EP1600077B1 - Apparatus for winding a strand of hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a deformable hair curler (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), and a ring (4) sliding along the axis. The ring permits a user to change the hair curler from a cylindrical configuration permitting a curling of a hair mesh on the hair curler, to a tapered configuration in which the curler has a radial dimension lesser than the cylindrical configuration in order to extract the curler from the hair mesh. An independent claim is also included for a method of curling of a hair mesh by utilizing a hair mesh curling device.

Description

The present invention relates to the treatment of at least one lock of hair and in particular the production of a permanent.

The principle of the permanent is based on the deformation of the hair under the action of a chemical while the hair is subjected to a mechanical tension. The latter is produced by winding the hair around a hair curler.

Usually, locks of hair are wrapped on a relatively large number of curlers, more or less evenly distributed on the hair, which takes time, requires a little technique and a lot of equipment.

A device comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from document FR-A-1279457.

There is a need to particularly reduce the amount of material used.

• un bigoudi déformable s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, pouvant prendre une première configuration permettant l'enroulement de la mèche de cheveux sur le bigoudi, et une deuxième configuration,
• un organe de commande permettant de faire passer le bigoudi de la première configuration à la deuxième, caractérisé en ce que la deuxième configuration est telle qu'elle facilite l'extraction du bigoudi de la mèche ainsi enroulée.

The invention responds to this need with a device for winding a lock of hair, comprising:

• a deformable curler extending along a longitudinal axis, which can take a first configuration for winding the lock of hair on the curler, and a second configuration,
• a control member for passing the hair curler from the first configuration to the second, characterized in that the second configuration is such that it facilitates the extraction of the curler of the wick thus wound.

In the second configuration, the curler advantageously has at least a portion of its length, in particular a portion of the curler not being in a central region of the curler, for example near its free end, a smaller radial dimension than in the first configuration, which facilitates the extraction of the curler.

Thanks to the invention, the device can be easily removed from the lock of hair after the application of a permanent product, which is advantageous especially when the product that is applied quickly exerts its action on the hair. The time required to complete a perm can then be reduced.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a gripping member to which the hair curler is connected. The curler may in particular be removably connected to this gripping member and the gripping member and the curler may for example cooperate by screwing.

Still in an exemplary embodiment, the control member is movable relative to the curler, being movable relative to the curler for example along the longitudinal axis thereof.

The control member may for example comprise a sliding ring, which advantageously comprises, externally, a relief facilitating its training by the user.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the curler comprises a plurality of blades, which may be elastically deformable, for example being connected to one another at a proximal end. All the blades can for example be molded in one piece.

At least one blade may have in the vicinity of its distal end a bulging portion projecting inwardly, and it is so preferably for all blades.

The control member may comprise a core arranged so as to push the blades outwards, for example by bearing against the bulged portion above.

This core and the aforesaid ring can be made in one piece, in particular by plastic injection molding.

In an exemplary embodiment, the core comprises an enlarged head, which may comprise a frustoconical portion inclined inwardly and towards the distal end of the core. The head may also include, at its periphery, longitudinal grooves.

At least one branch, and preferably at least two branches, can connect the ring to the core. The curler may comprise a base and each branch may be arranged to slide in a longitudinal slot made in the base.

The device may comprise an elastic return element arranged to recall the control member in a position requesting passage of the curler in the first configuration. This elastic return element may be a helical spring, for example, and may be housed at least partially in the gripping member.

The device may further comprise an elastically deformable member tending to return the curler in the second configuration. This elastically deformable member may have an annular shape and surround the aforementioned blades. The organ elastically deformable may in particular be engaged in a groove formed on the radially outer surface of the blades.

The curler may have, in its first configuration, a generally cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis, and in its second configuration a shape of transverse dimension decreasing in the direction of the free end of the curler, for example a generally frustoconical shape converging into away from the grasping member.

• enrouler une mèche de cheveux autour du bigoudi dans sa première configuration,
• appliquer un produit sur la mèche de cheveux,
• amener le bigoudi dans sa deuxième configuration en agissant sur l'organe de commande,
• extraire le bigoudi de la mèche de cheveux.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a method for producing at least one winding of a lock of hair using the device as defined above, this method comprising the following steps:

• wrap a lock of hair around the curler in its first configuration,
• apply a product on the lock of hair,
• bring the curler in its second configuration by acting on the control member,
• extract the curler from the lock of hair.

The lock of hair can be rolled up on the curler by rotating the device about itself about its longitudinal axis.

In such a method, the same device is advantageously reused to wind another lock of hair.

The product applied to the hair has, for example, a viscosity which increases or solidifies when brought into contact with water. The curler can be extracted from the lock of hair for example less than thirty seconds after the application of the product thereon.

• la figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'un dispositif réalisé conformément à l'invention, le bigoudi étant dans sa première configuration,
• la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, le bigoudi étant dans sa deuxième configuration,
• la figure 3 est une coupe longitudinale, partielle et schématique, du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue de face selon IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, du dispositif de la figure 2,
• la figure 6 est une vue de face selon VI de la figure 5, et
• les figures 7A à 7E illustrent l'utilisation du dispositif.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of an example of non-limiting implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a device produced according to the invention, the curler being in its first configuration,
• FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, the curler being in its second configuration;
• FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section, partial and schematic, of the device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a front view along line IV of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic and partial longitudinal section of the device of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 6 is a front view along line VI of FIG. 5, and
• Figures 7A to 7E illustrate the use of the device.

The device 1 produced in accordance with the invention and shown in the figures comprises a deformable hair curler 2 extending along a longitudinal axis X, this hair curler 2 being connected to a gripping member which, in the example under consideration, is in the form of shape of a handle 3 extending longitudinally along the same axis X.

A control member which is in the example in the form of a ring 4 slidable along the axis X, allows the user to operate the curler 2 to move it from the first configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 1, in which the curler 2 is generally cylindrical along the X axis, at the second configuration shown in FIG. 2, in which the curler has a substantially frustoconical shape converging away from the handle 3.

The ring 4 has on the outside a relief 43 facilitating its training by the user.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the handle 3 comprises a threaded skirt 5 and the curler 2 comprises a base 6 which is arranged to be screwed onto this threaded skirt 5.

The ring 4 covers the skirt 5 in the illustrated example.

The curler 2 comprises a plurality of flexible blades 10, for example six in the example in question, which are connected at their proximal end 11 to the base 6. The blades 10 are for example made monolithically by molding of plastic material with the base 6.

In the illustrated example, an annular groove 12 is formed on the outer surface of the blades 10, in the vicinity of their distal end 13, and this groove 12 receives an elastic torus 15 which recalls the blades 10 to the second configuration shown in FIG. figure 5.

The blades 10 each comprise, in the vicinity of their distal end 13, a bulging portion 17 forming radially inwardly projecting, which is arranged to cooperate with a movable core 20 having an enlarged head 21 at its distal end.

The bulged portion 17 forms a recess 23 with the inner face 24 of the blade.

The head 21 has a frustoconical end portion 27 which is connected to a peripheral portion 28, which is provided in the example in question with longitudinal grooves 40. The recess 23 has a slope which is in the same direction as that of the part frustoconical 27 of the core 20.

When the curler 2 is in the first configuration, the bulged portions 17 of the blades 10 extend distally relative to the recesses 23 and rest against the head 21 spaced apart from each other. The elastic torus 15 is stretched. The outer faces 42 of the blades 10 are substantially parallel to the axis X.

When the curler 2 is in the second configuration, the bulged portions 17 abut against each other under the effect of the elastic torus 15 returning and the frustoconical end portion 27 of the head 21 rests against the recesses 23 of the blades 10.

In the example considered, the core 20 is connected to the ring 4 by at least two branches 30, which are engaged in corresponding slots 31 of the base 6. These slots 31 open on the edge of the base which is adjacent at the handle 3, which allows the placement of the core 20 between the blades 10 and the engagement of the branches 30 in the slots 31.

The handle 3 comprises a housing 34 in which is received a helical spring 35, the latter bearing at one end against the bottom 36 of the housing 34 and at the opposite end against the branches 30.

To assemble the device 1, it is possible to place the elastic torus 15 on the blades 10, to introduce the core 20 into the curler 2 and the spring 35 into the handle 3, then to screw the curler 2 onto the handle 3.

The device 1 can be used in the following manner.

It is assumed that curler 2 is in the first configuration, shown in FIG. 7A. In this configuration, the head 21 rubs against the inner face of the blades 10, and the longitudinal grooves 40 prevent slipping of the blades 10 around the core 20.

The user can wrap a wick M wet hair by rotating the curler 2 about its longitudinal axis X, as shown in Figure 7B. A paper tip can be used, if necessary.

On the wick M thus wound, the user can apply a permanent product P as shown in Figure 7C, this product having for example the property of solidifying or increasing viscosity in contact with water. The product can be poured on the surface of the wick and also soak the inner part of the hair roller thanks to the gaps between the blades 10.

The wick M is kept wound on the curler 2 the time required for the product P exerts its action, which may take a few seconds, then the user can pull the ring 4 to move the head 21 of the core 20, against the spring return action 35, as illustrated in FIG. 7D. The blades 10 then retract under the effect of the tightening exerted by the elastic torus 15 and the curler 2 takes the generally frustoconical shape shown in Figure 5. This configuration of the curler 2 facilitates its extraction of the lock of hair M, without damaging the loop, as shown in Figure 7E. These different steps can be repeated with a new wick.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described.

The curler 2 can be fixed otherwise than by screwing on the handle 3, for example by snapping.

The blades 10 can also be made differently, for example replacing the elastic torus 15 with a bi-injected elastomeric material.

It is also possible to realize the control member differently, for example to ensure that the displacement thereof relative to the curler is effected by a movement other than a pure translation.

The elastic torus 15 can be further removed by shaping the blades 10 with an inward sloping shape at rest.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (33)

1. A device for rolling a lock (M) of hair, the device comprising:

   a deformable curler (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), capable of taking up a first configuration enabling the lock of hair to be rolled up on the curler, and a second configuration in which at least a fraction of the length of the curler presents a radial dimension that is smaller than in the first configuration,

   a control member (4) enabling the curler to be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration, characterized in that the second configuration is such that it facilitates extraction of the curler from the lock that has been rolled up in this way.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it includes a handle member (3) to which the curler (2) is connected.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the curler (2) is releasably connected to the handle member (3).
4. A device according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the handle member (3) and the curler (2) cooperate by screw-fastening.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the control member (4) is movable relative to the curler (2).
6. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the control member (4) is movable relative to the curler (2) along the longitudinal axis (X) thereof.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the control member comprises a sliding ring (4).
8. A device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the ring has a portion in relief (43) on its outside making it easier for the user to move the ring.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the curler includes a plurality of blades (10).
10. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the blades (10) are elastically deformable.
11. A device according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized by the fact that the blades (10) are interconnected at their proximal ends.
12. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that at least one of the blades includes an inwardly-projecting enlarged portion (17) in the vicinity of its distal end.
13. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by the fact that the control member comprises a core (20) arranged to be capable of pushing the blades outwards.
14. A device according to claims 7 and 13, characterized by the fact that the core (20) and the ring (4) are made as a single piece, in particular by injection molding a plastics material.
15. A device according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that the core includes an enlarged head (21).
16. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the head (21) includes a frustoconical portion that slopes inwards and towards the distal end of the core.
17. A device according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterized by the fact that the head (21) includes longitudinal furrows (40) at its periphery.
18. A device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that at least one branch (30), and preferably at least two branches (30), connect the ring (4) to the core (20).
19. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the curler includes a base (6), and by the fact that each branch (30) is arranged to slide in a longitudinal slot (31) made in the base.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes a resilient return element (35) arranged to return the control member into a position urging the curler to pass into the first configuration.
21. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the resilient return element is a helical spring (35).
22. A device according to claims 2 and 21, characterized by the fact that the resilient return element (35) is received at least in part in the handle member (3).
23. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it includes an elastically-deformable member (15) tending to return the curler into the second configuration.
24. A device according to claims 9 and 23, characterized by the fact that the elastically-deformable member (15) is annular in shape and surrounds the blades (10).
25. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the elastically-deformable member (15) is engaged in a groove (12) formed in the radially-outside surfaces of the blades.
26. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the curler (2), when in its first configuration, presents a shape that is generally cylindrical along the longitudinal axis (X).
27. A device according to claim 2 and any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized by the fact that the curler, when in its second configuration, presents a shape that is generally tapering, converging going away from the handle member (3).
28. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the curler, when in its second configuration, presents a radial dimension smaller over a fraction of its length that does not lie in a central region of the curler.
29. A method of rolling up a lock of hair (M) using the device as defined in any preceding claim, the method comprising the following steps:

    · rolling a lock of hair (M) around the curler (2) while it in its first configuration;

    · applying a substance (P) to the lock of hair as rolled up in this way;

    · bringing the curler (2) into its second configuration by acting on the control member (4); and

    · extracting the curler from the lock of hair (M).
30. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes the steps of reusing the same device (1) for rolling up another lock of hair (M).
31. A method according to claim 29 or claim 30, characterized by the fact that the substance presents viscosity that increases or solidifies when put into contact with water.
32. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized by the fact that the lock of hair (M) is rolled up on the curler by revolving the curler about its longitudinal axis (X).
33. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized by the fact that the curler is extracted from the lock of hair less than thirty seconds after the substance (P) has been applied thereto.

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