HAIR DRYER AND HAIR REVITALIZATION PROCESS

Abstract

HAIR DRYER AND HAIR REVITALIZATION METHOD This application relates to a hair dryer (1000) comprising: - a main body (1), - a nozzle assembly (2) attached to the main body (1), - a gel container (3) attached to the nozzle assembly (2), and - a solid gel in the gel container (3), comprising a volatile oil having a flash point of 150°C or less, and wherein the gel container (3) includes a multitude of holes such that air passes through the solid gel in the gel container (3) via the holes. The present invention also relates to a hair revitalization method. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: HAIR DRYER AND HAIR REVITALIZATION METHOD FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to a hair dryer and a hair revitalization method. CONTEXT

[0002] The statements contained in this section merely provide background information related to this application and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Hair dryers are widely used by individuals who wish to style their hair quickly and efficiently on a daily basis. However, excessive use of hair dryers can damage hair. To avoid damaging their hair, individuals may first apply a hair oil by rubbing it into their hair, comb the hair evenly, and then dry it with a hair dryer. This traditional method of applying hair oil for protection has some drawbacks. For example, individuals' hands may become greasy, and personal belongings and clothing may be contaminated by the hair oil. Hair care can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of effort.

[0004] Recently, a hair dryer with a hair care function or hair care device has appeared on the market. However, it has been observed that the oil or other ingredients in the hair dryer are not sufficiently expelled by the airflow, so the oil or other ingredients are distributed rather slowly, which negatively affects the customer experience.

[0005] It should be noted that there is always a need for a hair dryer that can provide measurable effectiveness in hair care. There is also a need for a hair conditioning process for individuals in their daily lives that can provide measurable effectiveness in hair care. SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a hair revitalizing hair dryer which can provide measurable hair care effectiveness.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a hair revitalization process which can provide measurable hair care effectiveness.

[0008] Thus, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a hair dryer, in which the hair dryer comprises:

[0009] - a main body,

[0010] - a nozzle assembly attached to the main body,

[0011] - a gel container attached to the nozzle assembly, and

[0012] - a solid gel in the gel container, comprising a volatile oil with a point flash at 150°C or less

[0013] wherein the gel container includes a multitude of holes so that air passes through the solid gel in the gel container via the holes.

[0014] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a hair revitalization method, in which the method comprises the application of at least one volatile oil in a solid gel to the hair with the hair dryer according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the solid gel comprises at least one volatile oil with a flash point of 150 C or less.

[0015] Thanks to the hair dryer and the hair conditioning process according to this application, the solid gel is evenly distributed throughout the nozzle assembly, ensuring that the volatile oil is delivered to the hair during the drying process. The solid gel, comprising hair care ingredients with relatively good volatility, provides superior hair care efficacy. At the same time, the design of the nozzle assembly or gel container ensures a large contact surface between the solid gel and the air volume. Furthermore, a significant difference in the friction force of the hair against the artificial skin was observed during in vitro evaluations.

[0016] Other areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided here. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0017] Alternatively:

[0018] - the nozzle assembly includes an internal cylinder, and two or more guide bosses extend radially inwards from the inner cylinder, and the gel container includes two or more guide grooves formed on its outer peripheral surface, and the gel container is assembled into the nozzle assembly by sliding the gel container into the inner cylinder using the guide bosses and guide grooves, preferably the axial distance between the guide bosses and the nozzle bottom of the nozzle assembly is the same as or slightly greater than the axial length of the gel container;

[0019] - the gel container includes a left-hand container half and a left-hand container half containing right-hand sides that are clicked together, in which each half of left container and half of right container includes a bottom, and holes are formed in the bottom so as to allow the passage of air, preferably a short cylinder and an outer cylinder extend axially from each bottom, and radii connect the short cylinder to the outer cylinder so as to form the holes between them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] The drawings described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way.

[0021] [Fig.1] Fig.1 schematically shows a perspective view of a hair dryer including a gel container according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the hair dryer is ready for use.

[0022] [Fig.2] Fig.2 shows an exploded view of the hair dryer including a container of gel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Fig.3] Fig.3 shows a front view of the hair dryer according to a mode of implementation of the present invention, in which a main body of the hair dryer is omitted.

[0024] [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] shows a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly and the container of hair dryer gel along line AA on [Fig.3] according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the solid gel is omitted so as to show more clearly the structure of the gel container.

[0025] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows a perspective view of the dryer nozzle assembly. hair according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 shows another perspective view from a different angle of the hair dryer nozzle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Fig. 7] [Fig. 7] shows a perspective view of one half of the left container of the gel container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Fig.8] Fig.8 shows a perspective view of one right half of the container of the gel container according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is purely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present application, its application or its uses.

[0030] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to implement the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present inventions are different from each other, but do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive.

[0031] With regard to the terms used in the present invention, general terms that are currently and widely used are chosen taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, the meaning of the terms may be modified according to the intention of a person skilled in the art, legal precedent, the emergence of new technology, and the like. Furthermore, in some cases, a term may be chosen at the applicant's discretion. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the corresponding section of the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings and complete descriptions provided herein, and not limited to simply the names of the terms.

[0032] In the present application, when a certain part "includes" certain elements, unless explicitly stated otherwise, this means that other elements may also be included, but not excluded.

[0033] In what follows and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of a range of values ​​are included in that range, in particular in the expressions "between...and..." and "from...to...".

[0034] The articles “a” and “an”, as used herein, mean one or more when applied to any particular feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and the claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limitation is specifically stated. Furthermore, the expression “at least one” used in this description is equivalent to the expression “one or more”.

[0035] Throughout this application, the term "comprising" shall be interpreted as encompassing all the specifically mentioned features as well as optional, additional, unspecified features. As used herein, the use of the term "comprising" also discloses the embodiment in which no material features or even any features other than the specifically mentioned features are present (such as "essentially consisting of" or "consisting of"). In the case of "essentially consisting of," any additional composition, material, and / or component that materially affects the fundamental and new features is excluded from such an embodiment, but any composition, material, and / or component that does not materially affect the fundamental and new features may be included in the embodiment.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, all numerical values ​​expressing a quantity of ingredients and other substances used in the description and claims shall be understood as being modified by the term "approximately". Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical values ​​and parameters described herein are approximate values ​​that may be modified according to the desired performance obtained as required. The term "approximately" referring to a certain value is intended to denote a range to within ±5% of the value, for example: within ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, and ±0.5% of the value. hair dryer

[0037] A hair dryer according to the present invention and a method of revitalizing hair using the hair dryer will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0038] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a hair dryer 1000 including a gel container 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the hair dryer 1000 is ready for use. The hair dryer 1000 is equipped with a hair care function. In one embodiment, the hair dryer 1000 comprises a main body 1, in which a motor, a fan, optionally a heating element, etc., are housed. In one embodiment, the main body 1 is configured to produce outgoing air so as to dry or style the hair. The hair dryer 1000 further includes a nozzle assembly 2 which must be attached to the main body 1. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 2 is arranged on one side of the main body 1. In the embodiment as shown in [Fig. 1], the nozzle assembly 2 is arranged on the left side of the main body 1.It should be noted that the nozzle assembly 2 can also be arranged inside the main body 1.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the hair dryer 1000 including the gel container 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the gel container 3 includes a left container half 32 and a right container half 31. A solid gel 33 is held within the gel container 3. During use, the gel container 3 is attached to the nozzle assembly 2, and the nozzle assembly 2 is attached to the main body 1. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 2 can be snapped onto the main body 1. In another embodiment, the gel container 3 can be attached to the nozzle assembly 2 by means of a snap-fit, one or more fasteners, a magnetic connection, a threaded fitting, etc. Similarly, the nozzle assembly 2 can be attached to the main body 1 by means of a snap-fit, or one or more fasteners, or a magnetic link, or a threaded fitting, etc.In the embodiment as shown in [Fig.2], the nozzle assembly 2 is cylindrical in shape, but the nozzle assembly 2 may have other shapes, without departing from the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a front view of the hair dryer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the main body 1 of the hair dryer 1000 is omitted. In one embodiment, the gel container 3 is attached to the nozzle assembly 2 and positioned at the center of the nozzle assembly 2, as shown in Figure 3. In this way, most of the air can be blown through the gel container 3, and the air is formed at the center and exits the hair dryer along the central axis of the nozzle assembly 2.

[0041] [Fig.4] shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 2 and the gel container 3 of the hair dryer 1000 along line AA of [Fig.3] according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the gel 33 is omitted so as to show more clearly the structure of the gel container 3. As shown in [Fig.4], the gel container 3 is attached to the nozzle assembly 2, and the unshown gel 33 is sandwiched between the left container half 32 and the right container half 31, preferably sandwiched between a left bottom 320 of the left container half 32 and a right bottom 310 of the right container half 31.

[0042] As schematically shown in [Fig. 4], the nozzle assembly 2 includes a nozzle base 21 formed in the cylinder. The nozzle base includes numerous holes passing through it, so that the air produced by the hair dryer will pass through the nozzle assembly via the holes in the nozzle base 21. As schematically shown in Figures 4 and 6, the nozzle assembly 2 includes a collar 22 extending axially from the nozzle base 21 of the nozzle assembly 2, and there are openings 23 formed on the collar 22 to receive corresponding bosses on the main body 1, so that the nozzle assembly 2 can be snapped onto the main body 1. It should be noted that the nozzle assembly 2 can also be connected to the main body 1 by other means, such as a threaded fitting, a magnetic connection, one or more fasteners, and the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the gel container 3 includes a multitude of holes so that the air produced by the hair dryer will pass through the gel 33 in the gel container 3 via the holes.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the nozzle assembly 2 of the hair dryer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows another perspective view from a different angle of the nozzle assembly 2 of the hair dryer 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the nozzle assembly 2 includes at least one inner cylinder 24 extending axially from a nozzle base 21. In one example, the nozzle assembly 2 further includes a middle cylinder 26 and an outer cylinder 27 that are coaxial with the inner cylinder 24. In one embodiment, the nozzle base 21 of the nozzle assembly 2 includes a central ring 213 that has a diameter greater smaller than that of the inner cylinder 24. The nozzle base 21 has a multitude of spokes 211 connecting the central ring 213 to the outer cylinder 27 so as to form holes 212 between them, as shown in [Fig. 3]. In one example, the nozzle base 21 has a reinforcing ring 216 that has a larger diameter than the central ring 213, and the multitude of spokes 211 also connect the central ring 213 to the reinforcing ring 216 so as to form holes 215 between them, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The central ring 213 defines a central hole 214 in it, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The holes 212, 215 and the central hole 214 can be used for the air produced by the hair dryer that passes through them.

[0045] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 2 is formed from a single piece, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In another embodiment not shown, the nozzle assembly 2 can be formed from several pieces which are connected or assembled together.

[0046] In one embodiment, the inner cylinder 24 of the nozzle assembly 2 is configured to receive the gel container 3. In other words, the inner cylinder 24 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the gel container 3.

[0047] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the left half of container 32 of the gel container 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the right half of the container 31 of the gel container 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should also be noted that the gel container 3 may comprise a single piece or be formed from a single piece. For example, the gel container 3 may comprise only the left half of the container 32. The right half of the container 31 may be omitted, or may be integrated into the nozzle assembly 2.

[0048] In one embodiment, the gel container 3 includes a left container half 32 and a right container half 31 that are snapped together at an open end, wherein each of the left container half 32 and the right container half 31 includes a bottom (such as a left bottom 320 and a right bottom 310, respectively), and holes are formed in the bottom so that air can pass through. As shown in [Fig. 4], in one embodiment, the left container half 32 includes a left bottom 320. As shown in [Fig. 7], a short cylinder 321 and an outer cylinder 323 extend axially from the left bottom 320, and radii 322 connect the short cylinder 321 to the outer cylinder 323 so as to form holes 327 between them. There is also a central hole 328 formed within the short cylinder 321.Holes 327 and the central hole 328 can be used for the air produced by the hair dryer that passes through.

[0049] As shown in [Fig. 7], in one embodiment, two or more guide grooves 326 are formed in an external peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 323. In one embodiment, the inner cylinder 24 of the nozzle assembly 2 includes a corresponding number of guide bosses 25 extending radially inward from its inner peripheral surface, as shown in [Fig. 5]. When the gel container 3 holding the gel 33 inside is inserted into the nozzle assembly 2, the gel container 3 slides within the inner cylinder 24 of the nozzle assembly 2 by means of the guide bosses 25 sliding along the guide grooves 326. In the embodiment, the axial distance between the guide bosses 25 and the nozzle bottom 21 of the nozzle assembly 2 is the same as, or slightly greater than, the axial length of the gel container 3, as shown in [Fig. 4].After the guide bosses 25 pass the guide grooves 326, the user can rotate the gel container 3 clockwise or counterclockwise so that the gel container 3 can be locked into the nozzle assembly 2. The guide bosses 25 can then be used as stops to prevent the gel container 3 from accidentally separating from the nozzle assembly 2. In one example, the guide bosses 25 can also be used as a locking mechanism to secure the gel container 3 in position within the nozzle assembly 2. It should also be noted that there are other means of detachably attaching the gel container 3 to the nozzle assembly 2, such as a threaded connection, a magnetic link, a snap-fit ​​connection, and the like.

[0050] In an embodiment as shown in [Fig. 8], the right container half 31 includes a right end 310. The right container half 31 has essentially the same structure as a left container half 32, and the right end 310 has essentially the same structure as a left end 320. The right container half 31 further includes a short cylinder 311 and an external cylinder 313 extending axially from the right end 310. The external cylinder 313 has the same outside diameter as that of the external cylinder 323 of the left container half 32. In one embodiment, two or more guide grooves 316 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the external cylinder 313.

[0051] In an embodiment as shown in [Fig.7], the left container half 32 further includes a stop collar 324 which has an outside diameter smaller than that of the external cylinder 323. In one embodiment, two or more projections 325 extend radially outwards from the external peripheral surface of the stop collar 324.

[0052] In an embodiment as shown in [Fig. 8], a thin-walled cylinder 314 is formed at the free end of the outer cylinder 313, and a corresponding number of openings 315 are formed on the thin-walled cylinder 314. The gel container 3 can be closed by sliding the right container half 31 onto the left container half 32 using the snap-fit ​​of two or more projections 325 within the openings 315. When the gel container 3 is closed, the guide grooves 316 are aligned with the guide grooves 326, so that the guide bosses 25 can slide along these guide grooves 316 and 326.

[0053] In an embodiment as shown in [Fig. 8], the spokes 312 connect the short cylinder 311 to the outer cylinder 313 so as to form holes 317 between them. There is also a central hole 318 formed within the short cylinder 311. The holes 317 and the central hole 318 can be used for the air produced by the hairdryer to pass through. When the gel container 3 is closed, the short cylinder 311 of the right half of the container 31 is opposite the short cylinder 321 of the left half of the container 32, and the gel 33 is sandwiched between the short cylinder 311 and the short cylinder 321.In one embodiment, the gel 33 has a diameter that is small enough to be accommodated within the gel container 3, and the diameter of the gel 33 is larger than the outside diameters of the short cylinders 311, 321 so that it can be compressed or fixed by the short cylinders 311, 321 when the gel container 3 is closed, and thus the gel 33 will not move within the gel container 3 and will not fall out of the gel container 3.

[0054] In one embodiment, the spokes 312, 322 are equally spaced along the circumference of the short cylinders 311, 321. In a preferred embodiment, when the gel container 3 is closed, the spokes 312, 322 are aligned with each other in the axial direction. In other words, when the gel container 3 is closed, the holes 317, 327 between the spokes 311, 321 are also aligned with each other in the axial direction, so that air can easily pass through the gel 33 between the right half of the container 31 and the left half of the container 32 to be blown onto the hair. In this way, the solid gel is evenly distributed throughout the nozzle assembly, ensuring that the formula is delivered evenly and quickly to the hair during the drying process.Furthermore, the left base 320 and the right base 310 of the Gel 3 container are designed with spokes, meaning there are large areas (i.e., numerous holes between the spokes) for air to pass through the gel, thus providing a large contact area between the solid gel and the air. In addition, the Gel 3 container is detachable. In other words, the Gel 3 container is refillable, making it environmentally friendly.

[0055] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 2 is made of a heat-resistant material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyamide imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyether imide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon 46, polysulfone (PSU), polyether sulfone (PES), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc. For example, gel container 3 can also be made from a heat-resistant material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyamide imide (PAI), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polyether imide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon 46, polysulfone (PSU), polyether sulfone (PES), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc. Hair revitalization process

[0056] The process according to the present invention can be carried out with a hair dryer, in particular the hair dryer according to the present invention.

[0057] According to the second aspect, the solid gel comprises at least one volatile oil with a flash point of 150 °C or less.

[0058] Preferably, at least one volatile oil has a flash point at 100°C or less, more preferably at 80°C or less.

[0059] More preferably still, the at least one volatile oil has a flash point in a range of about 40 C to about 60 C.

[0060] As used here, the expression "solid gel" refers to a non-liquid substance with elasticity formed by the increase in viscosity of a polymer solution or a sol, which could be transported in the container. Volatile oils

[0061] The term "volatile oil" is intended to designate an oil that can evaporate upon contact with the skin in less than one hour, at room temperature (20 °C) and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). Preferably, a volatile oil has an evaporation rate in the range of 0.01 to 200 mg / cm² / min.

[0062] More preferably, the volatile oil is chosen from volatile hydrocarbon oils, volatile silicone oils, volatile ester oils, and their combinations.

[0063] Non-limiting examples of suitable volatile hydrocarbon oils include volatile hydrocarbon oils having 8 to 16 carbon atoms and, in particular, C8-C16 branched alkanes such as C8-C16 isoalkanes (also known as isoparaffins), isododecane, isodecane, isohexadecane, and, for example, oils sold under the trade names ISOPAR or PERMETHYL. In some cases, volatile hydrocarbon-based oils have a flash point of at least 40 °C.

[0064] Volatile silicone oils can be linear or cyclic, having a viscosity, at room temperature, less than or equal to 6 mm2 / s, and having from 2 to 7 silicon atoms, optionally substituted by alkyl or alkoxy groups of 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0065] Non-limiting examples of volatile ester oils include C2-C4 alkyl acetates such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, C2-C4 alkyl myristates such as isopropyl myristate, C2-C4 alkyl isostearates such as isopropyl isostearate, and combinations thereof.

[0066] More preferably, the volatile oil is chosen from dimethiconol, C2-C4 alkyl myristates, C2-C4 alkyl isostearates, and their combination.

[0067] Advantageously, the volatile oil is present in the solid gel in an amount ranging from 0.5% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably from 1% by weight to 25% by weight, and more preferably from 1.5% by weight to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel. Mineral salts

[0068] Preferably, the solid gel further comprises a mineral salt.

[0069] Preferably, the mineral salt is chosen from among mineral salts comprising an ion metallic Mn+ chosen from Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+.

[0070] More preferably, the mineral salt is chosen from calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium carbonate and calcium hydrogen carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium nitrate, sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate, lithium chloride, lithium sulfate, lithium nitrate, lithium carbonate and lithium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydrogen carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] More preferably, the mineral salt is chosen from potassium chloride, sodium chloride and their combinations.

[0072] Advantageously, the mineral salt is present in the solid gel in an amount ranging from 0.05% by weight to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.1% by weight to 3% by weight, more preferably from 0.2% by weight to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel. Gelling agents

[0073] Preferably, the solid gel further comprises a gelling agent.

[0074] Preferably, the gelling agent is chosen from among hydrophilic gelling agents.

[0075] Hydrophilic gelling agents that may be cited in particular include water-soluble or water-dispersible thickening polymers.

[0076] Preferably, the gelling agent is chosen from:

[0077] - modified or unmodified carboxyvinyl polymers;

[0078] - poly(meth)acrylates;

[0079] - polyacrylamides;

[0080] - optionally 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid polymers cross-linked and / or neutralized;

[0081] - polysaccharides, and

[0082] - their mixtures.

[0083] More preferably, the gelling agent is chosen from among the polysaccharides.

[0084] Examples of polysaccharides include fructans, gellans, glucans, amylose, amylopectin, glycogen, pullulan, dextran, celluloses and their derivatives, in particular methylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, ethylhydroxyethylcelluloses and carboxymethylcelluloses, mannans, xylans, lignins, arabans, galactans, galacturonans, alginate-based compounds, chitin, chitosan, glucuronoxylans, arabinoxylans, xyloglucans, glucomannans, pectic acids and pectins, arabinogalactans, carrageenans, agar-agars, glycosaminoglucans, gum arabic, tragacanth gums, ghatti gums, karaya gums, locust bean gums, galactomannans such as guar gum and their non-ionic derivatives, in particular hydroxypropyl guar, and their ionic derivatives, biopolysaccharide gums of microbial origin, in particular scleroglucan or xanthan gums, mucopolysaccharides,and in particular chondroitin sulfates, and mixtures thereof.

[0085] More preferably, the gelling agent is chosen from carrageenans, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] Carrageenans can be type q, K, v, r, or X carrageenans, and mixtures thereof in any proportion. The carrageenans of the present invention can be used in acidic or salt form. Acceptable salts, which may be cited without limitation, include lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and ammonium salts, or salts obtained with an organic base counterion, such as a primary, secondary, or tertiary (C1-C6) alkylamine, in particular triethylamine or butylamine. This primary, secondary, or tertiary alkylamine may comprise one or more nitrogen and / or oxygen atoms and may thus include, for example, one or more alcohol functional groups; examples include 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, triethanolamine, and 2-dimethylaminopropanol. We can also mention lysine or 3-(dimethylamino)propylamine.These sulfated polysaccharides may also include a mixture of counterions from among those defined above in a non-limiting manner.

[0087] Preferably, the average molecular weight by weight of the carrageenans that are useful for the present invention is from 300 to 100,000,000 g / mol, more preferably from 10,000 to 10,000,000 g / mol.

[0088] The sulfur content (counted as SO42) of carrageenans is preferably between 5% and 40% (calculated on a weight basis relative to the total weight of the carrageenan), more preferably between 7% and 25%, and even more preferably between 15% and 20%.

[0089] Preferably, the carrageenans comprise predominantly the K-form, or are in K-form. The term "predominantly" means that the percentage of this type of chain in the product composition is greater than or equal to 50%, this proportion being possibly greater than or equal to 80% in certain embodiments. Such carrageenans may be those sold under the name CARRAGEENAN BLK1120 by the company BLG.

[0090] Xanthan gum is a heteropolysaccharide produced by the aerobic fermentation of the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Its structure consists of a main chain of [3-D-glucose [3(1,4)-linked, similar to cellulose. Every other glucose molecule carries a trisaccharide side chain composed of an α-D-mannose, a [3-D-glucuronic acid], and a terminal [3-D-mannose]. The internal mannose residue is generally acetylated at carbon 6. Approximately 30% of the terminal mannose residues bear a pyruvate group linked in chelated form between carbons 4 and 6. The charged glucuronic and pyruvic acids are ionizable and are therefore responsible for the anionic nature of xanthan gum (negative charge up to a pH of 1). These groups can be neutralized in commercial products with Na+, K+ or Ca2+ ions (Satia company, 1986). The neutralized form can be converted to the acidic form by ion exchange or by dialysis of an acidic solution.

[0091] Xanthan gums have a molecular weight between 1,000,000 g / mol and 50,000,000 g / mol and a viscosity between 0.6 and 1.65 Pa.s for an aqueous composition comprising 1% xanthan gum (measured at 25 °C on a Brookfield viscometer, type LVT, at 60 rpm).

[0092] Xanthan gums are represented, for example, by the products sold under the name Rhodicare by the company RHODIA CHIMIE, under the name SATIAXANE™ by Cargill Texturizing Solutions (for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries), under the name NOVAXAN™ by the company ADM and under the names Kelzan® and Keltrol® by the company CP-Kelco.

[0093] Advantageously, the gelling agent is present in the solid gel in an amount ranging from 0.5% by weight to 50% by weight, preferably from 1% by weight to 40% by weight, more preferably from 1.5% by weight to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel. Water

[0094] The composition of the present invention may further include water.

[0095] Advantageously, water is present in the composition of the present invention in an amount ranging from 50% by weight to 99% by weight, preferably from 55% by weight to 99% by weight, more preferably from 60% by weight to 99% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. Additional ingredients

[0096] The solid gel according to the present invention may comprise one or more additional ingredients, chosen from those classically used in hair revitalizing products.

[0097] The solid gel according to the present invention may comprise any of the following additives: pH correcting agents, biological extracts, perfumes, preservatives and chelating agents.

[0098] A person skilled in the art can adjust the type and quantity of additional ingredients present in the solid gel according to the present invention by means of routine operations, so that the desired properties of these compositions are not negatively affected by the additional ingredients.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the solid gel comprising, relative to the total weight of the solid gel:

[0100] of 1.5% by weight to 20% by weight of at least one volatile oil selected from dimethiconol, C2-C4 alkyl myristates, C2-C4 alkyl isostearates, and their combination;

[0101] of 0.2% by weight to 2% by weight of at least one mineral salt chosen from potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and their combinations;

[0102] of 1.5% by weight to 30% by weight of at least one gelling agent selected from carrageenans, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof; and

[0103] from 60% by weight to 99% by weight of water.

[0104] As described above, the solid gel is located in the gel container of the hair dryer according to the present invention. When the user switches on the hair dryer with the gel container facing the hair, air passes through the solid gel in the gel container via the holes in the gel container and carries the volatile oil onto the hair. EXAMPLES

[0105] The following examples are given by way of non-limiting illustrations of the present invention.

[0106] The main raw materials used, their trade names and suppliers are listed in Table 1, and the materials not specified here were all commercially available.

[0107] [Table 1]

[0108] Painting#! INCI name Trade name Supplier Kappa carageenan (Kappa carrageenan) CARRAGEENAN BLK1120 BLG Xanthan gum (Xanthan gum) KELTROL CG RHODICARE P / FCC LABSYNTH Dimethiconol (dim ethiconol) DOWSIL PMX-1505 FLUID DOW Alkane in C9-12 VEGELIGHT SILK 100 BIOSYNTHIS Comparative Example 1 and Inventive Examples 1 to 3

[0109]

[0110] [YES]

[0112]

[0113] The composition of Comparative Example (CE.) 1 and Inventive Examples (Ex.) 1 to 3 comprising the ingredients shown in Table 2 has been prepared, all quantities being expressed as percentages by weight of active materials relative to the total weight of each composition. [Table 2] Table #2 Components Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 EC. 1 Kappa Carrageenan 2 2 1.8 2 Xanthan Gum 1 1 0.8 1 Potassium Chloride 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Dimethiconol 2 0 0 0 Isopropyl Myristate 0 2 0 0 C9-12 Alkane 0 0 6 0 Isopropyl Isostearate 0 0 4.5 0 Water QSP100 QSP100 QSP100 QSP100 The composition of Inventive Examples 1 to 3 represents the solid gel used in the process of the present invention. The composition of Comparative Example 1 does not include volatile oil with a flash point of 150 C or less. Assessment Friction force

[0114] The compositions of Comparative Example 1 and Inventive Examples 1 to 3 were contained in hair dryers according to the present invention.

[0115] 6 strands of heavily damaged Chinese hair (22 cm*2.5 cm, 6 g) have The hairs were moistened with water. After wetting, it was ensured that each strand was covered with 4 g of water. During the tests, hair dryers containing one of the compositions from Comparative Example 1 and Inventive Examples 1 to 3, and a hair dryer without solid gel, were held at a distance of 15 cm and blown for 10 minutes. The friction force of the hair against artificial skin was then determined. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0116] [Table 3]

[0117] [Tables3] Virgin Frost-free Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 EC. 1 Average friction force (N) 2.69 2.03 2.07 1.74 2.57

[0118] Compared to the virgin composition (without gel), the solid gels of Inventive Examples 1 to 3 can significantly reduce the friction force from 2.69 N to 2.03 N, 2.07 N and 1.74 N, respectively, and thus deliver hair care efficacy.

[0119] Thanks to the hair dryer and the hair conditioning process according to this application, the solid gel is evenly distributed throughout the nozzle assembly, ensuring that the formula is delivered to the hair during the drying process. The solid gel of Inventive Examples 1 to 3 can provide superior hair care efficacy. At the same time, the design of the nozzle assembly or gel container ensures a large contact area between the solid gel and the air volume. Moreover, the nozzle assembly or gel container according to this application is refillable, making it environmentally friendly.

[0120] Aspects of this application have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to them without departing from the scope of this application. This application is not limited to the specific construction and compositions disclosed herein; all modifications, changes, and variations arising from the preceding descriptions fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, these concepts expressly include all combinations and subcombinations of the foregoing elements and features. LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES

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[0157] 1 Main body 2 Nozzle assembly 3 Container 21 gel nozzle base 22 collar 23 opening 24 inner cylinder 25 guide boss 26 intermediate cylinder 27 outer cylinder 31 right container half 32 left container half 33 gel 211 radius 212 hole 213 center ring 214 center hole 215 hole 216 reinforcing ring 310 right base 311 short cylinder 312 radius 313 outer cylinder 314 thin-walled cylinder 315 opening 316 guide groove 317 hole 318 center hole 320 left base 321 short cylinder 322 radius 323 outer cylinder 324 stop collar 325 projection 326 guide groove 327 hole 328 center hole

[0158] 1000 hair dryers

Claims

Demands

1. Hair dryer (1000) comprising: - a main body (1), - a nozzle assembly (2) attached to the main body (1), - a gel container (3) attached to the nozzle assembly (2), and - a solid gel (33) in the gel container (3), comprising a volatile oil having a flash point of 150 C or less, wherein the gel container (3) includes a multitude of holes such that air passes through the solid gel (33) in the gel container (3) via the holes.

2. Hair dryer (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the gel container (3) is detachably attached to the nozzle assembly (2), preferably by a threaded fitting, one or more fasteners, a snap-on connection or a magnetic connection; and the nozzle assembly (2) is detachably attached to the hair dryer, preferably by a threaded fitting, one or more fasteners, a snap-on connection or a magnetic connection.

3. Hair dryer (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle assembly (2) includes an inner cylinder (24), and two or more guide bosses (25) extend radially inwards from the inner cylinder (24), and the gel container (3) includes two or more guide grooves (316, 326) formed on its outer peripheral surface, and the gel container (3) is assembled into the nozzle assembly (2) by sliding the gel container (3) into the inner cylinder (24) using the guide bosses (25) and the guide grooves (316, 326), preferably the axial distance between the guide bosses (25) and the nozzle bottom (21) of the nozzle assembly (2) is the same as or slightly greater than the axial length of the gel container (3).

4. A hair dryer (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gel container (3) includes a left container half (32) and a right container half (31) that are snapped together, wherein each of the left container half (32) and the right container half (31) includes a base (320, 310), and holes are formed in the base (320, 310) to permit the passage of air, preferably a short cylinder (311, 321) and an outer cylinder (313, 323) extend axially from each bottom (310, 320), and radii (312, 322) connect the short cylinder (311, 321) to the outer cylinder (313, 323) so as to form the holes between them.

5. Hair dryer (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nozzle assembly (2) is arranged on one side of the main body (1) or arranged inside the main body (1).

6. A hair revitalization method comprising applying at least one volatile oil in a solid gel to the hair with a hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the solid gel comprises at least one volatile oil with a flash point of 150°C or less.

7. A process according to claim 10, wherein the volatile oil is selected from volatile hydrocarbon oils, volatile silicone oils, volatile ester oils and combinations thereof, preferably the volatile oil is selected from dimethiconol, C2-C4 alkyl myristates, C2-C4 alkyl isostearates, and combinations thereof, preferably the volatile oil is present in the solid gel in an amount from 0.5% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably from 1% by weight to 25% by weight, more preferably from 1.5% by weight to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel.

8. A process according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the solid gel further comprises a mineral salt, preferably selected from mineral salts comprising a metal ion Mn+ selected from Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, more preferably, the mineral salt is selected from calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium carbonate and calcium hydrogen carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium nitrate, sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate, lithium chloride, lithium sulfate, lithium nitrate, lithium carbonate and lithium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydrogen carbonate, and mixtures thereof,preferably in an amount ranging from 0.05% by weight to 5% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight, at 3% by weight, more preferably from 0.2% by weight to 2% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel.

9. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the solid gel further comprises a gelling agent, preferably selected from hydrophilic gelling agents, more preferably, the gelling agent is selected from modified or unmodified carboxyvinyl polymers, poly(meth)acrylates, polyacrylamides, optionally crosslinked and / or neutralized 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid polymers; polysaccharides, and mixtures thereof, even more preferably, the gelling agent is selected from carrageenans, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof, preferably in an amount from 0.5% by weight to 50% by weight, preferably from 1% by weight to 40% by weight, more preferably from 1.5% by weight to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel.

10. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the solid gel further comprises water, preferably in an amount from 50% by weight to 99% by weight, preferably from 55% by weight to 99% by weight, more preferably from 60% by weight to 99% by weight, relative to the total weight of the solid gel.

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