U.S. patent application number 11/259081 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for device for applying a substance to the hair.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Marc Ramet.
Application Number | 20060090771 11/259081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36260411 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060090771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramet; Marc |
May 4, 2006 |
Device for applying a substance to the hair
Abstract
A device for applying a substance to hair may include, the
device comprising at least one applicator element configured to be
received between two consecutive digits of a hand. The applicator
element may be configured to enable the substance to be applied to
a lock of hair extending between the digits. The device may also
include at least one holding portion configured to enable the
device to be held on the hand of the user.
Inventors: |
Ramet; Marc; (Asnieres,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
36260411 |
Appl. No.: |
11/259081 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60630202 |
Nov 24, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 24/04 20130101;
A45D 19/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 |
International
Class: |
A45D 7/00 20060101
A45D007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2004 |
FR |
04 52489 |
Claims
1. A device for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising
at least one applicator element configured to be received between
two consecutive digits of a hand, the applicator element configured
to enable the substance to be applied to a lock of hair extending
between the digits, the device further comprising at least one
holding portion configured to enable the device to be held on the
hand of a user.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is carried by a glove configured to receive at least part
of the hand of the user.
3. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an annular
portion configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling a
corresponding digit of the user.
4. A device according to claim 1, further comprising two annular
portions configured to be engaged by at least partially encircling
a corresponding digit of the user.
5. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least two
applicator elements secured to each other.
6. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an orifice
configured to enable at least an end of a digit to pass
therethrough.
7. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one
housing open to a side of the applicator element and configured to
enable a digit to be engaged therein.
8. A device according to claim 7, further comprising two housings
open to opposite sides of the applicator element, each configured
to enable a corresponding digit to be engaged therein.
9. A device according to claim 7, further comprising at least two
applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two
consecutive digits of the user.
10. A device according to claim 7, wherein the device comprises a
plurality of applicator elements, the applicator elements being
independent from one another.
11. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is configured to be placed between proximal phalanges.
12. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least
three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two
consecutive digits of the user.
13. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least
three applicator elements, each configured to be placed between
four fingers of one hand of the user, not including a thumb.
14. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an applicator
element configured to be placed between a thumb and an index finger
of the hand of the user.
15. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is configured to come into contact with an interdigital
membrane of the hand during application.
16. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is made at least in part out of a porous material.
17. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is made at least in part of a foam.
18. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element is made at least in part of elastomer.
19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is made
entirely of a single material.
20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a
one-piece molding.
21. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element comprises at least one tooth.
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein the at least one tooth
extends parallel to the digits of the user that are adjacent to the
applicator element.
23. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element comprises a slot.
24. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one applicator
element comprises bristles.
25. A method of treating hair, the method comprising: causing a
lock of hair to pass between two consecutive digits of a hand, with
an applicator element being disposed between said digits, the
applicator element being configured to be received between the two
consecutive digits; and placing the hand relative to the lock for
at least one of applying a substance to the lock and combing the
lock using the applicator element.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the substance is
applied to the applicator element prior to at least one of applying
the substance or combing the lock.
27. A method according to claim 25, wherein one hand of the user
holds the lock while the other hand carries the at least one
applicator element.
28. A method according to claim 25, wherein the user uses the
digits as a comb to separate locks of hair.
29. A method according to claim 25, wherein the user acts on an
extent to which two consecutive digits disposed on either side of
the applicator element are clamped together, as a function of a
desired result.
30. A method according to claim 25, wherein the lock is held with a
hair comb comprising a succession of teeth, at least one of the
teeth carrying a hook.
31. A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of
applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an
operator other than an individual whose hair is being treated.
32. A method according to claim 25, wherein at least one of
applying the substance and combing the lock is performed by an
individual whose own hair is being treated.
33. A method according to claim 25, wherein the substance does not
contact the hand of the user.
34. A kit for applying a substance to hair, comprising: a substance
configured to be applied to hair; and a device for applying the
substance according to claim 1.
35. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the applicator element
comprises a porous material, and wherein at least one of the
substance and a component of the substance is configured to
impregnate the applicator element.
36. A kit according to claim 34, wherein at least one applicator
element is packaged in a hermetically-sealed package.
37. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the substance comprises a
labile dye.
38. A kit according to claim 34, wherein the substance comprises at
least one of a dye and a bleach.
Description
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of
French Application No. 04 52489 filed on Oct. 29, 2004, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/630,202 filed on Nov. 24, 2004, the
entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to devices for applying a
substance to the hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively,
to treating locks of hair by applying a dye or a bleach.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,706 discloses an elastomer glove that
includes a foam pad on the palm face of each finger and thumb tip.
The pad serves to absorb and then to dispense a liquid onto the
hair and the scalp while massaging.
SUMMARY
[0004] Such a known device does not make it easy to apply a
substance to locks of hair, nor does such a device make it easy to
keep the digits clean.
[0005] There exists a need to benefit from a device suitable for
applying a substance on locks of hair. Exemplary embodiments of the
invention may satisfy that need.
[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device
for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising an
applicator element configured to be received between two
consecutive digits and to enable the substance to be applied to a
lock of hair extending between the digits.
[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the device may further comprise at
least one holding portion configured to enable the device to be
held on the hand of a user, for example, on a digit.
[0008] Such a device may leave tips of the digits free for
manipulating the hair with precision.
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may make it possible
to keep ends of the digits clean, which may enable the user to
grasp the hair which has not yet been treated with the product.
This may enable the user to avoid using the other hand, for
example, in the aim of not soiling the other hand, or not to remove
the device from the digits.
[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may
preferably be configured to be placed between proximal phalanges of
the digits (as opposed to middle phalanges or distal phalanges).
This may make it possible, for example to leave palm faces of the
middle and distal phalanges free.
[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise at least
one opening configured to enable at least an end of a digit to go
therethrough, for example, at least a proximal phalange of a digit
or at least a middle phalange of a digit.
[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the device may comprise at least
two applicator elements, each configured to be placed between two
consecutive digits of the user. The device may comprise more
applicator elements, for example, three applicator elements
configured to be placed between four fingers of one of the user's
hands, ignoring the thumb. In exemplary embodiments, the device may
comprise an applicator element configured to be placed between a
thumb and an index finger of the user's hand.
[0013] In exemplary embodiments in which the device comprises a
plurality of applicator elements, the applicator elements may be
independent from one another or may be united.
[0014] In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element
may come into contact during application with an interdigital
membrane of the hand, at bases of the digits between the knuckles.
This may contribute to holding the applicator element in place
relative to the hand while in use.
[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the an applicator element may be
secured to the hand in various ways.
[0016] For example, an applicator element may be held solely by
being clamped between two consecutive digits, for example, the
proximal phalanges thereof. Alternatively, the applicator element
may be held by having the device connected to the hand of the user,
for example, to one or more digits, for example, over the
metacarpus and/or the wrist.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the device may include at least
one housing that is open to a side thereof, enabling a digit to be
engaged therein, for example, the proximal phalange thereof. The
device may include two housings open to sides thereof, one on
either side of the applicator element, each housing being
configured to engage a respective digit, and, for example, the
proximal phalange thereof.
[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element(s) may be
configured in such a manner that the applicator element(s) remain
held in the hand while the hand is at rest, that is, while no
adduction force (moving the digits toward one another) is being
exerted by the digits on the applicator element(s).
[0019] Particularly in exemplary embodiments in which two
applicator elements are secured to each other, each applicator
element may be carried, for example, by a glove shaped to cover the
user's hand in full or in part. The term "glove" should be
understood broadly, covering any article that may be engaged on and
secured to the hand, for example, a fingerless glove, or a
perforated glove, for example, of the kind worn by cyclists, or
even a mitten.
[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element(s) may also
be held on by at least one annular portion configured to be engaged
like a ring on a corresponding digit of the user, for example, at
least partially encircling the corresponding digit. For example,
the applicator element(s) may be held on by at least two, three,
four, or five annular portions.
[0021] For example, the applicator element may be connected to two
annular portions configured to engage on the digits between which
the applicator element is placed. One annular portion may thus be
common to two applicator elements disposed on either side
thereof.
[0022] The applicator element(s) may be configured, for example, so
as to retain a substance by capillarity, so as to be capable of
releasing the substance progressively onto hair, for example.
[0023] For example, the applicator element may be made at least in
part of a porous material. For example, the applicator element may
thus comprise a foam, for example, an open-celled foam and/or
flocking, specifically configured to be capable of becoming filled
with a large quantity of substance. Alternatively, the applicator
element may be non-porous.
[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be made
at least in part of elastomer.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the device may be made entirely of
a single material. The device may be made as a one-piece molding,
for example, of a plastics material.
[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may be
secured to a holding portion, for example, a holding portion
comprising or constituted by a glove, or an annular portion, or a
holding portion including one or two housings as defined above, and
may be secured by various means, for example, by overmolding,
adhesive, heat-sealing, stitching, stapling, snap-fastening,
hook-and-loop type fastening, magnetism, or pinching between two
parts, this list not being limiting.
[0027] In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element
may have at least one tooth, and for example, a plurality of teeth.
The presence of a tooth or teeth may make it possible to comb the
lock that is engaged between the digits concerned. The tooth or
teeth may be oriented substantially parallel to the digits of the
user that are adjacent to the applicator element, for example, thus
making it easier to insert the teeth into the hair.
[0028] When the hand is flat, the tooth or teeth may be inclined
relative to a plane of the hand.
[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the teeth of the applicator
element may be sufficiently close together to retain the substance
by capillarity, where appropriate or desired.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the tooth or teeth may optionally
include portions in relief and/or roughnesses and/or angular
portions and/or flocking, for example, to increase a quantity of
substance that may be retained.
[0031] For example, an applicator element may comprise one to
twenty teeth, for example, three to fifteen teeth, or even three to
ten teeth. For example, the applicator element may include three,
four, or five teeth. A length of the teeth may lie in a range, for
example, of 0.2 centimeters (cm) to 2 cm, for example, in a range
of 0.3 cm to 1 cm, or even in a range of 0.5 cm to 1 cm. For
example, the teeth may be shorter than adjacent proximal phalanges.
The teeth may optionally all be of a same length.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, at least one applicator element
may include a slot that is open at one end and into which the lock
of hair for treatment may be engaged, the slot including edges that
may be smooth, flocked or otherwise.
[0033] In exemplary embodiments in which the applicator element is
deformable, the slot may include two opposite edges that, for
example, touch when the digits are moved toward each other and that
diverge going away from the metacarpus during an abduction
movement.
[0034] Depending on an extent to which the digits are moved toward
each other, this may serve to clamp the lock of hair more or less
tightly between the edges of the slot, and may thus act on the
quantity of substance that is deposited, for example.
[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one applicator
element may include bristles, for example, at least one tuft of
bristles. The bristles may be implanted in an irregular manner, for
example, as tufts, or in a regular manner, with the bristles being
in alignment with substantially identical spacing therebetween, for
example. For example, a length of the bristles may be less than or
equal to a length of adjacent proximal phalanges. The bristles may
optionally be oriented substantially parallel to adjacent
fingers.
[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the device may be specially
configured to be fitted onto a left hand or a right hand, or may be
configured to be capable of being used equally well on either
hand.
[0037] In exemplary embodiments, the device may include a removable
portion, for example, a discardable portion, and a portion
configured to hold the device on the hand. The portion may be
configured to be used several times over. The removable portion may
comprise, for example, at least one of the applicator elements.
[0038] In exemplary embodiments, an applicator element in general,
and an element forming an optionally removable portion, for
example, may be selected, for example, as a function of the
substance that is to be applied, for example, by keeping different
applicator elements for different respective colors, as a function
of the nature of the hair, and/or as a function of the way in which
the user seeks to treat the lock.
[0039] For example, the device may comprise a plurality of
different applicator elements, for example, an applicator element
including teeth and/or an applicator element including bristles
and/or an applicator element including a slot. This may enable the
user to select the applicator element as a function of a desired
result and/or as a function of the substance to be applied, by
passing the lock between the corresponding digits.
[0040] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of devices may be
provided with different sizes. Alternatively, a device may comprise
a single size, being, for example, stretchable at least in
part.
[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device
for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least
two applicator elements secured to each other and each configured
to be housed between two consecutive digits of one hand, each
applicator element being configured to apply a substance to a lock
of hair extending between the corresponding digits.
[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a device
for applying a substance to hair, the device comprising at least
one applicator element configured to be received between two
consecutive digits of one hand and to enable the substance to be
applied to a lock of hair extending between these digits, the
device including at least one housing open to a side and configured
to receive at least one of the digits engaged therein.
[0043] Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary
embodiments of the invention may provide a method of treating hair,
for example, cosmetically. The method may comprise: placing a lock
of hair between two consecutive digits of a hand, an applicator
element being placed between the digits, the applicator element
being configured to be capable of being received between the two
consecutive digits of one hand; and
[0044] moving the hand relative to the lock so as to apply a
substance and/or to comb the lock using the applicator element.
[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the substance may be previously
applied to the applicator element, prior to applying the substance
and/or combing the lock. Alternatively or additionally, the
substance may be deposited directly on the lock to be treated.
[0046] In exemplary embodiments, one of the user's hands may hold
the lock, directly or by using some other accessory, such as a comb
that is configured to isolate one or more locks, while the other
hand may carry the applicator element that is to treat the
lock.
[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the user may make use of the
digits as a comb to separate locks of hair.
[0048] In exemplary embodiments, the user may act on an extent to
which two consecutive fingers placed on either side of the
applicator element are pressed together, depending on a desired
result.
[0049] For example, different applicator elements in one hand may
be reserved for different dyes, and the pairs of fingers between
which locks are inserted for treatment may be selected as a
function of respective substances on the corresponding applicator
elements.
[0050] Alternatively, the user may hold the lock with a comb for
hair that comprises a succession of teeth, for example, a comb
including teeth with at least one tooth carrying a hook that
extends at least in part away from a plane defined by at least two
consecutive teeth, for example, a comb including at least two teeth
without hooks and at least one tooth with a hook.
[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the application and/or combing
operation may be performed by an operator other than the individual
whose hair is being treated. Alternatively, the application and/or
combing operation may be performed by a same individual.
[0052] In exemplary embodiments, during treatment, the substance
may not contact the hand of the user.
[0053] Independently or in combination with the above, exemplary
embodiments of the invention may provide a kit for applying a
substance, for example, a cosmetic, to hair, the kit comprising: a
substance configured to be applied to hair, for example, a dye or a
bleach; and a device for applying the substance, as defined
above.
[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the substance may comprise a dye
that is labile or permanent. A permanent dye may be a result of
extemporaneously mixing a dye and a dye oxidizer, the dye and the
oxidizer being packaged separately, for example.
[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the user may need to fill the
applicator element with substance, for example, by pouring the
substance thereon. For example, the substance may contained in a
receptacle that is provided with an endpiece for this purpose.
[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator element may also
comprise at least one component of the substance configured to be
applied, or even the substance itself. The component or substance
may, for example, impregnate an applicator element comprising a
porous material, for example, a foam or flocking.
[0057] For example, the component or the substance may be in a
powder form, and a liquid may need to be applied to the applicator
element prior to use.
[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the component or the substance may
also be in a liquid or paste form, in which case the applicator
element may be packaged in a hermetically-sealed package, where
necessary or desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] Various details of the invention may be better understood on
reading the following detailed description of non-limiting
embodiments thereof, and on observing the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0060] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary view of a hand of a
user fitted with an exemplary device;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the exemplary device of
FIG. 1 in use;
[0062] FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrammatic and fragmentary views showing
various exemplary devices;
[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one of the exemplary
applicator elements of FIG. 5 on its own; and
[0064] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary kit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0065] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device 1 for applying a substance
to hair, the device being in place on a hand M of a user.
[0066] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 may comprise
three applicator elements 10, each located between two consecutive
fingers D of the user, not including the thumb.
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the applicator elements
10 may be identical. However, alternatively, the applicator
elements may be different.
[0068] The applicator elements 10 may be secured to one another,
for example, being connected to holding portions 2 that are
annular, each being engaged like a ring on the proximal phalange of
a corresponding digit D of the user, for example.
[0069] In the exemplary embodiment shown, each applicator element
10 may include a slot 11, extending parallel to a longitudinal
direction of the user's digits D when the device is in place on the
user's hand M, so as to enable a lock of hair F to be passed
therein.
[0070] For example, the applicator elements 10 may be made of an
elastically deformable material, thereby making the device 1 more
comfortable to wear and enabling a width of an opening of the slot
11 to be varied.
[0071] Before engaging a lock in the slot 11, a substance P may be
retained by capillarity in the slot 11, for example.
[0072] For example, each applicator element 10 may be made at least
in part of a porous material, thus making it possible to increase a
quantity of substance that may be loaded onto an applicator
element.
[0073] For example, the porous material may comprise a foam, for
example, an open-celled foam, and/or may comprise flocking.
[0074] For example, each applicator element 10 may be fitted to
holding portions 2. Alternatively, the entire device may be made as
a single piece, for example, as a one-piece plastics molding.
[0075] When the applicator elements 10 are fitted to the holding
portions 2, the applicator elements 10 may be secured by a
permanent fastener means, such as overmolding, heat-sealing,
adhesive, snap-fastening, or clamping, for example. Alternatively,
not shown, the applicator elements may also be releasably fastened
to the holding portion 2, for example, to enable the applicator
elements to be replaced.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary device 1 may be used as
follows.
[0077] The device 1 may be engaged on the hand M of a user in such
a manner that at least one applicator element 10 is held between
two consecutive digits D of the user. Thereafter, a lock F of hair
may be passed between two consecutive digits D to apply a substance
and/or to smooth out the lock using the applicator element 10.
[0078] Substance may previously be applied to the applicator
element so that passing the lock between the digits D serves to
apply the substance in an ergonomic manner. The user's other hand
may be used to hold the locks of hair, for example, so that the
locks of hair stand up vertically, and at a spacing that
corresponds to a spacing between the applicator elements 10, thus
facilitating uniform application. The locks 10 may be held taut.
The other hand may be optionally be used to hold the hair using a
comb.
[0079] The digits D of the user's hand holding the device 1 may be
used to separate the locks F. It is also possible to act on a
degree of clamping between two consecutive digits D of the user on
either side of an applicator element 10 as a function of a desired
result.
[0080] The application operation may be performed by a user other
than the individual being treated, or may be performed by that
individual. For example, the exemplary device 1 may facilitate
application of a dye or a bleach to one's own hair.
[0081] Before putting the device 1 into place on the hand, the user
may begin by putting on protective gloves. Such gloves may be
disposable, and, for example, may include cuffs for protecting the
wrists.
[0082] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the applicator
elements 10 may be secured to a glove 3 configured to cover the
user's hand completely or in part.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the glove 3 may be fitted with
applicator elements 10 in four interdigital regions at the bases of
the digits. The applicator elements 10 may possibly include slots
11, for example, as described above.
[0084] For example, the applicator elements 10 may be overmolded
onto the glove 3, with the glove acting as a holding portion
configured to hold the applicator elements on the user's hand.
[0085] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the glove 3 may cover
the user's hand completely, but it is contemplated that the glove 3
may cover the user's hand in part only, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0086] In FIG. 4, the glove 3 is like a glove as worn by cyclists,
including longitudinal openings on a back of the hand and covering
the bases of the digits. For example, the glove 3 may be worn
against the skin, or over a protective glove. The glove 3 may
include openings for passing ends of the fingers.
[0087] The exemplary device shown in FIG. 4 also differs from that
shown in FIG. 3 in that the applicator elements 10 may comprise
bristles 12 extending longitudinally substantially parallel to two
adjacent digits D of the user. For example, the bristles 12 may be
made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with the glove 3, by being
molded of a same material. Alternatively, the bristles 12 may be
secured to a support itself fastened to the glove 3 in the
interdigital regions. The glove 3 may also be overmolded onto the
bristles 12.
[0088] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the
applicator elements 10 may be secured to one another. It is
contemplated, however, that at least one applicator element may be
independent.
[0089] For example, FIG. 5 shows exemplary independent applicator
elements 10 placed on the hand M of a user. As shown in FIG. 6, the
holding portion 2 of each applicator element 10 may comprise two
open housings 14 on opposite sides of said holding portion 2 each
configured to receive a respective one of the user's digits D.
Thus, each applicator element 10 may be held by being clamped
between the corresponding digits.
[0090] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the applicator elements are shown as
including teeth 15, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, may
extend substantially parallel to the user's digits D once the
applicator element 10 is in place.
[0091] Each element 10 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 may be
made integrally as a one-piece plastics molding, for example, by
injection molding, with the teeth being obtained by molding.
[0092] An exemplary device, for example, any one of the exemplary
devices described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, may be associated
with at least one substance, configured to be applied, within a
kit.
[0093] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary kit 30, for example, comprising
the applicator element 10 of FIG. 6 together with a substance 20
for loading onto the applicator element 10. For example, the
substance 20 may comprise two components configured to be mixed
together extemporaneously.
[0094] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the applicator
element 10 is shown outside the package containing the substance.
However, it is contemplated that a device together with the
substance(s) associated therewith in the kit may all be placed in a
single package.
[0095] At least one applicator element may be pre-impregnated with
substance or with at least one component of the substance, for
example, when the applicator element comprises a porous
material.
[0096] At least one applicator element may be packaged in a
hermetically-sealed package, for example, when the applicator
element includes the substance configured to be applied or one of
the components thereof.
[0097] The substance impregnating or for use in impregnating the
applicator elements may comprise a labile hair dye. The applicator
elements may also include respective cakes of substance.
[0098] When the substance or a component thereof is initially
present on the device, the substance or component may be, for
example, in the form of a powder, a fluid, or a solid, for example,
coated on a surface of the applicator element, or may be in the
form of a cake of substance, for example, in embodiments in which
the substance comprises a labile dye.
[0099] An exemplary device may be used not only to perform
bleaching or dying treatments, but may be used to deliver a
substance for care or treatment purposes to hair, for example, a
treatment against lice. Under such circumstances, the applicator
element may be used simultaneously or independently to comb the
hair, for example, to eliminate nits.
[0100] Although various details of the present invention herein has
been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to
be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the
principles and applications of the present invention. It is
therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made
to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be
devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0101] Throughout the description, including in the claims, the
term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with
"comprising at least one" unless specified to the contrary.
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