FR3134693A1 - Hair treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair treatment device The invention relates to a device (2) for treating hair, in particular for curling hair, comprising: two jaws (3,4) for treating hair movable one relative to the another between a spaced configuration for engagement between said jaws (3,4) of hair to be treated and a close configuration for treating the hair, an external hair treatment member having at least one external surface (13) for heating the hair s 'extending on one of the two jaws (3,4) towards the outside of the two jaws (3,4), a thermal protection cover (70) mounted removably by clipping on the device (2) so as to cover at least partially the external heating surface (13), the cover (70) comprising a recess (71) configured to form a zone (72) of deformation of the cover (70) during its assembly on the device (2). Figure for abstract: Fig. 11

Description

Hair treatment device

The present invention relates to hair treatment devices, and more particularly but not exclusively those intended for shaping hair, in particular intended for curling and/or straightening hair.

The invention relates more particularly to curling devices comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, which can take a spaced configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close configuration for treating the lock. .

Many devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices typically have heating plates on their outer surfaces around which strands of hair are wrapped to curl them.

Some devices also include internal heating plates between which the strands can be pinched when curling and/or to allow the hair to be straightened.

In some cases, hair treatment is done without using the external heating plates, which can still be hot during treatment. The user must then avoid contact with these hot surfaces otherwise they may burn their skin or scalp.

US20060037625 discloses the application, using an adhesive, of a thermal protection material to hot surfaces.

KR20-0246302, KR200398545, KR10-0712248, CN203676383, CN110338540 describe the possibility of mounting thermal protection covers, removably, on the heating surfaces in order to protect the user.

There is a need to improve the protective covers of hair treatment devices, in particular to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of these covers.

There is therefore a need to further improve hair treatment devices, in particular in order to benefit from a safe, versatile, efficient, simple and comfortable to use device, with reliable operation and a cost compatible with large-scale distribution.

There is also a need for a hair curling device that can also be used as a high-performance straightener.

The present invention meets all or part of these needs thanks to, according to one of its aspects, a device for treating hair, in particular for shaping, in particular for curling the hair, comprising:
- two hair treatment jaws movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration for engagement between said jaws of hair to be treated and a close configuration for hair treatment,
- an external treatment member having an external hair heating surface extending over one of the two jaws towards the outside of the two jaws,
- a thermal protection cover mounted removably by clipping on the device so as to at least partially cover the external heating surface, the cover comprising a recess configured to form a preferential deformation zone of the cover during its assembly on the device .

The protective cover protects access to the hot surface of the external heating surface when it is not used for treatment, for example, when the device is used for straightening, while allowing removal this protection when the external heating surface is used in particular for curling or waving hair.

In use, the cover prevents accidental contact with the external heating surface on the user's skull, ears, cheeks, neck or fingers, without hindering or complicating or degrading the use of the device.

We thus have a high-performance device that can be used to straighten or curl hair, while protecting the user from burns depending on the mode of use. Safety of use is therefore increased compared to products of the prior art.

In addition, the recess on the cover makes it easier and more reliable to assemble and remove the cover from the device while remaining inexpensive to produce.

The device may comprise two arms whose distal parts each form one of the two jaws; these two arms are preferably articulated together at their proximal ends, opposite the jaws, and can each include a gripping zone, on the side of the joint from which the jaw extends, on which the user can press to move the jaws between the close and spread configurations.

Preferably, each jaw is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis, which is preferably a rectilinear axis.

The device can thus be elongated along a longitudinal axis, preferably rectilinear, in a configuration close to the jaws.

External heating processing unit

The device may comprise two external treatment members each extending over one of the jaws and each having at least one external hair heating surface extending over the respective jaw towards the outside of the device, preferably in opposition to each other. one from the other on the device in close configuration of the jaws, the device comprising two thermal protection covers removably mounted on the device and each arranged on one of the two external heating surfaces so as to at least partially cover said surface external heating, each cover comprising a recess configured to form a preferential deformation zone of the cover during its assembly on the device.

Preferably, when there is only one external treatment member having an external heating surface, this extends over the jaw having the lateral recess.

The or each external processing member may comprise an external plate extending over the external surface of the corresponding jaw and of shape substantially complementary to the latter. The external plate(s) have an external surface for contact with the hair at least partially defining the external heating surface of the external treatment member.

The or each external plate may be made of a material that is a good conductor of heat, the external heating surface(s) having a temperature for example greater than 50°C, better between 55° and 150°C when using the device, for example of the order of 90°C.

The or each external surface may be made of metal, or ceramic, preferably stainless steel, for example 304 according to the JISG4305 standard.

The or each external plate may have a thermal conductivity of at least 20 Wm ^{- 1} .K ^-1 . Such conductivity allows rapid heating of the external heating surface(s) and effective application of heat to the hair.

The or each external heating surface can be elongated along a longitudinal axis of the jaw carrying it.

The external heating surface(s) and the internal heating surface(s) may be at least partially of the same size in the median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in a close configuration of the jaws. This makes it possible to use both the internal and external surfaces to treat the same strand of hair, if desired, for example during a curling operation.

Preferably, the two external heating surfaces are substantially of the same length along their respective jaws.

Preferably, the or each external heating surface has a convex shape towards the outside, in particular a hemicylindrical shape.

The or each external plate may include fixing elements configured to cooperate with complementary elements of the corresponding jaw; the or each external plate may have longitudinal edges curved inwards, configured to attach to the external body of the jaw, in particular by engaging in corresponding longitudinal grooves extending on the external body of the jaw along of the longitudinal axis of the jaw. Such fixing of the external plate(s) by curved edges makes it possible to avoid having a protruding edge of the external plate(s) coming into contact with the hair wrapped around the jaw.

Preferably, the external treatment member extends over only part of the external surface of the jaw, in particular over the part of the external surface of the jaw oriented at least partially towards the side opposite the internal heating surface of the jaw. jaw.

Preferably, the or each external plate is separate and distinct from the or each internal plate.

The internal heating surface and the external heating surface carried by the same jaw can be heated by thermal conduction by the same heat source extending in said jaw.

Alternatively, the external heating surface and the internal heating surface carried by the same jaw can be heated by respective separate heat sources.

One of the jaws, in particular each jaw, may have a distal portion devoid of an external and/or internal hair heating plate, in particular of sufficient length to be grasped by the user. This distal portion can allow the user to grasp the device in its distal part without risking burns, which is particularly useful when the device includes a member exerting traction on the hair such as a comb as we will see by subsequently, as greater force may then be required to move the device along the hair.

Said distal portion devoid of external and/or internal hair heating plate can extend over a length, along a longitudinal axis of the device, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 and 40 mm, advantageously between 25mm and 30mm.

Said distal portion devoid of external and/or internal hair heating plate may include one or more reliefs allowing the finger to be held on the distal portion while limiting the risk of contact with the external heating surface(s).

The length of the or each external processing member can be between 50 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 80 and 100 mm, advantageously of the order of 88 mm.

External guide portion

At least one, preferably each of the two, jaws may include an external portion for guiding the hair. The or each external guiding portion can be delimited laterally in the proximal and/or distal part of the jaw, better in the proximal and distal part of the jaw, by a stopping surface such as a shoulder. The or each external heating surface can extend, at least partially, better completely, into the external hair guiding portion of the corresponding jaw. Preferably, the length of the external guiding portion along the longitudinal axis of the jaw is substantially equal to the length of the corresponding external heating surface along the longitudinal axis of the jaw. In this way, the or each external hair guiding portion can form a visual marker for the user indicating the external treatment area, which helps him in the correct positioning of the hair.

The or each guide portion can extend over the exterior surface of the corresponding jaw, in particular in cross section over the entire exterior surface of the jaw. The or each stopping surface can extend transversely to the external surface of the jaw, in particular extend in a plane forming a non-zero angle, in particular between 70° and 110°, with the longitudinal axis of the jaw , in particular extending in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the jaw. The or each stopping surface can extend over the entire circumference of the jaw, in particular over the entire exterior surface of the jaw in section in its plane of extension.

Lateral recess

One of the jaws may have a lateral recess along at least part of the jaw, the lateral recess facing at least part of the other jaw and being delimited in the proximal and/or distal part. of the jaw by a guide surface providing an obstacle to contain the hair to be treated within the lateral recess.

The lateral recess can be delimited both in the proximal part and in the distal part by a guide surface offering an obstacle to contain the hair to be treated within the lateral recess. The fact that the lateral recess is delimited by guide surfaces on these two sides allows excellent guidance and optimal retention of the hair in the recess while limiting the risk of exiting the recess.

The outer surface of the jaw having the lateral recess may be free of a projecting longitudinal edge extending towards the outside of the jaw. The outer surface of the jaw at the level of the recess can thus be curved and continuous without discontinuity in slope with the rest of the surface of the jaw.

The or each guide surface may have a variable height. The greatest height of the guide surface(s) can be between 0.5 mm and 1 cm, better still between 1 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the height is maximum, for example being equal to 5 mm, at the level of its lateral part. In other words, the side recess forms a recess of 5 mm maximum depth.

Preferably, the jaw having the lateral recess has a width taken, at the level of the lateral recess, parallel to the median plane of the device defined by the internal treatment surface in close configuration of the jaws less than or equal to the width of the other jaw, in particular has a width of between 50% and 95%, better still between 70 and 90% of the width of the other jaw.

The lateral recess can extend into the guide portion of the corresponding jaw, the guide surface(s) being formed by the stopping surface(s) of the guide portion.

Thus, the stopping surface(s) of the jaw presenting the lateral recess can be of variable height, in particular of a greater height at the level of the lateral recess. The variation in height of the stopping surface(s) can be substantially continuous.

Preferably, outside the recess, the height of the stopping surface(s) is substantially constant. Alternatively, the stopping surface(s) may have a variable height around the jaw(s), even outside the side recess.

Outside of the recess the greatest height of the stopping surface(s) can be between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

The or each stopping surface delimiting the external portion for guiding the hair can be at least partially formed by a rib extending on the external surface. The rib is preferably thicker in opposition to the internal heating surface(s) than laterally to the internal heating surface(s ).

The or each external guide portion may be set back relative to a base level of the jaw carrying it, the base level of the jaw being the level of the jaw outside the external guide portion and the rib in the case applicable. The guide portion is therefore a recessed portion of the jaw.

Removable cover

The or each cover can completely cover the corresponding external heating surface.

The or each cover may have a shape complementary to that of the corresponding external heating surface, in particular a curved shape, in cross section.

The cover can extend along a longitudinal axis, preferably intended to correspond with the longitudinal axis of the arms of the hairdressing device when the cover is assembled to the latter, said recess being of elongated shape in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the hood, in particular a right angle with the longitudinal axis of the hood. This makes it possible to give the cover a certain elasticity of deformation, by elastic deformation of the material constituting the cover along the longitudinal axis to facilitate the assembly and/or disassembly operation of the cover.

The recess can be formed by a zone of reduced thickness or, preferably, be transverse, that is to say made through the entire thickness of the cover.

The recess can be symmetrical with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cover. Possibly, the notch has one or more undulations on the surface of the cover.

The recess may have a substantially constant width over its entire length.

The width of the recess can be between 0.1 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 and 2 mm, and is for example equal to 1 mm.

The recess can extend over at least 50%, better still at least 70% of the developed width of the cover.

By “ developed ”, we mean when the hood is fictitiously unfolded to extend according to a plan.

The recess may extend on the cover at a distance from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover less than or equal to 25% of the length of the cover. For example, the recess is located at a distance of between 1 and 20 mm, preferably between 1 and 10 mm, for example 3 mm from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover. This makes it possible to limit the size of the elastically deformed zone.

Preferably, the cover has a gripping projection extending from the outer surface of the cover when mounted on the jaw. The gripping projection can extend over one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover. Alternatively, the gripping projection extends at a distance from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover less than or equal to 25% of the length of the cover.

Preferably, the gripping projection and the recess extend respectively near longitudinal ends of the cover which are opposite.

The hood may be configured to be mounted on the jaw such that the gripping projection is located proximate the longitudinal end of the hood extending from the proximal side of the jaw. In other words, the gripping projection is located near the gripping area of the hairdressing device, or even on the hinge side of the latter. This allows the user to detach the cover with the hand (in particular the thumb) holding the handle of the device in a single movement and therefore facilitates handling of the cover.

The cover and the jaw may include complementary reliefs for fixing the cover to the jaw; the cover may in particular comprise first reliefs, preferably projecting, extending at its two longitudinal ends, arranged to cooperate with second complementary reliefs, preferably recessed, of the rest of the device, to ensure the fixing of the cover to the rest of the device. Such first reliefs may be of thickness equal to or less than the thickness of the longitudinal end of the cover.

The second reliefs can be of the same dimensions.

Alternatively, the second reliefs are of different dimensions, for example to ensure keying.

The first reliefs can extend from the corresponding longitudinal end of the hood in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hood.

The second reliefs may extend from or into the stopping surfaces of the external guide portion

Preferably, the cover is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane.

The cover may have a thickness, preferably variable, of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Preferably, the cover is, in cross section, thicker in the center than at its longitudinal edges.

The cover is preferably made of a material resistant to a temperature of at least 60°C, better still at least 100°C.

The cover can be made of reinforced plastic or not, in particular polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), with or without fiberglass.

The hood may include stiffening ribs.

The hood may include interior stiffening ribs. These ribs increase thermal insulation by providing a layer of air between the external surface and the cover.

Preferably, the cover is configured to be mounted on the device by cooperation of the first relief extending at a longitudinal end of the cover, in particular that opposite the gripping projection, with the second relief and by pivoting of the cover on the rest of the device around a pivot axis, in particular transverse to the median plane of the cover, for snapping the first relief extending at the other longitudinal end of the cover into the second relief of the rest of the complementary device. During assembly, the preferential deformation zone formed by the recess allows local and controlled deformation of the cover. This deformation occurs in particular when the user exerts pressure from the gripping projection. Thanks to this movement, the first relief on the side of the gripping projection, during pivoting, can come into contact with the second corresponding relief.

Once the pivoting is complete, when the hood is in contact with the external surface, the longitudinal pressure is released, allowing the hood to return to its initial shape. the first relief on the side of the gripping projection then cooperates with the second corresponding relief.

To remove the cover, proceed in reverse.

Thus, thanks to this local, elastic and controlled deformation, that is to say planned by the designers of the cover, a functional play along the longitudinal axis appears when the user assembles or disassembles the cover with the device, which remarkably facilitates hood assembly or disassembly operations. In addition, such deformation makes it possible to compensate and take into account the manufacturing tolerances of the different parts, thus guaranteeing good assembly and disassembly on all of the cover-device couples.

Furthermore, thanks to the simplification of these operations, the user is more encouraged to use the thermal protection cover(s) when he is not using the external treatment surface(s), because he knows that assembly and disassembly operations will be simple and intuitive. It thus reduces the risk of burning your cheeks, hands, ears, neck or scalp during straightening operations in particular (or any other operation not requiring the use of external surface(s).

Internal processing organ

The device may comprise at least one internal treatment member having an internal surface for heating the hair to be treated extending over one of the two jaws towards the other of the jaws in a close configuration of the two jaws and configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the two jaws in a close configuration thereof.

The device may include an internal counter-support surface, facing the internal heating surface in a configuration close to the jaws, intended to pinch, with the internal heating surface, the hair to be treated in a configuration close to the jaws. The internal counter-support surface can be of complementary shape to the internal heating surface.

Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are substantially of the same length and/or the same width.

The internal counter-support surface can also be an internal heating surface of an internal processing member, the device having, in this case, two internal processing members each extending over one of the jaws and each having at least one surface internal heating surface, the internal heating surfaces facing each other and being configured to pinch the hair between them in a configuration close to the jaws.

Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are of elongated shape along the jaw carrying it, in particular along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of this jaw.

Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-supporting surface have treatment surfaces coming into contact with the hair which are substantially flat.

Alternatively, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are non-planar, in particular curved, hollow or corrugated.

The internal heating surface may include surface reliefs, in particular projecting reliefs such as teeth. In this case, the counter-support surface may be flat or also include surface reliefs, in particular projecting reliefs extending between the projecting reliefs of the internal heating surface in a close configuration of the jaws.

Preferably, the internal heating surface has a treatment surface coming into contact with the hair, which is of substantially rectangular shape.

The or each internal treatment member may include an internal plate extending between the jaws having a hair contact surface, the hair contact surface forming the internal heating surface.

The internal plate(s) may be made of a material that is a good conductor of heat, the internal heating surface(s) having a temperature for example greater than 50°C, preferably between 90°C and 230°C in use, advantageously between 180°C. °C and 210°C. The or each internal plate may be made of metal, preferably aluminum, in particular with hard anodization.

The or each internal plate may have a thermal conductivity of at least 20 Wm ^{- 1} .K ^-1 . Such conductivity allows rapid heating of the or each internal heating surface and efficient heat transfer to the hair extending between the internal heating surface and the counter-supporting surface.

The internal processing member(s) can be mounted on the corresponding jaw by insertion into a housing of the jaw opening facing the other jaw.

The or each internal processing member may include a support carrying the internal plate, the support being mounted in the housing of the corresponding jaw.

The or at least one of the internal processing members, in particular the or at least one of the supports, can be movable in the housing in translation along an axis perpendicular to a median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in close configuration of the jaws and/or by tilting in the accommodation. The maximum height of tilting and/or translation from the rest position of the or each processing member can be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm,.

By " tilting ", it is necessary to understand that the or at least one of the internal processing organs, in particular the or at least one of the supports, can have a rotational movement around at least one axis, the movement of the or of each organ internal processing which may be a more complex movement, with rotation components around several axes, in particular around or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the or each internal processing member and/or around or parallel to a transverse axis of the housing. In a manner known as such, the or at least one of the internal processing members can for example be mounted on a ball joint. The tilting of the or at least one of the internal processing members makes it possible to exert a more uniform pressure over the entire length of the internal heating surface and to take into account the closing angle of the jaws as a function of the thickness hair. This allows for even application of heat and pressure to the hair.

The or at least one of the internal processing members, in particular the or at least one of the supports, can be mounted to rest in the housing on a support means configured to allow the movement of the corresponding internal processing member in the housing. The support means may be as described in FR3011449.

The means of support can be rigid; alternatively, it is elastically deformable. As a further variant, the support means comprises a zone where the support is rigid and one or more zones where the support is against one or more elastic return members, which are for example arranged to bring back the treatment member corresponding in a predefined rest position in the absence of mechanical stress by the application member. The elastic return member(s) may be helical or leaf springs.

Preferably, the support means allows the internal processing member to tilt in the housing and includes a projecting relief at the bottom of the housing and/or the corresponding processing member, in particular the corresponding support. The projecting relief may be in the shape of a half-sphere, or in the shape of a substantially conical tooth, or in the shape of a half-cylinder oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the internal processing member.

As a variant or in addition to the projecting relief, the support means comprises at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, arranged in the housing, for example fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the internal processing member, in particular to the support . The support means may comprise at least two springs, in particular two helical springs arranged in the housing, fixed on the bottom of the housing or fixed to the internal processing member, in particular to the support, arranged in particular near the axial ends of the corresponding internal processing organ. The tilting of the internal processing member is then possible due to the elastically deformable nature of the springs.

The or at least one of the internal processing members can be movable along an axis perpendicular to the median plane of the device extending between the jaws in a close configuration of the jaws from a high position on a maximum insertion stroke defined by a relief of the corresponding internal processing member, coming into contact with the bottom of the housing, and/or by the cooperation between ribs and lateral grooves of the housing and the internal processing member, in particular of the support, the grooves being wider than the corresponding ribs, so that the ribs are movable in translation in the grooves along the aforementioned axis between two positions.

Internal processing body rear structure

The or at least one of the internal processing members, in particular the or at least one of the internal plates, and preferably each of these, has between the jaws a first side edge and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, the first lateral edge being configured so that an angle formed between a median plane of the device, extending between the jaws in close configuration of the jaws, and hair under mechanical tension, resting on the first lateral edge of the member corresponding internal processing member, in particular of the corresponding internal plate, and on an exterior surface of the jaw carrying the corresponding internal processing member adjacent and disjoint from the corresponding internal processing member, in particular of the corresponding internal plate, or lower or equal to 120°, preferably less than or equal to 110°, and strictly greater than 90°, preferably greater than or equal to 95°.

By “ hair under mechanical tension ”, we understand that the hair extends along a straight line between the first lateral edge and the adjacent exterior surface of the jaw carrying the corresponding internal processing member. In other words, the previous angle is thus defined between the median plane defined between the jaws in close configuration of the jaws and a fictitious plane in contact on the one hand, with the first lateral edge, and on the other hand with the surface adjacent exterior of the same jaw. This mechanical tensioning is carried out in particular by means of internal processing organs by pinching and by moving the device along the strand of hair.

Such an angle with the exterior surface of the jaw makes it possible to have a well-formed curl when curling the hair, by resting the hair on the first lateral edge and an adjacent exterior surface of the jaw, in particular in the image of the curls produced with blade passed over bolduc tape. Furthermore, with such an angle, the first lateral edge is relatively close to the outer surface of the jaw, without however protruding from the latter. This makes it possible, particularly during hair straightening, to bring the first lateral edge closer to the scalp, and therefore to increase the portion of hair treated, without touching the scalp. This therefore allows treatment as close as possible to the hairline while preserving user comfort, despite the temperature of the internal surface(s).

The first and second lateral edges of the or each internal processing member can each extend along a longitudinal axis of the jaw carrying the corresponding internal surface.

The first side edge may be closer to the exterior surface of the jaw carrying the internal processing member adjacent to it than the second side edge is to the exterior surface of said jaw adjacent to it. In other words, the or each internal treatment member can be shifted laterally upstream or downstream, preferably downstream, the hair being moved from upstream to downstream during treatment.

The two internal processing members can have the same size in the median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in a close configuration of the jaws.

Each, or at least one of the internal plates, can project laterally from the aforementioned housing on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, and/or less than or equal to 2 mm, better less than or equal to 1.3 mm. For example, Each, or at least one of the internal plates, can project laterally from the aforementioned housing on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance of 1 mm.

Each, or at least one of the internal plates, can project laterally from the aforementioned support on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, and/or less than or equal to 3 mm, better less than or equal to 2 mm.

The support of the or each internal processing member can, at rest, extend towards the other jaw, in particular with a height at rest of between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular greater than or equal to the maximum tilting and/or translation height.

The internal processing member carried by the support can be spaced more than 4 mm from the opening of the support housing towards the other arm.

By “ at rest ”, we mean in a configuration separated from the jaws.

Preferably, the, at least one or each internal processing member, in particular the, at least one or each internal plate, is asymmetrical with respect to a median plane of the housing of the corresponding jaw, orthogonal to the median plane of the device extending between the jaws in close configuration of the jaws, in particular may have a transverse distance between the first lateral edge and the transverse median plane of the housing greater than that between the second lateral edge and the transverse median plane of the housing.

The, at least one or each internal processing member, in particular the, at least one or each internal plate, can be spaced on a plane resting laterally on the exterior surfaces of the two adjacent and disjointed jaws of the processing member internal corresponding to a distance at rest less than or equal to 6 mm, better less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

The first lateral edge of the or of each internal processing member is, preferably, on the side of the internal processing member opposite to the recess. The first lateral edge of the or of at least one of the internal processing members, in particular of the or one of the internal plates may have an edge configured to come into contact with hair under tension resting on the first lateral edge and the adjacent exterior surface of the jaw carrying the internal treatment member. The edge may be projecting, chamfered or rounded with a radius of curvature less than or equal to 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2 mm advantageously equal to 1.5 mm. Such an edge promotes curling or waving of the hair and makes it possible to obtain good shaping results, particularly curling.

Additional processing organ

The device may include an additional hair treatment member extending from one of the two jaws towards the other jaw in a close configuration of the two jaws and arranged on said jaw laterally in a close configuration of the jaws relative to the hair treatment member. internal processing.

The additional processing member makes it possible to add to the straightening or curling an additional treatment making it possible to improve the quality of the curling or straightening treatment. The fact that it is arranged laterally in relation to the internal plate allows the treatments by the internal plate and by the treatment member not to be simultaneous but successive, which is advantageous in particular for improving smoothing.

Preferably, the additional hair treatment member extends on the jaw opposite that carrying the recess. It can extend at least partially into the part of the jaw facing the lateral recess.

The additional treatment member may comprise a projecting element, in particular a comb, which extends from the jaw towards at least partially the other jaw. The projecting element can be housed at least partially, in particular at least by its end, in the recess when the device is in a configuration close to the jaws. This makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact device while improving the styling result and the ergonomics of the device, as will be detailed later. The additional processing member can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding jaw along the or each internal heating surface in a close configuration of the jaws, being disjointed from this or these latter.

By “ disjoint ”, we understand that the processing member is offset from the heating surface by a non-zero distance, when the device is observed along its longitudinal axis.

The additional treatment member may include at least one steam outlet and/or a cosmetic product application member and/or a member exerting traction on the hair, in particular a comb.

In the case where the additional treatment member comprises a cosmetic product application member, the cosmetic product application member may comprise a porous member soaked in a cosmetic composition, in particular supplied with product by a reservoir in contact with the porous member or using a dispensing mechanism which is operated automatically or manually during use of the device. The cosmetic product application member may be a refill removably mounted on the device.

The cosmetic composition may be a composition for cleaning, coloring, bleaching, conditioning or even shaping hair. Preferably, the use of the device comprises the application of at least one hair shaping composition. This hair shaping composition may be a composition for curling, styling, straightening or straightening hair, preferably for straightening or straightening hair.

The cosmetic composition may contain at least one active agent chosen from reducing agents, in particular thiols, oxidizing agents, in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts (for example, persulfates), coloring agents, in particular pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes. The cosmetic composition may also contain at least one active agent chosen from non-durable shaping agents, in particular styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents, in particular silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkaline agents and acids.

Preferably, the cosmetic composition contains at least one agent chosen from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkaline agents of hydroxide type.

Preferably, the additional processing member comprises at least one steam outlet, in particular a longitudinal row of steam outlets or an elongated steam outlet, in particular in the form of a slot, along the longitudinal axis. The steam outlet(s) extend preferentially over the jaw without the recess. The steam outlet(s) are preferably facing an internal surface of the other jaw distinct from the internal heating surface. The internal surface facing the steam outlet(s) may include a hollow or a steam containment groove facing the steam outlet(s). Alternatively or additionally, the steam outlet(s) may extend into a hollow or groove) of the jaw carrying it(ies).

Preferably, the additional treatment member comprises a comb. The latter extends preferentially over and from the jaw not presenting the lateral recess towards the other jaw. Preferably, it extends at least partially opposite the lateral recess in a close configuration of the jaws.

The comb can improve the distribution of the hair on the device for treatment by the internal surface and/or the external surface, which in particular improves the distribution of heat on the hair and the homogeneity of the treatment on the hair.

The comb can be arranged on the corresponding jaw so that the distal end of its teeth is spaced a non-zero distance from hair which would be wound under tension around the two jaws in a configuration close to the jaws.

The distal end of the teeth of the comb can be spaced, in close configuration of the jaws, from the jaw opposite to that carrying the comb, by a non-zero distance.

The comb can be spaced from the internal treatment member by a distance taken between the edge of the internal treatment member, in particular of the internal plate, on the side of the comb and the base of the teeth on the side of the member internal treatment, between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 8 and 9 mm.

The height of the teeth of the comb can be between 5 and 10 mm, preferably between 7 and 9 mm.

The comb can be removable, in particular mounted by sliding in a housing such as a longitudinal groove in the jaw. The comb can be held in the housing by shape cooperation between the base of the comb and the longitudinal groove, in particular the base of the comb can have a relief cooperating with a complementary relief of the housing. The comb may include a gripping extension extending out of this housing when mounted on the corresponding jaw, facilitating the extraction and insertion of the comb into its housing.

Preferably, the additional treatment member comprises a comb as described above and one or more steam outlets as described above, the steam outlet(s) extending between the comb and the internal hair heating surface(s). . Such an implementation makes it possible to clearly distinguish the treatment of each element.

Treatment process

The invention also relates to a method of treating hair using one of the devices as defined above. The process can be straightening or curling or waving the hair. The hair treatment method may include engaging a lock of hair between the two jaws and/or against at least part of the external heating surface of the device and moving the device along the lock of hair, preferably from their roots towards their tips, in particular by maintaining said device in a configuration close to the jaws.

The method may include moving the device along a lock of hair to carry out at least one heat treatment of the lock of hair by pinching between the two jaws and pressing against the internal surface by the counter-support surface and/or external of the device.

The method may also include a step during which the device is rotated around its longitudinal axis so as to wind the hair around one or more external heating surfaces.

The lock of hair entering the treatment device and leaving the treatment device has preferably achieved a change of orientation around the device greater than or equal to 150°, in particular greater than or equal to 200°, even better greater than or equal to 250°. The curling angle can be at least 270°.

During heat treatment by the external heating surface, the strand of hair can be guided against the external plate by the guide portion of the device.

Preferably, the additional treatment member comprises at least one steam outlet and the treatment step with the additional treatment member comprising a steam application step.

When the additional treatment member comprises a comb and one or more steam outlets, the treatment step with the additional treatment member may comprise a step of combing the hair and a step of applying steam, the step combing being preferably carried out before the step of applying steam when moving the device over the lock of hair.

The method may include winding the lock of hair around the two jaws in a configuration close to the jaws, particularly when the device includes an external heating surface on each of the jaws.

The steps of the process are preferably carried out successively along the strand of hair, in particular from the roots of the hair towards the ends, in the following order:
- Optionally combing and/or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / hair guidance / external heat treatment by winding on one or two jaws or
- Optionally combing and/or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / support against the first edge of the or one of the internal plates / external heat treatment by the external heating surface of one of the jaws / guidance by the recess / optionally external heat treatment by the external heating surface of the other jaw.

The steam application is preferably carried out with a steam flow rate less than or equal to 1g/min.

The method may include thermal protection of the external heating surface(s) to prevent contact with the external heating surface(s), particularly during hair straightening. This step is carried out in particular by placing the cover as described above on the or each external heating surface of the device and/or removing the cover on the or each external heating surface of the device by pivoting the cover around a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and parallel to the median plane of the device extending between the jaws in close configuration of the latter. Removing the cover can be done using the hand holding the device at the device handle.

The method may include applying pressure to the distal end of the jaws to hold the jaws in a close configuration so as to exert greater force on the hair in said jaw configuration. The method may include the placement of the end piece(s) as described above on the distal end of one or both jaws prior to the application of said pressure.

The invention can be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which

there illustrates, in perspective, an example of a device according to the invention,

there illustrates, in perspective, the distal end of the device of the ,

there illustrates, in cross section, an example of a device according to the invention,

there is an enlargement of the at the level of the processing organ,

there illustrates, in perspective and partially, the distal end of the device of the ,

there is an enlargement of the ,

there illustrates an enlargement of an edge of one of the internal plates of the device of the ,

there illustrates, insulation, internal plates and housings of the device of the ,

there illustrates, in perspective, an example of a thermal protection cover according to the invention,

there illustrates, in perspective, another example of a thermal protection cover according to the invention,

there illustrates, in perspective, the distal end of a device comprising thermal protection covers according to the invention,

there is a longitudinal sectional view of the device of the ,

there illustrates, in perspective, an enlargement of the device of the at the level of a shoulder,

there illustrates, in perspective, an enlargement of the device of the at the level of another shoulder, and

there illustrates, in side view, the mounting of a thermal protection cover on a device according to the invention.

detailed description

In the remainder of the description, identical elements or identical functions bear the same reference sign. For the purposes of conciseness of the present description, they are not described with regard to each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a device 2 for treating hair according to the invention.

This device 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration (not shown) for introducing a lock of hair between them and a close treatment configuration, illustrated in Fig. .

The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper 5 and lower 6 arms, which are, in the example considered, connected together at one of their ends by a joint 8, the device 2 thus forming a clamp.

The arms 5 and 6 define, between the articulation 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together and thus pinch the extending hair between the two jaws.

The width of the arms 5 and 6 at the level of the half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at the level of the jaws 3 and 4. Alternatively, the widths could be substantially identical, or even the width of the arms 5 and 6 at the level of the half-handles. -handles 10 and 11 could be higher than that at jaws 3 and 4.

The jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex exterior surface and a substantially flat interior surface.

An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a spaced configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring arranged around an axis of the joint 8.

The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 together and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile otherwise without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is largely preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

The device 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X. The device 2 includes a cord 17 designed to be able to provide the energy necessary for the operation of the device. The cord 17 can thus be an electrical cord designed to connect the device to the electrical network. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the cord could also be a fluidic cord designed to supply the device with fluid (water for example).

The device may include a water tank for steam production.

A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the device 2 to allow the user to control the operation of the device.

Heating plates

The device 2 may include an internal surface for heating the hair 45 to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 facing the other of the jaws, and facing each other in a close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 45 are, for example, configured to pinch between them the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

The two internal surfaces of heaters 45 are substantially flat, but it could be otherwise. They could be of complementary wavy shapes or of complementary curved shapes for example.

The internal heating surfaces are, in the example illustrated, formed by the contact surface of internal plates 16 made of a heat-conducting material each extending over one of the jaws. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal processing member of the device.

As a variant not illustrated, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 can carry an internal plate 16 having a heating contact surface facing a counter-support surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The counter-support surface can be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

In the example illustrated, the internal plates 16 are each mounted in the cavity 30 of a support 9 itself mounted in a housing 38 of the corresponding jaw 3 or 4. The internal plates 16 are each fixedly mounted on the support 9. At least one of the supports 9 is movably mounted in its housing as we will see later. As a variant not shown, the internal plates can be directly mounted in the housing and optionally be movable in the corresponding housing or the internal plates can be mounted on the support by being movable in the cavity, the support being fixed in the housing.

At least one of the supports 9 is movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jaw in its housing 38, between a high position spaced from the bottom of the housing and a low position close to it.

The stroke of the support 9 and its tilting advantageously makes it possible to position the internal heating surface 45 in the closed position of the device, such that the hair is pinched in a substantially uniform and effective manner during the treatment between the internal heating surfaces, which improves hair straightening by the device.

The support 9 rests on a support means 140 extending in the housing 38, allowing a tilting movement of the support and maintaining, in the open position of the arms 5 and 6, the support 9 in the high position.

The support means 140 may comprise one or more springs 141, in particular a spring as illustrated, extending between the bottom of the housing 38 and the support 9 or a leaf spring fixed in a recess of the support 9 or the bottom of the housing 38 The support means may alternatively or additionally comprise a projecting relief between the support 9 and the bottom of the housing 38 allowing the tilting movement and limiting the travel of the support in the housing. For example, in the example illustrated, the support means comprises a ball joint compressed by a spring as described in patent application FR3011449.

The support 9 movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may include a peripheral seal 33 ensuring sealing between the support 9 and the housing 38 while allowing the mobility of the support 9 in the housing as described previously. Such a seal allows in particular the sealing of the housing with respect to the steam emitted by one or more steam outlets as will be described subsequently.

The device 2 comprises two external surfaces, formed by external plates 13, for heating the hair to be treated, each extending over one of the two jaws 3 and 4 towards the outside of the device 2 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4, in particular on the convex exterior surface of the jaw 3 or 4, and are in opposition to each other on the device 2 in close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4.

Each external plate 13 is placed on one face of the corresponding jaw 3 and 4 opposite the face receiving the internal plate 16 carried by the same jaw 3 or 4.

In the example illustrated, the external plates 13 are made of stainless steel and the internal plates 16 are made of aluminum. However, other materials that are good conductors of heat, notably other metals, could be used.

The external plates 13 can be flexible metal sheets or preformed to have a convex shape complementary to the external surface of the jaws 3 and 4.

The external plates 13 are fixed on the jaw 3 or 4 by any suitable means. For example, the external plates 13 have longitudinal edges 90 curved inwards and configured to each be fixed in a corresponding groove or lateral housing 91 of the corresponding jaw 3 or 4.

The external plates 13 and the internal plates 16 are preferably elongated along the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of each of the jaws 3 and 4.

The external plates 13 and the internal plates 16 are at least partially superimposed on each other along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the device 2.

The device 2 may have, as illustrated, a distal portion, opposite the joint 8, without a heating plate. This distal part can be of convex shape and of sufficient width to be able to be grasped by one hand, in particular when using the device 2.

The internal plates 16 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, better between 90°C and 230°C.

The external plates 13 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, better between 60 and 100°C.

In the example illustrated, the internal plate 13 and the external plate 16 carried by the same jaw 3 or 4 are heated by thermal conduction by the same heat source 14 extending in said jaw and visible on the . However, it could be otherwise, and the device 2 could in particular include several heat sources, respectively for the internal plates and the external plates.

In the example illustrated on the , each internal plate 16 has a first lateral edge 31 and a second lateral edge 36 opposite the first edge 31, the edges 31 and 36 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of the corresponding jaw. The internal plates can be off-centered on the corresponding jaw so that the first edge 31 is closer to the adjacent side edge 100 of the corresponding jaw than the second edge 36 is to the adjacent side edge 101 of the corresponding jaw.

The internal plates 16 can project from the housing 38 laterally to the jaw on both sides and have a lateral extension defining the first lateral edge 31 that is longer in cross section of the device than the lateral extension defining the second edge 36.

As illustrated on the for the jaw 3, the first edge 31 can be configured so that, when the spring 141 is not compressed, an angle β formed between a median plane Z of the device 2 extending between the jaws 3 and 4 in close configuration jaws 3 and 4 and hair under tension resting on the first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 and on an adjacent exterior surface of the jaw 3 or 4 carrying the internal plate, illustrated by plane C, or less than or equal to 120° and strictly greater than 90°, for example equal to 105°.

The internal plates 16 can project laterally when the housing 38 is at rest on the side of the first edge 31 only with a width Ls of 1 mm.

As illustrated on the , each internal plate 16 can be spaced, at rest, from a plane P resting laterally on the adjacent exterior surface of the two jaws 3 and 4 by a distance Dp less than or equal to 6 mm, better less than or equal to 5 .5mm.

The first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 3 may have an edge 40 configured to come into contact with hair under mechanical tension during treatment. These hairs are materialized by the plane C resting on the first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 and on an adjacent exterior surface of the jaw 3. The edge 40 can be rounded with a radius of curvature equal to 1.5 mm .

The support 9 can project, at rest, from the jaw 3 or 4 towards the other jaw 3 or 4 with a height Hl of at least 2 mm, for example 4 mm.

This distance makes it possible to avoid contact between the surface of the plate projecting from the support 9 of the plate and the surface of the jaw bordering the housing 38 facing said surface of the plate during the movement of the support 9 in the housing 38 via spring 141.

As shown in the enlargement of the , the first edge 31 comprising the edge 40 may have a second part 122 which is flat and oriented opposite the jaw 4. This part 122 is parallel to the surface 45 of the internal plate 16.

The second part 122 extends, for example, from the edge 40 to a rib 125 of the internal plate 16, this rib 125 engaging in the joint 33 33 of the support 9 of the jaw 3.

Each internal plate 16 comprises a plurality of these ribs 125, as illustrated in the . For example, a rib 125 is formed by a bending of the internal plate 16 at the level of its second edge 36.

The thickness Eb of the first edge 31 carrying the edge 40 is smaller than the thickness Ep of the internal plate 16, apart from the different ribs 125.

As illustrated on the , each internal plate 16 has a cavity 130 configured to receive the heating element 14. This cavity 130 is formed by two parallel walls 131 extending orthogonally to the surface 45 and a wall 132 connecting the two walls 131.

For example, as shown in , each wall 131 has reliefs 135 participating in maintaining the internal plates 16 on the support 9.

As illustrated on the , the first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4 is not in contact with the support 9, unlike the second edge 36.

The first edges 31 and the second edges 36 are, for example, offset transversely from each other by a non-zero distance Db.

The first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4 can be curved without having a projecting edge.

The second edges 36 of the internal plates 16 of the jaw 3 and 4 do not extend laterally from the housings 30 and are curved so as not to have a projecting edge.

The position and shape of the first edges 31 and in particular of the edge 40 allow, during curling, an improvement in the result because it increases the angle of folding of the hair and produces, when passing the edge 40, an equivalent effect to that obtained by the passage of a projecting edge with a particular angle on a bolduc.

In addition, the internal plates 16 protruding from their support 9, the first edge 31 is brought closer to the adjacent external surface 32, which makes it possible to get closer to the roots of the hair to be treated compared to the devices of the prior art.

The radius of curvature relative to the longitudinal axis Y1 of the external plate 13 of the jaw 3 may be less than that of the external plate 13 of the jaw 4 relative to the longitudinal axis Y2.

External guide portion

In the examples illustrated, each jaw 3 and 4 comprises an external hair guiding portion delimited longitudinally, on each of its two sides, by a stopping surface 18 formed by a shoulder. The external hair guiding portion is defined, for example, by the external plates 13.

The shoulders 18 can have a variable height He, for example varying between 0.5 mm on the external surface of the jaw extending laterally to the internal plate 16 and 2 mm on the external surface of the jaw opposite the internal plate 16 .

Each shoulder 18 can be formed by ribs delimiting the external hair guiding portion. The rib is preferably thicker in opposition to the internal plates 13 than on the sides of the internal plates 13 .

Each external guide portion is set back from the base level of the jaw 3 or 4 defined as the level of the jaw 3 or 4 outside the shoulders 18. Thus, each guide portion has an apparent width l ₁ and l ₂ , illustrated on the , lower and set back from the rest of jaw 3 or 4.

The internal plates 13 can extend over the entire length of the external guide portion.

One of the jaws may have a lateral recess 170 forming a hair guiding zone at the level of the corresponding guiding portion. The recess 170 is delimited laterally by the stopping surfaces in the proximal and distal part of the jaw delimiting the guide portion. These stopping surfaces form, at the level of the shoulder, guide surfaces 20 of greater height making it possible to hold the hair in the recess 170. The recess 170 extends laterally to the jaw and faces a part of the other jaw 3 or 4. In this way, part of the internal surface 13 of the other jaw 3 or 4 opens onto the recess 170, which makes it possible to have at least part of an organ additional treatment extending from the other jaw into the recess 170, in particular a comb as we will see later, and offers new treatment possibilities. Preferably, the recess 170 is of uniform depth along the longitudinal axis of the device of identical cross section along the recess 170.

Due to the presence of the recess 170, the width l ₁ of the jaw carrying the recess at said recess 170 is smaller than the width l ₂ of the other jaw facing said recess 170. The width l ₁ is between 30 mm and 50 mm and is for example equal to 38 mm. The width l ₂ is between 40 mm and 60 mm and is for example equal to 47 mm.

As a variant not illustrated, the hair guiding zone may be other than a recess, in particular a jaw zone delimited laterally by one or two guide surfaces in the proximal and/or distal part of the jaw.

Additional processing organ

In the examples illustrated, the device 2 comprises an additional hair treatment member 12 extending from the jaw 4, towards the other jaw 3 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4, and arranged on said jaw 4 laterally in relation to to the internal plate 16.

The member 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 along the second edge 36, opposite the first edge 31, of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4 while being separated from this internal plate 16, when the device 2 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

The member 12 may include a steam outlet 21 and a comb 22, as illustrated in the .

The comb 22 can be arranged, removably, in a housing such as a longitudinal groove 35, visible on the . The user can thus change or remove, if necessary, the comb 22.

The groove 35 may have a rectangular cross section and open at the distal end of the jaw 4.

The comb 22 may include, in the distal part of the device 2, an element 46 making it possible to grip the comb 22 when it is introduced into the groove 35 or extracted therefrom.

The comb 22 can extend, for example, over the entire length of the guide portion. Alternatively, it could extend over only part of the guide portion.

Steam treatment can be ensured using a vaporization member consisting of a heating element, an evaporation chamber 19 supplied with water by a reservoir located in an arm of the device, or alternatively by a remote reservoir. The device may include an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, taking water to send to device 2 in a water tank. The pump is for example as disclosed in the publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be produced in accordance with the teaching of application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise.

The evaporation chamber 19 can be arranged on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example considered, and the steam outlet 21 is provided on the same arm 6.

The steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a ramp, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

The ramp may include several steam projection orifices, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably equally distributed along the ramp and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane.

The vaporization member is electrically powered and a temperature sensor is advantageously placed in the evaporation chamber 19. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value between 110°C and 130°C .

The steam produced which exits through the outlets 21 is partially confined between the steam outlet 21, the internal heating plates 16 and the other jaw 3, in particular thanks to the presence of a confinement groove 500 visible on the . This partial confinement improves the application of steam to the hair.

The comb 22 can be placed opposite the recess 170 of the other arm 5, illustrated in the , so that the end of its teeth is housed in the recess 170.

The comb 22 can be arranged on the jaw 4 so that the distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb is spaced a non-zero distance from hair which would be wound around the two jaws 3 and 4.

For this purpose, the comb 22 is configured so that, for any cross section of the device in close configuration of the jaws, for example that of the , the tangent T, being able for example to fictitiously represent the hair, to the two jaws 3 and 4, extending on the side of the device carrying the comb 22, i.e. distant from the comb 22.

The smallest distance Dd between the distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 and the tangent T can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, better still 1 mm, for example equal to 3 mm.

When the user wraps the hair around the jaws 3 and 4, particularly when curling, the hair under tension follows, between the two jaws 3 and 4, the tangent T. Thus, the wound hair does not pass through the comb 22 , which facilitates the hairdressing operation.

The distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 is, for example, offset laterally, in close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4, of the opposite jaw 4, in this case of the jaw at the level of the recess 170 of a distance Dde greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm. This guarantees that the teeth of the comb 22 cannot interfere with the jaw 4 at the level of the recess 170.

The height of the teeth Hde of the comb 22 can be between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 7 and 10 mm, for example of the order of 8 mm.

The teeth of the comb 22 can be of rectangular cross section.

In the example illustrated, the combination of the external guiding portion, the edge 40 and the heat of the external plates 13 produces high quality curling of the hair.

In addition, the device 2 can also function as a straightener, without loss of straightening quality compared to a conventional device dedicated solely to hair straightening.

Thermal protection cover

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 9 to 15, the device 2 comprises a thermal protection cover 70, for example two, made of polyamide and resistant to a temperature of at least 60°C.

Each cover 70 is removably mounted by clipping onto one of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to completely cover the corresponding external plate 13.

The cover 70 can be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane.

Each cover 70 may include a recess, also called notch, 71 configured to form a zone 72 of preferential deformation of the cover 70 during its assembly on the device 2. By recess or notch, we mean a zone where the material is less compared to to the rest of the cover, so as to form a zone of mechanical weakness. This creates an elastic, localized and controlled deformation zone.

Each cover 70 can have a curved shape complementary to that of the corresponding external plate 13. The preferential deformation zone then takes on its full interest here because we know that a domed hood is intrinsically more rigid than a flat hood.

Each cover 70 has, for example, a thickness of approximately 1 mm on the longitudinal edges and 1.5 mm in the center.

Each cover 70 extends along a longitudinal axis W, said recess 71 being of elongated shape transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cover, for example forming a right angle with the longitudinal axis W.

As illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, the recess 71 is through and symmetrical with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70. The recess 71 extends over at least 70% of the developed width of the hood 70. Such a proportion of recess presents a very good compromise between facilitating the assembly/disassembly of the hood as well as the durability and reliability of the hood. In fact, the cover must not be able to break due to fatigue, following excessive elastic deformation.

For example, as shown in , the recess 71 is straight. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the recess 71 has several undulations.

Each recess 71 can extend on the cover 70 at a distance from one of the longitudinal ends of the cover 70, in particular the distal end 73 of the cover 70, less than or equal to 25% of the length Gc of the cover 70. The length Gc of the cover 70 corresponds to the length of the external treatment surface 13 of the device and is as such between 50 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 80 and 100 mm, advantageously of the order of 88 mm. This location presents a very good compromise between facilitating the assembly/disassembly of the cover as well as the durability and reliability of the cover 70. In fact, the cover must not be able to break due to fatigue, following excessive elastic deformation.

Each cover 70 may include a gripping projection 75 extending from the external surface of the cover 70 at a distance less than or equal to 25% of the length Gc of the cover 70 from the longitudinal end 74 opposite the longitudinal end 73.

Thus, when the cover 70 is mounted on the jaw 3 or 4, the projection 75 is located near the longitudinal end of the cover 70 extending on the side of the half-handles 10 and 11. This makes it possible, for example, to detach the cover 70 with one finger of the hand holding the half-handles 10 and 11 in a single gesture, which facilitates handling.

As illustrated on the , the projection 75 can extend orthogonally from the cover 70 with a constant thickness and a curved exterior surface.

As illustrated on the , the projection 75 can have a convex shape along the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70.

As illustrated on the , the projection 75 can be in the form of a tongue, in particular corrugated, extending from the exterior surface of the cover at a non-right angle.

Each cover 70 may include first projecting reliefs 77 extending at its two longitudinal ends 73 and 74 arranged to cooperate with second hollow reliefs 80 of the rest of the device 2, particularly illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

The first reliefs 77 can extend parallel to, and preferably along, the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70.

Each first relief 77 is thicker than the thickness of the longitudinal end 73 or 74 of the cover 70.

The second reliefs 80 can be in the shoulders 18 in opposition to the internal plate 13. Thus, the first reliefs 77 of the cover extend into the shoulders 18.

As illustrated on the , the cover 70 is configured to be mounted on the device 2 by the cooperation of the first relief 77 extending at the longitudinal end 73 of the cover 70, in particular that opposite the projection 75, with the second complementary relief 80 and by pivoting of the cover 70 on the rest of the device 2 around a pivot axis A transverse to the median plane of the cover 70.

The pivot axis A can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70 and located at the level of the first relief 77 of the cover 70 of the end 73 on the side of the recess 71.

During this operation of mounting the cover 70, the zone 72 will deform elastically towards the inside of the cover 70 allowing a slight movement of the first relief 77 of the cover 70 on the side of the projection 75 along the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70 This deformation occurs when the user exerts longitudinal pressure from the gripping projection 75. Thanks to this movement, the first relief 77 on the side of the gripping projection 75, during pivoting, does not abut against the shoulder 18.

Thus, the longitudinal movement of the first relief 77 of the cover 70, temporary when the user applies longitudinal pressure, makes it possible to temporarily reduce the length of the cover 70 which remarkably facilitates its insertion (or removal) in its housing, advantageously delimited by the surfaces stop 18.

When the cover 70 pivots, at least part of the longitudinal edge 73 near the first relief 77 rests on the shoulder 18.

Once the pivoting is complete, when the cover 70 is in contact with the plate 13, the longitudinal pressure is released by the user, which allows the zone 72 to regain its initial shape by elasticity. The first relief 77 on the side of the gripping projection 75 then engages, during this release, in the second relief 80 of the shoulder 18 which was opposite before the pressure was released.

The first reliefs 77 thus positioned in the second reliefs 80 allow the cover 70 to be held on the jaw 3 or 4. In addition, the edges 73 and 74 are, at least partially, in contact with the shoulders 18.

To remove the cover 70, we proceed in reverse.

Processes

To curl or straighten the hair using the device 2, a lock of hair can be moved on the device 2 between the internal plates 16 and/or passing over one or the external plates 13, passing or not through the processing organ 12.

The method of treating hair for curling may include moving the device 2 along a lock of hair from the root to the ends to carry out the following successive steps:

has. A treatment of the lock of hair with the organ 12, to comb the hair in the comb 22 and to apply steam through the outlet 21 and,

b. A first heat treatment of the lock of hair by pressing between the internal plates 16 of the device 2.

vs. A second heat treatment of the lock of hair by application in tension against the external plate 13 of the jaw 3.

Preferably, the lock of hair changes its orientation around the device 2 by at least 270° during the treatment.

At the end of step b of heat treatment of the hair between the internal plates 16, the lock of hair performs a change between the first edge 31 and the adjacent external surface 32 of the jaw 3 on which the lock of hair is wound. 100° orientation.

At the end of step b of heating the hair on the internal plates 16, the hair is moved onto the edge 40, which makes it possible to produce the Bolduc effect mentioned above.

Another application of heat to the external plate 13 of the jaw 4 could also be carried out.

During step c, the hair is correctly contained in the external guiding portion thanks to the recess 170 and the shoulders 18.

For this looping process, it is possible to use the tips 50 in order to have a better grip on the device 2, without risk of burns.

In the case of a hair treatment process for straightening, it may include moving the device 2 along a lock of hair from the root to the ends to carry out the following successive steps:

has. A treatment of the lock of hair with the organ 12, to comb the hair in the comb 22 then to apply steam through the outlet 21 and,

b. A first heat treatment of the lock of hair by pressing between the internal plates 16 of the device 2.

In this process, the user does not need the external plates 13. He can therefore, before implementing the smoothing process, clip the covers 70 in order to protect himself from the heat of the external plates 13.

The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

The device may include a member for applying a cosmetic product, removable or not, comprising a porous element configured to come into contact with the hair between the jaws in a close configuration of the latter.

Claims (10)

Device (2) for treating hair, in particular for curling hair, comprising:

• two hair treatment jaws (3,4) movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration for engagement between said jaws (3,4) of hair to be treated and a close configuration for hair treatment,
• an external hair treatment member having at least one external hair heating surface (13) extending over one of the two jaws (3,4) towards the outside of the two jaws (3,4),
• a thermal protection cover (70) removably mounted by clipping onto the device (2) so as to at least partially cover the external heating surface (13), the cover (70) comprising a recess (71) configured to form a zone (72) of preferential deformation of the cover (70) during its assembly on the device (2).

Device (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising two external treatment members each extending over one of the jaws (3,4) and each having at least one external surface (13) for heating the hair extending over the jaw ( 3,4) respectively towards the outside of the device (2), preferably being in opposition to each other on the device (2) in close configuration of the jaws (3,4), the device (2) comprising two thermal protection covers (70) removably mounted on the device (2) and each arranged on one of the two external heating surfaces (13) so as to at least partially cover said external heating surface (13), each cover (70) comprising a recess (71) configured to form a zone (72) of preferential deformation of the cover (70) during its assembly on the device (2). Device (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the or each cover (70) completely covers the corresponding external heating surface (13) while being of a shape complementary to that of the external heating surface (13). corresponding. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (70) extends along a longitudinal axis, said recess (71) being elongated in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis (W ) of the hood (70), in particular a right angle with the longitudinal axis (W) of the hood (70). Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (70) has a gripping projection (75) extending from the external surface of the cover (70) when mounted on the jaw (3 ,4), the gripping projection (75) preferably extending at a distance from one of the longitudinal ends (73, 74) of the cover (70) less than or equal to 25% of the length of the cover (70), the hood (70) being preferably configured to be mounted on the jaw (3,4) so that the gripping projection (75) is located near the longitudinal end (74) of the hood (70) extending from the proximal side of the jaw (3,4). Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (70) and the jaw (3,4) comprise complementary reliefs (77, 80) for fixing the cover (70) on the jaw (3, 4), the reliefs (77) for fixing the cover (70) on the jaw (3,4) preferably extending from the longitudinal end (73, 74) of the corresponding cover (70) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (W) of the cover (70). Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (70) is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising on the or each jaw (3,4) an external portion for guiding the hair delimited laterally in the proximal and/or distal part of the jaw (3,4) by a stopping surface (18), the or each external heating surface (13) extending in particular, at least partially, better completely in the external hair guiding portion of the corresponding jaw (3,4). Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (70) has a thickness, preferably variable, of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular the cover (70) being, in cross section, thicker in the center than at its longitudinal edges. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one internal treatment member having an internal surface (45) for heating the hair to be treated extending over one of the two jaws (3,4) towards the other of the jaws (3,4) in a close configuration of the two jaws (3,4) and configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the two jaws (3,4) in a close configuration therefrom.