U.S. patent application number 14/808324 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance by using a brush.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Hassan ARIF, Marc Paul LORENZI, Guohua PAN.
Application Number | 20160022022 14/808324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53785732 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160022022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LORENZI; Marc Paul ; et
al. |
January 28, 2016 |
METHOD TO MEASURE AND/OR ADJUST COMBING RESISTANCE BY USING A
BRUSH
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a method to measure and/or adjust combing
resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises:
a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and
comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the
substrate, wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an
activation means which moves the movable bristles from their
original positions to different positions; wherein the brush
further comprises at least one of the following: a cover for the
brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed
position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of
the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between
the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; an
indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles
to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type; or
the combination thereof. By the use of the above brush device, it
becomes easier to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a
variety of fiber types.
Inventors: |
LORENZI; Marc Paul;
(Singapore, SG) ; ARIF; Hassan; (Singapore,
SG) ; PAN; Guohua; (Singapore, SG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53785732 |
Appl. No.: |
14/808324 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62028319 |
Jul 24, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/184 ;
300/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/023 20130101;
A46B 2200/104 20130101; A46B 5/002 20130101; A46B 9/10 20130101;
A46B 17/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02; A46B 17/04 20060101 A46B017/04; A46B 5/00 20060101
A46B005/00 |
Claims
1. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers
by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a
brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation
means which moves the movable bristles from their original
positions to different positions; and a cover for the brush head
which is movable between an open position and a closed position,
which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles
in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate
and its side ends in its closed position.
2. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers
by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a
brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation
means which moves the movable bristles from their original
positions to different positions; and an indication to match at
least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber
type and/or at least one treatment type.
3. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers
by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a
brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation
means which moves the movable bristles from their original
positions to different positions; a cover for the brush head which
is movable between an open position and a closed position, which
internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in
its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and
its side ends in its closed position; and an indication to match at
least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber
type and/or at least one treatment type.
4. The method of any of claims 1-3, comprising the steps of:
providing a sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the
substrate and bristles of the brush; moving the movable bristles by
the activation means; measuring and/or adjusting the combing
resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush.
5. The method of claim 1 or 3, comprising the steps of: providing a
sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and
bristles of the brush when the cover for brush head is in an open
position; moving the cover to its closed position; measuring the
combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the
brush.
6. The method of claim 2 or 3, comprising the steps of: providing a
sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and
bristles of the brush; moving the movable bristles by the
activation means according to the indication; measuring and/or
adjusting the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the
samples by the brush.
7. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the activation means
moves the movable bristles to at least two different positions from
the original position.
8. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the gap between the
substrate and the side ends of the cover is from about 20 mm to
about 1 mm.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gap between the substrate and
the side ends of the cover is from about 10 mm to about 2 mm.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the gap between the substrate
and the side ends of the cover is from about 5 mm to about 3 mm
11. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the fiber is natural
or artificial human hair.
12. The method of any of claims 1-3, comprising the steps of:
providing at least two different samples of fibers; measuring the
combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the
brush; comparing the combing resistances of the samples.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein one sample comprises untreated
fiber(s) and the other sample comprises fiber(s) treated with a
cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatment.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the samples are treated with
different cosmetic, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
utilizing said comparison to support advertising claims about the
efficacy of a treatment.
16. A brush of any of claims 1-3.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method to measure and/or
adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the
brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the
brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are
mounted on the substrate, wherein a certain number of the bristles
are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles
from their original positions to different positions; wherein the
brush further comprises at least one of the following: a cover for
the brush head which is movable between an open position and a
closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the
tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap
between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; an
indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles
to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type; or
the combination thereof. By the use of the above brush device, it
becomes easier to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a
variety of fiber types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Keratinaceous fibers, particularly human hair fibers, may be
damaged over time. Damages may be caused by environmental factors,
including air pollution, sun exposure, chlorine from water pool,
and/or rain. Damages may also be caused by applying to the fibers
grooming (cosmetic), chemical and/or mechanical treatments. When
hair fibers are damaged, the hair fibers may have undesirable
conditions of, for example, "fly-away hair", "split end", and/or
color fade.
[0003] Assessing the condition including the degree of damages
caused to keratinaceous fibers is of interest in order to
understand the impact of various environmental factors as well as
the impact of the cosmetic (grooming), chemical and mechanical
treatments onto keratinaceous fibers. Such assessment is also of
interest in order to demonstrate the efficacy of treatments used
for preventing and/or repairing keratinaceous fiber damages.
Several attempts for assessing keratinaceous fiber damages, using
different methods and/or devices, have already been reported.
[0004] Measuring combing resistance of keratinaceous fiber,
especially its friction and/or detangling, is one of common ways to
assess keratinaceous fiber conditions. Generally speaking, damaged
and/or curled keratinaceous fibers cause increased combing
resistance compared to healthier and/or straight keratinaceous
fibers.
[0005] However, it's sometimes difficult to measure differences in
combing resistances of the keratinaceous fibers before/after
treatments, by a common measurement device for all keratinaceous
fiber types. For example, a comb which is suitable for heavily
damaged and/or heavily curled keratinaceous fibers may not be
sensitive enough for healthier straight keratinaceous fibers.
[0006] Thus, there still remains a need for providing a method
which is suitable for a variety of fiber types, for measuring
combing resistances thereof and/or for adjusting combing
resistances thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a method to measure
and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush,
wherein the brush comprises:
[0008] a brush handle;
[0009] a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;
[0010] an activation means which moves the movable bristles from
their original positions to different positions; and
[0011] a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open
position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely
face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which
has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed
position.
[0012] The present invention is also directed to a method to
measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a
brush, wherein the brush comprises:
[0013] a brush handle;
[0014] a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;
[0015] an activation means which moves the movable bristles from
their original positions to different positions; and
[0016] an indication to match at least one position of the movable
bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment
type.
[0017] The present invention is further directed to a method to
measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a
brush, wherein the brush comprises:
[0018] a brush handle;
[0019] a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a
substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and
wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;
[0020] an activation means which moves the movable bristles from
their original positions to different positions;
[0021] a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open
position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely
face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which
has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed
position; and
[0022] an indication to match at least one position of the movable
bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment
type.
[0023] By the use of the above brush device, it becomes easier to
measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a variety of fiber
types. The use of the above brush provides more sensitivity to
perceive the differences in combing resistances for a variety of
fiber types.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a brush
according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG.
1, wherein the cover is in an open position.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG.
1, wherein the cover is in an open position, and wherein a fiber
sample is placed on the bristles.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG.
1, wherein the cover is in a closed position, a fiber sample is
placed on the bristles, and a certain number of bristles are in
different positions from the original positions.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates bristle positions of the brush of FIG.
4.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates bristle positions of the brush of FIG.
5.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of a brush according to the present invention, wherein the cover
has a rib on the inner surface of the cover.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the brush of
FIG. 8, especially its brush head and when the cover is in a closed
position.
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a distance between a
non-movable bristle and a movable bristle and an example of a
distance of a movable bristle from its original position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Brush
[0034] The brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting
to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which
are mounted on the substrate, wherein a certain number of the
bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable
bristles from their original positions to different positions. The
brush further comprises: [0035] a cover for the brush head which is
movable between an open position and a closed position, which
internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in
its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and
its side ends in its closed position; and/or [0036] an indication
to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least
one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.
[0037] FIG. 1-7 show an example of such brush (1), comprising a
brush handle (2), a brush head (3) comprising substrate (31) and
bristles (32), an activation means (4), a cover (5) having a gap
(51). FIGS. 8 and 9 show another example of such brush, having the
structure and functions which are almost identical to those of the
brush in FIG. 1-7 other than having the ribs (53) on the inner
surface of the cover (5).
[0038] Preferably, in the original position, the movable bristles
are relatively aligned to other bristles. Preferably, in the
different position, the movable bristles are mis-aligned to the
other bristles, and form angles to the other bristles. An example
of the movable bristles (32a) at such relatively aligned position
is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, and an example of the movable
bristles (32a) at such mis-aligned position is shown in FIG. 5 and
FIG. 7.
[0039] This allows users to engage fibers in the original position,
for example as shown in FIG. 4 with a hair fiber sample (6), then
move the movable bristles to a different position. Then, the
engaged fiber will form a curve between the movable bristles and
the other bristles, for example as shown in FIG. 5.
[0040] The activation means can move the movable bristles to only
one different positions from the original positions, or can move
the movable bristles to at least two different positions from the
original positions. Preferably, the movable bristles can move to
two or more different positions from the original positions, more
preferably from about two to about ten different positions, still
more preferably from about two to about five different positions.
The activation means can be anything, for example, a sliding
button, linear button, rack & pinion, thumb wheel or push
button. An example of such activation means (4) is shown in
Figures, which is a sliding button.
[0041] In one embodiment and as a preferred embodiment as show in
Figures, the substrate of the brush head is divided into at least
two sections, and at least one of the sections is movable by the
activation means with respect to other sections. Each section of
the substrate has a certain number of bristles. Thus, the bristles
on the movable section are moved by the activation means, which are
called as movable bristles in this embodiment. Preferably, in the
original position of the movable section, the movable bristles on
the movable section are relatively aligned to the bristles on other
sections, as shown in, for example, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. Preferably,
in the different positions of the movable section, the movable
bristles on the movable section are mis-aligned to the bristles on
other sections, and form angles to the bristles on other sections,
as shown in, for example, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. The movable section
can move to at least one different position from the original
position, preferably, the movable section can move to two or more
different positions from the original positions, more preferably
from about two to ten different positions, still more preferably
from about two to five different positions.
[0042] Preferably, the brush has a locking means for the movable
bristles so that the movable bristles can stably located at the
original positions and/or the different positions. The locking
means can be any conventional means, for example, a ratchet,
friction clutch, spring loaded ball lock, lead screw or pin
lock.
[0043] Preferably, the brush has a releasing means for the movable
bristles so that the bristles which were moved to the different
positions can move back to the original positions by a single
action. FIG. 3 shows am example of such releasing means (33).
Cover
[0044] The cover for the brush head is movable between an open
position and a closed position, and its internal surface can
closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position,
and the cover has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in
its closed position. The cover helps the fibers constantly engage
on the bristles through brushing, and is especially preferred when
the brush is used for combing resistance measurement in view of
improved accuracy of the combing resistance measurement. An example
of such cover (5) is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 in its
closed position, and in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in its open position.
[0045] The cover is preferably movably connected to a part of the
brush, for example, a part of the brush handle or a part of the
brush head. Such connection can be provided by any conventional
means, for example, a thru axle or snap fit hinge, bearing or an
axle. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of such connection.
[0046] The cover is preferably transparent or translucent so that
the bristles positions and/or fibers can be seen through the cover,
as exemplified in Figures.
[0047] "Closely facing" herein means that, in its closed position,
the distance between the inner surface of the cover and the tip of
the bristles is preferably, from about 20 mm to about to contact
between both surfaces, more preferably from about 5 mm to about to
contact between the inner surface of the cover and the tip of the
bristles, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about to contact the
inner surface of the cover and the tip of the bristles. FIG. 9
shows an example of such inner surface of the cover which is
closely face to the tip of the bristles.
[0048] The gap between the substrate and the side ends of the cover
is preferably from about 20 mm to about 1 mm, more preferably from
about 10 mm to about 2 mm, still more preferably from about 5 mm to
about 3 mm, in view of smooth combing of fibers. FIG. 2 shows an
example of such gap (51).
[0049] Preferably, the brush cover has ribs on the inner surface of
the cover positioned at the interval between one or more rows of
bristles. The function of these ribs is to impart a downward
pressure on the fibers for preventing many of the fibers from
passing above the bristles and for ensuring constant interaction
between the fibers and bristles. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example
of such ribs (53).
[0050] Preferably, the brush has a locking means for the cover so
that the cover can stably located in the closed position during
combing and/or measurement. The locking means can be any
conventional means, for example, a ratchet, or pin lock. FIG. 3
shows an example of such locking means (52), which is a
ratchet.
[0051] Preferably, the brush has a releasing means for the cover so
that the cover in the closed position can move to an open position
by a single action. This releasing means can be separated from or
connected with the releasing means for the movable bristles. FIG. 3
shows an example of such releasing means (21).
Indication
[0052] The indication is to match at least one bristle position to
at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.
[0053] Fiber types include, for example: Fiber materials such as
any keratinaceous fiber, silk fiber, collagen fibers, plastic
fibers or any other material used to produce artificial hair
fibers; Degrees of curl such as straight, curled, and heavily
curled; length of fibers such as long, medium, short.
[0054] Treatment types are explained below in the section named
"TREATMENT".
[0055] The indication can directly match at least one bristle
position to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment
type.
[0056] Alternatively, the indication can indirectly match at least
one bristle position to at least one fiber type and/or at least one
treatment type. Indirectly matching includes the following
embodiment, for example: the indication can be expressed by numbers
and/or alphabets on the brush, and a separate explanation is
provided to match a certain number and/or alphabet to a certain
fiber type and/or treatment type.
[0057] The indications can be located near the activation means so
that the movements of the activation means match to the
indications, and/or can be located on the brush head so that the
movements of the bristles match to the indications.
Fiber Sample
[0058] The method of the invention may comprise the step of
providing at least one sample of fiber(s) (so-called "sample
provision step"). As used herein, "fiber" means any fiber, and
preferably that can be influenced by any of the cosmetic, chemical
and/or mechanical treatments which are conducted separately from
and/or during the method of the present invention. Said fiber is
preferably a mammal hair, more preferably a human hair including a
synthetic fibers made like a human hair (hereinafter "synthetic
hair"). The origin of the human hair may be Caucasian, African,
Asian, or any other origin. The hair fiber may be obtained from any
part of the body, e.g. the legs, the arms, the torso, the face or
the scalp. The hair fiber is preferably obtained from the
scalp.
[0059] When the fibers are mammal hair, the method of the present
invention can be done in vivo, using mammal hairs as hair samples
without cutting. Alternatively, the method of the present invention
can be done in-vitro.
[0060] Said sample may comprise from about 100 fibers to about
300,000 fibers, preferably from about 500 fibers to about 150,000
fibers, more preferably from about 1,000 fibers to about 50,000
fibers. Said fibers may be bundled to each other such that the
bundle has at least one free end. One sample usually comprises
fibers of the same origin (e.g. from the same person and the same
region of the body), and/or of the same portion (e.g. root end or
tip end of hair fibers), and/or having been subjected to the same
cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatments. When providing at
least two, preferably from two to four, more preferably two,
different samples of keratinaceous fiber(s), "different samples"
means samples differing from each other by the origin of the
fibers, the portion of the fibers and/or the treatment(s) applied
to fibers.
[0061] The fibers may be of sufficient length for the method of the
present invention. The fibers have preferably a length of 1 cm to
80 cm, more preferably of 10 cm to 50 cm, still more preferably of
20 cm to 30 cm. When fibers are bundled to each other, it is
preferred that the fibers have the above length from the point to
be bundled.
Treatment
[0062] The method may also comprise the step of treating the sample
(so-called "treatment step"). The treatment step may be carried out
before the sample provision step. The treatment step can be carried
out before or after the sample provision step, and is preferably
carried out before the measuring step. The treatment step may be
carried out by treating the sample using any suitable cosmetic
composition, chemical and/or mechanical treatment.
[0063] This step may be carried out by applying a cosmetic
composition onto keratinaceous fiber. Any suitable cosmetic
composition known in the art may be used such as shampoos,
conditioning compositions, hair rinse-off treatments, hair leave-on
treatments, styling compositions. For example, any commercially
available shampoos, conditioners, hair rinse-off treatments and
hair leave-on treatments of tradename Pantene.RTM. and Head &
Shoulders.RTM. may be used.
[0064] Only one composition may be applied onto fibers.
Alternatively, two or several compositions may be applied
simultaneously or sequentially. In addition, before and/or after
applying each composition, the fibers may further be wetted, rinsed
and/or dried. In one embodiment, the treating step comprises
treating (washing) the fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the
washed fibers with water, then drying the fibers. In another
embodiment, the treating step comprises treating (washing) the
fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the washed fibers with water,
then treating the fibers with a conditioning composition, then
rinsing the treated fibers with water, then drying the fibers. In
another embodiment, the treating step comprises treating (washing)
the fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the washed fibers with
water, then treating the fibers with a conditioning composition,
then rinsing the treated fibers with water, then treating at least
one time the fibers with a hair rinse-off treatment, then rinsing
the treated fibers with water, then drying the fibers.
[0065] Alternatively or complementary, this step may be carried out
by chemically treating the fibers using a chemical treatment. Any
suitable chemical treatment known in the art may be used such as
permanent waving treatment, bleaching treatment and/or color-dyeing
treatment.
[0066] Alternatively or complementary, this step may be carried out
by mechanically treating the fibers. Any suitable mechanical
treatment known in the art may be used such as brushing, combing,
towel rubbing, and/or blow drying.
Combing Resistance Measurement and/or Adjustment
[0067] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention
preferably comprises the steps of: [0068] providing a sample of
fibers; [0069] placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and
bristles of the brush; [0070] moving the movable bristles by the
activation means, more preferably, moving the movable bristles by
the activation means according to the indication; [0071] measuring
and/or adjusting the combing resistance of the samples by brushing
the samples by the brush. [0072] In another embodiment, the method
of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of: [0073]
providing a sample of fibers; [0074] placing the sample of fiber on
the substrate and bristles of the brush when the cover for brush
head is in an open position; [0075] moving the cover to its closed
position; [0076] measuring the combing resistance of the samples by
brushing the samples by the brush.
[0077] In the third embodiment, the method of the present invention
preferably comprises the steps of: [0078] providing a sample of
fibers; [0079] placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and
bristles of the brush when the cover for brush head is in an open
position; [0080] moving the cover to its closed position; [0081]
moving the movable bristles by the activation means according to
the indication; and [0082] measuring the combing resistance of the
samples by brushing the samples by the brush.
[0083] Preferred embodiments of the method to measure combing
resistance are further explained below.
Combing Resistance Measurement
[0084] The method also comprises the step of measuring combing
resistance of the sample when brushing (so-called "quantity
measuring step"). Combing resistance is due to mainly frictions and
detangling.
[0085] The combing resistance can be measured by any way, for
example, by direct perception of the person who brushes, or by a
sensor connected to the brush, which measures the combing
resistance by mechanical and/or electronic means. Such sensor can
be anything, for example, a sensor which directly measures a
combing resistance, combing force and/or combing friction such as a
torque gauge, pressure sensor, push/pull gauge, or a sensor which
measures other properties which can be transferred to a level of
combing resistance, combing force and/or combing friction. Such
other properties are, for example, noise when brushing and/or
temperature of keratinaceous when brushing. As for the noise,
keratinaceous fibers having more friction are thought to cause more
noise when brushing, compared to keratinaceous fibers having less
friction (Patent No. US2003/0233861A1). As for the temperature,
keratinaceous fibers having more friction are thought to raise
higher temperature when brushing, compared to keratinaceous fibers
having less friction (Patent No. US2010/0049671A1). When such
sensors are used, measurement result can be shown on the brush
and/or a separate screen connected to the brush with or without
intervention of a computer.
Comparison
[0086] The method may also comprise the step of [0087] providing at
least two different samples of fibers; [0088] measuring the combing
resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush; and
[0089] comparing the combing resistances of the samples.
[0090] The method may also comprise the step of comparing combing
resistance of different samples (so-called "comparison step").
[0091] The comparison step is also beneficial for comparing the
effects of one treatment onto fibers versus no treatment. In one
embodiment, one sample may comprise untreated fibers and the other
sample comprises fibers treated with a cosmetic composition. The
other sample may be treated with a shampoo, and/or a conditioning
composition, and/or a hair rinse-off treatment, and/or a leave-on
treatment, and/or any other suitable cosmetic composition.
Comparing treated fiber(s) and untreated fiber(s) is beneficial for
assessing the damaging effects of the compositions such as shampoos
onto hair or, in contrast, for assessing the benefits of the
compositions such as conditioning compositions. Such benefit can
be, for example: reduction of combing resistance, combing force,
detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of increase of
combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of
fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or repairing damages
of fibers.
[0092] The comparison step is further beneficial for comparing the
efficacy of at least two different treatments. Such efficacy can
be, for example: reduction of combing resistance, combing force,
detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of increase of
combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of
fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or repairing damages
of fibers.
[0093] In one embodiment, the samples may be treated with different
cosmetic compositions. For example and non-exhaustively, (i) one
sample may be treated with one shampoo and the other sample with
another shampoo; (ii) one sample may be treated with one shampoo
and the other sample may be treated with the same shampoo and then
one conditioner; (iii) one sample may be treated with one shampoo
and then one conditioner and the other sample may be treated with
the same shampoo and then another conditioner, (iv) one sample may
be treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other
sample may be treated with the same shampoo, then the same
conditioner, and then a rinse-off treatment, (v) one sample may be
treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other
sample may be treated with the same shampoo, then the same
conditioner, and then a leave-on treatment, (vi) one sample may be
treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other
sample may be treated with another shampoo and then the same
conditioner; (vii) one sample may be treated one time with one
shampoo and the other sample may be treated two or several time
with the same shampoo; (viii) one sample may be treated one time
with one conditioner and the other sample may be treated two or
several times with the same conditioner. Comparing differently
treated fiber(s) is beneficial for comparing the damaging effects
of different shampoos (see (i)); for assessing the mitigating
effects of conditioners onto shampoo treatments (see (ii)); for
comparing the benefits of conditioning compositions (see (iii));
for assessing the mitigating effects of rinse-off treatments onto
shampoo treatments (see (iv)); for assessing the mitigating effects
of leave-on treatments onto shampoo treatments (see (v)); for
comparing the mitigating effects of one conditioners onto different
shampoo treatments (see (vi)); for comparing the effects of
repeating treatments onto fiber(s) (see (vii) and (viii)).
[0094] The comparison step is beneficial for example for comparing
the effects of chemical and/or mechanical treatments. For example,
in one embodiment, one sample may comprise untreated fiber(s) and
the other sample comprises fibers being chemically-treated.
Alternatively, the samples may comprise fiber(s) be treated with
different chemical treatments. In another embodiment, one sample
may comprise untreated fiber(s) and the other sample comprises
fibers being mechanically-treated. Alternatively, the samples may
comprise fiber(s) be treated with different mechanical
treatments.
Advertisement Support
[0095] The method may also comprise the step of utilizing said
assessment to support advertising claims (so-called "advertising
step"). Making advertising steps based on the outcome of the
comparison between two different samples is beneficial for example
for advertising the efficacy of a treatment and/or for advertising
the superiority of one treatment versus another treatment. Such
efficacy can be, for example: reduction of combing resistance,
combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of
increase of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or
friction of fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or
repairing damages of fibers.
[0096] When advertising one treatment (e.g. a conditioning
composition) versus another one, the data and/or the pictures
obtained using this method may be used therefore support and/or
demonstrate advertising claims according to which said treatment
provide higher performance versus the other one.
EXAMPLE
Materials
[0097] Fiber sample A: 25 cm long, a bundle of about 20 g oriental
non-colored and non-permed natural hair fibers
[0098] Fiber sample B: 25 cm long, a bundle of about 20 g
artificial hair fibers
[0099] Brush: Brush shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 having the structure
and functions which are almost identical to those of the brush in
FIG. 1-7 other than the ribs (53) on the inner surface of the
cover. The gap (51) between the brush substrate and the side ends
of the cover in its closed position, is from about 5 mm to about 3
mm The movable sections of the substrate with movable bristles
(32a) are moved by activation means (4) which is a sliding button
herein. While it's not shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, the brush has
indications to match bristle positions wherein the indications are
expressed by numbers from 0 to 4 which match 5 different positions
for movable bristles. The number 0 in the indication is for the
original positions of the movable bristles which are shown in FIG.
8, then, the number in the indication increases, the distance from
the original position increases. For example, when sliding the
sliding button from the number 0 in the indication to the number 1
in the indication, the movable bristles (32a) move about 3.75 mm
away from the original position, which distance from the original
position is shown as "Dy" in FIG. 10. The movable bristles move
3.75 mm per number in the indication. When the movable bristles are
in the original positions, the distance between the movable bristle
(32a) and the non-movable bristle (32b) which is next to the
movable bristle (32a), shown as "Dx" in FIG. 10, is about 9 mm.
[0100] Non-conditioning shampoo composition: having pH=5-7 and
comprising Ammonium laureth-3 sulfate (12.8%), Ammonium lauryl
sulfate (9.1%), Cocamide DEA (2.3%), Ammonium xylenesulfonate (1%),
EDTA (0.1%), Preservatives (<1%), Water q.s. to 100%.
[0101] Conditioning shampoo composition: having pH=5-7, and
comprising Sodium laureth-3 sulfate (7.0%), Sodium lauryl sulfate
(5.0%), Cocamidopropyl betaine (1%), Cocamide MEA (0.85%), Glycol
Disterate (1.5%), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (0.4%),
Dimethicone (3%), Preservatives (0.6%), Water q.s. to 100%.
[0102] Percentages of compounds are weight percent per total weight
of the composition.
Protocol
[0103] Depending on the method carried out, some of the steps may
be omitted, e.g. the treating step. [0104] 1. [Sample provision
step] Preparing the above hair samples. [0105] 2. [Shampoo step for
Treatment NC] [0106] 2.1 Hang a sample on bar [0107] 2.2 Wet the
sample [0108] 2.3 Apply 1 ml of the non-conditioning shampoo
composition to the sample and lather for 30 seconds [0109] 2.4
Rinse the sample for 30 seconds [0110] 2.5 Repeat 2.3 and 2.4
[0111] 2.6 Rinse the sample for 120 seconds and squeeze the sample
to remove excess water [0112] 2.7 Dry the sample for 24 hours.
[0113] 3. [Shampoo step for Treatment CS] [0114] 3.1 Hang a sample
on bar [0115] 3.2 Wet the sample [0116] 3.3 Apply 1 ml of the
conditioning shampoo composition to the sample and lather for 30
seconds [0117] 3.4 Rinse the sample for 30 seconds [0118] 3.5
Repeat 3.3 and 3.4 [0119] 3.6 Rinse the sample for 120 seconds and
squeeze the sample to remove excess water [0120] 3.7 Dry the sample
for 24 hours. [0121] 4. [Combing step] Put the sample on the
substrate and bristles on the brush when the cover is in an open
position, move the cover in the closed position and locked. If
necessary, move the movable section of the substrate with movable
bristles from the original position to a different position by
activation means. [0122] 5. [Measuring step] Measuring the combing
resistance by direct perception from the brush when combing. [0123]
6. [Comparison step] Comparing the combing resistance of two
different samples.
Assessment and Comparison of Combing Resistance of the Samples
Which are Differently-Treated
[0124] According to the above materials and protocols, samples are
provided with different treatments as shown in Table 1 and Table 2,
and combing resistances are assessed. The assessment results are
shown below in Table 1 and Table 2.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Indication (Distance of the Fiber movable
bristles from Samples sample Treatment the original position)
Measurement result A-NC A Treatment 3 or 4 24 panelists tested
Sample A-NC step NC (11.25 mm or 15 mm) first, then A-CS. Among
them, 21 A-CS A Treatment 3 or 4 panelists answered that A-CS has a
step CS (11.25 mm or 15 mm) reduced combing resistance, 1 panelist
answered A-NC has a reduced combing resistance, and 2 panelists
answered there is no difference in combing resistance between two
samples.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Indication (Distance of the movable bristles
Fiber from the original Samples sample Treatment position)
Measurement result B-NC B Treatment 2 A total of 48 panelists
tested the step NC (7.5 mm) samples. A half of the 48 panelists
tested B-CS B Treatment 2 Sample B-NC first, then B-CS. Another
step CS (7.5 mm) half of the 48 panelists tested Sample B- CS
first, then B-NC. Among them, 46 panelists answered that B-CS has a
reduced combing resistance, 1 panelist answered B-NC has a reduced
combing resistance, and 1 panelist answered there is no difference
in combing resistance between two samples.
[0125] As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, the combing resistances of
the samples with Treatment step CS are lower than the samples with
Treatment step NC. The panelists can perceive such difference, by
the cover which helps the fibers constantly engage on the bristles
through brushing in its closed position, and also by appropriate
move of the movable bristles for each fiber type, based on the
indication and a separate instruction. This also shows the efficacy
of Conditioning shampoo composition, which was used in only
Treatment step CS.
[0126] 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 a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0127] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, 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.
[0128] 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.
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