EP2700328B1 - Hair-styling apparatus with optimised ergonomics - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention:

The present invention relates to an electric apparatus for styling or shaping the hair, more particularly an apparatus for setting the volume of the hair or for detaching the roots of the hair. It is then a question of giving a smooth and curved shape to the hair roots.

State of the prior art:

Most hair setting devices are devices comprising two hot or heated treatment surfaces which come into contact on a lock of hair passing from an open position allowing the insertion of the hair to a closed position. for their contact between the two surfaces.

All of these styling devices are intended to give a curved shape to the treated hair, giving a voluminous appearance to the locks, for example volume at the root.

He is known to WO2007094550 a straight curling iron with several detachable heating mandrels 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 undulations according to the shape of the attached mandrel. To form ripples effectively, it is expected that the mandrel is in contact with the hair over a maximum circumference: it is found that three-quarters of the mandrel are in simultaneous contact with the wick to be waved. This makes it possible to form a greater length of drill bit in several shapes corresponding to several mandrels.

The purpose of this styling device is to ensure good shaping of the hair without, however, making it possible to form a relatively localized volume on the lock of hair treated.

To this end, the applicant has recently filed a patent application, the filing number of which is FR1252580 , incorporated here for reference. This patent relates to a heated hairdressing apparatus for shaping hair comprising a first housing comprising a plate forming at least a first hair treatment surface of concave shape; a second housing comprising a longitudinal mandrel forming a second electrically heated hair treatment surface; the mandrel is in free rotation around its longitudinal axis and is substantially the same radius as the plate; the boxes are pivotally connected by a hinge to define open and closed positions of the device; the concave plate is intended to cover the mandrel in the closed position at a recovery angle α around 180 °. This device aims to detach the hairline and shape it so that the lock has volume at the root without appearing flat on the scalp. The treatment zone defined by the heating cylinder in free rotation on the one hand and a plate curved according to the same curve as the cylinder on the other hand which come to pinch the wick near the scalp allows to create this undulation at the root of the wick and give it volume.

The configuration of the device housing in the first implementation of this treatment zone is a completely straight configuration: the device is formed by two straight arms connected by a hinge at one of their ends and the user comes to pinch these two straight longitudinal arms to form the treatment area. The method of using this first embodiment of the device consists in pinching the two arms closest to the root of a wick statically for several seconds, then pivoting the device around its longitudinal axis by about a quarter. turn down, and then slide the device along the wick to its end.

During usage tests carried out by the applicant, it appeared that this straight longitudinal configuration forces certain users to “break” their wrist during the step of pivoting the device on its axis. This can be annoying after a few minutes of treatment.

Based on this observation, the applicant's objective was to improve the ergonomics of use of this device for easy use by any user and not restrictive for the wrist.

With regard to the ergonomics of use of straighteners, certain documents are already known.

The document US2004237990 addresses the problem of holding a hair shaping device comfortably without bending your wrist. For this he describes a straightener with two straight branches connected at their ends by a hinge to define a flat treatment area for hair in the closed position. The flat treatment plates are manually and angularly adjustable relative to the grip handle, the angular mobility being always written in the plane including the flat treatment zone. The treatment surfaces are movable in rotation. This orientation allows the treatment area to be slightly bent when the device is moved along the wick, this making it possible to give a slight undulation to the whole wick. However, to return to a conventional smoothing grip with two straight straighteners, the user must stop using the device, and, when the plates are cooled, turn them manually to return to a strictly straight configuration of the arms.

This configuration is also described in the Chinese design. CN3323252 , which differs from the document US2004237990 in that no adjustment is provided and the angle remains constant. However, to return to a classic smoothing grip with two straight straighteners, the user must change the device or break his wrist.

Furthermore the document JP4020328 describes a straightener whose branches have a fairly small deflection angle between the handle and the treatment zone, the hinge connection between the two branches being able to be arranged at the end of the branches or else in the middle between the treatment zone and the handle . However, to return to a classic smoothing grip with two straight straighteners, the user must change the device or break his wrist.

WO2006 / 102995 discloses a hair styling device whose angle between the jaws and the handle is adjustable.

Thus, no document discloses a hair treatment device making it possible to treat the hair in conventional straightening and in localized wavy with excellent ergonomics and ease of use.

Statement of the invention:

The object of the present invention is to provide an electric hair styling device having two treatment surfaces intended to form a hair treatment zone and having perfect ergonomics of use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hairstyling device making it possible to form a volume or a wave which can be relatively localized on the strand of hair treated.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to straighten the hair over substantially the entire length of the lock of hair without risking damaging it.

Another object of the present invention aims to make it possible to detach the roots of the hair.

Another object of the invention is a hairstyling device capable of shaping the hair quickly and efficiently.

Another object of the invention is a hairstyling device capable of shaping the hair over an extended period up to several days.

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

Another object of the invention is a hair styling device capable of ensuring good ergonomics and comfortable use, while being reliable in operation. Another object of the invention is a hairstyling device with a simplified, compact structure which can be industrialized at low cost.

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

Another object of the invention is a hair treatment device which allows effective treatment of the hair, while being easy and practical to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hairstyling device capable of adopting different configurations to provide two different hair layouts, for example volume and straightening.

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

These objects are achieved with a hairstyling device for shaping hair according to claim 1 comprising a a first longitudinal housing receiving a first hair treatment surface intended to be heated by a first electrical heating means; - A second longitudinal housing receiving a second hair treatment surface intended to be heated by a second electrical heating means; - the first housing is movable relative to the second housing around a pivot axis (Δ) between an open position of the treatment surfaces allowing the hair strand to be introduced and a closed position for contacting the treatment surfaces allowing said surfaces pinching the lock and then defining a hair treatment zone (Z); - At least one gripping and actuating means of at least one of the boxes, the gripping and actuating means making it possible to pass between the open and closed positions and 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 being contained in said plane Ps; Characterized in that the axis (Lp) and the axis (Lz) are intersecting in the plane Ps and form an acute angle between 25 and 75 °, the angle α being formed in the plane orthogonal to the pivot axis (Δ). This angle 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 device for a localized undulation. This angle α also makes it possible to produce a conventional smoothing. In addition, the ergonomics of use are intuitive and all the positions that the device takes 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 tight curve where the angle α existing between the support and the treatment surface is not as visible on the outer cover. The handle could alternatively take the form of a tight curve and the axis Lp considered would be the straight line tangent to this curve, for example tangent substantially in the middle of this curve or even tangent to the pivot axis of the housing. Alternatively and / or additionally the housing unit of the treatment zone can take the form of a tight curve and the axis Lz considered would be the straight line tangent to this curve, for example tangent substantially in the middle of the treatment segment arranged on the longitudinal axis of the area or tangent to any point of the treatment segment. In all of these alternatives, it is essential that the angle α according to the invention makes it possible to rotate the treatment zone on itself by ergonomically closed.

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 fully optimized ergonomics.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the first case can comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical plate forming the first hair treatment surface; the second housing may include 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 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 counterform on the wick treated statically, counterform which can be located at the root, while keeping a natural shape. The user chooses whether he keeps the device static in the closed position or if he slides the device along the wick. This configuration as a counter-form makes it possible to statically create a particularly durable undulation at a chosen location of the lock, for example creating detachment at the root of the lock, without damaging the scalp. The two treatment surfaces will create a treatment zone by pinching the hair because they are mounted facing each other in the closed position and their slight or no spacing in the closed position allows the device to be slid along the wick in use.

More particularly, the overlap angle (ϕ) is between 170 ° and 185 °, preferably equal to around 180 °. The value of 180 ° makes it possible to produce a symmetrical device usable by right-handed or left-handed indifferently and in all directions. The value of 180 ° makes it possible to form a natural semicircle with the veil of hair near the scalp.

According to a 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 which follows the mandrel makes it possible to form a pronounced curve as close as possible to the root and with the most natural shape possible. In particular, the two longitudinal edges of the plate may each have a thickness (e) of between 2 and 6mm. This allows a right-handed or a left-handed person to work as close as possible to the root.

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

According to a characteristic of the invention, the diameter of the mandrel can be between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19mm. This allows small localized ripples to be produced. This reduces the size of the device.

According to an alternative characteristic to the so-called “semi-circular” treatment area of the invention, the first housing can comprise a first substantially flat plate forming the first hair treatment surface; the second housing can 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 classic 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, however, printing an arc near the scalp. In this configuration, the longitudinal edge (s) of the lower treatment plate allow the wick to be pulled when pivoting a quarter turn: a “bolduc” effect then occurs on the wick to lift the root.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the width (la) of the first housing is less than 32mm, even less than 26mm. This width is rather between 20mm and 32mm, or even between 20mm and 26mm. This also makes it possible to produce small localized undulations. This reduces the size of the device.

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

The gripping and actuating means according to the invention can follow a first embodiment as follows: the gripping and actuating means comprises a first longitudinal arm with longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second longitudinal arm with longitudinal axis Lp2 and distinct from the first arm, each arm being rigidly connected respectively to the first housing and to the second housing, the first arm and the second arm being pivotally connected by a hinge making it possible to pass 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 relatively housings to the other box. The user will press the trigger which rotates at least one of the two boxes to pass the two treatment surfaces between the open position and the closed position. The actuation allows a pivot movement between the two boxes or a translational movement between the two boxes, or any other movement allowing the jaws supporting the treatment surfaces to open to accommodate the lock of hair to be treated.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment area is constant. The value of the angle chosen is chosen optimized for a population of users and the device 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 use, the user can adjust the angle as best he can to optimize his handling.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the gripping and actuating means contains an electronic control card making it possible to control at least the electrical heating means. This construction allows an improved compactness.

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

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating hair using the apparatus of claim 1 consisting successively of: a) forming a lock of hair and holding said lock above the head; b) statically pinch two smooth heated surfaces for at least two seconds at the root of this lock of hair; c) maintain the pinch and rotate the hot surfaces by about a quarter of a turn, the pivoting being made towards the bottom of the face; d) slide the closed device along the wick while placing the wick on the head towards the opposite side of its natural placement along the head, The last step d) allows to store the wick on the other side , lets it cool in good position with a localized ripple when it is not subjected to gravity which would flatten the half loop formed in step b) or c).

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

According to a characteristic of the method according to the invention, the user can slightly release the pressure of pinching the surfaces of the closed device at the same time as he 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 œuvre 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 œuvre 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 from the study of the embodiments taken without any limitation being implied 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 section in perspective in the open position of a first embodiment of the apparatus;
• The figure 6 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus in the open position;
• The figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device in the open position;
• The figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the first and second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;
• The figure 9 schematically illustrates the processing area and the axes implemented 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 work in the third embodiment
• The figure 12 illustrates the steps of a method of using the device according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention:

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 , the invention relates to a hairdressing apparatus 1 for shaping hair comprising a first longitudinal casing 101 receiving a first hair treatment surface 12 intended to be heated by a first electrical heating means 13; a second longitudinal casing 201 receiving a second hair treatment surface 22 intended to be heated by a second electrical heating means 23. The first heating means 13, like the second heating means 23, can be an electrical resistance, in particular a resistance of the PTC thermistor type, of parallelepiped shape and pressed against the treatment surface, as illustrated in figure 6 . Such resistance has in particular the advantage of a small footprint for good thermal efficiency of heating; moreover it has thermal self-regulation properties.

As illustrated in figure 8 in cross section, the plate 12 in a U or in a semicircle section is extended by a base tangential to the curve and forming a part symmetrical with respect to a plane Ps of orthogonal symmetry along the plate 12. This base has a cavity for receiving the heating element 13.

As illustrated in figures 5 and 8 , the heating element of the mandrel 22 comprises a rectangular PTC thermistor 23, held in the cylinder 22 by a piece 22 of heat diffusion in extruded aluminum of cylindrical shape 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 part which will be mounted on an axis 26 allowing the 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, the section of which has a moon shape. In a second alternative embodiment, the heating element can be a ceramic resistor or even be made of an electrically resistant flexible film.

The treatment surface can be made of metal, for example aluminum, or any other material which presents a good compromise between thermal conductivity and cost. The heating means works only by thermal conduction. The heating means can contain temperature measurement and temperature regulation elements, between 160 and 220 ° C, preferably around 170 ° C. The device is electric and comprises a supply wire 37, but can alternatively be mounted on a battery, or alternatively thermally rechargeable (heat storage in the aluminum alloy mandrel).

The first housing 101 is movable relative to the second housing 201 between an open position of the treatment surfaces 12, 22 allowing the hair strand to be introduced, and a closed position for contacting the treatment surfaces 12, 22 allowing said surfaces to pinch the lock and then defining a zone Z for treating the hair. The apparatus comprises at least one gripping and actuating means (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 boxes 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 are intersecting in the plane Ps and form an acute angle α of between 25 ° and 75 °, preferably between 35 and 55 °, even 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 device for localized undulation. The presence of this angle α formed in the plane orthogonal to the pivot axis (Δ) and passing through the longitudinal axis of the handle also makes it possible to produce a conventional smoothing without however breaking the wrist. In addition the ergonomics of use is intuitive and all the positions that the device takes in use on the hair allow by 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 the measurement of the angle. The figures illustrate the acute angle α and / or its obtuse additional angle β substantially equal to 135 °.
A switch 31 is provided for controlling the heating temperature of the appliance. A display, for example digital, (not illustrated) displays the controlled temperature for heating the plates in operation. Indicators (not shown) are provided to warn that the heating phase has ended and indicate that the appliance is ready for use. A locking system 38 of the boxes is provided to maintain the compact closed position when storing the device. An ionizer 14 is provided for delivering ions to the treatment area. A control switch 15 is provided inside a first arm and arranged opposite with a control pin 27 on the second arm: they make it possible to detect the closing of the device and this information can be used for a control. finer in temperature by a printed card.

In a first embodiment, the hair treatment zone defined in the closed position of the device by the treatment surfaces is substantially semi-cylindrical Z1, as shown schematically in figure 9 .
The scheme of the figure 9 aims to geometrically configure the axes and planes relative to the device: the plane Ps is the plane of orthogonal symmetry of the treatment zone: these are all the equidistant points of the zone. We could also call this plan the median plane of the treatment area. 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 a. 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 cylinder or longitudinal curler 22 forming the second hair treatment surface. The mandrel 22 is mounted in free rotation around its longitudinal axis of symmetry and is substantially 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 making it possible to produce a symmetrical device usable 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, a counter-form which can be located at the root, while keeping a natural form. 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 drill bit with the speed of rotation of the mandrel adapted to the drive speed of the 'apparatus. This configuration as a counter-form makes it possible to statically create a particularly durable undulation at a chosen location of the lock, for example creating detachment at the root of the lock, without damaging the scalp. The two treatment surfaces will create a treatment zone by pinching the hair because they are mounted facing each other in the closed position and their spacing, small or zero in the closed position, allows the device to be dragged along bit without applying too much friction. The mandrel can 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 marries the mandrel makes it possible to apply the device as close as possible to the root.
As illustrated in figures 1 to 8 , the first upper longitudinal casing 101 has external longitudinal sides 17 made of elastomer or silicone. This material creates a flat contact area allowing the device to lean against the scalp without burning it and create friction to keep the device in place 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 enameled bar, a material incorporating small grains (such as 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 can be between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19mm. This allows small localized ripples to be produced. 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 hair treatment zone Z defined in the closed position of the device by the treatment surfaces is inscribed in a plane and is preferably rectangular Z2, as illustrated in figure 11 . The scheme of the figure 11 aims to geometrically configure the axes and planes relative to the device: the plane Ps is the plane of orthogonal symmetry of the treatment zone Z2: these are all the equidistant points of the zone. We could also call this plan the median plane of the treatment area. This plane cuts the area 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 a. 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 rectangular treatment area is illustrated in figure 10 , as regards the differences in treatment surfaces with the first mode with semi-circular treatment zone.
This configuration allows a classic 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, however, printing an arc near the scalp. In this configuration, the longitudinal edge 22b of the lower treatment plate makes it possible to pull the wick during the pivoting of a quarter turn: a “bolduc” effect then occurs on the wick to lift the root when the wick is in friction against the longitudinal edge 22b over a small displacement of the area and form a ripple, in combination with the action of heat on the part of the wick taken in the substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

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

Furthermore, the handling and actuation of the device can cover at least two different embodiments, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 and respectively in figure 7 .

The first embodiment of the gripping and actuating means illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 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 102, each arm being rigidly connected respectively to the first housing 101 and to the second housing 201, The first arm 102 and the second arm 202 are pivotally connected by a hinge 30 making it possible to pass 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 housing 101 of longitudinal axis Lb1 with the first treatment surface 12 and the first gripping arm 102 of longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second jaw 20 comprising the second housing 201 of longitudinal axis Lb2 with the second treatment surface 22 and the second gripping arm 202 of longitudinal axis Lp2; 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 ° in obtuse angle formed by the intersection of Lb1 with Lp1, and also Lb2 with Lp2. The user's hand will press on 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 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 cases 101, 201 relative to the other case 201, 101. A single handle or arm 300 with a single longitudinal axis Lp in the open and closed position is provided for handling the device. The user will press the trigger 301 to move the two treatment surfaces between the open position and the closed position.

Furthermore, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment zone can be constant. The value of the angle is then chosen optimized for a population of users, and the device has a reduced manufacturing cost. In an alternative mode not illustrated but within the reach of those skilled in the art, the acute angle α formed between the grip axis and the axis of the treatment zone can be adjustable, automatically or by the user. . The angle would be adjustable in the range between 25 ° and 75 °, preferably between 35 ° and 55 °, even more preferably between 40 ° and 50 °. Over use and depending on whether it is right-handed, left-handed, or whether it treats a wick at the top of the skull or on the side of the skull, or whether it optimizes its handling for a particular angle value, the user can adjust the angle as best he can. 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 card 39) making it possible to control at least the electrical heating means 13, 23. The card is held by an arm 102 or by the handle 300.

Description in operation and processing method:

To implement this method, the user can use the device according to the invention. Thus, in operation, the user begins by turning on the device which then controls the temperature rise of the treatment surface (s). An indicator light can warn that the heating phase has ended. The figure 12 illustrates in detail the steps of the process for forming volume at the root. The user then grabs a wick of hair (step a) and introduces the wick, for example at the root, between the treatment surfaces and closes the device (step b) and pinches the wick statically for several seconds (step b) . In this position, and in the case where the apparatus has a semi-circular treatment surface, the housing comprising the concave plate is arranged at the top and the housing comprising the mandrel is arranged at the bottom. The edges of the device are applied tangentially to the curve of the scalp. Then the user can rotate (step c) the device around 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 upon release of the wick. The result on the hair is illustrated. During 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.

Claims (17)

1. Hair-styling apparatus (1) for shaping hair comprising:

   - a first longitudinal case (101) receiving a first treatment surface (12) of hair intended to be heated by a first electric means of heating (13);

   - a second longitudinal case (201) receiving a second treatment surface (22) of hair intended to be heated by a second electric means of heating (23);

   - the first case (101) is mobile with respect to the second case (201) about a pivot axis (Δ) between an open position of the treatment surfaces (12, 22) making it possible to introduce the lock of hair and a closed position for the contact of the treatment surfaces (12, 22) allowing said surfaces to pinch the lock and then defining a treatment zone (Z) of the hair;

   - at least one means for gripping and for actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) at least one of the cases (101, 201), the means for gripping and for actuating making it possible to switch between the open and closed positions and 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 means for gripping and for actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) being contained in said plane Ps, characterised in that the axis (Lp) and the axis (Lz) are secant in the plane Ps and form an acute angle α comprised between 25 and 75°, the angle α being formed in the plane orthogonal to the pivot axis (Δ).
2. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim characterised in that the acute angle α formed by the two axes (Lp) and (Lz) is comprised between 35° and 55°, preferably between 40° and 50°, preferably is equal to substantially 45°.
3. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that:

   - the first case (101) comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical plate forming the first treatment surface (12) of hair;

   - the second case (201) comprises a longitudinal mandrel (22) forming the second treatment surface of hair; the mandrel (22) being mounted in a freely rotatable manner about the longitudinal axis of symmetry thereof and being substantially of the same radius as the plate (12);

   - the plate (12) covers the mandrel in the closed position according to an overlap angle (ϕ) comprised between 160° and 190° in such a way that said treatment zone (Z) is substantially semi-cylindrical (Z1).
4. Hair-styling apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the overlap angle (ϕ) is comprised between 170° and 185°, preferably is equal to about 180°.
5. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one of the two longitudinal edges (12', 12") of the plate (12) has a thickness (e) comprised between 2 and 6mm.
6. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the first longitudinal case (101) has outer longitudinal sides (17) made of elastomer or silicone.
7. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the diameter of the mandrel (22) is comprised between 15 and 22 mm, preferably equal to substantially 19mm.
8. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that

   - the first case (101) comprises a first substantially planar plate forming the first treatment surface (12) of hair;

   - the second case (201) comprises a second substantially planar plate forming the second treatment surface (22) of hair;

   - the treatment zone (Z) formed by the two plates in closed position being substantially rectangular (Z2).
9. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the width (Ia) of the first case (101) is less than 32mm.
10. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the treatment zone (Z) has a surface area greater than or equal to 10cm².
11. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that

    - the means for gripping and for actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) comprises a first longitudinal arm (102) with longitudinal axis Lp1 and a second longitudinal arm (202) of longitudinal axis Lp2 and separate from the first arm, with each arm being rigidly and respectively connected to the first case (101) and to the second case (201),

    - the first arm (102) and the second arm (202) being pivotably connected by a hinge (30) making it possible to switch between the open and closed positions of the cases.
12. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the means for gripping and for actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) comprises a gripping handle (300) and a trigger (301) for actuating at least one of said cases (101, 201) relatively to the other case (201, 101).
13. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the acute angle α is constant.
14. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the acute angle α can be adjusted.
15. Hair-styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the means for gripping and for actuating (102, 202, 300, 301) contains an electronic control card (39) that makes it possible to control at least the electric means of heating (13, 23).
16. Method for treating hair by using the apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 15 consisting successively of:

    a) forming a lock of hair and maintaining said lock above the head,

    b) statically pinching two smooth surfaces heated for at least two seconds at the root of this lock of hair,

    c) maintaining and pinching and pivoting the hot surfaces about a quarter turn, with the pivoting being done towards the bottom of the face,

    d) sliding the closed apparatus along the lock while placing the lock on the head towards the opposite side of its natural position along the head.
17. Method according to the preceding claim, consisting of reiterating the steps a) to d) over another lock located on the scalp under the previously treated lock.

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