EP3164029B1 - Hairstyling apparatus for forming curls of different sizes - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a hairdressing appliance using steam and intended for shaping by contact with the hair, in particular intended for straightening but also for curling the hair of a person.

State of the prior art:

Traditionally, two different types of hairdressing devices are known which allow straightening or curling: curlers, whether or not heated, the straightener or straightening tongs and the sulking or curler or curling tongs.
Devices of the straightening or curling pliers type generally comprise two jaws pivoting with respect to one another about a common axis, and each comprising one end supporting a treatment surface, at least one of the surfaces of the treatment. treatment being heated, the other being provided to bring the hair into contact with the first, in particular by passing from an open position of the jaws allowing the insertion of the hair to a closed position for their contact with the part heated.
The straightener has on a first end of its jaws two identical flat heated surfaces which pinch the hair. In addition, the other end of the jaws forms two handles acting as a gripping zone and making it possible to switch from the open position to that of closed. The passage is done manually by pressing the two articulated handles of the device towards each other to bring the treatment surfaces into contact with the hair. The smoothing of a lock of hair is carried out by moving the device along this lock, from the root to the tip in a straight translation of the closed device.
The looper has surfaces formed by a heated cylindrical mandrel with a tile gripping the end of the bit by pivoting on the mandrel before winding the complete bit around the mandrel. The closure of a Strand of hair is done by at least partially wrapping the strand around the treatment surface (s) and applying heat to secure the curl primarily statically.

In each of these two devices, provision is made to use additional steam projected onto the hair. This makes it possible to improve the shaping of the hair, to lengthen the shaping of the hair, to keep the moisture in the hair, to treat the hair or to help the penetration of cosmetic active ingredients into the hair.

Steam-operated straightening devices are known, such as those described by the Applicant in WO2009077672 and in EP2591698 . The smoother of the second cited document is illustrated in figure 1 . It has a hair straightener comprising two identical flat smoothing plates facing each other and steam outlet orifices. The steam straightener as described in EP2591698 and illustrated in the present application is considered in figure 1 as the closest prior art and discloses the preamble of claim 1. This currently marketed apparatus is satisfactory in terms of smoothing and is capable of producing sufficient steam flow to highly care for the hair fiber. Nevertheless, in order to produce excellent smoothing and a consequent flow of steam, this apparatus contains numerous internal elements which have a technically optimized configuration but which occupy a fairly large footprint compared to a conventional hair straightener. In fact, the jaw which produces vapor contains a vaporization chamber. Thus the two boxes or even the two shells receiving the plates and the vaporization chamber each have an outer cover which, in cross section, has an identical width or greater width. The two hoods, however, draw an asymmetric and relatively flat external line, in particular at the level of the steam function, that is to say at the level of the steam orifices and of the deflector facing the orifices.
Thus, if the user wants to use this device to form loops by surrounding the wick around a cover or both covers, he will not be able to form a very round loop or to form a very regular loop or to slip. smoothly and evenly to loosen the curl once formed.

It is also known from the apparatus described in the document EP1396208 equip the device cover with pins and an ion emitter. However, this type of device has the same drawbacks as those described above.

Disclosure of the invention:

The objective of the present invention is to remedy at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a straightener that takes up little space and is capable of forming regular curls.

Another objective is to provide a straightener that takes up little space and is capable of forming curls by a mode of easy use.

Another objective is to provide a straightener capable of forming curls of at least two different sizes (or diameters) or even of at least three different sizes (or diameters) by easy use of this single device.

Another objective is to provide a straightener capable of making curls at a reduced cost.

Another objective is to provide a straightener capable of making curls and having a reduced weight.

Another objective is to provide a straightener capable of making curls and easy to handle, in particular easy to handle at the level of the two handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the device on the treatment side which can sometimes be hot.

Another object of the invention is a shaping device by contact with the hair using steam capable of reliably controlling at least one of the operating parameters of the steam.

Another objective of the invention is an appliance for shaping by contact with the hair using steam which can ensure a continuous flow or even steam constant, corresponding to the control setpoint.

Another objective of the invention is an appliance for shaping by contact with the hair using steam which is solid, in particular solid to impacts, robust in operation and ensures good aging with respect to mechanical deformations, for example.

Another object of the invention is a hair contact shaping device using steam which is efficient and / or fast in operation.

Another objective of the invention is a device for shaping by contact with the hair using steam according to the choice of hairstyle to be produced and / or according to the choice of the user, before or during the treatment, and / or without having to add additional accessories.

Another object of the invention is a shaping device by contact with the hair using steam which allows easy and practical use.

Another object of the invention is a hair contact shaping apparatus using steam and disposable add-ons which are simple in design, inexpensive in design.

Another object of the invention is a hair contact shaping device using steam which is secure and can never burn the scalp or the user's hands.

These objectives are achieved with, according to a first aspect of the invention, a styling apparatus for curling and straightening hair as defined in claim 1.

In this device, the greatest width l1 of the first box is less than or equal to 90% of the greatest width l2 of the second box. This characteristic, contrary to any classic specifications of a straightener which must have identical casing widths, makes it possible to provide different casings and therefore makes it possible to produce loops of different sizes around a case or the together the two boxes in the closed position, This while keeping a simple and compact device. The greater width will be considered as a reference for the dimensional ratio between the two boxes. In addition, in this device, at least one of the first box or of the second box is asymmetrical with respect to the median plane in longitudinal section respectively of said first box or of said second box. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain curls whose radius of curvature is not constant for a more natural effect. According to the invention, the second jaw comprises steam outlet means oriented towards the first housing and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface. This makes it possible to provide the steam treatment before the smoothing treatment in the recommended order of passing the straightener over the wick. The technical elements for producing and extracting the steam are enclosed in the most bulky jaw, namely the widest jaw. The means for producing the steam comprise at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber, the vaporization chamber being able to be heated by a heating means intended to also heat the treatment surface or else by a heating means. heating dedicated only to the vaporization chamber.

More particularly according to the invention, the greatest width l1 of the first box is between 75% and 85% of the greatest width l2 of the second box, preferably equal to 80%. This allows each box to receive all the internal technical elements while limiting the overall external size of the two covers or two shells receiving the hair treatment part.

According to the invention, in the closed position of the jaws, the median plane P1 in longitudinal section of the first box is parallel to and distinct from the median plane P2 in longitudinal section of the second box. This means that in cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the smoother, the section does not have orthogonal symmetry with respect to the smoothing plane Pl. The smoothing plane Pl is defined in that it contains the plane smoothing zone formed by the two flat treatment surfaces against each other in the closed position of the apparatus. Each of the two boxes is arranged on each side of the smoothing plane. Thus, at the level of the treatment zone, the first box is offset relative to the second box. This asymmetry or this shift makes it possible to provide a device whose use will be made intuitively for the user in a particular sense. This arrangement intuitively guides the user to the most efficient mode of use.

More particularly according to the invention, the distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the greatest width l2 of the second box, preferably equal to 10%. This shift is pronounced enough to ergonomically guide the user.

According to the invention, in the closed position of the jaws, one of the two longitudinal edges of the first box is directly above the longitudinal edge of the second box arranged on the same side of the second box. This means that in the closed position, two edges on the same side of the device are facing each other (as usually for a straightener) and, a fortiori, the two edges on the other side of the case will be offset from each other. On the side where the edges are plumb, the curve formed by the contour of the two shells or boxes will be relatively symmetrical with respect to the smoothing plane Pl. The smoothing plane Pl is the plane containing the smoothing zone formed by the two surfaces in contact with each other. These two straight edges make it possible to form large loops by winding the wick around the two boxes in the closed position of the device. These two edges plumb with each other make it possible to form a loose and very round loop, that is to say regular and without unwanted mark with a relatively compact device compared to the size of the loop obtained.

According to the invention, the internal treatment surfaces are flat, identical and face each other in the closed position, are arranged in their respective housing and adjacent to said plumb edges. The term “adjacent” is understood to mean the closest or neighbor possible, taking into account the manufacturing constraints, and taking into account the possible presence of a bar between the case and the treatment surface. This means that the smoothing treatment is done on the side of the plumb edges. In use on the lock to be treated, these edges are to be arranged on the scalp side to allow the hair, among the different combinations of treatments provided by the device (in particular straightening, steaming, or even combing or brushing), to be subjected lastly to the straightening treatment and ensure a perfect hairstyle finish.

More particularly according to the invention, each of said two longitudinal edges is provided with at least one bar protruding towards the interior of the case and made of the same material as that of said cases. This bar protrudes from the contour of the case and is oriented towards the inside of the case. This bar ideally forms two surfaces with a right angle (and not a chamfer) and one of the two surfaces of which is parallel to the treatment surface or surface of the adjacent smoothing plate. This bar allows, when the device is closed to receive the wick in tension, to subject it to shearing and to bend it more easily. This effect called "bolduc" is to be compared with the effect of a scissor blade passed by sliding on a ribbon to form loops. The bars are identical and arranged at the same place on the jaws to produce the so-called “bolduc” effect which is identical according to the inclination of the straightener upwards as well as downwards. The bar has a specific design and surface condition allowing the hair to have a frictional force on the upper bar compared to the frictional force on the outer surface of the jaws. The surface finish can be a rough coating.

According to the invention, the width of each internal treatment surface is between 40% and 60% of the greatest width l1 of the first box, preferably between 40% and 50%, preferably equal to substantially 45%. Substantially half of the width of the cases is occupied to produce the main treatment step, namely the smoothing step necessary to smooth the lock which can then be looped according to the user's choice.

According to the invention, the first box has a deflector formed in its inner contour and arranged in the closed position substantially opposite the steam outlet means of the second box. This deflector has several functions: protect the scalp from any jet of steam which could burn it, reflect the steam towards the hair which will be crossed twice and will thus be better treated. The angle and arrangement of the deflector is such that its dimension is minimized at best compared to the closest prior art while retaining its functionality.

According to the invention, the second box comprises a comb or a brush oriented towards the first box and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface. When the comb or brush functions are provided in addition to the smoothing function, the order of treatment of the lock is as follows: combing or brushing then smoothing or, in the case of steam formed, steam then combing or brushing then smoothing.

More particularly according to the invention, the first box has a groove formed in its inner contour and arranged in the closed position substantially opposite the comb or the brush of the second box. This makes it possible to receive at least the free end of the comb or at least the free end of the row of brushes in the closed position while limiting the bulk at best, while protecting the end of the accessory (comb, brush , etc ....) of any excess tension undergone during the passage of the device in the closed position along the wick and which could damage the comb. The comb must not be in abutment with the upper housing before the heating plates come into contact.

According to the invention, the first handle of the first jaw and the second handle of the second jaw each have a width Lp that is strictly less than the greatest width l1 of the first box. This allows easy grip for any hand size. The handles are in longitudinal axial extension of the respective boxes. The edges of the boxes which are plumb with one another are each in a particular configuration aligned (according to a same right) with the corresponding edges of the handles. The asymmetry of the device is also pronounced at the level of the handles.

According to the invention, the exterior surface of the first box and of the second box at least covering the treatment zone formed by the treatment surfaces is substantially smooth. This allows the wicks to slide as well as possible when they are wound around one or both boxes and they must be detached without affecting the shape of the loops made, shiny surface state, Charmilles type 0 or 3 Roughness Ra of the so-called substantially smooth surface will range from 0.2 μm to 2 μm, more particularly from 0.2 μm to 0.5 μm. At least one gripping zone can be arranged on the external surface of the boxes. This gripping zone is adapted to limit heat transfer in order to offer the possibility of a new gesture without risk of burns by maintaining the jaws by the boxes and not by the handles. By way of example, the surface of this gripping zone can be made of a different material or can have a different surface state from the rest of the external surface of each case.

According to the invention, in cross section, the line defined by the outer contour of the first and second boxes is a rounded curve having no point of inflection. According to yet another particular aspect, the line is visually never flat. This makes it possible to provide an appliance with reduced bulk, capable of forming loops and of which the overall outline is substantially rounded. For these reasons of size and different capacity of the two boxes, the outer contour is not circular. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir and vaporization means in fluid communication with the vapor outlet means and an actuator intended to control the vaporization means. This allows the steam to be controlled separately from the heating of the treatment or smoothing surfaces. The user has the choice by this actuator.

According to the invention, the vaporization means comprise an electric pump and said actuator is intended to control the electric pump. This allows the supply to the vaporization chamber to be controlled independently. heating of treatment or smoothing surfaces. Thus, if the user wants to stop the vaporization, he presses the actuator or switch to stop the operation of the electric pump while the heating of the vaporization chamber remains unchanged by the actuation of the switch and continues. If the user wants steam again, he will activate the switch which will restart the electric pump and immediately make the steam operational because the vaporization chamber will have remained at the correct temperature during the stop of the pump. The user has the choice through this actuator between immediate steam stopping and immediate steam recovery.

Brief description of the drawings:

• La figure 1 illustre une vue en perspective d'un appareil selon l'art antérieur,
• Les figures 2 respectivement 3 illustrent une vue en perspective d'un appareil selon l'invention en position ouverte respectivement en position fermée;
• La figure 4 illustre une vue en coupe transversale des boitiers selon l'invention;
• La figure 5 illustre une vue dimétrique de l'appareil selon l'invention du côté des bords de boitiers à l'aplomb,
• La figure 6 représente un mode de réalisation alternatif de l'appareil selon l'invention,
• La figure 6' représente une vue en coupe de la base déportée de l'appareil selon ce mode de réalisation alternatif.

The invention will be better understood by studying the embodiments taken in no way limiting and illustrated here:

• The figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to the prior art,
• The figures 2 respectively 3 illustrate a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in the open position respectively in the closed position;
• The figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the boxes according to the invention;
• The figure 5 illustrates a dimetric view of the apparatus according to the invention from the side of the edges of the boxes plumb,
• The figure 6 represents an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention,
• The figure 6 ' shows a sectional view of the remote base of the device according to this alternative embodiment.

For identical or even similar elements shown in several figures, the references used will be identical.

Detailed description of the invention:

As shown in all figures - including the figure 1 representing the prior art - the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises a first jaw 2 and a second jaw 3 arranged opposite one another. Each jaw can be broken down at least functionally into two parts: a box which holds the hair treatment members and a handle for the user to handle. Each case is made from one piece. The housing and the handle can be in one piece, extending from one another. Thus the first jaw 2 can be formed of a first housing 6 and of the first handle 6 'and the second jaw 3 can be formed of the second housing 7 and of the second handle 7'. The first internal treatment surface 4 is carried by the first jaw 2, more precisely by the first box 6, the second internal treatment surface 5 is carried by the second jaw 3, more precisely by the second box 7. The two jaws 2 , 3 are connected so as to pass between an open position and a closed position in which the internal treatment surfaces 4, 5 pinch a lock of hair. The first surface 4 and the second surface 5 for treating the hair are flat complementary surfaces which, in the closed position of the appliance, come approximately in correspondence to pinch the lock of hair thus making it possible to smooth it out when the lock has slipped. by straight translation. The two treatment surfaces are substantially symmetrical with respect to the smoothing plane when the device is in the closed position. Likewise, the heating elements of each treatment surface are substantially symmetrical with respect to the smoothing plane when the apparatus is in the closed position.
The first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are connected by a hinge-type joint and the maximum opening angle α of the two jaws is between 5 ° and 60 °, or even between 10 ° and 20 °, and preferably approximately equal at 15 °. In addition, the apparatus still illustrated here is in the "open" rest position, but it can be in the "closed" rest position, as illustrated in the patent. EP2145557 , said jaws being mounted to pivot at the other end between an open position allowing the insertion of the hair between the two treatment surfaces and a closed position for their contacting with the two treatment surfaces, the apparatus comprises means for returning the half handles which bring about the pressurization of the treatment surfaces. The pivot axis of the two Jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can be placed at the end of the jaws (as shown here) or be placed approximately in the middle of the jaws to provide a "scissor" type articulation apparatus.
The material forming the treatment surfaces 4, 5 is composed of metal and / or ceramic and / or glass and / or plastic material and / or fiber part. At least one of the first and second housings has a single heating element intended to heat the corresponding treatment surface by contact and the coating by radiation. The treatment surface is capable of rising to a temperature between 130 and 230 ° C. The case and the outer handle are in one piece to form the jaw. The material forming the external part of the case or also the external part of the handle can be plastic, for example PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) filled with glass fiber. It is important that this material has a very smooth surface. The material forming the internal part of the case or also the internal part of the handle can be plastic, for example PET (polyethylene terephthalate) filled with glass fiber.
As shown in figure 4 , the device 1 comprises at least heating means 41 for heating the first treatment surface 4. According to a particular embodiment, the device 1 also comprises heating means 51 for heating the second treatment surface. The heating means 41, 51 may or may be a heating element which may be a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient) or a ceramic which is pressed against the treatment surface 4, 5 or arranged inside the thermistor. element comprising the treatment surface 4, 5.
As shown in figure 4 , the apparatus 1 comprises in one embodiment means 80 for vaporizing the fluid comprising a vaporizing chamber 81 and heating means (or heating element or heating element) 82 of the vaporizing chamber. The vaporization chamber or chambers are made of aluminum, may include vapor outlet means 31 which can be formed by one or more vapor distribution orifices, for example a row of orifices. The vaporization chamber or chambers 81 may be placed in direct or indirect contact against the associated heating element 82. The good crushing of the heating element 82 and therefore its optimal operation is effected by a leaf spring (not shown) for example. A temperature sensor can preferably be arranged above the fluid inlet in the chamber. The heating means 82 of the vaporization chamber can be at least one heating element which can be a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient) or a ceramic which is pressed against one of the walls or arranged inside the forming element. the treatment surface, they may be identical or separate from the means for heating the treatment surface. The steam distribution means or outlet means 31 may have a series of steam outlet orifices arranged laterally on the first treatment surface 4, preferably a little set back from the treatment surface 4. Alternatively or additionally the means distribution of the steam have a series of orifices arranged on the treatment surface. The steam output flow rate is approximately between 3 and 4 g / min, rather approximately equal to 3.5 g / min. The internal construction of the device and in particular of the vaporization means is fully detailed in the applicant's patent. EP2449909 .

As shown in figures 2 , 3 and 4 , the hairstyling device 1 for curling and straightening hair has its greatest width l1 of the first box 6 less than or equal to 90% of the greatest width l2 of the second box 7. More particularly, the greatest width l1 of the first box 6 is between 75% and 85% of the greatest width l2 of the second box 7, preferably equal to 80%. These larger widths are substantially constant on the case, except on the ends of each case, which is why a range of values is given. The figure 4 is also a sectional cut substantially in the middle of the cases.

In the closed position of the jaws 2, 3, as shown in figures 3 and 4 , the median plane or sagittal plane P1 in longitudinal section of the first box 6 is parallel to and distinct from the median plane P2 in longitudinal section of the second box 7. The distance between the two median or sagittal planes P1, P2 is between 5% and 20% of the width of the greatest width l2 of the second box 7, preferably equal to 10%. Thus, the body of the two boxes is not symmetrical along a transverse longitudinal plane but offset. The outline of the device is clearly asymmetrical and is judiciously used both to reduce the bulk of the interior elements and to facilitate the process of using the straightener aiming to form loops of different size. As shown in figures 3 and 4 , in the closed position of the jaws 2 and 3, one of the two longitudinal edges 61 of the first box 6 is directly above the longitudinal edge 71 of the second box 7 arranged on the same side of the second box 7. The transverse longitudinal plane P4 and respectively plane longitudinal transverse P5 are the median plane of the internal treatment surface 4, respectively of the internal treatment surface 5. In section illustrated in figure 4 , this plane P4 is parallel and shifted outwards with respect to the planes P1 and P2. The planes P4, P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and are each orthogonal to the smoothing plane Pl. In addition, the first box 6 and the second box 7 of this example are also asymmetrical with respect to their respective median plane (P1, P2) in longitudinal section.
As we have seen, the internal treatment surfaces 4, 5 are flat, identical, face each other in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective boxes 6, 7 next to and adjacent to said edges. plumb 61, 71. On the figure 4 the straight line is plumb, a straight line tangent to the edges 61 and 71 of the boxes or covers in line. This straight line is orthogonal to the smoothing plane Pl. The curves of the contours li6, respectively li7, of the boxes 6 and 7, form an arc of a circle which is substantially continuous at the level of the plumb edges 61 and 71 and therefore the value of the arc of circle is approximately 15mm.

• l1 : plus grande largeur du premier boitier 6 = 45mm
• l2 : plus grande largeur du deuxième boitier 7= 52mm
• h1 : plus grande hauteur du premier boitier 6 = 23mm
• h2 : plus grande hauteur du deuxième boitier 7= 32mm
• l : largeur de chaque surface de traitement interne 4, 5= 25mm
• r : rayon de courbure formé par le contour de chaque côté du premier boitier 6 : environ 14mm.

Each of said two longitudinal edges 61, 71 is provided internally with a protruding bar 62, 72 towards the interior of the device, preferably made of the same material (plastic, for example PBT) as that of said boxes 6, 7. These bars are arranged identically on the two boxes as illustrated in figure 5 . They allow tension to be applied to give a so-called “bolduc” effect to the hair that slides on one of these bars during the smoothing gesture. This is a first way of forming loops inwards or respectively outwards, depending on the bar used, the bar arranged at the bottom, respectively arranged at the top of the straightener used.
As shown in figures 2 and 4 , the width l of each treatment surface internal 4, 5 is between 40% and 60% of the greatest width 11 of the first case 6, preferably between 40% and 50%, or even substantially equal to 45%.
As shown in figure 4 , here is a non-limiting example of the dimensions of the device according to the invention:

• l1: greatest width of the first box 6 = 45mm
• l2: greatest width of the second case 7 = 52mm
• h1: greatest height of the first box 6 = 23mm
• h2: greatest height of the second box 7 = 32mm
• l: width of each internal processing surface 4.5 = 25mm
• r: radius of curvature formed by the contour of each side of the first box 6: approximately 14mm.

The straightener according to the invention has its second jaw 3 comprising steam outlet means 31 oriented towards the first housing 6 and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface 5. Precisely, this means that the first jaw 2 comprises for the treatment of hair only a smoothing plate, while the second jaw has for hair treatment a smoothing plate and at least one additional styling function. Said at least one additional hairstyle function can be one or more functions chosen from the list of the following: vaporization, combing, brushing, ionization, application of voltage by a bar made of silicone-type material, application of a voltage by a movable bar driven by example in oscillatory motion. The present invention thus makes it possible to provide a compact styling device with a styling function additional to that of straightening and with the capacity to form curls of at least two different sizes, or even of at least three different sizes. To do this, said additional hairstyle function is installed on the larger box of the two. The invention resides in the best reduction in the width of the jaw housing having only the smoothing function without this causing any dysfunction either in terms of safety or in terms of efficiency of the complete hairdressing device. Also, the formation of the loops as well as the “release” of the loops represented an additional constraint on the dimension and on the shape of the cases.

As the steam function is on board the second jaw 3, it is important that the first box 6 has a deflector 21 formed in its inner contour and arranged in the closed position substantially opposite the steam outlet means 31 of the second box 7. This deflector protects the scalp from any unwanted projection of steam or condensed hot water droplets. This deflector 21 allows the steam to be returned to the hair which will be crossed twice by the steam. The deflector according to the prior art illustrated in figure 1 was very wide, was flat and covered the entire dimension of the jaw facing it. The sizing of the deflector 21 of the invention illustrated in figure 4 was judiciously chosen by the inventors to keep this function: the width dimension is reduced as much as possible so that it just covers the steam outlet orifices 31. In addition, the shape of this deflector is modified: it does not 'is flatter as shown in figure 1 , but the internal contour of the first box 6 is inclined upwards to represent the deflector.
As shown in figure 4 , the second box 7 comprises a comb or a brush 32 oriented towards the first box 6 and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface 5. In this case, the first box 6 may have a groove 22 formed in its inner contour and arranged in closed position substantially in front of the comb or the brush 32 of the second housing 7. In this way, the comb separates the entire thickness of the wick well without the combing function taking up too much space.

1. a) Mesure du Ra sur la partie supérieure « plane » ou encore la partie tangentielle à l'horizontale de la coque 6 illustrée en figure 4 :
   • En sens longitudinal : 0,24 ; 0,23 ; 0,22 µm soit 0,23 µm en moyenne,
   • En sens transversal : 0,22 ; 0,44 ; 0,27 µm soit 0,31 µm en moyenne
2. b) Mesure du Ra sur la partie latérale, à gauche et à droite du boitier 6 illustré en figure 4 :
   En sens longitudinal : 0,24; 0,23; 0,43; 1,63 µm soit 0,24 µm en moyenne avec des pics localisés pouvant aller jusqu'à 1,63µm ;

As shown in figures 2 and 3 , the first handle 6 'of the first jaw 2 and the second handle 7' of the second jaw 3 each have a width lp strictly less than the greatest width l1 of the first box 6, that is to say at the most small widths on the two boxes 6 and 7. Also the edges of boxes 6 and 7 which are arranged plumb are in these cases aligned with the edge of the same side of the handles to form a line of alignment coincident Lali as illustrated in figure 2 . It turns out that this alignment increases the ergonomics of the device which can be handled by any size of hand.
The outer surface of the first box 6 and of the second box 7 is substantially smooth. The coefficient of friction was measured by measurements of the roughness of the shell at the area intended for the winding of the loops as follows:

1. a) Measurement of Ra on the upper "plane" part or the tangential part to the horizontal of the shell 6 illustrated in figure 4 :
   • Longitudinally: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 µm or 0.23 µm on average,
   • In transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 µm or 0.31 µm on average
2. b) Measurement of Ra on the side part, on the left and on the right of the box 6 illustrated in figure 4 :
   Longitudinally: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 µm or 0.24 µm on average with localized peaks ranging up to 1.63 µm;

The roughness meter used is Mitutoyo brand, n ° JP1010. The statistical criterion R _a is statistical, and it is the arithmetic mean deviation from the mean line.

This allows easy winding and "release" of the curls without damaging the lock of hair.
In cross section as shown in figure 4 , the line defined by the outer contour of the first and second boxes 6, 7 is a rounded curve having no point of inflection. A major part of the work was to define as well as possible a contour of the boxes as rounded and as fluid as possible, without point of inflection and according to the size of the interior elements and the safety and efficiency measures set by the device. Note that in cross section, there is no flat line visually detectable with the naked eye. At the level of the first box, the latter has arcs of a circle on the sides that are smaller than the arcs of a circle on the sides of the second box. The radii of curvature on each side of the first box 6 are substantially identical. This makes it possible to form the roundest possible curls. This also makes it possible to avoid angles on the device that are fragile to shocks. In sectional view, the outer contour of the first housing 6 is approximately a reduction of the external contour in cross section of the second housing 7 with a ratio of approximately equal to 0.8.
According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir 83 and means for vaporization 80 in fluid communication with the vapor outlet means 31 and an actuator 85 intended to control the vaporization means 80. More particularly, the vaporization means 80 comprise an electric pump 84 and said actuator 85 is intended to control the pump electrical 84. This makes it possible to control the supply of the vaporization chamber 81 independently of the heating of the treatment or smoothing surfaces 4, 5. The user has the choice through this actuator 85. If he wants to make loops with or without steam, the user intervenes on the actuator directly. The electric pump can be a peristaltic pump whose actuator 85 will control the motor.

The figures 6 and 6 ' illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention: the apparatus has a two-piece configuration: a hair straightener in accordance with the invention described above and an offset base. This configuration is described in the applicant's patent. EP2449910 . Thus, the device 1 intended for shaping with the hair comprising a base 1000 comprising a (main) reservoir of fluid 83, a portable unit 100 comprising means 80 for vaporizing the fluid, means for distributing the steam 31 intended for the hair, a cord 121 comprising at least one pipe intended for the passage of fluid and arranged between the main fluid reservoir 83 and the vaporization means 80, the portable unit 100 comprises at least one first treatment surface 4 intended for come into contact with the hair and the means for vaporizing the fluid 80 are provided exclusively in the portable unit 100. The base is said to be “offset” from the portable unit, and can be placed on a work surface. The base includes a base 1001 to receive the portable unit or handpiece 100 when not in use, and includes a cover 2030 for introducing the fluid, the cover 2030 can be completely removable to replace demineralization means 2000 (cartridge) when necessary. Part of the base can be provided transparent so that the user can be visually alerted that the ion exchange resin changes color because it is no longer operative. It comprises demineralization means 2000 which make it possible to reduce the lime content of the fluid introduced into the base. These 2000 demineralization means are arranged between an intermediate reservoir which receives the “raw” fluid and between the reservoir 83 which contains the “purified” fluid intended for the hairdressing appliance 1.
As shown in figure 6 ' , the base 1000 comprises demineralization means 2000 and a fluid reservoir 83, the fluid is supplied by the cord 121 comprising a fluid pipe 121 'and electrical wires 121 ". The means for conveying the fluid from the reservoir of the base towards the vaporization chamber of the portable unit 100 comprise an electric pump 84, here a peristaltic pump whose motor 84 ′ is controlled by the actuator 85 arranged here on the base 1000.
Alternatively the device can take a configuration illustrated in figure 2 comprising a single apparatus with an integrated fluid reservoir and an on-board vaporization actuator 85.

Description in operation of the invention:

In operation, the user will connect the power supply of the device, the heating element type CTP or ceramic begins to heat the surfaces intended to come into contact with the hair, and a separate heating element (or the same element heating) starts to heat the vaporization means 80 (when it comes to a steam function), the user grasps the device and applies it to pinch the lock of hair to be treated.
As the two boxes are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the device on the wick is important: the user must arrange and close the straightener so that the two plumb sides are closest to the scalp, the meaning is illustrated in figure 2 . Then, the user can perform the conventional smoothing step by sliding the hair in a straight line along the lock in the direction represented by the arrow drawn on the first box 6 of the figures 2 and 3 .

When the user wishes to form small curls, he proceeds as follows: the device 1 being in the open position, he surrounds the first box 6 with the lock of hair, then he closes the straightener as close as possible to the scalp, keeps it motionless for several seconds and then slides the device 1 towards the free end of the wick to "unmold" the wick. This allows to form curls and small size.

When the user wishes to form larger curls, he proceeds as follows: once the device is closed as close as possible to the scalp, it slides along the entire wick and, at the end of the wick, it slides keeps the device in the closed position and turns it on itself to wrap the wick around the two boxes 6, 7 in the closed position up to the scalp, then, after a few seconds, it unwinds the wick. This makes it possible to form shiny and full-length smooth curls.
Each static step can last a few seconds or even a minute or two, while the curls form properly. The duration of the pause varies in particular according to the temperature of the apparatus and according to the format of wick treated.

Advantages of the invention:

• avec fonction vapeur peu encombrant et capable de former des boucles régulières,
• avec fonction vapeur peu encombrant et capable de former des boucles par un mode d'utilisation facile,
• avec fonction vapeur capable de former des boucles d'au moins deux tailles (ou diamètre) différentes voire d'au moins trois tailles différentes par une utilisation facile,
• avec fonction vapeur capable de faire des boucles à coût de fabrication réduit de ce seul appareil,
• avec fonction vapeur capable de faire des boucles et présentant un poids réduit,
• avec fonction vapeur capable de faire des boucles et facile à manier, notamment facile à manier au niveau des deux poignées ou zones de préhension et sans toucher l'extrémité de l'appareil côté traitement qui peut parfois être chaude,
• avec fonction vapeur apte à commander de manière fiable, au moins un des paramètres de fonctionnement de la vapeur,
• avec fonction vapeur, pouvant assurer un débit continu voire constant de vapeur, correspondant à la consigne de commande,
• avec fonction vapeur qui soit solide, notamment solide aux chocs, robuste en fonctionnement et assure un bon vieillissement par rapport aux déformations mécaniques par exemple.
• avec fonction vapeur qui soit efficace et/ou rapide en fonctionnement,
• avec fonction vapeur qui permette une utilisation aisée et pratique,
• avec fonction vapeur et des éléments additionnels jetables qui soient simples de conception, peu couteux de conception,
• avec fonction vapeur qui soit sécurisé et ne puisse jamais bruler le cuir chevelu ou les mains de l'utilisateur,
• avec une durée de vie du produit augmentée, et diminuant l'impact écologique de l'appareil,
• avec un fonctionnement sécurisé, fiable en fonctionnement permettant d'assurer un traitement de qualité des cheveux,
• solide, robuste en fonctionnement et assurant un bon vieillissement ;
• efficace et/ou rapide en fonctionnement,
• étanche en fonctionnement;
• assurant un fonctionnement dans n'importe quelle position de l'appareil,
• permettant une utilisation aisée et pratique,
• avec une structure simplifiée,
• industrialisable pour un faible coût,
• présentant moins de frottements non souhaités,
• n'étant plus tributaire des déformations mécaniques des boitiers pour actionner un composant,
• n'assurant plus d'effort parasite par rapport à l'effort exercé par l'utilisateur à la fermeture ou l'ouverture.

The invention provides many advantages, among which is a device for shaping the hair, in particular a straightener:

• with space-saving steam function capable of forming regular curls,
• with steam function space-saving and capable of forming curls by an easy mode of use,
• with steam function capable of forming loops of at least two different sizes (or diameter) or even at least three different sizes for easy use,
• with steam function capable of making loops at reduced manufacturing cost of this single device,
• with steam function capable of making curls and presenting a reduced weight,
• with steam function capable of making curls and easy to handle, in particular easy to handle at the level of the two handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the device on the treatment side which can sometimes be hot,
• with steam function able to reliably control at least one of the steam operating parameters,
• with steam function, able to ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam, corresponding to the control instruction,
• with steam function which is solid, in particular solid to shocks, robust in operation and ensures good aging with respect to mechanical deformation for example.
• with steam function which is efficient and / or fast in operation,
• with steam function which allows easy and practical use,
• with steam function and additional disposable elements which are simple in design, inexpensive in design,
• with steam function which is secure and can never burn the scalp or the user's hands,
• with an increased product lifespan, and reducing the ecological impact of the device,
• with safe operation, reliable in operation to ensure quality treatment of the hair,
• solid, robust in operation and ensuring good aging;
• efficient and / or fast in operation,
• waterproof in operation;
• ensuring operation in any position of the device,
• allowing easy and practical use,
• with a simplified structure,
• industrializable at low cost,
• presenting less unwanted friction,
• no longer being dependent on the mechanical deformations of the boxes to actuate a component,
• no longer providing parasitic force in relation to the force exerted by the user when closing or opening.

Claims (14)

1. Hair styling appliance (1) for curling and straightening hair, comprising:

   - a first and a second elongate jaw (2, 3) that are pivotable with respect to one another,

   - the first jaw (2) having a first housing (6) bearing a first flat internal treatment surface (4), and

   - the second jaw (3) having a second housing (7) bearing a second flat internal treatment surface (5),

   - the internal surfaces (4, 5) being intended to pinch a lock of hair,

   - at least one heating element (41, 51) intended to heat at least one internal treatment surface (4, 5),
   at least one of the first housing (6) or the second housing (7) being asymmetric with respect to the median plane (P1, P2) in longitudinal section of said first housing (6) or said second housing (7), respectively,

   - the second jaw (3) comprising means for outputting vapour (31) oriented towards the first housing (6) and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface (5),

   - the first housing (6) having a deflector (21) formed in its inner contour and arranged in an essentially closed position facing the means for outputting vapour (31) of the second housing (7),

   characterised in that:
   in cross-section, the line defined by the exterior contour of the first and second housings is a rounded curve that does not have any point of inflection, and in that the greatest width (l1) of the first housing (6) is lower than or equal to 90% of the greatest width (12) of the second housing (7).
2. Appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the greatest width l1 of the first housing (6) is between 75% and 85% of the greatest width 12 of the second housing (7), preferably equal to 80%.
3. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), the median plane (P1) in longitudinal section of the first housing (6) is parallel to and separate from the median plane (P2) in longitudinal section of the second housing (7).
4. Appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the greatest width 12 of the second housing (7), preferably equal to 10%.
5. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), one of the two longitudinal edges (61) of the first housing (6) is vertically aligned with the longitudinal edge (71) of the second housing (7) arranged on the same side of the second housing (7).
6. Appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal treatment surfaces (4, 5) are flat, identical and opposite one another in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective housings (6, 7) and adjacent to said vertically aligned edges (61, 71).
7. Appliance according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein each of said two longitudinal edges (61, 71) is provided with at least one bar (62, 72) that protrudes towards the interior of the housing (6, 7).
8. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width I of each internal treatment surface (4, 5) is between 40% and 60% of the greatest width 11 of the first housing (6).
9. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (7) comprises a comb or a brush (32) that is oriented towards the first housing (6) and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface (5).
10. Appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the first housing (6) has a groove (22) formed in its interior contour and arranged in a closed position essentially facing the comb or the brush (32) of the second housing (7).
11. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first handle (6') of the first jaw (2) and the second handle (7') of the second jaw (3) each have a width (Ip) which is strictly lower than the greatest width (l1) of the first housing (6).
12. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior surface of the first housing (6) and of the second housing (7) is essentially smooth.
13. Appliance according to any of the preceding claims comprising a reservoir of fluid (83) and vaporising means (80) in fluid communication with the means for outputting vapour (31) and an actuator (85) designed to control the vaporising means (80).
14. Appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the vaporising means (80) comprise an electric pump (84) and wherein said actuator (85) is designed to control the electric pump (84).

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