Device and method for treating hair

Abstract

In particular, a device (1) for treating hair (K) for the purpose of cleaning human hair (K), removing a previous dye, and / or decolorizing the hair, wherein the device (1) is intended to treat the hair (K) while the hair is in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition (C), in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, and the device has at least one transducer (4) having an emission surface (S) for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair (K) to be treated in order to cause the rupture of the bubbles, and at least one guiding and / or combing member (70) designed to move the hair (K) close to the emission surface (S) and / or to guide it into contact with the emission surface (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the cleaning of human keratinous substances, and more particularly, although not limited thereto, to the treatment of skin, scalp, and / or hair, especially dyed hair.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-311756 describes an ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning a silicon wafer, a mask substrate, etc. This device includes an ultrasonic transducer attached to a nozzle through which a cleaning liquid passes, and means for introducing a gas to generate bubbles in the cleaning liquid.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0227761 describes a device for cleaning a surface, which includes, on the one hand, a chamber supplied with a liquid and communicating with an outlet duct opening onto the surface to be cleaned, and an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting acoustic energy to the liquid contained in the chamber and the outlet duct, and on the other hand, a bubble generator for generating gas bubbles in the outlet duct. The bubble generator may be an electrochemical generator, and the liquid contains a salt such as potassium chloride to make the liquid conductive. A surfactant may be added to prevent the coalescence of the bubbles while they move to the surface to be treated in the outlet duct and ensure that they have the required size when they reach the surface to be treated.

[0004] It is contemplated to apply this device to the cleaning of skin, especially the skin under a surgeon's fingernails, and further to the washing of hands.

[0005] This application mentions adding a surfactant in some cases to affect the size of the generated bubbles. The application of cosmetics for treating facial skin or hair is not disclosed.

[0006] Application ES2708149 discloses a device for cleaning a surface, comprising a sonotrode that generates ultrasonic waves near a cleaning solution present on the surface and enables the removal of dirt from the surface by cavitation.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,486,199 describes a device for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer, comprising a resonator for supplying ultrasonic energy to a treatment fluid containing gas bubbles.

[0008] Document EP1645342 describes a method for cleaning equipment, which consists of applying a sound field to a liquid containing bubbles.

[0009] Patent KR101152920 describes a device for cleaning the skin, comprising a vacuum pump and intended to be used near a liquid containing microbubbles on the skin.

[0010] U.S. Patent Application No. 2017 / 0080257, KR20200102956, U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 318853, JP2016214424, and WO2020 / 029429 disclose a method for treating the skin with cosmetics, particularly a method for cleaning the skin, using an ultrasonic device that generates microbubbles in a cosmetic composition applied to the skin to be cleaned.

[0011] Similar devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2011 / 21328, U.S. Patent Application No. 2010 / 010420, and EP3634643, CN206995178, and EP2470310.

[0012] Application EP3542740 discloses a medical device for cleaning wounds, comprising a removable cleaning nozzle and an ultrasonic transducer.

[0013] Some devices require a significant amount of water and a new composition each time they are used.

[0014] The environmentally friendly design of products that promotes the sustainable use of resources is an essential important factor for minimizing the impact of products on the environment. Producers have become responsible and are encouraged to design the manufacturing methods and packaging of products to be environmentally friendly due to changes in consumer habits, while paying attention to optimizing industrial processes and managing production waste. Therefore, a vicious cycle has been constructed. Similarly, helping consumers reduce waste contributes to this global movement where everyone takes responsibility.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for products with a reduced environmental footprint that can meet the increasingly realistic expectations of consumers.

[0016] Furthermore, when it is desirable to apply a dyeing treatment to already dyed hair, it may be desirable to first decolorize the above-mentioned hair, but such a decolorization treatment ideally needs to be performed without damaging the hair fibers.

[0017] Here, decolorization is currently carried out using compounds having a chemical action on the hair, such as oxidizing agents, and oxidizing agents may affect the environment, and it is desirable to avoid using them or reduce their amount. In addition, these compounds may have a relatively irritating effect on the hair fibers.

[0018] In fact, processes involving hair dyeing or decolorization are generally carried out using oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, potassium salts, sodium salts, ammonium salts, perborates or percarbonates, persulfates or percarbamide in an alkaline solution. The oxidizing agents used in these hair treatments generally cause the destruction of disulfide bonds linking keratin chains. Therefore, repeated treatment with an oxidizing agent often makes the hair weak and brittle and loses its luster.

[0019] After rinsing a composition containing an oxidizing agent, it has been proposed to apply a conditioning agent such as silicone, a cationic surfactant, or a cationic polymer to the hair.

[0020] These conditioning agents can form a protective film, thereby reducing the damage caused to the hair by improving the feel of the hair, but do not prevent the premature breakage of the hair that can be caused by continuous oxidation treatment. Furthermore, these conditioning agents have a significant impact on the environment.

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

[0022] Accordingly, U.S. Patent No. 5,100,436 discloses a hair dye composition containing a metal chelating agent complex that makes it possible to shorten the time the hair is exposed to the oxidizing composition, and thus reduce the damage caused by the oxidizing agent. U.S. Patent No. 6,013,250 discloses a composition for treating hair against chemical and photo damage. U.S. Patent No. 4,138,478 discloses the use of specific compounds to reduce the damage caused to the hair during hair bleaching or hair dyeing. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,202,579 and 3,542,918 disclose other protective compounds. U.S. Patent No. 5,635,167 discloses a method for removing exogenous metal ions attached to the hair, which includes the step of contacting the hair with a mixture of chelating agents. WO97 / 24106 discloses a hair dye composition containing a whitening additive having a low pH for reducing the damage caused to the hair.

[0023] All of these solutions are based on the use of specific compounds and do not address the need to improve the environmental footprint of the processes for dyeing and / or bleaching the hair or washing the hair so that they are completely satisfactory. Furthermore, these solutions do not always completely prevent the damage caused to the hair by the action of bleaching agents such as oxidizing agents.

Prior Art Documents

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Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0026] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning human keratin substances, especially facial skin, scalp, or hair, which enables effective cleaning of the above keratin substances and conforms to a responsible and sustainable development approach by reducing the carbon footprint.

[0027] The object of the present invention is also to provide a device and method for treating human hair, which minimizes the use of chemical products for hair decolorization, limits the consumption of water and / or active agents, eliminates substances harmful to the environment, reduces the risk associated with repeated exposure of hair and scalp to irritating substances and treatments, and enables easy treatment of hair decolorization and dyeing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0028] Accordingly, one subject of the present invention according to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention is a method for treating human keratin substances, including a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, and applying the surface of the above keratin substances to acoustic waves emitted by at least one ultrasonic transducer excited by a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal, wherein the pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal has at least one frequency component in the range of 20 kHz to 100 kHz, the duty cycle Ton / Toff when the signal is pulsed is preferably 20 to 100%, the pulse duration Ton when the signal is pulsed is preferably 0.01 to 1 s, and the acoustic intensity Isata on the above surface is preferably at least 0.1 W / cm 2 is a method.

[0029] Thereby, it is possible to generate bubbles in the vicinity of the surface of the above keratin substances to be cleaned within the cosmetic composition and rupture the above bubbles.

[0030] This method is preferably a cosmetic method for non-therapeutic purposes.

[0031] "Cosmetic composition" refers to a composition containing at least one cosmetic active agent as defined in the Cosmetics Regulation 76 / 768 / EEC. The cosmetic composition may in particular be an active agent that contributes to the washing and / or decolorization of hair, as described below. According to the invention, mineral water or tap water does not constitute the cosmetic composition.

[0032] "Human keratinous substances" refer to skin and appendages, in particular external keratinous substances such as hair and nails, as well as internal keratinous substances such as gums or other mucous membranes. The treatment can in particular be carried out on the surface layer of the skin. The area of the skin treated according to the invention may be the skin of the face, the torso, the back, the arms, the legs, the hands and / or the feet, the skin on the scalp. The method according to the invention is particularly very suitable for removing makeup and / or washing the skin of the face, in particular the forehead, the cheeks, the jaw, the neck, the nose, the scalp.

[0033] The method according to the invention may also be suitable for the care of the skin or hair, or for washing and / or preparing the skin, hair or scalp, in particular for preparing the hair for a dyeing or decolorization treatment.

[0034] "At least one frequency component" means the frequency in the conventional sense for a periodic signal whose spectrum contains a single line, for example a sine wave, and for a periodic signal whose spectrum contains a plurality of lines, it means the frequency of at least one line, in particular the frequency having the highest amplitude.

[0035] Acoustic intensity I SATA is the value obtained by dividing the average acoustic power over the surface area on which the acoustic wave is applied by the above surface area, I SATA = P moy / S and can be defined as, The average acoustic power is obtained from the activation voltage of the transducer and, when the electrical signal is pulsed, from the duty cycle.

[0036] Acoustic intensity I SATA is preferably 0.1 to 10 W / cm 2and more preferably, 1 to 5 W / cm 2 and more preferably, 2.5 to 5 W / cm 2 and more preferably, 3 to 4 W / cm 2 It is.

[0037] The method according to the present invention is based on the above-described parameter ranges for the signal, in particular the minimum acoustic intensity I SATA makes it possible to remove or effectively treat both extrinsic impurities and intrinsic impurities or defects.

[0038] In some cases, among the undesirable stains present on the keratinous substance (surface stains and / or stains more deeply fixed by the pores of the skin), extrinsic impurities such as cosmetics, environmental pollution, dust, microorganisms, etc., and excess sebum, sweat, dead cells, dead skin, dandruff, blackheads, small wounds, and / or intrinsic impurities or defects such as acne and spots can be distinguished.

[0039] The acoustic waves obtained using the above-described parameter ranges for the signal can cause complete cavitation of the bubbles in the composition to produce a mechanical effect on the keratinous substance to be cleaned.

[0040] "Complete cavitation" is here understood to mean both the generation and rupture of bubbles at the origin of the mechanical shock on the nearby surface. The cosmetic composition may or may not already contain bubbles inside before the acoustic wave is applied.

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

[0042] Surfactant The composition preferably has a total surfactant concentration by weight relative to the total mass of the composition of from 0.01% to 20%, more preferably from 0.01% to 5%, even more preferably from 0.1% to 1.5%. Thus, the composition can also have a cleaning action in the absence of bubble rupture by acoustic waves.

[0043] The surfactant can contribute to the formation and / or stabilization of bubbles and is selected from, for example, anionic polyoxyalkylated alkyl (amide) ether carboxylic acid surfactants, anionic surfactants other than the above-mentioned polyoxyalkylated alkyl (amide) ether carboxylic acids, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and foaming surfactants such as mixtures thereof, and / or is selected from compounds present in conventional makeup removal compositions such as alkyl polysaccharides, fatty alcohol polyethylene glycols, oils, and mixtures thereof. Any surfactant capable of generating micelles in the medium can be used.

[0044] Acoustic waves The acoustic waves can be generated by a single transducer or, in a variant form, by at least two transducers.

[0045] When the acoustic waves are emitted by a plurality of transducers, these acoustic waves are, for example, all directed towards the area to be treated, for example, the longitudinal axis converges on that area. Where applicable, it is possible to use two transducers arranged opposite each other to treat the tufts of hair inserted in between. This makes it possible to treat both sides of the tuft of hair simultaneously. It is also possible to treat a larger area with transducers arranged side by side, and the areas treated by each transducer may or may not overlap.

[0046] Each transducer comprises one or more electroactive elements for converting an electric current into a mechanical vibration, and these one or more electroactive elements are based on a piezoelectric material, for example, as described below.

[0047] One or more of these electroactive elements can be coupled to a sonotrode that functions to define an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves toward a surface or a target volume, where the mechanical resonance can be initiated by one or more of the electroactive elements.

[0048] The acoustic waves can be continuously generated immediately after the processing device is activated, or, as a variant, can be generated only when certain operating conditions are met, such as when there is a composition in contact with the sonotrode and / or a device in contact with the area being processed, and / or when the device detects that the area contains contaminants.

[0049] As a variant, the acoustic waves can be generated only when the amount of the composition in contact with the surface to be cleaned is sufficient, or otherwise can be generated when certain conditions for generating cavitation are detected, such as contact between the emission surface of the sonotrode and the surface being processed, a minimum composition height, a composition temperature or a transducer temperature within a given range.

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

[0051] The acoustic waves can be generated by a sinusoidal electrical signal or a signal having a more complex waveform with, for example, frequency modulation or amplitude modulation. The acoustic waves are preferably emitted at a single frequency, thereby making it possible to more accurately focus the acoustic waves on a given area, but as a variant, can be emitted at a plurality of different frequencies.

[0052] The above frequencies are preferably in the range of 30 to 100 kHz, particularly 30 to 45 kHz. Such frequencies enable both sufficient generation and rupture of bubbles in the composition and rupture of only any bubbles already present in the medium in the composition. The acoustic waves are generated, for example, by a transducer having a nominal frequency of about 34 kHz.

[0053] The nominal frequency may vary, for example, by about 34 kHz, such as 34 kHz + / - 5 kHz.

[0054] The electrical signal exciting one or more transducers may preferably be pulsed using a pulse duration of 0.01 s to 0.1 s, more preferably 0.02 to 0.08 s.

[0055] The duty cycle when the signal is pulsed is preferably approximately equal to 20% to 100%, more preferably 50% to 70%, such as 50% + / - 10%, 58.3% + / - 10%, or 66.7% + / - 10%.

[0056] Some variations with respect to the nominal values can be obtained, where applicable, for example, from the temperature rise of the transducer by exciting the ceramics forming the piezoelectric electroactive element. These variations can also be obtained from the temperature rise of the liquid in which cavitation occurs.

[0057] This method may include detecting the presence of the cosmetic composition in contact with the sonotrode and performing the operation of the transducer conditional on this detection.

[0058] Thus, this avoids emitting acoustic waves when the composition is absent or when the device is not in a situation of treating a keratinous substance.

[0059] Preferably, the acoustic waves are emitted without the emission surface of the sonotrode contacting the surface to be treated. The distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated is, for example, 1 to 30 mm, more particularly 3 to 5 mm, thereby limiting the acoustic energy emitted to the keratinous substance and making it possible to drive the cavitation of the bubbles in the composition.

[0060] The "distance between the transducer and the surface to be treated" should be understood as the distance between the emitting surface of the sonotrode and the surface to be treated.

[0061] With the continuous operation of one or more transducers, or as a variant, with the pulsed operation of one or more transducers, it is possible to continuously flow the composition in contact with the sonotrode. The composition may be supplied in pulses. Advantageously, it is supplied intermittently to the region where the acoustic waves are applied, for example, there is a supply period to a region where no acoustic waves are generated, and then the acoustic waves are applied to the composition present in the region, and thus there is a period during which the composition is not replenished while being exposed to the acoustic waves. This can make it possible to avoid the presence of air bubbles in the composition, and the air bubbles are repelled by the acoustic waves present in the region before flowing into the region.

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to subordinate the supply of the composition to the treatment region to the operation of one or more transducers for generating acoustic waves, or vice versa, or to subordinate the operation of the transducers to the supply of the composition, and to have a pulsed operation of one or more transducers and / or the supply of the composition. In other words, it is possible to time-delay the supply of the composition with respect to the period of emission of the acoustic waves to the region where the composition is supplied.

[0063] The propagation of the acoustic waves is facilitated by the presence of liquid in the composition. Therefore, the gas / liquid weight ratio in the composition can be advantageously not excessively high, and the composition may preferably contain a thickening agent as described below, or may contain any other compound for enhancing the temporary stability of the air bubbles.

[0064] Preferably, an activation voltage is delivered to the transducer to obtain a peak acoustic intensity I of 5 W / cm 2 or more. The peak intensity I is preferably 5 - 10 W / cm 2 , more preferably 6 - 7.5 W / cm 2 .

[0065] Preferably, acoustic waves are applied to the surface to be treated for a duration of 0.2 s to 10 s, more preferably 2 to 5 s, for example, 4 s ± 0.4 s. Such an "effective" imprint duration of the acoustic wave enables effective cleaning and limits the discomfort of the user. This duration corresponds to the measured time from the start of excitation of the transducer for treating a given surface to the end of excitation of the transducer in the treatment of the above surface. This time may be applied in a single operation or in multiple additional operations.

[0066] Acoustic waves are applied to the surface to be treated for a duration equal to, for example, 4 s ± 0.4 s, and the peak acoustic intensity is 6.2 ± 0.6 W / cm 2 equal to. - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.8 to 1.5%, a pulse duration Ton of 0.020 to 0.080 s, and a duty cycle of 50 to 67%, or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.5% to -0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.025 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 50 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 52 to 65%.

[0067] As a variant, acoustic waves are applied to the surface for a duration equal to, for example, 4 s ± 0.4 s, and the peak acoustic intensity is 6.8 W / cm 2 ± 0.7 W / cm 2 equal to, - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.5% ± 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.027 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 50 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 52 to 67%, or Or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.8% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.030 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 50 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 52 to 67%, Or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.0% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.035 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 50 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 52.5 to 67%, Or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.2% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.035 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 51.5 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 54 to 67%, Or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.5% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.038 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 54 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s and the duty cycle is from 57.5 to 67%.

[0068] As a variant, an acoustic wave is applied to the surface to be treated for a duration equal to, for example, 4 s + / - 0.4 s, and the peak acoustic intensity is equal to 7.2 W / cm 2 + / - 0.7 W / cm 2 and - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.5 + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is from 50 to 67%, or or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.8% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.030 to 0.070 s, and the duty cycle is from 51 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is from 52.5 to 67%, or or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.0% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.030 to 0.070 s, and the duty cycle is from 52.5 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is from 55 to 67%, or or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.2% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.025 to 0.070 s, and the duty cycle is from 56 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is from 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is from 59 to 67%, or or - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 1.5 + / - 0.1%, the pulse duration Ton is from 0.028 to 0.045 s, and the duty cycle is from 59 to 63%.

[0069] As a variant, an acoustic wave is applied to the surface to be treated for a duration equal to, for example, 3 s + / - 0.3 s, and the peak acoustic intensity is equal to 6.2 W / cm 2 + / - 0.6 W / cm 2 and - The composition has a total surfactant concentration of 0.5% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.070 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 54 - 60.5%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.055 - 0.078 s, and the duty cycle is 56 - 62%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 0.8% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.040 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 51 - 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 56 - 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.0% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.035 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 51.5 - 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 54 - 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.2% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.040 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 51.5 - 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 54 - 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.5% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.035 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 55 - 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 - 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 57 - 67%.

[0070] As a deformation mode, an acoustic wave is applied to the surface to be processed for a duration equal to, for example, 3s ± 0.3s, and the peak acoustic intensity is 6.8W / cm 2 ± 0.7W / cm 2 equal to - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 0.5% ± 0.1%, and ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.065s, and the duty cycle is 56 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.035 to 0.075s, and the duty cycle is 53.5 to 64%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 0.8% ± 0.1%, and ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.030 to 0.072s, and the duty cycle is 53 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080s, and the duty cycle is 55 to 64.5%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.0% ± 0.1%, and ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.032 to 0.070s, and the duty cycle is 54 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080s, and the duty cycle is 56 to 64.5%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.2% ± 0.1%, and ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.032 to 0.070s, and the duty cycle is 55.5 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080s, and the duty cycle is 58 to 64%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.5% ± 0.1%, and ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.025 to 0.063 s, and the duty cycle is 61.5 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.030 to 0.058 s, and the duty cycle is 60 to 67%.

[0071] As a modified form, an acoustic wave is applied to the surface to be treated for a duration equal to, for example, 3 s + / - 0.3 s, and the peak acoustic intensity is 7.2 W / cm 2 + / - 0.7 W / cm 2 equal to - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 0.5% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 57 to 65%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.030 to 0.065 s, and the duty cycle is 55 to 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 0.8% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.080 s, and the duty cycle is 58 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.068 s, and the duty cycle is 55 to 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.0% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.0725 s, and the duty cycle is 58.5 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.0575 s, and the duty cycle is 56 to 67%, or or - The total concentration of the surfactant in the composition is 1.2% + / - 0.1%, ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.060 s, and the duty cycle is 61 to 67%, or ○ The pulse duration Ton is 0.020 to 0.046 s, and the duty cycle is 58.5 to 67%.

[0072] Gas bubbles Bubbles can be generated during the pressure drop of the composition and during the decrease in vapor pressure that causes gas evolution. Preferably, the bubbles are generated by acoustic waves, but in a variant form, they are additionally generated by a specific generator.

[0073] Among a number of candidates, the gas bubbles are air, CO 2 , oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen bubbles, and also mixtures of these gases.

[0074] All of the bubbles are bubbles of the same gas, or in a variant form, the composition may contain bubbles of a first gas and bubbles of a second gas different from the first gas.

[0075] The gas may be obtained through decomposition of the composition, for example, through fermentation, or extracted from the composition, or in a variant form, introduced into the composition.

[0076] The diameter of the bubbles may be in the range of 50 nm to 700 μm, and more preferably in the range of 500 nm to 50 μm. Here, the size is the average size D by half 50 is shown.

[0077] This dimensionless coefficient is equal to the ratio d / R max , where d is the distance from the geometric center of the bubble to the surface being cleaned when the expansion of the bubble is maximum, and R max is the maximum expansion diameter of the bubble, and as described in the publication "Mechanisms of single bubble cleaning", F. Reuter, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry 29 (2016) pages 550 - 562, it is preferably less than 3.5, and more preferably less than 1.1, to have the maximum effect.

[0078] The density of the medium formed by a cosmetic composition containing gas bubbles exposed to acoustic waves is (at 20°C and atmospheric pressure) 0.1 to 1 g / cm 3 , more preferably 0.5 g to 1 g / cm 3 and may be so.

[0079] Small bubble sizes facilitate penetration into skin undulations and / or vesicles such as hair follicles, cracks, wrinkles, wounds, fissures, or folds, and thus can exert an effective cleaning action inside them. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the bubbles to have a size of 300 microns or less, more preferably 200 microns or less, for example 100 microns or less. In that case, the bubbles can penetrate into the vesicles before being activated by the acoustic waves.

[0080] Additional generation of bubbles Preferably, the bubbles are generated only by acoustic waves in the cavitation phenomenon, obtained, in particular, via the minimum level of Isata and the other above-described parameters as explained above.

[0081] As a variant form, additional bubbles may be generated within the composition. These additional bubbles may be generated by any suitable means, for example mechanical, physical, chemical, or electrochemical means. The bubbles may in particular be generated by reducing the pressure of a liquid which makes it possible to lower the vapor pressure and cause the formation of gas in the form of bubbles.

[0082] The additional bubbles may be generated before the acoustic waves are emitted, simultaneously with the emission, or cyclically with respect to the emission.

[0083] The following techniques in particular constitute exemplary techniques that can be implemented to generate bubbles in the present invention as follows. - Depressurization of a liquid using a nozzle, for example a depressurization that may be carried out after pressurization in some cases, - In particular, rotating blades, turbines, ejectors, Venturis, swirling air or liquid flows, fixed or rotating porous bodies, in particular rotating disks, the generator described in the publication Performance of a new micro-bubble generator with a spherical body in a flowing water tube, M. Sadatomi, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 29 (2005) pages 615 - 623, Venturi tubes and vortices, the Venturi (Iona Shower) implemented by MEC Co., or the generation of turbulent flow using shear forces. - The concentration or co - concentration of flows, for example, the porous membranes using a porous membrane fluid oscillator described in the paper Fluidic oscillator - mediated microbubble generation to provide cost effective mass transfer and mixing efficiency to the wastewater treatment plants, Environ Res. February 2015, 137:32 - 9, the generation of laminar flow through small openings using emulsified microchannels described in Monodispersed microbubble formation using microchannel technique, AIChE Journal, 50 (2004), pages 3227 - 3233. These techniques for generating bubbles through laminar flow through small openings are preferred over the previous techniques due to the stability of the generated bubbles.

[0084] - Supplying the following For example, as described in Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Proceedings of SPIE Volume 9705, 2016, Article No. 97050D, Photothermal generation of microbubbles on plasmonic nanostructures inside microfluidic channels (Conference paper), light energy by irradiating a nanoporous gold-coated microfluidic channel, for example, as described in An Experimental study on microbubble generation by laser induced breakdown in water, The review of Laser Engineering (Suppl.) (2008), pages 1273 - 1275(2), light energy supply by laser irradiation, as described in the paper Producing single microbubbles with control size using microfiber, Advance in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2 (2011), pages 385 - 390, light energy by laser irradiation on carbon nanotubes, light energy by a tapered optical fiber, as described in the publication Size-controllable micro-bubble generation using a nanoimprinted plasmonic nanopillar array absorber in the near-infrared region, Applied Physics Letters. 108. 2016, light energy by a plasmonic absorber in the near-infrared region, For example, acoustic energy by ultrasonic waves as described in the paper Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Volume 29, March 1, 2016, pages 604 to 611, acoustic activation of micrometer-sized air flow bubbles, microbubbles, as described in WO2016 / 055883, and acoustic energy due to the influence of ultrasonic treatment conditions on the efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning using ultrasonic waves in the presence of nucleation sites. Electrical energy by electrohydrodynamic coaxial spraying method as described in the publication Preparation of microbubble suspensions by co-axial electrohydrodynamic atomization, Medical Engineering and Physics, 29 (2007), pages 749 - 754, electrical energy by electrolysis, electrical energy by electroflotation, electrical energy by electrolytic micro-generator as described in the publication Micro-fabricated electrolytic micro-bubblers, International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 31 (2005), pages 706 - 722, electrical energy by electrostatic spraying as described in the publication Microbubble generation for environmental and industrial separations, Separation and Purification Technology, 11 (1997), pages 221 - 232, electrical energy by electrically heated carbon nanotubes as described in the publication Microbubble generation with micro-watt power using carbon nanotubes heating elements; Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology, August 2 - 5, 2007, Hong Kong (2007), or electrical energy by microplasma as described in the paper Journal of Physics D; Applied Physics Volume 47 Issue 35, September 3, 2014, paper number 355203, Microbubble generation by microplasma in water.

[0085] Additional bubbles can be continuously generated immediately after the device is activated. As a variant, the bubbles can be generated intermittently, for example, only when the composition is dispersed or periodically at a predefined frequency so as to give time for the composition to disperse. A certain amount of bubbles may be present in the composition before the device is activated. As a variant, the bubbles may be generated in advance or generated without activating the device.

[0086] The generation intensity of the bubbles may be constant, variable, adjustable by the user if applicable, or automatically adjustable by the device according to the desired result or at least one operating parameter.

[0087] The bubbles can be generated by any one of the techniques described above, in particular, can be generated by injecting pressurized gas into the composition, can be generated by a pump or, for example, a compressed gas tank, can be generated by electrolysis of the cosmetic composition, can be generated by stirring the composition, sucking gas into the composition, or evaporation of liquefied gas mixed or dissolved in the composition. The bubbles can result from the reaction of two liquids or a liquid and at least one solid in the form of, for example, powder, granule, tablet, or any other form.

[0088] When the bubbles are generated on the upstream side, the flow rate of the liquid containing the bubbles may be in the range of 0.01 mL / s to 10 mL / s.

[0089] Polishing This method may include polishing of the keratinous substance using abrasive particles and / or polishing of the keratinous substance by contact of a part of the device with the keratinous substance.

[0090] This polishing can be performed by a device other than the device that emits acoustic waves, can be performed by the device itself, or can be performed by a specific part mounted on the device, such as a grid, blade, scraper, or any other suitable accessory.

[0091] Parts for performing polishing are, for example, installed for polishing and then removed during the time when treatment is carried out by bubbles and acoustic waves, and are, for example, replaceable with parts of a device used for the treatment carried out by acoustic waves and bubbles.

[0092] Parts for performing polishing may also be present during the treatment using bubbles and acoustic waves, as will be described below. In that case, this part may have a lattice form among a number of candidates.

[0093] Polishing can be carried out before the cosmetic composition and bubbles are exposed to acoustic waves, or, in a variant form, simultaneously with being exposed to acoustic waves. When carried out in advance, polishing can be carried out by any means, particularly by mechanical or chemical action.

[0094] The polishing of the keratin substance is caused not only by the shock wave phenomenon occurring after the bubbles are exposed to acoustic waves, but also at least partially by the action of abrasive particles coming into contact with the surface to be treated, and these abrasive particles are, for example, present in the composition or on the surface of a device in contact with the external keratin substance.

[0095] The abrasive particles present in the cosmetic composition may be insoluble in the medium of the composition, or, in a variant form, may be soluble in the composition, preferably in which case a gas is generated when the abrasive particles dissolve, and the gas then serves to generate all or part of the bubbles to which the acoustic waves are applied. The abrasive particles can be formed by a precipitation reaction linked to a chemical reaction.

[0096] The abrasive particles can be selected from abrasive powders of materials with a Mohs hardness of 3 or more, for example, powdered alumina materials, powdered silica materials, powdered aluminosilicate materials, powdered carbonate materials, or powdered silica-coated materials, powdered alumina-coated materials, or powdered aluminosilicate-coated materials.

[0097] The abrasive particles may be powder nuclei, especially apricot seeds, wood cellulose, such as engraved bamboo poles, engraved coconut shells, oyster shells, seashells, sand, silica, or synthetic materials such as polyamides, or mixed particles combining organic and inorganic compounds, and particles coated with the above compounds.

[0098] The abrasive particles may have a size of 0.1 to 500 microns, especially 0.1 to 50 microns in the case of hair treatment, and 10 to 300 microns in the case of treating the scalp or facial skin.

[0099] The solid particles used to exert the abrasive action may have a flat shape, spherical shape, elongated shape, polygonal shape, or irregular shape.

[0100] The abrasive particles can be added to the device or liquid during the treatment.

[0101] The device may include a chamber used specifically for the controlled storage and dispersion of abrasive particles or compounds that enable the formation of these particles through reaction or precipitation.

[0102] Recycling Preferably, the cosmetic composition is brought into contact with the keratinous substance so that it can be at least partially recovered for recycling.

[0103] The recovered composition can be filtered to remove solid debris or the particulate phase of the composition from the composition before being returned to the surface to be cleaned.

[0104] Preferably, the composition is recovered by suction or absorption using a porous medium or a suction system, especially using a pump as described below.

[0105] Application of the cosmetic composition Generally, the composition itself may already contribute to the removal of impurities that are desirably removed through the action of applying acoustic waves to the bubbles due to its formulation. The action of applying acoustic waves to the bubbles speeds up or improves this process. The association combining the waves generated by bursting the bubbles with the action of the composition can thus have an effect greater than the mere effect of the waves or the mere effect of the composition, by synergy.

[0106] The cosmetic composition can first be applied to the keratinous material, regardless of whether bubbles are already present in the cosmetic composition, and then, second, after being applied to the keratinous material, be exposed to acoustic waves to generate new bubbles, which can result in shock waves after all the bubbles have burst.

[0107] For example, the user can first apply the cosmetic composition, for example in the form of foam, to the area to be cleaned, for example by spraying the cosmetic composition onto the area, such as the above-mentioned area, and then bring the treatment device into contact with the composition to apply acoustic waves to the cosmetic composition.

[0108] The cosmetic composition can also be applied in another way, in particular continuously, i.e., a flow of the composition in contact with the keratinous material to be treated is established, which flow occurs, for example, in a closed or open circuit.

[0109] When the flow occurs in a closed circuit, the composition is at least partially recycled. To reduce losses, an additional amount of the composition can be introduced continuously or intermittently into the circuit.

[0110] At any time, the flow may be stopped to promote extending the static contact time of the composition on the surface to be cleaned. The flow may occur without the presence of bubbles and can be made possible, for example, by an initial contact with the keratinous material for preparation for cleaning.

[0111] In an open circuit, the composition is not recycled to carry out this method and is, for example, sucked into a collection container or directly sucked up with the waste water.

[0112] The flow of the composition within the device occurs at a flow rate of, for example, from 0.01 mL per second to 15 mL per second.

[0113] Bubbles can be formed under the action of acoustic waves and / or using a specific bubble generator of the device while the cosmetic composition is already in contact with the keratinous substance, for example, operating by electrolysis.

[0114] Selection of the area to be treated This method can be carried out on the face skin, scalp, or all or part of the body in order to wash them.

[0115] The area to be treated may in particular be an area of keratinous substance covered with cosmetics such as, inter alia, foundation, lipstick, blush, mascara, eyeliner, powder, emulsion, oil, or sunscreen products, and the treatment may aim to remove this product.

[0116] This method can be carried out by moving the handpiece along the area to be treated so as to treat the entire area covered with cosmetics or other substances that it is desirable to remove.

[0117] This method can also be carried out to treat an area of skin not covered with cosmetics in order to perform a deep cleansing of that area and to remove or treat exogenous impurities or endogenous impurities or defects, such as, for example, dead skin cells, traces of sebum or sweat, dandruff, bacteria, traces of dirt, blackheads, stains, small wounds, or acne marks. This method can be carried out to treat the scalp. This method can also be carried out on the nails to remove a manicure.

[0118] This method includes a step of detecting the area to be treated and can automatically adjust certain parameters, such as the acoustic intensity, according to the requirements regarding the cleaning or treatment of the detected area.

[0119] The device may comprise a photodetector for detecting the presence of a compound removed from the surface of the skin, such as a foundation or sunscreen. The detector may comprise, for example, a light emitter and a sensor for detecting a reflected signal, and the reflected signal may be analyzed to detect the presence of the removed compound and, optionally, to determine the amount present. For example, the emission power of the acoustic wave is automatically adjusted according to the intensity absorbed at a predefined wavelength.

[0120] Detection may also be carried out in the liquid obtained from the treated area, especially when the above liquid is recycled, and a high turbidity of this liquid may indicate the presence of a large number of particles removed from the surface. Accordingly, the intensity of the acoustic wave may be automatically adjusted according to the transparency of the liquid, and the intensity is automatically increased, for example, when the liquid is turbid because a large number of particles are removed by the treatment, and decreased when the liquid clears again. The clearing of the liquid is an indication that fewer particles are being removed by the treatment.

[0121] This method may also be carried out, in particular, for washing hair, with the aim of at least partially removing a previously applied dye.

[0122] This method may also be carried out on the hair to remove excess sebum or other substances such as pathogenic or non-pathogenic biological agents and dandruff.

[0123] Additional methods Before or after the method according to the invention, a beauty method such as a make-up or a massage may be carried out.

[0124] For example, make-up is applied to the skin, hair or eyelashes and then removed after a certain duration (for example, less than 24 hours) by the cleaning method according to the invention.

[0125] In another example, the skin is cleaned by carrying out the method according to the invention, and then care (for example, massage and / or application of a care composition) is carried out on the cleaned area (for example, immediately or within less than 2 hours after cleaning).

[0126] Treatment kit Another subject of the invention is a treatment kit for carrying out the method according to the invention as defined above.

[0127] This kit comprises - a cosmetic composition in which bubbles are generated, and - a device for exposing the bubbles to acoustic waves in the vicinity of the surface to be treated.

[0128] The composition may or may not be packaged in the same package as the device.

[0129] The composition may be obtained by diluting a concentrated composition. This dilution may be carried out, for example, using a liquid or solid composition, preferably a liquid composition, in the form of tablets, bars, shavings, powders, which contain all or part of the constituents (constituents in different ratios) of the concentrated composition.

[0130] Where applicable, the composition is contained in a container designed to be mounted on the device, which container forms, for example, a cartridge designed to be completely or partially fixed in a corresponding recess of the device or to be connected to the device by means of a suitable link such as a tube.

[0131] Other compounds The composition may generally contain any compound conventionally found in cleaning and / or care formulations for human keratin substances, which is adapted to produce sufficiently stable bubbles before the acoustic waves are applied.

[0132] Device for treating keratinous substances Another subject of the invention according to another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention is a device for treating keratinous substances by bringing them into contact with a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant, and in particular for carrying out the method according to the first aspect of the present invention described above, the device comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of the keratinous substances to be treated, the transducer being powered by a current generator that delivers a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal to the transducer.

[0133] The device may in particular comprise at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit acoustic waves into a fluid present in the vicinity of the keratinous substances to be washed, the transducer being powered by a current generator that delivers a pulsed or non-pulsed electrical signal to the transducer, this electrical signal preferably having - at least one frequency component between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, - a duty cycle Ton / Toff of 20 to 100% when the signal is pulsed, and / or - a pulse duration Ton of 0.01 to 1 s when the signal is pulsed, The acoustic intensity Isata on the surface of the keratinous substances is preferably equal to 0.1 W / cm 2 ².

[0134] The features of the method described above are applicable to the device either in combination with each other or independently.

[0135] Device for treating hair Another subject of the invention according to another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention is in particular a device for treating human hair, for the purpose of washing the hair, removing previous dyes, and / or decolorizing the hair as described above, the device being intended to treat the hair while the hair is in contact with a fluid, in particular an aqueous fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, the device comprising - At least one transducer having an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair to be treated in order to cause the rupture of the above-mentioned bubbles, - At least one guiding and / or combing member designed to move the hair close to the above-mentioned emission surface and / or to guide it into contact with the above-mentioned emission surface.

[0136] The acoustic waves emitted by the emission surface around the transducer form and rupture bubbles in the fluid, in particular by cavitation, and thus produce a mechanical effect on the hair that promotes the detachment of exogenous or endogenous elements, in particular making it possible to decolorize the above-mentioned hair.

[0137] The acoustic waves emitted by the emission surface of the transducer may have a frequency of 20 to 100 kHz, in particular 20 to 80 kHz, preferably 30 to 100 kHz, more preferably 30 to 80 kHz, even more preferably 30 to 45 kHz.

[0138] The cosmetic composition may contain a very small amount of surfactant, for example less than 5% surfactant. This small amount of surfactant may prove particularly favorable for the action of the acoustic waves on the fluid and the bubbles present in the fluid.

[0139] Among the undesirable impurities that may be present on the hair, it is possible to distinguish between exogenous impurities such as environmental pollution, dust, microorganisms, etc. and endogenous impurities or defects such as excess sebum, dead cells, etc.

[0140] The cosmetic composition may or may not already contain bubbles inside before the acoustic waves are applied.

[0141] The generated and / or existing bubbles may also contribute to the release of chemical species such as free radicals that contribute to the cleaning and / or decolorization of the hair.

[0142] The device according to the invention is very suitable for the decolorization of hair, especially hair that has already been dyed and has a color that is not the natural color of the hair.

[0143] The device may be able to decolorize only the outside of the hair bundle of the hair so as to bring about a sweeping effect on the hair.

[0144] The device may also be able to decolorize specific regions of the hair, especially specific regions of the hair bundle of the hair, through the intermittent emission of ultrasonic waves.

[0145] At least a part of the device, especially the induction and / or combing member, may be able to heat and / or diffuse light, thereby making it possible to activate certain compounds present, for example, in a fluid, especially in a cosmetic composition.

[0146] A device having a pump and a tank The device according to the invention is preferably a system for dispersing and / or recovering a composition, comprising at least one composition tank and at least one pump, the pump being especially electrically driven and designed to direct the composition within a fluid circuit between the tank and the keratinous substance to be treated.

[0147] Therefore, another main subject of the present invention is a device for treating a keratinous substance by bringing it into contact with a fluid, especially a cosmetic composition, the device comprising - a handpiece comprising a treatment head arranged to contact the keratinous substance to be treated, - at least one transducer, carried by the handpiece and designed to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of the above-mentioned keratinous substance to be treated and to generate bubbles in the fluid, the bubbles being preferably generated exclusively by the transducer without an additional bubble generator, at least one transducer, - A system for dispersing and / or recovering a fluid, comprising at least one fluid tank and at least one pump, the pump being designed to flow the fluid within a fluid circuit between one or more tanks and a keratinous substance to be treated.

[0148] Preferably, the device is intended for non-therapeutic use, particularly for the topical application of cosmetic compositions.

[0149] The device according to the invention enables effective treatment of both exogenous impurities and endogenous impurities or defects, and moreover makes it possible to meet certain environmental requirements and applicable safety standards.

[0150] The system for dispersing and / or recovering a fluid makes it possible to save water and compounds.

[0151] Preferably, the handpiece comprises a handle, the handle being arranged non-coaxially with the treatment head. The handle may at least partially contain a system for dispersing and / or recovering a fluid. As a variant, the device comprises a base station connected to the handpiece by a cable, and the pump and / or one or more tanks may be arranged within the base station.

[0152] Pump The pump has any type of drive, particularly a manual or electric drive, and preferably may have an electric drive.

[0153] The pump can be of various types. The pump is, for example, a positive displacement pump or a centrifugal pump, particularly a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, a piston pump, or a combination of several types.

[0154] The pump can be powered by a DC or AC current. Preferably, the supply voltage of the pump is less than 50V, and for example, it is powered using a voltage in the range of 5 - 12V.

[0155] The pump preferably is compatible with liquids whose properties change, in particular aqueous, oily, and mixed liquids, liquids containing particles or fillers in suspension, or optionally polymers.

[0156] When the pump is driven by an electric motor, the motor is for example a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor, in particular a brushed DC motor or a brushless DC motor having permanent magnets. These magnets may be based on ferrite or rare earth elements.

[0157] The motor has a rotational speed of 1 to 10,000 rpm, for example when used to drive the pump.

[0158] Such a speed may be fixed or variable, and the motor is driven by a variable speed drive that uses for example pulse width modulation and in which a (passive or active) resistance acts on the current or supply voltage, or by a variable frequency drive.

[0159] The motor may be single-phase or three-phase.

[0160] The mechanism of the pump can be driven directly by the motor or using a speed reducer.

[0161] When the drive is manual, the device may comprise a handle that is actuated by the user to operate the pump.

[0162] Preferably, the pump is configured to provide a fluid flow rate of 0.01 mL to 15 mL per second.

[0163] The pump may or may not be removable. The pump can generate a negative pressure and / or a positive pressure with respect to the fluid to allow the fluid to flow and come into contact with the skin. It is also possible to use the pump for internal cleaning of all or part of the device.

[0164] The pump may include a filter in one or more components. The pump may be mechanically or electrically insulated in the device, for example, for removal from the device for cleaning.

[0165] Tank The device may comprise one or more fluid tanks, which fluid is preferably the aforementioned cosmetic composition.

[0166] One or more tanks may be arranged within the handpiece, particularly within its handle, or may be arranged at least partially external to the handpiece, for example, within a base station connected to the handpiece.

[0167] As a variant, one or more tanks may be arranged so as to protrude from the handpiece.

[0168] The device may comprise a plurality of separate tanks, for example, a tank for the fluid to be distributed over the area to be treated and a tank for receiving the used fluid which is at least partially recovered after treatment.

[0169] One or more tanks may or may not be removable. One or more tanks may be, for example, single-use tanks and may be replaced when the fluid has run out or when the recovered fluid needs to be drained.

[0170] It is also possible to provide tanks of various capacities depending on the treatment carried out on the keratinous substance, and the device may be configured to allow the installation of a tank of a user-selected capacity, selected by the user from a plurality of different respective capacities.

[0171] One or more tanks can be cleaned, filled, or emptied, for example, by being manually removed from the device from the outside in advance, or in other cases, when fluid is still present in the device, can be cleaned, filled, or emptied directly, for example, using a pump and fluid circuit.

[0172] In this case, the device comprises a selector that enables changing the fluid flow, for example, between a first configuration in which fluid flow occurs between the tank and the processing area and a second configuration used to purge and / or fill the tank.

[0173] One or more tanks may comprise a plurality of compartments, in particular, a plurality of compartments incorporated in one and the same body and separated by walls, or, for example, a plurality of communicating compartments connected by tubes. One or more tanks may comprise a compartment containing a composition to be dispersed over the area to be treated and a compartment for recovering the used composition, for example, for recycling. The two compartments may communicate, for example, via a filter.

[0174] One or more tanks may also comprise a plurality of compartments in which different compositions can be stored. These compositions may be mixed when used, may in some cases be solids, and / or may be in the form of powders that dissolve rapidly.

[0175] For example, one tank may comprise a first compartment containing a solid composition in the form of a powder or crystals, for example, and a second compartment containing a fluid composition, and the two compartments may be communicable such that the fluid composition solubilizes the solid composition during use.

[0176] The first compartment may contain a mixture of a suspended solid composition and a liquid in which the solid composition is insoluble, and the fluid composition within the second compartment solubilizes the mixture during use of the device.

[0177] One or more tanks may comprise one or more filters for filtering impurities in the recovered fluid before redispersing the recovered fluid across the area to be treated. The tank may also comprise a vent.

[0178] One or more tanks may comprise a device for heating or cooling the fluid, in particular an electrical resistor.

[0179] One or more tanks are preferably compatible with one or more liquids having various properties, in particular various types of miscible or immiscible compositions and various types of cleaning liquids.

[0180] One or more tanks are preferably at least partially transparent, thereby enabling the user to visually observe the filling level of the tank and / or the level of cleanliness of the fluid contained in the tank.

[0181] One or more tanks may be deformable or may be made of a highly rigid material, in particular glass or plastic. The tank may comprise removable parts and may thus have an adjustable volume as desired. One or more tanks may comprise a valve that enables separation of the tank from the housing that receives the tank without loss of fluid.

[0182] One or more tanks may generally be cylindrical or may be in the form of a cartridge having another shape or may be in the form of a flexible pocket.

[0183] The capacity of one or more tanks is, for example, from 1 ml to 200 ml, and more preferably from 1 ml to 50 ml.

[0184] Fluid circuit The fluid circuit preferably comprises a plurality of ducts which are suitably connected so as to generate a desired fluid flow, for example, connected using an end-to-end connection or a parallel connection which are connected to each other by a suitable connection.

[0185] The fluid circuit connects various components of devices involved in the fluid flow, such as a processing head, one or more pumps or one or more fluid tanks, to each other, together with one or more filters or other purification systems or disinfection systems or optionally an additional bubble generation system.

[0186] The fluid circuit may comprise one or more adjustable taps or valves, for example, one or more manual valves or electrically controlled valves.

[0187] The pump may include a filter in one or more components.

[0188] The fluid circuit may comprise a water inlet for filling the fluid circuit with water and / or for cleaning the fluid circuit from an external network.

[0189] The fluid circuit may also be adjustable using removable sections, for example, sections added when cleaning the circuit. For example, it is possible to add a section containing a cleaning powder that at least partially solubilizes when the liquid passes through the circuit. Thus, the added section is used only for cleaning and can then be removed or left in place until the next cleaning operation and then replaced with a new section.

[0190] One or more tanks and a fluid circuit that enables fluid to flow may belong to the same assembly that forms a refillable that can be integrally operated without damage to install it on and remove it from a device, thereby facilitating the replenishment of the product. Such a refillable may have a mechanical interface with a pump or other drive mechanism, if applicable, and can establish the flow of the product from the cartridge to the treatment area when activated.

[0191] The assembly forming the refillable may be arranged to be fastened, for example, by snap fitting or the like, to a handpiece within the same housing as another component of the device, for example, a housing containing a generator.

[0192] Fluid treatment and purification unit The device according to the invention may comprise a system for at least partially recycling the fluid, the system comprising a duct opening near the area to be treated and communicating with a suction system, in particular a suction pump.

[0193] The suction system is preferably set to send the recovered fluid to a treatment and purification unit, and the fluid is returned to the tank at the output of the treatment and purification unit, for example, to be redispersed across the area to be treated.

[0194] The treatment and purification unit may be arranged inside the handpiece, in particular within its handle, or at least partially externally, for example, transferred to a base station connected to the handpiece by a cord.

[0195] The treatment and purification unit preferably comprises one or more removable parts. The treatment and purification unit is washable and fully or partially reusable.

[0196] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a filtration system capable of at least partially filtering any fluid flowing within the device, in particular a cosmetic composition used for treatment or any additional liquid used for cleaning the device.

[0197] Preferably, the filtration system comprises at least one filter, in particular a filter with a pore size of 50 microns or less.

[0198] The filter may be a non-woven fabric and may or may not have folds. The filter may include one or more elements selected from cloth, porous material, activated carbon particles, sand, silica, porous polymer, natural or synthetic foam.

[0199] The filter may be a filter with high capture capacity, in particular a nanofilter.

[0200] The filtration system may also comprise a pre-filter that can be positioned downstream or upstream of the suction system.

[0201] The filtration system may comprise a sensor for detecting the efficiency of one or more filters, and this sensor is configured to indicate to the user whether the filter should be replaced or cleaned, for example, by changing color when the filtration system is saturated. Such a sensor may also be a pressure sensor capable of detecting filter clogging.

[0202] When applicable, the fluid circuit of the device is designed to reverse the flow of fluid during the cleaning phase to remove filter clogging.

[0203] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a plurality of elements distributed among various parts of the device. For example, this unit may comprise a filtration system present in at least one duct of the fluid circuit and a disinfection system or a system for performing another treatment arranged within a compartment of the tank.

[0204] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a centrifuge designed to extract impurities from the used fluid in contact with the keratinous substance using the centrifugal force imparted to the fluid by swirling the fluid and send them to the recovery area.

[0205] The treatment and purification unit may comprise a disinfection unit that destroys organisms present in the recycled fluid, such as bacteria, viruses, spores or other pathogenic or non-pathogenic biological agents.

[0206] For this purpose, the disinfection unit may comprise any suitable sterilization means, preferably at least one UV lamp and / or an oxidizing agent or ozone generator, in particular a UVC LED lamp.

[0207] Ultrasonic transducer The device comprises an ultrasonic transducer.

[0208] As described above, the transducer comprises one or more electroactive elements for converting an electric current into a mechanical vibration, and these one or more electroactive elements are preferably set to mechanically resonate and can be coupled to a sonotrode that defines an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves towards a surface or a target volume.

[0209] These acoustic waves can cause rapid pressure changes that can cause cavitation of the bubbles, and the acoustic waves can form and rupture bubbles or rupture bubbles already present in the medium, as described above.

[0210] The longitudinal axis of the transducer may indicate the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode. The sonotrode may be rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis or may have another shape. This longitudinal axis may be the axis of symmetry of the transducer, and the transducer is, for example, rotationally symmetric about the above axis or has another shape.

[0211] The vertical axis may also correspond to the direction in which one or more electroactive elements have a maximum movement amplitude when excited.

[0212] The sonotrode may be made of metal, preferably titanium, thereby improving the effect of cavitation of bubbles. The sonotrode may be at least partially made of aluminum, stainless steel, or ceramic. The sonotrode may include a plurality of metals or alloys.

[0213] The transducer may include at least one piezoelectric material, particularly lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0214] Preferably, the sonotrode is made of a corrosion-resistant material that allows the sonotrode to be at least partially submerged in the composition.

[0215] The emission surface for emitting the acoustic wave of the sonotrode may be covered with a protective layer to protect the sonotrode from deterioration and / or corrosion caused by cavitation of the bubbles in contact with the emission surface.

[0216] The present invention is not limited to a specific shape or a given size of the sonotrode. However, a size that is compatible with the portability of the handpiece is preferred in order to allow the handpiece to be operated by a user using one hand.

[0217] The sonotrode may have an emission surface that contacts the composition, and the surface area of this emission surface ranges, for example, from the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 100 mm, more preferably from the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 50 mm, even more preferably from the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 5 mm to the surface area of a circle with a diameter of 40 mm.

[0218] The sonotrode may be given any shape adapted to the shape of the surface to be treated, such as a round shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal shape, particularly a square or triangular shape.

[0219] The emitting surface of the transducer may be removable with respect to the transducer so that it can be replaced by the user, for example, in particular, to provide various solutions for hair induction and / or combing, and / or various solutions for adapting to the type of relief of the induction and / or combing members.

[0220] Preferably, the entire transducer or the sonotrode is removable, i.e., it can be easily detached from the device by the user, preferably without using any tools. This facilitates the cleaning of the transducer or the sonotrode and, if desired, allows for the replacement of a plurality of transducers or sonotrodes according to the desired use and energy parameters, for example, by selecting the type of transducer or sonotrode most suitable for the generation of acoustic waves at a given frequency.

[0221] Replacing the transducer makes it possible to vary the acoustic intensity if necessary.

[0222] Therefore, the device can be selected for a wide range of applications depending on the transducer and / or sonotrode selected. The selection of the transducer and / or sonotrode may depend on various parameters, such as the nature of the desired treatment, the type of keratinous substance to be treated, or, in some cases, the frequency of use of the device (daily, weekly, etc.).

[0223] The device may also comprise an adjustable aperture mechanical element, such as a diaphragm, arranged in front of the sonotrode so as to limit the emitting surface for emitting ultrasonic waves. The diaphragm may be adjustable by the user to adjust the power of the treatment and / or the size of the treatment area.

[0224] The transducer and / or sonotrode may comprise fastening means for fastening to the remainder of the device by snap fit, screwing, bayonet, friction, magnetic, clamping, in particular clamping using at least one fastening screw or hose clamp, magnet, or any other suitable means.

[0225] The transducer may in particular be movable in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction in order to move towards or away from the hair to be treated. The transducer can rotate about its longitudinal axis and / or vibrate.

[0226] The sonotrode may have any shape at the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves.

[0227] The device may comprise drive means for driving the transducer or sonotrode, configured to generate an oscillation, vibration, and / or rotational movement of the transducer or sonotrode, independently of the acoustic waves generated.

[0228] The transducer may in particular be powered using DC or AC, independently of other elements of the device such as a pump.

[0229] The transducer or associated sonotrode may comprise a duct, preferably opening onto the emission surface, connected to a fluid circuit such that the fluid flowing within the device passes through them. Such a flow makes it possible to cool the transducer.

[0230] The device may comprise a plurality of transducers, in particular two specific transducers. This makes it possible, for example, to improve the effect of the treatment by the device.

[0231] Relief on the emission surface The emission surface for emitting acoustic waves towards the liquid medium may comprise a relief along the longitudinal axis of the transducer where bubbles can occur at different levels. In particular, these reliefs may provide nucleation sites at their top and bottom.

[0232] Accordingly, another subject of the invention, according to another aspect of the embodiments of the invention, is a device for treating a keratinous substance by bringing it into contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, the device comprising - at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves into the fluid for generating bubbles in the fluid that have a mechanical action when the bubbles burst on the keratinous substance, the emission surface having a relief along the longitudinal axis of the transducer where bubbles can occur at different levels.

[0233] The reliefs may enable a more homogeneous generation of bubbles. In contrast, a smooth emission surface tends to generate nucleation sites that are randomly dispersed over the surface, resulting in non-optimal bubble generation. These reliefs can also promote the bursting of bubbles. This is because the different levels along the longitudinal axis are not limited to a single plane and are able to generate a relatively large cavitation region.

[0234] The reliefs can also cause turbulence in the fluid, which can contribute to bubble generation, especially when the fluid contains a surfactant.

[0235] The reliefs can be formed in various ways.

[0236] The reliefs can be produced, for example, using any method that enables a predefined shape to be created by removing the keratinous substance by machining, chemical etching, electro-erosion, laser etching, molding or additive synthesis, or fitting of foreign objects.

[0237] The relief may be integral with the sonotrode, for example, produced by machining the above sonotrode.

[0238] The relief may also be formed on at least one additional part fastened to the sonotrode.

[0239] This additional part receives at least a part of the vibration of the sonotrode, transmits them to the liquid medium, and defines at least a part of the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves into the fluid.

[0240] The additional part may be made of the same material as the sonotrode or of a different material, particularly a harder material. The additional part constituting the relief is preferably made of a high-rigidity material for transmitting acoustic waves without excessive attenuation. The additional part may be made of metal, alloy, or ceramic.

[0241] Using an additional part to define the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves into the liquid medium can facilitate the replacement of the emission surface when wear occurs on the emission surface where bubble rupture is likely to cause such wear.

[0242] The additional part can be fastened to the sonotrode by any means, particularly held on the sonotrode by a removable fastener. For example, the additional part is screwed to the sonotrode. When the fastener does not need to be removable, the additional part can be fastened to the sonotrode by welding or other methods.

[0243] The sonotrode can be made of a material harder than aluminum, for example, titanium or stainless steel.

[0244] Therefore, the relief may be made of titanium together with the sonotrode, for example, by machining the end face of the sonotrode.

[0245] The additional component may be made of a material harder than aluminum, for example, titanium or stainless steel. In this case, since the sonotrode is not directly exposed to cavitation, it may be made of titanium or a material with a hardness lower than that of titanium, for example, aluminum.

[0246] The relief preferably has a predefined shape, but as a deformed form, it may be made randomly, for example, having at least one random parameter, for example, the size or position of the relief. All or part of the relief may have a random distribution over the release surface and / or may have a random size.

[0247] The relief may be arranged in a regular arrangement, in other words, in a structured shape, for example, in a regular array in two dimensions (the third is the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode).

[0248] The reliefs may be the same. For example, the release surface comprises one same basic pattern repeated in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0249] This pattern may have a prism shape, for example, a pyramid shape, for example, a hemisphere shape, a cylindrical shape, a semi - cylindrical shape, an ogival shape, etc.

[0250] The relief may, where applicable, be in the form of ribs or ridges. These ribs or ridges may or may not be parallel to each other, may be linear or circular, or may be in a grid pattern, or may have a random distribution. The ridge may be formed, for example, by scratching the surface. The relief may be formed by subjecting the surface to shot - blasting or sanding, in which case a random distribution and / or a random shape of the relief may be obtained.

[0251] The emitting surface may have a relief having a height measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode of 0.001 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm to 30 mm, and even more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0252] In the front view, i.e., when the emitting surface is observed on the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, the maximum dimension of the relief may be 0.001 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0253] The free end of the relief may be rounded or flattened to avoid damaging the skin when it comes into contact with the skin.

[0254] Accordingly, the emitting surface for emitting acoustic waves may comprise at least one relief having a pyramidal shape, a frustoconical shape, a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, or a columnar irregular shape. The emitting surface may comprise a regular array of four-sided pyramidal reliefs.

[0255] The emitting surface for emitting acoustic waves may comprise at least one relief having at least two facets oriented differently towards the area to be treated.

[0256] The relief may, where applicable, have another additional function, for example, inducing and / or combing hair in the treatment area.

[0257] When the relief is formed by the presence of a continuous pattern in one or two directions, the size of the pattern and the distance between consecutive patterns are selected such that, for example, the pattern density is 1 to 10 6 patterns / cm 2 is selected.

[0258] When the pattern has peaks, all of the peaks belong to, for example, one and the same plane, or one and the same spherical surface, cylindrical surface, parabolic surface, or elliptical surface.

[0259] In addition to the relief of the emission surface that contributes to improving the generation of bubbles, the emission surface may pursue another purpose, for example, have a relief that serves to hold a fluid or act to clean the area to be treated. These are, for example, reliefs made of a flexible material, such as bristles, especially flocked bristles.

[0260] The emission surface of the transducer may have one or more reliefs, such as teeth, and / or natural and / or synthetic bristles, and / or etching, and / or microprotrusions, and / or metal spikes, etc., that contribute to combing and / or guiding the hair, for example, upstream or downstream of the treatment area or, in some cases, within the above-mentioned treatment area.

[0261] The emission surface may have the same type of relief as the guiding and / or combing member or, as a deformed form, may have a different relief.

[0262] The emission surface may also have one or more reliefs when the guiding and / or combing member does not have a relief. As a deformed form, the guiding and / or combing member may have one or more reliefs when the emission surface does not have a relief.

[0263] Additional vibration Another subject of the present invention is a device for treating a keratinous substance by bringing it into contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, the device comprising - at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves into the above-mentioned fluid in order to generate bubbles having a mechanical action in the fluid when the bubbles burst on the above-mentioned keratinous substance; - an oscillator for applying additional vibrations having a frequency lower than the frequency of the acoustic waves to at least a part of the emission surface.

[0264] It is possible to apply additional vibrations having a frequency lower than the frequency of the acoustic wave, for example, 1500 Hz or less, more preferably 150 Hz or less, and in some cases, vibrations having a frequency of 50 Hz to at least a part of the emission surface.

[0265] The above additional vibrations may be applied to the entire device. As a variant, only a part, for example, a transducer, a sonotrode, or a part thereof, or only the processing head may be subjected to the additional vibrations.

[0266] For this purpose, the device may comprise a vibrator, for example, a vibrator comprising a motor that drives the imbalance to rotate.

[0267] Thus, additional vibrations, for example, additional lateral vibrations and / or longitudinal vibrations and / or preferably longitudinal angular vibrations may be applied to the emission surface by the vibrator. For example, it is possible to adjust the direction of the vibration by acting on the direction of the rotation axis of the imbalance with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0268] These additional vibrations can promote enhancing the homogeneity of cavitation and can improve the wetting of the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves by the fluid.

[0269] The additional vibrations may be emitted simultaneously with the emission of the acoustic wave. As a variant, alternatively, the device may be designed to enable activating or not activating the generation of these vibrations, for example, by activating or not activating the motor that drives the imbalance, or in some cases, by adjusting the rotational speed, when applicable.

[0270] It may be particularly advantageous to apply these additional vibrations to the release surface while the relief defined above is present on the release surface, and by associating the relief with the vibrations, it becomes possible to more easily obtain additional turbulence in the fluid in contact with the keratinous material being treated, thereby improving the generation and bursting of bubbles in the fluid, as explained above.

[0271] Treatment head The device comprises a treatment head that contacts the keratinous material to be treated, and this head is preferably designed to disperse the fluid over the area to be treated via at least one fluid outlet and / or to at least partially recover the used fluid from the area to be treated via at least one fluid return port.

[0272] The device for treating hair may comprise a treatment head through which a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, flows, and the transducer and the guiding and / or combing member extend at least partially within the treatment head.

[0273] The transducer preferably extends at least partially within the treatment head. In particular, the transducer may be completely housed within the treatment head.

[0274] The outlet and / or inlet is connected, for example, to the fluid circuit described above. In particular, the fluid circuit may be arranged with respect to the head to disperse the fluid and / or partially recover it, for example, via at least one orifice on the release surface, upstream and / or downstream of the release surface of the sonotrode.

[0275] The treatment head may comprise a heating element, such as an electrical resistor for heating the composition, and / or a light source arranged to illuminate the treatment area during use and / or to activate certain constituents of the fluid in which cavitation occurs.

[0276] The treatment head may comprise, for example, at least one filter used to filter the composition to be recycled, and this filter is arranged, for example, on the return path of the fluid.

[0277] The treatment head may comprise a porous material and / or a material capable of releasing or diffusing a fluid, in particular continuous bubbles held by a removable support, in particular a support in the form of a frame.

[0278] The treatment head may comprise dispersion orifices such as slots, which are closed in the rest state and open under the pressure of the upstream composition, having an elasticity that allows the volume to increase during the filling and dispersion of the fluid, and the treatment head is extended after the filling operation.

[0279] The treatment head may comprise a chamber for storing an amount of fluid sufficient to enable the cleaning of the keratinous substance and for enabling the bubbles to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0280] The treatment head may comprise a plurality of independent compartments or compartments communicating with each other.

[0281] The treatment head may in particular comprise parts made of a flexible and / or deformable material, in particular an elastically deformable material, for the parts that come into contact with the keratinous substance to be treated.

[0282] The treatment head may have various shapes depending on the desired use of the device.

[0283] The treatment head may comprise one or more removable parts that can be easily detached from the device by the user, preferably without using any tools.

[0284] This facilitates the cleaning of the treatment head after each use.

[0285] One or more removable parts of the processing head can be fastened to the rest of the device via any suitable fastening means, in particular ball joints, springs, or pistons. The processing head is preferably movable and, in some examples, can be tilted or rotated by an angle exceeding 180°, 270°, or 360° about at least one axis.

[0286] The transducer is preferably arranged with respect to the processing head so as to maintain the emitting surface of the sonotrode for emitting acoustic waves at a distance from the surface of the keratinous material to be processed.

[0287] When applicable, the transducer can be movable with respect to the fixed part of the device and is, for example, driven to rotate or move back and forth as described for other parts.

[0288] Thus, cavitation occurs in the space formed between the front part of the head, i.e., between the emitting surface of the sonotrode and the surface of the keratinous material to be processed.

[0289] Thus, the fluid can be made to flow through this space and the flow can be regulated.

[0290] This flow can occur continuously or intermittently, as described above. It is possible to fill the above space with fluid while the handpiece is in a predetermined position and then generate acoustic waves in the fluid filling this space.

[0291] Induction and / or combing member In the case of hair treatment, the device according to the invention may comprise at least one induction and / or combing member designed to move the hair close to and / or into contact with the emitting surface of the transducer.

[0292] The guiding and / or combing member ensures that the hair is positioned at an appropriate distance from the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves during treatment, thus making it possible to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0293] The guiding and / or combing member can maintain the hair at a predefined distance from the emission surface, which, for example, serves as a spacer.

[0294] The guiding and / or combing member can maintain the hair near the emission surface by preventing the hair from moving away in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer or in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of the transducer and the longitudinal direction of the hair. The guiding and / or combing member does not prevent the hair from passing in front of the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves.

[0295] The guiding and / or combing member may not prevent the hair from contacting the emission surface when no spacer is arranged in front of the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves.

[0296] The guiding and / or combing member can also enable the hair bundles to be well divided and the thickness of the hair to be made uniform in the treatment area, thereby enabling homogeneous treatment of the hair bundles.

[0297] In some preferred embodiments, the guiding and / or combing member does not play any active role in the emission of acoustic waves, and the guiding and / or combing member is distinguished from the sonotrode.

[0298] In some examples, the hair is combed by the above-mentioned guiding and / or combing member, thereby making it possible to spread the hair in front of the emission surface, which may, in some cases, facilitate the action of the bubbles.

[0299] The guiding and / or combing member can be designed to guide the hair laterally, for example, by having a stop portion that engages the hair therebetween.

[0300] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one surface for guiding the hair laterally and enabling the hair to be held during the treatment of the hair.

[0301] At least one lateral guiding surface of the guiding and / or combing member, and more preferably two lateral guiding surfaces, may be perpendicular to the emitting surface for emitting acoustic waves.

[0302] The guiding and / or combing member may be at least partially made of a metallic material and / or a polymer, such as a high-rigidity plastic.

[0303] The guiding and / or combing member may have, on its surface, a treatment part enabling it to reflect acoustic waves, thereby enabling the amplification of the treatment of the hair.

[0304] The guiding and / or combing member may be removably or non-removably fastened to the device.

[0305] At least a part of the guiding and / or combing member may vibrate and / or rotate and / or move longitudinally and / or laterally.

[0306] The guiding and / or combing member may be in the form of an integral element or in the form of a plurality of elements joined to each other or joined to the device to perform one or more desired guiding and combing functions.

[0307] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one guiding part intended to come into contact with the hair and at least one supporting part serving to maintain the guiding part in a desired configuration during the treatment.

[0308] The guiding part of the guiding and / or combing member The guiding part may be fixed or movable relative to the rest of the device. For example, it may be movable relative to the transducer, in particular to approach or move away from the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves. Thus, it is possible to relatively precisely control the distance between the emission surface and the surface of the hair to be treated, thereby improving the action of the bubbles in the vicinity of the surface of the hair, and moreover, avoiding direct contact between the emission surface and the hair if desired.

[0309] When the guiding part is movable, it may be rotatable or axially movable. For example, it can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the guiding part itself and / or move along the longitudinal axis of the guiding member itself and / or move along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guiding member itself.

[0310] The guiding part may at least partially face the emission surface and / or extend to either side of the emission surface, and in particular, may have a guiding surface that defines a treatment space together with the emission surface.

[0311] The distance between the emission surface and this guiding surface may be, in particular, 0.1 mm to 50 mm in order to adapt the device to the thickness of the hair to be treated, and in particular, 0.1 mm to 30 mm when it is applicable and adjustable by the user.

[0312] The guiding surface may have a width greater than or equal to the width of the emission surface. For example, it may have a width of 1 mm to 180 mm, and the emission surface may have a width of, for example, 1 to 150 mm. The "width" here specifies the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the hair and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0313] The guiding part may be hollow so as to define a cavity for guiding the hair to be treated, and the cavity defines a treatment space. This cavity is open at two opposite ends, and the hair may extend between these two ends. The guiding part can be moved along the hair bundle of the hair to be treated, and the hair moves within the cavity between the ends.

[0314] The cavity is laterally open between the ends of the cavity to allow the hair to be inserted. In a variant form, the hair is inserted through one end and then exits through the other end.

[0315] The cavity can be formed by a generally tubular, in particular cylindrical, guiding part having an axial slot.

[0316] The inner surface of the cavity can have reliefs that contribute to combing and / or holding the hair. These reliefs can be in the form of ridges, for example, or can have another shape as further described below.

[0317] The guiding part at least partially transmits the acoustic waves from a transducer arranged outside the guiding part, whereby the acoustic waves emitted by the emission surface of the transducer reach the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition present in the cavity together with the hair, generate bubbles, and / or burst the bubbles.

[0318] The guiding part can also form all or part of the transducer, in particular all or part of the sonotrode of the transducer, and moreover, defines the cavity described above. In this case, the emission surface is formed by at least part of the surface of the cavity.

[0319] The cavity can have a constant or variable inner diameter. The "inner diameter" designates the diameter of the largest circle inscribed within the cross-section of the cavity.

[0320] The guiding part can be located between at least two transducers, for example, two transducers facing each other in the radial direction.

[0321] For example, the guiding portion defines a cavity for guiding a hair located between two transducers, and this cavity opens at the axial ends of the cavity between the transducers so as to define, for example, a slot for inserting the hair.

[0322] The guiding portion contacts the two transducers and can, for example, form all or part of the sonotrode of the transducer and / or transmit the acoustic waves emitted by the sonotrode.

[0323] The guiding portion may include at least two parts that are movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart configuration for inserting a hair therebetween and a proximate configuration for maintaining the hair within the processing space, and are, for example, in the form of jaws.

[0324] The guiding portion includes, for example, a proximal portion closer to the transducer and a distal portion farther away.

[0325] The proximal portion can transmit acoustic waves and can at least partially overlap the emission surface in a front view. The "front view" designates a view in a direction generally perpendicular to the emission surface.

[0326] The proximal portion of the guiding portion may be made, in particular, in the form of a grid or, in other cases, may have holes made of a specific material that transmits acoustic waves in order to transmit acoustic waves.

[0327] The distance between the proximal portion and the distal portion can vary between 0 mm in the proximate configuration and 100 mm in the spaced-apart configuration, and in particular between 0 mm in the proximate configuration and 50 mm in the spaced-apart configuration.

[0328] The proximal portion may be fixed or movable relative to the transducer.

[0329] The distal part may be fixed to the transducer or movable relative to the transducer, provided that at least one part is movable relative to the other.

[0330] At least one of the distal and proximal parts may be urged to move to a rest position by at least one elastic return means, such as a spring.

[0331] In particular, the proximal and distal parts may be returned to a proximate configuration or to a spaced configuration as a deformed state by one or more elastic return means, and preferably also, if necessary, for example, when inserting a hair between the proximal and distal parts described above, removing the hair, and / or during treatment, configured to allow the user to apply a force opposite to the return action to move the proximal and distal parts in opposite directions.

[0332] The guiding member may comprise a single guiding part or a plurality of guiding parts.

[0333] Support part of the guiding and / or combing member The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one support part for holding the guiding and / or combing member during use of the device.

[0334] The support part may comprise a mechanism that allows translational movement of the guiding and / or combing member along the longitudinal axis of the transducer, in particular a mechanism including one or more springs for returning the support part to a rest position. This rest position corresponds, for example, to pressing a hair against the guiding and / or combing member and / or against the release surface during treatment.

[0335] The support part may be movable relative to the transducer to create a space facing the release surface, for example, allowing a hair to be inserted into the treatment area.

[0336] The support part may be capable of translational or rotational movement, or any movement combining at least one translation and one rotation may be possible.

[0337] For example, the support part may pivot relative to the transducer about a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0338] When the induction and / or commingling member comprises a two-part support part, these two parts may pivot simultaneously to switch the induction and / or commingling member on the side of the transducer.

[0339] Relief on the induction and / or commingling member The induction and / or commingling member may comprise at least one induction and / or commingling relief on its surface.

[0340] The induction and / or commingling relief may extend continuously or discontinuously across the induction and / or commingling member. The induction and / or commingling relief may not be present on some parts of the induction and / or commingling member.

[0341] The induction and / or commingling member may comprise on its surface at least one induction and / or commingling micro-relief capable of engaging with the hair, in particular at least one tooth, and / or natural or synthetic bristles.

[0342] The induction and / or commingling member may comprise on its surface, in particular on the surface of at least one tooth, at least one micro-relief, in particular etching and / or micro-protrusions obtained from a sanding treatment of the induction and / or commingling member.

[0343] These induction and / or commingling reliefs enable induction and / or commingling of the hair during processing and / or holding and / or pulling of the hair.

[0344] At least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular at least one tooth and / or at least one bristle, may extend into the space located opposite the release surface.

[0345] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one guiding and / or combing relief, in particular teeth and / or bristles that extend outside the space located opposite the release surface. The guiding and / or combing member may in particular comprise at least one row of teeth and / or bristles that extend outside the space located opposite the release surface.

[0346] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one row of teeth or bristles between which hair can engage.

[0347] The distance between the longitudinal axes of the teeth or bristles in the row may be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm.

[0348] The teeth or bristles in one and the same row may all be aligned. As a variant, the teeth or bristles in one and the same row may be arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

[0349] At least one tooth may have a conical shape with a circular or oval base. As a variant, at least one tooth may have a pyramid shape or a cylindrical shape with a square or rectangular base.

[0350] Each of at least one tooth, or one bristle, in particular at least one tooth of one row of teeth, or one bristle of one row of bristles, may have a height between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0351] At least part of the guiding and / or combing member may be in the form of a brush, such as a brush having a twisted core comprising natural and / or synthetic bristles.

[0352] At least a part of the guiding and / or combing member, for example, a part of the guiding and / or combing member in the form of a brush having a twisted core, can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the guiding and / or combing member below the discharge surface when the hair passes between the guiding and / or combing member and the discharge surface.

[0353] The guiding and / or combing member may have a single type of guiding and / or combing relief, or, as a variant, may have a plurality of different types of guiding and / or combing reliefs.

[0354] Flow of fluid within the guiding and / or combing member At least a part of the guiding and / or combing member may be hollow to allow a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to flow through it.

[0355] At least a part of the guiding and / or combing member can be passed through a duct, thereby enabling the supply of a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to a treatment space, for example.

[0356] In its hollow part, the guiding and / or combing member can receive an anhydrous composition such as a carbonate composition, in particular sodium or calcium, and an acid, for example, a composition of citric acid, and can solubilize when a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, flows through it and can release gas bubbles.

[0357] The guiding and / or combing member may be provided with at least one orifice that enables the outflow of the fluid flowing through it, in particular a cosmetic composition, and this orifice opens, for example, into a treatment space. The orifice opens, for example, in the direction of the discharge surface and is located, for example, opposite the discharge surface.

[0358] Such orifices allow the release of a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, and direct contact with the hair, thereby, in some cases, contributing to the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0359] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise from 1 to 100,000 or more than 100,000 orifices that allow the outflow of the fluid flowing inside, in particular the cosmetic composition. These orifices may be formed, for example, by machining or may be created by the inherent structure of the material used.

[0360] Thus, the guiding and / or combing member may be at least partially made of a porous material having a very large number of pores that allow the outflow of the fluid flowing inside, in particular the cosmetic composition.

[0361] The guiding and / or combing member may comprise at least one orifice that allows the recovery of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, after treatment, for example, by sucking the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition.

[0362] The guiding and / or combing member may be at least partially covered by a sleeve of cloth or non-woven fabric, and the sleeve may be at least partially made of a polymer so as not to damage the fibers of the hair. The sleeve may be formed so as to allow the outflow of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, emerging from the orifices of the guiding and / or combing member, thus allowing better diffusion of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition.

[0363] Since the sleeve allows the outflow of the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, through the orifices, it may have at least partial solubility and, in particular, may have complete solubility, and thus may contribute to the treatment of the hair by the compounds released when the fluid dissolves. For example, the sleeve may be at least partially made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers or cloth, in the form of a foil or, in some cases, any other soluble polymer in non-woven form.

[0364] At least one induction and / or commingling relief may be hollow to allow a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to flow therethrough.

[0365] At least one induction and / or commingling relief may comprise at least one orifice that allows a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, flowing therethrough to flow out.

[0366] Nozzle The treatment head may comprise a nozzle, which is preferably removable and which comes into contact with the keratinous material to be treated.

[0367] When the nozzle is removable, it is selected, for example, according to the application, for example by selecting the type, size, hardness and / or shape that is most suitable for the form of the area to be cleaned.

[0368] Lattice Another subject of the present invention is a device for cleaning a human keratinous material by bringing it into contact with a cosmetic composition in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, the device comprising - at least one ultrasonic transducer designed to emit acoustic waves in the vicinity of the keratinous material to be cleaned; - a lattice, preferably having non-absorbing properties and in particular made at least in part of a non-absorbing material, which defines a contact surface with the keratinous material to be cleaned, has at least one opening, preferably at least two openings, and through which the waves emitted by the transducer can propagate in the direction of the material to be cleaned.

[0369] The lattice makes it possible to more precisely control the distance between the transducer and the surface of the keratinous material, thereby making it possible to improve the action of the bubbles in the vicinity of the surface of the keratinous material and moreover avoiding direct contact between the transducer and these keratinous materials.

[0370] The grid preferably has non-absorbency, i.e., the grid is not porous.

[0371] In particular, the grid does not have the capacity to absorb water when immersed in water. For example, the amount of water retained is less than 10%, and more preferably, the weight of water retained is less than 5%.

[0372] The grid is made of a solid material in particular, and thus is made of a solid material other than foam, cloth, or felt.

[0373] The contact surface of the device with the keratinous substance can be defined by the non-absorbent surface of the grid.

[0374] The region of the grid that defines the opening inside can be defined by the non-absorbent portion of the grid.

[0375] The grid is preferably removable, i.e., it can be easily detached from the device by the user, preferably without using any tools. This makes it easy to clean the grid, possible to replace it each time it is used, or in some cases, depending on the application, possible to replace multiple grids by selecting the grid type most suitable for the form of the area to be cleaned.

[0376] The contact surface defined by the grid may be substantially flat, for example, to maintain a substantially constant distance between the transducer and the keratinous substance to be cleaned that is located opposite the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves.

[0377] In a variant form, the grid may define a contact surface adapted to the form of the area to be cleaned, for example, a curved shape.

[0378] The grid may further have an adjustable effective diameter, where applicable. The device may comprise a variable aperture mechanical element, such as a diaphragm, arranged upstream or downstream of the grid so as to adjust the accessible diameter of one or more apertures. For example, the device comprises a diaphragm centered on the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0379] Some or all of the apertures of the grid may be closed in a fully or partially controlled manner. This makes it possible to limit the surface area and the intensity of the treatment, where desired, depending on the area to be treated, particularly in areas located in the vicinity of the eye, i.e. the most sensitive areas. The device may comprise a shutter capable of moving between a position where one or more apertures of the grid are not blocked and a blocking position where one or more apertures are at least partially or, in some cases, fully blocked. This shutter is, for example, manually controlled by the user as required.

[0380] The grid preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 mm. Thus, this ensures a minimum distance of at least this thickness between the transducer and the keratinous substance, regardless of the position of the grid relative to the transducer.

[0381] The grid is preferably formed of a highly rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal or a highly rigid plastic. The grid is made of a material selected, for example, from metals, particularly steel, stainless steel, alloys, silicone, polymers, particularly polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polythiophene (PT), or combinations of some of these elements.

[0382] During normal use, the grid does not deform visibly to the naked eye due to its rigidity. As a deformation mode, the grid may be deformable. For example, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the grid by applying mechanical pressure to its outer shape.

[0383] The grid may, in particular, comprise recesses extending along the thickness of the grid. The grid may, for example, comprise deformable channels, the diameter of which may vary according to the applied pressure and which, for example, extend in a non-longitudinal direction. As a deformation mode, the channels may be highly rigid in order to allow the fluid to flow evenly when pressure is applied to the grid.

[0384] The grid may also have reliefs or may or may not be flocked.

[0385] The grid may be formed by reliefs or made of a substantially rough material in order to have a non-smooth contact surface with the keratinous material. Such a surface condition makes it possible to obtain a mechanical polishing effect that can contribute to cleaning when the device is moved over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0386] The device may comprise a drive element for driving the grid, configured to generate oscillatory, vibratory, and / or rotational movement of the grid on the keratinous material. For example, the device comprises a motor for driving the grid to perform a movement, such as an alternating or non-alternating rotational movement, a linear movement, an eccentric movement, etc. The device may comprise a vibrator for vibrating the grid, where applicable. The amplitude of the movement may be fixed or adjustable.

[0387] Thus, the mechanical polishing effect can be automatically obtained due to the movement imposed on the grid by the device, and the impurities can be cleaned more effectively.

[0388] The grid can be produced in various ways.

[0389] The grid may comprise a peripheral frame, which defines the outer shape of the grid in a front view. This frame is highly rigid, in particular more rigid than the central part of the perforated grid.

[0390] The outer shape of the grid in the front view may have a circular, oval, polygonal, etc. shape, and the grid preferably has a closed outer shape.

[0391] One or more openings of the grid may have substantially the same size. The grid may comprise, for example, a plurality of openings arranged as a regular array in rows or columns.

[0392] As a variant, one or more openings may be arranged concentrically.

[0393] The openings may have various shapes, and in particular may have the shape of a part of one or more disks or rings.

[0394] The grid may in particular have a single opening with a non-circular outer shape, for example in the shape of a slot, cross, regular polygon or irregular polygon or oval. The grid preferably has at least two openings, and in particular two openings having substantially the same size.

[0395] When there is a single opening, this opening may or may not be centered.

[0396] A grid with a micro mesh improves the retention of the keratin surface being treated during use of the device, thereby making it possible to better control a constant distance between the keratinous material and the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves, and thus to better control the cavitation phenomenon.

[0397] The openings of the grid may have an area of at least 1 mm 2 and may be. In the front view, the smaller dimension of the openings of the grid is, for example, at least 0.5 mm.

[0398] Preferably, the ratio of the total surface area of the openings to the contact surface of the grid with the keratinous material is 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.5, even more preferably 0.8.

[0399] Such a ratio makes it possible to avoid the keratinous material, especially the skin, from contacting or deforming the transducer, and also enables the ultrasonic waves to reach over a sufficient range to bring about the desired results in the area to be treated or in its vicinity, while maintaining a sufficient opening.

[0400] Spacer having one or more legs Another subject of the invention according to another aspect of the embodiments of the invention is a device for washing a human keratinous material (K) by bringing it into contact with a cosmetic composition (C) in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, and this device is - at least one ultrasonic transducer having an emission surface for emitting acoustic waves within the vicinity of the keratinous material to be washed; - and a spacer contributing to maintaining the keratinous material at a predefined distance from the emission surface, and this spacer preferably comprises at least one leg extending axially over less than 360° about the axis of the transducer in front of the emission surface.

[0401] "Front" should be understood to mean that the leg extends beyond the emission surface in the direction of the keratinous material to be treated.

[0402] The spacer may be in the form of a nozzle attached to the rest of the treatment head by a fastening part, or may be integral with the body of the treatment head, for example.

[0403] One or more legs may directly contact the keratinous material via an end, and this end may have a rounded head or lug, for example, so as to be able to slide more easily on the skin. As a variant form, one or more legs extend, for example, in the form of a ring or a grid, for example, laterally with respect to one or more legs and connect to a part that contacts the keratinous material.

[0404] Thus, the device may comprise a spacer without the above-described lattice, an independent lattice without a spacer including one or more legs, or in other cases, a spacer having at least one leg connected to the above-described lattice.

[0405] Thus, the lattice can preferably be held by a spacer comprising a support of the lattice connected to at least one leg extending axially over less than 360° about the axis of the transducer in front of the emission surface.

[0406] The one or more legs are preferably generally straight and preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0407] The one or more legs may extend towards the keratinous material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the emission surface for emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0408] In a variant form, the one or more legs may extend away from the emission surface for emitting ultrasonic waves, thereby making it possible to improve the stability of the contact of the device with the keratinous material.

[0409] The spacer may comprise a distal portion intended to contact the keratinous material, to which one or more legs are connected.

[0410] This distal portion may extend at least partially opposite the emission surface for emitting ultrasonic waves, or in a variant form, may extend around it when the device is observed along the longitudinal axis of the transducer.

[0411] This distal portion has, for example, an annular, bar-shaped, or sliding lug shape and may, for example, comprise at least one opening and form the above-described lattice.

[0412] The spacer is preferably perforated in the lateral direction. For example, the spacer comprises a plurality of legs, and the legs define a perforation therebetween. For example, there are four or fewer support legs. The angular spacing between the legs, centered on the longitudinal axis between the transducers, may be greater than the angular range of each leg measured about the longitudinal axis described above.

[0413] One or more of the legs may also have one or more perforations themselves.

[0414] Such perforations allow the composition to flow so as to be easily contacted by the transducer during use of the device, and in some cases enable the user to more easily visually monitor the position of the transducer and the presence of the composition in contact with the keratinous material. The perforations form windows that allow visual access to the space located in front of the transducer.

[0415] The perforations may also, in some cases, facilitate the passage of gas or light sources, or in particular the temperature variations caused by the high or low temperature generating members of the device.

[0416] The nozzle fastening portion that enables one or more legs of the spacer to be fastened to the rest of the device, particularly the processing head, may have any shape, particularly an annular shape, and may be provided with fastening means for fastening by snap fitting, screwing, bayonet, friction, magnetic, clamping, particularly clamping using at least one fastening screw or hose clamp, or any other suitable means.

[0417] The position of the nozzle fastening portion relative to the rest of the device is preferably adjustable and may be adjusted to adjust the static distance between the emission surface of the transducer and the keratinous material. The device may in particular be formed such that this position is adjustable by the user, for example by acting on an adjustment member such as a control knob.

[0418] The spacer may have an adjustable height. For example, the nozzle may comprise a plurality of sub-components that can be stacked according to the desired spacing.

[0419] The spacer may comprise an elastic return member, preferably at least one helical spring or leaf spring, which is designed to elastically bias the distal end of the spacer away from the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves and to enable control of the applied pressure to the keratinous material of the spacer, thereby enabling more comfortable use of the device.

[0420] One or more legs may be formed, for example, telescopically, and the elastic return member acts to deploy the one or more legs.

[0421] The leg may also be received in a guiding portion so that the proximal end side of the leg slides, and the elastic return member prevents the leg from being inserted into this guiding portion.

[0422] Thus, the grid can be movable relative to the rest of the device when fastened to the spacer and can be returned to its initial position by an elastic return means acting to apply the grid to the keratinous material being treated.

[0423] When applicable, the return movement of the movable part of the grid or spacer after applying the device to the keratinous material being treated is limited by a stop against which the grid or movable part contacts. The return movement of the grid or this movable part can also be detected to automatically trigger the emission of acoustic waves when applying the device to the keratinous material.

[0424] The support of the grid that holds the grid in a predetermined position relative to the grid and the emission surface may or may not be formed of different materials. When applicable, the support and the grid are a single part and are integrally fabricated, for example, by injection molding, machining, or 3D printing.

[0425] One or more legs and / or grids may also conduct an electric current to deliver the current to the composition and / or the keratinous material being treated.

[0426] Flow of the composition within the spacer and / or grid The device according to the invention has at least one supply duct which opens near the keratinous material to be treated and which makes it possible to disperse and bring into contact the composition, in particular at least one duct which extends along one or more legs, or extends within the legs, or more generally extends within the support of the grid and / or within the above-mentioned grid.

[0427] When the spacer holds the grid in contact with the keratinous material at its end, the supply duct may extend within the grid or within the support for the grid.

[0428] Such a device makes it possible to continuously apply the cosmetic composition, i.e. a flow of the composition in contact with the keratinous material to be treated is established, which flow occurs, for example, in a closed or open circuit.

[0429] When the flow is established in a closed circuit, the device is connected to a suction pump and has at least one return duct which makes it possible to at least partially recover the composition in the vicinity of the keratinous material to be washed, in particular at least one duct which extends along one or more legs and which may, in some cases, extend within the grid or within the support of the grid.

[0430] Method for washing keratinous material using a grid and / or spacer Another subject of the invention is a method for washing by bringing a human keratinous material into contact with a cosmetic composition in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, the method comprising: - bringing the grid or spacer of the device into contact with the above-mentioned keratinous material to be washed; - Applying gas bubbles to the acoustic waves emitted within the vicinity of the above-mentioned keratinous substance being cleaned by an ultrasonic transducer, in particular, bursting the bubbles to generate a mechanical impact on the surface being cleaned and removing dirt from the surface.

[0431] The acoustic waves can propagate through at least one or two openings of the grid.

[0432] The grid or spacer can be intermittently moved, for example, remaining stationary during a certain duration during processing and then being gradually moved along the surface being processed. The grid or spacer can be continuously moved across the surface being processed.

[0433] As described above, the grid or spacer can be driven to perform an oscillatory motion combined with a motion, in particular, a motion imparted by a user.

[0434] The grid or spacer can cause abrasion of the keratinous substance by being moved in contact with the keratinous substance being processed.

[0435] Flexible lip The processing head may comprise at least one flexible lip, and the flexible lip can also act as a spacer to maintain the above-mentioned gap between the emission surface for emitting the acoustic waves of the transducer and the surface being processed.

[0436] The flexible lip can contribute to confining the fluid in the processing area when the processing head is applied to the keratinous substance being processed.

[0437] The lip can consist of a sub-lip in which fluid can be collected.

[0438] The flexible lip is preferably formed of a material including silicone, polyurethane (PU), natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or in other cases polythiophene (PT), or some combination of these elements.

[0439] The flexible lip may be formed with relief or made of a substantially rough material in order to have a non-smooth contact surface with the keratinous substance. Thus, the flexible lip can contribute to cleaning the keratinous substance via the mechanical polishing effect obtained when moving the device over the area to be cleaned during use.

[0440] This flexible lip can also contribute to fluid delivery, diffusion, recovery, and / or recycling.

[0441] Battery The device preferably comprises at least one battery, particularly a removable battery. The battery can serve to power the entire device or only a part, particularly the pump.

[0442] The battery can be of various types, for example, Li-ion or NiMH, preferably a type suitable for wet conditions, or a type that can be at least partially submerged in liquid.

[0443] The battery is preferably rechargeable, particularly rechargeable by wire or induction, or rechargeable when the device is placed on a support and / or docking station for recharging the battery.

[0444] The battery is preferably selected such that the device is reliably powered for a plurality of consecutive processes or, in some cases, reliably powered for a plurality of processes and cleaning of the device without the need for recharging.

[0445] Other elements The device may comprise an electronic circuit for driving the operation of the transducer and, optionally, other elements of the device, such as an electric pump.

[0446] The electronic circuit preferably comprises a control unit having, for example, a microcontroller, which may be held by the handpiece and / or distributed between the possible base station and the handpiece or may be present only on the base station.

[0447] The device may comprise a sensor for detecting contact of the treatment head on the keratinous material to be treated, which can communicate data to the control unit, or a plurality of sensors other than the sensors described above, such as a tank filling sensor.

[0448] The device may also comprise a human-machine interface communicating with the control unit. The human-machine interface may comprise a display screen and / or control buttons.

[0449] The interface may provide various functions and / or programs for adjusting certain operating parameters of the device, for example, or various functions and / or programs for indicating certain information to the user, such as battery level, usage time, liquid level in the tank, clogging level of various washable elements (tank, filter, etc.), user-specific information, or information regarding safety and / or usage conditions of the device in some cases.

[0450] The interface may communicate with a terminal, such as a mobile phone, via a wired or wireless link, for example via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to receive updates or send data linked to the use of the device.

[0451] The interface may comprise a function for diagnosing the keratinous material to be treated.

[0452] The device may comprise various switches, in particular an on-switch and / or a standby switch, a program selection switch or a switch for selecting certain parameters specific to ultrasound, or in other cases a sensor for selecting the flow rate of a pump.

[0453] The device may also comprise one or more LED light sources that function to illuminate the area to be treated or, in other cases, function as an indicator, for example, to notify the user that the tank needs to be replaced or filled or emptied, or that the filtration system needs to be cleaned.

[0454] As described above, the device may comprise a base station connected to the handpiece, and the base station may be a station for refilling and / or storing the handpiece.

[0455] Bubble generator Preferably, as described above, the bubbles are generated only by the acoustic waves in the cavitation phenomenon obtained via the minimum level parameter Isata and the other parameters described above.

[0456] Therefore, the device preferably does not comprise a bubble generator.

[0457] As a variant, the device may comprise a bubble generator for generating additional bubbles in the fluid.

[0458] The bubble generator may be arranged within the device so as to generate bubbles before emitting the acoustic waves, generate bubbles simultaneously with the emission, or generate bubbles cyclically with respect to the emission.

[0459] The bubble generator may use, for example, any technique suitable for generating bubbles using the mechanical, physical, chemical, or electrochemical means described above.

[0460] Thus, the bubble generator can use techniques to reduce the pressure of the liquid, generate turbulent flow, or supply energy, as described above.

[0461] Method for treating hair Another subject of the present invention is a method for treating human hair by bringing it into contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, in particular for washing and / or decoloring the hair, the method comprising subjecting gas bubbles to acoustic waves emitted in the vicinity of the hair to be treated by a transducer, bursting the said bubbles, generating a mechanical shock on the surface of the hair to be treated, in particular for removing impurities and / or dyes from the surface.

[0462] The transducer may in particular belong to the treatment device according to the invention as defined above, comprising an induction and / or combing member for induction and / or combing of the hair.

[0463] Thus, the method comprises induction and / or combing of the hair before and / or after the hair passes through the treatment space and / or in the treatment space itself.

[0464] This method comprises feeding or maintaining the above-mentioned hair in the treatment space and / or maintaining the above-mentioned hair at a predefined distance from the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves when the above-mentioned hair passes through the treatment space, in particular for the purpose of preventing the above-mentioned hair from being separated by a distance longer than a given distance from the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves, and includes guiding the hair.

[0465] This method may include vibrating and / or rotating the induction and / or combing member and / or the transducer and / or moving it in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions.

[0466] The method according to the invention may include the step of the user adjusting the distance between the guiding and / or combing member's guiding surface and the transducer's emitting surface to adapt the method to the desired treatment and / or the treated hair.

[0467] This method may include the step of the user adjusting the internal cross-section, in particular the diameter, of the cavity defined by the guiding and / or combing member to adapt the method to the treated hair and the desired treatment.

[0468] This method may include the step of the user adjusting the distance between the proximal part of the guiding and / or combing member closer to the transducer and the distal part of the guiding and / or combing member farther away. This adjustment may make it possible to adapt the method to the hair and / or the desired treatment.

[0469] The method according to the invention comprises, for example, device heating and / or device diffused light for activating certain compounds present in a fluid, in particular certain compounds present in a cosmetic composition.

[0470] The method of treating hair may include the step of applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, to the hair tresses.

[0471] The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, may be supplied to the treatment space by the guiding and / or combing member, in particular when the guiding and / or combing member is hollow or when the guiding and / or combing member is passed through by a duct. This application may be carried out continuously or discontinuously. The fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, may be delivered to the hair via one or more orifices of the guiding and / or combing member. As a variant, the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, may be delivered by another means, for example by another application element of the device, or applied to the hair by means other than using the device.

[0472] Generally, fluids, particularly cosmetic compositions, may already contribute to decolorization on their own due to their formulation and / or may already contribute to the removal of impurities or dyes that are desirably removed through the action of applying acoustic waves to bubbles. The action of applying acoustic waves to bubbles speeds up or improves this process. The association of combining the waves generated by bursting bubbles with the action of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can have an effect greater than the mere effect of the waves or the mere effect of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, due to a synergistic effect.

[0473] Bubbles are preferably generated by acoustic waves within the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, and the acoustic waves can then cause the bubbles to burst. Thus, this method can include applying a fluid without bubbles formed under the action of acoustic waves. This makes it possible to avoid using a bubble generator and simplifies the implementation of the device.

[0474] In a variant or in addition, the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, is first applied regardless of whether bubbles are already present in the cosmetic composition, and then second, after being applied to the hair tresses, is exposed to acoustic waves, resulting in a shock wave after the bubbles burst. The bubbles can be formed, for example, using a bubble generator of a device that operates by electrolysis.

[0475] For example, the user first applies a cosmetic composition, for example in the form of foam, to the area to be treated, for example onto the above-mentioned area, particularly along the hair tresses, by spraying, and then brings the treatment device into contact with the composition to apply acoustic waves to the cosmetic composition.

[0476] The fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can be applied continuously, i.e., a flow of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, in contact with the hair to be treated is established, and this flow occurs, for example, within a closed circuit or an open circuit.

[0477] When flow occurs in a closed circuit, the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can be at least partially recycled. To reduce losses, an additional amount of fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, can be introduced continuously or intermittently into the circuit.

[0478] In an open circuit, the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, is not recycled to carry out this method. For example, it is sucked into a collection container or directly sucked up with the wastewater.

[0479] The flow of the fluid, particularly the cosmetic composition, occurs at a flow rate of, for example, 0.01 mL per second to 50 mL per second.

[0480] This method includes dissolving a sleeve made of cloth or non-woven sleeve, particularly made of polymer, covering a part of the induction and / or commingling member. This dissolution can occur, for example, when the fluid flows out through one or more orifices located on the induction and / or commingling member.

[0481] The method according to the present invention may be applied to hair that has undergone a dyeing treatment, for example, a treatment called permanent hair dyeing, a treatment called semi-permanent hair dyeing, tone-on-tone hair dyeing, strand hair dyeing, swept hair dyeing, henna hair dyeing, or in other cases, a treatment using a tint shampoo.

[0482] The method according to the present invention can be carried out to decolorize hair without performing a new hair dyeing within 24 hours. Also, within 24 hours after this method is carried out, a new treatment for dyeing the hair decolorized by the ultrasonic treatment according to the present invention can be carried out.

[0483] The method according to the present invention is also carried out to create a dyeing gradient and / or at least one pattern along the hair bundle, for example, by varying the intensity and / or duration of the treatment according to the position along the hair bundle.

[0484] This method can be carried out to decolorize the hair only on the outside of the hair (i.e., on the side opposite the scalp) so as to give a swept effect to the hair.

[0485] The method according to the invention can possibly reduce the amount of the active decolorizing agent and / or shorten the time of exposure to these agents when used on the hair to decolorize the hair in combination with chemical decolorizing means.

[0486] Thus, the invention can include subjecting the hair to the sound waves according to the invention and exposing it to at least one active decolorizing agent, for example, an oxidizing agent such as persulfate, alkali, or hydrogen peroxide, potassium salt, sodium salt, ammonium perborate, or percarbonate.

[0487] The risk of irritation linked to the use of the active decolorizing agent is reduced or, in some cases, eliminated.

[0488] This method can include selectively treating a part of the hair by generating the emission of sound waves only in a certain area of the hair, for example, by operating the device intermittently.

[0489] The subject of the invention is, independently of or in combination with the above, a method for treating at least one hair lock of hair that has undergone a permanent hair dyeing treatment or a semi-permanent hair dyeing treatment, wherein the above hair lock in contact with a fluid such as a cosmetic composition containing at least one surfactant is exposed to sound waves generated by a transducer having a frequency and intensity selected to generate and burst bubbles through cavitation within the composition, and most of the bubbles present in the treatment area are generated by or are those generated by the transducer.

[0490] "Permanent hair dyeing" or oxidative hair dyeing covers all of the hair, penetrates the core of the hair, and refers to a dye designed to last, as the name indicates.

[0491] "Semi-permanent hair dyeing" refers to a type of hair dyeing that does not use ammonia in particular, covers the surface without reaching the core of the hair, and is gradually washed away during the shampooing process.

[0492] The bleaching method according to the present invention may include drying the hair using a hair dryer after exposing it to sound waves.

[0493] After this bleaching method, permanent or semi-permanent hair dyeing can be performed using the same color as the color used to color the hair treated for bleaching above, for example, or a different color.

[0494] Throughout the following description, the present invention is implemented using a fluid that is an aqueous medium. However, the present invention can more generally be implemented using any fluid suitable for home use or salon use by consumers.

[0495] The present invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of its non-limiting exemplary implementations and by considering the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0496]

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[0497] The method according to the present invention includes generating bubbles in a cosmetic composition and rupturing the bubbles by exposing them to acoustic waves.

[0498] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary implementation of the present invention, where a cosmetic composition C is present on the surface of a keratinous substance K to be treated, and a treatment device 1 is brought into contact with the composition C to emit acoustic waves within the composition C.

[0499] The composition C may not contain bubbles before the acoustic waves are emitted. As a variant, the composition C already contains bubbles, for example, in the form of foam, and the bubbles are also formed by the acoustic waves.

[0500] The keratinous substance K is formed, for example, by the skin of the face or hair.

[0501] For example, it is desirable to clean the skin to more quickly and effectively remove cosmetic traces.

[0502] The treatment device 1 includes a handpiece that holds the sonotrode 4 in contact with the composition, and acoustic waves are emitted from the sonotrode 4.

[0503] The handpiece can be operated to form a slight space with the keratinous substance K and avoid contact between the sonotrode 4 and the above keratinous substance.

[0504] In a variant form, the handpiece is designed to maintain such an interval by one or more elements 49 intended to contact the keratinous substance, and the sonotrode 4 is located behind the element 49.

[0505] Under the effect of the acoustic wave, bubbles are generated in the composition C and then burst by themselves, thereby generating shock waves. This shock wave has been proven to be effective in skin cleansing.

[0506] In the example of FIG. 1, the composition C is applied, for example, from a pressurized container to generate bubbles, and then the handpiece holding the sonotrode 4 is brought into contact with the bubbles.

[0507] The composition can also be applied by the device 1 that generates acoustic waves, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0508] In this figure, the device 1 comprises a treatment head 10 designed to disperse the composition C over the area to be treated, for example, through at least one opening 31.

[0509] The device 1 may, as shown, comprise a chamber 32 through which the composition C flows and at least one ultrasonic transducer 4 for emitting acoustic waves into the chamber 32. The transducer 4 is powered by a generator 15, which may or may not form part of the handpiece, for example, it is present in a base station to which the handpiece is connected by a cable.

[0510] The composition C can be supplied to the chamber 32 by a duct 16, for example, sent from a composition tank 22.

[0511] In the example of FIG. 2, the handpiece is moved along the area to be treated, and the composition delivered through the opening 31 is not recycled.

[0512] In a variant of FIG. 3, the composition is recycled.

[0513] In this example of FIG. 3, the device 1 used to implement the method according to the invention comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer 4 that emits acoustic waves into the chamber 32, as in the example of FIG. 2.

[0514] However, the composition C dispersed through the opening 31 onto the area K to be treated is collected via at least one duct 27 for the purpose of recycling.

[0515] In the example under consideration, this duct 27 opens around the opening 31 so as to collect the composition in contact with the area to be treated.

[0516] The device 1 may, where applicable, be provided with a sealing element 19, such as a flexible lip, around the duct 27 to contain the composition and facilitate the return of the composition through the duct 27. The lip may consist of a sub-lip between which fluid can be collected.

[0517] The duct 27 communicates, as shown, with a suction pump 20, for example an electric pump, which can send the returned composition to a filter 21. The filter may be designed to stop particles floating in the composition, such as skin debris removed during washing.

[0518] The composition is returned to the chamber at the outlet of the filter 21.

[0519] The composition can be sent, for example, from a tank 22, shown schematically, held by the handpiece.

[0520] This tank 22 allows the circuit through which the composition flows during the operation of the device to be filled and makes it possible to compensate for any loss of the composition if a part of the above composition is not recycled.

[0521] The corresponding detailed views of FIGS. 4 and 5 and FIGS. 6a and 6b show another example of a device according to the invention, which device comprises an ultrasonic transducer 4, two tanks 22a and 22b, a pump 20, and a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit comprising ducts 23, 25, and 27 that allow the composition C to flow between the tanks 22a and 22b and the keratinous substance K to be treated.

[0522] In the example under consideration, the device 1 is in the form of a handpiece comprising a handle 9 and a treatment head 10, the treatment head 10 comprising a spacer 7 that contacts the keratinous substance K to be treated.

[0523] The device does not comprise a bubble generator other than the transducer 4, and the bubbles are generated in the cavitation phenomenon by acoustic waves.

[0524] The transducer 4 is arranged relative to the spacer 7 so as to form a space E between the emission surface for emitting acoustic waves and the surface of the keratinous substance K to be treated.

[0525] The cavitation of the bubbles occurs in this space E as shown in FIG. 6a.

[0526] The device 1 may comprise a grid 6 that contacts the keratinous substance to be treated, the grid 6 being fastened to the spacer 7, for example, and comprising regular openings arranged in rows and columns as shown in FIG. 6b, for example.

[0527] As shown in FIG. 4, the device 1 further comprises an electronic circuit 12 connected by a connector 120 to an electronic generator 40 that supplies power to the transducer. This generator comprises, for example, an oscillator and a power stage.

[0528] The electronic circuit 12 may comprise a control unit capable of communicating with the human-machine interface 41, and the human-machine interface 41 may comprise a screen, in particular an LED screen, and / or control buttons, or may communicate via a wireless link with a terminal such as a mobile phone in some cases.

[0529] The human-machine interface 41 enables adjustment of certain operating parameters of the device, such as the intensity at which the acoustic waves are emitted.

[0530] The electronic circuit 12 can drive the operation of the pump 20 and the operation of the battery 15 that supplies power to the device (especially its load), and receive data from one or more sensors (not shown), such as a sensor for detecting contact of the device on the skin.

[0531] In the latter case, the electronic circuit 12 can start the pump 20 and emit acoustic waves so that the composition can be recycled, especially when the area to be treated comes into contact with the grid 6.

[0532] The electronic circuit can also communicate with a photodetector 650, as highly schematically shown in FIG. 5, to detect the presence of a compound removed from the surface of the skin and, in some cases, determine the amount present.

[0533] As described above, the system for the flow of the composition, comprising a fluid circuit, one or more tanks, and a pump, can be arranged in various ways.

[0534] In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the device 1 comprises two separate tanks 22a and 22b. Tank 22a is, for example, a tank for the composition to be dispensed, connected to the pump 20, and the pump 20 can send the composition C to the treatment area via a duct 25 that opens via an outlet 250 as shown.

[0535] As shown in FIG. 6a, tank 22b recovers the composition in contact with the area to be treated via duct 27 opening onto outlet 270.

[0536] Device 1 may, where applicable, include a composition and be provided at the periphery of the end of the treatment head with a sealing element 19, such as a flexible lip, to facilitate the return of the composition through duct 27.

[0537] Tanks 22a and 22b may be at least partially transparent, thereby enabling the user to visually monitor the filling level and / or clogging level of the tanks through a transparent window provided on the handle, where applicable. Each of the tanks and / or the assembly formed by one or more tanks and fluid circuits may preferably be removable so that it can be easily cleaned or replaced by the user.

[0538] The filter may also be arranged in the duct connecting tanks 22a and 22b.

[0539] The filter may also be held by tank 22b so that it can be automatically replaced when the composition is discharged and the tank is replaced.

[0540] In the variant shown in FIG. 7, tanks 22a and 22b are directly connected to the treatment area via ducts 25 and 27, respectively.

[0541] In this example, pump 20 is connected to tanks 22a and 22b in such a way that the composition does not flow through it internally, and the pump is capable of generating a positive air pressure in tank 22a for the composition to be dispensed and a negative pressure in tank 22b for the recovered composition to maintain the flow in ducts 25 and 27 between the treatment area and the tanks.

[0542] The pump 20 may also contribute to generating air bubbles in the tank 22a before dispersing the composition across the treatment area.

[0543] In one variant form, the device may comprise a single tank 22, which may or may not be provided with an internal filter, and the internal filter may be removable in some cases.

[0544] For example, the composition is recovered using a suction system 28 such as a suction pump, and the suction system 28 can be arranged at various positions in the fluid circuit. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 8, it can be arranged directly in the treatment head 7 where the composition is recovered and maintained by the flexible lip 19.

[0545] As shown in FIG. 8, the device 1 may comprise a treatment and purification unit 29 for the composition, thereby enabling recycling for the purpose of returning the composition to the keratinous substance to be treated. In that case, the composition flows at least partially within a closed circuit.

[0546] The treatment and purification unit 29 is, for example, a filtration system schematically shown in FIG. 8, and comprises one or more filters designed to stop particles floating in the composition, such as skin debris removed during washing.

[0547] As shown in FIG. 8, the filtration system can be arranged between the suction system 28 and the tank 22.

[0548] In the variant form shown in FIG. 9, the tank 22 comprises two compartments 220 and 225 separated by a piston 230. Compartment 220 contains, for example, the composition C to be dispersed and is directly connected to the treatment head by a duct 25 opening onto the treatment area.

[0549] The composition is recovered by a duct 27 connecting the pump 20 to the treatment area, and the pump 20 returns the used composition to the second compartment 225 of the tank 22.

[0550] As shown in the figure, the filter 21 can be arranged in the duct 27 between the treatment area and the pump 20.

[0551] The flow is established by the movement of the piston 230 in the pump 20 and the tank 22. In this example, the compartments 220 and 225 of the tank 22 do not communicate.

[0552] The tank 22 is preferably partially or completely transparent, so that the user can evaluate the position of the piston and the respective remaining levels of the composition to be dispensed and the used liquid.

[0553] The device may further comprise one or more control buttons 39, such as an on button or a standby button, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0554] The device is charged, for example, using a USB port (not shown) positioned directly on the body of the device, or in other cases, by being placed on a base station provided for this purpose and charged inductively or using any suitable connector.

[0555] The battery 15 can also be removed separately and charged. The device may also comprise an outlet 31 for delivering the composition C and a transducer 4 arranged so as to be offset from the outlet 31, as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the composition disposed on the area K to be treated passes under the transducer 4 after the device has been moved relative to the area to be treated and is thereby exposed to acoustic waves.

[0556] The device may comprise a possible additional bubble generator 17.

[0557] The spacer element 49 may be a flexible lip and serves to separate the transducer 4 from the area to be treated and can, for example, avoid direct contact with the skin.

[0558] The transducer 4 or its sonotrode is preferably removable. Thus, it is possible to easily remove them from the device in order to clean the transducer 4 and the sonotrode.

[0559] It is also possible to replace various transducers and sonotrodes and provide sonotrodes of different sizes and / or transducers that generate waves of various frequencies and acoustic intensities, especially according to the desired use of the device.

[0560] For this purpose, the transducer or sonotrode may be provided with various fastening means for fastening to the handpiece.

[0561] The fastening means are, for example, screwed fastening means as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b.

[0562] As shown in FIG. 11a, the transducer 4 may have a threaded rod 102 at one end of the transducer 4, and the threaded rod 102 may be screwed into a nut 103 that is fastened to the device, especially the processing head.

[0563] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 11b, the transducer 4 may be provided with a nut 103 on its upper surface, and the threaded rod 102 may be fastened to the processing head 7.

[0564] The removable transducer may be fastened by snap fit, as shown in FIG. 11c, or by clamping, especially by a host clamp 106 as shown in FIG. 11d, or by a seal 107 made of polymer or rubber, for example, as shown in FIG. 11e.

[0565] The emission surface for emitting acoustic waves may have a relief 420 where the bubbles may rise at various levels along the longitudinal axis X of the transducer during cavitation.

[0566] These reliefs 420 may be integral with the sonotrode as shown in FIG. 12a, or may be formed on an additional part 95 added to the sonotrode as shown in FIG. 12b, and the additional part 95 is fastened to the sonotrode, for example, by screwing.

[0567] All or part of the relief 420 may have a random distribution across the emission surface and / or may have a random size, as shown in FIG. 13a.

[0568] As a variant, the relief may have a predefined shape, for example, may have a pyramid shape as shown in FIG. 13b, and may be arranged in a regular arrangement, for example, may be arranged as a regular array as shown in FIG. 13c.

[0569] The relief 420 preferably has a height h measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sonotrode of 0.001 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm to 30 mm, and even more preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0570] The device may also include a vibrator 750 for applying additional vibrations having a frequency lower than the frequency of the acoustic waves to at least a part of the emission surface.

[0571] The vibrator 750 includes, for example, a motor 751 that drives the imbalance 752 to rotate, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0572] FIG. 15 shows another example of the device 1 according to the present invention. The device 1 includes a main body 2 that houses the transducer 4, a spacer 7 in the form of a nozzle added to the processing head, and a grid 6 disposed in front of the transducer 4.

[0573] The transducer 4 comprises an electroactive element coupled to the sonotrode, the electroactive element typically being made of metal, defining an emission surface S through which acoustic waves are emitted onto the keratinous material to be treated.

[0574] The body 2 of the treatment device 1 may be in the form of a handpiece that is operated by the user to bring the grid 6 into contact with the area to be treated.

[0575] As shown in FIG. 16, the composition C containing the bubbles B is present on the surface of the keratinous material K to be cleaned during use of the device 1.

[0576] The composition C is, for example, in the form of foam or another composition and is applied to the keratinous material before bringing the device into contact with the keratinous material. The composition C may also be delivered by the device 1 or be at least partially present before the device 1 is brought into contact with the keratinous material and is partially supplied by the device.

[0577] The keratinous material K is formed, for example, by the facial skin or hair.

[0578] The transducer 4 comes into contact with the composition C.

[0579] Under the effect of the acoustic waves, the bubbles burst by themselves, thereby generating shock waves that have been proven to be effective in cleaning the keratinous material K. The acoustic waves can contribute to forming the bubbles when applicable.

[0580] The grid 6 can be made in various ways.

[0581] The grid 6 comprises at least one opening 300 and the grid 6 may comprise exactly one opening as shown in FIG. 17f, or exactly two openings as shown in FIG. 17a, or more openings.

[0582] The openings can be mostly of the same size or all of the same size, as shown in FIGS. 17b, 17d, or 17e. The openings may have various shapes, such as square or round, or in other cases, may have the shape of a part of a disk or ring, as shown in FIG. 17c.

[0583] The grid 6 preferably has a ratio of the total surface area of the openings to the contact surface with the keratinous material of 0.5 or more, so that the shock wave generated by the bursting of the bubbles can reach the keratinous material K over a suitable surface area, thereby enabling the benefit of relatively wide openings.

[0584] The grid 6 can have a circular outer shape as shown in FIGS. 17a - 17f, or can have an outer shape of another shape, such as a polygonal outer shape.

[0585] The outer surface of the grid 6 may be flat, for example, may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0586] The grid 6 may be, for example, a single part formed by machining or injection molding.

[0587] The thickness of the grid 6 may be selected to obtain the desired rigidity.

[0588] The grid may be made of metal, and the surface of the grid in contact with the keratinous material is in a smooth or rough state. The grid may be made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The grid may also be formed of a high - rigidity plastic or made of ceramic. The grid may also be a composite material, for example, may include a frame embedded in a plastic matrix.

[0589] The grid may be made of a deformable and / or compressible material. Thus, the grid may be compressed to a thickness such that a minimum distance is ensured between the release surface and the surface of the keratinous material being treated during its use.

[0590] The smooth surface state can particularly facilitate movement on the skin, while the rough surface state can exert a mechanical action contributing to skin cleansing.

[0591] Each opening of the grid can be delimited by sharp edges on the application surface to the keratinous substance. Such sharp edges can promote cleansing by rubbing the keratinous substance while the grid moves in contact with the keratinous substance.

[0592] As shown in FIG. 15, the device according to the invention may comprise a spacer 7 each having a plurality of support legs 115 extending axially over less than 360° about the axis X of the transducer in front of the emission surface S.

[0593] The grid 6 is held by the spacer 7 as in the example under consideration, in which case the spacer may comprise a holding part 110 for the grid 6, and one or more support legs 115 act as a high-rigidity link between the fastening part 100 for fastening the spacer to the device and the holding part 110.

[0594] The device may comprise only the spacer 7 defining the contact surface with the keratinous substance to be treated, without a grid.

[0595] As a variant, the spacer 7 can be directly held by the transducer 4 and, where applicable, a damper is used between these two spacers to limit the transmission of vibrations from the transducer to the spacer.

[0596] The spacer 7 makes it possible to maintain the transducer 4 at a distance d from the keratinous substance in order to avoid direct contact between the emission surface S and the above-mentioned keratinous substance. When the device comprises the grid 6 held by the spacer 7, the distance d is at least equal to the thickness of the grid 6.

[0597] The spacer 7 is preferably perforated in the lateral direction, and these perforations are defined, for example, by the space between the support legs 115 as shown in FIG. 15, whereby the position of the transducer 4 can be observed and the flow of the composition between the transducer 4 and the keratinous substance can be facilitated.

[0598] In the example of FIG. 15, the spacer 7 comprises three support legs 115 arranged at 120° to each other about the longitudinal axis X of the device. These support legs 115 form a link between the fastening part 100 and the holding part 110 for the grating, and both the fastening part 100 and the holding part 110 have an annular shape.

[0599] Other spacer shapes are possible.

[0600] For example, as shown in FIG. 18a, the spacer 7 may comprise a single support leg 115 that extends substantially perpendicular to the emission surface S of the transducer 4 and that contacts the keratinous substance directly via its free end.

[0601] The spacer 7 may similarly comprise three or four linear support legs 115 arranged at 120° or 90° to each other about the longitudinal axis X of the device. These legs may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X as shown in FIG. 18b, or may be inclined obliquely outwards so as to improve the stability of the contact of the device on the keratinous substance, as shown in FIG. 18c.

[0602] One or more support legs 115 extend laterally with respect to the legs and connect to a distal portion 116 that faces or extends around the emission surface S for emitting ultrasound (in a front view).

[0603] This distal portion 116 has, for example, an annular shape as shown in FIG. 18d, or in other cases has the shape of a bar, as shown in FIG. 18e.

[0604] One or more legs and / or distal parts can be made of a high-rigidity material, such as metal, or a high-rigidity plastic, or a semi-rigid or flexible material.

[0605] The spacer may be integral with the body of the device or in the form of a removable nozzle.

[0606] When the spacer 7 is in the form of a nozzle, it can be fastened to the body 2 of the device by various means, such as screwing using the screw 15 as shown in FIG. 15.

[0607] The axial position of the spacer may be adjustable along the longitudinal axis X of the device with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer. For example, the spacer may be engaged somewhat on the body of the device 2, in which case the spacer may be fastened to the selected position using the screw 15 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0608] This adjustable position makes it possible to accurately adjust the rest distance d between the transducer 4 and the keratinous substance as desired.

[0609] The nozzle 7 may be telescopic at the support leg 115. The legs 115 are each height-adjustable, for example, and this adjustment is made, for example, to adapt the position of the grating to the form of the keratinous substance to be cleaned. Thereby, it may be possible, for example, to obliquely incline the plane of the grating with respect to the axis X.

[0610] One or more support legs 115 of the spacer 7 may also be provided with elastic return means 8, such as one or more springs as highly schematically shown in FIG. 19a, or a telescopic link as shown in FIG. 19b.

[0611] Such elastic means 8 vary the distance d between the transducer 4 and the keratinous substance K based on the pressure applied to press the spacer against the keratinous substance K to be cleaned, and / or maintain a constant applied pressure when moving the device, for example, to enable adaptation of the keratinous substance to any relief.

[0612] As shown in FIG. 20, the device 1 may comprise one or more supply ducts 25 that extend, in particular, along one or more support legs 115 and open through at least one outlet 250 located near the area to be treated during use, passing through the spacer 7 from the composition tank 22.

[0613] One or more supply ducts 25 may extend within the grid and / or the support 110 for the grid 6 when the grid 6 is held by the spacer 7. The device 1 comprises, for example, a plurality of outlets 250 located on the grid 6 or on the support 110 for the grid 6 (not shown).

[0614] FIG. 23 shows a treatment device 1 according to the invention, the treatment device 1 comprising a transducer 4 having an emission surface S for emitting acoustic waves into the cosmetic composition C, and a guiding member 70 for guiding the hair tufts of the hair K and enabling the hair K to be guided when the hair K passes through the treatment area.

[0615] The treatment device 1 may operate autonomously or be in the form of a handpiece (not shown) connected to a base station.

[0616] The transducer 4 may be removably or non-removably fastened to the device.

[0617] The guiding member 70 may be made of one or more parts that can be disassembled and / or assembled and / or replaced and / or modified by the user.

[0618] The transducer 4 is powered by a generator (not shown), which may form part of the device 1, for example, be incorporated in the handpiece or be connected to the handpiece by a flexible cable.

[0619] The guiding member 70 may be removably or non-removably attached to the remaining part of the device 1 and may be movable or immovable relative to the remaining part of the device 1, for example, between a use configuration in which the member 70 guides the hair K and a non-engaging configuration in which the member 70 is spaced from the transducer 4 and allows the hair bundle of the hair K to be inserted. The guiding member 70 may also be fixedly attached on the device 1 to form a passage for inserting the hair bundle of the hair K to be processed.

[0620] The guiding member 70 defines a space using the release surface S through which the hair K passes during processing and may be arranged to extend at least partially opposite to the release surface as shown, for example, having a guiding portion 71 that defines a guiding surface 72 substantially parallel to the release surface S.

[0621] The guiding surface 72 may be flat or may have another shape adapted to move on the hair bundle, for example, a circular shape.

[0622] The guiding surface 72 has a width L greater than or equal to the width of the release surface and may have, for example, a width L of 1 mm to 180 mm, and the release surface may have, for example, a width of 1 to 150 mm.

[0623] The guiding member 70 may, for example, extend along the transducer 4 and include a support portion 73 connected to the body of the device 1 at the end opposite to the guiding portion 71 by any suitable means.

[0624] The guiding member 70 may advantageously serve to supply the cosmetic composition C to the processing area. For this purpose, the guiding member 70 may be passed through by at least one duct 74 that opens via one or more orifices 75 of the guiding portion 71 facing the release surface S.

[0625] The duct 74 is connected, for example, to a fluid circuit that ensures the flow by obtaining the flow of the composition from the tank.

[0626] The distance D between the emission surface S and the guiding surface 72 is, for example, between 0.1 mm and 30 mm.

[0627] This distance D can be fixed or adjustable, for example, by a specific mounting of the guiding member 70 on the device 1, allowing the user to move the guiding member 70 relative to the transducer 4 as needed.

[0628] The orifices 75 are regularly spaced along the guiding portion 71 as shown, for example, but may be spaced differently in a variant form.

[0629] The orifices 75 are, for example, circular, but may be made in another shape, for example, the shape of one or more slots.

[0630] To use the device 1 of FIG. 23, the user engages a tuft of hair K between the guiding portion 71 and the transducer 4 and can move the device 1 along the tuft of hair K, for example, starting from the hair root to the tip.

[0631] During this movement, the composition C is delivered to the treatment area by the device 1, in particular via the dispersion orifices 75.

[0632] The composition C present in the treatment area contacts the hair K and is subjected to the action of the acoustic waves emitted by the transducer 4.

[0633] Bubbles are generated by cavitation in the treatment area and then burst, generating contributing shock waves produced by the cleaning and / or decolorization of the hair K.

[0634] The composition delivered to the treatment area can be discharged from the device or recycled.

[0635] The guiding member 70 can also be formed to perform combing of the hair K upstream or downstream of the treatment area, or in some cases within the above treatment area. Thereby, for example, it may be possible to have a hair bundle with a more uniform thickness facing the discharge surface S, and the hair bundle engaged with the device is divided into smaller and more easily accessible hair bundles by teeth and / or bristles and / or etching and / or micro-relief.

[0636] FIG. 24 shows a deformed form of the guiding member 70 different from that of FIG. 23 by the presence of at least one row of teeth 80 schematically shown, which enables such combing.

[0637] These teeth 80 extend, for example, as shown in the figure, and the longitudinal axis Y of these teeth is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4.

[0638] The teeth 80 may extend facing the discharge surface S as shown in the figure, or as a deformed form, be shifted relative to this surface to perform combing of the hair K upstream or downstream of this surface.

[0639] The guiding member 70 may be provided with both teeth 80 and orifices 75 for dispersing the composition C as shown in the figure.

[0640] These orifices 75 open, for example, between the teeth 80.

[0641] The guiding member 70 may be provided at a position other than the position facing the discharge surface S with combing and / or guiding relief, for example, on the opposite side as shown in the figure. Thus, FIG. 24 shows a row of additional teeth 81 on the opposite side of the teeth 80.

[0642] The height of the teeth 80 and 81 of the combing member 70 in FIG. 24 is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

[0643] Of course, the present invention is not limited to a specific tooth shape.

[0644] In the example of FIG. 25, the tooth 80 is hollow and communicates with the duct 74, thereby dispersing the composition C through an orifice formed in the tooth and not visible in this figure.

[0645] As shown, the guiding member 70 can hold the dispersion orifice 75 on the guiding portion 71 that holds the teeth 80 and 81. As a variant, the composition C is dispersed only through an orifice provided on the tooth 80.

[0646] FIG. 25 also shows the possibility of a guiding member 70 having one or more lateral guiding surfaces 76. Between the lateral guiding surfaces 76, the hair tuft of the hair is held when the hair passes through the treatment area.

[0647] For example, the device comprises one lateral guiding surface 76 defined by the support portion 73 and another lateral guiding surface 76 defined by the inwardly directed curved portion 77.

[0648] When applicable, as shown, the curved portion 77 is hollow and communicates with the duct 74, thereby dispersing the composition C through at least one (invisible) orifice opening in the direction of the treatment area.

[0649] The emission surface S of the transducer 4 also has teeth 46 and / or bristles 47 and / or etching and / or microrelief and / or spikes, especially those made of metal, thereby combing the hair K upstream or downstream of the treatment area, or in some cases, combing the hair K within the above treatment area. The emission surface S of the transducer 4 can have the same type of relief as the guiding member 70, or as a variant, can have a different relief.

[0650] FIG. 26 schematically shows a modified device 1 having teeth 46 or other reliefs on the emission surface S that contribute to combing the hair bundle of the hair K and guiding the hair bundle.

[0651] These teeth 46 or other reliefs extend, for example, as shown, and the longitudinal axis Z of these teeth is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the transducer 4.

[0652] The teeth 46 or other reliefs can be arranged, as shown, to fit between the teeth 80 of the guide member 70.

[0653] FIG. 27 schematically shows a modified device 1 different from the device 1 shown in FIG. 26 that also enables combing, with bristles 47 on the emission surface S and bristles 82 on the guide member 70. The bristles 47 and 82 can be natural and / or synthetic bristles in some cases.

[0654] The emission surface S of the transducer can be defined by removable and replaceable parts to provide various solutions for guiding and / or combing the hair K depending on the guide member 70 used.

[0655] The guide member 70 and the transducer 4 can be mounted on the device 1 so as to be movable relative to each other and / or movable relative to the device 1, for example, performing longitudinal movement, lateral movement, vibration, and / or rotation.

[0656] In particular, the guiding portion 71 of the guiding member 70 can be rotatable about the longitudinal axis W of the guiding portion 71, as shown in FIG. 27, for example, driven by a motor or rotating freely. The guiding portion 71 can rotate facing the emission surface S while the hair bundle of the hair K passes between the guiding member 70 and the transducer 4, thereby enabling, for example, guiding and / or combing of the hair bundle when the hair bundle of the hair K passes through.

[0657] The transducer 4 of FIG. 28 can rotate about its vertical axis X. The guiding member 70 and the transducer 4 of FIG. 28 can also be moved longitudinally along the axis X so that the guiding surface 72 and the emitting surface S move towards each other or move away from each other, for example to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the hair bundle of the hair K. The guiding member 70 can in particular be returned to its rest position using elastic return means 730, for example a spring, held by a support part 73.

[0658] The device 1 can comprise a spacer element 7, also called a spacer as described above.

[0659] This spacer element 7 can be capable of maintaining the hair K at a predefined distance from the emitting surface S. This spacer element 7 may or may not form part of the guiding member 70.

[0660] For example, the spacer element 7 is held by the guiding member 70 and fastened to the support part 73, as shown for example in FIG. 29.

[0661] The spacer element 7 allows the acoustic waves emitted by the transducer 4 to pass through and, together with the guiding part 71, defines a treatment area through which the hair K passes for treatment.

[0662] The spacer element 7 is, for example, in the form of a grid and is made of, for example, a metallic material or plastic.

[0663] FIG. 29 shows the distribution of the composition C through the orifice 75 of the guiding member. As a variant, the composition C can be supplied to the treatment area by any other means or, in some cases, can already be present on the hair K inserted into the treatment area.

[0664] The variant device of FIG. 30 comprises a treatment head 10 ensuring the flow of the composition C between the supply duct 25 and the return duct 27.

[0665] Thus, the composition can flow within the treatment area between the duct 25 and the duct 27.

[0666] The flow of the composition is ensured, for example, by an electric or manual pump (not shown).

[0667] The treatment head 10 comprises a sealing nozzle (not shown), which is applied to the hair around the treatment area to limit the loss of the composition during treatment. This sealing nozzle is applied to a support surface (not shown), which is lowered onto the treatment head 10 during use of the device 1, and the treatment head 10 is held, for example, by the first jaw of the device 1, and the support surface is held in the same way as a straightening iron by a second opposing jaw articulated on the first jaw.

[0668] The guiding member 70 can at least partially extend within the treatment head 10 during use, as schematically shown in FIG. 30, and can maintain the treatment of the hair K within the treatment area.

[0669] The hair K can be maintained at a certain distance below a predefined value from the emission surface S, in particular by the guiding part 71 of the guiding member 70.

[0670] The guiding member 70 can be held by the second jaw described above.

[0671] The guiding member 70 can comprise, as shown in FIG. 31, for example, a tubular hollow guiding part 71 defining a cavity 710 for guiding the hair K to be treated. The cavity is open, in particular, at two opposite ends 711 and 712.

[0672] The cavity 710 can have a constant cross-section or a non-constant cross-section.

[0673] In this example, the hair bundle of the hair K is inserted into the cavity 710 through the end 711 and exits the cavity 710 through the opposite end 712.

[0674] The inner surface 716 of the cavity 710 may have reliefs that contribute to hair combing and / or holding the hair. These reliefs may be in the form of ridges or teeth 713.

[0675] The guiding part 71 is deformable and, in particular, its diameter can be changed under the action of the adjusting means of the device. For example, clamping members such as hose clamps can be used to adapt the device to the hair tuft and the desired treatment.

[0676] The guiding part 71 can transmit acoustic waves. In a deformable form, the guiding part can form all or part of a transducer, in particular all or part of a sonotrode.

[0677] The device may be configured such that the transducer 4 can move along the guiding part 71, for example, with its emission surface S facing the outer surface 714 of the guiding part 71. The transducer 4 can be moved, for example, motor-driven, and the transducer 4 can reciprocate along the guiding part or be manually moved by the user.

[0678] The transducer 4 can also rotate around the guiding part 71, while preferably maintaining a state where its emission surface S faces the outer surface 714 of the guiding part 71. The rotation of the transducer is carried out, for example, motor-driven or manually by the user to adjust the side of the hair to be treated.

[0679] The guiding part 71 is also movable and can move, for example, along its longitudinal axis W or rotate around its longitudinal axis W. The movement of the guiding part 71 may or may not be motor-driven.

[0680] Device 1 may include a plurality of transducers 4, particularly two transducers 4 as shown in FIG. 32, when applicable. These two transducers 4 may be radially opposed. These transducers 4 may be fixed to each other and to the guiding portion 71, or may be movable relative to the guiding portion 71, for example, they may be moved independently of each other or may be movable.

[0681] The presence of a plurality of transducers, for example, enables enhancing the effect of Device 1 by simultaneously treating two opposing surfaces of the hair and / or by obtaining a higher bubble density.

[0682] The emission surface S of one or more transducers 4 may have a concave shape facing the guiding portion, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, so as to coincide as much as possible with the outer surface 714 of the guiding portion 71.

[0683] As shown in this figure, the guiding member may have a slot 715 along the portion 71 between two ends 711 and 712. This slot 715 may enable easier insertion of the hair bundle of the hair K into the cavity 710.

[0684] Therefore, the cavity 710 may be defined by a guiding portion 71 having two parts 78 and 79 movable relative to each other in the form of a jaw, as particularly shown in FIG. 33, and the above parts can be moved between a separated configuration for inserting the hair bundle of the hair K between the parts and a proximity configuration for treating the hair.

[0685] Jaws 78 and 79 may be held by a support portion 73 for the guiding member 70 as shown in the figure. Jaws 78 and 79 may be fastened to the support portion 73 removably or non-removably.

[0686] The distance E between the two jaws 78 and 79 may vary between 0 mm in the proximity configuration and 50 mm in the separated configuration.

[0687] The two jaws 78 and 79 can be moved relative to each other along the axis X to extend or shorten the distance E, for example, to adapt the treatment to the thickness of the tuft of hair K to be treated.

[0688] Each jaw 78 or 79 may have teeth 78d and 79d and / or bristles or other reliefs on the surface of the jaw facing the other jaw, in particular making it possible to divide the tuft of hair K and better treat the divided parts.

[0689] The jaw 78 proximal to the transducer 4 preferably allows the acoustic waves emitted by the transducer 4 to pass through and may be provided with holes made in the form of a grid or, in other cases, holes formed from a specific material that allows the acoustic waves to pass through, for this purpose.

[0690] As shown in FIG. 33, the guiding member 70 may have two lateral guiding surfaces 76, one defined by the support portion 73 and the other by the curved portion 790 of the lower jaw 79 directed inward.

[0691] The space between the two jaws 78 and 79 is closed on the opposite side of the support portion 73 by a closing portion 791 in a deformed configuration, as shown in FIG. 34.

[0692] In the example of this figure, the support portion 73 and the closing portion 791 comprise, for example, at least one elastic return member 500, for example one or more helical springs, and the elastic return member allows the jaws 78 and 79 to move towards each other and biases the jaws 78 and 79 into a rest position, for example a proximal configuration or a spaced configuration depending on the deformed configuration.

[0693] Examples of treating a tuft of hair Example 1 Confocal microscopy analysis was performed on natural tufts of hair, and the passive diffusion of fluorescent dyes within the fibers was used to examine whether the integrity of the cuticle was altered by the treatment device.

[0694] The following three hair samples were prepared. - Sample 1: An untreated natural hair tress that was not dyed, which was used as a reference. - Sample 2: An untreated natural hair tress of the same type that was not dyed was treated by passing it through the treatment device according to the present invention twice. The treatment device emitted ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 33.4 kHz and brought the hair tress into contact with a cosmetic composition C such as foam containing a soap-type surfactant (partially neutralized long-chain fatty acid). - Sample 3: An untreated natural hair tress of the same type that was not dyed was treated by passing it through the treatment device according to the present invention ten times. The treatment device emitted ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 33.4 kHz and brought the hair tress into contact with the same composition C.

[0695] Next, for microscopic examination, the three hair tresses were stained with a hydrophilic fluorescent dye, specifically fluorescein.

[0696] Next, in order to investigate the diffusion of fluorescein in the hair, each part of the hair tress was observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

[0697] Software was used to analyze the acquired images. A first analysis was performed on the color intensity within the fiber. The results are shown in FIG. 35.

[0698] A second analysis was performed regarding the fluorescein color level. The results can be seen in FIG. 36.

[0699] It was observed that the staining intensity within the hair fiber was low, at 6.2% - 6.5%, and was comparable to that of the hair used as a reference and the hair treated using ultrasonic waves according to the present invention. This indicates that the integrity of the cuticle of the treated hair has not been altered. The ultrasonic waves have not damaged the capillary sheath.

[0700] Example 2 Transmission light analysis was performed on the dyed hair bundles to visualize the decrease in thickness and quantify the pigment intensity within the fibers of the treated hair.

[0701] The following five hair samples were prepared. - Sample 1: A bundle of untreated natural hair that was not dyed, used as a reference. - Sample 4: A bundle of the same hair that was dyed using the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" but not treated. This sample is shown in Figure 37A. - Sample 5: A bundle of the same hair that was dyed using the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and treated by passing it through the treatment device according to the present invention 10 times. The treatment device emitted ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 33.4 kHz. This sample is shown in Figure 37B. - Sample 6: A bundle of the same hair that was dyed using the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" but not treated. This sample is shown in Figure 37C. - Sample 7: A bundle of the same hair that was dyed using the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" and treated by passing it through the treatment device according to the present invention 10 times. The treatment device emitted ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 33.4 kHz. This sample is shown in Figure 37D.

[0702] Each part of the hair bundle was observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy in transmission light.

[0703] The following observations were made on the grayscale images obtained using confocal microscopy. - The undyed and untreated hair of the reference hair bundle (Sample 1) has a bright gray, uniform hue. - The hair that was dyed and untreated using the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" (Sample 4) showed coloring mainly on the surface and showed somewhat dark black rings. However, these were mainly located on the periphery. - The hair that was dyed and untreated using the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro" (Sample 6) showed a considerably black and deep coloring. This is because the hair was almost completely dyed. - The hair treated using ultrasonic waves (Samples 5 and 7) showed weak coloring relative to their respective dyed references, thereby demonstrating the advantage of the treatment for decolorizing dyed hair while minimizing the impact on the integrity of the hair.

[0704] The analysis was performed by quantifying the average coloring intensity of the hair based on a gray scale of 0 - 100. 0 on the gray scale is white and 100 is black. The results of the analysis can be seen in Figure 38.

[0705] After passing ultrasonic waves 10 times over the dyed tresses of hair, a 34% reduction in coloring was observed for the product "Colorista Washout L'Oreal Paris" and a 23% reduction for the dye "Majirouge 6.66 L'Oreal Pro".

[0706] A statistical analysis of the coloring data was also performed. This is reproduced in Figure 39. In this analysis, it was confirmed that the difference between the measured average values is a statistical difference within the 95% confidence interval.

[0707] Of course, the present invention is not limited only to the examples described here.

[0708] Therefore, it is possible to give more shapes to the guiding member.

[0709] The device can be used in the following steps, which are given, by way of example, to a device comprising one or more removable tanks, a transducer or a removable sonotrode, and / or optionally additional elements such as spacers, grids, etc., and a treatment head equipped with these elements. - The user selects a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, according to the treatment desired to be carried out, and fills the tank or inserts a pre-filled tank (e.g., a single-use tank) into the handpiece. - The user selects the type of sonotrode and the elements that come into contact with the keratinous substance to be used according to the area the user wishes to treat, and fastens those elements to the rest of the device. - The user turns on the device using the on / off button and selects a program visible on the screen. - The start of the program can be associated with an acoustic signal, vibration, and / or indicator light. - The user applies the treatment head in contact with the keratinous substance, thereby triggering, by means of a contact sensor, the activation of the pump and the transducer. - The pump enables a flexible lip arranged at the end of the treatment head to come into contact with the keratinous substance and creates a vacuum to form a closed space between the emission surface for emitting ultrasonic waves and the surface of the keratinous substance to be treated. - The fluid flows through the space thus formed. The transducer generates acoustic waves that cause cavitation of the bubbles in the treatment area. - The used fluid is collected in a second tank or a second compartment of the tank and can be reintroduced into the filtered fluid circuit, so that multiple passes through the treatment area are made. - The user checks the contamination level of the collected fluid. The user may empty the tank containing this fluid at the end of the treatment or even before, if necessary. - When an excessive temperature rise is detected, the device stops operating as a safety measure when the user moves the treatment head away from the keratinous substance, or when it is detected that the device is fixed. - After the treatment is completed, the user may replace the device on the base for recharging or remove the battery and recharge it separately. - The user may also start a cleaning program for the device by filling the tank with a specific product, placing the device on a dedicated surface, and closing the fluid circuit for cleaning.

[0710] Example of treating the skin Prepare a sample of artificial skin (from Bioskin) and apply a long-lasting foundation to it so that the thickness reaches about 6 μm + / - 20%.

[0711] Dry at room temperature for a minimum of 20 minutes. As a variant, drying may be carried out at room temperature for 15 minutes, or drying may be completed in 2 minutes using a hair dryer.

[0712] The composition is, for example, one of Compositions C1 to C5 described below.

[0713] The acoustic wave has a frequency of about 34 kHz, is pulse-width modulated as shown in Figure 21, and is generated by exciting the ultrasonic transducer 13 with a sinusoidal electrical signal U fed by the generator G.

[0714] The amplitude of the voltage U can be adjusted by the user by acting on the generator during the test.

[0715] The pulse has a pulse duration T on and a duty cycle

[0716]

Number

[0717] is characterized by. Here, T off is the duration of the "low" or "passive" state over one cycle.

[0718] The sonotrode 4 shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, to emit acoustic waves and is moved at a low speed in a state where the sonotrode is in contact with the composition without touching the foundation film.

[0719] The sonotrode comprises, for example, a ceramic piezoelectric transducer system.

[0720] The nominal frequency of the transducer is, for example, about 34 kHz.

[0721] The sonotrode is made of, for example, titanium.

[0722] The transducer includes, for example, ceramics separated by insulators and attached to each other by clamping.

[0723] The diameter of the sonotrode is, for example, about 1.8 cm, that is, the surface area is about 2.5 cm 2 and the ceramics of the transducer have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the sonotrode.

[0724] The sonotrode is included in a casing, for example, and its front end protrudes several centimeters beyond the casing, preferably less than 5 cm.

[0725] The tests are carried out with various parameters, namely, - the total concentration (%) of surfactant in the composition, - the peak acoustic intensity I (W / cm 2 unit) directly dependent on the activation voltage U, - the pulse duration T on 、 - the duty cycle Ton / Toff, - the duration for which the surface to be cleaned is exposed to the acoustic waves, - By changing the distance between the discharging surface and the surface to be cleaned is carried out.

[0726] The acoustic intensity I on the surface to be cleaned SATA is expressed in W / cm 2 and is calculated based on the selected parameters. The acoustic intensity is given by the following formula.

[0727]

Equation

[0728] The acoustic intensity I SATA can also be expressed as a function of the average acoustic pressure p applied to the area to be treated m as follows.

[0729]

Equation

[0730] In the above formula, ρ is the bulk density of the composition (in kg m-3 units), c is the speed of sound in the composition (in m.s-1 units), and p m is the average acoustic pressure (in Pa units, or equivalent to N.m-2 or kg.m-1.s-2), and I SATA is in W.m -2 units.

[0731] The effectiveness of the combination of parameters for each test is evaluated based on the makeup removal rate (% makeup removal) calculated based on the gradient measured on the colorimetric scale (Delta E).

[0732] The cleaning is considered to have a sufficient effect when Delta E is 15 or more and the makeup removal rate exceeds 65%.

[0733]

Table 1

[0734] For the combination of parameters summarized in the above table, good removal of the foundation is observed in the area through which the sonotrode passes during operation.

[0735] It is also observed that it is very difficult to remove makeup simply by passing a sponge or brush over the makeup, thereby emphasizing the cleaning effect obtained in the present invention.

[0736] Response surface It is possible to extend the values of the parameters obtained experimentally above and demonstrating a good makeup removal effect to the range of parameters using an optimization plan that takes into account various interactions between all parameters.

[0737] Therefore, this gives the response surfaces shown in FIGS. 40 to 45, and these response surfaces show the ranges of values of various parameters where a sufficient makeup removal effect is found.

[0738] The makeup removal effect is considered sufficient according to the same criteria as described above, i.e., when ΔE is 15 or more and the makeup removal rate exceeds 65%.

[0739] In the optimization plan, the following three parameters, namely - The total concentration (%) of surfactant in the composition, - The peak acoustic intensity I (W / cm 2 unit), and - The duration for which the surface to be cleaned is exposed to the acoustic wave are fixed.

[0740] The range of the optimal values is determined for the other two parameters, namely the pulse duration T on and the duty cycle T on / T off

[0741] ​The range of the optimum value is defined as the range that satisfies the above-mentioned criteria for makeup removal. On the illustrated response curve, these ranges correspond to the regions above the isobar 0.

[0742] These value ranges are summarized in the following table, which refers to each of the figures showing the corresponding response surface.

[0743] For some parameter values, as shown in the example on the response surface of Fig. 45e, the response surface has no pulse duration and duty cycle T on / T off values that satisfy the above-mentioned criteria for makeup removal effect.

[0744] For other parameter values, as shown in the examples in Figs. 40b to 40e, the entire region under consideration for optimization satisfies the makeup removal effect criteria.

[0745]

Table 2A

[0746]

Table 2B

Explanation of symbols

[0747] 1 Processing device, deformation device 2 Main body 4 Sonotrode, ultrasonic transducer 6 Grid 7 Spacer, processing head, nozzle, spacer element 8 Elastic return means, elastic means 9 Handle 10 Processing head 12 Electronic circuit 15 Generator, battery, screw 16 Duct 17 Bubble generator 19 Sealing element, flexible lip 20 Suction pump 21 Filter 22 Composition tank 22a, 22b Tanks 23 Duct 25 Supply duct 27 Duct, return duct 28 Suction system 29 Treatment and purification unit 31 Opening, outlet 32 Chamber 39 Control button 40 Electric generator 41 Human-machine interface 46 Teeth 47 Bristles 49 Spacing element 70 Inductive member, corming member 71 Inductive portion 72 Inductive surface 73 Support portion 74 Duct 75 Dispersion orifice 76 Lateral inductive surface 77 Bend 78 Joe, part 79 Joe, part, lower joe 80, 81 Teeth 82 Bristles 95 Part 100 Fastening portion 102 Threaded rod 103 Nut 106 Hose clamp 107 Seal 110 Holding portion 115 Support leg 116 Distal portion 120 Connector 220, 225 Compartments 230 Piston 250 Outlet 270 Outlet 420 Relief 500 Elastic return member 650 Photodetector 710 cavity 711, 712 opposing ends 713 tooth 714 outer surface 715 slot 716 inner surface 730 elastic return means 750 oscillator 751 motor 752 imbalance 790 curved portion 791 closing portion

Claims

1. In particular, a device (1) for treating human hair (K) for the purpose of washing the human hair (K), removing a previous dye, and / or decolorizing the hair, wherein the hair (K) is intended to be treated while in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition (C), in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, - at least one transducer (4) having an emission surface (S) for emitting acoustic waves in the vicinity of the hair (K) to be treated in order to cause rupture of the bubbles, - and at least one guiding and / or combing member (70) designed to move the hair (K) close to the emission surface (S) and / or to guide it into contact with the emission surface (S).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprises at least one lateral guiding surface (76, 790) for guiding the hair (K) laterally.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guiding and / or combing member (70) is removably fastened to the device (1).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the guiding and / or combing member (70) vibrates and / or rotates light, and / or moves it longitudinally and / or laterally, and / or heats and / or diffuses it.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprises at least one guiding part (71) intended to come into contact with the hair, and at least one supporting part (73) serving to maintain the guiding part (71) in a desired configuration during the treatment.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the guiding part (71) at least partially faces the emission surface (S) and / or extends along either side of the emission surface (S), in particular having a guiding surface (72) that delimits a treatment space together with the emission surface (S).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the distance (D) between the emission surface (S) and the guiding surface (72) is between 0.1 mm and 50 mm and is adjustable by the user in order to adapt the device to the thickness of the hair to be treated, where applicable.

8. The guiding part (71) is hollow so as to define a cavity (710) for guiding the hair (K) to be treated, the cavity (710) defining a treatment space, the cavity (710) being open, in particular at two opposite ends (711, 712), the hair (K) extending, in particular, between these two ends (711, 712), the guiding part (71) being preferably moved along the hair bundle of the hair (K) to be treated, the hair (K) moving within the cavity (710) between its ends (711, 712), the device according to claim 5.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the cavity (710) is laterally open between the ends (711, 712) of the cavity (710) to enable the hair (K) to be inserted.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the guiding part (71) comprises at least two parts (78, 79) which are movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration for inserting the hair (K) between the parts and a proximity configuration for maintaining the hair (K) within the treatment space.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the guiding part (71) comprises a proximal part (78) closer to the transducer (4) and a distal part (79) further away, the proximal part (78) transmitting the acoustic waves.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the guiding part (71) comprises a proximal part (78) closer to the transducer (4) and a distal part (79) further away, the distance (E) between the proximal part (78) and the distal part (79) varying between 0 mm in the proximity configuration and 50 mm in the spaced configuration, and in particular at least one of the distal part (79) and the proximal part (78) being biased to move to a rest position by at least one elastic return means (500) such as a spring.

13. The support part (73) comprises a mechanism enabling translational movement of the guiding and / or combing member (70) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the transducer (4), in particular a mechanism including one or more springs (730) for returning the support part (73) to a rest position, this rest position corresponding in particular to the hair (K) being pressed against the guiding and / or combing member (70) and / or the release surface (S) during said treatment, device according to any one of claims 5 to 12.

14. The guiding and / or combing member (70) has at least one guiding and / or combing relief on its surface, in particular guiding and / or combing macro-reliefs (80, 81, 82, 713, 78d, 79d) that can engage with the hair (K), for example at least one tooth (80, 81, 713, 78d, 79d), and / or synthetic or natural bristles (82), and / or micro-reliefs, for example etching and / or micro-protrusions, the guiding and / or combing reliefs extending in particular opposite the release surface (S), device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. At least part of the guiding and / or combing member (70) is hollow to enable the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), to flow through it and / or at least part of the guiding and / or combing member (70) is passed through by a duct for supplying the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), to the treatment space, device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the guiding and / or combing member (70) comprises at least one orifice (75) enabling the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), flowing inside it to flow out.

17. At least one induction and / or commingling relief (80, 81, 82, 713, 78d, 79d) is hollow to allow the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), to flow through it, and this relief (80, 81, 82, 713, 78d, 79d) preferably comprises at least one orifice that allows the fluid flowing through it, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), to flow out. The device according to claim 14.

18. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a treatment head (10) through which the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition (C), flows, and the transducer (4) and the induction and / or commingling member (70) at least partially extend within this treatment head (10).

19. In particular, a method of treating human hair with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition, in which gas bubbles are present and / or generated inside, using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, in particular for washing and / or decolorizing the hair, by bringing the hair into contact with the fluid, A method comprising applying the gas bubbles to the acoustic waves emitted by the transducer in the vicinity of the hair to be treated, bursting the bubbles, and generating a mechanical shock on the surface of the hair to be treated, in particular removing impurities and / or dyes from the surface.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising inducing and / or commingling the hair before and / or after the hair passes through the treatment space and / or in the treatment space itself.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the fluid, in particular the cosmetic composition, is supplied to the treatment space by the induction and / or commingling member.

22. In particular, a method of treating at least one hair bundle of hair that has undergone a permanent or semi-permanent hair dyeing treatment using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the hair bundle in contact with a fluid, in particular a cosmetic composition comprising at least one surfactant, is exposed to acoustic waves generated by a transducer having a frequency and intensity selected to generate and burst bubbles via cavitation within the composition, and the bubbles present in the treatment area are mostly generated by or are the generated ones by the transducer.

Images