FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to hair treatment devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to hair treatment device with light emitters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Hair treatment devices are popular devices that can be found both with professional hairdressers and domestic users. There are several types of electric hair treatment devices, hair straighteners, curlers, fans, electric brushes and the like. All the electric hair treatment devices are configured to provide heat to the hair, either by blowing hot air or by direct contact of a heated element with the hair. The commonly used are heating elements that produce heat to be converted (by air flow) or conducted (by direct contact) to the hair.

[003] Hair can be treated by various other products and methods. Products, such as shampoos and conditioners for cleaning the hair, various hair colors for coloring the hair, hair masks for recovering and moisturizing damaged hair and the like. Some of the hair treatment products and compositions, such as, hair colors, involve chemical reactions which change the chemistry of the outer layer of the hair. Other treatments such as shampooing involve chemical reactions which do not change the chemistry of the outer layer of the hair.

[004] Chemical reactions can be activated or accelerated using electromagnetic (EM) radiation, for example, in ultraviolet (UV) range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] Some aspects of the invention may be related to a hair treatment device, that includes: a body comprising at least one handle for holding the hair treatment device; one or more Electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitters, assembled in at least one portion of the body; and one or more covers transparent to EM radiation, connected to the body such that the one or more EM emitters are covered by the one or more transparent covers. [006] In some embodiments, the body may include a first portion comprising a first flat surface and a second portion comprising a second flat surface and the first portion is connected to the second portion such as to allow at least one group of hair to be pressed between the first and second surfaces. In some embodiments, at least one of the first flat surface and the second flat surface may include the one or more transparent covers. [007] In some embodiments, the body may include short wires which extend from the one or more covers. In some embodiments, at least some of the wires may also be transparent. In some embodiments, at least some of the wires may each include an EM radiation emitter.

[008] In some embodiments, the one of more covers are included in a longitudinal body. [009] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body is made from material transparent to the EM radiation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more EM radiation emitters are light emitters emitting light at wavelength of 120 nm-1 mm. In some embodiments, the one or more EM radiation emitters are RF antennas radiating RF radiation in a wavelength of 1 mm- 50 cm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device may further include a first type of one or more EM radiation emitters configured to emit light at a first wavelength range and a second type of one or more EM radiation emitters configured to emit light at a second wavelength range.

[0012] Accordingly, a hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention may apply EM radiation, rather than conducting heat, may be used to activate or accelerate chemical reactions in hair treating products, such as, hair colors and hair masks. Additionally, such a device may allow providing completely new hair treatments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a hair treatment device, having a shape of a hair straightener, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0015] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a hair treatment device, having a shape of a hair straightener, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0016] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a hair treatment device, having a shape of a hair straightener, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a hair treatment device, having a shape of a hair curler, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0018] Fig. 5 is an illustration of a hair treatment device, having a shape of a brush, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0019] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0021 ] Some aspects of the invention may be related to a hair treatment device that may include one or more Electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitters. In some embodiments, the device may radiate at least one group of hair with EM radiation. In some embodiments, such a hair treatment device may allow providing the hair treatments that are not yet available, for example, lightening the hair without the use of chemicals, disinfection of the hair without the use of shampoo and more. In some embodiments, such a hair treatment device may improve existing hair treatments, for example, accelerate hair coloring process, straightening the hair without harming the natural moisture of the hair and the like. In some embodiments, the device may provide EM radiation after or during the application of a hair treatment product, as to accelerate or activate at least one chemical reaction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more EM emitters may emit EM radiation in any required wavelength. In some embodiments, the required wavelength may be selected based on the desired effect. For example, an Ultraviolet (UV) light may be used to disinfect the hair, promote selective lightening and the like. In another example, infrared (IR) radiation may provide heat to accelerate chemical reactions in products such as, hair colors and hair masks.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hair treatment device according to embodiments of the invention may include at least one handle. The handle may allow easy handling or usage by either a professional hairdresser or by a domestic user. In some embodiments, the hair treatment device may have the shape of a familiar hair treatment device, such as, hair straightener, hair curler, brush and the like, although the treatment provided by such a treatment device may be different from the treatment that is known to be provided by the familiar hair treatment devices.

[0024] As used herein “EM radiation” may refer to at least some of radiation in the EM spectrum. For example, EM radiation may include: RF waves (for example, microwaves having a wavelength of 1 mm- 50 cm), IR radiation, visible light and the entire UV spectrum.

[0025] As used herein “EM emitter” may include any device or element that can emit EM radiation. For example, an EM emitter, may be a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode configured to emit IR, visible light or UV light. In another example, EM emitter may include an antenna configured to emit RF radiation.

[0026] As used herein “transparent to EM radiation” may refer to any material that either completely transparent or partially transparent (e.g., allow at least 50% of the waves energy to pass) to specific wavelength, all the EM spectrum, at least a portion of the spectrum and the like.

[0027] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which is an illustration of a hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention. A hair treatment device 100 may be configured to provide EM radiation to at least one group of hair. Hair treatment device 100 may include a body 105 that includes at least one (e.g., two) handle 112 and 122 for holding hair treatment device 110. In some embodiments, body 105 may include a first portion 110 that may include handle 112 and a second portion 120 that may include second handle 122. In some embodiments, first portion 110 may have a first substantially flat surface 115 and second portion 120 may have a second substantially flat surface 125. In some embodiments, first portion 110 is connected to second portion 120 such as to allow at least one group of hair to be pressed between first surface 115 and second surface 125. In some embodiments, device 100 may have the shape of a hair straightener.

[0028] In some embodiments, device 100 may further include one or more EM radiation emitters 130, assembled in at least first portion 110 and/or second portion 120 of body 105. In some embodiments, one or more EM radiation emitters 130 may be any device or element that can emit EM radiation. In some embodiments, EM radiation emitters 130 may be electrically connected to a power source such as a battery or the electric grid, to provide electricity to radiation emitters such as LEDs. In some embodiments, EM radiation emitters 130 may be optically connected [coupled?] to an EM radiation generator, for example, via waveguide. Such an EM radiation generator may be an RF generator, a laser diode and the like. Accordingly, device 100 may include a connection cable (illustrated as cable 450 in Fig. 4) that may be an electric cable, a waveguide and the like.

[0029] In some embodiments, more than one type of EM radiation emitters 130 may be assembled in a single device 100. For example, device 100 may include a plurality of LEDs some of which are configured to emit different wavelength (e.g., UV and visible light) than other LEDs. In another example, device 100 may include both UV LEDs and RF antennas. In yet another example, device 100 may include RF antennas, visible light LEDs and IR lamps.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more EM radiation emitters 130 may be assembled in device 100 such that an entire group of hair pressed between first surface 115 and second surface 125 may be radiated with the EM radiation. One or more EM radiation emitters 130 may be assembled in a row 135 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of device 100 in both the first and second portions 110 and 120. Such a device may allow to provide EM treatment to the entire hair (e.g., by treating every hair group separately) or an entire group of hair. For example, such a device may sterilize the entire hair, accelerate coloring process of the entire hair or only some groups of hair and the like.

[0031] In some embodiments, device 100 may further include one or more covers 118 and 128 transparent to EM radiation, connected to each portion of body 105 such that one or more EM emitters 130 are covered by one or more transparent covers 118 and 128. In some embodiments, cover 118 may be included in surface 115 of first portion 110 and cover 128 may be included in surface 125 of second portion 120. In some embodiments, one or more covers 118 and 128 may be made or may include any material that is transparent to a specific EM spectrum that may be radiated by the EM radiators of a given device (e.g., alumina which is transparent to RF radiation) or to most of the EM spectrum (e.g., glass, various polymers). In some embodiments, the cover material may be resistant to heat and/or to chemical oxidation that may occur due to exposure of the cover to hair treatment products applied to the hair in addition to the EM radiation applied from device 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one portion of body 105, for example, portion 110 and/or 120 may also be transparent to the EM radiation. For example, portion 110 and/or 120 may be transparent or partially transparent to visible light, and one or more emitters 130 may be visible light LEDs assembled in handles 112 and/or 122 for providing light. [0033] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which is an illustration of another hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention. A hair treatment device 200 may be configured to provide EM radiation to at least one subgroup of hair. Hair treatment device 200 may include a body 205 that includes a first portion 210 and second portion 220. Body 205 may be substantially similar to body 105 discussed herein above. [0034] In some embodiments, device 200 may further include one or more EM radiation emitters 230, assembled in at least first portion 210 and/or second portion 220 of body 205. In some embodiments, one or more EM radiation emitters 230 may be substantially similar to emitter 130 discussed herein above.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or more EM radiation emitters 230 may be assembled in device 200.. Two or more EM radiation emitters 230 may be assembled in one or more rows disposed substantially along lines perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of device 200 in first portion 110 and/or second portion and spaced apart in a predefined distance. In such case, when a group of hair is pressed and pulled between the jaws in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of device 100 only subgroups of hair which are pressed adjacent to the rows of EM radiation emitters 230 are provided with the EM radiation. Such a device may allow to lighten only subgroups of hair to form natural hair shades, for example, using UVB light.

[0036] In some embodiments, device 200 may further include one or more covers 218 and 228 transparent to EM radiation, connected to each portion of body 205 such that one or more EM emitters 230 are covered by one or more transparent covers 218 and 228. In some embodiments, cover 218 may be included in a surface 215 of first portion 210 and cover 228 may be included in a surface 225 of second portion 220. Covers 218 and 228 may be substantially the same as covers 118 and 128 disclosed herein above. [0037] Therefore, device 200 may allow only some subgroups of hair, from a group of hair pressed between first surface 215 and second surface 225, may be provided with the EM radiation

[0038] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which is an illustration of another hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention. A hair treatment device 300 may be substantially the same as hair treatment device 200 and may include at least some of the elements of device 200. In some embodiments device 300 my further include one or more channels 305 included in surface 215 and/or surface 225. In some embodiments, one or more channels 305 may allow an excess hair treatment product to be removed from surfaces 215 and 225 when a group of hair covered with the product is pressed between surfaces 215 and 225.

[0039] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which is an illustration of another hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention. A hair treatment device 400 may be configured to treat at least a group of hair curled around at least a portion of the device. Hair treatment device 400 may have a shape of a hair curler. In some embodiments, hair treatment device 400 may include a body 410 that includes at least one handle 412 for holding hair treatment device 400. In some embodiments, device 400 may further include one or more EM radiation emitters 430, assembled in at least one portion 414 of body 410.

[0040] EM radiation emitters 430 may be any device or element that can emit EM radiation. In some embodiments, EM radiation emitters 430 may be electrically connected to a power source such as a battery or the electric grid, to provide electricity to light emitters such as LEDs. In some embodiments, EM radiation emitters 430 may be optically connected to an EM radiation generator, for example, via waveguide. Such an EM radiation generator may be an RF generator, a laser diode and the like. Accordingly, device 400 may include a connection cable 450 for providing EM radiation emitters 430 with either electricity or EM radiation.

[0041] In some embodiments, more than one type of EM radiation emitters 430 may be assembled in a single device 400. For example, device 400 may include a plurality of LEDs each configured to emit different wavelength (e.g., UV and visible light). In another example, device 400 may include both UV LEDs and RF antennas. In yet another example, device 400 may include RF antennas, visible light LEDs and IR lamps.

[0042] In some embodiments, device 400 may further include a longitudinal cover 415 transparent to EM radiation, connected to body 405 such that one or more EM emitters 430 are covered by longitudinal cover 415. In some embodiments, cover 415 may be made or may include any material that is transparent to a specific EM spectrum (e.g., alumina which is transparent to RF radiation) or to the most of the EM spectrum (e.g., glass, various polymers). In some embodiments, the cover material may be resistant to heat and/or to chemical oxidation that may due to exposure of the cover to hair treatment product applied to the hair in addition to the EM radiation applied from device 100. [0043] Reference is now made to Fig. 5 which is an illusration of another hair treatment device according to some embodiments of the invention. A hair treatment device 500 may have a shape of a brush. Hair treatment device 500 may be configured to treat at least a group of hair brushed by device 500. In some embodiments, hair treatment device 500 may include a body 510 that includes at least one handle 512 for holding hair treatment device 400. In some embodiments, body 410 may include short wires 535 extending from one or more covers 515. In some embodiments, device 500 may further include one or more EM radiation emitters 530, assembled in at least one portion 514 of body 510. In some embodiments, one or more EM radiation emitters may be included in wires 535. In some embodiments, device 500 may include both one or more EM radiation emitters 530 (e.g., LEDs) and one or more RF antennas that may be included in wires 535. In some embodiments, at least some of wires 535 may be waveguides for transferring EM radiation. For example, wires 535 may include optical fibers for delivering EM radiation.

[0044] In some embodiments, device 500 may further include one or more covers 515 transparent to EM radiation, connected to body 510 such that at least some of one or more EM emitters 530 are covered by one or more transparent covers 515. In some embodiments, wires 535 may be made from a material transparent to EM radiation and may be included in the one or more covers.

[0045] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.