EP3142512A1

EP3142512A1 - Hairstyling apparatus using steam via the treatment surface and with a comb

Info

Publication number: EP3142512A1
Application number: EP15727696.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Régis FEREYRE
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2014-05-14
Filing date: 2015-05-12
Publication date: 2017-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-12
Also published as: JP6695279B2; JP2017515590A; FR3020930A1; US20150327650A1; BR112016026663A2; CN117547097A; RU2687631C2; US10383421B2; JP2017515589A; RU2016147332A3; CN204930667U; US11452352B2; BR112016026663B1; RU2016147332A; EP3142513B1; FR3020930B1; EP2944218B1; CN115590291A; KR102360506B1; EP3142513A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairstyling apparatus (1) comprising a portable treatment unit (2) provided with two limbs (3, 4) arranged to form a clamp provided with two surfaces (5, 6) disposed opposite one another and enabling a lock of hair to be clamped therebetween, the portable treatment unit comprising steam-diffusion means (7) arranged to diffuse steam from a first (5) of the two surfaces towards the second (6) of the two surfaces, one of the limbs (3, 4) comprising a comb (19) disposed downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces (5, 6) of the limb (3, 4).

Description

The invention relates to a steam styling apparatus which comprises a portable steam treatment unit for treating the hair by vaporization in order to shape them. In addition to vaporizing the hair, the portable treatment unit of this hairdressing apparatus is generally configured to heat the hair for shaping. Such a hairdressing device allows for example, according to its configuration, to perform the smoothing, curling or embossing hair.

It is known various hairdressing devices that can treat the hair to smooth, curl or emboss. These hairdressing appliances comprise a portable treatment unit consisting in particular of two arms, or jaws, which each have a surface that can be flat or curved. The two arms are articulated together to form a clamp configured to pinch the hair between the two surfaces disposed vis-a-vis, when bringing the two arms together. These two arms also include a gripping zone for opening and closing the clamp and its handling during styling. At least one of these two surfaces comprises a heating device for the treatment by heating the hair during their pinching. Smoothing a lock of hair is done by pinching the wick between the two surfaces and moving the clamp closed along this wick, from the root to the tip. Curling a lock of hair is done by pinching the wick between the two surfaces and at least partially winding this wick around the surfaces, the heat to fix the hair loop.

To improve the shaping of the hair, it is known to use in addition to the treatment by heating, a steam treatment, the steam being sprayed or diffused on the hair. Various examples of embodiments of such hairdressing appliances are described in JP2000157322A, EP1396207A1, EP1515628B1, EP1515629B1, EP1516554B1, FR2967017A1. According to these various embodiments, in addition to the other known and aforementioned characteristics of a hairdressing appliance, the portable treatment unit comprises steam projection means configured to project steam from a first of the two surfaces to the second of the two surfaces. . In EP1396207A1 and EP1516554B1, the portable treatment unit comprises steam suction means arranged on said second surface for discharging steam projected from said first surface after passing through the lock of hair. In the documents EP1515628B1 and EP1515629B1, in an alternative embodiment, the steam spraying means are configured to project the vapor from the two surfaces disposed vis-à-vis during the pinch. In the document FR2967017A1, patent application filed by the applicant, the optimized design of the vaporization means allows a steam flow of the order of 3 to 4 g / min, more important than other designs of hairdressing apparatus that offer a vapor flow rate of less than 2 g / min, which makes it possible to provide a homogeneous vapor over the entire width of the lock of hair pinched during the steam treatment and makes it possible to treat said lock of hair rapidly with steam during the movement of the hair; the portable treatment unit along this lock of hair. Furthermore, it is known from KR100546084 a hair straightener portable hair treatment device equipped in its lower arm with a heating plate, a single row of holes for the passage of steam, a double comb support provided with two rows of teeth each distributed on each side of the same hotplate to ensure to ensure in the closed position a combing of the wick upstream and downstream of the smoothing zone.

It is also known from JP2014151139 a hair straightener type portable hair treatment device, the two arms are each equipped with a heating plate, two rows of holes for the passage of steam on a hot plate, each arm being equipped with 'a single comb adjacent to the plate and carried by the arm, each of the combs being arranged on each side of the apparatus, to ensure in closed position a combing of the wick upstream and downstream of the smoothing zone.

The present invention aims to implement a hairdressing appliance of a performance comparable to that of the hairdressing appliance described in FR2967017A1 by reducing its bulk, for example by reducing the width of the hairdressing appliance and / or for example the height.

The present invention aims to implement a hairdressing appliance of a performance comparable to that of the hairdressing appliance described in FR2967017A1, however using a lower steam flow rate.

The present invention aims to implement a hairdressing appliance with a performance comparable to that of the hairdressing appliance described in FR2967017A1 by simplifying its design.

The present invention aims to implement a hairdressing appliance of a performance comparable to that of the hairdressing appliance described in FR2967017A1 by reducing its manufacturing cost.

The present invention aims to implement a hairdressing appliance of a performance comparable to that of the hairdressing appliance described in FR2967017A1 by reducing the volume of liquid used for the vaporization. To this end, the invention relates to a hairstyling apparatus comprising a portable treatment unit provided with two arms configured to form a clamp provided with two surfaces disposed vis-à-vis which allow concomitantly the pinch of a lock of hair. The portable processing unit includes steam diffusion means configured to diffuse steam from a first of the two surfaces to the second of the two surfaces. Remarkably, one of the arms comprises a comb arranged downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces of said arm. This makes it possible to disentangle and aerate the lock of hair separately from its steam treatment, thereby promoting the passage of steam between the hair. The combination of a straightener having treatment surfaces through which vapor is diffused or projected and a comb adjacent to the treatment zone provided by the nip of the two treatment surfaces against each other provides in a single gesture of use of the apparatus according to the invention a combination of results desired by the hairdresser: a natural smoothing accompanied by respect for the hair and in particular its hydration and softness. By natural smoothing is meant not a smoothing "stick" by which the hair is made very straight, but a smoothing to bring the hair in a grouped lock in a way that appears unprepared. The comb is arranged to protrude relative to the arm of the apparatus and to the treatment surface, for example the teeth of the comb are protruding relative to the treatment surface, orthogonal to the plane defined by the surface of the treatment. treatment. The angle of inclination of the comb with respect to the treatment surface is about 90 °, but may be between 45 and 135 ° with respect to the plane defined by the treatment surface.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb is a single comb on the apparatus and is arranged either downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces. The presence of a single comb on the entire device makes it possible to choose during the treatment whether the combing is done downstream or upstream of the smoothing.

In the case where the comb is used upstream of the smoothing - that is to say that the comb is used on the free end of the wick - it serves to divide the lock of hair for a good heat transfer of the plates to the wick, and to generate a tension improving the smoothing performance. In the case where the comb is used downstream of the smoothing - that is to say that the comb is used end-end scalp of the wick - it serves for the final result which will be less leaded, more natural. Thus the user can choose, when using the device from one lock to another, the rendering of the treatment he performs, while he could not do with two combs arranged laterally to a smoothing plate as on the straighteners of the prior art.

According to a first alternative concerning the arrangement of the comb with respect to the treatment surface in the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the comb is spaced from the adjacent treatment surface so that it is not in contact. with said treatment surface. This makes it possible to separate the thermal action from the smoothing of the combing action. This makes it possible to use any type of material for the comb that would withstand a high temperature of the smoothing plates, around 230 ° C. The comb may be spaced from the adjacent treatment surface by a minimum distance of 1 mm, preferably 2 mm.

According to a second alternative concerning the arrangement of the comb with respect to the treatment surface, the comb may be integral with the adjacent treatment surface so that it is in contact with said treatment surface. This makes it possible to provide a compact apparatus, better hair heating, this saves a room and reduces the production process time.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb defines a series of teeth extending from a base; the base of the teeth is substantially in the plane (P) of the treatment surface adjacent to the comb. In other words, the hollow of the tooth is located substantially at the same level as the treatment area generated by the nip of the two treatment surfaces. According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the arms each comprise a distal portion and the comb is mounted directly on the distal portion of the arm carrying the comb. This distal part of the device takes the form of an outer shell that holds the comb. This makes it possible to improve the compactness of the apparatus and to reduce its manufacturing cost.

According to this feature, the comb may be arranged protruding from the thickness of the distal portion, for example from the outer shell of the apparatus. According to this same characteristic, at least the free end of the comb teeth can come, in the closed position of the apparatus, facing the thickness of the distal portion of the arm not carrying the comb (or the outer shell of the comb). the apparatus of said arm). This reduces the clutter of the comb function on the device. In the closed position, the comb may not come into contact to avoid pulling the hair between the teeth of the comb and above the teeth of the comb.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb is made of a material taken from at least one of the following materials: thermosetting plastic, metal or aluminum alloy, thermoplastic.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb has teeth of pyramidal shape, conical or cylindrical shape (round or elliptical) or triangular section or a combination of at least two of these forms. According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb has teeth spaced apart with a regular spacing (e) of between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. The preferred value is 1mm.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the teeth have a height (h) of between 3mm and 25mm, preferably between 5mm and 15mm. According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the comb is attached permanently to the apparatus. According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention and alternatively to the previous feature, the comb is detachably attached to the device, or interchangeable with a different secondary comb. The different comb may be a comb with teeth of shape and / or height and / or spacing and / or different thickness.

According to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, means for confining the diffused vapor are provided between the two surfaces that are pressed against each other. These confinement means make it possible to preserve a quantity of steam in contact with the lock of hair with a homogeneous distribution, in a confinement space placed between the two surfaces which grip said wick, so as to promote the steam treatment. This vapor remains in the confinement space a lapse of time before escaping under the action of the steam flow. The confinement of the steam advantageously makes it possible to reduce the steam flow rate of the vaporization means of the portable treatment unit. Steam is supplied and circulated by diffusion means or projection means, the circulation can indeed be done without or with overpressure.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the means for confining the steam comprise a groove arranged in the second of the two surfaces, vis-à-vis the diffusion means. Thus the steam passes through the lock of hair and remains confined in said groove.

According to this implementation of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the groove opens on at least one of the two longitudinal edges of the second surface so as to allow the escape of this steam under the action of the flow Steam leaving the diffusion means, after maintaining the steam confined in said groove. The vapor in the confinement space is thus renewed. This makes it possible to maintain a vapor pressure in the confinement space, this pressure being able to be substantially constant.

According to this implementation of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the groove has a width of between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, still preferably 2.5 mm, and a depth between 0.5 and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably equal to 1 mm. These dimensions allow an optimization of the confinement space in order to maintain a sufficient renewed steam in contact over a width of lock of hair in order to treat it. In addition, the groove has a length of between 20 and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm, for an optimization of the volume of the confinement space for a reduced steam flow rate.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the first surface comprises a groove provided with a bottom, the vapor diffusion means being arranged to diffuse the vapor from said bottom, the means for confining the steam comprising the groove , in addition or in substitution of the aforementioned groove arranged in the second of the two surfaces.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the groove forms a space dug in the treatment surface of a volume between 500mm ³ and 2500mm ³ .

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the groove has a width of between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm, and a depth of between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. mm.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the groove has a length of between 20 and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm. When the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention comprises concomitantly a groove and a groove as mentioned above, said groove is arranged vis-à-vis said groove. In addition, the groove and the groove preferably have a substantially identical volume.

In an alternative embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus according to the invention, provided with a groove as mentioned above, the first surface comprises two adjoining grooves each provided with a bottom, the diffusion means being arranged for diffusing the vapor since at least one of said two funds. In addition, the groove is arranged vis-à-vis the two grooves.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the at least one groove opens on at least one of the two longitudinal edges of the first surface, allowing the vapor to escape after being diffused and maintained. in the confinement space.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the vapor diffusion means comprise a plurality of diffusion orifices arranged along the length of the bottom of the at least one groove. In an alternative embodiment, these vapor diffusion means comprise a diffusion slit arranged along the length of the bottom of the at least one groove.

According to one embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, a grid is arranged above the at least one groove on the first surface. This helps to better distribute the steam on the lock of hair.

According to another embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, it is provided with a single groove which has a curved shape. In addition, the groove comprises a curved grid of complementary shape to said curved groove. it helps to better distribute the steam on the lock of hair while putting it in tension during the movement of the portable processing unit which clamps said wick.

According to another embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, it comprises a groove and a groove which have a circular shape so as to form a cylinder, in the closed position of the clamp. In addition, the hairdressing apparatus comprises a perforated roll rotatably mounted within said cylinder. This makes it possible to distribute the steam in the confinement space constituted by said cylinder, the rotation of the roller avoiding pulling the lock of hair during the movement of the portable treatment unit along this wick.

With regard to a first alternative of the arrangement of the confinement means on the surfaces of the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the means for confining the steam are eccentric on the surfaces. It must be understood that the means of confinement are not in the middle of the surfaces but rather upstream or downstream on the surfaces. More specifically, the confinement means may take the form of an eccentric confinement system on the treatment surface, for example a single assembly formed at least by the eccentric groove on the treatment surface or smoothing plate with respect to its plane. median crossing it orthogonally.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the two surfaces are each provided with a heating plate, said heating plates being arranged vis-à-vis and concomitantly allowing the pinch of a lock of hair. This allows a treatment by heating the lock of hair, concomitantly with steam treatment.

Preferably, according to this embodiment of the hairdressing appliance with two heating plates, the means for confining the steam are arranged between said two heating plates. This has the advantage of heating the vapor present in the confinement space According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the means for confining the steam can be eccentric on the surfaces. According to this preferred embodiment of the hairdressing apparatus which is the subject of the invention, the means for confining the steam are eccentric on the parts placed downstream on the heating plates, which makes it possible to steam the hair strand beforehand. heat treatment, when moving the portable processing unit along said wick. Preferably, the median of the confinement means is located at a distance d1 from the downstream edge of the heating plates, the ratio of the distance d1 to the width 11 of the heating plates being between 0.1 and 0.4.

With regard to a second alternative of the arrangement of the confinement means on the surfaces, the means for confining the vapor are substantially centered on the surfaces. In other words, the median of the confinement means is located at a distance d1 from the downstream edge of the heating plates, the ratio of the distance d1 to the width 11 of the heating plates being between 0.4 and 0.6, preferably equal to about 0.5. This location makes it possible to use the comb downstream or upstream without modifying the treatment sequence by smoothing and steaming. This location also provides a cheap device.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, it comprises a vapor barrier which is configured to block the vapor escaping from the confinement means, towards the proximal portion of the clamp, said proximal portion being configured to manipulate the portable processing unit. This protects the hand that handles the portable treatment unit against steam burns.

According to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the steam diffusion means are configured to have a steam flow rate of between 0.5 g / min and 2 g / min, preferably between 0.9 g / min and min and 1.2 g / min. This allows the implementation of means of traditional vaporization or even innovative on the portable processing unit, having a small footprint and a simplified design, compared to those described in FR2967017A1. Still according to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the steam diffusion means can also be configured to have a steam flow rate of between 0.05 g / min and 0.5 g / min, preferably between 0.1 g / min / min and 0.3g / min, in particular equal to 0.lg / min. These two ranges of steam flow are equally effective, and are rather differentiated by the different technologies used vaporization means.

According to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the vaporization means comprise a vaporization chamber comprising a heating device and a device for measuring the temperature. The temperature measuring device makes it possible to control the temperature of the surfaces.

According to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the vaporization means comprise a fluid reservoir to be vaporized and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber, a pump intended to be actuated by pinching the two surfaces, to bring the fluid from the tank to the vaporization chamber. It may be a water pump, which can work on steam rates around about 0.5g / min to about 2 g / min mentioned above.

Alternatively, according to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the vaporization means comprise a fluid reservoir to be vaporized and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber, an air pump intended to be actuated by pinching the two surfaces, to bring the fluid from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber. Such an air pump makes it possible to work on low steam flows around about 0.05 g / min to about 0.5 g / min mentioned above. Alternatively, according to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the vaporization means comprise a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a felt intended to come into contact with the heating device. According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the vapor diffusion means define a confinement space constituted solely by the volume of the groove on the second surface.

According to the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject of the invention, the steam diffusion means alternately define a confinement space constituted solely by the volume of the groove comprising the steam diffusion orifices on the first surface.

According to the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the treatment surfaces have a length (L1) of between 80 mm and 120 mm and a width (11) of between 20 mm and 35 mm.

The following description of different embodiments highlights the features and advantages of the hairdressing apparatus object of the invention. This description is based on figures, among which:

Figure 1 illustrates a hairdressing apparatus object of the invention, the steam straightener type;

Figures 2 and 3 show two heating plates as arranged on the two arms of the portable treatment unit, respectively in pinch position and in the open position of the clamp;

FIG. 2 'shows two heating plates as arranged on the two arms of the portable treatment unit, respectively in pinch position, and in an alternative mode to that illustrated in FIG. 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a hairdressing apparatus object of the invention highlighting the presence of a vapor barrier; FIG. 5 illustrates a heating plate provided with two adjacent grooves having steam diffusion means;

Figure 6 illustrates a heating plate provided with a groove equipped with a perforated grid;

Figure 7 illustrates two heating plates in pinch position and highlights a curved shape of the groove and a perforated perforated grid on the groove;

FIG. 8 illustrates two heating plates in the nip position and shows a cylindrical shape constituted by the groove and the groove, with the presence of a perforated roll in the cylinder;

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate other alternatives to the embodiment of the confinement means;

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate a sectional view of three embodiments relating to the arrangement of the comb;

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate in front view and perspective view a single comb according to the invention.

Fig. 18 illustrates a steam embodiment with as an water transport means an air pump;

Fig. 19 illustrates an embodiment of steam with water as a means of transporting felt;

FIG. 20 illustrates a steam embodiment with a mechanical water pump as a means of transport;

Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of steam with as transport means an electric pump.

In the following description, the same references are used to designate the identical or similar characteristics according to the different design variants of the hairdressing apparatus according to the invention which are described in support of FIGS. 1 to 21. In Figure 1, the hairdressing apparatus 1 object of the invention is a hair straightener. This comprises a portable treatment unit 2. This portable treatment unit 2 is electrically powered by means of an electrical connection cable 8. The portable treatment unit 2 comprises two arms 3, 4 - also called jaws - articulated between them by means of a pivot link 21, which allows to form a clamp. The arm housing is defined for example by shells.

The two arms 3, 4 each comprise a proximal portion 3a, 4a. These two proximal portions 3a, 4a may concomitantly be gripped with one hand, which allows the manipulation of the portable treatment unit 2 and the closure of the clamp when the two proximal portions 3a, 4a are clamped.

The two arms 3, 4 each comprise on their inner face and at their distal portion 3b, 4b, a surface 5, 6 concomitantly allowing the pinch of the lock of hair. According to the embodiment of Figure 1, the surfaces 5, 6 are flat, in the form of two heating plates 17, 18. When closing the clamp, the heating plates 17, 18 arranged vis-à-vis come into contact with each other, which allows said pinching. In one embodiment, the portable treatment unit 2 of the hairdressing apparatus 1 according to the invention may have similar technical characteristics to those described in the patent application FR2967017A1 filed by the applicant, as to the implementation of the means for heating (not illustrated) heating plates 17, 18. Thus, the heating means of the heating plates 17, 18 each comprise a heating device (not shown) consisting of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, called CTP, and a measuring device (not shown) of the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN. These heating and measuring devices will be arranged in the housing zones 22, 23 on each arm 3, 4, for each of the heating plates 17, 18. The characteristics of such heating means of the heating plates 17, 18 being known to those skilled in the art, these will not be more detailed. Variants, known to those skilled in the art or even innovative, are also possible for these heating means of the heating plates 17, 18, without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, variant shapes can be envisaged for the surfaces 5, 6. Curved surfaces can be used in particular, such as, for example, hair-styling devices for looping the hair, or even corrugated surfaces, such as in particular on hairstyle allowing the embossing of the hair. In addition, one could consider variants of portable treatment unit 2 with only one of the two surfaces 5 or 6 which is heated, the other surface contributing solely to the pinch of the lock of hair, for its shaping.

The portable treatment unit 2 of the hairdressing apparatus 1 also comprises means for projecting or diffusing vapor 7 from the first surface 5 to the second surface 6. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first arm 3 comprises a groove 10 provided with a bottom 11 in which are arranged orifices 12 for the projection or diffusion of steam towards the second arm 4, when the clamp is closed. The first arm 3 also comprises at its distal portion 3b, a vaporization chamber (201) which allows the creation of vapor and the projection or diffusion of this vapor through the orifices 12. In one embodiment, the treatment unit portable 2 of the hairdressing apparatus 1 according to the invention may include technical characteristics comparable to those described in the patent application FR 2 967 017 A1 filed by the applicant, as to the implementation of the vaporization chamber. Thus, this vaporization chamber comprises in particular a heating device (not shown) consisting of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, called PTC, and a measuring device (not shown) of the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN. These heating and measuring devices are arranged in a second housing zone 24 illustrated in FIG. 2, under the first housing zone 22. Variants, known to those skilled in the art or even innovative, also remain conceivable for this vaporization chamber, without departing from the scope of the invention. Preferably, eight orifices 12 with a diameter of 1.2 mm are arranged in the bottom 11 of the groove 10. In addition, the steam projection or diffusion means are configured to project or diffuse the steam with a flow rate of between 0.degree. , 5 g / min and 2 g / min, preferably between 0.9 g / min and 1.2 g / min. Those skilled in the art are able to size said projection means or vapor diffusion, to obtain such a flow. However a flow rate between 0.5 g / min and 5 g / min for example substantially equal to 4 g / min is possible for a less cumbersome hairdressing appliance than that described in FR2967017A1 which is capable of producing the same flow rate.

Other features, also known to those skilled in the art, are also implemented on the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention. The portable processing unit 2 comprises in particular an electronic card (not shown) which is configured to manage the activation of the two heating plates 17, 18 and the vaporization chamber. This electronic card is arranged inside one of the two arms 3, 4, for example in the proximal portion 3a of the first arm 3. The portable treatment unit 2 comprises a magnetic sensor 25, illustrated in FIG. of the type with a flexible blade, said ILS, which can detect the closed position of the clamp according to which the two surfaces 5, 6 are placed close to each other and pinch a lock of hair. In a variant, the flexible blade switch could be replaced by a magneto-resistive sensor, called MRS.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the groove 10 is implemented in the downstream portion 17a of the first heating plate 17 (or first surface 5 not necessarily heating surface), relative to the direction of movement of the unit. 2 portable treatment from the root to the tip of the hair, as shown by the arrow 26 in Figure 2. This allows to treat the lock of hair by steam before treatment by heating (respectively, or by pinching not necessarily heated) ). The groove 10 preferably opens at its two ends on the longitudinal edges 5a, 5b of the first surface 5. However, a variant could be provided according to which the groove 10 opens only on one of the longitudinal edges 5a, 5b. As shown in FIG. 2, the median 27 of the groove 10 is positioned at a distance d1 from the downstream lateral edge 29 of the first heating plate 17. The ratio of this distance d1 to the width 11 of this heating plate 17 is preferably between 0.1 and 0.4. For example, the width of the plate is equal to 28.9 mm and the distance d1 is equal to 6.25 mm, corresponding to a ratio of 0.22.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a groove 9 is arranged in the downstream portion 18a of the second heating plate 18, opposite the groove 10. According to this embodiment, the groove 9 and the groove 10 have a substantially identical shape and volume. The groove or the groove and groove assembly makes it possible to form the means for confining the diffused vapor. As for the groove 10, the groove 9 opens at its two ends on the longitudinal edges 6a, 6b of the second surface 6. The groove 9 and the groove 10 are dimensioned to concomitantly constitute a confinement space 28 of the vapor which circulates since the openings 12. This confinement space 28 makes it possible to contain the steam around the lock of hair pinched between the two surfaces 5, 6, before allowing this vapor to escape through the ends of the groove 9 and the groove 10, by the renewal of the steam flowing through the orifices 12. The confinement of the steam promotes the steam treatment of the lock of hair while using a reduced steam flow, preferably between 0.9 g / min and 1.2 g / min, ensuring a more or less rapid movement of the portable treatment unit 2 along the lock of hair. Furthermore, the implementation of the confinement space 28 between the two heating plates 17, 18 advantageously allows to heat the vapor confined in said space. To implement this confinement space 28, a groove width of between 2 mm and 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm and a groove depth of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm is chosen in a first embodiment. preferably 1 mm. In addition, the volume of the groove 10 is preferably between 200 mm ³ and 275 mm ³ , preferably 225 mm ³ . The length of the groove 10 is preferably between 20 mm and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm. The dimensions and the volume of the groove 9 are preferably similar, which allows to obtain a volume of the confinement space 28 between 400 mm ³ and 550 mm ³ , preferably 450 mm ³ . In a second embodiment, where the steam flow rate may be higher than in the first mode, for example, the groove 10 forms a space dug in the treatment surface of a volume between 500mm ³ and 2500mm ³ ; the groove has a width of between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm, and a depth of between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3 mm; the groove has a length of between 20 and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 2 ', one embodiment of the arrangement of the steam confinement means is alternative to that illustrated in FIG. 2. The steam confinement means illustrated in FIG. 2' comprise the groove 10 and the groove 9 facing one another, but may be only the groove 10 or only the groove 9. The confinement means are arranged in the middle of the treatment surface or surfaces, all things being equal.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the portable treatment unit 2 comprises a vapor barrier 20 which is arranged on the first arm 3, at the level of the proximal longitudinal edge 5a of the first surface 5. This vapor barrier 20 allows to prevent the vapor escaping from the confinement space 28, to come into the gripping zone of the portable treatment unit 2 constituted by the proximal portions 3a, 4a of the two arms 3,4.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of projection or vapor diffusion means 7 on the first surface 5. These vapor projection or diffusion means 7 comprise two adjacent grooves 10, 10 'of a design similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 to 3, arranged on the downstream portion 17a of the first heating plate 17. Each groove 10, 10 'comprises orifices 12, 12' arranged in the bottom 11, 11 'of said groove 10, 10', through which is projected , broadcast, transported steam. According to this mode of implementation, the groove 9 arranged on the second heating plate 18 has a width corresponding to the total width of the two grooves 10, 10 '. The flow of The steam is also between 0.5 g / min and 2 g / min, preferably between 0.9 g / min and 1.2 g / min. The volume of the confinement space is in this case constituted by the volumes of the groove 9 and grooves 10, 10 '. This volume is in a range of values double to that of the volume of the confinement space 28 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3. It is in effect to double the channel or the throat of the preceding embodiments. so that the steam follows a double channel and the lock of hair is treated twice by steam. The channels may be circulating fluid at one end of the one or more surfaces. In this configuration of circulating the steam of the parallel channels through a full U-shaped channel, an alternative is that the steam outlet ports are present only on one of the channels (not shown).

In FIG. 6, the steam projection or diffusion means 7 are similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 3. In addition, a grid 13 is arranged above the groove 10, which favors a homogeneous distribution of the steam produced. and displaced in the confinement space 28 comparable to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Such a grid 13 may be implemented on each groove 10, 10 'of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the groove 10 comprises a curved shape. The groove 9 comprises a curved grid 14 of shape complementary to that of said curved groove. This curved grid makes it possible to evenly distribute the vapor in the confinement space 28 and to pull on the lock of hair during the movement of the portable treatment unit 2. The volume of the confinement space 28 will be in a range of values similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

In FIG. 8, the groove 10 and the groove 9 are of circular shape and define a cylinder 15 when the clamp is closed, said cylinder 15 defining the confinement space 28. In addition, a perforated roll 16 is arranged in rotation according to an X axis inside the cylinder 15. This perforated roll 16 may be motorized. The volume of cylinder 15 will be in a range of values similar to that of the volume of the confinement space 28 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate each of the alternatives to the embodiment of the confinement means of FIG. 2, but may be implemented in all the modes described, alone or in combination. The common point of these modes is one or two part (s) referenced 30, 30a particular (s) inserted (s) one or each in one or two spaces developed (called still gutters) in the or hotplates. Such a piece introduced into the plate at least partially defines the contour of the confinement means. This or these parts make it possible to introduce additional functionalities to the treatment with confined vapor.

Thus, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the spacing with one or two respective glass pieces inserted into an arranged space larger than the space of the final groove of the heating plates. The groove or grooves are formed in one or both glass pieces. The one or more glass pieces may be illuminated by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to form light strips on each side of the containment groove.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative in which the steam is fed through two channels 31, 31a for supplying steam from the vaporization chamber. For this, the particular piece is inserted in the largest space arranged on the plate treatment surface. This part makes it possible to divert the steam arriving via the channel coming from the vaporization chamber.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative in which the particular piece or pieces are made of aluminum and for example painted, for example slid into the landscaped space. Fixing can be done by dovetail. One can imagine changing the size of the groove or grooves by replacing the particular parts.

Finally, Figure 12 illustrates an alternative in which the particular part or pieces are silicone 30, 30a. Advantageously and as illustrated, the silicone part 30, 30a may, when in place, project protruding from the surface of the heating plate 17, thereby creating a tension zone 32 or traction zone 32 of the hair next to the throat, allowing better and more respectful smoothness of the lock of hair.

In FIG. 1, a comb 19 is arranged downstream of the first surface 5 on the first arm 3. This comb 19 makes it possible to disentangle and aerate the lock of hair before it passes between the two surfaces 5, 6.

In FIG. 13, a sectional section of the apparatus according to FIG. 1, is illustrated the comb 19 separated from the adjacent treatment surface 5 and facing the outer shell of the arm housing opposite. The comb in the closed position is not in contact with the hull. In Figure 13 is shown the cross section of the apparatus at the treatment surfaces 5 and 6 in the closed position, thereby forming with the groove and the groove 9 and 10 the confinement means. The arms 3 and 4 show in this section their respective distal portions 3b and 4b.

FIG. 14 is a variant of FIG. 13 with the comb arranged on the other side of the apparatus, and also formed in the outer shell of the arm 3.

Figure 15 is a variant of Figure 13 with the comb in one piece with the adjacent treatment surface.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, vaporization means 200 are arranged in the lower arm at the level of the treatment surface or smoothing plate 5. The vaporization means comprise a fluid reservoir to be vaporized. The fluid may be water or a fluid cosmetic. This reservoir will be in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber 201. The fluid may be supplied by a pump. The pump may be a water pump to ensure a normal flow of steam, the pump being a mechanical water pump (valve or other), or even an electric pump; or an air pump to ensure a relatively low steam flow; or the pump may be a felt system that will be brought into motion relative to a heating element or heater 202 to then form steam; said movement or the actuation of the pumps will be controlled during the closure of the straightener. The air pump system is schematically illustrated in FIG. 18: a fluid reservoir 204 is in fluid communication via a water tube 208 with the vaporization means 200 so that the fluid arriving in the vaporization chamber 201 is evaporated before to go out to the hair via the orifices; an air pump 205 is installed on the reservoir and comprises two valves (not shown). The felt system or capillary system for supplying the fluid is illustrated schematically in FIG. 19: the fluid reservoir 204 partially receives a felt 206 (or a porous wick) against which at least one vent 209 is provided. The fluid is transported via the felt by capillarity out of the tank. The felt 206 and the heater 207 are relatively movable. When closing the clamp (for example but not necessarily), the out-of-tank portion of the felt 206 and the heater 207 are brought into contact at the vaporization chamber 201 and the fluid in the felt is evaporated and then exits of the device.

The water pump system is illustrated in the patent FR2967017A1 of the applicant. It is also shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the same way as in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 20 shows schematically a pump system 210 with mechanical water with a valve arranged on the tube 208 connecting the fluid reservoir 204 to the chamber. This pump can be operated manually or automatically when closing the device, namely by pinching the two surfaces 5, 6. Figure 21 shows a pump system 211 with electric water arranged operational on the tube 208 connecting the fluid reservoir 204 to the vaporization chamber 201. This pump can be operated manually or automatically when closing the device for example. For example, a switch 212 is closed each time the user closes the jaws of the straightener and then triggers the electric pump, which is for example a peristaltic pump, to bring the fluid from the tank 204 to the vaporization chamber 201. The upper arm of the straightener has, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, a heating surface 6 which will be spring-mounted to allow the wick to be pinched at best during the closing and when the two treatment surfaces are pinched. one against the other. A device for measuring the temperature 203 is provided to know the temperature of the vaporization means.

The comb according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, in its detachable embodiment. The comb 19 comprises a base 190 from which the teeth 191 extend and whose free ends 192 are at the same height h, and are spaced apart by the same distance e. A pin 193 makes it possible to pull the comb out of the apparatus, in particular out of a groove formed in the outer shell of the apparatus. The base of the teeth is in the plane P. The comb 19 consists of a material taken from at least one of the following materials: thermosetting plastic, metal or aluminum alloy, thermoplastic.

Other implementation variants are conceivable in the context of the invention. In particular, it is possible to provide a confinement space which is constituted solely by the volume of a groove 9 on the second surface 6, or solely by the volume of a groove 10 comprising the orifices 12 for diffusion or vapor projection, on the first 5. It is appropriate in this case to size said volume of the groove 9 or the groove 10, so as to constitute said vapor containment.

It is also possible to provide an arrangement of the confinement means and the vapor diffusion or projection means 7 on the surfaces 5, 6, separately from the heating plates 17, 18, the said confinement means and the said vapor diffusion or projection means 7 being arranged downstream of said heating plates 17, 18.

According to the various embodiments mentioned above, it is also possible to replace the diffusion or vapor projection orifices 12 by a diffusion or projection slot of steam arranged in the bottom 11, 1 of the groove 10, 10 ', keeping a steam flow rate between 0.5 g / min and 2 g / min, preferably between 0.9 g / min and 1.2 g / min.

According to the various embodiments mentioned above, it is possible to add an onboard ionizer which will be intended to bring ions into the vapor containment means to eliminate static electricity.

Claims

Hairdressing apparatus (1) comprising a portable treatment unit (2) provided with two arms (3, 4) configured to form a clamp provided with two surfaces (5, 6) disposed opposite each other which simultaneously allow the pinching of a lock of hair, the portable treatment unit comprising vapor diffusion means (7) configured to diffuse steam from a first (5) of the two surfaces to the second (6) of both surfaces, characterized in that one of the arms (3, 4) comprises a comb (19) arranged downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces (5, 6) of said arm (3, 4).

Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the comb (19) is a single comb (19) on the apparatus and is arranged either downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces (5, 6).

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the comb (19) is spaced from the adjacent treatment surface (5, 6) so that it is not in contact with said treatment surface ( 5, 6).

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the comb (19) is spaced from the adjacent treatment surface (5, 6) by a minimum distance of 1 mm, preferably 2 mm.

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, except for the last two, in which the comb (19) is integral with the adjacent treatment surface (5, 6) so that it is in contact with the said surface of treatment (5, 6).

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb (19) defines a series of teeth (191) extending from a base (190). and whose base (190) of the teeth (191) is substantially in the plane (P) of the treatment surface (5, 6) adjacent to the comb (19).

7. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arms (3, 4) each comprise a distal portion (3b, 4b) and wherein the comb (19) is mounted directly on the distal portion (3b, 4b) of the arm (3,4) carrying the comb (19).

8. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the comb (19) is arranged protruding from the thickness of the distal portion (3b, 4b).

9. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein at least the free end (192) of the teeth (191) of the comb (19) comes, in the closed position of the device, facing with the thickness of the distal portion (4b, 3b) of the arm (4, 3) not carrying the comb (19).

10. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the comb (19) consists of a material taken from at least one of the following materials: thermosetting plastic, metal or aluminum alloy, thermoplastic.

11. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the comb (19) has teeth (191) of pyramidal shape, conical, or cylindrical or triangular section or a combination of at least two of these forms.

12. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the comb (19) has teeth (191) spaced apart from a regular spacing (e) between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 1mm and 3mm.

13. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the teeth (191) have a height (h) between 3mm and 25mm, preferably between 5mm and 15mm.

14. Hairdressing apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the comb (19) is permanently attached to the apparatus.

15. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims except the previous one where the comb (19) is detachably attached to the device, or interchangeable with a different secondary comb.

16. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising means of confinement (9, 10, 10 ') of the diffused vapor, between the two surfaces (5, 6) pressed against each other .

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the means for confining the steam comprise a groove (9) arranged in the second (6) of the two surfaces, opposite the diffusion means ( 7).

18. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the groove (9) opens on at least one of the two longitudinal edges (6a, 6b) of the second surface (6).

19. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the groove has a width of between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 and 6 mm, and a depth of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.5mm and 2mm.

20. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the groove has a length of between 20 and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm.

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein the first surface (5) comprises a groove (10) provided with a bottom (11), the steam diffusion means (7) being arranged to diffuse steam from said bottom, the vapor containment means including the groove.

22. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the groove (10) forms a recess in the treatment surface of a volume between 500mm ³ and 2500mm ³ .

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the groove has a width of between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm, and a depth of between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5mm and 3mm.

24. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the groove has a length of between 20 and 220 mm, preferably 90 mm.

25. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20 attached to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the groove (9) is arranged vis-à-vis the groove (10).

26. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the groove (9) and the groove (10) have a substantially identical volume.

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the first surface (5) comprises two adjacent grooves (10, 10 ') each provided with a bottom (11, 11'), the broadcasting means (7) being arranged for diffusing the vapor from at least one of said two bottoms, the groove (9) being arranged vis-à-vis the two grooves.

28. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the at least one groove (10, 10 ') opens on at least one of the two longitudinal edges (5a, 5b) of the first surface (5).

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the steam diffusion means (7) comprise a plurality of diffusion holes (12, 12 ') arranged along the length of the bottom ( 11, 11 ') of the at least one groove (10, 10').

Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the steam diffusion means (7) comprise a diffusion slit arranged along the length of the bottom (11, 11 ') of the at least one groove (10, 10 ').

31. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 26, wherein a grid (13) is arranged above the at least one groove (10, 10 ') on the first surface (5). .

32. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the groove (10) has a curved shape and the groove (9) comprises a curved grid (14) of complementary shape to said curved groove.

33. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the groove (10) and the groove (9) have a circular shape so as to form a cylinder (15) in the closed position of the clamp said apparatus comprising a perforated roll (16) rotatably mounted within said cylinder.

34. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two surfaces (5, 6) are each provided with a heating plate (17, 18), said heating plates being arranged vis-à-vis screw and allowing concomitantly the pinching of a lock of hair.

35. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the confinement means (9, 10, 10 ') of the steam are arranged between the two heating plates (17, 18).

36. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means of confinement (9, 10, 10 ') of the steam are eccentric on the surfaces (5, 6).

37. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the means of confinement (9, 10, 10 ') of the steam are eccentric on the parts (17a, 18a) arranged downstream on the heating plates (17, 18).

38. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the median of the confinement means (9, 10, 10 ') is located at a distance dl from the downstream edge of the heating plates, the ratio of the distance dl on the width 11 of the heating plates being between 0.1 and 0.4.

39. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the claims except the last three in which the means of confinement (9, 10, 10 ') of the steam are substantially centered on the surfaces (5, 6).

40. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of claims 16 to the preceding, which comprises a vapor barrier (20) configured to block the vapor escaping from the confinement means (9, 10, 10 '), direction of the proximal portion (3a, 4a) of the clip which is configured to manipulate the portable processing unit (2).

41. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam diffusion means (7) are configured to have a steam flow rate between 0.5 g / min and 2 g / min. preferably between 0.9 g / min and 1.2 g / min.

42. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims except the last, wherein the steam diffusion means (7) are configured to have a steam flow rate between 0.05g / min and 0, 5 g / min, preferably between 0.1 g / min and 0.3 g / min, in particular equal to 0.1 g / min.

43. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the vaporization means (200) comprise a vaporization chamber.

(201) comprising a heating device (202) and a temperature measuring device (203).

44. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the vaporization means (200) comprise a fluid reservoir (204) to vaporize and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (201), a pump water pump intended to be actuated by clamping the two surfaces (5, 6) to bring the fluid from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber (201). 45. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, except the preceding one, in which the vaporization means (200) comprise a fluid reservoir (204) to be sprayed and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (201). ), an air pump (205) intended to be actuated by clamping the two surfaces (5, 6), to bring the fluid from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber (201).

46. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the vaporization means (200) comprises a fluid reservoir (204) in fluid communication with a felt (206) intended to come into contact with the device. heater (207).

47. Hairdressing appliance according to one of the preceding claims wherein the vapor diffusion means (7) define a confinement space constituted solely by the volume of the groove (9) on the second surface (6). 48. Hairdressing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, except the preceding one in which the steam diffusion means (7) define a confinement space constituted solely by the volume of the groove (10) comprising the steam diffusion holes on the first surface (5).

49. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the treatment surfaces (5, 6) have a length (L1) of between 80 mm and 120 mm and a width (II) of between 20 mm and 35 mm.