EP0902630A1

EP0902630A1 - Hair care and hydrotherapy apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP0902630A1
Application number: EP97921869A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Argelas; Richard Gaucher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-04-25
Filing date: 1997-04-23
Publication date: 1999-03-24
Also published as: WO1997039648A1; FR2747918B3; AU2777797A; FR2747918A1

Abstract

A device for treating the scalp and/or hair is comprised of a helmet (5), which is provided with a plurality of holes (20) for projecting a treatment fluid, and means (40, 16, 13, 130, 131, 132, 133) for controlling the fluid distribution in order to vary the temperature of the treatment fluid delivered through the holes.

Description

HAIR CARE AND HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a hair care device and / or hydrotherapy, and more particularly a device for treating the hair and / or scalp by applying an aqueous treatment solution.

It concerns the industrial field of manufacturing and marketing of equipment for hairdressing salons and hair institutes, as well as for fitness centers, thalassotherapy, "fitness" or similar.

The projection of water under pressure (for example between 4 and 6 bars) creates a stimulation of the entire peripheral blood network, with a cleaning effect, and acts in the same way as massages, by displacing liquids (blood, lymph and extra-cellular liquids) and by making exchanges to the treatment points faster. The improvement of these exchanges makes it possible to resolve many skin problems by regenerating the tissues. The good transfer by capillary action of all intra and extra cellular fluids plays a fundamental role in healing and balance.

Depending on its application temperature, the water promotes elimination towards the outside or inside. Hot water attracts waste products to the skin and activates the sweat and sebaceous glands. Conversely, cold water causes elimination inside. The result in terms of tissue cleaning is the same, only the different manifestations.

The combination of hot water (i.e. at a temperature close to 35 to 40 ° C) and cold water (i.e. at a temperature close to 25 to 30 ° C) alternately (principle Scottish shower), also causes a secretion of natural cortisone increasing the defense systems in the skin.

An objective pursued by the invention is to provide an improved method and device for applying by spraying an aqueous solution and / or water vapor to the hair and / or scalp of a human being. An object of the present invention is also to provide an improved device for washing and / or treating the hair and / or the scalp with an aqueous solution.

An objective of the present invention is also to propose such devices, the operation of which is at least partly automatic, making it possible to take advantage of techniques usually used in hydrotherapy for treating other parts of the human body.

An objective pursued by the invention is to propose such a device which is very easy to use by unqualified personnel. According to a main aspect, the invention consists in providing a device for treating the hair and / or the scalp, which comprises:

- a helmet capable of surrounding a substantial part of the skull of the user, which is equipped with a plurality of orifices for projecting an aqueous treatment fluid (water and / or water vapor added where appropriate with essential oils and / or detergents, detangling agents), which orifices are arranged inside the helmet and distributed over the internal surface of the helmet,

- Means for varying the temperature of the treatment fluid supplied to the orifices, according to a predetermined sequence. The distribution and / or projection or spraying, at the level of the scalp and the hair, of water at various temperatures, of steam or other liquid ingredients, by means of a helmet (forming a dome enveloping the part of the skull to be treated) equipped with holes arranged in nozzles subject to a precise orientation, makes it possible to converge the selected treatment liquids at precise points on the scalp for a defined and programmed duration for each type of treatment.

The helmet is preferably essentially constituted by a double-walled dome allowing the diffusion of the treatment fluids. This dome receives a network, for example branched of hydraulic conduits, supplying nozzles in which are arranged holes with a diameter between 0.2 mm and 1 mm per hole. The orientation of these nozzles is intended to direct the liquids towards points recognized for their sensitivity and their ability to promote the circulation of humoral liquids in the scalp.

Preferably the dome is slidably mounted on a bowl; the assembly can move on a column allowing it to adapt, in height and depth, to the morphology of the user client. This movement will be done by means of an electric motor. Once the client is installed, the dome alone can move back and forth and vice versa to cause the jets to strike on the areas of the skull affected by their action.

According to another aspect, the invention consists in treating the hair and / or the scalp, essentially for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes, by spraying an aqueous solution under pressure according to a multitude of directive jets (and / or on areas of localized impact) distributed around the area of the skull to be treated, by varying the temperature of the sprayed solution, and preferably also varying the pressure of the fluid and consequently the force of impact of the jets, as well as the composition of. the solution, for the duration of the treatment. The invention is characterized in particular by the successive projection of water at at least two different temperatures (called hot and cold) which are capable of causing contraction or expansion, by alternating hot / cold. The impact of the pressurized jets creates stimulation of the entire application area, thanks to a plurality (preferably at least 20 and at most 100, for example 60) of fixed jets which simultaneously spray water onto the the entire head, not including the face, creating a sensation and purifying of the scalp and hair.

A particular feature of the invention consists in distributing alternately pressurized hot water and less hot water according to a cycle which favors such or such temperature depending on the result which one wishes to obtain. The duration of projection of hot water and that of projection of cold water are different (depending on the sequence chosen) in order to favor expansion (by a hot liquid) or contraction (by a cold liquid).

The sequential treatment by jets of liquid of temperature, and if necessary of variable pressure and nature, is preferably carried out under the control of an electronic control unit (or central unit) with microprocessor, according to data of choice of processing which are introduced by the personnel "driving" the device, via a keyboard connected to the central unit incorporated in the device. The keyboard can be located on the back of the device; it contains the keys necessary for selecting the different programs. Four membrane keys, for example, can control the execution, via the central unit, of a program or a sequence chosen from the predetermined sequences corresponding to the following diagnoses:

- dry hair,

- hair loss,

- dandruff, itching, - oily scalp, perspiring.

Three additional keys will each select a final rinse solution suitable for a hair type (or corresponding indication). To these keys are added the On / Off keys, the adjustment keys, and the bowl position keys. An indicator light makes it possible to control the temperature rise, another the power up of the device and two others the conformity of the temperatures selected for the different programs.

The solutions intended to mix with water and steam can be placed in cavities specially equipped to receive the very precise shapes of the bottles containing the solutions. By housing the bottle in its cavity, it can be automatically perforated in order to create an air intake allowing the descent (by gravity for example) of the liquid whose quantity will be adjusted for each bottle according to the result that one wishes to obtain . These settings can be obtained by means of solenoid valves controlled by microprocessor.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to diffuse sequentially over the scalp water at variable temperature as well as steam and / or water comprising active principles. The steam promotes the penetration of the various active ingredients at the scalp and hair and ensures the sanitation of the scalp. Likewise, it shortens the exposure time for coloring or perming.

The characteristics of the invention make it suitable not only for hair esthetic applications, but also in the paramedical field. It makes it possible to practice hydrological cures leading to a significant improvement in leather problems scalp such as seborrhea, sweating, itching, hair loss, dandruff, dry hair, fine or soft hair.

The head being a point of convergence of all the nerve centers, the treatment carried out using the device according to the invention brings very positive results, even immediate, in the case of headaches, difficult sleep, general fatigue, reduction visual and hearing acuity, neck pain, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises an armchair equipped with a headrest tray and a helmet ensuring the projection of water or vapor over the entire scalp, thanks to ramps connected to an apparatus allowing the pressure, temperature and composition of the treatment liquid to be varied in programmable sequences, this apparatus being controlled by a command and control panel, and comprising a series of solenoid valves and at least two mixing valves , a booster pump, a steam generator and a tank for rinse aid.

The accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example, illustrate preferred embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Figure 1 shows in perspective the device as a whole.

Figure 2 is an enlarged bottom view of the diffusion ramps.

Figures 3 and 8 are enlarged longitudinal sections of two alternative embodiments of the helmet along a vertical plane. Figure 4 shows in perspective a portion of the diffusion ramp showing the orientation of the jets.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are block diagrams of three alternative embodiments of the hydraulic circuits and of the control circuits, with regard to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 9 is a view along IX of FIG. 8.

The device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, consists of an armchair 1 similar to those used in hairdressing salons for washing hair, and comprises a seat 2 and a headrest tray 3 surmounting a piece of furniture 4 forming an enclosure closed. The assembly is completed by a helmet 5, fixed to this enclosure by a support 6, and in which there is a set of diffusion ramps 7 comprising a multitude of specially designed holes 20, both in terms of their diameter only at the level of their distribution to ensure a projection on the entire scalp. A protective screen 8 creating a seal between the front of the user and the helmet is installed at the front of the latter. Preferably, the ramps 7 will be three in number and provided with holes of 0.8 mm in diameter, spaced between them by 10 mm and successively and repetitively oriented along a perpendicular to the scalp, then along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of the ramp making an angle of about 45 ° with the previous one, then along a straight line both perpendicular to the previous straight line and to the axis of the ramp, then again along a perpendicular to the scalp, and so right now.

In enclosure 4, under the seat 2 and under the headrest tray 3 are installed: - hot water C and cold water F,

- two thermostatic mixing valves 9,

- two booster pumps P l and P2,

- a steam generator 10 with supply tank 1 1,

- a rinsing tank 12, - solenoid valves 13,

- a network of pipes for supplying the manifolds 7 of the helmet 5.

The rinsing 12 and supply tanks for the steam generator 11 are equipped with high H and low B level switches intended to control their filling (low level: filling, high level: closing of the water supply).

In accordance with a preferred characteristic of the invention, water is diffused over the entire scalp at pressure and temperature which vary over time, steam and all other solutions making it possible to treat the scalp and the hair, the succession of different phases can be adapted to each case. The apparatus makes it possible to spray, at a given time and for a variable duration, trickling water (at low pressure), steam which may contain active principles, water at a pressure and temperature determined, thanks to the booster pump P1 and mixing valves 9, or a rinsing solution from reservoir 12. The various programs are controlled by a programmable automaton making it possible to predetermine the different phases of the cure. This PLC can be connected to a computer allowing it to be programmed and reprogrammed to create new cycles on demand.

Depending on the program chosen, the automaton opens or closes the solenoid valves 13 supplying the different distribution sources: the pumps P l, P2, the mixers 9, the tanks 1 1, 12 intended to receive various solutions and the steam generators 10.

The water distribution times are controlled by time delays, which are themselves dependent on the automaton, the different temperatures necessary for the effectiveness of the treatment are obtained thanks to the pre-set mixers 9.

The power of the jets 14 coming from the ramps 7 is obtained by means of the pump P l allowing, thanks to a booster, to increase the pressure relative to that of the water inlets C, F. A control panel 15 integrated into enclosure 4 will enable the device to be powered up and selection by keys 16 of the program to be carried out. All combinations are possible, as well as the order of the programs which can be reversed. This panel is equipped with indicator lights informing of power-up, of the program in progress, or of any anomalies in operation (empty tank, excessive steam pressure, etc.).

The chair 1 could advantageously be equipped with a footrest plate equipped with an eccentric rotation motor creating, throughout the duration of the treatment program, a vibratory field under the feet as well as on the seat 2 and the backrest.

The helmet 5, the hydraulic elements (pumps P l, P2, mixers 9, solenoid valves 13, steam generator 10, tanks 1 1, 12, etc.), as well as the programmable controller and the control panel 15 can constitute a set independent, possibly mounted on casters, arranged to be used for example with a chair for washing hair.

The presence of the jets creates a call of air as well as a mist moving from the front of the head to the rear. This air movement will be channeled towards the bottom of the helmet thanks to its double wall structure. This structure also allows, thanks to a rounded border around the dome, to create a natural screen protecting from possible splashes as well as a redistribution of negative ions (beneficial) obtained following the impact of pressurized jets on the client's head; this preferred configuration of the helmet makes it possible to avoid the unpleasant effects of splashing and, where appropriate, makes it possible to dispense with a screen or flexible sealing skirt (as marked 8 in FIG. 3). The headphones can be fitted with waterproof loudspeakers enabling music recorded on a cassette to be broadcast, the broadcasting of which is controllable by means of a control housed in one of the two armrests.

The ergonomic seat 2a, 2b will be fitted with a cushion covered in leatherette. A folding footrest can be accommodated on the front panel under the seat. The entire seat 2a, backrest 2b and footrest will be equipped with a vibration generator adjustable in intensity but also allowing to emit and transmit these vibrations on different points of the body, back, kidneys, glutes, thighs, calves, feet and this, sequentially, constantly or selectively; during the treatment, a remote control fitted in one of the two armrests will allow the client to control the intensity and location of the vibrations and stop them.

By way of example, the following different processing sequences can be saved in a memory and executed under the control of the central unit (reference 40 in FIGS. 6 and 7):

- first stage: production for 2 minutes of steam added with specific essential oils, by the generator 10, 92.

During this step, the pumps P1, P2 are stopped and the valve 132 is open, and the electric heating element 61 is activated;

- second step: affusion of water at network pressure C (not overpressed) for 3 minutes at so-called hot temperature (35 to 38 ° C), delivered by the mixer 9; during this step, the valves 130 and 134 are open, and the pumps P1 and P2 stopped; - third step: spraying water under a pressure ranging from 3 to

10 bars for example (water pressurized by the high pressure pump P1) alternating hot and cold for 15 identical cycles of 12 seconds each, each cycle consisting of:

A * or to combat hair loss: spray for 6 seconds of hot water (valve 130 open and valve 131 closed) and 6 seconds of cold or lukewarm water (valve 130 closed and valve 131 open) will compose the 12 second cycle (circulation stimulating effect);

B * or to fight against dandruff and itching: 8 seconds of hot water and 4 seconds of cold water will make up the 12-second cycle (calming effect);

C * or to fight against sweating of the scalp and seborrhea: 8 seconds of cold and 4 seconds of hot will make up the 12-second cycle (astringent effect); during this third step, the valve 134 is closed and the valve 135 open.

- fourth step: new final affusion by the P2 pump (low pressure) with in this phase the integration of a rinsing solution which will be selected using the keyboard according to the quality of the hair:

* Normal D - solution N ° 1, * dry E - solution N ° 2,

* F very dry - solution N ° 3.

Steps 1 and 2 are common to all programs, while steps 3 and 4 can involve three different actions. All combinations are possible ; the "dry hair" program triggers steps 1 and 2 then step 3A and 4F automatically; the separate execution of each of these stages is possible: steam production alone, affusion or the alternating cycle can be requested and obtained without requiring the execution of a complete program.

Preferably at the end of the treatment, for each program described above, the appliance dispenses a rinsing solution over the whole of the hair which is automatically distributed to the last rinsing water and this following the selection on the keyboard. of the quality and texture of the hair.

The bowl 3 headrest is equipped with two bottom flanges 31 (Figure 1), in order to obtain rapid evacuation of the water through a pipe 55; this allows long hair not to bathe in the flowing water. In addition, the drainage holes are arranged to the right and to the left of the median longitudinal plane of the water recovery basin and not in the center as is traditionally done. This modification prevents the hair from obstructing the flow. Grooving in the axis of the natural fall of the hair impregnated with water makes it possible to orient this hair towards the center of the bowl, preventing it do not enter the flows; the bowl is fitted with an overflow hole 57 (FIG. 7) which can also allow the steam to be distributed, with two advantages:

- the production of steam goes through a circuit 54 independent of the nozzles and avoids heating the latter, which would not fail to modify the temperature for a few seconds at the start of the care cycle, if the water passed through a circuit overheated by the steam; the vapor conveying essential oils, the flow circuit 55 will thus be sanitized and deodorized. As described below, the bowl 3 which receives the dome 5 is equipped with a system of slides allowing the movement of the dome from the front to the rear and vice versa preferably with notches to block the positioning.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the following main elements are installed in the body of the device:

a hydraulic block 90 receiving hot water C and cold water F,

- two thermostatic mixing valves 9 or two temperature probes 91,

- a booster pump P l and, where appropriate, a pump P2 on the rinsing circuit,

- a steam generator 92 with overflow,

- solenoid valves 13, 130 to 135,

an electrical box 93 comprising a differential, a circuit breaker, a transformer, a motor for translating the helmet 5 and the tank 3,

- if necessary a vibration motor, and a cassette player (not shown),

- an electronic unit 40 with microprocessor which is connected to the keyboard 16, to the sensors and actuators by links 41 to 49; With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the helmet 5 comprises a plurality of nozzles 20a each provided with an orifice 20, which nozzles are fixed to an internal wall 5a of said helmet, which helmet has an external wall 5b extending around the internal wall; in the space 5f delimited by the walls 5a and 5b, the conduits 7 for distributing water to the nozzles 20a extend; the helmet is provided with a front opening 5d which is bordered by the 5th curved front end of the wall 5b; two 5g side openings provided in the external wall 5b allow the exit, according to the arrows 5h, of the air stream mixed with the mist and resulting from the jets produced by the nozzles 20a.

The helmet 5 is mounted mobile (sliding) on a bowl or tray 3, thanks to pads 5c fixed to the wall 5b which cooperate with a slide 32 provided in the upper part of the tray and extending along a horizontal axis 320;

With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the means for controlling and controlling the distribution of hot and cold water comprise:

an electronic control unit 40,

- at least two solenoid valves 13, 130, 131 (and / or the integrated block 90) respectively arranged on two conduits 70, 71 of water inlet (delivered by the valves 9 at two different temperatures), which solenoid valves are controlled by the unit 40 as a function of choice data entered by a keyboard 16 connected to the unit 40.

To implement the method described above, the control unit 40 includes means for cyclically activating one then the other of the solenoid valves 130, 131, and according to a variable duty cycle as a function of data entered on the keyboard.

The device includes means for varying the pressure of the treatment fluid, comprising:

a booster pump P l such as a centrifugal pump disposed on a conduit 7.56 for supplying the orifices or nozzles 20, 20a, a conduit 72 for bypassing the booster pump P l,

- a solenoid valve 135, 134 respectively disposed on said supply conduit 56 and on said bypass 72;

the unit 40 controls the solenoid valves 134, 135 and the booster pump P l as a function of data entered on the keyboard 16. A rinsing circuit comprises:

a pipe 73 for transporting a rinsing product contained in a reservoir 94,

- A water transport pipe 52 provided with a solenoid valve 133, - a tank 12 for mixing the rinsing product and the water to which the pipes 52, 73 are connected, and preferably comprising a member 60 for controlling level, a transfer member, such as a pump P2, of the mixture contained in the tank 12 at the orifices or nozzles 20, 20a by means of pipes 7, 53, 56, and under the control of the unit 40.

The device also comprises means for delivering water vapor into the helmet, which comprise:

a steam generator 92 comprising a tank 10 equipped with a heating element 61 and a level control probe 60,

a conduit 51 for supplying water to the generator, which is equipped with a solenoid valve 132, a conduit 54 for distributing steam to the helmet through at least one orifice 57, 57a distinct from said orifices or nozzles 20, 20a.

With reference to FIG. 7, the container 3 is slidably mounted relative to the ground in a direction inclined relative to a vertical axis; for this purpose, a motor 95 rotates a worm 96 extending in said inclined direction; a nut (not shown) secured to the container 3, cooperates with the screw to cause the translation of the container 3.

Claims

1. Device for treating the hair and / or the scalp, characterized in that it comprises:

- a helmet (5), which is equipped with a plurality of orifices (20) for projecting a treatment fluid,

- Means (40, 16, 13, 130, 131, 132, 133) for controlling and controlling the distribution of the fluid to vary the temperature of the treatment fluid supplied to the orifices.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which said helmet comprises a plurality of nozzles (20a) each having an orifice (20), which nozzles are fixed to an internal wall (5a) of said helmet, which helmet comprises an external wall ( 5b) extending around the internal wall, and in which the distribution control and monitoring means comprise: - an electronic control unit (40),

- At least two solenoid valves (13, 130, 131) respectively arranged on two conduits (70,71) of water inlet at two different temperatures, which solenoid valves are controlled by the unit (40) according to choice data introduced by a keyboard (16) connected to the unit (40).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (40) comprises means for cyclically activating one then the other of the solenoid valves, and according to a variable duty cycle as a function of data entered on the keyboard.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises means (16, 40, P l) for varying the pressure of the treatment fluid.

5. Device according to claim 4 which comprises:

- a booster pump (P l) such as a centrifugal pump disposed on a conduit (7,56) for supplying the orifices or nozzles (20, 20a),

- a pipe (72) of the booster bypass (Pl),

- at least one solenoid valve (134, 135) disposed on one of said supply conduits (56) or bypass (72),

- A unit (40) for controlling the solenoid valves (134, 135) and the booster (P l) according to data entered by a keyboard (16).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which comprises a rinsing circuit which comprises: a pipe (73) for transporting a rinsing product,

- a water transport pipe (52),

- a tank (12) for mixing the rinsing product and the water to which the pipes (52, 73) are connected, and preferably comprising a level control member (60),

- a transfer member, such as a pump (P2), of the mixture contained in the tank (12) at the orifices or nozzles (20, 20a) by means of pipes (7, 53), and under the control of 'a unit (40).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which also comprises means for delivering water vapor to the helmet, which comprise:

- a steam generator comprising a tank (10) equipped with a heating element (61) and a level control probe (60), - a conduit (51) for supplying water to the generator, which is equipped a solenoid valve (132),

- A pipe (54) for distributing steam to the helmet through at least one orifice (57) distinct from said orifices or nozzles (20, 20a).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the helmet (5) is movably mounted on a bowl or tray (3).

9. Device according to claim 8 wherein the helmet (5) is slidably mounted on the tray (3) along a horizontal axis, and wherein the tray (3) is slidably mounted relative to the ground in a direction inclined relative to a vertical axis.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 which comprises an armchair (1) comprising a seat (2) and a headrest tray (3) surmounting a piece of furniture (4) forming a closed enclosure, and in which the armchair (1) is equipped with a footrest plate equipped with an eccentric rotation motor creating a vibratory field.