FR2705874A1 - Flexible clip for curling tongs - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to an apparatus for processing and/or shaping hair, including: - a gripping means (1), - a body (2) for rolling up the locks of hair, - at least one movable clip (10) for holding the lock of hair on the rolling-up body, characterised in that: - the movable clip (10) and the rolling-up body are mounted with a possibility of relative displacement, - the movable clip (10) includes a compression arm (13) integral with a head (15), the said compression arm (13) serving, on the one hand, to hold the end of a lock of hair on the rolling-up body (2) and, on the other hand, to obtain an at least local elastic deformation of the said arm by means of pressure on the control head (15), so as to permit slackening of the rolling-up arrangement or arrangements.

Description

FLEXIBLE PLIERS FOR CURLING IRON
The present invention relates to the general technical field of hair treatment and / or shaping apparatus, such as those making it possible to perform styling, styling or curling functions, for example.

 The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating and / or shaping the hair, preferably for manual use, comprising arranged from a main body, a gripping means, a winding body for the locks of hair, mounted free to rotate on the main body around its longitudinal axis, means for controlling and stopping the rotation of the winding body, and at least one movable clamp for clamping the lock of hair on the body.

 The apparatus according to the invention is more particularly intended to provide a function of immobilizing a lock of hair in order to ensure or facilitate the curling of a lock of hair. As such, the treatment and / or shaping apparatus according to the invention relates more specifically, but not exclusively, to curling machines. The apparatus according to the invention may however obviously comprise, in association with the main body constituting it, additional devices able to provide other functions for treating and / or shaping the hair such as a brush, or any other means capable of supplying heat, steam or a treatment product. The device according to the invention therefore also includes devices such as styling or curling irons whether or not provided with heating or steam generation means.

 It is already known to facilitate the winding of a lock of hair around a cylindrical body, to provide the latter with projections, teeth or other elements capable of penetrating the lock of hair to facilitate its adhesion and its immobilization on the cylindrical body. However, such a device has the drawback of monopolizing the two hands of the user, one to hold the lock of hair pressed against the cylindrical body, the other to rotate the device along the axis of the cylindrical body. These devices are therefore generally considered to be often delicate to use, and at least requiring a minimum of dexterity.

 To improve the positioning and immobilization of the lock of hair on the cylindrical body, it has therefore already been proposed to use a movable clamp secured to said body in order to tighten the lock of hair. Such a clamp thus makes it possible to apply and immobilize the lock of hair on the body and thus greatly facilitates the always delicate phase of starting the winding of the lock. The device of the prior art implementing the classic principle of the movable clamp thus presents a notable improvement in handling in comparison with the device mentioned above. The use of a movable clamp does not however make it possible to remedy the problems of the separation of the treated and curled lock from the cylindrical body, without at least partially destroying the structure and the quality of the retained hair curls.

Indeed the separation step requires an unwinding of the loop to loosen it.

 It has already been proposed to remedy this problem at least in part, to provide the cylindrical bodies with a certain number of retractable projections supposed to facilitate the separation of the curled lock. It turns out that at least part of the hair always partially adheres to the projections, and that if the unwinding of the lock can be limited, it is always necessary to provide some manual guidance, from the start of the winding, and even at the end of the operation during the separation. Devices fitted with retractable projections are moreover more complex to realize mechanically, and at the same time of a higher cost. In addition, the existing devices, provided with clamps intended to immobilize the wick, have a disadvantage which affects their effectiveness.

Immobilizing the wick makes it more difficult to extract the loop obtained after treatment.

 The object of the invention is therefore to propose a new hair treatment and / or shaping device, which does not have the drawbacks of the prior systems mentioned above, and which is able to provide in a simple manner, efficient and quick separation of the treated and curled wick without complicated handling on the part of the user. An additional object of the present invention aims to provide an apparatus comprising means ensuring in a simple effective and rapid manner the separation of the treated and curled lock while immobilizing it on the body before the treatment.

 Another object of the invention is to provide a device for treating and / or shaping hair of a particularly mechanically simplified design.

 Another object of the invention is to propose a new method for treating and / or shaping the hair in which the step of separating the curly lock is obtained without excessive manipulation on the part of the user, so simple and quick, after a preliminary step of loosening the loop obtained.

 The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a hair treatment and / or shaping device, preferably for manual use, comprising arranged from a main body - a gripping means - a winding body for the locks of hair mounted on the main body around its longitudinal axis xx '- at least one movable clamp for clamping the lock of hair on the winding body characterized in that - the movable clamp and the winding body are mounted with a possibility of relative displacement substantially along the axis (x-x ') - The movable clamp comprises a compression arm secured to a control head, said compression arm being made of a material elastic serving firstly to clamp the end of a lock of hair on the winding body and secondly to obtain, when at least one winding of hair is carried out on the compression arm, an elastic deformation at least local of said arm by pressing on the control head, so as to allow loosening of the winding (s).

 The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a hair treatment and / or shaping process consisting of - immobilizing a lock of hair by pinching between a clamp and a winding body - wind the wick immobilized on the winding body, then carry out the treatment of the wick characterized in that it consists of - loosening after the treatment the successive windings of the wick immobilized between a clamp and the winding body, at least local deformation of the clamp.

- Separating the treated and / or shaped wick from the winding body by relative movement of the clamp and the winding body.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples in which - Figure 1 shows according to a partial section
longitudinal, a perspective view of a device
according to the invention.

- Figure 2 shows in a front view the step of
loosening of a lock of hair on the device
according to the invention.

- Figure 3 shows in perspective view, the step
to start the loop winding on a
apparatus according to the invention.

- Figure 4 shows in a perspective view the step
extraction terminal of the wick treated on a
apparatus according to the invention.

- Figure 5 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a compression arm according to the invention.

 The hair treatment and / or shaping apparatus according to the invention, such as the curling apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, comprises a gripping means 1 constituted by a handle intended to be grasped by the user's hand. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the gripping means 1 forms the main body of the device from which are arranged different parts constituting it. In the particular embodiment shown, the gripping means 1 is for example constituted by a cylindrical body of axis of revolution x-x ', on which is mounted, according to said axis x-x', a body of winding 2.

The latter advantageously has a taper in the direction x-x ', so that the smallest diameter of said winding body 2 is at the end of the device. The winding body 2 is aligned with the axis xx 'of the gripping means 1 and connected to control and stop means 3 for the rotation of said winding body 2. In an advantageous embodiment, the body winding is mounted free to rotate along the axis xx 'of the cylindrical body. In the example shown, the control and stop means 3 consist of a control knob with two positions ensuring the blocking or the release of the rotation of the winding body 2 around its axis of revolution x-x ' . As a variant, the winding body 2 can be connected to a dog clutch device housed in the gripping means 1, and allowing a clutching or disengaging of the winding body 2. As a complementary variant (Figures 1 and 2) , the winding body 2 can be connected to an electric motor assembly capable of ensuring the rotation of said winding body 2. According to an additional alternative embodiment of the invention (Figures 3 and 4), the body winding 2 is constituted at its end by a manual control means 6 allowing the user to rotate said winding body 2 around the axis x-x '.

Preferably, the winding body 2 has longitudinal grooves 4, along the axis (x-x '), on at least part of its periphery, on the one hand ensuring the guidance of a slide 11 provided with notches 12 , on its surface in contact with the winding body, engaged in said grooves 4, and on the other hand allowing the hair likely to seep between said slide 11 and the winding body 2 to be driven out.

In addition, the grooves 4 have bottoms in which openings (16) are formed allowing steam and / or air to reach the wick to be treated.

Advantageously, the winding body can be concentric with a means 30 for distributing steam, air, or air / steam mixture.

 The hair treatment and / or shaping apparatus according to the invention also comprises at least one movable clamp 10 intended for clamping a lock of hair M on the peripheral surface of the winding body 2. The clamp mobile 10 is mounted on the winding body 2 so as to be freely movable on the latter. Advantageously, the movable clamp 10 is movable along the longitudinal axis x-x 'of the winding body 2, by means of a slide 11 mounted movably on the winding body 2.

 In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the slider 11 consists of an annular ring surrounding the winding body 2.

 As a variant, the slider may consist of a part extending over only part of the periphery of the winding body 2 and be guided and secured to the latter by means of a longitudinal slot (not shown in figures).

 The movable clamp 10 is intended to ensure the tightening of the lock of hair M on the winding body 2 by means of a compression arm 13 extending along the axis xx 'and intended to be applied longitudinally on at least a portion of the periphery of the winding body 2. The compression arm 13 is extended by an intermediate piece 13a for fixing on the slide 11, inside which is housed an axis 14 substantially normal to the x-x 'axis. The clamp 10 has at its end opposite the compression arm 13 a control head 15 extending the intermediate piece 13a and intended to be actuated manually to allow rotation of the clamp 10 around the axis 14. In a manner known per se clamp 10 is mounted on the slide 11 in association with an elastic return means (not shown in the figures, such as a blade or a spring ensuring the permanent elastic return of the compression arm 13 resting on the periphery of the winding body 2.

 In the embodiment in accordance with the invention and shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the return means is produced by a portion of the compression arm 13. The latter consists of an elastic metal wire having a shape substantially in " U ". The two branches 20 of said wire each have a loop 21 intended to be arranged in the intermediate part 13a (Figure 3).

The ends 22 of the branches 20 are substantially horizontal and are intended to be secured to the slide 11 (Figures 2 and 5). The force is transmitted to the compression arm 13 by pressing on the control head 15 by any known means.

Advantageously, the compression arm 13 has at least one perforation 23 allowing a flow of vapor and / or air to pass. This perforation is produced intrinsically by the space existing between the branches 20 (FIG. 5). Alternatively, the compression arm may be made of an elastic or elastically deformable material which has perforations or porous areas.

 Said perforations 23, in association with the openings 16 arranged in the winding body 2 in a homogeneous manner, allow direct transfer of steam and / or air to a wick wound on the winding body.

 The openings 16 are preferably distributed over the entire periphery of the winding body 2. Advantageously, the material constituting the compression arm 13 has sufficient rigidity to immobilize the end of a lock of hair and loosen the windings of said wick by pressing on the control head 15.

 In its working position as shown for example in Figure 3, in which the clamp ensures the tightening and immobilization of the drill bit M, the compression arm 13 extends substantially over a length equal to that of the body of winding 2, the slider 11 being mounted so as to slide between two stop positions corresponding to the two ends of the winding body 2.

Advantageously, the winding body 2 has at its end a stop piece (not shown in the figures) preventing the complete release of the slide 11.

The operation of an apparatus according to the invention is as follows
The user grasps the device with one hand by the gripping means 1 as shown in FIG. 3, and presses on the head 15 so as to release the clamp 10 by rotation of the compression arm 13 around the axis 14. This allows the user to set up between the compression arm 13 and the winding body 2, a wick M which is then immobilized by releasing the control head 15 (FIG. 3).

The operation of fitting the wick M can be carried out with one hand since it suffices to lift the wick M directly with the winding body 2. The relaxation of the head 15 allows the compression arm 13 to apply against the surface of the winding body 2 and immobilize the wick M while leaving a hand of the user available for any control or assistance action.

 The user can then press on the control means 3 (FIG. 1), making it possible to disengage the winding body 2. Preferably simultaneously, the user actuates a manual or motorized control means 6 triggering a rotation around of the axis xx 'and allowing the winding of the wick M on the winding body 2. The user then performs the appropriate treatment of the wick M, such as application of steam, dye or heat.

 After treatment of the wick, the user exerts pressure on the control head 15. A mechanical force is thus transmitted to the compression arm 13 which undergoes elastic deformation due to successive windings 8 of said wick on the winding body 2 and on the compression arm 13 (Figure 2).

 In this way, the pinched hair of the wick M no longer undergoes pressure, either by the compression arm 13, or by successive windings 8. A release or extraction of the loop M can then be easily envisaged.

 After this operation, the user grasps with his free hand the assembly constituted by the slide 11 and the clamp 10 in order to separate the treated or looped lock M 'of said winding body 2 by translation of the clamp 10 on said body 2 so that the wick M 'is freely suspended on the clamp 10 (Figure 4). During this step the slide 11 undergoes a translational movement along the arrow F2 corresponding to a sliding of the clamp 10 along the longitudinal axis xx 'of the winding body 2 making it possible to extract the treated wick M 'without having to unroll it. The sliding of the clamp 10 is carried out over a sufficient length, and for example substantially over the entire length of the winding body 2 so as to allow complete release of the treated wick M 'leading, as shown in Figure 4 to a free suspension position of the treated bit M 'on the compression arm 13.

 Obviously, as a variant of the apparatus according to the invention, it is conceivable to produce a kinematic inversion which consists in keeping the clamp 10 fixed, that is to say integral with the gripping means 1, and animating the winding body 2 of a displacement substantially along the axis x-x '.

 The hair treatment and / or shaping apparatus in accordance with the invention, as well as the corresponding treatment method make it possible to ensure complete extraction of the treated or curled lock M 'without having to ensure its progress c' is to say without having to act in any way on the very structure of the treated wick M '. The latter is thus kept entirely in its initial state of processing, even when the handling of winding and extraction have been particularly simplified.

 In addition, all the mechanical stresses exerted on the immobilized lock of hair M are reduced by means of the bending of the compression arm 13.

The extraction of the wick M is thus facilitated.

 An additional advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is the taper presented by the winding body 2. This preferably taper of the order of 1% makes it possible to limit the hazards of movement of the slide 1 on the winding body 2, while maintaining the notches 12 in the grooves 4. Problems for example related to expansion during the treatment of the wick can in particular be circumvented.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for treating and / or shaping hair, preferably for manual use comprising arranged from a main body - a gripping means (1) - a winding body (2) for the locks of hair mounted on the main body around its longitudinal axis (x - x ') - at least one movable clamp (10) for clamping the lock of hair on the winding body. characterized in that - the movable clamp (10) and the winding body (2) are mounted with a possibility of relative displacement substantially along the axis (x-x ') - The movable clamp (10) comprises an arm compression (13) secured to a head (15), said compression arm (13) being made of an elastic material used on the one hand to clamp the end of a lock of hair on the winding body (2) and on the other hand to obtain, when at least one winding of hair is carried out on the compression arm (13), at least local elastic deformation of said arm by pressing on the control head (15), so as to allow loosening of the winding (s). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the movable clamp (10) comprises a return means for pressing the compression arm (13) against the winding body (2) 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 characterized in that the return means is made with a portion of the compression arm (13). 4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the compression arm (13) consists of a metal wire having a shape substantially in "U". 5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the compression arm (13) has at least one perforation (23) allowing a flow of vapor and / or air to pass. 6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the movable clamp (10) is mounted on a slide (11) arranged on the winding body (2) and which is movable along the body of winding (2). 7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the winding body (2) has grooves (4) longitudinal, along an axis (x - x '), on at least part of its periphery , ensuring on the one hand the guide of the slide (11) provided with notches (12) on its surface in contact with the winding body (2) and engaged in said grooves (4) and on the other hand allowing to drive out the hair liable to infiltrate between said slide (11) and the winding body (2). 8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the grooves (4) have bottoms where there are arranged openings (16) allowing the steam and / or air to reach the wick to be treated . 9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the winding body (2) has a taper in the direction (x - x ') so that the smallest diameter of said body winding (2) is located at the end of said device. 10. A method of treatment and / or shaping of hair consisting of - immobilizing a lock of hair by pinching between a clamp (10) and a winding body (2) - winding the lock immobilized on the body of winding (2), then to carry out the treatment of the wick characterized in that it consists of - loosening after the treatment the successive windings of the wick immobilized between a clamp (10) and the winding body (2), at least local deformation of the clamp (10) - to separate the treated and / or shaped wick from the winding body (2) by relative movement of the clamp (10) and the winding body (2) .