U.S. patent application number 13/838883 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for red light emitting device for use with hair product and blow dryer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vasile Ionita-Manzatu, Jack Lombardi. Invention is credited to Vasile Ionita-Manzatu, Jack Lombardi.
Application Number | 20140102470 13/838883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45497360 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140102470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lombardi; Jack ; et
al. |
April 17, 2014 |
Red Light Emitting Device For Use With Hair Product And Blow
Dryer
Abstract
A red light emitting device for use with a hair product and a
blow dryer. The device with composition is suitable for permanently
reshaping human hair by non-chemical means.
Inventors: |
Lombardi; Jack; (Massapequa,
NY) ; Ionita-Manzatu; Vasile; (Bethpage, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lombardi; Jack
Ionita-Manzatu; Vasile |
Massapequa
Bethpage |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45497360 |
Appl. No.: |
13/838883 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13161083 |
Jun 15, 2011 |
8424543 |
|
|
13838883 |
|
|
|
|
61360085 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/221 ; 34/245;
34/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 20/08 20130101;
A45D 20/12 20130101; A45D 2200/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/221 ; 34/97;
34/245 |
International
Class: |
A45D 20/08 20060101
A45D020/08 |
Claims
1. A device that creates a columnar air flow and a concentrated
light spot within the air flow, at a location where the air and
light impinge a hair surface.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the air flow has a maximum
temperature of 60.degree. C.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the air flow has a maximum
temperature of 50.degree. C.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the air flow has a maximum
temperature of 45.degree. C.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the light includes visible red
light.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the light has a peak wavelength in
the range 600 nm to 1,400 nm.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the light has a peak wavelength in
the range 600 nm to 750 nm.
8. The use of a device according to claim 1 with a topical
hair-reshaping composition that emits or is induced to emit photons
at an intensity and range of wavelengths that are effective to
alter tertiary and or secondary protein structures in the hair.
9. The use of claim 8 wherein the energy of the photons is less
than the dissociation energy of a ground state disulfide bond.
10. The use of claim 9 wherein the range of wavelengths is between
0.15 and 30 .mu.m.
11. The use of claim 8 wherein the hair-reshaping composition
comprises a material that has an emissivity of at least 0.80, in
the 0.15 and 30 .mu.m wavelength range, when the material is heated
to 40.degree. C. to 60.degree. C.
12. The use of claim 11, wherein the material is a tourmaline.
13. The use of claim 12 wherein the composition comprises 1% to 10%
tourmaline.
14. A device according to claim 1 comprising a nozzle having a
central axis, an exit orifice that emits the columnar air flow
along the central axis, one or more sources of light that are
outside of the columnar air flow and that create the concentrated
light spot, and means for connecting to one or more power
supplies.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the sources of light that are
outside of the columnar air flow are directed to a location on the
central axis of the nozzle that is a distance L from the exit
orifice of the nozzle.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein the distance L is 2.0 cm to 20.0
cm.
17. The device of claim 15 wherein multiple light sources are
arrayed around the nozzle, near the end of the nozzle.
18. The device of claim 17 wherein the light sources are set inside
a collar, characterized by an inner diameter and an outer diameter,
such that the inner diameter is sufficiently large to allow a
portion of the nozzle to pass into the collar.
19. The device of claim 14 wherein the nozzle is part of a handheld
blow dryer.
20. The device of claim 14 wherein the light sources are
directional LEDs.
21. The device of claim 20 wherein at least 25% of each light
source's power output is directed toward the concentrated spot,
within the columnar air flow.
22. The device of claim 20 wherein each light source emits energy
in a cone shape, the apex of the cone having an angle of 15.degree.
to 90.degree..
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 13/161,083
filed Jun. 15, 2011, presently allowed, which claims priority to
U.S. 61/360,085, filed Jun. 30, 2010.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is in the field of hair styling. More
particularly, the invention concerns permanent hair shaping by
non-chemical means, and improvements in hair drying and
styling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] PCT/US10/24641 (herein incorporated by reference, in its
entirety) discloses topical hair compositions that comprise
materials that, when activated, emit electromagnetic radiation at
wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (i.e. breaking of
disulfide bonds) in human hair, and that bring about changes in
secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the
radiation emitted by the activated materials is controlled and
sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure.
Compositions comprising such materials are useful for hair
reshaping or styling. Testing indicates that the hair reshaping is
permanent and that there is no damage to hair of the type
characteristic of chemical treatments. Preferred materials must be
activated before they will emit electromagnetic radiation at
wavelengths that affect protein structures in human hair. Preferred
materials are tourmalines.
[0004] PCT/US10/24641 also discloses that tourmaline may be
activated by irradiating it with visible light, however, heating
the tourmaline above a certain minimum temperature is a preferred
method of activation. A preferred method of heating is with a hair
dryer, such as a handheld blow dryer commonly used in homes, or a
full-surround hair dryer commonly seen in salons. When using the
heating method of activation, a minimum activation temperature of
40.degree. C. is useful to prevent unwanted activation of the
tourmaline. Temperatures above 80.degree. C. can be used to
activate the tourmaline, but the temperature itself begins to have
a detrimental effect on the hair. Therefore, it is disclosed in
'641 that the most preferred activation temperatures are between
about 60.degree. C. and 80.degree. C. These temperatures are
achievable with a handheld hair dryer, even though the source of
hot air may be several inches from the hair and the hot air flow
may not be continuously directed on the same portion of hair.
Preferably, activation is achievable within ten minutes of blow
drying, more preferably, within five minutes of blow drying, most
preferably, within one minute of blow drying.
[0005] PCT/US10/24641 also discloses that when light is used to
achieve activation, shining a visible light (red, blue, green etc)
on the inactivated material (i.e. tourmaline) causes the material
to radiate in the 0.15 to 30 .mu.m wavelength range. The intensity
of the emitted radiation, in general, depends on the intensity of
the visible light activation source. Deactivation is achieved by
removing the visible light source. It is reported that activation
and deactivation by this method would be essentially immediate,
since there is no waiting for the suitable material to heat up.
[0006] The present specification describes a device that optimizes
heat energy and light energy together, to achieve activation of one
or more materials that are capable of emitting electromagnetic
radiation at wavelengths that affect protein structures of human
hair.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A main object of some embodiments of the invention is to
provide a device that activates an inactivated hair shaping topical
composition at low temperatures.
[0008] Another object of some embodiments of the invention is to
provide a device that improves the efficiency of hair shaping
topical compositions, especially at temperatures below 60.degree.
C.
[0009] Another object of some embodiments of the invention is to
provide a device that combines heat energy and light energy to
achieve activation of one or more materials that are capable of
emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect
protein structures of human hair.
SUMMARY
[0010] A device that combines heat energy (in the form of a column
of hot air) and light energy (in the form of visible light), to
achieve activation of one or more materials that are capable of
emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect
protein structures of human hair. The device is capable of emitting
a columnar flow of hot air and visible light. In use, the hot air
flow and a concentrated spot of the visible light impinge a swatch
of hair being treated, such that the concentrated spot of light is
confined within the column of hot air flow. The use of heat and
light together leads to efficient permanent hair reshaping, at
lower temperatures.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a red light emitting device
mounted on a blow dryer.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a red light emitting device
for use with a blow dryer.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a red light emitting device
having 8 light sources, for use with a blow dryer.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross section through line A-A of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a red light emitting device
having 16 light sources, for use with a blow dryer.
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts the use of a red light emitting device
mounted on a blow dryer, showing the red light concentrated within
the column of air flow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Throughout the specification, "comprise" means that an
element or group of elements is not automatically limited to those
elements specifically recited, and may or may not include
additional elements.
[0018] A device according to one embodiment of the present
invention comprises a means of directing a heated air flow and a
means of directing light at a swatch of hair that is being treated
or styled. The device includes an exit orifice that emits a well
defined columnar air flow toward the surface of the swatch of hair.
The distance from the exit orifice to the hair surface is
characterized by a parameter, L. For example, since a swatch of
hair being treated may have tens or hundreds of individual strands
of hair, L may be some average distance from the swatch to the exit
orifice. The device also includes one or more sources of light.
When the exit orifice of the device is located at the distance L
from the hair swatch, then the light from the one or more sources
is directed into a well defined concentrated spot on the surface of
the swatch. The arrangement of the device is such that the spot of
light is approximately concentric with the columnar air flow.
Depending on the number and location of light sources, and
depending on the angle at which the device is held in relation to
the surface of the hair swatch, the concentrated spot of light
shining on the hair swatch may be a circular or non-circular
elliptical. In either case, the lights are arranged such that the
concentrated spot of light is contained within the columnar air
flow. The light source itself, may be in the columnar air flow or
out of it, but the spot of light that appears on the hair surface
is confined within the columnar air flow.
[0019] In one embodiment, a convenient means of creating a columnar
flow of hot air is with a handheld hair dryer (1) having an
elongated columnar nozzle (1a). Thus, a first part of a device
according to the present embodiment is a nozzle that comprises an
exit orifice (1b) from which emerges a heated air flow. The outer
diameter of the columnar nozzle may typically be about 2.5 cm to
about 10 cm. Generally, handheld hair dryers have a selection
switch that allows the user to choose a temperature of the hot air.
For example, a three position switch may offer low, medium and
high, which may correspond to 40.degree. C., 60.degree. C. and
80.degree. C., respectively. A device according to the present
embodiment may also have such a selection switch, but the device of
the present invention is capable of creating a columnar air flow
having a temperature of about 40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.;
more preferably from about 40.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C.;
most preferably from about 40.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C. In
typical use, the exit orifice (1b) of the nozzle (1a) of a device
(1) according to the present embodiment may be held a distance from
the swatch of hair being treated. As discussed above, this distance
is characterized by a parameter, L. In the present embodiment, L is
from about 2.0 cm to about 20 cm. The hot air emerging from the
exit orifice travels this distance and impinges the swatch of hair
being treated, heating the inactivated material previously
deposited on the hair.
[0020] As noted above, the device also includes one or more sources
of light (3). In order to concentrate the light into a well defined
spot that is approximately concentric with the columnar air flow, a
single light source may be located on a central axis, X, of the air
column. Alternatively, if one or more light sources are located off
the central axis of the air column, then the light must be directed
toward the axis, and intersect the axis at the defined distance L,
from the exit orifice (1b).
[0021] In one preferred embodiment of the device, the one or more
light sources are located off the central axis, X, of the columnar
air flow, and outside of the columnar air flow. For example, if the
device has the form of a handheld hot air hair dryer, then the one
or more light sources (3) may be located outside the circumference,
C, that defines the end of the nozzle (1a) of the hair dryer. But
in that case, the light sources are directed to a location on the
central axis of the nozzle that is a distance L from the exit
orifice (1b) of the nozzle. In this embodiment, multiple light
sources are arrayed around the nozzle, near the end of the nozzle.
The light sources are oriented so that each beam of light meets on
the axis of the air column, and distance L from the exit orifice of
the nozzle. In order to maintain this arrangement, the light
sources are set in a fixed array.
[0022] One embodiment of a fixed array of light sources is shown in
FIGS. 2-5. The light sources are set inside a collar (2). In one
embodiment of the collar shown in the figures, the collar is a
solid ring, characterized by an inner diameter, d and an outer
diameter, D. The inner diameter is sufficiently large to allow a
portion of the nozzle (1a) to pass into the collar. The collar may
be maintained near the exit orifice (1b) of the nozzle, by any
suitable means, including: a friction fit or snap fit of the nozzle
against the inner diameter of the collar, adhesive or mechanical
fastener. The collar may be permanently mounted to the nozzle or it
may be possible to position the collar on the nozzle and remove it
from the nozzle repeatedly. The outer diameter and thickness of the
collar are large enough to allow the placement of several light
sources, or portions thereof, inside the collar. In some
embodiments, the solid collar (2) is provided with an array of
channels (2a). All or some of the channels house a light source.
For example, in FIGS. 2-4, the solid collar has eight channels that
pass through, from one flat face of the solid collar to the other.
Each channel accommodates a light source. In FIG. 5, sixteen
channels and sixteen light sources are shown. The number of light
sources can be chosen as needed to effect the results described
below.
[0023] As the figures show, the channels (2a) are oriented at an
angle to the central axis, X. Consequently, as FIG. 6 shows, the
light sources are directed toward the central axis, X, of the blow
dryer nozzle (1a). The individual light beams converge on or near
central axis X, at the defined distance L, from the exit orifice
(1b), where, in use, hair will be located. Importantly, the
convergence of the light sources on the hair, is within the
columnar air flow of the blow dryer, so that a swatch of hair is
treated by heat and light simultaneously. This is unlike some blow
dryers that incorporate sources of light. For example, US
2009/0000141 discloses a hair dryer with light sources that provide
visible light into a work area. However, the '141 reference does
not disclose the light sources that converge near the central axis,
in the columnar air flow. Rather, the lighting is diffused over a
wide area to improve visibility in a work area.
[0024] It will be readily apparent, that the light sources (3) of
the present invention cannot be disposed just anywhere along the
nozzle (1a). Rather, the light sources must be sufficiently close
to the end of the nozzle, so that the nozzle does not block the
path of the light emanating from the light sources and propagating
toward the central axis. This is unlike the some blow dryers that
incorporate light sources. For example, the '141 reference
discloses a fixed array of light sources arrayed around the nozzle
of a hair dryer. However, the light sources in the '141 reference
are not near the end of the nozzle. Thus, even if the light sources
were oriented for the light to converge at a distance L from the
exit orifice of the hair dryer, the light would be blocked by the
nozzle.
[0025] Any suitable material may be used for the collar (2), but
molded plastic is especially preferred. The collar may be
transparent or opaque. Though we have described a fixed array of
light sources as a solid ring, the array may be achieved by any
suitable means consistent with the needs and principles defined
herein. Any other means of maintaining a fixed array of light
sources, such that the light converges on the central axis of the
columnar air flow, may be useful. For example, the array or light
sources may be set in a collar of some other shape, a portion of
which is complimentary to the shape of a blow dryer nozzle. In
general, the fixed array of light sources may be separate from or
integral with the blow dryer with which it will be used.
[0026] In addition to a light source, each channel may house
components related to the positioning, retention and/or operation
of the light sources. For example, a channel may have a lamp holder
that has been in-molded or otherwise fastened into the channel. The
lamp holder is ready to receive a light source. The collar may also
house components related to the operation of the light sources. For
example, electric conductors (not shown in the drawings) that
connect all of the light sources into an electrical array, may be
housed within the collar. Alternatively, a set of electric leads
may extend from each light source, out the back of each channel, so
that these leads can be connected to a power source and/or to each
other.
[0027] The fixed array of light sources may have its own power
supply or tap into a power supply of the blow dryer. Where the
fixed array is separate from the blow dryer, it may be necessary to
have a separate power source for the fixed array. In this case, the
fixed array of light sources may include an electrical conductor
for tapping a power source. For example, all of the light source in
the array may have electrical leads that are fed by a single
electrical power cord that is plugged into an electrical outlet of
the type commonly found in houses. Where the fixed array is
integral with a blow dryer, all of the light source in the array
may have electrical leads that are fed from the same power cord as
the blow dryer.
[0028] As we have said, at the surface of a swatch of hair being
treated, the concentrated spot of light is contained within the
columnar air flow. The light sources must be such that a well
defined spot of concentrated light appears on the swatch of hair. A
generalized, diffuse light will be much less effective or
ineffective. Of course, light sources radiate in all directions, so
there will be some light that falls outside of the columnar air
flow. What is important is that at the hair surface, there is a
well defined, concentrated spot of light significantly brighter
than the rest of the field. What is ultimately important is that at
the hair surface there is a spot of light whose intensity is
sufficient to activate the one or more materials, and that this
activation take place efficiently. Light falling outside of the
concentrated spot, and outside of the columnar air flow, may not
meet these criterion. By "efficiently", we mean that the intensity
of concentrated spot is sufficient to activate an amount of
material to emit electromagnetic radiation at an intensity that
makes hair reshaping possible, in a commercially acceptable amount
of time. By "commercially acceptable amount of time" we mean less
than about one hour, more preferably, less than about 30 minutes,
more preferably still, less than about 10 minutes, most preferably
less than about 5 minutes. With the teachings of this
specification, a person of ordinary skill in the art can determine
a minimum intensity of the concentrated spot that, when combined
with a heated columnar air flow, leads to an intensity from the
activated materials that makes hair reshaping possible, in a
commercially acceptable amount of time. So, if an otherwise useful
light source (i.e. one having the right wavelength to activate the
inactivated material) leads to an unacceptably long time to effect
the desired change in hair (3 hours, for example), then that light
source is less suitable or not at all suitable for use in the
present invention, because such a device has low commercial
viability. Faced with this outcome, a person of ordinary skill in
the art would know, upon reading this specification, that the
intensity of the concentrated spot must be increased.
[0029] In one preferred embodiment, the lights sources (3) are
directional. That is, they emit a substantial portion of their
energy in a preferential direction or in a defined angular pattern.
In some embodiments, at least 25% of each light source's power
output is directed toward the concentrated spot, within the
columnar air flow. More preferred is at least 50% of each light
source's power output, and more preferred still is at least 75% of
each light source's power output. Suitable light sources include
those that emit their energy in a cone shape. In various
embodiments, the apex of the cone has an angle of 15.degree. to
90.degree.. For example, 60.degree. to 90.degree. or 30.degree. to
90.degree.. In one useful embodiment, 50%-60% of the light source's
power output is directed into cone with an apex of 15.degree. to
60.degree.; more preferably 15.degree. to 30.degree.. Light
emitting diodes (LEDs) that are designed to radiate a significant
portion of their output energy into a defined angular cone are
commercially available, and may be suitable for this purpose. Other
suitable light sources include lasers.
[0030] In the present invention, the light from the light sources
(3) includes visible red light, and possibly near infrared. By
visible red light, we mean light having a peak wavelength in the
range of about 600 nm to 750 nm. By near infrared light we mean
light having a peak wavelength in the range of about 750 nm to
about 1,400 nm. Humans, at normal body temperature, radiate most
strongly in a range centered around 10,000 nm, and the low end of
that range gets closer and closer to near infrared. For this
reason, it is preferable if the inactivated material that is to be
activated by the light sources (3), is not significantly activated
by light near 10,000 nm wavelength. Otherwise, the inactivated
material would be inappropriately activated by thermal radiation
emanating from the skin. More preferably, and for the same reason,
the inactivated material is not significantly activated by light
above about 1,400 nm wavelength. In one particularly useful
embodiment, 50%-60% of the light sources power output is directed
into cone with an apex of 15.degree. to 60.degree.; more preferably
15.degree. to 30.degree., and the peak wavelength of light is
between about 600 nm and 1400 nm.
Compositions Comprising an Inactivated Material
[0031] The combination light source array-blow dryer device that we
have described up to now, is intended for use with one or more in
activated materials (or with a composition containing one or more
materials) that are capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation
at wavelengths that affect protein structures of the hair. Thus,
prior to use, the individual strands of the swatch are already in
close proximity to one or more of these materials in an inactivated
form or state. Close proximity means within 5.0 cm of the surface
of a strand, more preferably within 2.5 cm of the strand surface,
most preferably in direct physical contact with the strand surface.
When a column of heated air and a light of specified wavelength and
intensity impinges a portion of the inactivated material, the
material is activated by the heat and light to emit electromagnetic
radiation at wavelengths that affect protein structures in human
hair. The temperature of the columnar air flow may be low enough
that, by itself, the heated air cannot activate the inactivated
material. Likewise, the intensity of the light from the light
sources (3) may be insufficient to activate the inactivated
material by itself. Nevertheless, together, the heated air and
light from the light sources, are able to activate the inactivated
material. This is a real benefit over previous uses of heat alone,
to activate an inactivated material. In the present invention, the
temperature of the columnar air flow may be kept significantly
lower, which means less thermal damage to hair.
[0032] Compositions of the present invention that are useful for
hair reshaping or styling must satisfy certain criteria. For
example, the compositions must be cosmetically acceptable and
commercially viable. "Cosmetically acceptable" and "commercially
viable" or the like, usually imply that a composition is stable
under typical conditions of manufacture, distribution and consumer
use. By "stable", we mean that one or more characteristics of a
personal care composition do not deteriorate to an unacceptable
level within some minimum period of time after manufacture.
Preferably, that minimum time is six months from manufacture, more
preferably one year from manufacture, and most preferably more than
two years from manufacture.
[0033] Compositions of the present invention must be efficacious
when used in reasonable amounts. A composition is considered
effective to permanently reshape human hair, only if the amount of
composition applied to the hair is what a consumer would consider
reasonable. For example, if a lotion composition reshapes the hair,
but a gallon of the composition is required, then this is not an
effective composition according to the present invention. A person
skilled in the art of personal care hair products has a very good
idea of what consumers would consider reasonable. The amount of a
composition of the present invention required for one treatment
depends on the type and amount of hair being treated and on the
desired effect. However, experience suggests that preferably, about
5 ounces or less of a composition according to the present
invention is effective to complete a treatment of a full head of
hair; more preferably, about 2.0 ounces or less; most preferably,
about 1.0 ounce or less. While these amounts are preferred for
commercial and consumer reasons, the present invention also
contemplates larger amounts, as the case may necessitate.
[0034] Within the guidelines, herein discussed, virtually any
cosmetically acceptable or commercially viable composition, that is
beneficial or benign to human hair, can serve as a base
composition. Generally, one could say that the base composition
should not absorb too much of the radiation emitted by the
activated material or by the light sources (3), and the base
composition should not interfere with activation or deactivation of
the suitable material. With those restrictions, a composition
according to the present invention may contain any ingredients that
are known to provide a benefit to the hair, any ingredients
required to render a stable product, and any ingredients that
render the product more cosmetically acceptable or commercially
viable. For example, polyvinylpyrrolidone-based film formers are
common hair product ingredients. In compositions according to the
present invention, these or other film formers may help to maintain
the tension in the hair while the disulfide bond reorganization is
occurring. However, no film former is needed nor is it be integral
to achieving the permanent reshaping effects discussed herein.
[0035] Compositions according to the present invention may contain
chemical perming agents as an adjunct to the non-chemical mechanism
disclosed herein. Preferably, however, a composition according to
the present invention has no chemical agent or reagent that reacts
with disulfide bonds. Preferably, the only mechanism of disulfide
bond cleavage is direct excitation by electromagnetic radiation
supplied from the suitable material in the composition.
[0036] Compositions according to the present invention may
advantageously contain hair coloring agents. Hair coloring
reactions of the type well known in the art, and disulfide bond
cleavage as described herein, may exhibit synergistic effects.
[0037] The composition may have virtually any form, even solid or
semi-solid, provided the composition can be distributed throughout
the section of hair being treated, and along its length, from root
to tip.
[0038] The suitable material may be added to the base composition
or added during the manufacture of the base composition in any
manner that the circumstances may require or allow. Some suitable
materials may be incorporated into the composition by simple
mixing, others may require pretreatments. The composition may be a
mixture, a suspension, emulsion, a solid, a liquid, an aerosol, a
gel, or mousse, just to name a few. The composition may be in the
form of shampoo or conditioner. The composition may be hydrous or
substantially anhydrous. "Substantially anhydrous" means less than
about 10% total water content.
[0039] Tourmalines are expected to be useful at concentrations as
low as about 1%. Regarding upper limits, in general, there may
practical upper limits to the concentration of suitable material.
After all, only so many disulfide bonds need to be reorganized to
achieve a particular hair style. However, the practical upper limit
of any particular suitable material depends on many factors, not
the least of which is how much product does a consumer apply,
expecting to get a certain result. Thus, in a commercial product,
trial and error or consumer use testing may be the best way to
determine the concentration of the suitable material. An example of
a controlled trial and error experiment might be, styling hair
samples with a defined amount of compositions comprising increasing
concentrations of a suitable material, and observing the
concentration at which no additional benefit is derived. The
defined amount should be based on market knowledge of how much
product consumers are likely to use for the given amount and type
of hair. Useful compositions will contain up to about 1% of one or
more tourmalines, preferably up to about 2% of one or more
tourmalines, and more preferably up to about 5% of one or more
tourmalines. Tourmalines are expected to be useful at
concentrations up to at least about 10% of the composition, but a
diminishing returns effect may result thereafter, depending on the
exact nature of the composition, the temperature, the amount of
hair being styled, the amount of product applied, etc. Other, more
efficient emitter materials (higher emissivity) may be useful at
concentrations well below 1%, while less efficient materials (lower
emissivity) may only be useful at higher concentrations; above
about 5% for example, or even above about 10%, for example.
[0040] Table 1 is an example of a cosmetically acceptable,
commercially viable, effective composition according to the present
invention, containing 5% tourmaline.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 5% Red Tourmaline Cream Percent by weight
Ingredients of composition purified water 65.20 Aristoflex .RTM.
AVC (Ammonium 1.00 Acrylodimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer) glycerine
2.00 phenoxyethanol 0.70 Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) 3.00 ceteryl
alcohol 4.60 PEG-100 stearate 1.00 cetyl alcohol 2.00 petrolatum
3.00 shea butter 5.00 polyquaternium-7 2.50 red tourmaline 5.00
glycerin/water/sodium PCA/ 5.00 urea/trehalose/polyquaternium-
51/sodium hyaluronate
Temperature Measurements of Hair
[0041] The object of this study was to determine the effects of a
fixed array of light sources (3), as described herein, and the
effect of hot air from a handheld blow dryer, on the temperature of
hair that has been treated with red tourmaline or black
tourmaline.
[0042] A fixed arrays of lights sources, as shown in the figures
(i.e. a solid ring) was prepared from polycarbonate plastic and 16
LEDs. The LEDs emit at a peak wavelength of 627 nm (i.e. visible
red). Each of the 16 LEDs produce approximately 25 mW/cm.sup.2 of
light, with a total array power of 400 mW/cm.sup.2. The center
diameter of the plastic ring was about 2 in. and the ring was
positioned over the barrel of a typical consumer hair blower. For
these experiments rubber-based electrical tape was wrapped around
the hair blower to prevent slippage of the ring. A Texpower HY1803D
regulated supply was used to supply 2.2 volts to the LEDs, which
were connected in series. The hair blower with light source array
was affixed to a pole mount and aimed at swatches of hair mounted
on a wire mesh screen. The purpose of the screen is to simulate
real hair drying by allowing air circulation when the hair blower
is on. Those hair samples that were treated with the light, were
held at the convergence point of the LED array, in this case, about
4-5 cm from the exit orifice of the nozzle. A base cream containing
black or red tourmaline was applied by hand, to samples of hair
swatches. Untreated hair served as a control. Some samples were
exposed to hot air from the blow dryer on the low heat setting.
Some samples were exposed to light from the LED array. And some
samples were exposed to hot air and light simultaneously. Fresh, or
newly prepared hair swatches were used for each test.
[0043] To monitor the temperature response of the hair samples, an
IR thermometer (Omega OS520) was affixed to a pole mount, and aimed
at the hair swatch during each test. The device has a spectral
response of only 8.mu. to 14.mu., and must be calibrated based on
the emissivity of the target surface in order to get a true
temperature reading. In this case, a type K thermocouple was used
to calibrate the IR thermometer for use on hair. Thermocouple
temperature measurements are not wavelength dependent, and
calibration of the IR thermometer is achieved by adjusting the
emissivity setting of the IR thermometer until the IR thermometer
and thermocouple give the same temperature readings. IR thermometer
data are shown in the following table.
TABLE-US-00002 Low Heat Only Light only Light + Low Heat Time (sec)
Temp.degree. C. Time (sec) Temp.degree. C. Time (sec) Temp.degree.
C. Untreated hair 0 26 0 22 0 25 20 55 20 24 20 55 40 55 40 24 40
56 60 55 60 25 60 56 2% Black Tourmaline treated 0 21 0 22 0 21 20
43 20 22 20 40 40 46 40 22 40 42 60 47 60 21 60 43 2% Red
Tourmaline treated 0 17-18 0 22 0 17 20 41 20 19 20 33 40 43 40 19
40 40 60 44 60 18 60 42
[0044] It can be seen from the data that when the hair is not
pre-treated with a tourmaline containing composition, then the blow
dryer increases the temperature of the hair, the light array
increases the temperature of the hair, and the effects are
additive. However, when the hair is pre-treated with a tourmaline
containing composition, then the blow dryer increases hair
temperature (although not as much as before) while the light array
actually decreases hair temperature, and the effects are
subtractive. This was unexpected.
[0045] In a related experiment, and wishing to validate what we
were seeing with the IR thermometer, we also used the thermocouple
to measure the temperature response of hair, untreated and treated
with a 2% black tourmaline composition. Thermocouple temperature
response is wavelength dependent, as is the temperature response of
an IR thermometer. Type K thermocouples were embedded in hair
swatches of both un-treated and treated hair. The hair was
subjected to blow drying, with the blow dryer on the highest heat
setting. Thermocouple data are shown in the following table.
TABLE-US-00003 Thermocouple Measurement - High Heat Only Hair
treated with 2% time Untreated hair Black Tourmaline cream
(seconds) .degree. C. .degree. C. 0 25.1 23.6 20 77.1 41.3 40 77.2
46.1 60 77.1 48.5 80 77.0 51.0
[0046] The thermocouple data verify that the temperature increase
of hair treated with the tourmaline composition is significantly
less than the temperature increase of untreated hair.
Discussion
[0047] We hypothesize that when the tourmaline is not present, the
heat and light energy supplied to the hair increases the
temperature of the hair. However, when the tourmaline is present on
the hair, at least some of the heat and light energy is absorbed by
the tourmaline, followed by re-emission of energy in a broad
wavelength range, some of which is absorbed by disulfide bonds or
other protein structures in the hair. Thus, some of the supplied
heat and light energy is absorbed by the hair in a way that does
not increase the temperature of the hair. Furthermore, these
experiments demonstrate that light (627 nm peak) plus heat from a
blow dryer at the lowest setting, had a greater effect on energy
transfer to the tourmaline than either heat or light treatment
separately. This indicates that energy transfer to the tourmaline
can be enhanced by light and heat acting together. This was
unexpected.
[0048] If we consider that a high setting on the blower is normally
used to dry or straighten hair which results in hair temperatures
in excess of 85.degree. C., then the difference in temperature from
normal use of a hair dryer to use of a the hair with a light array
system as described herein, is 40.degree. C. or more. This is a
very large reduction in the temperature of the hair being treated
or styled. The combination of a tourmaline composition, low level
heat and light of selected wavelength, results in permanent styling
of human hair, at temperatures much lower than normally required,
for example, at least 40.degree. C. lower. Clearly, this is less
damaging to the hair.
Methods
[0049] The present invention includes methods of using the device
herein described, with compositions comprising inactivated
tourmaline. One method includes: [0050] providing a composition
comprising inactivated tourmaline, such as those disclosed in
PCT/US10/24641; [0051] applying a portion of the composition to a
swatch of hair; [0052] activating the portion of the composition to
emit the photons by treating the swatch of hair with heat and
visible light simultaneously; and [0053] allowing the photons to be
directly absorbed by protein structures in hair.
[0054] Furthermore, the step of "activating the portion of the
composition" may include heating the portion of the composition to
no more than 60.degree. C., preferably no more than 50.degree. C.
and more preferably no more than 40.degree. C.
[0055] Furthermore, the step of "treating the swatch of hair with
heat and light simultaneously" may comprises the step of providing
a device that creates a columnar air flow and a concentrated light
spot within the air flow, at a location where the air and light
impinge a hair surface.
[0056] After the step of "applying a portion of the composition to
a swatch of hair" more detailed methods may include the step of
applying tension to the section of hair to assume a desired shape.
After the step of "allowing the photons to be directly absorbed by
protein structures in hair" more detailed methods may include:
deactivating the portion of the composition; and releasing the
applied tension. Methods of the invention may include those wherein
the steps between and including applying tension and releasing
tension are completed in less than about 30 minutes.
[0057] The portion of the composition applied to the hair swatch is
preferably about 5 ounces or less, more preferably about 2 ounces
or less, and most preferably about one ounce or less. The step of
applying the composition includes distributing the composition
throughout the section of hair being treated, and along its length,
from root to tip. Methods may include washing the hair before or
after treatment. Methods may include repeating application to the
same section of hair or using an adjunct treatment on the same
section of hair.
* * * * *