EP1264559B1 - Device for applying a haircare product to hair strands and method of treating hair - Google Patents

Abstract

Applicator, is of a material with elastic distortion with an opening to pass the hair through for transfer of the product by capillary action from a reservoir. The applicator (1) to apply a capillary product to locks of hair, and especially a color tint, has a section (4,4a) of a material with elastic distortion to define at least part of the product reservoir, with an opening (Q) for the product flow to the exterior. The opening is defined by two edges (4,4') which, when at rest, seal the opening. A lock of hair (M) is passed through the opening, for the product to be transferred to it by capillary action. The opening is divided into two separate planes (Qa,Qb).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying a product, in particular viscous liquid, on a lock of hair, and a method of treatment capillary using this device. The invention is particularly suitable for the application of a hair coloring product, lock by strand. The device of the invention can be used for any other hair treatment, such as a ripple permanent hair, or other specific treatments. The invention is particularly advantageous for the application of a relatively liquid product, in clean conditions. However, the product to be applied can present itself in the form of a cream, a gel or a liquid of viscosity more or less high.

In the case of a hair coloring product, typically, dyes for hair is taken from a bowl. Such dyes are intended either for a global use, called "whole head", in which the hair is totally impregnated with the product, in order to change the color of all, or to a more partial use, called "in locks", where only some parts of the hair are soaked with product, in order to get, once the finished treatment, a non-homogeneous effect of color, thus highlighting such or such movement of the hair with lighter shades of colors or more dark than the natural or overall shade of the hair.

Document FR-A-2,589,337 describes a device for the application of a dyeing a capillary comprising, on the one hand, a reservoir for the product to be applied and, on the other hand, an application head fitting on the tank. The head application comprises a product supply port and carries, at its free end, a fork with two teeth that the user can guide a end of a lock of hair, while the latter is placed between the two teeth of the fork, for the application of the product on said wick.

The space between the two teeth opens directly at their base in a cavity open product accumulation, in which opens said orifice Power. This cavity is delimited, on its open face, by a movable flap, able to release said cavity for easy cleaning of the application head.

Another type of device, for application in locks of a hair product, is described by the document FR-A-2 764 488. This device comprises means to isolate a given lock of hair and suitable means of application to load in hair product. The application of the hair product on the wick isolated is carried out by contacting the application of the wick at a given point of the wick with said means of application and by displacement of the means of application relative to said wick from said point towards a free end of the wick. Retaining means are provided to maintain the wick in application contact with the application means during all their displacement.

Other types of devices for the application in locks of a hair product are in the form of a comb with channels inside power supply, in communication with a product tank. These channels feeding tips, either on the tips of the comb teeth, or on the spaces separating the teeth.

Such devices suffer in general from the same disadvantages, in particular because they have an open structure. Indeed, because of this structure, the product retained on the means of application tends to flow, especially when the product is relatively liquid. In addition, because the hair to be treated does not form a flat surface, the user is obliged to change often, depending on the place to be treated, the orientation of the application device. Such an operation further increases the risk of flowing the product to undesirable places. In addition, some applicators of this type the disadvantage of having a relatively low autonomy.

Another type of wick type applicator is described in US-A-4 942 893. With this type of applicator, the part of the hair to be dyed is introduced into a sealed capsule, containing coloring product. There where the locks are held in the capsule for as long as necessary to the action of the coloring product. This type of applicator is well suited for application of products requiring a certain exposure time, but is not all adapted to the hair coloring mentioned above.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for the application in locks of a hair product, not presenting the disadvantages discussed above, with reference to the devices of the art earlier.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a device the application of a hair product, in good conditions of cleanliness of non-messy way, and this regardless of the viscosity of the product to be applied. The invention also aims at providing a device which is of a manufacturing cost advantageous.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device the application of a hair product, which is easy to use, and which allows application of the product along the entire length of the lock, from the root to its free end, or conversely, and this in sufficient quantity to obtain the desired coloring. The application device of the invention is particularly suitable for home use, either by the consumer himself or by a third party with no specific experience in hair dyeing.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the description which follows.

These objects are achieved by making a device for application in locks a hair product, in particular a coloring product, said device comprising a member made of at least one elastically deformable material and delimiting at least in part a reserve of said product, said delimiting member also at least partly a crack in communication with the reserve of produced, and opening on the outside of the device, said slot being delimited by at least two edges which, at rest, are substantially contiguous on at least one portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot being adapted to be crossed by a wick, so as to allow coating by means of said produced in response to relative movement between the device and the wick, according to a longitudinal direction to said wick, said slot comprising a first portion formed in a foreground and at least a second portion formed in a second plane distinct from the foreground.

It is understood that the sealing referred to within the meaning of this application means a seal or near-seal, relative to a composition given. It is clear that the conditions for achieving such a seal (in particular density of the elastic material, relative support of the edges delimiting the slit) vary depending on the viscosity of the product. Similarly, such a sealing corresponds to a seal under normal conditions of use, in particular as regards the duration of use of the device.

This arrangement makes it possible to bring the support into contact with the product, in such a way continuous, over all or part of its length, and this without any appreciable flow of produced off the reserve. For this purpose, the user takes a specific wick, which can be as thin as possible, and position it in the slot. The gesture is simple, precise, and allows to quickly achieve the coloring in locks desired hair on all or part of its length. Watertightness during the application can be assured regardless of the position of the device application. Any accidental product flow is almost impossible when the elasticity of the elastically deformable member which delimits said slot, is appropriately chosen. In addition, the risk of putting the product in contact with the user's hands is significantly reduced.

In addition, while allowing a relative movement of the member delimiting the slot the the wick, it substantially prevents any movement that would lead to breaking contact with all or part of the wick during treatment. The wick is thus held in the slot. With such a configuration, the wick is "pinched" between two parts of the device, without being too tight, so as to allow the device to slide along the wick, since one of its ends to another. Thus, during the entire displacement of the device, a portion the wick is impregnated with product.

In addition, the slot having portions formed in separate planes, the member partially delimiting the slot is not a compact block but has weakening zones formed by the different slit portions. These areas weakening can weaken the resistance of the organ during the passage of the wick by allowing a slight deformation of said member generated by the wick during the relative movement between the wick and the slot. So the wick is not too tight in the slot so the organ rubs on the wick are limited. In this way, sufficient drying of the product is obtained. during the passage of the wick in said slot, which is however not too much important to leave enough product on the wick to get the desired coloring.

Advantageously, the elastically deformable member is designed so that that, crossing the slot, the wick also crosses said reserve of product.

According to a particularly simple embodiment, one of the two edges delimiting the slot is formed of a portion of an enclosure made in one material impermeable to the product, and within which is disposed member made of an elastically deformable material, said enclosure comprising a opening extending at least opposite a portion of said slot. Of preferably, the opening of the enclosure is delimited by edges having a profile adapted to promote the insertion of the wick inside the device.

According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the two edges of the slot are formed by said member of elastically deformable material. In this case, a first edge of the slot may be formed by a part of said body in a first elastically deformable material. A second edge of the slot is formed by a portion of said member, made of a second elastic material deformable. The tightness of the reserve with respect to the outside can be ensured even with large volume wicks, and this without risk of flow the product outside the reserve, regardless of the position of the device application. For this purpose, advantageously, the two parts of said organ are mounted so as to exert appropriate compression between said first and second edges. Thus, the slot is made substantially contiguous. Also, a wick of relatively large width can be supported between the means of application.

This provision has another advantage. Indeed, because of the elastic compression exerted between the first and second edges of the slot, it is produces a spin of the wick during treatment. In this way, everything excess of product, deposited on the wick in the reserve, is retained before the release wick off the slit while leaving the necessary amount of product to obtain the desired color. Thus, a lock already impregnated with product, therefore can not cause, by contacting with an untreated party of the hair, the unwanted coloring of it.

On the other hand, the spin should not be too important to leave enough product on the wick to obtain the desired color. In this effect, the slot can have different configurations that can limit spinning the wick during treatment.

In general, a second portion of said slot has one end located in the first plane in which extends the first portion. The presence of such a portion in the member of elastically deformable material allows to weaken the resistance of the latter during the passage of the wick.

According to a particular configuration, the slot comprises a plurality of seconds portions, each of said second portions having a first end located in said first plane. Advantageously, the second portions are parallel to each other.

Advantageously, the slot comprises at least a second portion disposed on one side of the foreground, and at least one second portion arranged on the other side of said first plane. The second portion (s) on one side of the foreground can (wind) be aligned with the second portion (s) located on the other side of said first plane, or offset from the (or the second portion (s) located on the other side of said first plane.

Advantageously, the first plane is perpendicular to the second.

In this configuration, the wick is maintained in the first portion of slot being "pinched" between the two edges delimiting this portion. The second slit portions allow to divide the organ elastically deformable into small portions able to deform by curving at the passage of the wick. The second slot portions preferably extend in a plane parallel to the axis of relative displacement of the wick in the first portion of slot, so as to promote the deformation of the elastically deformable member generated by the wick.

According to other configurations, the profile of the slot is in the shape of a sawtooth, niche, or wave. Thus, the wick is held in the slot by being "pinch" between the two edges which delimit the slot and which have a profile which is not not plan. Here again, the elastically deformable member is, on its surface defining the slot, divided into several small portions able to deform into curving at the passage of the wick.

Advantageously, the (or) elastically deformable material (s) is (are) chosen from the group of elastomers of the copolymers of propylene / ethylene; polyether blockamides; polyvinyls; of the terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); copolymers sequenced styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS); butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers sequenced (SEBS-SIS); polyurethanes thermoplastics; polypropylene blends with one of the elastomers following: butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers sequenced (SEBS-SIS); terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS).

Preferably, the slot extends over an angular opening of between 20 ° and 320 °, and preferably between 120 ° and 200 °. The slot can be realized in the elastically deformable member, partially, for example, by mechanical cutting (by a knife) or thermal cutting (by laser). Advantageously, the slot is made to a depth that can go from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, and preferably from about 3 mm to about 8 mm. mm.

Advantageously, the two edges of the slot open on the outside of the member of elastically deformable material, flaring with respect to the other. Thus, the insertion of the wick into the slot is facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the product reserve is delimited at least by part by a recessed portion of said member of elastically deformable material. Thus, the member of elastically deformable material can form, for example, a cylinder whose center is hollowed out so as to form said reserve of product.

According to another embodiment, the product reserve is formed inside of the same structure of the material forming the elastically deformable member, in particular by open or semi-open cells, communicating with each other in a multi-directional way. In this case, it is possible to carry out the said member of elastically deformable material in the form of a solid cylinder.

Preferably, the elastically deformable member may be constituted a sponge, or a foam whose size of open or semi-open cells may be from about 0.1 mm to about 2.5 mm.

Preferably, the foam or sponge is hydrophilic, such as sponges or polyurethane, viscose or polyester foams. Thus, we can ensure a smooth sliding of the lock of hair between said edges of the slot. In In some cases, depending on the nature of the product to be applied and the support, it may It may be advantageous to use a hydrophobic foam or sponge, as sponges of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyether.

Advantageously, the application device comprises an orifice that can be closed, in particular reversibly, so as to allow the filling of the reserve of said product. In particular, this orifice is made in said enclosure.

The enclosure may be made, in particular, by molding a material thermoplastic more or less rigid, selected from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylenes terephthalates, etc. Other materials may be used. Such a enclosure can be molded in two or three pieces, advantageously without bare. Advantageously, it is made of a transparent material, which allows you to check the fill rate of the product tank.

Advantageously, the application device of the invention can further comprising gripping means, such as an elongated handle.

Means may be provided for immobilizing the material member elastically deformable inside said enclosure. advantageously, the body of elastically deformable material is immobilized inside of said enclosure by pinching by means of one (or two) cover (s) reported (s), closing said enclosure. Such a pinch can be achieved by example, by one or more notches or ridges, arranged on the lid (s) or a portion of the enclosure, in contact with the (s) cover (s). The lid (s) can be mounted in a fixed or removable manner.

The application device of the invention may furthermore comprise means to allow mounting of the device on a container. This means of assembly is capable of forming an auxiliary reservoir, containing in particular a reserve of relatively important product. In this case, said container may be permanently or selectively, in communication with said product pool. Said container may have deformable walls, allowing compression, the transferring a dose of product to said product supply. The recipient auxiliary, when secured to the enclosure, can serve as a means of gripping.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a section cross-section whose width decreases towards one end. The section end less wide makes it easy to reach the hair roots to be treated. We For example, a device of substantially triangular section will be used.

a) isoler une mèche à enduire avec ledit produit ;

b) faire traverser par ladite mèche ainsi isolée, une fente délimitée au moins en partie par un organe réalisé en au moins un matériau élastiquement déformable, et délimitant au moins en partie, une réserve dudit produit avec laquelle ladite fente est en communication, ladite fente débouchant sur l'extérieur du dispositif, et étant délimitée par au moins deux bords qui, au repos, sont sensiblement jointifs sur au moins une portion de la fente, de manière à former étanchéité, ladite fente comprenant une première portion formée dans un premier plan et au moins une seconde portion formée dans un second plan distinct du premier plan ; et

c) déplacer l'organe élastiquement déformable par rapport à ladite mèche, selon une direction longitudinale à ladite mèche.

Another subject of the invention relates to a process for the wicking of a hair product, especially a coloring product, said process consisting of:

a) isolating a wick to be coated with said product;

b) passing through said wick thus isolated, a slot delimited at least in part by a member made of at least one elastically deformable material, and delimiting at least in part, a reserve of said product with which said slot is in communication, said slot opening on the outside of the device, and being delimited by at least two edges which, at rest, are substantially contiguous on at least a portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot comprising a first portion formed in a foreground and at least a second portion formed in a second plane distinct from the first plane; and

c) moving the elastically deformable member relative to said wick, in a longitudinal direction to said wick.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention, illustré en cours d'utilisation ;
• la figure 2 montre une vue schématique en coupe transversale du dispositif représenté à la figure 1;
• les figures 3 à 5 montrent différentes vues selon le mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 6 montre une vue en coupe axiale d'un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 7 et 8 montrent une vue en perspective d'autres modes de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 9 et 10 illustrent une vue en coupe axiale d'autres modes de réalisation encore de l'invention ;
• la figure 11 représente une vue en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 12 montre une vue en coupe transversale du dispositif représenté à la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 montre une vue en coupe axiale du dispositif représenté à la figure 11 ;
• les figures 14 à 17 montrent des vues en coupe axiale de différentes configurations du mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 11.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of the application device according to the invention, illustrated during use;
• Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1;
• Figures 3 to 5 show different views according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 6 shows an axial sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 7 and 8 show a perspective view of other embodiments of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an axial sectional view of still further embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 11;
• Figure 13 shows an axial sectional view of the device shown in Figure 11;
• Figures 14 to 17 show axial sectional views of different configurations of the embodiment shown in Figure 11.

Figures 1 to 5, to which reference is now made, illustrate different views of a first embodiment of the application device 1 according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show an isolated lock of hair M, passing between two edges 4, 4 'of a slot Q provided with the application device 1. Both edges 4, 4 'are each formed of a transverse portion of a cylinder in cellular foam with open or semi-open cells. The cylinder is revolution around an axis X. The cylinder is hollow in its center and is constituted a stack of two foam blocks 4a, 4b, along the axis X. According to the example of embodiment, each of the two foam blocks 4a, 4b is made of elastically deformable foam of the same nature.

It can be seen that the two blocks 4a, 4b forming the foam cylinder are separated at their interface by a slot portion Qa, perpendicular to the X axis, and having an opening angle α slightly greater than 180 °. The slot Qa is substantially contiguous, and is delimited by two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ , so that the rope C connecting the ends of the slot passes substantially in the center of the tank 2. The foam cylinder 4a, 4b is constituted by example of a hydrophilic foam, such as a polyurethane foam having cells of an average size of about 1.5 mm. The recessed central portion of the cylinder forms a reserve 2 of product P, of liquid consistency, in particular a hair dye composition.

Advantageously, slots Qb perpendicular to the main slot Qa are formed on either side of the main slot Qa, in each foam block 4a and 4b. Each of the slots Qb is delimited by two edges 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ of the same block of foam. One end of each slot Qb is in the plane defined by the main slot Qa. Preferably, three slots are provided in each block and at each end Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the main slot Qa, namely in the passage zone of the wick. The three slots Qb of one of the foam blocks are aligned with the three slots of the other foam block. Each slot Qb is formed over the entire transverse width of each block, and at least a portion of the axial height of the block. Portions 40a and 40b of small foam block are thus delimited by the slots Qb. Preferably, each slot Qb is substantially parallel to the rope C connecting the two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the main slot Qa. Thus, the slots Qb are substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the wick.

The foam cylinder 4a, 4b is disposed in a rigid enclosure or housing 20, of cylindrical general shape, composed of a portion 20a forming a receptacle for closed bottom, and a lid 20b. The lid is fixed, for example by snap on the open end of the receptacle 20a.

The housing 20 has an opening 22 of elongate shape, so as to clear the slot Q, defined between the end Q ₁ and the end Q ₂ . Thus, the opening 22 is oriented in a plane perpendicular to the axis X. The opening 22 is bordered by a guide lip 24, slightly flared, intended to promote the introduction of the lock M into the slot Q, and to avoid damage to the hair when moving the application device.

The housing 20 is provided with a filling orifice 26, closable with the aid of a removable cap 28. The plug 28 is connected to the body of the housing 20 using a flexible strap 29, to prevent the loss of said cap.

The filling orifice 26 serves to engage the housing 20 with the dispensing tip of an external auxiliary reservoir having a capacity important in product, and allows to introduce an appropriate dose of product into reserve 2. The engagement of the orifice 26 with the external reservoir can be carried out permanently or temporarily.

Advantageously, the housing 20 and the cover 20b are made by molding, in particular a thermoplastic material, more or less rigid, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This material can be transparent, allowing thus to check the level of filling in product in the reserve 2.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, for reasons of simplification, the filling orifice of the device 1 has not been shown. These figures show, in more detail, different aspects of the embodiment described above.

Figures 3 and 4 show lateral and frontal views respectively of the Figure 1. In these figures, we see that the slit Qa is slightly flared on its periphery, thus favoring the introduction of the wick portion to In the part of the slot surrounding the tank 2, the Qa slot is substantially joined. The opening 22 made in the housing 20 is bordered by a protruding guide lip 24. The profile of this lip 24 is convergent towards the Qa slot. The lip 24 has a portion 24a, defining a preferential introduction zone, of larger width.

In FIG. 5 it can be seen that the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is maintained in the housing 20 by skirts 25a and 25b, concentric with the cylindrical wall 20. These skirts 25a and 25b are carried by the receptacle 20a. and the lid 20b respectively. The skirts are of such height that a space ring is formed, allowing the product to come into contact with it, contained in the reserve, with the foam.

The foam cylinder can be compressed axially, elastically. The compression ratio is chosen so that the slot exhibits a tightness just needed to prevent the product from flowing out of the tank. Same time, the easy introduction of a portion of the wick, on which one wishes apply the product, must be assured. After treatment, the wick portion leaves the slot properly wrung out leaving the necessary amount of product to obtain the color of the locks.

To use the device that has just been described, a wick M to be treated is separated from the hair. The user then grasps the device 1 with one hand previously loaded in product P.

Then through the opening 22 of the housing, a portion of the wick M is introduced into the slot Qa, where it is sandwiched by the edges 4, 4 'foam defining the slot. Thus, the wick portion is located in an area extending substantially between the two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the slot, close to the rope C. In this way, the portion of the wick M, elastically trapped between the edges 4, 4 ', passes through the reserve 2, so as to come into contact with the product P. By moving the application device 1 from the root R of the wick to its free point E, along the arrow F, the user can impregnate into product P all or part of the wick, and this in depth. The foam blocks 40a and 40b delimited by the slits Qb tend to bend slightly as the wick passes so that the friction of the foam on the wick is limited. Sufficient product is left on the wick to obtain the desired color. This operation can be performed in the opposite direction, too. This process is repeated, bit by bit, as many times as you want. All this operation is done under clean conditions.

Thus, with the application device according to the invention, it is clear that the wick treated (M) is completely controlled and maintained throughout its treatment. At the end of the gesture, ie when the applicator reaches the tip of the wick, it is rested carefully on the rest of the hair. In the case of a staining product, its viscosity is, advantageously, such that the product does not can not migrate significantly to other untreated hair, so as not to harm the aesthetics of the application thus achieved.

It should be noted that the product may be of low viscosity without risking leakage. out of the reserve, regardless of the position in which the device is maintained by the user during treatment. Indeed, the pressure between edges 4, 4 'is chosen so that the wick can come out of the slot properly wrung out while leaving enough product on the wick to get the desired color.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment 101, similar to the embodiment FIGS. 1 to 5. The housing 20 of FIG. 6 is identical to that of FIGS. 5. The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 5 in particular by the fact that the foam blocks 4a and 4b are of different nature. Thus, the portion 4a is formed of a foam whose cell size and / or compressibility and / or the constituent material are different from the foam forming the portion 4b.

This embodiment is also distinguished from that of FIGS. 1 to 5 by the the foam blocks 4a, 4b form a solid cylinder. In addition, the Q slot delimited by two edges 4 and 4 'has a profile in the form of a sawtooth. The Q slot is thus formed of a first portion Qa and a plurality of second portions Qb arranged relative to each other so as to form teeth of saw. The end of each tooth is preferably located opposite the opening 22 of the housing to facilitate the introduction of the wick into the slot. Each tooth 40a and 40b of each block 4a and 4b tend to slightly bend at passage of the wick so that the friction of the foam on the wick are limited. According to the example considered, blocks 4a and 4b are each formed a different type of foam. The reserve containing the product to be applied is formed, in this case, by the open cells of the blocks 4a and 4b.

FIG. 7 shows an application device 1a, comprising a housing 20 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. According to the embodiment shown, the filling orifice 26 of the housing 20 is mounted on a reservoir external auxiliary product 30. This outer reservoir 30 is formed of a compressible bottle, made of a suitable thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene, and containing a large reserve of product. The tank 30 is surmounted by a dispensing nozzle 32 provided with an adapter 34, adapted to be placed in communication with the filling orifice 26. In the configuration illustrated, the external reservoir 30 and the housing 20 (provided with the block foam 4a, 4b) form a set of fixed application, able to be supplied with product by the user at any time. Thus, by compression of the external reservoir 30, the user can inject a dose of product inside the housing 20, to renew the impregnation of the edges 4, 4 'of the slot. In this case, the external reservoir 30 also serves as a gripping member during the application of the product. Moreover, the slot Q of this embodiment is formed of a main slot Qa and, on the other hand, of several slots Qb situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the main slot Qa is formed. Each of the slots Qb is delimited by two edges 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ of the same block of foam. One end of each slot Qb is in the plane defined by the main slot Qa. For example, three slots Qb are provided on each side of the slot Qa, namely in each of the blocks 4a and 4b and at each end Q ₁ and Q ₂ . In this embodiment, the slots Qb of the foam block 4a are not arranged opposite the slots Qb of the foam block 4b, but they are offset relative to each other.

FIG. 8 illustrates an application device 1b, comprising a housing 20 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. According to the embodiment shown, the filling orifice 26 of the housing 20 is mounted on a sleeve of 40. The sleeve 40 can be removable, to allow to introduce, at through the filling orifice, a dose of product inside the housing 20. After filling, the sleeve 40 is fixed on the housing so as to seal said Filling port 26. The Q slot is identical to that described in accordance with Figure 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment, particularly simple to implement, of a application device 201. According to this embodiment, a housing 220 is formed a bucket-shaped lower receptacle 220c and a lid 220b. The receptacle 220c has substantially the same structure as the lower half housing 20 of Figures 1 to 5. Inside the housing 220 is arranged a single hollow cylinder 4a foam. The foam cylinder 4a forms a surface 4, in elastic and sealed contact with a rigid portion 4 "of the lid. Thus, a contiguous slot Qa is formed between the foam surface 4 and the portion 4 "of the lid edge 220b, the foam cylinder 4a has slots Qb, for example three in number, one end of which is in the plan defined by the Qa slot. The slots Qb are for example perpendicular to the Qa slot. Advantageously, the lid has an internal curved profile towards outside.

A portion 222a of the receptacle 220c of the housing is recessed, forming with a corresponding zone 222b of the cover 220b an elongate opening 22, oriented perpendicular to the axis X. The opening 22 is lined on all its contour of a guide lip in two parts, a first part 24 is integral with the receptacle 220c, and a second portion 24 'is integral with the cover 220b.

Thus, when a portion of wick is introduced into the slot Qa, so as to through reserve 2, the product contained in the said reserve may permeate said wick portion, homogeneously.

FIG. 10 shows a device 301, in partial view, illustrating the mounting of a foam cylinder in two parts 4a, 4b, inside a housing 320 particular. The housing 320 comprises a cylindrical body 20a, open at each end, each end being closed by a corresponding cover 20b, 20c of identical shape. The lid 20b (20c) has a sealing skirt annular 23 whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter inside the body 20a. Each free end of the body 20a has a portion ring of smaller thickness, so as to define an inner projection 21. The inner projection 21 carries a sharp annular edge 21a, oriented in the direction the corresponding lid. This annular ridge 21a can be continuous or discontinuous.

When mounting the housing 320, the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is disposed to inside the body 20a. Then fixing each of the covers 20b and 20c on the corresponding end of the body 20a, for example by breakdown, gluing or force introduction, an annular portion of foam 304a, 304b is pinched between the edge 21a and the annular skirt 23.

It is understood that when the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is made of a only one piece, it is sufficient to fix it on one of its ends only. In this case, the second cover, unlike the one used for fixing the foam, can be removable. Also, the second lid can serve of cap that is removed to introduce the product in the reserve 2, and that one rests after filling.

Such a housing can be used with foam blocks defining a slot Q such as those just described in accordance with Figures 1 to 8.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 17, the application device 1, instead of being cylindrical, is elongated. II has a cross section whose width decreases towards an end E, for example a cross section of substantially triangular shape. This embodiment makes it possible to easily reach the roots because of the end relatively small width of the device. Apart from this particular form, the device shown in Figures 11 to 17 is substantially identical to that described according to Figure 1. According to this embodiment, the slot Qa is defined by two independent foam blocks that are each kept in the housing 20.

In the configuration illustrated in Figures 11 to 13, three portions of slots Qb, defined by edges 4 ₁ and 4 _2, open into the main slot Qa, on either side of the main slot Qa. The slot portions Qb of one of the blocks are opposite those of the other block and are preferably located towards the base of the triangle, namely in the area where the wick passes through the device. They are formed so as to define, in each block, two portions of foam block 40a and 40b of smaller size which bend during the passage of the wick.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14, three slots Qb are formed in each block 4a and 4b, but this time, shifted relative to each other.

Fig. 15 illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of Fig. 11 in which slits Qb are formed only on one side of the main slit Qa, in a single block 4a.

The slot shown in Figure 16 has a sawtooth profile section. Again, the teeth 40a and 40b defined between each slot portion Qa and Qb curl during the passage of the wick in the device.

Finally, FIG. 17 illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of the Figure 11 in which the slot Q has a slot profile section.

In the above detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiment of the invention. It is obvious that variants can be without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (31)

1. Device (1, 1a, 1b, 101, 201, 301) for applying a hair product (P), especially a dyeing product, to sections of hair, the said device comprising a component (4a, 4b) made of at least one elastically deformable material and at least partly defining a reservoir (2) of the said product, the said component also at least partly defining a slot (Q) which communicates with the product reservoir (2) and opens onto the outside of the device, the said slot (Q) being bounded by at least two edges (4, 4', 4") which, at rest, are substantially contiguous over at least one portion of the slot so as to create a seal, a section of hair (M) being able to pass through the said slot (Q) so as to allow the section to be coated by means of the said product in response to a relative movement between the device and the section, in a direction longitudinal to the said section, the said slot (Q) comprising a first portion (Qa) formed in a first plane and at least one second portion (Qb) formed in a second plane different from the first plane.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the elastically deformable component (4a, 4b) is designed so that the section (M), when passing through the slot, also passes through the said product reservoir (2).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one (4") of the two edges defining the slot is formed from a portion of an enclosure (20, 220) which is made of a material impermeable to the product and inside which the said component (4a) made of elastically deformable material is placed, the said enclosure having an opening (22) lying at least opposite at least one portion of the said slot (Q).
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said opening (22) is bounded by edges (24) having a profile able to favour the insertion of the section (M) into the device.
5. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said edges (4, 4') of the slot (Q) are formed by the said component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material.
6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that a first edge (4) of the slot (Q) is formed by a part (4a) of the said component made of a first elastically deformable material, a second edge (4') of the slot being formed by a part (4b) of the said component and consisting of a second elastically deformable material.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second portion (Qb) of the said slot has an end located in the first plane.
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the slot (Q) comprises a plurality of second portions (Qb), each of the said second portions having a first end located in the said first plane.
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said second portions (Qb) are mutually parallel.
10. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the said slot (Q) comprises at least one second portion (Qb) placed on one side of the first plane, and at least one second portion (Qb) placed on the other side of the said first plane.
11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said second portion(s) (Qb) located on one side of the first plane is (are) aligned with the said second portion(s) (Qb) located on the other side of the said first plane.
12. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said second portion(s) (Qb) located on one side of the first plane is (are) offset with respect to the said second portion(s) (Qb) located on the other side of the said first plane.
13. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first plane is perpendicular to the second.
14. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the profile of the said slot (Q) is in the form of a sawtooth, a crenellation or a wave.
15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastically deformable material(s) is (are) chosen from the group of elastomers consisting of ethylene-propylene copolymers; polyether-block-amides; polyvinyls; ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS); styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene/styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS-SIS); thermoplastic polyurethanes; blends of polypropylene with one of the following elastomers: styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene/styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS-SIS); ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS).
16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (Q) extends over an opening angle of between 20° and 320° and preferably between 120° and 200°.
17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said edges (4, 4', 4") open onto the outside of the component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material by being flared one with respect to the other so as to facilitate the insertion of the section (M) into the slot (Q).
18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product reservoir (2) is bounded, at least partly, by a hollowed-out portion of the said component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material.
19. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material forms a cylinder whose centre is hollowed out so as to form the said product reservoir (2).
20. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the product reservoir (2) is formed inside the actual structure of the material forming the elastically deformable component, especially by open or semi-open cells which intercommunicate multidirectionally.
21. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said open or semi-open cells have a size of between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm.
22. Device according to Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the component made of elastically deformable material forms a solid cylinder.
23. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a hole (26) which can be closed off, especially reversibly, so as to allow the reservoir (2) to be filled with the said product.
24. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes gripping means (30, 40).
25. Device according to Claim 3 and to all those which depend thereon, characterized in that means (21a, 23) are provided for immobilizing the component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material inside the said enclosure (20, 220).
26. Device according to Claim 25, characterized in that the component (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material is immobilized inside the said enclosure (20, 220) by pinching by means of a fitted lid (20b, 220b) closing off the said enclosure.
27. Device according to Claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the said enclosure (20, 220) is made of a transparent material.
28. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes means (26, 34) for allowing the device to be mounted on a container (30) capable of forming an auxiliary reservoir, the said container possibly being brought, permanently or selectively, into communication with the said product reservoir (2).
29. Device according to Claim 28, characterized in that the said container (30) has deformable walls.
30. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a cross section whose width decreases towards one end (E).
31. Method for applying a hair product, especially a dyeing product, to sections of hair, the said method consisting in:

    a) isolating a section (M) to be coated with the said product;

    b) making the said section thus isolated pass through a slot (Q) at least partly bounded by a component (4a, 4b) made of at least one elastically deformable material, and at least partly defining a reservoir (2) for the said product with which the said slot is in communication, the said slot opening onto the outside of the device and being bounded by at least two edges (4, 4', 4") which, at rest, are substantially contiguous over at least one portion of the slot so as to create a seal, the said slot comprising a first portion (Qa) formed in a first plane and at least one second portion (Qb) formed in a second plane different from the first plane; and

    c) moving the elastically deformable component with respect to the said section in a direction longitudinal to the said section.

Images