Patent Description:
The device is in particular a movable clamp, intended to be used for the treatment of the hair. The treatment in particular aims to produce a discoloration of the hair, or to attach a sheath on the hair that withstands washing in order to give the hair a volume effect.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe cosmetic sheathing compositions applicable on the hair. These compositions include photo-cross-linking compounds.

After application of the sheathing composition on the hair, an illumination device by light-emitting diodes (LED), emitting in the UV-Visible domain, is passed over the locks of hair to cross-link the photo-cross-linking compounds and thus to obtain the sheathing.

Generally, the emitted light is in the UV-visible domain, at energy doses on the order of the Joule/cm<NUM>.

In other cases, when photo-oxidation must be done to discolor the hair, like in <CIT>, hair treated by a composition comprising a chemical oxidizing agent is subject to the application of light with light-emitting diodes. An illuminating device producing higher intensity illuminations, for example on the order of around one hundred J/cm<NUM>, is generally used.

The aforementioned illumination devices are very effective to offer effective radiation of the lock of hair.

However, there is still a need for improvement, in particular to protect the user from the light, in order to limit, or even avoid leaks of light during the radiation.

<CIT> discloses an illumination device intended to treat a lock of keratinic fibers having protection means.

One aim of the invention is therefore to provide a device for illuminating at least one lock of keratinic fibers that makes it possible to perform treatments requiring an illumination of the lock, while greatly limiting, or even preventing the leaks of light outside the device.

Indeed, in the context of standard IEC <NUM> relative to the photobiological safety of bulbs and apparatuses using bulbs, the aforementioned type of apparatus is classified among at-risk apparatuses (low - group <NUM> to high - group <NUM>, depending on the nature of the measured risk). Such a classification then entails the respect for several regulatory constraints, in particular in terms of marking and prevention. It is thus desirable to be able to decrease the classification group of such an apparatus, or to allow it to be classified in group <NUM> (absence of risk), by implementing appropriate means.

To that end, the invention relates to an illumination device according to claim <NUM>.

The illumination assembly is in particular configured to deliver an illumination power greater than <NUM> W/cm<NUM>, or greater than <NUM> W/cm<NUM>, in particular between <NUM> W/cm<NUM> and <NUM> W/cm<NUM>. In applications requiring a high optical power, the illumination assembly is configured to deliver an illumination power greater than <NUM> W/cm<NUM>, or greater than <NUM> W/cm<NUM>.

"Optically closing" means that the confinement member allows less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>%, of the radiation emitted in the illumination cavity by the illumination system to pass toward the closing element, at the wavelengths emitted by the illumination system.

Very preferably, the optically closing nature allows a classification in group <NUM> (no risk), and at most in group <NUM> (low risk), of the apparatus.

The optical closing is for example measured by Standards IEC <NUM>:<NUM> and EN62471:<NUM>.

The device according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically possible combination(s).

In a first variant, the confinement member comes from the periphery of one of the confinement surfaces from a side wall of one of the branches and/or the second confinement member comes from the periphery of one of the confinement surfaces from an opposite side wall of one of the branches.

In other words, the insertion points of the confinement members in question are not located on the confinement surfaces, but outside on the parts of the branches adjacent to these surfaces.

In a preferred second variant, the first confinement member comes from the first side edge of one of the confinement surfaces and/or the second confinement member comes from the opposite second side edge of one of the confinement surfaces.

In both variants, preferably, the first confinement member and the second confinement member come from the same branch.

According to the invention, the first confinement member and/or the second confinement member is formed by a curtain of bristles and/or.

The sheet of flexible material opaque to the UV/Visible rays is advantageously opaque in the range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

By way of flexible materials, metallic sheets will be preferred, such as aluminum, or sheets made from plastic materials.

The curtain(s) of bristles can have one edge connected to the first branch or the second branch and a free edge, the free edge of the curtain of bristles bearing on the confinement surface of the other branch in the closed position.

The device can comprise a second additional confinement member positioned opposite the second confinement member in the closed position.

The additional confinement members can extend over the entire length of the main confinement member. They can be formed by a recess defining a counter-form of the confinement member facing it. This further decreases the risk of light leakage.

Preferably in the closed position, the main confinement member extends in the recess forming the complementary confinement member without coming into contact with a bottom of the recess, a gap being defined in the recess between the main confinement member and the bottom of the recess. This guarantees an adequate circulation of the lock, while retaining excellent protection from the light.

The main confinement member can include a rounded edge or bead coming from the first confinement surface or the second confinement surface, toward the other confinement surface.

The main confinement member can comprise a relief protruding toward the other branch from the rounded edge or bead that, in the closed position, is positioned in contact with the other branch and keeps the rounded edge or bead separated from the other branch.

The invention also relates to a method for illumination according to claim <NUM>.

In a variant of this method, the lock is first treated with a cosmetic composition.

Preferably, the chemical oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide alone or in combination with at least one persalt, and in particular at least one persulfate.

Preferably, the composition comprising at least one chemical oxidizing agent comprises at least one alkaline agent. The alkaline agent(s) can be mineral or organic. b) at least one photo-crosslinkable compound, and still more preferably photo-dimerizable.

Preferably, the photo-crosslinkable compound is a polymer. Still more preferably, the photo-crosslinkable polymer is a hydrophobized or non-hydrophobized PVA-SBQ.

The cosmetic composition comprising the chemical oxidizing agent(s) and/or the photo-crosslinkable compound(s) can also comprise at least one compound chosen from among solvents, fatty bodies that may or may not be siliconized, anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants, which may or may not be siliconized, non-photo-crosslinkable polymers, and in particular anionic, cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric treating, fixing or thickening polymers, synthetic or natural soluble coloring agents, pigments, agents breaking disulfide bonds, oxidizing agents, and antidandruff agents, loss prevention agents.

The composition applied on the hair in the inventive methods can result from mixing during the use of at least two compositions. This is in particular the case for bleaching, where the cosmetic composition applied on the hair preferably results from mixing at the time of the use of two compositions, one of which contains hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide precursor, the second composition containing at least one alkaline agent. Still more preferably, the first composition is aqueous and contains hydrogen peroxide, and the second composition is anhydrous.

The keratinic fibers are preferably human hairs or extensions.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, provided solely as an example, and in reference to the appended drawings, in which:.

A first illumination device <NUM> of a lock of hair <NUM> according to the invention is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The device <NUM> here is a clamp. It is intended to illuminate the lock of hair <NUM> in order for example to treat a lock of hair on which a cosmetic composition has previously been applied.

The cosmetic composition advantageously contains at least one photo-crosslinkable compound that cross-links during the treatment by illumination of the lock in the device <NUM>.

In a variant, the device <NUM> is intended to illuminate the lock of hair <NUM> in order to photo-oxidize the lock, and to cause a discoloration. In this use, it is also possible to treat, by illumination, a lock previously treated with a cosmetic composition comprising at least one chemical oxidizing agent.

In reference to <FIG>, the illumination device <NUM> includes a first branch <NUM> and a second branch <NUM>, the branches <NUM>, <NUM> being mounted movably relative to one another, between an open position for introducing the lock <NUM> into the device <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, and a closed position for confining the lock <NUM> defining an illumination cavity <NUM>, visible in <FIG>.

The device <NUM> further includes an assembly <NUM> for articulating the first branch <NUM> with the second branch <NUM> and an assembly <NUM> for illuminating the lock <NUM> in the illumination cavity <NUM>.

According to the invention, the device <NUM> comprises a confinement assembly <NUM> of the light in the illumination cavity <NUM> and, advantageously, a securing system <NUM>.

The first branch <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis A-A'. In this example, it includes a hollow shell <NUM>, a support frame <NUM> contained in the hollow shell <NUM> (visible in <FIG>) and a closing plate <NUM> delimiting a window <NUM>.

The first branch <NUM> further includes a glass <NUM> positioned in the window <NUM> and a reflector <NUM> positioned in the hollow shell <NUM> across from the glass <NUM>.

The hollow shell <NUM> inwardly delimits a housing <NUM> emerging toward the second branch <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, the support frame <NUM> includes two side walls 42A, 42B extending longitudinally in the housing <NUM> of the hollow shell <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is open-worked. It has, through the side walls 42A, 42B, assembly openings 43A, 43B. It defines, between the side walls 42A, 42B, an upper opening 43C extending across from the window <NUM>.

The closing plate <NUM> closes the hollow shell <NUM> toward the second branch <NUM>.

In this example, the glass <NUM> is flush with the plate <NUM> at the window <NUM>. The glass <NUM> and the plate <NUM> together define a first confinement surface <NUM> of the lock <NUM> delimiting a first side of the illumination cavity <NUM>.

The second branch <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis B-B'. In this example, it also includes a hollow shell <NUM>, and a closing plate <NUM> delimiting a window <NUM>.

The second branch <NUM> also includes a glass <NUM> positioned in the window <NUM> and a reflector <NUM> positioned in the hollow shell <NUM> across from the glass <NUM>.

The hollow shell <NUM> inwardly delimits a housing <NUM> emerging toward the first branch <NUM>.

The closing plate <NUM> closes the hollow shell <NUM> toward the first branch <NUM>.

In this example, the glass <NUM> is flush with the plate <NUM> at the window <NUM>. The glass <NUM> and the plate <NUM> together define a second confinement surface <NUM> of the lock <NUM> delimiting a second side of the illumination cavity <NUM>.

In this example, the first branch <NUM> and the second branch <NUM> are mounted movably relative to one another in rotation, by means of the articulation assembly <NUM> between the open position and the closed position. The rotation is done about an axis C-C' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A', B-B' of each branch <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the open position of the device <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, the first branch <NUM> is partially moved away from the second branch <NUM>. The volume of the intermediate space between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>, taken between the first confinement surface <NUM> and the second confinement surface <NUM>, is maximal to allow an easy introduction of the lock <NUM> between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the closed position of the device <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, the first branch <NUM> and the second branch <NUM> are brought closer to one another in order to place their longitudinal axes A-A' and B-B' substantially parallel to one another.

The first confinement surface <NUM> and the second confinement surface <NUM> are then located across from one another. The volume of the intermediate space between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>, taken between the first confinement surface <NUM> and the second confinement surface <NUM>, is minimal.

When the device <NUM> is in the closed position, the illumination cavity <NUM> emerges laterally on either side of the longitudinal axis A-A', B-B' of each branch <NUM>, <NUM>, between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>, by a first side slit <NUM> and by a second side slit <NUM>.

The illumination cavity <NUM> also emerges axially at the free end of each branch <NUM>, <NUM>, opposite the articulation assembly <NUM>, by an axial passage <NUM>.

The length of each side slit <NUM>, <NUM> is smaller than the length of each branch <NUM>, <NUM> and is for example between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length of each branch <NUM>, <NUM>. The height of each sideslip <NUM>, <NUM> is less than <NUM>.

The confinement assembly <NUM> includes a first confinement member <NUM>, positioned in the first side slit <NUM> in order to close the first side slit <NUM> in the closed position, and a second confinement member <NUM>, positioned in the second side slit <NUM> in order to close the second side slit <NUM> in the closed position.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first confinement member <NUM> and the second confinement member <NUM> are carried by the first branch <NUM>. The first confinement member <NUM> and the second confinement member <NUM> here protrude from the first confinement surface <NUM> on the first branch <NUM> toward the second confinement surface <NUM> on the second branch <NUM>.

Each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> extends over substantially the entire length of the side slit <NUM>, <NUM>, advantageously over a length greater than <NUM>%, better greater than <NUM>% of the length of the side slit <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> includes a height, taken from the first confinement surface <NUM>, greater than or equal to the height of each side slit <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> includes a curtain of bristles <NUM> and an attachment member <NUM> of the curtain of bristles <NUM> on the first branch <NUM>, visible in <FIG>.

The curtain of bristles <NUM> is optically closing. It has a plurality of adjacent rows of bristles oriented transversely and preferably substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the branch <NUM>. Each bristle of the curtain of bristles <NUM> is in contact with other bristles.

The curtain of bristles <NUM> has a thickness greater than the thickness of each individual bristle, advantageously greater than at least three times the thickness of each individual bristle.

In this example, the curtain of bristles <NUM> advantageously has a thickness from <NUM> to <NUM>, better from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The curtain of bristles <NUM> includes an edge <NUM> connected to the first branch <NUM>, and a free edge <NUM> intended to come into contact with the second confinement surface <NUM> in the closed position of the device <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the attachment member <NUM> is formed by an attachment plate, mounted on a respective side wall 42A, 42B of the frame <NUM> in order to grip the curtain of bristles <NUM> between the side wall 42A, 42B and the attachment member <NUM>.

The illumination assembly <NUM> includes at least one light source <NUM>, and at least one controller <NUM> of the operation of the or each light source <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, <NUM> of a shell <NUM>, <NUM>, for example in the housing <NUM> of the shell <NUM> of the first branch <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> is for example formed by at least one light-emitting diode, preferably by a group of light-emitting diodes.

The light source <NUM> is able to be powered by the controller <NUM> from a power source (not shown) in order to illuminate the lock <NUM> through the glass <NUM>. The power source is for example at least one battery contained in the device <NUM> or a cord coupled to the power supply from the sector.

The illumination produced by the light source <NUM> is preferably produced in the range of wavelengths from <NUM> to <NUM>, better from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Advantageously, the light source <NUM> is able to develop a light intensity of between <NUM> J/cm<NUM> and <NUM> J/cm<NUM>.

In order to perform photo-crosslinking operations on the lock <NUM>, the light intensity is preferably between <NUM> mJ/cm<NUM> and <NUM> J/cm<NUM>.

During bleaching operations on the lock <NUM>, the light intensity is preferably between <NUM> J/cm<NUM> and <NUM> J/cm<NUM>, in particular between <NUM> J/cm<NUM> and <NUM> J/cm<NUM>.

In this example, the securing system <NUM> includes a member <NUM> mounted movably in the first branch <NUM> between an idle deployed position, when the device <NUM> is in its open position, and a retracted secure position, when the device <NUM> is in its closed position.

The movable member <NUM> is kept in the retracted secure position by gripping between the first branch <NUM> and the second branch <NUM>, in the closed portion of the device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is able to illuminate the light source <NUM> only when the movable member <NUM> of the securing system <NUM> is in its retracted position.

The operation of the illumination device <NUM> will now be described.

Initially, the user places the device <NUM> in the open position and grasps a lock <NUM> of hair intended to undergo an illumination. The lock <NUM> can be coated beforehand with a cosmetic composition for example containing at least one chemical oxidizing agent and/or at least one photo-crosslinkable compound.

The user then inserts the lock <NUM> between the first branch <NUM> and the second branch <NUM> across from the confinement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Then, he transitions the device <NUM> to its closed position by bringing the first branch <NUM> and the second branch <NUM> closer to one another.

During this approach, the first confinement surface <NUM> is placed across from the second confinement surface <NUM> in order to close the illumination cavity <NUM>.

The curtains of bristles <NUM> of each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> close the side slits <NUM>, <NUM> by bearing on the second confinement surface <NUM> from the first confinement surface <NUM>, and pinching the hairs of the lock <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In particular, the curtain of bristles <NUM> being deformable, it adapts to the shape of the lock <NUM> of hair. The hairs of the lock <NUM> are advantageously inserted between the bristles of the curtain of bristles <NUM> in order to ensure near-total confinement of the side slits <NUM>, <NUM>, either by the bristles of the curtain of bristles <NUM>, or by the hairs of the lock <NUM>.

The lateral confinement of the illumination cavity <NUM> is therefore near-total, which decreases the risk of exposure of the user to the light created in the cavity <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> of the securing system is gripped between the branches <NUM>, <NUM> and therefore occupies its retracted position.

The user then activates the light source <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the source <NUM> to apply the desired illumination on the lock <NUM>. Advantageously, the user moves the device <NUM> along the lock <NUM> to treat it over a chosen length. Then, he opens the device <NUM> again to remove the block <NUM> and optionally to place another lock <NUM> between the branches <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a variant (not shown) of the first illumination device <NUM>, at least one of the two confinement members <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by a sheet of flexible material opaque to the UV/Visible rays, advantageously in the range between <NUM> and <NUM>.

A second illumination device <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The second device <NUM> differs from the first device <NUM> by the structure of the confinement members <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by a solid longitudinal rounded edge or bead <NUM>, protruding from the first confinement surface <NUM> toward the second confinement surface <NUM>.

The rounded edge or bead <NUM> is elongated parallel to the axis of the branch <NUM>, <NUM>. It preferably has a curved outer surface.

The width of the rounded edge or bead <NUM> considered transversely relative to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the branch <NUM>, is less than at least twice, preferably at least four times its length.

The rounded edge or bead <NUM> advantageously forms a body with the closing plate <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this example, it has a pyramidal cross-section.

Furthermore, the device <NUM> includes, for each main confinement member <NUM>, <NUM>, a complementary confinement member <NUM>, <NUM>, present on the second confinement surface <NUM>, across from each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, each complementary confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by a recess in the form of a groove <NUM>, with a length substantially equal to the length of the rounded edge or bead <NUM> and constituting a counter-form of the rounded edge or bead <NUM>.

In the closed position of the device <NUM> as illustrated by <FIG>, the rounded edge or bead <NUM> protrudes in the groove <NUM>, advantageously without contact with the bottom of the groove <NUM>, while delimiting a gap <NUM> located between the apex of the rounded edge or bead <NUM> and the bottom of the groove <NUM>.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> further includes a first axial confinement member <NUM> positioned between longitudinal ends of the confinement members <NUM>, <NUM> and a second axial confinement member <NUM> that extends between the opposite longitudinal ends of the confinement members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each axial confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is also formed by a rounded edge or bead that protrudes relative to the first confinement surface <NUM>.

The confinement members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> preferably define a continuous closed contour at the periphery of the illumination cavity <NUM> on the first plate <NUM>.

Likewise, each axial confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is advantageously positioned across from a complementary axial confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> arranged in the second confinement surface <NUM>.

Each complementary axial confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is also formed by a recess in the form of a groove.

The complementary first axial confinement member <NUM> is positioned between longitudinal ends of the axial confinement members <NUM>, <NUM> and the complementary second axial confinement member <NUM> extends between the opposite longitudinal ends of the axial confinement members <NUM>, <NUM>.

The groove then extends continuously over a contour of the illumination cavity <NUM>. Thus, the illumination cavity <NUM> is closed off not only in the side slits <NUM>, <NUM>, but also in the axial passage <NUM>.

During operation, the locks <NUM> are inserted into the gap <NUM> between each confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> and the complementary confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> facing it.

In light of the partial insertion of the confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> into the complementary confinement member <NUM>, <NUM>, the illumination cavity <NUM> is closed off, while allowing the lock <NUM> to circulate through each gap <NUM> between a confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> and the complementary confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> receiving the confinement member <NUM>, <NUM>.

The use of a form / counter-form system illustrated in <FIG> is therefore particularly advantageous, since it ensures maximum security, without hindering the circulation of the lock <NUM>.

In a variant, shown in <FIG>, a relief <NUM> for defining the height of the gap <NUM> is provided. The relief <NUM> for example protrudes from the apex of the rounded edge or bead <NUM> to cooperate with the bottom of the groove <NUM> across from it in the closed position of the device <NUM>. It has a length smaller than that of the rounded edge or bead <NUM>.

In a variant of the preceding embodiments, at least one confinement member <NUM>, <NUM> is carried by the second branch <NUM> and protrudes from the second confinement surface <NUM> toward the first confinement surface <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An illumination device (<NUM>; <NUM>) of at least one lock (<NUM>) of keratinic fibers, including:
- a first branch (<NUM>) defining a first confinement surface (<NUM>);
- a second branch (<NUM>), defining a second confinement surface (<NUM>) intended to be placed across from the first confinement surface (<NUM>), the first branch (<NUM>) and the second branch (<NUM>) being movable relative to one another between an open position for insertion of the lock (<NUM>) and a closed position for illumination of the lock (<NUM>) in which the confinement surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) define a cavity (<NUM>) for illumination of the lock (<NUM>), the illumination cavity (<NUM>) opening onto a first side edge of the illumination cavity (<NUM>) by a first side slit (<NUM>) for accessing the illumination cavity (<NUM>) and onto a second opposite side edge of the illumination cavity (<NUM>), by a second side slit (<NUM>) for accessing the illumination cavity (<NUM>);
- an assembly (<NUM>) for illumination of the lock (<NUM>) in the illumination cavity (<NUM>), able to illuminate the lock (<NUM>) with a light having a wavelength between <NUM> and <NUM>, in particular between <NUM> and <NUM>,
- a first confinement member (<NUM>) on the first side edge of the illumination cavity and coming from the first confinement surface (<NUM>), the second confinement surface (<NUM>), or their peripheries,
- a second confinement member (<NUM>), on the second side edge of the illumination cavity and coming from the first confinement surface (<NUM>), the second confinement surface (<NUM>), or their peripheries,
characterized by the first confinement member (<NUM>) extending in the first lateral slit (<NUM>) over substantially the entire length of the first side slit (<NUM>), the second confinement member (<NUM>) extending in the second lateral slit (<NUM>) over substantially the entire length of the second side slit (<NUM>), each confinement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) optically closing the illumination cavity (<NUM>) over its entire length when the device is in the closed position,
wherein the first confinement member (<NUM>) and/or the second confinement member (<NUM>) is formed by a curtain of bristles (<NUM>) and/or
wherein the device comprises a first additional confinement member (<NUM>) positioned opposite the first confinement member (<NUM>) in the closed position; or
wherein at least one of the confinement members (<NUM>, <NUM>) being formed by a sheet of flexible material opaque to the UV/Visible rays.