EP2700328A2 - Hair-styling apparatus with optimised ergonomics - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has two housings (101, 201) for receiving two longitudinal treatment surfaces (12, 22) of hair to be heated by two electrical heating units. One of the housings is moved with respect to the other housing between an open position and a closed position. A gripping and actuation unit comprises a longitudinal axis in the closed position of the housings. The gripping and actuating unit is located in an actuating plane (Ps), where axis of the gripping and actuating unit is secant in the plane to form an acute angle (alpha) that ranges between 25 and 75 degree. An independent claim is also included for a method for treating hair.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric appliance for hairstyling or shaping the hair, more particularly an apparatus for the volume of the hair or to take off the roots of the hair. This is to give a smooth and curved shape to the hair roots.

State of the prior art:

Most hair volume enhancers are devices having two hot or heated treatment surfaces that contact a lock of hair from an open position for insertion of the hair to a closed position. for putting them in contact between the two surfaces.

All these hairstyling devices are intended to give a curved shape to the treated hair, giving a bulky aspect of the locks, for example the volume at the root.

It is known to W02007094550 a straight curling iron with several detachable heating chucks of different section (circular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal ...), positioned opposite and brought into closed position in contact with a heated U-shaped plate and covering three quarters of the mandrel . This makes it possible to form different corrugations according to the shape of the attached mandrel. To effectively form corrugations, it is expected that the mandrel is in contact with the hair over a maximum of circumference: it is found that three quarters of the mandrel are in simultaneous contact with the wick to be corrugated. This makes it possible to form a greater length of wick in several forms corresponding to several mandrels.

This hairstyling device aims to ensure good shaping of the hair without allowing to form a relatively localized volume on the lock of hair treated.

For this purpose, the plaintiff recently filed a patent application whose filing number is FR1252580 , incorporated herein by reference. This patent relates to a hair styling heater for shaping hair comprising a first housing comprising a plate forming at least a first concave shaped hair treatment surface; a second housing comprising a longitudinal mandrel forming a second electrically heated hair treatment surface; the mandrel is in free rotation about its longitudinal axis and is substantially of the same radius as the plate; the housings are pivotally connected by a hinge to define open and closed positions of the apparatus; the concave plate is intended to cover the mandrel in the closed position at a covering angle α around 180 °. This device aims to take off the hair root and shape it so that the wick has volume at the root without appearing flattened on the scalp. The treatment zone defined by the heating cylinder in free rotation on the one hand and a curved plate on the same curve as the cylinder on the other hand which pinches the wick near the scalp makes it possible to create this undulation at the root of the wick and give it volume.

The configuration of the case of the apparatus in the first implementation of this treatment zone is a totally straight configuration: the apparatus is formed of two straight arms connected by a hinge to one of their end and the user pinches these two straight longitudinal arms to form the treatment zone. The method of using this first embodiment of the apparatus is to pinch the two arms closest to the root of a wick statically for several seconds, then rotate the apparatus about its longitudinal axis by about a quarter turn down, and then slide the unit along the wick to its end.

During user tests conducted by the applicant, it appeared that this straight longitudinal configuration forces some users to "break" their wrist during the pivoting step of the device on its axis. This may after a few minutes of treatment be embarrassing.

On the basis of this observation, the Applicant's objective was to perfect the usability of this device for easy use by any user and non-binding for the wrist.

As for the ergonomics of use of straighteners, some documents are already known.

The document US2004237990 tackles the problem of keeping a hair shaping device comfortable without tilting the wrist. For this it describes a straightener with two straight branches connected at their end by a hinge to define a flat treatment area of the hair in the closed position. The flat treatment plates are manually and angularly adjustable relative to the handle, the angular mobility being always inscribed in the plane including the planar treatment area. The treatment surfaces are rotatable. This orientation makes it possible to slightly bend the treatment area when moving the device along the wick, thereby giving a slight ripple to the entire wick. Nevertheless, to return to a conventional smoothing grip with two straight straightener arms, the user must stop the use of the device, and when the plates are cooled, turn them manually to return to a strictly straight configuration. arms.

This configuration is also described in the Chinese design and pattern CN3323252 , but no adjustment is provided and the angle remains constant. Nevertheless to return to a grip of conventional smoothing with two straight straighteners, the user must change the device, or break his wrist.

In addition, the document JP4020328 discloses a straightener whose branches have a deflection angle between the handle and the treatment area quite low, the hinge connection between the two branches can be arranged at the end of the branches or in the middle between the treatment area and the handle . Nevertheless to return to a grip of conventional smoothing with two straight straighteners, the user must change the device, or break his wrist.

Thus no document discloses a hair treatment device for treating hair in conventional smoothing and localized waving with excellent ergonomics and ease of use.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an electric hairdressing apparatus having two treatment surfaces for forming a hair treatment area and having a perfect ergonomics of use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hairdressing apparatus for forming a volume or a waviness which can be relatively localized on the treated lock of hair.

Another object of the present invention is to allow to smooth the hair over substantially the entire length of the lock of hair without the risk of damaging them.

Another object of the present invention is to allow to take off the roots of the hair.

Another object of the invention is a hairdressing apparatus capable of shaping the hair quickly and efficiently.

Another object of the invention is a hair styling device capable of shaping the hair for an extended period of time up to several days.

Another object of the invention is a hair styling device capable of improving the heat transfer with a lock of hair to be treated.

Another object of the invention is a hairdressing device capable of ensuring good ergonomics and comfortable use, while being reliable in operation.

Another object of the invention is a hairdressing appliance of simplified structure, compact and can be industrialized for a low cost.

Another object of the invention is a hair treatment apparatus which is capable of providing heat in a secure or protective manner to the hair, without the risk of burning the hair and / or the scalp.

Another object of the invention is a hair treatment apparatus that allows an effective treatment of the hair, while being easy and convenient to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hairdressing apparatus capable of adopting different configurations to provide two different hair shaping, for example volume and smoothing.

Another object of the invention is not to apply too much traction on the lock of hair when the treatment surfaces are trained along the lock of hair, traction applied in particular by the side edges of the treatment surfaces.

These objects are achieved with a hairdressing apparatus for shaping hair comprising a first longitudinal housing receiving a first hair treatment surface to be heated by a first electric heating means; a second longitudinal housing receiving a second hair treatment surface for heating by a second electric heating means; the first housing is movable relative to the second housing between an open position of the treatment surfaces for introducing the lock of hair and a closed position for contact of the treatment surfaces allowing said surfaces to pinch the wick and then defining a zone Z of hair treatment. The apparatus also comprises at least one means for gripping and actuating at least one of the housings, the gripping and actuating means having a longitudinal axis Lp at least in said closed position; the treatment zone Z defined in the closed position having a plane Ps of orthogonal symmetry, said plane Ps containing at least one longitudinal axis Lz of the treatment zone Z; The axis Lp of said gripping and actuating means being contained in said plane Ps; the axis (Lp) and the axis (Lz) being intersecting in the plane Pz and forming an acute angle α of between 25 and 75 °. This angle α formed between the axis of the treatment zone and that of the gripping and actuating means prevents the user from breaking his wrist when he rotates the apparatus for a localized undulation. This angle α also makes it possible to produce a conventional smoothing. In addition the ergonomics of use is intuitive and all the positions that takes the device in use on the hair allow the hand to remain in a natural position. This angle is defined between two longitudinal axes, but the covers of the boxes covering these axes are not necessarily strictly longitudinal with completely straight shapes: the boxes can take a curved shape, for example the shape of a taut curve where the angle α existing between the maintenance and the treatment surface is not as visible on the outer cover. The handle could alternatively take the form of a tensioned curve and the Lp axis considered would be the line tangent to this curve, for example tangent substantially in the middle of this curve or tangent to the pivot axis of the housing. Alternatively and / or additionally the case assembly of the treatment zone can take the form of a taut curve and the Lz axis considered would be the line tangent to this curve, for example tangent substantially in the middle of the treatment segment arranged on the longitudinal axis of the zone or tangent to any point of the treatment segment. In all these alternatives, it is essential that the angle α according to the invention makes it possible to turn the treatment zone on itself. ergonomic way in closed position.

More particularly, the acute angle α formed by the two axes (Lp) and (Lz) is between 35 ° and 55 °, preferably between 40 ° and 50 °, preferably is equal to substantially 45 ° (within a few degrees) , for a totally optimized ergonomics.

According to a feature of the invention, the first housing may comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical plate forming the first surface of hair treatment; the second housing may comprise a longitudinal mandrel forming the second hair treatment surface; the mandrel being mounted in free rotation about its longitudinal axis of symmetry and being substantially of the same radius as the plate; the plate covers the mandrel in the closed position at an overlap angle (φ) of between 160 ° and 190 ° so that the treatment zone Z is substantially semi-cylindrical. This makes it possible to create a counter-form on the wick treated statically, counter-form that can be located at the root, while keeping a natural shape. The user indeed chooses if it keeps the camera static in the closed position or if it slides the device along the wick. This counter-shaped configuration makes it possible to statically create a particularly durable corrugation at a chosen location of the wick, for example to create a detachment at the root of the wick, without damaging the scalp. The two treatment surfaces will create a treatment area by pinching the hair because they are mounted facing each other in the closed position and their spacing low or zero in the closed position allows the device to slide along the wick in use.

More particularly, the overlap angle (φ) is between 170 ° and 185 °, preferably equal to about 180 °. The value of 180 ° makes it possible to produce a symmetrical apparatus that can be used by right-handed or left-handed person, indifferently and in all directions. The value of 180 ° makes it possible to form a natural semi-circle with the haze of hair close to the scalp.

According to one characteristic of the invention, at least one of the two edges longitudinal of the plate has a thickness (e) between 2 and 6mm. This small thickness that follows the mandrel makes it possible to form a pronounced curve closer to the root and with a form as natural as possible. In particular, the two longitudinal edges of the plate may each have a thickness (e) of between 2 and 6 mm. This allows that a right-handed or left-handed person can indifferently work closer to the root.

According to a feature of the invention, the first longitudinal housing may have external longitudinal sides of elastomer or silicone. This material creates a flat area of contact allowing the device to lean against the scalp without burning it and create friction to keep the device more easily statically against the scalp.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the diameter of the mandrel may be between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19 mm. This makes it possible to produce small localized ripples. This reduces the size of the device.

According to an alternative characteristic to the "semi-circular" treatment zone of the invention, the first housing may comprise a first substantially flat plate forming the first hair treatment surface; the second housing may comprise a second substantially flat plate forming the second hair treatment surface; the treatment zone Z formed by the two plates in the closed position being substantially rectangular. This configuration allows a conventional smoothing with improved ergonomics because the wrist is less distant from the head than in a straight straightener configuration. This configuration also allows detachment of the root without printing an arc near the scalp. In this configuration, the longitudinal edge or edges of the lower treatment plate allow to pull on the wick when pivoting a quarter turn: a "bolduc" effect then occurs on the wick to lift the root.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the width (la) of the first housing is less than 32mm, or even less than 26mm. This width is rather between 20mm and 32mm, or between 20mm and 26mm. This also produces small localized ripples. This reduces the size of the device.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the treatment zone Z has an area greater than or equal to 10 cm ² . This allows for improved shaping by increased heating of the hair surface.

The gripping and actuating means according to the invention may follow a first embodiment as follows: the gripping and actuating means comprises a first longitudinal arm of longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second longitudinal arm of longitudinal axis Lp2 and distinct from the first arm, each arm being connected rigidly and respectively to the first housing and the second housing, the first arm and the second arm being pivotally connected by a hinge for passing between the open and closed positions of the housings. This mode allows a simple construction with two jaws bent identically and connected at their end by a hinge.

The gripping and actuating means according to the invention can follow a second alternative embodiment as follows: the gripping and actuating means comprises a gripping handle and an actuating trigger of at least one of said boxes relatively to the other case. The user will press the trigger that rotates at least one of the two boxes to move the two treatment surfaces between the open position and the closed position. The actuation allows a pivoting movement enter the two boxes or a translational movement between the two boxes, or any other movement to open the jaws supporting the treatment surfaces to accommodate the lock of hair to be treated.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment zone is constant. The value of the chosen angle is chosen optimized for a population of users and the apparatus has a reduced manufacturing cost.

According to an alternative characteristic of the invention, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment zone is adjustable by the user. The angle would for example be adjustable in the range between 25 ° and 75 °, preferably between 35 ° and 55 °, even more preferably between 40 ° and 50 °. Over the course of use the user can adjust the angle at its best convenience to optimize its handling.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the gripping and actuating means contains an electronic control card for controlling at least the electric heating means. This construction allows improved compactness.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the length of each of the two treatment surfaces is 10 and 40% less than the respective length of the housing that receives it. This allows a good compromise between the compactness and the scalp burn protection.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a hair treatment method comprising successively: a) forming a lock of hair and holding said lock above the head; b) statically pinch two smooth surfaces heated for at least two seconds at the root of this lock of hair; c) maintain the pinch and rotate about a quarter of a turn the hot surfaces, pivoting to the bottom of the face; d) slide the device closed along the wick while placing the wick on the head to the opposite side of its natural placement along the head, The last step d) can store the wick on the other side , let it cool in a good position with a localized undulation when it is not subjected to gravity that would flatten the half loop formed in step b) or c).

According to one characteristic of the process according to the invention, it consists in repeating steps a) to d) on another wick located on the scalp under the previously treated wick, which makes it possible to store the wicks of the other for a long time. side, let them cool in good position when they are not subjected to gravity that would flatten the half-loop formed in step b) or c).

According to a characteristic of the method according to the invention, the user uses the apparatus according to the invention to implement said method.

According to a feature of the method according to the invention, the user can slightly release the pressure of the pinching of the surfaces of the closed apparatus at the same time as it slides the device along the wick.

Brief description of the drawings:

• La figure 1 illustre une vue de côté d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention en position fermée;
• La figure 2 illustre une vue de côté d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention en position ouverte;
• Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent deux vues en perspective en position ouverte d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention;
• La figure 5 illustre une coupe en perspective en position ouverte d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'appareil ;
• La figure 6 illustre une vue partiellement éclatée en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'appareil en position ouverte;
• La figure 7 illustre une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'appareil en position ouverte;
• La figure 8 illustre une vue en coupe du premier et du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention;
• La figure 9 illustre schématiquement la zone de traitement et les axes en oeuvre dans les premiers et deuxièmes modes de réalisation ;
• La figure 10 illustre une vue en perspective en position ouverte d'un troisième mode de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention ;
• la figure 11 illustre schématiquement la zone de traitement et les axes en oeuvre dans le troisième mode de réalisation
• La figure 12 illustre les étapes d'un procédé d'utilisation de l'appareil selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood by studying the embodiments taken as non-limiting and illustrated here:

• The figure 1 illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in the closed position;
• The figure 2 illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in the open position;
• The Figures 3 and 4 illustrate two perspective views in the open position of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
• The figure 5 illustrates a perspective section in the open position of a first embodiment of the apparatus;
• The figure 6 illustrates a partially exploded view in perspective of a first embodiment of the apparatus in the open position;
• The figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus in the open position;
• The figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the first and second embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention;
• The figure 9 schematically illustrates the treatment zone and the axes used in the first and second embodiments;
• The figure 10 illustrates a perspective view in the open position of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
• the figure 11 schematically illustrates the treatment area and the axes in in the third embodiment
• The figure 12 illustrates the steps of a method of using the apparatus according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention:

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 the invention relates to a hair styling apparatus 1 for shaping hair comprising a first longitudinal housing 101 receiving a first treatment surface 12 of hair to be heated by a first electric heating means 13; a second longitudinal housing 201 receiving a second treatment surface 22 of hair to be heated by a second electric heating means 23. The first heating means 13, like the second heating means 23, may be an electrical resistance, in particular a resistance of the PTC thermistor type, of parallelepipedal shape and plated against the treatment surface, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 . Such a resistance has the particular advantage of a small footprint for a good thermal heating efficiency; in addition, it has thermal self-regulation properties. As illustrated in figure 8 in section section, the plate 12 U or semicircular section is extended by a base tangential to the curve and forming a symmetrical piece relative to a plane Ps of orthogonal symmetry along the plate 12. This base a cavity for receiving the heating element 13.

As illustrated in figures 5 and 8 , the heating element of the mandrel 22 comprises a parallelepipedal CTP thermistor 23, held in the cylinder 22 by a cylindrical extruded aluminum heat diffusion part 22 'and containing two diametrically opposed longitudinal slots for attaching the second treatment surface. As illustrated in figure 6 , the mandrel 22 receives at each of its ends 25 a screwing piece which will be mounted on an axis 26 allowing free rotation of the mandrel 22 about its longitudinal axis of symmetry.

Finally, as illustrated in figure 8 , the second housing 201 comprises a holding and insulating part 24 of the cylinder 22 whose section has a moon shape. In a second variant embodiment, the heating element may be a ceramic resistor or may consist of an electrically resistant flexible film.

The treatment surface may be metal, for example aluminum, or any other material that has a good compromise between thermal conductivity and cost. The heating means works only by thermal conduction. The heating means may contain temperature measurement and temperature control elements, between 160 and 220 ° C, preferably around 170 ° C. The apparatus is electric and includes a feeder wire 37, but may alternatively be battery mounted or thermally rechargeable (heat storage in the aluminum alloy chuck).

The first housing 101 is movable relative to the second housing 201 between an open position of the treatment surfaces 12, 22 for introducing the lock of hair, and a closed position for the contact of the treatment surfaces 12, 22 allowing said surfaces to pinch the wick and then defining a zone Z of hair treatment. The apparatus comprises at least one means for gripping and actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) of at least one of the boxes 101, 201; it has a longitudinal axis Lp at least in the closed position of the housings 101, 201.

The treatment zone Z defined in the closed position has a plane Ps of orthogonal symmetry, said plane Ps containing at least one longitudinal axis Lz of the treatment zone Z; The axis Lp of said gripping and actuating means 102, 202, 300, 301 being contained in said plane Ps; the axis Lp and the axis Lz intersect in the plane Ps and form an acute angle α of between 25 ° and 75 °, preferably between 35 and 55 °, more preferably between 40 ° and 50 °. This angle α formed between the axis of the treatment zone and that of the gripping and actuating means prevents the user from breaking his wrist when he rotates the apparatus for a localized undulation. The presence of this angle α formed in the plane orthogonal to the pivot axis and passing through the longitudinal axis of the handle also allows to produce a conventional smoothing without breaking his wrist. In addition the ergonomics of use is intuitive and all positions that takes the device in use on the hair allow the hand to stay in a natural position. The acute angle α formed by the two axes Lp and Lz is between 40 ° and 50 °, preferably is equal to substantially 45 ° to a few degrees due to the construction and / or measurement of the angle. The figures illustrate the acute angle α and / or its additional angle obtus β substantially equal to 135 °.

A switch 31 is provided to control the heating temperature of the apparatus. A display, for example numeric, (not shown) displays the controlled temperature of heating plates in operation. Indicators (not shown) are provided to warn that the heating phase is complete and indicate that the unit is ready for use. A locking system 38 of the housings is provided to maintain the compact closed position when storing the device. An ionizer 14 is provided to deliver ions to the treatment zone. A control switch 15 is provided inside a first arm and arranged facing a control stick 27 on the second arm: they make it possible to detect the closing of the apparatus and this information can be used for a command finer in temperature by a printed map.

In a first embodiment, the hair treatment zone defined in the closed position of the apparatus by the treatment surfaces is substantially semicylindrical Z1, as shown schematically in FIG. figure 9 .

The scheme of the figure 9 aims to geometrically configure the axes and planes relating to the device: the plane Ps is the orthogonal plane of symmetry of the treatment zone: these are all the equidistant points of the zone. This plane could still be called the median plane of the treatment zone. This plane intersects the zone Z1 along a longitudinal axis Lz. This plane contains the longitudinal axis Lp of the handle in the at least closed position. The intersection between Lp and Lz defines the acute angle α. Finally, the pivot axis Δ of the hinge 30 is always orthogonal to the plane Ps, which is never found in the prior art. The device corresponding to the diagram of the figure 9 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 . In this mode the first housing 101 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical plate forming the first hair treatment surface 12; the second housing 201 comprises a mandrel or roll or longitudinal curler 22 forming the second hair treatment surface. The mandrel 22 is mounted in free rotation about its longitudinal axis of symmetry and is substantially of the same radius as the plate 12. The plate 12 covers the mandrel in the closed position at an overlap angle (φ) between 160 ° and 190 °, particularly between 170 ° and 185 °, and preferably equal to substantially 180 °, as illustrated, and to produce a symmetrical apparatus used by a right-handed or left-handed indifferently and in all directions. Thus the treatment zone Z1 is substantially semi-cylindrical. This zone Z1 makes it possible to create a "counter-form" on the wick treated statically, counter-form that can be located at the root, while keeping a natural shape. Thanks to the rotating mandrel, the user can keep the device static in the closed position against the root, and can then slide the device along the wick with the speed of rotation of the mandrel adapted to the speed of drive. 'apparatus. This counter-shaped configuration makes it possible to statically create a particularly durable corrugation at a chosen location of the wick, for example to create a detachment at the root of the wick, without damaging the scalp. The two treatment surfaces will create a treatment area by pinching the hair because they are mounted facing each other in the closed position and their spacing, low or zero in the closed position, allows the device to slide along of the wick without applying too much friction. The mandrel may be a cylinder, particularly a cylinder of revolution. At least one of the two longitudinal edges 12 ', 12 "of the curved plate 12 has a thickness (e) of between 2 and 6 mm.This small thickness which follows the mandrel makes it possible to apply the apparatus to the nearest root.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 , the first upper longitudinal housing 101 has outer longitudinal sides 17 of elastomer or silicone. This material creates a flat area of contact allowing the device to lean against the scalp without burning it and create friction to keep the device more easily statically against the scalp. Any material equivalent in terms of friction and / or heat protection within the reach of those skilled in the art can be used in place of the elastomer or silicone, for example cork, rubber, foam polyurethane, gel trapped in a pocket, an enamelled bar, a material incorporating small grains (type of fine-grained sandpaper), loaded PTFE, etc ...

As illustrated in figure 8 , a characteristic of the invention, valid for any embodiment, is the value of the diameter of the mandrel 22 which may be between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19 mm. This makes it possible to produce small localized ripples. This reduces the size of the device. The length of the zone is between 50 and 150mm, it is in the example illustrated equal to 70mm.

In a third embodiment, alternative to the first embodiment, the treatment area Z of the hair defined in the closed position of the apparatus by the treatment surfaces is inscribed in a plane and is preferably rectangular Z2, as illustrated in FIG. figure 11 . The scheme of the figure 11 aims to geometrically configure the axes and planes relating to the device: the plane Ps is the orthogonal plane of symmetry of the treatment zone Z2: these are all the equidistant points of the zone. This plane could still be called the median plane of the treatment zone. This plane intersects the zone along a longitudinal axis Lz. This plane contains the longitudinal axis Lp of the handle in the at least closed position. The intersection between Lp and Lz defines the acute angle α. Finally, the pivot axis Δ of the hinge 30 is always orthogonal to the plane Ps, which is never found in the prior art. The apparatus corresponding to the rectangular treatment area is illustrated in figure 10 with respect to differences in treatment surfaces with the first semicircular treatment zone mode.

This configuration allows a conventional smoothing with improved ergonomics because the wrist is less distant from the head than in a straight straightener configuration. This configuration also allows detachment of the root without printing an arc near the scalp. In this configuration, the longitudinal edge 22b of the lower treatment plate makes it possible to draw on the wick when pivoting a quarter turn: a "bolduc" effect then occurs on the wick to lift the root when the wick is in place. friction against the longitudinal edge 22b on a small displacement of the zone and form a corrugation, in combination with the action of heat on the part of the wick taken in the substantially half-cylindrical shape.

As illustrated in figure 8 , a feature of the invention valid for any mode is the width (la) of the first housing 101: this value is less than 32mm, or even less than 26mm. This width is rather between 20mm and 32mm, or between 20mm and 26mm. Also, the treatment zone (Z) has an area greater than or equal to 10 cm ² . The treatment zone has an area of between 20 and 60 cm ² , approximately equal to 42 cm ² in the illustrated example. This allows for improved shaping by more contact and heating of the treated hair on each side of the wick. The first treatment surface ideally covers almost completely the second treatment surface in contact with the hair. The length of each of the two processing surfaces 12, 22 is less than the respective housing length 101, 201 which receives it, for example is between 10% and 40% of the length of the housing. The dimensions are for example a treatment surface of length around 100mm, a width or a diameter around 20 to 25mm.

Moreover, the grip and the actuation of the apparatus can cover at least two different embodiments, illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 to 6 and respectively figure 7 .

The first embodiment of the gripping and actuating means illustrated in FIG. Figures 1 to 6 comprises a first longitudinal arm 102 having a longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second longitudinal arm 202 having a longitudinal axis Lp2 and distinct from the first arm 102, each arm being rigidly connected to the first housing 101 and the second housing 201 respectively, the first arm 102 and the second arm 202 are pivotally connected by a hinge 30 for passing between the open and closed positions of the boxes. This mode makes it possible to construct two jaws: a first jaw 10 comprising the first case 101 with longitudinal axis Lb1 with the first treatment surface 12 and the first gripping arm 102 with longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second jaw 20 comprising the second case 201 longitudinal axis Lb2 with the second processing surface 22 and the second gripping arm 202 Lp2 longitudinal axis; the hinge 30 is located at the end (distal to the treatment zone) of the two gripping arms (102, 202), each arm having a "bend" about 135 ° at an obtuse angle formed by the intersection of Lb1 with Lp1, and also Lb2 with Lp2. The user's hand will support the two gripping arms 102, 202 which each have a longitudinal axis Lp1 and Lp2 to guide and bring the two surfaces together. When the two surfaces 12, 22 are pinched, the two axes Lp1 and Lp2 of the arms are parallel and the axes Lb1 and Lb2 are parallel. The only movement of the two jaws relative to each other is a pivot along an axis Δ orthogonal to the plane of symmetry Ps of the treatment zone. A spring (not shown) is included in the hinge to return the two jaws to the open rest position. The "break" between each handle and each case is substantially in the middle of each jaw.

Alternatively, the second embodiment of the gripping and actuating means illustrated in FIG. figure 7 is the gripping and actuating means comprising a single gripping handle 300 and an actuating trigger 301 in pivoting movement of at least one of said casings 101, 201 relative to the other casing 201, 101. A single handle or arm 300 with a single longitudinal axis Lp in the open and closed position is provided for the grip of the device. The user will press the trigger 301 to move the two treatment surfaces between the open position and the closed position.

Moreover, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment zone can be constant. The angle value is then chosen optimized for a user population, and the apparatus has a reduced manufacturing cost. In an alternative mode not shown but within the reach of the skilled person, the acute angle α formed between the axis of grip and the axis of the treatment area can be adjustable, automatically or by the user . The angle would for example be adjustable in the range between 25 ° and 75 °, preferably between 35 ° and 55 °, even more preferably between 40 ° and 50 °. Over the course of use and whether it is right-handed, left-handed, or that it treats a wick at the top of the skull or on the side of the skull, or that it optimizes its handling for a particular angle value, the user can adjust the angle at his / her convenience. A gear system of the type described in US 2004237990 can be envisaged, or any other system within the reach of those skilled in the art allows a manual adjustment in pivoting of the box relative to the arm.

The gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) contains an electronic control card CPU (printed circuit board 39) for controlling at least the electric heating means 13, 23. The card is held by an arm 102 or by the handle 300.

Description in operation and method of treatment:

To implement this method, the user can use the apparatus according to the invention. Thus, in operation, the user begins by turning on the device which then controls the temperature of the treatment surface or surfaces. A warning light can warn that the heating phase is over. The figure 12 illustrates in detail the process steps for forming volume at the root. The user then grabs a strand of hair (step a) and introduces the wick, for example at the root, between the treatment surfaces and closes the apparatus (step b) and statically clamps for several seconds the wick (step b) . In this position, and in the case where the apparatus has a semicircular processing surface, the housing comprising the concave plate is arranged at the top and the housing comprising the mandrel is arranged downwardly. The edges of the device are applied tangentially to the curve of the scalp. Then the user can rotate (step c) the apparatus about its longitudinal axis (axis parallel or coincident with the axis Lz) about a quarter of a turn down without translating the device (the only movement is substantially pivoting). Then the user slides the device along the wick to its end and the release of the wick. The result on the hair is illustrated. In tests, the inventors have found that this volume at the root can hold for 1 or 2 days, without having to repeat the process the next day.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments which have been given by way of example. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of equivalent techniques, without leaving out of the field of protection of the invention.

Claims (19)

Hairdressing apparatus (1) for shaping hair comprising: - a first housing (101) longitudinal receiving a first treatment surface (12) of hair to be heated by a first electric heating means (13); - a second housing (201) longitudinal receiving a second treatment surface (22) of hair to be heated by a second electric heating means (23); - The first housing (101) is movable relative to the second housing (201) between an open position of the treatment surfaces (12, 22) for introducing the lock of hair and a closed position for the contact of the treatment surfaces (12). , 22) allowing said surfaces to pinch the wick and then defining a hair treatment zone (Z); - At least one gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) of at least one of the housings (101, 201), the gripping and actuating means having a longitudinal axis Lp at least in said closed position; the treatment zone (Z) defined in the closed position has a plane Ps of orthogonal symmetry, said plane Ps containing at least one longitudinal axis Lz of the treatment zone (Z); The axis Lp of said gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) being contained in said plane Ps;
Characterized in that the axis (Lp) and the axis (Lz) intersect in the plane Pz and form an acute angle α of between 25 and 75 °. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the acute angle α formed by the two axes (Lp) and (Lz) is between 35 ° and 55 °, preferably between 40 ° and 50 °, preferably is equal to substantially 45 °. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that : the first housing (101) comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical plate forming the first treatment surface (12) of hair; - The second housing (201) comprises a longitudinal mandrel (22) forming the second hair treatment surface; the mandrel (22) being mounted in free rotation about its longitudinal axis of symmetry and being substantially of the same radius as the plate (12); - The plate (12) covers the mandrel in the closed position at an overlap angle (φ) between 160 ° and 190 ° so that said treatment zone (Z) is substantially semi-cylindrical (Z1). Hairdressing appliance according to the preceding claim wherein the overlap angle (φ) is between 170 ° and 185 °, preferably is equal to about 180 °. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two longitudinal edges (12 ', 12 ") of the plate (12) has a thickness (e) of between 2 and 6 mm. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal housing (101) has external longitudinal sides (17) of elastomer or silicone. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the mandrel (22) is between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19 mm. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - The first housing (101) comprises a first substantially planar plate forming the first treatment surface (12) of hair; - The second housing (201) comprises a second substantially flat plate forming the second treatment surface (22) of hair; - The treatment zone (Z) formed by the two plates in the closed position being substantially rectangular (Z2). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the width (la) of the first housing (101) is less than 32mm. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment zone (Z) has an area greater than or equal to 10 cm ² . Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) comprises a first longitudinal arm (102) of longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second longitudinal arm (202) of longitudinal axis Lp2 and distinct from the first arm, each arm being rigidly connected respectively to the first housing (101) and the second housing (201), - The first arm (102) and the second arm (202) being pivotally connected by a hinge (30) for passing between the open and closed positions of the boxes. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) comprises a handle (300) and a trigger (301) actuating at least one of said boxes (101, 201) relative to the other housing (201, 101). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acute angle α is constant. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the acute angle α is adjustable. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the gripping and actuating means (102, 202, 300, 301) contains an electronic control card (39) for controlling at least the means electric heating (13, 23). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) are pivotally connected by a hinge (30) of pivot axis (Δ) allowing to pass between the open and closed positions of the boxes and in that the angle α is formed in the plane orthogonal to the pivot axis (Δ) and passing through the longitudinal axis (Lp) of the handle. Hair treatment method consisting in succession of: a) forming a lock of hair and holding said lock above the head, b) statically pinch two smooth surfaces heated for at least two seconds at the root of this strand of hair, c) maintain the pinch and rotate about a quarter of a turn the hot surfaces, pivoting towards the bottom of the face, d) slide the apparatus closed along the wick while placing the wick on the head towards the opposite side of its natural placement along the head. Method according to the preceding claim, consisting in repeating steps a) to d) on another lock located on the scalp under the previously treated wick. Hair treatment method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the user uses the apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 16.

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