FR2799621A1 - Applicator for hair conditioners, colorants and waving compositions in mousse or gel form comprises comb whose teeth are moved parallel to, and in contact with, scalp, treatment product being dispensed between teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator for hair treatment mousse or gel is in the form of a comb whose teeth are moved parallel to, and in contact with, the scalp. The treatment product is dispensed from the sections (10) of the support (2) which join the teeth.

Description

Applicator of products in the hair.

The present invention relates to the field of applying products to a person's hair, in particular for the purpose of treatment, coloring, or even creping.

Containers intended to contain this type of product are known today which end in a pointed tip allowing said product to be deposited in the hair in a liquid form. The product must then be distributed using a brush or by hand. The application ends a massage in order to perfect the product distribution. However, it turns out that the tip of the container can cause an unpleasant scratching sensation on the scalp of the person using it. A significant part of the product spreads on the scalp, which is useless in the case of a treatment product and harmful in the case of a coloring product generally of powerful effect and likely to cause itching or even spots on scalp.

When the product is in the form of a gel, the same disadvantages of implementation are encountered.

It turns out to be necessary to put on gloves, even a scarf or a protective clothing not afraid of stains, like a blouse, which considerably complicates these operations.

In the case of a coloring product, one can also consider applying it in the shower. However, the shower tray must be vigorously cleaned to avoid persistent stains.

We also know the combs used to style the hair. A comb generally consists of a solid part which is used for gripping by the hand of the user and a plurality of regularly spaced teeth located in the same plane as the solid part. The whole of the comb is generally symmetrical with respect to a plane 'dian, the teeth becoming thinner starting from the solid part and going towards their free end. However, the combs are unsuitable for the application of hair products because they require the use of protective gloves, do not prevent the product from coming into contact with the scalp, and cause a wringing effect on the hair product which then risks falling out. in drops and do not guarantee a regular distribution.

The object of the present invention is to provide a hair product applicator which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above.

The present invention relates to a hair product applicator, capable of storing a dose of product and of ensuring a gradual distribution of the product in the hair while avoiding contact with the scalp.

The device according to the invention is used for applying hair products, in particular in the form of a foam or a gel. The applicator comprises an application element formed by at least two teeth, a first portion of which defines a first surface capable of being engaged with the scalp and of which a second portion, opposite the first, defines a second surface, disposed at a distance from the first, and intended to receive said hair product, a displacement of said application element, with said first surface in engagement with the scalp causing the gradual release of said hair product on the hair, said teeth being interconnected by a support of which a junction zone with the teeth is located at a distance from said first surface.

Preferably, a distribution means is capable of applying the said dose to the hair only while avoiding an application to the scalp or a fall of all or part of the dose.

Advantageously, a means for temporarily storing a dose of hair product is formed by a space delimited by said second surface, the support and at least one lateral flange.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support comprising a junction zone with the teeth, the junction zone is arranged at a distance from said second surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the teeth comprise free end and one end connected to the support, and said second surface is inclined relative to said first surface the distance between said first and second surfaces decreasing direction of said end free.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support element is located at a distance from said first surface of between 1 and mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm.

Advantageously, each tooth comprises a first part delimited by said first and second surfaces and a second non-coplanar part with said first part and connected to the support. The second part provides clearance between the support and the patient's skull.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support and the second part of each tooth are coplanar.

In one embodiment of the invention, said first and second parts form an angle between them between 45 and 135, preferably between 60 and 120, or even between 75 and 105, for example 90.

In one embodiment of the invention, said two parts are connected by a curved part. The second part includes a proximal face intended to come into contact with the patient's skull and a distal face defining the storage space. The thickness of the second part can go increasing from its free end to its other end.

The second part can also be provided with a slight curvature to present a concave face on the side of the patient's skull so that it matches the shape of the skull, this curvature being able to be opposite to that of said curved part.

In another embodiment of the invention, said two parts are connected by a sharp angle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises means for mounting on a device for dispensing hair product. The mounting means can be arranged so that in the mounted position, said second surface is oriented substantially transversely to the axis of exit of the hair product through an orifice of the dispensing device. The mounting means may include a thread capable of cooperating with a thread of the dispensing device. In one embodiment of the invention, the support element forms a means for scraping the hair product.

The present invention also relates to a packaging and hair product application assembly comprising a container intended to contain the said hair product, a hair product application device.

In other words, the device comprises an application element formed from at least two teeth, and a support element connecting the teeth. The teeth define two surfaces, a first surface capable of coming into contact with the scalp, a second surface opposite to the first and capable of receiving the hair product. The support element is arranged at a distance from said first surface so that a dose of hair product temporarily stored on the second surface is gradually distributed in the hair when said application element moves with the first surface in contact with the scalp, the support element allowing regular release of hair product into the hair. The hair product application device performs the product storage function thanks to the concave space formed by one face of the teeth, one face of a support element and lateral flanges, and a distribution function thanks to the formed teeth. in two parts, the second part ensuring the scraping and extending over a sufficient distance between the first part and the support element to avoid wringing.

The present invention will be better understood on studying the detailed description of a few embodiments taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a top view in elevation of the applicator of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view along III-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a sectional view along IV-IV of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a top view in elevation of an applicator according to a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6 is an axial sectional view of an applicator according to a third embodiment of the invention.

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the applicator according to the invention comprises a handle 1 of elongated shape and of sufficient dimensions to allow easy gripping by the hand of a user. The applicator also comprises a solid part 2 arranged in the extension of the handle 1 and being in the form of a thin wall, for example of the order of 2 to 3 mm, of height between 5 and 20 mm , for example of the order of 12 mm and of length which is a function of the quantity of hair which it is desired to apply the hair product at each passage. For example, the length here is of the order of 60 mm. The solid part 2 comprises a face 2a called "exterior", arranged in extension of one of the walls of the handle 1 and an opposite flat face 2b parallel to the face 2a and called "interior".

The applicator also comprises a plurality of teeth 3, the number of which is adapted to each application and is here equal to 14. Each tooth 3 is supported by the solid part 2 and is attached to the latter over its thickness, ie say between the faces 2a and 2b on one of its ends, here the lower end as can be seen in FIG. 1.

Each tooth 3 comprises two parts, a second part 3a directly coming from the solid part 2 and extending downwards from the latter while remaining delimited by the planes defined by the faces 2a and 2b of the solid part 2, and a first part 3b generally oriented along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the faces 2a and 2b of the solid part 2. The first part 3b tapers from its linked end 'the second part 3a with free end 4, in a perpendicular plane in the plane of the faces 2a and 2b, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. All the teeth 3 being identical, their second parts 3b define a flat upper face 5 and a lower face 6 also flat and forming an angle between them between 3 and 10, preferably between 5 and 8, for example of the order of 6 to 6.5. The free end 4 teeth 3 is suitably rounded in order to avoid any risk of injury to the user. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the teeth 3 are of constant thickness in the direction of their width and define a space 7 called "inter-tooth" which will generally be greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the teeth being on the order of 1 to 2 mm.

On either side of the row of teeth 3, two flanges 8 and 9 are provided which are also attached to the solid part 2 at each of its longitudinal ends and of generally triangular shape with a rear side in the plane of the face 2a of the solid part 2, a lower side in the plane of the lower face 6 of the teeth 3 and an upper side 8a, 9a substantially joining the free end 4 of the teeth 3 to the upper end of the solid part 2 to the opposite of the second part 3a of the teeth 3. The flanges 8 and 9 are perpendicular to the plane of the faces 2a and 2b the solid part 2.

In the example illustrated here, it can be seen that the lower face 6 of the teeth 3 is perpendicular to the face 2a of the solid part 2. However, as a variant, it could be provided that these two faces form an angle of between 45 and 135, preferably between 60 and 120, more particularly between 85 and 95.

The inter-tooth space 7 is limited by the lower end of the solid part 2 and ends in a rounded bottom 10. This bottom 10 is rounded in order to avoid any risk of injury or of pinching of hair. Independently of the relative inclination of the lower face 6 of the teeth 3 and of the face 2a of the solid part 2, the rounded bottom 10 remains substantially parallel to the lower face 6 of the teeth 3 at a distance of between 5 and 8 mm, for example of the order of 7.5 mm which forms a clearance. This distance will always be greater than the maximum thickness of the second part 3b of the teeth 3 taken in the cutting plane of Figures 3 or 4, so that a hair or a tuft of hair which is engaged between two teeth 3 in an inter-tooth space 7 is not folded against the scalp when the applicator moves relative to the skull of the user.

Alternatively, one can provide a handle 1 of different shape or different relative arrangement relative to the solid part 2. We could also provide a lower face 6 of the teeth 3 slightly concave when we see the applicator of the front as in Figure 1, so that it better matches the convex shape of a user's skull. This variant is all the more interesting as the number of teeth 3 is high and the applicator sees a greater width of hair with each passage. One could also provide a lower face 6 of the teeth 3 concave in a transverse plane as seen in Figures 3 and 4, again to better match the shape of the skull of the user.

We could also consider teeth 3 of rounded shape but still provided with a lower face intended to come into contact with the scalp of the user, an upper face having a certain angle relative to the lower face and an inter- tooth showing clearance from the solid part.

One could also consider that the upper part of the inter-tooth space, near the solid part 2, is wider, which could be obtained by a local reduction in the thickness of the second part 3a of the teeth 3 nearby. of the rounded bottom 10 when the applicator is viewed from the front as in FIG. 1, in order to facilitate the passage of the hair in the inter-tooth space 7.

The applicator is used as follows. In the dihedral formed by the inner face 2b of the solid part 2 and the upper face 5 of the teeth 3 and limited by the flanges 8 and 9 which forms a concavity, the user deposits a certain amount of hair product in the form of foam. or in the form of gel. Where appropriate, the portion of product may be slightly projecting from the plane defined by the upper sides 8a, 9a of the flanges 8 and 9.

The user then passes the applicator through his hair by presenting the underside 6 of the teeth 3 parallel to the local surface of the scalp. In other words, the first part 3b of the teeth 3 is presented flat on the user's skull. By displacement of the applicator in the hair in the longitudinal direction of the teeth 3, the free end 4 serving as the leading edge, the hair engages in the spaces 7 between the different teeth 3 first of all between the second parts 3b of the teeth 3. Given the small thickness of the first part 3b of the teeth 3, the hair protrudes into the concave space defined above, in which the portion of product is located. The hair thus comes into contact with the product. The hair then passes under the solid part which remains perpendicular to the local surface of the scalp, below the rounded bottom 10 which is sufficiently distant from said local surface of the scalp to, on the one hand, avoid pressing the hair against this surface, and avoid squeezing them, which could cause wringing with a reduction in the amount of product remaining on the hair and a risk of drops of product which would not be very manageable and could risk falling by staining clothing, and on the other hand , avoid bringing the hair provided with product into contact with the scalp. However, the presence of the solid part 2 beyond the rounded bottom 10 prevents an excessive amount of product from being entrained by the hair, in particular at the start of application and therefore guarantees a scraping effect, hence a regular distribution. of hair product in the hair.

Thus, the user can apply a hair product, for example coloring with an economical tool, because it can be manufactured in one piece by molding synthetic material. The product does not come into contact with the scalp because the product is separated from the scalp by the first part 3b of the teeth 3 and the hair is not pressed against the scalp at the outlet of the applicator thanks to the clearance offered by the sufficient distance between the rounded bottom 10 of the inter-tooth space 7 and the lower surface 6 of the teeth 3.

The product is still placed near the hair roots because of the low height of the second parts 3b of the teeth 3. The application can be carried out without glove or means of protection because of the viscosity of the product in the form of gel or foam and the absence of drop formation linked there again to the clearance explained above between the full part and the scalp. Finally, the distribution of the product is regular thanks to the scraping and distribution effect offered by the solid part 2. Of course, the width of the inter-tooth space can be adapted as a function of the viscosity of the product in the case a gel or an unexpanded liquid or density in the case of a foam.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 is similar to that of the previous figures, except that the teeth 3 are replaced by two teeth 1 1 of large width, whose ends in the direction of the length of the applicator are integral flanges 8 and 9 and whose longitudinal profile as seen in cross section of the figures in Figures 4, is similar to the teeth 3. The inter-tooth space 12 left between the two teeth 11 has a general shape similar to the interdental space 7 previous figures but greater width. This embodiment is particularly intended for the application of coloring products to locks of hair. To prevent product from remaining in the hollow corner formed between the upper face of the teeth 11, the face of the solid wall 2 and one of the flanges 8 and 9, it is possible to provide a large radius of curvature or an oblique surface intermediate between the flanges 8 and 9 and the teeth 11 and / or between the two parts of the teeth 11.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the device comprises a container 13 intended to contain the hair product of dimension such that it forms a gripping means. The container 13 comprises a neck 14 provided with a male thread 15 and a frustoconical interior surface 16.

An applicator 17 fixed to the container 13 comprises an outer skirt 18 and an inner skirt 19. The substantially cylindrical outer skirt 18 is provided at its lower end with a female thread 20 which cooperates with the male thread 15 of the neck 14 of the container 13. inner skirt 19 substantially cylindrical comprises at its lower end a frustoconical portion 21 adapted to cooperate with the inner surface 16 of the neck 14 by ensuring the seal between these two elements. The applicator 17 also comprises a radial portion 22 disposed at the free end of the skirts 18 and 19 opposite the neck 14, and joining said skirts. The radial portion 22 is pierced in its center with a small diameter hole placing the interior of the interior skirt 19 and consequently the interior of the container 13 with the atmosphere.

On one side of the outer skirt 18, is disposed an axial portion 24 which extends axially opposite the container 13, and which is substantially planar and has a width at least equal to the diameter of the outer skirt 18. The portion axial 24 is extended by a row of teeth 25 identical and of shape similar to that of teeth 3 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Each tooth 25 comprises a second part 25a situated in the extension of the axial part 24, and at the free end of the second part 25a, a first part 25b which extends substantially radially above the radial portion 22 up to its free end 26 which projects slightly beyond the outer skirt 18. The second parts 25b of the teeth 25 have a planar face 27 disposed on the side opposite to the radial portion 22 and a planar face 28 disposed on the side of the radial portion 22. The planar face 27 is ra dial while the flat face 28 has a small angle relative to a radial plane, the second parts 25b of the teeth 25 being tapered towards their free end 26.

The use of this type of applicator is carried out by presenting the face 27 of the first part 25b of the teeth 25 parallel to the local surface of the scalp, so that the hair passes first between the second parts 25b and then between the first parts 25a of the teeth 25, a certain dose or quantity of product being previously released in the space formed between the face 28 of the teeth 25 and the radial portion 22 by a pressure exerted by the hand of the user on the container 13 and which causes the product to pass through the hole 23. The teeth 25 then ensure the regular distribution in the hair of the product, without contact with the scalp or with very reduced contact. The distribution of the product, independently of the pressure exerted by the user on the walls of the container 13, is regulated by the teeth 25 and by the clearance formed between the face 27 and the bottom of the inter-tooth space, in other words the end of the radial full portion 24. The operation of the applicator is therefore similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 4.

Alternatively, it could be provided that a pressure exerted on the face 27 by the scalp causes the opening of a product release valve in the event of product stored under pressure in the container 13. This pressure could be axial in the sense of the axis of the neck 14 or even lateral.

Thanks to the invention, there is an applicator which combines the functions of temporary storage of hair product and regular distribution thanks to the scraping exerted by the solid portion beyond the teeth, and of maintaining distance between the scalp and the product thanks to the parallel teeth the local surface of the scalp but of small thickness, so that the greatest possible length of hair is brought into contact with the product and this without wiping effect. The device advantageously applies to foam or gel products.

Claims (15)

1. Hair product applicator, in particular in the form of a foam or gel, characterized in that it comprises an application element formed by at least two teeth, a first portion of which defines a first surface (27 ) suitable for being engaged with the scalp, and a second portion of which, opposite to the first, defines the second surface (28), arranged at a distance from the first, and intended to receive said hair product, a displacement of said element of application, with said first surface in engagement with the scalp causing the gradual release of said hair product on the hair, said teeth being connected to each other by support of which a junction zone (10) with the teeth is located at a distance from said first surface . 2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that a means for temporarily storing a dose of hair product is formed by a space delimited by said second surface, the support and at least one lateral flange (8,9). 3. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support comprising a junction zone with the teeth, the junction zone is arranged at a distance from said second surface. 4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth include a free end and an end connected to the support, and said second surface is inclined relative to said first surface the distance between said first and second surfaces decreasing in the direction of said free end. 5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support is located at a distance from said first surface of between 1 and 10 preferably between 2 and 5 mm. 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tooth comprises a first part delimited by said first and second surfaces and a second part coplanar with said first part and connected to the support. 7. Applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that the said first second parts form between them an angle of between 45 and 35, preferably between 60 and 120. 8. Applicator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said two parts are connected by a curved part. 9. Applicator according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said two parts are connected by a sharp angle. 10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said first surface is concave so that it matches the shape of the skull. 11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for mounting on a device for dispensing hair product. 12. Applicator according to claim 11, characterized in that the mounting means is arranged so that in the mounted position, said second surface is oriented substantially transversely to the axis of exit of the hair product by an orifice of the device. distribution. 13. Applicator according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the mounting means comprises a thread capable of cooperating with a thread of the dispensing device. 14. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (2) forms a means for scraping the hair product. 15. A packaging and hair product application assembly comprising a container intended to contain said hair product, and an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims.