U.S. patent application number 11/634569 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for hair highlighting application tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Paul Edmund Baker, Robert Wayne Glenn.
Application Number | 20080087294 11/634569 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39302054 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080087294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Glenn; Robert Wayne ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Hair highlighting application tool
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an application tool (1) and methods to use
the same. The application tool (1) comprises two plates (22),
connected together. At least one of said two plates (22) comprises
a fluid control zone (50), which run along the perimeter edge (30)
of said at least one plate (22), a displacement zone (60), which at
least partially separate said fluid control zone (50) from a
containment zone (70). A hair treatment composition may be loaded
in the containment zone (70) Application of hair treatment
compositions through the application tool (1) according to the
invention allows for a precise, non-messy and clean targeting of
the hair treatment composition on a hair strand and it is
especially useful for highlighting and dyeing compositions.
Inventors: |
Glenn; Robert Wayne;
(Virginia Water, GB) ; Baker; Paul Edmund;
(Silchester, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412, 6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
39302054 |
Appl. No.: |
11/634569 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/221 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/012
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/221 |
International
Class: |
A45D 37/00 20060101
A45D037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 12, 2006 |
EP |
EP06122215.4 |
Claims
1. An application tool for hair treatment compositions, said
application tool comprising a first plate and a second plate
positionable in a juxtaposed relationship with said first plate
when said application tool is in a closed state, each of said
plates comprising an internal and external surface; said first and
second plate have each a perimeter edge characterized in that the
internal surface of at least one plate comprises: a. a fluid
control zone, comprising a material which extends along at least a
portion of said perimeter edge of said at least one plate; b. a
displacement zone; and c. a containment zone for receiving a hair
treatment composition; and wherein said fluid control zone and said
containment zone are at least partially separated from one another
by said displacement zone.
2. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said fluid
control zone comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of a non-porous compressible material, an absorbent
material, an impervious membrane, at least one bristle, at least
one tine and combination thereof.
3. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said first and
said second plates are connected via a hinge.
4. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said terminal
extension of material is continuous.
5. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
containment zone of said at least one plate comprises an absorbent
substrate, a non-porous compressible material, at least one tine,
at least one bristle or combination thereof.
6. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
containment zone of said at least one plate is an area, which has
visible or tactile differences from adjacent areas of said internal
surface of said at least one plate.
7. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
containment zone of said at least one plate is a groove formed in
said internal surface of at least one plate.
8. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
containment zone of said at least one plate is a cavity of said at
least one plate.
9. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said
fluid control zone and said containment zone of said first and
second plates comprise both an absorbent material.
10. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment
composition, wherein said reservoir is in fluid communication with
said containment zone so that said hair treatment composition can
be transferred from said reservoir to said containment zone before
and/or during use.
11. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment
composition, wherein said reservoir is in a fluid communication
with said displacement zone.
12. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said
application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment
composition, wherein said reservoir is in fluid communication with
both of said displacement zone and said containment zone.
13. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein one or more
hair treatment compositions are loaded on and/or into said
application tool.
14. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or
more hair treatment compositions are loaded on and/or into said
containment zone.
15. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or
more hair treatment compositions comprise a first and a second hair
treatment composition and wherein said first hair treatment
composition is loaded into said containment zone of said first
plate and said second hair treatment composition is loaded in said
containment zone of said second plate.
16. An applicator tool according to claim 15, wherein said first
and second hair treatment compositions are mixed by bringing said
first and second plates into juxtaposed relationship at least
once.
17. An applicator tool according to claim 16, wherein said first
and second hair treatment compositions are mixed by bringing said
first and second plates into juxtaposed relationship more than
once.
18. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or
more hair treatment compositions comprise a first and a second hair
treatment composition; wherein said first and second hair treatment
compositions are mixed together to form a third hair treatment
composition and wherein said first and second hair treatment
compositions are mixed before being loaded on said application
tool.
19. An application tool according to claim 18, wherein said third
hair treatment composition is loaded into said containment zone of
said at least one plate.
20. An application tool according to claim 18, wherein said first
hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and said
second hair treatment composition comprises an alkalising
agent.
21. An application tool according to claim 20, wherein said
alkalizing agent comprises a persulfate salt.
22. A method to treat the hair comprising the steps of contacting
the hair with said application tool according to claim 13.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said application tool
is loaded with a hair treatment composition.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool
is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first
and said second plates of said application tool are brought into
juxtaposed relationship once before contacting the hair with said
application tool.
25. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool
is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first
and said second plates of said application tool are brought into
juxtaposed relationship twice before contacting the hair with said
application tool.
26. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool
is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first
and said second plates of said application tool are brought into
juxtaposed relationship more than twice before contacting the hair
with said application tool.
27. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool
is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein said hair
treatment composition is selected from the group consisting of
styling compositions, hair colourant compositions, highlighting
compositions and combinations thereof.
28. A kit-of-parts comprising at least one application tool
according to claim 1.
29. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit further
comprises instruction for consumers indicating how to use said
application tool.
30. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit further
comprises one or more individually packaged hair treatment
compositions comprising shampoo compositions, conditioning
compositions, styling compositions, hair colourant compositions,
hair bleaching compositions, highlighting compositions or
combinations thereof.
31. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit
comprises at least an individually packaged hair treatment
composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and an individually
packaged hair treatment composition comprising an alkalizing
agent.
32. A kit-of-parts according to claim 31, wherein at least one of
said individually packaged hair treatment composition comprises a
persulfate salt.
33. A kit-of-parts according to claim 30, wherein said kit further
comprises means to mix and/or to load said individually packaged
hair treatment compositions into at least one zone of said
application tool.
34. A kit-of-parts according to claim 30, wherein said kit further
comprises instruction for consumers indicating how to load said one
or more individually package hair treatment compositions into said
application tool and use said application tool.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an application tool which
allows for quick, easy, precise and non-messy targeted application
of cosmetic compositions to various substrates, such as hair, skin,
finger nails and fabric. The application tool according to the
invention is especially intended for hair treatment
compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] To accommodate the change in fashion and style and to
provide a less drastic masking of the first grey hair than a full
head dyeing event, more and more consumers have the desire to
highlight their hair.
[0003] Although under the term highlighting it is understood to be
the selection of hair strands which are lightened at least one
shade lighter that the rest of the hair, the results expected by
consumers are quite various, from subtle multi-tonal effects and
natural colour variations to more bold and daring effects. To
achieve personal customization of the end-look the consumer can
choose to perform highlighting by employing home highlighting kits
or may visit a professional stylist.
[0004] Professionals have a number of devices and techniques at
their disposal which together with training and years of experience
allow the variety of results expected by the consumers to be
delivered. However, due to the accuracy and length of the process,
the consumer is required to regularly spend a number of hours at
the salon in order to complete the process. Because of the long
time and effort employed by the professionals to achieve the
expected end results, a high premium is also demanded by the
professional stylists for their services.
[0005] The home highlighting product market is vast, financially
accessible to consumers and offers various products to deliver
practically any desired lift of the hair.
[0006] However, a number of drawbacks are associated with using
home hair highlighting treatments without assistance of a
professional. The application of highlighting compositions at the
back of the head is difficult to achieve; the selection of the
strands requires the user to maintain the arms over the head
creating discomfort and tiredness affecting the overall results.
Indeed even when the highlighting compositions are applied through
an applicator, the use of such an applicator may require
considerable practice, patience and experience in order to achieve
at least a satisfactory result. These drawbacks are further
amplified by the unpleasant nature of highlighting compositions,
which can cause bleaching if dripped onto the consumer's home
surfaces, skin and clothes.
[0007] Some attempts to solve these problems have been contemplated
in the art. WO 93/10687 has proposed a highlighting preparation
comprising a highlighting agent held by a lining material mounted
on a pliable substrate such as an aluminium foil. Once the
highlighting agent is activated by addition of hydrogen peroxide,
the pliable substrate is folded over a hair strand and the
highlighting composition is delivered. U.S. 2003/0024544 discloses
a device for applying a dye product to sections of hair, said
device comprising a cavity, which can be provided of a fibrous or
porous material, and a retention member. The retention member and
the cavity are connected but movable relative to each other so that
the retention member fits inside the cavity. The hair strand is
trapped between the cavity and the retention member to apply the
hair treatment composition. JP 200234636 teaches hair-dyeing tongs
comprising a head part and a handle part. The head part is composed
of two opposite plates to clamp the hair strand. The plates have
teeth for dividing and arranging the hair, orifices where the hair
treatment composition comes out and sponges, whilst the handle part
has a storing compartment for the dyeing composition. Channels run
inside the tong from the storing compartment to the plates. JP
2003310337 discloses a hair dyeing utensil comprising a
tweezer-shaped tool having at the top end parts absorbent pads
which are in fluid communication with small containers mounted on
the arms of tweezers-like tool. When pressure is applied on the
side of the tweezers over the small containers, the hair dyeing
composition is released and absorbed by the pads at the top ends.
GB 2242357 discloses a device comprising two hinged plates covered
by an absorbent material impregnated with the hair treatment
composition and a closing means. Once a tuft of hair is selected,
the plates are closed by the closing means over the hair and left
in place. This application device works as a replacement for foils,
which are used by stylists in professional salons. JP 2003199623
discloses a sheet brush which can be folded over the hair strands
to apply hair treatment composition onto hair strands. The sheet
brush is provided with teeth protruding out from the base of the
sheet, which can be covered by non-woven fabric. EP 1433399
discloses a device comprising an applicator portion and a fastening
mean. The applicator portion comprises a compressible container
where the hair treatment composition is lodged. The user positions
a hair strand between one finger and the container. Upon
application of pressure on the compressible container, the
composition contained therein is released on the hair strand. JP
1999178639 discloses a hair cosmetic applicator characterized by
two hinged plates, each of these plates has a fitting means on the
external surface and a bag comprising a hair treatment composition
attached on the internal surface. Each bag contains a hole from
which the composition is released through metering layers by
opening and closing the hinged plates.
[0008] What still remains unsolved by the art is the provision of a
hair treatment application tool to satisfy the home highlighting
consumers' needs in terms of avoiding the bleeding of the highlight
composition from the application tool, applying the highlighting
composition homogenously over the entire length of the hair strands
and easiness to use with one hand, to pick up, grip, hold and lay
down. Moreover, the application tool should be easy to guide
particularly at the root line and to perform several applications
irrespective of the hair length. The application tool must also
provide flexibility for creating a high variety of highlights, for
inventing new fashions, for shortening the time and costs and for
simplifying the highlight performances. Finally, the application
tool must be doubtless light, cheap, disposable or recyclable and
easy to produce.
[0009] It has now been found that an application tool (as defined
herein after) can significantly improve the highlighting results at
home as well as at professional salons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to the invention, an application tool (1) for hair
treatment compositions is provided, comprising a first plate (10)
and a second plate (20) positionable in a juxtaposed relationship
with said first plate when said application tool is in a closed
state, each of said plates comprising an internal (101; 201) and an
external surface (102; 202); said first (10) and second (20) plates
have each a perimeter edge (30) characterized in that the internal
surface of at least one plate comprises [0011] a. a fluid control
zone (50), comprising a material which extends along at least a
portion of said perimeter edge of said at least one plate; [0012]
b. a displacement zone (60); and [0013] c. a containment zone (70),
for receiving a hair treatment composition; wherein said fluid
control zone (50) and said containment zone (70) are at least
partially separated from one another by said displacement zone
(60).
[0014] Said fluid control zone (50) comprises a material selected
from the group consisting of a non-porous compressible material, an
absorbent material, at least one bristle, at least one tine and
combination thereof.
[0015] The present invention further relates to methods using said
application tool (1) and kit-of-parts comprising the application
tool (1) disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the
application tool (1) according to the invention comprising first
(10) and second (20) plates, connected via a hinge (90); one plate
(10) being the mirror image of the other (20). Each of said first
and second plate (10; 20) comprises an internal (101; 201) and an
external (102; 202) surface.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, displaying the arrangement of the fluid
control zone (50), which runs along the perimeter edge (30) of said
one plate (10), of the displacement zone (60) and containment zone
(70).
[0018] FIG. 3a is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of an
embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention,
wherein the fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material
or a non-porous compressible material and the containment zone
comprises tines or bristles (71). FIGS. 3b and 3c show a top view
of the plate (10) of FIG. 3a, wherein the tines or bristles (71)
are organized in two different possible configurations within the
containment zone.
[0019] FIG. 4a is a top view of one plate of an embodiment of the
application tool (1) according to the invention, wherein the fluid
control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material or a non-porous
compressible material and the containment zone (70) is an area,
which has a visible difference from the displacement zone (60). The
non-coloured or non-shaded region of the plate (10) is the
displacement zone (60). FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view of the
plate (10) shown in FIG. 4a.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of an
embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention,
wherein said fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent
material or a non-porous compressible material and wherein said
containment zone (70) is a groove in said at least one plate
(10).
[0021] FIGS. 6a and 6b are cross sectional views of one plate (10)
of two embodiments of the application tool (1) according to the
invention, wherein said fluid control zone (50) comprises an
absorbent material or a non-porous compressible material and
wherein said containment zone (70) is a cavity of one plate (10).
The displacement zone (60) partially separate the containment zone
(70) from the fluid control zone (50) in FIG. 6a whilst in FIG. 6b,
the displacement zone (60) entirely separate the containment zone
(70) from the fluid control zone (50).
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the
application tool (1) according to the invention wherein one plate
(10) comprises a reservoir (80) adapted on the external surface
(102) of one plate (10). The reservoir (80) is provided with a
valve (81) to load a hair treatment composition into said reservoir
(80), wherein said reservoir (80) is in communication with the
containment zone (70) through apertures (82) present on the plate
(10).
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an application tool (1)
according to the invention. The first plate (10) and the second
plate (20) are mirror images. The displacement zone (60) entirely
separates the containment zone (70) from the fluid control zone
(50). Both the containment zone (70) and the fluid control zone
(50) comprise an absorbent material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It has been surprisingly found that the application tool (1)
described herein allows to solve the above mentioned technical
problem. The selection of two connected plates (10; 20) allows the
user to guide the application tool (1), with the use of either
hand, precisely and easily also to difficultly accessible sectors
such as at the back of the head or at the root of the hair close to
the scalp. The fluid control zone (50), which extends along the
perimeter edge (30) of the internal surface (101; 201) of at least
one plate (10; 20), provides the application tool (1) with an
excellent means to prevent bleeding of the hair treatment
composition from the application tool (1) and helps to reduce
excessive deposition of hair treatment composition during
application onto the hair. The containment zone (70) is the zone
where the hair treatment composition is applied and jointly with
the displacement zone (60) allows the delivery of a hair treatment
composition to the selected hair strand in a homogeneous and clean
fashion.
[0025] For the purpose of this invention, the term hair refers to
both living hair i.e. on a living body and to non-living hair i.e.
in a wig, hairpiece or other aggregation of non-living keratinous
fibre. Mammalian, preferably human hair is intended. However, wool,
fur and other keratinous fibre may be suitable to be used with the
application tool according to the invention.
[0026] The term hair strand, for the purpose of this invention,
refers to at least two keratinous fibres, especially hair, in
particular human hair and it should be construed as hair
bundle.
[0027] As used herein, the term "applied" when referring to a hair
treatment composition is to encompass coated, loaded, absorbed,
adsorbed and adhered.
[0028] While the specification concludes with claims, which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is
believed the present invention will be better understood from the
following description.
[0029] 1. Plates
[0030] The application tool (1) of the present invention comprises
a first (10) and a second (20) plate; both plates (10; 20) are of
ergonomic size and can thus fit easily on either hand. The shape of
the plates may vary. Rectangular, square, circular elliptical or
oblong shapes may be useful as they are easy to manufacture but
other shapes, particularly those that are easily recognised by the
consumers may be used. It is unimportant which plate is designated
as a first plate and which is designated as a second plate. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each plate (10; 20) comprises an internal
(101; 201) and external surface (102; 202). The internal surface
(101; 201) of at least one plate (10; 20), preferably both plates,
comprises a fluid control zone (50), a displacement zone (60) and a
containment zone (70) as described hereinafter.
[0031] Each plate may be independently flat or curved. Each plate
may have a cavity or a groove and said cavity or grove may be
independently located on the internal (101; 201) or external (102;
202) surface of each plate (10; 20). Each plate may be of the same
or different size and shape. Preferably, the first plate is the
mirror image of the second plate (10; 20) for easy manufacture as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 8.
[0032] Each plate may have a surface area of from 0.5 cm.sup.2 to
100.00 cm.sup.2, preferably from 0.70 cm.sup.2 to 75.00 cm.sup.2,
more preferably from 1.00 cm.sup.2 to 50.00 cm.sup.2.
[0033] Each plate may be independently manufactured from any known
material or combination of materials capable of supporting a hair
treatment composition. Suitable materials are polymer resins such
as a polyolefin e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene
terephthalate. Other polymers which could be used include
polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone or thermo plastic
elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers where
appropriate; flexible pliable substrates such as paper boards,
metal based substrates and aluminium foils, filmic substrates or
multiple laminations or combinations of multiple layers of said
materials.
[0034] The method of manufacture of the plates may include, but is
not limited to, injection moulding, co-injection moulding, over
moulding, in-mold assembly, compression moulding, blow moulding,
thermo or vacuum forming of a blister type shell and lamination
onto a carrier plastic or board material in the horizontal or
vertical plane.
[0035] 2. Plates Connection
[0036] The selection of two connected plates improves the user's
perception of control over the application tool (1) and allows the
user to guide the application tool (1), with the use of either
hand, precisely and easily and also allows access to troublesome
sections such as the back of the head or the root of the hair close
to the scalp. In addition, the plates' connection allows the user
to move the application tool (1) from one hair strand to another
without having to adjust the position of one plate (10) onto the
other (20) after each application.
[0037] The connection between the plates (10; 20) according to the
present invention allows the application tool (1) to be in a closed
state or in an open state. When the application tool (1) is in a
closed state, said first plate (10) is in juxtaposed relationship
to said second plate (20), whereas when the application tool (1) is
in an open state said first plate (10) is distant from the said
second plate (20). When the application tool is in an open state,
the angle between said internal surfaces (101; 201) of said first
and second plates (10; 20) may range between 5.degree. and
360.degree., preferably between 30.degree. and 185.degree., more
preferably at least 50.degree.. The connection between said first
(10) and second (20) plates is preferably of resilient nature. In
certain embodiments the application tool (1) may be in an open
state and said first (10) and second plates (20) may be brought
together into a juxtaposed relationship by applying pressure on
their external surfaces (102; 202). In certain embodiments the
application tool (1) may be in a closed state and pressure has to
be applied on to the connection to distance the internal surfaces
(101; 201) of the first (10) and the second plate (20). In certain
other embodiments, the application tool (1) is in a closed state
and each plate is provided with fastening means where the thumb and
index finger may be positioned to assist the separation of the
first and second plates (10, 20). Independently from their initial
orientation, both the first (10) and the second (20) plates, by
pivoting about the connection, may re-establish their initial
orientation by springing back. The characteristics of the
connection may be an intrinsic property of the material used to
manufacture the connection or may be provided by the design of the
connection itself. The connection should not break or get damaged
so as to affect utility within a few applications. The connection
should not be too resistant to the applied pressure by the user,
otherwise the user's hand and fingers may ache during repetitive
use. On the other end, the connection should not be too loose or
else there is no perception of guidance over the application tool
(1). The spring back property should be effective otherwise said
plates (10; 20) may remain always either in a juxtaposed
relationship or distant. However, the spring back should not occur
uncontrollably and unexpectedly as it may otherwise cause tearing
of the material comprised in said fluid control (50) and
containment zones (70), or may injure the user's hand and fingers
or may displace inadvertently the hair treatment composition from
the application tool (1). The present inventors have surprisingly
found that the connection should work with applicable pressures
ranging from 0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to 30.0 N/cm.sup.2, more preferably
from 0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to 15.0 N/cm.sup.2, even more preferably from
0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to 10.0 N/cm.sup.2 and that the connection should
have a spring back pressure to open ranging from 0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to
30.0 N/cm.sup.2, more preferably from 0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to 15.0
N/cm.sup.2 and even more preferably from 0.01 N/cm.sup.2 to 10.0
N/cm.sup.2.
[0038] The first (10) and the second (20) plates are connected via
any suitable means that fulfils the above described requirements,
including the user's hand through the thumb and the index finger;
preferably, said first (10) and second (20) plates are connected
via a hinge (90). The hinge (90) can be formed in a number of ways
including: a "live" injection moulded hinge, a co-injected hinge,
an over moulded hinge, in-mold assembly, a leaf spring or any other
appropriate spring assembly, a strap hinge, a fold formed by a
kiss-cut, score or crease.
[0039] In certain embodiments both the first (10) and the second
(20) plates have a female part of the hinge (90) incorporated in
their design. The female part of the hinge (90) is created during
the manufacture process for the first and second plate (10; 20),
for example during the injection moulding process. A pin is
designed to fit both female parts of the hinge (90) created on the
first (10) and second plates (20). The pin, preferably of
rectangular shape is manufactured from a polymer resin such as
polyolefin, preferably polypropylene. The pin is assembled into the
female parts of the plates (10; 20) to create the hinge (90).
[0040] In certain embodiments, both the first (10) and second (20)
plates may be manufactured within the same injection mould for
example from polypropylene. A living hinge (90) also made from
polypropylene may be created between the first (10) and the second
(20) plate. Polypropylene may be used to provide a living hinge
that can be flexed multiple times without breakage. The living
hinge is typically closed during the de-moulding process.
[0041] In certain embodiments, both the first (10) and second (20)
plates may be manufactured within the same injection mould for
example from polypropylene and a hinge (90) can be created by
co-injection, in-mold assembly or over-moulding of a thermo plastic
elastomer or a thermo plastic vulcanate or any other material that
can be used to provide a hinge (90) with the properties listed
above.
[0042] 3. Zones
[0043] The fluid control zone (50) runs along the perimeter edge
(30) of the internal surface (101; 201) of at least one plate (10).
The fluid control zone provides the application tool (1) with an
excellent measure to avoid messiness during the application of a
hair treatment composition, preventing the formation of blobbing
which results in the deposition of an excessive amount of hair
treatment composition onto the hair, especially close to the roots.
Such blobs of hair treatment composition may also bleed across
other hair strands causing unacceptable and unsightly treatment in
neighbouring strands or ooze outside the application tool (1).
[0044] The fluid control zone (50) may have a length of from about
1.00 cm to about 80.00 cm, preferably from about 3.00 cm to about
50.00 cm and more preferably from about 6.00 cm to about 30.00 cm.
The fluid control zone (50) may be of constant or variable width.
The fluid control zone may be continuous or discontinuous; by
continuous it is meant that the material present in the fluid
control zone (50) does not form loci or islets or it is not
interrupted or stopped by the displacement zone (60). Preferably
the fluid control zone (50) of at least one plate (10), more
preferably of both plates (10; 20) is continuous as shown FIG. 8.
When the fluid control zone (50) is continuous, said fluid control
zone (50) has a width of from about 0.05 cm to about 4.00 cm,
preferably from about 0.10 cm to about 3.00 cm, more preferably
from about 0.50 cm to about 2.50 cm. When the fluid control zone
(50) is discontinuous said fluid control zone (50) has a width of
from about 0.00 cm to about 4.00 cm, preferably from about 0.00 cm
to about 3.00 cm, more preferably from about 0.00 cm to about 2.50
cm, wherein the fluid control zone (50) has a width of about 0.00
cm where the fluid control zone (50) is absent. When the fluid
control zone (50) is discontinuous, at least some portion has a
width of at least 0.05 cm, preferably at least 0.10 cm, more
preferably at least 0.50 cm.
[0045] In some embodiments one or both plates' surfaces may extend
beyond the fluid control zone (50) to accommodate additional
features as described later below.
[0046] The fluid control zone (50) is at least partially separated
from the containment zone (70) by the displacement zone (60). By
partially separated is meant that at least one portion of the
displacement zone (60) separates the fluid control zone (50) from
the containment zone (70). By separation is meant that there is a
void volume of displacement zone (60) between the fluid control
zone (50) and the containment zone (70) when the plates (10; 20)
are into juxtaposed relationship. Preferably, the fluid control
zone (50) is entirely separated from the containment zone (70) by
the displacement zone (60). The displacement zone (60) allows the
hair treatment composition to be displaced from the containment
zone (70) to the fluid control zone (50) when the plates (10; 20)
are brought into juxtaposed relationship.
[0047] The displacement zone (60) may be of constant or variable
width. The displacement zone (60) may have a width of from about
0.05 cm to about 4.00 cm, preferably from about 0.10 cm to about
3.00 cm, more preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 2.50 cm. When
the fluid control zone (50) is only partially separated from the
containment zone (70), at least a portion of the displacement zone
(60) has a width of at least 0.05 cm, preferably at least 0.10 cm,
more preferably at least 0.30 cm.
[0048] When the application tool (1) is in the closed state and the
plates (10; 20) are in a juxtaposed relationship, the hair
treatment composition is forced to move from the containment zone
(70) to the displacement zone (60) toward the fluid control zone
(50). Given the presence of the fluid control zone (50) and of the
displacement zone (60), the hair treatment composition does not
leak or ooze beyond the perimeter edge (30) of the plates (10; 20)
but stays within the application tool (1).
[0049] Without being bound by theory, it has been found that by
having a displacement zone (60) at least partially separating,
preferably entirely separating the containment zone (70) from the
fluid control zone (50), the containment zone (70) may hold a
volume of fluid (Vf) that is less than or equal to the volume (Vt)
that is comprised between the internal surfaces (101; 201) of both
the first and second plates (10; 20) when the application tool (1)
is in a closed state. In the preferred embodiment, the ratio of Vf
to Vt is from about 0.5 to about 1.0, preferably from about 0.7 to
about 1.0, more preferably from about 0.80 to about 1.0 and even
more preferably from about 0.9 to about 1.0. This specifically
allows the delivery of sufficient hair treatment composition to
perform the desired treatment.
[0050] The fluid control zone (50) may comprise a material selected
from the group consisting of an absorbent material, a non-porous
compressible material, at least one bristle, at least one tine, an
impervious membrane or combination thereof.
[0051] Suitable absorbent materials for use in the present
invention may be selected from non-wovens; wovens; porous foams and
foam materials; porous plastics; flexible frits; meshes; sponges
and combinations thereof including recycled and composite materials
having one or more plies of the same or different materials
superimposed physically, joined together continuously (laminated),
in a discontinuous pattern, or by bonding the external edges at
discrete loci provided that the structures meet the functional
requirements described hereinabove.
[0052] The absorbent materials of the present invention may be
selected from non-wovens and/or porous foams. Non-woven materials
are produced from fibres that may be staple or continuous filaments
or be formed in situ and include a manufactured sheet, web or batt
or directionally or randomly oriented fibres, bonded by friction,
and/or cohesion and/or adhesion. Nonwoven webs and processes for
making them may comprise three steps: fiber laying, precursor web
formation, and fiber bonding. The fibre laying step may be
comprised of the spunlaying, meltblowing, carding, airlaying,
wetlaying and combinations thereof, of the fibres comprising the
web onto a forming surface. The step of precursor web formation may
prevent the fibres comprising the web from coming apart during the
bonding step. Precursor web formation may be performed via a
pre-bonding step, such as one that is chemical or mechanical in
nature. The bonding step may then impart strength to the finished
web. The bonding step may be comprised of subjecting the fibres
comprising the web to hydroentanglement (HET), cold calendering,
hot calendering, air through bonding, chemical bonding, needle
punching, and combinations thereof. Suitable non-woven materials
may be comprised of natural or synthetic fibres selected from
acetate fibres; acrylic fibres; cellulose ester fibres; modacrylic
fibres; polyamide fibres; polyester fibres; polyolefin fibres;
polyvinyl alcohol fibres; rayon fibres; keratin fibres; cellulose
fibres; silk fibres and combinations thereof. The non-wovens may be
comprised of mono-component fibres, such as a polyolefin or
polyester, or bi-component fibres, such as a sheath/core fibre or
side by side fibre of polyethylene/polypropylene or
polyethylene/polyester, or bi-constituent fibres comprised by a
blend of two or more thermoplastic polymers.
[0053] Porous foams and foam materials are made from low density
elastomers, plastics, and other materials with various porosities
and may be selected from open cellular foams; flexible foams; rigid
foams; and reticular foams and syntactic foams which can be
fabricated into finished shapes using molding, casting, extrusion,
pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, blow
molding, rapid prototyping techniques, grinding and/or other
specialized processes. The porous foams and foam materials may be
composed of a variety of chemical systems including
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene; acrylics; epoxy resins;
fluoropolymers; isoprene-styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene;
synthetic rubbers or elastomers based on a variety of systems such
as silicone, polyurethane and neoprene; nitrile rubbers; plastics
or elastomers formed from natural or plant-based raw materials such
as natural rubber (polyisoprene) or vulcanized fibre; water-based
and water-borne resins and latex materials. Chemical systems for
porous foams and foam materials may include ethylene copolymer,
expanded polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether,
polyetherimide, polyimide, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane,
phenolic, polyurea, and vinyl.
[0054] Porous plastics can be made from wide variety of materials
including polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and
polyvinyldifluoride. They are created by filling a mold with tiny
plastic pellets, subjecting the mold to heat and pressure so the
pellets bond where they touch. This part is then heated outside the
mold; the part shrinks significantly during this step which
strengthens it.
[0055] The porous foams are preferably polyurethane foams. Suitable
examples of porous foams are available from Recticel International
(Belgium).
[0056] The fluid control zone (50) may comprise a non-porous
compressible material. Useful non-porous compressible material
comprises materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene or silicone
or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo
plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Suitable thermoplastic materials
include polyolefins (including polyethylenes, such as high density
polyethylene and polypropylene), polyvinylidene chloride, and
polystyrene. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to,
ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubbers such as Santoprene.RTM.
sold by Monsanto, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo.; halogenated polyolefins
such as Alcryn sold by DuPont Polymer Products of Wilmington, Del.;
hydrogenated adduct of a styrene-butadiene block copolymer with
maleic anhydride, such as Craton sold by Shell Chemical Company of
Houston, Tex.; SEBS (sequenced styrene-ethylene-butadiene)
polymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride,
polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic,
acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, Ethylene vinyl alcohol,
polycarbonate and polystyrene, or electro-static flocking or sealed
non-woven or foam structures.
[0057] The fluid control zone (50) may comprise at least one
bristle. Suitable materials for a bristle are synthetic material
such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate,
silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic
elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Other polymers
could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene
acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or
copolymers or electro-static flocking or open non-woven or foam
structures or natural sources such as Horse Hair. The wire form of
the bristles or brushes may be straight, curved or crimped to
achieve the required performance.
[0058] The fluid control zone (50) may comprise at least one tine.
Suitable material include polyethylene, polypropylene or
polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or natural and synthetic
rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or
copolymers. Other polymers could be used including
polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or copolymers or
electro-static flocking or open non-woven or foam structures.
[0059] The fluid control zone (50) may comprise an impervious
membrane. Suitable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene or
polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or natural and synthetic
rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or
copolymers. Other polymers could be used including
polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or copolymers or
electro-static flocking or sealed non-woven or foam structures.
[0060] The materials comprised in the fluid control zone (50) can
be manufactured in a number on ways including: co-injected, over
moulding, in-mold assembly, adhesion lamination, heat bonding and
may be removable or permanently attached to fluid control zone. Any
methods suitable to attach the material to the fluid control zone
(50) to the application tool (1) may be employed herein providing
that said method does not destroy or alter the performance of said
material. Useful methods are, but not limited to, heat welding
including pressure, ultrasonic forces, radio or high frequencies,
co-extruded heat activated adhesives, electro static adhesions such
as flocking by fibres. The material comprised in the fluid control
zone (50) and in the containment zone (70) may also be attached to
the application tool (1) through adhesive, including two-side tape,
thermo-set, hot melt and cold seal, adhesion or extrusion
lamination. Mechanical interlock or entanglement such as
Velcro.RTM., clamping, snap locks, sealing beads, locking pins and
magnetism may also be used to adhere the material to the
application tool (1).
[0061] The materials described above for the fluid control zone
(50) and the methods to attach said material to the internal
surface (101, 201) of said at least one plate (10) may be employed
also for the containment zone (70). In addition, the containment
zone (70) may also be an area of said internal surface (101; 201)
of said at least one plate (10) having visual and/or tactile
differences, such as a coloured or shaded area, an area with
pattern or marking or an embossed area. The containment zone (70)
may further be a groove in said at least one plate (10) or it may
be a cavity of said at least one plate (10).
[0062] In one preferred embodiment of the application tool (1)
according to the invention, the fluid control zone (50) of at least
one plate (10) comprises a non-porous compressible material.
Preferably, when the fluid control zone (50) comprises a non-porous
compressible material, said fluid control zone is continuous. When
the fluid control zone (50) comprises a non-porous compressible
material, the containment zone comprises preferably an absorbent
material as shown in FIG. 1; or said containment zone (70) of said
at least one plate (10) is an area of the internal surface (101;
201) having visible or tactile differences such as a coloured or
shaded area, in area with a pattern or markings or an embossed area
as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. In certain other embodiments said
containment zone (70) is a groove in said at least one plate (10)
as shown in FIG. 5. In some other embodiments, said containment
zone (70) of said at least one plate (10) is a cavity of said at
least one plate as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0063] In one embodiment of the application tool (1) of the present
invention the fluid control zone (50) and the containment zone (70)
of said first (10) and second (20) plates both comprise an
absorbent material as shown in FIG. 8. In another embodiment, the
application tool (1) has said fluid control zone (50) of one plate
(10) comprising a non-porous compressible material and a
containment zone (70) comprising tines (71). In certain other
embodiments the containment zone (70) of one plate comprises tines
(71) and the fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent
material. In certain embodiments, the distribution of tines and
bristles in the fluid control zone (50) and containment zone (70)
may vary. The tines of the containment zone (70) may be randomly
distributed as shown in FIG. 3c. Combinations of these elements are
also contemplated within the scope of the present invention so as
to have i.e. a containment zone (70) which is as a groove in said
at least one plate (10) and tines or bristles may be distributed as
shown in FIG. 3b around said groove.
[0064] Within the scope of the present invention are also included
embodiments of the application tool (1) comprising combination of
said first (10) and second (20) plate having different materials in
said fluid control (50) and containment (70) zones. Not only the
materials may be different but also the width, height and length of
said zones and continuity of the materials within the zones may be
different. In particular, the application tool (1) according to the
present invention contemplates combinations which create internal
surface (101; 201) of said first and second plates (10; 20) that
have configuration of the zones that coincide and fit together.
Certain embodiments for instance have a fluid control zone (50) of
the first plate (10) comprising a non-porous compressible material
and the containment zone (70) comprising an absorbent material,
whereas the fluid control zone (50) of the second plate (20)
comprises a non-porous compressible material and the containment
zone (70) is an area of different appearance of said internal
surface (101) of said at least one plate (10) such that the
absorbent substrate comprised in the containment zone (70) of the
first plate (10) would easily fit within the containment zone (70)
area of the second plate (20).
[0065] 4. Additional Features
[0066] 4.1 Reservoirs
[0067] The application tool (1) may further comprise a reservoir
(80) for a hair treatment composition, wherein said reservoir (80)
communicates with said fluid control zone (50), displacement zone
(60) and/or containment zone (70). The reservoir (80) may be
present on the external surface (102; 202) or internal surface
(101, 201) of one or both plates. Preferably, the reservoir (80)
communicates with said zones (50; 60; 70) in the internal surface
(101; 201) through apertures (82) located through said plates (10;
20). One non limiting example is shown in FIG. 7, wherein both
plates (10; 20) comprise an absorbent material in the fluid control
zones (50) and in the containment zones (70) and a reservoir
located on the external surface (102) of the first plate (10) and
apertures (82) through said first plate (10) set in communication
the reservoir (80) with the absorbent material comprised in the
containment zone (70). In this particular embodiment a valve (81)
is located on the reservoir (80). In some embodiments, a one-way or
a two-way valve (81) may be incorporated into the plates (10; 20)
and/or in the reservoir (80) to allow loading of the hair treatment
composition by engagement of a bottle, tube, syringe, bag, sachet
or any container suitable for dispensing the hair treatment
composition such as a nozzle, a syringe, an actuator or similar
dispensing devices. The reservoir (80) may be fixed, attachable or
removable from the plates (10; 20) and may be disposed of once the
hair treatment compositions have been released.
[0068] The reservoir (80) comprises materials such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride,
silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic
elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. The reservoir
can be formed in a number of ways including: co-injected, over
moulding, in-mold assembly, vacuum forming, casting, adhesion
lamination, or heat bonding of a laminate material.
[0069] The apertures (82) may be covered by metering layers,
barriers materials or liners removable via peeling, rupturing,
puncturing, breaking, tearing, piercing, sliding, folding, and
compression. The release liner or barrier may be peelable and/or
resealable and may be constructed from a plastic, aluminium
laminate constructions. Some examples of these materials include:
laminates of low density polyethylene or blends of polyethylene
with poly-isobutylene with aluminium foil and polyethylene
terephthalate or bi-orientated polypropylene peel-able foils and
may be made of a gas resistant material, especially for hair
treatment composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, including
aluminium laminated foil, metalised aluminium onto a plastic
carrier, Aclar.RTM. polychloro-trifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene
chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silica and aluminium
oxides.
[0070] 4.2 Stop Mechanism
[0071] A stop mechanism may be incorporated onto at least one of
the internal surfaces (101; 201) of said first and second plate
(10; 20). The stop mechanism ensures that the hair treatment
composition may not be forced beyond the perimeter edge (30) of
said plates (10; 20) and may act in collaboration with the fluid
control zone (50). In certain embodiments, the application tool (1)
is brought into a closed state by applying pressure on the external
surfaces (102; 202) of the plates (10; 20). When a too high
pressure in moving the plates (10; 20) into a juxtaposed
relationship is exerted, the hair treatment composition may bleed
or it may form blobs leading to unacceptable mess. Too high
pressure may even cause damage of the material comprised in the
zones (50; 70) affecting the application of the hair treatment
composition to the hair strand.
[0072] In certain embodiments, the stop mechanism may be
manufactured during the same manufacturing step as the plates and
with the same or different material.
[0073] The presence, size and height of the stop mechanism are
related to the compressibility of the materials used to manufacture
the containment zone (70) and the fluid control zone (50). In
certain other embodiments the stop mechanism may be one or more
tines or it may comprise teeth of a comb-like structure in any of
the material described herein before. In certain embodiments the
stop mechanism may be positioned within the displacement zone (60)
and it may be shorter than the height of the containment zone (70)
and/or the fluid control zone (50). In certain other embodiments,
the stop mechanism may be incorporated at the perimeter edge (30)
of the first (10) and/or second (20) plate or in proximity of the
connection on the internal surface (101; 201), preferably the stop
mechanism is located on at least one plate (10; 20), when said at
least one plate extends beyond the fluid control zone (50). In
other embodiments the stop mechanism may be integrated within the
fluid control zone (50), the displacement zone and/or the
containment zone (50) and or the connection, preferably within the
hinge (90).
[0074] 4.3 Hair Strand Selection Means
[0075] Consumers may use their fingers to select the hair strands
on which they desire to apply the hair treatment composition. The
application tool (1) of the present invention may however be
further provided with hair strand selection means. Examples of hair
strand selection means are, but not limited to, spikes, hooks,
crochets, clips or beads. The hair strand selection means may be
incorporated in one or both plates (10; 20). Said means may also be
attached through a snap mechanism to the plates (10; 20) such that
the hair strand selection means may swing from a position proximal
to the plate to a far one, such as it happens with the blades of a
penknife. The hair strand selection means may also be separately
provided to the application tool (1) of the present invention as a
component of a kit-of-parts as described herein below.
[0076] 4.4 Gripping Areas
[0077] Usually consumers wear gloves during the application of the
hair treatment composition. The gloves are typically made from
materials such as poly vinyl chloride or polyethylene or rubber
materials such as isoprene, nyoprene or latex and may increase the
difficulty for the consumers to grip the application tool (1).
Thus, the application tool (1) disclosed herein may further
comprise on the external surfaces (102; 202) of one or both plates
(10; 20) gripping areas that are designed to provide grip. These
gripping areas may be manufactured using co-injection or
over-moulding techniques when the plates are manufactured. Useful
materials include, but are not limited to, materials such as
polyethylene, polypropylene or silicone or natural and synthetic
rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or
copolymers. Other polymers could be used including
polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, polycarbonate and polystyrene, or electro-static flocking
or sealed non-woven or foam structures. In addition, the gripping
areas may be formed through embossing, debossing or coating of the
external surfaces (102; 202) of one or both plates (10; 20) or it
may be a cavity present on the external surface (102; 202) of said
plates (10; 20) The gripping means can be located in only a portion
of the external surface (102; 202) or they may cover the whole
external surfaces (102; 202).
[0078] 4.5 Release Liner or Barrier
[0079] Release liners or barriers may be present to protect the
fluid control zone (50), the displacement zone (60) and/or the
containment zone (70) from contamination. The release liner or
barrier may be peelable or resealable and may be constructed from a
plastic, aluminium laminate constructions. Some examples of these
materials include: laminates of low density polyethylene or blends
of polyethylene with poly-isobutylene with aluminium foil and
polyethylene terephthalate or bi-orientated polypropylene peel-able
foils and may be made of a gas resistant material, especially for
hair treatment composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, including
aluminium laminated foil, metalised aluminium onto a plastic
carrier, Aclar.RTM. polychloro-trifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene
chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silica and aluminium
oxides.
[0080] 4.6 Means to Perform Loading of the Hair Treatment
Composition into the Application Tool
[0081] One or more means suitable to attach, adapt or install a
dispensing or loading device to perform the loading of the hair
treatment composition into the containment zone (70) of the
application tool (1) according to the invention may be present.
Examples of said means are, but not limited to, nozzles and
orifices, pouch pocket or one-way or two-way valves (81) present on
at least one plate (10) or through the connection. Said means may
be permanently connected to the application tool (1) or may be
removable, they may be disposable or recyclable and they may be
provided as a separate component of a kit-of-parts as described
herein below.
[0082] 5. Hair Treatment Compositions and Loading Thereof
[0083] Accordingly, the application tool (1) may preferably be
loaded with hair treatment compositions comprising components
known, conventionally used, or otherwise effective for use in
oxidative bleaching and or hair coloring. The hair treatment
compositions include but are not limited to: developer dye
compounds; coupler dye compounds; direct dyes; oxidizing agents;
thickeners; chelants; pH modifiers and buffering agents; carbonate
ion sources and radical scavenger systems; anionic, cationic,
nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants, or mixtures
thereof; anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic
polymers, or mixtures thereof; fragrances; dispersing agents;
peroxide stabilizing agents; proteins and derivatives thereof,
plant materials (e.g. aloe, chamomile and henna extracts);
silicones (volatile or non-volatile, modified or non-modified),
film-forming agents; ceramides; preserving agents; colour
indicators and opacifiers. Some adjuvants referred to above, but
not specifically described below, which are suitable are listed in
the International Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook,
(8th ed.; The Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association).
Particularly, vol. 2, sections 3 (Chemical Classes) and 4
(Functions) are useful in identifying specific adjuvants to achieve
a particular purpose or multipurpose.
[0084] 5.1. Solvents
[0085] The medium suitable for dyeing or highlighting may be
selected from water or a mixture of water and at least one organic
solvent to dissolve the compounds that would not typically be
sufficiently soluble in water. Suitable organic solvents for use
herein include, but are not limited to: C1 to C4 lower alkanols
(e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol), aromatic alcohols (e.g.
benzyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol); polyols and polyol ethers
(e.g., carbitols, 2-butoxyethanol, propylene glycol, propylene
glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
monomethyl ether, hexylene glycol, glycerol, ethoxy glycol), and
propylene carbonate. Organic solvents are typically present in an
amount ranging from about 1% to about 30%, by weight, of the
composition. Preferred solvents are water, ethanol, propanol,
isopropanol, glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, hexylene glycol,
ethoxy diglycol, and mixtures thereof.
[0086] 5.2. Oxidative and Non Oxidative Dye Compounds
[0087] The hair treatment compositions which can be used with the
application tool (1) according to the invention may include
oxidative dye compounds in the form of primary intermediates or
couplers. The oxidative dye compounds may be used as free bases or
in the form of their physiologically compatible salts with organic
or inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, citric,
acetic, lactic, succinic, tartaric, or sulfuric acids, or, in so
far as they have aromatic hydroxyl groups, in the form of their
salts with bases, such as alkali phenolates.
[0088] Optional couplers are typically present in an amount such
that in aggregate the concentration of couplers and the present
discrete particle aggregates and/or agglomerates in the composition
ranges from about 0.002% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01%
to about 5%, by weight, of the hair dyeing composition. Optional
primary intermediates are present in an effective dyeing
concentration, typically an amount from about 0.001% to about 10%,
preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight, of the hair
dyeing composition. The total amount of dye compounds (e.g.,
optional primary intermediates, optional coupler compounds, and the
present discrete particle aggregates and/or agglomerates) in the
hair dyeing compositions of this invention will typically range
from about 0.002% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.04% to
about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 7%, by weight,
of the hair dyeing composition.
[0089] These compounds are well known in the art, and include
aromatic diamines, aminophenols, aromaticdiols and their
derivatives (a representative but not exhaustive list of oxidation
dye precursor can be found in Sagarin, "Cosmetic Science and
Technology", "Interscience, Special Edn. Vol. 2 pages 308 to
310).
[0090] The hair treatment compositions may also include non
oxidative hair dyes. i.e. direct dyes which may be used alone or in
combination with the above described oxidative dyes. Suitable
direct dyes include azo- or anthraquinone dyes and nitro
derivatives of the benzene series and or melanin precursors and
mixtures thereof. Such direct dyes are particularly useful to
deliver shade modification or highlights. Particularly preferred
are Basic Red 51, Basic Orange 31, Basic Yellow 87 and mixtures
thereof.
[0091] 5.3. Alkalizing Agent
[0092] The hair treatment compositions which may be applied to the
application tool (1) of the present invention may comprise at least
one source of alkalizing agent. Any agent known in the art may be
used such as alkanolamides for example monoethanolamine,
diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monopropanolamine,
dipropanolamine, tripropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,
3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and
2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol and guanidium salts,
ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium
phosphate, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen
carbonate, ammonium carbamate, ammonium hydroxide, percarbonate
salts, ammonia, sodium metasilicate, sodium disilicate, sodium
silicate, ammonium persulfates, sodium persulfate, potassium
persulfate and mixtures thereof. The hair treatment compositions
may also comprise from about 0.1% to about 40% by weight,
preferably from about 1.0% to about 35%, most preferably from about
2% to about 30% of an alkalizing agent, preferably ammonium
ions.
[0093] 5.4. Oxidizing Agent
[0094] The hair treatment compositions may comprise an oxidizing
agent, present in an amount sufficient to bleach melanin pigment in
hair and/or cause formation of dye chromophores from oxidative dye
precursors (including developers and/or couplers when present).
Typically, such an amount ranges from about 1% to about 20%,
preferably from about 3% to about 15%, more preferably from about
6% to about 12%, by weight, of the developer composition. Inorganic
peroxygen materials capable of yielding hydrogen peroxide in an
aqueous medium are preferred and include but are not limited to:
hydrogen peroxide; inorganic alkali metal peroxides (e.g. sodium
periodate and sodium peroxide); organic peroxides (e.g. urea
peroxide, melamine peroxide); inorganic perhydrate salt bleaching
compounds (e.g. alkali metal salts of perborates, percarbonates,
perphosphates, persilicates, ammonium persulfates, sodium
persulfate, potassium persulfate and mixtures thereof), which may
be incorporated as monohydrates, tetrahydrates, etc.; alkali metal
bromates; enzymes; and mixtures thereof. Preferred are hydrogen
peroxide and persulphates.
[0095] The persulfate powders can be immobilized physically via
adsorbing the powder particles to the interior and/or exterior
surface of the absorbent substrate in such a means that they are
physically contained and do not exit the substrate easily under
gravity. This can be achieved via a hollow pocket or reservoir
within the absorbent substrate that contains the persulfate salt
blend. The persufate powder can be loaded to this reservoir by a
number of mechanical means including gravity feed, air pressure
feed and screw feed. Alternatively, the powder particles can be
adhered to the surfaces via an anhydrous solvent or via a thin
layer of a material such as polyvinyl alcohol that does not
solubilize the salts, the mixture being left to dry on the surface
to enable future shelf stability.
[0096] 5.5. Radical Scavenger System
[0097] The compositions may comprise a radical scavenger, in a
sufficient amount to reduce damage to the hair during the coloring
process. Typically, such an amount will range from 0.1% to 10%,
preferably from 1% to 7%, by weight of the composition. The radical
scavenger is preferably selected such that it is not an identical
species as the alkalizing agent. The radical scavenger is a species
that can react with a carbonate radical to convert the carbonate
radical by a series of fast reactions to a less reactive species.
Preferred radical scavengers may be selected from the classes of
alkanolamines, amino sugars, amino acids and mixtures thereof, and
may include, but are not limited to: monoethanolamine,
3-amino-1-propanol, 4-amino-1-butanol, 5-amino-1-pentanol,
1-amino-2-propanol, 1-amino-2-butanol, 1-amino-2-pentanol,
1-amino-3-pentanol, 1-amino-4-pentanol,
3-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, 1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-ol,
3-aminopropane-1,2-diol, glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, glycine,
arginine, lysine, proline, glutamine, histidine, serine, tryptophan
and potassium, sodium and ammonium salts of the above and mixtures
thereof. Other preferred radical scavenger compounds include
benzylamine, glutamic acid, imidazole, di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene,
hydroquinone, catechol and mixtures thereof.
[0098] 5.6. Chelants
[0099] The compositions may comprise chelants in an amount
sufficient to reduce the amount of metals available to interact
with formulation components, particularly oxidizing agents, more
particularly peroxides. Typically such an amount will range from at
least about 0.25%, preferably at least about 0.5%, by weight, of
the composition. Suitable chelants for use herein include but are
not limited to: diamine-N,N'-dipolyacid, monoamine
monoamide-N,N'-dipolyacid, and
N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid
chelants (preferably EDDS (ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid)),
carboxylic acids (preferably aminocarboxylic acids), phosphonic
acids (preferably aminophosphonic acids) and polyphosphoric acids
(in particular straight polyphosphoric acids), their salts and
derivatives.
[0100] 5.7. Humectants
[0101] The compositions may comprise humectants. Typically the
amount of humectants in the hair treatment composition will range
from at least about 1 to about 50%, preferably from about 5 to
about 40%, and more preferably from about 10 to about 30%, by
weight, of the composition. Suitable humectants for use herein
include but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as
glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,
and propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the
humectant is glycerin.
[0102] 5.8. Thickening Agents
[0103] The hair treatment composition may further comprise a
thickening agent. The thickening agent is present at a level of
from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.1% to about
10%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, and even more
preferably from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of the
composition.
[0104] Suitable thickening agents for use herein include synthetic
polymers such as cellulose derivatives (e.g. methylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,
hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose, etc.),
carbomer polymers (e.g. crosslinked polyacrylic acid copolymer or
homopolymer and copolymers of acrylic acid cross linked with a
polyalkenyl polyether), natural and synthetic gums, karaya gum,
guar gum, gelatin, algin, sodium alginate, tragacanth, chitosan,
polyethylene oxide, acrylamide polymers, polyacrylic acid,
polyvinyl alcohol, polyamines, polyquarternary compounds, ethylene
oxide polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cationic polyacrylamide
polymers, and mixtures thereof.
[0105] In one embodiment the thickening agent is selected from
carbomers, e.g. the class of homopolymers of acrylic acid
crosslinked with an alkyl ether of pentaerythritol or an alkyl
ether of sucrose. Carbomers are commercially available from B.F.
Goodrich as the Carbopol.RTM. series. In one embodiment the
carbopols are Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956, and mixtures thereof.
Homopolymers of polyacrylic acid are described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,053. Other examples of homopolymers which are
useful include Ultrez 10, ETD 2050, and 974P polymers, which are
available from B.F. Goodrich Company. Such polymers are
homopolymers of unsaturated, polymerizable carboxylic monomers such
as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid,
maleic anhydride, and the like.
[0106] In another embodiment the thickening agent can be an
associative thickener or stabilizer, such as a hydrophobically
modified alkali soluble acrylic emulsion or a hydrophobically
modified nonionic polyol polymer, i.e., a hydrophobically modified
urethane polymer, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane
polymer or combinations thereof. Associative thickening agents may
increase the retention or adhesion of compositions herein and/or
integral carriers on the tooth surfaces, may slow the erosion of
the compositions once applied on the tooth surfaces, and may
improve the release of the compositions from the optional release
liner disclosed herein.
[0107] Hydrophobically modified polyacrylic acid polymers are
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,915,921, 4,421,902,
4,509,949, 4,923,940, 4,996,274, 5,004,598, and 5,349,030. These
polymers have a large water-loving hydrophilic portion (the
polyacrylic acid portion) and a smaller oil-loving hydrophobic
portion (which can be derived from a long carbon chain acrylate
ester). Representative higher alkyl acrylic esters are decycl
acrylate, lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, behenyl acrylate and
melissyl acrylate, and the corresponding methacrylates. It should
be understood that more than one carboxylic monomer and more than
one acrylate ester or vinyl ester or ether or styrenic can be used
in the monomer charge. The polymers can be dispersed in water and
neutralized with base to thicken the aqueous composition, form a
gel, or emulsify or suspend a deliverable. Useful polymers are sold
as Carbopol.RTM. 1342 and 1382, and Carbopol.RTM. ETD 2020, and
Pemuleng TR-1, TR-2, 1621, and 1622, all available from BF
Goodrich. The carboxyl containing polymers are prepared from
monomers containing at least one activated vinyl group and a
carboxyl group, and would include copolymers of polymerizable
carboxylic monomers with acrylate esters, acrylamides, alkylated
acrylamides, olefins, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, or styrenics. The
carboxyl containing polymers have molecular weights greater than
about 500 to as high as several billion, or more, usually greater
than about 10,000 to 900,000 or more.
[0108] Also useful are interpolymers of hydrophobically modified
monomers and steric stabilizing polymeric surface active agents
having at least one hydrophilic moiety and at least one hydrophobic
moiety or a linear block or random comb configuration or mixtures
thereof. Examples of steric stabilizers which can be used are
Hypermerl, which is a poly(12-hydroxystearic acid) polymer,
available from Imperial Chemical Industries Inc. and Pecosil.RTM.,
which is a methyl-3-polyethoxypropyl siloxane.-phosphate polymer,
available from Phoenix Chemical, Somerville, N.J. These are taught
by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,203,877 and 5,349,030.
[0109] Other associative thickening agents include Rohm and Haas
(such as Acrysol.RTM. ICS-1 and Aculyn.RTM. 22 and 28 thickeners,
which are hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble acrylic polymer
emulsions and Aculyn.RTM. 44 and 46 thickener, which is a
hydrophobically modified nonionic polyol). In one embodiment the
associative thickener is Carbopol.RTM. and/or Pemulen.RTM.
polymers. The choice of the specific polymer to be employed will
depend upon the desired rheology of the composition, and the
identity of other compositional ingredients. Other associative
thickeners are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No.
5,997,764, BF Goodrich. In one embodiment mixtures of
hydrophobically modified carbomers with carbomers can be used.
[0110] Preferred thickening agents are chosen from polymers
(including gelling agents), gel phases referred to as creams or
emulsions and combinations thereof.
[0111] Suitable polymers may be selected from carboxymethyl
cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, carboxypolymethylene
(Carbomers, Carbopols e.g. Carbopol ETD 2020, all .RTM.),
carboxyvinyl Polymers, poloxamers, polyethylene glycol, natural
gums (including but not limited to carrageenan, tragacanth, karaya,
arabic, guar and xanthan), natural and synthetic smectite clays
(including but not limited to hectorites, bentonites and
montmorillonites), scleroglucan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose
(commercially available as Aquacote (RTM)), hydroxyethyl cellulose
(Natrosol, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, microcrystalline
cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose
(Klucel.RTM.), hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, cetyl hydroxyethyl
cellulose (Natrosol.RTM. Plus 330), N-vinylpyrollidone
(Povidone.RTM.), Acrylates/Ceteth-20 Itaconate Copolymer
(Structure.RTM. 3001), hydroxypropyl starch phosphate
(Structure.RTM. ZEA), polyethoxylated urethanes or polycarbamyl
polyglycol ester (e.g. PEG-150/Decyl/SMDI copolymer=Aculyn.RTM. 44,
PEG-150/Stearyl/SMDI copolymer=Aculyn 46.RTM.), trihydroxystearin
(Thixcin.RTM.) acrylates copolymer (e.g. Aculyn.RTM. 33) or
hydrophobically modified acrylate copolymers (e.g.
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer=Aculyn.RTM. 22).
[0112] A representative but not exhaustive list of polymers and
thickening agents can be found in "The Encyclopaedia of Polymers
and Thickeners for Cosmetics" compiled and edited by Robert Y.
Lochhead, Ph.D. and William R. From, Department of Polymer Science,
University of Southern Mississippi.
[0113] Suitable gel phase referred to as creams or emulsions may be
selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, fatty acids and
mixtures thereof.
[0114] The hair treatment composition may be loaded onto the
application tool (1) by any means. The hair treatment compositions
are preferably applied into the containment zone (70) but it may
also be applied into the displacement (60) and fluid control zones
(50). Preferably, at least one hair treatment composition is loaded
into the containment zone (70) of at least one plate (10), more
preferably both plates (10; 20). In embodiments of the application
tool (1) comprising a reservoir (80), at least one hair treatment
composition may be loaded onto the reservoir (80). In certain
embodiments of the present invention, one hair treatment
composition is loaded into one of the zone (50; 60; 70), preferably
the containment zone (70), and into the reservoir (80) if
present.
[0115] The hair treatment composition may be applied for example
with a spatula or a syringe, by a squeezable tube, by a dispensing
bottle, by a single or dual phase pump, by a single or dual phase
piston causing volumetric displacement, by a sachet or by any other
suitable dispenser. In embodiments where the application tool (1)
is provided of means to perform loading as described above, the
loading can be performed by attaching or adapting the application
tool (1) itself or parts of the application tool (1) to external
loading devices such as squeezable tube, a bottle or a syringe or
by any other suitable dispenser as described above. When the hair
treatment compositions require mixing and activation prior
application to the hair, the single component may be mixed by
shaking or stirring before loading or can be mixed during the
loading procedure by employing specialized two or multi-chambered
containers coupled with a static mixer. The mixing may also be
performed by interposing an additional mean capable of mixing two
or more hair treatment compositions or capable of mixing powders
with water or other solvents to make a hair treatment composition.
Said interposed mean can also be provided with features to inject
or load the mixed hair treatment compositions onto the application
tool (1).
[0116] One or more application tools (1) can be loaded at the same
time or one subsequently to the others. Multiple or subsequent
loading may be accomplished by positioning the application tools
according to the invention in a tray or by connecting or attaching
the application tools to multi-chambered bottles, tubes or other
applicators capable of dispensing either the single or the total
amount of the needed hair treatment composition. When a tray is
used, said tray comprises at least one compartment where the
application tools are positioned or adapted. The tray may further
comprise one or more compartments where the hair treatments
compositions are loaded and/or stored and which are in
communication with the application tool (1), preferably with the
containment zone (70). In another embodiment, the hair treatment
composition may be loaded into the vacuum formed or blister tray
which is sealed by a higher barrier laminate material. These trays
may be pre-loaded or consumer-loaded.
[0117] The hair treatment compositions may be applied onto the
application tool (1) by pressure or by vacuum. The same or
different hair treatment compositions can be applied only onto an
area or in different areas of the containment zone (70). The hair
treatment compositions may be applied during different time
periods, one after the other or after application on the hair of a
first hair treatment composition.
[0118] In embodiments comprising tines in the containment zone (70)
the hair treatment composition may be applied in the hollow void
area created by the tines as shown in FIG. 3b or directly over the
tines as shown in FIG. 3c of one plate. The presence and
distribution of the tines in the containment zone (70) help the
user to identify the volume of hair treatment composition to be
applied on the application tool (1). In embodiments where the
containment zone (70) is a groove in the plate or a cavity of the
plate as shown in FIG. 5, 6a and 6b, the hair treatment composition
may be loaded into the groove or in the cavity.
[0119] Any of the above described method of applying the hair
treatment composition onto the application tool (1) can be either
performed manually or by mechanically operated machines, especially
when the loading is executed during manufacture of the application
tool (1). One or more methods may be employed either simultaneously
or subsequently one to another.
[0120] The amount of hair treatment composition applied on the
application tool (1) depends upon the application tool's (1) size
and capacity, upon the fluid characteristics of the hair treatment
composition and the desired end results. The application tool (1)
may be preferably loaded with an amount of hair treatment
composition from about 0.5 gram to about 120 grams, more preferably
from about 1 gram to about 50 grams, even more preferably from
about 1.5 grams to about 25 grams of hair treatment
composition.
[0121] In one preferred embodiment of the application tool (1) of
the invention, wherein said application tool (1) comprises an
absorbent material in the containment zone (70) and in the fluid
control zone (50) of both plates (10; 20), a first hair treatment
composition is loaded in the containment zone (70) of the first
plate (10) and a second hair treatment composition is loaded in the
containment zone (70) of the second plate (20). Preferably, said
first hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and
said second composition comprises an alkalizing agent. More
preferably the oxidizing agent of said first hair treatment
composition comprises hydrogen peroxide.
[0122] The hair treatment composition may be loaded before or after
the adhesion of the materials to the fluid control (50) and
containment (70) zones to the application tool (1). For those
methods that could alter or inactivate the hair treatment
composition, the materials are loaded, coated or charged after they
have been attached to the application tool (1). Preferably the hair
treatment composition is loaded prior to use by the user.
[0123] 6. Method of Use
[0124] The present invention also relates to a method to treat the
hair. The application tool (1) according to the present invention
may be pre-loaded or consumer self-loaded. Preferably, the
application tool (1) is loaded with a hair treatment composition as
described herein. The user holds through the external surfaces
(102; 202) of said first and second plates (10; 20) the application
tool (1) in one hand, preferably between the thumb and the index
finger. Once the user has selected the hair strands to be treated,
the application tool (1) is positioned onto the hair strands,
preferably at the root line while the application tool (1) is in an
open state. The hair strand is then clamped between the internal
surfaces (101; 201) of the application tool (1) by bringing the
plates (10; 20) into a juxtaposed relationship. The user then
applies the hair treatment composition by swiping the application
tool (1) in a closed state along the entire length of the selected
hair strands. The hair treatment composition may also be applied
only to limited areas of the hair, i.e. the user can coat only the
root-line with the hair treatment composition. These steps,
including the step of loading the application tool (1) may be
repeated more than once.
[0125] The hair treatment composition to be applied with the
application tool (1) is selected from the group consisting of
styling compositions, hair colourant composition, highlighting
composition and combination thereof.
[0126] In certain embodiments, a first hair treatment composition
is applied to the zones of the internal surface (101) of the first
plate (10) and a second hair treatment composition is applied to
the zones of the internal surface (201) of the second plate (20).
Preferably, the first hair treatment composition is a composition
comprising an alkalizing agent, wherein the second hair treatment
composition is a composition comprising an oxidizing agent
preferably hydrogen peroxide. The plates (10; 20) may be brought
into juxtaposed position once, preferably twice, more preferably
more than twice, before selecting a hair strand. This is necessary
to mix the first and the second hair treatment compositions,
particularly when the first and second hair treatment compositions
must be mixed to react before being applied onto the hair strand.
Mixing of a first composition comprising an alkalizing agent and a
second composition comprising an oxidising agent creates a
highlighting composition. In certain embodiments, mixing can be
obtained by applying a force on the external surface of both plates
so that they swing by a certain degree with respect to their
fulcrum. By pressing the two plates (10; 20) against each other,
displacement of the hair treatment composition from the zone where
it is applied to the other zones of the same plate and of the
opposite plate is achieved thus, mixing the hair treatment
compositions. The mixing step can be performed prior or during
application of the hair treatment composition to the hair strand as
many times as needed to evenly mix the hair treatment compositions
before to proceed with the application on the hair strand.
[0127] In another embodiment a first composition is applied to the
hair via any of the known conventional methods as a pre- or
post-treatment to a second composition and any further composition
which can be applied via the application tool (1) according to the
present invention.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment a first and a second hair
treatment compositions are mixed together to form a third hair
treatment composition. Said first and second hair treatment
compositions are mixed in a vessel such as a bottle or tray. Once
the third hair treatment composition is formed said third hair
treatment composition is loaded into the containment zone (70) of a
least one plate (10) of said application tool (1). Preferably, said
first hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and
said second hair treatment composition comprises an alkalizing
agent. More preferably, said oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen
peroxide and said alkalizing agent comprises a component selected
from the group of ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium
persulfate, sodium metasilicate, solidum silicate, ammonium
chloride and mixtures thereof.
[0129] In the most preferred embodiment of the application tool
(1), the fluid control zone (50) and the containment zones (70) of
the first (10) and the second (20) plates comprise an absorbent
material. A hydrogen peroxide based gel is applied on the absorbent
material attached to the first plate, whereas an alkaliser is
applied on the absorbent material on the second plate. When the
hydrogen peroxide and the alkaliser gels are mixed together they
form a highlighting composition.
[0130] The application tools (1) according to the present invention
are not intended to apply the hair treatment compositions in a
stationary manner but rather they are moved against the hair
surface with the use of shear forces, i.e., swiping of individual
hair strands, rubbing along root-line, rubbing into hair, wiping
surface of hair, pulled through hair etc., thereby depositing the
hair treatment composition evenly along the entire length of the
hair as required.
[0131] In embodiments where a liner is present, the user peels off
the liner, if necessary loads the application tool (1) and applies
the hair treatment composition to the hair. During the application
one or more liners can be resealed to protect the application tool
(1) and the hair treatment compositions or to avoid contamination
of the user's home furniture with the hair treatment composition.
In embodiments when the application tool (1) are pre-loaded by the
manufactures and then sealed with liners, the user removes the
liners before application of the hair treatment compositions. Once
the liners have been removed, the user can either proceed to use or
apply additional hair treatment compositions by loading them onto
the application tool (1) as described above.
[0132] In embodiments where a reservoir (80) is present, the user
may load the hair treatment composition through any of the
dispensing means and then the user may remove liners or barriers
before applying the hair treatment composition to the hair. The
user may further apply other hair treatment compositions into the
zones (50; 60; 70) of the application tool (1). The user may mix
the hair treatment compositions before proceeding with the
application by pressing the reservoir (80) and pushing the hair
treatment composition contained therein to flow to the zones (50;
60; 70) all the way through the apertures (82) located through the
plate (10, 20).
[0133] Finally, the application of the hair treatment composition
may occur on wet or dry hair and optionally, a rinsing or a
shampooing step can be included between application of the first
and second compositions to the hair.
[0134] 7. Kit-Of-Parts
[0135] At least one application tool (1) according to the present
invention may be provided as a component of a kit-of-parts.
Alternatively, more than one application tool (1) may be provided
as component of the kit-of-parts according to the present
invention. Kit-of-parts may comprise at least one or more
individually packaged hair treatment compositions comprising
shampoo compositions, conditioning compositions, styling
compositions, hair colourant compositions, hair bleaching,
highlighting compositions or combination thereof. In one embodiment
of the present invention, a first container may comprise an
oxidative dye precursors and an alkalizing agent whereas a second
container may comprise an oxidizing agent. In certain other
embodiments of kit-of-parts, a first container may comprise an
ammonium ion source and a second container may comprise an
oxidizing agent. Additional containers may be present in the
kit-of-part, such as individually packaged composition comprising
additional components such as oxidising agents, conditioners,
chelants, radical scavengers, solvents, direct dyes, shampoo,
buffering agents, colouring agents thickeners, enzymes, anionic,
non ionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants, carriers,
antioxidants, stabilizers, perfumes, masking fragrances, herb and
plant extracts, pearlescent, opacifiers, hair swelling agents
and/or polymers, humectants, moisturizers, viscosity enhancers,
gelling agents, chelators, UV filters, antimicrobials,
preservatives, proteins or mixtures thereof.
[0136] The kit-of-parts according to the present invention may
further comprise additional components such as means to select the
hair strands, means to load the application tool (1) according to
the present invention, means to mix the hair treatment
compositions, combs or brushes, gloves, caps with holes, tweezers,
tongues, hooks or combination thereof.
[0137] In another embodiment the kit-of-parts further comprises an
individually packaged composition comprising an oxidizing agent and
an individually packaged composition comprising an alkalizing
agent. Preferably said oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. More
preferably, at least one of said individually packaged hair
treatment composition comprises a persulfate salt.
[0138] In certain embodiments, when the materials comprised in the
zones are removably attached to the fluid control (50) and
containment (70) zones, said materials or replacements thereof may
be comprised in the kit-of-parts. The application tool (1)
according to the present invention may be provided unassembled in
the kit-of-parts and instruction how to build the application tool
(10) of the present invention may be further provided in the
kit-of-parts described above. The kit-of parts comprising the
application tool (1) according to the present invention may further
comprise instructions for consumers indicating how to load and/or
use the application tools (1), said instruction being recorded in
any type of media such as the package of the kit-of-parts itself,
paper material, compact disk or the application tool (1)
itself.
[0139] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0140] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0141] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *