Hair colouring device

Abstract

A hair colouring device 10 comprising arm members 12a, 12b each having a first end 14a, 14b and a second opposed end 16a, 16b. The arms are hingeably connected at their first ends. The arms are moveab

Description

The present invention relates to a hair colouring device for applying a hair colouring composition to a lock of scalp hair, preferably root hair. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION A number of products are currently on the market to enable a user to colour the root regrowth area between salon appointments. These products include powder, crayon, spray, cream and mascara. These products are not compatible with professional permanent hair colour. Furthermore, these products have been found to be difficult to apply leading to uneven application, staining of the skin and problems with localising application. There is therefore a need for a device which can be used between salon visits and can easily and effectively apply hair colour to scalp hair, preferably at the roots, which is compatible with professional permanent hair colour. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair colouring device for applying a hair colouring composition to a lock of scalp hair, the device comprising: a pair of arm members each having a first end and a second opposed end, in which the pair of arm members are hingeably connected to each other at first ends thereof, and in which the pair of arm members are moveable between: a first closed position in which the pair of arm members extend substantially parallel to each other; and a second open position in which the second opposed ends of the arm members extend away from each other, in which each arm member comprises a contact portion located at or adjacent an opposed second end thereof, in which each of the contact portions comprises an absorbent pad impregnated with a hair colouring composition, and in which the contact portion of a first arm member of the pair of arm members is aligned with and configured in use to abut against the contact portion of a second arm member of the pair of arm members, such that on application of a pressing force to at least one of the arm members, the second ends of the first and second arm members move towards each other so that the absorbent pads of the contact portions contact scalp hair located therebetween and apply the hair colouring composition thereto. In the first closed position, the absorbent pads preferably extend substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The arm members may be biased towards the second open position, for example resiliently biased. The contact portions are preferably substantially planar. The absorbent pads are preferably substantially planar. In one embodiment, each absorbent pad provides a contact surface configured in use to contact the scalp hair of a user. Preferably, the contact surface of the absorbent pad(s) is substantially planar. The absorbent pad preferably comprises foam material, for example closed cell foam material. Preferably, the pore size of the foam material is at least 10 microns. Preferably, the pore size of the foam material is no more than 200 microns. The absorbent pad preferably comprises polyolefins. The absorbent pad preferably comprises one or more polyolefins selected from: polyethylene and / or polypropylene. By using an absorbent pad, the hair colouring composition can be applied evenly and accurately to a localised area enabling hair regrowth to be effectively covered without leaving any residue or staining adjacent skin. In one embodiment, the pad is preloaded with the hair colouring composition. In one embodiment, the pad may be reusable and the pad may be recharged with hair colouring composition. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for being applied to the absorbent pad. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for covering root hair growth and compatible with permanent hair dye used in for example salons. The hair colouring composition preferably does not leave behind any residue after application to the scalp hair. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for covering white / grey hair. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for covering natural base colours. The device may further comprise a reservoir comprising the hair colouring composition, and in which the reservoir is configured in use to be in communication with the pads of the contact portions to supply hair colouring composition thereto. The reservoir is preferably configured in use to supply the hair colouring composition to the contact portions when the pair of arm members are in the first closed position. One or each of the arm members may comprise a fluid conduit extending from the pad to an opening in the arm member. The reservoir is preferably releasably engageable with the opening to provide hair colouring composition through the fluid conduit to the absorbent pad(s). In one embodiment, the device further comprises a lid portion defining a cavity to receive at least the second ends and the contact portions of the pair of arm members therein in the first closed position. The lid portion preferably comprises the reservoir. The lid portion preferably further comprises at least one wick portion in communication with the reservoir. The wick portion is preferably configured in use to contact the pads of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion. The wick portion is configured to be positioned between and to contact and extend across one or more pads of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion. In one embodiment, the hair colouring composition is a hair colouring composition for covering root scalp hair. In one embodiment, the hair colouring composition comprises: isopropyl alcohol, propanediol, ethoxydiglycol, aminomethyl propanol and tetrasodium EDTA. Preferably, the absorbent pad is bristle, tuft and fibre free. In one embodiment, each pad has a width of no more than 10 mm, preferably no more than 7 mm. Preferably, each pad is no more than 50 mm in length, preferably no more than 40 mm in length. The device preferably further comprises a lock mechanism operable to maintain the pair of arm members in the first closed position. The lock mechanism is preferably operable to maintain the pair of arm members in the first closed position to prevent the pads unintentionally coming into contact with a surface when the device is not in use. Furthermore, in one embodiment the pads are placed substantially in contact with each in the first closed position thereby preventing moisture loss from the pads. Preferably, in the second open position the pair of arm members form a substantially V-shape. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid portion for a hair colouring device comprising a pair of arm members each having a first end and a second opposed end, in which each arm member comprises a contact portion located at or adjacent an opposed second end thereof, in which each of the contact portions comprises an absorbent pad, in which the lid portion defines a cavity to receive at least the second ends and the contact portions of the pair of arm members therein, and in which the lid portion comprises a reservoir comprising a hair colouring composition, in which the reservoir is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent pads. The lid portion may further comprise a wick portion in communication with the reservoir. The wick portion is preferably configured in use to contact the contact portions of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion. The wick portion is preferably configured to be positioned between and to extend across at least one absorbent pad of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion. Preferably, the wick portion is configured in use to be positioned between and to contact and extend across each absorbent pad of the arm members. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for applying a hair colouring product to a lock of scalp hair of a user using a device as herein described, the method comprising: moving a pair of arm members to the second open position; positioning a lock of scalp hair between the contact portions of the first and second arm members; applying pressure to the pair of arm members to move the pair of arm members to the first closed position; and applying the hair dyeing composition to the hair. The lock of scalp hair is preferably root hair. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention when the device is in the second open position; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of the device of Figure 1 when the device is in the second open position; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in the second open position; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention in the first closed position with a lid portion; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a further perspective view of the device of Figure 5 in the first closed position; and Figure 7 is a schematic cross sectional view of the second end of the device of Figure 5 together with the lid portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the Figures, the hair colouring device 10 is configured in use to applying a hair colouring composition to a lock of scalp hair. Preferably, the lock of scalp hair is root hair. For example, to colour white or grey hair. The hair colouring device 10 applies the hair colouring composition without leaving any residue behind. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for being applied to the absorbent pad. The hair colouring composition is preferably suitable for covering root hair growth and compatible with permanent hair dye used in for example salons. The hair colouring device 10 comprises a pair of arm members 12a, 12b each having a first end 14a, 14b and a second opposed end 16a, 16b. The arm members 12a, 12b are elongate in shape and have any suitable cross-section. In the illustrated embodiments, each arm member 12a, 12b has a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional profile. The pair of arm members 12a, 12b are hingeably connected to each other at first ends 14a, 14b thereof. The pair of arm members 12a, 12b are moveable between: a first closed position in which the pair of arm members 12a, 12b extend substantially parallel to each other; and a second open position in which the second opposed ends 16a, 16b of the arm members 12a, 12b extend away from each other, Each arm member 12a, 12b comprises a contact portion 18a, 18b located at or adjacent an opposed second end 16a, 16b thereof. Each contact portion 18a, 18b comprises an absorbent pad 20a, 20b impregnated with a hair colouring composition. The contact portion 18a of the first arm member 12a is aligned with and configured in use to abut against the contact portion 18b of the second arm member 12b such that on application of a pressing force to at least one of the arm members 12a, 12b, the second ends of the first and second arm members move towards each other so that the absorbent pads 20a, 20b of the contact portions 18a, 18b contact scalp hair located therebetween and apply the hair colouring composition thereto. It is to be understood that a component of the pressing force applied to the arm member(s) extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes (extending between the first and second ends) of the arm member(s) 12a, 12b. The contact portions 18a, 18b. Furthermore, the absorbent pads 20a, 20b are preferably substantially planar. In particular, each absorbent pad 20a, 20b provides a contact surface 22a, 22b configured in use to contact the scalp hair of a user. Preferably, the contact surface 22a, 22b of the absorbent pad(s) 20a, 20b is substantially planar. Each absorbent pad 20a, 20b comprises foam material, for example closed cell foam material. The pore size of the foam material is between 10 microns and 200 microns. The foam material comprises one or more polyolefins selected from: polyethylene and / or polypropylene. In the illustrated embodiments, the pads 20a, 20b are preloaded with the hair colouring composition. Alternatively, the user may apply hair colouring composition to the pads prior to use. The pads may be designed for single use. For example, the pads may be releasably engageable with the contact portion such that the user may remove a used pad and replace with a fresh pad when required. However, it is to be understood in some embodiments, the pads may be reusable and the pad may be recharged with hair colouring composition. In the first closed positions, the contact portions 18a, 18b substantially seal against each other to prevent the pads 20a, 20b from drying out. The device 1 comprises a locking mechanism (not shown) for maintaining the arm members 12a, 12b in the first closed position. With reference to Figures 5 to 7, the device 1 further comprises a lid portion 24. The lid portion 24 comprises a first end 26, an opposed second end 28 defining an opening extending into a cavity 30. The opening at the second end 28 and the cavity 30 of the lid portion 24 are shaped and dimensioned to receive the second ends 16a, 16b and the contact portions 18a, 18b of the pair of arm members 12a, 12b therein in the first closed position. One, or each, of the arm members 12a, 12b comprises a first engagement feature located towards a midway portion between the first and second ends 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b thereof for releasable engagement with a corresponding second engagement feature provided at or adjacent the second end 28 of the lid portion 24. The first and second engagement features may be cooperative male and female engagement features selected from: ridges, protrusions, channels, grooves, apertures, or any combination thereof. The lid portion 24 substantially seals the contact portions 18a, 18b from the external environment therefore helping to prevent drying out of the absorbent pads 20a, 20b. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid portion 24 further comprises a reservoir 32. The reservoir 32 is located within the cavity 30 at or adjacent the first end 26 of the lid portion 24. It is to be understood that the reservoir 32 may be located at any suitable location on the lid portion 24. The lid portion 24 further comprises a wick portion 34 in communication with the reservoir 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the wick portion 34 is located substantially centrally within the cavity 30 and has a first end 36 extending from the reservoir 32 and an opposed second free end 38. The wick portion 34 is an elongate member. The wick portion 34 is positioned so as to extend between the first and second arm members 12a, 12b, and in particular between the absorbent pads 20a, 20b when received within the lid portion 24 in the first closed position. The wick portion 34 is positioned within the cavity 30 so as to contact and extend across the pads 20a, 20b of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion 24. The wick portion 34 is preferably shaped and dimensioned to contact the entire length of each absorbent pad 20a, 20b. Preferably, the wick portion 34 is shaped and dimensioned to make contact with the entire contact surface 22a, 22b of the pads 20a, 20b. In use, the user positions a lock of scalp hair (preferably root hair) between the absorbent pads 20a, 20b of the arm members 12a, 12b of the device 10 when placed in the second open position (Figures 1 and 2). The user applies pressure to one or more of the arm members 12a, 12b to move the device towards the first closed position. In the first closed position, the contact surface 22a, 22b of the absorbent pads 20a, 20b contacts opposing surfaces of the hair and applies the hair colouring composition to the hair. The device 10 may be moved in a direction from the root towards the tip of the hair. The process is then repeated, in a stamping motion, for each strand of scalp hair where necessary. It may be applied to the entire length of strands of hair or to a portion of a strand of hair. The hair colouring composition is applied evenly as a result of using a pad and without leaving any undesirable residue. Once the process is complete, the arm members 12a, 12b are moved to the second open position and the lock of hair is removed. For storage, the arm members 12a, 12b may be placed in the first closed position. The device preferably comprises a locking mechanism to maintain the arm members in the first closed position. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in one embodiment the second ends 16a, 16b of the arm members 12a, 12b in the first closed position are received within a cavity 30 of the lid portion 24. The absorbent pads 20a, 20b are positioned either side of the wick portion 34. During storage within the lid portion 24, the wick portion 34 transfers hair colouring composition from the reservoir 32 to the pads 20a, 20b and impregnates the pads 20a, 20b ready for the next application. 09 07 25

Claims

1. A hair colouring device for applying a hair colouring composition to a localised area of white / grey root hair, the device comprising:a pair of arm members each having a first end and a second opposed end, in which the pair of arm members are hingeably connected to each other at first ends thereof, and in which the pair of arm members are moveable in a stamping motion between:a first closed position in which the pair of arm members extend substantially parallel to each other; anda second open position in which the second opposed ends of the arm members extend away from each other,in which each arm member comprises a substantially planar contact portion located at or adjacent an opposed second end thereof, in which each of the contact portions comprises an absorbent pad impregnated with a hair colouring composition suitable for covering white / grey root hair, in which the absorbent pads are bristle, tuft or fiber free, and in which the contact portion of a first arm member of the pair of arm members is aligned with and configured in use to abut against the contact portion of a second arm member of the pair of arm members, such that on application of a pressing force to at least one of the arm members, the second ends of the first and second arm members move towards each other so that the absorbent pads of the contact portion contact a localised area of white / grey root hair located therebetween and apply the hair colouring composition thereto in a stamping motion,in which the pad comprises a closed cell foam material.and in which each pad has a width of no more than 10 mm.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the pad comprises polyolefins.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, in which the pad comprises one or more polyolefins selected from: polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

4. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3, in which the pore size of the foam material is at least 10 microns.09 07 255. A device as claimed inanyone of claims 1 to4, inwhichthe pore size of the foam material is no more than 200 microns.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pad is preloaded with the hair colouring composition.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the device further comprises a reservoir comprising the hair colouring composition, and in which the reservoir is configured in use to be in communication with the pads of the contact portions to supply hair colouring composition thereto.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, in which the reservoir is configured in use to supply the hair colouring composition to the contact portions when the pair of arm members are in the first closed position.

9. A device as claimed in either of claims 7 and 8, further comprising a lid portion defining a cavity to receive at least the second ends and the contact portions of the pair of arm members therein in the first closed position, in which the lid portion comprises the reservoir.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, in which the lid portion further comprises a wick portion in communication with the reservoir, and in which the wick portion is configured in use to contact the contact portions of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, in which the wick portion is configured to be position between and to contact and extend across a contact surface of the contact portions of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the hair dying composition comprises: isopropyl alcohol, propanediol, ethoxydiglycol, aminomethyl propanol and tetrasodium EDTA.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of each pad is no more than 50 mm.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a lock mechanism operable to maintain the pair of arm members in the first closed position.

15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which in the second open position the pair of arm members form a substantially V-shape.

16. A lid portion for a hair colouring device comprising a pair of arm members each having a first end and a second opposed end, in which each arm member comprises a contact portion located at or adjacent an opposed second end thereof, in which each of the09 07 25contact portions comprises an absorbent pad, in which the lid portion defines a cavity to receive at least the second ends and the contact portions of the pair of arm members therein, and in which the lid portion comprises a reservoir comprising a hair colouring composition, in which the reservoir is configured to be in fluid communication with the absorbent pads.

17. A lid portion as claimed in claim 16, in which the lid portion further comprises a wick portion in communication with the reservoir, and in which the wick portion is configured in use to contact the absorbent pad(s) of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion.

18. A lid portion as claimed in claim 17, in which the wick portion is configured to be positioned between and to extend across a contact surface of the absorbent pad(s) of the pair of arm members when positioned within the lid portion.

19. A method for applying a hair colouring product to a localised area of white / grey root hair of a user using a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising:moving a pair of arm members to the second open position;positioning a localised area of white / grey root hair between the substantially planar contact portions of the first and second arm members;applying pressure to the pair of arm members to move the pair of arm members in a stamping motion to the first closed position; andapplying the hair dyeing composition to the localised area of white / grey root hair in a stamping motion,in which the application of the hair dyeing composition is repeated in a stamping motion for each strand of root hair.

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