TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments particularly recommended for obtaining an even, golden tan without UV rays used to carry out beauty treatments such as anti-aging, toning and moisturising.

As is known, many people want to have an attractive colour that allows them to feel better, puts them in a better mood. In the majority of cases, it is not possible to tan naturally in the sun or it is not possible to expose oneself to the sun and obtain the desired colour, due to difficulties in tanning, the appearance of cutaneous redness and/or erythema, the presence of cutaneous illnesses or blemishes or medications that prevent exposure to the skin, and other reasons.

Nowadays, those who want to have a tanned skin frequent beauty shops, undergoing treatments to obtain it.

At present, to obtain a tan, tanning creams or lotions can be utilised, which are spread on the skin but give scarcely satisfactory results, or equipment can be utilised for the face and body with high and low pressure lamps emitting A-B ultraviolet rays.

These devices produce a tan through the emission of ultraviolet rays that hit the skin, stimulating the production of melanin and reproducing the same mechanism as the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. From the use of these devices it has been found that continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays promotes aging of the skin, the onset of erythema and the appearance of skin blemishes and, also, does not ensure the desired tan is obtained on all skin types.

This UV tanning system, although tried and tested and utilised worldwide, presents numerous problems, some of which were mentioned earlier, which is why the World Health Organisation has condemned the use of ultraviolet ray equipment, especially the most recent, since the use thereof is thought to have multiplied the cases of melanomas, in particular among the very young. In fact, the latest generation of tanning lamps work with a strong emission of ultraviolet rays to reduce the exposure time of each session and contain the number of sessions while maintaining the same tanning power.

Consequently, in many countries around the world UV ray equipment has been banned and prohibited and, very shortly, will no longer be usable.

To try to overcome the problems encountered with the equipment with UV lamps, alternative solutions are being sought to obtaining a tan without the use of the said lamps and avoiding the problems of photo-aging, erythema, risk of melanomas and the poor results achieved on users with fair skin, as mentioned earlier.

At present, cabins are utilised whose structure features nozzles from which a tanning solution is released in a nebulized form. The product is sprayed onto the skin, and over the following 12-24 hours, it triggers a reaction with a protein in the skin which, reacting thereto, lends the skin a particular colour, which creates a tanned effect.

The system illustrated has demonstrated that it does not present the same problems encountered with the use of UV ray machines, but a series of drawbacks has also emerged therefrom. In fact, some solutions sprayed onto the skin contain coloured pigments to give the tan effect immediately but the colouring substances tend to stain clothes, and when the user has a wash, they are washed away, removing the colour obtained. Furthermore, the spray tanning solution is not homogeneous and even and, at present, the tanning solutions utilised mainly contain DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), which gives the skin a yellow-orange tone, not a tanned colour, and it is a very dry substance, which means it is necessary to use emollients and humectants in the solution, which slow down the skin's absorption of the tanning solution sprayed on. In fact, users are advised not to wash and to try not to sweat for a period of at least 5-6 hours. To accelerate the absorption of tanning solution, fans are used which make the tanning session not particularly pleasant, especially in the autumn and winter seasons, as the tanning solution is cold and the use of the fan increases the feeling of coldness on the damp skin.

In addition to the above, the applicant is aware of patent n.WO2004/069322, which illustrates a cabin that features, inside it, two pressure zones, a positive one at the top and a negative one at the bottom, so as to create air circulation from top to bottom. A tanning solution is sprayed into the air, which pervades the cabin in sectors, with the solution sprayed for about 2 seconds, during which the users must hold their breath. The treatment is repeated a second time and then the user's skin is dried by a flow of air. This cabin presents all the drawbacks mentioned above due to the solution and the presence of air to dry the skin of the user undergoing the treatment.

Furthermore, the applicant is also aware of patent n. WOOO/62640, which describes a cabin whose corners feature spray columns which emit tanning liquid mixed with compressed air. Also with this device, the user inside the cabin must hold their breath for some time as the cabin is pervaded with air and tanning solution. In addition, the cabin described in this patent uses an electrostatic type spray system wherein the tanning solution deposits on the skin of the user due to a difference in electric charge. It is a system that, in the presence of liquid, proves hazardous for people. The applicant is also aware of patent n. WO03/082068, which illustrates a cabin with different spraying systems located inside the said cabin, and of patent n. US2004232257 Al, which describes a station composed of a couple of cabins in which the first is for spraying and the second for drying. Also in this case, the tanning solution is mixed with air. With the systems and cabins mentioned so far what emerges is a lack of a specific system for the absorption of the tanning solution, therefore the quantity of tanning solution utilised proves either insufficient, with a reduced tanning effect, or excessive, leading to stains.

Also, when the cabin door is opened, after a session, part of the tanning solution utilised, having been nebulized, disperses into the environment surrounding the cabin with consequent waste of material and the need to perform frequent cleaning operations on the cabin, as the solution sprayed - since it is nebulized - ends up not only on the user's body but also on the walls of the cabin, staining it with a decidedly unpleasant effect and ending up obstructing the nozzle holes, as it dries, making the cabin impossible to use after some time.

In particular, the applicant has developed a device for self-tanning that solves most of the problems illustrated above, by means of a cabin that features, inside it, a series of infrared lamps that allow better absorption of the tanning solution and quicker drying without the need to use towels or fans and without staining clothing as occurs with the commonly known equipment.

Furthermore, the spray system does not have a recirculation system for the tanning liquid and there is only one spray phase, with a duration of a few tenths of a minute, unlike as highlighted in patent n.WO2004/069322, where the spraying time on the user seems quite long since the user has to hold their breath on several occasions before the tanning session is complete. The spray moves in a single, continuous, top-to-bottom and back movement, which is carried out in a single step The spray system is located outside the cabin, therefore only the liquid ends up inside the cabin. The applicant's cabin is able to nebulize the tanning solution onto the user's skin in an even manner, without wasting material and without the need for multiple spraying steps and, above all, without recirculation and respraying the tanning solution, which, however clean and sanitized the liquid recirculation system may be, ends up spraying part of the liquid onto, for example, the next user who enters the cabin.

In addition to the above, as is known, nowadays, whether it is due to fashion or to personal lifestyle choices, people want to be fit, tidy, neat, and with an attractive appearance and, above all, to feel relaxed and well, and therefore they frequent beauty salons, undergoing treatments to feel better. Unfortunately, with the frenetic life led today, it is not always possible to take time for relaxation and wellness treatments, or anti-aging or beauty treatment, as they require some time and are available by appointment.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems of the commonly known technique, overcoming the drawbacks described above, by means of a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments able to allow a perfect, even and golden tan to be obtained, able to perform effective beauty treatments such as anti-aging, toning, and moisturising and able to obtain stimulation of blood circulation and better blood supply in order to help eliminate toxins and relieve muscle tension and discomfort.

A further aim of the present invention is to create a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments which is able to feature great ease of use and offers a warming of the skin, with a consequent sensation of physical wellbeing and preparation for the tanning process and/or beauty treatment.

A further aim of the present invention is to create a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments which is able to allow the user to experience a pleasurable session, with the result that several treatments can be carried out in one session, albeit with a limited duration, and in a comfortable environment. A further aim of the present invention is to create a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments which employs an optimal quantity of treatment solution without wastage and allowing the solution utilised to be perfectly and evenly absorbed by the skin, which dries quickly.

A further but not final aim of the present invention is to create a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments which is easy to manufacture and works well.

These aims and others besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments, as outlined in the claims below.

Further characteristics and advantages will better emerge in the detailed description of a system and equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments according to the present invention, provided in the form of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows, schematically, a further view of the equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments in figure 1 ;

figure 3 shows, schematically and from a left-hand side view, the equipment in question;

figure 4 shows, schematically, a right-hand side view of the equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments in figure 1 ;

figure 5 shows a front view of the equipment in figure 1.

With reference to the figures, and in particular figure 1, 1 denotes, as a whole, the equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments according to the present invention. The equipment 1 in question, comprises a structure 2 of quadrangular external profile, internally housing a cabin 3 of polygonal external profile, the cabin 3 comprising a series of minor wall elements 4 which together configure an enclosed space inside of which an individual user can enter such as to undergo beauty treatments, the cabin 3 being closed by a door element 30 which provides access to the cabin 3. According to the present embodiment, the first 4a and second 4b minor wall elements on both sides of the door 30 feature a plurality of infrared lamps 5 positioned such as to warm the interior of the cabin 3 rendering it comfortable and pleasurable for a user and irradiating the user's skin such that a treatment substance, when sprayed for application, is absorbed by the user's skin rapidly and evenly.

The enclosing walls 20 of the structure 2 are openable externally such as to provide access to the interior and facilitate assembly and/or maintenance of components, or fixed given that the cabin wall elements 4 are removable and provide access to the area behind the wall elements 4 for assembly and/or maintenance of components of the equipment.

The equipment in question envisages the presence of a spraying device 6 equipped with nozzles to nebulize a substance that is sprayed on the skin of the user inside the cabin. The spraying device 6 is composed of two spray element groups which are envisaged to move vertically movable upwards and downwards and moving in alternation, such that while the first group of spray elements moves downwards, the second group moves upwards and vice versa. In particular, the spray elements only deliver the substance while moving downwards.

In more detail, the first group envisages that the spray elements are positioned, respectively, alongside each other alongside the minor wall elements 4a and 4b and between the two wall elements 4a and 4b. The second group comprises at least two spray elements positioned alongside each other along the minor wall elements 4a and 4b, as shown in figure 3.

In accordance with the present invention, a greater number of spray elements can be utilised. In particular, the spray elements are a commonly known type of automatic nozzle adapted to the type and nature of the substance to be sprayed.

Furthermore, the spray elements of each group are fixed on a U-shaped support 60, the centre of the support element 60 being engaged on a toothed belt 15 driven by a motor 45 such that the U-shaped support 60 and the spray elements engaged on the latter move upwards and downwards.

Furthermore, the equipment is designed to stop the movement of the spray elements if a user were to hit or interfere with a safety cable present which runs along the rear wall from top to bottom.

The particular conformation of the interior of the cabin 3 is envisaged so as to be able to converge both the sprays of tanning substance, for example, and the heat radiated by the lamps toward the centre, where the user stands. The convergence toward the centre means that the heat is more concentrated in the zone where the user is and the sprays of substance overlap so as to concentrate on the user.

The equipment 1 comprises a plurality of reservoirs 7 which, in the present embodiment, are five and envisaged to contain a tanning substance, an anti-ageing substance, a toning substance, a moisturising substance, and, lastly, a sanitizing substance.

In fact, the equipment in question is able to offer an automatic tanning treatment and three beauty treatments: anti-aging, toning and moisturising. By means of micronized spraying, substances are absorbed through the skin in an optimal manner over the whole body or the selected part, without wastage and without leaving traces. In more detail, each reservoir is equipped with a label which is recognized by equipment management and control means to avoid using the wrong reservoir, i.e. to prevent one reservoir being used instead of another, leading to an undesired treatment being carried out. Furthermore, the label can prevent a reservoir being filled up incorrectly or with non-original products.

In fact, through a detection system, the reservoir is able to record the number of treatments carried out, so if the same reservoir was not filled up correctly, the equipment would stop and record an anomaly, since a precise number of treatments can be carried out with the content of one reservoir.

Furthermore, a reservoir positioned instead of another is not recognised and a signal indicates that it is not in the right place; the equipment does not accept it, signalling an anomaly and inhibiting operation.

In addition, the device has a sensor that detects the absence of product in the reservoir, which envisages a reserve part that contains a quantity of the substance corresponding to that necessary to perform two treatments, but once the equipment has delivered enough for one treatment, it stops.

According to the present embodiment, the equipment 1 comprises a plurality of electric pumps 8, one for each reservoir, each pump acting to extract a substance from a reservoir and transfer the substance into a conduit connected to a spraying device.

In particular, each pump 8 is connected to a conduit envisaged to connect the pump to the spraying devices 6.

On the external face of the cabin wall 31 adjacent to the door 30, the equipment 1 features a control panel 10 connected to means for managing and controlling the equipment, such that an operator or user can activate and manage the operation of the said equipment, treatments being selected by pressing a touch-screen on the control panel 10. In fact, on the screen the user has to specify whether the treatment affects the face or body or legs, the skin phototype, the type of treatment (tanning - wellness - anti- aging - toning - moisturising - or a preferred combination of any thereof), and a special program for the first intensive tanning treatment.

According to these settings, the system, in a fully automatic manner or following setting via the touch screen, measures, firstly, the height of the user to be treated and adapts the delivery, the nozzle movement speed, the infrared lamp ON timing, the time for a relaxing drying and the time to extract the excess product from the cabin.

In fact, in accordance with the present embodiment, the equipment is fitted with suction devices at the base of the cabin such as to extract any dispersed treatment solution. Suction devices positioned in an upper portion of the cabin or a suction device 16 located on the top of the cabin may also be envisaged. The equipment, during extraction, filters the air and reinserts it into the environment clean and free of the treatment substance. In addition, the air delivered to dry the user after the nebulisation of the treating substance is filtered and purified by a filtration system 12.

In particular, the equipment features all the facilities allocated preferably on the upper plate which acts as a cover for the cabin. When the cabin is installed, the facilities do not have to be rebuilt, only the connections, therefore a technician without particular expertise is able to do it. The particular configuration of the cabin makes it notably easy and practical to transport the said cabin, as it can be entirely dismantled.

The equipment is equipped with an electrical panel 11 which, in combination with the means for managing and controlling, manages operation of the equipment.

The system for a plurality of beauty treatments according to the present invention, for a user wishing to undergo a session, comprises the following operative stages:

setting a treatment on the screen of the control panel;

- entrance of a user into a cabin, after fitting a hair protection cap and applying barrier cream on nails, hands, and feet and inserting nose filters to prevent inhalation; infra-red lamps switching on for a predefined time,

spraying of a selected treatment solution,

drying of skin using filtered air heated by the lamps,

- the lamps switching off,

exit of user from the cabin,

sanitization of spray elements, conduits, and the cabin.

During the treatment session, the user must remain stationary with arms slightly raised and is sprayed first on the front of the body and subsequently on the back of the body as a consequence of the spraying devices moving downwards from a raised position and upwards from a lowered position, the treatment solution being sprayed in an alternating fashion. After spraying, the air-drying is activated while the lamps remain lit throughout the treatment.

In addition, almost at the end of the treatment, a solenoid valve 13 cuts off the flow of the treatment substance and activates a second solenoid valve, which releases compressed air into the conduits to force out the substance completely so as not to leave any residues in the conduits. This is to prevent residues being sprayed during the subsequent treatment.

While the user is in the cabin, the suction devices switch on and extract the excess nebulized solution.

Once the user has left the cabin, a cleaning stage is activated which concerns the spray elements, conduits and the cabin. In fact, at the end of the treatment concerning the user, a cleaning liquid contained in a fuel reservoir is delivered to wash and sanitize the conduits so that the next user uses a pure substance and enters a fragranced cabin. In particular, the solution for the sanitisation phase has a citric acid base which allows for perfect cleaning of the cabin between one customer and the next and perfect cleaning of the entire hydraulic system, always guaranteeing maximum efficiency of the equipment and an optimum level of hygiene.

According to the present invention, the compressor is of the "oil less" type, therefore the air which it delivers is free of oily residues, and is silenced with a device which does not transmit the vibrations to the cabin structure, so as to create a very comfortable and relaxing environment for the user and to prevent the spraying direction being diverted by vibrations.

In addition to the above, in the event of an electrical power failure, the equipment locks out, but when power is restored, its starts back up from where it was interrupted, even if the stop button 14 (present on the exterior of the cabin to stop treatment if necessary) has been pressed.

After the predominantly structural description above, the operation of the invention in question will now be outlined.

When wishing to have a tanning treatment or an anti-aging or moisturising or relaxing treatment, a user must undergo a session with the equipment in accordance with the present invention. A session consists of a sequence of operational steps which comprise: setting the type of treatment and the user entering the cabin and standing in the centre of the cabin.

At this point, the lamps that warm the cabin environment will light up but, above all, they will warm the user's skin, making the pores dilate for a preset time. Once the warming phase is finished, the user simply has to open their arms and wait for the spraying elements to spray the selected treatment solution and remain in position for a few minutes so that the solution dries, penetrating the skin, helped by the lamp and the filtered air delivered into the cabin. The spraying device operates as follows: the first group of spraying elements, starting from the top, will begin to deliver the treatment solution in a nebulized form that will be deposited on the skin of the user, moving gradually downwards until it reaches the stroke limit, while the other spraying elements in the second group move upwards without spraying. At the end, the situation is reversed, with the spray elements in the first group moving upwards and the second group moving downwards, spraying the substance, so that the system returns to the starting condition.

The infrareds, in addition to warming up the interior of the cabin and preparing the skin, by opening up the pores, facilitate absorption of the tanning substance and the quick drying thereof in pleasant conditions. At this point the session is finished and the user can leave the cabin.

If the user wishes, they may undergo a further session for a different treatment.

Thus the present invention achieves the aims set.

The equipment in question features great ease of use and allows the solution, for example for tanning, to be nebulized onto the person's skin in an even manner, without wasting material.

Furthermore, the use of the infrared lamps allows better absorption of the tanning solution and quicker drying without the need to use towels or fans and without the risk of staining clothing as occurs with equipment according to the commonly known technique.

Advantageously, the use of the infrareds make it possible to optimize the amount of tanning substance to use, avoiding the formation of blemishes or having a limited result, as occurs with the commonly known technique, in addition to making the session pleasurable, especially during cold months. In addition, the infrareds raise the basal metabolic rate, and increase microcirculation therefore nutritional substances are taken in by the skin and waste substances are eliminated more easily. In particular, it is important to note that, due to the physical characteristics of the type of radiation at the frequency typical of infrared, the penetration of the ray is confined to the epidermal and dermal layers without going any deeper, which originates in a warming of the stratum corneum without causing the user's internal underlying structures to overheat and without running the risk of getting burnt.

The penetration of this radiation into the skin layers causes, as mentioned earlier, a widespread vasodilatation of the capillary microcirculation, causing a greater influx of blood, which is able to drain away waste substance and take in new nutrients designed to support and stimulate the metabolic reactions at the base of the tanning process. In addition, in relation to other drying systems, the feeling of warmth caused by the warming is limited over time because it is superficial and the stratum corneum dissipates quickly and there is no sweating. Otherwise the vasodilation process lasts longer, therefore the physical wellbeing effect induced by the vasodilation, combined with the effect of the warming, is not negligible.

Advantageously, users with fragile capillaries can be treated in this way without problems and without the problems that are encountered with the other systems according to the commonly known technique and natural exposure to the sun.

Furthermore, the infrareds increase joint mobility and help eliminate muscle contractions and a user, after a session, besides having an attractive colour, feels better, more active and fit.

In addition to the above, the tanning substance utilised with the system and the equipment in question is transparent, does not contain dyes and therefore is taken in by the skin without leaving a trace, does not stain, is not greasy and does not soil clothes because the basic ingredients are DHA and Erythtrulose, without any added dye. In particular, the tan is obtained by the reaction of the proteins in the outer layers of the skin with the tanning solution, creating coloured compounds that remain until the natural renewal of the epidermis. The erythrulose also produces the "retard" effect that prolongs the tan, rendering the skin less dry and providing an even natural colour.

Advantageously, the equipment in question allows a user to obtain a good tan with a minimum of two sessions, but may vary from user to user depending on the phototype and the effect lasts approximately five days.

Furthermore, the wellness effect of infrared lamps also significantly reduces pain and stiffness caused by muscle and joint tension. In fact, the pleasant warmth generated by the infrared rays penetrates deep into the cutaneous layer, improving blood circulation and warming muscles. Muscle tension is alleviated and muscles automatically soften and relax. The stimulation of the blood circulation helps to eliminate toxins and supply the muscles with oxygen-rich blood, eliminating the pain.

Advantageously, the equipment in question allows three beauty treatments to be carried out: anti-aging, toning and moisturising. By means of micronized spraying, the treatment substances are absorbed through the skin in the best way possible over the whole body or the selected part, without wastage and without leaving traces.

In particular, the anti-aging solution maintains and restores the hydro-lipid balance of the skin, which is useful in preventing and countering the aging of the skin, and the anti- aging solution reduces wrinkles and expression lines. Its nourishing action lends the skin a radiant and compact appearance. In the anti-aging solution, there is a fraction of highly purified, active rice protein present that protects the skin from collagenasis and the damage caused by UV radiation and also prevents premature cutaneous aging due to various environmental phenomena. A mix of essential oils such as Bergamot, Benzoin and Ylang provide the solution with a refreshing, stimulating, soothing, and antioxidant action. In addition, the toning solution is the synergistic result of extracts of walnut tree, medlar and Centella Asiatica. The solution exerts an astringent and tonic action that has a cutaneous firming action and a collagen synthesis stimulating action.

In addition, the moisturising solution gives the skin the right degree of hydration and smoothness as it contains a naturally derived polysaccharide (corn and soybean) and fucose, which makes the solution particularly suitable for sensitive and fragile skins. Rigorous scientific tests have shown that fucose holds and maintains water molecules within the skin, increasing the degree of hydration to as much as 79% in three hours. The effect of infrared lamps in preparation for tanning and/or beauty treatments ensures maximum cutaneous smoothness and cleanliness thanks to the stimulating effect on blood circulation and due to the pore dilation effect, thus the creams and products for skin treatment are absorbed better and faster.

A further advantage encountered derives from the fact that the combination of two treatments, for example, tanning and moisturising can amplify and accentuate the result of a single treatment with even longer lasting results.

A further advantage lies in the fact that the equipment can be utilised in automatic mode, planning which parts of the body must be treated.

A further but not final advantage of the present invention is that the equipment for a plurality of beauty treatments proves easy to manufacture and works well.

Naturally, further modifications or variants may be applied to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the invention that characterises it.