WATERLESS SEBUM REMOVAL DEVICES

Abstract

WATERLESS SEBUM REMOVAL DEVICES Devices for the waterless removal of sebum from a subject. A device includes a head with an air duct and hollow teeth fluidly connected to the air duct. The air duct and hollow teeth allow the passage of a heated airflow through them. When the heated airflow comes into contact with the sebum, it heats and softens the sebum to facilitate its removal from the subject. The devices may, in practice, exploit a Bernoulli effect to increase the airflow through the hollow teeth to move the sebum away from the subject. The devices may also include absorbent substrates, sensors, and control circuitry for intelligent management of the device's operation, such as controlling the device's operating mode, to ensure effective sebum removal without damaging the subject's hair or scalp. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: WATERLESS SEBUM REMOVAL DEVICES SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a device for the waterless removal of sebum from a subject, the device comprising: a head comprising inside an air duct and hollow teeth fluidly connected to the air duct, in which the hollow teeth comprise tooth vents on them configured for the passage of a heated airflow from the air duct through the tooth vents; in which the heated airflow is configured to come into contact with, heat and soften the sebum on the portion of the scalp to facilitate the removal of the sebum from it.

[0002] In embodiments, the device further comprises: a handle with an air duct inside which is fluidly connected to the air duct of the head; wherein the passage of an airflow, or heated airflow, from the air duct of the handle to the air duct of the head causes the heated airflow to pass through the air vent of the head.

[0003] In embodiments, the device further comprises: an air blower disposed within the device and configured to generate an airflow within the device; and a heating element disposed within the device and configured to heat the airflow to produce the heated airflow.

[0004] In embodiments, the air blower includes a motor functionally connected to a fan so that the operation of the motor causes a rotational movement of the fan.

[0005] In embodiments, the heating element comprises a resistance unit functionally connected to a power source and is configured for a heating process enabling the production of the heated airflow.

[0006] In embodiments, the heating process is configured to heat the airflow above a minimum temperature threshold to soften sebum and below a maximum temperature threshold to protect hair from heat damage.

[0007] In embodiments, the minimum temperature threshold is approximately 40 °C at a hair position during use of the device.

[0008] In embodiments, the device further comprises a thermal sensor, positioned within the heated airflow to measure the temperature of the heated airflow, which is functionally connected to a control circuit of the device to control the heating process according to a temperature measured from the thermal sensor, minimum temperature threshold and maximum temperature threshold.

[0009] In embodiments, the thermal sensor includes a capacitive temperature sensor or a dielectric resonator-based sensor configured for temperature measurement.

[0010] In embodiments, the device further includes pressure sensors, positioned on the hollow teeth, configured to detect contact with the individual's scalp.

[0011] In embodiments, in the absence of contact detection by the pressure sensors, the device is configured for a fiber heating process, and in which, with contact detection by the pressure sensors, the device is configured for a scalp heating process.

[0012] In embodiments, a passage of the heated airflow through the hollow teeth concentrates the heated airflow into a radius reduced compared to a radius of the head of the device, so that a velocity of movement of the heated airflow is increased by a Bernoulli effect.

[0013] In embodiments, passing the heated airflow through at least two tooth vents concentrates the heated airflow within the tooth vents, so that at least two velocities of movement of the heated airflow are modified by the Bernoulli effect.

[0014] In embodiments, the device further comprises an absorbent substrate, positioned on the head, which is configured to come into contact with a portion of the subject's hair or scalp and absorb the sebum during use.

[0015] In embodiments, the device is configured to heat the absorbent substrate, so that the sebum is heated when it is in contact with a heated absorbent substrate to decrease viscosity and facilitate the removal of sebum.

[0016] In embodiments, the velocities of the heated airflow are increased by means of the Bernoulli effect, so that the increased airflow displaces the sebum from the portion of the individual's scalp.

[0017] In embodiments, the device comprises four rows of hollow teeth configured to massage the portion of the subject's scalp during use.

[0018] In embodiments, the absorbent substrate can be removably attached to the curved portions of the head.

[0019] In some embodiments, the absorbent substrate can be removably attached with a support or adhesive composition(s).

[0020] In embodiments, the absorbent substrate can be attached removably with a fastening mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a button, a clasp, a snap fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a magnet and any combination thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0022] In some embodiments, the composition is an elimination composition of sebum, a perfume composition, or both.

[0023] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a kit comprising: a disclosure device; and instructions for use to guide the use of the device in a waterless sebum removal process for a subject.

[0024] In embodiments, the necessary further includes an absorbent substrate, configured to be positioned on curved portions of the head of the device, to come into contact with the hair and / or scalp of the subject, and to absorb sebum from the hair and / or scalp during use.

[0025] In some embodiments, the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0026] In some embodiments, the composition is an elimination composition of sebum, a perfume composition, or both.

[0027] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a kit comprising: an absorbent substrate, configured to be positioned on curved portions of a head of a waterless sebum removal device; and instructions for use to guide the use of the absorbent substrate, the device, or both in a waterless sebum removal process for a subject; wherein the device comprises a head including an air duct and hollow teeth fluidly connected to the air duct.

[0028] In embodiments, the absorbent substrate can be removably attached to curved portions of the device head with a support or adhesive composition(s).

[0029] In some embodiments, the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0030] In some embodiments, the composition is an elimination composition of sebum, a perfume composition, or both.

[0031] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0032] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a typical soap washing process and with water to remove the sebum.

[0033] [Fig.2A] Fig.2A shows a diagram illustrating an example of the Coanda effect, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0034] [Fig.2B] Fig.2B shows a diagram illustrating an example of the Coanda effect of an example of a subject's sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0035] [Fig.2C] Fig.2C shows a perspective view of an example of the Coanda effect as it shapes the movement of a subject's hair, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0036] [Fig.2D] Fig.2D shows a diagram of an example of a device for removing sebum from a subject, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0037] [Fig.2E] Fig.2E shows a side view and diagram of an example of a subject's sebum removal device, as well as pressure sensors and other device components, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0038] [Fig.3A] Fig.3A shows a bottom view of an example of a device for removing sebum from a subject, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0039] [Fig.3B] Fig.3B shows a top view of an example of a subject's sebum removal device and examples of substrates that can be attached for use with the device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0040] [Fig.3C] Fig.3C shows a front view of an example of a subject's sebum removal device and an example of use of the device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0041] [Fig.3D] The [Fig.3D] shows a front view of a subject's hair before (left) and after (right) the use of an example of a device for removing sebum from the subject's hair, showing the lifting of the hair as a result of the removal of sebum, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0042] [Fig.4A] Fig.4A shows a perspective view of an example of a subject's sebum removal device and an example of substrates that can be attached for use with the device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0043] [Fig.4B] Fig.4B shows a perspective view of an example of a subject's sebum removal device and an example of a scented substrate that can be attached for use with the device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0044] [Fig.4C] Fig.4C shows a perspective view of an example of a device for the removal of sebum from a subject, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0045] [Fig.4D] The [Fig.4D] shows a perspective view of an example of a subject's sebum removal device, with a substrate base and substrate base attachment removed, showing air vents from the device head, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0046] [Fig.4E] The [Fig.4E] shows a cutaway perspective view of an example of a container for mixing a composition, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0047] [Fig. 4F] Figure 4F shows a perspective view of a substrate base and a substrate base fixing, showing airflow over curved portions of the substrate base, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0048] [Fig.4G] Fig.4G shows a perspective view of an example comb design for a device for removing sebum from a subject; the illustrated device is configured to make contact with the subject's scalp for the removal of sebum, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0049] [Fig.5A] The [Fig.5A] shows a perspective view of an example of a heating element adjacent to an example of a fan, with temperature values ​​indicated at different distances from the heating element shown, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0050] [Fig.5B] Fig.5B shows a graph illustrating the viscosity of sebum at different temperatures, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0051] [Fig.5C] Fig.5C shows a graph illustrating sebum removal performance under different conditions, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0052] [Fig. 5D] Figure 5D shows a graph illustrating examples of the effects of heat on sebum removal performance under different conditions, according to aspects of disclosure. The results show that an example of a device and method using a heated airflow can remove more than 35% of the sebum, and that sebum removal is approximately the same under conditions at 40°C, 45°C, and 50°C.

[0053] [Fig.5E] Fig.5E shows a graph illustrating the effect of temperature on migration distance, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0054] [Fig. 5F] Figure 5F shows a graph illustrating the effectiveness of the elimination of sebum under different temperature conditions, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0055] [Fig. 5G] Figure 5G shows a graph illustrating the results of a high-friction test corresponding to sebum removal under different conditions with a non-woven substrate, according to aspects of the disclosure. The results show that an example of a device and method can remove approximately 40 to 50% of the sebum, and that a longer duration of use of the device can result in increased sebum removal.

[0056] [Fig.6A] Fig.6A shows a cross-sectional view of examples of curved portions of a sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0057] [Fig.6B] The [Fig.6B] shows illustrations of airflow and images of uses of sebum removal devices with different slopes and aerodynamic properties, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0058] [Fig.6C] The [Fig.6C] shows a cross-sectional view of examples of curved portions of a sebum removal device and illustrations of the use of curved portions of different shapes, of a sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0059] [Fig.6D] Fig.6D shows an illustration of an example of an experimental setup for measuring the physical properties of hair with the use of a sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0060] [Fig.6E] Fig.6E shows examples of results from an experiment measuring the physical properties of hair with the use of a sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0061] [Fig.7A] Fig.7A shows a flowchart of an example of a heat sebum removal process, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0062] [Fig.7B] Fig.7B shows a flowchart of an example of a sebum removal process with a Coanda effect, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0063] [Fig.7C] Fig.7C shows a flowchart of an example of a method for maintaining an operating temperature of a heated airflow of a sebum removal device, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0064] [Fig.7D] Fig.7D shows a flowchart of an example of a method for controlling a heating mode of a sebum removal device based on the distance of the air vents from the scalp of a subject during use, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0065] [Fig.8A] Fig.8A shows a side perspective view of an example of waterless sebum removal device that includes hollow teeth fluidly connected to an air duct in the head and configured for the passage of a heated airflow through them, including with a Bernoulli effect, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0066] [Fig.8B] Fig.8B shows a perspective front view of the example device with hollow teeth, including with a Bernoulli effect, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0067] The foregoing aspects and many associated advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the detailed description that follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0068] Water scarcity is a serious situation in which the demand for water is greater than the availability of water and is a growing concern given rapid urbanization and climate change. Water scarcity is This is increasingly worrying, particularly in urban areas, where it is projected that between one-third and nearly half of the world's urban population will face water scarcity by 2050 (He, C., Liu, Z., Wu, J. et al. Future global urban water scarcity and potential solutions. Nat Commun 12, 4667 (2021)). While significant infrastructure investments should help meet demand and combat water scarcity, limiting individual water consumption is another option that could help alleviate the demand for this precious natural resource.

[0069] On an individual level, water is generally used for washing, cleaning, and food preparation. Sebum includes all the natural oils produced by the body's sebaceous glands, and a primary reason why many people wash so frequently is due to the accumulation of sebum on the scalp and hair, which can lead to a feeling of greasy or oily hair or oily or oily skin and a progressively subjective feeling of dissatisfaction with this condition, or even, in some cases, anxiety. As shown in [Fig.[l], a typical process 1 of removing sebum or oil from hair may involve an individual obtaining water (l), wetting their hair (b), lathering shampoo (l) and washing their hair, rinsing out the shampoo (d) and drying their hair, including a pre-drying step with a towel (l) and optionally blow-drying the hair (if), and finally removing the water (g) from the hair that was used to remove the sebum or oil with the shampoo or soap.

[0070] Although it is possible to use bidets and other low-water washing systems, there is also a significant and ongoing need for waterless sebum removal approaches that are effective enough to replace at least some washing sessions and allow individuals to reduce their washing frequency and water demand. These approaches should also allow people to maintain their hygiene even in situations where access to water is nonexistent or restricted, such as outdoors or in emergency situations. This disclosure addresses these needs as well as other long-standing and unmet needs in art.

[0071] Aspects of the disclosure make practical use of the Coanda effect to converge heated airflows onto a concentrated area and bring hair strands into contact with an absorbent substrate, so that the sebum is heated, softened, and transferred to the substrate for the waterless removal of sebum from a biological surface such as an individual's skin, hair, or scalp. The Coanda effect, illustrated in [Fig. 2A] as a general example, occurs when an airflow 3b attaches to a surface near 3a of a curved object 3, and remains attached to the surface 3a even when the surface 3a moves away from the initial direction of the airflow 3b. This results in a deviation in the shape of the airflow as it passes by the curved object 3. An example of a configuration 4 of curved portions 4a of a waterless sebum removal device is shown in [Fig. 2B]. In the configuration 4 shown, the theoretical direction of the airflow 4b is different from the actual observed direction of the airflow 4c, due to the Coanda effect. In the context of an apparatus or device for use with a subject's hair according to the disclosure, as shown in [Fig. 2C], a Coanda effect 5, resulting from the passage of an airflow from a nozzle 5a over curved surfaces 5c, shapes the subject's hair 5b and causes the subject's hair 5b to adhere to the curved surfaces 5c.According to embodiments of the disclosure, absorbent materials can be placed on the curved surfaces 5c, so that when the individual's scalp or hair 5b comes into contact with the absorbent materials due to the Coanda effect 5, sebum can be easily transferred from the scalp or hair 5b to the absorbent materials for efficient and waterless removal of sebum.

[0072] Any one of the various components of a waterless sebum removal device can be implemented according to embodiments. As shown in [Fig. 2D], a diagram of an example of a subject sebum removal device 6 includes a battery 6b which is functionally connected to a charger 6a. The battery 6b is also functionally connected to a power supply board 6c, which is in turn functionally connected to one or more heat-generating elements 6d (e.g., a heating element or a resistive heating element; e.g., a heating coil). The heat generation by the power supply board 6c can be controlled by a control board 6e, which is functionally connected to one or more heat-generating elements 6d and one or more airflow-generating elements 6f (e.g., a fan; e.g., a rotary fan).The airflow generation element(s) 6f generate(s) an airflow that passes through an air duct 6g of the device and, in some embodiments, produces a Coanda effect. The Coanda airflow can also be heated by the heat generation element(s) 6d for a targeted energy output 6h following use of the device.

[0073] Although any battery or power source can be used for an example of a device 6, in at least some embodiments, a rechargeable battery 6b is used and can be recharged using a charger 6a. Recharging the rechargeable battery 6b by the charger 6a can be done by wired charging, for example, with physical electrical contacts between the rechargeable battery 6b and the charger 6a, for the application of a voltage from a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) outlet, in order to recharge the rechargeable battery. 6b. However, in other implementations, the rechargeable battery 6b can be recharged by the charger 6a wirelessly, for example, by contactless coupling or electromagnetic coupling between the rechargeable battery 6b and the charger 6a. In such implementations, the charger 6a can act as a charging station, near which the device 6 can be placed for inductive charging of the rechargeable battery 6b by the charger 6a.In these and other implementations, wireless charging can be achieved by passing an alternating current through an induction coil in the charger 6a, such that the moving electric charge creates a magnetic field whose intensity fluctuates according to fluctuations in the amplitude of the electric current. This changing magnetic field induces an alternating electric current in an induction coil of the device 6, which then passes through a rectifier to be converted into direct current (DC), which is used to charge the rechargeable battery 6b. Although examples of wired and wireless battery charging implementations are provided here, any suitable wired or wireless charging implementation may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0074] As shown in [Fig. 5A], an example of a heating element can be placed adjacent to an example of a fan, so that the fan generates an airflow and the heating element heats the airflow to produce a heated airflow during operation. The temperature values ​​shown, taken at different distances from the heating element, illustrate the decrease in temperature with increasing distance from the heating element. Since a user may place a device distal or proximal to a subject's head for sebum removal treatment, there may be a risk of heat damage to the hair or scalp, for example, if the air reaching the subject's hair or scalp is too hot.

[0075] Accordingly, as shown in [Fig. 2E], elements 7 of an example of a device for removing sebum from a subject are depicted. A waterless device for removing sebum may include a head portion 7a that comprises a plurality of pressure sensors 7h as components of a plurality of teeth 7g for contact with the subject's hair and scalp during use. When the teeth 7g come into contact with the subject's scalp, the pressure sensors 7h detect the pressure due to this contact, for example, by a deformation of the teeth 7g, and transmit or modify a signal in operational communication with a microcontroller unit (MCU) 7b to detect contact of the teeth 7g with the scalp. Any suitable pressure or force sensor may be implemented in embodiments, including, but not necessarily limited to: a pneumatic load cell, A hydraulic load cell, a piezoelectric crystal load cell, an inductive load cell, a capacitive load cell, a magnetostrictive load cell, a strain gauge load cell, or any combination thereof. In this way, the device can be configured to detect contact with the individual's scalp.

[0076] In the embodiments presented and other examples, in the absence of contact detection by pressure sensors 7h, the device is configured for a fiber heating process (for example, by using a Coanda effect to generate an airflow to melt the sebum and guide the hair fibers), which may have minimum and maximum temperature thresholds adapted to heating and reducing the viscosity of the sebum at a greater distance from the scalp, for example, by generating a lower temperature or a more heated airflow at the point of contact.As soon as contact is detected by the pressure sensors 7h, the device is configured for a scalp heating process (for example, using the Bernoulli effect to generate an airflow to accelerate sebum melting and increase hair volume). This process can have higher temperature thresholds than the fiber heating process due to the greater amount of sebum present on the scalp. A transition between scalp and fiber heating modes can be achieved by implementing a valve 7d, which is functionally connected to the MCU 7b. The MCU is, in turn, functionally connected to pressure sensors 7h for conditional actuation of the valve 7d. Additionally, a motor and fan assembly 7c can be implemented to generate a heated airflow, which can be regulated, for example, by the valve 7d.Valve 7d can be opened further in the absence of contact detection by pressure sensors 7h (i.e., for a hair / fiber heating mode and a lower operating temperature range) so that the temperature of the heated airflow decreases, and can be closed further in the event of contact detection by pressure sensors 7h (i.e., for a scalp heating mode and a higher operating temperature range) so that the temperature of the heated airflow increases.

[0077] As shown in [Fig. 7D], an example of a method 28 for controlling a heating mode of a sebum removal device includes several steps that can be carried out, in whole or in part, and in any order, whether in parallel or sequentially, by a device control circuitry. In a first step 28a, the device is activated. A reading from the pressure sensor can be received by the control circuitry, which executes one or more logical steps to determine whether the device's pressure sensors are in contact with the leather In step 28b, the device touches the scalp (step 28b: YES), then the control circuitry can heat the airflow according to a scalp heating mode in step 28d. If the device does not touch the scalp (step 28b: NO), then the control circuitry can heat the airflow according to a fiber heating mode in step 28c. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors can remain passive or inactive until they come into contact with a surface such as the scalp, after which they transmit a signal to the control circuitry, which is processed by the control circuitry as an indication of scalp contact.In other embodiments, the pressure sensors can maintain a signal to the control circuitry which is interrupted by contact of the pressure sensors with a surface such as the scalp, after which the signal is not transmitted to the control circuitry, and the absence of signal is treated by the control circuitry as an indication of contact with the scalp.

[0078] Although the embodiment shown uses dynamic temperature control of the heated airflow to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device at different distances from the scalp, in other embodiments the temperature of the heated airflow may be constant or within a fixed temperature range. For example, the heated airflow may be maintained within a temperature range suitable for a scalp heating process or, alternatively, for a fiber heating process, or both. In these and other embodiments, the pressure sensors 7h and the dynamic temperature control may be optional and, in at least some embodiments, may be omitted from the device.

[0079] As shown in [Fig. 7C], an example of a method 27 for maintaining an operating temperature of a heated airflow from a sebum removal device includes several steps that can be carried out, in whole or in part, and in any order, whether in parallel or sequentially, by a control circuit of the device. For example, an airflow can be generated 27a and heated 27b at the same time. However, a step that depends on the result of a previous step can be carried out later depending on this condition; for example, the airflow should be cooled 27f only if the temperature of the heated airflow is not below a maximum threshold (step 27e: NO).

[0080] Considering the overall process of method 27, an airflow is generated 27a, for example, by activating or continuously activating a motor and fan of the device. As a second step of method 27, the airflow is heated 27b, for example, by activating or continuously activating a heating element of the device. The temperature of the heated airflow is measured 27c, For example, a thermal sensor or thermometer, positioned inside the heated airflow to measure the temperature of the heated airflow, is functionally connected to the device's control circuitry. Temperature readings from the thermal sensor are received by the control circuitry, which executes one or more logical steps to determine if a measured temperature is above a minimum threshold (step 27d). If the measured temperature is not above the minimum threshold (step 27d: NO), then the control proceeds to step 27b to further heat the airflow. If the measured temperature is above the minimum threshold (step 27d: YES), then the control proceeds to step 27e, where the control circuitry executes one or more logical steps to determine if the measured temperature is below a maximum threshold.If the measured temperature is not below the maximum threshold (step 27e: NO), then the control proceeds to step 27f where the heated airflow is cooled, for example, by activating a valve to restrict the heated airflow or restricting the exposure of the heated airflow to a heating element or, alternatively, by adjusting the voltage applied to the heating element to reduce the heat emitted by the heating element. After step 27f, the control proceeds to step 27c, where the temperature of the heated airflow is measured. If the measured temperature is below the maximum threshold (step 27e: YES), then the control proceeds to step 27c, where the temperature of the heated airflow is measured.

[0081] Regarding the temperature ranges of the heated airflow suitable for softening sebum without damaging hair fibers, it has been found that a minimum temperature of approximately 40°C may be appropriate for heating and reducing the viscosity of sebum, and that a maximum temperature of approximately 216°C is appropriate for avoiding damage to hair fibers. Since sebum softening occurs at temperatures well below 216°C, a lower maximum temperature can be used, in some embodiments, to achieve a gentler but effective heating process. Tests at temperatures below 40°C have also shown an effect on sebum viscosity, with a decrease in sebum viscosity of approximately 40 to 50% occurring at approximately 29°C, for example.

[0082] As used herein, "approximately" a quantity means the exact quantity specified as well as all quantities that are within the range defined by 10% below the specified quantity and 10% above the specified quantity, inclusive.

[0083] Consequently, in certain embodiments, the minimum temperature threshold for the heated airflow can be approximately 25°C, approximately 26°C, approximately 27°C, approximately 28°C, approximately 29°C, approximately 30°C, approximately 31°C, approximately 32°C, approximately 33°C, approximately 34°C, approximately 35°C, approximately 36°C, approximately 37°C, approximately 38°C, approximately 39°C, approximately 40°C, approximately 41°C, approximately 42°C, approximately 43°C, approximately 44°C, approximately 45°C, approximately 46°C, approximately 47°C, approximately 48°C, approximately 49°C, approximately 50°C, approximately 51°C, approximately 52°C, approximately 53°C, approximately 54°C, approximately 55°C, approximately 56°C, approximately 57°C, approximately 58°C, approximately 59°C, approximately 60°C, or a higher temperature, in order to ensure the reduction of sebum viscosity.

[0084] In embodiments, the maximum temperature threshold may be about 216 °C, about 200 °C, about 190 °C, about 180 °C, about 170 °C, about 160 °C, about 150 °C, about 140 °C, about 130 °C, about 120 °C, about 110 °C, about 100 °C, about 95 °C, about 90 °C, about 85 °C, about 80 °C, about 75 °C, about 70 °C, or a lower temperature.

[0085] In cases where a minimum temperature threshold is applied, the heated airflow may need to come into contact with the sebum for a specific period to reduce the sebum's viscosity and be effective. Thus, in some embodiments, the heated airflow can effectively reduce the sebum's viscosity after contact with the sebum for approximately 1 s, approximately 2 s, approximately 3 s, approximately 4 s, approximately 5 s, approximately 6 s, approximately 7 s, approximately 8 s, approximately 9 s, approximately 10 s, approximately 11 s, approximately 12 s, approximately 13 s, approximately 14 s, approximately 15 s, approximately 16 s, approximately 17 s, approximately 18 s, approximately 19 s, approximately 20 s, and approximately 21 s. s, about 22 s, about 23 s, about 24 s, about 25 s, about 26 s, about 27 s, about 28 s, about 29 s, about 30 s, about 35 s, about 40 s, about 45 s, about 50 s, about 55 s, about 60 s, about 70 s, about 80 s, about 90 s, approximately 100 s, approximately 110 s, approximately 120 s, approximately 130 s, approximately 140 s, approximately 150 s, approximately 160 s, approximately 170 s, approximately 180 s, approximately 210 s, approximately 240 s, approximately 270 s, approximately 300 s, approximately 330 s, approximately 360 s, approximately 390 s, approximately 420 s, approximately 480 s, approximately 540 s, approximately 600 s, or longer, to ensure that the viscosity of the sebum decreases.

[0086] In some embodiments, a lower temperature may require a longer contact time to be effective, and a higher temperature may not require a longer contact time to be effective. Identifying effective contact time / heated airflow temperature combinations that are acceptable to users can be achieved through experimentation with different hair types and sizes under different conditions. Automated or semi-automated programs designed for specific uses or applications, for example, sebum removal programs whose parameters, including time and temperature, are dependent on hair type or size, may be implemented with programmable device control circuitry and, optionally, be selected by a user.

[0087] In some embodiments, a device may include hollow teeth configured to make direct contact with a subject's scalp and direct a stream of heated air onto the scalp, using a higher airflow to dislodge more sebum from the scalp. The increased airflow can be achieved by exploiting a Bernoulli effect, in which the flow rate of a gas increases when the gas moves from a volume of larger diameter to and through a volume of smaller diameter. In such embodiments, the head of the device has a larger diameter than the hollow teeth, so that the airflow increases in velocity as it passes through the hollow teeth.Since the hollow teeth are in direct contact with the scalp, in this operating mode the heated airflow comes into contact with the scalp at a higher airflow speed, which improves the removal of sebum from the scalp, which generally has a greater amount of sebum than the hair.

[0088] Accordingly, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, an example of a waterless sebum removal device may include hollow teeth configured to contact and massage the scalp, and allow a high-flow, heated air stream to pass through them to contact the scalp and facilitate sebum removal. A device 29 for waterless sebum removal comprises a head 29a containing an air duct and hollow teeth 29b fluidically connected to the air duct. The hollow teeth 29b include tooth vents 29d on them that are fluidly connected to the inside of the hollow teeth 29b and to the air duct inside the head 29a. In this way, the 29d tooth vents are configured for the passage of a heated airflow from the air duct through the 29d tooth vents.The flow of heated air comes into contact with, heats and softens the sebum on the scalp, making it easier to remove.

[0089] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the hollow teeth 29b is smaller than the inner diameter of the head 29a. When airflow passes from the inside of the head 29a through the hollow teeth 29b, this introduces an increased airflow into the hollow teeth 29b compared to the airflow into the head 29a due to the Bernoulli effect. This increased airflow is able to come into contact with the softened sebum and dislodge it from the scalp.

[0090] The illustrated embodiment also includes a handle containing an air duct that is fluidly connected to the air duct of the head 29a. The passage of an airflow, or heated airflow, from the air duct of the handle to the air duct of the head 29a causes the heated airflow to pass through the air vent of the Head 29a. The illustrated embodiment also includes an air blower disposed within the device 29 and configured to generate an airflow within the device 29, and a heating element disposed within the device 29 and configured to heat the airflow to produce the heated airflow. Examples of the shapes and functions of these and other device elements are described in more detail here.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 29 also includes pressure sensors 29c, positioned on the hollow teeth 29b, configured to detect contact with the individual's scalp. In some embodiments, in the absence of contact detection by the pressure sensors 29c, the device 29 is configured for a process of removing sebum from the fibers, and upon contact detection by the pressure sensors 29c, the device 29 is configured for a process of removing sebum from the scalp. In some embodiments, a process of removing sebum from the fibers may include directing the flow of heated air along the curved portions of the device head, implementing a Coanda effect as described herein.In some embodiments, a process for removing sebum from the scalp may include directing the flow of heated air through the hollow teeth 29b, implementing a Bernoulli effect as described herein. In some embodiments, the device 29 may include a plurality of pressure sensors 29c as components of the hollow teeth 29b for contact with the subject's scalp during use. When the hollow teeth 29b come into contact with the subject's scalp, the pressure sensors 29c detect the pressure resulting from this contact, for example, through deformation of the hollow teeth 29b or by another pressure-sensing mechanism, and transmit or modify a signal as part of operational communication with a microcontroller unit (MCU) to detect contact of the hollow teeth 29b with the scalp.Any suitable pressure or force sensor can be implemented in embodiments including, but not necessarily limited to: a pneumatic load cell, a hydraulic load cell, a piezoelectric crystal load cell, an inductive load cell, a capacitive load cell, a magnetostrictive load cell, a strain gauge load cell, or any combination thereof. In this way, the device 29 can be configured to detect contact with the individual's scalp.

[0092] In some embodiments, the device 29 can be switched between a plurality of operating modes, including the process of removing sebum from the fibers and the process of removing sebum from the scalp, by modifying the trajectory of the heated airflow within the device 29. In some embodiments, the detection of contact with the scalp by the pressure sensors 29c can cause a valve, or other element, to open or close. Mechanically, the airflow path from the air vents of device 29 to the hollow teeth 29b of device 29 is modified to implement the Bernoulli effect and remove sebum from the scalp. These functions, as well as other control and operating functions of the device, can be intelligently controlled or managed by the processor circuitry.

[0093] Accordingly, in certain aspects, the disclosure proposes a "smart" waterless sebum removal device comprising circuitry configured to perform all or part of a process, including, but not necessarily limited to, regulating the temperature of the heated airflow, detecting the indicative force of contact with the scalp, and the like. In some embodiments, the circuitry of a device is configurable with a processor and processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transient, machine-readable medium of the device. In some embodiments, a device includes a software application configured to perform all or part of one or more of the disclosure's processes, in any order or combination. However, in some embodiments, a device includes dedicated hardware circuitry.Additional circuitry configuration of the device may include wireless communication or networking circuitry, for example, circuitry configured for a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth® connection, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection, and / or a Wi-Fi® connection, and / or a wired connection. The networking circuitry, in combination with other circuitry of the computing device, may be used to request, retrieve, and / or receive data from a computing device or a remote server, for example. In some embodiments, the device may be operated using a computing device, such as a smartphone or a personal computing device, which may be operated by a user via a graphical user interface, as known in Art.In some embodiments, the circuitry may include a functional connection of one or more sensors with the processor, or other circuitry, to perform logical operations and / or processes on the basis of data received from one or more sensors, for example, optical sensors, thermal sensors, and the like.

[0094] Any suitable form factor can be implemented for a sebum removal device, including form factors that emit a stream of heated air from one or more air vents, which passes along one or more curved portions of the device to modify the trajectory of the heated airflow due to the Coanda effect. The slope of one or more curved portions can be adjusted or optimized, experimentally, to achieve the desired effect of hair fiber adhesion to one or more curved portions and to form a focal line at which the heated airflow is concentrated. In this way, the heated airflow is concentrated at the focal line and comes into contact with the sebum, heating it, softening it and removing it without causing heat-related damage to the hair or scalp.

[0095] Although the Coanda effect is implemented in many embodiments of the device, in at least some embodiments, a waterless sebum removal device can be operational without necessarily resorting to the Coanda effect. For example, another waterless sebum removal device can implement a number of hair-pressing approaches that may include a hair combing or attachment structure to ensure the physical separation of sebum and hair. These and other implementations can deliver heat to the hair using a heated airflow that is not necessarily altered by the Coanda effect or, alternatively, can deliver heat to the hair by conduction, due to direct contact of the hair with a heated hair combing or attachment structure.These and similar approaches can heat the hair and soften the sebum so that the sebum has a reduced viscosity and is easily removed from the hair and scalp, whether by the force of the heated airflow, combing the hair, or the attachment structure, or a non-woven substrate.

[0096] In at least some embodiments in which the Coanda effect is implemented, the selection of the device slope, as illustrated by way of example in [Fig. 6A], can be informed by experiments with different slopes, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E. For example, as shown in [Fig. 6A], a plurality of slopes 21 can be tested. A steep slope 21a can be compared to a gentle slope 21b. In the embodiment shown, the steep slope 21a can be characterized at least in part by the amount of ascent (i.e., 50 units) divided by the amount of descent (i.e., 15 units; or half of 30 units). Similarly, the gentle slope 21b can be characterized at least in part by the amount of ascent (i.e., 50 units) divided by the amount of run (i.e., 10 units; or half of 20 units).Thus, in the embodiment shown, the slopes of the curved portions of the steep slope 21a are equal to 50 units / 15 units = 3.33, and the slopes of the curved portions of the gentle slope 21b are equal to 50 units / 10 units = 5.00. Although curved portions with a continuous slope are shown in these examples, curved portions with a discontinuous slope may be implemented, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure, for example, to modify or improve the aerodynamic properties of the device. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, different dimensions (including, but not limited to, the amount of rise and the amount of travel) will give rise to different Coandā effects.

[0097] As shown in [Fig. 0B], curved portions with different slopes 21a, 21b can introduce different free spaces between the hair and the wall of the curved portions. Furthermore, since different hair types have different strengths and flexibilities, this effect can be exploited to configure specific designs for particular hair types. For example, one or more designs including one or more curved portions with different slopes can be implemented for one or more hair types, including, but not limited to, straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and very tight curls.Similarly, one or more different curved sections can be implemented for one or more hair thicknesses, including, but not limited to, fine hair (e.g., strands less than 0.05 mm thick), medium hair (e.g., strands greater than 0.05 mm and less than 0.08 mm thick), and thick hair (e.g., strands greater than 0.08 mm thick). Other hair properties can contribute to its flexibility and ability to adhere to the wall of the curved sections, including suppleness or stiffness, which can be influenced by the presence of products in the hair, as well as the density and electrostatic characteristics of the strands, such as the tendency to accumulate an electrostatic charge, and similar factors.These and other hair characteristics may be taken into account when testing or selecting one or more device features, including, but not limited to, slope values ​​for curved portions 21a, 21b, to facilitate hair adhesion to curved portions using the Coanda effect without interfering with the placement of the device head between the hair strands for use.

[0098] As shown in [Fig. 0C], examples of curved portions 23 having certain radii or slope dimensions X can be tested to evaluate the deformation of hair strands due to the Coanda effect and the resulting adhesion of the hair strands to the walls of the curved portions. For example, different curved portions 23a, 23b having different radii or slope properties (X=10, X=8) can be evaluated using images captured during use, with and without airflow. Another experimental setup 24 is shown in [Fig. 0D], by which it is possible to determine the force with which the Coanda effect attracts or creates additional tension, and horizontally displaces, one or more hair strands 24d. For example, a hair strand 24d can be attached to a tensiometer 24c, which is attached to a support beam 24b resting on a surface 24a, such as a tabletop.The experimental curved portions 24e can be placed adjacent to the hair strand 24d, and an airflow. F is applied to the setup, for example, from above. A horizontal force Fn, resulting from the Coanda effect, horizontally displaces the hair strand 24d towards the experimental curved portions 24e, and the distance of the displacement can be measured using a ruler or other distance indicator. When the airflow F is applied, the tension force applied to the hair strand 24d can be measured with the tensiometer 24c. As shown in [Fig. 0E], the periodic application of the airflow over time results in corresponding measurements from the tensiometer, with a maximum force (Fmax) of 0.14 N. Thus, the airflow velocity F, the dimensions of the curved portions of the device, or both, can be developed and configured for use with one or more specific hair sizes or types to avoid breaking the hair strands during use of the device.An additional variable that can be included in this and other experiments is the temperature of the heated airflow, which can potentially impact the resistance of the wicks and the ease with which the wicks are moved due to the Coanda effect during use.

[0099] During testing of various designs, it was found that a steeper slope of the curved portions introduces greater horizontal displacement and curvature of the hair, while a gentler slope of the curved portions introduces less horizontal displacement and curvature of the hair. However, since a significantly steeper slope may be more difficult to insert between the hair strands during use, a balanced or intermediate slope can be implemented in embodiments to facilitate the insertion of the curved portions into the hair while also maintaining sufficient horizontal displacement and curvature of the hair for sebum removal.

[0100] Experiments conducted under different sebum removal conditions provided comparative information on sample parameters for sebum removal devices and processes, according to various aspects of disclosure. For example, an in vitro oil removal test using the weight of a strand of hair as the measurement reading revealed that heated substrates and wet and heated substrates were more effective for sebum removal than unheated dry substrates ([Fig. 5C], Table 1). Tests applying a stream of air heated to temperatures below 40°C, below 45°C, or below 50°C for 5 min. revealed that a minimum temperature threshold of approximately 40°C may be suitable for sebum removal ([Fig. 5D]).In addition, an in vitro migration distance test evaluating the movement of oils along a surface following the application of a heated or unheated airflow for prolonged periods revealed that the heated airflow (35°C) moved the oils along. from the surface at a much greater distance than the unheated airflow (5 °C) ([Fig. 5E]), which is consistent with the greater ability of the heated airflow to reduce sebum viscosity. This association was also observed in a removal efficiency test ([Fig. 5F]). A high-friction test, in which nonwoven substrates were in contact with hair samples for varying periods, revealed that sebum was transferred from the hair sample to the substrates over time, with decreasing efficiencies observed in the range of approximately 2 min to 5 min of contact time.

[0101] After identifying effective parameter sets for sebum removal, a prototype device design was developed. A bottom view of an example of a subject sebum removal device is shown in [Fig. 3A]; in the orientation shown, the air vents 8f and 8e face the observer, so that a heated airflow passing through the air vents 8f and 8e would move in the general direction towards the observer. A device 8 includes a head 8g attached to a handle 8h. An air duct within the handle 8h is fluidically connected to an air duct within the head 8g. As an airflow moves through the air duct in the handle 8h, it can pass through the air duct in the head 8g and exit through the air vents 8f and 8e.As the airflow exits the air vents 8f and 8e, it comes into contact with the curved portions 8d and 8c of the head and adheres to them via a Coanda effect formed by the curved portions 8d and 8c of the head. In the embodiment shown, the curved portions 8d and 8c of the head converge at an edge 8b that extends along a length of the head 8g. The curved portions 8d and 8c of the head may include solid surfaces for the adhesion of a substrate 8j to them, as shown in [Fig. 3B]. The device 8 can be provided or configured for use with any of a number of substrates 8i for sebum removal. As shown in [Fig.[3C], with the substrate attached to an example device 9, the heated airflow including 9b and 9c moves from the head 9a of the device 9 along the curved portions of the device 9, with the substrate on it, and comes into contact with the hair and scalp of a subject 9d for the waterless removal of sebum. When the substrate comes into contact with the scalp and the heated airflow warms and softens the sebum, the latter can be more easily wiped away, absorbed, or otherwise transferred from the scalp to the substrate. In this way, sebum can be effectively removed from the subject 9d without the use of water, detergents or soap, or baths.

[0102] Various aspects of disclosure can bring a variety of benefits. For example, in [Fig. 3D], an illustration 10 of a subject is shown before 10a and after 10b the use of a disclosure sebum removal device. Due to the removal of sebum, the subject's hair may exhibit more Hair may appear lighter and more voluminous due to the reduction in mass caused by sebum removal. For example, the subject's hair may have more bounce or volume. These and other disclosure results may correspond to high levels of consumer satisfaction and a high likelihood of water reuse and conservation.

[0103] Considering the characteristics of an example of a device kit 11, as shown in [Fig. 4A], the device kit 11 may include a device linked with curved portions configured to receive a substrate 11b on them. In some embodiments, the substrate 11b is one of a plurality of substrates 11c, containing identical, similar, dissimilar, or different characteristics among the substrates of the plurality of substrates 11. For example, as they are used, the substrates 11 may become soiled and be replaced with new substrates. Another example of a device kit 12 is shown in [Fig. 4B] and includes a device 12a and a scented component 12b, which may include an independent fragrance or pre-scented substrates, for example.The use of a scented substrate with device 12a can result in the transfer of fragrance from the substrate to the subject's hair or scalp, providing a fragrant aesthetic touch. While scented substrates may be supplied with a fragrance composition infused into the substrate, this is only one example of an infused substrate; another example includes a substrate infused with a sebum-removing composition. Examples of sebum-removing compositions might include, for example, a retinoid, an exfoliant such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, an oil, a diluent, a carrier, a salt, a buffer component for pH control, or any combination thereof.

[0104] In various embodiments, a composition may be infused into a non-woven substrate, and the infused substrate may be dried or dehydrated, for example, for packaging or offering for sale, and supplied to a user in a dry state. The user may then re-moisten the infused substrate before use, so that the components of the composition are solubilized and active in water. However, in other embodiments, a substrate may be supplied to a user in a dry state, optionally in combination with a composition, which the user may then infuse into the substrate before using the substrate.As will be understood by those skilled in the art, these and other relatively minor uses of water with aspects of disclosure do not call into question the use of the expression "water-free" as used here, which generally refers to aspects that can be implemented without a significant or substantial amount of water, as is otherwise customary in processes with soap or detergent baths.

[0105] A perspective view of an example of a waterless sebum removal device is shown in [Fig. 4C], with other configurations and views of the example device shown in Figures 4D, 4E, 4F, and 4G. In the embodiment shown, a waterless sebum removal device 13 for a subject includes a handle 13a and a head 13b which includes a substrate base 13c and a substrate base attachment 13b for attaching a substrate to the substrate base 13c. In the embodiment shown, the substrate base 13c also has curved portions designed to produce a Coanda effect on an airflow, such that the airflow is shaped into an arc by the Coanda effect and bends the hair towards the curved portions during use.In some embodiments, the handle 13a includes a dorsal part 13g, a ventral part 13h, a left part 13i and a right part 13j which together form a housing for the handle which includes an air duct 13d inside. In some embodiments, the air duct 13d of the handle is fluidically connected to an air duct 13n of the head, as shown in [Fig. 4E], so that air flows from the air duct 13d of the handle into the air duct 13n of the head and exits through air vents 13k of the head, where the airflow comes into contact with curved portions 13m of the substrate base to generate the Coanda effect. As shown in [Fig.4D], in some embodiments, the substrate base 13c is detachable from the head 13b of the device 13 by bending and retraction of the substrate base 13c from the substrate base fixing element 131.This configuration can be used to clean or repair the device 13, remove a used substrate from the substrate base 13c, or attach a new substrate to the substrate base 13c, for example. A nonwoven substrate can be attached to the substrate base 13c by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, an adhesive backing, an adhesive substance, a button, a clasp, a snap fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a magnet, and any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, the substrate can be attached to the substrate base 13c, at least partially, by pressure or friction adjustment due to the attachment of the substrate base fastener 131 to the substrate base 13c; in such embodiments, the substrate can be fixed between the substrate base fastener 131 and the substrate base 13c and held in place by these elements.However, other attachment mechanisms for securing the substrate to the substrate base 13c can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0106] As shown in [Fig. 4G], in at least some embodiments, a substrate base 13c comprises a plurality of channels 13p, formed by a plurality of edges 13o, configured to guide an airflow (curved arrows) over curved portions of the substrate base 13c and through the channels 13p. The configuration shown forms a comb for the device, configured to come into contact with The scalp is used for the removal of sebum from the subject. In this embodiment and other embodiments in which a non-woven substrate is attached to the substrate base 13c, the curvature of the airflow around the substrate, which follows the shape of the curved portions of the substrate base 13c, bends the subject's hair and increases contact between the hair and scalp and the substrate. This helps to absorb sebum and oil from the hair and scalp for waterless cleansing.

[0107] In various aspects, the disclosure proposes waterless sebum removal processes that rely at least in part on heating the sebum with a stream of heated air to reduce the viscosity of the sebum and remove the sebum from the hair. In various aspects, a process can be performed by a user, or by instructing a user to perform the process (for example, by providing the user with instructions to guide them in using a device, carrying out a process, or the like).

[0108] Sebum removal can be facilitated by the use of a substrate, which may or may not be heated, and which may be dry or moist. As shown in [Fig. 7A], a waterless sebum removal process 26a includes, in step 26b, generating a heated airflow configured to soften the sebum; in step 26c, bringing the hair and / or scalp into contact with the heated airflow; in step 26d, providing a substrate to capture the sebum; in step 26e (optional), heating the substrate; and in step 26f, bringing the hair and / or scalp into contact with the substrate or the heated substrate, as appropriate. As shown in [Fig.[7B], a 26g waterless sebum removal process with concrete application of the Coanda effect includes, in step 26h, the generation of a heated airflow with a Coanda effect that is configured to soften sebum; in step 26i, contacting the hair and / or scalp with the heated airflow having the Coanda effect; in step 26j, providing a substrate configured to capture sebum; in step 26k (optional), heating the substrate; and in step 261, contacting the hair and / or scalp with the substrate or the heated substrate, as appropriate. PAINTINGS

[0109] [Table 1]

[0110] Table 1. Test data concerning the removal of oil from a strand of hair in vitro using a waterless device (see also [Fig.5C]). Sebum Removal Step Description Hair Strand Weight (g) N / A Original Hair Strand Weight 8.45 N / A Hair Strand with Oil 8.75 1 Cold airflow with dry substrate 8.68 2 Heated airflow with dry substrate 8.53 3 Heated airflow with wet substrate 8.49 NON-EXHAUSTIVE METHODS

[0111] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown, and specific features of the disclosure are presented in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as forming part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0112] Embodiment 1. A device for the waterless removal of sebum from a subject, the device comprising: a head comprising inside an air duct and hollow teeth fluidly connected to the air duct, in which the hollow teeth comprise tooth vents on it configured for the passage of a heated airflow from the air duct through the tooth vents; in which the heated airflow is configured to come into contact with, heat and soften the sebum on the portion of the scalp in order to facilitate the removal of the sebum from it.

[0113] Embodiment 2. Device according to Embodiment 1 or according to any other embodiment, further comprising: a handle with an air duct inside which is fluidly connected to the air duct of the head; wherein the passage of an airflow, or the heated airflow, from the air duct of the handle to the air duct of the head causes the heated airflow to pass through the air vent of the head.

[0114] Embodiment 3. Device according to any one of Embodiments 1-2 or according to any other embodiment, further comprising: an air blower disposed within the device and configured to generate an airflow within the device and a heating element disposed within the device and configured to heat the airflow to produce the heated airflow.

[0115] Embodiment 4. Device according to Embodiment 3 or according to any other embodiment, in which the air blower includes a motor functionally connected to a fan so that the operation of the motor causes a rotational movement of the fan.

[0116] Embodiment 5. Device according to any one of embodiments 3 to 4 or according to any other embodiment, wherein the heating element comprises a resistance unit functionally connected to a power source and is configured for a heating process enabling the production of heated airflow.

[0117] Embodiment 6. Device according to Embodiment 5 or any other embodiment, wherein the heating process is configured to heat the airflow above a minimum temperature threshold to soften sebum and below a maximum temperature threshold to protect hair from heat damage.

[0118] Embodiment 7. Device according to Embodiment 6 or any other embodiment, wherein the minimum temperature threshold is approximately 40 °C at a hair position during use of the device.

[0119] Embodiment 8. Device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7 or according to any other embodiment, further comprising a thermal sensor, positioned within the heated airflow to measure the temperature of the heated airflow, which is functionally connected to the control circuitry of the device for controlling the heating process on the basis of a temperature measured from the thermal sensor, the minimum temperature threshold and the maximum temperature threshold.

[0120] Embodiment 9. Device according to Embodiment 8 or any other embodiment, wherein the thermal sensor comprises a capacitive temperature sensor or a dielectric resonator-based sensor configured for temperature measurement.

[0121] Embodiment 10. Device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9 or any other embodiment, further comprising pressure sensors, positioned on the hollow teeth, configured to detect contact with the individual's scalp.

[0122] Embodiment 11. Device according to embodiment 10 or any other embodiment, wherein, in the absence of contact detection by the pressure sensors, the device is configured for a process of removing sebum from the fibers, and wherein, with contact detection by the pressure sensors, the device is configured for a process of removing sebum from the scalp.

[0123] Embodiment 12. Device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11 or any other embodiment, wherein a passage of the heated airflow through the hollow teeth concentrates the heated airflow within a radius reduced compared to a radius of the head of the device, so that a velocity of movement of the heated airflow is increased by a Bernoulli effect.

[0124] Embodiment 13. Device according to embodiment 12 or any other embodiment, wherein the passage of the heated airflow through at least Two tooth vents concentrate the heated airflow within the tooth vents, so that at least two velocities of movement of the heated airflow are modified through the Bernoulli effect.

[0125] Embodiment 14. Device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or any other embodiment, further comprising an absorbent substrate, positioned on the head, which is configured to come into contact with a portion of the subject's hair or scalp and absorb the sebum during use.

[0126] Embodiment 15. Device according to Embodiment 14 or any other embodiment, wherein the device is configured to heat the absorbent substrate, so that the sebum is heated when in contact with a heated absorbent substrate to reduce viscosity and facilitate the removal of sebum.

[0127] Embodiment 16. Device according to any one of embodiments 13 to 15 or any other embodiment, wherein the velocities of the heated airflow are increased by means of the Bernoulli effect, so that the increased airflow displaces the sebum from the portion of the individual's scalp.

[0128] Embodiment 17. Device according to any one of embodiments 13 to 16 or any other embodiment, wherein the device comprises four rows of hollow teeth configured to massage the portion of the subject's scalp during use.

[0129] Embodiment 18. Device according to any one of embodiments 14 to 17 or any other embodiment, wherein the absorbent substrate can be removably attached to the curved portions of the head.

[0130] Embodiment 19. Device according to any one of Embodiments 14 to 18 or according to any other embodiment, in which the absorbent substrate can be removably attached with a support or adhesive composition(s).

[0131] Embodiment 20. Device according to any one of Embodiments 14 to 19 or according to any other embodiment, wherein the absorbent substrate can be attached removably with a fastening mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a button, a clasp, a snap fastener, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a magnet and any combination thereof.

[0132] Embodiment 21. Device according to any one of embodiments 14 to 20 or according to any other embodiment, in which the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0133] Embodiment 22. Device according to Embodiment 21 or any other embodiment, wherein the composition is a sebum-eliminating composition, a perfumed composition, or both.

[0134] Embodiment 23. Necessary comprising: the device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22 or according to any other embodiment and instructions for use to guide the use of the device in a waterless sebum removal process of a subject.

[0135] Embodiment 24. Required according to embodiment 23 or any other embodiment, further comprising an absorbent substrate, configured to be positioned on curved portions of the head of the device, to come into contact with the hair and / or scalp of the subject and to absorb sebum from the hair and / or scalp during use.

[0136] Embodiment 25. Necessary according to Embodiment 24 or any other embodiment, in which the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0137] Embodiment 26. Necessary according to Embodiment 25 or any other embodiment, wherein the composition is a sebum-eliminating composition, a perfumed composition, or both.

[0138] Embodiment 27. Necessary comprising: an absorbent substrate, configured to be positioned on curved portions of a head of a waterless sebum removal device; and instructions for use to guide the use of the absorbent substrate, the device, or both in a waterless sebum removal process of a subject; wherein the device comprises a head comprising internally an air duct and hollow teeth fluidly connected to the air duct.

[0139] Embodiment 28. Required according to Embodiment 27 or any other embodiment, wherein the absorbent substrate can be removably attached to curved portions of the device head with a support or adhesive composition(s).

[0140] Embodiment 29. Necessary according to any one of Embodiments 27 to 28 or according to any other embodiment, in which the absorbent substrate is infused with a composition.

[0141] Embodiment 30. Necessary according to Embodiment 29 or any other embodiment, wherein the composition is a sebum-eliminating composition, a perfumed composition, or both.

[0142] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it should be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (29) for the waterless removal of sebum from a subject, the device comprising: - a head (29a) comprising internally an air duct and hollow teeth (29b) fluidly connected to the air duct, in which the hollow teeth comprise tooth vents (29d) on them configured for the passage of a heated airflow from the air duct through the tooth vents; - in which the heated airflow is configured to come into contact with, heat and soften the sebum on the portion of the scalp in order to facilitate the removal of the sebum from it.

2. Device (29) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a handle having inside an air duct which is fluidly connected to the air duct of the head; - wherein the passage of an airflow, or the heated airflow, from the air duct of the handle to the air duct of the head causes the heated airflow to pass through the air vent of the head.

3. Device (29) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: - an air blower disposed within the device and configured to generate an airflow within the device; and - a heating element disposed within the device, the heating element comprising a resistance unit functionally connected to a power source and configured for an airflow heating process to produce the heated airflow.

4. Device (29) according to claim 3, wherein the heating process is configured to heat the airflow above a minimum temperature threshold to soften sebum and below a maximum temperature threshold to protect hair from heat damage.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the minimum temperature threshold is about 40 °C at a hair position during use of the device.

6. Device (29) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, further comprising a thermal sensor, positioned within the heated airflow for measuring the temperature of the heated airflow, which is functionally connected to a device control circuitry for controlling the heating process based on a measured temperature from the thermal sensor, the minimum temperature threshold and the maximum temperature threshold.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the thermal sensor comprises a capacitive temperature sensor or a dielectric resonator-based sensor configured for temperature measurement.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the passage of the heated airflow through the hollow teeth concentrates the heated airflow into a radius reduced compared to a radius of the head of the device, so that a velocity of movement of the heated airflow is increased by a Bernoulli effect.

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