CN106659278B

CN106659278B - Hair cutting device for forming hair curls of different sizes

Info

Publication number: CN106659278B
Application number: CN201580035823.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃迪·恩戈; 雷吉斯·弗雷尔; 马夏尔·梅松纳夫; 斯特凡尼亚·诺扎; 桑迪·拉佩兹
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2014-07-02
Filing date: 2015-07-01
Publication date: 2021-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-01
Also published as: RU2687806C2; KR20170027786A; RU2017101974A; FR3023139B1; CN106659278A; JP6820749B2; KR102366275B1; RU2017101974A3; BR112016030910B1; ES2837070T3; EP3164029A1; FR3023139A1; WO2016001583A1; JP2017519591A; BR112016030910A2; CO2017000484A2; EP3164029B1; BR112016030910A8; US20170135457A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairdressing apparatus (1) for forming hair curls of different sizes, the hairdressing apparatus (1) comprising: -first and second cheeks (2, 3), said first and second cheeks (2, 3) being long and pivotally mobile with respect to each other, said first cheek (2) having a first housing (6), said first housing (6) carrying a first flat inner treatment surface (4), and said second cheek (3) having a second housing (7), said second housing (7) comprising a second flat inner treatment surface (5), said inner surfaces (4, 5) being intended to grip a lock of hair; at least one heating element (41, 510) for heating the at least one treatment inner surface (4, 5). According to the invention, the maximum width l1 of the first shell (6) is less than or equal to 90% of the maximum width l2 of the second shell (7), and at least one of the first shell (6) or the second shell (7) is asymmetrical with respect to the respective longitudinal sectional median plane of the first shell (6) or the second shell (7).

Description

Hair cutting device for forming hair curls of different sizes

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hair cutting device capable of using steam for shaping it by contact with the hair, in particular for straightening but also for curling the hair of a person.

Background

Two types of different hair cutting devices allowing straightening or curling are conventionally known: hair curling tongs, hair straighteners or hair straightening tongs, and hair curling or hair curling tongs (curler) or hair curling tongs, with or without heating.

Devices of the hair straightening or curling tongs type generally comprise two cheeks pivoted relative to each other about a common axis and each comprising an end carrying a treatment surface, at least one of which is heated, the other treatment surface being intended to bring the hair into contact with the first treatment surface, in particular by passage from an open position of the cheeks, which allows the insertion of the hair, to a closed position of the cheeks, which is intended to bring the hair into contact with the heating portion.

The hair straightener has two identical flat heating surfaces on the first ends of its cheeks and the heating surfaces grip the hair. Furthermore, the other end of the cheek plates forms two handles which are used as gripping areas and which allow movement from an open position to a closed position. The movement is effected manually by pressing two hinged handles of the device towards each other in order to bring the treatment surface into contact with the hair. Straightening of a lock of hair is achieved by moving the device in a linear translation of the device along the lock of hair from the root towards the tip of the hair.

The hair curler has a surface formed by a heated cylindrical mandrel together with a shoe (tulle) which clamps the end of the lock of hair by pivoting on the mandrel before winding the entire lock of hair around the mandrel. The curling of the hair strands is achieved by at least partially wrapping the hair strands around one or more treatment surfaces and applying heat to primarily statically secure the hair strands.

In each of these two devices, steam sprayed on the hair is additionally used. This allows for improved hair styling, prolonged hair styling, retention of moisture in the hair, care of the hair or aid in the entry of cosmetic actives into the hair.

Hair-straightening devices operating with steam are known, for example the hair-straightening devices operating with steam described by the applicant in WO2009077672 and EP 2591698. The hair straightener in the second document is shown in figure 1. The hair straightener has a straightening jaw comprising two identical and mutually opposite flat straightening plates and a steam outlet aperture. A steam iron such as described in EP2591698 and shown in the present application is considered in fig. 1 as the closest prior art. The device is marketed to satisfy any requirements in terms of straightening and to be able to generate a sufficient amount of steam for a good care of the hair fibres. However, in order to produce excellent straightening and a continuous steam quantity, the device comprises a plurality of internal elements having a technically optimized configuration, but occupying a larger space with respect to conventional straightening clamps. In practice, the cheeks that generate the steam comprise evaporation chambers. Thus, the two housings or even the two shells of the receiving plate and the evaporation chamber each have an outer envelope which in cross section has the same width or a greater same width. Especially at the steam function, that is to say at the steam vents and at the baffles opposite the vents, however, the two hoods form an asymmetric and relatively flat outer line,

thus, if the user wishes to use the device in order to form a hair curl by winding the lock of hair around the mask or both masks, it is not possible to form a very round hair curl nor a very regular hair curl, nor is it possible to slide in a smooth and regular manner after the hair curl has been formed in order to disengage the hair curl.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or not, which is small and capable of forming regular curls of hair.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or not, which is small and which is capable of forming a curl in a simple manner of use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or non-steam, which is capable of forming curls of at least two different sizes (diameters), or even of at least three different sizes (diameters), with a simple use of the single device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or non-steam, which can achieve curls at low cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or not, which is capable of realizing curls of hair and has a reduced weight.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hair straightener, whether steam or not, which enables curling and is easy to operate, especially at the two handles or at the gripping areas, and which does not contact the end of the treatment side of the apparatus, which may sometimes be hot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair using steam, which is capable of controlling at least one of the operating parameters of the steam in a reliable manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for hair styling by contact with the hair using steam, which is able to ensure a continuous, even constant steam flow, which corresponds to a control preset.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair using steam, which is robust, in particular robust against impacts, which works durably and ensures good ageing properties with respect to, for example, mechanical deformations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair, capable of using steam, the operation of which is efficient and/or rapid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair, which enables the use of steam before or during the treatment, according to the choice of the hairstyle to be achieved and/or according to the choice of the user, and/or without the addition of additional accessories.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair, capable of using steam, which allows easy and convenient use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for shaping hair by contact with the hair, which is able to use steam, which enables the use of disposable additional elements, which are simple and inexpensive to design.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for styling hair by contact with the hair, which is safe and does not scald the scalp or hands of the user, capable of using steam.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, these objects are achieved by a hairdressing apparatus for curling and straightening hair, comprising a first cheek plate and a second cheek plate, which are elongate and are pivotally movable relative to each other, the first cheek plate having a first housing carrying a flat first treatment inner surface, and the second cheek plate having a second housing comprising a flat second treatment inner surface, which is provided for gripping a lock of hair, at least one heating element being provided for heating at least one treatment inner surface. In this device, the maximum width l1 of the first housing is less than or equal to 90% of the maximum width l2 of the second housing. This feature is in contrast to any conventional project plans (caliier des charges) which require straighteners having the same housing width, which allows different housings to be provided and thus allows different sized curls to be produced around the housing or the entirety of the two housings in the closed position, while maintaining a simple and small volume of the device. The maximum width is taken as a dimensional ratio reference between the two shells. Furthermore, in the device, at least one of the first housing or the second housing is asymmetrical with respect to the respective longitudinal sectional mid-plane of the first housing or the second housing. This feature allows to obtain a hair curl whose curl radius is not constant in order to produce a more natural effect. According to the invention, the second cheek plate includes a steam output mechanism oriented toward the first shell, and the steam output mechanism is adjacent the second treatment inner surface. This allows to provide a steam treatment before the straightening treatment according to a predetermined sequence of passage of the straightener over the locks of hair. The technical elements that allow the steam to be generated and extracted are contained in the largest cheek, i.e. the widest cheek. The steam generating means comprises at least one fluid container in fluid communication with an evaporation chamber that can be heated by heating means also for heating the treatment surface, or the evaporation chamber can be heated by heating means only for heating the evaporation chamber.

More particularly according to the invention, the maximum width l1 of the first shell is between 75% and 85% of the maximum width l2 of the second shell and is preferably equal to 80% of the maximum width l2 of the second shell. This allows each housing to house all of the internal technical elements while limiting the external overall volume of the two covers or two shells that house the hair treatment section.

According to the invention, when the cheeks are in the closed position, the longitudinal section median plane P1 of the first shell is parallel to and separated from the longitudinal section median plane P2 of the second shell. This means that in a transverse section plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the straightener, the cross section does not have orthogonal symmetry with respect to the straightening plane Pl. A straightening plane Pl is defined, which comprises a flat straightening area formed by the two mutually opposite flat treatment surfaces in the closed device position. Each of the two housings is arranged on each side of the straightening plane. Thus, at the treatment zone, the first housing is staggered with respect to the second housing. This asymmetry or staggering allows for a device to be provided whose use is intuitive for the user to perform in a particular direction. This arrangement intuitively guides the user towards the most efficient manner of use.

More particularly according to the invention, the distance between the two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the maximum width l2 of the second casing, and preferably equal to 10% of the maximum width l2 of the second casing. The offset is sufficiently pronounced to guide the user in a manner that is ergonomically effective to use.

According to the invention, when the cheeks are in the closed position, one of the two longitudinal sides of the first shell is aligned with a longitudinal side of a second shell arranged on the same side of the second shell. This means that in the closed position the two sides of the same side of the device are opposite each other (as is usual for straighteners) and, let alone, the two sides of the other side of the housing are offset from each other. On one side of the aligned edges, the curve formed by the peripheries of the two shells or shells is relatively symmetrical with respect to the straightening plane Pl. The straightening plane Pl is a plane comprising a straightening area formed by two surfaces in contact with each other. The two aligned sides allow the formation of large size hair curls by winding the locks of hair around the two housings in the closed position of the device. These two edges aligned with each other allow to form a voluminous and very round hair curl, that is to say a curl which is regular and does not comprise undesired traces, by means of a relatively compact apparatus compared to the size of the hair curl obtained.

According to the invention, the inner treatment surfaces are flat, identical and opposite each other in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective housings adjacent to the aligned edges. By "adjacent" is meant as close or adjacent as possible, and in view of manufacturing constraints, and in view of the possible presence of baffles between the housing and the treatment surface. This means that the straightening process is carried out on one side of the aligned edges. When used on a lock of hair to be treated, these edges are arranged on one side of the scalp in order to allow the hair to be finally straightened in a combination of different treatments provided by the device (in particular straightening, steaming, even combing or brushing) and to ensure perfect finishing of the haircut.

More particularly according to the invention, each of said two longitudinal sides is equipped with at least one baffle projecting towards the inside of said casing. The baffle is convex with respect to the perimeter of the housing and oriented toward the interior of the housing. The baffle desirably forms two surfaces having a right angle (rather than a bevel) and one of the two surfaces is parallel to the treatment surface or the surface of the adjacent straightening plate. The flap allows to take in the lock of hair under pressure when the device is closed, applying a shear force to the lock of hair and bending it more easily. This effect, known as "strapping" (bolduc), is compared to the effect of a scissor-tip by sliding over the decorative band to facilitate this forming into a roll. The baffles are identical and arranged in the same position on the cheeks to produce the same "strapping" effect in accordance with the inclination of the straightener both upwards and downwards. The baffle has a particular design and surface condition that allows hair to have a friction on the baffle that is greater than the friction on the outer surface of the cheek plates. The surface state may be a rough coating.

According to the invention, the width/of each treatment inner surface is between 40% and 60% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell, preferably between 40% and 50% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell, preferably approximately equal to 45% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell. Almost half of the width of the housing is taken up in order to create the main processing step required for straightening the lock of hair, i.e. the straightening step, which can then be curled according to the choice of the user.

More specifically according to the invention, the first housing has a baffle formed in an inner periphery of the first housing and arranged substantially opposite the steam outlet of the second housing in the closed position. This guide plate has multiple functions: protecting the scalp from any steam jet that might scald it, directing the steam to the hair, which will be crossed twice and thus better treated. The angle and arrangement of the baffle is such that its size is best minimized relative to the closest prior art while maintaining its function.

According to the invention, the second shell comprises a comb or brush oriented towards the first shell and adjacent to the second treatment inner surface. When the comb or brush function is set as an addition to the straightening function, the treatment sequence of the hair tresses is as follows: carding or brushing followed by straightening or, in the case of steam formation, steam treatment followed by carding or brushing followed by straightening.

More particularly according to the invention, the first housing has a recess formed in its inner periphery and arranged substantially opposite the comb or brush of the second housing in the closed position. This allows housing in the closed position at least the free end of the comb or the free end of at least one row of brushes, and at the same time better limiting the bulk, and at the same time protecting the ends of the appendages (combs, brushes, etc.) from any excessive strain that could damage the comb when the device in the closed position passes along a lock of hair. The comb should not abut the upper shell until the heating plates are in contact.

According to the invention, the first handle of the first cheek and the second handle of the second cheek each have a width Lp which is strictly less than the maximum width l1 of the first shell. This allows for a convenient grip for any size hand. The handle is elongated on a longitudinal axis of each housing. The sides of the housing that are aligned with each other are each in a particular configuration (along the same line) that is aligned with the corresponding side of the handle. The asymmetry of the device at the handle is also apparent.

According to the invention, the outer surfaces of the first and second shells cover at least the treatment area formed by the treatment surface, said outer surfaces being substantially smooth. This allows better sliding of the lock when it is wound around one or both of the shells, and it should be loosened without changing the shape of the formed curl, the shiny surface state, the charmelles 0 or 3 type. The roughness Ra of the surface, which is referred to as substantially smooth, is comprised between 0.2 μm and 2 μm, more particularly between 0.2 μm and 0.5 μm. At least the grip region may be provided on an outer surface of the housing. The gripping area is adapted to limit the conduction of heat in order to provide the possibility of a new posture without risk of scalding in case the cheek plates are gripped by the housing and not by the handle. By way of example, the surface of the grip region may be realized in a different material or may have a different surface state than the rest of the outer surface of each housing.

According to the invention, in cross section, the line defined by the outer peripheries of the first and second shells is a circular curve without any inflection point. According to a more specific aspect, the line is not visually flat. This allows to provide a device with a reduced volume, which is capable of forming a hair roll and which is therefore substantially circular in overall profile. For reasons of these volumes and for reasons of the different volumes of the two shells, the outer periphery is however not circular. According to the invention, the device comprises a fluid container and an evaporation mechanism in fluid communication with the vapour output mechanism, and an actuator for controlling the evaporation mechanism. This allows the steam to be controlled in a manner separate from the heating of the treatment or straightening surface. The user makes a selection by means of the actuator.

According to the invention, the evaporation means comprise an electric pump and the actuator is adapted to control the electric pump. This allows to control the feeding of the evaporation chamber independently of the heating of the treatment surface or straightening surface. Thus, if the user wishes to stop the evaporation, he presses the actuator or switch in order to stop the operation of the electric pump, while the heating of the evaporation chamber is kept constant and continuous by the actuation of the switch. If the user wants steam again, it actuates a switch which restarts the operation of the electric pump and makes the steam immediately available, since the evaporation chamber will maintain the proper temperature during the stoppage of the pump. The user can select between immediate cessation of steam and immediate access to steam by the actuator.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood by studying the embodiments given in a non-limiting manner and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to the prior art,

figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view of the device according to the invention, respectively in an open position and in a closed position;

figure 4 shows a transverse cross-section of the housing according to the invention;

figure 5 shows a square crystal view of the aligned housing side of the device according to the invention,

figure 6 shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention,

figure 7 shows a cross-section of a separate base of the device according to this alternative embodiment.

Detailed Description

The reference numbers used are the same for identical or even similar elements shown in multiple figures.

As shown in all the figures, also shown in fig. 1, which represents the prior art, the hairdressing apparatus 1 comprises a first cheek 2 and a second cheek 3 arranged opposite each other. Each cheek plate can be functionally broken down into at least two parts: comprising a housing for the hair treating member and a handle for gripping by a user. Each housing is formed from one piece. The housing and handle may be a single piece that is elongated from one another. Thus, said first cheek 2 may be formed by the first housing 6 and the first handle 6 ', and the second cheek 3 may be formed by the second housing 7 and the second handle 7'. The first inner work surface 4 is carried by the first cheek 2, more precisely by the first shell 6, and the second inner work surface 5 is carried by the second cheek 3, more precisely by the second shell 7. The two

cheeks

2,3 are connected so as to move between an open position and a closed position in which the treatment

inner surfaces

4,5 grip the lock of hair. The first treatment surface 4 and the second treatment surface 5 of the hair are complementary flat surfaces which, in the closed position of the device, substantially correspond to the gripping surfaces for the locks of hair, thus allowing to straighten the locks of hair when they slide through by rectilinear translation. The two treatment surfaces are substantially symmetrical with respect to the straightening plane when the device is in the closed position. Also, the heating element of each treatment surface is substantially symmetrical with respect to the straightening plane when the apparatus is in the closed position.

The first cheek 2 and the second cheek 3 are connected by a hinge type of articulation and have a maximum opening angle α comprised between 5 ° and 60 °, even between 10 ° and 20 °, and preferably equal to about 15 °. Furthermore, the device has been shown here in an "open" rest position, but it can be a "closed" rest position, as shown in patent EP2145557, the cheeks being pivotally mounted on the other end between an open position allowing the insertion of hair between two treatment surfaces and a closed position for the contact of the hair with said two treatment surfaces, the device comprising a half-handle return mechanism which generates a pressure on the treatment surfaces. The pivot axes of the two cheeks carrying the treatment surface may be arranged at the ends of the cheeks (here as shown) or approximately in the middle of the cheeks in order to provide a "scissors" type of hinging device.

The material forming the treatment surfaces 4,5 consists of metal and/or ceramic and/or glass and/or plastic material and/or a fabric. At least one of the first and second housings has a single heating element for heating the corresponding treatment surface by contact and for heating the coating by radiation. The treatment surface can be raised to a temperature between 130 ℃ and 230 ℃. The housing and the outer handle are a single piece to form the cheek plate. The material forming the outer part of the housing or even the outer part of the handle may be a plastic, for example PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) doped with glass fibres. It is important that the material has a very smooth surface. The material forming the inner part of the housing and even the inner part of the handle may be a plastic, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) doped with glass fibres.

As shown in fig. 4, the apparatus 1 comprises at least a heating mechanism 41 for heating the first treatment surface 4. According to a particular embodiment, the apparatus 1 further comprises a heating mechanism 51 for heating the second treatment surface. The one or more heating means 41,51 may be heating elements, which may be thermistors with Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) or ceramic heating elements, which are applied to the

treatment surface

4,5 or arranged inside the element comprising the

treatment surface

4, 5.

As shown in fig. 4, the apparatus 1 comprises in an embodiment a fluid evaporation mechanism 80, said fluid evaporation mechanism 80 comprising an evaporation chamber 81 and a heating mechanism 82 (or a heat generating element or a heating element) of said evaporation chamber. The one or more evaporation chambers are realized in aluminium, which may comprise a steam outlet means 31, said steam outlet means 31 may be formed by one or more steam distribution holes, for example by an array of holes. The one or more evaporation chambers 81 may directly or indirectly abut against a mating heating element 82. A good pressing of the heating element 82 and thus an optimized operation thereof is achieved by means of, for example, a spring leaf, not shown.

The temperature sensor may preferably be arranged above the fluid inlet in the evaporation chamber. The heating means 82 of the evaporation chamber may be at least one heating element, which may be a thermistor with Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) or a ceramic heating element, affixed to one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming the treatment surface, and the heating means 82 of the evaporation chamber may be the same or a separate heating means as the heating means of the treatment surface. The steam dispensing or steam output means 31 may have a set of steam output holes arranged laterally with respect to the first treatment surface 4, preferably slightly recessed with respect to said treatment surface 4. Alternatively or additionally, the steam dispensing mechanism has a set of holes arranged on the treatment surface. The steam output flow is approximately between 3g/min and 4g/min, more precisely approximately equal to 3.5 g/min. The internal structure of the plant and in particular the evaporation mechanism are fully described in detail in patent EP2449909 to the applicant.

As shown in fig. 2,3 and 4, the hair cutting device 1 for curling and straightening hair has a first housing 6 whose maximum width l1 is less than or equal to 90% of the maximum width l2 of the second housing 7. More specifically, the maximum width l1 of the first casing 6 is between 75% and 85% of the maximum width l2 of the second casing 7, and is preferably equal to 80% of the maximum width l2 of the second casing 7. These maximum widths are substantially constant over the housing except at the ends of each housing, which is why a range of values is given. Further, fig. 4 is a sectional view approximately in the middle of the housing.

In the closed position of the

cheeks

2,3, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, the longitudinal section median plane or incontinence plane P1 of the first shell 6 is parallel to and separated from the longitudinal section median plane P2 of the second shell 7. The distance between the two midplane or incontinence planes P1, P2 is between 5% and 20% of the width of the maximum width l2 of the second casing 7 and is preferably equal to 10% of the width of the maximum width l2 of the second casing 7. Thus, the bodies of the two housings are not symmetrical but staggered along the longitudinal mid-plane. The periphery of the device is significantly asymmetric and is reasonably used to reduce the volume of the internal components to facilitate the use of the straightener for forming hair curls of different sizes. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the

cheeks

2,3 are in the closed position, one 61 of the two longitudinal sides of the first casing 6 is aligned with a longitudinal side 71 of the second casing 7 arranged on the same side of the second casing 7. Longitudinal mid-plane P4 and longitudinal mid-plane P5 are the mid-planes of each of the prepared

inner surfaces

4 and 5, respectively. In the sectional view shown in fig. 4, this plane P4 is parallel with respect to the planes P1 and P2 and is offset towards the outside with respect to the planes P1 and P2. The planes P4, P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and are each orthogonal to the straightening plane Pl. Furthermore, the first casing 6 and the second casing 7 in this example are also asymmetrical with respect to their respective longitudinal section median planes (P1, P2).

As shown, the inner process surfaces 4,5 are flat, identical, are opposite each other in the closed position, and are disposed in their

respective housings

6, 7 on one side of and adjacent to the aligned edges 61, 71. On fig. 4, aligned straight lines are shown that are tangent to the aligned edges 61 and 71 of the housing or cover. This line is orthogonal to the straightening plane Pl. The peripheral curves li6, li7 of the

shells

6 and 7 form circular arcs which are substantially continuous at the aligned edges 61 and 71, and therefore have a value of about 15 mm.

Each of the two

longitudinal edges

61, 71 is equipped at its inside with a

baffle

62, 72, said

baffle

62, 72 projecting towards the inside of the device and preferably being of the same material as the shells 6, 7 (e.g. PBT plastic). As shown in fig. 5, these baffles are arranged in the same manner on both housings. These flaps allow the application of pressure to produce a so-called "strapping" effect on the hair, which slides on one of these flaps during the straightening action. This is the first way according to which a hair curl is formed towards the inside or outside using a baffle arranged below or above the straightener used.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the width/of each treatment

inner surface

4,5 is between 40% and 60% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell 6, preferably between 40% and 50% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell 6, or even approximately equal to 45% of the maximum width/1 of the first shell 6.

As shown in fig. 4, there is a non-limiting example of the dimensions of the device according to the invention:

l 1: the maximum width of the first housing 6 is 45mm

l 2: the maximum width of the second housing 7 is 52mm

h 1: the maximum height of the first housing 6 is 23mm

h 2: the maximum height of the second housing 7 is 32mm

l: the width of each of the treated

inner surfaces

4,5 is 25mm

r: radius of curvature formed by the periphery of each side of the first housing 6: about 14 mm.

The straightener according to the invention has its second cheek 3, which second cheek 3 comprises a steam outlet means 31 oriented towards the first shell 6 and adjacent to the second process inner surface 5. Precisely, this means that the first cheek 2 comprises only one straightening plate for the treatment of the hair, while the second cheek has a straightening plate and at least one additional haircutting function for the treatment of the hair. The at least one additional hair cutting function may be one or more functions selected from the following functions: spraying, carding, treatment with brushes, ionization, pulling by flaps realized with silicone type material, pulling by flaps driven, for example, in an oscillating movement. The invention thus allows to provide a compact hair cutting device with an additional hair cutting function in addition to the straightening function and with the ability to form at least two different sizes, even three different sizes of hair curls. To this end, the additional hair-cutting function is embedded in the widest of the two shells. The invention relates to minimizing the width of the shells of the cheeks having only a straightening function, without this width reduction causing dysfunction in terms of safety and effectiveness of the complete hairdressing apparatus. Thus, the formation of the hair coil and the "stripping" of the hair coil have additional limitations with respect to the size and shape of the shell.

In the case of a steam function embedded in the second cheek 3, it is important for the first housing 6 to have a baffle plate 21 formed in its inner circumference, which baffle plate 21 is arranged approximately opposite the steam outlet 31 of the second housing 7 in the closed position. The deflector allows to protect the scalp from any spray of undesired steam or condensed hot water droplets. The deflector 21 allows the steam to be conveyed towards the hair, which is to be crossed twice by the steam. The deflector according to the prior art shown in fig. 1 is wide, flat and covers the entire size of the opposite cheek. The size of the inventive baffle 21 shown in fig. 4 is reasonably chosen by the inventor to maintain this function: the width is reduced in size as much as possible so that it covers only the steam output hole 31. Furthermore, the shape of the baffle is also modified: the shape is no longer flat as shown in fig. 1, but the inner periphery of the first housing 6 is inclined toward the high so as to function as a baffle.

As shown in fig. 4, the second shell 7 comprises a comb or brush 32, said comb or brush 32 being oriented towards the first shell 6 and adjacent to the second treatment inner surface 5. In this case, the first casing 6 may have a groove 22, said groove 22 being formed at the inner periphery of the first casing 6 and being arranged substantially opposite the comb or brush 32 of the second casing 7 in the closed position. In this way, the comb divides the entire thickness of the lock of hair well, without the combing function taking up too much space.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first handle 6 'of the first cheek 2 and the second handle 7' of the second cheek 3 each have a width lp that is strictly less than the maximum width l1 of the first shell 6, that is to say strictly less than the smallest of the widths of the two

shells

6 and 7. Thus, the sides of the housing 6 and the housing 7 arranged in alignment are in these cases aligned with the side of the same side of the handle so as to form a coincident alignment line L as shown in fig. 2_ali. In fact, this alignment improves the ergonomics of use of the apparatus, which can be operated by hands of any size.

The outer surfaces of the first housing 6 and the second housing 7 are substantially smooth. The coefficient of friction is measured by measurement of the roughness at the area of the shell intended for the winding of the hair coil, as follows:

a) ra is measured on the upper "flat" or horizontal tangent portion of the shell 6 shown in fig. 4:

in the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 μm, 0.23 μm on average,

in the transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 μm, 0.31 μm on average,

b) ra is measured on the left and right side portions of the housing 6 shown in fig. 4:

in the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 μm, or 0.24 μm on average, with a local peak that can be up to 1.63 μm;

the profilometer used is Mitutoyo brand, n^oJP 1010. The statistical standard Ra is statistical and is the arithmetic mean difference relative to the mean line.

This allows easy winding and "stripping" of the hair coil without damaging the hair strands.

In the cross-section shown in fig. 4, the line defined by the outer peripheries of the first and

second shells

6, 7 is a circular curve without any inflection points. The majority of the work involved safety and effectiveness measures set by the volume of the internal elements and the equipment, better defining the perimeter of the casing as round and as smooth as possible, without inflection points. Note that in the cross-section, there are no macroscopic flat lines. At the first housing, the housing has a circular arc on the side that is smaller than a circular arc on the side of the second housing. The radius of curvature of each side of the first housing 6 is substantially the same. This allows the formation of as round as possible hair curls. This also allows to avoid having a vulnerable angle to impact on the device. In the sectional view, the outer periphery of the first shell 6 is almost a reduction of the outer periphery of the second shell 7 in the cross section, the reduction ratio being equal to about 0.8.

According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid container 83 and a vaporizing mechanism 80, said vaporizing mechanism 80 being in fluid communication with the steam output mechanism 31, and an actuator 85 for controlling said vaporizing mechanism 80. More specifically, the evaporation mechanism 80 includes an electric pump 84, and the actuator 85 is used to control the electric pump 84. This allows to control the feeding of the evaporation chamber 81 independently of the heating of the treatment or straightening

surfaces

4, 5. The user makes a selection by means of the actuator 85. If it is desired to effect a curl with or without steam, the user directly controls the actuator 85. The electric pump may be a peristaltic pump and the actuator 85 controls the motor of the peristaltic pump.

Fig. 6 and 7 show alternative embodiments of the invention: the device has a two part configuration: the above described straightening clamp and the detached base according to the invention. This arrangement is described in patent EP2449910 by the applicant. Thus, the device 1 for styling hair comprises a base 1000, said base 1000 comprising a (main) fluid container 83, the device 1 comprising a portable unit 100, said portable unit 100 comprising a fluid evaporation mechanism 80, a steam dispensing mechanism 31 directed towards the hair, the device 1 further comprising a cable 121, said cable 121 comprising at least one duct for the passage of a fluid and being arranged between the (main) fluid container 83 and the evaporation mechanism 80, the portable unit 100 comprising at least a first treatment surface 4, said first treatment surface 4 being intended to be in contact with the hair, and said fluid evaporation mechanism 80 being exclusively provided in said portable unit 100. The base is separate from the portable unit and it can be placed on a work plane. The base comprises a seat 1001 for receiving the portable unit 100 or the handpiece when the portable unit 100 or the handpiece is not in use, and a cover 2030 for introducing a fluid, which cover 2030 is completely detachable for exchanging the demineralization mechanism 2000 (filter cartridge) when needed. A portion of the base may be provided as transparent so that a user can be visually alerted that the ion exchange resin is discolored because it is no longer effective. The base comprises demineralization means 2000, the demineralization means 2000 allowing to reduce the scale content of the fluid introduced into the base. These demineralization means 2000 are arranged between an intermediate container containing the "untreated" fluid and the container 83, said container 83 containing the "filtered" fluid to be delivered to the haircutting apparatus 1.

As shown in fig. 7, the base 1000 includes a demineralization mechanism 2000 and a fluid reservoir 83, the fluid being transported by a cable 121, the cable 121 including a fluid conduit 121' and an electrical wire 121 ". The fluid delivery mechanism that delivers fluid from the reservoir of the base towards the evaporation chamber of the portable unit 100 comprises an electric pump 84, here a peristaltic pump, the motor 84' of which is controlled by an actuator 85, here provided on the base 1000.

Alternatively, the device may have the configuration shown in fig. 2, which includes a unique device with an integrated fluid container and embedded vaporization actuator 85.

Description of the working of the invention：

In operation, the user will connect the power supply of the device, the heating element of PTC type or of ceramic type starts to heat the surface intended to come into contact with the hair, and the further heating element (or the same heating element) starts to heat the evaporation mechanism 80 (when the evaporation function is involved), the user holds the device and applies the device in order to grip the lock of hair to be treated.

Since the two housings are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the device on the lock of hair is important: the user should place and close the straightener so that the two aligned sides are close to the scalp, the orientation being shown in fig. 2. Subsequently, the user can carry out a traditional straightening step by sliding the hair in a rectilinear manner along the locks of hair in the direction shown by the arrows shown on the first housing 6 of figures 2 and 3.

When the user wishes to form a small size hair roll, the user proceeds as follows: the device 1 is in the open position, the user wraps the lock of hair around the first housing 6, then closes the straightener as close as possible to the scalp, keeps the straightener fixed for a few seconds and then slides the device 1 towards the free end of the lock of hair in order to "demould" the lock of hair. This allows for the formation of small sized hair curls.

When the user wishes to form a larger size hair coil, the user proceeds as follows: once the device is closed as close as possible to the scalp, it slides along the entire hair lock to the end of the latter, the user holding the device in the closed position and rotating it around itself so as to wrap the hair lock around the two

housings

6, 7 in the closed position up to the scalp, after which the user spreads the hair lock out a few seconds later. This allows the formation of a hair roll that is bright, smooth and larger in size.

Each static step may be held for a few seconds, even one or two minutes, which is appropriate for the curl to form. The duration of the stop varies depending on, inter alia, the temperature of the device and on the form of the tresses of hair treated.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION：

The invention brings about a number of advantages, among which is the provision of a hair shaping device, in particular a straightener:

has a possible steam function, is not bulky and is capable of forming regular curls,

has a possible steam function, is not bulky and can be formed into a hair roll by simple means of use,

with possible steam function, it is possible to form, by simple use, a hair-roll with at least two different sizes (or diameters), even with at least three different sizes,

with a possible steam function, capable of forming a hair roll with reduced manufacturing costs of the sole device,

with possible steam function, capable of forming hair curls and with reduced weight,

with a possible steam function, capable of forming a hair curl and simple to operate, in particular easy to operate at the two handles or at the gripping areas, without touching the end of the treatment side of the device, which may sometimes be hot,

-having a possible steam function, being able to control at least one of the steam operating parameters in a reliable manner,

having a steam function, able to ensure a continuous or even constant steam flow in correspondence with a control preset,

-having a possible steam function, said device being robust, in particular robust against impacts,

which is durable in operation and ensures good ageing properties with respect to e.g. mechanical deformations,

having a possible steam function, the work being efficient and/or fast,

with a possible steam function, which allows a light and convenient use,

with possible steam function and with disposable additional elements, which are simple and inexpensive in design,

-having a possible steam function, the device being safe and not burning the scalp or hands of the user,

has an improved duration of product life and reduces the impact of the equipment on the environment,

has a safe and reliable operation, allows to ensure a high quality hair treatment,

robust in operation, durable and ensures good ageing properties;

-work efficient and/or fast;

-a working seal;

the device ensures operation in whatever position,

allowing a light and convenient use,

-having a simplified mechanism for the purpose of,

can be industrially produced at a low cost,

-having less undesired friction,

in order to drive an element which is no longer affected by mechanical deformations of the housing,

no longer ensuring the force excess with respect to the force applied by the user for closing or opening.

The invention is of course in no way limited to the embodiments shown and described, which are given by way of example only. Changes may be made, especially in matters of construction of different elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Hair cutting device (1) for curling and straightening hair, said hair cutting device (1) comprising:

-first and second cheeks (2, 3), said first and second cheeks (2, 3) being long and pivotally movable with respect to each other,

-the first cheek (2) has a first shell (6), the first shell (6) carrying a first, flat treatment inner surface (4), and

-the second cheek (3) has a second shell (7), the second shell (7) comprising a flat second treatment inner surface (5),

-said first treatment inner surface (4) and said second treatment inner surface (5) are for gripping a lock of hair,

-at least one heating element (41, 51) for heating at least one treatment inner surface (4, 5),

and at least one of the first casing (6) or the second casing (7) is asymmetrical with respect to a respective longitudinal section mid-plane (P1, P2) of the first casing (6) or the second casing (7),

the method is characterized in that:

said second cheek (3) comprising steam delivery means (31) oriented towards said first shell (6), and said steam delivery means (31) being adjacent to said second treatment inner surface (5) so as to provide a steam treatment before the straightening treatment, according to a predetermined sequence of passage of said hairdressing apparatus (1) on the locks,

the maximum width (l1) of the first shell (6) is less than or equal to 90% of the maximum width (l2) of the second shell (7),

in cross section, a line defined by the outer peripheries of the first and second shells is a circular curve without any inflection points, and the circular curve is not visually flat,

-in the closed position of the first and second cheeks (2, 3), the longitudinal section median plane (P1) of the first shell (6) is parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal section median plane (P2) of the second shell (7), and-in the closed position of the first and second cheeks (2, 3), one (61) of the two longitudinal sides of the first shell (6) is aligned with a longitudinal side (71) of the second shell (7) arranged on the same side of the second shell (7);

and the inner periphery of the first housing (6) is not flat and is inclined toward the high so as to function as a baffle plate (21), the baffle plate (21) being arranged opposite the steam output mechanism (31) of the second housing (7) in the closed position.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum width (l1) of the first shell (6) is between 75% and 85% of the maximum width (l2) of the second shell (7).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the maximum width (l1) of the first shell (6) is equal to 80% of the maximum width (l2) of the second shell (7).

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distance between the longitudinal section median plane (P1) of the first casing (6) and the longitudinal section median plane (P2) of the second casing (7) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the maximum width (l2) of the second casing (7).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distance between the longitudinal section median plane (P1) of the first casing (6) and the longitudinal section median plane (P2) of the second casing (7) is equal to 10% of the maximum width (l2) of the second casing (7).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first treatment inner surface (4) and the second treatment inner surface (5) are flat, identical and opposite each other in the closed position, and in that the first treatment inner surface (4) and the second treatment inner surface (5) are arranged in the first casing (6) and the second casing (7), respectively, adjacent to the respective longitudinal edges (61, 71) of the first casing (6) and the second casing (7) that are aligned.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the longitudinal edges (61, 71) of the first shell (6) and of the second shell (7) is equipped with at least one baffle (62, 72) projecting towards the inside of its corresponding shell.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the width (/) of each treatment inner surface (4, 5) is between 40% and 60% of the maximum width (/) 1 of the first shell (6).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second casing (7) comprises a comb or brush (32), said comb or brush (32) being oriented towards said first casing (6) and adjacent to said second treatment inner surface (5).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first casing (6) has a groove (22) formed in its inner periphery, and in that the groove (22) is arranged opposite the comb or brush (32) of the second casing (7) in the closed position.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first handle (6 ') of the first cheek (2) and the second handle (7') of the second cheek (3) each have a width (lp) strictly smaller than a maximum width (l1) of the first shell (6).

12. The device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the outer surfaces of the first housing (6) and the second housing (7) are smooth.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a fluid container (83) and an evaporation mechanism (80), the evaporation mechanism (80) being in fluid communication with the vapor output mechanism (31), and an actuator (85) for controlling the evaporation mechanism (80).

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the evaporation mechanism (80) comprises an electric pump (84), and the actuator (85) is for controlling the electric pump (84).