EP1371301B1 - Assembly for the application of a haircare product to hairstrands and method for the application of a haircare product to hairstrands - Google Patents

Abstract

The wick applicator (1) for a capillary hair colorant has a tank (2) for the colorant and an applicator head (8) with an application zone (6) connected to a wick and isolated from the remainder of the hair. A passage connects the tank to the applicator head during movement of the latter to supply the colorant. The wick has a flexible sleeve (10) to partially cover the length of the wick.

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for the application, in locks of a hair product, in particular a coloring / bleaching product.

Currently, are used various techniques to apply wick a hair product.

According to a first method, a perforated cup is placed on the head of the consumer. Using a tool with one end configured in form a hook, the locks opposite perforations, are extracted from the cap. The product is then uniformly applied to these locks, in particular by means of of a brush. After a suitable exposure time, the cap is removed. The action of Dye product is then neutralized by shampoo. Such a method is described for example in US-A-4,961,439.

The disadvantages of this method are numerous: it is painful for the consumer when the wicks are extracted from the cap and when the cap is removed; it is long and tedious to implement. In addition, the risk is great for the product to seep through the holes of the cup, and stain the leather Scalp.

According to another method, the wick is placed on a pallet. The product is applied to the wick by means of a brush. The wicks are left in the air free and separated from the rest of the hair by wicks of cotton placed at the hair root. After the proper laying time, the hair is washed from conventional way. Again, the method is long and tedious. Of more, the treated locks are inevitably put in contact with the rest of the hair, which compromises to a large extent the aesthetics of the result. We Also known from US-5,067,501 a device for dispensing a hair product along a lock of hair.

According to another method, after application of the product on the wick, it is wrapped with a sheet of aluminum foil so as to be isolated from the rest of the hair. The noise generated by the placement of the sheet aluminum is not very pleasant for the consumer. The method is tedious and induces a significant difference in exposure time between the first wick and last.

For the three methods just described briefly, the quantity of product deposited on the wick is a function of the volume of the wick. As a result, he This results in an impregnation rate which can sometimes be clearly insufficient.

Still other methods are described in US-A-3,295,535, US-A-2 655,924 or WO 92/14379. All these methods, especially because of their complexity of implementation, their unrealistic nature, have never seen the day from a commercial point of view. Document US Pat. No. 6,295,993 is also known. a device for taking out wicks and coating them with product.

Also, is it an object of the invention to make a set application in locks of a hair product resolving in whole or in part the problems discussed above with reference to conventional devices.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a set for the wick application of a hair product, and which makes it possible to improve sensitive the degree of impregnation of the locks.

It is another object of the invention to provide such an assembly which makes it possible easy and painless application for the consumer.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a set which allow a homogeneous impregnation of the selected locks, without affecting the neighboring locks.

It is yet another object to realize such a set which limits the risks for the one who implements it to soil its fingers.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such an assembly which significantly reduces the risk of generating scalp spots.

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

a) un applicateur comportant :

i) une portion formant réservoir contenant le produit à appliquer ;

ii) une portion applicatrice comportant une zone d'application, en engagement avec laquelle une mèche, préalablement isolée du reste de la chevelure, est apte à être retenue lors d'un déplacement relatif entre l'applicateur et la mèche selon une direction longitudinale à cette dernière ; et

iii) au moins un passage pour l'amenée du produit depuis le réservoir vers la zone de retenue lors dudit déplacement de manière à enduire la mèche dudit produit ;

b) un manchon souple, ouvert en ses deux extrémités, pour recevoir ladite mèche via l'une de ses extrémités ouvertes, et l'envelopper sur au moins une partie de sa longueur, le manchon souple étant apte à être mis en engagement relativement à l'applicateur de manière à pouvoir être mis en place autour de la mèche, simultanément à au moins une partie dudit déplacement relatif.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by providing an assembly for the wicking application of a hair product, comprising:

a) an applicator comprising:

i) a reservoir portion containing the product to be applied;

ii) an applicator portion comprising an application zone, in engagement with which a wick, previously isolated from the rest of the hair, is adapted to be retained during a relative movement between the applicator and the wick in a longitudinal direction to the latter; and

iii) at least one passage for feeding the product from the reservoir to the holding zone during said displacement so as to coat the wick of said product;

b) a flexible sleeve, open at both ends, for receiving said wick via one of its open ends, and wrap it over at least a part of its length, the flexible sleeve being able to be engaged relative to the applicator so that it can be placed around the wick simultaneously with at least a portion of said relative movement.

Thus, the contacting of the wick with the product is done simultaneously with displacement of the applicator relative to the wick. The flexible sleeve is unrolled progressively, in the manner of a "pipe", along the wick already coated, and thus prevents any "contamination" of neighboring locks by this wick that has just been treated. The method is simple to implement and requires significantly less time than conventional methods.

When, in the case of a coloring product, the latter contains ammonia, we limit the smelly emanations.

In addition, by varying the configuration of the area of application, especially its dimensions, it allows the collection and treatment of wicks particularly fine, thus making it possible to obtain aesthetic effects with difficulty achievable with conventional techniques.

Thus, by wrapping the wick simultaneously, or almost simultaneously, with its put in contact with the product, the quantity of product with which it can be impregnated. The color result, in the end, is improved, and the reduced exposure time. The same goes for the time needed to implement the work of the method. Finally, it also reduces the risk of "contamination" wicks not treated with the treated locks.

Preferably, the supply of the product holding zone is in response to a reduction in volume of the reservoir portion.

For this purpose, preferably, the reservoir portion comprises at least one elastically deformable wall, in particular in the form of a bellows, the reduction volume resulting from a pressure exerted on said wall.

In the case where the tank body is configured as a bellows, on at least a part of its height, the pressure capable of causing the exit of the product and its routing to the area of application, is a pressure substantially along the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

Alternatively, the reduction of volume results from a pressure exerted on the elastically deformable walls of the tank. In this case, the pressure to exercise should be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

The filling of the tank can be achieved using elastic deformability of the tank. Thus, after having compressed the reservoir by an adequate pressure, the applicator is dipped in a bowl containing the product to be applied so as to the orifice through which the applicator part is fed, is immersed in the product. We then release the pressure exerted on the walls of the tank, which then resume by elastic return their undistorted configuration. In doing so, a depression is created inside the reservoir, which depression causes a rise of product inside the tank.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide a separate orifice for the filling of the tank, through which the product is poured. The orifice can then be closed by a removable cap, fixed in particular by screwing.

The applicator may be formed in one piece, obtained in particular by extrusion blowing. The material is preferably a polyolefin of the polyethylene type.

Alternatively, the applicator portion consists of a portion reported and fixed to the reservoir portion, in particular by snapping, screwing, gluing, tightening, or welding. In this case, the reservoir can be made by extrusion blow molding.

Such an applicator can be disposable or configured so that it can be cleaned for future use.

Preferably, the applicator is of elongated shape, the flexible sleeve being configured so that it can be threaded onto the applicator via the portion applicator of the latter. In this position, the flexible sleeve is compressed axially, the first end of the flexible sleeve can be in abutment axially against an appropriate portion of the applicator, the second end somewhere between the first end and the applicator portion, so as not to interfere with the engagement of the wick with the said party applicator.

Advantageously, the flexible sleeve is removably mounted around the applicator. Indeed, once set up around the wick, said wick having been fully coated, it disengages from the applicator portion, and the flexible sleeve can be disengaged from the applicator to stay around the wick. A new axially compressed sleeve can be mounted around the applicator to be then put together around another wick also to coat with this applicator.

Preferably, at least one open end of the flexible sleeve comprises deformable means for reversibly closing it at the end of the less partial, especially by maintaining substantially in contact or tightening, on itself, a free edge of said open end.

Preferably, however, both open ends are equipped with said deformable means. Thus, it avoids on the one hand that the product does not flow on the scalp, and secondly that the product does not flow on the shoulders of the consumer via the other end of the sleeve.

The degree of closure of the ends of the flexible sleeve depends on obviously the viscosity of the composition to be applied.

According to a particular embodiment, said deformable means are consisting of spring means, configured so as to constrain in clamping position on itself the free edge of said one or more ends open. Such means are encountered for example for reversible closure some glasses cases.

Alternatively, said deformable means are made of a flexible material low shape memory, especially from an aluminum-based sheet, or a complex based on aluminum and plastic. In this case, the means closure are made in the form of a reinforcing ring located at each end.

Preferably, the flexible sleeve is made of a transparent material or translucent.

The flexible sleeve can be obtained from two welded or glued sheets one on the other along their two longitudinal edges, or by folding over itself of a sheet and by welding one on the other of its two edges longitudinal. For example, one or more sheets of polyethylene. Alternatively, the flexible sleeve can be extruded.

a) prélever une mèche sur la chevelure et la mettre en engagement avec une zone d'application d'une portion applicatrice d'un applicateur, ladite zone d'application étant alimentée en produit via au moins un passage apte à communiquer avec un réservoir contenant ledit produit ;

b) tout en maintenant la mèche en engagement avec ladite zone d'application, provoquer un déplacement relatif entre l'applicateur et la mèche selon une direction longitudinale à cette dernière, de manière à enduire la mèche dudit produit ; et

c) simultanément à au moins une partie dudit mouvement relatif entre l'applicateur et la mèche, envelopper cette dernière sur au moins une partie de sa longueur, au moyen d'un manchon souple ouvert en ses deux extrémités.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is applied for wicking a hair product, consisting in

a) taking a wick on the hair and putting it into engagement with an application zone of an applicator portion of an applicator, said application zone being supplied with product via at least one passage capable of communicating with a reservoir containing said product;

b) while maintaining the wick in engagement with said application zone, cause relative movement between the applicator and the wick in a longitudinal direction thereto, so as to coat the wick of said product; and

c) simultaneously with at least a portion of said relative movement between the applicator and the wick, wrap the latter on at least a portion of its length, by means of a flexible sleeve open at both ends.

Preferably, the engagement of the wick with the application zone at a point of said wick located in the vicinity of the scalp, the relative movement between the wick and the applicator in the direction of the free end of the wick.

d) refermer au moins en partie l'extrémité ouverte du manchon souple, la plus proche du cuir chevelu, sur la mèche, de manière à limiter les écoulements de produit en direction du cuir chevelu.

Advantageously, the method further comprises a step of:

d) at least partially close the open end of the flexible sleeve, the closest to the scalp, on the wick, so as to limit the flow of product towards the scalp.

After disengagement of the wick relative to the area of application, the open end of the flexible sleeve furthest from the scalp can be closed, at least in part, so as to limit the flow of product to the through said open end.

Also preferably, the method comprises a step of mixing the wick inside the flexible sleeve so as to improve the coating of the wick by said product, and in particular the homogeneity of the impregnation.

The product is preferably a hair coloring / bleaching product.

According to yet another aspect, the invention aims at the use in a method according to the invention a flexible elongated sleeve at least one of which is equipped with means intended for, after insertion of the wick to inside the sleeve, at least partially close said open end on said wick.

Preferably, the closure means are provided at both ends.

Such closing means may consist of a ring made of a flexible material with low shape memory, in particular based on aluminum, or of a spring arrangement.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un applicateur utilisable dans l'ensemble d'application selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe de l'applicateur de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'un autre mode de réalisation de l'applicateur utilisable dans l'ensemble d'application selon l'invention ;
• les figures 4A et 4B sont relatives à un premier mode de réalisation d'un manchon souple utilisable dans l'ensemble d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est relative à un second mode de réalisation d'un manchon souple utilisable dans l'ensemble d'application selon l'invention ; et
• les figures 6A-6G illustrent les différentes étapes d'utilisation de l'ensemble d'application selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements described 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:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator used in the application set according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the applicator of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the applicator used in the application set according to the invention;
• FIGS. 4A and 4B relate to a first embodiment of a flexible sleeve that can be used in the application assembly according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 relates to a second embodiment of a flexible sleeve that can be used in the application assembly according to the invention; and
• Figures 6A-6G illustrate the different steps of use of the application set according to the invention.

The applicator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is of elongate shape along an axis X. According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator 1 is made by extrusion blowing a material such as a polypropylene or a low polyethylene density.

The applicator 1 comprises a reservoir portion 2, one end of which ends with a bottom 3. The end of the tank opposite the bottom 3 is extended by a portion of smaller section 4 forming a feed passage of the product to an applicator portion 8.

The applicator portion 8 mainly comprises an opening 5 made in the side wall of the portion of smaller section 4, in the vicinity of its opposite end to the tank 3.

The edge 6 delimiting said opening 5 is configured in the form of a hook, constituting an application area.

The reservoir portion 2 is separated from the lower section portion 4 by a shoulder 7.

The walls of the tank 2 are resiliently compressible in response to a pressure exerted substantially perpendicularly to the axis X, so as to response to such pressure, cause a reduction in the volume of the tank 2, and conveying the product towards the applicator portion 8.

The volume of the tank 2 can be adapted to contain the amount of product necessary for the treatment of one or more locks.

i) sur une portion de sa hauteur, le corps du réservoir 2 est configuré sous forme d'un soufflet 9 de manière à ce que, une pression exercée axialement sur le fond 3 du réservoir, provoque une diminution du volume de ce dernier, et la mise sous pression du produit en vue d'en provoquer l'acheminement vers la portion applicatrice 8 ; et

ii) la portion applicatrice 8 est constituée d'une pièce réalisée de manière indépendante du réservoir 2, et montée sur ce dernier par encliquetage, ou par tout autre moyen approprié (vissage, collage, soudage, etc.).

The embodiment of the applicator of FIG. 3 differs from the first embodiment in that:

i) over a portion of its height, the body of the tank 2 is configured as a bellows 9 so that a pressure exerted axially on the bottom 3 of the tank causes a decrease in the volume of the latter, and pressurizing the product to cause it to be conveyed to the applicator portion 8; and

ii) the applicator portion 8 consists of a part made independently of the reservoir 2, and mounted on the latter by snapping, or by any other appropriate means (screwing, gluing, welding, etc.).

Figures 4A and 4B to which reference is now made illustrate a first embodiment of another component of the set according to the invention: the flexible sleeve 10 for wrapping the wick on which the product has been applied.

According to this embodiment, the flexible sleeve 10 is in the form of of an elongated envelope 11, open at its two ends 12 and 13. sleeve length can, depending on the length of hair to which it is intended, be of the order of 10 cm to 40 cm. The width of the envelope, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, may range from 1 to 5 cm, and preferably from 2 to 4 cm. For the production of fine wicks, the width of the envelope may be of the order of 1.5 to 2 cm. For more locks important, the width of the envelope may be of the order of 2.5 to 3 cm.

The tubular casing may be formed by extruding or folding a sheet of polyethylene around its longitudinal axis, then by welding, one on the other, two longitudinal edges of the sheet thus folded.

Alternatively, it can be formed by the superposition of two sheets identical welded or glued to each other along their longitudinal edges respectively.

Each of the ends 12 and 13 of the envelope 11 is reinforced by a ring or a ring 14, 15, made of a deformable material, with a low memory form, for example based on aluminum. The rings 14 and 15 are arranged either inside the envelope 11, or outside. They can be fixed at the flexible envelope by gluing.

The rings 14 and 15 allow, when they are crushed on themselves, to tighten on itself the edge delimiting the corresponding open end of the flexible sleeve, so as to close at least in part. This position of at least partial closure of the ends 12 and 13 is illustrated in Figure 4B.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the closing devices 16 and 17 ends 12 and 13 of the envelope 11 are formed of arrangements forming each constituted by two cylindrical elements 18, 19 connected to each other the other by their two respective ends and which, in the absence of constraint, are in contact with each other over their entire length (end 12). In this position, the end 12 of the casing 11 is substantially closed.

When pressure is exerted on both ends of such an arrangement forming a spring 17, as shown for the end 13 of FIG. 5, the two elements 18 and 19 deviate from each other, with the exception of their ends, thus causing the opening of the corresponding end of the sleeve flexible.

When the pressure stops, the elements 18 and 19 resume by elastic return their joined position.

The spring elements 18 and 19 may be metal or plastic.

Figures 6A-6G, to which reference is now made, represent a sequence of use of the application set according to the invention.

In FIG. 6A, the flexible sleeve 10 is, in the manner of a sock, threaded onto the applicator 1 via its applicator portion 8, by a movement such as represented by the arrow F ₁ .

In FIG. 6B, one end 13 of the flexible sleeve 10 abuts against the shoulder 7 of the applicator. The other end 12 of the flexible sleeve 10 is a level located between the first end 13 and the free end of the portion applicator 8 of the applicator, the latter being thus outside the sleeve flexible 10.

In FIG. 6C, the applicator portion 8 is immersed in a bowl containing the composition to be applied, preferably having previously compressed the walls of the reservoir portion 2.

By releasing the pressure exerted on the walls of the tank 2, these, by recall elastic, resume their position of non-deformation. The product goes back into tank via the opening 5 of the applicator portion 8.

In FIG. 6D, a lock M is taken from the hair and placed in commitment, as close as possible to the scalp with the edge 6 of the opening 5.

Prior to any relative displacement between the applicator 1 and the wick M, or after traveling a short distance, the user descends the end 12 flexible sleeve 10 as close as possible to the scalp, and crushes the ring metal 14 on the wick M, thus closing at least partly the open end 12 of the flexible sleeve 10. In particular, the wick M is not yet completely disposed within the flexible sleeve 10, the end 12 remains partially open to allow the passage of the rest of the wick M in the sleeve 10. After complete introduction of the lock M into the sleeve 10, the opening 12 can be closed.

Then, while holding the ring 14 fixed relative to the wick M, the user moves the applicator 1 relative to the wick M according to the movement illustrated by the arrow F ₂ , exerting a pressure on the walls of the reservoir 2 so at the same time as the displacement of the applicator 1, impregnate the lock M with the coloring product (FIG. 6E).

Simultaneously with this movement, the flexible sleeve 10, one end 12 of which is fixed relative to the wick M, and the other 13 is fixedly held relative to the applicator 1, unfolds gradually, and wraps the wick along its length as it is coated with product.

The movement continues until, when the applicator 1 arrives after the wick M, the applicator 1 disengages relatively from the wick M.

At this moment, the user crushes on itself the metal ring 15, shutting thus substantially the end 13 of the flexible sleeve 10 (Figure 6F).

Then, with her fingers, she kneads the wick M inside the flexible sleeve 10 thus positioned to complete the impregnation of the wick M.

It proceeds in the same way with all the locks to be treated.

After the required laying time, by pulling on the flexible sleeve 10 according to the arrow F ₃ , the user releases the locks of their protection (Figure 6G).

The hair is then rinsed in a conventional manner.

In the end, the application is completely painless for the subject whose locks were processed. The quantity of product deposited does not depend solely on the size of the the wick, but depends on the size of the tube inside which the wick is wrapped as it comes into contact with the product. As a result, the rate of impregnation of the wick is significantly improved. It As a result, the exposure time can be reduced significantly. Finally, the others disadvantages of traditional methods discussed in the preamble demand, have been drastically minimized or even eliminated.

In the above detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiment of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. Assembly for applying a haircare product to hairstrands, comprising:

   a) an applicator (1) comprising:

   i) a reservoir-forming portion (2) containing the product that is to be applied;

   ii) an applicator portion (8) comprising an application region (6), in engagement with which a hairstrand (M), previously isolated from the remainder of the head of hair, can be held during a relative movement between the applicator (1) and the hairstrand in a direction longitudinal to the latter; and

   iii) at least one passage (4) for conveying the product from the reservoir (2) to the application region (6) during the said movement so as to coat the hairstrand (M) with the said product;

   b) a flexible sleeve (10), open at both ends (12, 13), to accept the said hairstrand (M) via one of its open ends, and envelop it over at least part of its length, the flexible sleeve (10) being able to be brought into engagement relative to the applicator (1) in such a way as to be able to be placed around the hairstrand (M) simultaneously with at least part of the said relative movement.
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the application region (6) is supplied in response to a reduction in volume of the reservoir-forming portion (2).
3. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the reservoir-forming portion (2) comprises at least one elastically deformable wall, particularly one in the form of a bellows (9), the reduction in volume resulting from pressure exerted on the said wall.
4. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the applicator (1) is formed as a single piece, obtained in particular by extrusion-blow-moulding.
5. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the applicator portion (8) consists of a portion attached and fixed to the reservoir-forming portion (2), particularly by clip-fastening, screw-fastening, adhesive bonding, clamping or welding.
6. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the applicator (1) is of elongate shape, the flexible sleeve (10) being configured in such a way as to be able to be slipped over the applicator (1) via the applicator portion (8) of the latter.
7. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one open end (12, 13) of the flexible sleeve comprises deformable means (14-19) so as, reversibly, to at least partially close it, particularly by keeping a free edge of the said open end (12, 13) more or less in contact with, or even pressed against, itself.
8. Assembly according to Claim 7, characterized in that the two open ends (12, 13) are equipped with the said deformable means.
9. Assembly according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the said deformable means consist of spring-forming means (16-19) configured in such a way as to force the free edge of the said open end or ends (12, 13) into the position of being clamped against itself.
10. Assembly according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said deformable means (14, 15) are made of a flexible material with weak shape memory, particularly from a sheet based on aluminium, or a complex based on aluminium and plastic.
11. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible sleeve (10) is made of a transparent or translucent material.
12. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible sleeve (10) is obtained:

    i) by extrusion; or

    ii) from two sheets welded or bonded to one another along their two longitudinal edges; or

    iii) by folding a sheet onto itself and welding or bonding its two longitudinal edges together.
13. Method of applying a haircare product to hairstrands, consisting in

    a) taking a hairstrand (M) from the head of hair and bringing it into engagement with an application region (6) of an applicator portion (8) of an applicator (1), the said application region being supplied with product via at least one passage (4) able to communicate with a reservoir containing the said product;

    b) while keeping the hairstrand (M) in engagement with the said application region (6), bringing about a relative movement between the applicator (1) and the hairstrand in a direction longitudinal to the latter, so as to coat the hairstrand with the said product; and

    c) simultaneously with at least some of the said relative movement between the applicator (1) and the hairstrand (M), enveloping the latter over at least part of its length using at least one flexible sleeve (10) open at both ends (12, 13).
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the hairstrand (M) is brought into engagement with the application region (6) at a point on the said hairstrand situated near the scalp, the relative movement between the hairstrand and the applicator (1) being towards the free end of the hairstrand.
15. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it further comprises a step consisting in:

    d) at least partially closing the open end (12) of the flexible sleeve (10) closest to the scalp onto the hairstrand (M) so as to limit the running of product towards the scalp.
16. Method according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, having disengaged the hairstrand (M) from the application region (6), the open end (13) of the flexible sleeve (10) furthest from the scalp is closed, at least in part, so as to limit the running of product through the said open end (13).
17. Method according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a step of kneading the hairstrand (M) inside the flexible sleeve (10) so as to improve the coating of the hairstrand with the said product.
18. Method according to any one of Claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the product is a coloration/colour removal product.
19. Use in a method according to any one of Claims 13 to 18 of a flexible sleeve, of elongate shape (11), at least one of the open ends of which is equipped with means (14-19) intended, once the hairstrand (M) has been inserted inside the sleeve, to at least partially close the said open end onto the said hairstrand.
20. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said means (14-19) are provided at both ends (12, 13).
21. Use according to Claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the said means consist of a ring (14, 15) made of a flexible material with weak shape memory, particularly based on aluminium, or of a spring-forming arrangement (16-19).
22. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the flexible sleeve is of elongate shape (11) such that at least one of the open ends is equipped with means (14-19) intended, once the hairstrand (M) has been inserted inside the flexible sleeve, to at least partially close the said open end onto the said hairstrand.
23. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said means (14-19) are provided at both ends (12, 13).
24. Assembly according to Claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the said means consist of a ring (14, 15) made of a flexible material with weak shape memory, particularly based on aluminium, or of a spring-forming arrangement (16-19).

Images