HAIR STYLE TREATMENT DEVICE
A hair style treatment device comprises an arm body 2, at least one vibration means 3 disposed in one or the other arm 2A, 2B or in a device body 4A and generating vibration of a predetermined frequency, and at least one vibrator 9 disposed in one or the other arm 2A, 2B, wherein the arm body 2 is adapted to be able to hold or release the hair, and wherein the vibrator 9 is adapted to be able to apply vibration in the width direction of the arm body 2 and to transmit vibration from the vibration means to the hair thus held.
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The present invention relates to a hair style treatment device.
BACKGROUND ARTConventionally, a treatment (permanent treatment) technique of giving a desired style to hair such as straight permanent or wave permanent is performed by dividing the whole hair into a plurality of sections before or after performing a softening treatment with applying or spraying a first liquid (also referred to as a softening agent, a reducing agent, or a cold liquid) onto the whole hair cleaned by shampooing, performing a heat or combing treatment or applying creamy substance to the divided hair, or wrapping the divided hair around hair rods or the like in the case of wave permanent, and then performing a hardening treatment by applying or spraying a second liquid (also referred to as a hardening agent, an oxidizing agent, or a cold liquid) onto the hair, removing the hair rods after an elapse of a predetermined time period if the hair is wrapped around the hair rods, and finally rinsing the hair with warm water or the like.
In other words, the conventional hair style treatment technique such as a permanent or a treatment has been performed only by the so-called chemical treatment such as applying the first liquid (reducing agent) to the hair after wrapping the hair around the rods or the like, cutting the cystine linkage of the hair, and bonding the linkage by using the second permanent liquid (oxidizing agent) with the hair transformed by the rods or the like. Accordingly, the hair style keeping effect of the straight permanent, wave permanent, treatment or the like has been very short lived. This may be caused by unsuccessful cutting of the cystine linkage as a result of poor penetration of the perm solution which does not penetrate into the depth of the hair or by weak cystine linkage due to damage of the hair during the hair style treatment.
Therefore, for example, an attempt has been made to adjust pH levels or the like of the cold liquid to various levels depending on the nature of hair of an individual person undergoing a permanent treatment in order to enable the hair style keeping effect by the aforementioned cold liquid to be kept for a long time. In fact, however, a sufficient style keeping effect is not achieved yet.
It is thought that a number of polypeptide chains (the main chains) constituting keratin, which is the main component of hair, are lined up in a vertical direction of a hair, and adjacent main chains make a mesh structure by being connected with each other by means of side chains of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like, and that, by means of these linkages, hair has high elasticity and has resilience to return in a former form immediately after a hand is released from the hair even if it is bent.
To weaken the resilience by cutting side chains of the cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage and the like, which apply this resilience to hair is the action of the first permanent liquid to the hair. On the other hand, to restore the linkage of the side chains at a new position where the hair is bent is the action of the second liquid. It is thought that a durable wave or the like is formed by means of this serial reaction. Naturally the same applies to a principle of curly hair correction for changing frizz hair to straight and a principle of changing wavy hair to straight.
Moreover, in a hair style treatment process, it is generally performed in addition to the above hair treatment to subject the hair to a heat treatment (physical treatment) at a constant temperature for a given length of time. This heat treatment effectively utilizes, for changing the hair style, thermoplasticity of a medulla, cortex, matrix, cuticle, and the like, which constitute hair, and aims to achieve a synergistic effect with the actions of the aforementioned agents (chemical treatment) to the hair.
Since, however, the agent and heat are used in the hair style treatment such as the aforementioned permanent treatment or the like, it is necessary to treat the agents carefully by strictly making a correct use and amount of each agent, for example, in the hair style treatment with the agent. In addition, there is a problem that damage to hair increases if cutting is advanced by the first liquid to such a degree that revitalization of cystine linkage in keratin is impossible, and on the other hand, hair is damaged and the treatment to give a predetermined hair style cannot be performed if the treatment with the second liquid is incomplete.
Moreover, it is thought to be an effective method to effectively use the stretchability inherent in the hair, by applying a force in the stretching direction to the hair repeatedly in an almost natural state in order to exert the cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details of the hair. In the conventional hair style treatment device, however, the force is applied to the whole hair, which causes a problem of applying damage to the hair, particularly heavy damage to hair roots.
In order to solve the plurality of problems, the following Patent Documents 1 to 4 are disclosed.
Patent Document 1 discloses a method of treating a hair style by applying ultrasonic vibration to hair without using an agent or heat and a device for the method. In Patent Document 1, however, there is no disclosure on how long period the style of the treated hair is kept without damaging the hair.
In addition, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a method of treating hair with ultrasonic vibration. Particularly, Patent Document 3 describes that it is preferable to use relatively strong vibration to such a degree that sufficient high contact pressure can be applied to hair. The generation of such a strong vibration, however, could lead to damage to hair more than required, and thus it is not enough to solve the problem.
Patent Document 4 discloses a hair style treatment device for applying vibration of low frequencies in a range of 1 Hz to 20000 Hz to hair via a vibrator which slides in the longitudinal direction of an arm. In the hair style treatment device in Patent Document 4, hair is vibrated from the side (in the longitudinal direction of the arm) and thus the hair moves in a reciprocating rotational motion on the arm. Therefore, hair does not collapse in the vertical direction and the circular cross section can be maintained without damage, and therefore the elasticity and texture can be maintained and good evaluation is achievable. In Patent Document 4, however, attention is not focused on the use of stretchability inherent in the hair, and no sufficient solution is provided in respect of performing hair style treatment in an almost natural state.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-8-299046
Patent Document 2: JP-A-9-262120
Patent Document 3: JP-A-9-262123
Patent Document 4: JP-B-3069157
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the conventional techniques. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair style treatment device capable of smoothly giving the hair style so as to reduce the treatment time and capable of keeping the hair style for a long term after the treatment with exerting a strong styling effect on the hair, by restrictedly and repeatedly applying a force in the stretching direction to hair in an almost natural state without applying stress to hair roots, thereby enabling the exertion of cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair. Particularly, the present invention enables the treatment at relatively low temperatures and thus prevents hair damage.
According to the present invention, there is provided a hair style treatment device described below.
[1] A hair style treatment device for giving a desired style to hair softened by applying or spraying a softening agent or to hair treated by applying a hair-treating agent, the device comprising: an arm body in which one and the other arms are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting mechanism; at least one vibration means disposed in one or the other arm or in a device body and generating vibration of a predetermined frequency; and at least one vibrator disposed in one or the other arm, wherein the arm body is adapted to be able to hold or release the hair via the vibrator by the rotation of the connecting mechanism, and wherein the vibrator is adapted to be slidable in the width direction of the arm body and to transmit vibration from the vibration means to the hair thus held.
[2] The hair style treatment device described in [1], wherein at least two of the vibrators are disposed in parallel in the width direction in one or both of the arms.
[3] The hair style treatment device described in [1] or [2], wherein the vibration generated by the vibration means is able to be selectively applied to arbitrary one or more of the vibrators.
[4] The hair style treatment device described in one of [1] to [3], wherein a temperature heater is disposed in one or the other arm or in the device body and heat is able to be applied to the hair when the hair is held.
[5] The hair style treatment device described in one of [1] to [4], wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
[6] The hair style treatment device described in one of [1] to [5], wherein the frequency of the vibration means is switchable.
[7] The hair style treatment device described in one of [1] to [6], wherein the part in contact with the hair of the hair style treatment device is made of an elastic material.
[8] The hair style treatment device described in one of [1] to [7], wherein a first vibrator which vibrates in the width direction is disposed in the one arm and a second vibrator which vibrates in the longitudinal or thickness direction is disposed in the other arm.
[9] The hair style treatment device described in [8], wherein the vibration from the first vibrator and the second vibrator to the hair is able to be applied by only one of the vibrators, by the vibrators alternately, or by both of the vibrators at a time.
According to the present invention, it is possible to exert the cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair, by restrictedly and repeatedly applying a force in the stretching direction to the hair in an almost natural state without applying stress to hair roots. Moreover, the hair styling treatment is able to be smoothly performed, thereby reducing treatment time and facilitating the re-bonding of the cystine linkage and the hydrogen linkage thereafter. Further, a strong styling effect is exerted on the hair, thereby providing an excellent advantageous effect of the hair style treatment device capable of keeping the hair style for a long term after the treatment. Particularly, the present invention enables the treatment at relatively low temperatures and thus prevents hair damage.
1: Hair style treatment device (hair iron), 2: Arm body, 2A: One arm (upper arm), 2B: The other arm (lower arm), 3: Vibration means, 4A: Device body (first gripper), 4B: Second gripper, 5: Connecting mechanism, 5a: Rivet portion, 6: Ceramic actuator, 7: Power cord, 9: Vibrator, 10: Cam mechanism, 11: Connection structure, 11a: Connecting portion, 11b: L-shaped portion, 12: Opening, 12a, 12b: Opening end, 13: Recess, 14a, 14b: Abutment end, 15: Fixing member, 16: Vibrator holding portion, 20A: Upper arm, 20B: Lower arm, 31: Hair iron, 22: Motor, 23: Eccentric cam, 24: Cam, 25: Vibration transmitter, 40: Vibration absorber (vibration isolator), 47: Projection a, 47b: Recess, 49: Vibrator-embedded heater, 51: First vibrator, 53: Second vibrator, 60: Cam mechanism, 63: Eccentric cam, 64: Cam, 99: Hair
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTIONHereinafter, the best mode for carrying out a hair style treatment device according to the present invention will be described specifically with reference to accompanying drawings. It, however, goes without saying that the present invention widely includes hair style treatment devices having particular matters of the invention and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.
Configuration of the hair style treatment device of the present invention:
The hair style treatment device according to the present invention is a hair style treatment device which gives a desired style to hair softened by applying or spraying a softening agent or to hair treated by applying a hair-treating agent as shown in
[1-1] Hair to be treated in the present invention:
The hair style treatment device according to the present invention can be preferably used for hair softened by applying or spraying a softening agent or to hair treated by applying a hair-treating agent (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “hair after softening or other treatment”). In other words, the hair style treatment device according to the present invention is preferably used for a head hair style treatment. In a method of this softening or other treatment, hair is shampooed first, and then a first liquid (softening agent) is applied or sprayed carefully onto the hair. Naturally, while the hair style treatment device according to the present invention can be preferably used for hair after softening or other treatment as described above, the hair style treatment device is not limited to the hair after softening or other treatment, but the hair style treatment device also has an excellent advantageous effect on hair not treated with softening or other treatment.
[1-1-1] Hair softening agent (hair-treating agent):
The hair softening agent (hair-treating agent) includes, for example, a hair dye, a treatment agent, a setting lotion agent, and the like, and more specifically a hair manicure agent, a hair treatment agent, a hair styling agent, a hair rinse agent, a hair cream agent, a hair mousse agent, a hair gel agent, a hair pack agent, and the like.
[1-1-2] Desired styles:
While desired styles which can be given by using the hair style treatment device according to the present invention are not particularly limited, the hair style treatment device can be preferably used for a hair style treatment which gives a hair style such as, for example, a wave permanent, straight permanent, or the like to hair softened by applying or spraying a softening agent or to hair treated by applying a hair-treating agent.
[1-1-2-1] Wave permanent:
When the wave permanent is applied to hair, hair can be arranged to a desired hair style by using the hair style treatment device according to this embodiment by shampooing the hair, holding a given quantity of the hair while combing the hair softened by means of the first liquid, aligning the bunch of the hair from the hair base to the hair tip, and, for example, giving a wave (a curl) in a specific direction with a hair iron or wrapping the hair around a hair rod so that about uniform tension is applied to the hair from the hair base to the hair tip.
[1-1-2-2] Straight permanent:
When the straight permanent is applied to hair, hair can be arranged to a desired hair style by using the hair style treatment device according to this embodiment by aligning a bunch of shampooed and combed hair from the hair base to the hair tip with being held by a given quantity, softening the hair by applying or spraying the first liquid to the hair, and then aligning the bunch of the hair held by the given quantity from the hair base to the hair tip while combing the hair so that the hair is turned to, for example, straight.
[1-2] Vibration means:
The vibration means in this embodiment has a function of, so to speak, a power source which gives (applies) vibration to the hair after softening by vibrating the vibrator. Although the vibration means 3 is disposed in the arm body 2 (the arm 2A, the arm 2B) in
More preferably, however, the aforementioned vibration means is disposed in the arm body. For example, the vibration means 3 such as a ceramic actuator is disposed in the arm 2B of the arm body 2 like the hair style treatment device shown in
The vibration means may be, for example, an electric motor such as a small motor or a flat motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a ceramic actuator, or the like, including those connectable to the mains power supply at home via a power cord 7. If the ceramic actuator or the like constitutes the vibration means, electric energy is directly convertible to mechanical translatory movement energy, thereby enabling improvement in an energy efficiency and power saving. The operation of the vibration means is started or ended by using a known power switch or the like, which has been provided. If an electric motor or the like which outputs a rotational motion is used as the vibration means, the vibrator described later may be vibrated, for example, by converting the rotational motion to a translatory movement by using a cam mechanism 10 as shown in
The vibration means is preferably adapted to be able to generate vibration of a predetermined frequency. The generation of vibration of the predetermined frequency to apply a force in the stretching direction of the hair within a desired range enables the exertion of cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair.
More preferably, the vibration means is adapted to be able to generate vibration having a predetermined frequency in a range of 1 Hz to 200000 Hz. The vibration means thus adapted is able to repeatedly and reliably apply a stretching or shrinking force to a restricted part of the hair in the width direction of the arm, for example, if the vibration has a predetermined frequency of the minimum value. Moreover, for example, if the vibration has a predetermined frequency of the maximum value, the vibration is able to be repeatedly and delicately applied to the hair in the width direction of the arm. In other words, the stretching and shrinking force is repeatedly and reliably applied to a restricted part of the hair in an almost natural state. Particularly, this feature is convenient to carry out the hair treatment in a short period of time or to fine-tune the amplitude of the applied vibration according to the nature of individual hair. More preferably, the vibration means is adapted to be able to generate vibration of a predetermined frequency in a range of 1 Hz to 20000 Hz. If the vibration of a predetermined frequency is adapted to have the maximum value of 20000 Hz, the vibration means for generating vibration is not excessively complicated or upsized, though the region of selectable amplitudes is reduced in respect of applying vibration more delicately than in the case of 200000 Hz, and thus this feature is more convenient in respect of manufacturing and enables a reduction in production cost. Thus, the application of a force to the hair in the stretching direction thereof within the desired range enables the exertion of cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair.
More preferably, the vibration means is adapted to be able to generate vibration of a frequency in a range of 10 Hz to 100 Hz, because it is thought that low-frequency vibration of frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 100 Hz is more effective to apply a force repeatedly to a restricted part in an almost natural state than ultrasonic vibration. Therefore, the low-frequency vibration is given to hair along the width direction of the arm 2B as shown in
Further, it is thought to be preferable as a hair style treatment to carry out the hair style treatment while applying vibration in a predetermined range from a predetermined direction, because it promotes penetration of the first liquid to the hair to soften the hair and thereby enhances the effect of the first liquid. Thus, it becomes possible to keep the elasticity and texture of the hair by controlling the frequency of the vibration means to fall within a desired value range.
Moreover, the frequency of the vibration means is preferably switchable. The stiffness, thickness, and the like of hair vary between individuals, and therefore the switchable predetermined frequency enables the hair style treatment to be performed according to the individual properties of hair. Thus, it is one of the preferable modes.
[1-3] Arm body:
The arm body 2 in this embodiment is composed of one arm 2A and the other arm 2B, and one arm 2A and the other arm 2B are rotatably connected to each other via the connecting mechanism 5. Further, one arm 2A and the other arm 2B are adapted to be rotatable enough to be able to hold hair. Note here that a strong contact between the arms during hair treatment may collapse the hair sandwiched between the arms. Therefore, such a strong contact between the arms is unfavorable. Thus, in this embodiment, it is preferable to suppress the strength of contact to a level only enough to hold the hair, with respect to the contact between the arms, the contact between the vibrator disposed in one of the arms and the other arm, the contact between the vibrator disposed in one of the arms and the fixing member disposed in the other arm, the contact between the vibrators disposed in both arms, or the like.
Here, how the arm body holds the hair is an important issue for the hair style treatment device. For example, if the hair is sandwiched between the arms with a strong pressing force (strong pressure) and the hair style treatment is carried out with the strong pressure maintained, the cross section of the hair is collapsed in the stage of the strong pressure and still further the hair style treatment is applied to the collapsed hair, and therefore double or triple damage is done to the hair. In other words, even if the arm body were adapted to be able to apply predetermined vibration from a predetermined direction to the hair, the pressed and damaged hair is continued to be further pressed with a strong force during the hair style treatment work. Thus, even if the vibrator slides repeatedly, the hair does not stretch or shrink or cannot stretch or shrink sufficiently, but the hair is pressed with a strong force, by which the hair is kept to be stretched to its maximum length or shrunk and the hair is damaged. Under such circumstances, it is unable to maintain the elasticity and texture of hair and to perform a satisfactory hair treatment. Therefore, in this embodiment, one arm and the other arm gently hold the hair so as not to collapse the hair via the connecting mechanism, and the hair is caused to stretch and shrink with the hair held by the two arms.
Further, in order to prevent damage to the hair caused by an excessive pressing force from one and the other arms when the hair is held by one arm and the other arm, preferably, for example, a projection 47a as shown in
The shape of the arm body may include, for example, a cylindrical, rectangular, rod-like shape and the like. The shape, however, is not limited thereto, but preferably the arm body has a shape facilitating the arms to hold and release the hair and facilitating the rotation of the arms via the connecting mechanism. Moreover, if the vibrator 9 shown in
Moreover, the arm body is made of a known metal material such as titanium alloy, duralumin, aluminum alloy, or steel. The material is not limited thereto, but the arm body may be made of a material which is light in weight, impervious to vibration, and durable. Moreover, the arm body is preferably made of a material having excellent heat resistance in addition to the above properties.
[1-3-1] Connecting mechanism:
The arm body is, as shown in
Moreover, the arm body is preferably provided with a biasing member such as a spring which facilitates rotation (opening or closing between one arm and the other arm), because it enables the hair to be held smoothly, so that the hair treatment can be smoothly performed.
[1-4] Vibrator:
At least one vibrator is disposed in one or the other arm and is adapted to be able to hold or release the hair via the vibrator. Further, the vibrator is adapted to be able to apply vibration in the width direction of the arm body and to transmit the vibration from the vibration means to the held hair. The vibrator is thus adapted because the vibrator serves as a transmitter of the vibration generated by the vibration means to the hair. Specifically, the vibrator thus adapted enables a force in the stretching direction to be restrictedly and repeatedly applied to the hair in an almost natural state without applying stress to hair roots and enables the exertion of cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair, thus providing an advantageous effect of the present application.
Moreover, the vibrator is preferably adapted to be slidable in the width direction of the arm body, because the vibrator sliding in the width direction of the arm body facilitates the transmission of vibration to the hair and the repetitive application of a force in the stretching direction to a restricted part of the hair in an almost natural state without applying stress to hair roots.
Here, the term “at least one vibrator is disposed in one or the other arm” means that, as long as one vibrator is disposed in at least one arm, one vibrator may be disposed in the other arm or may be omitted in the other arm. Alternatively, the term means that one vibrator may be disposed in each of the arms or a plurality of vibrators may be disposed in both arms. It is because one vibrator disposed in at least one arm provides the advantageous effect of the present application. In the case where at least one vibrator is disposed in one arm and no vibrator is disposed in the other arm, for example, a fixing member or the like is provided to enable the hair to be held or released, so that the hair can be held or released via the fixing member and the vibrator. It is because the provision of the fixing member or the like enables the region of the hair to which the vibration is applied to be limited to a restricted part, thereby providing an advantageous effect of the present application.
Moreover, “the force is applied in the stretching direction of the hair” because normally hair stretches or shrinks according to the weather, temperature, humidity, or the like and it is possible to reduce the damage to the hair by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair. Further, the force in the stretching direction is “repeatedly” applied to the hair, because, if vibration is applied to the hair in only one direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the hair, the hair is continuously in the stretched or shrunk state, by which the hair is easily damaged or stressed. Therefore, the vibrator is adapted to be able to apply vibration repeatedly to the hair, so to speak, in two directions along the longitudinal direction of the hair.
Moreover, “the force is applied in an almost natural state” because an excessive force, if applied immoderately from a direction in which the hair does not have the stretchability, could damage the hair. Specifically, even if the stretchability of the hair is used, the stretchability of the hair is limited and thus, when a force exceeding the limit is applied or a force is applied immoderately from the direction in which the hair does not stretch or shrink, stress is applied to the hair and the hair is damaged. In addition, the term “restrictedly” is used because, when vibration is applied, for example, so that the hair between (held by) the arms is pulled in one direction, hair roots are pulled accordingly and excessive stress is also applied to the hair roots. Therefore, vibration is applied only to the pinched part of the hair sandwiched between (held by) the arms via the vibrator, so that the partial hair treatment is achieved by “repeatedly” applying the force in the stretching direction to the part by means of the vibrators, in other words, applying the force so as to make, so to speak, a reciprocating motion. Thus, the present invention eliminates the risk of applying stress or damage to hair roots.
The vibrator will be concretely described below with reference to
The double lines in the hair 99 shown in
As shown in
Moreover, as a hair style treatment device in which one or more vibrators are disposed in each of the arm bodies, there is an example in which one vibrator is disposed in each of the upper and lower arms (one and the other arms) such as, for example, the hair style treatment device shown in
Specifically, in the hair style treatment device shown in
The sliding of the vibrators is not limited to the sliding pattern in which the vibrators slide in the direction opposite to each other as described above, but the vibrators may be adapted to slide in the same direction at a time, instead of sliding in the direction opposite to each other. More specifically, the vibrators disposed in the upper arm and the lower arm may be adapted to apply vibrations in the left or right direction at the same time. In other words, as long as the vibrators slide repeatedly in the left and right directions (in the width direction of the arm), the hair style treatment device is able to provide at least the advantageous effect of the present application. Note that, however, in terms of causing the hair to stretch or shrink restrictedly, it is more preferable to slide the vibrators in the direction opposite to each other as described above since the hair is caused to stretch or shrink more easily.
Furthermore, as another example in which one vibrator is disposed in each of the arms, there is a hair style treatment device shown in
More specifically, as shown in
Accordingly, the hair stretches or shrinks only in a range of the length of the hair in the contact region between the vibrators, in other words, the range in which the hair stretches or shrinks is limited to a restricted region from before the vibrators slide to after the vibrators slide at the maximum sliding distance, thereby enabling the hair treatment without load such as stress or damage to hair roots as well as to the whole hair.
Although two vibrators slide in the same direction at a time in the above example, naturally this embodiment includes the hair style treatment device in which vibrators sliding in the direction opposite to each other since the vibrators slide repeatedly, as long as the hair style treatment device provides the advantageous effect of the present application. It is because the vibrators facilitate the stretching and shrinking motion of a restricted part of the hair, thereby providing the advantageous effect of the present application. Note that, however, the latter vibrators sliding in the direction opposite to each other are more preferable since they are able to stretch or shrink more easily, in terms of causing the restricted part of the hair to stretch or shrink.
Moreover, as the shape of the vibrator, the vibrator may be, for example, a plate-like member as shown in
Moreover, the size of the vibrator is not particularly limited. For example, the vibrator may be formed in a size so as to occupy the full width of the arm (See
In the hair style treatment device shown in
The above embodiment is illustrative only and is not limited to the disposition or the like of the sliding body and the fixing member shown in
In addition, in the case where at least one vibrator and at least one fixing member are disposed in parallel in the width direction of the arm body, preferably the vibrator and the fixing member are disposed spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the arm body. It is because, if the vibrator and the fixing member are disposed spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the arm body, it is possible to moderately maintain the region in which the vibration is applied and to slide the vibrator smoothly without hindering the sliding. Moreover, the disposition facilitates the securing of a space in which the vibrator and the fixing member are placed and facilitates the placement of other members or the like around the vibrator and the fixing member.
In addition, the term “the vibrator and the fixing member are disposed spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the arm body” means that the vibrator and the fixing member disposed in the arm are placed in the width direction of the same arm without being in contact with each other. If the vibrator and the fixing member are placed in contact with each other, instead of being spaced apart, the vibrator cannot slide enough to fully stretch or shrink the hair in some cases.
Furthermore, it is preferable that at least two vibrators are disposed in parallel in the width direction in one or both of the arm bodies. This disposition enables the hair to reliably stretch in the lateral direction more easily with the region for stretching and shrinking motion limited only to the part in which two vibrators are disposed. Specifically, it is possible to apply vibration so as to stretch the hair repeatedly only by the length of the hair in contact with the two vibrators, and therefore the vibrators slide repeatedly in the lateral direction, thereby stretching the hair. In addition, since the region for the stretching and shrinking motion is limited, it is possible to reduce stress on hair roots and to provide the advantageous effect of the present application.
Assuming that at least two vibrators are disposed in parallel in the width direction in one or both of the arm bodies, there are, for example, the following cases: (1) two or more vibrators are disposed in one of the arm bodies; and (2) two or more vibrators are disposed in both of the arm bodies.
In the case (1) where two or more vibrators are disposed in one of the arm bodies, preferably the vibrators are adapted to slide repeatedly in the width direction of the arm (the vibrators slide in the lateral direction with reference to the fixing member) with the hair held between the vibrators and the fixing member disposed in the other arm body. This fixing member holds the hair as a so-called fixing plate or holding plate of the hair in cooperation with the vibrators. Thus, when holding the hair, the fixing member and the vibrators disposed so as to be opposed to the fixing member apply stress (for holding the hair) to at least both side surfaces of the hair. Then, when the vibrators slide in the width direction of the arm, the vibrators apply moderate stress to the side surface of the hair on the side which contacts the fixing member and the hair attempts to stay at the contact area. On the other hand, on the side surface of the hair on the side which contacts the vibrators, the sliding of the vibrators apply stress also to the fixing member side, but a force applied in the sliding direction of the vibrators is larger than the stress and therefore the other contact surface (area) of the hair is pulled in the sliding direction along with the sliding of the vibrators. Accordingly, the hair stays in the surface contacting the fixing member on one side of the hair, while the hair is pulled in the width direction of the arm on the other side of the hair, by which the hair restrictedly stretches and shrinks. In other words, by arranging the fixing member, the region in which the hair stretches or shrinks is limited only to the length of the hair corresponding to the contact region between the fixing member and the vibrators, that is, limited to a restricted region in which the vibrators slide with reference to the fixing member. In this manner, the vibration application region in which the hair is stretched or shrunk is limited to the sliding region of the vibrators, thereby enabling the hair treatment without load such as stress or damage to hair roots as well as to the whole hair.
In particular, there is an example of a hair style treatment device shown in
Moreover, as an example (2) in which two or more vibrators are disposed in both of the arm bodies, a hair style treatment device shown in
If the vibrators 9c, 9d, 9e, and 9f are caused to slide with holding the hair, the respective vibrators repeatedly and reliably stretch the hair in the longitudinal direction thereof (in the lateral direction on the paper plane of
Moreover, preferably the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrators is within a range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably within a range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. Specifically, the application of the amplitude within the predetermined range facilitates the force in the stretching direction to be restrictedly and repeatedly applied to the hair in an almost natural state without applying stress, thereby not only enabling the use of the stretchability inherent in the hair, but also facilitating the exertion of cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof. In other words, it is possible to maintain the elasticity and texture of the hair without damage caused by the application of an excessive force in the stretching direction. In addition, it is thought that the hair style treatment, if performed while applying vibration in a specific direction, promotes penetration of the first liquid to the hair to soften the hair and thereby enhances the effect of the first liquid. Therefore, it is one of the preferable modes to specify the amplitude value as described above.
Furthermore, it is also one of the preferable modes that the vibration generated by the vibration means can be applied to one or more, alternate, or all of the vibrators. Since it is possible to appropriately select the application of vibration in the hair treatment process, smooth treatment is able to be performed so as to be preferable. Moreover, there are great differences between individuals in the properties of hair and the individual differences often affect the hair treatment process. In this manner, vibration is made selectable so that the vibration can be applied appropriately, thereby achieving a flexible treatment based on the individual differences.
Further, the aforementioned hair style treatment device more preferably includes a first vibrator sliding in the width direction of the arm and a second vibrator slidable along the longitudinal direction of the arm or a perpendicular direction to the arm. With the provision of the first vibrator capable of applying vibration to hair along the width direction of the arm, the hair style treatment device is able to apply vibration to hair in the longitudinal direction of the hair repeatedly. Specifically, the hair style treatment device is able to apply the styling treatment in the stretching direction of the hair and therefore is able to give natural texture and to perform the hair style treatment without damaging the hair so as to be preferable. Further, with the provision of the second vibrator slidable along the longitudinal direction of the arm in addition to the first vibrator, the hair style treatment device causes the hair to perform a reciprocating rotational motion. Therefore, the hair style treatment device is able to apply the styling treatment to the hair without a collapse of the cross section of the hair. This configuration enables the styling treatment to be applied in the stretching direction of the hair, for example, after or before fixing the cross section of the hair into a circle by causing the hair to perform the reciprocating rotational motion, thereby facilitating a styling treatment suited for individual properties and enabling a hair treatment which brings out texture and beauty inherent in the hair.
Moreover, in the case where the second vibrator is slidable along the perpendicular direction of the arm in addition to the first vibrator, the hair style treatment device is able to maintain a constant contact pressure and thus able to perform a uniform hair treatment so as to be preferable. For example, when vibration is applied to the hair, it is sometimes preferable to bring the hair into contact with the vibrator at a strong contact pressure. In the case of a cylindrical hair iron, hair is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator, the hair is sandwitched between the vibrator and a supporting member, and the hair is then pushed to the vibrator for the above reason. Further, in the case of a flat iron, hair is sandwitched between the upper and lower arms and the arms are pushed strongly to the vibrators in some cases. In this case, the hair style treatment device includes a second vibrator capable of applying vibration in the thickness direction of the arm, thereby achieving the same effect by means of the vibration of the vibrator itself without pushing the vibrators or the arm strongly. In addition, the hair treatment is performed by pinching the hair at the bottom between the arms and moving the iron in the direction of the tip of the hair in many cases. In this case, however, the quantity of the hair decreases toward the tip, which leads to a problem that the contact pressure to the iron is lowered. Therefore, the hair style treatment device is provided with the second vibrator which is capable of applying vibration in the thickness direction, thereby enabling a constant contact pressure to be maintained and thus achieving the uniform hair treatment so as to be preferable.
Concretely, an arm is formed as shown at 24 by using cam mechanism 10 or 60 as shown in
More preferably, the application of vibration to hair can be performed by only one of the first and second vibrators, by the vibrators alternately, or by both of the vibrators at a time. The hair style treatment device thus adapted to be able to select the application of vibration to hair appropriately enables an appropriate smooth hair treatment and enables the texture and beauty inherent in the hair to be brought out, so as to be preferable. Further, the hair treatment can be performed in accordance with individual properties of the hair. Particularly, there are great differences between individuals in the hair before the hair style treatment, and there may well be a situation in which hair has already been damaged before styling treatment in some cases. For such hair, it is sometimes appropriate to apply vibration in an almost oblique direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the hair before and after causing the hair to perform the stretching and shrinking motion in the stretching direction of the hair or before and after causing the hair to perform the reciprocating rotational motion. Particularly, the application of vibration in the oblique direction might reduce the damage to the hair depending on the damaged hair. Therefore, the hair style treatment device is adapted to be able to apply vibration to the hair repeatedly in the oblique direction as described above.
Concretely, as shown in
The above example, however, is illustrative only and not limited to these configurations. For example, even if the hair style treatment device includes one first vibrator disposed in the upper arm, instead of in the lower arm, and two second vibrators disposed in the lower arm, instead of in the upper arm, the hair style treatment device is included in this embodiment. Further, the number of first vibrators and second vibrators to be disposed or the like may be appropriately selectable.
[1-5] Fixing member:
The fixing member in this embodiment is used for holding hair together with the aforementioned vibrator or vibrators.
In addition, normally the fixing member is not used for applying vibration to hair like a vibrator, but is used for holding hair, that is, for fastening hair to the surface contacting the fixing member without collapsing the cross section of the hair on the upper surface of fixing member (or the lower surface of the fixing member).
More preferably, however, at lest one of the fixing members serve as vibrators, because it enables vibration to be appropriately applied more easily according to individual properties of the hair.
Moreover, the shape of the fixing member may include, for example, a plate-like, circular, elliptical, and the like. The shape, however, is not limited to these. As long as the fixing member has a shape enabling the fixing member to be disposed in the width direction of the arm and enabling the fixing member to hold hair easily, the shape can be preferably used in this embodiment.
Moreover, the material of the fixing member may be, for example, metal, ceramic, resin, or the like.
[1-6] Relationship between vibrator and its peripheral members:
The configuration of the vibrator, the configuration of its peripheral members, and the relationship between the vibrator and its peripheral members will be described below with reference to
In the hair style treatment device 1 shown in
With this connection structure 11, the vibration generated by the vibration means 3 is transmitted to the vibration transmitter 25 via the vibration transmitter 25 and the cam mechanism 10 composed of an eccentric cam 23 and a cam 24 and further transmitted from the vibration transmitter 25 to the vibrator 9 via the cam mechanism 10 (See
Moreover, as shown in
The opening 12 is formed in this manner because the vibration transmitter 25 slides along the longitudinal direction of the arm and the L-shaped portion 11b (See
Moreover, in the case of occurrence of the abutment so small as to be negligible in contact between the L-shaped portion 11b and the opening end 12a or 12b, preferably the aforementioned cam mechanism is adjusted so that the L-shaped portion is slidable only by the width dimension of the opening 12, that is, by the width dimension between the aforementioned opening ends 12a and 12b.
The maximum movement of the vibrator 9 in the arm width direction in the case of moving along the width direction of the arm is available when the L-shaped portion 11b of the connection structure 11 abuts against the opening end 12a. In other words, the vibrator 9 is adapted to be slidable between both sides of the maximum movement distance in the arm width direction.
Moreover, in the case where the L-shaped portion 11b of the connection structure 11 abuts against the opening ends 12a and 12b, the L-shaped portion 11b (or the opening ends 12a and 12b) serves as, so to speak, a stopper, and therefore preferably the opening ends 12a and 12b and the connection structure 11 are made of a material having excellent pressure resistance, abrasion resistance, heat resistance, and the like in order to prevent excessive load (shock) on both ends.
Moreover, as shown in
While
In addition, it is also preferable to cover the recess in which the vibrator is disposed to prevent the hair from entering the gap between the vibrator and the abutment end 14a or the abutment end 14b of the recess. The covering member may be rubber or the like, but as long as the material has elasticity and vibration transmissibility, the recess may be covered by the material.
In addition, it is also preferable to form the device body 4A as a first gripper in the hair style treatment device 1 as shown in
Furthermore, preferably a temperature heater is disposed in one or the other arm or in the device body so as to provide a temperature when the hair is held. As shown in
Most preferably, the temperature in a range of 100° C. to 120° C. is applied in the above temperature application. Even in a low temperature treatment at 120° C. or lower, it is possible to perform a more effective styling treatment than in the conventional device and thus to provide a strong styling treatment.
[1-7] Configuration of hair iron:
The hair style treatment device configured as a hair iron is also one of preferred embodiments. Further, the hair iron preferably has a configuration in which the vibrators 9 are disposed in the arms 2A and 2B, respectively, in the hair style treatment device, for example, as shown in
In addition, it is also preferable to provide the hair style treatment device with a control switch in order to control the vibration and the magnitude of the amplitude thereof or a frequency selection switch in order to resonate the hair iron itself or to resonate the arms 2A and 2B directly contacting the hair and at the same time in order to use the hair iron with an enhanced amplitude or change its resonance frequency. The resonance frequency of the arms 2A and 2B can also be changed by changing the thickness, width, or shape of the arms 2A and 2B.
It is also preferable to form a portion of the hair iron to be brought into contact with the hair from an elastic material such as rubber. Such a hair iron is desired because it can reduce the contact pressure to the hair and therefore the hair can keep its soft circular cross section without being damaged.
Further, it is also one of the preferable modes that the contact surface brought into contact with the hair in one or both of the vibrators is formed into gentle waves, because not only it reduces the contact pressure to the hair but also facilitates curling of the hair. In addition, due to the surface treatment of the gentle waves, the hair is not damaged and can keep its soft circular cross section, thus it is preferable.
[1-7-1] Gripper of hair iron:
As shown in
The gripper is preferably made of a metal material such as titanium alloy, duralumin, aluminum alloy, or steel and formed by cutting a columnar metal material. In addition, if the gripper is the device body, the vibration means 3 is often incorporated (disposed) therein. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to form the gripper into a hollow shape. The material, however, is not limited to the above metal material and it is not limited to the column shape or the like. The gripper may be made of any material as long as the material is excellent in vibration resistance and lightweight properties and at the same time it has heat resistance. A material easy to hold with a hand, excellent in operability, and having a shape facilitating the disposition of the above structural member such as the aforementioned vibration means is a preferred embodiment for forming the gripper of the hair iron. As described above, a lightweight gripper is preferable, because an excessively heavy gripper may interrupt the hair styling work.
[1-8] Method of using hair style treatment device:
The hair style treatment device of this embodiment shown in
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to exert the cutting of cystine linkage, salt linkage, hydrogen linkage, and the like in keratin of the hair into the details thereof by utilizing the stretchability inherent in the hair by restrictedly and repeatedly applying a force in the stretching direction to the hair in an almost natural state without applying stress to hair roots. Moreover, the hair styling treatment is able to be smoothly performed, thereby reducing treatment time and facilitating the re-bonding of the cystine linkage and the hydrogen linkage thereafter. Further, a strong styling effect is exerted on the hair, thereby providing an excellent advantageous effect of the hair style treatment device capable of keeping the hair style for a long term after the treatment. Particularly, the present invention enables the treatment at relatively low temperatures and thus prevents hair damage.
Claims
1. A hair style treatment device for giving a desired style to hair softened by applying or spraying a softening agent or to hair treated by applying a hair-treating agent, the device comprising:
- an arm body in which one and the other arms are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting mechanism;
- at least one vibration means disposed in one or the other arm or in a device body and generating vibration of a predetermined frequency; and
- at least one vibrator disposed in one or the other arm,
- wherein the arm body is adapted to be able to hold or release the hair via the vibrator by the rotation of the connecting mechanism, and
- wherein the vibrator is adapted to be slidable in the width direction of the arm body and to be able to transmit vibration from the vibration means to the hair thus held.
2. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the vibrators are disposed in parallel in the width direction in one or both of the arms.
3. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration generated by the vibration means is able to be selectively applied to arbitrary one or more of the vibrators.
4. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a temperature heater is disposed in one or the other arm or in the device body and heat is able to be applied to the hair when the hair is held.
5. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
6. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the vibration means is switchable.
7. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the part in contact with the hair of the hair style treatment device is made of an elastic material.
8. The hair style treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a first vibrator which vibrates in the width direction is disposed in the one arm and a second vibrator which vibrates in the longitudinal or thickness direction is disposed in the other arm.
9. The hair style treatment device according to claim 8, wherein the vibration from the first vibrator and the second vibrator to the hair is able to be applied by only one of the vibrators, by the vibrators alternately, or by both of the vibrators at a time.
10. The hair style treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the vibration generated by the vibration means is able to be selectively applied to arbitrary one or more of the vibrators.
11. The hair style treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
12. The hair style treatment device according to claim 3, wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
13. The hair style treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
14. The hair style treatment device according to claim 10, wherein the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is in the range of 0.0001 mm to 10 mm.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 3, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2011
Applicant: KIKUBOSHI CORPORATION (TOKYO)
Inventor: Miki Takehana (Tokyo)
Application Number: 12/737,086
International Classification: A45D 2/00 (20060101);