EP3331397B1 - Hair curling device having an insertion slot provided with guiding means - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of hairdressing devices for curling locks of hair, in particular those which have a device for automatically winding the lock to effect its curling.

State of the art

Such hairdressing devices for curling locks of hair, with a device for automatically winding the lock to effect its curling, are already known to those skilled in the art. For example, patent applications published under the numbers FR2373986A1 , DE2816289A1 , WO2009077747A2 , WO2012080751A2 , WO2013186547A1 describe such hairdressing devices. According to this type of design, the hairdressing apparatus comprises a housing which comprises a winding chamber having an opening for introducing the lock of hair, a mandrel arranged in this winding chamber and a winder configured to wind the lock. of hair around the mandrel.

In the patent application FR2373986A1 , the winder has a spiral shape with teeth so that when starting the device the lock of hair can be grasped and wound around the heating mandrel.

In the patent application DE2816289A1 , the winder has a cylinder shape arranged coaxially around a portion of the mandrel in a winding chamber of the housing. The mandrel has a tapered head which extends outside of the winder and the winding chamber of the housing. The reel includes a notch with a hook that allows the bit to be wound around the reel and around the conical head of the mandrel, while moving the styling appliance against the scalp.

The aforementioned hair styling appliances, described in FR2373986A1 and DE2816289A , are complex to use and are not ergonomic. In addition, they do not allow efficient looping of the hair because the coiled hair is not held near the mandrel for proper loop formation. Furthermore, the positioning of the lock of hair relative to the housing so that it is gripped by the winder is difficult due to the general design and ergonomics of the device.

In the patent application WO2009077747A2 , the housing of the hairdressing apparatus comprises a slot arranged in the length direction of a winding chamber, through which the lock of hair enters in order to be wound around the mandrel. Lateral guide blades are disposed in a V longitudinally outside the slot to receive a bit. The reel has the form of a disc arranged around the mandrel. The disc is larger than the housing, so that it passes through the slot and guide blades. The disc has a radial notch which opens out on its peripheral contour and forms a hook, so that said notch can be positioned through the slit and between the guide blades, which facilitates the positioning of the lock of hair in the 'notch for gripping said wick. Once the wick is in position in the notch, it is wound around the mandrel in the winding chamber, from the scalp towards the end of the wick. The design of this winder forces the grasped bit to wind on both sides of the disc, which generates tension on the hair throughout its winding, which can therefore be damaged. In addition, the bit can easily get caught in the winding chamber of the housing due to this winding on both sides of the disc. This design is also very bulky due to the presence of the guide blades and the disc-shaped reel.

In the patent application WO2012080751A2 , the hairdressing device to curl is in the form of a clamp formed of two arms. The box is arranged at the end of one of the two arms and has an introduction slot which extends longitudinally over the housing in the direction of a winding chamber with which said slot communicates. The housing comprises external guide elements which are arranged outside the slit forming a V and make it possible to guide the lock of hair for its introduction through the slit into the winding chamber. In a manner comparable to the hairdressing appliance described previously in the document WO2009077747A2 , the reel is in the form of a disc with a hook shape which passes through the slot to be positioned between the guide elements. The second arm comprises at its end a second housing which has a zone for receiving the guide elements and a bearing surface, which allows the bearing surface to push the lock of hair towards the entire slit. while being guided by the guide elements, then allowing the winder to grasp said wick for its winding around the mandrel. This design also has a large footprint. In addition, its design is complex, which complicates its industrialization and increases its manufacturing cost. According to this design, the housing comprises at one of its ends an extraction opening towards which the winding chamber opens, the free end of the mandrel being placed near this extraction opening. A retractable finger is arranged at the contour of the extraction opening. In the extended position, this retractable finger makes it possible to block the rotation of the bit during its winding around the mandrel. In the retracted or retracted position, the mandrel is released, which makes it possible to unmold the curled bit without risk of undoing or slackening it. Such a retractable finger requires the implementation of a complex and expensive mechanism.

In the patent application WO2013186547A1 , as for the patent application WO2012080751A2 , the case defines a winding chamber in which extends a mandrel, one end of which is fixed to the case and one end is free and adjoins an extraction opening onto which the winding chamber opens. The winder is also in the form of a disc with a notch forming a hook which allows the bit to be grasped to wind it around the mandrel. In a first implementation, the housing comprises a large introduction opening for positioning the wick in the winding chamber. In a second variant, the housing comprises an introduction slot which extends longitudinally and communicates with the winding chamber, above the mandrel, V-shaped guide elements being arranged outside the slot. to facilitate the positioning of the bit facing the slot. According to these various variants, the hairdressing device to curl comprises an introduction device configured to push the lock inside the introduction opening or the introduction slot and position it in the notch on the disk. This design is complex and uses a large number of parts, making its industrialization difficult and increasing its manufacturing cost. In addition, this design also increases its bulk.

Summary of the invention

The main objective of the present invention is to implement a hairdressing device making it possible to easily introduce the lock of hair into the winding chamber of the housing, to then allow it to be wound around the mandrel by the winder.

Another goal is to easily grab the bit for winding.

Another objective is to provide a curling hairstyling device allowing efficient treatment of the hair, while being easy and practical to use.

Another objective is to avoid any jamming or tangling of the wick inside the winding housing, and to make even curls without damaging the hair.

Another objective of the present invention is to curl the lock of hair substantially over its entire length without reducing the efficiency of the hairdressing appliance and without risking burning the scalp.

Another objective is to implement a hairdressing device which makes it possible to block the lock during its winding around the mandrel and which facilitates the release of the curly lock, having a simple design, easy to use and inexpensive, in particular by comparison of the retractable finger used on the hairdressing device described in the document WO2012080751A2 .

To these effects, the invention relates to a hairdressing appliance according to claim 1.

Thus, unlike the prior art which provides complementary elements forming a V arranged outside the slot, the invention provides for the direct integration of guide means in the thickness of the housing, which considerably reduces the size of the hairdressing device.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, these guide means are implemented by the two walls themselves which form a V between them.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the slit comprises a longitudinal end portion, opposite the position of the extraction opening, in which the two walls are interconnected and form an entire V in one piece with the bottom of the V which is rounded and configured to guide and let the bit slip while it is being wound around the mandrel and the reel. This longitudinal portion is disposed upstream of the mandrel and of the reel, on the housing. This design also helps reduce any stress on the bit as it is wound around the rewinder and mandrel. According to a variant, the slot comprises a longitudinal end portion, opposite the position of the extraction opening, in which the two walls are connected to each other and form a curved bottom, more or less in the form of a spoon, configured to guide and let the bit run while it is being wound around the mandrel and the winder. This longitudinal portion is disposed upstream of the mandrel and of the reel, on the housing.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the insertion slot comprises two walls which extend longitudinally in the direction of the second axis X2 and which each have ribs arranged transversely with respect to the second axis X2. These ribs are distributed along each wall and are configured to promote penetration of the wick into the winding chamber. These ribs have the advantage of implementing linear contacts between the slit and the lock of hair during its introduction, which reduces friction and limits the risks of the lock getting stuck at the level of the slot. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the ribs each have the shape of a disc portion, which makes it possible to gradually reduce the passage section of the slot, in the manner of a V arranged between said two walls, and therefore makes it possible to guiding the bit during its introduction into said slot. It would be possible to envisage variant shapes for these ribs, while also promoting a reduction in the passage section of the slot, for example a triangular shape. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the ribs on each wall have between them variable dimensions with a variable distribution on each wall.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the insertion slit comprises two walls which extend longitudinally in the direction of the second axis X2 and which each have corrugations propagating along said walls. These corrugations are configured to promote penetration of the wick into the winding chamber. These corrugations have the advantage of reducing the contact between the slit and the lock of hair during the introduction of the latter, which reduces friction and limits the risks of jamming of said lock at the level of the slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the slot combines the characteristics of at least two of the three aforementioned embodiments, namely the presence of the two walls forming a V and / or the presence of the corrugations on the two walls and / or the presence of the ribs on these. two walls and the presence of a portion in which the two walls are interconnected and form an entire V in one piece. These various characteristics each constitute guide means arranged in the slot and configured to promote penetration of the wick into the winding chamber. Of course, other variants of guide means could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the two walls are assembled in a removable manner vis-à-vis the housing. This makes it possible to replace the shape of the guide means in the slot in order to best adapt it to the type of hair to be curled. This also makes it possible to provide walls of a color different from that of the housing, so as to visualize more the slit easily when the user looks at himself in a mirror by curling the lock of hair placed behind the head.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the winder is hollow and has a surface of revolution along the third axis X3. The winder is arranged with a first spacing around the mandrel in the winding chamber, coaxial with said mandrel along the third axis X3. The winder is rotatably mounted in at least one direction along the third axis X3, preferably in both directions of rotation. The reel comprises on its surface of revolution hooking means which are configured to catch the wick in the initial position of the reel, then to cause said wick to rotate during the rotation of said reel. In addition, the winder is configured to successively grasp or hook the proximal end of the drill bit, concomitantly wind the drill bit around the mandrel and said winder, then completely wind said drill bit around said mandrel, during its rotation. This design of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention advantageously allows the winding chamber to be broken down into two concentric chambers, an inner chamber defined by the first spacing between the mandrel and the reel and an outer chamber defined by the spacing external to the winder, inside the winding chamber. This allows the strand of hair to be wound around both the mandrel and the winder. The winder, which surrounds the mandrel in its length, has a larger winding diameter than that of the mandrel, which allows the hair to be wound around the winder with less tension. There is therefore little risk of damaging the hair. In addition, the longitudinal shape of the mandrel and of the winder makes it possible to wind the lock of hair over relatively large areas, which prevents any possible jamming of the hair.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the hairdressing appliance comprises a handling handle which extends longitudinally along a first axis X1 and which is secured to the housing. The handling handle may have various aesthetic and ergonomic shapes so as to allow a suitable grip. This slot is positioned on the housing on the side opposite to the position of the handling handle. The plane (P) is defined by the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. In addition, the third axis X3 is inclined relative to the first axis X1 at an angle α so that the free end of the mandrel is further from the handling handle than the fixed end of the mandrel. This design of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to introduce the wick into the introduction slot, while positioning it at an angle with respect to the mandrel and to the reel, then to introduce the wick into the means of hooking onto the surface of revolution of the reel, without requiring the wick to be inclined relative to the slot. This considerably facilitates the handling of the device, the user introducing the wick into the slot while naturally maintaining the handling handle, without any complications concerning its positioning, then press the extraction opening against the scalp so that the end of the lock of hair, located near the roots, is positioned in the attachment means.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the angle α is between 50 and 80 degrees, preferably 70 degrees.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the second axis X2 is arranged perpendicular to the first axis X1. According to this configuration, the housing is arranged perpendicular to the handling handle, the mandrel and the reel being inclined in the winding chamber. In an alternative embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the second axis X2 and the third axis X3 are mutually parallel, preferably merged. This configuration makes it possible to keep the mandrel and the winder in the axis of the winding chamber of the housing, and to incline the housing relative to the handle while retaining the advantage of facilitating the positioning of the lock of hair. in the slot and in the hooking means of the reel. Numerous variants can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, in variant embodiments of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the second axis X2 is inclined relative to the first axis X1, on the same side as the third axis X3, an angle ϕ between the angle of inclination α of said third axis X3 and 90 degrees (α <ϕ <90 °).

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the reel comprises a free edge disposed on the side of the free end of the mandrel. In addition, the reel comprises a notch, constituting said hooking means, which extends over the surface of revolution and opens onto the free edge, said notch being configured to allow the bit to penetrate into the first space between the mandrel and the 'reel, in the initial position of said reel. According to this embodiment, gripping means are formed on at least one of the two ends of the notch, intersecting the free edge, preferably on both ends. These gripping means preferably have the form of hooks. A single hook is possible when the rotation of the reel is carried out in one direction. Preferably, the rotation of the reel takes place in both directions along the third axis X3, and two hooks are arranged vis-à-vis the level of the aforementioned two ends of the notch. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the notch comprises a trapezoidal shape with its small base adjoining the free edge. However, it is possible to envisage variations in the shape of the notch, for example a circular or oval shape.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the winder has a cylindrical shape along the third axis X3. In a preferred variant embodiment, the reel comprises a conical shape along the third axis X3, the conical shape having an expansion in the direction of the free end of the mandrel.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the latter comprises a stationary finger arranged at the level of the contour of the extraction opening, or in direct proximity to this contour, in front of the free end of the mandrel. The shape of the stationary finger is configured vis-à-vis the free end of the mandrel to block the rotation of the bit around the mandrel without the risk of overriding said finger during the rotation of the reel, and to promote the release from the mold. the bit looped along the mandrel at the end of the looping. The presence of such a stationary finger advantageously makes it possible to simplify the design of the hairdressing device, unlike the existing systems of the prior art, which are much more complex, such as for example the device described in the patent application. WO2012080751A2 , which provides for a retractable finger.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stationary finger is arranged perpendicular to the third axis X3 and parallel to the plane P. In addition, the stationary finger has at least one lateral locking face configured so that the straight line d1, which passes through the base of the lateral locking face and which intersects the third axis X3 perpendicularly, forms with said lateral locking face an angle β of between 0 and 35 degrees, preferably 25 degrees. This advantageously makes it possible to slide the lock of hair towards the base of the stationary finger rather than towards its end, which avoids overriding said finger during the winding of the lock. Preferably, the winder rotates in both directions of rotation around the mandrel. In addition, the stationary finger comprising two lateral locking faces arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane P.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stationary finger is arranged perpendicular to the third axis X3 and parallel to the plane P. Furthermore, said finger is configured to extend from the peripheral contour of the free end of the mandrel towards the third axis X3, over a height h1 of between 6 mm and 18 mm, preferably 12 mm. This also helps to prevent the wick from passing over the stationary finger during its winding, without being detrimental to the release of the curly wick.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stationary finger is arranged perpendicular to the third axis X3 and parallel to the plane P. In addition, said finger is spaced with respect to the free end of the mandrel by a distance e1 of between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm. This also allows a good balance between the blocking of the wick during its winding around the mandrel, without the risk of overriding the stationary finger, and the proper release of the curled wick without the risk of slackening it.

Preferably, the mandrel comprises a diameter D of between 20 mm and 25 mm, preferably 22 mm, for a stationary finger having the aforementioned characteristics.

Preferably, the stationary finger comprises an internal face disposed vis-à-vis the free end of the mandrel. This internal face has a curved shape configured to accompany the release of the lock of curly hair through the extraction opening. The internal face includes an end adjoining the contour of the extraction opening, which extends in the shape of a more or less pronounced beak, which prevents the curled bit from passing under the stationary finger during demolding and not remains blocked.

Preferably, according to this embodiment of the hairdressing appliance, removable fixing means are arranged between the stationary finger and the outline of the extraction opening. This advantageously makes it possible to replace the finger with another having slight changes in shape, for example in order to best adapt the styling device to the type of hair to be curled.

According to the hairdressing apparatus which is the subject of the invention, the latter comprises heating means configured to heat the lock of hair inside the winding chamber. Preferably, the heating means are arranged in the mandrel. However, one can consider heating means arranged in the winding chamber to heat the wick during its concomitant winding around the mandrel and the winder.

In one embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the box additionally comprises an internal cage arranged in the winding chamber around the winder, with a second spacing relative to said winder. The internal cage is configured to extend the guiding of the lock of hair inside the winding chamber in the direction of the winder, after it has passed through the slot. This also makes it possible to confine the wick inside the housing around the reel, without risk of dispersion in the winding chamber.

According to the hairdressing device which is the subject of the invention, it comprises means for gripping the housing consisting of a handle which extends in the plane P in the direction opposite to the position of the slit. This allows better ergonomics of the hairstyling device which can be easily handled when introducing the lock of hair into the slit. However, other configurations of gripping means could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle d'un appareil de coiffure à boucler, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• La figure 2 illustre une vue en coupe de la partie de l'appareil de coiffure à boucler correspondant au boîtier, selon ce premier mode de réalisation ;
• Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent le boîtier de l'appareil de coiffure à boucler en vues de face avant et de face arrière, selon ce premier mode de réalisation ;
• La figure 5 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'enrouleur ;
• La figure 6 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle du mandrin, de l'enrouleur, de la cage interne et du doigt immobile dans leur position d'assemblage à l'intérieur du boîtier de l'appareil de coiffure à boucler ;
• Les figures 7 et 8 illustrent respectivement une vue de côté et une vue de face avant du mandrin et du doigt immobile dans leur position d'assemblage à l'intérieur du boîtier de l'appareil de coiffure à boucler ;
• La figure 9 illustre une variante de réalisation du doigt immobile ;
• la figure 10 illustre une vue tridimensionnelle d'un second mode de réalisation de l'appareil de coiffure selon l'invention ;
• la figure 11 illustre la partie de l'appareil de coiffure à boucler correspondant au boîtier, selon ce second mode de réalisation, mettant en évidence la conception de la fente ;
• la figure 12 illustre une variante de la fente sur l'appareil illustré en figures 10 et 11.

The following description makes it possible to highlight the object of the invention, with the support of figures, among which:

• The figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a hair curling apparatus, according to a first embodiment;
• The figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the part of the hair styling appliance to curl corresponding to the housing, according to this first embodiment;
• The figures 3 and 4 illustrate the housing of the hairdressing appliance to be curled in front and rear views, according to this first embodiment;
• The figure 5 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the reel;
• The figure 6 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the mandrel, the rewinder, the internal cage and the finger stationary in their assembled position inside the housing of the styling apparatus to be curled;
• The figures 7 and 8 respectively illustrate a side view and a front view of the mandrel and of the stationary finger in their assembled position inside the housing of the styling appliance to be curled;
• The figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stationary finger;
• the figure 10 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of the hairdressing appliance according to the invention;
• the figure 11 illustrates the portion of the hair styling device to curl corresponding to the housing, according to this second embodiment, showing the design of the slit;
• the figure 12 illustrates a variant of the slot on the apparatus shown in figures 10 and 11 .

detailed description

In the remainder of the description, the same references are used to describe the similar characteristics according to the different variant embodiments.

In the remainder of the description, the term “device” will be used to designate the hair styling device to curl according to the invention, unless otherwise specified.

On the figure 1 , the apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 and a handling handle 3. The apparatus 1 is electrically connected to a power source by an electric cable 4 and comprises control buttons 5, 6 making it possible to actuate means of heater and rotary drive means of a reel described in more detail below.

As illustrated in particular on figures 2 to 4 , the handling handle 3 extends longitudinally along a first axis X1.

As illustrated by figures 1 to 4 , the housing 2 comprises a slot 7 allowing the introduction of the lock of hair (not shown) in a winding chamber 8 defined inside the housing 2, in which the looping of said lock is carried out. The case 2 also comprises, on the side of its front lateral face 2b, an extraction opening 9 through which the wick is unmolded or withdrawn after its looping. The winding chamber 8 comprises more or less a form of cylindrical revolution which is defined along a second axis X2 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of said housing 2. The first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are mutually perpendicular and define a plane P, illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , constituting a plane of symmetry of the housing 2, as well as of the manipulation handle 3. The slot 7 is arranged in this plane P on the housing 2, on the side opposite to the position of the manipulation handle 3.

As shown on figures 1 to 3 and 6 , the apparatus 1 comprises a mandrel 10 which comprises a fixed end 10a assembled to the housing 2. The mandrel 10 also comprises a free end 10b which is positioned close to the extraction opening 9 in the winding chamber 8. The mandrel 10 extends longitudinally inside the winding chamber 8 along a third axis X3 which defines with the first axis X1 an angle of inclination α between 50 ° and 80 °. Preferably, this angle of inclination α is 70 °. This inclination of the mandrel 10 advantageously makes it possible to position its free end 10b, more distant from the end 3a of the handling handle 3, which will facilitate the positioning of the wick for its winding, as specified below. . The third axis X3 is defined in the same plane P illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , constituting a plane of symmetry of the housing 2, as well as of the handling handle 3 which extends vis-à-vis the housing 2 according to this plane P in the direction opposite to the position of the slot 7. The slot 7 is arranged symmetrically with respect to this plane P, as illustrated in particular by figures 3 and 4 .

As illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , 5 and 6 , the apparatus 1 comprises a reel 11 which is hollow and has a shape of revolution along the third axis X3. The winder 11 is positioned coaxially with respect to the mandrel 10, along this third axis X3, and defined therewith a first spacing 12 illustrated in particular in figures 2 and 6 . As illustrated in particular in figure 5 , the reel 11 comprises at its first longitudinal end 11a grooves 13 arranged to allow the securing of the reel 11 to a toothed wheel (not illustrated) which meshes with a worm (not illustrated) driven in rotation by a motor (not illustrated), which makes it possible to drive the rotation of the reel 11 along the third axis X3. Preferably, the direction of rotation of the motor is reversible, which makes it possible to reverse the direction of rotation of the reel 11. The motor, the toothed wheel and the worm are not illustrated for a better reading of the figures, these are also within the reach of a person skilled in the art. Other gear means can be envisaged between the motor and the reel 11, also within the reach of those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in particular with regard to figures 2 , 5 and 6 , the reel 11 has a conical shape which extends in expansion along the third axis X3 in the direction of the free end 10b of the mandrel 10. The reel 11 comprises a notch 14, or cutout, which extends over its surface of revolution and which opens onto the free edge 15 at the second longitudinal end 11b of said reel 11. This notch 14 preferably comprises a trapezoidal shape with its small base 14a, illustrated in broken lines on the figure 5 , disposed at the level of the free edge 15. However, other shapes could be considered for this notch 14, for example a more or less cylindrical or oval shape. Likewise, the reel 11 could have a surface of revolution of cylindrical shape. However, preference will be given to the conical surface of revolution and the trapezoidal notch 14 which promote better winding of the wick along the reel 11. At the two ends 14b, 14c of the notch 14 intersecting with the free edge 15, two hooks 16a, 16b are arranged vis-à-vis in the extension of said free edge 15, preferably with a slight outward offset relative to the latter, as illustrated in figure 5 . These two hooks 16a, 16b are spaced from one another by a width corresponding more or less to that of the slot 7. In the initial position of the reel 11, at the start of the looping operation, the notch 14 and the two hooks 16a, 16b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane P, in the extension of the slot 7, as illustrated in figure 3 , which allows to introduce the part of the lock of hair located near the scalp, in this notch 14. The rotational drive of the reel 11 then allows one of the two hooks 16a, 16b, according to the direction of rotation of the motor, grasp the bit to start its winding, which is detailed below. The rotation of the reel 11 in both directions around the third axis X3 makes it possible to produce loops in both directions. One could however provide a single direction of looping, in which case a single hook would suffice and the configuration of the notch 14 could be adapted. In the initial position, the angle of inclination α between the two axes X1 and X3, as mentioned above, advantageously makes it possible to position the notch 14 and the two hooks 16a, 16b, located in the vicinity of the free edge 10b of the mandrel 10 and near the slot 7 with an inclination relative to the handling handle 3. This facilitates the introduction of the bit into the slot 7 by positioning it at an angle relative to the reel 11 for its insertion into the notch 14 , while handling the manipulation handle normally 3.

As shown on figures 2 and 6 , the apparatus 1 comprises an internal cage 17 which is arranged in the winding chamber 12. Preferably, this internal cage 17 comprises a part 18 having a shape of cylindrical revolution along the third axis X3, arranged coaxially around the reel 11 along the third axis X3, with a second spacing 19 relative to said reel 11. Thus the first spacing 12 between the mandrel 10 and the reel 11 defines an internal chamber and the second spacing 19 between the reel 11 and the part 18 of the internal cage 17 defines an external chamber. The internal cage 17 further comprises two flanges 20a, 20b which extend in the winding chamber 8 parallel to the plane P and symmetrically along this plane P, the upper edges 21a, 21b respectively of these flanges 20a, 20b being configured to be positioned adjacent to the slot 7, which allows the wick to be best guided to the reel 11 by confining said wick in the winding chamber 12 inside the second spacing 19 of the cage internal 17. This internal cage 17 also makes it possible to arrange the components of the device 1 in the housing 2 while avoiding any risk of the wick coming into contact with these components during the positioning of said wick in the winding chamber 8.

As shown on figures 1 to 4 , the slot 7 comprises two walls 22a, 22b which are arranged opposite each other, symmetrically with respect to the plane P, in the thickness of the housing 2. These walls 22a, 22b extend over the entire length of the housing 2 and form between them, in a section plane P1 perpendicular to the plane P, a V which favors the introduction of the bit into said slot 7. In their parts 23a, 23b, located on the side of the lateral face 2a of the housing 2 opposite to the side face 2b of said housing 2 which has the extraction opening 9 and which comes into contact with the scalp during looping, the walls 22a, 22b are connected and form between them an entire V in one piece with a bottom 24 which is rounded and which makes it possible to guide the lock of hair by letting it run in the direction of the length of the housing 2, that is to say in the direction of the second axis X2. These parts 23a, 23b are located upstream of the mandrel 10 and of the reel 11, according to the direction of advance of the wick during its winding. Preferably, these two walls 22a, 22b consist of a single piece independent of the housing 2, which makes it possible to implement the slit 7 in a color different from that of the housing 2, so as to visualize it more easily when inserting the lock of hair. In addition, removable fixing means are arranged between the housing 2 and the walls 22a, 22b to allow their removal, for example to replace them with others having a different V angle or other guide characteristics of the bit. in the slot 7. These removable fixing means (not shown) may consist of screwing or snapping the walls 22a, 22b on the housing 2, for example.

As shown on figures 1 to 4 , transverse ribs 25, 26 are implemented respectively on the two walls 22a, 22b, these transverse ribs 25, 26 each having the shape of a disk portion. On the figures 1 to 4 , it can be seen that the wall 22b comprises eight transverse ribs 26, in the form of a disc portion, which have different dimensions and distances between them. The same is true for the transverse ribs 25 on the other wall 22a. These transverse ribs 25, 26 make it possible to have linear contacts with the lock of hair, which reduces the friction of the lock in the slot 7 during its introduction. The shape of a disk portion of these transverse ribs 25, 26 also makes it possible to have a more or less V-shaped flared shape between the transverse ribs 25, 26 arranged vis-à-vis the two walls 22a, 22b of the slot 7, which also favors the positioning of the bit in the slot 7. This disc shape of the transverse ribs 25, 26 could be replaced by a triangular, which would also make it possible to form a V-shape between the transverse ribs 25, 26 arranged facing each other on the walls 22a, 22b.

As shown on figures 1 to 3 , 6 and 7 , the device 1 comprises a stationary finger 27, or fixed finger, consisting of a rigid part which is fixed at the level of the contour 9a of the extraction opening 9. This stationary finger 27 has several functions. First of all, the stationary finger 27 makes it possible to block the wick in rotation during its winding so as to prevent the wick from rotating around the mandrel 10. In addition, this stationary finger 27 must ensure the release of the wick. looped without damaging it. Finger stationary 27 is oriented perpendicular to the mandrel 10, that is to say perpendicular to the third axis X3, as illustrated in particular in figure 2 and 7 . The inclination of the stationary finger 27 therefore depends on the inclination of the angle α. When winding the wick around the mandrel 10, the latter is blocked by one of the two lateral locking faces 28a, 28b of said stationary finger 27, according to the direction of rotation of the reel 11. These two faces lateral locking 28a, 28b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane P. So that the hair does not have an easy way to pass by the immobile finger 27 during winding, it is ideal that the angle β formed between the face lateral locking 28a and a straight line d1 going from the center 29 of the mandrel 10 to the base 30 of the lateral locking face 28a, as illustrated in figure 8 , forms an angle between 0 ° and 35 °. Preferably this angle β is 25 °. It is the same for the second lateral locking face 28b which is disposed symmetrically to the first lateral locking face 28a, along the plane P. In this way, the lock of hair tends rather to slide towards the base 30 of the finger. stationary 27 than towards its end 27a.

Still to ensure at best that the lock of hair does not tend to override the stationary finger and to rotate around the mandrel 10 during winding, the stationary finger 27 must sufficiently cover the free end 10b of the mandrel 10, and that its distance to mandrel 10 is the smallest. In order to allow this sufficient overlap, the stationary finger 27 extends from the cylindrical contour of the mandrel 10 over a height h1 of between 6 mm and 18mm, preferably a height h1 equal to 12mm. A greater height h1 would risk penalizing demolding, and a lower height h1 would risk not sufficiently blocking the wick. Regarding the distance to the mandrel 10, the stationary finger 27 is spaced from the free end 10b of the mandrel 10 by a distance e1 of between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably this distance e1 being equal to 3 mm. This distance e1 depends on the height h1 retained for the stationary finger 27. Preferably, a ratio r of four is provided between the height h1 and the distance e1 (r = h1 / e1 = 4), this ratio r possibly being between two and five (2 <r <5).

For this aforementioned configuration of the immobile finger 27 with respect to the mandrel 10, said mandrel 10 has a diameter D of between 20 mm and 25 mm, preferably 22 mm.

The stationary finger 27 comprises an internal face 31 arranged vis-à-vis the free end 10b of the mandrel 10. The internal face 31 is curved or concave, as illustrated in particular on the figures 3 and 8 , which makes it possible to accompany the expulsion of the curly lock of hair during its release from the mold. The lower end 31a of this internal face 31 must be located as far as possible below the mandrel 10, so that during demolding, the hair does not pass behind this stationary finger 27, which would block them. This lower end 31a should moreover not be too marked a point, but have a rounded shape to properly direct the looped bit on the internal face 31, and not on the underside of the stationary finger 27. In the illustrated variant embodiment. in figure 9 , the stationary finger 27 comprises an internal face 31 curved with its lower end 31a which extends in the form of a curved beak 32 disposed in the continuity of said internal face 31, which makes it possible to promote the removal of the lower end 31a towards the internal face 11c of the reel 11c, illustrated in particular in figures 5 and 6 .

Preferably, the stationary finger 27 is removably fixed vis-à-vis the contour 9a of the extraction opening 9 or close to the latter. For this, the stationary finger 27 comprises a lower part 33 provided with an orifice 34 allowing fixing by screw 35 vis-à-vis the front side face 2b of the housing 2, as illustrated by figures 2 , 7 and 8 . One could envisage other removable fixing means without departing from the scope of the invention. This removable attachment advantageously makes it possible to replace the stationary finger 27 in order to best adapt it to the type of hair to be curled or when the latter is worn, in order to limit the friction of the curled lock as much as possible during its release from the mold.

As shown on figure 2 , the apparatus 1 comprises a heating element 36 arranged inside the mandrel 10 so as to heat it and to heat the lock of hair. Such a heating element 36 is known to those skilled in the art, it does not will therefore not be detailed. It is also possible to envisage other heating means arranged in the winding chamber 8, for example on the internal cage 17 so as to heat the wick in the second space 19 between said internal cage 17 and the reel 11.

The housing 2 of the device 1 is handled by the handling handle 3, its side face 2a, which has the extraction opening 9, being positioned against the scalp during the various looping operations. The arrangement of the handle 3 in the extension of the slot 7, facilitates the handling of the device 1. However, it is possible to provide alternative arrangements of the handling handle vis-à-vis the housing 2, without leaving the box. framework of the invention. At the start of the looping operation, after setting the heating element 36 to a set temperature by the user, the wick is positioned inside the slot 7 then guided by the flanges 20a, 20b into the second spacing 19. Thanks to the inclination of the reel 11 and of the mandrel 10 with respect to the handling handle 3, the introduction of the bit into the notch 14 takes place naturally, without the need for an inclination of the wick relative to the housing 2 and to the slot 7 to effect its proper introduction into the notch 14. The rotation of the reel 11 is then triggered by one of the control buttons 5 or 6, which allows the 'one of the hooks 16a, 16b - depending on the direction of rotation - to grasp or catch the wick near the scalp. The configuration of the winder 11 with its surface of revolution disposed around the mandrel and its notch 14, advantageously makes it possible to simultaneously wind the lock of hair around the mandrel 10 in the inner chamber defined by the first spacing 12, and around the surface of revolution of the reel 11 in the outer chamber defined by the second spacing 19. During this concomitant winding on the reel 11 and the mandrel 10, the wick runs in the bottom 24 of the walls 22a, 22b of the slot 7. Once the end of the wick has spun in the bottom 24 and is wound around the reel 11, said reel continues to rotate, which allows to continue to wrap said wick around the mandrel 10 until all of the wick is wound around said mandrel 10. The reel 11 then stops rotating, the heating element 36 then remaining activated by keeping the wick wound around the mandrel 10 for a few seconds. Then the device 1 is removed from the scalp, the looped lock is then moved along the mandrel 10 towards the stationary finger 27 which, when the device is away from the head, will accompany the loop towards the extraction opening. 9 to properly unmold the curled wick.

Alternative embodiments of guide means can be envisaged within the scope of the invention. In particular, variant embodiments of the slot 7 can be provided with only V-shaped walls 22a, 22b, without any transverse rib 25, 26, or conversely, transverse ribs 25, 26 can be provided on walls parallel to each other, the shape of the transverse ribs in a disc portion or in a triangle allowing on its own to define a flared or V-shaped shape. Corrugations 37, 38 can also be provided arranged along the length of the two walls 22a, 22b between the transverse ribs 25, 26 , as illustrated in figures 1 and 2 , which also contribute to reducing the friction of the lock of hair on said two walls 22a, 22b. These corrugations 37, 38 could also be provided on the two walls 22a, 22b forming a V, without the presence of the transverse ribs 25, 26.

On the variant embodiment of the device 1, illustrated in figures 10 and 11 , the slot 7 comprises two walls 22a, 22b which are inclined in a V between them and which have corrugations 37, 38 as described above for the variant embodiment of the figures 1 to 9 . Similarly, we find on the figure 11 the parts 23a, 23b of the two walls 22a, 22b which consist of a single piece with a common bottom 24, as described for the previous variant, with a slight difference since the bottom 24 is not rounded but flat, as we can see it on this figure 11 .

On another variant embodiment of the device 1, illustrated in figure 12 , the slot 7 comprises two walls 22a, 22b which are inclined in a V between them and which have corrugations 37, 38 as described above. In addition, the parts 23a, 23b of the two walls 22a, 22b consist of a single piece with a common bottom 24 which has a curved or spoon shape, as can be seen in this figure 11 , this shape also making it possible to guide the lock of hair in the slot 7, during its winding around the winder 11 and the mandrel 10.

According to these two aforementioned embodiments of the device 1, the design variants of the reel 11 and of the stationary finger 27, as described above, also apply.

It is also possible to provide variants of stationary finger 27 or even other locking means, without departing from the main scope of the invention.

Other variant embodiments of the apparatus 1 can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. On the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 , the second axis X2, according to which the shape of revolution of the housing 2 is defined, is perpendicular to the first axis X1, that is to say inclined by an angle ϕ equal to 90 ° with respect to said second axis X2 . On the variant embodiment illustrated in figures 10 and 11 , the second axis X2 coincides with the third axis X3 of the mandrel 10 and of the reel 11, that is to say that the second axis X2 is inclined at an angle ϕ relative to the first axis X1 corresponds to l the angle of inclination α of the third axis X3 with respect to said second axis X2. It would also be possible to provide a second axis X2 parallel to the third axis X3, without however being confused with the latter. One could also provide an angle of inclination ϕ of the second axis X2 relative to the first axis X1 which is between the angle of inclination α of the third axis X3 and 90 °, that is to say α <ϕ < 90 °. Thus, in the value range of the angle α between 50 ° and 80 °, as defined above: when the angle α is 50 °, the angle ϕ may be between 50 ° and 90 °; when the angle α is 80 °, the angle ϕ may be between 80 ° and 90 °; and for the preferred value of the angle α equal to 70 °, the angle ϕ may be between 70 ° and 90 °. In other variants, it is also possible to provide an angle of inclination α between the first axis X1 and the third axis X3 which is equal to 90 °, that is to say that the two axes X1 and X3 are perpendicular to each other, without departing from the essential scope of the invention, with a reel 11 having a cylindrical surface of revolution or conical.

Claims (15)

1. Hairstyling appliance (1) for curling a strand of hair, comprising:

   - a housing (2) which comprises a winding chamber (8) having a shape of revolution along a second axis (X2), an insertion slot (7) which extends along the length of the housing in the direction of the second axis and which leads to the winding chamber, and an extraction opening (9) arranged in a lateral end (2a) of the housing to which the winding chamber leads,

   - a mandrel (10) which has one end (10a) fixed to the housing and a free end (10b) arranged close to the extraction opening, and which extends in the winding chamber along a third axis (X3) defined in a plane (P) passing through the second axis and through the slot,

   - a winder (11) arranged in the winding chamber and rotatably mounted in at least one direction along the third axis, said winder being configured to wind the strand around the mandrel, during its rotation, characterised in that the insertion slot comprises two walls (22a, 22b) which extend longitudinally, over the whole length of the housing (2), in the direction of the second axis and which cross the thickness of the housing, said walls comprising guide means configured to help the strand penetrate the winding chamber.
2. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two walls (22a, 22b) form between them a V.
3. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the slot (7) comprises a longitudinal end portion, opposite the position of the extraction opening (9), wherein the two walls (22a, 22b) are connected to each other and form an entire V in a single piece with a bottom (24) configured to guide the strand and let it slip during its winding around the mandrel (10) and the winder (11), said longitudinal portion being arranged upstream from the mandrel and the winder.
4. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the slot (7) comprises a longitudinal end portion, opposite the position of the extraction opening (9), wherein the two walls (22a, 22b) are connected to each other and form a curved bottom configured to guide the strand and let it slip during its winding around the mandrel (10) and the winder (11), said longitudinal portion being arranged upstream of the mandrel and the winder.
5. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the two walls (22a, 22b) each have cross ribs (25, 26) with respect to the second axis (X2) and distributed along each wall, said ribs being configured to help the strand penetrate the winding chamber (8).
6. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein the ribs (25, 26) each have the form of a portion of a disk.
7. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the ribs (25, 26) on each wall (22a, 22b) are of variable dimensions with a variable distribution on said wall.
8. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insertion slot (7) comprises two walls (22a, 22b) which extend longitudinally in the direction of the second axis (X2) and which each have waves spread along said walls, said waves being configured to help the strand penetrate the winding chamber (8).
9. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two walls (22a, 22b) are assembled removably with respect to the housing.
10. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the winder (11) is hollow and has a surface of revolution along the third axis (X3), and is arranged with a first spacing (12) around the mandrel (10) in the winding chamber (8), coaxial with said mandrel along the third axis, said winder comprising on its surface of revolution of the fastening means (14) which are configured to catch the strand in the winder's initial position, and then to rotate said strand during its rotation, said winder being configured to successively grasp the proximal end of the strand, concomitantly wind the strand around the mandrel and said winder, then completely wind said strand around the mandrel, during its rotation.
11. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 10, which comprises a grip handle (3) which extends longitudinally along a first axis (X1) and which is attached to the housing (2) on the side opposite the slot (7), the plane (P) being defined by the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2), the third axis (X3) being inclined with respect to the first axis (X1) according to an angle (α) such that the free end (10b) of the mandrel (10) is farther from the grip handle than the fixed end (10a) of the mandrel.
12. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to claim 11, wherein the angle (α) is between 50 and 80 degrees, preferably 70 degrees.
13. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the second axis (X2) and the third axis (X3) are parallel to each other, preferably combined.
14. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the winder (11) comprises a free end (15) arranged on the side of the free end (10b) of the mandrel (10), and a notch (14) which extends on the surface of revolution of said winder and leads to the free edge, said notch being configured to allow the strand to penetrate the first spacing (12) between the mandrel and the winder, in an initial position of said winder.
15. Hairstyling appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises a stationary finger (27) arranged at the contour (9a) of the extraction opening (9), a shape of the stationary finger is configured with respect to the free end (10b) of the mandrel (10) to prevent the rotation of the strand around the mandrel without risk of bypassing said stationary finger during the rotation of the winder (11), and to help release the curled strand along the mandrel.

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