EP2760310B1 - Care-substance applicator for applying a care substance to a strand of hair, and care-substance cartridge therefor - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a care applicator for applying a care substance to a strand of hair. Furthermore, the invention relates to a care fabric cartridge as part or for such a care applicator.

In order to support a hair shaping, care substances are sometimes introduced into the hair. These may assist the hair styling process or are used to condition the hair. To carry out the molding process of the hair hair styling devices are used, for example, so-called Straightener or curling irons. Such hair styling devices have a heated hair surface. A straightener has two such hair shaping surfaces, between which there is a hairline nipple. The hair shaping surfaces of a Straighteners are articulated in the manner of a pair of pliers against each other adjustable. For hair styling typically a certain pressure and a certain mold temperature is needed. To support the molding process, it may be appropriate to previously wet the forming hair with a care substance or with water, so that water is to be understood as a care substance in the sense of these statements.

If care substances are supplied to the hair in connection with a hair shaping, this takes place before the molding process to be carried out with the hair styling device. The care substance (s) are sprayed on the hair or, if these are foam or gel preparations, massaged into the hair. However, this means that the entire hair or part of the hair to be formed is to be treated in a first step with the care fabric, to be subsequently molded with the hair styling device with heat. Treating the shaped hairs with a conditioner to condition them after the hair-styling process is possible only in the form of a firming spray so as not to interfere with the hair-setting that has been made. Such a care spray is applied after completion of the entire hair-shaping process, ie after the entirety of the hair to be formed have been shaped. Therefore, a limited to certain strands selective application of care materials after perfect molding process is not or at least not readily possible.

US 6,447,191 discloses a cosmetic product container comprising a bottle and associated closure. In the neck region of the bottle, a discharge wall is provided with a plurality of openings. The closure comprises, in addition to means for fastening to the neck region of the bottle, a shaft arranged thereon, at the other end of which there is a sponge-like application pad which, when inserted, is adjacent to the dispensing wall. Through the openings, the cosmetic product can get to the application pad, which soaks with it. For application, the closure is taken from the bottle and the cosmetic product can be applied by means of the application pad.

WO 99/49797 A discloses a device for administering a liquid coolant, namely for the treatment of warts. The device comprises a container for the coolant, a valve arranged thereon and means for operating the valve. Furthermore, an administration element is provided, which has an eg sponge-like structure for receiving the liquid coolant. By suitably guiding the delivery member to the container, the means for operating are actuated, whereby liquid coolant flows out through the valve and is received by the delivery member. After removal of the administration element, the valve being closed again, a cooling effect is produced by evaporating the coolant.

WO 2004/041021 A discloses a hair treatment system comprising a hair styling device having two hingedly connected arms and contacting elements respectively disposed thereon, a mounting frame for placement on a contacting element, and an appliqué which can be secured by means of the mounting frame. The application towel can be soaked before or after the attachment with a means for hair treatment. In operation, the hair is trapped between the two arms, with the agent being released from the appliqué into the hair.

FR 2 953 376 discloses a system for applying a cosmetic product to a strand of hair with an applicator having a forceps-like applicator for guiding the strand of hair. The application device is pipette-like with a reservoir and adjoining cannula, at the end of which the applicator is located, which may have, for example, bristles or an absorbent material. The system further includes a container for the (liquid or gelatinous) cosmetic product into which the application device can be immersed to fill by actuation of the reservoir's pipette. For application, the application device is removed from the container, wherein the cosmetic product can be dispensed via the applicator by operating the pipette.

Starting from the in WO 2004/041021 A described hair treatment system, the invention is therefore an object of the invention to ensure a trouble-free filling of the care applicator with the care and safe storage of the care fabric in the care applicator.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a care applicator, suitable as part of a hair styling device or for connection to a hair styling device, for applying a care product to a strand of hair, comprising a care fabric cartridge for filling the care applicator with the care product and arranged in a housing, designed as a cartridge receiving care reservoir with at least one care fabric application outlet, through which the care substance emerges during application, and with a cartridge opening for inserting and removing the care fabric cartridge, which comprises a care carrier held in a dimensionally stable manner by a support body in the insertion direction with care substance held therein, which support body has a handle for handling the care substance cartridge and which care fabric cartridge fills the care fabric reservoir completely or approximately completely with respect to the cross section thereof.

This is typically refillable as part of a hair styling device or as a care fabric applicator which can be connected to such a hair care applicator stored in it. For this purpose, one uses a care fabric cartridge, which has a care carrier, in which the care substance is maintained. The care substance can be kept ready for dispensing in the care carrier, that is, in its state of aggregation, with this to be applied to the hair. The care substance is held in the care carrier. Depending on the configuration of the care substance applicator or the care substance to be applied, the care substance may be held in the care carrier in liquid, gel or solid form. Occasionally, a state change of the care substance is brought about before the care material is supplied to the hair to be conditioned. This may be, for example, a heating of the care substance in order to bring it into its vapor phase, so that a care application can be carried out in the vapor phase. The care carrier is typically a textile material, such as a fleece or a felt. The use of an open-cell foam is conceivable for producing the Pfleffoffträgers. For handling the care carrier this is associated with a support body by which the care carrier is held dimensionally stable at least in the insertion direction of the cartridge in a trained as a cartridge receiving care fabric reservoir. This serves the purpose that when the care fabric cartridge is inserted into such a cartridge receptacle, the care substance is not pressed out of the care carrier or at most only minimally pressed out. This applies especially when the care substance contained in the care carrier is liquid or gel. Thus, the support body of the care fabric cartridge gives the necessary for their handling for insertion into the care fabric reservoir dimensional stability. To touch the care fabric cartridge is a typically integrally formed on the support body handle. This can be performed, for example, shank-shaped or in the manner of a tab. The latter embodiment will then be preferred if the support body for locking and unlocking thereof within the cartridge receptacle of the care applicator has to be rotated. Can be provided a lock between the support body of the care fabric cartridge and the cartridge holder.

Part of the support body may be a care carrier in the insertion direction of the care fabric cartridge in the cartridge receptacle against deformation protective flange.

The care applicator can be designed in such a way that the care substance to be applied to a strand of hair is introduced into the hair in a contacting or contactless manner. In the former case, the hair contacting the care substance application outlet is preferably guided past a closure body which is permeable to the care product and which may well also be part of the care substance carrier. In the case of a non-contact application of care material, heat can be used to supply the care substance in vapor form to the hair. In such an embodiment, it makes sense to preheat the care substance to be applied, to a temperature only slightly below its evaporation temperature. If such a configuration is provided, it is provided according to an embodiment to arrange the care fabric applicator in relation to the heating device of the hair styling device in such a way, that is preheated by this the care carrier in the care fabric reservoir at least in the area of care application application exit. Above its vaporization temperature, the conditioner is exposed to heat radiated by the hair thermoformed with a hair styling device into the care fabric application outlet. In such an embodiment, self-regulation of the care substance application takes place.

The above-described care applicator for applying a care product to a strand of hair is not only easy in its training and production, but also at least partially recyclable by the described cartridge design. With this concept care product cartridges can easily be exchanged for one another, even without a first care-substance cartridge being emptied. This offers the possibility, depending on the application, the desired care fabric, stored in a care carrier of such a cartridge to use in the care applicator. To distinguish different care substances can be provided to mark the support body and / or the care carrier in different colors. Then, a specific color of the wearer body and / or the care carrier of the care fabric cartridge is assigned to a specific care substance. The person working with the care applicator can then readily recognize which care substance is in the care applicator.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines als Straightener konzipierten Haarformgerätes mit zwei Pflegestoffapplikatoren,

Fig. 2:

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Pflegestoffkartusche zur Verwendung in den Pflegestoffapplikatoren der Figur 1 im Zusammenbau sowie nach Art einer Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 3:

eine Längsschnittdarstellung der Pflegestoffkartusche der Figur 2 mit möglichen Weiterbildungen,

Fig. 4:

eine schematisierte Querschnittsdarstellung eines der beiden Pflegestoffapplikatoren des Haarformgerätes der Figur 1 mit darin eingesetzter Pflegestoffkartusche,

Fig. 5:

ein weiteres, als Straightener konzipiertes Haarformgerät mit zwei Pflegestoffapplikatoren gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel

Fig. 6:

eine Pflegestoffkartusche, dargestellt nach Art einer Explosionsdarstellung zur Verwendung in einem Pflegestoffapplikator der Figur 5 und

Fig. 7:

eine schematisierte Querschnittsdarstellung des oberen Armes eines Straighteners als Haarformgerät mit einem Pflegestoffapplikator gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of designed as Straightener hair styling device with two Pflegestoffapplikatoren,

Fig. 2:

a perspective view of a care fabric cartridge for use in the Pflegestoffapplikatoren the FIG. 1 in the assembly as well as in the manner of an exploded view,

3:

a longitudinal sectional view of the care fabric cartridge of FIG. 2 with possible further education,

4:

a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the two care applicators of the hair styling device of FIG. 1 with care product cartridge inserted in it,

Fig. 5:

another, designed as a straightener hair styling device with two care applicators according to another embodiment

Fig. 6:

a care fabric cartridge, shown in the manner of an exploded view for use in a care applicator of FIG. 5 and

Fig. 7:

a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper arm of a straightener as a hair styling device with a care applicator according to another embodiment.

A hair styling device 1 is designed as a so-called Straightener and thus in principle for straightening hair. The hair styling device 1 has two articulated arms, which are adjustable against each other like pliers. In FIG. 1 the hair styling device 1 is shown only with one of the two arms 2. Each arm carries at its free end on the facing to the other arm side of a mold 3. These are each an electrically heated mold plate with a flat, smooth surface. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the forming tool 3 forms the hair shaping surface on which, in cooperation with the complementary forming tool of the other, in FIG. 1 Not shown poor hair can be shaped.

The arm 2 of the hair styling device 1 carries on its two longitudinal sides in each case a care applicator 4, 4.1. In the following, the care substance applicator 4 is described. The care applicator 4.1 is constructed identically. The care applicator 4 of the illustrated embodiment consists of a housing 5, in which a cylindrical, the longitudinal extent of the housing 5 following care fabric reservoir 6 is introduced. The front, in FIG. 1 recognizable frontal opening 7 of the care fabric reservoir 6 is used for inserting and removing a care fabric cartridge 8. In the embodiment of the FIG. 1 is in a top care application application of the housing 5, a closure body 9 is inserted.

The care fabric cartridge 8 has, as shown FIG. 2 recognizable via a support body 10, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a mandrel. On the mandrel 10 sits a care carrier 11, which is in the illustrated embodiment, a soaked with care fabric cylindrical felt body. The care substance is held in the care carrier 11 in liquid form. The care carrier 11 is formed so that a concentration distribution of the care substance held therein is effected by its capillary forces and thus a transport of care material towards the closure body 9 is given out when the care fabric cartridge 8 is inserted into the care fabric reservoir 6. The support body 10 passes through the care carrier 11 over its entire length. On the front side, the cylindrical care carrier 11 is on the one hand by a molded onto the support body 10 flange 12, to which in turn a handle 13 is formed, and on the other hand by a further flange 14 which is placed on the free end of the support body 10 and connected thereto before Deformations in the longitudinal direction of the support body 10, especially when inserting the same in the care fabric reservoir 6 protected. The support body 10 with its flange 12 and the handle 13 is as well as the disc formed as a flange 14 is a plastic part.

FIG. 3 shows in a longitudinal section, the care fabric cartridge 8. Dashed lines are in FIG. 3 possible developments shown. These are, on the one hand, a locking extension 15 as an extension of the carrier body 10 designed as a mandrel. On the locking extension 15, a locking cam 16 is formed protruding in the radial direction. The care fabric reservoir 6 or the housing 5 of the care applicator 4 is associated with a complementary complementary complementary locking element receptacle, which has an insertion portion for insertion of the locking cam 16 and a locking portion behind which the locking cam 16 engages, if this after insertion thereof in the insertion has been rotated by a certain angle. Thus, the locking extension 15 executed with its locking cam 16 and the complementary locking element of the housing 5 in the manner of a plug-in rotary locking (bayonet lock). According to another embodiment, a locking cam 16.1 is integrally formed on the flange 12. This is in the same way as this is described to the locking cam 16, with a complementary locking element receptacle on the front end side of the housing 5 for locking the care fabric cartridge on the housing 5 into engagement.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that the inner diameter of the care fabric reservoir 6 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the Pflegestoffträgers 11 of the care fabric cartridge 8. This ensures that, as in FIG. 4 recognizable, the outer surface of the care carrier 11 is in contact with the closure body 9.

Nursing material is applied to a strand of hair in this embodiment in that the hair strand is pulled past the application substance applicator 4 in a contacting manner on the application surface 17 formed by the upper side of the closure body 9.

The above-described embodiment has been described with reference to two, arranged adjacent to the hair shaping surfaces Pfleggestoffapplikatoren. It is understood that a hair styling device can only be equipped with a care applicator. In the case of a straightener, this would be on one or the other long side of one of his arms.

FIG. 5 shows another hair styling device 1.1, of which also only the lower arm 2.2 is shown. The hair styling device 1.1 is constructed as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 The hair styling device 1.1 differs from the hair styling device 1 by the design of its care applicators 4.2, 4.3. The care applicators 4.2, 4.3 are identical. The following describes the care applicator 4.2. The housing 5.1 of the care substance applicator 4.2 has a care substance application outlet formed in the manner of one of the longitudinal extensions of the housing 5.1 following the slot 18. The care fabric reservoir 6.1 has a rectangular cross-sectional geometry in this embodiment. Is used in this embodiment in the care fabric reservoir 6.1 a care fabric cartridge 8.1, which also has a support body 10.1 and a Pflegestoffträger 11.1. In the presentation of the FIG. 5 the care fabric cartridge 8.1 is shown in the manner of an exploded view. The support body 10.1 of this embodiment is formed in cross-section U-shaped and serves to receive the lower portion of the cuboid carried Pflegestoffträgers 11.1. This is held jammed with its lower portion within the U-shaped receptacle of the support body 10.1. Formed on the support body 10.1 is a handle 13.1 for handling the care fabric cartridge 8.1. In this embodiment, the narrow side forming transverse side of Pflegestoffträgers 11.1 is slightly larger than the corresponding width of the Pflegestoffreservoirs 6.1. This ensures that the care carrier 11.1 rests against the relevant inner walls of the care fabric reservoir 6.1 under a slight bias.

In this embodiment, the care application application exit 18 is open. Moreover, the care fabric applicators 4, 4.1 are connected to the arm 2.2 of the hair styling device 1.1 such that the care carrier 11.1 is likewise heated by the heating element integrated therein. Heating of the care carrier 11.1 is provided at a temperature below its evaporation temperature, for example 15 ° to 30 ° below the same. In this embodiment, care substance is applied to the hair to be conditioned in vapor form. Utilized for this purpose is the heat radiated from the formed warm hair into the conditioning application outlet 18, through which the care agent located at the top of the care carrier 11.1 is heated above its evaporation temperature and care agent exits in vapor form from the care application application exit 18 and in this way to the thereto Passed hair strand passes.

FIG. 7 shows in a schematic cross-sectional representation of another embodiment of a designed as Straightener hair styling device 1.2. The hair styling device 1.2, like the hair styling devices already described in the previous figures, has a care applicator 4.4. The care applicator 4.4 comprises a care fabric reservoir 6.2, which below the outer, curved shell 19 of the in FIG. 7 shown Armes 20 of Straighteners 1.2 is arranged. The care fabric reservoir 6.2 is connected via openings 21 with the environment. The apertures 21 represent in this embodiment, the care fabric outlet. The openings 21 are arranged distributed over the transverse extent of the care fabric reservoir 6.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 21 of the longitudinal extension of the arm 20 and thus the longitudinal extension of the care fabric reservoir 6.2 form the following slots. In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that in the shell 19 round perforations, arranged in the manner of a grid are introduced as Pflegestoffaustritt.

Used in the care fabric reservoir 6.2 is a care fabric cartridge 8.2, which, like this, is the case in the process described embodiment, the care fabric reservoir 6.2 fills. The care fabric cartridge comprises a lower-side support body 10.2. On this sits the care carrier 11.1. The support body 10.2 extends over the entire length of the care carrier 11.2. Formed on the support body 10.2 is a front side of the arm 20 of the hair styling device 1.2 led out handling strap, with the care fabric cartridge 8.2 can be inserted into the care fabric reservoir 6.2 and pulled out again after use. In a further development of in FIG. 7 shown embodiment of the hair styling device 1.2 is provided that extends the care fabric reservoir more or less completely along the inside outer shell of the respective arm of the hair styling device. The breakthroughs serving as a care substance outlet then likewise extend correspondingly far. The care fabric cartridge to be used herein is then adapted to the geometry of the care fabric reservoir, which is constructed in principle like the care fabric cartridge 8.2.

The concept of the care substance applicators described with reference to the embodiments with their cartridges is simple in construction and especially in handling. The care cartons can be easily handled and stored, even if they are only partially used are. This allows a problem-free change of the cartridge to be used in a care fabric reservoir, depending on the care substance to be applied in each case. In a hair styling device, as described in the exemplary embodiments, with two care applicators different care substances can be applied, should this be desired.

For characterizing the care substance cartridges with regard to the care substance stored therein, they may be color-coded in their entirety or only with respect to the support body or the handle formed thereon and / or with regard to the care substance carrier. This allows an optical identification of the respective care substance in a care fabric reservoir.

The care substance cartridges described can basically be reused. To refill such a care fabric cartridge, that is, for re-impregnation of Pflegestoffträgers this can be inserted or suspended in a corresponding storage vessel until the care carrier has fully sucked with the care fabric.

The invention has been described with reference to embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, numerous further embodiments for a person skilled in the art will be able to realize the invention without these having to be explained in greater detail in the context of these statements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1.1, 1.2

The hair styling appliance

2,2.1

poor

3

mold

4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

Pflegestoffapplikator

5

casing

6,6.1,6.2

Care substance reservoir

7

opening

8, 8.1, 8.2

Care substance cartridge

9

closure body

10, 10.1, 10.2

support body

11, 11.1, 11.2

Care substance carrier

12

flange

13, 13.1

handle

14

flange

15

Locking extension

16,16.1

locking cam

17

application surface

18

Care substance application exit

19

Bowl

20

poor

21

perforation

Claims (14)

1. Care-substance applicator (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) suitable as part of a hair shaping device (1, 1.1, 1.2) or for connection to a hair shaping device (1, 1.1, 1.2) for applying a care substance to a strand of hair, comprising a care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2) for filling the care-substance applicator (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) with the care substance, as well as a care-substance reservoir (6, 6.1, 6.2) arranged in a housing (5) and designed as a cartridge receptacle, with at least one care-substance application outlet (18), through which the care substance emerges during the application, and with a cartridge opening (7) for inserting and removing a care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2), characterised in that the care-substance cartridge comprises a care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2), with care substance retained therein, which is held in a carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) in a dimensionally stable manner in the engagement direction, said carrying body (10, 10.1) having a handle (13, 13.1) for handling the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2), and said care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1) filling the care-substance reservoir (6, 6.1, 6.2) completely or approximately completely with regard to the cross-section of the care-substance reservoir.
2. Care-substance applicator according to claim 1, characterised in that the care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2) exhibits a certain elasticity, and the cross-section diameter of the care-substance reservoir (6, 6.1, 6.2) is slightly smaller in at least one direction than the respective diameter of the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2).
3. Care-substance applicator according to claim 2, characterised in that the care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2) is produced from a textile material, such as a non-woven fleece of a felt, or an open-pore foam.
4. Care-substance applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) extends over the entire extension of the care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2) in the engagement direction of the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1) into the care-substance reservoir (6, 6.1, 6.2).
5. Care-substance applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) comprises at least one closure element (16, 16.1), with which, in interaction with a complementary closure element of the housing (5), it can be locked to said housing.
6. Care-substance applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the carrying body (10) is formed as a mandrel penetrating into the care-substance carrier (11).
7. Care-substance applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the carrying body (10.1, 10.2) is formed in a U-shape for the purpose of forming a mount for the care-substance carrier.
8. Care-substance applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2) extends at least section by section into the care-substance application opening (18).
9. Care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2) for filling a care-substance applicator (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) with a care substance, said care-substance applicator (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) being suitable for the application of the care substance to a strand of hair, as a part of a hair-shaping device (1, 1.1, 1.2) or for connecting to a hair-shaping device (1, 1.1, 1.2), the care-substance cartridge comprising a care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2), held in a dimensionally stable manner by a carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) in the engagement direction of the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2) into a cartridge mount (6, 6.1, 6.2) of the care-substance applicator (4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), with care substance retained therein, said carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) having a handle (13, 13.1) for handling the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2).
10. Care-substance cartridge according to claim 9, characterised in that the care-substance carrier (11 11.1, 11.2) is produced from a textile material, such as a non-woven fleece or a felt, or an open-pore foam.
11. Care-substance cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) extends over the entire extent of the care-substance carrier (11, 11.1, 11.2) in the engagement direction of the care-substance cartridge (8, 8.1, 8.2) into the care-substance reservoir (6, 6.1, 6.2).
12. Care-substance cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) comprises at least one closure element (16, 16.1), with which, in interaction with a complementary closure element of the housing (5), it can be locked to said housing.
13. Care-substance cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) is formed as a mandrel penetrating the care-substance carrier (11).
14. Care-substance cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the carrying body (10, 10.1, 10.2) is formed in a U-shape for the purpose of forming a mount for the care-substance carrier.

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