ES2865288T3 - Hair treatment device featuring a removable oscillating pressure element - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for treating the hair, comprising: - a first and a second arm (5, 6) that can move with respect to each other between a configuration approximated to each other to treat the hair and a configuration separated from each other to insert the hair to be treated between said arms, where the first arm (5) carries an applicator member (26) to apply a cosmetic product that can come into contact with the hair in the approximate configuration of the arms (5, 6). , and the second arm (6) has at least one housing (38), - a pressure element (21) removably arranged in the housing (38), where the pressure element (21) is configured to press the hair against the applicator member (26) in the configuration approximated to each other, and - a support means (40) on which the pressure element (21) rests in the housing (38), where this support means (40) is configured to allow the pressure element (21) to carry An oscillating movement is carried out on the casing (38).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Hair treatment device featuring a removable oscillating pressure element

[0001] The present invention relates to hair treatment devices and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to those intended to shape the hair, in particular to those intended to straighten, curl or wave the hair.

[0002] The invention relates to devices that comprise two arms that are capable of moving relative to each other, that can adopt a configuration separated from each other to introduce a lock of hair between said arms and a configuration approximated to each other to treat the tuft, where the arms can move along the tuft in this approximate configuration of each other. In such devices, the arms frequently carry two heating elements with which the hair comes into contact during use of the device.

Background

[0003] Numerous numerous devices of this type have already been proposed, sometimes also known as straightening irons, which implement the application of a hair care product to the hair.

[0004] Application WO 2009/078046 describes an apparatus comprising a seat for housing a hair treatment device that allows a hair care product to be dispensed during operation. This device consists of a support material impregnated with the hair care product during a single use. In the closed position, the support material comes into contact with a presser in the form of a roller or plate.

[0005] The application WO 2014/064660 discloses a styling apparatus comprising a reservoir containing the product to be applied, an applicator member for the application of said product in one of the jaws and a steam outlet in the other. of the jaws. The applicator member is arranged opposite a counter-bearing surface. Also known from applications US 2001/0022184 and WO 2012/157865 are styling appliances comprising heating elements that are hingedly mounted on a clamping means.

[0006] The invention seeks to further improve devices for applying a hair care product to hair.

Summary

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a device for treating hair, wherein said device comprises:

- a first and a second arm that can move with respect to each other between a configuration approximated to each other to treat the hair and a configuration separated from each other to insert the hair to be treated between said arms, where the first arm carries an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product that can come into contact with the hair in the approximate configuration of the arms to each other, and where the second arm has at least one housing,

- a pressure element removably arranged in the housing, wherein the pressure element is configured to press the hair against the applicator member in the approximate configuration of the arms to each other, and

- a support means on which the pressure element rests in the housing, where this support means is configured to allow the pressure element to carry out an oscillating movement in the housing.

[0008] The term "oscillate" should be understood in the sense that the pressure element can have a rotary movement around at least one axis, where it is possible that the movement of the pressure element is a more complex movement, with rotating components around various axes, especially around or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressure element and / or around or parallel to a transverse axis of the housing.

[0009] The pressure element allows the hair to be pushed against the applicator member to allow effective application of the cosmetic product on the hair.

The oscillation of the pressure element makes it possible to exert a more uniform pressure along the entire length of the applicator member and to take into account manufacturing tolerances.

The pressure element is capable of adapting to a possible incorrect inclination of the applicator member, where this is particularly useful when the applicator member is removable and can come from various sources.

The fact that the pressure element is removable allows the latter to be cleaned, especially after prolonged use or when the user wishes to change the cosmetic product to be applied. This also makes it possible to change the pressure element, especially to replace it with a pressure element with a different shape, or with a different size, for example, to modify the amount of cosmetic product applied and / or the effect obtained on the hair, in particular by modifying the force with which the pressure element presses against the applicator member. This also allows access to the housing that holds and to be able to clean the latter and / or change the support means. For example, in the case of a spring arranged in the housing, this can make it possible to change the latter especially in order to modify the pressure exerted on the applicator member by the pressure element.

[0013] Preferably, the pressure element and the applicator member each have an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis Y, and advantageously have the same length.

More preferably, the pressure element has a bearing surface having a shape complementary to that of the application surface of the applicator member. For example, the bearing surface and the application surface are flat in their opposite regions.

[0015] The support member can be rigid; alternatively, it is elastically deformable. In a further alternative, the support means comprises a region in which it is rigidly contacted and one or more regions in which it is contacted with one or more elastic return member (s) that are (are) designed , for example, to return the pressure element to a predefined rest position when there is no mechanical load from the applicator member. The elastic return member (s) may be coil springs or leaf springs.

[0016] Preferably, the support means comprises, in particular, a relief projecting from the bottom of the housing and / or the pressure element, especially in the form of a hemisphere, or in the form of a substantially conical tooth, or in the form of a half cylinder oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure element. Alternatively or additionally, the support means comprises at least one spring, especially a leaf spring, arranged in the housing, for example fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the pressure element. For example, the spring (s) force (s) the pressure element to bear against the protruding relief.

[0017] In particular, the spring (s) can force the pressure element to bear against the relief projecting from the bottom of the housing.

The support means can be removable, where it is held, for example, in a depression in the housing when it is in place in the device.

[0019] A small extension of the support zone facilitates the oscillation.

[0020] Preferably, the bearing area on the housing is located substantially midway along the pressure element.

Alternatively, the support means comprises at least two springs, especially two helical springs which are arranged in the housing, fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the pressure element, and are arranged particularly close to the axial ends of the pressure element. It is then possible for the pressure element to oscillate due to the elastically deformable nature of the springs.

[0022] The housing is preferably closed on at least three of its sides and at its bottom.

[0023] Preferably, the pressure element is inserted, especially by sliding, into the housing, or is withdrawn therefrom through a front opening in the latter. The pressure element may comprise at least one relief, such as a rib or groove cooperating with a complementary relief, such as a groove or rib in an opposite wall of the device, which at least partially defines the housing.

The device can comprise, on the second arm, at least one member for locking the pressure element in the housing, especially a locking member intended to cooperate with the pressure element, in particular with a corresponding relief on it latest. The locking member makes it possible to prevent the pressure element from accidentally coming out.

[0025] The pressure element can be able to move along an axis perpendicular to the application surface, especially it can move in a maximum depression path of between 5 mm and 1 mm. For example, the aforementioned grooves are wider than the corresponding ribs, so that the pressure element can move in translation with respect to the ribs and, therefore, to the housing, along this axis. The maximum depression path can be defined by a relief on the pressure element, which comes into contact with the bottom of the housing and / or by the width of the grooves.

[0026] The path of the pressure element can be, in particular, such that, while the device is being used, the hair to be treated, which is clamped between the two arms of the device, is aligned, and preferably extends parallel to a direction of movement of the device.

[0027] The pressure element may form a one-piece part.

The pressure element can have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, which has, in particular, in cross section, a contour that is not straight, for example convex or concave towards the outside, in the shape of a dihedral or dihedral truncated in its upper part.

The pressure element can have a substantially parallelepiped shape or be formed by a roller.

[0030] The pressure element can have a surface roughness. Roughness can significantly help straighten hair.

[0031] The pressure element can be made of a plastic material, especially polyamide (PA), glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PAGF) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or metal.

Alternatively, the pressure element is made of a porous material, especially a material formed by fibers that are oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form a felt, or a foam. In this case, the pressure element can help to apply the product to both sides of the treated lock, and / or to absorb excess product and / or to homogenize the application of the product to the hair.

[0033] The pressure element can be heated. This can make it possible, at the same time as the cosmetic product is applied, to fluidize the latter.

The pressure element can have a length of between 70 mm and 110 mm.

[0035] The applicator element is preferably made of a porous material, above all it is formed by a set of fibers that are oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form a felt, or a foam.

The applicator element can have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, in particular having, in cross section, a side with a contour that is not straight, for example convex or concave towards the outside.

[0037] Preferably, the applicator element is saturated with the cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure element comprises at least one protrusion or a pin inserted in a path defined by the housing that supports the pressure element. This protrusion or this pin defines an oscillating axis of the pressure element.

[0039] The path is defined, for example, by a groove or a slit.

This protrusion can be carried by an elastically deformable tongue of the pressure element. The protrusion can be engaged in this path by elastic deformation of the tab that carries it, during the mounting of the pressure element in the housing. Preferably, the pressure element comprises two said tabs and two said protrusions, which are facing each other.

[0041] The pressure element can be pushed into the position separated from each other by two springs, especially helical springs working in compression, which are held at one end in guides and rest at the other end against a wall of the pressure element. Pressure. The housing can have a relief, especially with a T-shaped cross section, and the pressure element can be held in the housing by reliefs of the pressure element, especially protrusions, which bear on the head of the T.

[0042] The comb can be fixed by sliding it over the pressure element, by inserting at least two mutually spaced fixing reliefs into corresponding housings on the pressure element, which are also mutually spaced.

These housings can be located on each side of the aforementioned path, in the longitudinal direction. The fixing reliefs can be ribs having a cylindrical shape with an at least partially circular cross-section, and can be connected to the rest of the comb by projections that are inserted in the corresponding grooves, through which the shells open on the outside.

[0044] Alternatively, the fixing reliefs are hooks that are inserted into windows in the pressure element.

The pressure element may have a general U-shaped cross section with two opposing posts, and the arrangement of ribs and housings is preferably such that the comb is pressed against one of the posts of the pressure element, where the base of the comb teeth is positioned substantially on the wall connecting the studs, which also defines the bearing surface for the applicator member.

The comb can have a longitudinal rib that bears against said upright, above the aforementioned projections that connect the cylindrical ribs to the rest of the comb.

[0047] The comb also bears frontally against the upright below said projections.

[0048] At one end, the comb may comprise an elastically deformable locking tab designed to snap onto the pressure element after it has finished being inserted into the latter.

[0049] Alternatively, the comb may comprise locking reliefs on the fixing reliefs that cooperate with complementary locking reliefs on the pressure element.

[0050] The comb may comprise a locking tab that closes the insertion opening once the comb has been mounted on the pressure element.

[0051] The comb may comprise a handle that helps to position and remove it.

[0052] The comb can only be inserted or extracted from the pressure element when the latter is in its high position. In particular, the walls defining the shells to receive the spaced longitudinal ribs of the comb can be inserted into corresponding windows in the underlying structure when the pressure element is pressed, where these windows are formed in a wall of the shell extending between the U-shaped studs of the pressure element. When the pressure element is pressed, said wall tends to avoid the exit of the ribs of the comb that are inserted in said housings.

[0053] The pressure element and the applicator member can be made of the same material.

More preferably, the applicator member is removable. The applicator member can be mounted on a portion that serves as a support to form a removable filler. The fact that the applicator member or the filler is removable allows the applicator member to be changed for hygienic reasons or when it no longer contains any cosmetic product, or when the user wishes to use another applicator member or a different filler, especially with a different shape or containing a different cosmetic product.

[0055] The applicator member can be supplied with product by a reservoir in the arm carrying it. This reservoir can be permanently attached to the arm or be removable and, for example, designed to be placed and removed at the same time as the applicator member.

The device may comprise at least two heated plates, which are arranged on the first and second arms, respectively, and each compresses the hair against the other of the heated plates in the approximate configuration to each other.

The pressure element preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the heated plate (s).

[0058] The device preferably comprises a sensing member to record the number of product applications and / or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator member, for example, the number of times the arms move together and / or the time during which they remain in the approximate configuration of each other. This sensing member may comprise a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive, or capacitive sensor. This sensing member is preferably arranged in the housing below the pressure element so that the latter comes into contact therewith in the approximate configuration of the arms to each other.

[0059] The device may comprise an identifier of the applicator member, especially of the filling, in particular a particular relief present in the filling or an electronic identification chip.

The device may comprise a member for identifying the applicator member, which detects the identifier of the applicator member and compares it with registered identifiers. This may avoid the use of an applicator member that is not registered or may allow the device to link multiple applications to the hair and / or an application time with each applicator member. Therefore, when the applicator member is changed, the device recognizes the new applicator member.

The device may comprise a steam outlet for subjecting the hair introduced into the device to steam, in particular a steam outlet arranged upstream of the applicator member, in the direction of movement of the device on the hair.

[0062] Another object of the invention is a method for treating hair with the aid of a device according to the invention, where the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and said device moves along the lock of hair. hair to subject the latter to the successive steps of:

- applying the cosmetic product through the lock of hair that is pressed against the applicator member by the pressure element,

- optionally, steam the lock of hair, and

- straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact with at least one heated plate, especially by passing it between two opposite heated plates.

[0063] The method may also include the step (s) of:

- identify the applicator member and / or

- detecting if the applicator member is empty, especially by measuring the number of applications and / or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator member, and warning the user when the applicator member is empty.

The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and examining the accompanying drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 2 is a front view along II in Figure 1,

- Figure 3 is a cross section along MI-MI in figure 1,

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 without the pressure element or the applicator member,

- Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a pressure element, - Figure 6 is a perspective view along VI in figure 5,

- Figure 7 is a section through an example of a pressure element and a support means in the housing,

- Figure 8 shows a cross section through a device that incorporates the pressure element in figure 7,

- Figures 9 to 12 are longitudinal sections through the variants of pressure elements and the support means in the housing,

- Figures 13A to 13C are cross sections through the variants of pressure elements, - Figure 14 is a cross section through another example of a device according to the invention, - Figures 15 and 16 show two section views in perspective of a detail of another example of the device according to the invention,

- Figure 17 is a sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in Figures 15 and 16, as seen from the front,

- Figure 18 is a sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in Figures 15 and 16,

- Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pressure element of the device in Figures 15 and 16,

- Figure 20 is a perspective view of a comb of the device in Figures 15 and 16,

- Figure 21 is a partial view of the comb in figure 20, from a different perspective than that of figure 20,

- Figure 22 is a view from below of a variant of a pressure element and a comb,

- Figure 23 is a sectional view of a detail of a device configured to receive the pressure element and the comb of Figure 22,

- Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the pressure element of figure 22, and

- Figure 25 is a perspective view of the comb of figure 22.

[0065] In the rest of the description, identical or analogous elements carry the same reference markings. To make the present description concise, these elements are not described in detail with respect to all embodiments. Instead, only the different elements from one embodiment to another are described in detail.

Figure 1 shows the handpiece 2 of an example of a hair treatment device according to the invention.

[0067] This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 that can be moved relative to each other between a configuration spaced apart from each other (not shown) for the introduction between said jaws of a lock of hair, and an approximate configuration between yes for treatment, illustrated in figure 1.

The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6, respectively, which, in the example in question, are connected together at one end by a joint 8, whereby the handpiece 2 forms a clamp.

The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 each preferably have a total length of between 22 cm and 31 cm and define, between the joint 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective semi-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to move jaws 3 and 4 together.

The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 extend along respective longitudinal axes X1 and X2 which are preferably substantially parallel to each other when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed.

[0071] Preferably, an elastic return element (not visible) is provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a configuration separated from each other, where this elastic return element is, for example, a spring arranged around a hinge pin 8.

[0072] The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 together and the jaws 3 and 4 can become capable of being moved in any other way without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is highly preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

[0073] The jaws 3 and 4 define between each other a region for the treatment of the hair, where said region is intended to receive a lock of hair to be treated, where the handpiece 2 moves along said lock during treatment, for example in the direction from the root to the end of the hair.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to comb the hair by passing it through a comb 13, to apply a cosmetic product, to treat the hair by steam and then to carry out a heat treatment of the hair by contact with two heating surfaces 15, 16, formed, in this case, by heated plates intended to heat the hair.

The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 on the hair, illustrated in figure 2, is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X1 and X2 of the arms 5 and 6.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is connected by a line 18 to a base station (not shown), which is fixed during the treatment and is connected to the network.

[0077] This base station provides the supply of electrical power to the handpiece 2 and also its supply with water to generate steam, and can also carry out additional functions of processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The Line 18 connecting handpiece 2 to the base station may therefore comprise several electrical conductors and a water supply pipe.

[0078] A user interface (not shown in the figures) may be present on the handpiece 2 to allow the user, for example, to start up certain components thereof, or not.

[0079] The cosmetic product is applied by means of a filler 20 carried by one of the two arms, 5 or 6, in this case the upper arm 5. The filler 20 comes into contact with a pressure element 21 arranged opposite the latter.

The filler 20 comprises a body 23 and an applicator member 26 which is attached to the body 23 and has an application surface 36 which comes into contact with the hair present above the pressure element 21.

The padding 20 can be attached to the arm 5 or 6 by any means, especially, as illustrated in figure 3, by sliding a rib 27 of the body 23 into a groove 29 with a complementary shape.

[0082] The body 23 has a cavity 30 that opens outwards through an opening 31 into which the applicator member 26 is inserted while the filler 20 is being manufactured. The body 23 comprises reliefs 32 to hold the applicator member 26 extending into cavity 30.

The body 23 and the applicator member 26 have substantially the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and are elongated along a longitudinal axis Z.

The applicator member 26 is composed of, for example, fibers that are oriented in substantially the same direction, parallel to the Z axis, and are assembled to form a felt. The application surface 35 of the applicator member 26 may be flat, as illustrated.

Alternatively, the applicator member 26 can be produced by assembling two felts, in particular with different densities. In this alternative, one of the felts can be composed of fibers that are oriented in a direction, especially parallel to the Z axis, and the other of the felts can be composed of fibers that are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the other fibers and , above all, perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0086] As can be seen, in particular, in FIG. 3, the pressure element 21 has a bearing surface 36 which can have a shape complementary to the engagement surface 35. Therefore, the bearing surface 36 may be flat, elongated along a longitudinal axis Y substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z in the approximate position of arms 5 and 6, and has substantially the same extension as the engagement surface 35.

[0087] The pressure element 21 is removably housed in a housing 38 through a front opening in the latter. Housing 38 also opens outwardly through at least one opening 37 in front of applicator member 26.

[0088] In the example illustrated in figure 3, the pressure element 21 is inserted into its housing 38 by ribs 45 in the housing 38 which slide in corresponding grooves 48 in the pressure element 21. The ribs 45 are arranged in Opposing side walls 54 and 56 of housing 38. Slits 48 in pressure element 21 are disposed in side walls of pressure element 21, facing towards walls 54 and 56, respectively.

[0089] The pressure element 21 can move along an axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y, between a high position spaced from the bottom of the housing 38 and a low position approximated to each other therewith.

[0090] The pressure element 21 bears against a support means 40 that extends into the housing 38, and allows the pressure element 21 to carry out an oscillating movement and, in the open position of the arms 5 and 6 , keeps the pressure element 21 in the high position.

[0091] The travel P of the pressure element between its high position and its low position is between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to about 3 mm. The movement of the pressure element 21 is limited by the bottom 42 of the housing or by the width 1 of the groove 48.

[0092] The travel of the pressure element advantageously makes it possible to place the pressure element in the closed position of the device, in such a way that the hair is substantially aligned, that is, without deviation of a lock of hair between the part located between the plates heated and the portion between the pressure element and the applicator member. In other words, while the device is being used, the distance between the two heated plates is substantially equal to the distance between the pressure element and the applicator member, where these two distances are measured in a direction substantially collinear with the Q axis. Furthermore, the bearing surface 36 of the pressure element is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 16, while the application surface 35 is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 15, in planes normal to the Q direction. , this improves the straightening of the hair by the device.

[0093] In the example illustrated in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the support means 40 is a leaf spring fixed in a depression 41 in the pressure element 21, oriented towards the bottom 42 of the casing 38. Therefore Thus, the spring 40 abuts against the bottom 42 of the housing 38 in a region 43 around which the oscillation of the pressure element 21 takes place about an axis of rotation B substantially perpendicular to the axes Y and Q.

At its ends, the leaf spring 40 has fixing tabs 44 that come into contact with the pressure element 21 in the depression 41 and, between them, a portion 46 that is convex towards the bottom 42 of the casing 38 , the central part of which defines the oscillating region 43.

The height s taken by the leaf spring 40 before its introduction into the housing 88 is greater than or equal to the distance f between the bottom of the housing 43 and the bottom of the depression 41. Therefore, the leaf spring 40 is always loaded by contact with the bottom of the housing 42. The distance f is, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm and, for example, equal to about 3 mm.

The housing 38 has substantially the same length L as the pressure element 21. The length L of the pressure element 21 is, for example, between 70 mm and 110 mm, preferably 90 mm. Preferably, the pressure element has a length substantially equal to the length of the heating surface (s).

The grooves 48 have a width I greater than the thickness of the ribs 45. The width I of the ribs 48 is, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to approximately 3.2 mm. The thickness e of the grooves 45 is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in this case equal to 1 mm. Said difference allows the pressure element 21 to move along the Y axis, and / or to oscillate, as described above.

In the example illustrated in figure 3, the two ribs 45 are offset along the axis Q by a distance d of, for example, between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to about 2 mm.

[0099] The pressure element 21 is blocked in the housing 38 by a protruding relief 50, visible in Figures 5 and 6, which is present in the recess 48 in the pressure element 21 and which engages with a relief located at the bottom 52, visible in Figure 4, on rib 45 of housing 38.

[0100] The relief 50 does not extend along the entire width l of the slit 48 and, therefore, to extract the pressure element 21, it is sufficient to press on the latter so that it is pressed along the Q axis and the relief 50 is separated from the relief 52. Therefore, it is possible to slide the pressure element 21 forward in the housing 38.

[0101] Comb 13 is located upstream of applicator member 26 and pressure element 21 in the direction D of movement of handpiece 2. Comb 13 is integral with pressure element 21, preferably molded in one piece with the latter.

[0102] Comb 13 extends parallel to bearing surface 36 and along substantially the entire length thereof.

[0103] The comb 13 has a plurality of teeth 55 each extending along an axis parallel to the axis Q. The comb 13 advantageously has more than 20 teeth 55, better still more than 30 teeth 55 and, in this case, there are about 44 teeth.

[0104] The base of the teeth 55 is set back with respect to the bearing surface 35, especially by a distance r of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, for example equal to 2 mm. This allows the hair to be properly inserted between the support surface 36 and the application surface 35.

[0105] All teeth 55 preferably have the same height H, between 2 mm and 12 mm, for example equal to 8 mm. This height is large enough to allow proper holding of the hair between the teeth 55.

[0106] The teeth 55 are all the same distance from each other. The distance k between the teeth 55 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, for example equal to 1 mm. The pressure element 21 may comprise a relief, such as a tongue 57 to facilitate its grip.

[0107] In Figures 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a steam outlet 58 which is arranged on the arm 6 and is used after the cosmetic product has been applied to the hair.

[0108] Therefore, while the handpiece 2 is being used, the user closes the two arms 5 and 6 around a lock of hair and moves the handpiece 2, in the closed position, from the root of the hair to the end of the latter. The hair is combed first by the comb 13, then product is applied through the hair which is pressed against the applicator member 26 by the pressure element 21, and then the hair is steamed through the steam outlet 58 and finally heated between two heating surfaces 15 and 16.

[0109] The example in Figures 7 and 8 differs from that of Figures 1 to 6 in that the leaf spring 40 is fixed or placed in the housing 38. The latter comprises, for example, a depression 60 that receives the spring spring. crossbow 40, where the latter is fixed by any suitable fixing means.

[0110] The leaf spring 40 is then in contact with the bottom of the housing 42 by means of its ends 44 and its region of contact with the pressure element 21 defines an oscillating region 43.

[0111] The examples in Figures 9 and 10 differ from those of Figures 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a relief projecting from the pressure element 21 or from the bottom 42 of the housing 38.

[0112] In the example in figure 9, the protruding relief 40 is a relief on the bottom 42 of the casing 38. The relief 40 has a substantially triangular shape, in section in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pressure element twenty-one.

[0113] This need not be the case, and the protruding relief 40 may in particular have a semi-circular or semi-polygonal shape.

[0114] The protruding relief 40 may be in the shape of a tooth extending from the center of the bottom 42 of the housing 38 and against which the pressure element 21 bears. The pressure element 21 can bear against the end of the tooth. 40, which has a small extension. This allows the pressure element to oscillate around at least two different axes of rotation, especially an axis parallel to the Y axis and to the B axis.

[0115] Alternatively, the protruding relief 40 may be in the shape of a semi-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis B, and the pressure element 24 abuts against a generatrix of the relief 40.

[0116] The example in figure 10 differs from that of figure 9 in that the protruding relief 40 belongs to the pressure element 21.

[0117] The example in Figure 11 differs from that of Figures 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a helical spring. The latter is interposed between the pressure element 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The pressure element 21 and the bottom of the housing 42 each comprise a depression 41 and 60, to keep the helical spring 40 in position. The latter is arranged to bear against the center of the pressure element 21.

[0118] The example in Figure 12 differs from that of Figure 11 in that the support means 40 comprises two coil springs 40a and 40b, each arranged near one end of the pressure element 21.

[0119] Figures 13A to 13C illustrate variants of the bearing surface 36 of the pressure element 21.

[0120] The bearing surface 36 may have a cross section that is curved, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, in a dihedral shape, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, or in a truncated dihedral, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 13C. However, the invention is not limited to such forms.

[0121] The example in Figure 14 differs from that of Figures 1 to 4 in that the comb 13 is mounted on the pressure element 21 in a removable manner. The comb 13 may comprise at least one groove 70, especially a T-shaped groove, intended to engage with a complementary rib 72 on the pressure element 21. The groove 70 allows the comb 13 to be held in the pressure element 21.

[0122] The comb 13 and / or the pressure element 21 may comprise a locking member (not illustrated) to prevent the comb from freely coming out of the pressure element 21.

[0123] Alternatively, the comb 13 comprises a rib and the applicator member comprises a corresponding groove. Any of the other removable fixing means is also possible.

[0124] Figures 15 to 21 illustrate another variant of a pressure element 21 on which a comb 13 is mounted in a removable manner.

[0125] According to this other variant, the pressure element 21 has, along at least a part of its length, a cross section with the general shape of a U. The upper surface of the web of the U, in this case , forms the bearing surface 36. The two lateral uprights 101, 102 of the U have respective retention protrusions 103 and 104. These protrusions are oriented towards each other and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the pressure element 21.

[0126] The lower arm 6, which supports the pressure element 21, has a projecting relief 105 with a T-shaped cross section, the head 160 of which is clamped between the posts 101 and 102.

[0127] The lower arm 6 also forms two housings to receive respective springs 40a, 40b that are open towards the pressure element 21. The complementary guides for holding the coil springs 40a, 40b can be provided on the pressure element 21, over all in the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

[0128] The pressure element 21 comprises tabs 157, one of which can be seen in figure 18 and each is provided with facing protrusions 156. These protrusions 156 are intended to slide into grooves 155 in relief 105, substantially midway along the latter.

[0129] The pressure element 21 can be mounted on the lower arm 6 in the following way:

- the two helical springs 40a, 40b are arranged in the housings of the lower arm 6 which are provided for this purpose;

- the pressure element 21 is positioned on the relief 105, in such a way that the pressure element 21 covers the two helical springs 40a, 40b;

- the pressure element 21 is snapped onto the relief 105 to cause deformation of the side posts 101, 102, until the protrusions 103, 104 are snapped onto the head 160 of the relief 105. The springs 40a, 40b push protrusions 103, 104 abutted against head 160 of the relief 105. The protrusions 103, 104 prevent the pressure element 21 from coming out of the lower arm 6.

[0130] While the pressure element 21 is being assembled, the tabs 157 are elastically deformed to allow the protrusions 156 to fit into the grooves 155.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown, the pressure element 21 forms a rib 106 which extends in its longitudinal direction. In this case, the rib 106 is oriented towards the outside of the device, when the pressure element 21 is mounted.

[0132] A comb 13 that can be attached to the pressure element 21 is illustrated in Figures 20 and 21.

[0133] The comb 13 has, in this case, two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13, on the same side thereof.

[0134] The cylindrical ribs 107, 108 each extend along only a part of the length of the comb 13, one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

[0135] The two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are connected to a web 109 of the comb 13 by two projections 110, 111 which extend substantially perpendicular to the teeth 55 of the comb.

[0136] The comb 13 also has a locking tab 115 which extends, as illustrated, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and to the plane of the tongue 57.

[0137] The tab 115 is provided in the vicinity of the end of the comb 13 with the tongue 57. Preferably, the tab 115 is located in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13, between the teeth 55 and the tongue 57.

[0138] The comb 13 also has, at its end opposite that of the tongue 57, a locking relief 116. As illustrated in FIG. 21 above all, the locking relief 116 is in the form of an elastically locking tongue. deformable, which successively comprises, from the opposite end of the comb 13 from the end that presents the tongue:

- a first protrusion 117,

- a first depression 118 immediately adjacent to the first protrusion 117, so that the comb 13 has a reduced thickness in this first depression 118,

- a second protrusion 119, which is longer than the first protrusion 117 and has substantially the same thickness, and

- a second depression 120, so that the thickness of the comb 13 in this second depression is substantially the same as that in the first depression.

[0139] In this case, "thickness" is understood as a dimension measured in a cross-sectional plane of the comb 13 and in a direction perpendicular to the height of the teeth 55.

[0140] Obviously, additional examples of blocking reliefs can be implemented. In particular, the second bulge and / or the second depression may not be present.

[0141] Windows 152 are provided in the structure that houses pressure element 21 to receive the cylindrical wall of housings 150 when pressure element 21 is pressed.

[0142] In this case, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressure element 21, for example, as follows:

- the two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are positioned next to the corresponding housings 150 formed on the pressure element 21 in a longitudinal direction of the pressure element 21, where the pressure element 21 is in a high position with the two arms 5, 6 of the device in the position separated from each other; - the cylindrical ribs 107, 108 slide in the housings 150 in the longitudinal direction of the pressure element 21, where the projections 110, 111 pass through the openings in the housings 150;

the sliding movement continues until the depression 118 of the locking tab is snapped onto the edge 122 of a window 121 formed at the end of the element 21.

[0143] Once the comb has been placed on the pressure element, the tab 115 closes the opening for inserting the comb into the pressure element.

[0144] During use, the applicator member comes into contact with the pressure element 21, at a particular angle. Next, the pressure element 21 oscillates about the axis of the protrusions 156 to maximize the contact area between the bearing surface 36 of the pressure element 21 and the engagement surface of the applicator member. Finally, the pressure element 21 is pressed vertically until the heated plates come into contact, where the protrusions 156 move on the corresponding ribs 155.

[0145] The embodiment described with respect to Figures 15 to 21 makes it possible to have a uniform contact pressure over the entire contact area between the bearing surface and the application surface. This embodiment also makes it possible to have a maximum contact area. The construction of the comb in this embodiment also has the advantage of limiting its impact on the width of the device, so that the device becomes more compact.

[0146] In this embodiment, the comb and the pressure element are advantageously manufactured by several crenellated extrusions, formed by the walls of the casing 150 and the cylindrical ribs 107, 108. Specifically, compared to a structure produced by a single extrusion, this allows to limit the interactions with the springs and / or with the protrusions 156 that define the central guide axis of the pressure element.

[0147] Another variant is illustrated in Figures 22 to 25, of a pressure element 21 on which a comb 13 is placed in a removable manner.

[0148] According to this other variant, the pressure element 21 has, along at least a part of its length, a cross section in the general shape of a U. The upper surface of the web of the U, in this case , forms the bearing surface 36. The two side posts 101, 102 of the U are connected together by a central pin 200 and two end planes 202 and 203 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pressure element 21. Alternatively, the center pin 200 extends from one of the two side posts 101 or 102 towards the other of the side posts, but is not connected to the latter. The central pin 200 is substantially equidistant from the two end planes 202 and 203. The two end planes 202 and 203 allow the pressure element 120 to be closed at its ends, thereby increasing the resistance and limiting the deformations of the latter.

[0149] The lower arm 6, which supports the pressure element 21, has a guide groove 205 that extends vertically and supports the pin 200 when the pressure element 21 is mounted on the arm 6, which allows to guide the past 200 in vertical movement.

[0150] The lower arm 6 also forms two housings to receive respective springs 40a, 40b that are open towards the pressure element 21. The complementary guides to receive coil springs 40a, 40b can be provided on the pressure element 21, especially in the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

[0151] The pressure element 21 comprises bolts 210 and 212 which are molded together with the pressure element 21 and have an internal thread. These bolts 210 and 212 are slidably housed in through holes 215 and 217 in the lower arm 6. Each of them has, at its free end, protruding from holes 215 and 217, a washer 220 and 222 and a screw 225 and 227. These elements allow the bolts to be kept in the holes. The lower arm 6 has an internal space 230 that allows vertical movement in this space 230 of the assemblies of screw tabs 210 and 212, washers 220 and 222 and screws 225 and 227 sliding in holes 215 and 217.

[0152] A comb 13 that can be attached to the pressure element 21 is illustrated in Figures 22 and 25.

[0153] The comb 13 has, in this case, two hooks 237, 238 that extend from the comb towards the rear of the latter on the same side thereof. The two hooks 237 and 238 each have an end portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and are connected to the comb by a connecting portion that forms an elbow with the end portion.

[0154] The hooks 237, 238 extend one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

[0155] The pressure element 21 comprises windows 245 and 247 to respectively hold the hooks 237 and 238. The windows 245 and 247 are elongated along the longitudinal axis of the pressure element 21 so that the end portions of the hooks 237 and 238 can be inserted into said windows 245 and 247. The length of the windows is greater than or equal to the length of the end portions of the hooks 237 and 238.

[0156] Each end portion of hooks 237 and 238 comprises a locking relief 250 and 251 which is snapped together with a complementary locking relief 260 and 261 on pressure element 21.

[0157] The connecting portion of the hooks 237 and 238 may have a surface 265 and 266 which faces away from the hooks 237 and 238 and has a bevel to be oriented obliquely with with respect to the longitudinal axis of the comb. The end of hooks 237 and 238 can also be chamfered towards the inside of the hook. These bevels make it easy to extract the comb 13 from the pressure element 21.

[0158] The side surfaces of the windows 245 and 247 can also have oblique side surfaces (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pressure element 21. Such orientation of the window surfaces can further facilitate the removal of the comb 13 of the pressure element 21 by guiding the hooks through the windows.

[0159] The comb 13 also has a gripping tab 214 which extends, as illustrated, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

[0160] The comb 13 is mounted on the pressure element 21, in this case, for example in the following way:

- the two hooks 237 and 238 are placed next to the corresponding windows 245 and 247 that are formed on the pressure element 21, where the latter is in the high position with the two arms 5, 6 of the device in the position separated from each other ;

- the hooks 237 and 238 are inserted into the windows 245 and 247 and the comb 13 slides back, in the longitudinal direction of the pressure element 21, where the locking reliefs 250 and 251 of the hooks 237 and 238 are fixed to pressure on the complementary locking bosses 260 and 261 on the pressure element 21.

[0161] During use, the applicator element comes into contact with the pressure element 21, at a particular angle. The pressure element 21 then oscillates around the center pin 200 to maximize the contact area between the bearing surface 36 of the pressure element 21 and the application surface of the applicator member. Finally, the pressure element 21 is pressed vertically until the heated plates come into contact, where the center pin 200 slides into the slot 205 and the threaded tabs 210 and 212 slide into the holes 215 and 217.

[0162] The embodiment described with respect to Figures 22 to 25 allows to have a greater resistance of the pressure element and the comb, better retention of the pressure element in the arm, a more limited lateral oscillation clearance of the pressure element As a result, the risks of disengagement of the pressure element are limited, the rigidity of the pressure element increases and the guidance of the pressure element on the arm improves.

[0163] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments just described, the features of which can be combined with each other as variant parts that are not illustrated. The invention can also be modified in numerous ways that are achievable by one skilled in the art, provided that these variations fall within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0164] For example, the bearing surface 36 may have a roughness that can help to straighten the hair. Furthermore, the pressure element and the applicator member can be made of the same material.

Claims (15)

1. Hair treatment device, comprising: - a first and a second arm (5, 6) that can move with respect to each other between a configuration approximated to each other to treat the hair and a configuration separated from each other to insert the hair to be treated between said arms, where The first arm (5) carries an applicator member (26) to apply a cosmetic product that can come into contact with the hair in the approximate configuration of the arms (5, 6), and the second arm (6) presents the minus one housing (38), - a pressure element (21) removably arranged in the housing (38), where the pressure element (21) is configured to press the hair against the applicator member (26) in the configuration approximated to each other, and - a support means (40) on which the pressure element (21) rests in the housing (38), where this support means (40) is configured to allow the pressure element (21) to carry out an oscillating movement in the housing (38). Device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure element (21) is in one piece. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure element (21) has a bearing surface (36) having a shape complementary to that of the application surface (35) of the applicator member (26). Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (38) is closed on at least three of its sides and on its bottom. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure element (21) has a bearing surface (36) and the applicator member (26) has an engagement surface (35), where the bearing surface (36) and the application surface (35) are flat in their opposite regions. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure element (21) is inserted, especially sliding, into the housing (38) or is removed from it through a front opening in the latter. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure element (21) comprises at least one relief, such as a rib or a groove, (48) cooperating with a complementary relief, such as a groove or a rib (45) , on an opposite wall (54, 56) of the device, which at least partially defines the housing (38). Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising, on the second arm (6), at least one member (52, 105) for blocking the pressure element (21) in the housing (38), in particular a member lock (52, 105) intended to cooperate with a corresponding relief (50, 103, 104) on the pressure element (21). Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure element (21) is capable of moving along an axis (Q) perpendicular to the application surface (35), especially in a maximum depression path ( P) of between 1 mm and 5 mm, where preferably the travel of the pressure element (21) is such that, while the device is being used, the hair to be treated, which is clamped between the two arms of the device, is preferably aligned and extends parallel to a direction of movement of the device. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator member (26) is saturated with a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (40) is a relief projecting from the bottom (42) of the casing (38) and / or the pressure element (21), and / or where the Support means (40) comprises at least one spring, especially a leaf spring, arranged in the housing (38), for example fixed to the bottom (42) of the housing (38) or fixed to the pressure element (21) , where preferably the spring (s) forces (n) the pressure element (21) to bear against the relief (105) that protrudes from the bottom of the housing. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing region, around which the oscillation (43) takes place in the housing (38), is located substantially midway along the pressure element (21 ). Device according to any of the preceding claims, essentially comprising a detection member for recording the number of product applications and / or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator member (26), especially comprising a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive, or capacitive sensor, where the sensing member is preferably disposed in the housing (38). Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the arms (5, 6), preferably each arm (5, 6) is provided with a heated plate (15, 16) intended to come into contact with a strand of hair to be treated, in the closed position of the device. Method for treating hair with the aid of a device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and said device is moved along the lock of hair to subject this last to the successive steps of: - applying the cosmetic product through the lock of hair that is pressed against the applicator member (26) by the pressure element (21), - optionally, steam the lock of hair, and - straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact with a heated plate (15, 16), in particular by passing it between two opposite heated plates (15, 16).