EP2911548B1 - Device for treating hair - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to devices for treating the hair, and more particularly but not exclusively those for shaping the hair, in particular for smoothing, curling or embossing the hair.

The invention relates more particularly to devices comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, which can take a configuration apart from introducing a wick between them and a close configuration, of treatment of the wick, the jaws being movable in this configuration close together along the wick. In such devices, the jaws most often carry two heating elements in contact with which the hair is brought during the use of the device.

Background

Many devices of this type, sometimes called straighteners, have already been proposed, implementing a vapor projection on the hair.

Thus, the publication US 2010/0242986 discloses a hair treatment device in which steam production is effected independently of the heating elements with which the hair comes in contact. A reservoir may contain a cosmetic composition such as a shaping or coloring agent to be applied to the hair to exert an action thereon, in addition to the steam treatment.

The patent application US 2010/0307528 teaches various methods of hair treatment using steam, which may include a step of applying a cosmetic product.

Requirement EP 1 652 445 A1 discloses a device for heat treatment of the hair which implements a production of steam. No cosmetic product is applied by the device.

The publication WO 2004/002262 A1 describes a device for treating the hair in which the steam is projected along two parallel ramps, or even both sides of the lock of hair. A cosmetic treatment additive can be used in the tank that is used for the production of steam, which limits the assets that can be used.

The publications WO 2004/002263 A1 and US 2004/0000319 disclose a device in which a cosmetic shaping agent is sprayed as droplets onto the hair.

The patent US 6,325,072 B1 discloses a hair treatment device in which one arm carries a steam generator and the other arm a pad impregnated with a cosmetic product in solid form. The steam is projected on the wetted pad, which activates the product and allows it to settle on the hair. The use of a solid cosmetic product provides limitations as to the assets that can be selected. In addition, this makes it necessary to arrange the steam outlet in front of the pad, which can reduce the exchange surface with the hair that is at the same time in contact with it.

Some other devices combine a thermal action and a product application, without subjecting the hair to steam treatment. So, for example, the publication WO2009 / 078046A1 or the request US 2009/0025247 A1 disclose heat treatment devices for the hair, without the application of steam.

There is a need to further improve the hair treatment devices, in particular in order to benefit from a powerful device, simple and comfortable to use, reliable operation and cost compatible with large-scale distribution.

summary

The object of the invention is, according to a first of its aspects, a treatment device according to claim 1. By "in the fluid state" it is necessary to understand liquid at ambient temperature (25 ° C.) or at a higher temperature, including between 25 and 50 ° C for example. In this case, the product may initially be in the solid state or pasty at room temperature in the tank and reheated within the tank to make it sufficiently fluid to be distributed by the distribution mechanism provided to supply the application member. The product is thus fluid in the tank at the time of application.

The tank can be equipped with an electrical resistance, for example a thin screen-printed resistance, making it possible to raise the temperature of its contents to 40-50 ° C for example.

The presence of the steam outlet on one of the jaws and the applicator member on the other of said jaws allows a relatively balanced construction of the device with regard to the part thereof which is manipulated by the user during the treatment, also called "handpiece". In particular, the reservoir is advantageously arranged on the same side as the jaw carrying the applicator member, and its weight makes it possible to balance the device even better. This can facilitate the handling of the device and the comfort of use and can make the reservoir more easily accessible to the user, thus simplifying the reloading operation of the product of the device. These advantages can be obtained without unduly limiting the possibilities of arranging the various treatment members within the device, according to the order in which it is desired that the device performs the various stages of treatment of the hair. The fact of using a cosmetic product in a fluid form makes it possible to supply the applicator member with dosing means, if desired, by means of any suitable dispensing means for a liquid. The steam outlet does not have to be exactly in front of the product application member, which increases the exchange surface and the efficiency of the treatment.

Preferably, especially when one seeks to smooth the hair, the device comprises a heating element intended to come into contact with the hair, and better two heating elements each arranged on a jaw. This or these heating elements may each comprise a plate of a good heat-conducting material, defining a hot surface of contact with the hair, whose temperature is for example greater than 50 ° C, better between 90 and 230 ° C.

The device may comprise two arms movable relative to each other, carrying the jaws; these two arms are preferably hinged together and define two half-handles on the side of the joint, on which the user can press for bring the jaws closer. The reservoir is advantageously housed under one of the half-handles, which makes it possible to bring the center of gravity closer to the handpiece of the joint and improves the comfort of use, or even to make it possible to avoid providing a weight balancing.

The arm having the steam outlet advantageously carries an evaporation chamber and a resistive element disposed therein. This resistive element produces heat independently of the heating element or elements used elsewhere for thermally treating the hair by contact with a hot surface, in particular smoothing them.

The cosmetic product application member is arranged to come into contact with the hair. The jaw opposite to that carrying the application member may define a counter-support surface, so that the hair is applied with a certain pressure by the counter-bearing surface against the applicator member. The cosmetic product application member is preferably porous, elastically compressible, and may advantageously be made of an open-cell foam material, such as a PE (polyethylene) foam, for example. The applicator member is made of any material capable of releasing or diffusing the cosmetic product. Compressing the hair against the applicator member can improve the quality of the hair coating into product. The applicator member is preferably for single use, being replaced from one hair treatment to another.

During its initial assembly on the device, the application member may be completely devoid of cosmetic product, which facilitates its packaging and handling.

Preferably, the device is made such that the applicator member is automatically supplied with product during use of the device. Thus, the user does not have to worry about exerting a particular action on the device to apply the product.

More preferably, this product supply is effected by means of a dispensing mechanism actuated automatically when the jaws are brought together. Each approximation of the jaws may result in the distribution of a dose of product. It is particularly advantageous that the force required for actuation the distribution mechanism comes from the user, because it avoids the use of an electric motor, and thus reduce the cost of the device.

The device may comprise an adjusting member, preferably manual, for modifying the supply flow rate of the product applicator member, the adjusting member acting, preferably, on the dispensing mechanism.

The cosmetic product application member is preferably supplied with product with a temporary accumulation of product under pressure which is prolonged after the jaws have been brought together, so as to continue to supply the applicator member with product. while the device is moved along a lock of hair.

The applicator member is advantageously fed by a dispensing nozzle capable of filling with product during the actuation of the dispensing mechanism, by increasing volume by elastic deformation. Thus, product may be accumulated in the dispensing tip for distribution after the filling action ceases. Such a delayed supply of the application member can avoid having to accumulate a lot of product within the application member, and thus reduce product losses during the change thereof. The applicator member may be, if desired, made with a relatively small thickness, for example less than or equal to 10 mm.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the dispenser tip is made with an elastically deformable wall so as to expand during filling and deliver the product after the filling action has ceased, resuming its initial shape. .

Preferably, one or more dispensing orifices are made in the dispensing nozzle in the form of slots with contiguous edges at rest. These slots can open under the pressure of the product upstream and then close tightly, which ensures good preservation of the product. These slots are preferably made by cutting.

The heating element or elements preferably have an elongated shape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the device on the lock of hair engaged between the jaws; it is advantageously the same for the application member. The length of the heating elements and the application member corresponds preferably to the entire width of the wick to be treated, being for example between 70 and 110 mm.

The steam outlet is advantageously defined by a vapor projection ramp, extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the device on the wick, on substantially the same length as the heating element or elements and the application. The quantity of steam delivered is for example less than or equal to 5 gmin ^-1 , and more preferably between 2.5 and 4.5 gmin ^-1 .

The capacity of the cosmetic product reservoir is, for example, between 5 and 20 ml, better still between 7.5 and 12.5 ml.

Preferably, the reservoir and the feed system of the applicator member in the product belong to one and the same set of refills, capable of being handled as a single block for its placement on the device and the withdrawal of this one ; reloading the product is facilitated. This assembly may comprise a part of the dispensing mechanism, for example in the form of a flexible duct arranged so that it can be pinched and deformed in order to expel the product contained inside towards the applicator member, the other part being carried by the rest of the device, for example having a pressure member applying to the flexible conduit and actuated when bringing the jaws. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, this pressure element is actuated by a relief whose positioning is adjustable by the user, with the aid of the adjustment member to vary the amount of product dispensed.

The device may include, where appropriate, a double steam outlet at two locations spaced from each other in the direction of movement on the hair, in order to perform a double steam treatment, which has the particular advantage of ability to swell the hair during the first steam treatment, which can take place before the application of the cosmetic product, then improve the penetration of the product into the hair during the second steam treatment, after application of the product.

The heating elements can be two in at least one of the jaws, which allows to multiply the possible treatment combinations.

Treatment processes

The subject of the invention is also a method of treating the hair with the aid of a device according to the first aspect of the invention above, in which a lock of hair is exposed during the movement of the device along the this, in a single operation to a steam application, cosmetic product and heating in contact with a hot surface. A lock can be processed in one pass.

Additionally, a heat treatment is advantageously carried out, by passing the wick in contact with at least one heating element, better by passing between two heating elements facing each other.

Preferably, a combing action is performed by passing through a comb disposed downstream of the cosmetic product application site and upstream of the heat treatment site, and preferably downstream of the steam treatment site.

• traitement thermique lissage/traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage/application produit,
• application produit/traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage,
• traitement thermique lissage/traitement vapeur/application produit/traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage,
• traitement thermique lissage/application produit/traitement thermique lissage/traitement vapeur,
• application produit/traitement thermique lissage/traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage,
• application produit/traitement thermique lissage/traitement vapeur,
• traitement thermique lissage/application produit/traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage,
• traitement vapeur/application produit/traitement thermique lissage,
• traitement vapeur/traitement thermique lissage/application produit/traitement thermique lissage.

Many combinations of treatments are possible; preferably, on the same portion of hair, during the movement of the device on the wick, successively product application, steam treatment, combing and smoothing heat treatment by contact with the heating element or elements. However, it is still possible to carry out the following combinations of treatments during the passage of the device on the hair, by arranging the various treatment means in an appropriate manner:

• heat treatment smoothing / steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing / product application,
• product application / steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing,
• heat treatment smoothing / steam treatment / product application / steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing,
• heat treatment smoothing / product application / heat treatment smoothing / steam treatment,
• product application / heat treatment smoothing / steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing,
• product application / heat treatment smoothing / steam treatment,
• heat treatment smoothing / product application / steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing,
• steam treatment / product application / heat treatment smoothing,
• steam treatment / heat treatment smoothing / product application / heat treatment smoothing.

In these various combinations, a combing step may be added, this step preferably being downstream of the first treatment and upstream of the last treatment.

Of course, the invention is not limited to a hair smoothing treatment; we can also do the unsustainable shaping of hair (curls, waves)

The product contained in the reservoir, in the free state or in a form where it impregnates a porous element, is not limited to a smoothing product, and could also be a coloring product. The product contained in the reservoir is preferably a non-rinsed product.

Detailed description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique et partielle, en perspective, d'une pièce à main réalisée conformément à l'invention, mâchoires en configuration refermée,
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif, vu de dessus, avec l'ensemble formant recharge enlevé,
• la figure 3 représente, en vue de dessus, isolément, le bras inférieur,
• la figure 4 représente isolément l'ensemble formant recharge,
• la figure 5 est une vue éclatée représentant certains composants de l'ensemble formant recharge,
• la figure 6 est une coupe transversale schématique de la pièce à main,
• les figures 7 à 9 sont des vues analogues à la figure 6, de variantes de réalisation de la pièce à main,
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'une variante de réalisation de l'ensemble formant recharge,
• la figure 11 est une vue de face de l'ensemble formant recharge de la figure 10,
• les figures 12A à 12D illustrent la coopération entre l'élément presseur et le conduit souple,
• la figure 12E représente une variante de réalisation de l'élément presseur,
• la figure 13 représente isolément l'embout distributeur, et
• la figure 14 est une section transversale selon XIV-XIV de la figure 13,
• la figure 15A représente isolément le capot de protection,
• la figure 15B illustre la coopération entre le capot de protection et l'organe d'application,
• les figures 16A et 16B illustrent l'utilisation du patin comme capot de protection,
• la figure 17 représente une vue de face d'une variante de réalisation de la pièce à main,
• la figure 18 est une vue en perspective de la variante de réalisation de la figure 17,
• la figure 18 illustre une variante de réalisation de recharge, et
• la figure 20 illustre l'introduction de la recharge de la figure 18 dans la pièce à main.

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

• the figure 1 is a schematic partial view, in perspective, of a handpiece made according to the invention, jaws in closed configuration,
• the figure 2 represents the device, viewed from above, with the assembly forming the refill removed,
• the figure 3 represents, in top view, in isolation, the lower arm,
• the figure 4 represents in isolation the refill assembly,
• the figure 5 is an exploded view showing some components of the refill assembly,
• the figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of the handpiece,
• the Figures 7 to 9 are similar views to the figure 6 , variants of embodiment of the handpiece,
• the figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the refill assembly,
• the figure 11 is a front view of the charging assembly of the figure 10 ,
• the Figures 12A-12D illustrate the cooperation between the pressure element and the flexible conduit,
• the figure 12E represents an alternative embodiment of the pressing element,
• the figure 13 represents in isolation the dispensing tip, and
• the figure 14 is a cross section according to XIV-XIV of the figure 13 ,
• the figure 15A represents in isolation the protective cover,
• the figure 15B illustrates the cooperation between the protective cover and the application member,
• the Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the use of the pad as a protective cover,
• the figure 17 represents a front view of an embodiment variant of the handpiece,
• the figure 18 is a perspective view of the variant embodiment of the figure 17 ,
• the figure 18 illustrates a variant embodiment of recharging, and
• the figure 20 illustrates the introduction of charging the figure 18 in the handpiece.

We have shown figure 1 the handpiece 2 of an example of a device for treating the hair of the invention.

This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration (not shown) of introduction between them of a lock of hair and a close configuration of treatment, illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper 5 and lower arms 6, which are in the example considered interconnected at one end by a hinge 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming a clamp.

The arms 5 and 6 define, between the articulation 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together.

An elastic return member (not apparent) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 in the spaced configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring disposed about an axis of the hinge 8.

The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 to each other and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile otherwise without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is widely preferred for the ergonomics it brings.

The jaws 3 and 4 define between them a hair treatment zone intended to receive a strand of hair to be treated, along which the handpiece 2 is moved during the treatment, for example in the direction from the root towards the tip of the hair.

In the example under consideration, the device is configured to apply a cosmetic product, to treat the hair with steam and to heat-treat the hair by contact with one or more hot surfaces.

The direction D of displacement of the handpiece 2 on the hair is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X thereof.

The handpiece 2 is connected by a cord 17, in the example considered, to a base station not shown, fixed during the treatment, connected to the sector.

This base station provides power to the handpiece 2 and its water supply for steam generation and can also perform ancillary functions for processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The cord 17 which connects the handpiece 2 to the base station can thus include various electrical conductors and a water supply pipe.

A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the handpiece to allow the user for example to start or not certain components thereof.

The heat treatment is provided by two heating elements 14 and 15, visible in particular on the figure 6 , respectively carried by the upper arm 5 and lower 6, each having a plate defining a hot surface 16 of contact with the hair.

The plates of the heating elements 14 and 15 are made of any material suitable for the treatment to be carried out, for example a metal, a ceramic or a glass.

The surface condition of the plates, in the area of contact with the hair, depends on the desired treatment, and preferably the plates are smooth when the device aims to smooth the hair.

The length / plates define the extent of the treatment area perpendicular to the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 relative to the hair. The hot surfaces 16 defined by the plates are for example flat and rectangular in outline, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .

One of the plates is for example fixedly mounted on the corresponding arm while the other is hinged, for example by means of a ball joint, so as to allow the plates to extend parallel to the one to the other and to a median plane of treatment in closed configuration of the jaws. Where appropriate, at least one of the plates is disposed on one of the arms 5 and 6 being supported by a spring structure.

The heating elements 14 and 15 may each comprise an electrical resistance electrically powered by the base station, preferably with temperature regulation by means of one or more sensors arranged near the heating resistors or in contact with the plates.

The steam treatment is provided by means of a vaporizer member 18 constituted by a resistive element present in an evaporation chamber 19 supplied with water by the base station. The latter may comprise an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, taking the water to be sent to the handpiece 2 in a water tank. The pump is for example as disclosed in the publication FR 2 967 018 . The evaporation chamber can be made in accordance with the teaching of the application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise, and communicate with at least one steam outlet.

The evaporation chamber 19 is disposed on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example in question, and the outlet of the steam is provided on the same arm 6.

The output of the steam is, in the example illustrated, in the form of a ramp 21, elongate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handpiece 2.

The ramp 21 may comprise, as illustrated, several orifices 22 of vapor projection, for example between 6 and 10 orifices, which are preferably equidistant along the ramp 21 and each axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to the median plane of treatment.

The vaporizer member 18 is electrically powered by the base station and a temperature sensor is advantageously arranged in the evaporation chamber 19. The base station can be made to act on the power supply of the organ vaporizer 18 to maintain the temperature of the vapor leaving the evaporation chamber at a value between 110 ° C and 130 ° C.

The application of the cosmetic product is provided by an application member 23, shown schematically in FIG. figure 6 arranged to contact the hair extending through the treatment zone.

The cosmetic product is preferably contained in a reservoir 25 carried by the upper arm 5 of the handpiece 2, this reservoir 25 being apparent on the figure 4 .

The reservoir 25 is for example a bag with a flexible wall, which can be emptied without air intake.

The applicator member 23 is supplied with the aid of a product dispensing mechanism which is actuated automatically when the handpiece 2 is used, for example to apply to the hair a quantity of product such that a mass of one gram of hair composed of hair 20 cm long receives between 0.05 and 0.4 g, better still between 0.1 and 0.2 g of product in the case of a care product, or even more in the case of products of thermal smoothing, coloring or chemical smoothing, the quantity received being for example between 5 and 10 g.

The amount of product applied to the hair can be modified by means of an adjusting member 62 acting on the dispensing mechanism.

A feed system makes it possible to feed the applicator member 23 with product, other than by capillarity from the reservoir. This supply system comprises in the example considered a dispensing tip 30, visible on the figure 5 connected by a flexible conduit 32 to the reservoir 25. The latter is preferably removably disposed on the handpiece 2, so that it can be easily replaced, especially from one use to another.

In the example considered, the applicator member 23 comprises a membrane made of a material permeable to the cosmetic product, preferably a membrane formed of an open cell foam. This membrane 23 is carried by a support 34, which has for example an elongated frame shape, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , and can be fixed for example by snapping into a corresponding housing of the upper arm 5.

The dispenser tip 30 is preferably arranged to deliver the product unidirectionally, by at least one dispensing orifice 40, visible on the figure 13 , closed at rest and can open under the pressure of the product upstream.

In the example considered, the dispensing nozzle 30 has several dispensing orifices 40 arranged in the extension of one another, so as to deliver the product along the applicator member 23.

Preferably, the dispenser tip 30 is elastically deformable, so as to increase the internal volume to accumulate the product from the reservoir 25 before dispensing, and the or the dispensing orifices 40 are arranged to open only after such an increase in volume. Thus, it is possible to spread the product distribution over a longer period of time than the duration of the filling action of the dispensing nozzle 30.

A prolonged distribution of the product is useful to ensure the most homogeneous application possible throughout the treated wick and reduce the risk of product presence in unsuitable quantities.

Preferably, the feed system is arranged so that the distribution of the product following the approximation of the jaws lasts more than 10 s, in particular between 10 and 30 s, for example about 20 seconds, or substantially the average duration of treatment of a machine. wick at most users.

A particularly simple and effective way to obtain a prolonged distribution of the product is to use a dispenser nozzle 30 of tubular shape closed at one end, made of an elastomeric material, for example Shore hardness 55 and to provide it with several dispensing orifices 40 in the form of slits closed at rest and able to open by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product upstream. The slots are preferably made by cutting, so as to close with a good seal at rest. The slots may be aligned in a diametrical median plane of the nozzle 30. The length d of each slot may range from 1 to 5 mm. Slots can be of identical length and are preferably evenly distributed along the dispensing nozzle 30. The interval w between two consecutive slots is for example 1 to 5 mm. The dispensing nozzle 30 comprises, for example, a tubular body of thickness e, with a wall of between 0.3 and 2 mm, for example of internal diameter of 3.2 mm, and an outside diameter of 5 mm made of silicone or another material such as EPDM (rubber).

Preferably, the applicator member 23 comes into contact with the dispensing nozzle 30 facing the orifices 40, so as to absorb the product delivered by it as soon as it leaves.

The pressure filling of the dispenser tip 30 can be achieved in various ways. A particularly simple and effective way is to use, as illustrated in Figures 12A to 12E in particular, a pressing element 50 such as a roller or a cam, movable on the upper arm 5, so as to bear during its movement against the flexible conduit 32 connecting the reservoir 25 to the nozzle 30 and pinch it, then gradually crush it in the direction of the dispensing tip 30 to drive the product contained inside the flexible conduit to the dispensing tip, in the manner of a peristaltic pump. The duct 32 remains pinched as long as the jaws 3 and 4 are closed on the hair, which makes it possible to hold the dispensing nozzle 30 under pressure and to force the product to leave it through the orifices 40.

The pressing element 50 is actuated by a relief 60, such as a lug, carried by the lower arm 6, this relief 60 coming into contact with the pressing element 50 when the jaws are close together.

The pressing element 50 may comprise on its opposite faces 58 two pairs 82 and 83 of lugs engaged in guide slots 81, made on uprights 85. These slots are oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flexible conduit 32 s' extending between the uprights 85. The length of the slits 81 is greater than the distance occupied by the pins 82 and 83 on the same side of the pressing element 50, which allows the pressing element 50 to move first. substantially in translation, in the slots 81, for gripping the flexible duct 32 ( Figures 12B and 12C ), under the thrust of the relief 60. The slots 81 each have a notch 87 which allows the pressing member 50 to then tilt by progressively crushing the flexible conduit 32, the lugs 82 engaging in the notches 87, during the continuation of the support of the relief 60 on the pressing element 50.

The relief 60 bears initially on a surface of the pressing element 50 which may be located substantially in the same axis as the two slots 81 for guiding the pressing element 50.

Preferably, the relief 60 is carried by the adjusting member 62. The adjusting member may be a slider, displaceable relative to the lower arm 6 in the longitudinal direction X, so as to cause the pressing element 50 to rotate on a greater or smaller angular stroke depending on its position, or not at all to press the pressing member 50 in an extreme position for operation of the device without dispensing cosmetic product. The user benefits, thanks to the adjustment member 62, from the possibility of acting on the flow of cosmetic product delivered at each closure of the jaws 3 and 4. The adjustment can be carried out continuously or in increments, according to the how the adjusting member 62 can move on the arms. In the example illustrated, the adjustment member 62 is movable continuously in a slideway 63.

We have shown figure 12E a variant of pressing element 50 of more elongated shape, more particularly adapted to a setting of the dose delivered by modifying the initial bearing point of the actuating relief 60 by the adjusting member 62.

In this example, the supply system of the applicator member 23 lacks a nonreturn valve other than at the level of the dispensing orifices 40 of the dispensing nozzle 30, which increases the reliability of the operation of the device by reducing the risk of blockage of a valve following a prolonged period of non-use. If necessary, the tank 25 may be equipped with a filling valve, especially when it is intended to be recharged in situ. When a pump other than the peristaltic type as above is used to supply the product of the applicator member, the supply system may comprise an additional non-return valve between the reservoir and a chamber of variable volume of the pump then used.

It is particularly advantageous for the reservoir 25, the dispensing nozzle 30 and the duct 32 connecting them to be presented to the user as a unitary unit forming a refill 100, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 as this facilitates their replacement when the product contained in the tank 25 is exhausted.

Preferably, this unitary unit forming a refill 100 comprises a structure 101 facilitating its handling, such as a housing or any other form of support. In the case of a housing, it preferably comprises an opening for the passage of the pressing element 50.

In the example considered, the structure 101 comprises a shell defining a portion of the back of the upper arm 5, as can be seen in particular on the figure 1 partially covering the jaw 4 and defining the half-handle 10.

• un réglage automatisé d'un ou plusieurs paramètres de fonctionnement du dispositif en fonction de la connaissance par la station de base de la nature du produit, qui découle de la reconnaissance de l'identifiant,
• un affichage d'informations guidant l'utilisateur dans les opérations à effectuer en fonction de la nature du produit contenu dans la recharge,
• une connaissance de la contenance du réservoir mis en place et l'émission d'un signal prévenant l'utilisateur ou empêchant le fonctionnement du dispositif lorsque le produit est épuisé ou en deçà d'un volume prédéfini, à supposer que le dispositif connaisse le nombre de doses distribuées, par exemple en comptant le nombre de fois où les mâchoires sont rapprochées,
• le passage dans un état prédéfini du dispositif, notamment un état de non fonctionnement, en cas de non détection de la présence du réservoir, par exemple l'émission d'un signal d'avertissement,
• le blocage du fonctionnement en cas de non reconnaissance d'un identifiant ayant une fonction d'authentification.

The unitary assembly forming a refill 100 may, where appropriate, comprise an identifier recognized by the device, which allows at least one of the following additional functions:

• an automatic adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the device according to the knowledge of the base station of the nature of the product, which results from the recognition of the identifier,
• an information display guiding the user in the operations to be performed according to the nature of the product contained in the refill,
• a knowledge of the capacity of the reservoir in place and the issuance of a signal warning the user or preventing the operation of the device when the product is exhausted or below a predefined volume, assuming that the device knows the number distributed doses, for example by counting the number of times the jaws are close together,
• the passage into a predefined state of the device, in particular a state of non-operation, in case of non-detection of the presence of the reservoir, for example the emission of a warning signal,
• blocking the operation in the event of non-recognition of an identifier having an authentication function.

The identification of the refill assembly can be performed mechanically and / or electronically. In the latter case, the refill assembly may carry an electronic chip in which are contained the useful information and one of the arms of the corresponding reading means.

The refill assembly may be, as in the example shown, put in place from above. Alternatively, it is implemented differently.

The applicator member 23 is arranged opposite a counter-bearing surface defined by a shoe 66 carried by the lower arm 6. This counter-bearing surface is preferably substantially semicylindrical of revolution, of a generator parallel to the X axis. The pad 66 can help channel the steam exiting the ramp 21 to the hair. When the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, the pad 66 bears on the applicator member 23. Preferably, the pad 66 slightly compresses the applicator member 23, for example over a distance of between 1 and 5 mm.

The pad 66 is preferably made of plastic.

Alternatively, the pad 66 may be of felt and be soaked with cosmetic product to allow the application of product. This configuration allows a product application by the two jaws 3 and 4.

The radius of curvature of the abutment surface is for example between 2 and 10 mm.

The pad 66 can be movable relative to the jaw 4 which carries it and its displacement can be controlled, at least partially, by the adjusting member 62. Preferably, the latter makes it possible to control the displacement of the pad 66 along an orthogonal axis to the longitudinal axis of the jaw 4 which carries it.

The pad 66 may be, in a position of maximum compression of the applicator member 23 when the adjustment member 62 is in an extreme position for operation of the device without dispensing cosmetic product. This position may allow, when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, to wring the applicator member 23 in order, in particular, to limit the amount of cosmetic product contained in the applicator member 23 after use.

The adjusting member 62 can act on the shoe 66 via a cam acting on a transmission disposed between the cam and the shoe 66.

The applicator member 23 may be covered at least partially, more completely, with a removable protective cover 69, illustrated on the Figures 15A and 15B , making it possible to prevent the application of cosmetic product to the hair and to protect and preserve the applicator member 23 soaked with cosmetic product from the external environment, in particular dust and ambient air that can dry it out.

The protective cover 69 may be rigid or semi-rigid and permanently integral or not permanently with the handpiece 2. The protective cover 69 may be pivotally mounted on the lateral part of the jaw 3 carrying the applicator member 23. The cover can take a first open configuration allowing the application of cosmetic product and a second closed configuration, after pivoting with respect to the first configuration, thanks to a hinge. In the second configuration illustrated on the figure 15B , the cover can come into contact with the applicator member 23, so as to cover it at least partially.

The protective cover 69 may be made so as not to hinder the use of the device when it is in place on the applicator member 23, allowing the hair to move in contact with it. In particular, the thickness of the protective cover 69 is preferably sufficiently thin to allow a portion of hair, engaged between the jaws 3 and 4, to move relative to the latter when the handpiece 2 is drawn from the hairline towards the tip. The protective cover 69 makes it possible to smooth the hair without applying a product. The user can smooth his hair by applying the product, then add the protective cover 69 to continue to smooth his hair without overloading product.

The handpiece 2 advantageously comprises, as illustrated on the figure 2 in particular, a comb 70, which is preferably removably attached to the lower arm 6. The comb 70 is for example made of a rigid thermoplastic material, and has an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis X of the handpiece 2 .

Preferably, as illustrated, the length of the comb 70 is at least equal to that of the plates defining the hot surfaces 16. The height of the teeth 71 of the comb 70 is for example between 5mm and 15mm and the number of teeth between 20 and 80 .

Preferably, the device is produced, as illustrated on the Figures 1 to 6 , so that a portion of hair engaging between the jaws 3 and 4 and moving relative thereto when the handpiece is pulled from the hairline to their tip, is successively exposed to the product cosmetic, by passage between the applicator member 23 and the pad 66, steam through passage to the right of the steam projection ramp 21 and heat treatment by passage between the hot surfaces 16.

The handpiece 2 may advantageously comprise on the top a reference 108, visible to the user, such as an arrow, informing it on the correct direction of movement of the device.

The comb 70 is preferably located on the lower arm 6, between the ramp 21 and the hot surfaces 16, as can be seen in particular on the figure 2 . The comb is for example introduced by sliding in its housing.

The presence of the comb 70 is advantageous in that it divides the wick into packets, which tends to increase the contact surface of the hair with the hot surfaces 16 and to improve the smoothing action. In addition, by dividing the wick, the exchange surface with the steam and the cosmetic product is also increased, to the benefit of the effectiveness of the treatment. The comb 70 can further contribute to increasing the traction exerted on the hair, which can improve their shaping, especially in case of smoothing. The comb 70 may also contribute to homogenizing the product deposited upstream on the hair by the applicator member 23.

Steam treatment can improve the penetration of the product deposited upstream on the hair. The heat treatment makes it possible to dry the hair and fix their shape.

Many modifications can be made to the device that has just been described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In a variant not shown, the heating elements and associated hot surfaces are absent, the device being arranged to perform only the application of the cosmetic product and the exposure to steam, for example as part of a hair care or a staining treatment.

In variants illustrated at Figures 7 to 9 , the heating elements are multiple on each of the arms, which may allow the use of the handpiece 2, whatever its direction of movement on the hair. The device can also maintain a preferential direction of movement during treatment, even when the heating elements are multiple on each of the arms.

The heating elements carried by the same arm may comprise plates of identical width and operate simultaneously.

To obtain a symmetrical treatment irrespective of the direction of movement, the device may comprise two steam outlets 21 on either side of the cosmetic product application member 23 and between the hot surfaces 16, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .

In the presence of multiple heating elements on each of the arms, the cosmetic product application member may be disposed outside the heating elements, as shown in FIG. figure 9 , only a steam outlet being present between the plates 16.

In the example of the figure 9 , the movement on the hair is preferably performed so as to deposit the cosmetic product first. In a variant not shown, at least one of the heating elements is designed so as to be able to turn in contact with the hair when the handpiece is moved along the wick to be treated, and is for example in the form of a rotating cylinder. The other heating element may have a concave curved shape, adapted to accommodate the roll when the jaws are close together.

The direction of vapor projection may be non-perpendicular to the median plane of treatment, to increase the area impacted by the jet of steam, with an inclination relative to the normal of 0 to 20 ° for example. The jet exiting from each outlet orifice of the ramp 21 (also called nozzle) may be sufficiently divergent to lead to a substantially uniform exposure of the wick in the direction of its width.

The product reservoir 25 can be made differently and arranged differently on the handpiece, being for example contained with the supply system and the applicator member 23 in a housing 101 as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 10 and 11 which is fixed on the upper arm 5 at the corresponding jaw 3. This housing 101 may include a cover 109 opening upwards, freeing access to the tank 25, which can then for example be replaced independently of the other components of the refill 100.

As illustrated on Figures 16A and 16B , the shoe 66 may comprise a removable portion 66b that can serve as a protective cover 69 of the applicator member 23 to prevent the application of product, and a fixed portion 66a. The removable portion 66b of the shoe 66 can, when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, be arranged by the user on the applicator member 23 and cover the latter at least partially, better completely, in particular to protect it and to promote the preservation of the product.

Preferably, as illustrated on the Figures 16A and 16B the removable portion 66b of the shoe 66 is shaped to conform to the shape of the fixed portion 66a of the shoe 66.

The removable portion 66b of the pad 66 may, in a first configuration illustrated on the figure 16A , be carried by the fixed portion 66a of the shoe 66 and serve as a counter-support surface.

In a second configuration illustrated on the figure 16B , the removable part of the pad 66 can be turned over and placed on the jaw 3 carrying the applicator member 23, so as to cover the applicator member 23.

In the example of Figures 1 to 16B the reservoir 25 and the applicator member 23 are two distinct elements, the reservoir 25 supplying the applicator member 23 with an intermediate element, namely the dispensing nozzle 30. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 17 to 20 , the reservoir 25 and the applicator member 23 may form all or part of a refill 100, illustrated on FIG. figure 19 , lacking such an intermediate element. As illustrated on the figure 17 , the refill 100 may comprise an absorbent element whose upper part forms the reservoir 25 and the lower part, in contact by its free end surface with the hair when the device is closed, forms the applicator member 23.

The absorbent element is preferably of felt.

The refill 100 may comprise, as illustrated on the figure 19 , a support 105, preferably made of plastic material, for fixing the assembly 100 to the jaw 3 which carries it. As illustrated on the figure 20 fixing is preferably done by lugs 110 of the support 105 intended to engage in a slideway 108 of the jaw 3.

The refill 100 can be higher than wide when observed in section, as on the figure 17 . The felt contained in the refill can also be higher than wide.

The applicator member 23 may be dewatered in an adjustable manner other than by moving the shoe 66 relative to the jaw.

In a variant, the device comprises a mechanism for adjusting the clamping of the jaws which makes it possible to tighten the jaws more or less so as to more or less wring the applicator member on the counter-bearing surface. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a screw carried by one of the jaws which is screwed to the other of the jaws and allows by screwing to tighten the jaws.

The device according to the invention is preferably used with a base station; alternatively, the handpiece is autonomous, including the water supply necessary for the production of steam.

The cosmetic product applied by the device according to the invention can be any type of hair product. By capillary cosmetic product, is meant a composition comprising one or more active agents for capillary use and in particular a product as defined in the EC Directive 93/35 of June 14, 1993. Water in liquid or gaseous form which does not contains no additive for capillary use does not constitute a cosmetic product within the meaning of the present invention. The cosmetic product may be intended to facilitate the shaping of the hair. Examples of assets are given for example in the publication US 2010/0307528 A1 paragraphs [0031] and [0032]. The product may be aqueous or non-aqueous based.

The dispensing mechanism actuated when the jaws are brought together can be made with any type of pump, in particular with a valve, for example a piston that can move alternately in a pumping chamber, the piston being displaced so as to reduce the volume of the chamber pumping each approximation of the jaws and returning to its initial position by reverse movement when the jaws are spaced apart.

The dispensing mechanism may also comprise a pumping chamber made with an elastically deformable wall, on which is pressed to reduce the volume of the other arm when the jaws are closed and return the product to the applicator member. This chamber resumes by its own elasticity its initial volume, when the jaws are spaced, allowing its filling with product from the tank. The chamber of variable volume may be bellows, if any. In the case of such a pumping mechanism, a backflow valve is present between the reservoir and the pumping chamber, opening in the direction of a flow from the reservoir to the pumping chamber.

The product dispensing system can also be realized without a pump using a movable bottom moving unidirectionally in the tank, this displacement being caused by the approximation of the jaws. For example, the bottom is pushed by a rod which is incrementally and unidirectionally driven in displacement at each jaw reconciliation.

The feeding system can also be performed so as to cause the dispensing of a dose of product that after a predefined number of actions of approximation of the jaws.

A window may be provided, if necessary, to allow the user to view the degree of emptying of the tank. Alternatively, each jaw reconciliation action increments a counter that is initialized to the installation of a new reservoir, which counter can be used to warn the user that full emptying of the reservoir is imminent. The meter can still be used to signal the user that the product is ready to be dispensed, when a certain number of actuation of the jaws is necessary before the product impregnates the application member, taking into account the dead volume that it is necessary to begin by filling before distributing the product. When the approximation of the jaws is detected electrically, the counting can be carried out electronically by the base station.

The mechanism for adjusting the quantity of product dispensed, when present, may be other than slider and for example comprise a wheel whose rotation acts on the degree of prominence or the positioning of a relief that acts on the element presser or any other pump control mechanism. In a variant, the flow rate adjustment is effected at the level of the arm which carries the reservoir, for example by means of a regulating member which more or less restricts the flow of the product or which moves back more or less against a bearing against which is compressed the flexible conduit by the pressure roller during operation of the peristaltic pump.

In a further variant, the product supply system of the applicator member is motor-driven by means of an electric motor housed in the arm, or possibly in the assembly forming a refill.

In the examples which have just been described, the cosmetic product is not heated other than by the heat losses due to the presence of the possible heating elements and the projection of steam between the jaws. In a variant, the cosmetic product is heated by a specific heating means, so as to raise its temperature before its application, for example a screen printed heating resistor on a sleeve traversed by the product or disposed on the reservoir or in its contact. This rise in temperature may have the effect of reducing its viscosity and facilitate its application.

The applicator member may be made otherwise than with a foam, for example with a felt, a sinter or a brush. When the application member is intended to be replaced by the user, its implementation can be carried out or not with a support on which the application member is fixed.

The support, when present, can be fixed other than by snapping, for example by insertion into a housing in which it is retained by friction. This housing can lead if necessary to its two opposite ends, and allow ejection automatic application device present during the introduction of the new, the latter chasing the old pushing out of the housing.

The device can be used by moving the jaws along a wick, to smooth the hair. The device can also be used by wrapping the wick around a jaw and pulling it by sliding it on the jaw, to curl the hair.

The device can be used hot without producing steam or without activating the heating elements.

In a variant, the steam outlet and the applicator member occupy substantially the same position relative to the direction of movement on the lock of hair of the device. In this case, or the steam outlet orifices are for example formed through a counter-bearing surface on which the applicator member applies when the jaws are closed.

In the illustrated examples, the steam generation is on the lower arm and the product application on the upper arm. This provision can be reversed.

The dispensing nozzle may be non-elastically deformable and the product to be dispensed only during the movement of approximation of the jaws. A product accumulation chamber, elastically deformable, may also be interposed in the product path between the conduit on which the pressure element and the dispensing nozzle are applied, this chamber being formed, for example, by a length of pipe elastically. deformable or by an elastically deformable or mobile membrane without proper elasticity but bearing against an elastic return member which is deformed to accompany the increase in volume and which generates the pressure necessary to continue the distribution of the product once the jaws close together.

The phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one" and in all the ranges of values indicated, the boundaries are included.

Claims (15)

1. A device for treating, in particular shaping, hair, including:

   - a reservoir (25) containing a product to be applied, this product being contained in fluid state in the reservoir,

   - two jaws (3, 4) moving relative to one another, able to assume a separated configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close configuration for treating the lock of hair, the jaws (3, 4) being movable in this close configuration along the lock,

   - a member (23) for applying cosmetic product, supported by one of said jaws, and suitable for coming into contact with the hair in the closed position,

   - a steam outlet (21) on the other of said jaws, to expose the hair engaged in the device to steam, characterized in that the applicator member is made from a material able to release or diffuse the cosmetic product.
2. The device according to claim 1, including a comb (70) supported by one (6) of said jaws, in particular arranged downstream from the steam outlet (21) relative to the movement direction (D) on the lock of hair.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, including one or several heating elements (14, 15) arranged so as to come into contact with the lock of hair engaged between the jaws, in particular two heating elements arranged each on one of the jaws and arranged each so as to come into contact with said lock, in particular the heating element(s) defining hot contact surfaces (16) with the hair, the comb (70) being arranged upstream from these hot surfaces (16).
4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member (23) including a porous material, in particular an open cell foam, preferably supported by a removable support (34), in particular in the form of a frame.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the steam outlet (21) and the applicator member (23) being offset relative to the movement direction (D) on the lock.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member (23) being supplied by a dispensing mechanism actuated by bringing the jaws (3, 4) closer together, this mechanism in particular including a pump actuated by bringing the jaws closer together, in particular a peristaltic pump (32, 50).
7. The device according to claim 6, including:

   - a flexible conduit (32) traveled by the product circuiting from the reservoir (25) toward the applicator member (23),

   - a rotary pressing element (50), acting on the flexible conduit (32) like a peristaltic pump, this pressing element being supported by one (5) of the arms,

   - an actuating relief (60) supported by the other arm, to actuate the pressing element (50) when the jaws are closer together,

   - and preferably, a member (62) for adjusting the position of the actuating relief (60) relative to the arm (6) supporting it, so as to act on the span of the angular travel over which the pressing element (50) is actuated when the jaws are brought closer together.
8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a dispensing tip (30) to supply product to the applicator member (23), having at least one product dispensing orifice (40) emerging on the applicator member (23), better a plurality of dispensing orifices (40) distributed along the dispensing tip (30), the latter preferably being made with an elastically deformable wall and the dispensing orifice(s) (40) being closed when idle, the dispensing tip (30) being able to increase the volume by elastic deformation during a filling action thereof resulting from the relative movement of the jaws, and being arranged to continue to release the product after the filling action has ceased, regaining its initial shape.
9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the reservoir (25) being offset relative to the jaws (3, 4), in particular situated below a half-comb (10) on which the user presses to bring the jaws closer together.
10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the reservoir (25) including an absorbent element imbibed with product, the absorbent element bearing the applicator member.
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a felt pad, in particular a felt pad placed by sliding on the jaw (3), defining the applicator member (23) and at least part of the reservoir (25) containing the product to be applied.
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member (23) being compressible and the device including a counter-bearing surface (66) against which the applicator member (23) is compressed when the jaws are brought closer together.
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, having no water reservoir supported by the same arm (6) as that on which the steam outlet is made, the water being supplied by a base station.
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member (23) being supplied by a dispensing mechanism actuated by bringing the jaws (3, 4) closer together, the dispensing mechanism being adjustable using an adjusting member (62) so as to be able to modify the supply flow rate of the applicator member (23) with product, the jaw (4) not bearing the applicator member (23) including a pad (66) to apply the hair against the applicator member (23), the pad (66) being movable relative to the jaw (4) that supports it and its movement being controlled by the adjusting member (62), in particular:

    - the pad (66) entering a maximal compression position of the applicator member (23) upon closing of the jaws (3, 4), when the adjusting member (62) is in a position not actuating the dispensing mechanism, and/or

    - the pad (66) being made so as to include a removable cover (66b) able to assume, to prevent the application of cosmetic product on the hair, a configuration in which it serves as a protective cover (69) for the applicator member, and/or

    - the pad (66) being a felt pad imbibed with cosmetic product, this pad (66) being positioned preferably across from the applicator member (23) when the jaws are closed.
15. A method for treating hair using a treatment device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lock of hair is exposed, during the movement of the device along it, in a single operation, to an application of steam, cosmetic product, and heating in contact with a hot surface, the lock in particular being combed by the device during the movement thereof along the lock.

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