DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A PRODUCT AT THE BASE OF HAIR SHAFTS AND/OR ON THE SCALP

Abstract

The device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp of a predefined user comprises a base comprising a container for the product, equipped with a filler cap, and an electric pump aspirating the product in the container and pushing it into a flexible tube (809). The device also comprises a case (800) connected to the flexible tube, a case whose geometry is configured to be held in the palm of a user's hand and comprising a row of assemblies (810) having a convex distal surface (805) of contact with the user's head, each of these assemblies comprising a tooth (803), at least one nozzle and at least one applicator. The convex distal surfaces of the assemblies are all tangential to a flat curve (818) whose radius of curvature is equal to a radius of curvature of the user's skull (820). The case also comprises a control button (808) for controlling the operation of the pump.

Claims

1. A device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp of a predefined user, which comprises: a base comprising a container for the product, equipped with a filler cap, and an electric pump aspirating the product in the container and pushing it into a flexible tube (809); and a case (800) connected to the flexible tube, a case whose geometry is configured to be held in the palm of a user's hand and comprising a row of assemblies (810) having a convex distal surface (805) of contact with the user's head, each of these assemblies comprising a tooth (803), at least one nozzle (804) and at least one applicator (806), this tooth being configured to separate hairs to their roots, each nozzle being configured to deliver the product on the roots of hairs separated by the tooth and/or on the scalp between the hairs separated by the tooth, and each applicator being configured to spread, over the roots and/or the scalp, the product delivered by at least one nozzle, the convex distal surfaces of the assemblies all being tangential to a flat curve (818) whose radius of curvature is equal to a radius of curvature of the user's skull (820), this case also comprising a control button (808) for controlling the operation of the pump.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one assembly (810) has a cross-section perpendicular to the radius of curvature, a cross-section whose width, measured in the plane of the flat curve, decreases, at least in part, as a function of the distance between this cross-section and the flat curve, this decrease creating a free compartment for the hairs separated by the tooth.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein this radius of curvature is between seven and eleven centimetres.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one distributor takes the form of a curved spatula.

5. The device according to claim 1, which comprises a second row of assemblies offset relative to the previous row such that the teeth of a second row are positioned between two teeth of the previous row in the direction perpendicular to the flat curve to which the contact surfaces of the assemblies of the first row are tangential.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distance, between two successive assemblies whose contact surfaces are tangential to the same flat curve, is between one half and three-quarters of the width of the contact surface measured in the plane of the flat curve.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the manual case has a maximum dimension, in the plane perpendicular to the radius of curvature, which is less than twelve centimeters.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container is configured to receive a cartridge containing the product to be delivered, this cartridge comprising a plug, the base comprising a means for opening this plug.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a means for magnetically retaining the case.

11. The device (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least one tooth (203) incorporates at least one nozzle (204).

12. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, in at least one assembly (110), at least one nozzle (104) comprises at least one side opening (115) for delivering the product mainly on the roots of hair strands separated by the tooth (103).

13. The device (300) according to claim 1, wherein at least one container comprises a first storage chamber (317) for storing a first substance, a second storage chamber (327) for storing a second substance, and an intermediate chamber (337) connected to the first chamber and the second chamber, for mixing the first substance and second substance forming the product for hair and/or scalp, at least one nozzle (104) being connected to the intermediate chamber.

14. The device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the base (302) comprises a system (308) for pressurising at least one container (317, 327, 337).

15. The device (400) according to claim 1, wherein the case forms part of a headband, each assembly (410) being positioned on an inner portion of the headband.

16. The device (500) according to claim 15 which also comprises a hairdressing band (501) having a mechanical connection (502) with the headband, the band being configured to prevent the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and/or neck, the mechanical connection leaving the headband free to rotate relative to the band around an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Other advantages, aims and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the non-limiting description that follows of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method that are the subjects of the present invention, with reference to drawings included in an appendix, wherein:

[0042] FIG. 1 represents, schematically and in a cross section view, a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a support having a container and being attached to a tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly;

[0043] FIG. 2 represents, schematically and in a cross section view, a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a tooth into which a nozzle is incorporated;

[0044] FIG. 3 represents, schematically and in a cross section view, a device according to a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a container made up of two chambers connected by an intermediate chamber;

[0045] FIG. 4 represents, schematically, a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising a headband forming the support for a plurality of tooth/nozzle/applicator assemblies;

[0046] FIG. 5 represents, schematically, a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, comprising a band and a headband supporting a plurality of tooth/nozzle/applicator assemblies;

[0047] FIG. 6 represents, schematically, a device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, comprising a dispenser bottle on which is mounted a fitting supporting a tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly;

[0048] FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of an assembly implemented in the device that is the subject of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 8 represents, in a side view, an assembly of the case illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10;

[0050] FIG. 9 represents, in a bottom view, a case of a particular embodiment of the device that is the subject of the invention; and

[0051] FIG. 10 represents, in a view from the right side of FIG. 9, the case illustrated in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The present description is given as a non-limiting example, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous way.

[0053] It is noted that the figures are not to scale.

[0054] Throughout the description, the term root refers to the base of a hair shaft, in the context of the present disclosure one is particularly concerned with a visible portion of the hair shaft of the order of one centimetre measured from the scalp.

[0055] The term tooth refers to an element configured to separate the hairs at the root. Such a tooth is, for example, similar to a comb tooth, synthetic claw, or any other hooked and/or pointed item. A tooth according to the invention has, at its end, a thinness chosen to be inserted between hairs without hurting the scalp, and sufficient toughness to withstand the mechanical forces needed to separate the hairs.

[0056] The term nozzle refers to a tube for delivering a liquid or viscous product to the hair roots and/or on the scalp.

[0057] The term flexible applicator refers to an element configured to spread a liquid or viscous product by applying a slight frictional force on the hair roots and/or on the scalp thanks to its flexibility. A flexible applicator is, for example, a colouring brush or a spatula made of silicone.

[0058] The term interior of a container refers to an area of the support configured to store a liquid or viscous substance.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a device 100 for delivering a product suitable for treating the hair roots and/or the scalp 101 of a user.

[0060] For the clarity of the figures, the hair is not shown. Nevertheless, in the framework of this description, there is of course hair on the scalp 101.

[0061] The product to be delivered is suitable for hairdressing, it can, for example, be a chemical composition used for all types of hair colouring (permanent, semi-permanent, tone-on-tone or vegetable colouring). Alternatively, the product is a dermatological product indicated in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or hair loss.

[0062] The delivery device 100 comprises a support 102 which forms a support frame for an assembly comprising a tooth 103 associated with a nozzle 104 and a flexible applicator 106.

[0063] It is described below that a support can take the form of a headband (with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5) or alternatively of a fitting for a dispenser bottle (with respect to FIG. 6).

[0064] However, the form of the support is not limited to these two examples.

[0065] The assembly 110 of the tooth 103, nozzle 104 and flexible applicator 106 is mechanically attached to the support 102.

[0066] The operation of the delivery device 100 is as follows: a user manually moves the support 102 in the direction such that, in succession, the tooth 103 and then the applicator 106 pass next to each hair (as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1), and contact, or closeness, is maintained between the assembly 110 and the scalp area 101 to be treated.

[0067] The tooth 103 separates hairs at their roots in the same way as a comb tooth. Once the hairs have been separated by the tooth 103, the nozzle 104 applies the product on the roots of the hairs that have just been separated and/or on the scalp exposed by the separation of the hairs.

[0068] Next, the flexible applicator 106 spreads the product delivered by the nozzle 104 over the roots and/or scalp.

[0069] In this first embodiment, the support 102 comprises a container 107 of the product used. The container 107 comprises at least one storage chamber for storing the product and a network for delivering the product to each nozzle 104. The delivery network comprises, for example, one or more perforations through the support 102 between each nozzle 104 and a chamber of the container 107. Each nozzle 104 is connected to the container 107 via the delivery network. Each nozzle 104 forms a tube comprising at least one opening 115 for delivering the product. Note that several containers can be provided, in particular to enable different colours to be delivered on the top of the skull and on the sides of the skull of the user.

[0070] In practice, the tube of each nozzle 104 has, for example, a volume of less than 0.01 millilitre in order to avoid the formation of clumps of product in the hair and to provide a uniform delivery of the product.

[0071] The arrangement of the opening 115 on the nozzle 104 determines whether the product is delivered mainly on the roots, on the scalp, or on both the roots and the scalp. In an embodiment, especially advantageous for the dermatological treatment of the scalp, a nozzle 104 is configured to deliver the product mainly on the scalp. For this purpose, at least one opening of the nozzle 104 is located so as to face the scalp.

[0072] According to one variant, especially advantageous for colouring roots, the nozzle 104 is configured to deliver the product mainly on the roots. For this purpose, at least one nozzle 104 comprises at least one side opening 115 connected to the container 107. In the first embodiment, the nozzle 104 comprises two side openings 115. A side opening here means an opening that is configured to not face the scalp directly. These side openings 115 make it possible to deliver the product over the side portions of the nozzle 104 in direct contact with the hair roots. In some embodiments (not shown) at least one nozzle comprises a side opening and a distal opening.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the support 102 comprises a system 108 for pressurising the container 107 to facilitate the circulation of the product from the container 107 to each nozzle 104. The pressurisation system 108 is, for example, a piston, a gas cartridge, an electrical pumping system or a manual pumping system. The pressurisation system 108 can also comprise a manual control element 109 positioned on the support 102 to allow a user to control the speed of delivery of the product. The manual control element 109 is, for example, a monostable button, a two-position switch or the moveable fitting of a piston pressing the product in the container 107.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows a device 200 similar to the device 100, except that the tooth 103, spreader 104, and nozzle 104 are replaced by a tooth 203 directly incorporating a nozzle 204. In this second embodiment, the tooth 203 performs both the hair separation function and the product delivery function, which makes it possible to deliver the product as close as possible to the separation of the hairs.

[0075] Advantageously, the nozzle 204 comprises at least one opening 215 through the tooth 203, this opening 215 being located on the downstream side of the tooth 203, in the direction (shown by the arrow in FIG. 2) in which the assembly 210 moves relative to the scalp. FIG. 3 shows a device 300 similar to the device 100 described above with respect to FIG. 1, except that the support 102 and the container 107 are replaced by a support 302 comprising a container made up of a first chamber 317, a second chamber 327 and an intermediate chamber 337.

[0076] In addition, the support 302 comprises a pressurisation system 308 suitable for pressurising the first chamber 317 and the second chamber 327, and a control element 309.

[0077] The intermediate chamber 337 connects the first chamber 317 and the second chamber 327. The intermediate chamber can, for example, take the form of a channel. In addition, at least one nozzle 104 is connected to the container by the intermediate chamber 337. The first chamber 317 stores a first substance and the second chamber 327 stores a second substance advantageously different from the first substance. The intermediate chamber 337 carries out the mixing of the first substance and the second substance into a hair and/or scalp product.

[0078] It is noted that several groups, each comprising a first chamber, a second chamber and an intermediate chamber, can be provided, in particular to enable different colours to be delivered on the top of the skull and on the sides of the skull of the user.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a support 402 in the form of a headband 402. The support 402 comprises a plurality of assemblies 410. The headband 402 is advantageously flexible so as to adapt to the shape of each user's skull. The plurality of assemblies 410 of the headband 402 can comprise assemblies 110, 210 and/or 310. The plurality of assemblies 410 is, for example, arranged on the headband 402 like a toothed headband. The plurality of assemblies 410 therefore makes it possible to carry out the treatment in parallel of the base of hair shafts and/or the scalp. The plurality of assemblies 410 is, for example, supplied by an elongated reservoir (not shown) along the arched shape of the headband 402. The headband 402 can advantageously comprise a system for pressurising the product in the container, for delivering the product to all the nozzles.

[0080] In some embodiments, the container of the headband 402 comprises at least one first storage chamber, at least one second storage chamber, and at least one intermediate chamber, as described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0081] In some embodiments, the headband 402 is formed of at least two detachable housings 411, 412. The two housings 411, 412 are, for example, clipped together or held together by a tightening system. When the housings 411, 412 are uncoupled, the container is open so that all the chambers of the container are accessible to allow a user to clean them. Conversely, when the housings 411, 412 are coupled together, each container of the headband is sealed and the device 400 can be used to deliver the product.

[0082] In some embodiments, the container of the headband 402 is supplied with product by a refill cartridge 401. The cartridge 401 can be adjusted on the headband 402, for example by clipping. The cartridge 401 can, for example, contain the product and gas under pressure to deliver the product from the container to the nozzles.

[0083] FIG. 5 shows a device 500 comprising a band 501 comprising an ergonomic hoop suitable to be installed resting on the skull of a user. The band 501 has a mechanical connection 502 with the headband 402 described above with respect to FIG. 4. The mechanical connection 502 provides an axis of rotation of the headband 402 relative to the band 501, an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples. The mechanical connection 502 can also enable translations between the band 501 and the headband 402 in order to adjust the movement of the headband 402 as close as possible to the user's skull. The band 501 advantageously comprises a flexible flange (not shown) that stops the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and neck. This flange is, for example, made of silicone.

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a device 600 comprising a dispenser bottle 613 on which is mounted a fitting 611 supporting at least one tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly 610. In particular, the fitting 611 is mounted on an applicator channel 612 and dispenser bottle 613.

[0085] The fitting 611 is, for example, screwed or simply pushed into the end of the applicator channel 612.

[0086] As can be seen by reading the description above, the device according to the invention enables a user to treat the hair roots from the forehead to the nape with a single gesture. This device groups together the tools required in a manual application and considerably reduce the efforts of both professionals and individuals.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows an assembly 710 comprising a tooth 703, a nozzle 704 and an applicator 706.

[0088] FIG. 8 shows an assembly 810 of a case 800 described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. This assembly 810 comprises, projecting from a body 807 of the case, a tooth 803, at least one nozzle 804 (a single nozzle in FIGS. 8 to 10) and at least one applicator 806 (a single applicator in FIGS. 8 to 10). The tooth 803 is configured to separate hairs to their roots. Each nozzle 804 is configured to deliver the product on the roots of the hairs separated by the tooth 803 and/or on the scalp between the hairs separated by the tooth 803. Each applicator 806 is configured to spread, over the roots and/or the scalp, the product delivered by at least one nozzle 804.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows the surface of the case 800 that rests on the scalp 820 of the user during use. FIG. 10 shows the upstream surface of the case 800, i.e. the surface that passes through the hair first during the delivery movement. As FIGS. 9 and 10 show, the case 800 comprises seven identical assemblies 810 to 816 forming a row of assemblies on the case body 807. These assemblies 810 to 816 are evenly spaced in this row and each have a convex distal surface 805 (on the top in FIG. 8 and on the left in FIG. 10) of contact with the head 820 of the user. The convex distal surfaces 805 of the assemblies 810 are all tangential to a flat curve 818 whose radius of curvature R is equal to a radius of curvature of the user's skull 820.

[0090] The device also comprises a base (not shown) comprising a container for the product, equipped with a filler cap, and an electric pump aspirating the product in the container and pushing it into a flexible tube 809 connected to the case 800. This case 800 comprises a control button 808 for controlling the operation of the pump. The pump is, preferably, a peristaltic pump, which ensures a pressure and a constant flow rate for liquid, semi-liquid or paste products.

[0091] The device for delivering a product to the base of hair shafts and/or on the scalp is configured for a predefined user, for example a user having the average curvature of a portion of the adult population or of a portion of the adolescent population. The person skilled in the art utilising the invention knows, in effect, from published anatomical studies, that the curvatures, in a frontal plane, of the skulls of adult and adolescent users are relatively uniform. This radius of curvature is between eight and ten centimetres. A single case 800 can therefore be suitable for the majority of users. However, in order to cover a larger portion of the populations, several cases can have stepped radii of curvature, preferably between seven and eleven centimetres.

[0092] The case 800 has a geometry configured to be held in the palm of this user's hand. Again, the person skilled in the art knows, from published anatomical studies, the most suitable geometry for the hands of adults and adolescents. For example, the body 807 of the case 800 has a maximum dimension, in the plane perpendicular to the radius of curvature, i.e. in the plane of FIG. 9, which is less than twelve centimetres. The body 807 has ergonomics similar to a computer mouse, similarly designed to be held in the palm of the hand.

[0093] To utilise the invention, the user grasps the case 800 in the palm of one of his hands, positions it at the border between his face and his hair, and then moves the case 800 resting on his scalp 820, while actuating the pump with the button 808 of the case 800. During this movement of the case 800, the delivery assemblies 810 slide over the scalp 820 while following its curvature 818, both in the direction of the sliding movement (shown by the arrow in FIG. 9) and in its orthogonal direction shown in FIG. 10. The product is therefore delivered and spread uniformly over the base of the hair and/or over the scalp 820 of the user. Each assembly 810 makes it possible to speed up and facilitate the delivery of product to the root of the hairs and/or on the scalp, because a single continuous movement of a tooth/nozzle/applicator assembly makes it possible to separate and treat a complete band of hair in one operation. In general, three passages over the user's scalp are sufficient to treat all the roots (at least the roots that can be visible) of the user: one central passage along a sagittal plane, from the centre of the user's forehead to the middle of his nape, and one passage on each side of the skull passing above the ears.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10, preferably, at least one assembly 810 has a cross-section perpendicular to the radius of curvature, a cross-section whose width, measured in the plane of the flat curve, decreases, at least in part, as a function of the distance between this cross-section and the flat curve. This decrease creates a free compartment 819 for the hairs separated by the tooth 803. This lateral narrowing of the assemblies 810 between the surface of the body 807 of the case 800 and the surface of contact 805 of the assemblies 810 allows the hair, separated tangentially at the surface of the scalp by the tooth 803, to be held away from the scalp between two assemblies and not compressed on the scalp 820. This compartment 819 between two assemblies prevents the hair from remaining in contact with the scalp, so that only the root of the hair is in contact with the product delivered by the case 800.

[0095] In FIGS. 8 to 10, a distributor takes the form of a curved spatula. In other embodiments (not shown), the distributor takes the form of a brush.

[0096] In some embodiments (not shown), the device comprises a second row of assemblies 810. This second row would be located, in FIG. 9, behind the row shown. This second row would be, in FIG. 10, offset relative to the row shown such that the teeth of the second row are positioned between two teeth of the previous row in the direction perpendicular to the flat curve to which the contact surfaces of the assemblies of the first row are tangential. In this way, the hairs are separated in two steps and the hair roots can be in contact with the product in a more localised and more precise way.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, preferably, the distance, between two successive assemblies 810 whose contact surfaces are tangential to the same flat curve, is between one half and three-quarters of the width of the contact surface 805 measured in the plane of the flat curve. These ratios ensure a good delivery of the product on the hair roots.

[0098] In some embodiments (not shown), the container is configured to receive a cartridge containing the product to be delivered, this cartridge comprising a plug, the base comprising a means for opening this plug.

[0099] For example, this is a ball plug where the ball is moved by the opening means such that the product is pumped in this cartridge.

[0100] In some embodiments (not shown), the base comprises a means for magnetically retaining the case. In this way, the case can be easily stored on the base and kept there.

[0101] As in other embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in some embodiments (not shown), in at least one assembly 810, at least one nozzle comprises at least one side opening for delivering the product mainly on the roots of hair strands separated by the tooth.

[0102] The characteristics described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, for example the chambers of the container, apply to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0103] In some embodiments (not shown), the case 800 forms part of a headband, each assembly being positioned on an inner portion of the headband.

[0104] In some embodiments, the device also comprises a hairdressing band mechanically connected to the headband. The band is therefore configured to prevent the product dripping onto the user's forehead, ears and/or neck. The mechanical connection between the band and the case leaves the headband free to rotate relative to the band around an axis that is substantially parallel to an axis traversing the user's temples.