ES2493568T3 - A tool to separate a strand of hair - Google Patents

Abstract

A tool (1) for separating a strand (11) of hair from the rest of the hair, the tool (1) comprising a. an external surface (100); b. a through hole (10) inside the tool (1) to accommodate the hair strand (11), in which the through hole (10) defines on the outer surface (100) an upper edge (12) and a lower edge (13); further defining the through hole (10) inside the tool (1) an internal surface (200); C. a slit (50) for inserting the tuft (11) of hair into the through hole (10), the slit (50) extending from the outer surface (100) through the tool (1) and opening inside the hole intern (10); wherein the slit (50) defines on the outer surface (100) a first slit edge (51) and a second slit edge (52); wherein both the first and second slit edges (51; 52) join the upper edge (12) and the lower edge (13) of the through hole (10) so that the slit (50) extends from the edge upper (12) to the lower edge (13) of the through hole (10); wherein the slit (50) defines inside the tool (1) a first slit face (501) and a second slit face (502); and wherein the first slit face (501) is located at a slit distance (d) from the second slit face (502); and wherein a clamp layer (70), to improve the clamping of the tool (1) to the strand (11) of selected hair, extends at least on a part of the external surface (100) of the tool (1 ).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

A tool to separate a strand of hair

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a tool for separating a lock of hair from the rest of the hair. Specifically, the tool serves to help separate a strand of hair in order to have a suitable number of hairs to apply a hair treatment composition to create a hair wick effect.

Background of the invention

The effects of hair wicks, such as effects of application of reflections and dye, constitute a popular and conventional way of changing style. Although numerous devices and methods for applying hair treatment compositions to hair strands are known in the art, it is still difficult to put them into practice at home by consumers.

The level of instructions supplied by the manufacturers of consumer products to apply hair wick effects is generally limited to how to safely mix and apply the hair treatment composition in the hair. Some limited information is provided on where in the hair to apply the hair treatment composition by means of illustrations. However, very few details are provided regarding the appropriate number of hairs to be selected to achieve the desired hair wick effect described or shown in the illustrations.

The cap and hook system for creating reflections is well known in the art. The cap (2) is provided with holes, as shown in Fig. 1. The cap (2) is placed tightly on the hair and scalp; Next, a strand (11) of hair is selected, pulling the strand (11) of hair through the hole with a hook (3). This stage is repeated for a plurality of strands of hair. Next, the selected hair strands are treated with a composition for the application of highlights. The hat and hook system has several drawbacks. First, the process of pulling the strands of hair through the holes in the hat is painful. Secondly, the possibilities regarding the location of the strand of hair to be treated are limited by the position of the holes in the cap. Thirdly, the process of pulling the strands of hair through the holes can cause unplanned final results, because the strand of hair that is pulled through the hole does not necessarily come from the scalp directly below the orifice. In addition, repetitive use may deform the holes of the hat, although not uniformly, and therefore, the hat would not allow to reliably obtain a constant size of the strands of hair from which the hatch is pulled through the holes. .

In FR-244421, US-3921647 and FR-2495905 some alternatives to the hat and hook system are proposed. In addition, in US-2272409A it refers to a fork intended primarily for use in the creation of curls or ringlets and describes a fork comprising elongated teeth having reduced ends defining a divergent intermediate slit at its end and shorter teeth located on opposite sides that define wider divergent slits at its end, said shorter teeth having their free ends adapted to bend out of the plane of said elongated teeth. In US-2310295A it refers to an apparatus for permanently waving the hair of a person's head. However, none of these descriptions disclose means that can be used not only to keep a strand of hair separate from the rest of the hair, but also to facilitate the selection of a strand of hair comprising a number of hair suitable for creating effects. of hair wicks, especially effects of application of reflections such as those obtained in professional salons. Professional stylists create reflections application effects using metal foil and their experience. At home, consumers, who lack the technical expertise of professional stylists, must decide, select and separate strands of hair to create an effect of application of reflections that corresponds to the desired final appearance. Lack of information and experience can cause inconsistent results and user dissatisfaction.

Therefore, it is desirable to disclose easy, light, comfortable and inexpensive means of manufacturing to separate a strand of hair from the rest of the hair without special training, in which the selected strand of hair comprises a suitable number of hair for the application of reflections.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a solution to the technical problem described above by means of a tool (1) for separating a strand (11) of hair from the rest of the hair, the tool comprising

(1) a. an external surface (100);

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b.

a through hole (10) inside the tool (1) to accommodate the hair strand (11), in which the through hole (10) defines on the outer surface (100) an upper edge (12) and a lower edge (13); further defining the through hole (10) inside the tool (1) an internal surface (200);

C.

a slit (50) to insert the strand (11) of hair into the through hole (10), extending the slit

(50) from the outer surface (100) through the tool (1) and opening inside the through hole (10);

wherein the slit (50) defines on the outer surface (100) a first slit edge (51) and a second slit edge (52); in which both the first and second slit edges (51; 52) join the upper edge (12) and the lower edge

(13)

of the through hole (10) so that the slit (50) extends from the upper edge (12) to the lower edge

(13)

of the through hole (10); and in which the slit (50) defines, inside the tool (1), a first slit face (501) and a second slit face (502), and in which the first face (501) of slit is located at a distance (d) from slit of the second slit face (502); and wherein a fastening layer (70) for improving the fastening of the tool (1) to the strand (11) of selected hair extends at least on a part of the external surface (100) of the tool (1).

In a second aspect, the invention described herein solves the technical problem described above by means of a tool (13) comprising a plurality of tools (1; 1 '), in which each of the plurality of tools (1; 1 ') is attached to the utensil (13).

The present invention also relates to a method for applying hair wick effects, where a strand (11) of hair is selected and subsequently separated from the rest of the hair by applying the tool (1) according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a kit (60) for applying hair wick effects comprising at least one tool (1) according to the invention and a hair treatment composition (15).

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the state of the art for the application of highlights in the hair using the cap and hook system.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a parallelepiped shape, although not showing the fastening layer (70) required by claim 1.

Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view along the axis A-A 'of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a first and second divergent slit faces (501; 502). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view along the axis A-A 'of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a spherical shape and a through hole (10) in the form of an hourglass. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1), which has a crenellated upper edge (12). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1), wherein the tool is substantially flat. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 7 shows a plurality of tools (1; 1 ') according to the invention located in the root line of each strand (11) of selected hair.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the tool (1) in which the clamping layer (70) is integrated between two tools (1; 1 ').

Fig. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) in which the clamping layer (70) extends in the through hole (10) and in the neck part (30).

Fig. 10 shows a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) in which the clamping layer (70) extends into the through hole (10).

Fig. 11A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a first and second curved and divergent slit faces (501; 502) in the access part (40).

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Fig. 11B shows a longitudinal section along the axis A-A ', through the through hole (10) of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11A.

Fig. 11C shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11A.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having an elastic clamp shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having an asymmetric shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 14 is a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a first and second curved and divergent slit faces (501; 502). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 15A is a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having a first and second divergent and substantially flat slit faces (501; 502). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 15B is a top view of an asymmetric variant of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15A. The layer

(70) clamping required is not shown.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool (1) having an elongated shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 17A is a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) comprising two substantially identical through holes (10; 10 '). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 17B is a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1) comprising two substantially different through holes (10; 10 '). The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown.

Fig. 18A is a flow chart showing an embodiment of a method (500) for applying hair wick effects according to the present description.

Fig. 18B is a flow chart showing an embodiment of another method (500) for applying hair wick effects.

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of a kit (60) for applying a hair wick effect comprising the tool (1) according to the invention.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of an applicator (65 ') that may be included in the kit (60) for applying hair wick effects.

Fig. 21A shows an embodiment of the utensil (14) according to the invention, in which the plurality of tools (1; 1 ') are chemically attached to the utensil (14).

Fig. 21B shows an embodiment of the utensil (13) according to the invention, in which the plurality of tools (1; 1 ') are mechanically attached to the utensil (14).

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will be described in more detail below, referring to parts that make up the tool, first in general terms and then referring to specific embodiments.

Definitions

In the present invention, the term "hair" refers to live hair, that is, a living body, and non-living hair, that is, a wig, hairpiece or other aggregation of non-living keratinous fibers. Mammalian hair, preferably human, is provided.

"Hair lock" means at least two hairs.

"Hair wicks effect" means an effect created in a plurality of independent hair strands, rather than the entire head. The effect can be a lighter or darker shade of hair strands compared to the rest of the hair, a different color or different styles, such as curly or frizzy.

In this invention the term "extends in" is used to indicate the place where the characteristic is located and not to the act of placing it.

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Tool

The tool (1) according to the invention comprises an external surface (100), as shown in Figs. 2A, 3A and 4. The tool (1) is made of a material that is preferably compatible and inert with respect to hair treatment compositions comprising reactive agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and persulfate salts during use. Suitable materials are polymer resins, such as a polyolefin, including polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. It would be possible to use other polymers, including polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanate or copolymers if appropriate; flexible malleable substrates, such as cartons, metal-based substrates and aluminum sheets, film or multiple laminate substrates or multi-layer combinations of such materials. Other materials that would be possible to use include foams and porous foam materials. Foams and porous foam materials are made of elastomers, plastics and other low density materials with different porosities, and can be selected from open cell foams; flexible foams; rigid foams; reticular foams and syntactic foams. Foams and porous foam materials may be composed of a variety of chemical systems including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); acrylics; epoxy resins; fluoropolymers; isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS); synthetic rubbers or elastomers based on a variety of systems, such as silicone, polyurethane and neoprene; nitrile rubbers; plastics or elastomers formed from natural or plant-based raw materials, such as natural rubber (polyisoprene) or vulcanized fiber; water based resins and containing water and latex materials. Chemical systems for porous foam and foam materials may include copolymer of ethylene, expanded polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyetherimide, polyimide, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane, phenolic, polyurea, and vinyl. It is also possible to use combinations of the aforementioned materials. Preferably, the tool (1) is made of polyolefins, cardboard or a combination thereof. The tool

(1) It can be manufactured by injection molding, simultaneous injection molding, overlay molding, mold mounting, compression molding, blow molding, thermoforming or vacuum forming of a blister-type wrap and laminated in a plastic or plastic material. support plate in the horizontal or vertical plane. Porous foams and foam materials can be manufactured in finished forms using molding, casting, extrusion, extrusion by stretching, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, blow molding, rapid prototyping techniques, milling and / or other specialized processes. The tool (1) can also be cut; laser cut; stamped or stamped on a sheet of material.

Preferably, the tool (1) is made of a flexible and / or elastic material. Preferably, the tool (1) is molded in a single piece or in a single material, although it can also comprise pieces of two or more materials in a common molding operation, as described above. The tool (1) according to the invention can be hollow.

Preferably, the tool (1) according to the present invention does not comprise any articulated or mobile movable part. Without attempting to impose any theory, it is considered that a tool (1) made of a flexible and / or elastic material and lacking movable and / or articulated parts reduces complexity and manufacturing costs; In addition, it facilitates to the consumers the subjection and application of the tool (1) in the tuft (11) of hairs without having to adjust the joined parts of mobile form and / or articulated before the application to the tuft of hairs.

The tool (1) can have several shapes. A spherical shape is shown in Fig. 4, although it is also possible to select other shapes, including asymmetric shapes. Preferably, the tool (1) has limited dimensions to occupy, when applied, a limited part of the length of the strand (11) of hair to be treated with the hair treatment composition (15). In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tool (1) is substantially flat, as shown in Fig. 6. When the tool (1) is substantially flat, the outer surface (100) of the tool (1) It is divided into a first surface (101) and a second surface (102). Preferably, each of the first and second surfaces (101; 102) independently has an area of about 1.5 cm2 to about 15 cm2, more preferably, the first and second surfaces (101; 102) have substantially an identical area. Without pretending to impose any theory, it is believed that when the tool

(1) is substantially flat, it allows additional protection of the scalp from spillage of the hair treatment composition (15).

Through hole

The tool (1) of the present invention comprises a through hole (10). The through hole (10) defines on the outer surface (100) an upper edge (12) and a lower edge (13), as shown in Fig. 2A; the through hole (10) further defines inside the tool (1) an internal surface (200), as shown in Fig. 2B. When the tool (1) is substantially flat, as described above, the through hole (10) defines the upper edge (12) on the first surface (101) and the lower edge (13) on the second surface (102) . The upper and lower edges (12; 13) may be substantially identical or they may have a different shape and / or length. The shape of the upper and / or lower edges (12; 13) can be, for example, circular or square, as shown in Figs. 2B and 3B, respectively. Other shapes, such as a sinusoidal shape or a crenellated shape, as shown in Fig. 5, make it easier to keep the tool (1) attached to the strand (11) of hair.

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The through hole (10) has an average diameter (D) through its cross section, in which the cross section is taken perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the through hole (10) and the longitudinal dimension is the dimension of the hole through (10) from the upper edge (12) to the lower edge (13). The average diameter (D) does not extend into the slit (50).

In one aspect of the present invention, the through hole (10) is a uniform channel having a circular cross-section, as shown in Fig. 2A. In another aspect of the present invention, the through hole (10) may not be uniform, as if it comprises narrowings, or may have an hourglass shape, as shown in Fig. 4. In this aspect, the mean diameter (D) of the through hole (10) will be measured at its narrowest narrowing. The narrowings make it easier to hold the tool (1) in the strand (11) of hair. It will be understood that deviations are also possible with respect to the circular, semicircular or oval section of the through hole (10). For example, if a through hole (10) has a square or rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal dimension, the average diameter (D) is the diagonal of the square or rectangular cross-section, as shown in Fig. 3B.

The through hole (10) not only houses and keeps a strand (11) of hair separated from the rest of the hair, as shown in Fig. 7, but also establishes the number of hairs of the strand (11) of hair a select. It is only possible to accommodate a lock of hair (11) comprising a limited number of hairs in the through hole (10). It is possible that inexperienced users select strands (11) of hair that comprise a number of hairs that, if treated, would not correspond to the desired final results. The present inventors have discovered that, by previously determining the size of the through hole (10) in the tool (1), it is possible to select and keep only a defined number of hairs separated from the rest of the hair. For example, a tool (1) comprising a through hole (10) of circular cross-section with an average diameter (D) of approximately 1.5 mm makes it possible to hold approximately 85 hair of light brown Caucasian hair (International Hair Imports and Products, Valhalla, New York). Once that suitable number of hairs has been housed inside the through hole (10), it is not possible to accommodate additional hair inside unless the tool (1) breaks or the through hole

(10)

force yourself to expand it. Hair that is not housed inside the through hole (10) is not kept separate from the rest of the hair.

The average diameter (D) of the through hole (10) is preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm. Considering the variation of the diameter of the hair according to different types of hair, the hair strand (11) comprises from about 15 to about 500 hair, preferably, from about 20 to about 250, more preferably, from about 25 to about 150 hair. Therefore, by varying the size of the average diameter (D) of the through hole (10), it is possible to select tufts

(eleven)

 of hair to create various effects of hair wicks, from natural color variations to striking effects.

Slit

The tool (1) also comprises a slit (50). The slit (50) is the passage for the strand (11) of selected hair to the through hole (10). The slit (50) extends from the external surface (100) of the tool (1), inside the tool itself (1), to the through hole (10), as shown in Figs. 2A and 4. The slit (50) can be formed directly during the manufacture of the tool (1) or after the clamping layer (70) has been fixed to the tool (1), as described herein to continuation. The slit (50) can be formed by mechanical cutting, laser cutting, stamping or stamping of the slit itself (50) through the tool (10). The slit (50) defines on the outer surface (100) a first slit edge (51) and a second slit edge (52), as shown in Fig. 2A. Both the first and second slit edges (51; 52) extend from the upper edge (12) to the lower edge (13), so that the slit itself (50) also extends between the upper and lower edges ( 12; 13). As described above with respect to the upper and lower edges (12; 13), the first and second slit edges (51; 52) may also have a substantially identical or different shape and length. Obviously, its shape and length depends on the shape of the tool itself (1) and the degree of symmetry inside the tool (1). Asymmetric tools (1) are not excluded in this report; on the contrary, they may be preferred if they make it easier for consumers to hold the tool (1).

The slit (50) defines inside the tool (1) a first slit face (501) and a second slit face (502), as shown in Figs. 2B and 3A. The first and second faces (501; 502) of the slit may be curved or substantially flat. Furthermore, preferably, the first and second slit faces (501; 502) may diverge along their longitudinal dimensions, the longitudinal dimension of the first and second faces (501; 502) being of perpendicular slit with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the through hole (10).

The first slit face (501) is located at a slit distance (d) from the second slit face (502), as shown in Fig. 2B. In one aspect of the present invention, the first and second slit faces (501; 502) may, independently, be substantially flat or may have one or more slots. In other

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aspect of the present invention, the first and / or second slit faces (501; 502) may have a wavy surface, as shown in Fig. 5. In a further aspect of the present invention, the first and second slit faces (501; 502) can form in the tool (1) a neck part (30) and an access part (40), as shown in Fig 3B. The neck part (30) is proximal to the through hole (10) and the inner surface (200) of the tool (1). In one aspect of the present invention, the slit distance (d) in the part

(40)

of access increases as the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit diverge. The relationship between the slit distance (d) between the first and second faces (501; 502) of the slit in the neck part (30) and in the access part (40), respectively, is less than about 1. Preferably, it is less than about 0.75, more preferably, less than about 0.5. The slit distance (d) between the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit in the neck portion (30) is constant and about 2 mm or less, more preferably, about 1.5 mm or less , even more preferably, about 1 mm or less.

Preferably, the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit in the access part (40) of the tool (1) are curved. More preferably, the first slit face (501) diverges in the part

(40)

of access with respect to the second face (502) of slit. Without attempting to impose any theory, it is considered that, when the tool (1) has a first and second face (501; 502) of divergent slit in the part

(40)

 of access, the selection and separation of a tuft (11) of hairs improve further. Hair that has not been housed inside the through hole (10) may be retained or trapped between the first and second faces (501; 502) of divergent slit. This can be avoided by arranging a first and second faces (501; 502) of curved and divergent slits in the access part (40). A first and second non-divergent slit faces (501; 502) present in the neck part (30) are preferred to further ensure that the hair strand (11) is kept separate from the rest of the hair and that the tool (1 ) is attached to the strand (11) of hair.

Clamping layer

Claim 1 describes that a fastening layer (70) for improving the fastening of the tool (1) to the tuft (11) of selected hair extends at least on a part of the external surface (100) of the tool (1) . The clamping layer (70) can extend at least in a part of the internal surface (200) of the tool, of the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit, or combinations thereof. In addition, the fastening layer (70) can also be independently arranged to extend partially or totally in the through hole. When the holding layer (70) extends at least in a part of the through hole (10), that holding layer (70) comprises a cut (71), preferably, the cut (71) is arranged to be aligned with the slit (50) of the tool (1), as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In another aspect of the present invention, the fastening layer (70) allows creating a narrowing that extends from the inner surface (200) of the through hole (10), as described above. In another aspect of the present invention, the clamping layer (70) may be integrated between two tools (1; 1 '), the two tools (1; 1') being preferably substantially flat, as shown in Fig. 8.

The fastening layer (70) can be manufactured from any known material or combination of materials suitable for use with hair treatment compositions (15) and which allow the fastening of the hair strand (11). Examples include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers such as neoprene and nitrile, latex, vulcanized (thermosetting) and polyolefins, silicone rubbers, porous foams and foam materials, as described above.

The clamping layer (70) can be fixed to the tool (1) by simultaneous injection molding, superimposed molding, mold mounting, printing, gluing, ultrasonic welding, stacking and thermal welding.

Without attempting to impose any theory, it is believed that the presence of a clamping layer (70) at least in a part of the tool (1) or inside the through hole (10) allows the tool to be held in a better position.

(one)

 to the strand (11) of selected hair. In addition, thanks to its deformable nature, the fastening layer can be formed around the tuft (11) of selected hair. This allows to obtain a barrier to the composition

(fifteen)

 of hair treatment and prevents the latter from leaking to the scalp.

Description of preferred embodiments

The following embodiments refer to a tool (1) for separating a strand (11) of hair from the rest of the hair.

Fig. 11A shows a first embodiment of the tool (1) according to the invention. The tool (1) is substantially flat. The clamping layer (70) partially extends into a part of the through hole (10) of the tool (1). In this embodiment, the fastening layer (70) extends from the inner surface (200) of the through hole (10), transversely with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the through hole itself (10), as shown in Fig. 11B. In this embodiment, the through hole (10) is a uniform channel with a circular cross-section and the clamping layer (70) is ring-shaped. A cut (71) is arranged in the clamping layer (70), such as

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shown in Fig. 11C, to allow the lock of the selected hair (11) in the through hole (10) to be accommodated from the slit (50). The first and second faces (501; 502) of the slit (50) are curved and divergent in the access part (40), as shown in Fig. 11C, being the same parallel and being separated by a constant slit distance (d) in the receiving part (30).

Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of the tool (1) according to the invention, although the fastening layer (70) is not shown. The shape of the tool (1) represented in this embodiment is free of movable joined parts or joints. The tool (1) comprises a first projection (103) and a second projection (104) in the part of the tool (10) opposite the position in which the access part (40) and the part (30) are located of neck. The embodiment of the tool (1) shown in Fig. 12 is preferably made of a foam material. Taking into account the elastic nature of the material used to manufacture the tool (1), it is possible to compress and bring the first and second projections (103; 104) of the tool (1) together with the thumb and index finger. A tension is created inside the tool itself (1), which is transformed into the separation of the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit in the neck part (30) of the tool (1), In the absence of a joint. This separation further facilitates the entry of the tuft (11) of bristles into the through hole (10).

Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a tool (1) according to the invention, in which the tool (1) has an asymmetrical shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown. The first slit face (501) is extended, while the second slit face (502) is short. Although both the first and second faces (501; 502) of the slit are curved in the access part (40), their curvature is substantially different.

Fig. 14 shows a top view of an embodiment of the tool (1; although the clamping layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown) according to the invention, comprising a first projection (103) in the part of the tool (1) opposite the position in which the access part (40) and the neck part (30) are located. The first projection (103) is used to hold the tool (1) while the latter is placed. Also, its presence facilitates the removal of the tool (1) from the strand (11) of hair. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 15A and 15B also shows the same characteristic. The tool (1) of the embodiments shown in Figs. 14, 15A and 15B have a substantially elongated shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown in any of these figures. The tool (1) shown in Figs. 14 and 15A has a first and second faces (501; 502) of curved and divergent slit in the access part (40). The first and second slit faces (501; 502) may be curved, as shown in the embodiments of Fig. 14, or they may be substantially flat, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 15A. A variant of the embodiments of Figs. Is shown in Fig. 15B. 14 and 15A, the tool (1) comprising an asymmetry in the access part (40).

The tool (1) shown in Fig. 16 also has an elongated shape. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown in Fig. 16. Preferably, the first and second slit faces (501; 502) are substantially divergent in the access part (40), and the neck part (30) is substantially reduced to an area where the first and second slit faces (501; 502) are arranged in a juxtaposed relationship.

The tool (1) according to the invention, which is shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 17A and 17B, it is substantially flat. The fastening layer (70) required by claim 1 is not shown in any of these figures. These embodiments of the tool (1) comprise a first through hole (10) and a second through hole (10 ') inside the same tool (1). Access to the first through hole is formed by the first slit (50) and access to the second through hole (10 ') is formed by the second slit (50'). The size of the first through hole (10) and the second through hole (10 ') may be substantially identical, as shown in Fig. 17A, or it may be substantially different, as shown in Fig. 17B. Through holes (10; 10 ') substantially different inside the same tool (10) allow consumers to obtain greater flexibility when using the tool (1) according to the invention. As described above, the size of the through hole (10) determines the number of hairs comprised in the strand of hair that can be separated by the tool (1) described herein. Treatment with a hair treatment composition (15) of a strand of hair composed of approximately fifty hairs gives a final result that is different from whether the strand was composed of approximately five hundred or more hairs.

Utensil

The present invention also relates to a utensil (14). The utensil (14) comprises a plurality of tools (1; 1 '), each tool being independently attached from the plurality of tools (1; 1') to the utensil (14). The tools (1; 1 ') can be chemically and / or mechanically attached to the utensil (14). The tools (1, 1 ') can be chemically bonded by adhesives, for example, a hot melt adhesive. The tools (1; 1 ') can be mechanically joined by interlacing. Preferably, the tools (1; 1 ') of the plurality of tools (1; 1') attached to the utensil (14) are substantially flat. In one aspect, the utensil (14) is a sheet of material and the tools (1, 1 ') are attached to the surface of

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the sheet of material by means of an adhesive, as shown in Fig. 21A. The sheet of material may include, but is not limited to, a page of the instructions (92), as described herein below. In another aspect shown in Fig. 21B, the utensil (14) is a cardboard sheet and the plurality of tools (1; 1 ') are perforated through the cardboard sheet. Each tool (1; 1 ') is then removed from the cardboard sheet when necessary. The cardboard sheet may include, but is not limited to, the package (91) of a kit (60), as described herein below. In another additional aspect shown in Fig. 19, the utensil (14) is a sheet of material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, foams, cardboard and combinations thereof. Each tool (1; 1 ') of the plurality of tools (1; 1') comprises one or more projections (103; 104). At least one of the projections connects the tool (1; 1 ') to the utensil (14), preferably, the utensil (14) and the plurality of tools (1; 1') are molded into a single piece and then cut to create a tool (14) comprising a plurality of tools (1; 1 '). An embodiment of the last aspect of the invention is shown in Fig. 19.

Method

The present invention also relates to a method for applying hair wick effects by selecting a strand (11) of hair and then applying the tool (1) according to the present invention - see claim

eleven.

Fig. 18A shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method (500) for applying hair wick effects. The method (500) starts in the block (520), with the selection of a lock (11) of hair. Optionally, the selection can be made by consulting the instructions, as described in more detail below. Once the selection is completed, the method continues in the block (540) with the application of the tool (1) according to the invention on the lock (11) of selected hair. The strand (11) of hair is inserted into the slit (50) of the tool (1) and then will be housed inside the through hole (10). Once the strand (11) of selected hair is housed in the through hole (10), a part along the length of the strand (11) of selected hair can extend along the longitudinal dimension of the through hole (10) ). Therefore, the part of the selected hair strand (11) is surrounded by the internal surface (200) of the tool (1) and / or by the clamping layer (70), if present. The tool (1) is preferably applied by keeping the strand (11) of selected hair substantially straight with one hand and applying the tool (1) with the other hand. The tool (1) is preferably applied to the root line of the selected strand (11) of hair, as shown in Fig. 7. The steps of selecting a strand (11) of hair, optionally consulting the instructions, and If the tool (1) according to the invention is applied, it can be repeated as many times as necessary until a plurality of hair strands (11) have been selected.

Once these stages (520; 540) have been completed, the method (500) can optionally continue preparing a hair treatment composition (15) for application on the strand (11) of selected hair. Alternatively, the hair treatment composition (15) is ready to use and, therefore, no preparation is necessary. The method (500) follows in the block (560), in which the hair treatment composition (15) is applied to the selected hair strand (11), as indicated in the flow chart of Fig. 18B . More preferably, the hair treatment composition (15) is applied on the hair strand (11) from the roots to the tips.

The hair treatment composition (15) is selected from the group consisting of compositions for the application of reflections, dye compositions, permanent compositions, hair styling compositions and combinations thereof. Preferably, the hair treatment composition (15) is selected from the group consisting of compositions for the application of reflections, dye compositions and combinations thereof, more preferably, the hair treatment composition (15) is a composition for the application of reflexes Depending on the type of hair treatment composition (15) applied to the hair strand (11), it may be necessary to remove it, for example, by washing the hair.

When the hair treatment composition (15) is applied to the strand (11) of selected hair, the tool

(one)

according to the invention it can be left in place or removed. In one aspect of the present invention, the tool (1) is left in position when the hair treatment composition (15) is applied, but is removed when the hair treatment composition (15) is removed. In another aspect, the tool (1) is removed before applying the hair treatment composition (15) on the strand (11) of selected hair. In this aspect, the strand (11) of selected hair is held substantially straight with one hand, while the tool

(one)

it is removed with the other hand, then applying the hair treatment composition (15). In a further aspect of the present invention, the tool (1) can be removed by releasing the tool (1) with respect to the strand (11) of hair simultaneously with the application of the hair treatment composition (15).

The hair treatment composition (15) is applied with applicators (65; 65 '), as described in more detail below, or with the fingers.

Kit

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For the purpose of marketing and / or use, it is possible to assemble a kit (60) to apply hair wick effects. An embodiment of the kit (60) is shown in Fig. 19, in which the elements of the kit (60) can be included inside a package (91), in this specific embodiment, a box.

The kit (60) for applying hair wick effects comprises at least one tool (1) according to the invention and a hair treatment composition (15). Preferably, the kit (60) comprises a plurality of tools (1), more preferably, each tool (1) of the plurality of tools (1) is substantially flat. In another aspect of the present invention, the kit (60) may comprise a utensil (14) comprising a plurality of tools (1; 1 '), as shown in Figs. 19, 21A and 21B.

The kit (60) may also comprise instructions (92). The instructions (92) may include information and indications on how to use the tool (1) and how to prepare and apply the hair treatment composition (15). The instructions (92) may also include one or more illustrations of at least one type of hair wick effect and an indication on where to select on the head the hair strands (11) to be treated to obtain a similar hair wick effect .

The hair treatment composition (15) included in the kit (60) according to the invention can be packaged in a sachet and / or in a bottle (90). It is also possible to include a nozzle (93) in the kit (60) to facilitate dispensing of the hair treatment composition (15) from the bottle (90).

The hair treatment composition (15) according to the invention is selected from the group consisting of compositions for the application of reflections, dye compositions, permanent compositions, hair styling compositions and combinations thereof. Preferably, the hair treatment composition (15) is selected from the group consisting of compositions for the application of reflections, dye compositions and combinations thereof, more preferably, the hair treatment composition (15) is a composition for the application of reflexes

Hair treatment compositions (15) may also comprise known components, normally used or otherwise effective for use in hair treatment compositions, especially bleaching and dyeing compositions that include, but are not limited to: oxidizing agents; dye developer compounds; dye compound couplers; direct dyes; D&C Orange No. 4, D&C Red No. 28, acid blue, HC Blue No. 15, naphthol yellow S, Disperse red 17, reducing agents; thickeners; chelators; pH modifiers and buffering agents; alkalizing agents, carbonate ion sources and radical inactivating systems; glycine; amodimethicone, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid; anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric or hybrid ion surfactants or mixtures thereof; anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric or hybrid ion polymers, hydrophobic modified polymers or mixtures thereof; fragrances; dispersing agents; solvents, peroxide stabilizing agents; chelants, carbomers, stearates, humectants, proteins and derivatives thereof, plant materials (eg aloe, chamomile and henna extracts); silicones (volatile or non-volatile, modified or unmodified), film-forming agents, cellulose polymers and their derivatives, ceramides, preservatives, gel networks, color indicators and opacifiers. Some suitable adjuvants are described in the International Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, (8th edition .; The Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association). Especially, sections 3 (Chemical Classes) and 4 (Functions) of vol. 2 are useful for identifying specific adjuvants and obtaining a certain effect or multiple effects. A representative but not exhaustive list of polymers and thickeners can be found in “The Encyclopaedia of Polymers and Thickeners for Cosmetics” compiled and edited by Robert Y. Lochhead, PhD and William R. Fron, Department of Polymer Science, University of Southern Mississippi .

In one aspect of the present invention, the hair treatment composition (15) is prepared by mixing a first individually packaged component and a second individually packaged component. When mixed, the first and second individually packaged components form the hair treatment composition (15) that will be applied to the tuft (11) of selected hair. Examples of such compositions include so-called semi-permanent and permanent dyes, which typically contain oxidizing dyes and an oxidant, and compositions for the application of reflections, which contain an oxidant and an alkalizing agent, optionally with a persulfate salt. In one embodiment of the kit (60) according to the present invention, the hair treatment composition (15) is a composition for the application of reflexes prepared by mixing a first individually packaged component with a second individually packaged component. Preferably, the first individually packaged component comprises from about 3% to about 12% by weight of hydrogen peroxide by weight of said first individually packaged component. Preferably, the second individually packaged component is in the form of a powder, granules or paste, and comprises from about 10% to about 60% by weight of said second individually packaged component of persulfate salt, selected from the group consisting of sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate , ammonium persulfate and mixtures thereof. The kit (60) optionally comprises a third individually packaged component comprising from about 3% to about 25% by weight of said third individually packaged component of an alkalizing agent in an aqueous vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the hair treatment composition (15) is prepared by mixing a first individually packaged component comprising from about 1.5% to about

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12% by weight of said first individually packaged component of hydrogen peroxide and a second individually packaged component comprising from about 0.01% to about 6% by weight of said second individually packaged component of a dye selected from the group consisting of direct dyes, oxidizing dye precursors, oxidizing dye couplers and mixtures thereof.

The kit (60) according to the invention further comprises an applicator (65) for applying the hair treatment composition (15) on the tuft (11) of selected hair. The applicator (65) can be selected from the group consisting of brush type applicators, tweezers type applicators, tong type applicators, rod type applicators, mobile part type type applicators and a combination thereof. Preferably, the applicator (65) comprises two parts movably joined, a first part movably attached to a

10 second part.

In one aspect of the present invention the first part of the applicator (65) is a plate (66) and the second part is a cavity (67). The plate (66) is movably attached, preferably by means of a joint, to the cavity (67), so that it is possible to arrange the plate in a juxtaposed relationship with respect to the opening of the cavity and cover it at least partially. Even more preferably, the plate (66) of the applicator (65) comprises the

15 minus one fin (81), even more preferably, a first and a second fin (81; 82). The fins (81; 82) extend from the plate (66) and converge with each other, as shown in Fig. 19. The fins (81; 82) extend from the plate so that, when the plate ( 66) disposed in a juxtaposed relationship with respect to the cavity (67), the fins (81; 82) fit at least partially inside the cavity hollow (67).

In another aspect of the present invention, the kit (60) comprises an applicator (65 ') in the form of pliers, as shown in Fig. 20. The applicator (65') is a clamp-type applicator having at one end of an arm of the tweezers a plurality of fibers (301). The end of the other arm comprises a cavity (302) or a plurality of additional fibers. When the arms of the applicator (65 ') are compressed, the fibers (301) fit inside the cavity (302) or a plurality of additional fibers, not shown, located at the other end.

25 The quantities and values described herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned. Unless otherwise indicated, it is envisaged that each of said magnitudes means the mentioned value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a magnitude described as "40 mm" means "approximately 40 mm."

Claims (15)

E08152514 08-18-2014 1. A tool (1) for separating a strand (11) of hair from the rest of the hair, the tool comprising

(one)

to.

an external surface (100);

5 b. a through hole (10) inside the tool (1) to accommodate the hair strand (11), in which the through hole (10) defines on the outer surface (100) an upper edge (12) and a lower edge (13); further defining the through hole (10) inside the tool (1) an internal surface (200); C. a slit (50) for inserting the strand (11) of hair into the through hole (10), extending the slit (50) from the outer surface (100) through the tool (1) and opening inside the through hole 10 (10); wherein the slit (50) defines on the outer surface (100) a first slit edge (51) and a second slit edge (52); wherein both the first and second slit edges (51; 52) join the upper edge (12) and the lower edge (13) of the through hole (10) so that the slit (50) extends from the edge upper (12) to the lower edge (13) of the through hole (10); in which the slit (50) defines in the 15 inside the tool (1) a first slit face (501) and a second slit face (502); and wherein the first slit face (501) is located at a slit distance (d) from the second slit face (502); and wherein a clamp layer (70), to improve the clamping of the tool (1) to the strand (11) of selected hair, extends at least on a part of the external surface (100) of the tool (1 ). The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second slit faces (501; 502) form in the tool (1) a neck part (30) and a part (40) of access; wherein the distance (d) of slit between the first and second faces (501; 502) of slit in the neck part (30) is constant and less than 2.0 mm. 3. The tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first or second faces (501; 502) of slit 25 are curved in the access part (40) of the tool (1).

Four.

The tool (1) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the first slit face (501) diverges in the access part (40) of the tool (1) with respect to the second slit face (502).

5.

The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping layer (70) is made of a material

selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, foam materials and 30 combinations thereof. 6. The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tool (1) is substantially flat and wherein the external surface (100) of the tool (1) is divided into a first surface (101) and a second surface (102), and in which each of the first and second surfaces (101; 102) independently has an area of 2 cm2 to 15 cm2. The tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein a clamping layer (70) extends at least on a part of the first and / or second surfaces (101; 102) of the tool (1) and wherein the fastening layer (70) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, foam materials and combinations thereof. 8. The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein a clamping layer (70) extends at least in 40 a part of the internal surface (200) of the tool (1), and in which the clamping layer (70) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, foam materials and combinations of the same. 9. The tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein a clamping layer (70) extends at least in a part of the through hole (10), and wherein the clamping layer (70) is made of a material selected from 45 group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, foam materials and combinations thereof. 10. A tool (14) comprising a plurality of tools (1; 1 ') as described in claim 1, wherein each tool of the plurality of tools (1; 1') is independently attached to the tool (14 ). 50 11. A method for applying hair wick effects comprising the steps of: to. select a wick of (11) hair; 12 E08152514 08-18-2014 b. Apply the tool (1) according to claim 1 to the strand (11) of selected hair. 12. The method (500) according to claim 11, wherein the tool (1) is applied to the root line of the strand (11) of selected hair.

13.

The method (500) according to claim 11, wherein a hair treatment composition (15) 5 is applied to the strand (11) of selected hair.

14. A method (500) according to claim 13, wherein the hair treatment composition (15) is selected from the group consisting of reflex application compositions, dye compositions, styling compositions, permanent compositions and combinations of the same.

fifteen.

A kit (60) for applying hair wick effects comprising at least one tool (1) according to claim 1 and a hair treatment composition (15).

16.

The kit (60) according to claim 15, wherein the kit (60) further comprises an applicator (65) for applying the hair treatment composition (15).

17.

The kit (60) according to claim 16, wherein the applicator (65) comprises a first part movably attached to a second part.

The kit (60) according to claim 17, wherein the first part is a plate (66) and the second part is a cavity (67); wherein the plate (66) of the applicator (65) comprises at least one fin (81), in which the fins extend from the plate (66) and converge with each other. 19. The kit (60) according to claim 15, wherein the kit (60) comprises a plurality of tools (1; 1 ') and each tool of the plurality of tools (1; 1') is substantially flat. 20. The Kit (60) according to claim 15, wherein the kit (60) further comprises a utensil (14); in which the utensil (14) comprises a plurality of tools (1; 1 ’); in which each tool of the plurality of tools (1; 1 ') is independently attached to the utensil (14) and in which each of the tools is substantially flat. 13