WO2005029998A1

WO2005029998A1 - Hair washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005029998A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Gay
Original assignee: Hydroco (Australia) Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-09-26
Filing date: 2004-09-27
Publication date: 2005-04-07

Abstract

An automatic hair washing apparatus including a first reservoir (3) adapted to hold a first liquid, a second reservoir (4) adapted to hold a second liquid, and means (11,12,15) for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user, wherein in operation the first liquid (3) has a substantially different temperature to the second liquid (4) such that upon mixing the first and second liquids a third liquid of a desired temperature is produced, the third liquid being conveyed to the means for distributing a liquid (11,12,15) to the head of a user.

Description

HAIR WASHING APPARATUS

FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for rinsing the head or hair of a user. More specifically, the invention relates to automatic hair washing machines.

BACKGROUND

Washing and conditioning customers' hair in a hairdressing salon or beauty parlour is a time consuming and labour intensive task. Salon owners are often required to employ attendants whose role is to simply wash (and optionally condition) hair before cutting. While the process of applying shampoo or conditioner to the hair is relatively quick, the rinsing of these products from the hair can be time consuming, especially if the hair is voluminous.

The prior art has provided a number of automatic hair washing machines that have at least decreased the time taken to wash customers' hair. In use, the customer generally rests their neck on the contoured edge of a basin, with the face directed upwardly and away from the cavity of the basin. The basin generally contains a number of spray heads that deliver water at a suitable temperature and pressure to the head of the customer, thereby rinsing away shampoo, conditioner or other substance from the hair.

While automatic hair washing machines are convenient and useful they nonetheless have certain problems. One major deficiency is that due to the water handling systems used it is not possible to quickly and easily alter the water temperature if the customer is dissatisfied. Doing so leads to a loss of time on the attendee's part, and the wastage of large amounts of water.

Furthermore it is not possible for the attendant or customer to directly check whether the water temperature is acceptable. With machines of the prior art, a customer or attendee is not be able to feel the water temperature until the washing cycle begins. If the water is too hot or too cold, the cycle must be stopped and the unit reset. The cycle is then restarted and the water must be checked again for temperature. If the attendee or customer is not satisfied, the whole process must be repeated.

There have been attempts to overcome the problem of providing water at the correct temperature for automatic hair washing machines. Some machines utilise electronic means for sensing the temperature of the hot water supply and mixing an appropriate proportion of cold water to achieve the desired temperature. In these systems, the attendant sets the desired temperature in °C on a digital keypad and allows electronic valves to mix the water. This approach has a number of drawbacks. Firstly, while it is possible to select a given temperature, many customers will not know that they find 45°C, for example, too hot for comfort. They may need to try a number of different temperature settings before they are satisfied. Some customers are more sensitive to water temperature than others and so this trial and error method is generally unavoidable.

Another problem with this approach is that if the electronics malfunction, a customer could be exposed to very cold water or worse still very hot water.

Further problems relate to the inconvenience caused by an airlock in pumping systems typically used in hair washing devices.

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or alleviate a problem of the prior art by providing an automatic hair washing machine whereby the attendee is able to continuously adjust water temperature.

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia before the priority date of each claim of this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the interconnection of the components, and wherein numerals 1 and 2 represent the hot and cold water inlets respectively. Numerals 3 and 4 represent the hot and cold water reservoirs respectively, each having a lower level sensor 5, and an upper level sensor 6. Each reservoir also has an overflow pipe 7 leading to a drain 8. The riot water tank is fitted with a temperature sensor 9. Each reservoir is connected by separate pipes 10 to a mixer valve 11. The outlet of the mixer valve is connected to a pump 12, which is equipped with a priming line 13 and an air escape for priming 14. The spray jets 15 are located in a basin 1 6. The apparatus is also equipped with a hand spray 17 that is supplied directly from the mains by a mixing valve 18.

The lines in the drawing represent water conduits, and the arrow representing the normal direction of water flow within the conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides an automatic hair washing apparatus including a first reservoir adapted to hold a first liquid, a second reservoir adapted to hold a second liquid, and means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user, wherein in operation the first liquid has a substantially different temperature to the second liquid such that upon mixing the first and second liquids a third liquid of a desired temperature is produced, the third liquid being conveyed to the means for distributing a liquid to the head of a user.

Applicants provide herein an apparatus that allows an attendant to continuously vary the water temperature to allow a desired temperature to be attained for the comfort and safety of the customer. This is achieved by providing the automatic hair washing apparatus with two separate water reservoirs, one for hot water and the other for cold water. Preferably the first and second reservoirs do not contact each other thereby minimising transference of heat between the first liquid and the second liquid. The reservoirs may also be encapsulated in insulating material or composed of a material with a low heat transference.

The means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user may be a spray means and/or a jet means. Where a spray means is implemented, the spray means may include a tubular manifold having a plurality of water outlets.

In a further preferred form of the invention the apparatus includes means for automatically delivering a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head, face or neck.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of washing or rinsing the head of a user, the method including the use of an apparatus as described herein.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. Specific embodiments described are provided only for illustration purposes since various additions and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In a first aspect the present invention provides an automatic hair washing apparatus including a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the first reservoir being adapted to receive a first liquid, the second reservoir being adapted to receive a second liquid, wherein in operation the first liquid in the first reservoir is at a substantially different temperature to the second liquid in the second reservoir so that upon mixing the first and second liquids a third liquid of a desired temperature is produced.

Typically, the reservoirs 3 and 4 are substantially empty at the commencement of the working day, having generally been emptied at the close of business on the previous day. Upon activation of the automatic hair washing apparatus, the reservoirs 3 and 4 are filled with hot and cold water respectively from the mains supply. The level sensors 6 are in place to signal when the reservoirs are full, at which time further filling from the mains water is stopped. Before the customer's head is positioned in the basin 16 the attendant or customer is able to adjust the temperature by manipulating mixer valve 11. Once the correct temperature is achieved, the attendant positions the customer's head in the basin and activates the washing sequence, causing the pump 12 to draw water from the reservoirs 3 and 4. The level sensors 5 act to switch off the pump when the water level is near the bottom of the reservoir that empties first. This feature is designed to prevent damage to the pump. The pump 12 supplies the spray jets 15 which distribute water onto the head of the customer positioned in the basin 16.

The reservoirs 3 and 4 may be of any size or constructed of any material suitable to achieve the purpose of retaining a substantially aqueous liquid. It is contemplated that either reservoir may be encapsulated in insulating material or composed of a material with a low heat transference. The reservoirs 3 and 4 may be of the same size or of a different size. For example, if the mains hot water supply is of a lower than normal temperature then more hot water will be required to attain a comfortably warm temperature for the customer, and therefore a larger hot water reservoir will be required. It will be well within the capacity of the skilled artisan to design by routine means reservoirs of an appropriate configuration for a given application. Typically the reservoirs will have a capacity of from about 35 litres to about 65 litres each. In a highly preferred form of the invention the hot reservoir holds about 65 litres, and the cold reservoir about 35 litres.

It is preferred that the reservoirs 3 and 4 do not contact each other to prevent transference of heat from the liquid in one reservoir to the liquid in the other.

It is contemplated that the liquid can enter the reservoirs at a predetermined temperature, or can be heated or cooled once in the tank. For example, both tanks could be supplied with cold water, but a resistance element could heat the water up to 60°C. The temperatures of the two liquids can be any temperature so long as upon mixing in a given proportion, a liquid of the required temperature may be produced. Preferably, one liquid is at a temperature typical of mains cold water supply (approximately 15°C) and the other is at a temperature typical of normal mains hot water supply (approximately 60°C).

The levels sensors can be any of those known to the skilled artisan and include those of the simple conductivity type whereby a circuit is completed between two electrodes when immersed in water. In a preferred form of the invention the sensors are constructed of brass.

The pipes connecting the reservoirs to the mains supply, pump, valves and other components may be flexible or fixed, and of any suitable bore. The exact piping configuration will be a matter of routine optimisation for the skilled artisan. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use of a wide variety of piping configurations.

The mixer valve 11 may be any of those known in the art, and may be controlled manually or electronically. In a preferred embodiment the mixer valve is of model number 0805 0100, supplied by Hansa.

The pump 12 may be any type that it able to transport liquid at the required rate and required pressure. Preferably, the pump is of the model W20PW-75ITS supplied by KPS industries. In a preferred form of the invention the pump is capable of pumping at a rate of about 17.5 litres per minute at 90 metres head.

It should be noted that a particularly advantageous feature of this embodiment of the invention is that only one pump is used. To the best of the applicant's knowledge, nowhere in the prior art is there described the use of a single pump placed after a mixer valve. This arrangement leads to "sucking" of liquid through the valve, as distinct from the prior art that teaches "pushing" of liquid through the valve. Surprisingly, the arrangement described herein does not compromise or transgress any safety requirements normally placed on the use of such valves. A substantial advantage is that only one pump is required, as distinct from two pumps (one for each reservoir) leading to lower construction costs.

The means for distributing water may be a spray 15. Alternatively, a jet may be used. The spray may comprise a single spray or multiple spray. Furthermore, the invention contemplates the use of fixed or moving spray heads. In a preferred embodiment the spray head produces a fan spray of about 90 to 140 mm. Typically, the spray heads are be fitted to one or two tubular manifolds.

The temperature sensors used throughout the unit may be of any type known in the art such as a thermistor-type device whereby the resistance output changes according to the temperature of the medium to which it is exposed. A particularly suitable temperature sensor is of the model B5786S502F40 supplied by Siemens.

The hair washing apparatus may be equipped with other features known in the art such as a shampoo dispensing pump, conditioner dispensing pump and the like. Also included may be features to enhance the comfort of a customer such as neck support or face shield to prevent water entering the customer's eyes. There may also be a hand held spray device 17 that is connected directly to the mains supply via a further mixing valve 18. This separate spray device would allow an attendee to perform tasks such as cleaning the basin after use, or removing any further hair product from the customer's hair after the washing cycle had completed.

It is contemplated that standard safety features known in the art may also be incorporated. For example, a safety shut-off valve may be placed between the mixer 11 and the pump 12. Typically, this valve will close if the water temperature rises above 44°C, thereby preventing exposure of the customer to dangerously hot water.

Another feature that may be incorporated into a hair washing apparatus is a water outlet 19 between the mixer valve 11 and the spray head 15 so that water temperature can be tested by hand before the washing cycle is started. In one form of this feature the test outlet is between the mixer valve 11 and the pump 12. In an alternative form it is between the pump 12 and the spray head 15. Use of this feature will give the customer or attendant a higher degree of security in the temperature of the water to which the customer is to be exposed.

The apparatus may also include a primer line to overcome airlocks in the pumping system. Upon discovery of an airlock it is necessary to at least partially dismantle the pump and associated fittings in order to remove the airlock. One form of the invention provides an air outlet 14 attached to the pump, as well as a priming line 13 that is capable of priming the pump 12 with water. Thus, an airlock can be removed without the need to dismantle the unit.

The apparatus may be completely or partially under the control of a microprocessor. For example, all or some valves may be of the electronic type capable of being opened and shut according to a predetermined program. The temperature of the water may be determined by manually adjusting the mixer valve 11 , or by computer control. A feedback system could be implemented such that the temperature of water exiting from the mixer valve 11 feeds back into the microprocessor position of the mixer valve thereby assuring a steady temperature. Electronically activated valves could also control the entry of main pressure water into the reservoirs 3 and 4.

In a further preferred form of the invention, the apparatus includes means for the delivery and removal of a treatment agent including means for automatically delivering a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head face or neck, and means for automatically removing the treatment agent from the hair, scalp, head, face or neck. The advantage of this preferred form of the invention is that a user can undergo a treatment of the hair, scalp, head, face or neck, with subsequent removal of any treatment agent in a single apparatus, and in an automated manner. Given the automated nature of the washing function, the wastage of water is also prevented.

As used herein, the term "treatment" is to be considered in its broadest sense to include any therapeutic, beauty, cosmetic or relaxation treatment that may be required by the hair, scalp, neck, ears, forehead, temples, face or mandibular region.

The term "treatment agent" is intended to include any aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or a powder. The treatment agent may be a solution, slurry, dispersion, suspension, or paste. The product may include a medically active ingredient, a cosmetically active ingredient or a combination thereof.

The apparatus of the present invention may include fittings to enable the automatic delivery of a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head, face or neck. For example, the apparatus may include means for the delivery of steam, water vapour, atomised water or mist. The use of steam as a treatment agent is well established in the hair dressing industry to assist in the development of hair dyes, speeding up color development by as much as 20 minutes. The apparatus so fitted could also be used to assist the penetration of conditioning agents to give hair better shine and manageability for example. The apparatus could also be used to facilitate the action of protein denaturants as found in permanent wave solutions.

Steam can be generated by means of boiling water and directing the steam from it into the bowl of the apparatus. Hot water mist may be generated simply by pressurized (mains water pressure or pump assisted) hot water dispersed through one or more spray nozzles. The hot water being sprayed through nozzles atomizes creating a steam effect in the apparatus. Ultrasonic vibration may also be used to generate a mist.

The mist may be a mist of hot water or a mist of cold water. Hot water mist could be used to assist color development or product penetration, while the cold could be used to stop or slow the penetration of a chemical into the hair, or stop or slow a chemical reaction occurring in the hair.

The means for delivering a mist could be the same or similar to that provided in the Micro Mist system (manufactured by Takara Belmont Corporation) whereby the mist consists of tiny particles of hot water at a fixed temperature generated through ultrasonic vibration. Unlike steam or boiled water, the temperature of the 'mist' can easily be controlled so that customers can stay comfortable throughout their treatment time.

The apparatus may further include a means for moving air, such as a fan. The fan may be used to facilitate the even distribution of steam, water vapour, atomised water or mist about the head of the user. The means for moving air may also be used to assist in controlling the temperature in the environs of the head. The fan may also include means for heating and cooling the air.

The apparatus described herein will have use in settings other than a hair salon. The apparatus is useful in the delivery and removal of treatment agents such as medicaments or relaxation oils for example. In one embodiment of the invention, the means for delivering a treatment agent could deliver a herbal oil, medicated milk or buttermilk. The apparatus could be programmed to dispense the herbal decoction in a steady stream onto the forehead for 30 to 45 minutes. As described in the field of Ayurvedic medicine this treatment is known as "Shirodhara", and has been found to be effective treatment for balancing the "Vata dosha". The treatment works on cerebral system, helping in relaxing the nervous system and also balancing the "Prana vayu" around the head. The treatment improves the function of five senses, helps in insomnia, stress, anxiety, and depression, hairloss, and fatigue.

The means for delivering a treatment agent could be designed to deliver the treatment at different rates and at different temperatures. The treatment agent may be delivered as a steady stream, a pulsating stream, a spray, a drip, a bolus, a sprinkle, or a combination thereof.

The means for delivering a treatment agent could be designed to deliver other topical medicaments that may help in the treatment of baldness (e.g. minoxidil), dandruff (e.g. ketoconazole), psoroasis (e.g. coal tar), parasites (e.g. permethrin), acne (e.g. salicylic acid) and the like. The skilled person will be able to design pumping mechanisms and delivery nozzles suitable for the delivery of a wide range of medicaments. The treatment agent may also be heat or cold. For example, the means for delivering a therapeutic agent may be an infrared lamp or other heat generating device. Alternatively, where it is desired to expose the head to col , the means for delivering a therapeutic agent may be a spray of cold water. In the context of the present invention, the heat is removed from the head of the user by the automatic washing function of the apparatus by using cool or cold water. Similarly, if the treatment agent is cold, then the cold can be removed from the head of the user by the automatic washing function of the apparatus by using warm or hot water.

The means for removing the treatment agent may involve the delivery of water or other cleansing fluid to the hair. Generally, a plurality of spray nozzles is included in the apparatus to deliver the water or other cleansing fluid.

Where the treatment agent can be delivered by gravity feed, the means for delivering the treatment agent may simply be a reservoir having an aperture adapted to release the treatment agent. The treatment agent is released onto the head of the user simply by the action of gravity. An example of this approach would be in the administration of Shirodhara therapy, where the therapeutic agent is an oil. In this case, the oil may be placed into a simple reservoir having an aperture in the bottom, with the reservoir then being positioned over the user's forehead. The force of gravity then allows the oil to exit the aperture, and fall onto the forehead of the user.

Another form of delivery means useful for delivering a wide range of treatment agents is similar to that used for the dispersion of laundry powders in clothes washing machines. In this form of the invention the means for delivering the treatment agent is a reservoir in open communication with a water jet of the apparatus such that the agent is dispensed onto the head of the user when the water jet is activated. It is also possible that the reservoir is in open communication with a steam or a mist generated in the apparatus, with the steam or mist acting to carry the treatment agent to the head of the user. Where the therapeutic agent is of a more solid consistency such as a paste or powder, the means for delivering a therapeutic agent may be a "screw pump".

It is contemplated that the treatment agent may be a gas such as ozone or oxygen. In this case gas may be delivered through a regulator device of the type known for controlling the flow of a gas.

The apparatus may include means for administering other therapeutic modalities such as light therapy, aromatherapy or music therapy. Preferably, the means for delivering light, aroma or music therapy are integral with the apparatus of the present invention, with suitable arrangements of lights, speakers and scent dispensers being demonstrated in United States Patent No 5,645,578.

It is contemplated that the skilled person will be able to conceive of alternative apparatus and methods for implementing the invention described herein. Such alternative methods are considered to fall within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An automatic hair washing apparatus including a first reservoir adapted to hold a first liquid, a second reservoir adapted to hold a second liquid, and means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user wherein in operation the first liquid has a substantially different temperature to the second liquid such that upon mixing the first and second liquids a third liquid of a desired temperature is produced, the third liquid being conveyed to the means for distributing a liquid to the head of a user.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second reservoirs each have a capacity of from about 35 litres to about 65 litres.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first reservoir has a capacity of about 65 litres, and the second reservoir has a capacity of about 35 litres.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first and/or second reservoirs are adapted to receive water from mains pressure water supply.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second reservoirs do not contact each other thereby minimising transference of heat between the first liquid and the second liquid.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first and/or second reservoirs are encapsulated in insulating material or composed of a material with a low heat transference.

7. An apparatus according to claim any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user is a spray and/or jet means.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the spray means includes a tubular manifold having a plurality of water outlets.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user is capable of moving relative to the head of the user.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 including a basin for receiving the head of a user and collecting the third liquid.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 including a liquid mixing means.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the liquid mixing means is also a valve means.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 including a pump capable of drawing liquid from the first and second reservoirs and conveying it to the means for distributing a liquid to the head of a user.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the pump is connected between the mixing means and the means for distributing a liquid onto the head of a user.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 including a liquid outlet positioned between the liquid mixing means and the means for distributing a liquid to the head of a user.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 15 including means for automatically delivering a treatment agent to the hair, scalp, head, face or neck.

17. A method of washing or rinsing the head of a user, the method including the use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16.