U.S. patent application number 10/152700 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-27 for ultrasonic device for the treatment of hair and other fibers.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Quan, Ke Ming, Verbrugge, Theodore Jay.
Application Number | 20030217438 10/152700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29548525 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030217438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verbrugge, Theodore Jay ; et
al. |
November 27, 2003 |
Ultrasonic device for the treatment of hair and other fibers
Abstract
An ultrasonic device for the treatment of hair and other fibers.
The device generally includes an applicator, capable of coupling a
topically efficacious frequency to fibers, and an insulator,
capable of preventing acoustic coupling of the topically
efficacious frequency to a surface supporting the fibers.
Inventors: |
Verbrugge, Theodore Jay;
(Reily, OH) ; Quan, Ke Ming; (West Chester,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
29548525 |
Appl. No.: |
10/152700 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
19/115R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/00 20130101; A45D
2200/207 20130101; A45D 7/00 20130101; A45D 2001/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
19/115.00R |
International
Class: |
D01G 019/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A comb assembly for fibers comprising: an applicator; and, an
insulator; wherein said applicator is capable of coupling a
topically efficacious frequency to said fibers when said fibers are
in communication with said applicator; and, wherein said insulator
prevents acoustic coupling of said topically efficacious frequency
to a surface supporting said fibers.
2. The comb assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one
protuberance disposed upon said insulator, wherein said at least
one protuberance prevents acoustic coupling of said topically
efficacious frequency to a surface supporting said fibers.
3. The fiber treatment device of claim 1 further comprising: at
least one material reservoir for supplying at least one material
wherein said at least one material reservoir is in fluid
communication with said applicator.
4. A fiber treatment device comprising: a housing; at least one
ultrasonic generator fixably mounted to said housing; at least one
comb device coupled to said housing and cooperatively associated
with said ultrasonic generator for contacting engagement with at
least one surface of said ultrasonic generator; wherein at least
one fiber is positioned proximate to said ultrasonic generator when
said ultrasonic generator is energized to a topically efficacious
frequency; and, wherein at least one product is dispensed to said
at least one fiber and said topically efficacious frequency
efficaciously deposits said at least one product to said at least
one fiber.
5. The fiber treatment device of claim 4 further comprising: at
least one material reservoir for supplying said at least one
product wherein said at least one material reservoir is in fluid
communication with said applicator.
6. The fiber treatment device of claim 4 wherein said comb device
is removeably coupled to said housing.
7. A fiber treatment device comprising: an ultrasound generator
capable of converting electrical energy to a mechanical vibration
having a topically efficacious frequency; a comb device coupled to
said ultrasound generator, said comb device at least partially
encapsulating said ultrasound generator; wherein said comb device
and said ultrasound generator define a treatment region; wherein a
fiber to be treated is placed in said treatment region; and,
wherein said topically efficacious frequency is communicated from
said ultrasound generator to said fiber.
8. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said topically
efficacious frequency is from about 15 KHz to about 500 KHz.
9. The fiber treatment device of claim 8 wherein said topically
efficacious frequency is from about 20 KHz to about 150 KHz.
10. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said comb device
is acoustically insulated from said ultrasound generator.
11. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said comb device
comprises an acoustically insulative material.
12. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said acoustically
insulative material is compliant.
13. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 further comprising: at
least one material reservoir for supplying at least one material;
and, wherein said at least one material reservoir is in liquid
communication with said comb device.
14. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein at least a
portion of at least one material reservoir is removeably contained
within said fiber treatment device.
15. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said comb device
is removeably coupled to said ultrasound generator.
16. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said fiber
treatment device efficaciously heats fibers treated thereby.
17. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said comb device
has a plurality of protuberances disposed thereon.
18. The fiber treatment device of claim 17 wherein said
protuberances have a variable spacing from each other.
19. The fiber treatment device of claim 7 wherein said comb device
further comprises a fiber converging device for converging said
fibers to a region proximate to said ultrasound generator.
20. The fiber treatment device of claim 19 wherein said fiber
converging device is a reflector with a reflectance, R; wherein
said reflectance is expressed as: .vertline.R.vertline.>0;
wherein 2 R = Z 2 - Z 1 Z 2 + Z 1 ;wherein Z.sub.1=acoustic
impedance of wet fiber; and, Z.sub.2=acoustic impedance of said
reflector; wherein Z2=.rho..sub.2c.sub.2; and,
Z.sub.1=.rho..sub.1c.sub.1; and, wherein .rho..sub.1=density of wet
fiber; .rho..sub.2=the density of said reflector; c.sub.1=the
acoustic velocity in wet fiber; and, c.sub.2=the acoustic velocity
in said reflector.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention is in the field of ultrasonic devices for the
treatment of hair and other fibers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Devices that utilize ultrasonic mechanical vibrations are
well known in the art. The treatment of natural and synthetic
fibers to produce, alter, or remove a set in a fiber, has been the
subject of prior work. For example, chemical agents are sometimes
used, with or without heat, to produce a set in a fiber or for the
removal of an existing fiber set. However, these methods are slow,
laborious, ineffective, not topically efficacious, and the chemical
agents used can ultimately damage the fibers being treated.
[0003] Piezoelectric devices generally produce ultrasonic
mechanical vibrations. Piezoelectric devices, which convert
electrical impulses into mechanical vibrations, are generally based
on the fact that certain crystals, when subjected to an applied
electrical potential to produce a pressure, will yield a mechanical
motion. Resonant crystals and ceramics are used to generate such
mechanical waves in solids and liquids. For high frequency,
ultra-sonic vibrations to be generated, crystals often operate in
their thickness mode, where the crystal becomes alternatingly
thicker and thinner as it vibrates. However, crystals can also
operate in shear and bending modes.
[0004] Imai, U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,236, discloses a hair curling
applicator utilizing longitudinal modes of vibration. Imai requires
a user to manually wind hair around a hollow barrel. The hollow
barrel oscillates longitudinally causing the wrapped hair to absorb
ultrasonic energy in a shear, or transverse, mode. Wrapping hair
around the barrel is not convenient, especially if the hair has an
applied treatment on it. Additionally, the user must wrap different
portions of the treatment area sequentially, resulting in an
inefficient use of time. Finally, safety is a concern, as the end
of the vibrating barrel is not prevented from touching tissue. Such
contact can cause sonic, tissue burns. It would be typical that
direct, physical contact or presence of an ultrasonic device with
tissue could cause absorption bums, heat production burns and
frictional burns. If the ultrasonic device has good acoustic
coupling, it is possible to actually cause cavitation to occur
inside tissue.
[0005] Shiginori, Japanese Publication JP 9-262120, teaches a hair
drying, bleaching, and weaving device that also requires winding
hair around a vibrating body. The presence of protruding vibrating
bodies allows for an increase in treatment area, however, this
teaching also requires wrapping hair around the vibrating body.
Additionally, the protruding vibrating bodies do not provide
uniform vibration as the protrusions at the end farthest from the
generator deflect more than those closer to the generator. This
limits the number of protrusions in order to maintain uniform
motion. Finally, safety is problematic as the end of the vibrating
body is not protected thus, the user could experience ultrasonic
tissue burning.
[0006] Shigihara, U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,789 discloses a device for
the permanent curling of hair. The user winds hair along a rod
portion, where presumably longitudinal vibrations impart energy to
the hair through frictional forces causing curling to occur. Again,
wrapping hair around a rod portion is not convenient, especially if
the hair has an applied treatment on it. Additionally, the user
must wrap different portions sequentially, resulting in an
inefficient time usage. Again, safety is a concern, as the end of
the rod portion is not prevented from contact with tissue.
[0007] Goble, U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,159 discloses a hair treatment
device that uses radial modes of vibration. This teaching does not
require the wrapping of hair in order to provide treatment,
however, multiple treatments are required in order to treat a large
volume of hair. Additionally, safety is a large concern as a
transducer that uses radial vibration modes can contact tissue and
cause damage along the entire length of the transducer, and not
just from the end as would happen from a transducer using
longitudinal modes of vibration.
[0008] Therefore, it would be an improvement in the art to be able
to provide a novel device that provides a treatment for a fiber,
particularly hair, using a less reactive chemical agent, yet still
provide a faster, less labor intensive, and more topically
efficacious treatment experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention is a comb assembly for fibers comprising an
applicator and an insulator. The applicator is capable of coupling
a topically efficacious frequency to the fibers when the fibers are
in communication with the applicator. The insulator prevents
acoustic coupling of the topically efficacious frequency to a
surface supporting the fibers.
[0010] Further, the invention is a fiber treatment device
comprising a housing, at least one ultrasonic generator fixably
mounted to the housing, and at least one comb device removeably
attached to the housing and cooperatively associated with the
ultrasonic generator for contacting engagement with at least one
surface of the ultrasonic generator. At least one fiber is
positioned proximate to the ultrasonic generator when the
ultrasonic generator is energized to a topically efficacious
frequency. At least one product is dispensed to the at least one
fiber and the topically efficacious frequency efficaciously
deposits the at least one product to the at least one fiber.
[0011] Additionally, the invention is a fiber treatment device
comprising an ultrasound generator capable of converting electrical
energy to a mechanical vibration having a topically efficacious
frequency and a comb device coupled to the ultrasound generator,
the comb device at least partially encapsulating the ultrasound
generator. The comb device and the ultrasound generator define a
treatment region in which a fiber to be treated is placed in said
treatment region, and, the topically efficacious frequency is
communicated from the ultrasound generator to the fiber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fiber treatment device
in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber treatment
device of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2; and,
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
fiber treatment device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention is related to an ultrasonic device for
the treatment of fibers, such as hair. The purpose for utilization
of ultrasonic energy is not limited to, but includes, providing a
more efficient manner in which to treat a fiber with a chemical
agent. Increased efficiency in this manner reduces the amount of
active chemical agent necessary, and can also reduce the required
concentration of active chemical agent required to provide a
topically efficacious result. Additionally, the required treatment
time can be reduced, thereby providing a time saving way to provide
long-term fiber care at a reduced cost.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a fiber treatment device in accordance
with the present invention and is labeled generally by the numeral
10. The fiber treatment device 10 includes an ultrasound generator
(or applicator) 12, comb device 14, optional at least one reservoir
16, optional reservoir drive motor 18 and gear system 19, and
optional converging device 17. Without attempting to be limiting,
comb device 14 can have a plurality of protuberances 11 that extend
outwardly from comb device 14 in a geometry generally perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of comb device 14.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, fiber treatment device 20 can be
arranged to provide a substantially angular relationship between
ultrasound generator 22 and comb device 24 with the remainder of
fiber treatment device 20. It is believed that an angular
relationship between ultrasound generator 22 and comb device 24
with the remainder of fiber treatment device 20 could provide an
ergonomic benefit to a user. This ergonomic benefit could be
realized by allowing for an increased access and an improved
efficacious treatment of fibers present on a support surface that
is practically and/or ergonomically difficult for a user to
reach.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, ultrasound generator 12 is capable of
converting an applied electrical power into a mechanical vibration.
As non-limiting examples, the electrical power applied to
ultrasound generator 12 can be supplied from a conventional wall
outlet or from an internal, or external, rechargeable, or
disposable, battery, or any other power source, contained within
fiber treatment device 10. The applied power could then be
converted by a power supply to the desired oscillatory frequency
and voltage level. In a preferred embodiment, the converted power
is then applied across piezoelectric ceramic plates to generate a
pressure wave or a mechanical wave at the desired oscillatory
frequency. Exemplary and non limiting frequencies providing
topically efficacious treatments and developed by ultrasound
generator 12 preferably range from 15 KHz to 500 KHz, more
preferably from 18 KHz to 300 KHz, and most preferably from 20 KHz
to 150 KHz.
[0019] Power for ultrasound generator 12 can be provided by either
conventional commercial methods and converted to a necessary
voltage by power supply 15. Alternatively, batteries contained
within fiber treatment device 10 can provide power for ultrasound
generator 12. Internal batteries could enable fiber treatment
device 10 to be placed within a recharging receptacle while not in
use as would be known to one of skill in the art. Power supplied by
power supply 15 or internal batteries could also be used to heat
the fiber treatment device 10 if a fiber treatment regimen so
requires thermal energy to provide a more efficacious fiber
treatment.
[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, fiber treatment device 10
generally comprises a comb device 14. Comb device 14 can comprise a
plurality of protuberances 11 or any other device for converging
and/or collecting fibers into a region proximate to ultrasound
generator 12. Comb device 14 is preferably physically coupled to
ultrasound generator 12. However, as would be known to one of skill
in the art, it is possible to provide ultrasound generator 12 and
comb device 14 as separate components without any physical
attachment. However, if physical coupling or attachment is desired,
it can be accomplished by providing direct attachment of comb
device 14 to ultrasound generator 12. In alternative embodiments,
such physical attachment can be accomplished by attaching comb
device 14 to an insulative housing encasing ultrasound generator
12, or directly to fiber treatment device 10.
[0021] Comb device 14 should acoustically insulate ultrasound
generator 12 from direct physical contact with a surface supporting
any fibers to be treated. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it
is believed that the prevention of direct acoustic coupling of
mechanical vibrations produced by ultrasound generator 12 to a
fiber support surface could prevent any subcutaneous damage to the
fiber support surface. However, comb device 14 should also provide
a region where ultrasound generator 12 is capable of physically
coupling with the fibers to be treated in order to acoustically
couple the mechanical vibrations produced by ultrasound generator
12 to the fibers.
[0022] In one exemplary, but non-limiting embodiment, the
prevention of physical coupling of the ultrasound generator 12 with
a fiber support surface can be accomplished by acoustically
insulating comb device 14 from ultrasound generator 12. Acoustic
insulation or acoustically insulated as used in the present
invention means that comb device 14 is not acoustically resonant
with ultrasound generator 12. This means that comb device 14
remains stationary while ultrasound generator 12 is active. Without
wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a mechanical gap
between ultrasound generator 12 and comb device 14 can provide
sufficient acoustic insulation between ultrasound generator 12 and
the fiber support surface. It is known in the art that the acoustic
impedance of air (the product of air density and air acoustic
velocity) is negligible. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it
is believed that if comb device 14 is manufactured from an
acoustically insulative material, even direct physical attachment
of comb device 14 to ultrasound generator 12 will provide comb
device 14 with sufficient acoustically insulative properties due to
the high impedance mismatch that can effectively dampen an incident
mechanical vibration at the junction of the ultrasound generator 12
and comb device 14 materials.
[0023] Physical coupling and acoustic insulation can be
accomplished by the choice of construction and the method of
physical attachment of comb device 14 to ultrasound generator 12.
Because comb device 14 is preferably not acoustically coupled to
ultrasound generator 12, the materials selected to manufacture comb
device 14 should preferably be insulative in nature, such as
plastic or wood. However, it would be known to one of skill in the
art that the comb device 14 can be manufactured from metal and
provide no acoustic coupling, for example, by providing an acoustic
insulator between ultrasound generator 12 and comb device 14.
Additionally, polymeric materials can be impregnated with a metal,
or metals, to provide an acoustically insulated comb device 14 that
provides an efficacious, ultra-sonic, fiber treatment. A metal
impregnated polymer can provide a more resilient structural device,
yet still provide the physical acoustic insulative ability
required.
[0024] It is also believed that comb device 14 could be
manufactured from a compliant material. The use of a compliant
material for comb device 14 could allow comb device 14 to maintain
continuous contact with any irregular or curved fiber support
surface. It is believed that continuous contact with a fiber
support surface can provide a more efficacious treatment to fibers,
or the regions of individual fibers that are in close proximity to
the supporting surface.
[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment, the comb device 14 could
be only partially in direct physical contact with ultrasound
generator 12. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed
that when ultrasound generator 12 is in a resonant vibratory mode,
the displacement of vibrations will vary along the length of the
axis of vibration of ultrasound generator 12. As would be known to
one of skill in the art, this vibratory displacement is generally
at a minimum at the quarter wave line and generally maximum at the
distal end or face of ultrasound generator 12. Therefore, it would
be possible to have direct physical attachment of comb device 14 to
ultrasound generator 12 in the region of ultrasound generator 12
where the magnitude of displacement is minimal. Direct physical
attachment of comb device 14 to the ultrasound generator 12 in this
manner could secure the comb head in a permanent position. However,
it is believed that the choice of materials for manufacturing comb
device 14 could be limited to those materials producing a
significant acoustic mismatch with ultrasound generator 12.
[0026] In a further exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment, comb
device 14 could be in complete physical contact with ultrasound
generator 12. However, the choice of the materials that can be used
could be limited in order to provide an acoustic mismatch. This
acoustic mismatch could be necessary in order to provide incomplete
acoustical coupling between the ultrasound generator 12 and comb
device 14. When a significant acoustic mismatch is present in
dissimilar materials in direct contact, it is believed that the
material used to manufacture comb device 14 would need to be heat
resistant. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed
that a significant amount of heat would be generated at the
interface between ultrasound generator 12 and comb device 14 when
ultrasound generator 12 and comb device 14 are in direct physical
contact.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, even though comb device 14 provides at
least partial acoustical insulation from ultrasound generator 12,
it is preferred that at least a portion of ultrasound generator 12
be an acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 to provide an
acoustically coupleable surface for the fibers to be treated. It is
believed that any geometry, including, but not limited to
rectilinear, ovular, circular, and combinations thereof, can be
used to provide a sufficient acoustically coupleable exposed
surface 13 for ultrasound generator 12. However, it should be
realized that the acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 should
be of sufficient size to facilitate the treatment of fibers.
Surprisingly, it would found that a rectilinear geometry for
ultrasound generator 12 and acoustically coupleable exposed surface
13 provided the most efficacious fiber treatment. Thus, a
rectilinear profile for acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13
of from about 10 millimeters to at least about 150 millimeters in
length, most preferably 40 millimeters in length, and from at least
about 3 millimeters to at least about 10 millimeters in width would
provide the most efficacious treatment. Without being limited to
theory, it is believed that this rectilinear geometry provides the
most efficacious result as a treatment is directed to a relatively
broad width of fibers with each use.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, comb
device 14 is also provided with a plurality of protuberances 11 to
guide fibers in a generally orthogonal relationship toward the
acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 of ultrasound generator
12. It is also believed that protuberances 11 could increase both
the coupling of fibers located proximate to ultrasound generator 12
and acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 and the inter-fiber
acoustic coupling. Preferably, protuberances 11 are not affected
by, or acoustically coupled to, ultrasound generator 12.
[0029] Preferably, protuberances 11 have a small cross-sectional
area in relation to the area of acoustically coupleable exposed
surface 13. It is believed that this facilitates increased fiber
contact with the acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 of the
ultrasound generator 12. It has been found that the thickness of
protuberances 11 should preferably be less than about 2
millimeters.
[0030] Preferably, protuberances 11 have a relative spacing from
each other that facilitates large quantities of fibers to pass
proximate to the acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13 of
ultrasound generator 12. However, the relative spacing of
protuberances 11 should prevent the accidental contact of body
appendage tissue with the acoustically coupleable exposed surface
13 of ultrasound generator 12. Preferably this inter-protuberance
spacing is less than about 8 millimeters and is preferably at least
about 5 millimeters. However, an inter-protuberance spacing of less
than about 5 millimeters can still provide sufficient efficacious
contact between the fibers and the acoustically coupleable exposed
surface 13 of ultrasound generator 12.
[0031] Preferably protuberances 11 have an overall length that
prevents accidental contact of any portion of ultrasound generator
12 with a fiber support surface. Thus, it is preferred that the
overall protuberance length range from at least about 5 millimeters
to at least about 30 millimeters. However, one of skill in the art
would realize that a protuberance 12 length of less than about 5
millimeters or at least about 30 millimeters could be used to
provide an efficacious treatment.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, it is also believed that comb device 14
could be fashioned with a converging device 17 that efficaciously
surrounds and completely collects and compresses fibers into a
region proximate to the acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13
of ultrasound generator 12. It is believed that collecting and
compressing fibers with converging device 17 could increase
acoustic coupling from the acoustically coupleable exposed surface
13 of ultrasound generator 12 to the fibers.
[0033] Converging device 17 could also be designed to have a
reflectance, R, expressed as: 1 R = Z 2 - Z 1 Z 2 + Z 1 .
[0034] where, Z.sub.1=the acoustic impedance of wet fiber, and,
Z.sub.2=the acoustic impedance of the reflector. Z.sub.1 and
Z.sub.2 are defined by the equations:
Z.sub.2=.rho..sub.2c.sub.2
[0035] and,
Z.sub.1=.rho..sub.1c.sub.1
[0036] where, .rho..sub.1=the density of wet fiber, .rho..sub.2=the
density of the reflector, c.sub.1=the acoustic velocity in wet
fiber, and, c.sub.2=the acoustic velocity in the reflector.
Acoustic velocity is the speed at which a pressure wave propagates
in the selected medium. Values for the acoustic velocity and
density of exemplary fibers and other materials are tabulated
below. However, the values of acoustic velocity and density for
numerous other fibers and materials can be found in The Handbook of
Chemistry and Physics, 78.sup.th edition, Fundamental Physics of
Ultrasound, by V. A Shutilov, Chemical and Physical Behavior of
Human Hair, 3d ed., by Clarence R. Robbins, and IEEE Transactions
on Sonics and Ultrasonics, Vol. SU-32, No. 3 (1985), pages 381-394,
all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
1 Material Density - .rho. - (g/cm.sup.3) Velocity - c - (m/s) Air
1.161 .times. 10.sup.-3 334 Water 0.998 1490 Aluminum Alloy 2.7
6260 Human Hair Fiber 1.3 1717 Nylon Fiber 1.12 2600
[0037] Converging device 17 is preferably removeably and/or
releasably attached to the distal end of comb device 14 to form an
open cavity between converging device 17 and the acoustically
coupleable exposed surface 13 of ultrasound generator 12. It is
preferred that the materials selected to construct the converging
device 17 provide an overall reflectance, R, so that:
.vertline.R.vertline.>0,
[0038] and more preferably the materials selected to construct the
converging device 17 provide an overall reflectance, R, so
that:
.vertline.R.vertline..gtoreq.0.5.
[0039] Therefore, the inner surface, that is, the surface of
converging device 17 closest to ultrasound generator 12 and
acoustically coupleable exposed surface 13, should be constructed
of a material that effectively reflects acoustic waves generated by
ultrasound generator 12. Exemplary and non-limiting reflective
materials include metals and porous materials, such as wood. Most
preferably, converging device 17 is constructed to have a thin
metal sheet, film, or foil that has a region of air behind and
positioned away from ultrasound generator 12 so that an acoustic
vibration originating from ultrasound generator 12 will be
significantly reflected in an opposite direction from the incident
wave. This is generally known in the art as an air-backed
reflector. Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed
that such a reflector is effective because air generally has
significant contrasting acoustic impedance in contrast with any
liquid or solid material. However, it would be known to one of
skill in the art that converging device 17 not provide any
reflectance.
[0040] It is also believed that converging device 17 should
interlace with protuberances 11. However, it would be known to one
of skill in the art that converging device 17 could be provided for
comb device 14 in any configuration. This could provide the benefit
of minimizing unintended energy leakage beyond the geometry defined
by comb device 14. Additionally, converging device 17 could also
provide improved acoustic coupling between ultrasound generator 12
and the fibers by compacting the fibers in a region proximate to
ultrasound generator 12 and acoustically coupleable exposed surface
13. It would be known to one of skill in the art to provide a
geometry for converging device 17 in order to interlace converging
device 17 with protuberances 11.
[0041] As is also shown in FIG. 1, fiber treatment device 10
preferably includes a number of reservoirs 16, shown as cartridges.
One advantage of a multiple reservoir dispensing system is that
materials that would be incompatible for storage together may be
stored in separate reservoirs and then dispensed together for use.
Because the materials are mixed at the point of use as needed,
there is better control over the amount of product mixed, resulting
in minimal or no wasted product.
[0042] Any suitable reservoir 16 may be utilized in the present
invention. It should be understood that the reservoir utilized may
be fully or partially internal to the fiber treatment device 10, or
fully or partially external to the fiber treatment device 10, and
may or may not be removable from the fiber treatment device 10.
Additionally, the reservoir 16 utilized may be permanent or
disposable to the fiber treatment device 10. Non-limiting examples
of suitable reservoirs 16 include positive displacement type
reservoirs, such as a cartridge, and pump-evacuated type
reservoirs, such as sachets, bladders, blisters, and combinations
thereof. It is also believed that pre-loaded cartridge reservoirs
could be used as single use disposable cartridges, multiple use
disposable cartridges, or refillable cartridges, and that empty
cartridges may be available for loading with suitable materials by
the end user.
[0043] In the practice of the present invention, the reservoir 16
may be adapted for dispensing equal or different amounts of
material. In any regard, it is preferred that the dispensing system
be utilized for the delivery of precise, controlled, or efficacious
amounts of treatment materials. It is also preferred that one or
more of the reservoirs 16 of the present invention be loaded with a
fiber treatment material in a sequential fashion. However, as it
would be known to one of skill in the art, that sequential
dispensing may also be accomplished by sequentially dispensing from
different reservoirs 16 or combinations of reservoirs 16. Further,
it should also be understood that a number of repeatable sequences
could also be dispensed from either one reservoir 16 or a
combination of reservoirs 16.
[0044] Reservoirs 16 are placed within the reservoir holder with
one or more of the reservoirs 16 in liquid communication with the
comb device 14. In an exemplary embodiment, a dispensing actuator
actuates motor 18, which through gears 19, is adapted to dispense
material from reservoir 16 through dispensing passageways to comb
device 14. Liquid communication of material from reservoir 16 to
comb device 14 can be accomplished by use of a plurality of
dispensing apertures. The released material can be dispensed to the
fiber being treated either from an aperture disposed on comb device
14 or from an aperture located on protuberance 11. Thus,
incompatible chemistries, or chemistries that, after mixing, have a
finite shelf life are mixed and/or dispensed at the point of
application directly to the fibers. Further, the chemistries could
be further mixed at the point of application by the presence of the
mechanical, ultrasonic vibrations produced by ultrasound generator
12.
[0045] A method of use for a fiber treatment device commensurate
with the scope of the present invention provides for the treatment
of fibers, particularly hair. First, it is preferred that a user
pre-wets the hair fibers to be ultrasonically treated. Non-limiting
examples for pre-wetting hair include rinsing with water and/or
cleaning the hair fibers with a cleaner, such as shampoo, or a
cleaner/conditioner, such as PertPlus.TM., manufactured by The
Procter & Gamble Company. Next, the treatment product, or
active compound, to be applied to the hair fibers is applied in a
topically efficacious amount to produce the results desired for the
hair fiber being treated. Preferably, the treatment product is
dispensed directly from the fiber treatment device when the fiber
treatment device is equipped with reservoirs containing the
treatment product. However, if the fiber treatment device is not so
equipped, the treatment product can be manually applied to the hair
fibers through conventional methodologies.
[0046] Finally, the operationally energized fiber treatment device
is placed in contact with the treated hair fibers preferably using
a steady and continuous motion from the root end of the hair fiber
to the tip end of the hair fiber. Preferably, this motion is
repeated until all desired hair fibers are efficaciously treated.
Of course, the total time required to provide such a topically
efficacious treatment will depend upon the length and thickness of
the hair fibers being treated and the desired resultant color
intensity. However, it has been found that when coloring hair with
a visible root line or when coloring patched gray hair, it may be
preferable to apply the use of the ultrasonic fiber treatment
device for longer time periods than would normally be required for
hair fibers not exhibiting these characteristics.
[0047] It is also envisaged that the exemplary procedure described
supra can also be used for the topically efficacious treatment of
pet hair fibers and other keratinous and non-keratinous fibers.
Therefore, it is intended that fabric and other fibers can be
treated using the ultrasonic fiber treatment device and an active
compound as discussed above.
EXAMPLES
[0048] Colorimetry can provide a quantitative evaluation of the
efficacy of color uptake in a fiber dyeing process. Further, it is
believed that colorimetry data can also correlate strongly with
data generated using other fiber color uptake assessment
methods.
[0049] Measurement of Color Uptake
[0050] The level of color uptake to subject hair switches was
determined by comparative colorimetric measurements of the change
color of treated virgin Yak and Human mid-brown hair substrates.
Such hair is available from Hugo Royer International Ltd.,
Berkshire, England. The average switch weight was about 1.5 grams.
Colorimetric measurements were made with a hand-held calorimeter
manufactured by the Minolta Corporation. The comparative change in
color was reported as .DELTA.E in color space using L.a.b.
coordinates.
[0051] Test Method
[0052] Baseline L.a.b. values, based on the CIE/L.a.b. system, of
virgin Yak or Human mid-brown hair switches were determined by
colorimetry. The virgin Yak hair utilized had an average L=86.2,
a=1, and b=13.3. The virgin Human mid-brown hair analyzed had an
average L=23.25, a=7, and b=7.55. The initial L.a.b. value and mass
of each switch was recorded.
[0053] Each switch was saturated with de-ionized water and allowed
to air dry to a demonstrated mass increase of 70 percent of the dry
switch weight. Either Clairol.RTM. Natural Instincts.RTM. 22,
Clairol.RTM. Nice 'n Easy.RTM. 122, or Clairol.RTM. Herbal
Essences.RTM. 48 (all manufactured by The Procter & Gamble.RTM.
Company) was applied to each switch in a ratio of 2:1 wt/wt product
to hair. Each switch was then placed in contact with the
operationally energized fiber treatment device, described supra,
using a steady and continuous motion from the root end of the fiber
to the tip end of the fiber for five minutes. The fiber treatment
device operated with an output of 20 to 30 W at 25.degree. C., and
an acoustic frequency of 40 kHz.
[0054] After treatment, each switch was rinsed with de-ionized
water for one minute, and shampoo for one minute (e.g.,
Healthy*Shine.RTM. by Clairol.RTM., manufactured by The Procter
& Gamble.RTM. Company) at a ratio of 0.5:1 wt/wt shampoo to
hair. Each switch was air-dried and a final colorimetric
measurement made and recorded.
[0055] Control Samples
[0056] Ten replicate samples of Yak and Human mid-brown hair were
treated as described supra, without ultrasonic treatment. Five
control samples remained in contact with the applied product for
five minutes. Five additional control samples remained in contact
with the applied product for 30 minutes. Each control sample was
then air-dried. Final mass and L.a.b. colorimetric measurements
were then made and all measurements recorded.
[0057] Calculation
[0058] The calculated value of the representative color change in
L.a.b. coordinates was presented as .DELTA.E. .DELTA.E represents
the difference between the initial and final colorimetric Lab
value. In other words:
.DELTA.E={square root}{square root over
((L.sub.end-L.sub.start).sup.2+(a.-
sub.end-a.sub.start).sup.2+(b.sub.end-b.sub.start).sup.2)}.
[0059] Results of the average .DELTA.E values for the
representative samples of Yak and Human hair are detailed in Tables
1 and 2.
2TABLE 1 Comparison of Color Uptake for Yak Hair Using 40 kHz
Ultrasound @ 20-30 W @ 25.degree. C. Control (5 min.) Treated (5
min.) Control Treatment Used .DELTA.E .DELTA.E (30 min.) .DELTA.E
Natural Instincts 22 46.45 66.65 66.70 Nice'n Easy 122 65.76 72.47
72.59 Herbal Essences 48 55.17 69.43 68.17
[0060]
3TABLE 2 Comparison of Color Uptake for Human mid-Brown Hair Using
40 kHz Ultrasound @ 20-30 W @ 25.degree. C. Control (5 min.)
Treated (5 min.) Control Treatment Used .DELTA.E .DELTA.E (30 min.)
.DELTA.E Natural Instincts 22 4.15 7.12 6.99 Nice'n Easy 122 9.45
10.25 10.59 Herbal Essences 48 8.6 14.69 13.88
[0061] Without desiring to be bound by theory, it is believed that
a unit change in .DELTA.E represents a just perceptible difference
in color to an ordinary observer. Thus, a large change in .DELTA.E
represents a significant color change. From the data represented in
Tables 1 and 2, it is believed that hair color uptake using a
five-minute ultrasonic treatment process using the present
invention could be comparable to a conventional 30-minute color
uptake process without any ultrasonic intervention.
[0062] The foregoing examples and descriptions of the preferred
embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and
variations are possible and contemplated in light of the above
teachings. While a number of preferred and alternate embodiments,
systems, configurations, methods, and potential applications have
been described, it should be understood that many variations and
alternatives could be utilized without departing from the scope of
the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that such modifications
fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims
appended hereto.
* * * * *