CN106388209B

CN106388209B - Device for treating hair with a detachable rocking pressing element

Info

Publication number: CN106388209B
Application number: CN201610618781.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雷吉斯·弗雷尔; 皮埃尔·迪里夫; 埃迪·恩戈; 斯蒂芬妮·努左; 桑迪·拉比泽; 弗雷德里克·伍德兰
Original assignee: SEB SA; LOreal SA
Current assignee: SEB SA; LOreal SA
Priority date: 2015-07-29
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2021-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-29
Also published as: WO2017017105A1; ES2865288T3; CN206565475U; EP3328233A1; RU2672632C1; KR102051237B1; FR3039373B1; CN106388209A; FR3039373A1; US20180213913A1; EP3328233B1; KR20180021386A; JP2018520812A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating hair, comprising: a first arm and a second arm movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an open configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between the first arm and the second arm, the first arm carrying an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, which can be brought into contact with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the arms, and the second arm having at least one housing; a pressing element removably disposed in the housing, configured to press the hair against the applicator member in a moved-together configuration; and a support member on which the pressing element is supported in the housing, the support member being configured to allow the pressing element to perform a rocking motion in the housing.

Description

Device for treating hair with a detachable rocking pressing element

Technical Field

The present invention relates to devices for treating hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices for shaping hair, particularly for straightening, curling or crumpling (crimp) hair.

The invention relates to a device comprising two arms that can move relative to each other, which can adopt a splayed configuration for introducing a lock of hair between said arms and a moved-together configuration for treating the lock, in which the arms are movable along the lock. In such devices, the arm typically carries two heating elements with which the hair comes into contact during use of the device.

Background

Many devices of this type, sometimes referred to as straightening irons (straightening irons), have been proposed for applying hair care products to the hair.

Application WO 2009/078046 describes an appliance comprising a base for receiving a hair treatment device which enables a hair care product to be dispensed during operation. The device consists of a disposable support material impregnated with a hair care product. In the closed position, the support material is in contact with a compression element in the form of a roller or plate.

Application WO 2014/064660 discloses a hair styling appliance comprising a reservoir containing a product to be applied, an applicator member for applying the product to one jaw, and a vapour outlet on the other jaw. The applicator member is disposed opposite the counter-support surface. From the applications US2001/0022184 and WO 2012/157865 there are also known hair-setting appliances comprising heating elements which are each mounted in an articulated manner on a holding device.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to further improve the devices for applying hair care products to the hair.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the subject of the invention is a device for treating the hair, comprising:

-a first arm and a second arm movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an expanded configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between the arms, the first arm carrying an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, the applicator member being contactable with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the arms, and the second arm having at least one housing,

-a pressing element detachably provided in the housing, the pressing element being configured to press the hair against the applicator member in the moved-together configuration of the arms, and

-a support member in the housing on which the pressing element bears, the support member being configured to allow a rocking motion of the pressing element in the housing.

The term "rocking" is understood to mean that the pressing element is capable of exhibiting a rotational movement about at least one axis, which may be a more complex movement in which the rotating assembly is about a plurality of axes, in particular about or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element and/or about or parallel to the transverse axis of the housing.

The pressing element enables the hair to be pushed against the applicator member to allow the cosmetic product to be applied to the hair more effectively.

The rocking of the pressing element enables a more uniform pressure to be applied along the entire length of the applicator member and allows for manufacturing tolerances.

The pressing element can be adapted to a possible improper tilting of the applicator member, which is particularly useful when the applicator member is detachable and can come from various sources.

The fact that the pressing element is removable enables cleaning of the pressing element, in particular after prolonged use or when the user wishes to change the cosmetic product to be applied. This also makes it possible to vary the pressing element, in particular to replace it with a pressing element having a different shape or having a different size, for example to vary the quantity of cosmetic product applied and/or to vary the effect achieved on the hair, in particular by varying the force with which the pressing element presses the applicator member. This also enables access to the housing supporting the pressing element and cleaning of the housing and/or changing of the support member. For example, for the elastic member provided in the housing, this can enable in particular varying the elastic member to vary the pressure exerted on the applicator member by the pressing element.

Preferably, the pressing element and the applicator member each have an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis and advantageously have the same length.

More preferably, the pressing element has a support surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface of the applicator member. For example, the support surface and the application surface are flat on opposite areas of the support surface and the application surface.

The support member may be rigid; alternatively, it is elastically deformable. In a further alternative, the support member comprises a region in which rigid contact is made and one or more regions in contact with one or more elastic return members, for example designed to: in the absence of mechanical load caused by the applicator member, the pressing element is returned into the predetermined rest position. The resilient return member may be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

Preferably, the support member comprises a projection projecting from the bottom of the housing and/or from the bottom of the pressing element, in particular in the form of a hemisphere, or in the form of a substantially conical tooth, or in the form of a semi-cylinder oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element. Alternatively or additionally, the support member comprises at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, arranged in the housing, for example fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the pressing element. For example, the resilient member urges the pressing element against the protruding boss.

In particular, said elastic means can force the pressing element to abut against a projection projecting from the bottom of the casing.

The support member can be removable, for example, held in a recess within the housing when in place on the device.

A small range of bearing area is beneficial for rocking.

Preferably, the bearing region within the housing is located substantially midway along the pressing element.

Alternatively, the support member comprises at least two elastic pieces, in particular two helical springs, arranged within the housing, fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the pressing element, and in particular arranged close to the axial ends of the pressing element. Therefore, the pressing element can rock based on the elastically deformable property of the elastic member.

The housing is preferably closed on at least three sides and on the bottom thereof.

The pressing element is preferably inserted through a front opening in the housing, in particular by sliding into the housing or being withdrawn from the housing. The pressing element comprises at least one protrusion, such as a rib or groove, which cooperates with a complementary protrusion, such as a groove or rib, on an opposite wall of the device, which at least partially defines the housing.

The device comprises at least one means for locking the pressing element in the housing on the second arm, in particular a locking means for cooperating with the pressing element, in particular a locking means cooperating with a corresponding projection on the pressing element. The locking member makes it possible to prevent the pressing element from accidentally disengaging.

The pressing element is movable along an axis perpendicular to the application surface, in particular along an axis perpendicular to said application surface within a maximum range of descending travel between 1mm and 5 mm. For example, the groove described above is wider than the corresponding rib, so that the pressing element can move translationally relative to the rib, and thus relative to the housing, along this axis. The maximum lowering stroke can be defined by a projection on the pressing element, which contacts the bottom of the housing, or by the width of the groove.

The stroke of the pressing element may be in particular: when the device is used, the hair to be treated held between the two arms of the device is brought into alignment and preferably extends parallel to the direction of movement of the device.

The pressing element may form a one-piece component.

The pressing element may have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, in particular a non-linear profile in cross section, for example convex or concave towards the outside, and in the form of a dihedron or truncated dihedron.

The pressing element may have a substantially parallelepiped shape or be formed by a roller.

The pressing element may have a surface roughness. The roughness may be particularly helpful in straightening hair.

The pressing element can be made of a plastic material, in particular of Polyamide (PA), glass fiber reinforced Polyamide (PAGF) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or of metal.

Alternatively, the pressing element is made of a porous material, in particular a material formed by fibres oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled together to form a felt, or of foam. In this case, the pressing elements can help to spread the product on both sides of the treated lock of hair, and/or help to absorb the excess product, and/or help to spread the product evenly on the hair.

The pressing element can be heated. This may allow the cosmetic product to be fluidized when it is applied.

The pressing element may have a length between 70mm and 110 mm.

The applicator member is preferably made of a porous material, in particular a material formed by a group of fibres oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled together to form a felt, or of a foam material.

The applicator member may have a flat or non-flat support surface, in particular having a non-rectilinear profile in cross-section, for example convex or concave towards the outside.

Preferably, the applicator member is filled with a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing element comprises at least one protrusion or pin inserted into a path defined by a housing supporting the pressing element. The projection or pin defines a rocking axis of the pressing element.

The path is defined, for example, by a slot or groove.

The projection may be carried by an elastically deformable tab of the pressing element. During the mounting of the pressing element in the housing, the projection can be mounted in the path by elastic deformation of the tab carrying it. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protrusions opposite each other.

The pressing element can be forced into the open position by two elastic pieces, in particular a helical spring in compression, which is held in the guide at one end and bears against the wall of the pressing element at the other end. The housing can have a projection, in particular a projection with a T-shaped cross section, and the pressing element can be held in the housing by the projection of the pressing element abutting under the head of the T, in particular the projection of the pressing element being raised.

The comb can be fastened to the pressure element by sliding, the corresponding housings likewise being separated from one another by inserting at least two fastening projections separated from one another into the corresponding housings in the pressure element.

These housings may be positioned on each side of the path in the longitudinal direction. The fastening boss may be a rib having a cylindrical shape with an at least partially circular cross-section and can be connected to the rest of the comb by means of lugs which are inserted in corresponding slots through which the housing is open to the outside.

Alternatively, the fastening projection is a hook which is inserted into a window in the pressing element.

The pressing element may have an overall U-shaped cross-section, with two opposite uprights, the arrangement of the ribs and the housing preferably being such that the comb is pressed against one of the uprights of the pressing element, the bases of the teeth of the comb being positioned substantially at the wall connecting the uprights, which wall also defines the support surface of the applicator member.

The comb may have longitudinal ribs that abut the post above the lugs that connect the cylindrical ribs to the rest of the comb.

The comb also rests at the front against a post below said lug.

At one end, the comb may have elastically deformable locking tabs designed to snap-fasten to the pressing element once it has completed its entry into the pressing element.

Alternatively, the comb may comprise a blocking projection on the fastening projection which cooperates with a blocking projection on the pressing element.

The comb may have a blocking tab that closes the entry port once the comb has been mounted on the pressing element.

The comb may include a handle to facilitate its installation and removal.

The comb can only be introduced into or removed from the pressing element when the pressing element is in its high position. In particular, when the pressing element is pressed, the walls of the housing defining the separate longitudinal ribs for housing the comb can be inserted into corresponding windows in the underlying structure, which windows can be formed in the walls of the housing extending between the U-shaped uprights of the pressing element. When the pressing element is depressed, the arms tend to prevent the ribs of the comb inserted into the housing from coming out.

The pressing element and the applicator member may be made of the same material.

More preferably, the applicator member is removable. The applicator member may be mounted on a part serving as a holder to form a removable filler. The fact that the applicator member or the filler is removable makes it possible to change the applicator member for hygienic reasons or when it no longer contains any cosmetic product, or when the user wishes to use another applicator member or a different filler, in particular an applicator having a different shape or containing a different cosmetic product.

The applicator member may be supplied with product by a reservoir in the arm that carries the reservoir. The reservoir may be permanently fastened to the arm or detachable, for example designed to be installed and removed simultaneously with the applicator member.

The device may comprise at least two heated plates, which are respectively provided on the first and second arms and each press hair against the other heated plate in the moved-together configuration.

The pressing element preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the heating plate.

The device preferably comprises detection means for recording the number of applications of the product and/or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator means, the number of times the arms are moved together and/or the time maintained in the arrangement in which the arms are moved together. The detection means may comprise a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive or capacitive sensor. The detection member is preferably provided in the housing below the pressing element such that the pressing element is in contact with the detection member in the moved-together configuration of the arms.

The device may comprise an applicator member, in particular a filler, in particular an identification of a specific raised portion present on the filler, or an electronic identification chip.

The device may comprise means for identifying the applicator member, which detect the identity of the applicator member and compare it with the registered identity. This may prevent the use of unregistered applicator members or enable the device to associate the number of applications with the hair and/or associate the application time with each applicator member. Thus, when changing the applicator member, the device recognizes a new applicator member.

The device may comprise a steam outlet for exposing hair introduced into the device to steam, in particular a steam outlet arranged on the hair upstream of the applicator member in the direction of movement of the device.

Another subject of the invention is a method for treating the hair by means of a device according to the invention, in which the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and the device is moved along the lock of hair to perform the following successive steps on the lock of hair:

-applying a cosmetic product by pressing the lock of hair against the applicator member by the pressing element,

-optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair, and

-straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact with the heating plates, in particular by passing the lock of hair between two opposite heating plates.

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-identifying the applicator member, and/or

-detecting whether the applicator member is empty, in particular by measuring the number of applications and/or the time during which the hairs are pressed against the applicator member, and signaling the user when the applicator member is empty.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and from a review of the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view along II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section along III-III in FIG. 1;

figure 4 is a perspective view of the device from figure 1 without the pressing element and the applicator member;

fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a pressing element;

fig. 6 is a perspective view along VI in fig. 5;

fig. 7 is a cross section of an example of a pressing element and a support member in a housing;

figure 8 shows a cross section through a device comprising the pressing element in figure 7;

figures 9 to 12 are longitudinal sections through variants of the pressing element and the support member in the housing;

figures 13A to 13C are cross-sections through variants of the pressing element;

figure 14 is a cross section through another example of a device according to the invention;

figures 15 and 16 show two perspective cross-sectional views of a detail of another example of a device according to the invention;

figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in figures 15 and 16, seen from the front;

figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in figures 15 and 16;

figure 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pressing element of the device in figures 15 and 16;

figure 20 is a perspective view of the comb of the device in figures 15 and 16;

figure 21 is a partial view of the comb in figure 20, from a different perspective than that in figure 20;

figure 22 is a view from below of a variant of the pressing element and comb;

figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the device configured to accommodate the pressing element and comb of figure 22;

fig. 24 shows a perspective view of the pressing element of fig. 22; and

figure 25 is a perspective view of the comb of figure 22.

Detailed Description

In the remainder of the description, identical or similar elements have the same reference numerals. These elements are not described in detail for all embodiments in order to make the description of the invention precise. Rather, only the elements that differ from one embodiment to another are described in detail.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary handpiece 2 of a device for treating hair according to the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable with respect to each other between an open configuration (not shown) for introducing a lock of hair between said jaws and a moved-together configuration for treatment.

The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6, respectively, which upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 are connected together at one end by a hinge 8 in the example in question, so that the handpiece 2 forms a clamp.

The upper and

lower arms

5, 6 each preferably have a total length of between 22cm and 31cm and define respective half-handles 10, 11 between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3, 4, the user being able to press the half-handles 10, 11 to move the jaws 3, 4 together.

The upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 are along respective longitudinal axes X₁And a longitudinal axis X₂Extended, when jaws 3 and 4 are closed, longitudinal axis X₁And a longitudinal axis X₂Preferably substantially parallel to each other.

A resilient return member (not visible), such as an elastic member provided around the hinge pin 8, is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to the open configuration.

The invention is not limited to a particular manner of connecting the upper and

lower arms

5, 6 together and the jaws 3, 4 can be moved in some other manner without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the presence of a hinge is preferred to a large extent, as it provides an ergonomic effect.

The jaws 3 and 4 define between each other an area for treating the hair for accommodating a lock of hair to be treated along which the handpiece 2 moves during treatment, for example in the direction from the root to the end of the hair.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to comb the hair by passing it through the comb 13, to apply the cosmetic product, to treat the hair with steam, and to carry out a thermal treatment of the hair by contact with two

heating surfaces

15, 16, in this case formed by heating plates for heating the hair.

As shown in fig. 2, the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 over the hair is preferably substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the upper and

lower arms

5, 6₁And a longitudinal axis X₂And is vertical.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is connected by a line 18 to a base station (not shown) which is stationary during treatment and is connected to a power supply.

The base station provides a power supply to the handpiece 2 and also supplies water to generate steam and may also perform additional functions of processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The lines 18 connecting the handpiece 2 to the base station may thus include various electrical conductors and water supply pipes.

A user interface (not shown in the figures) may be present on the handpiece 2 to allow a user to activate or deactivate certain components of the user interface, for example.

The cosmetic product is applied by means of a filler 20 carried by one of the two

arms

5 or 6, in this case the upper arm 5. The filler 20 contacts the pressing member 21 opposite to the upper arm 5.

The filler 20 comprises a body 23 and an applicator member 26, the applicator member 26 being held on the body 23 and having an application surface 36 in contact with the hair present on the pressing element 21.

As shown in fig. 3, the filler 20 may be fastened to the arm 5 or the arm 6 in any way, in particular by sliding the rib 27 of the body 23 into the groove 29 with complementary shape.

The body 23 has a cavity 30 which opens outwards through an opening 31, in which opening 31 the applicator member 26 is inserted when the applicator 20 is manufactured. Body 23 includes a boss 32 for retaining applicator member 26 projecting into cavity 30.

The body 23 and the applicator member 26 have a substantially cuboid overall shape and are elongated along the longitudinal axis Z.

The applicator member 26 is for example made up of fibres oriented substantially in the same direction parallel to the axis Z and assembled together to form a felt. As shown, the application surface 35 of the applicator member 26 may be flat.

Alternatively, the applicator member 26 may be made by assembling two felts, in particular having different densities. In this alternative, one felt may consist of fibers oriented in one direction, in particular parallel to the axis Z, and the other felt may consist of fibers oriented in a direction perpendicular to the other fibers, in particular perpendicular to the axis Z.

As can be seen in particular in fig. 3, the pressing element 21 has a bearing surface 36, which can have a shape complementary to the application surface 35. The support surface 36 may thus be flat, elongated along a longitudinal axis Y substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z in the moved-together position of the

arms

5 and 6, and having substantially the same size as the application surface 35.

The pressing element 21 is removably received in the housing 38 through a front opening in the housing 38. Housing 38 is also open outwardly through at least one opening 37 facing applicator member 26.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the pressing element 21 is introduced into its housing 38 by means of a rib 45 on the housing 38, which rib 45 slides into a corresponding groove 48 in the pressing element 21. Ribs 45 are provided on opposing

side walls

54 and 56 of housing 38. The recess 48 in the pressing element 21 is provided on a side wall of the pressing element 21, which faces the side wall 54 and the side wall 56, respectively.

The pressing element 21 is movable along an axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y between a high position spaced from the bottom of the casing 38 and a low position moved together with the bottom.

The pressing element 21 abuts against a support member 40 extending in the housing 38, allowing a rocking movement of the pressing element 21 and keeping the pressing element 21 in said high position in the open position of the

arms

5 and 6.

The stroke P of the pressing element between its high and low positions is between 1mm and 5mm, for example equal to about 3 mm. The movement of the pressing element 21 is limited by the width l of the bottom 42 of the housing or the recess 48.

The movement of the pressing element advantageously makes it possible to position the pressing element in the closed position of the device so that the hair is substantially aligned, i.e. there is no offset of the lock of hair between the portion located between the heating plate and the portion located between the pressing element and the applicator member. In other words, when the device is in use, the distance between the two heating plates is substantially equal to the distance between the pressing element and the applicator member, measured in a direction substantially collinear with the axis. Furthermore, in a plane perpendicular to the direction Q, the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 16, while the application surface 35 is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 15. This thereby improves the straightening of the hair by the device.

In the example shown in fig. 3, 5 and 6, the support member 40 is a leaf spring fastened in a recess 41 in the pressing element 21, which recess 41 is oriented towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38. Thus, in the area 43, the leaf spring 40 abuts against the bottom 42 of the housing 38, the rocking of the pressing element 21 taking place around the area 43 about a rotation axis B substantially perpendicular to the axis Y and to the axis Q.

At its two ends, the leaf spring 40 has fastening tabs 44 in the recess 41 in contact with the pressing element 21, and a portion 46 between the fastening tabs 44 that is raised towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38, the middle part of said portion 46 defining the rocking area 43.

The leaf spring 40 adopts a height s, before introduction into the housing 38, which is greater than or equal to the distance f between the bottom of the housing 38 and the bottom of the recess 41. Therefore, the leaf spring 40 is always loaded by contact with the bottom of the housing 42. The distance f is for example between 1mm and 5mm and is for example equal to about 3 mm.

The housing 38 has substantially the same length L as the pressing element 21. The length L of the pressing element 21 is, for example, between 70mm and 110mm, preferably 90 mm. Preferably, the pressing element has a length substantially equal to the length of the heating surface.

The groove 48 has a width l greater than the thickness e of the rib 45. The width l of the groove 48 is for example between 1mm and 5mm, for example equal to about 3.2 mm. The thickness e of the rib 45 is between 0.5mm and 5mm, in this example equal to 1 mm. This difference enables the pressing element 21 to move and/or rock along the axis Y as described above.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the two ribs 45 are offset along the axis Q by a distance d, for example between 1mm and 5mm, for example equal to about 2 mm.

As can be seen in fig. 5 and 6, the pressing element 21 rocks in the housing 38 by means of a projecting boss 50, which boss 50 is present in a recess 48 in the pressing element 21 and engages with a retraction boss 52 in a rib 45 in the housing 38 visible in fig. 4.

The projection 50 does not extend along the entire width l of the groove 48, so to remove the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 is pressed sufficiently so that it sinks along the axis Q so that the projection 50 disengages from the projection 52. Thus, the pressing member 21 can be slid forward in the housing 38.

In the direction of movement D of handpiece 2, comb 13 is located upstream of applicator member 26 and pressing element 21. Comb 13 is integral with pressing element 21, preferably molded integral with pressing element 21.

The comb 13 extends parallel to the support surface 36 and along substantially its entire length.

Comb 13 has a plurality of teeth 55, each extending along an axis parallel to axis Q. Comb 13 advantageously has more than 20 teeth 55, better still about 30 teeth 55, and in this case about 44 teeth.

The base of the tooth 55 is retracted with respect to the support surface 35, in particular by a distance r between 0.2mm and 5 mm. This enables the hair to be properly inserted between the support surface 36 and the application surface 35.

The teeth 55 preferably all have the same height H between 2mm and 12mm, for example equal to 8 mm. The height is large enough to allow hair to be properly held between the teeth 55.

The teeth 55 are all equally spaced from each other. The spacing k between the teeth 55 is preferably between 0.3mm and 3mm, for example equal to 1 mm. The pressing element 21 may comprise a protrusion, such as a tongue 57, to make it easier to grip.

In fig. 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a steam outlet 58, which is provided on the arm 6 and is used after the cosmetic product has been applied to the hair.

Thus, when using the handpiece 2, the user closes the two

arms

5 and 6 around a lock of hair and moves the handpiece 2 from the root of the hair to the end of the hair in the closed position. First, the hair is combed entirely by the comb 13, then the product is applied to the hair pressed by the pressing element 21 against the applicator member 26, then the hair is subjected to steam through the steam outlet 58, and finally the hair is heated between the two

heating surfaces

15 and 16.

The example in fig. 7 and 8 differs from the example in fig. 1 to 6 in that the leaf spring 40 is fastened or positioned in the housing 38. The housing 38 for example comprises a recess 60 accommodating the leaf spring 40, in which recess 60 the leaf spring 40 is fastened by any suitable fastening means.

The leaf spring 40 is thus in contact with the bottom of the housing 38 by its end 44, and the area of contact of the leaf spring 40 with the pressing element 21 defines a rocking area 43.

The example in fig. 9 and 10 differs from the example in fig. 1 to 6 in that the support member 40 is a projection projecting from the pressing element 21 or a projection projecting from the bottom 42 of the housing 38.

In the example of fig. 9, the protruding boss 40 is a boss on the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The projection 40 has a substantially triangular shape in cross section in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21.

This is not necessarily the case, and the protruding boss 40 may particularly have a semicircular or semi-polygonal shape.

The protruding projection 40 may have the form of a tooth which extends from the center of the bottom 42 of the housing 38 and against which the pressing element 21 rests. The pressing element 21 can abut against the tip of the tooth 40, which has a small extent. This enables the pressing element to rock about at least two different axes of rotation, in particular axes parallel to axis Y and axis B.

Alternatively, the projecting boss 40 may have the form of a semi-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis B, with the pressing element 24 resting on a generatrix (generatrix) of the boss 40.

The example in fig. 10 differs from the example in fig. 9 in that the protruding boss 40 belongs to the pressing element 21.

The example in fig. 11 differs from the examples in fig. 1 to 6 in that the support member 40 is a coil spring. The coil spring is interposed between the pressing member 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The pressing element 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing comprise a recess 41 and a recess 60, respectively, to seat the helical spring 40. The coil spring 40 is disposed against the center of the pressing member 21.

The example in fig. 12 differs from the example in fig. 11 in that the support member 40 includes two

coil springs

40a and 40b, which are respectively provided near one end of the pressing element 21.

Fig. 13A to 13C show a modification of the bearing surface 36 of the pressing member 21.

The support surface 36 may have a curved cross-section as shown in fig. 13A, in the form of a dihedron as shown in fig. 13B, or in the form of a truncated dihedron as shown in fig. 13C. However, the present invention is not limited to these forms.

The example of fig. 14 differs from the examples of fig. 1 to 4 in that the comb 13 is detachably mounted on the pressing element 21. Comb 13 may have at least one groove 70, in particular a T-shaped groove, for engaging a complementary rib 72 on pressing element 21. The groove 70 enables the comb 13 to be held on the pressing element 21.

Comb 13 and/or pressing element 21 may include a locking member (not shown) to prevent the comb from being freely disengaged from pressing element 21.

Alternatively, the comb 13 comprises a rib and the applicator member comprises a corresponding groove. Any other detachable fastening means is also possible.

Fig. 15 to 21 show another variant of the pressure element 21, on which the comb 13 is mounted in a removable manner.

According to this other variant, the pressing element 21 has an overall U-shaped cross section along at least part of its length. In this example, the upper surface of the U-shaped web forms a bearing surface 36. The two

side uprights

101, 102 of the U have respective locating

ridges

103 and 104. These elevations are oriented towards each other and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21.

The lower arm 6 holding the pressing member 21 has a projecting boss 105 having a T-shaped cross section, and a head 160 of the boss 105 is held between the upright portion 101 and the upright portion 102.

The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for housing respective

elastic members

40a, 40b, which open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for retaining the

helical springs

40a, 40b may be provided on the pressing element 21, in particular in the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

The pressing element 21 comprises tabs 157, one tab 157 being visible in fig. 18 and the tabs 157 each being provided with an opposite protrusion 156. These projections 156 are adapted to slide in the grooves 155 in the projections 105, substantially along the general course of the grooves 155.

The pressing element 21 can be mounted on the lower arm 6 as follows:

two

helical springs

40a, 40b are provided in a housing of the lower arm 6 provided for this purpose;

the pressing element 21 is located above the boss 105, so that the pressing element 21 covers the two

helical springs

40a, 40 b;

the pressing element 21 is snappingly arranged on the boss 105 so as to cause the deformation of the

side uprights

101, 102 until the

protuberances

103, 104 are snappingly fastened to the head 160 of the boss 105.

Resilient members

40a, 40b urge

protuberances

103, 104 against head 160 of boss 105. The

protuberances

103, 104 prevent the pressing element 21 from coming off the lower arm 6.

When the pressing member 21 is mounted, the tab 157 is elastically deformed to allow the protrusion 156 to be mounted in the groove 155.

In addition, as shown, the pressing member 21 forms a rib 106 extending along the longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the rib 106 is oriented towards the outside of the device when the pressing element 21 is mounted.

In fig. 20 and 21, a comb 13 is shown which can be coupled to a pressing element 21.

In this example, the comb 13 has two

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 extending in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 on the same side of the comb 13.

The

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 each extend along a portion of the length of the comb 13, one after the other in the longitudinal length direction of the comb 13.

The two

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 are connected to the web 109 of the comb 13 by two

lugs

110, 111, which lugs 110, 111 extend substantially perpendicular to the teeth 55 of the comb.

As shown, the comb 13 also has blocking tabs 115 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and the plane of the tongue 57.

The tab 115 is arranged near the end of the comb 13 having the tongue 57. Preferably, tabs 115 are positioned between teeth 55 and tongue 57 in the lengthwise direction of comb 13.

At the end opposite to the end with the tongue 57, the comb 13 also has a locking projection 116. As shown in particular in fig. 21, the locking lug 116 has the form of an elastically deformable locking tab, which, starting from the end opposite the end with the tongue of the comb 13, successively comprises:

-a first elevation 117 of the first type,

a first depression 118 next to the first elevation 117, such that the comb 13 has a reduced thickness at the first depression 118,

second bump 119, which is longer than first bump 117 and has substantially the same thickness, and

a second recess 120, such that the thickness of the comb 13 at this second recess is substantially the same as the thickness at the first recess.

In this example, "thickness" is understood to mean the dimension measured in the cross-sectional plane of the comb 13 and in the direction perpendicular to the direction of height of the teeth 55.

Of course, other examples of locking tabs may be implemented. In particular, the second elevations and/or second depressions may not be present.

A window 152 is provided in the structure that accommodates the pressing member 21 to accommodate the cylindrical wall of the housing 150 when the pressing member 21 is pressed.

In this example, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21, for example, as follows:

two

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 are provided close to the corresponding housings 150 formed in the pressing element 21 in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 being in the high position, in which the two

arms

5, 6 of the device are in the open position;

the

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 slide into the housing 150 in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21, the

lugs

110, 111 passing through the openings into the housing 150;

the sliding movement is continued until the recess 118 of the locking tab is snap-fastened to the edge 122 of the window 121 formed at the end of the pressing element 21.

Once the comb has been mounted on the pressing element, the tab 115 closes the opening for guiding the comb into the pressing element.

During use, the applicator element is in contact with the pressing element 21 at a certain angle. The pressing element 21 is then rocked about the axis of the projection 156 to maximize the contact area between the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, the pressing element 21 is pressed vertically until the heating plates abut, the protrusions 156 moving in the corresponding ribs 155.

The embodiments described according to fig. 15 to 21 enable a uniform contact pressure over the entire contact area between the support surface and the application surface. This embodiment also enables a maximum contact area. In this embodiment, the configuration of the comb also has the advantage of limiting its effect on the width of the device, so that the device becomes more compact.

In this embodiment, the comb and the pressing element are advantageously formed with several saw-tooth projections formed by the wall of the housing 150 and the

cylindrical ribs

107, 108. In particular, this makes it possible to limit the interaction with the elastic member and/or with the projection 156 defining the central guiding axis of the pressing element, compared to a structure formed by a single projection.

In fig. 22 to 25, another variant of the pressure element 21 is shown, the comb 13 being mounted in a detachable manner on the pressure element 21.

According to this further variant, the pressing element 21 has an overall U-shaped cross section over at least a portion of its length. The upper surface of the U-shaped web forms a bearing surface 36. The two side

upright parts

101, 102 of the U are connected together by a center pin 200 and two

end planes

202 and 203, which end planes 202 and 203 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21. Alternatively, the center pin 200 extends from one of the two

side uprights

101 or 102 toward the other side upright, but is not connected to the other side upright. The center pin 200 is substantially equidistant from the two

end flats

202 and 203. The two

end planes

202 and 203 enable the pressing member 120 to be closed at both ends of the pressing member 120, thereby increasing strength and restricting deformation of the pressing member 120.

The lower arm 6 supporting the pressing member 21 has a guide slot 205 which extends vertically and supports the pin 200 when the pressing member 21 is mounted on the arm 6 so that the pin 200 can be guided to move vertically.

The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for housing respective

elastic members

40a, 40b, which open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for accommodating the

helical springs

The pressing element 21 comprises a post 210 and a post 212, which are molded together with the pressing element 21 and have an internal thread. These

columns

210 and 212 are housed in sliding manner in through

holes

215 and 217 in the lower arm 6. They each carry a washer 220 and a washer 222 and a screw 225 and a screw 227 at their free ends projecting from the

holes

215 and 217. Such elements enable the stud to be retained in the bore. The lower arm 6 has an internal space 230 that allows for vertical movement in this space 230 by sliding in the

holes

215 and 217, so that the assembly of

screw tabs

210 and 212,

washer

220 and 222, and screw 225 and 227 can move vertically.

In fig. 22 and 25, a comb 13 is shown which can be coupled to the pressing element 21.

In this example, the comb 13 has two

hooks

237, 238 extending from the comb towards the rear of the comb on the same side of the comb. The two

hooks

237 and 238 each have an end portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and which is connected to the comb by a connecting portion which forms an elbow with said end portion.

The

hooks

237, 238 extend one after the other in the length direction of the comb 13.

Pressing element 21 comprises

windows

245 and 247 for receiving

hooks

237 and 238, respectively.

Windows

245 and 247 are elongated along the longitudinal axis of pressing element 21 so that the ends of

hooks

237 and 238 can be inserted into said

windows

245 and 247. The length of the window is greater than or equal to the length of the ends of hook 237 and hook 238.

The respective ends of the

hooks

237 and 238 comprise blocking

projections

250 and 251, which are snap-fastened together with

complementary blocking projections

260 and 261 on the pressing element 21.

The connection of hook 237 and hook 238 may have a surface 265 and a surface 266 oriented towards the side opposite hook 237 and hook 238 and chamfered so as to be oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the comb. The ends of the hook 237 and the hook 238 may also have a chamfer toward the inside of the hook. These chamfers make it easier to remove the comb 13 from the pressing element 21.

The side surfaces of the

windows

245 and 247 may also have inclined side surfaces (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21. This orientation of the surface of the window may make it easier to remove comb 13 from pressing element 21 by guiding the hooks through the window.

As shown, comb 13 also has gripping tabs 214 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of comb 13.

the two

hooks

237 and 238 are positioned close to the corresponding

windows

245 and 247 formed in the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 being in the high position when the two

arms

5, 6 of the device are in the open position;

hooks 237 and 238 are inserted in

windows

245 and 247 and comb 13 slides towards the rear in the longitudinal direction of pressing element 21, blocking

projections

250 and 251 of

hooks

237 and 238 being snap-fastened to

complementary blocking projections

260 and 261 on pressing element 21.

During use, the applicator element is in contact with the pressing element 21 at a certain angle. The pressing element 21 then rocks about the central pin 200 to maximize the contact area between the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, pressing element 21 is pressed vertically until the heating plates are butted, center pin 200 slides in slot 205 and screw

tabs

210 and 212 slide in

holes

215 and 217.

The embodiments described according to fig. 22 to 25 make it possible to have a pressing element and a comb of greater strength, better retaining the pressing element on the arm, a more limited lateral rocking clearance of the pressing element, thus limiting the risk of disengagement of the pressing element, increasing the rigidity of the pressing element and improving the guidance of the pressing element on the arm.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, and the features of these embodiments can be combined with one another as part of variants which are not shown. The invention may be varied in a number of ways that can be achieved by a person skilled in the art.

For example, the support surface 36 may exhibit a roughness that can help straighten hair. The pressing element and the applicator member may also be made of the same material.

Claims

1. A device for treating hair, the device comprising:

-a first arm (5) and a second arm (6), said first arm (5) and said second arm (6) being movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an open configuration for inserting hair to be treated between said first arm (5) and said second arm (6), said first arm (5) carrying an applicator member (26) for applying a cosmetic product, said applicator member (26) being contactable with the hair in said moved-together configuration of said first arm (5) and said second arm (6), and said second arm (6) having at least one housing (38),

-a pressing element (21) detachably provided in the housing (38), the pressing element (21) being configured to press the hair against the applicator member (26) in the moved-together configuration, and

-a support member (40) on which the pressing element (21) bears in the housing (38), the support member (40) being configured to allow a rocking movement of the pressing element (21) in the housing (38).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element (21) is one-piece.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) has a support surface (36), the support surface (36) having a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface (35) of the applicator member (26).

4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (38) is closed on at least three sides and on the bottom thereof.

5. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) has a supporting surface (36) and the applicator member (26) has an application surface (35), the supporting surface (36) and the application surface (35) being flat on opposite areas of the supporting surface (36) and the application surface (35).

6. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) is inserted into the housing (38) or withdrawn from the housing (38) through a front opening in the housing (38).

7. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) comprises at least one boss cooperating with a complementary boss on an opposite wall (54; 56) of the device, the opposite wall (54; 56) at least partially defining the housing (38).

8. Device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, on the second arm (6), at least one member (52; 105) for locking the pressing element (21) in the housing (38).

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the means (52; 105) for locking the pressing element (21) in the housing (38) are locking means (52; 105) for cooperating with corresponding protrusions (50; 103, 104) on the pressing element (21).

10. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) is movable along an axis (Q) perpendicular to the application surface (35) of the applicator member (26).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the pressing element (21) is movable along an axis (Q) perpendicular to the application surface (35) within a maximum lowering stroke (P) of between 1mm and 5 mm.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein the stroke of the pressing element (21) is: when the device is used, the hair to be treated held between the two arms of the device is aligned.

13. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the applicator member (26) is filled with a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

14. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member (40) is a projection projecting from a bottom (42) of the housing (38) and/or from a bottom (42) of the pressing element (21).

15. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member (40) comprises at least one elastic element arranged in the housing (38).

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein said support member (40) is a projection projecting from the bottom (42) of said housing (38) and/or from the bottom (42) of said pressing element (21), said elastic means forcing said pressing element (21) to abut against said projection projecting from the bottom of said housing.

17. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bearing area in the housing (38) around which the rocking takes place is located substantially midway along the pressing element (21).

18. Device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising detection means for recording the number of applications of product and/or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator means (26).

19. The apparatus of claim 18, the detection member comprising a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive, or capacitive sensor.

20. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the arms (5; 6) is provided with a heating plate (15; 16), said heating plate (15; 16) being intended to come into contact with a lock of hair to be treated in the closed position of the device.

21. Method for treating the hair by means of a device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and the device is moved along the lock of hair to perform the following successive steps on the lock of hair:

-applying the cosmetic product by pressing the lock of hair against the applicator member (26) by the pressing element (21),

-optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair, and

-straightening said hair by heating said lock of hair in contact with the heating plates (15; 16).