EP0592340B1 - Applicator for hot melt products, in particular depilatory wax, with a heating container - Google Patents

Applicator for hot melt products, in particular depilatory wax, with a heating container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0592340B1
EP0592340B1 EP93420395A EP93420395A EP0592340B1 EP 0592340 B1 EP0592340 B1 EP 0592340B1 EP 93420395 A EP93420395 A EP 93420395A EP 93420395 A EP93420395 A EP 93420395A EP 0592340 B1 EP0592340 B1 EP 0592340B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
tank
applicator according
envelope
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93420395A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0592340A1 (en
Inventor
Daniel Bontoux
née Lanvers Monique Paget
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0592340A1 publication Critical patent/EP0592340A1/en
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Publication of EP0592340B1 publication Critical patent/EP0592340B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
    • A45D26/0014—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers using wax

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general technical field of devices for applying hot-melt products, such as depilatory wax, ointments, creams, or even glues or varnishes, in which the product stored in solid form must be subjected. to a heat flux to change state and pass to an at least pasty state so that it can be applied.
  • hot-melt products such as depilatory wax, ointments, creams, or even glues or varnishes
  • the present invention relates specifically to an applicator of hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax, comprising a housing associated with a gripping means, a reservoir of product to be applied in thermal relation with heating means, and at least one applicator means of the product disposed in the vicinity of an outlet opening of the tank.
  • an applicator is known from EP-A-0 368 698.
  • hot-melt products should be understood to mean all types of products being at room temperature in a solid physical state, even semi-solid or pasty, but liable under the action of heat to change physical state to liquefy sufficiently. so that it can be spread out as a layer.
  • the invention aims more particularly to protect a depilatory wax applicator, but it is obvious that the product applicator according to the invention is not limited to this specific use.
  • the depilation technique by applying a depilatory wax consists in melting a certain amount of wax, then in applying in the molten state, a layer of this wax on the area to be depilated. After hardening, that is to say after cooling, the cold wax film is removed using any suitable means, the hairs then being extracted from the skin due to their joining with the wax.
  • ready-to-use hot wax dispensers consisting of a reservoir heated by any means, for example by a device similar to a bottle warmer. These devices are completed by a simple wax distributor roller which the user introduces into the tank in order to regularly coat it with hot wax. These devices, very rustic, turn out to no longer meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of users of depilatory wax.
  • the temperature of application of the wax is poorly controlled, as well as the thickness of application of the layer of wax.
  • These devices are also known as relatively bulky, and giving rise to a long, tedious, often messy hair removal operation and involving excessive consumption of wax.
  • the applicator assembly includes a housing provided with heating housings into which are inserted applicators intended to be entered manually by the user.
  • the applicators are provided with an internal reservoir intended to contain a charge of solid depilatory wax on the one hand, and a wax applicator roller on the other hand.
  • Such an applicator obviously constitutes an improvement over previous devices, but does not however completely solve the problem of controlling the temperature of application of the wax.
  • the object of the present invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above, and to provide an applicator of hot-melt products whose design and production is particularly simplified, while allowing optimal control and control of the application temperature of the hot-melt product.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot melt products for controlling and controlling the temperature of the entire mass of the hot melt product to be applied.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products, the electrical connection means of which are particularly simple to produce and, despite everything, reliable.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products whose temperature of the product to be applied is controlled differently in different places of the tank.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products in which the thermal regulation is improved, and able to provide several modes of regulation.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products provided with applicator means allowing a deposition of said product, without risk of leakage or untimely spreading.
  • the applicator of hot-melt products according to the invention shown in Figure 1 comprises a housing 1 forming the outer casing of the applicator.
  • the housing can have any suitable shape, and for example be of a general shape similar to a cylinder of revolution around a longitudinal axis x-x ', advantageously of circular cross section.
  • the cross section of the housing 1 can be constant over the entire length of the housing 1, or on the contrary, in an advantageous version of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, include in its lower part a section 2 in trunk cone whose diameter narrows substantially regularly to result in an end section 3 of diameter again constant but reduced.
  • the housing 1 advantageously consists of a single piece forming a wall 4, preferably of constant thickness, made for example of any sufficiently rigid plastic material.
  • the housing 1 is associated with a gripping means 5, constituted in its simplest version by the upper part of the housing 1.
  • the housing 1 can be provided with a handle or a handle attached, intended to be entered by the user, and then constituting the gripping means.
  • the applicator according to the invention also comprises a reservoir 8 intended to ensure the temporary storage of the hot-melt product before its application.
  • the reservoir 8 is disposed inside the volume defined by the housing 1, and it preferably has the same axis of revolution x-x ', as the housing 1.
  • the reservoir 8 is therefore externally limited by an envelope 9 of average thickness which can be of the order of 1.5 to 2 mm and of which at least one part or only a fraction is made of a plastic material conducting the electric current forming a resistive element, such as for example an elastomer material loaded with carbon.
  • the reservoir 8 is made of a plastic material conducting the electric current in such a way that the envelope 9 constitutes all of the walls of said reservoir 8.
  • the envelope 9 only one or several parts of the envelope 9, and for example sections 2 and / or 3, could be made of a plastic material conducting the electric current. Indeed, the passage of electric current through the plastic material generates a thermal flux ensuring the melting of the hot-melt product.
  • all the geometrical positions of the part or fraction of envelope 9 made of plastic material conducting electricity allowing, by the release of heat, the melting of the mass or of a significant mass of the hot-melt product to be applied can be envisaged.
  • only a fraction of the envelope, defining for example any sector or any curved area, the geometric position of which is suitably chosen, and for example preferably in the lower part of the applicator could be made of plastic conductive current.
  • the rest of the envelope 9 is in this case made of a material which is a good conductor of heat.
  • the envelope 9, or the envelope fraction 9 made of plastic material conducting the electric current is connected to a pair of electrodes 10, advantageously constituted by two strips or metallic grids arranged on the envelope 9 in opposition.
  • the strips or screens are made integral by any appropriate means with the internal or external face of the envelope 9, or for example overmolded in the walls of the tank 8.
  • the reservoir 8 has a cross section, preferably comparable to a quadrilateral, and the electrodes 10 preferably extend over the entire surface of the two opposite lateral faces of the reservoir 8 and are projected by a connection tab 10a, outside the lower external limits of the housing 1 (Fig. 10).
  • the electrodes 10 can also be produced by electroplating or else by screen printing of a conductive ink.
  • the electrodes are arranged on the external surface of the walls of the envelope 9, but it is obvious that they can also be included in the same mass of the wall or even extend over the internal surface of the wall, in contact with the wax.
  • the envelope 9, or the envelope fraction 9, made of plastic material conductive of the electric current thus constitutes the heating means of the applicator according to the invention which are intended to ensure the continuous melting of the hot-melt product stored in the reservoir 8. The latter thus assumes a dual function, that of a resistive heating element, and that of a container.
  • the envelope 9 or fraction of the envelope 9 can be made of any plastic material having resistive properties such as silicone elastomers, polypropylene loaded with carbon, polymers made conductive by a carbon load, or even intrinsic conductive polymers ( Polyaniline-filled PVC) for example.
  • plastic material having resistive properties such as silicone elastomers, polypropylene loaded with carbon, polymers made conductive by a carbon load, or even intrinsic conductive polymers ( Polyaniline-filled PVC) for example.
  • the housing 1 surrounds the reservoir 8, and is thermally insulated from said reservoir by insulation means 11.
  • the latter can be formed as shown in FIG. 1, by a simple air layer 12 of appropriate thickness.
  • the insulation means 11 consist of a series of longitudinal ribs 13 preferably formed in the thickness of the housing 1 on its internal face. The longitudinal ribs 13 are thus in abutment against the external periphery of the reservoir 8 and define between them a series of longitudinal air strips 14. Obviously, as a variant, the longitudinal ribs 13 could be produced in the thickness of the envelope 9.
  • the applicator of hot-melt products also comprises at least one applicator means 18 for said product, said means being disposed in the vicinity of an outlet orifice 20 formed, as shown in FIG. 1 at the bottom. of the reservoir 8.
  • the applicator means 18 advantageously consists of a roller 21 supported as shown for example in FIG. 2, by axes of rotation 22 integral with the roller 21 and mounted with the possibility of rotation in a notch formed in the housing 1.
  • the roller 18 can also be supported directly by the casing 9 opposite the outlet orifice 20.
  • the roller 21 is of dimensions appropriate to the dimensions of the outlet orifice 20 so that '' a thin film of the hot-melt product, in this case generally depilatory wax, can be deposited on its surface and applied to the skin of the user.
  • the roller 21 is mounted to rotate freely, but it is obvious that the latter can also be driven by any conventional drive means.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment according to the invention, according to which the roller 21 is mounted with the possibility of free movement under its own weight, substantially in the direction of the axis x-x '.
  • the roller 21 is supported by the ends of its axes of rotation 22 in grooves 25 forming a sliding path.
  • the grooves 25 are formed in the housing or the envelope 9, and have a generally oblong shape with an axis of symmetry substantially parallel to the axis x-x '.
  • the dimensional relationships between the opening 20 and the size of the roller 21, in this case its diameter, are such that when the roller 21 is in abutment against a surface P, materializing the skin of the user, it comes to occupy the position of stop shown in FIG. 4.
  • the roller 21 In the position shown in Figure 5, the roller 21 is released from the skin of the user, and under the effect of its own weight materialized by the arrow G, it comes to occupy in section 2 in the form of a cone throne a stop position, called the bottom position, in which the axis of rotation 22 comes to bear against the lower end 28 of the groove 25. In this position, the dimensional relationships between the roller 21 and the opening 22 are such that the roller 21 seals the outlet orifice 20.
  • FIG. 6 shows a detail of embodiment of a roller 21, according to which the roller 21 is preferably provided on its surface with circular grooves 30 forming extra thickness. These streaks have the effect of thickening the wax strip, the roller 21 possibly even being advantageously of a reduced diameter at its ends in order to ensure the presence of a bead on the edges of the wax strip in order to facilitate his uprooting.
  • the roller 21 can also be striated in the longitudinal direction in order to favor the rotation of the roller and to ensure the thickening of the strip of wax.
  • the roller 21 can be made of any material capable of developing a relatively weak adhesion of the wax, and in any case less than the adhesion of the wax to the skin. The materials used can be for example prolypropylene or silicone.
  • the applicator according to the invention can be provided with a dual-voltage switch (not shown in the figures) capable of delivering a first cold supply voltage when the applicator is started for the first time.
  • the second supply voltage is lower than the first supply voltage and ensures that the wax is maintained at the average application temperature.
  • This assembly makes it possible to provide a high thermal power allowing a rapid melting of the entire mass of wax.
  • the same effect can be obtained by choosing the plastic material of the casing 9, from among the materials having a high positive temperature coefficient.
  • the housing 1 is closed at its upper part by a closure plug 31 attached by any suitable means.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment which differs from the previous variants only by mounting a removable roller 21.
  • the latter is mounted on a cap 40 intended to be threaded onto the end part of the housing 1 associated with the outlet orifice 20, and locked, for example by clipping on the walls of said housing 1.
  • the cap 40 has an opening 41 in view of the outlet orifice 20 and two folded tabs 42 coming into locking abutment against the terminal internal faces of the casing 9.
  • the tabs 42 have at their ends two support elements, for example discs, intended to be inserted into holes 43 formed axially in the roller 21.
  • the cap 40 thus serves as a support means for the roller 21 which can thus be easily removed from the cap 40 for the purpose of changing or cleaning.
  • the fact of having a removable cap 40 facilitates cleaning, eliminates the need to provide the closure cap 31 with its seal, and makes the filling operation easier.
  • the walls of the reservoir 8 have, at the outlet orifice 20, an external flange 44 comprising inclined sides in the thickness of which are provided at least two, and preferably four deposition slots 45.
  • the latter are advantageously arranged in the corners of the outlet orifice 20, at the junctions between the different faces of the casing 9.
  • the slots 45 allow, during the flow of the wax, to create at their level, an excess application thickness forming a lateral bead on the strip of wax applied. The latter is then easier to remove.
  • the use of four slots allows operation in both directions of the applicator, that is to say a rotation in both directions of the roller 21 without disturbing the air-wax system necessary for the correct application of the wax film. .
  • the user after having introduced a load of a hot-melt product into the reservoir 8, for example depilatory wax, in the form of a relatively solid bar of wax, puts the applicator under electrical voltage, preferably under the highest voltage if the applicator has a dual-voltage switch.
  • the wax mass is then subjected to the heat flux generated by the envelope 9.
  • the solid wax mass in particular its lower part therefore becomes progressively liquid or at least substantially liquid, so that the roller 21 which could be glued to cold at the walls of the housing 1 or of the casing 9 dissociates from it. This separation then allows the passage of a thin film of wax through the orifice 20.
  • the user who has previously grabbed the applicator can then start applying the wax by passing the roller on his skin.
  • the fact of using a heating jacket 9 makes it possible to distribute the temperature uniformly throughout the mass of the wax, which ensures a rapid rise in temperature, then thereafter optimal regulation of the temperature of application of the wax. .
  • the variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 differs from the preceding variants only by producing an outlet orifice 20 in the form of a slot, and by using an applicator means 18 consisting of a deformable tip 35
  • the latter has a lower application face 36, in which the slot 20 is formed, preferably rectilinear.
  • the application force allows the deformation of the tip 35 and the widening of the slot 20 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the wax can then flow through the orifice forming slot 20 and is spread by the front part of the lower application face 36.
  • FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment according to which the orifice 20 forming a slot is arranged in the vicinity of the front part of the application face 36.
  • the thermal regulation of the applicator can be obtained by giving the casing 9 a variable thickness, preferably greater in the vicinity of the outlet orifice 20, and for example at the level of sections 2 and / or 3.
  • the increase in the thickness of the envelope 9 at the outlet orifice 20 can be continuous or discontinuous, ie regular or not.
  • a series of internal ribs (not shown in the figures) can be provided for this purpose in the thickness of the envelope 9 in order to punctually increase the electric power and the conduction between the two opposite electrodes 10.
  • roller 21 it is possible to provide for mounting the roller 21 on a rigid support if the material of the housing 1 by its flexibility is not able to support said roller 21.

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Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine technique général des dispositifs d'application de produits thermofusibles, tels que la cire à épiler, les onguents, les crèmes, voire même les colles ou vernis, dans lesquels le produit stocké sous forme solide, doit être soumis à un flux thermique pour changer d'état et passer à un état au moins pâteux afin de pouvoir être appliqué.The present invention relates to the general technical field of devices for applying hot-melt products, such as depilatory wax, ointments, creams, or even glues or varnishes, in which the product stored in solid form must be subjected. to a heat flux to change state and pass to an at least pasty state so that it can be applied.

La présente invention concerne spécifiquement un applicateur de produits thermofusibles, en particulier de cire à épiler, comportant un boîtier associé à un moyen de préhension, un réservoir de produit à appliquer en relation thermique avec des moyens de chauffe, et au moins un moyen applicateur du produit disposé au voisinage d'un orifice de sortie du réservoir. Un tel applicateur est connu du EP-A-0 368 698.The present invention relates specifically to an applicator of hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax, comprising a housing associated with a gripping means, a reservoir of product to be applied in thermal relation with heating means, and at least one applicator means of the product disposed in the vicinity of an outlet opening of the tank. Such an applicator is known from EP-A-0 368 698.

Par produits thermofusibles il convient d'entendre tous les types de produits se trouvant à température ambiante dans un état physique solide, voire semi-solide ou pâteux, mais susceptibles sous l'action de la chaleur de changer d'état physique pour se liquéfier suffisamment afin de pouvoir être étalé sous forme de couche. L'invention vise plus particulièrement à protéger un applicateur de cire à épiler, mais il est bien évident que l'applicateur de produit conforme à l'invention, n'est nullement limité à cette utilisation spécifique.The term “hot-melt products” should be understood to mean all types of products being at room temperature in a solid physical state, even semi-solid or pasty, but liable under the action of heat to change physical state to liquefy sufficiently. so that it can be spread out as a layer. The invention aims more particularly to protect a depilatory wax applicator, but it is obvious that the product applicator according to the invention is not limited to this specific use.

Quel que soit le type d'applicateur de cire à épiler considéré, la technique d'épilation par application d'une cire dépilatoire, consiste à faire fondre une certaine quantité de cire, puis à appliquer, à l'état fondu, une couche de cette cire sur la zone à épiler. Après durcissement, c'est à dire après refroidissement, la pellicule de cire froide est retirée à l'aide de tout moyen approprié, les poils étant alors extrait de la peau en raison de leur solidarisation avec la cire.Whatever the type of depilatory wax applicator considered, the depilation technique by applying a depilatory wax consists in melting a certain amount of wax, then in applying in the molten state, a layer of this wax on the area to be depilated. After hardening, that is to say after cooling, the cold wax film is removed using any suitable means, the hairs then being extracted from the skin due to their joining with the wax.

Pour mettre en oeuvre cette technique largement répandue, on connaît déjà des distributeurs de cire chaude prête à l'emploi, constitués d'un réservoir chauffé par un moyen quelconque, par exemple par un appareil analogue à un chauffe-biberon. Ces dispositifs sont complétés par un simple rouleau distributeur de cire que l'utilisateur introduit dans le réservoir afin de l'enduire régulièrement de cire chaude. Ces appareils, d'une grande rusticité, s'avèrent ne plus correspondre aux besoins de plus en plus sophistiqués des utilisatrices de cire à épiler. La température d'application de la cire est mal maîtrisée, ainsi d'ailleurs que l'épaisseur d'application de la couche de cire. Ces appareils sont également connus comme relativement encombrants, et donnant lieu à une opération d'épilation longue, fastidieuse, souvent salissante et impliquant une surconsommation de cire.To implement this widely used technique, ready-to-use hot wax dispensers are already known, consisting of a reservoir heated by any means, for example by a device similar to a bottle warmer. These devices are completed by a simple wax distributor roller which the user introduces into the tank in order to regularly coat it with hot wax. These devices, very rustic, turn out to no longer meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of users of depilatory wax. The temperature of application of the wax is poorly controlled, as well as the thickness of application of the layer of wax. These devices are also known as relatively bulky, and giving rise to a long, tedious, often messy hair removal operation and involving excessive consumption of wax.

Des améliorations à ces dispositifs antérieurs classiques ont été proposés par l'ensemble applicateur de cire chaude décrit dans la demande de brevet FR-A-2520601. L'ensemble applicateur comporte un boîtier pourvu de logements chauffants dans lesquels sont insérés des applicateurs destinés à être saisis manuellement par l'utilisatrice. Les applicateurs sont pourvus, d'un réservoir interne destiné à contenir une charge de cire dépilatoire solide d'une part, et d'un rouleau applicateur de cire d'autre part. Un tel applicateur constitue bien évidemment une amélioration par rapport aux dispositifs antérieurs, mais ne résout cependant pas complètement le problème de la maîtrise de la température d'application de la cire. En effet, si la température de la cire, et donc son degré de liquéfaction, peut être considéré comme satisfaisant lorsque l'utilisateur extrait l'applicateur du logement chauffant, il est indéniable, qu'après un certain temps d'utilisation la température de la cire n'est plus à un niveau convenable. Ceci entraîne une difficulté croissante dans l'application, une sur-consommation de cire, et au total un résultat dépilatoire incertain, hétérogène et dans tous les cas non satisfaisant. Pour pallier en partie à ce problème, l'utilisateur est alors obligé de remettre fréquemment l'applicateur dans le logement chauffant, ce qui allonge de manière inconsidérée le temps consacré à l'opération d'épilation, sans pour autant garantir un meilleur résultat.Improvements to these conventional prior devices have been proposed by the hot wax applicator assembly described in patent application FR-A-2520601. The applicator assembly includes a housing provided with heating housings into which are inserted applicators intended to be entered manually by the user. The applicators are provided with an internal reservoir intended to contain a charge of solid depilatory wax on the one hand, and a wax applicator roller on the other hand. Such an applicator obviously constitutes an improvement over previous devices, but does not however completely solve the problem of controlling the temperature of application of the wax. Indeed, if the temperature of the wax, and therefore its degree of liquefaction, can be considered satisfactory when the user extracts the applicator from the heating housing, it is undeniable that after a certain period of use the temperature of the wax is no longer at a suitable level. This leads to an increasing difficulty in the application, an over-consumption of wax, and in total an uncertain, heterogeneous and in all cases unsatisfactory depilatory result. To partially alleviate this problem, the user is then obliged to frequently put the applicator back into the heated housing, which thoughtlessly lengthens the time spent on the epilation operation, without however guaranteeing a better result.

Il a été ainsi proposé, par exemple dans la demande de brevet EP-A-0368698, de réaliser un applicateur de cire à épiler dans lequel le réservoir de cire est pourvu d'une résistance de chauffage. Pour améliorer la facilité d'application de la cire, mais aussi pour maîtriser au mieux la température de la cire, il est également prévu de munir le rouleau applicateur d'un moyen de chauffage autonome. Un tel dispositif assure une certaine maîtrise de la température de la cire et empêche en particulier un collage intempestif de la cire sur l'enveloppe du réservoir. De la même façon le fait de chauffer le rouleau applicateur prévient un refroidissement précoce de la cire lors de son dépôt sur la peau. En revanche, un tel dispositif s'avère être d'une réalisation délicate, dans la mesure où il nécessite la présence et le montage de deux moyens de chauffage séparés, dont l'un est difficile à mettre en oeuvre et à monter, puisqu'il doit être positionné dans le rouleau applicateur. En définitive, la fiabilité d'un tel dispositif n'est pas assurée.It has thus been proposed, for example in patent application EP-A-0368698, to produce a depilatory wax applicator in which the wax reservoir is provided with a heating resistor. To improve the ease of application of the wax, but also to better control the temperature of the wax, it is also planned to provide the applicator roller with an independent heating means. Such a device ensures a certain control of the temperature of the wax and in particular prevents untimely sticking of the wax on the envelope of the reservoir. In the same way, heating the applicator roller prevents early cooling of the wax when it is deposited on the skin. On the other hand, such a device turns out to be of a delicate embodiment, insofar as it requires the presence and the mounting of two separate heating means, one of which is difficult to implement and to assemble, since it must be positioned in the applicator roller. Ultimately, the reliability of such a device is not guaranteed.

L'objet de la présente invention vise en conséquence à remédier aux inconvénients mentionnés précédemment, et à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles dont la conception et réalisation est particulièrement simplifiée, tout en permettant une maîtrise et un contrôle optimal de la température d'application du produit thermofusible.The object of the present invention therefore aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above, and to provide an applicator of hot-melt products whose design and production is particularly simplified, while allowing optimal control and control of the application temperature of the hot-melt product.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles permettant de maîtriser et contrôler la température de la totalité de la masse du produit thermofusible à appliquer.Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot melt products for controlling and controlling the temperature of the entire mass of the hot melt product to be applied.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles dont les moyens de connexion électrique sont particulièrement simples à réaliser et malgré tout fiables.Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products, the electrical connection means of which are particularly simple to produce and, despite everything, reliable.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles dont la température du produit à appliquer est maîtrisée de manière différentielle en différents endroits du réservoir.Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products whose temperature of the product to be applied is controlled differently in different places of the tank.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles dans lequel la régulation thermique est améliorée, et à même de fournir plusieurs modes de régulation.Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products in which the thermal regulation is improved, and able to provide several modes of regulation.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un applicateur de produits thermofusibles pourvu de moyens applicateurs permettant un dépôt dudit produit, sans risque de coulure ou d'étalement intempestif.Another object of the invention is to provide an applicator of hot-melt products provided with applicator means allowing a deposition of said product, without risk of leakage or untimely spreading.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont atteints à l'aide d'un applicateur de produits thermofusibles, en particulier de cire à épiler, comportant un boîtier associé à un moyen de préhension, un réservoir du produit à appliquer en relation thermique avec des moyens de chauffe, et au moins un moyen applicateur du produit disposé au voisinage d'un orifice de sortie du réservoir caractérisé en ce que :

  • le réservoir est au moins en partie formé par une enveloppe ou une fraction d'enveloppe, en matière plastique conductrice du courant électrique reliée à des électrodes, ladite enveloppe ou fraction d'enveloppe constituant les moyens de chauffe.
The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using an applicator of hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax, comprising a housing associated with a gripping means, a reservoir of the product to be applied in thermal relation with means heating, and at least one product applicator means disposed in the vicinity of a tank outlet orifice, characterized in that:
  • the reservoir is at least partly formed by an envelope or a fraction of an envelope, of plastic material conducting the electric current connected to electrodes, said envelope or fraction of an envelope constituting the heating means.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront mieux à la lecture de la description donnée ci-après à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 montre selon une coupe transversale longitudinale, la structure interne d'un applicateur de produits thermofusibles conforme à l'invention.
  • la figure 2 montre selon une coupe transversale longitudinale partielle un détail de montage d'un moyen applicateur de produits thermofusibles sur le boîtier d'un applicateur conforme à l'invention.
  • la figure 3 montre selon une coupe transversale partielle effectuée selon la ligne III-III de la figure 1, la structure interne d'un applicateur conforme à l'invention.
  • les figures 4 et 5 montrent selon des coupes transversales longitudinales partielles de l'applicateur, un détail du montage d'un moyen applicateur de produit mobile susceptible d'adopter une position d'application telle que montrée à la figure 4 et une position de non-application telle que montrée à la figure 5.
  • la figure 6 montre un détail de réalisation d'un rouleau applicateur de produits thermofusibles.
  • les figures 7 et 8 montrent selon une coupe transversale longitudinale, une variante de réalisation d'un autre moyen applicateur de produit.
  • la figure 9 montre selon une coupe transversale longitudinale partielle une autre variante de réalisation d'un moyen applicateur conforme à l'invention.
  • les figures 10, 11 et 12 montrent respectivement, selon une première coupe transversale longitudinale, une seconde coupe transversale longitudinale décalée de 90° par rapport à la première coupe, et une vue de dessus, une variante de réalisation de l'invention comportant un capuchon amovible.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows in a longitudinal cross section, the internal structure of an applicator of hot melt products according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows in a partial longitudinal cross section a mounting detail of an applicator means of hot melt products on the housing of an applicator according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows in a partial cross section taken along line III-III of Figure 1, the internal structure of an applicator according to the invention.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show in partial longitudinal cross sections of the applicator, a detail of the mounting of a mobile product applicator means capable of adopting an application position as shown in Figure 4 and a non-position -application as shown in figure 5.
  • Figure 6 shows a detail of an applicator roller roll of hot melt products.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show in a longitudinal cross section, an alternative embodiment of another product applicator means.
  • Figure 9 shows in a partial longitudinal cross section another alternative embodiment of an applicator means according to the invention.
  • Figures 10, 11 and 12 show respectively, according to a first longitudinal cross section, a second longitudinal cross section offset by 90 ° relative to the first section, and a top view, an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a cap removable.

L'applicateur de produits thermofusibles conforme à l'invention montré à la figure 1, comporte un boîtier 1 formant l'enveloppe externe de l'applicateur. Le boîtier peut présenter toutes formes appropriées, et être par exemple d'une forme générale assimilable à un cylindre de révolution autour d'un axe longitudinal x-x', avantageusement de section transversale circulaire. La section transversale du boîtier 1 peut être constante sur toute la longueur du boîtier 1, ou au contraire, dans une version avantageuse de l'invention, tel que cela est montré à la figure 1, comporter dans sa partie inférieure une section 2 en tronc de cône dont le diamètre se rétrécit sensiblement régulièrement pour aboutir à une section terminale 3 de diamètre à nouveau constant mais réduit. Le boîtier 1 est constitué avantageusement d'une pièce monobloc formant une paroi 4, de préférence d'épaisseur constante, réalisée par exemple en tout matériau plastique suffisamment rigide. Le boîtier 1 est associé à un moyen de préhension 5, constitué dans sa version la plus simple par la partie supérieure du boîtier 1. Bien évidemment, à titre de variante, le boîtier 1 peut être pourvu d'une poignée ou d'une manette rapportée, destinée à être saisie par l'utilisateur, et constituant alors les moyens de préhension.The applicator of hot-melt products according to the invention shown in Figure 1, comprises a housing 1 forming the outer casing of the applicator. The housing can have any suitable shape, and for example be of a general shape similar to a cylinder of revolution around a longitudinal axis x-x ', advantageously of circular cross section. The cross section of the housing 1 can be constant over the entire length of the housing 1, or on the contrary, in an advantageous version of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, include in its lower part a section 2 in trunk cone whose diameter narrows substantially regularly to result in an end section 3 of diameter again constant but reduced. The housing 1 advantageously consists of a single piece forming a wall 4, preferably of constant thickness, made for example of any sufficiently rigid plastic material. The housing 1 is associated with a gripping means 5, constituted in its simplest version by the upper part of the housing 1. Obviously, as a variant, the housing 1 can be provided with a handle or a handle attached, intended to be entered by the user, and then constituting the gripping means.

L'applicateur conforme à l'invention comporte également un réservoir 8 destiné à assurer le stockage momentané du produit thermofusible avant son application. Avantageusement, le réservoir 8, est disposé à l'intérieur du volume défini par le boîtier 1, et il présente , de préférence, le même axe de révolution x-x', que le boîtier 1. Le réservoir 8 est donc limité extérieurement par une enveloppe 9 d'épaisseur moyenne pouvant être de l'ordre de 1,5 à 2 mm et dont au moins une partie ou une fraction seulement est réalisée en un matériau plastique conducteur du courant électrique formant un élément résistif, tel que par exemple un matériau élastomère chargé en carbone. Selon une des versions avantageuses de l'invention, le réservoir 8 est réalisé en une matière plastique conductrice du courant électrique de telle façon que l'enveloppe 9 constitue la totalité des parois dudit réservoir 8. Bien évidemment, à titre de variante, seule une ou plusieurs parties de l'enveloppe 9, et par exemple les sections 2 et/ou 3, pourraient être réalisées en une matière plastique conductrice du courant électrique. En effet, le passage du courant électrique dans la matière plastique génère un flux thermique assurant la fusion du produit thermofusible. Ainsi, toutes les positions géométriques de la partie ou fraction d'enveloppe 9 réalisée en matière plastique conduisant l'électricité permettant par dégagement de chaleur, la fusion de la masse ou d'une masse significative du produit thermofusible à appliquer sont envisageables. De la même façon, à titre de variante complémentaire, seule une fraction d'enveloppe, définissant par exemple un secteur ou une aire incurvée quelconque, dont la position géométrique est convenablement choisie, et par exemple de préférence dans la partie inférieure de l'applicateur, pourrait être réalisé en matière plastique conductrice du courant. Le reste de l'enveloppe 9 est dans ce cas réalisé dans un matériau bon conducteur de la chaleur. L'enveloppe 9, ou la fraction d'enveloppe 9 réalisée en matière plastique conductrice du courant électrique est reliée à une paire d'électrodes 10, avantageusement constituées par deux bandes ou grillages métallique disposés sur l'enveloppe 9 en opposition. Les bandes ou grillages sont rendus solidaires par tous moyens appropriés de la face interne ou externe de l'enveloppe 9, ou par exemple surmoulés dans les parois du réservoir 8. Tel que cela est montré à la fig. 12, le réservoir 8 présente une section transversale, de préférence assimilable à un quadrilatère, et les électrodes 10 s'étendent de préférence sur toute la surface des deux faces latérales opposées du réservoir 8 et se projettent par une patte 10a de connexion, hors des limites extérieures inférieures du boîtier 1 (Fig. 10).The applicator according to the invention also comprises a reservoir 8 intended to ensure the temporary storage of the hot-melt product before its application. Advantageously, the reservoir 8 is disposed inside the volume defined by the housing 1, and it preferably has the same axis of revolution x-x ', as the housing 1. The reservoir 8 is therefore externally limited by an envelope 9 of average thickness which can be of the order of 1.5 to 2 mm and of which at least one part or only a fraction is made of a plastic material conducting the electric current forming a resistive element, such as for example an elastomer material loaded with carbon. According to one of the advantageous versions of the invention, the reservoir 8 is made of a plastic material conducting the electric current in such a way that the envelope 9 constitutes all of the walls of said reservoir 8. Obviously, as a variant, only one or several parts of the envelope 9, and for example sections 2 and / or 3, could be made of a plastic material conducting the electric current. Indeed, the passage of electric current through the plastic material generates a thermal flux ensuring the melting of the hot-melt product. Thus, all the geometrical positions of the part or fraction of envelope 9 made of plastic material conducting electricity allowing, by the release of heat, the melting of the mass or of a significant mass of the hot-melt product to be applied can be envisaged. In the same way, as a complementary variant, only a fraction of the envelope, defining for example any sector or any curved area, the geometric position of which is suitably chosen, and for example preferably in the lower part of the applicator , could be made of plastic conductive current. The rest of the envelope 9 is in this case made of a material which is a good conductor of heat. The envelope 9, or the envelope fraction 9 made of plastic material conducting the electric current is connected to a pair of electrodes 10, advantageously constituted by two strips or metallic grids arranged on the envelope 9 in opposition. The strips or screens are made integral by any appropriate means with the internal or external face of the envelope 9, or for example overmolded in the walls of the tank 8. As shown in FIG. 12, the reservoir 8 has a cross section, preferably comparable to a quadrilateral, and the electrodes 10 preferably extend over the entire surface of the two opposite lateral faces of the reservoir 8 and are projected by a connection tab 10a, outside the lower external limits of the housing 1 (Fig. 10).

Les électrodes 10 peuvent également être réalisées par dépôt électrolytique ou encore par sérigraphie d'une encre conductrice. De manière avantageuse, les électrodes sont disposées à la surface externe des parois de l'enveloppe 9, mais il est bien évident qu'elles peuvent aussi être incluses dans la masse même de la paroi ou même, s'étendre sur la surface interne de la paroi, en contact avec la cire. L'enveloppe 9, ou la fraction d'enveloppe 9, réalisée en matière plastique conductrice du courant électrique constitue ainsi les moyens de chauffe de l'applicateur conforme à l'invention qui sont destinés à assurer la fusion continue du produit thermofusible stocké dans le réservoir 8. Ce dernier assume ainsi une double fonction, celle d'élément résistif chauffant, et celle de contenant. L'enveloppe 9 ou fraction d'enveloppe 9 peut être réalisée en tout matériau plastique possédant des propriétés résistives tel que les élastomères silicone, les polypropylène chargés en carbone, les polymères rendus conducteurs par une charge de carbone, ou encore les polymères conducteurs intrinsèques (PVC chargé polyaniline) par exemple.The electrodes 10 can also be produced by electroplating or else by screen printing of a conductive ink. Advantageously, the electrodes are arranged on the external surface of the walls of the envelope 9, but it is obvious that they can also be included in the same mass of the wall or even extend over the internal surface of the wall, in contact with the wax. The envelope 9, or the envelope fraction 9, made of plastic material conductive of the electric current thus constitutes the heating means of the applicator according to the invention which are intended to ensure the continuous melting of the hot-melt product stored in the reservoir 8. The latter thus assumes a dual function, that of a resistive heating element, and that of a container. The envelope 9 or fraction of the envelope 9 can be made of any plastic material having resistive properties such as silicone elastomers, polypropylene loaded with carbon, polymers made conductive by a carbon load, or even intrinsic conductive polymers ( Polyaniline-filled PVC) for example.

Selon l'invention, le boîtier 1 entoure le réservoir 8, et est isolé thermiquement dudit réservoir par des moyens d'isolation 11. Ces derniers peuvent être constitués tel que cela est montré à la figure 1, par une simple lame d'air 12 d'épaisseur appropriée. Avantageusement, tel que cela est montré à la figure 3 les moyens d'isolation 11 consistent en une série de nervures longitudinales 13 ménagées de préférence dans l'épaisseur du boîtier 1 sur sa face interne. Les nervures longitudinales 13 sont ainsi en appui contre la périphérie externe du réservoir 8 et définissent entre elles une série de lamelles d'air longitudinales 14. Bien évidemment, à titre de variante les nervures longitudinales 13 pourraient être réalisées dans l'épaisseur de l'enveloppe 9.According to the invention, the housing 1 surrounds the reservoir 8, and is thermally insulated from said reservoir by insulation means 11. The latter can be formed as shown in FIG. 1, by a simple air layer 12 of appropriate thickness. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 3, the insulation means 11 consist of a series of longitudinal ribs 13 preferably formed in the thickness of the housing 1 on its internal face. The longitudinal ribs 13 are thus in abutment against the external periphery of the reservoir 8 and define between them a series of longitudinal air strips 14. Obviously, as a variant, the longitudinal ribs 13 could be produced in the thickness of the envelope 9.

L'applicateur de produits thermofusibles conforme à l'invention comporte également au moins un moyen applicateur 18 dudit produit, ledit moyen étant disposé au voisinage d'un orifice de sortie 20 ménagé, tel que cela est montré à la figure 1 à la partie inférieure du réservoir 8. Le moyen applicateur 18 est avantageusement constitué d'un rouleau 21 supporté tel que cela est montré par exemple à la figure 2, par des axes de rotation 22 solidaires du rouleau 21 et montés avec possibilité de rotation dans une encoche ménagée dans le boîtier 1. A titre de variante, le rouleau 18 peut également être supporté directement par l'enveloppe 9 en regard de l'orifice de sortie 20. Le rouleau 21 est de dimensions appropriées aux dimensions de l'orifice de sortie 20 pour qu'une mince pellicule du produit thermofusible, en l'occurrence généralement de la cire à épiler, puisse se déposer sur sa surface et être appliquée sur la peau de l'utilisatrice. De préférence le rouleau 21 est monté libre en rotation, mais il est bien évident que ce dernier peut également être entraîné par tous moyens classiques d'entraînement.The applicator of hot-melt products according to the invention also comprises at least one applicator means 18 for said product, said means being disposed in the vicinity of an outlet orifice 20 formed, as shown in FIG. 1 at the bottom. of the reservoir 8. The applicator means 18 advantageously consists of a roller 21 supported as shown for example in FIG. 2, by axes of rotation 22 integral with the roller 21 and mounted with the possibility of rotation in a notch formed in the housing 1. Alternatively, the roller 18 can also be supported directly by the casing 9 opposite the outlet orifice 20. The roller 21 is of dimensions appropriate to the dimensions of the outlet orifice 20 so that '' a thin film of the hot-melt product, in this case generally depilatory wax, can be deposited on its surface and applied to the skin of the user. Preferably the roller 21 is mounted to rotate freely, but it is obvious that the latter can also be driven by any conventional drive means.

Les figures 4 et 5 montrent une variante de réalisation conforme à l'invention, selon laquelle le rouleau 21 est monté avec une possibilité de déplacement libre sous son propre poids, sensiblement selon la direction de l'axe x-x'. A cet effet, le rouleau 21 est supporté par les extrémités de ses axes de rotation 22 dans des rainures 25 formant chemin de glissement. Les rainures 25 sont ménagées dans le boîtier ou l'enveloppe 9, et présentent une forme générale oblongue d'axe de symétrie sensiblement parallèle à l'axe x-x'. Les relations dimensionnelles entre l'ouverture 20 et la taille du rouleau 21, en l'occurrence son diamètre, sont telles que lorsque le rouleau 21 est en appui contre une surface P, matérialisant la peau de l'utilisatrice, il vient occuper la position de butée montrée à la figure 4. Dans cette position, le rouleau 21 sous l'effet d'une force réactive F développée par la peau de l'utilisatrice, est en appui de butée par l'intermédiaire de l'axe de rotation 22 contre l'extrémité supérieure 26 de la rainure 25. Le rouleau 21 occupe alors sa position dite haute. Dans cette position l'ouverture 20 est dégagée puisqu'il existe un passage entre la périphérie du rouleau 21 et la bordure 27 de l'ouverture 20. La cire peut alors s'écouler de cette façon hors de l'applicateur. Dans la position montrée à la figure 5, le rouleau 21 est dégagé de la peau de l'utilisatrice, et sous l'effet de son propre poids matérialisé par la flèche G, il vient occuper dans la section 2 en forme de trône de cône une position de butée, dite basse, dans laquelle l'axe de rotation 22 vient en appui contre l'extrémité inférieure 28 de la rainure 25. Dans cette position, les relations dimensionnelles entre le rouleau 21 et l'ouverture 22 sont telles que le rouleau 21 obture de manière étanche l'orifice de sortie 20.Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment according to the invention, according to which the roller 21 is mounted with the possibility of free movement under its own weight, substantially in the direction of the axis x-x '. To this end, the roller 21 is supported by the ends of its axes of rotation 22 in grooves 25 forming a sliding path. The grooves 25 are formed in the housing or the envelope 9, and have a generally oblong shape with an axis of symmetry substantially parallel to the axis x-x '. The dimensional relationships between the opening 20 and the size of the roller 21, in this case its diameter, are such that when the roller 21 is in abutment against a surface P, materializing the skin of the user, it comes to occupy the position of stop shown in FIG. 4. In this position, the roller 21 under the effect of a reactive force F developed by the skin of the user, is in abutment support via the axis of rotation 22 against the upper end 26 of the groove 25. The roller 21 then occupies its so-called high position. In this position the opening 20 is cleared since there is a passage between the periphery of the roller 21 and the edge 27 of the opening 20. The wax can then flow out of the applicator in this way. In the position shown in Figure 5, the roller 21 is released from the skin of the user, and under the effect of its own weight materialized by the arrow G, it comes to occupy in section 2 in the form of a cone throne a stop position, called the bottom position, in which the axis of rotation 22 comes to bear against the lower end 28 of the groove 25. In this position, the dimensional relationships between the roller 21 and the opening 22 are such that the roller 21 seals the outlet orifice 20.

La figure 6 montre un détail de réalisation d'un rouleau 21, selon lequel le rouleau 21 est de manière préférentielle pourvu à sa surface de stries circulaires 30 formant surépaisseur. Ces stries ont pour effet d'épaissir la bande de cire, le rouleau 21 pouvant même être avantageusement d'un diamètre réduit à ses extrémités afin d'assurer la présence d' un bourrelet sur les bords de la bande de cire en vue de faciliter son arrachage. Le rouleau 21 peut également être strié dans le sens longitudinal en vue de favoriser la rotation du rouleau et d'assurer l'épaississement de la bande de cire. Le rouleau 21 peut être réalisé en tout matériau susceptible de développer une adhérence relativement faible de la cire, et dans tous les cas inférieure à l'adhérence de la cire sur la peau. Les matériaux utilisés peuvent être par exemple du prolypropylène ou du silicone.FIG. 6 shows a detail of embodiment of a roller 21, according to which the roller 21 is preferably provided on its surface with circular grooves 30 forming extra thickness. These streaks have the effect of thickening the wax strip, the roller 21 possibly even being advantageously of a reduced diameter at its ends in order to ensure the presence of a bead on the edges of the wax strip in order to facilitate his uprooting. The roller 21 can also be striated in the longitudinal direction in order to favor the rotation of the roller and to ensure the thickening of the strip of wax. The roller 21 can be made of any material capable of developing a relatively weak adhesion of the wax, and in any case less than the adhesion of the wax to the skin. The materials used can be for example prolypropylene or silicone.

L'applicateur conforme à l'invention peut être pourvu d'un commutateur bi-tension (non représenté aux figures) susceptible de délivrer une première tension d'alimentation à froid lorsque l'applicateur est mis en marche pour la première fois. La deuxième tension d'alimentation est inférieure à la première tension d'alimentation et assure le maintien de la cire à la température moyenne d'application. Ce montage permet de fournir une puissance thermique élevée permettant une fusion rapide de la totalité de la masse de cire. A titre de variante, le même effet peut être obtenu en choisissant la matière plastique de l'enveloppe 9, parmi les matériaux possédant un coefficient de température positif élevé.The applicator according to the invention can be provided with a dual-voltage switch (not shown in the figures) capable of delivering a first cold supply voltage when the applicator is started for the first time. The second supply voltage is lower than the first supply voltage and ensures that the wax is maintained at the average application temperature. This assembly makes it possible to provide a high thermal power allowing a rapid melting of the entire mass of wax. As a variant, the same effect can be obtained by choosing the plastic material of the casing 9, from among the materials having a high positive temperature coefficient.

Le boîtier 1 est fermé à sa partie supérieure par un bouchon de fermeture 31 rapporté par tous moyens appropriés.The housing 1 is closed at its upper part by a closure plug 31 attached by any suitable means.

Les Fig. 10 et 11 montrent une variante de réalisation qui ne diffère des variantes précédentes, que par le montage d'un rouleau 21 amovible. Ce dernier est monté sur un capuchon 40 destiné à être enfilé sur la partie terminale du boîtier 1 associée à l'orifice de sortie 20, et verrouillé, par exemple par clipsage sur les parois dudit boîtier 1. Le capuchon 40 présente une ouverture 41 en regard de l'orifice de sortie 20 et deux languettes 42 repliées venant en appui de blocage contre les faces internes terminales de l'enveloppe 9. Les languettes 42 comportent à leurs extrémités deux éléments supports, par exemple des disques, destinés à être insérés dans des perçages 43 ménagés axialement dans le rouleau 21. Le capuchon 40 sert ainsi de moyen de support au rouleau 21 qui peut être ainsi facilement ôté du capuchon 40 à des fins de changement ou nettoyage. Le fait de disposer d'un capuchon 40 amovible facilite le nettoyage, supprime la nécessité de prévoir le bouchon de fermeture 31 avec son étanchéité, et rend plus aisée l'opération de remplissage.Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment which differs from the previous variants only by mounting a removable roller 21. The latter is mounted on a cap 40 intended to be threaded onto the end part of the housing 1 associated with the outlet orifice 20, and locked, for example by clipping on the walls of said housing 1. The cap 40 has an opening 41 in view of the outlet orifice 20 and two folded tabs 42 coming into locking abutment against the terminal internal faces of the casing 9. The tabs 42 have at their ends two support elements, for example discs, intended to be inserted into holes 43 formed axially in the roller 21. The cap 40 thus serves as a support means for the roller 21 which can thus be easily removed from the cap 40 for the purpose of changing or cleaning. The fact of having a removable cap 40 facilitates cleaning, eliminates the need to provide the closure cap 31 with its seal, and makes the filling operation easier.

A titre de variante, et tel que cela est montré aux Fig. 10 et 12, les parois du réservoir 8 présentent au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 20 une collerette externe 44 comportant des flancs inclinés dans l'épaisseur desquels sont ménagées au moins deux, et de préférence quatre fentes de dépôt 45. Ces dernières sont ménagées avantageusement dans les coins de l'orifice de sortie 20, au niveau des jonctions entre les différentes faces de l'enveloppe 9. Les fentes 45 permettent lors de l'écoulement de la cire de créer à leur niveau, une sur-épaisseur d'application formant un bourrelet latéral sur la bande de cire appliquée. Cette dernière est alors plus facile à retirer. Le recours à quatre fentes autorise un fonctionnement dans les deux sens de l'applicateur, c'est-à-dire une rotation dans les deux sens du rouleau 21 sans perturber le système air-cire nécessaire à la bonne application de la pellicule de cire.Alternatively, and as shown in Figs. 10 and 12, the walls of the reservoir 8 have, at the outlet orifice 20, an external flange 44 comprising inclined sides in the thickness of which are provided at least two, and preferably four deposition slots 45. The latter are advantageously arranged in the corners of the outlet orifice 20, at the junctions between the different faces of the casing 9. The slots 45 allow, during the flow of the wax, to create at their level, an excess application thickness forming a lateral bead on the strip of wax applied. The latter is then easier to remove. The use of four slots allows operation in both directions of the applicator, that is to say a rotation in both directions of the roller 21 without disturbing the air-wax system necessary for the correct application of the wax film. .

Le fonctionnement de l'applicateur de produits thermofusibles conforme à l'invention est le suivant.The operation of the applicator of hot-melt products according to the invention is as follows.

L'utilisateur ou l'utilisatrice, après avoir introduit une charge d'un produit thermofusible dans le réservoir 8, par exemple de la cire à épiler, se présentant sous la forme d'un pain de cire relativement solide, met l'applicateur sous tension électrique, de préférence sous la tension la plus élevée si l'applicateur possède un commutateur bi-tension. La masse de cire est alors soumise au flux thermique généré par l'enveloppe 9. La masse de cire solide, en particulier sa partie inférieure devient donc progressivement liquide ou du moins sensiblement liquide, de telle sorte que le rouleau 21 qui pouvait être collé à froid aux parois du boîtier 1 ou de l'enveloppe 9 s'en désolidarise. Cette désolidarisation permet ensuite le passage d'une mince pellicule de cire à travers l'orifice 20. L'utilisateur ou l'utilisatrice qui s'est auparavant saisi de l'applicateur peut alors débuter l'application de la cire en passant le rouleau sur sa peau. Le fait d'utiliser une enveloppe 9 chauffante permet de répartir de manière homogène la température dans toute la masse de la cire, ce qui assure une montée en température rapide, puis par la suite une régulation optimale de la température d'application de la cire.The user, after having introduced a load of a hot-melt product into the reservoir 8, for example depilatory wax, in the form of a relatively solid bar of wax, puts the applicator under electrical voltage, preferably under the highest voltage if the applicator has a dual-voltage switch. The wax mass is then subjected to the heat flux generated by the envelope 9. The solid wax mass, in particular its lower part therefore becomes progressively liquid or at least substantially liquid, so that the roller 21 which could be glued to cold at the walls of the housing 1 or of the casing 9 dissociates from it. This separation then allows the passage of a thin film of wax through the orifice 20. The user who has previously grabbed the applicator can then start applying the wax by passing the roller on his skin. The fact of using a heating jacket 9 makes it possible to distribute the temperature uniformly throughout the mass of the wax, which ensures a rapid rise in temperature, then thereafter optimal regulation of the temperature of application of the wax. .

La possibilité d'avoir recours à un applicateur à cire pourvu d'un rouleau applicateur 21 mobile, permet à l'utilisatrice d'être dégagée de tout souci de coulure de cire dans l'environnement, puisque le rouleau 21 obture automatiquement l'orifice 20 lorsque l'applicateur est hors de contact de la peau.The possibility of using a wax applicator provided with a movable applicator roller 21 allows the user to be free from any concern of wax dripping in the environment, since the roller 21 automatically closes the orifice 20 when the applicator is out of contact with the skin.

La variante de réalisation montrée aux figures 7 à 9 ne diffère des variantes précédentes que par la réalisation d'un orifice de sortie 20 sous la forme d'une fente, et par le recours à un moyen applicateur 18 constitué d'un embout déformable 35. Ce dernier présente une face inférieure d'application 36, dans laquelle est ménagée la fente 20, de préférence rectiligne. Lors de l'application par l'utilisateur ou l'utilisatrice de l'embout déformable 35 sur la peau P, la force d'application permet la déformation de l'embout 35 et l'élargissement de la fente 20 tel que cela est montré à la figure 8. La cire peut alors s'écouler par l'orifice formant fente 20 et est étalée par la partie antérieure de la face inférieure d'application 36. Avantageusement, la partie postérieure de la face d'application 36 formant talon 37 s'étend dans un plan sensiblement décalé vers le bas par rapport au plan d'extension de la partie antérieure de la face d'application 36. Cette particularité a pour effet de faciliter l'écoulement du film de cire lors du déplacement de l'appareil suivant la flèche A. La figure 9 montre une variante de réalisation selon laquelle l'orifice 20 formant fente est disposé au voisinage de la partie antérieure de la face d'application 36.The variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 differs from the preceding variants only by producing an outlet orifice 20 in the form of a slot, and by using an applicator means 18 consisting of a deformable tip 35 The latter has a lower application face 36, in which the slot 20 is formed, preferably rectilinear. During the application by the user of the deformable tip 35 on the skin P, the application force allows the deformation of the tip 35 and the widening of the slot 20 as shown in FIG. 8. The wax can then flow through the orifice forming slot 20 and is spread by the front part of the lower application face 36. Advantageously, the rear part of the application face 36 forming heel 37 extends in a plane substantially offset downward relative to the extension plane of the front part of the application face 36. This feature has the effect of facilitating the flow of the wax film during the displacement of the device according to arrow A. FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment according to which the orifice 20 forming a slot is arranged in the vicinity of the front part of the application face 36.

Il doit également être considéré que la régulation thermique de l'applicateur peut être obtenue en conférant à l'enveloppe 9 une épaisseur variable, de préférence plus importante au voisinage de l'orifice de sortie 20, et par exemple au niveau des sections 2 et/ou 3. L'augmentation de l'épaisseur de l'enveloppe 9 au niveau de l'orifice de sortie 20 peut être continue ou discontinue, i.e. régulière ou non. Il peut être prévu de réaliser à cet effet une série de nervures internes (non montrées aux figures) dans l'épaisseur de l'enveloppe 9 afin d'augmenter ponctuellement la puissance électrique et la conduction entre les deux électrodes 10 opposées.It should also be considered that the thermal regulation of the applicator can be obtained by giving the casing 9 a variable thickness, preferably greater in the vicinity of the outlet orifice 20, and for example at the level of sections 2 and / or 3. The increase in the thickness of the envelope 9 at the outlet orifice 20 can be continuous or discontinuous, ie regular or not. A series of internal ribs (not shown in the figures) can be provided for this purpose in the thickness of the envelope 9 in order to punctually increase the electric power and the conduction between the two opposite electrodes 10.

A titre de variante supplémentaire, il est possible de prévoir de monter le rouleau 21 sur un support rigide si le matériau du boîtier 1 par sa souplesse n'est pas à même de supporter ledit rouleau 21.As an additional variant, it is possible to provide for mounting the roller 21 on a rigid support if the material of the housing 1 by its flexibility is not able to support said roller 21.

Claims (16)

  1. An applicator for hot-melt substances, in particular epilatory wax, the applicator comprising a housing (1) associated with handle means, a tank (8) for the substance to be applied in thermal relationship with heater means, and at least one applicator means (18) for applying the substance disposed in the vicinity of an outlet orifice (20) of the tank (8), the applicator being characterized in that the tank (8) is formed, at least in part, by an envelope (9) or an envelope fraction connected to electrodes (10) and made of a plastics material that conducts electricity, said envelope (9) or envelope fraction constituting the heater means.
  2. An applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope (9) of plastics material constitutes the entire wall of the tank (8).
  3. An applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the housing (1) surrounds the tank (8) and is thermally insulated from the tank (8) by insulating means (12, 13, 14).
  4. An applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that the insulating means comprise a series of longitudinal ribs (13) preferably provided in the thickness of the housing (1) and bearing against the tank (8), together with strips of air (12, 14).
  5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the electrodes (10) are made of two metal grids or strips, that are preferably overmolded in the walls of the tank (8), or made by electrolytic or silk-screen deposition.
  6. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the envelope (9) of plastics material is of varying thickness, being preferably thicker in the vicinity of the outlet orifice (20).
  7. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the plastics material of the envelope (9) is an elastomer material filled with carbon, or a polypropylene filled carbon, or a conductive polymer.
  8. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the plastics material of the envelope (9) is a material having a high positive temperature coefficient.
  9. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a two-voltage switch suitable for delivering a first power supply voltage when cold and a second power supply voltage for maintaining an in-use temperature.
  10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator means (18) is constituted by a roller (21) mounted on the housing (1) or on the tank (8) in register with the outlet orifice (20).
  11. An applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that the roller (21) is mounted with the possibility of moving freely under its own weight so as to occupy an abutment position in which it closes the orifice (20) of the tank (8) in sealed manner.
  12. An applicator according to claim 11, characterized in that the roller (21) is supported at the ends of its rotary axes (22) in slots (25) constituting a sliding path.
  13. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it includes a removable cap (40) associated with the outlet orifice (20) and serving as a support for the applicator means (18).
  14. An applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that the cap (40) is engaged with the housing (1) and is locked to said housing (1), e.g. by snap-fastening, said cap (40) including two folded-back tongues (42) provided with support elements for the applicator means (18).
  15. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the walls of the tank (8) include at least two slots (45) in their thickness at the outlet orifice (20) for depositing the hot-melt substance.
  16. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the orifice (20) of the tank (8) is constituted by a slot, and in that the applicator means (18) include a deformable endpiece (35) secured to the tank (8) and designed to rest against the skin of the patient, said endpiece being suitable for widening or narrowing the slot by deforming.
EP93420395A 1992-10-09 1993-10-06 Applicator for hot melt products, in particular depilatory wax, with a heating container Expired - Lifetime EP0592340B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9212378A FR2696659B1 (en) 1992-10-09 1992-10-09 Applicator for hot-melt products, in particular depilatory wax, with heated reservoir.
FR9212378 1992-10-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0592340A1 EP0592340A1 (en) 1994-04-13
EP0592340B1 true EP0592340B1 (en) 1997-01-08

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EP93420395A Expired - Lifetime EP0592340B1 (en) 1992-10-09 1993-10-06 Applicator for hot melt products, in particular depilatory wax, with a heating container

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US (1) US5395175A (en)
EP (1) EP0592340B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69307251T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2098703T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2696659B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2696659A1 (en) 1994-04-15
DE69307251T2 (en) 1997-07-03
ES2098703T3 (en) 1997-05-01
DE69307251D1 (en) 1997-02-20
FR2696659B1 (en) 1994-12-16
US5395175A (en) 1995-03-07
EP0592340A1 (en) 1994-04-13

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