FR3023139A1 - HAIRING APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUCKLES OF DIFFERENT SIZES - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairdressing appliance (1) for looping and straightening hair comprising: - a first and a second jaw (2, 3) elongated and pivotable relative to each other, - the first jaw (2) having a first housing (6) carrying a first planar inner treatment surface (4) and, - the second jaw (3) having a second housing (7) carrying a second internal treatment planar surface (5) the inner surfaces (4, 5) being intended to grip a lock of hair, at least one heating element (41, 51) for heating at least one internal treatment surface (4, 5). According to the invention, the largest width 11 of the first housing (6) is less than or equal to 90% of the greatest width 12 of the second housing (7), and at least one of the first housing (6) or the second housing (7) is asymmetrical relative to the median plane in longitudinal section respectively said first housing (6) or said second housing (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hairdressing appliance that can use steam and intended for shaping by contact with the hair, in particular intended for smoothing but also to the curl of a person's hair.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART Two types of different hairstyling devices are traditionally known for smoothing or looping: hair curlers or not, the straightener or straightener and the looper or curler or curler. The devices of the type pliers to smooth or loop usually comprise two jaws pivoting relative to each other about a common axis, and each comprising an end supporting a treatment surface, at least one of the surfaces of treatment being heated, the other being provided to bring the hair in contact with the first, in particular by passing from an opening position of the jaws allowing the insertion of the hair to a closed position for their contact with the part heating. The straightener has on one end of its jaws two identical flat heated surfaces and gripping the hair. In addition, the other end of the jaws form two handles acting as a gripping area and to move from the open position to the closing position. The passage is done manually by pressing the two articulated handles of the device towards one another to bring the treatment surfaces in contact with the hair. Smoothing a lock of hair is done by moving the device along this wick, from the root to the tip in a straight translation of the closed device. The looper has surfaces formed by a cylindrical heating mandrel with a tile pinching the end of the bit pivotally on the mandrel prior to winding the complete bit around the mandrel. The wrap of a lock of hair is made by at least partially winding the wick around the treatment surface (s) and applying heat to fix the loop mainly in static.

It is provided in each of these two devices to additionally use steam sprayed on the hair. This makes it possible to improve the shaping of the hair, to lengthen the shaping of the hair, to keep the moisture in the hair, to heal the hair or to help the penetration of cosmetic active ingredients into the hair.

Steam straighteners are known, such as those described by the Applicant in WO2009077672 and in EP2591698. The straightener of the second document cited is illustrated in FIG. 1. It has a smoothing pliers comprising two identical planar smoothing plates facing each other and steam outlet orifices. The vapor straightener as described in EP2591698 and illustrated in the present application is considered in FIG. 1 as the closest prior art. This currently marketed device is satisfactory in terms of smoothing and is capable of producing a steam flow sufficient to highly treat the hair fiber. Nevertheless, to produce an excellent smoothing and a significant steam flow, this device contains many internal elements that have a technically optimized configuration but occupy a large enough space compared to a conventional straightener. Indeed, the jaw that produces steam contains a vaporization chamber. Thus the two boxes or the two shells receiving the plates and the vaporization chamber each have an outer cover which, in cross section, has a width or greater identical width. The two covers, however, draw an asymmetrical external line and relatively flat especially at the steam function, that is to say at the steam ports and the deflector facing the orifices. Thus, if the user wants to use this device to form loops by surrounding the wick around a hood or two covers, it will not be able to form a well round loop or to form a very regular loop or slip of smooth and steady way to undo the loop once formed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to remedy at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a straightener, steam or not, compact and able to form regular loops. Another objective is to provide a straightener, steam or not, compact and able to form loops by an easy mode of use. Another object is to provide a straightener, steam or not, capable of forming loops of at least two sizes (or diameters) different or at least three sizes (or diameters) different by easy use of this alone 15 apparatus. Another objective is to provide a straightener, steam or not, capable of making loops at reduced cost. Another object is to provide a straightener, steam or not, capable of making loops and having a reduced weight. Another objective is to provide a straightener, steam or not, capable of making loops and easy to handle, particularly easy to handle at the two handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the device treatment side which can sometimes be hot. Another object of the invention is a hair-contact shaping apparatus using steam operable to reliably control at least one of the operating parameters of the steam. Another object of the invention is a shaping apparatus by contact with the hair using steam that can ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam, corresponding to the control setpoint. Another object of the invention is a shaping device by contact with the hair using steam which is solid, in particular impact-resistant, robust in operation and ensures good aging compared to mechanical deformations for example. Another object of the invention is a hair contact shaping apparatus which can use steam which is effective and / or fast in operation. Another object of the invention is a hair-contact shaping apparatus which can use steam according to the choice of hairstyle to be made and / or according to the user's choice, before or during the treatment, and / or 15 without having to add additional accessories. Another object of the invention is a hair-contact shaping apparatus capable of using steam which allows easy and convenient use. Another object of the invention is a hair-contact shaping apparatus which can utilize steam and disposable additional elements which are simple in design and inexpensive in design. Another object of the invention is a hair-contact shaping apparatus which can utilize steam that is secure and can never burn the scalp or the user's hands. These objectives are achieved with, according to a first aspect of the invention, a hair styling device for looping and straightening hair comprising a first and a second jaw elongate and pivotable relative to each other, the first jaw having a first housing carrying a first flat surface of internal treatment and the second jaw having a second housing carrying a second flat surface of internal treatment, the inner surfaces being intended to clamp a lock of hair, at least one heating element for to heat at least one internal treatment surface. In this apparatus, the largest width 11 of the first housing is less than or equal to 90% of the largest width 12 of the second housing. This characteristic, contrary to any conventional specification of a straightener which must have identical widths of boxes, allows different boxes to be provided and thus makes it possible to produce loops of different sizes around a case or the case. set of two boxes in closed position, This while keeping a simple device and compact. The largest width will be considered as a reference for the dimensional ratio between the two boxes. In addition in this apparatus, at least one of the first housing or the second housing is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal sectional median plane respectively of said first housing or said second housing. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain loops whose radius of curvature is not constant for a more natural effect. More particularly according to the invention, the largest width 11 of the first housing is between 75% and 85% of the largest width 12 of the second housing, preferably equal to 80%. This allows each box to receive all the interior technical elements while limiting the overall external space requirement of the two covers or two shells receiving the hair treatment part. According to the invention, in the closed position of the jaws, the median plane P1 in longitudinal section of the first housing is parallel to and distinct from the median plane P2 in longitudinal section of the second housing. This means that in cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the straightener, the section does not have orthogonal symmetry with respect to the plane of smoothing PI. The smoothing plane PI is defined in that it contains the planar smoothing zone formed by the two flat treatment surfaces against each other in the closed position of the apparatus. Each of the two boxes is arranged on each side of the plane of smoothing. Thus, at the level of the treatment zone, the first housing is shifted relative to the second housing. This asymmetry or this offset provides a device whose use will be intuitively for the user in a particular sense. This arrangement intuitively guides the user to the most efficient mode of use. More particularly according to the invention, the distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the largest width 12 of the second housing, preferably equal to 10%. This offset is pronounced sufficiently to guide the user ergonomically. According to the invention, in the closed position of the jaws, one of the two longitudinal edges of the first housing is in line with the longitudinal edge of the second housing arranged on the same side of the second housing. This means that in the closed position, two edges of the same side of the device are facing each other (as usually for a straightener) and, a fortiori, the two edges on the other side of the case will be offset with respect to each other. On the side where the edges are plumb, the curve formed by the contour of the two shells or boxes will be relatively symmetrical with respect to the plane of smoothing PI. The smoothing plane PI is the plane containing the smoothing zone formed by the two surfaces in contact with each other. These two edges plumb to form large loops by winding the wick around the two housings in the closed position of the apparatus. These two edges plumb to each other make it possible to form a loosely round loop, that is to say, regular and without undesired mark with a relatively compact device relative to the size of the loop. obtained. According to the invention, the internal processing surfaces are planar, identical and facing each other in the closed position, are arranged in their respective housing and adjacent to said plumb-ed edges. The term "adjacent" is understood to be the closest or closest possible, taking into consideration the manufacturing constraints, and taking into account the possible presence of a bar between the housing and the treatment surface. This means that the smoothing treatment is on the side of the edges plumb. In use on the wick to be treated, these edges are arranged on the scalp side to allow the hair, among the various combinations of treatments provided by the device (including smoothing, steaming, even combing or brushing), to be subjected lastly to the treatment of smoothing and to ensure a finish of the perfect hairstyle. More particularly according to the invention, each of said two longitudinal edges is provided with at least one protruding bar towards the inside of the housing and of the same material as that of said boxes. This bar is protuberant relative to the contour of the housing and is oriented towards the inside of the housing. This bar ideally forms two surfaces with a right angle (and not a chamfer) and one of which is parallel to the treatment surface or surface of the adjacent smoothing plate. This bar allows, when the device is closed to receive the wick in tension, to submit to a shear and bend more easily. This effect called "bolduc" is to be compared with the effect of a chisel blade passed by sliding on a ribbon ribbon to form loops. The bars are identical and arranged in the same place on the jaws to produce the effect called "bolduc" identical according to the inclination of the straightener upwards and downwards. The bar has a specific design and surface condition allowing the hair to have a frictional force on the upper bar relative to the frictional force on the outer surface of the jaws. The surface condition can be a rough coating. According to the invention, the width of each internal processing surface is between 40% and 60% of the largest width 11 of the first housing, preferably between 40% and 50%, preferably equal to substantially 45%. Substantially half the width of the boxes is occupied to produce the main processing step namely the smoothing step necessary to smooth the wick which may then be looped according to the user's choice.

According to the invention, the second jaw comprises steam outlet means oriented towards the first housing and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface. This makes it possible to provide the steam treatment before the smoothing treatment in the preferred order of passage of the straightener on the wick. The technical elements to produce and extract the steam are enclosed in the largest jaw, namely the largest jaw. The steam generating means comprises at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber, the vaporization chamber being heated by a heating means for also heating the treatment surface or by means of dedicated heating only to the steam chamber. More particularly according to the invention, the first housing has a deflector formed in its inner contour and arranged in closed position substantially opposite the steam outlet means of the second housing. This deflector has several functions: protect the scalp from any jet of steam that could burn it, reflect the vapor to the hair that will be crossed twice and will be better treated. The angle and the arrangement of the deflector is such that its dimension is minimized at best compared to the closest prior art while keeping its functionalities. According to the invention, the second housing comprises a comb or a brush oriented towards the first housing and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface.

When the comb or brush functions are provided in addition to the smoothing function, the order of treatment of the wick is as follows: combing or brushing then smoothing or, in the case of vapor formed, steam then combing or brushing then smoothing.

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

According to the invention, the first handle of the first jaw and the second handle of the second jaw each have a width Lp strictly less than the largest width Il of the first housing. This makes it easy to grip for any size of hand. The handles are in longitudinal axial extension of the respective housings. The edges of the boxes that are plumb with each other are each in a particular configuration aligned (on the same line) with the corresponding edges of the handles. The asymmetry of the device is pronounced also at the level of the handles.

According to the invention, the outer surface of the first housing and the second housing at least covering the treatment area formed by the treatment surfaces is substantially smooth. This makes it possible to slide the wicks the best when they are wrapped around one or both cases and they must be detached without affecting the shape of the loops manufactured, shiny surface condition, Charmilles type 0 or 3 roughness Ra of the so-called substantially smooth surface will be 0.2 μm to 2 μm, more preferably 0.2 μm to 0.5 μm. At least one gripping area may be disposed on the outer surface of the housings. This gripping area is adapted to limit the heat transfer to offer the possibility of a new gesture without risk of burns by keeping the jaws by the boxes and not by the handles. By way of example, the surface of this gripping zone may be made of a different material or may have a surface state different from the rest of the outer surface of each case.

According to the invention, in cross section, the line defined by the outer contour of the first and second boxes is a rounded curve having no inflection point. According to a still particular aspect, the line is visually never flat. This makes it possible to provide a device with reduced space, capable of forming loops and whose overall contour is substantially rounded. For these reasons of size and different capacity of the two boxes, the outer contour is not circular. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir and vaporization means in fluid communication with the steam outlet means and an actuator for controlling the vaporization means. This allows the steam to be controlled separately from the heating of the treatment or smoothing surfaces. The user has the choice by this actuator. According to the invention, the vaporization means comprise an electric pump and said actuator is intended to control the electric pump. This makes it possible to control the supply of the vaporization chamber independently of the heating of the treatment or smoothing surfaces. Thus, if the user wants to stop the vaporization, he presses the actuator or switch to stop the operation of the electric pump while the heating of the vaporization chamber remains unchanged by the operation of the switch and continues. If the user again wants steam, it will activate the switch that will turn on the electric pump and make the steam immediately operational because the steam chamber will have remained at proper temperature during the shutdown of the pump. The user has the choice by this actuator between the immediate steam stop and the immediate steam recovery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood from the study of the embodiments taken as non-limiting and illustrated here: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus according to the prior art, FIGS. 3 illustrate a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in the open position respectively in the closed position; FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the boxes according to the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a dimetric view of the apparatus according to the invention on the side of the box edges in the plumb, FIG. 6 represents an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, FIG. sectional view of the remote base of the apparatus according to this alternative embodiment. For identical or similar elements shown in several figures, the references used will be identical.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As illustrated in all the figures -including FIG. 1 representing the prior art-the hairdressing apparatus 1 comprises a first jaw 2 and a second jaw 3 arranged opposite one of the other. Each jaw can be broken down at least functionally into two parts: a box that holds the hair treatment organs and a handle for the grip by the user. Each case is formed of a piece. The housing and the handle can be in one piece in extension of one another. Thus the first jaw 2 may be formed of a first housing 6 and the first handle 6 'and the second jaw 3 may be formed of the second housing 7 and the second handle 7'. The first internal processing surface 4 is carried by the first jaw 2, more precisely by the first housing 6, the second internal processing surface 5 is carried by the second jaw 3, more precisely by the second housing 7. The two jaws 2 , 3 are connected so as to pass between an open position and a closed position in which the internal treatment surfaces 4, 5 pinch a lock of hair. The first surface 4 and the second surface 5 of hair treatment are flat complementary surfaces which, in the closed position of the apparatus, come substantially in correspondence to pinch the lock of hair thereby smoothing it when the wick is slid by straight translation. The two treatment surfaces are substantially symmetrical with respect to the smoothing plane when the apparatus is in the closed position. Likewise, the heating elements of each treatment surface are substantially symmetrical with respect to the smoothing plane when the apparatus is in the closed position. The first jaw 2 and the second jaw 3 are connected by a hinge type hinge and the maximum opening angle α of the two jaws is between 5 ° and 60 °, or even between 10 ° and 20 °, and preferably about equal at 15 °. In addition, the apparatus still illustrated here is in the "open" rest position, but it can be in the "closed" rest position, as illustrated in patent EP2145557, said jaws being pivotally mounted at the other end between a position opening for the insertion of the hair between the two treatment surfaces and a closed position for bringing them into contact with the two treatment surfaces, the apparatus comprises means for returning the half-handles which cause the pressurizing of the treatment surfaces. The pivot axis of the two jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can be placed at the end of the jaws (as shown here) or placed approximately in the middle of the jaws to provide a "scissors" type hinge apparatus.

The material forming the treatment surfaces 4,5 is composed of metal and / or ceramic and / or glass and / or plastic material and / or fiber part. At least one of the first and second housings has a single heating element for contact heating the corresponding treatment surface and radiation coating. The treatment surface is capable of mounting at a temperature between 130 and 230 ° C. The case and the external handle are in one piece to form the jaw. The material forming the outer portion of the housing or even the outer portion of the handle may be plastic, for example PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) loaded glass fiber. It is important that this material has a very smooth surface. The material forming the inner part of the housing or even the inner part of the handle may be plastic, for example PET (polyethylene terephthalate) loaded glass fiber. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the apparatus 1 comprises at least heating means 41 for heating the first treatment surface 4. According to a particular embodiment, the apparatus 1 also comprises heating means 51 for heating the second treatment surface . The heating means (s) 41, 51 may or may be a heating element which may be a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient) or a ceramic which is pressed against the treatment surface 4, 5 or arranged inside the heating element. element comprising the treatment surface 4, 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the apparatus 1 comprises, in one embodiment, vaporization means 80 for the fluid comprising a vaporization chamber 81 and heating means (or heating element or heating element) 82 of the vaporization chamber. The vaporization chamber or chambers are made of aluminum, may include steam outlet means 31 which may be formed by one or more steam distribution orifices, for example a row of orifices. The vaporization chamber (s) 81 may be plated in direct or indirect contact against the associated heating element 82. The good crushing of the heating element 82 and therefore its optimal operation is done by a spring blade (not shown) for example. A temperature sensor may preferably be arranged above the fluid inlet in the chamber. The heating means 82 of the vaporization chamber may be at least one heating element which may be a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient) or a ceramic which is pressed against one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming the treatment surface, they may be identical or separate from the heating means of the treatment surface. The dispensing means or steam outlet means 31 may have a series of steam outlet orifices arranged laterally to the first treatment surface 4, preferably a little behind the treatment surface 4. Alternatively or additionally the means vapor distribution have a series of orifices arranged on the treatment surface. The flow rate at the steam outlet is approximately between 3 and 4 g / min, more or less equal to 3.5 g / min. The interior construction of the apparatus and in particular the means of vaporization is fully detailed in the patent of applicant EP2449909. As illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the hairstyling device 1 for looping and straightening hair has its largest width 11 of the first housing 6 less than or equal to 90% of the largest width 12 of the second housing 7 More particularly, the largest width 11 of the first housing 6 is between 75% and 85% of the largest width 12 of the second housing 7, preferably equal to 80%. These larger widths are substantially constant on the case, except on the ends of each case, which is why a value range is given. Figure 4 is also a sectional section substantially in the middle of the boxes. In the closed position of the jaws 2, 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the median or sagittal plane P1 in longitudinal section of the first housing 6 is parallel to and distinct from the median plane P2 in longitudinal section of the second housing 7. The distance between the two median or sagittal planes P1, P2 is between 5% and 20% of the width of the largest width 12 of the second housing 7, preferably equal to 10%. Thus the body of the two 302 3 1 3 9 14 boxes is not symmetrical in a transverse longitudinal plane but shifted. The outline of the device is clearly asymmetrical and is used judiciously as much to reduce the size of the interior elements as to facilitate the process of using the straightener to form loops of different size. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the closed position of the jaws 2 and 3, one of the two longitudinal edges 61 of the first housing 6 is in line with the longitudinal edge 71 of the second housing 7 arranged on the same side of the second housing 7. The transverse longitudinal plane P4 and the transverse longitudinal plane P5 respectively are the median plane of the internal processing surface 4, 10 respectively of the internal processing surface 5. In section illustrated in FIG. 4, this plane P4 is parallel and shifted towards the outside compared to plans P1 and P2. The planes P4, P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and are each orthogonal to the smoothing plane PI. In addition, the first housing 6 and the second housing 7 of this example are also asymmetrical with respect to their respective median plane (P1, P2) in longitudinal section. As we have seen, the internal processing surfaces 4, 5 are planar, identical, are facing each other in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective boxes 6, 7 adjacent and adjacent said edges Plunging 61, 71. In Figure 4 is shown the straight line, straight tangent to the edges 61 and 71 of 20 boxes or hoods plumb. This line is orthogonal to the plane of smoothing PI. The curves of the contours 1i6, respectively 1i7, boxes 6 and 7, form an arc which is substantially continuous at the edges 61 and 71 plumb and therefore the value of the arc is about 15mm. Each of said two longitudinal edges 61, 71 is provided internally with a protruding bar 62, 72 towards the inside of the apparatus, preferably of the same material (for example plastic PBT) as that of said boxes 6, 7. These bars are arranged identically on the two boxes as illustrated in Figure 5. They allow to apply a voltage to give a so-called "bolduc" effect to the hair that slide on one of these bars during the smoothing gesture. This is a first way of forming loops inward or outwardly, depending on the bar used, the bar arranged at the bottom, respectively arranged at the top of the straightener used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the width I of each internal treatment surface 4, 5 is between 40% and 60% of the largest width 11 of the first housing 6, preferably between 40% and 50%, or even substantially equal to at 45%.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, here is a nonlimiting example of the dimensions of the apparatus according to the invention: 11: greater width of the first case 6 = 45mm 12: greater width of the second case 7 = 52mm hl: greater height of the first housing 6 = 23mm h2: greater height of the second housing 7 = 32mm 1: width of each internal treatment surface 4, 5 = 25mm r: radius of curvature formed by the contour of each side of the first housing 6: about 14mm.

The straightener according to the invention has its second jaw 3 comprising steam outlet means 31 oriented towards the first housing 6 and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface 5. Precisely, this means that the first jaw 2 comprises for the treatment of hair only a smoothing plate, while the second jaw has for hair treatment a smoothing plate and at least one additional hair function. Said at least one additional hairdressing function can be one or more functions selected from the following list: vaporization, combing, brushing, ionization, voltage application by a bar of silicone-type material, application of a voltage by a mobile bar driven by example in oscillatory motion. The present invention thus makes it possible to provide a compact hairdressing appliance with a hairdressing function that is additional to that of smoothing and with the ability to form loops of at least two different sizes, or even at least three different sizes. To do this, said additional hair function is embedded on the widest case of both. The invention lies in the best reduction of the width of the jaw housing having only the smoothing function without it causing any malfunction in terms of safety or in terms of efficiency of the complete hairdressing apparatus. Also, the formation of the loops as well as the "unmolding" of the loops represented an additional constraint on the size and the shape of the boxes. In the case where a steam function is embarked on the second jaw 3, it may be important that the first housing 6 has a deflector 21 formed in its inner contour and arranged in a closed position substantially opposite the steam outlet means 31 of the second case 7. This deflector makes it possible to protect the scalp from unwanted projection of steam or condensed hot water droplets. This deflector 21 makes it possible to return the steam towards the hair which will be crossed twice by the steam. The deflector according to the prior art illustrated in FIG. 1 was very wide, was flat and covered the entire dimension of the jaw opposite. The sizing of the deflector 21 of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 has been judiciously chosen by the inventors to maintain this function: the width dimension is reduced as much as possible so that it just covers the steam outlet orifices 31 In addition, the shape of this deflector is modified: it is no longer flat as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the internal contour of the first housing 6 is inclined upwards to represent the deflector. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second housing 7 comprises a comb or a brush 32 oriented towards the first housing 6 and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface 5. In this case, the first housing 6 may have a groove 22 formed in its housing. inner contour and arranged in closed position substantially in front of the comb or the brush 32 of the second housing 7. In this way, the comb separates the entire thickness of the wick without the combing function takes too much space. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first handle 6 'of the first jaw 2 and the second handle 7' of the second jaw 3 each have a width I p that is strictly smaller than the largest width 11 of the first housing 6; that is to say, the smallest width on the two boxes 6 and 7. Also the edges of the boxes 6 and 7 which are arranged vertically are in these cases aligned with the edge of the same side of the handles to form a straight line LALA alignment alignment as illustrated in Figure 2. It turns out that this alignment increases the ergonomics of the device that can be handled by any hand size. The outer surface of the first housing 6 and the second housing 7 is substantially smooth. The coefficient of friction was measured via measurements of the roughness of the shell at the area intended for the winding of the loops as follows: a) Measurement of Ra on the "flat" upper part or the tangential part at the horizontal of the hull 6 illustrated in Figure 4: In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 μm, ie 0.23 μm on average, In transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 μm, ie 0.31 μm on average. B) Measurement of Ra on the lateral part, on the left and on the right of the case 6 illustrated in FIG. 4: In longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 μm, ie 0.24 μm on average with localized peaks of up to 1.63 μm; The rugosimeter used is Mitutoyo brand, No. JP1010. The statistical criterion Ra is statistical, and it is the average arithmetic deviation from the mean line. This allows easy curling and "unmolding" of the loops without damaging the lock of hair. In cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 4, the line defined by the outer contour of the first and second housings 6, 7 is a rounded curve having no point of inflection. A major part of the work has been to define at best a contour of the most rounded boxes and the most fluid possible, without inflection point and depending on the size of the interior elements and the 25 safety and efficiency measures set by the device. Note that in cross section, there is no flat line visually detectable to the naked eye. At the first case, it has arcs on the sides smaller than the arcs on the sides of the second case. The radii of curvature of each side of the first housing 6 are substantially identical. This makes it possible to form the roundest loops possible. This also avoids angles on the device fragile to shocks. In sectional view, the outer contour of the first housing 6 is approximately a reduction of the outer contour in cross section of the second housing 7 with a ratio of about 0.8.

According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir 83 and vaporization means 80 in fluid communication with the steam outlet means 31 and an actuator 85 for controlling the vaporization means 80. More particularly, the means vaporizer 80 comprises an electric pump 84 and said actuator 85 is intended to control the electric pump 84. This makes it possible to control the supply of the vaporization chamber 81 independently of the heating of the treatment or smoothing surfaces 4, 5. L The user has the choice by this actuator 85. If he wants to make loops with or without steam, the user intervenes on the actuator directly.

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

Functional description of the invention: In operation, the user will connect the power supply of the apparatus, the heating element type CTP or ceramic will heat the surfaces intended to come into contact with the hair, and a separate heating element (or the same heating element) starts to heat the vaporization means 80 (when it is a steam function), the user grasps the device and applies it to pinch the lock of hair treat. As the two boxes are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the device on the wick is important: the user must arrange and close the straightener so that the two sides to the plumb are closest to the scalp, the 2, the user can then perform the conventional smoothing step by sliding the hair straight along the wick in the direction represented by the arrow drawn on the first case 6 of FIGS. 2 and 3. When the user wishes to form small loops, he proceeds as follows: the apparatus 1 being in the open position, it surrounds the first case 6 with the lock of hair, then it closes the straightener closer to the scalp , keeps it still for several seconds and then slides the device 1 towards the free end of the wick to "unmold" the wick. This makes it possible to form loops and of small size. When the user wishes to form loops of larger size, it proceeds as follows: once the closed device closer to the scalp, it slides along the whole wick and, at the end of the wick, it keeps the device in the closed position and turns it on itself to wrap the wick around the two boxes 6, 7 in the closed position to the scalp, then, after a few seconds, it unrolls the wick. This makes it possible to form glossy smooth loops of large size. Each static step may take a few seconds or even a minute or two, until the loops form correctly. The pause time varies depending on the temperature of the device and the wicking format treated. Advantages of the invention: The invention provides numerous advantages, among which is an apparatus for shaping the hair, in particular a straightener: with a possible steam function, compact and able to form regular loops, with a steam function possible, compact and able to form loops by an easy mode of operation, 20 - with possible steam function, capable of forming loops of at least two sizes (or diameter) different or at least three different sizes by easy to use, - with possible steam function, able to make loops with reduced manufacturing cost of this single device, 25 - with possible steam function, able to make loops and having a reduced weight, - with possible steam function, capable to make loops and easy to handle, especially easy to handle at the two handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the device side treatment that can sometimes be hot, - with possible steam function, able to reliably control, at least one of the operating parameters of the steam, - with steam function, able to ensure a continuous or even constant flow of steam, corresponding to the setpoint of control, - with possible steam function, which is solid, in particular impact-resistant, robust in operation and ensures good aging compared to mechanical deformations for example. - with possible steam function, which is efficient and / or fast in operation, - with possible steam function, which allows easy and convenient use, - with possible steam function, and additional disposable elements that are simple to design, inexpensive to design, - with possible steam function, which is safe and can never burn the scalp or the hands of the user, - with increased product life, and decreasing the ecological impact of the device, - with a safe operation, reliable in operation to ensure a hair quality treatment, - solid, robust in operation and ensuring good aging; - effective and / or rapid in operation, - tight in operation; - ensuring operation in any position of the device, - allowing an easy and practical use, - with a simplified structure, - industrializable for a low cost, - presenting less unwanted friction, - no longer tributary mechanical deformations of the boxes to actuate a component, - ensuring no parasitic force compared to the effort exerted by the user on closing or opening. Of course, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments which have been given by way of example only. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (17)

REVENDICATIONS1. Hairdressing apparatus (1) for looping and straightening hair comprising: - first and second jaws (2, 3) elongated and pivotable relative to each other, - the first jaw (2) having a first housing (6) carrying a first planar internal treatment surface (4) and, - the second housing (3) having a second housing (7) carrying a second planar internal treatment surface (5), - internal surfaces (4,5) being for gripping a lock of hair, - at least one heating element (41,51) for heating at least one internal treatment surface (4,5), characterized in that the largest width 11 of the first housing (6) is less than or equal to 90% of the largest width 12 of the second housing (7) and in that at least one of the first housing (6) or the second housing (7) is asymmetrical relative to at the median plane (P1, P2) in longitudinal section respectively of said first housing (6) or said second housing (7). 2. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the largest width 11 of the first housing (6) is between 75% and 85% of the largest width 12 of the second housing (7), preferably equal to 80%. 3. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein, in the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), the median plane (P1) in longitudinal section of the first housing (6) is parallel to and distinct from the median plane (P2) in longitudinal section. the second case (7). 4. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the largest width 12 of the second housing (7), preferably equal to 10%. 5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein, in the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), one of the two longitudinal edges (61) of the first housing (6) is in line with the longitudinal edge ( 71) of the second housing (7) arranged on the same side of the second housing (7). 5 6. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the internal processing surfaces (4, 5) are flat, identical and are opposite each other in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective housings (6, 7) adjacent to said plumb edges (61, 71). 7. Apparatus according to one of the two preceding claims wherein each of said two longitudinal edges (61, 71) is provided with at least one protruding bar (62, 72) towards the inside of the housing (6, 7). 8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the width I of each internal treatment surface (4, 5) is between 40% and 60% of the largest width Il of the first housing (6). Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second jaw (3) comprises steam outlet means (31) facing the first housing (6) and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface (5). 10. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the first housing (6) has a deflector (21) formed in its inner contour and arranged in closed position substantially opposite the steam outlet means (31) of the second housing (7). 11. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the second housing (7) comprises a comb or brush (32) oriented towards the first housing (6) and adjacent to the second internal treatment surface (5). 30 12. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the first housing (6) has a groove (22) formed in its inner contour and arranged in closed position substantially opposite the comb or the brush (32) of the second housing (7). 302 3 1 3 9 24 13. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the first handle (6 ') of the first jaw (2) and the second handle (7') of the second jaw (3) each have a width (1p) strictly less than the most large width (11) of the first housing (6). 5 14. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein the outer surface of the first housing (6) and the second housing (7) is substantially smooth. 15. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims wherein, in cross section, the line defined by the outer contour of the first and second boxes (6, 7) is a rounded curve having no point of inflection. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 9, comprising a fluid reservoir (83) and vaporization means (80) in fluid communication with the vapor outlet means (31) and an actuator (85) for controlling the spraying means (80). 17. Apparatus according to the preceding claim wherein the vaporizing means (80) comprises an electric pump (84) and wherein said actuator (85) is for controlling the electric pump (84).