Device to isolate a lock of hair

Abstract

A device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product is to be applied. The device includes first and second sheets each including a first end and a second opposite end. A means of attachment is integral with the first and/or the second sheet, to attach the two sheets together in a reversible manner in proximity to their first ends over the lock of hair that is isolated. The two sheets are configured so as to have their second ends free when they are attached together in proximity to their first end. A process for applying a hair treatment product (such as a coloring and/or decoloring product) is also provided which uses such a device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document claims priority to French Application Number 03 08542, filed Jul. 11, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/493,765, filed Aug. 11, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a device designed to isolate a lock of hair for the purpose of applying a hair product thereto. By way of example, the invention can be particularly advantageous for applying a coloring/decoloring product.

2. Discussion of Background

A variety of techniques are currently used to apply a hair product to individual locks of hair.

According to a first method, a perforated bonnet is placed on the customer's head. Using a tool with one end configured in the form of a hook, the locks of hair lying directly below the perforations are extracted from the bonnet. The product is then applied uniformly onto these locks of hair by means of a brush. After an appropriate treatment time, the bonnet is removed. The action of the coloring product is then neutralized by means of a shampoo. A method of this kind is described for example in U.S. Pat. No . 4,961,439.

This method has numerous drawbacks. The method is painful for the customer when the locks of hair are extracted from the bonnet and when the bonnet is removed. In addition, this method is time-consuming and awkward to carry out. Moreover, there is a significant risk that the product will penetrate through the holes in the bonnet and stain the scalp.

In another method, the lock of hair is placed on a pallet. The product is then applied to the lock of hair by means of a brush. The locks of hair are left exposed to the air and separated from the rest of the hair by cotton pads placed at the roots of the hair. After the requisite treatment time, the hair is washed in a conventional manner. Again, this method is time-consuming and awkward. Moreover, the locks of hair treated are unavoidably placed in contact with the rest of the hair, which to a large degree can spoil the appearance of the finished result.

Methods to avoid contact between the locks of treated hair and the rest of the hair have been described, in particular in GB2371744, WO9738602 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,268. In these documents, a sheet of flexible plastic arranged under the lock of hair to be treated is used in order to isolate it from the rest of the hair. The product is then applied to the lock of hair. In WO9738602, the sheet is held on the hair by means of a Velcro type fastening strip. After applying the product, the lower part of the sheet is folded back to cover the lock of treated hair with the folded sheet adhering to the hair by virtue of the presence of product. In GB2371744, the sheet arranged under the lock of hair is bonded at its lower end to a second sheet which is folded back to cover the lock of hair treated. A Velcro type fastening strip is provided on each sheet to attach the two sheets together in the folded position. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,268, the sheet placed under the lock of hair is simply held in contact with a second sheet as each of the sheets includes a folded first end into which a second end of the other sheet is inserted, with the two sheets not being attached together. After coating the lock of hair with product, the second sheet is moved apart from the first and placed on the lock of hair coated with product. In this position, the second sheet still cannot be attached to the first sheet as no means of attachment is provided.

In these documents, the product is applied starting from the upper part of the isolated lock of hair. Using this method, however, it is difficult to apply the product with a clear demarcation at the upper part of the lock of hair, particularly if it is desired to start applying the product some distance away from the scalp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to create a device to isolate a lock of hair before applying a product which avoids some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to create a device which enables a product to be applied with a clear demarcation at the upper part of the lock of hair.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which enables products to be applied to the hair without risk of the product migrating from one lock of hair to another. In accordance with a particularly preferred form, products of different colors or different tones can be applied to the same head of hair while preventing migration into undesired locations.

It is also an object of the invention to create a device to isolate a lock of hair which additionally makes it possible to squeeze out the product applied to the lock of hair before rinsing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for isolating a lock of hair which can be used several times.

The invention provides a device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product is to be applied which includes a first and a second sheet each including a first end and a second opposite end. The device further includes an attachment device, integral with the first and/or the second sheet, to attach the two sheets together in a reversible manner in proximity to their first end, over the lock of hair to be isolated. In addition, the two sheets are configured so as to have their second end free when they are attached together in proximity to their first end.

According to the invention, the expression “attached in proximity to the first end” means that the sheets are attached together closer to the first end than to the second. Preferably the sheets are attached as close as possible to the first end, preferably along this end.

A device of this kind can be attached to the lock of hair to be isolated before applying the product, and the product can be applied by separating one of the sheets by the second end which is free. The means of attachment thus make it possible to delineate, in the upper part of the hair, the area in which the product is to be applied so that the product can be applied according to a clear demarcation at the upper part of the lock of hair. The lock of hair isolated in this way can start in proximity to the scalp, but this lock of hair can also be started at various distances from the scalp, by attaching the device at a location spaced from the scalp. Thus, on the same head of hair, colored locks of hair can be produced at different distances from the scalp in order to achieve particular effects on the hair.

With this device, a single piece of hair can be isolated, for example in the form of a fringe, or as several smaller locks of hair.

The two sheets can have the same shape, for example rectangular or trapezoidal, so that they can be superimposed. It is thus possible to completely isolate the lock of hair from the rest of the hair.

The sheets can be impermeable to the product so as to prevent the product from transferring to the rest of the hair.

At least one of the sheets can be made of a transparent or translucent material. This enables the user to observe the lock of hair treated during the product treatment time.

The sheets can be made of plastic material, such as a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. A device of this kind can then be readily cleaned with water, for example.

The attachment means may include a first part provided on the first sheet and a second part provided on the second sheet, with the two parts being capable of cooperating between them to allow reversible attachment. As the attachment is reversible, the device can be used several times.

The first part may include a strip equipped with loop elements and the second part includes a strip equipped with hook elements.

Alternatively, the attachment means can be composed of a clamp formed by two arms connected together by a hinge, with each arm being integral with one sheet. Here again, given that the attachment is reversible, the device can be used several times.

The attachment means can be configured so as to attach the two sheets together along a rectilinear edge. The product can then be applied so that the application is started at an upper portion of the lock of hair, along a rectilinear edge. Alternatively, means of attachment may be chosen which enable the two sheets to be attached together along an edge of any other shape, for example a concave line, a convex line, a wave, etc. It is thus possible to obtain particular effects in the hair, which can be reproduced over the entire head of hair.

The attachment means can be configured so as to prevent the product applied to the isolated lock of hair from being transferred to the part of the hair adjacent to the attachment means. The product which has been applied according to a clear demarcation is not liable to migrate, after it has been applied, to the part of the hair located above the attachment means.

The invention also relates to a process for the application of a hair product to at least one lock of hair. A preferred form of the process includes the following steps in the order listed:

• • a) lift at least one lock from the hair;
  • b) arrange a first sheet under the lock of hair;
  • c) arrange a second sheet over the lock of hair, against the first;
  • d) attach the two sheets together using the attachment means in proximity to one end, clamping the lock of hair;
  • e) lift the second sheet away from the lock of hair so as to render it accessible; and
  • f) apply the product to at least part of the isolated lock of hair.

The attachment means to clamp the hair can include, for example, a clamp device or a hook and loop fastener arrangement as described above. After taking up a lock of hair, it can be isolated between the two sheets in its entirety or a number of smaller locks can be selected from this first lock of hair, retaining only one in two of the smaller locks for example.

After attaching the two sheets together by clamping the lock of hair, the combination of two sheets can be slid along the isolated lock of hair to position them at the desired distance from the scalp.

The product can be applied to the lock of hair from the upper end of the isolated lock of hair.

After applying the product, the two sheets can be taken off the hair by sliding them along the lock of hair, from the upper end of the lock of hair to the tip. The lock of hair can then be squeezed out to scrape off the excess product to prevent the product from touching the rest of the hair before rinsing. By removing the excess product, subsequent rinsing of the hair is also facilitated.

The product is, for example, a coloring and/or decoloring product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device to isolate a lock of hair according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate different steps in a process for application of a hair product using the device according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a device to isolate a lock of hair according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a device to isolate a lock of hair from a head of hair will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The device includes a first sheet 10 and a second sheet 20, which are separate from each other.

By way of example, each of the sheets is preferably made of plastic, more preferably the sheets are made of polyolefin. Furthermore, the two sheets are preferably transparent so as to enable the user to see the isolated lock of hair when the device is arranged on the hair. In addition, the sheets 10 and 20 are flexible so as to adapt to the shape of the hair on which they are arranged and so as not to unduly bother the person on which they are placed.

In the illustrated example, the two sheets are rectangular in shape, however other shapes could be used. By way of example, the sheets can have a length of between 10 and 30 cm, for example 10 cm, and a width of between 5 and 15 cm, for example 5 cm. They are also preferably of limited thickness, for example on the order of 30 μm, which gives them their flexibility.

The first sheet 10 includes a first end 11 corresponding to one of its widths and a second end 12, opposite the first, which corresponds to the other of its widths. The second sheet 20 also includes a first end 21 corresponding to one of its widths and a second end 22, opposite the first, which corresponds to the other of its widths.

The two sheets 10 and 20 are independent of each other but are intended to be attached together over the lock of hair to be isolated by means of attachment 30 and 31.

For this purpose, the first sheet 10 includes, at its first end 11, a flexible strip 30 equipped with loop elements. The strip 30 is preferably arranged over the full width of the sheet 10 to which it is glued or welded for example. The second sheet 20 also includes, at its first end 21, a flexible strip 31 equipped in this instance with hook elements. Here again, the strip 31 is preferably arranged over the full width of the sheet 20 to which it is glued for example.

The term “hook” is not to be construed in a limitative sense and encompasses double-hook ends or spade ends. Similarly, the term “loop” is not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner, and encompasses open or closed loops. Thus, the strips 30 and 31 incorporate counterpart means of attachment which are spread over their surface and which are capable of forming a mechanical attachment when joined. The hooks and loops are capable of cooperating with each other, with at least some of the hooks engaging in the loops. The loop and hook elements are marketed, for example, in the form of strips under the trademark VELCRO® and are widely used as means of attachment, with the hooks being made for example by molding of plastic and the loops being formed by a woven or non-woven fabric.

The device just described can be used for example to apply a coloring product to an isolated lock of hair.

For this purpose, the user first selects the lock of hair to which the product is to be applied and arranges the first sheet 10 under this lock of hair. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, this sheet is placed in a manner such that the attachment strip 30 is located at the upper end of the lock of hair, and in the example shown, close to the scalp. Also, the strip 30 is arranged on the side facing the lock of hair to be isolated.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user then places the second sheet 20 on the isolated lock of hair over the first sheet, placing the second strip 31 over the first strip, on the side facing the lock of hair to be isolated.

The user can then exert light pressure on the sheets 10 and 20, at the level of strips 30 and 31, so that the hooks on the second strip 20 engage with the loops on the first strip 10, passing through the lock of hair and thereby attaching the two strips together and to the lock of hair.

If necessary, the user may slide the two-sheet assembly thus attached to the isolated lock of hair, in particular so as to position them at the desired distance from the scalp.

The second ends 12 and 22 of the sheets are free with respect to each other, the user simply has to separate the second sheet from the lock of hair by lifting it by its second end 22 in order to apply the product to the lock of hair. The user then applies the product, for example by means of a brush, starting from the upper end of the lock of hair (or the upper end between the sheets), and spreading the product towards the tips of the hair.

Given that the edge delineated by the attachment strips 30 and 31 is rectilinear and the attachment means 30 and 31 clamp the lock of hair sufficiently to prevent the product from migrating beyond the attachment strips, the starting point of the lock of hair is colored with a clear demarcation line.

In addition, as the sheets 10 and 20 are impermeable to the product, the remainder of the hair is perfectly isolated.

The whole of the sheet 20 arranged above the lock of hair can then be replaced on the treated lock of hair for the holding period during which the coloring product acts on the lock of hair.

After the holding period, the user can remove the two sheets by pulling on their second end 12 and 22 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5. By moving the sheets 10 and 20 down to the tip of hair, the lock of hair is then squeezed out as the strips 30 and 31 scrape off the excess product. The product is thus prevented from touching the rest of the hair and subsequent rinsing is also facilitated.

When they have been completely removed from the hair, the two sheets 10 and 20 can then be cleaned, for example with water, enabling them to be used a second time.

In the example illustrated, the sheets are attached in proximity to the scalp, but they can of course be attached a variable distance from the scalp in order to obtain particular effects.

In a variant not illustrated, the sheets can be trapezoidal in shape, with the first ends 11 and 21 of the sheets incorporating the attachment means being neither parallel to the second ends 12 and 22 nor perpendicular to the other edges of the sheets. By arranging the sheets in a manner such that the second ends 12 and 22 are aligned with the tips of the lock of hair, the attachment strips 30 and 31 are then arranged obliquely on the lock of hair. Colored locks of hair having an oblique upper demarcation can thus be readily obtained.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a device to isolate a lock of hair using the same reference numbers as the first embodiment incremented by 100.

This second embodiment differs from the first by the means used to attach the two sheets together.

In this embodiment, the first sheet 110 includes at its first end 111 a rigid strip 130 forming the first arm of a clamp, and the second sheet 120 includes at its first end 121 a rigid strip 131 forming the second arm of the clamp. The two arms 130 and 131 are connected at one of their ends by a hinge 132. The hinge 132 is a film hinge for example. It is configured so that the two arms bear on each other (e.g., they are urged or biased toward each other) so as to perform their clamping function. With this arrangement, when the clamp or attachment device is in an attached state the sheets are attached proximate their first ends, while in an unattached state the sheets are coupled (via the clamp proximate to the hinge) at only a corner of each of the sheets.

Each sheet 110 and 120 is for example glued at its first end 111 and 121 to the inside of each of the rigid arms 131 and 132.

To use this device, the user moves the two arms 131 and 132 apart and inserts the lock of hair to be isolated between the two sheets. The clamp is then released thereby attaching to the lock of hair. The product can then be applied as previously described.

In the foregoing detailed description reference is made to preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product is to be applied, the device including:

a first sheet and a second sheet each including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and

means of attachment integral with at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet, to attach the first and second sheets together in a reversible manner in proximity to their first end, over a lock of hair to be isolated, wherein the first and second sheets are configured so as to have their second end free when they are attached together in proximity to their first end.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets have the same shape so that they can be superimposed.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second sheets are rectangular.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second sheets are trapezoidal.

5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second sheets are impermeable to the product.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets are impermeable to the product.

7. A device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first and second sheets are made of a transparent or translucent material.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the first and second sheets are made of plastic.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second sheets are made of a polyolefin.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second sheets are made of a transparent or translucent material.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets are made of plastic.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second sheets are made of a polyolefin.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachment include a first part provided on the first sheet and a second part provided on the second sheet, the two parts being capable of cooperating between them to allow reversible attachment.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the first part includes a strip equipped with loop elements and the second part includes a strip equipped with hook elements.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the means of attachment are configured in a manner so as to attach the two sheets together along a rectilinear edge.

16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachment include a clamp formed by two arms connected together by a hinge, and wherein each arm is integral with one of the first and second sheets.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the means of attachment are configured in a manner so as to attach the two sheets together along a rectilinear edge.

18. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachment are configured in a manner so as to attach the two sheets together along a rectilinear edge.

19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachment are configured so as to prevent a product applied to the isolated lock of hair from being moved to a part of the hair adjacent to the means of attachment.

20. A device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first and second sheets are attached together in proximity to their first ends by said means of attachment, the second ends of the first and second sheets are movable relative to each other between an open position in which the isolated lock of hair is exposed and a closed position in which the isolated lock of hair is concealed between the first and second sheets.

21. A device according to claim 20, wherein said means of attachment is arranged to secure the isolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a location between the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the first and second sheets.

22. A device according to claim 1, wherein said means of attachment is arranged to secure the isolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a location between the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the first and second sheets.

23. A device according to claim 1, wherein in an unattached state of the means of attachment the first and second sheets are completely separated from each other.

24. A device according to claim 1, wherein in an unattached state of the means of attachment the first and second sheets are connected at only one corner of each of the first and second sheets.

25. A process for the application of a hair product to at least one lock of hair, including the following steps in the order shown:

a) lifting at least one lock from the hair;

b) arranging a first sheet under the lock of hair;

c) arranging a second sheet over the lock of hair, against the first sheet;

d) attaching the first and second sheets together using attachment means in proximity to one end of the first and second sheets and clamping the lock of hair;

e) lifting the second sheet away from the lock of hair so as to render it accessible; and

f) applying the product to at least part of the isolated lock of hair.

26. A process according to claim 25, further including, after attaching the two sheets together and clamping the lock of hair, sliding the combination of the first and second sheets along the isolated lock of hair.

27. A process according to claim 26, further including applying the product to the lock of hair starting from an upper portion of the isolated lock of hair.

28. A process according to claim 27, further including after applying the product, removing the first and second sheets from the hair by sliding them along the lock of hair, from the upper portion of the lock of hair to the tip.

29. A process according to claim 28, wherein the product is a coloring/decoloring product.

30. A process according to claim 25, further including applying the product to the lock of hair starting from an upper portion of the isolated lock of hair.

31. A process according to claim 25, further including after applying the product, removing the first and second sheets from the hair by sliding them along the lock of hair, from the upper portion of the lock of hair to the tip.

32. A process according to claim 25, wherein the product includes a coloring product.

33. A process according to claim 25, wherein the product includes a decoloring product.

34. A process according to claim 25, wherein the first and second sheets each include a second end opposite said one end, and wherein in attaching the first and second sheets together, the isolated lock of hair is clamped at a location between the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the first and second sheets.

35. A device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product is to be applied, the device including:

a first sheet and a second sheet each including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and

an attachment device which reversibly attaches the first and second sheets together in proximity to their first ends over a lock of hair to be isolated, wherein said attachment device is integral with at least one of said first and second sheets, and wherein when the first and second sheets are attached to each other in proximity to their first ends their second ends are free.

36. A device according to claim 35, wherein said attachment device includes a first portion integral with said first sheet and a second portion integral with said second sheet.

37. A device according to claim 36, wherein said first and second portions are mating portions of a hook and loop fastener.

38. A device according to claim 36, wherein said first and second sheets are flexible.

39. A device according to claim 36, wherein said first and second portions are each an arm of a clamp device.

40. A device according to claim 39, wherein said arms are coupled to each other by a hinge.

41. A device according to claim 35, wherein, when the first and second sheets are attached together in proximity to their first ends by said attachment device, the second ends of the first and second sheets are movable relative to each other between an open position in which the isolated lock of hair is exposed and a closed position in which the isolated lock of hair is concealed between the first and second sheets.

42. A device according to claim 41, wherein said attachment device is arranged to secure the isolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a location between the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the first and second sheets.

43. A device according to claim 35, wherein said attachment device is arranged to secure the isolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a location between the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the first and second sheets.

44. A device according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the first and second sheets includes a transparent or translucent material.

45. A device according to claim 35, wherein the first and second sheets are rectangular.

46. A device according to claim 35, wherein the first and second sheets are trapezoidal.

47. A device according to claim 35, wherein said attachment device attaches said first and second sheets such that the attachment device is slidable along the isolated lock of hair after the first and second sheets are attached to each other.

48. A device according to claim 35, wherein in an unattached state of said attachment device the first and second sheets are completely separated from each other.

49. A device according to claim 35, wherein in an unattached state of said attachment device the first and second sheets are connected at only one corner of each of the first and second sheets.