for guiding the hair to be treated, the cavity defining a treatment space. This cavity may be open at two opposite ends, and the hair may extend between these two ends. The guide portion may be moved along a strand of hair to be treated, the hair moving within the cavity between its ends.

[0339] The cavity can be opened laterally between its ends to allow the introduction of hair. Alternatively, the hair is introduced through one end before exiting through the other.

[0340] The cavity can be formed by a guiding portion of generally tubular shape, particularly cylindrical, especially tubular with axial splits.

[0341] The inner surface of the cavity may have reliefs that contribute to combing and / or retaining hair. These reliefs may be in the form of striations, for example, or have another shape as detailed later.

[0342] The guiding portion may be, at least in part, permeable to acoustic waves and the transducer placed outside the guiding portion, such that the acoustic waves emitted by the emission surface of the transducer reach the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, present in the cavity with the hair, generate bubbles and / or cause them to collapse.

[0343] The guiding portion may also form all or part of the transducer, in particular all or part of a sonotrode thereof, while defining the aforementioned cavity, the emission surface in this case being formed by at least a part of the cavity surface.

[0344] The cavity may have a constant or variable internal diameter. By "internal diameter" is meant that of the largest circle inscribed in the cross-section of the cavity.

[0345] The guiding portion can be located between at least two transducers, for example two diametrically opposed transducers.

[0346] For example, the guiding portion defines a hair guidance cavity which is located between two transducers; this cavity is, for example, open at its axial ends and between them to define a hair insertion slot.

[0347] The guiding portion may be in contact with the two transducers, forming for example all or part of the sonotrode of them, and / or be permeable to the acoustic waves emitted by them.

[0348] The guiding portion may include at least two parts movable relative to each other, for example in the form of jaws, between a spaced configuration for introducing the hairs between them, and a close configuration for maintaining the hairs in the treatment space.

[0349] The guidance portion includes, for example, a proximal part, closest to the transducer, and a distal part, furthest away.

[0350] The proximal portion may be permeable to acoustic waves and may overlap, at least partially, in a front view, with the emitting surface. "Front view" refers to a view in a direction generally perpendicular to the emitting surface.

[0351] The proximal part of the guiding portion may, in order to be permeable to acoustic waves, include holes, in particular be made in the form of a grid, or be made of a specific material permeable to acoustic waves.

[0352] The distance between the proximal and distal parts can vary between 0 mm in confi close configuration and 100 mm in wide configuration, notably between 0 mm in close configuration and 50 mm in wide configuration.

[0353] The proximal part can be fixed relative to the transducer or mobile relative to it.

[0354] The distal part may be fixed relative to the transducer or mobile relative to it, given that at least one of the parts is mobile relative to the other.

[0355] At least one of the distal and proximal parts can be forced into a rest position by at least one elastic return means, such as a spring.

[0356] In particular, the proximal and distal parts can be recalled by one or more elastic recall means in the close configuration, or alternatively, in the spread configuration, and preferably being configured otherwise to allow the user to exert a force opposite to the recall action, in order to move the proximal and distal parts in the opposite direction when necessary, for example when introducing hair between said parts, when extracting hair, and / or during treatment.

[0357] The guiding element may comprise a single guiding portion or several guiding portions.

[0358] Support portion of the guiding and / or combing element

[0359] The guiding and / or combing element may include at least one support portion which ensures its retention during the use of the device.

[0360] The support portion may include a mechanism allowing translation of the guiding and / or combing element along the longitudinal axis of the transducer, in particular a mechanism including one or more springs for returning the support portion to a rest position. This rest position corresponds, for example, to the hair being pressed against the guiding and / or combing element and / or against the emission surface during treatment.

[0361] The support portion can be movable relative to the transducer in order to free up space in relation to the emission surface, and allow for example the introduction of hair into the treatment area.

[0362] The portion can be mobile in translation or rotation or according to a kinematic combining at least one translation and one rotation.

[0363] For example, the support portion can pivot relative to the transducer around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0364] If the guiding and / or combing member has a two-part support portion, these parts can pivot simultaneously in order to tilt the guiding and / or combing member to the side of the transducer. Reliefs on the guiding and / or combing mechanism

[0365] The guiding and / or combing member may include at least one guiding and / or combing relief on its surface.

[0366] The guiding and / or combing relief may extend continuously or discontinuously over the guiding and / or combing member. The guiding and / or combing relief may be absent from certain parts of the guiding and / or combing member.

[0367] The guiding and / or combing element may include, on its surface, at least one macro-relief for guiding and / or combing capable of engaging in the hair, in particular at least one tooth, and / or a natural or synthetic hair.

[0368] The guiding and / or combing member may have on its surface, in particular on the surface of at least one tooth, at least one microrelief, in particular an engraving and / or a micro-protrusion, resulting in particular from a sandblasting treatment of the guiding and / or combing member.

[0369] These guide and / or combing reliefs allow the hair being treated to be guided and / or combed and / or held and / or put under tension.

[0370] At least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular at least one tooth and / or at least one hair, may extend into a space located opposite the emission surface.

[0371] The guiding and / or combing element may include at least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular a tooth and / or a bristle, extending out of a space located opposite the emission surface. The guiding and / or combing element may, in particular, include at least one row of teeth, or bristles, extending out of a space located opposite the emission surface.

[0372] The guiding and / or combing member may include at least one row of teeth, or bristles, between which the hair can engage.

[0373] The distance between the longitudinal axes of the teeth, or hairs, of a row can be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

[0374] The teeth, or hairs, in the same row may all be aligned. Alternatively, the teeth, or hairs, in the same row may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0375] At least one tooth may be conical in shape, with a circular or elliptical base. Alternatively, at least one tooth may be pyramidal in shape with a square or rectangular base, or cylindrical in shape.

[0376] At least one tooth, or one hair, in particular at least one tooth of a row of teeth, or one hair of a row of hairs respectively, may be of height between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0377] At least part of the guiding and / or combing member may be in the form of a twisted-core brush with natural and / or synthetic bristles.

[0378] 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 twisted-core brush, can rotate around its longitudinal axis, under the emission surface as the hair passes between the guiding and / or combing member and the emission surface.

[0379] The guiding and / or combing element may have a single type of guiding and / or combing relief, or alternatively several different types of guiding and / or combing relief.

[0380] Fluid circulation in the guiding and / or combing element

[0381] At least part of the guiding and / or combing member may be hollow, in order to to allow the circulation of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, inside.

[0382] At least part of the guiding and / or combing member may be traversed by a conduit which may allow the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, to be brought into the treatment space for example.

[0383] In its hollow part, the guiding and / or combing member can accommodate an anhydrous composition, such as a composition of a carbonate, in particular sodium or calcium, and an acid, citric for example, which can dissolve as the fluid circulates, in particular the cosmetic composition, and which can release gas bubbles.

[0384] The guiding and / or combing element may include at least one orifice allowing the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, circulating inside to exit, this orifice opening, for example, at the level of the treatment space. The orifice opens, for example, towards the emission surface; for example, it is located opposite the emission surface.

[0385] Such an orifice can allow the release of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, directly into contact with the hair, which can contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0386] The guiding and / or combing element may have between 1 and 100,000 or more orifices, allowing the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, circulating inside to exit. These orifices may be made by machining, for example, or be created by the intrinsic structure of the material used.

[0387] The guiding and / or combing element can thus be made at least partly of a porous material, having a very large number of pores allowing the exit of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition, circulating inside.

[0388] The guiding and / or combing element may include at least one orifice allowing the recovery of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, after treatment, for example by aspiration of the fluid, in particular the composition cosmetic.

[0389] The guiding and / or combing element may be covered, at least partially, with a fabric or non-woven sleeve. The sleeve may be made, at least partially, of a polymer to avoid damaging the hair fibers. The sleeve may be designed to allow fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, to pass through the openings of the guiding and / or combing element, thus enabling better diffusion of the fluid, especially the cosmetic composition.

[0390] The sleeve may be at least partially soluble, in particular fully soluble, as the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, exits through the orifices, and may thus contribute to hair treatment through the compounds released during its dissolution. For example, the sleeve may be made at least partly of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers or any other soluble polymer that may be in the form of a fabric, a sheet, or a non-woven material.

[0391] At least one guide and / or combing relief may be hollow, in order to allow the circulation of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, inside.

[0392] At least one guide and / or combing relief may include at least one orifice allowing the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, circulating inside to exit. Tip

[0393] The treatment head may include a tip, preferably removable, in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0394] The nozzle, when removable, is chosen for example according to the use, for example by selecting the type, size, hardness and / or shape best suited to the morphology of the area to be cleaned. Grid

[0395] The invention further relates to a device for cleaning human keratinous materials in contact with a cosmetic composition in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated, the device comprising: - at least one ultrasonic transducer arranged to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of the materials to be cleaned, - a grid, preferably non-absorbent, in particular at least partially made of a non-absorbent material, defining a contact surface with said materials to be cleaned, having at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, through which the waves emitted by the transducer can propagate in the direction of the materials to be cleaned.

[0396] Thanks to the grid, it is possible to control more precisely the distance between the transducer and the surface of said keratinous materials, which makes it possible to improve the action of the bubbles in the vicinity of the surface of the keratinous materials, while avoiding direct contact of the transducer with these keratinous materials.

[0397] The grid is preferably non-absorbent, that is to say, it is not porous.

[0398] The grid may in particular not have the capacity to absorb water when immersed in water, and retain for example less than 10% of water, better less than 5% of its weight in water.

[0399] The grid can in particular be made of a solid material, therefore different from foam, fabric or felt.

[0400] The contact surface of the device with the keratinous materials can be defined by a non-absorbent surface of the grid.

[0401] The region of the grid defining its openings can be defined by a non-absorbing part of the grid.

[0402] The grid is preferably removable, meaning that it can be easily detached by the user from the device, preferably without the use of any tools. This facilitates cleaning and allows it to be replaced between uses, or, if desired, to interchange several grids depending on the use, for example by choosing the type of grid best suited to the shape of the area to be cleaned.

[0403] The contact surface defined by the grid can be substantially flat, in order for example to maintain a substantially constant distance between the transducer and the keratinous materials to be cleaned located opposite the surface of emission of the acoustic waves.

[0404] Alternatively, the grid can define a contact surface adapted to the morphology of the area to be cleaned, for example a convex shape.

[0405] The grille may also have, where applicable, an adjustable effective diameter. The device may include a mechanical element with a variable opening, such as a diaphragm, positioned in front of or behind the grille, so as to adjust the accessible diameter of the opening(s). For example, the device includes a diaphragm centered on the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0406] Some or all of the grid openings can be closed, partially or completely, in a controlled manner. This allows, depending on the area to be treated, and particularly for more sensitive areas such as those near the eyes, for limiting the surface area and intensity of treatment, if desired. The device may include a movable shutter that can be positioned between a non-occluded position for one or more grid openings and an occluded position where the opening(s) are at least partially, or even completely, obscured. This shutter can, for example, be adjusted manually by the user as needed.

[0407] Preferably, the grid has a thickness between 0.1 and 10 mm, better between 0.5 and 5 mm. Thus, a minimum distance of at least this thickness is ensured between the transducer and the keratinous materials, regardless of the position of the grid relative to the transducer.

[0408] The grid is preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example metal, or rigid plastic. The grid is for example made of a material selected from a metal, in particular steel, stainless steel, an alloy, silicone, a polymer, in particular polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polythiophene (PT), or a combination of several of these elements.

[0409] The grid may not deform visibly to the naked eye during normal use, due to its rigidity. Alternatively, the grid may be deformable. For example, its diameter can be reduced by applying mechanical pressure to its perimeter.

[0410] The grid may have recesses, in particular extending along its thickness. For example, the grid may have deformable channels, the diameter of which may vary according to the applied pressure, extending, for example, in a non-longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the channels may be rigid to allow the passage of fluid even when pressure is applied to the grid.

[0411] The grid may still have raised features or be flocked, or not.

[0412] The grid can be made with reliefs or of an intrinsically The surface is rough, providing a non-smooth contact area with keratinous materials. This surface texture creates a mechanical abrasive effect that aids in cleaning when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0413] The device may include a grid drive element configured to generate an oscillating, vibrating, and / or rotating motion of the grid to the keratinous materials. For example, the device includes a motor to drive the grid in motion, for example, rotary, linear, eccentric, or other, reciprocating or non-reciprocating. The device may include a vibrator, if applicable, to vibrate the grid. The amplitude of the motion may be fixed or adjustable.

[0414] The mechanical abrasive effect can thus be obtained automatically due to the movement imposed by the device on the grid, and the impurities cleaned more effectively.

[0415] The grid can be made in different ways.

[0416] The grid may include a peripheral frame, which defines the outer contour of the grid in front view. This frame may be rigid, in particular more rigid than a central, perforated part of the grid.

[0417] The outline of the grid, in front view, may be circular, oval, polygonal or other in shape, and preferably the grid has a closed outline.

[0418] The opening(s) of the grid may be substantially the same size. The grid may have a plurality of openings arranged in a regular pattern, by example in rows or columns.

[0419] Alternatively, the opening(s) may be arranged concentrically.

[0420] The openings may have various shapes, including shapes in the form of portions of a disk(s) or ring(s).

[0421] The grid may have a single opening, in particular with a non-circular outline, for example in the shape of a slit, a cross, a polygon, regular or irregular, or an oval. Preferably, the grid has at least two openings, in particular two openings of substantially the same size.

[0422] In the presence of a single opening, it may be centered or not.

[0423] A grid with a fine mesh improves the retention of keratin surfaces at to treat during the use of the device, which allows better control of a constant distance between said materials and the surface of emission of acoustic waves, and thus of the phenomenon of cavitation.

[0424] An opening in the grid may have an area of ​​at least 1mm2. A smaller dimension of an opening in the grid, in front view, is for example at least 0.5mm.

[0425] Preferably, the grid has a ratio of the total surface area of ​​the openings to the surface area of ​​contact of the grid with the keratinous materials greater than or equal to 0.3, better 0.5, even better 0.8.

[0426] Such a ratio makes it possible to prevent keratinous materials, in particular the skin, from rising up in contact with the transducer or from deforming, while maintaining enough openings for the ultrasonic waves to reach the area to be treated or its vicinity over a sufficient extent with regard to the desired result. Leg spacer(s)

[0427] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a device for cleaning human keratinous materials (K) in contact with a cosmetic composition (C) in which bubbles of a gas are present and / or generated, the device comprising: - at least one ultrasonic transducer with an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of said materials to be cleaned, - a spacer contributing to maintaining the keratinous materials at a predefined distance from the emission surface, this 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.

[0428] By "forward", it is to be understood that the leg extends beyond the emission surface towards the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0429] The spacer may be in the form of an attachment added to the rest of the treatment head by means of a fastening part, or be monolithic with the body of This one, for example.

[0430] The leg(s) may bear directly against the keratinous materials at one end; this end may have a rounded head or a pad, so as to be able to slide more easily on the skin, for example. Alternatively, the leg(s) may be connected to a piece which extends, for example, transversely to the leg(s), for example in the form of a ring or a grid, and which bears against the keratinous materials.

[0431] The device may thus include a spacer without the aforementioned grid, a grid alone without a spacer with one or more legs, or a spacer having at least one leg connected to the aforementioned grid.

[0432] Thus, the grid can be supported by a spacer comprising a grid support portion connected to at least one leg extending axially over less than 360° around the axis of the transducer, in front of the emitting surface.

[0433] The leg(s) are preferably generally straight, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0434] The leg or legs can extend towards the keratinous materials in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of emission of the ultrasonic waves.

[0435] Alternatively, the leg(s) of can extend by diverging away from the ultrasonic wave emission surface, which can improve the stability of the support of the device against keratinous materials.

[0436] The spacer may include a distal part intended to bear against the keratinous materials, to which the leg(s) are connected.

[0437] This distal part can extend at least partially opposite the ultrasonic wave emission surface, or alternatively around it, when the device is observed along the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0438] This distal part has for example an annular, barrette, or sliding pad shape, being for example provided with at least one opening, and being able to form the aforementioned grid.

[0439] Preferably, the spacer is laterally perforated. For example, the spacer has several legs, and the legs define openings between them. For example, there are fewer than five support legs. The angular intervals between the legs, around the longitudinal axis of the transducer, may be greater than the angular range of each leg, measured around said longitudinal axis.

[0440] The leg or legs may also themselves have one or more openings.

[0441] Such openings allow the composition to circulate more easily in contact with the transducer during use of the device, and possibly allowing the user to more easily visually monitor the position of the transducer and the presence of composition in contact with keratinous materials, the openings forming windows allowing visual access to the space located in front of the transducer.

[0442] The openings also facilitate the possible passage of a gas or a light source, or temperature variations, in particular induced by a heat or cold production element of the device.

[0443] The attachment part of the tip which allows the leg(s) of the spacer to be attached to the rest of the device, in particular to the treatment head, may be of any shape, in particular annular, and may include means of attachment by snap-on, screw-on, bayonet, friction, magnetic, clamping, in particular using at least one clamping screw or clamping collar, or by any other suitable means.

[0444] Preferably, the position of the tip's fixing portion relative to the rest of the device is adjustable and can be set to regulate the resting distance between the transducer's emitting surface and the keratinous materials. The device may, in particular, be designed so that this position can be adjusted by the user, for example by acting on an adjustment mechanism such as a knob or the like.

[0445] The spacer can have an adjustable height. For example, the end piece can have several stackable sub-parts depending on the desired spacing.

[0446] The spacer may include an elastic return element, preferably at least a helical or leaf spring, arranged to elastically stress the distal end of the spacer away from the acoustic wave emission surface and to control the application pressure of the spacer on the keratinous materials, which provides more comfort in the use of the device.

[0447] The leg or legs are for example made in a telescopic manner, and the elastic return element acts to stress them in deployment.

[0448] The legs can still be received by sliding on the side of their proximal end in a guide, and the elastic return organ opposes their insertion into this guide.

[0449] The grid, when fixed to the spacer, can thus be mobile relative to the rest of the device, and returned by an elastic return means to an initial position, the elastic return means acting to apply the grid against the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0450] Where applicable, the recoil movement of the grid or a moving part of the spacer, following the application of the device against the keratinous materials to be treated, is limited by a stop against which the grid or the moving part bears. The recoil movement of the grid or this moving part can also be detected in order to automatically trigger the emission of acoustic waves when the device is applied against the keratinous materials.

[0451] The grid and its support portion that holds it in place relative to the emission surface may or may not be made of different materials. If so, the support portion and the grid are a single piece, for example, produced monolithically by injection molding, machining, or 3D printing.

[0452] The leg(s) and / or the grid may still be current-conducting, for example to deliver an electric current into the composition and / or onto the materials to be treated.

[0453] Circulation of the composition in the spacer and / or the grid

[0454] The device according to the invention may include at least one supply conduit plugging in the vicinity of the keratinous materials to be treated and allowing the composition to be distributed in contact with them, in particular at least one conduit extending along the leg(s), or in them, or more generally in the support part of the grid and / or in the grid itself.

[0455] When the spacer has a grid at its end in contact with keratinous materials, the supply duct can extend into the grid or the support part of the grid.

[0456] Such a device allows the cosmetic composition to be applied continuously, that is to say that a circulation of the composition is established in contact with the keratinous materials to be treated, this circulation taking place for example in a closed or open circuit.

[0457] When circulation is established in a closed circuit, the device may include at least one return conduit connected to a suction pump, allowing at least partial recovery of the composition in the vicinity of the keratinous materials to be cleaned, in particular at least one conduit extending along the leg(s), and possibly in the grid or the part supporting the grid.

[0458] Method for cleaning keratinous materials with a grid and / or spacer

[0459] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning human keratinous materials in contact with a cosmetic composition in which bubbles of a gas are present and / or are generated, this method comprising the steps of: - Bringing the grid or spacer of the device into contact with said keratinous materials to be cleaned, - To subject gas bubbles to acoustic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transducer in the vicinity of the said materials to be cleaned, in order in particular to cause their collapse and generate a mechanical shock on the surface to be cleaned in order to remove the dirt.

[0460] Acoustic waves can propagate through at least one or two openings in the grid.

[0461] The grid or spacer can be moved during processing, for example in a way that is The grid or spacer can be moved continuously along the surface to be treated, remaining stationary for a certain period and then moved incrementally.

[0462] As mentioned above, the grid or spacer can be animated with a movement, in particular an oscillatory movement, which combines with the movement imparted by the user.

[0463] The grid or spacer can, by being moved in contact with the keratinous materials to be cleaned, cause abrasion of the latter. Soft lip

[0464] The treatment head may include at least one flexible lip, which may also act as a spacer to maintain the aforementioned distance between the acoustic wave emission surface of the transducer and the surface to be treated.

[0465] The soft lip, when the treatment head is applied to the keratinous materials to be treated, can participate in confining the fluid in the treatment area.

[0466] The lip may consist of sub-lips between which the fluid can be recovered.

[0467] The soft 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.

[0468] The flexible lip can be made with raised areas or from an inherently rough material, in order to have a non-smooth contact surface with keratinous materials. The flexible lip can thus contribute to the cleaning of keratinous materials through a mechanical abrasive effect obtained when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0469] This flexible lip can also help to deliver, spread, collect and / or recycle the fluid. Battery

[0470] Preferably, the device includes at least one battery, in particular a removable battery. The battery can be used to power the entire device, or only a part of it, in particular the pump.

[0471] The battery can be of various types, for example Li-ion or NiMH, preferably of a type suitable for humid conditions or which can be immersed in a liquid at least partially.

[0472] The battery is preferably rechargeable, in particular by cable or induction, or when the device is placed on a stand and / or docking station allowing the battery to be recharged.

[0473] The battery is preferably selected to ensure, without needing to be recharged, the power supply to the device during several consecutive treatments, or even several treatments and a cleaning of the device. Other elements

[0474] The device may include an electronic circuit controlling the operation of the transducer and possibly other elements of the device such as the electric pump.

[0475] The electronic circuit preferably includes a control unit, for example a microcontroller, which can be carried by the handpiece and / or distributed between an optional base station and the handpiece, or present on the base station only.

[0476] The device may include several other sensors than those previously described, such as a contact sensor of the treatment head on the keratinous materials to be treated, or a tank filling sensor, which can communicate data to the control unit.

[0477] The device may further include a human-machine interface communicating with the control unit. The human-machine interface may include a display screen and / or control buttons.

[0478] The interface can offer various functions and / or programs allowing, for example, the adjustment of certain operating parameters of the device, or the indication of certain information to the user, such as the battery level, the time of use, the liquid level in the reservoir, the level of fouling of the various washable elements (reservoir, filters...), information specific to the user, or information relating to the safety and / or conditions of use of the device.

[0479] The interface can also communicate via a wired or wireless connection, for example via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with a terminal such as a mobile phone, in order, for example, to receive updates or send data related to the use of the device.

[0480] The interface may also include features enabling diagnosis of keratinous materials to be treated.

[0481] The device may include various switches, including a power on / off switch, a program selection switch or a switch for selecting certain parameters specific to ultrasonic waves, or a switch for selecting the pump flow rate

[0482] The device may further include one or more LED light sources, which can be used to illuminate the area to be treated or to act as indicators, notifying the user for example of the need to change, fill or empty the tank, or to clean the filtration system.

[0483] As described above, the device may include a base station connected to the handpiece, which may be a charging and / or storage station for the handpiece. hand. Bubble generator

[0484] Preferably, as described above, the bubbles are generated only by acoustic waves during the cavitation phenomenon, obtained by means of a minimum level of the Isata parameter and the other parameters mentioned above.

[0485] Thus, preferably, the device does not include a bubble generator.

[0486] Alternatively, the device may include a bubble generator to generate additional bubbles within the fluid.

[0487] The bubble generator can be arranged in the device so as to generate bubbles beforehand, simultaneously or cyclically with respect to the emission of acoustic waves.

[0488] The bubble generator can implement any suitable technique for the generation of bubbles, for example using the aforementioned mechanical, physical, chemical or electrochemical means.

[0489] The bubble generator can thus implement techniques for liquid decompression, creation of a turbulent flow or energy supply, as described above. Hair treatment process

[0490] The invention further relates to a method for treating human hair, in particular for cleaning and / or bleaching hair, by contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or are generated, the method comprising the step of: subjecting gas bubbles to acoustic waves emitted by a transducer in the vicinity of hair to be treated, in order to cause the collapse of said bubbles and generate a mechanical shock on the surface of the hair to be treated, in particular to remove impurities and / or dyes.

[0491] The transducer may in particular belong to a treatment device according to the invention, as defined above, comprising a hair guidance and / or combing element.

[0492] The process may thus include guiding and / or combing the hair upstream and / or downstream of its passage through a treatment space, and / or in the treatment space itself.

[0493] The method may include hair guidance aimed at bringing or maintaining the hair in the treatment space, and / or maintaining the hair during its passage through the treatment space at a predefined distance from the acoustic wave emission surface, in particular preventing it from moving away from more than a given distance from the acoustic wave emission surface.

[0494] The method may include vibration and / or rotation and / or longitudinal and / or transverse displacement of the guiding and / or combing member and / or the transducer.

[0495] The method according to the invention may include the step of adjusting by the user the distance between a guiding surface of the guiding and / or combing member and the emission surface of the transducer, in order to adapt the method to the desired treatment and / or to the hair being treated.

[0496] The process may include the step of adjusting by the user the internal section, in particular the diameter, of a cavity defined by the guiding and / or combing member, in order to adapt the process to the hair being treated and the desired treatment.

[0497] The method may include the step of adjusting by the user the distance between a proximal part, closest to the transducer, of the guiding and / or combing element and a distal part, furthest from it. This adjustment may allow the method to be adapted to the hair and / or the desired treatment.

[0498] The process according to the invention may include heating by the device and / or diffusion of light by the device, in order for example to activate certain compounds present in the fluid, in particular in the cosmetic composition.

[0499] The hair treatment process may include a step of applying the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, to the hair strand.

[0500] The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be brought into the treatment space by the guiding and / or combing element, especially when the latter is hollow or when it is traversed by a conduit. This application can be continuous or discontinuous. The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be delivered to the hair through one or more orifices of the guiding and / or combing element. Alternatively, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is delivered by another means, for example by an application element other than the device, or applied to the hair by means other than the device.

[0501] Generally speaking, the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can itself, by virtue of its formulation, already contribute to the decolorization and / or removal of impurities or dyes that one wishes to remove through the action of bubbles subjected to acoustic waves. The action of the bubbles subjected to acoustic waves can accelerate or enhance this process. Thus, the combination of the wave generated by the collapse of the bubbles with the action of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can, through synergy, have a greater effect than that of the waves alone or that of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, alone.

[0502] Preferably, the bubbles are generated within the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, by acoustic waves, which can then cause them to collapse. The process can thus involve the application of a fluid without bubbles, the bubbles forming under the action of acoustic waves. This avoids the need for a bubble generator and simplifies the construction of the device.

[0503] Alternatively, or additionally, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is applied initially, with or without bubbles already present within it, and then, after its application to the hair strand, exposed to acoustic waves to generate shock waves following the collapse of the bubbles. The bubbles can be formed using a bubble generator of the device, operating, for example, by electrolysis.

[0504] For example, the user first applies a cosmetic composition in the form of a foam to the area to be treated, for example by spraying it on said area, in particular along the wick, and then brings a treatment device into contact with the composition, to subject it to acoustic waves.

[0505] The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, can be applied continuously, that is to say that a circulation of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition, is established in contact with the hair to be treated, this circulation being for example in a closed or open circuit.

[0506] When circulation is in a closed loop, the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can be at least partially recycled. An additional quantity of fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can be introduced continuously or intermittently into the loop to compensate for losses.

[0507] In an open circuit, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is not recycled for the implementation of the process, and is for example disposed of in a collection bin or directly with wastewater.

[0508] The circulation of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition, is carried out for example with a flow rate of between 0.01 mL per second and 50 mL per second.

[0509] The process may involve dissolving a fabric or non-woven sleeve, particularly a polymer sleeve, covering part of the guiding and / or combing element. This dissolution may occur as the fluid exits, for example through one or more orifices located on the guiding and / or combing element.

[0510] The process according to the invention can be applied to hair that has undergone a coloring treatment, for example so-called permanent coloring, so-called semi-permanent coloring, so-called tone-on-tone coloring, highlighting, so-called balayage coloring, henna coloring, or even by the use of a tinted shampoo.

[0511] The process according to the invention can be used to bleach hair without being followed by a new coloring treatment within 24 hours. The process can also be used and then followed within 24 hours by a new coloring treatment. hair bleached by ultrasound treatment according to the invention.

[0512] The process according to the invention can also be implemented to create a gradient of bleaching and / or at least a pattern along the strand by varying, for example, the intensity of the treatment and / or the duration depending on the position along the strand.

[0513] The process can be implemented to bleach hair only on the outside of the hair (i.e. on the side opposite the scalp), so as to give a balayage effect to the hair.

[0514] The process according to the invention, when used on hair to bleach it in conjunction with a chemical bleaching method, can make it possible to reduce the content of bleaching agents and / or the time of exposure to these agents.

[0515] Thus, the process may include exposing the hair both to acoustic waves according to the invention and to at least one bleaching agent, for example a persulfate, an alkali or an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, potassium, sodium or ammonium salts of perborate or per-carbonate.

[0516] The risks of irritation associated with the use of bleaching agents can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0517] The method may include the selective treatment of a part of the hair, by generating the emission of acoustic waves only in certain areas of the hair, for example by operating the device intermittently.

[0518] The invention further relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a method of treating at least one strand of hair which has undergone a permanent or semi-permanent coloring treatment, in which said strand is exposed, in contact with a fluid, such as a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, to acoustic waves generated by a transducer, of frequency and intensity chosen to generate bubbles in the composition by cavitation, and cause their collapse, the bubbles present in the treatment area being or having been predominantly generated by the transducer.

[0519] By “permanent colouring”, or oxidative colouring, we mean a dye which covers the entire hair while penetrating to the core of the hair and which, as its name indicates, is made to last.

[0520] “Semi-permanent colouring” refers to a type of colouring, in particular without ammonia, which colours superficially without reaching the core of the hair, and which fades gradually with each shampoo.

[0521] The bleaching process according to the invention may include, after exposure to acoustic waves, drying the hair with a hair dryer.

[0522] The bleaching process can be followed by coloring, for example permanent or semi-permanent coloring, with the same color as that used to coloring hair that has been treated to bleach it, or with a different color.

[0523] Throughout the following description, the invention is implemented with a fluid that is an aqueous medium. However, it can be implemented more generally with any fluid compatible with use at home by a consumer or in a hair salon. Brief description of the drawings

[0524] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0525] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates the use of an example of a device treatment according to the invention,

[0526] [Fig.2] is a schematic, longitudinal sectional view of another example of processing device for implementing the invention,

[0527] [Fig.3] is a view analogous to [Fig.2] of a variant implementation of the invention,

[0528] [Fig.4] schematically and partially represents a variant embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0529] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the variant of [Fig.4],

[0530] [Fig.6a] and [Fig.6b] represent details of the example from [Fig.4],

[0531] [Fig.7] schematically and partially represents a circuit variant fluidic according to the invention,

[0532] [Fig.8] is a block diagram illustrating an example of device operation of the invention,

[0533] [Fig.9] schematically and partially represents another circuit variant fluidic according to the invention,

[0534] [Fig. 10] schematically and partially represents an alternative embodiment,

[0535] [Fig. 1la] to [Fig. 1le] illustrate schematically and partially variants of transducers according to the invention,

[0536] [Fig. 12a] and [Fig. 12b] schematically and partially represent examples of transducers with reliefs,

[0537] [Fig. 13a] to [Fig. 13c] represent schematic and partial examples of such reliefs,

[0538] [Fig. 14] schematically and partially represents an example of a vibrator according to the invention,

[0539] [Fig. 15] illustrates in a partial and schematic way another example of a processing device according to the invention,

[0540] [Fig. 16] represents in a partial and schematic way the possibility of adjusting the resting distance between the transducer and the grid of the device of [Fig.1],

[0541] [Fig.17a], [Fig.17b], [Fig.17c], [Fig.17d], [Fig.17e] and [Fig.17f] represent in a partial and schematic way variants of the grid embodiment in examples of devices according to the invention.

[0542] [Fig. 18a] to [Fig. 18e] schematically and partially represent variant embodiments of the spacer,

[0543] [Fig. 19a] and [Fig. 19b] schematically and partially represent other embodiments of the device according to the invention,

[0544] [Fig.20] schematically and partially represents another embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0545] [Fig.21] represents in a partial and schematic way an example of a signal modulated electrical current exciting the ultrasonic transducer(s),

[0546] [Fig.22] is a partial and schematic representation of an example of an electrical circuit including the transducer,

[0547] [Fig.23] partially and schematically represents an example of a treatment device according to the invention,

[0548] [Fig.24] a view similar to [Fig.1] of a variant of the processing device according to the invention,

[0549] [Fig.25] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0550] [Fig.26] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0551] [Fig.27] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0552] [Fig.28] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0553] [Fig.29] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0554] [Fig.30] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0555] [Fig.31] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0556] [Fig.32] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0557] [Fig.33] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0558] [Fig.34] is a view analogous to [Fig.1] of a variant of a processing device according to the invention,

[0559] [Fig.35] represents the intensity of coloration inside the hair fibers for three hair samples,

[0560] [Fig.36] represents the fluorescein staining rate of the hair for the three same hair samples as in [Fig.14],

[0561] [Fig.37] represents colored and untreated hair strands, A and B, and colored and treated hair strands, C and D,

[0562] [Fig.38] represents the intensity of coloration in the hair for five samples of hair,

[0563] [Fig.39] represents the results of a statistical analysis of the color intensity for the same five hair samples as in [Fig. 16].

[0564] The [Fig 40a], [Fig 40b], [Fig 40c], [Fig 40d], [Fig 40e], [Fig 41a], [Fig 41b], [Fig 41c], [Fig 41d], [Fig 41e], [Fig 42a], [Fig 42b], [Fig 42c], [Fig 42d], [Fig 42e], [Fig 43a], [Fig 43b], [Fig 43c], [Fig 43d], [Fig 43e], [Fig 44a], [Fig 44b], [Fig 44c], [Fig [Fig 44d], [Fig 44e], [Fig 45a], [Fig 45b], [Fig 45c] and [Fig 45d] represent surfaces of calculated response figures illustrating examples of parameters for which satisfactory cleaning efficiency is obtained according to the process of the invention, and

[0565] [Fig 45e] represents an empty response surface illustrating an example of a combination of parameters for which the desired cleaning efficiency is not obtained. Detailed description

[0566] The process according to the invention comprises the generation of bubbles within a cosmetic composition, and their collapse, through exposure to acoustic waves.

[0567] A first example of implementation of the invention has been illustrated in [Fig. 1], in which a cosmetic composition C is present on the surface of the keratinic materials K to be treated, and a treatment device 1 is brought into contact with the composition C to emit acoustic waves within it.

[0568] Composition C may not contain bubbles before the emission of acoustic waves. Alternatively, composition C already contains bubbles, for example in the form of foam, and bubbles are also formed by the acoustic waves.

[0569] Keratinous materials K are for example made up of facial skin or hair.

[0570] This includes, for example, cleansing the skin to remove traces of makeup more quickly and effectively.

[0571] The processing device 1 comprises a handpiece which carries a sonotrode 4, in contact with the composition, and from which the acoustic waves are emitted.

[0572] The handpiece can be manipulated so as to leave a slight gap with the keratinous materials K and avoid contact of the sonotrode 4 with them.

[0573] Alternatively, the handpiece is arranged to maintain such a gap, by means of one or more elements 49 intended to contact the keratinous materials and behind which is located the sonotrode 4.

[0574] Under the effect of acoustic waves, bubbles are generated in composition C and then undergo a collapse on themselves which generates a shock wave, which proves effective in cleaning the skin.

[0575] In the example of [Fig. 1], composition C is for example applied from a pressurized container, which generates a foam, then the handpiece carrying the sonotrode 4 is brought into contact with it.

[0576] The composition can still be applied, as illustrated in [Fig.2], by device 1 which generates the acoustic waves.

[0577] In this figure, the device 1 includes a treatment head 10 arranged to distribute the composition C over the area to be treated, for example through at least one opening 31.

[0578] The device 1 may comprise, as illustrated, a chamber 32 in which the composition C circulates and at least one ultrasonic transducer 4 for emitting acoustic waves in the chamber 32. The transducer 4 is powered by a generator 15, which may or may not be part of the handpiece, for example being located within a base station to which the handpiece is connected by a cable.

[0579] Composition C can be brought into chamber 32 by a conduit 16, and come for example from a composition reservoir 22.

[0580] In the example of [Fig.2], the handpiece is moved along the area to be treated and the composition delivered through the opening 31 is not recycled.

[0581] In the variant of [Fig.3], a recycling of the composition is carried out.

[0582] In this example of [Fig.3], the device 1 used to implement the method according to the invention comprises at least one transducer 4 emitting acoustic waves in a chamber 32, as in the example of [Fig.2].

[0583] However, the composition C which is distributed by the opening 31 onto the area to be treated K is recovered by at least one conduit 27 for recycling.

[0584] In the example considered, this conduit 27 opens around the opening 31 so as to recover the composition which has been in contact with the area to be treated.

[0585] The device 1 may include, where appropriate, around the conduit 27 a sealing element 19 such as a flexible lip to contain the composition and facilitate its return through the conduit 27. The lip may consist of sub-lips between which the liquid can be recovered.

[0586] The conduit 27 communicates with a suction pump 20, for example a pump electric, which can, as illustrated, send the discharged composition into a filter 21. The latter can be arranged to stop, for example, particles suspended in the composition, such as skin debris removed during cleaning, for example.

[0587] The composition is returned to the chamber at the outlet of filter 21.

[0588] The composition can come from a reservoir 22 shown schematically, for example carried by the handpiece.

[0589] This reservoir 22 allows the circuit in which the composition circulates during the operation of the device to be filled, and to compensate for any losses in composition, in the event of non-recycling of part of it.

[0590] Figures 4 and 5, and the corresponding detailed views of Figures 6a and 6b, show another example of a device according to the invention, comprising an ultrasonic transducer 4, two reservoirs 22a and 22b, a pump 20 and a fluidic circuit comprising conduits 23, 25 and 27 allowing the circulation of composition C between the reservoirs 22a and 22b and the keratin materials K to be treated.

[0591] 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 in contact with the keratinous materials K.

[0592] The device does not include a bubble generator other than the transducer 4, the bubbles being generated during the cavitation phenomenon by means of acoustic waves.

[0593] The transducer 4 is arranged relative to the spacer 7 so as to provide a space E between the surface of emission of the acoustic waves and the surface of the keratinous materials K to be treated.

[0594] Bubble cavitation occurs in this space E, as illustrated in [Fig.6a].

[0595] The device 1 may include a grid 6 in contact with the keratinous materials at to treat, for example fixed on the spacer 7, comprising for example regular openings arranged in rows and columns, as shown in [Fig.6b].

[0596] The device 1 further comprises an electronic circuit 12 connected by a connector 120 to an electronic generator 40 supplying the transducer, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. This generator comprises, for example, an oscillator and a power stage.

[0597] The electronic circuit 12 may include a control unit capable of communicating with a human-machine interface 41, which may include a screen, in particular an LED screen and / or control buttons, or even communicate via a wireless link with a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0598] The human-machine interface 41 can allow adjustment of certain operating parameters of the device, for example the intensity with which the acoustic waves are emitted.

[0599] The electronic circuit 12 can control the operation of the pump 20, a battery 15 powering the device (including its charging) and receive data from a or several sensors (not shown) such as a contact sensor for the device on the skin.

[0600] In the latter case, the electronic circuit 12 may only start the pump 20 and the emission of acoustic waves when the area to be treated is in contact with the grid 6, in particular in a way which allows the recycling of the composition.

[0601] The electronic circuit can also communicate with an optical detector 650, as shown very schematically in [Fig.5], allowing the presence of a compound to be removed from the skin surface to be detected, and possibly the quantity present to be determined.

[0602] As mentioned above, the composition circulation system, comprising the fluidic circuit, the tank(s) and the pump, can be arranged in different ways.

[0603] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the device 1 comprises two separate reservoirs 22a and 22b. The reservoir 22a is, for example, a composition reservoir to be distributed; it is connected to the pump 20 which can, as illustrated, send the composition C to the treatment area via a conduit 25 opening through an outlet 250.

[0604] The reservoir 22b recovers the composition which has been in contact with the area to be treated by means of a conduit 27 which opens onto an outlet 270, as illustrated in [Fig.6a].

[0605] The device 1 may include, where appropriate, on the periphery of the end of the treatment head, a sealing element 19 such as a flexible lip to contain the composition and facilitate its return through the conduit 27.

[0606] The reservoirs 22a and 22b may be at least partially transparent, allowing the user to visually check their fill level and / or fouling, possibly through a transparent window provided in the handle. Each of the reservoirs and / or the assembly formed by the reservoir(s) and the fluid circuit is preferably removable, so that it can be easily cleaned or replaced by the user.

[0607] A filter can also be disposed in a conduit connecting the tanks 22a and 22b.

[0608] The filter can also be carried by the reservoir 22b, for example so as to to allow its automatic replacement when the composition is exhausted and the reservoir is replaced.

[0609] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.7], the tanks 22a and 22b are directly connected to the treatment area by conduits 25 and 27, respectively.

[0610] In this example, the pump 20 is connected to the tanks 22a and 22b without having any composition circulating within it; the pump makes it possible to generate a positive air pressure in the tank 22a of composition to be distributed, and a negative pressure in the tank 22b of recovered composition, in order to maintain circulation in the conduits 25 and 27 between the treatment area and the tanks.

[0611] Pump 20 can also contribute to the generation of bubbles in reservoir 22a, upstream of the distribution of composition on the treatment area.

[0612] The device may in a variant include a single reservoir 22, which may or may not include an internal filter, the latter being removable.

[0613] For example, the composition is recovered by means of a suction system 28 such as a suction pump, which can be disposed at various locations in the fluidic circuit, for example directly in the processing head 7 where the composition is collected and held by means of the flexible lip 19, as schematically illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0614] Device 1 may include, as illustrated in [Fig.8], a treatment and purification unit 29 of the composition, which allows the composition to be recycled for return to the keratin materials to be treated, the composition then circulating at least partly in a closed circuit.

[0615] The treatment and purification unit 29 is, for example, a filtration system, shown schematically in [Fig.8], comprising one or more filters arranged to stop particles suspended in the composition, such as skin debris removed during cleaning.

[0616] The filtration system can be arranged between the suction system 28 and the reservoir 22, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0617] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.9], the reservoir 22 has two compartments 220 and 225 separated by a piston 230. The compartment 220 contains, for example, the composition C to be distributed and is directly connected to the treatment head by a conduit 25 which opens onto the treatment area.

[0618] The composition is recovered by a conduit 27 which connects the treatment area to a pump 20, the latter returning the used composition to the second compartment 225 of the tank 22.

[0619] A filter 21 can be disposed in the conduit 27 between the treatment zone and the pump 20, as illustrated.

[0620] Circulation is established by means of the pump 20 and the movement of the piston 230 within the reservoir 22. In this example, the compartments 220 and 225 of the reservoir 22 do not communicate.

[0621] The reservoir 22 is preferably partly or totally transparent so that the user can estimate the position of the piston and the respective remaining levels of composition to be dispensed and of waste liquid.

[0622] The device may further include one or more control buttons 39, for example a power on or standby button, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

[0623] The device is, for example, charged using a USB port (not shown) located directly on the body of the device, or by being placed on a charging station base designed for this purpose, and can be charged by induction, or using any suitable connector.

[0624] The battery 15 can also be removed and charged separately. The device may further comprise, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], an output 31 for delivering the composition C and a transducer 4 arranged offset relative to the output 31. In this case, the composition deposited on the area to be treated K passes, after movement of the device relative to the area to be treated, under the transducer 4 where it is exposed to the acoustic waves.

[0625] The device may include an optional additional bubble generator 17.

[0626] A spacer element 49, which may be a flexible lip, can be used to move the transducer 4 away from the area to be treated to avoid direct contact with the skin, for example.

[0627] The transducer 4 or its sonotrode are preferably removable. This allows them to be easily removed from the device for cleaning.

[0628] Different transducers and sonotrodes can also be interchanged, in particular sonotrodes of different sizes and / or transducers generating waves of varying frequency and acoustic intensity, depending on the desired use of the device.

[0629] To this end, the transducer or sonotrode may include different means of attachment to the handpiece.

[0630] The fastening means are, for example, screw fastening means, as illustrated in figures 1a and 11b.

[0631] The transducer 4 may have a threaded rod 102 at one of its ends, as illustrated in [Fig.lia], which can be screwed into a nut 103 fixed to the device, in particular in the processing head.

[0632] Conversely, the transducer 4 may have a nut 103 on its upper face and the threaded rod 102 may be fixed on the processing head 7, as shown in [Fig.llb].

[0633] The removable transducer can also be fixed by snapping, as illustrated in [Fig. 11], or by tightening, in particular by means of clamps 106, as illustrated in [Fig. 11d], or a seal 107, for example made of polymer or rubber, as illustrated in [Fig. 11e].

[0634] The acoustic wave emission surface may have reliefs 420 where bubbles can originate during cavitation, at different levels along the longitudinal axis X of the transducer.

[0635] These reliefs 420 can be monolithic with the sonotrode, as illustrated in [Fig. 12a], or can be formed on an added piece 95 on the sonotrode, as illustrated in [Fig. 12b], which is for example fixed by screwing onto the sonotrode.

[0636] All or part of the reliefs 420 may exhibit a distribution on the emission surface and / or a random size, as illustrated in [Fig. 13a].

[0637] Alternatively, the reliefs may have a predefined shape, for example pyramidal, as illustrated in [Fig.13b], and be arranged in a regular pattern, for example in a regular grid, as illustrated in [Fig. 13c].

[0638] Preferably, the reliefs 420 have a height h, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sonotrode, of between 0.001 mm and 50 mm, better 0.01 mm and 30 mm, even better between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0639] The device may further include a vibrator 750, allowing at least part of the emission surface to be subjected to additional vibrations of a frequency lower than that of the acoustic waves.

[0640] The vibrator 750 includes, for example, a motor 751 driving a rotating unbalance 752, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0641] Figure 15 shows another example of device 1 according to the invention. Device 1 comprises a body 2 housing a transducer 4, a spacer 7 in the form of a tip attached to the treatment head, and a grid 6 arranged in front of the transducer 4.

[0642] The transducer 4 comprises electroactive elements coupled to a sonotrode, typically made of metal, which defines an emission surface S through which acoustic waves are emitted towards the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0643] The body 2 of the treatment device 1 can be in the form of a handpiece which is manipulated by the user so as to bring the grid 6 into contact with the area to be treated.

[0644] As illustrated in [Fig. 16], a composition C containing bubbles B is present when using device 1 on the surface of keratinous materials K to be cleaned.

[0645] Composition C is, for example, in the form of foam or another composition, applied to the keratinous materials before the device comes into contact with them. Composition C may also be delivered by the device 1, or be partly present before the device 1 comes into contact with the keratinous materials and partly delivered by the device.

[0646] Keratinous materials K are for example made up of facial skin or hair.

[0647] The transducer 4 is in contact with composition C.

[0648] Under the effect of acoustic waves, the bubbles undergo a collapse upon themselves which generates a shock wave, which proves effective in cleaning keratinous K materials. Acoustic waves can also contribute to the formation of bubbles, if necessary.

[0649] Grid 6 can be done in different ways.

[0650] The grid 6 has at least one opening 300; it may have exactly one opening, as illustrated in [Fig. 17f], or exactly two openings, as illustrated in [Fig. 17a], or more.

[0651] The openings may be mostly, or all, of a similar size, as illustrated in [Fig. 17b], [Fig. 17d] or [Fig. 17e]. They may be of various shapes, for example square, round, or a portion of a disk or ring, as illustrated in [Fig. 17c].

[0652] The grid 6 preferably has a ratio of the total surface area of ​​the openings to the surface area of ​​contact with the keratinous materials greater than or equal to 0.5, which allows for sufficiently large openings to allow the shock wave generated by the collapse of the bubbles to reach the keratinous materials K over a suitable surface.

[0653] The grid 6 may have a circular outline, as illustrated in figures 16a to 17f, or another shape, for example polygonal.

[0654] The outer face of the grid 6 can be flat, and oriented for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0655] The grid 6 can be one piece, formed by machining or injection molding for example.

[0656] Its thickness can be chosen to give it the desired rigidity.

[0657] The grid can be made of metal, with a surface finish, on its face coming into The grid is made of keratinous materials, smooth or rough. It can be made, for example, of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or stainless steel. It can also be made of rigid plastic or ceramic. The grid can also be composite, for example, with a reinforcement embedded in a plastic matrix.

[0658] The grid can be made of a deformable and / or compressible material. The grid can thus be compressed during its use to a thickness ensuring a minimum distance between the emission surface and the surface of the materials to be treated.

[0659] A smooth surface condition can facilitate movement on the skin in particular, while a rough surface condition can exert a mechanical action contributing to the cleaning of the skin.

[0660] Each opening in the grid can be delimited by a sharp edge on the face of the keratinous materials. Such a sharp edge can facilitate cleaning by scraping the keratinous materials during the movement of the grid in contact with them.

[0661] The device according to the invention may include, as illustrated in [Fig. 15], a spacer 7 comprising several support legs 115 extending axially each by less than 360° around the X axis of the transducer, in front of the emission surface S.

[0662] The grid 6 can be carried, as in the example considered, by the spacer 7; in this case, the spacer can include a retaining part 110 of the grid 6, the support leg(s) 115 acting as a rigid link between a fixing part 100 of the spacer to the device and the retaining part 110.

[0663] The device may not include a grid, but only a spacer 7 defining a contact surface with the keratinous materials to be treated.

[0664] The spacer 7 can alternatively be carried directly by the transducer 4, with optionally a damper between the two to limit the transmission of vibrations from the transducer to the spacer.

[0665] The spacer 7 allows the transducer 4 to be maintained at a distance d from the keratinous materials, in order to avoid direct contact between the emission surface S and these materials. When the device includes a grid 6 supported by the spacer 7, the distance d is at least equal to the thickness of the grid 6.

[0666] The spacer 7 is preferably laterally openworked, these openings being for example defined by the spaces between the support legs 115, as illustrated in [Fig.15], which allows the position of the transducer 4 to be observed and facilitates the circulation of the composition between the transducer 4 and the keratin materials.

[0667] In the example of [Fig. 15], the spacer 7 has three support legs 115 arranged at 120° to each other, around the longitudinal axis X of the device. These support legs 115 connect the fixing part 100 and the retaining part of the grid 110, both of which are annular in shape.

[0668] Other forms of spacers are possible.

[0669] For example, the spacer 7 may comprise a single support leg 115, extending substantially perpendicularly to the emission surface S of the transducer 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 18a], and bearing by its free end directly against the keratinous materials

[0670] The spacer 7 may similarly comprise three or four straight support legs 115 arranged at 120° or 90° to each other about the longitudinal axis X of the device. These legs may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X, as illustrated in [Fig. 18b], or inclined obliquely outwards so as to improve the stability of the support of the device on keratinous materials, as illustrated in [Fig. 18c].

[0671] The support leg(s) 115 can further connect to a distal part 116 extending transversely to the legs, and opposite or around (in front view) the emission surface S of the ultrasonic waves.

[0672] This distal part 116 is for example annular in shape, as illustrated in [Fig. 18d], or in barrette shape, as illustrated in [Fig. 18e].

[0673] The leg(s) and / or distal part may be made of a rigid material, for example metal or a rigid plastic material, or a semi-rigid or flexible material.

[0674] The spacer can be monolithic with the body of the device, or in the form of a removable tip.

[0675] The spacer 7, when in the form of an end piece, can be fixed to the body 2 of the device by various means, for example by tightening with a screw 15, as illustrated in [Fig. 15].

[0676] The axial position of the spacer can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis X of the device relative to that of the transducer; for example, the spacer can be engaged more or less on the body of the device 2 and then fixed in the chosen position using the screw 15, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0677] This adjustable position allows the resting distance d between the transducer 4 and the keratinous materials to be precisely adjusted according to what is desired.

[0678] The nozzle 7 can be further extended at the support legs 115. The legs 115 are, for example, each height-adjustable, the adjustment being made, for example, to adapt the grid position to the morphology of the keratinous materials to be cleaned. This can allow the grid plane to be inclined obliquely with respect to the X-axis, for example.

[0679] The support leg(s) 115 of the spacer 7 may further include an elastic return means 8, for example one or more springs, as very schematically illustrated in [Fig.19a], or a telescopic link, as illustrated in [Fig.19b].

[0680] Such an elastic means 8 allows the spacing d between the transducer 4 and the keratinous materials K to be varied according to the pressure with which the spacer is pressed against the keratinous materials K to be cleaned, and / or to maintain a certain application pressure during the movement of the device, and for example to adapt to the possible reliefs of said materials.

[0681] As illustrated in [Fig.20], the device 1 may include one or more supply conduits 25 running through the spacer 7 from a composition reservoir 22, in particular extending along the support leg(s) 115, and opening through at least one outlet 250, located near the area to be treated during use.

[0682] The supply conduit(s) 25 can extend into the grid and / or the support part 110 of the grid 6, when the latter is supported by a spacer 7. The device 1 has for example several outlets 250 located on the grid 6 or on the support part 110 of the grid 6 (not shown).

[0683] Figure 23 illustrates a treatment device 1 according to the invention comprising a transducer 4, having an emission surface S of acoustic waves in a cosmetic composition C, and a guiding element 70 of a strand of hair K, allowing the hair K to be guided in its passage through the treatment area.

[0684] The processing device 1 may be in the form of a handpiece, not shown, operating autonomously or connected to a base station.

[0685] The transducer 4 can be attached removably or not to the device.

[0686] The guide element 70 can be made in one or more parts, these parts being able to be disassembled and / or assembled and / or replaced and / or modified by the user.

[0687] The transducer 4 is powered by an electrical generator, not shown in this figure, which may be part of the device 1, for example being integrated into the handpiece, or connected to it by a flexible cable.

[0688] The guiding element 70 can be mounted removably or not on the rest of the device 1, and movable or not relative to it, for example between a configuration of use where the element 70 guides the hair K and a clear configuration where it is away from the transducer 4 and allows the introduction of the strand of hair K. It can also be fixedly mounted on the device 1, providing a passage allowing the introduction of the strand of hair K to be treated.

[0689] The guide element 70 can be arranged to define a space with the emission surface S through which the hairs K pass during treatment, and extend at least partially in relation to the emission surface S as illustrated, having for example a guide portion 71 defining a guide surface 72 substantially parallel to the emission surface S.

[0690] The guide surface 72 can be flat or have another shape, adapted to the movement on the drill bit, for example circular.

[0691] The guiding surface 72 can have a width L greater than or equal to that of the emission surface, for example have a width L between 1 mm and 180 mm, the emission surface being for example a width between 1 and 150 mm.

[0692] The guiding member 70 may include a support portion 73 which extends for example along the transducer 4 and is connected to the body of the device 1 at an end opposite to the guiding portion 71 by any suitable means.

[0693] The guide element 70 can advantageously be used to bring the cosmetic composition C into the treatment zone. For this purpose, the guide element 70 can be traversed by at least one conduit 74 which opens through one or more orifices 75 into the guide portion 71 opposite the emission surface S.

[0694] Conduit 74 is connected to a fluidic circuit which ensures, for example, the circulation of the composition by drawing it from a reservoir.

[0695] The distance D between the emission surface S and the guiding surface 72 is for example between 0.1 mm and 30 mm.

[0696] This distance D can be fixed, or adjustable, for example by means of a particular mounting of the guiding element 70 on the device 1, allowing the user to move the guide element 70 relative to the transducer 4 as needed.

[0697] The orifices 75 are for example regularly spaced along the guide portion 71, as illustrated, but alternatively can be spaced differently.

[0698] The orifices 75 are for example circular, but can also be made in another form, for example in the form of one or more slits.

[0699] To use the device 1 of [Fig.23], the user can engage a strand of hair K between the guide portion 71 and the transducer 4, and move the device 1 along the strand of hair K, for example from the root of the hair towards the tips.

[0700] During this movement, composition C is delivered into the treatment area by device 1, in particular through distribution ports 75.

[0701] The composition C present in the treatment area, in contact with the hair K, is subjected to the action of acoustic waves emitted by the transducer 4.

[0702] Bubbles are generated by cavitation in the treatment area, then collapse creating shock waves which participate in the cleaning and / or bleaching of K hair.

[0703] Composition C delivered in the treatment area can be discharged outside the device, or recycled.

[0704] The guiding element 70 can also be made so as to comb the hairs K upstream or downstream of the treatment zone, or even at the level of the treatment zone itself. This can, for example, allow for a more homogeneous thickness of hair to be presented to the emission surface S, the hair engaged in the device being divided by teeth and / or bristles and / or engravings and / or micro-reliefs into smaller, more easily accessible hairs.

[0705] Figure 24 shows a variant of a guide element 70 which enables such combing to be carried out and which differs in this respect from the guide element 70 of Figure 23 by the presence of at least one row of teeth 80, shown schematically.

[0706] These teeth 80 extend for example, as illustrated, with their longitudinal axis Y parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4.

[0707] The teeth 80 can extend in relation to the emission surface S, as illustrated, or alternatively are offset relative to this surface to comb the hairs K upstream or downstream of it.

[0708] The guide member 70 may include both teeth 80 and orifices 75 for distributing composition C, as illustrated.

[0709] These orifices 75 open, for example, between the teeth 80.

[0710] The guiding element 70 may have combing and / or guiding reliefs elsewhere than opposite the emission surface S, for example on the opposite side as illustrated. On [Fig.24], an additional row of teeth 81 opposite teeth 80 has been shown.

[0711] The height of the teeth 80 and 81 of the combing organ 70 of the [Fig.24] is for example on the order of 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0712] Of course, the invention is not limited to a particular tooth shape.

[0713] In the example of [Fig.25], the teeth 80 are hollow and in communication with the conduit 74 so as to distribute composition C through orifices made in the teeth, not apparent in this figure.

[0714] The guide member 70 may retain, as illustrated, distribution ports 75 on the guide portion 71 which carries the teeth 80 and 81. Alternatively, the composition, C is distributed only through the ports provided on the teeth 80.

[0715] Figure 25 also illustrates the possibility for the guide member 70 to have one or more lateral guide surfaces 76, between which the hair strand is held during its passage through the treatment area.

[0716] For example, the device includes a lateral guide surface 76 defined by the support portion 73 and another by a return 77 directed inwards.

[0717] Where appropriate, as illustrated, the return 77 is hollow and communicates with the conduit 74 so as to distribute composition C through at least one (non-apparent) opening towards the treatment area.

[0718] The emitting surface S of the transducer 4 may also have teeth 46 and / or bristles 47 and / or engravings and / or micro-reliefs and / or pins, particularly metallic ones, so as to comb the hairs K upstream or downstream of the treatment area, or even at the level of the treatment area itself. The emitting surface S of the transducer 4 may have the same type of relief as the guiding element 70, or alternatively, different reliefs.

[0719] A variant of device 1 is schematically represented in [Fig.26] in which the emission surface S has teeth 46 or other reliefs to contribute to the combing and guidance of the strand of hair K.

[0720] These teeth 46 or other reliefs extend for example, as illustrated, with their longitudinal axis Z parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4.

[0721] The teeth 46 or other reliefs can be arranged, as illustrated, so as to fit between the teeth 80 of the guide member 70.

[0722] A variant of device 1 which also allows for combing and which differs from device 1 shown in [Fig.26] by the presence of hairs 47 on the emission surface S and hairs 82 on the guide member 70, the hairs 47 and 82 being able to be natural and / or synthetic.

[0723] The emission surface S of the transducer can be defined by a removable and replaceable part, so as to offer different solutions for guiding and / or combing hair K according to the guiding organ 70 used.

[0724] The guide element 70 and the transducer 4 can 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 are moved longitudinally, transversely, vibrate and / or rotate.

[0725] In particular, the guide portion 71 of the guide member 70 can be rotatable about its longitudinal axis W, as illustrated in [Fig. 27], for example, being driven by a motor or free to rotate. The guide portion 71 can rotate, relative to the emission surface S, while the strand of hair K passes between the guide member 70 and the transducer 4, thus allowing, for example, the guiding and / or combing of the strand of hair K as it passes.

[0726] The transducer 4 of [Fig.28] can rotate about its longitudinal axis X. The guide member 70 and the transducer 4 of [Fig.28] can also be moved longitudinally along the axis X in order to bring the guide surfaces 72 and emission surfaces S closer together or further apart, for example to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the hair strand K. The guide member 70 can in particular be returned to a rest position by means of an elastic return means 730, for example a spring, carried by the support portion 73.

[0727] Device 1 may include a spacer element 7, also called a spacer, as mentioned previously.

[0728] This spacer element 7 can maintain the hairs K at a predefined distance from the emission surface S. This spacer element 7 may or may not be part of the guide member 70.

[0729] For example, the spacer element 7 is carried by the guide member 70, being for example fixed to the support portion 73, as illustrated in [Fig.29].

[0730] The spacer element 7 is permeable to acoustic waves emitted by the transducer 4, and defines with the guide portion 71 the treatment zone through which the hairs K pass to be treated.

[0731] The spacer element 7 is, for example, in the form of a grid, for example in a metallic material or in a plastic material.

[0732] In [Fig.29], the distribution of composition C through orifices 75 of the guide organ has been illustrated, but alternatively composition C can be brought into the treatment area by any other means, or even be already present on the hairs K introduced into the treatment area.

[0733] ​​The device variant of [Fig.30] includes a processing head 10 which ensures circulation of composition C between a supply conduit 25 and a return conduit 27.

[0734] The composition can thus circulate in the treatment zone between conduits 25 and 27.

[0735] The circulation of the composition is for example ensured by an electric or manual pump, not shown.

[0736] The treatment head 10 may include a sealing tip, not shown, which is applied to the hair around the treatment area to limit loss of composition during treatment. This sealing tip may be applied to a support surface, not shown, which is folded down onto the treatment head 10 when using the device 1, the treatment head 10 being, for example, supported by a first jaw of the device 1 and the support surface by a second, opposite jaw, hinged to the first, in the manner of a hair straightener.

[0737] The guide member 70 can extend at least partially inside the treatment head 10 during use, as schematically illustrated in [Fig.30], to keep the hairs K to be treated in the treatment area.

[0738] The hairs K can in particular be held by the guiding portion 71 of the guiding member 70 at a distance from the emission surface S less than or equal to a predefined value.

[0739] The guiding member 70 can be carried by the second jaw mentioned above.

[0740] The guiding member 70 may, as illustrated in [Fig. 31], comprise a portion hollow guide 71, for example tubular in shape, defining a cavity 710 for guiding the hair K to be treated, in particular open at two opposite ends 711 and 712.

[0741] The cavity 710 may or may not have a constant cross-section.

[0742] In this example, the strand of hair K is introduced into the cavity 710 by the end 711 and comes out through the opposite end 712.

[0743] The inner surface 716 of the cavity 710 may have reliefs that contribute to combing and / or retaining hair. These reliefs may be in the form of ridges or teeth 713.

[0744] The guide portion 71 can be deformable, in particular its diameter can vary under the action of a device adjustment means, for example using a clamping element such as a hose clamp, to adapt the device to the hair strand and the desired treatment.

[0745] The guiding portion 71 may be permeable to acoustic waves. Alternatively, it may form all or part of the transducer, in particular the sonotrode.

[0746] The device can be configured so that the transducer 4 is movable along the guidance section 71, for example with its emitting surface S facing the outer surface 714 of the guidance section 71 as illustrated. The movement of the transducer 4 is carried out, for example, by motorization, the transducer 4 moving back and forth along the guidance section, or by being moved manually by the user.

[0747] The transducer 4 can also rotate around the guide portion 71, 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 carried out manually by the user, for example to adjust the side of the hair that is being treated.

[0748] The guide portion 71 can also be mobile, for example with a displacement of the latter along its longitudinal axis W, or with a rotation around its longitudinal axis W. The displacement of the guide portion 71 can be motorized or not.

[0749] The device 1 may, where appropriate, comprise several transducers 4, in particular two transducers 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 32]. These two transducers 4 may be diametrically opposed. They may be fixed relative to each other and to the guide portion 71, or movable relative to the latter, and for example be moved or movable independently of each other.

[0750] The presence of several transducers increases the efficiency of device 1, for example by allowing simultaneous treatment of two opposite sides of the hair and / or obtaining a greater bubble density

[0751] The emission surface S of the transducer(s) 4 may have a concave shape towards the guiding portion, so as to, for example, best fit the outer surface 714 of the guiding portion 71, as illustrated in [Fig.32].

[0752] The guide member may, as illustrated in this figure, have a slot 715 along the portion 71, between the two ends 711 and 712. This slot 715 may allow the hair strand K to be introduced more easily into the cavity 710.

[0753] The cavity 710 can also 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, as illustrated in [Fig.33], the movement of said parts taking place between a distant configuration for the introduction of a strand of hair K between them and a close configuration for processing the hair.

[0754] The jaws 78 and 79 can be carried by the support portion 73 of the guide member 70, as illustrated. They can be fixed or removably attached to the support portion 73.

[0755] The distance E between the two jaws 78 and 79 can vary between 0 mm in close configuration and 50 mm in wide configuration.

[0756] The two jaws 78 and 79 can be moved relative to each other, along the X axis, in order to increase or decrease the distance E, for example to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the hair strand K to be treated.

[0757] Each jaw 78 or 79 may have on its surface opposite the other jaw teeth 78d and 79d and / or hairs or other reliefs, allowing in particular to divide the strand of hair K for better processing.

[0758] The jaw 78, proximal to the transducer 4, is preferably permeable to the acoustic waves emitted by the latter and may for this purpose include holes, for example be made in the form of a grid or in a specific material permeable to acoustic waves.

[0759] As illustrated in [Fig.33], 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 a return 790 of the lower jaw 79, directed inwards.

[0760] The space between the two jaws 78 and 79 is, alternatively, closed on the opposite side to the support portion 73, by a closing part 791, as shown in [Fig.34].

[0761] In the example of this figure, the support portion 73 and the closing part 791 include, for example, at least one elastic return member 500, for example one or more helical springs, allowing the jaws 78 and 79 to come together and move towards a rest position, for example the close configuration or the spread configuration depending on the variants. Examples of hair strand treatments

[0762] Example 1

[0763] A confocal microscopy analysis of natural strands is carried out in order to study, using the passive diffusion of a fluorochrome in the fiber, whether the integrity of the cuticle is altered by the treatment device.

[0764] Three hair samples are prepared, namely: - Sample 1: a strand of natural, uncolored and untreated hair used as a reference, - sample 2: a strand of the same natural, uncolored hair treated with two passes of the treatment device according to the invention, emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, in contact with a cosmetic composition C such as a foam containing soap-type surfactants (partially neutralized long-chain fatty acids), - sample 3: a lock of the same natural uncolored hair treated with ten passes of the treatment device according to the invention, emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, in contact with the same composition C.

[0765] The three strands of hair are then stained for microscopic study with a hydrophilic fluorochrome, namely fluorescein.

[0766] Sections of the strands are then observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope, in order to study the diffusion of fluorescein inside the hair.

[0767] The images obtained are analyzed using software. A first analysis is carried out on the intensity of the coloration inside the fiber; the results are shown in [Fig. 35].

[0768] A second analysis is performed on the fluorescein staining rate. The results are visible in [Fig.36].

[0769] It is observed that the intensity of coloration within the hair fiber is low, between 6.2% and 6.5%, and of the same order of magnitude for the reference hair and the hair treated with ultrasound according to the invention. This means that the integrity of the cuticle of the treated hair has not been altered. Ultrasound does not damage the hair sheath.

[0770] Example 2

[0771] A transmitted light analysis of colored strands is carried out in order to visualize the decrease in thickness and to quantify the intensity of dye inside the fiber of the treated hair.

[0772] Five hair samples are prepared, namely: - Sample 1: a strand of natural, uncolored and untreated hair used as a reference, - Sample 4: a strand of the same hair colored with the product "Colorista Washout L'OREAL PARIS" and untreated, visible in [Fig. 37] A, - sample 5: a strand of the same hair colored by the product "Colorista Washout L'OREAL PARIS" and treated by ten passes of the treatment device according to the invention, emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, visible in [Fig.37] B, - Sample 6: a strand of the same hair colored with "Majirouge 6.66 L'OREAL PRO" hair dye and untreated, visible in [Fig. 37] C, - Sample 7: a strand of the same hair colored with the hair dye “Majirouge 6.66 L’OREAL PRO” and treated by ten passes of the treatment device according to the invention, emitting ultrasound at a frequency of 33.4 kHz, visible in [Fig.37] D.

[0773] Sections of the strands are observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope, in transmitted light

[0774] The following observations are made on the greyscale images obtained by confocal microscopy: - The uncolored and untreated hairs of the reference strand (sample no. 1) have a uniform light grey tint, - Hair colored with the product "Colorista Washout L'OREAL PARIS" and untreated (sample n°4) shows predominantly surface coloring with a dark crown of varying thickness, but mainly located at the edges, - Hair colored with "Majirouge 6.66 L'OREAL PRO" and untreated (sample no. 6) shows a much darker and more intense color since the hair is almost entirely colored, - Hair treated with ultrasound (samples #5 and #7) shows a coloration less intense compared to their respective coloured reference, which highlights the benefit of the treatment for bleaching coloured hair while minimizing the impact on the integrity of the hair.

[0775] The analysis is carried out by quantifying the average hair colour intensity based on a grey scale from 0 to 100 with 0 = white and 100 = black. The results of the analysis are shown in [Fig. 38].

[0776] After 10 ultrasonic passes on colored hair strands, a reduction in color of 34% is observed for the product "Colorista Washout L'OREAL PARIS" and of 23% for the color "Majirouge 6.66 L'OREAL PRO" 6.66.

[0777] A statistical analysis of the colouring data was also carried out, reproduced in [Fig. 39]. This analysis confirms that the difference between the measured mean values ​​is statistically different within a 95% confidence interval.

[0778] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0779] Thus, the guiding element can be given other forms as well.

[0780] The device can be used according to the following steps, given by way of example for a device comprising one or more removable reservoirs, a removable transducer or sonotrode, and / or a treatment head possibly equipped with additional elements such as a spacer, grid, etc.: - The user selects the fluid, including the cosmetic composition, according to the treatment they wish to perform and fills the reservoir, or inserts a pre-filled reservoir (for example, single-use) into the handpiece. - The user selects the type of sonotrode and the elements in contact with the keratinous materials to be used according to the area he wishes to treat and attaches them to the rest of the device. - The user turns on the device with the on / off button and selects a program that can be viewed on a screen. - The start of the program can be associated with a sound signal, a vibration and / or a light indication. - The user applies the treatment head to the keratinous materials, which triggers the pump and transducer to start up via a contact sensor. - The pump generates a vacuum that allows a flexible lip placed on the end of the treatment head to adhere to the keratinous materials, and to create a closed space between the surface emitting the ultrasonic waves and the surface of the materials to be treated. - The fluid is circulated in the space thus created. The transducer generates acoustic waves which cause cavitation of the bubbles in the treatment zone. - The fluid used is recovered in a second tank, or a second compartment of the tank; it can be filtered and reintroduced into the fluid circuit, thus making several passes in the treatment area. - The user can view the level of fouling of the recovered fluid. They can empty the tank containing this fluid at the end of its treatment or earlier, if necessary. - The device stops working for safety reasons when the user detaches the treatment head from the keratinous materials, in case of detection of an excessive temperature rise, or when it is detected that the device is static. - Once the treatment is complete, the user can place the device back on a base to recharge it, or remove the battery to recharge it separately. - The user can also start a device cleaning program by filling the reservoir with a specific product and placing the device on a dedicated surface to allow the fluid circuit to be closed for cleaning. Examples of skin treatments

[0781] Artificial skin samples (BIOSKIN brand) are prepared and a tenacious foundation is applied to them at a thickness of approximately 6µm + / - 20%.

[0782] Allow to dry for a minimum of 20 minutes at room temperature. Alternatively, allow 15 minutes at room temperature and complete drying for 2 minutes with a hairdryer.

[0783] The composition is for example one of the Cl to C5 compositions mentioned later.

[0784] The acoustic waves are generated by an ultrasonic transducer 13 excited by a sinusoidal electrical signal U of frequency approximately 34 kHz, modulated in squares, as illustrated in [Fig.21], delivered by a generator G.

[0785] The amplitude of the voltage U can be adjusted by the user during testing by acting on the generator.

[0786] The slots are characterized by a pulse duration Tmi and a duty cycle a, with Toff the duration of the "low" or "passive" state over a period. ToryTr,f{

[0787] For example, a sonotrode 4 such as illustrated in [Fig.1] is used to emit acoustic waves, which is moved slowly in contact with the composition, without touching the foundation film.

[0788] The sonotrode includes, for example, a ceramic piezoelectric type transducer system.

[0789] The nominal frequency of the transducer is, for example, approximately 34kHz.

[0790]

[0791]

[0792]

[0793]

[0794]

[0795]

[0796]

[0797]

[0798]

[0799]

[0800]

[0801] The sonotrode, for example, is made of titanium. The transducer, for example, consists of ceramics separated by an insulator, and mounted together by clamping. The diameter of the sonotrode is, for example, about 1.8 cm, i.e. a surface area of ​​about 2.5 cm2, and the ceramics of the transducer have, for example, a diameter slightly smaller than that of the sonotrode. The sonotrode is for example contained in a casing, with its front end protruding from the casing by several centimeters, preferably less than 5 cm. Tests are carried out by varying different parameters, namely: - the total concentration of surfactant(s) (%) in the composition, - the peak acoustic intensity I (in W / cm2), which depends directly on the activation voltage U - the pulse duration T - the duty cycle, Ton / Toff - the duration for which the surface to be cleaned is subjected to acoustic waves, - the distance between the emission surface and the surface to be cleaned. The acoustic intensity Lata on the surface to be cleaned, expressed in W / cm², is calculated based on the selected parameters. It is given by: T — T Lw ^sata-^t^ The acoustic intensity Lata can also be expressed as a function of the average acoustic pressure Pm applied to the treated area: j _ Pi PïATA ~ pc With P the density of the composition (in kg.m-3), c the speed of sound in the composition (in ms-1), Pm the average acoustic pressure (in Pa, or equivalently in Nm-2 or kg.ml.s-2), and Isata in W.mA The effectiveness of the combination of parameters for each trial is evaluated on the basis of a percentage of makeup removal (% makeup removal) calculated from gradients measured on a colorimetric scale (delta E). Cleansing is considered to have a satisfactory effect for a delta E greater than or equal to 15, and a percentage of makeup removal greater than 65%.

[0802] [Tables 1] Surfactant (%) Intensity (W / cm²) Tone Duty Cycle Tone / Toff Duration (s) Isata (W / cm²) % Makeup Removal Delta E 0.5 6.8 0.05 58.33 3 3.96 66.6 16.15 0.5 7.2 0.02 66.66 4 4.78 81.9 18.54 0.5 6.2 0.08 66.66 4 4.13 86.1 16.97 0.8 6.8 0.04 56 3 3.66 86.3 18 1 6.8 0.05 50 3 3.40 72.5 15.07 1 6.8 0.05 58.33 3 3.96 74.9 16.27 1 6.8 0.05 58.33 2 3.96 77.8 15.92 1 6.8 0.05 58.33 3 3.96 78.7 18.15 1 6.8 0.05 58.33 3 3.96 79.3 17.29 1 6.8 0.05 62 3 4.21 81 17.51 ​​1 6.8 0.05 58.33 3 3.96 84.5 16.72 1 7.0 0.05 58.33 3 4.18 88.4 17.8 1 6.8 0.05 58.33 4 3.96 90.4 19.98 1 6.8 0.02 58.33 3 3.96 91.5 18.09 1.2 6.8 0.04 56 3 3.80 75.6 16.21 1.5 6.2 0.08 50 4 3.10 79.8 19.36 1.5 6.2 0.02 66.66 4 4.13 89.7 18.46

[0803] For the parameter combinations summarized in the table above, there is a strong removal of foundation in the regions where the sonotrode passes while active.

[0804] Furthermore, there is a great difficulty in removing makeup simply by passing a sponge or brush over it, which highlights the cleaning effect obtained in the invention. Response surfaces

[0805] The parameter values ​​obtained experimentally above, which demonstrate good makeup removal efficiency, can be extended to parameter ranges by means of an optimization plan taking into account the different interactions between all the parameters.

[0806] Response surfaces are thus obtained, as illustrated in Figures 40 to 45, illustrating ranges of values ​​for the different parameters for which satisfactory makeup removal effectiveness is found.

[0807] Makeup removal effectiveness is considered satisfactory according to the same criteria as stated above, i.e. for a delta E greater than or equal to 15, and a percentage of makeup removal greater than 65%.

[0808] In the optimization plan, three parameters are fixed, namely: - the total concentration of surfactant(s) (%) in the composition, - the peak acoustic intensity I (in W / cm2), and - the duration for which the surface to be cleaned is subjected to acoustic waves.

[0809] Optimal value ranges are determined for the other two parameters, namely, the pulse duration Ton and the duty cycle Ton / Toff.

[0810] The optimal value ranges are defined as those meeting the aforementioned makeup removal criteria. On the response curves illustrated, this corresponds to the areas located beyond the 0 isobar.

[0811] These ranges of values ​​are summarized in the table below, with reference to each of the figures illustrating the corresponding response surface.

[0812] For certain parameter values, such as for example represented on the response surface of [Fig 45e], the response surface shows that there is no pulse duration value and Ton / Toff duty cycle value that meets the aforementioned makeup removal efficiency criteria.

[0813] For other parameter values, such as those shown in Figures 40b to 40e, the entire domain considered for optimization meets the criteria for makeup removal efficiency.

[0814] [Tables2] Duration (s) I (W / cm²) Surfactant (%) Ton (s) Duty Cycle (%) Response Area 4 6.2 0.5 [0.025; 0.080] [50; 66.66] Figure 40a [0.020; 0.080] [52; 65] [0.8; 1.5] [0.020; 0.080] [50; 66.66] Figure 40b [0.020; 0.080] [50; 66.66] Figure 40c [0.020; 0.080] [50; 66.66] Figure 40d [0.020; 0.080] [50; 66.66] Figure 40e 4 6.8 0.5 [0.027 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 41a [0.020 ; 0.080] [52 ; 66.66] 0.8 [0.030 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 41b [0.020 ; 0.080] [52 ; 66.66] 1.0 [0.035 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 41c [0.020 ; 0.080] [52.5 ; 66.66] 1.2 [0.020 ; 0.080] [54 ; 66.66] Figure 41d [0.035 ; 0.080] [51.5 ; 66.66] 1.5 [0.020 ; 0.080] [57.5 ; 66.66] Figure 41e [0.038 ; 0.080] [54 ; 66.66] 4 7.2 0.5 [0.020 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 42a 0.8 [0.020 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 42b [0.030 ; 0.070] [52 ; 66.66] 1.0 [0.020 ; 0.080] [50 ; 66.66] Figure 42c [0.030 ; 0.070] [52.5 ; 66.66] 1.2 [0.020 ; 0.080] [54 ; 66.66] Figure 42d [0.025 ; 0.070] [51.5 ; 66.66] 1.5 [0.028 ; 0.045] [57.5 ; 66.66] Figure 42e 3 6.2 0.5 [0.070 ; 0.080] [54 ; 60.5] Figure 43a [0.055 ; 0.0775] [56 ; 62] 0.8 [0.020 ; 0.080] [56 ; 66.66] Figure 43b [0.040 ; 0.080] [51 ; 66.66] 1.0 [0.020 ; 0.080] [54 ; 66.66] Figure 43c [0.035 ; 0.080] [51.5 ; 66.66] 1.2 [0.020 ; 0.080] [54 ; 66.66] Figure 43d [0.040 ; 0.080] [51.5 ; 66.66] 1.5 [0.020 ; 0.080] [57 ; 66.66] Figure 43e [0.035 ; 0.080] [55 ; 66.66] 3 6.8 0.5 [0.020 ; 0.065] [56 ; 66,66] Figure 44a [0.035 ; 0.075] [53,5 ; 64] 0.8 [0.020 ; 0.080] [55 ; 64,5] Figure 44b [0.030 ; 0.072] [53 ; 66,66] 1.0 [0.032 ; 0.070] [54 ; 66,66] Figure 44c [0.020 ; 0.080] [56 ; 64,5] 1.2 [0.032 ; 0.070] [55,5 ; 66,66] Figure 44d [0.020 ; 0.080] [58 ; 64] 1.5 [0.025 ; 0.063] [61,5 ; 66,66] Figure 44e [0.030 ; 0.058] [60 ; 66,66] 0.5 [0.020 ; 0.080] [57 ; 65] Figure 45a 3 7.2 [0.030 ; 0.065] [55 ; 66,66] 0.8 [0.020 ; 0.080] [58 ; 66,66] Figure 45b [0.020 ; 0.068] [55 ; 66,66] 1.0 [0.020 ; 0.0725] [58,5 ; 66,66] Figure 45c [0.020 ; 0.0575] [56 ; 66,66] 1.2 [0.020 ; 0.060] [61 ; 66,66] Figure 45d [0.020 ; 0.046] [58,5 ; 66,66] 1.5 - - Figure 45e - -

Claims

Demands

1. A device (1) for treating human hair (K), in particular for cleaning hair (K), removing previous coloring, and / or bleaching it, this device (1) being intended to treat hair (K) while it is in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition (C), in which bubbles of a gas are present and / or generated, this device comprising: - at least one transducer (4) having an emission surface (S) for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair (K) to be treated, in order to generate a collapse of said bubbles, the acoustic waves being emitted at a frequency between 30 and 100 kHz, - at least one guiding and / or combing member (70) arranged to guide the hair (K) in its movement near and / or in contact with said emission surface (S),the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprising at least one guiding portion (71) intended to come into contact with the hair and at least one support portion (73) which serves to maintain the guiding portion (71) in the desired configuration during treatment, the guiding portion (71) having a guiding surface (72) extending at least partially opposite the emission surface (S) and / or on either side thereof.

2. Device according to claim 1, the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprising at least one lateral guiding surface (76; 790) for the hair (K).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the guiding and / or combing member (70) being removably fixed on the device (1).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, at least a part of the guiding and / or combing member (70) vibrating, and / or rotating, and / or moving longitudinally and / or transversely, and / or heating, and / or diffusing light.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the guiding surface (72) defining with the emission surface (S) a processing space.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the distance (D) between the emission surface (S) and the guiding surface (72) being between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, and optionally adjustable by the user, in particular to adapt the device to the thickness of hair to be treated.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, the guide portion (71) being hollow in order to define a cavity (710) for guiding the hair (K) to be treated, the cavity (710) defining a treatment space, the cavity (710) in particular being open at two opposite ends (711; 712) and the hair (K) extending in particular between these two ends (711; 712), the guide portion (71) preferably being moved along a strand of hair (K) to be treated, the hair (K) moving in the cavity (710) between its ends (711; 712).

8. Device according to the preceding claim, the cavity (710) being open laterally between its ends (711; 712) to allow the introduction of hair (K).

9. Device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, the guiding portion (71) comprising at least two parts (78; 79) movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration for introducing the hair (K) between them, and a close configuration for maintaining the hair (K) in the treatment space.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, the guiding portion (71) comprising a proximal part (78), closest to the transducer (4), and a distal part (79), furthest away, the proximal part (78) being permeable to acoustic waves.

11. Device according to any one of claims 9 and 10, the guiding portion (71) comprising a proximal part (78), closest to the transducer (4), and a distal part (79), furthest away, the distance (E) between the proximal (78) and distal (79) parts varying between 0 mm in close configuration and 50 mm in distant configuration, in particular at least one of the distal (79) and proximal (78) parts being forced into displacement towards a rest position by at least one elastic return means (500), such as a spring.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the support portion (73) comprising a mechanism allowing translation of the guide and / or combing member (70) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the transducer (4), in particular a mechanism including one or more springs (730) allowing the support portion (73) to be returned to a rest position, this rest position corresponding in particular to the hair (K) being pressed against the guide and / or combing member (70) and / or against the emission surface (S) during treatment.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprising at least one guiding and / or combing relief on its surface, in particular a macro-guided and / or combing relief (80; 81; 82; 713; 78d; 79d) capable of engaging in the hair (K), for example at least one tooth (80; 81; 713; 78d; 79d) and / or a synthetic or natural hair (82), and / or a micro-relief, for example an engraving and / or a micro-protrusion, said guiding and / or combing relief extending in particular opposite the emission surface (S).

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, at least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member (70) being hollow, in order to allow the circulation of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), inside, and / or at least a portion of the guiding and / or combing member (70) being traversed by a conduit allowing the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), to be brought into a treatment space.

15. Device according to the preceding claim, the guiding and / or combing member (70) having at least one orifice (75) allowing the exit of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition (C), circulating inside.

16. Device according to claim 13, having at least one guide and / or combing relief (80; 81; 82; 713; 78d; 79d) hollow, in order to allow the circulation of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition (C), inside, this relief (80; 81; 82; 713; 78d; 79d) preferably having at least one orifice allowing the exit of the fluid, in particular of the cosmetic composition (C), circulating inside.

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a treatment head (10) in which the fluid circulates, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), the transducer (4) and the guiding and / or combing member (70) extending at least partially into this treatment head (10).

18. A method for treating human hair, in particular for cleaning and / or bleaching hair, using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or are generated, the method comprising the step of: subjecting the gas bubbles to acoustic waves emitted by the transducer in the vicinity of hair to be treated, in order to cause the collapse of said bubbles and generate a mechanical shock on the surface of the hair to be treated, in particular to remove impurities and / or dyes.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising guiding and / or combing the hair upstream and / or downstream of its passage through a treatment space, and / or within the treatment space itself.

20. A method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is brought into a treatment space by the guiding and / or combing member.

21. A method of treating, using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, at least one strand of hair that has undergone a permanent or semi-permanent coloring treatment, wherein said strand is exposed, in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, to acoustic waves generated by a transducer, of frequency and intensity chosen to generate bubbles in the composition by cavitation, and cause them to collapse, the bubbles present in the treatment area being or having been predominantly generated by the transducer.

Images