Hair conditioning treatment apparatus and method

Abstract

In one aspect the invention is arranged to provide a hair treatment apparatus adapted to reduce the temperature of hair. This apparatus includes at least one thermal energy storage core arranged to draw heat out of hair wherein said at least one thermal energy storage core is arranged to cool hair to a temperature below 0° Celsius.

Claims

1. A hair treatment apparatus adapted to reduce the temperature of hair, the apparatus including: at least one fluid thermal energy storage core formed from a liquid or gel material that only experiences a solidification or condensation phase change when cooled below 0° C. and being arranged to draw heat out of hair; at least one contact housing comprising a contact surface arranged to contact hair during a treatment process and a sealed compartment confining the at least one fluid thermal energy storage core; and a handle removably connected to the at least one contact housing, wherein, prior to use, the at least one contact housing, together with the at least one fluid thermal energy storage core, is cooled to below 0° C., and wherein said at least one fluid thermal energy storage core is arranged to cool hair to a temperature below 0° Celsius.

2. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a water based thermal energy storage core with 3.5-15% mass of ionic additives.

3. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a fluid thermal energy storage core which experiences a latent heat of fusion effect between 0° and −10° C.

4. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a fluid thermal energy storage core which experiences a latent heat of fusion effect between −3° and −8° C.

5. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a contact surface is formed from a waterproof and thermally conductive material.

6. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a contact housing is configured to project out and away from the handle.

7. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a plurality of removable thermal energy storage core cartridges.

8. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the area of contact between a contact housing and handle is minimised by at least one thermal break.

9. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the contact housing include at least one thermal transfer element provided by a metal shaft which projects from a contact surface into the interior of the volume occupied by the thermal storage core.

10. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes at least one surface projection adapted to promote the formation of variations in the alignment of hair placed in contact with the contact housing.

11. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a thermal energy storage core is formed from saline solution.

12. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a thermal energy storage core material is formed from any one or combination of gels, propylene glycol, hydroxethyl cellulose, vinyl coated silica gel, alcohols, liquid ammonia, or compounds formulated to undergo endothermic reactions between −20 and 0°.

13. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a handle includes a temperature sensor located in close proximity to the contact housing and an associated user indicator configured to alert a user if the temperature sensed exceeds a maximum operating temperature.

14. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a base station arranged to receive at least a part of a contact housing and to cool the thermal storage core retained within the contact housing.

15. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which includes a treatment fluid application element.

16. A hair treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a condensation promotion element is provided in association with a contact surface to encourage moisture to condense on or near the contact surface.

17. A hair treatment method comprising the steps of: providing a hair treatment apparatus including: a fluid thermal energy storage core formed from a liquid or gel material that only experiences a solidification or condensation phase change when cooled below 0° C., the fluid thermal energy storage core being confined in a sealed compartment of a contact housing connected to a handle, the contact housing comprising a contact surface arranged to contact hair during a treatment process, the handle being removably connected to the contact housing; prior to use, cooling the contact housing, together with the fluid thermal energy storage core to below 0° C.; and exposing hair to be treated to the contact housing confining the thermal energy storage core to extract heat from the hair and reduce a temperature of the hair to below 0° C.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the fluid thermal energy storage core is a water based fluid thermal energy storage core with 3.5-15% mass of ionic additives.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the fluid thermal energy storage core experiences a latent heat of fusion effect between 0° and −10° C.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the fluid thermal energy storage core experiences a latent heat of fusion effect between −3° and −8° C.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Example embodiments of the invention are now discussed with reference to the drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show side views of three different embodiments of the invention used to implement a set of handheld hair treatment gliding and compressing apparatus

(3) FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d show a range of additional views of the embodiment of the invention implemented with respect to FIG. 1b, while FIG. 2d shows a side view of a set of contact housings used in this embodiment in isolation from the handle.

(4) FIGS. 3a through 3d show in further detail how two embodiments of the invention can be employed,

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b show a side cross-section and expanded view of the apparatus of the invention provided in a further embodiment to pass through and align hair fibres

(6) FIGS. 4c and 4d show the action of a number of hair alignment projections extending from the contact housing of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b,

(7) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention provided in yet another embodiment be located within hair in various styling forms,

(8) FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrate a range of different types of contact housing and contact surfaces implemented in various embodiments

(9) FIGS. 7a through 7f illustrate a range of different types of base stations implemented in various embodiments, and

(10) FIG. 8a shows an exploded view of a hair treatment apparatus as provided in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, and

(11) FIGS. 8b and 8c show a side and end cross-section view of the hair treatment apparatus of FIG. 8a, and

(12) FIG. 8d shows a perspective view of a thermal transfer element integrated into the apparatus shown with respect to FIGS. 8a-8c.

(13) FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c show exploded perspective, end and side cross section views of yet another embodiment of the invention used to implement a set of handheld hair treatment apparatus.

(14) Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which is given by way of example only of particular embodiments.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(15) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show side views of three different embodiments of the invention used to implement a set of handheld hair treatment apparatus 1.

(16) In each embodiment the tongs provided are formed from a handle section 2 which is engaged with a pair of contact housings 3. The contact housings are used to locate and enclose a thermal energy storage core (not shown). The exterior of each contact housing defines a contact surface for hair to be treated by each device.

(17) In each of these embodiments the handle 2 is arranged to pivot to open and close the jaws formed by the apparatus, moving each contact housing 3 and associated thermal core towards and away from each other. Hair to be treated can be placed into the interior of the apparatus to come into physical contact with either or both of the contact housings 3 connected to each handle to touch and or compress hair.

(18) In the embodiment shown with respect to FIG. 1a each of the pair of contact housings are permanently connected to the handle 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 1b the contact housings 3 are removable from the housing, providing these components with a removable cartridge configuration. In the embodiment shown with respect to FIG. 1c the contact housings 3 are again permanently connected to the housing, with an electronic cooling device (not shown) mounted within the handle to cool each associated thermal core.

(19) FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d show a range of additional views of the embodiment of the invention implemented with respect to FIG. 1b. FIG. 2d shows a side view of a set of contact housings used in this embodiment in isolation from the handle.

(20) FIGS. 2a and 2b shows plan and sides view of the cooling apparatus 1 when closed, while FIG. 2c shows an end view, and FIG. 2d shows a side view of the contact housing 3 removed from the handle 2.

(21) FIGS. 3a through 3d show in further detail how the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 can be employed. FIGS. 3a-c show the use of the embodiment shown with respect to FIG. 2, while FIG. 3d shows the use of an embodiment when the handle forms a stub or sheath from which the contact housings project.

(22) FIG. 3a shows the initial closed state of the apparatus 1 while FIG. 3b illustrates the pivoting action of handle 2 used to open the apparatus to insert a lock of hair into its interior. 3b is in a material relaxed state while 3a is in a material compressed state, thereby providing an inherent outward spring effect when compressed.

(23) FIG. 3c illustrates one possible treatment operation facilitated by the invention in this embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 3c a lock of hair 4 can be clamped between the opposed contact housings 3 and thermal cores with the hair drawn over these contact surfaces to reduce its temperature.

(24) FIG. 3d illustrates a further possible treatment operation facilitated by an embodiment where the handle 3 forms a short stub or sheath from which the contact housings project. As can be seen from FIG. 3d a lock of hair 4 may be wound around the upper contact housing 3a and then clamped against the lower contact housing 3b to reduce its temperature. This approach places a significant amount of hair in contact with the cold contact surfaces in one action, as compared with the action of FIG. 3c.

(25) FIGS. 4a and 4b show a side cross-section and expanded view of the apparatus of the invention provided in a further embodiment. FIGS. 4c and 4d show the action of a number of hair alignment projections 5 extending from the single contact housing 3 provided in this embodiment.

(26) In this embodiment the invention is used to pass through hair to align fibres in a brushing action where a handle 2 defines a central locating cavity 6 which receives a single contact housing 3 and associated thermal core. The exterior sidewalls of the handle 2 used to form this cavity also define a number of projections 5 which extend from the contact housing to form the bristles or fibre alignment projections. As can be seen from FIGS. 4c and 4d a user can run the projecting bristles of the brush through a head of hair 4, placing the thermal core in close proximity to reduce the hair temperature.

(27) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention provided in yet another embodiment. In the embodiment shown the invention provides a contact housing in the form of a hair roller or curler 7. In use the roller has a lock of hair 4 wound around its cylindrical perimeter and is secured in place in the hair for a period of time.

(28) FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show several different implementations of the contact surfaces of a contact housing. In these embodiments the contact housing is formed from two co-radial layers of material, where the interior or underside layer forms an enclosure for the thermal core, and the outer topside layer provides a thermally conductive contact surface for the hair of the user.

(29) In the embodiments of FIG. 6a the exterior layer of the handle 2 defines a number of hair styling projections 8. The arrangement of FIG. 6a allows the strands of a user's hair to be aligned.

(30) FIGS. 6b and 6c show embodiments where the two opposed contact housings defines a number of hair combing apertures 9, 10 when clamped together. This embodiment maximises the surface area contact between the hair and cold contact surfaces. The apertures 9 of FIG. 6b provide for a crimping effect as hair is run through these projections and over the cold contact surface. Alternatively the apertures 10 of FIG. 8c provide for a combing effect as hair is run through these projections and over the cold contact surface.

(31) FIG. 6d shows the implementation of a treatment fluid application element formed by a material used to apply and deliver a fluid hair product lotion into the hair. The arrangement of FIG. 6d shows the exterior surface of the contact housing formed from a perforated surface to exchange fluid from a solid, fluid encapsulated or sponge like layer 11 soaked or dipped in a cooled treatment fluid. This treatment fluid is slowly released through the apertures shown onto the hair of the user as the hair is run over the contact housing. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that alternative forms of treatment fluid application elements may function in a similar manner, but deliver fluid from a reservoir instead of a matrix material.

(32) FIGS. 6a-6d also show projections and surface details made in forms and materials that promote condensation and or the management and effective application of this moisture and treatment fluids into hair.

(33) FIGS. 7a through 7f illustrate a range of different types of base station 12 which can be employed with the invention in various embodiments.

(34) The base stations implemented with respect to FIGS. 7a through 7c use a pre-cooled thermal mass 13 sited in the base and sidewalls of each base station to produce a cooling effect. The base stations of FIGS. 7d through 7f are electrically powered and use cyclic, gaseous and or thermoelectric refrigeration 14 in the interior of each base station.

(35) FIGS. 7a-7f also show internal volume for cold core storage.

(36) These base stations are arranged to define a receiving cavity into which the contact housing or housings of a treatment apparatus can be inserted. Various forms of base station can be provided which receive cooling cartridges formed by contact housings removed from handles (FIGS. 7b, c, e and f) or which receive contact housings still connected to handles (FIGS. 7a, and d). In a range of embodiments base stations can also receive and cool a number of contact housings and associated thermal cores at the same time, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7c and f. As shown by these figures the central cavity of the base station can receive a contact housing in isolation, or a contact housing connected to a handle.

(37) FIGS. 8a through 8c show a number of views of the components employed to form a hair treatment apparatus 19 in accordance with a further embodiment.

(38) The apparatus 15 includes a handle 16 used to surround a pair of removable thermal storage cores 17 connected together by a body strap 18.

(39) The handle includes two clamping arm components which are linked together by a flexible joint 16c, each component being arranged to receive a removable thermal storage core 17. The thermal cores are each enclosed within a housing 20 which defines a contact surface 19.

(40) The handle is formed from two open receiving shells 16a, 16b which retain and orient the pair of thermal storage cores to form a clamping or tong like treatment apparatus. Each side of the handle encloses the sides of a core housing while leaving its contact surface 19 exposed. The flexible joint 16c allows the two exposed housing contact surfaces to be pushed toward each other to perform a hair clamping operation.

(41) Each core is locked in place within the handle by the action of a locking projection 21 engaging with a complementary locking cavity 22 provided in the handle. The cores can be removed from the handle by each locking projection 21 being forced inwards, allowing a user to grasp the body strap 18 to pull both cores out of the handle.

(42) As can be seen from the cross section view of FIG. 8c, each housing is sited within a side of the housing 20 to rest against a series of guide rails 23. These guide rails provide a thermal break 24 between the core housing and the handle, minimising heat transfer between these components. This provides a thermal break in the interior of the handle to form an air gap between the majority of the contact surface and the handle which receives the contact housing. Direct connections are made with the housing only by the guide rails to which limit the surface area contacts between these components. FIG. 8c also illustrates the hollow nature of the contact housing, enclosing a volume used to contain the thermal energy storage core.

(43) In the embodiment shown each contact housing includes a thermal transfer element 25 formed from aluminium. The transfer element is connected to the main body of the housing by a set of screws 26.

(44) As can be seen from FIGS. 8a and 8c in particular, this metal thermal transfer element 25 provides a metal shaft 25a which projects into the interior of the volume occupied by the thermal storage core. The same metal component also extends out from the interior of the contact housing to form the contact surface 19. The metal thermal transfer element therefore promotes rapid heat transfer from hair contacting a relatively large metal surface area into the interior of the thermal storage core.

(45) FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c show exploded perspective, end and side cross section views of yet embodiment of the invention used to implement a set of handheld hair treatment apparatus.

(46) In this embodiment each of the contact housings are formed from an extruded hollow aluminium body 27 which is closed at each end by a hollow thermoplastic end cap 28. These metal contact housings fully enclosing each thermal core in a material with a high degree of thermal conductivity.

(47) In the preceding description and the following claims the word “comprise” or equivalent variations thereof is used in an inclusive sense to specify the presence of the stated feature or features. This term does not preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

(48) It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.