WO2013102259A1 - Method and apparatus for treating hair - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for treating hair Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013102259A1
WO2013102259A1 PCT/CA2012/050874 CA2012050874W WO2013102259A1 WO 2013102259 A1 WO2013102259 A1 WO 2013102259A1 CA 2012050874 W CA2012050874 W CA 2012050874W WO 2013102259 A1 WO2013102259 A1 WO 2013102259A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
hair
lock
fastener
envelope
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2012/050874
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Diana BEJJANI
Original Assignee
Bejjani Diana
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bejjani Diana filed Critical Bejjani Diana
Publication of WO2013102259A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013102259A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D19/00Devices for washing the hair or the scalp; Similar devices for colouring the hair
    • A45D19/012Devices for colouring or bleaching separated strands of hair, e.g. highlighting
    • A45D19/018Devices for colouring or bleaching separated strands of hair, e.g. highlighting comprising wrapping foils or foldable sheets for enclosing a strand of hair during treatment, e.g. frosting foils
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D19/00Devices for washing the hair or the scalp; Similar devices for colouring the hair
    • A45D19/0041Processes for treating the hair of the scalp
    • A45D19/0066Coloring or bleaching
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61KPREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K2800/00Properties of cosmetic compositions or active ingredients thereof or formulation aids used therein and process related aspects
    • A61K2800/80Process related aspects concerning the preparation of the cosmetic composition or the storage or application thereof
    • A61K2800/87Application Devices; Containers; Packaging

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cosmetic treatment of hair.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a chemical such as dye or bleach to human or animal hair.
  • Chemical treatment of human or animal hair for example by highlighting, low lighting or bleaching, is traditionally performed by separating individual locks of hair, placing aluminum foil under each lock, applying hair dye or other chemical to the locks and wrapping the foil around each lock to temporarily seal in the chemical. When properly performed, this method allows the chemical to contact the hair for a prolonged period to treat the hair.
  • An alternative treatment involves the use of a plastic masking sheet, such as that described in UK patent no. GB 2426447 and United States Patent No. 5,287,864.
  • the masking sheet is generally rectangular with a pressure sensitive contact adhesive along one edge.
  • a lock of hair can be placed on the sheet and adheres to the selected adhesive.
  • a chemical is applied to the hair, normally in the form of a paste or other viscous formulation.
  • the sheet is then folded over to cover the lock of hair and the adhesive layer retains the sheet in the folded over position with the treated lock of hair sandwiched between the two layers of the sheet.
  • the folded structure is open at the sides. Unless carefully performed, the chemical can escape from the sides of the structure and the device can dislodge from the hair with movement.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for applying a chemical treatment to hair.
  • One aspect of the invention relates to a device for applying a chemical to a lock of hair.
  • the device comprises:
  • a sheet comprising an impervious material, said sheet comprising lateral edges, a top edge and a bottom edge and being configured to be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope configuration for retaining a lock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical between opposing portions of said sheet, and
  • a lock of hair may be engaged within the interior of said envelope for treatment by a chemical retained within said envelope and whereby when unfastened said lock of hair may be released from said envelope.
  • the fastener is adapted to retain the lock of hair to the sheet.
  • the fastener may further include a clip for fastening said lock of hair to said sheet prior to folding said sheet into said envelope configuration.
  • the clip may be adjacent to an upper edge of said sheet.
  • the invention relates to a method for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising:
  • the method may comprise the further step of gripping the lock of hair with an openable clip prior to folding said sheet, and opening said clip to release said lock upon completion of said chemical application.
  • Figure 1A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in an open configuration with a lock of hair positioned on the device;
  • Figure IB shows the device according to the invention, in a closed
  • Figure 2A shows a portion of an embodiment of the device showing finger grip tabs in an open configuration
  • Figure 2B is a similar view to 2A, showing the tabs in a closed
  • Figure 3A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a second embodiment shown in an open configuration, with a lock of hair secured therein ;
  • Figure 3B shows the second embodiment in a closed configuration
  • Figure 3C shows a cross-section the clip portion of the device
  • Figure 4A shows the grip tab portion of the second embodiment in an open configuration
  • Figure 4B is a similar view to 4A, in a closed configuration.
  • Figure 5 shows a kit consisting of first and second embodiments of the device and a supply of clips for securing the devices together when in use.
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment, in the open
  • Figures 1A to 2B illustrate a first embodiment of a device 100 for applying a chemical to a lock of hair 102 according to the invention.
  • Device 100 comprises a foldable sheet 104 of material.
  • Sheet 104 is rectangular and comprises lateral sides 10 and 12 and upper and lower edges 14 and 16.
  • Sheet 104 comprises a transparent or translucent material that is impervious to hair treatment chemicals.
  • the material comprises a flexible plastic such as plastic.
  • a suitable plastic can be almost any type that is unaffected by conventional hair treatment chemicals, which in general are not significantly reactive since such chemicals must not attack the hair or scalp of the user. As such,
  • sheet 104 may fall within a broad range; for example, 4 to 10 mils provide a suitable range of thickness for sheet 104.
  • Sheet 104 is symmetrical about a midline 106 that extends along a transverse axis joining lateral sides 10 and 12 of sheet 104.
  • Midline 106 may be defined visually by a visible marking, or it may comprise a region of thinner material to facilitate folding, or it may comprise a virtual line.
  • a visual cue of the location of midline 106 is provided to make it easy for the user to fold sheet 104 at the midline.
  • Sheet 104 defines identical opposing regions 20 and 22 on either side thereof. Region 20 comprises an upper region and region 22 is a lower region when the sheet is vertical, with midline 106 being horizontal. While in the present example sheet 104 is rectangular and is evenly bisected by midline 106, sheet 104 may also comprise other shapes that may be conveniently folded to form an envelope, as described below; as well, midline 106 need not be located precisely midway between upper and lower edges but may be offset from this location whereby a portion of upper region 20 protrudes above lower region 22 when the sheet is upright. Sheet 104 may have a surface suitable for marking, for example to provide directions to users or to allow a user to indicate the chemical that is in use or the time for removing the device. Preferably, the surface permits an erasable form of marking to be applied. As well, the device is preferably washable and reusable.
  • Sheet 104 can comprise a broad range of sizes depending on the desired application . In one aspect, sheet 104 ranges from 6 cm to 9 cm in width, preferably about 7.5 cm and from about 10 cm to about 18 cm, preferably about 15 cm in length . However, the dimensions and configuration of the device may vary considerably.
  • Sheet 104 can be folded in on itself along midline 106 to form an envelope configuration composed of upper and lower opposing portions 20 and 22 of sheet 104.
  • midline 106 forms a sealed edge of device 100, and the remaining three sides are initially open.
  • the lateral sides 10 and 12 are then fastened together by hook-and-loop fasteners 112 and 114; it will be seen that other fasteners or fastening means may be employed to fasten the respective portions together along or adjacent to lateral sides 10 and 12.
  • fasteners 112 and 114 are releasable whereby they may be readily pulled apart or otherwise released to unfold sheet 104 to release the lock of hair.
  • fasteners 112 and 114 When fastened, fasteners 112 and 114 close the opposing sides of sheet 104 along lateral sides 10 and 12. Since hair treatment chemicals that are typically used with the device are usually in the form of a paste, it is not necessary for the closure to be fully sealed, provided that it is sufficient leak-proof to prevent or substantially prevent leakage of paste.
  • Additional fastener portions 25 and 27 are provided adjacent to upper and lower edges 14 and 16 respectively.
  • Fastener 25 located on upper edge 14 is the hook portion of the fastener, which serves to grip a lock of hair that is pressed against fastener 25. This allows the user to temporarily retain the device in the open position to the lock of hair, whereby the sheet is held in an open position to the lock of hair.
  • sheet 104 When sheet 104 is folded in half and the respective fasteners are fastened along the lateral and upper/lower edges, sheet 104 forms an essentially fully enclosed envelope structure that is substantially closed along all four sides.
  • Fasteners 25 and 27 retain edges 14 and 16 together to grip the user's hair for secure retention with the interior of sheet 104, as folded into an envelope.
  • fasteners 112, 114, 25 and 27 comprise strips arranged around the periphery of sheet 104 and that may range in width from about 1 cm to 3 cm and preferably are about 2 cm in width. The respective fastener strips surround an uncovered region
  • region 30 of sheet 104 When sheet 104 is folded in half, region 30 provides a pocket that retains the lock of hair and the hair treatment chemical, as described below.
  • hook and loop fasteners 112 and 114 may be replaced with other releasable fasteners or fastening means that provide a similar function of fastening the opposing portions of sheet 104 together for forming an envelope.
  • the fasteners may also serve to engage a lock of the user's hair to the envelope to permit the user to apply a chemical while the envelope is open.
  • Suitable fastening means include, without limitation, mechanical fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners as described above or zipper-type fasteners, as well as non-mechanical fasteners such as magnetic fastening means or other substances that engage on contact and readily disengage by peeling apart, and which are suitable for repeated use and are relatively unaffected by contamination.
  • the latter types of mechanical fasteners may not provide the second function of retaining the user's hair, and can be used in conjunction with a clip or other means to retain the user's hair to the envelope prior to closing the envelope.
  • sheet 104 may comprise a rigid material that is hinged along midline 106.
  • the opposing portions of the sheet are spaced apart when folded so as to form an interior space at central region 30 within the envelope to accommodate the lock of hair and hair treatment chemical.
  • the fasteners may serve to space apart the respective portions of the sheet in this embodiment.
  • Corner regions 116 of sheet 104 are uncovered by fasteners 112 and 114. This feature permits opposing layers of sheet 104 to be easily separated at corner regions 116, to allow a user to separate the respective layers to open the device from the closed position. Corner regions may comprise recessed portions of fasteners 112 and 114, as seen in Figures 1A and I B. Alternatively, corner regions 116A may comprise projecting tabs that extend outwardly from sheet 104, as seen in Figures 2A and 2B.
  • a lock of hair 102 is placed on sheet 104 with the device 100 in an open (unfolded) position, as in Figure 1A.
  • Contacting the hair with fastener 112 temporarily engages the device 100 to the lock of hair and holds the device, in an open position, to the hair without the need to hold device 100 in place by hand.
  • a dose of a hair treatment chemical is then applied to the lock of hair 102.
  • the chemical may comprise any substance suitable for treating hair.
  • the term "chemical” as used herein is not restricted to a chemical compound, but is used broadly to include without limitation individual compounds, compositions, mixtures, colloids, and emulsions.
  • the chemical may be in any form or phase that permits application to hair, such as a paste, cream, gel, foam or liquid.
  • the chemical may also be in the form of a powder or other solid phase.
  • the chemical comprises a liquid that is relatively viscous to minimize leakage, and which the user can work into the hair before closing the device. Examples include hair dyes, bleaches, lighteners and darkeners.
  • the chemical may be applied by any suitable means including without limitation brushing, spraying, dripping or any other suitable means of application. Alternatively, a lock of hair may be dipped in a bath of the chemical prior to placement on sheet 104.
  • sheet 104 is closed to form a substantially sealed and leak-proof envelope around the lock to allow for an extended period of contact with the chemical.
  • sheet 104 is formed into an envelope by folding along the midline 106 and engaging fasteners 112 and 114.
  • fasteners 25 and 27 are engaged to close the upper and lower edges 14 and 16 of sheet 104 together to thereby form a substantially sealed envelope wherein the only openings are where the lock of hair 102 enters the envelope, as seen in Figure IB.
  • a benefit of the use of a transparent or translucent material for sheet 104 is that a user can visually check the effect on his or her hair without opening the closed device 100.
  • FIGS 3A-4B illustrate a second embodiment of device 200.
  • Device 200 comprises a sheet 104 and fasteners 212 and 214 similar to the first embodiment.
  • a hair clip 208 is secured to a top edge 14 of the sheet 204.
  • Clip 208 comprises any suitable clip that may be opened to receive a lock of hair and closed to securely retain the lock by friction and/or a forming a contorted path for the hair.
  • clip 208 comprises a U- shaped resilient member composed of opposing arms 240 and 242 joined by a bridge 244 at one end. Bridge 244 resiliently biases arms 240 and 242 towards an open position.
  • Second arm 240 terminates in a U-shaped retainer 246.
  • the first arm 242 is configured to slip under retainer 246 to be retained in the closed position, wherein the resilient biasing urges first arm 242 upwardly against the underside of retainer 246 to be held in the closed position.
  • arms 240 and 242 are spaced to tightly grip a lock of hair.
  • Arms 240 and 242 may be coated with a material having a high coefficient of friction to improve the frictional grip on a lock of hair when clamped onto the lock.
  • Clip 208 can be either removable from the sheet or permanently fastened on the sheet 104.
  • Clip 208 can be fastened to sheet 104 by a sleeve 248 adjacent to upper edge 14 of sheet 104. First arm 240 slides into the sleeve to be retained thereby.
  • An alternative means to fasten clip 208 to sheet 104 is to provide clip 208 with sufficient length to exceed the width of sheet 104, which permits the user to close clip 208 on a portion of sheet 104 adjacent its upper edge 14, along with a lock of hair.
  • the protruding portion can also be provided with the sleeve configuration described above.
  • clip 208 and sheet 204 are initially both placed in the open position and a lock of hair is placed on sheet 104 between arms 240 of 242 of clip 208.
  • Clip 208 is them closed to secure hair 202, as seen in Figure 3A.
  • the chemical is then applied to the lock of hair 202 as in the first embodiment and sheet 204 is folded over on itself to form an envelope that encloses the lock of hair.
  • Sheet 204 is then sealed along its periphery with fasteners 212 and 214 to retain the chemical within the envelope interior for prolonged contact with hair 202, as seen in Figure 3B. Corner regions 216, 216A uncovered by fastener material are provided as in the first embodiment to permit opening of the device.
  • Kit 500 for treating locks of hair with a chemical.
  • Kit 500 comprises a supply 501 of devices 100 or a supply 502 of devices 200.
  • Kit 500 may comprise different sizes of the devices 100 or 200.
  • Kit 500 further comprises a supply 503 of loose clips 508.
  • Clips 508 may be used for clamping together several closed devices 100 or 200 to make is easier for the user to treat multiple locks of hair.
  • Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which sheet 300 comprises opposing portions 302 and 304 located on opposing sides of midline 306.
  • Portion 302 is substantially fully covered with a layer 310 comprising the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. The full coverage of the hook portion provides an improved grip on the user's hair when a lock is placed on sheet 300 in the open position.
  • Opposing portion 304 can be fully covered with an opposing layer 312 of the loop portion of hook and loop fastener, as shown in figure 6.
  • the loop portion can be limited to the side and bottom edge regions to provide fasten the opposing sheet solely in these regions to improve the ease of opening the device.

Abstract

A device is provided that allows a user to apply a hair treatment chemical to hair. The device comprises an impervious sheet which can be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope for retaining a lock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical. A releasable fastener is arranged around peripheral regions of the sheet to engage the sheet to fasten together opposing portions of the sheet. A region of the fastener engages the device to the lock of hair to retain the device to the hair while the sheet is unfolded, to permit the user to apply a chemical with the device in the open position. The fastener may consist of a hook and loop fastener in which a region of the hook portion is located to engage the user's hair to the device while open.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING HAIR
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority under the Paris Convention to United States application no. 61/582712 filed on January 3, 2012. The contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment of hair. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a chemical such as dye or bleach to human or animal hair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Chemical treatment of human or animal hair, for example by highlighting, low lighting or bleaching, is traditionally performed by separating individual locks of hair, placing aluminum foil under each lock, applying hair dye or other chemical to the locks and wrapping the foil around each lock to temporarily seal in the chemical. When properly performed, this method allows the chemical to contact the hair for a prolonged period to treat the hair.
However, this traditional method is laborious and requires a degree of expertise. Unless carefully performed, the hair treatment chemical can ooze out of the aluminum foil wrap. Aluminum foil is also opaque, requiring a user to open the wrap to check for hair color changes and/or to have sufficient expertise to determine the appropriate treatment time.
An alternative treatment involves the use of a plastic masking sheet, such as that described in UK patent no. GB 2426447 and United States Patent No. 5,287,864. The masking sheet is generally rectangular with a pressure sensitive contact adhesive along one edge. A lock of hair can be placed on the sheet and adheres to the selected adhesive. A chemical is applied to the hair, normally in the form of a paste or other viscous formulation. The sheet is then folded over to cover the lock of hair and the adhesive layer retains the sheet in the folded over position with the treated lock of hair sandwiched between the two layers of the sheet. The folded structure is open at the sides. Unless carefully performed, the chemical can escape from the sides of the structure and the device can dislodge from the hair with movement.
For these reasons, these treatments are usually performed in a beauty parlor and are relatively costly and time-consuming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for applying a chemical treatment to hair.
One aspect of the invention relates to a device for applying a chemical to a lock of hair. According to this aspect, the device comprises:
o a sheet comprising an impervious material, said sheet comprising lateral edges, a top edge and a bottom edge and being configured to be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope configuration for retaining a lock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical between opposing portions of said sheet, and
o at least one releasable fastener adjacent to the lateral and top edges of said sheet for releasably fastening together opposing portions of said sheet when folded to form a substantially enclosed envelope configuration, wherein a lock of hair may be engaged within the interior of said envelope for treatment by a chemical retained within said envelope and whereby when unfastened said lock of hair may be released from said envelope. The fastener is adapted to retain the lock of hair to the sheet.
The fastener may further include a clip for fastening said lock of hair to said sheet prior to folding said sheet into said envelope configuration. The clip may be adjacent to an upper edge of said sheet. According to another aspect, the invention relates to a kit for hair treatment comprising at least one device as described herein and a hair treatment chemical in a dispenser for application to said lock of hair.
According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising :
• Placing a lock of hair on a sheet of impervious material, said sheet being foldable along a transverse axis;
• Applying a dose of a hair treatment chemical whereby the chemical contacts the hair;
• Folding the sheet about said transverse axis to enclose the lock of hair between opposing portions of said sheet and engaging the lock of hair between said opposing portions;
• Securing the opposing portions of said sheet together with a
releasable fastener to form a substantially sealed envelope wherein the lock of hair is retained within said envelope; and
• Separating said opposing portions after the lock of hair has been
treated to release the lock of hair from the sheet.
The method may comprise the further step of gripping the lock of hair with an openable clip prior to folding said sheet, and opening said clip to release said lock upon completion of said chemical application.
Directional references used herein such as "upper", "lower", "side" and the like are used purely for convenience of description and are intended to refer to the device when in an upright position as shown in the figures. It is evident that the invention may be used in any orientation.
The invention will now be further illustrated by reference to particular embodiments thereof. The described embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is to be understood by reference to this specification as a whole including the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention shown in an open configuration with a lock of hair positioned on the device;
Figure IB shows the device according to the invention, in a closed
configuration enclosing a lock of hair;
Figure 2A shows a portion of an embodiment of the device showing finger grip tabs in an open configuration;
Figure 2B is a similar view to 2A, showing the tabs in a closed
configuration;
Figure 3A is a plan view, from above, of a device according to a second embodiment shown in an open configuration, with a lock of hair secured therein ;
Figure 3B shows the second embodiment in a closed configuration ;
Figure 3C shows a cross-section the clip portion of the device;
Figure 4A shows the grip tab portion of the second embodiment in an open configuration;
Figure 4B is a similar view to 4A, in a closed configuration; and
Figure 5 shows a kit consisting of first and second embodiments of the device and a supply of clips for securing the devices together when in use.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment, in the open
position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figures 1A to 2B illustrate a first embodiment of a device 100 for applying a chemical to a lock of hair 102 according to the invention. Device 100 comprises a foldable sheet 104 of material. Sheet 104 is rectangular and comprises lateral sides 10 and 12 and upper and lower edges 14 and 16.
Sheet 104 comprises a transparent or translucent material that is impervious to hair treatment chemicals. In one aspect, the material comprises a flexible plastic such as plastic. A suitable plastic can be almost any type that is unaffected by conventional hair treatment chemicals, which in general are not significantly reactive since such chemicals must not attack the hair or scalp of the user. As such,
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) can be used, as well as others. The thickness of sheet 104 may fall within a broad range; for example, 4 to 10 mils provide a suitable range of thickness for sheet 104. Sheet 104 is symmetrical about a midline 106 that extends along a transverse axis joining lateral sides 10 and 12 of sheet 104. Midline 106 may be defined visually by a visible marking, or it may comprise a region of thinner material to facilitate folding, or it may comprise a virtual line. Preferably, a visual cue of the location of midline 106 is provided to make it easy for the user to fold sheet 104 at the midline. Sheet 104 defines identical opposing regions 20 and 22 on either side thereof. Region 20 comprises an upper region and region 22 is a lower region when the sheet is vertical, with midline 106 being horizontal. While in the present example sheet 104 is rectangular and is evenly bisected by midline 106, sheet 104 may also comprise other shapes that may be conveniently folded to form an envelope, as described below; as well, midline 106 need not be located precisely midway between upper and lower edges but may be offset from this location whereby a portion of upper region 20 protrudes above lower region 22 when the sheet is upright. Sheet 104 may have a surface suitable for marking, for example to provide directions to users or to allow a user to indicate the chemical that is in use or the time for removing the device. Preferably, the surface permits an erasable form of marking to be applied. As well, the device is preferably washable and reusable.
Sheet 104 can comprise a broad range of sizes depending on the desired application . In one aspect, sheet 104 ranges from 6 cm to 9 cm in width, preferably about 7.5 cm and from about 10 cm to about 18 cm, preferably about 15 cm in length . However, the dimensions and configuration of the device may vary considerably.
Sheet 104 can be folded in on itself along midline 106 to form an envelope configuration composed of upper and lower opposing portions 20 and 22 of sheet 104. When thus folded, midline 106 forms a sealed edge of device 100, and the remaining three sides are initially open. The lateral sides 10 and 12 are then fastened together by hook-and-loop fasteners 112 and 114; it will be seen that other fasteners or fastening means may be employed to fasten the respective portions together along or adjacent to lateral sides 10 and 12. However, as discussed below a hook and loop fastening system provides particular advantages. Fasteners 112 and 114 are releasable whereby they may be readily pulled apart or otherwise released to unfold sheet 104 to release the lock of hair. When fastened, fasteners 112 and 114 close the opposing sides of sheet 104 along lateral sides 10 and 12. Since hair treatment chemicals that are typically used with the device are usually in the form of a paste, it is not necessary for the closure to be fully sealed, provided that it is sufficient leak-proof to prevent or substantially prevent leakage of paste.
Additional fastener portions 25 and 27 are provided adjacent to upper and lower edges 14 and 16 respectively. Fastener 25 located on upper edge 14 is the hook portion of the fastener, which serves to grip a lock of hair that is pressed against fastener 25. This allows the user to temporarily retain the device in the open position to the lock of hair, whereby the sheet is held in an open position to the lock of hair. For this purpose, while many hook and loop fastener systems will work, it can be desirable to select a hook and loop fastener that is specifically adapted for engaging hair. This feature permits the user to apply a chemical to the hair while sheet 104 is open and a lock hair rests against the inside surface of sheet 104. When sheet 104 is folded in half and the respective fasteners are fastened along the lateral and upper/lower edges, sheet 104 forms an essentially fully enclosed envelope structure that is substantially closed along all four sides. Fasteners 25 and 27 retain edges 14 and 16 together to grip the user's hair for secure retention with the interior of sheet 104, as folded into an envelope. In this embodiment, fasteners 112, 114, 25 and 27 comprise strips arranged around the periphery of sheet 104 and that may range in width from about 1 cm to 3 cm and preferably are about 2 cm in width. The respective fastener strips surround an uncovered region
30 of sheet 104. When sheet 104 is folded in half, region 30 provides a pocket that retains the lock of hair and the hair treatment chemical, as described below.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that hook and loop fasteners 112 and 114 may be replaced with other releasable fasteners or fastening means that provide a similar function of fastening the opposing portions of sheet 104 together for forming an envelope. The fasteners may also serve to engage a lock of the user's hair to the envelope to permit the user to apply a chemical while the envelope is open. Suitable fastening means include, without limitation, mechanical fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners as described above or zipper-type fasteners, as well as non-mechanical fasteners such as magnetic fastening means or other substances that engage on contact and readily disengage by peeling apart, and which are suitable for repeated use and are relatively unaffected by contamination. The latter types of mechanical fasteners may not provide the second function of retaining the user's hair, and can be used in conjunction with a clip or other means to retain the user's hair to the envelope prior to closing the envelope.
As an alternative to a flexible, foldable material that can be folded over to form an envelope, sheet 104 may comprise a rigid material that is hinged along midline 106. In this embodiment, the opposing portions of the sheet are spaced apart when folded so as to form an interior space at central region 30 within the envelope to accommodate the lock of hair and hair treatment chemical. The fasteners may serve to space apart the respective portions of the sheet in this embodiment.
One or more corner regions 116 of sheet 104 are uncovered by fasteners 112 and 114. This feature permits opposing layers of sheet 104 to be easily separated at corner regions 116, to allow a user to separate the respective layers to open the device from the closed position. Corner regions may comprise recessed portions of fasteners 112 and 114, as seen in Figures 1A and I B. Alternatively, corner regions 116A may comprise projecting tabs that extend outwardly from sheet 104, as seen in Figures 2A and 2B.
In use, a lock of hair 102 is placed on sheet 104 with the device 100 in an open (unfolded) position, as in Figure 1A. Contacting the hair with fastener 112 temporarily engages the device 100 to the lock of hair and holds the device, in an open position, to the hair without the need to hold device 100 in place by hand. A dose of a hair treatment chemical is then applied to the lock of hair 102. The chemical may comprise any substance suitable for treating hair. The term "chemical" as used herein is not restricted to a chemical compound, but is used broadly to include without limitation individual compounds, compositions, mixtures, colloids, and emulsions. The chemical may be in any form or phase that permits application to hair, such as a paste, cream, gel, foam or liquid. It may also be in the form of a powder or other solid phase. Preferably, the chemical comprises a liquid that is relatively viscous to minimize leakage, and which the user can work into the hair before closing the device. Examples include hair dyes, bleaches, lighteners and darkeners. The chemical may be applied by any suitable means including without limitation brushing, spraying, dripping or any other suitable means of application. Alternatively, a lock of hair may be dipped in a bath of the chemical prior to placement on sheet 104.
After the chemical is applied to the lock of hair, sheet 104 is closed to form a substantially sealed and leak-proof envelope around the lock to allow for an extended period of contact with the chemical. For this purpose, sheet 104 is formed into an envelope by folding along the midline 106 and engaging fasteners 112 and 114. As well, fasteners 25 and 27 are engaged to close the upper and lower edges 14 and 16 of sheet 104 together to thereby form a substantially sealed envelope wherein the only openings are where the lock of hair 102 enters the envelope, as seen in Figure IB. A benefit of the use of a transparent or translucent material for sheet 104 is that a user can visually check the effect on his or her hair without opening the closed device 100. After the lock of hair 102 has been treated by the chemical, opposing portions of sheet 104 are separate to release the lock of hair. Figures 3A-4B illustrate a second embodiment of device 200. Device 200 comprises a sheet 104 and fasteners 212 and 214 similar to the first embodiment. A hair clip 208 is secured to a top edge 14 of the sheet 204. Clip 208 comprises any suitable clip that may be opened to receive a lock of hair and closed to securely retain the lock by friction and/or a forming a contorted path for the hair. In this embodiment, clip 208 comprises a U- shaped resilient member composed of opposing arms 240 and 242 joined by a bridge 244 at one end. Bridge 244 resiliently biases arms 240 and 242 towards an open position. Second arm 240 terminates in a U-shaped retainer 246. The first arm 242 is configured to slip under retainer 246 to be retained in the closed position, wherein the resilient biasing urges first arm 242 upwardly against the underside of retainer 246 to be held in the closed position. When closed, arms 240 and 242 are spaced to tightly grip a lock of hair. Arms 240 and 242 may be coated with a material having a high coefficient of friction to improve the frictional grip on a lock of hair when clamped onto the lock. Clip 208 can be either removable from the sheet or permanently fastened on the sheet 104.
Clip 208 can be fastened to sheet 104 by a sleeve 248 adjacent to upper edge 14 of sheet 104. First arm 240 slides into the sleeve to be retained thereby. An alternative means to fasten clip 208 to sheet 104 is to provide clip 208 with sufficient length to exceed the width of sheet 104, which permits the user to close clip 208 on a portion of sheet 104 adjacent its upper edge 14, along with a lock of hair. For this purpose, it can be useful to locate the fold in sheet 104 at a non-central position whereby upper edge 14 will protrude above lower edge 16 when sheet 104 is folded, to provide a protruding portion 250 comprising a single layer of sheet 106 where clip 208 can fasten to sheet 104. The protruding portion can also be provided with the sleeve configuration described above.
In use, clip 208 and sheet 204 are initially both placed in the open position and a lock of hair is placed on sheet 104 between arms 240 of 242 of clip 208. Clip 208 is them closed to secure hair 202, as seen in Figure 3A. The chemical is then applied to the lock of hair 202 as in the first embodiment and sheet 204 is folded over on itself to form an envelope that encloses the lock of hair. Sheet 204 is then sealed along its periphery with fasteners 212 and 214 to retain the chemical within the envelope interior for prolonged contact with hair 202, as seen in Figure 3B. Corner regions 216, 216A uncovered by fastener material are provided as in the first embodiment to permit opening of the device. In this embodiment, clip 208 securely retains the device to the user's hair so that the user may safely handle the closed device 200, perform household chores or otherwise engage in activities that might otherwise dislodge such a device, without risk of it slipping out of position. Figure 5 shows a kit 500 for treating locks of hair with a chemical. Kit 500 comprises a supply 501 of devices 100 or a supply 502 of devices 200. Kit 500 may comprise different sizes of the devices 100 or 200. Kit 500 further comprises a supply 503 of loose clips 508. Clips 508 may be used for clamping together several closed devices 100 or 200 to make is easier for the user to treat multiple locks of hair.
Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which sheet 300 comprises opposing portions 302 and 304 located on opposing sides of midline 306. Portion 302 is substantially fully covered with a layer 310 comprising the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. The full coverage of the hook portion provides an improved grip on the user's hair when a lock is placed on sheet 300 in the open position. Opposing portion 304 can be fully covered with an opposing layer 312 of the loop portion of hook and loop fastener, as shown in figure 6. Alternatively, the loop portion can be limited to the side and bottom edge regions to provide fasten the opposing sheet solely in these regions to improve the ease of opening the device.
The scope of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments illustrated and described by way of example in this document. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest
interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

Claims
1. A device for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising:
o a sheet comprising an impervious material, said sheet
comprising lateral edges, a top edge and a bottom edge and being configured to be folded along a transverse axis to form an envelope configuration for retaining a lock of hair and a dose of hair treatment chemical between opposing portions of said sheet, and
o at least one releasable fastener adjacent to the lateral and top edges of said sheet for releasably fastening together opposing portions of said sheet when folded to form a substantially enclosed envelope configuration, wherein a lock of hair may be engaged within the interior of said envelope for treatment by a chemical retained within said envelope and whereby when unfastened said lock of hair may be released from said envelope, said at least one fastener being adapted to retain said lock of hair to said sheet.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sheet is symmetrical about a
transverse axis intermediate between the ends of said sheet for folding along said axis to form said envelope.
3. The device of any one of claims 1 further comprising a clip for fastening said lock of hair to said sheet prior to folding said sheet into said envelope configuration.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein a first of said portions of said sheet
projects above the second of said portions of said sheet when folded and said clip is engageable to said projecting portion.
5. The device of claim 3 wherein said sheet comprises a sleeve adjacent said top edge for engaging said clip.
6. The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the fastener comprises a mechanical fastener.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein said mechanical fastener is a hook and loop fastener or a slider fastener or a combination thereof.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein said mechanical fastener is a hook and loop fastener wherein the hook portion is engageable to a lock of the user's hair to releasably engage the device to the user's hair.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said hook portion substantially fully covers one of said opposing portions of said sheet; and wherein said loop portion optionally substantially fully covers the opposing portion of said sheet.
10. The device of any one of claims 1-5 wherein said fastener comprises a non-mechanical contact fastener.
11. The device of any one of claims 1-10 further comprising opposing regions of said sheet uncovered by said fastener located to permit a user to grip said uncovered portions for unfastening said opposing portions.
12. The device of any one of claims 1-11 wherein said material is transparent or translucent.
13. The device of any one of claims 1-11 wherein said material is flexible and foldable along said transverse axis.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein said material is rigid and said sheet is
hinged along said transverse axis.
15. A kit for hair treatment comprising at least one device according to any one of claims 1-14 and a dose of a hair treatment chemical in a dispenser for application to said lock of hair.
16. A method for applying a chemical to a lock of hair, comprising :
• Placing a lock of hair on a sheet of impervious material, said sheet being foldable along a transverse axis;
• Applying a dose of a hair treatment chemical whereby the chemical contacts the hair;
• Folding the sheet about said transverse axis to enclose the lock of hair between opposing portions of said sheet and engaging the lock of hair between said opposing portions;
• Securing the opposing portions of said sheet together with a
releasable fastener to form a substantially enclosed envelope wherein said opposing portions of said sheet are joined at the fold and fastened along respective lateral and top edges, and wherein the lock of hair is retained within said envelope; and
• Separating said opposing portions after the lock of hair has been
treated to release the lock of hair from the sheet.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the releasable fastener comprises hook and loop fastener portions on opposing portions of said sheet and the step of securing the opposing portions together comprises contacting the hook and loop portions together.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein said fastener extends substantially
around the periphery of said sheet wherein engaging said fastener forms an envelope from said sheet and retains said lock of hair within said envelope.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein said sheet comprises a transparent or translucent material wherein said chemical is visible from outside said envelope.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of engaging the lock of hair comprises fastening said lock to said sheet with a clip.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener, wherein the hook portion thereof substantially fully covers one of said portions of said sheet, said method comprises engaging said lock of hair to said hook portion prior to closing said sheet on said hair.
PCT/CA2012/050874 2012-01-03 2012-12-05 Method and apparatus for treating hair WO2013102259A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261582712P 2012-01-03 2012-01-03
US61/582,712 2012-01-03

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3692032A (en) * 1970-04-27 1972-09-19 Steven S Regas Hair dressing appliance
US4398549A (en) * 1981-07-27 1983-08-16 Thomas Louis N Hair frosting purse
US5664590A (en) * 1995-09-11 1997-09-09 Plateroti; Rocky Hair frosting or color device and method
US20050039768A1 (en) * 2003-07-11 2005-02-24 L'oreal Device to isolate a lock of hair
US8033286B2 (en) * 2008-03-03 2011-10-11 Jproducts, Inc. Hair treatment device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3692032A (en) * 1970-04-27 1972-09-19 Steven S Regas Hair dressing appliance
US4398549A (en) * 1981-07-27 1983-08-16 Thomas Louis N Hair frosting purse
US5664590A (en) * 1995-09-11 1997-09-09 Plateroti; Rocky Hair frosting or color device and method
US20050039768A1 (en) * 2003-07-11 2005-02-24 L'oreal Device to isolate a lock of hair
US8033286B2 (en) * 2008-03-03 2011-10-11 Jproducts, Inc. Hair treatment device

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