JP2017502757A - Apparatus and associated replenisher for treating hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides: a container (23) for storing a hair care product, an end part for dispensing the product stored in the container (23), and a dispensing end for the product stored in the container (23). The invention relates to a replenisher for an appliance for treating hair comprising at least one component of a flap valve pump supplying the part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for treating hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device intended to shape hair, in particular to make hair straight and curly. Or a device including replenishment of a cosmetic product for curly hair.

  Generally, a hair strainer consists of two arms connected together with the aid of a hinge that allows the two arms to be opened and closed, and at least one heating element disposed on the arms. During the operation of shaping the hair tress into a style, the tress is introduced between the two arms in the open position, and then the two arms are placed over the hair tress and manually closed. The hair tress is then exposed to the heat output of the heating element until the two arms are opened and the hair tress is removed.

  Patent Literature 1 includes two arms that are integrally connected so that an electric appliance can be opened and closed, at least one heating member, and at least one seat for receiving a hair treatment device. A hair styling appliance is described in which the device can dispense hair care products during operation. The hair treatment device consists of a support material infiltrated with a hair care product and is suitable for disposable use.

  Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3 describe a hair straightening device that enables a hair care product to be applied by contact with hair. The hair care product to be applied is contained in a removable replenisher for its application. The removable replenisher comprises a container containing the hair care product in gelled form and an orifice for dispensing and applying the product, said orifice being made directly through the wall of the container . The replenisher is introduced by sliding into a housing disposed on one of the two arms of the hair strainer.

International Publication No. 2009/078046 Pamphlet International Publication No. 2009/015027 Pamphlet US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0025247 French Patent Application Publication No. 2967018 European Patent Application Publication No. 2449909 US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0307528 (A1) Specification

  There is a need to further improve the device for applying hair care products so that the user can easily replenish the device with hair care products and / or change the applied hair care product.

  Enough hair care products to apply without changing the replenisher, allowing not only shaping darker hair into a style, but also allowing a single replenisher to be reused many times There is an advantage in having it in an amount.

According to a first of its aspects, the subject of the present invention is a replenisher for an appliance for treating hair, comprising:
-A container for storing hair care products;
-Dispensing end parts for dispensing products contained in containers;
-A replenisher comprising at least one component of a flap valve pump for supplying the product contained in the container to the dispensing end part.

  The container in the replenisher makes it possible to have a quantity of product sufficient to dispense multiple doses of hair care product.

  The fact that the replenisher comprises at least one component of the flap valve pump makes it easier to change the container by reducing the number of connections secured, which makes it easier for the refiller to flap valve pump. If all the components are carried, it can be advantageously reduced to zero.

  The use of a flap valve pump facilitates the operation of the pump since a single push on the pump components that change the volume of the pump chamber may be sufficient to dispense the dose product. Thus, more complex mechanisms such as peristaltic pumps can be avoided.

  The replenisher may be handled as a single piece. Thus, when the refiller is installed in the device that will use it, the container, the dispensing end component, and the at least one component of the flap valve pump are introduced together into the device.

  Preferably, the refiller extends along the longitudinal axis and the at least one component is positioned between the container and the dispensing end piece along the longitudinal axis. This can facilitate the operation of the components. Preferably, this component connects the container directly to the dispensing end piece.

  Preferably, the internal volume of the container changes while the refiller is in use. This can allow airless operation which is advantageous for better protection of the product.

  The maximum capacity of the container is preferably between 2 ml and 20 ml.

  The hair care product is preferably in a fluid state, so-called liquid, at room temperature or higher, such as between 25 ° C. and 95 ° C., in the container. In this case, the product may initially be in a solid or paste state at room temperature in the container, but in order to have sufficient fluid dispensed by the dispensing mechanism provided to supply the applicator member, It can be heated in a container. Thus, the product is fluid in the container when applied. Preferably the product is a liquid at room temperature.

  When the product is initially solid in the refiller and heated to fluidize, the area around the applicator member is preferably unheated to more easily control the temperature of the product.

  The container preferably extends along the longitudinal axis, and the length of the container is preferably no more than half of the total length of the refiller measured along said longitudinal axis. This makes it easier to handle the refiller. This also simplifies the structure of the replenisher by placing the container, the flap valve pump component and the dispensing end component end at the end.

  The dispensing end piece and the container preferably have respective longitudinal axes that are not coincident but in particular parallel and are offset by a distance between 10 mm and 40 mm. This can make it easier to make a refiller and a device intended to receive the refiller.

  A flap valve pump, in particular a component of the flap valve pump, preferably has a pump chamber and an elastically deformable diaphragm that at least partially defines the pump chamber. The flap valve pump may be of an airless type.

  The flap valve pump is an end piece for connection to a container and an end piece for connection to a dispensing end piece, in particular intended to be inserted into a flexible duct of the dispensing end piece. And end parts to be provided. Preferably, the flap valve pump is spaced from the diaphragm to form a rigid assembly.

  The replenisher may comprise a pump chamber, a diaphragm, and an end piece for connection to the container and an end piece for connection to the dispensing end piece. In this case, it is sufficient for the device that receives the refiller to be designed to exert a force on the diaphragm to deform the diaphragm and change the volume of the pump chamber. This force can be exerted when the device is closed on the hair.

  The dispensing end part is preferably pre-filled with a hair care product. This avoids the need to operate the pump several times before the refill is first used. The pump chamber is also prefilled with product.

  In a variant, the dispensing end piece can be at least partially, more preferably entirely filled with product, while the inner volume of the container, especially when the refiller is fitted to an appliance. When is reduced, the refiller is introduced into the appliance. In this case, the flap valve pump can flow the product from the container towards the dispensing end part and the valve opens under the pressure of the product contained in the container.

  The dispensing end part has at least one dispensing orifice, and more preferably may have a plurality of dispensing orifices, which are closed in particular under no load and exerted by the hair care product. Can be opened under pressure. The dispensing orifice is preferably made through a wall which is particularly deformable and is preferably a wall defined by a flexible duct, which is in particular the aforementioned one of the flap valve pump. The connecting end piece is connected to the pump chamber, in particular at one of its ends. Each dispensing orifice may be formed by a slot having edges that are joined in an unloaded condition.

  The amount of hair care product delivered at the dispensing end piece with each actuation of the flap valve pump can be between 0.01 ml and 0.5 ml.

  The refiller preferably has an inlet valve arranged upstream of the pump chamber, in particular arranged at the end piece for connection to the container, which inlet valve opens in the direction of flow from the container to the pump chamber To do. The refiller preferably has an outlet valve arranged downstream of the pump chamber and opening in the direction of flow from the pump chamber to the dispensing end piece. Where appropriate, the aforementioned dispensing orifice can form an outlet valve when made through an elastically deformable wall. This is particularly advantageous because the dispensing orifice has a dual function: the function of dispensing the product and the function of acting as an outlet valve. This makes it easier to manufacture a flap valve pump, since it makes it possible to avoid the use of a specific valve between the pump chamber and the dispensing end part. In a variant, the outlet valve may be arranged in one piece for connection to the dispensing end part.

  The flap valve pump is preferably formed by a single piece including a pump chamber and at least one of an inlet valve and an outlet valve. This single part may be made of a molding material.

  The replenisher preferably comprises an applicator member to which the product is supplied by a dispensing end piece. The applicator member preferably covers at least a portion of the dispensing end piece. The applicator member may comprise a porous material and / or a material capable of releasing or diffusing a cosmetic product, in particular an open cell foam. If desired, the applicator member may be made with a relatively small thickness, eg, 10 mm or less.

  The replenisher carries the dispensing end piece and / or the flap valve pump and / or container, and more preferably may comprise a dispensing end piece, a flap valve pump, and a support carrying the container. In a variant, the support may carry a dispensing end piece and may be fastened to the flap valve pump with an end piece for connecting the pump to the dispensing end piece, the flap valve pump It is fastened to the container by an end piece for connecting the pump to the container.

  Preferably, the refiller forms an integral part that is easy to handle.

  The applicator member may be mounted in a fixed or removable manner on a support that at least partially covers the dispensing end piece. The support may have at least one opening that is at least partially superimposed on the dispensing end piece and allows the product to pass from the dispensing end piece to the applicator member. Preferably, the applicator member contacts the dispensing end piece.

  The dispensing end piece is preferably made to be filled with product when the pump is activated, preferably by an increase in volume due to elastic deformation under pressure of the product. Thus, the product can be collected in a dispensing end piece for dispensing as soon as the filling operation is stopped. This avoids the need to supply the applicator member in a delayed manner, avoid the need to collect large quantities of product within the applicator member itself, and thus product loss during replacement of the applicator member. Can be reduced. This assumes that the volume of the pump chamber does not increase again until all the product collected by the elastic deformation of the end piece has been dispensed, which is usually over the duration of the tufting process. This is the case when the pump is activated by closing the device with hair. If a check valve is present between the dispensing end piece and the pump chamber, the device can be opened before all of the product collected by the elastic deformation of the dispensing end piece has been dispensed.

  The refiller is a member for closing the refiller when not in use, and in particular may comprise a thin film seal or cover intended to cover at least part of the applicator member. This closure member may be supplied to the user by first being fitted to the refiller and removed by the user when the refiller is fitted and / or used in the device. Also good.

A further subject matter of the present invention is an apparatus for treating hair,
-At least two arms capable of moving relative to each other between a mated configuration for treating the hair and a spaced configuration for inserting the strands of hair to be treated between each other; ,
-A device comprising a replenisher according to the invention carried on at least one of the arms.

  The use of a replenisher allows the user to easily apply different hair care products by simply changing the replenisher.

  The two arms extend along their respective longitudinal axes and are preferably connected by hinges present at their proximal ends, which are preferably oriented perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the arms. Determine the rotation axis to be played.

  The two arms may define a semi-handle that is extended toward their distal ends by the jaws.

  The maximum thickness of the arm measured at the jaw is preferably greater than the maximum thickness measured at the semi-grip, and the maximum thickness of each arm is preferably between 10 mm and 40 mm, Preferably it is between 17 mm and 32 mm.

  The close-to-arm engagement preferably activates the flap valve pump to supply product to the dispensing end piece.

  The refiller may be received in a housing for incorporating the refiller into the arm.

  The arm opposite the one carrying the replenisher may have a relief that activates the flap valve pump in a counter-armed configuration. This relief preferably protrudes to a degree that can be adjusted by the user depending on the dose to be dispensed.

  The replenisher has at least one extension connected to the outside of the arm, preferably protruding outward from the side of the arm, or a side extension that is flush with the side of the arm. In particular, it may be on the side of the arm opposite the flap joint, allowing the user to confirm that a refiller is present on the arm.

  The device may have an electrical switch on the same arm as the refiller, said switch being actuated by the refiller, in particular to detect the presence of a refiller in the arm.

  The applicator member is arranged to contact the hair when the arm is closed. The arm opposite the arm carrying the replenisher may define a counter-supporting surface so that the hair is pressed against the applicator member with a certain pressure by the counter-supporting surface.

  Preferably, the device is fabricated such that product is automatically supplied to the applicator member during use. Thus, the user does not have to worry about performing a specific operation in the apparatus to apply the product. The pump can be activated by closing the arm, which makes it possible to supply the applicator member with a product, in particular with a single dose. The product for a single dose is preferably between 0.015 ml and 0.5 ml.

  The applicator member is preferably supplied with a temporary collection of pressurized product by the dispensing end piece. The presence of the pressurized product in the dispensing end piece is such that once the jaws are brought together, the device is moved along the hair strand while the jaws are brought together, while the applicator member It makes it possible to continue to supply products.

  The arm opposite the arm carrying the refiller may have a steam outlet, preferably a comb. It would be advantageous but found to use two combs positioned respectively downstream and upstream of the area for applying the cosmetic product to promote uniform distribution of the product to the hair.

  These combs are advantageously parallel to each other and may have the same number of teeth.

  If appropriate, the device is made to fasten at least one of the combs, more preferably each comb in a removable manner.

  Preferably, especially when the hair is intended to be straight, the device is a heating element intended to come into contact with the hair, more preferably two heating elements each disposed on the arm. With elements. The heating elements or these heating elements may each comprise a plate made from a material that is a good conductor of heat, defining a hot surface for contact with the hair, the temperature of said surface being For example, it is 95 ° C. or higher, more preferably between 90 ° C. and 230 ° C.

  Preferably, the product is applied to a lock of hair that is introduced into the device prior to steaming, combing and / or straightening with a heating element. Thus, hair introduced between the arms can contact the applicator member before being exposed to steam and heating elements while the lock is moved between the arms of the device.

  The device for treating hair according to the invention may in particular be a strainer having a flat heating element that contacts in a closed position.

  The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention and by examining the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a device for treating hair made in accordance with the present invention, with the refiller shown above the arm that will receive the refiller. FIG. 2 shows the device from FIG. 1 with the refiller in place on the flap. FIG. 3 is a front view of the device from FIG. 2 after the flap is closed. FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a refiller that can be used on its own with the apparatus in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of the replenisher from FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the replenisher from FIG. It is a top view of the example of the dispensing end component in itself. FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A of a deformed end part. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a modified device according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view of the device from FIG. 8 before the refiller is fitted. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention showing the arrangement of various components. FIG. 3 is a view of a dispensing end piece of deformation in itself. FIG. 3 is a view of a dispensing end piece of deformation in itself.

  1 to 3 show a hand piece 2 of an example of an apparatus for treating hair according to the invention.

  The handpiece 2 can move relative to each other between a spaced configuration (not shown) for introducing hair tresses between each other and an offset configuration for treatment. It has two jaws 3 and 4.

  The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6 respectively, and in this example, the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 are connected together at one end by a joint 8 so that the handpiece 2 is Tongs are formed.

  The upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 each preferably have a total length between 22 cm and 31 cm, for the user to butt the jaws 3 and 4 between the joint 8 and the jaws 3 and 4 Each semi-handle 10 and 11 can be pressed into

The upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 extend along respective longitudinal axes X ₁ and X ₂ , and the longitudinal axes X ₁ and X ₂ are preferably connected to each other when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed. Parallel.

  An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a spaced configuration, which is for example a spring arranged around the articulation pin 8. is there.

  The present invention is not limited to a specific method of connecting the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 together, and the jaws 3 and 4 can be moved in some other manner without departing from the scope of the present invention. It may be said. However, the presence of a joint is highly preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

  The jaws 3 and 4 define a region for treating the hair between each other, said region being intended to receive a lock of hair to be treated, and the handpiece 2 is For example, in the direction from the root of the hair to the tip, along the tress during treatment.

  In this example, the handpiece 2 is configured to apply a cosmetic product to treat the hair with steam and to perform a heat treatment of the hair by contact with one or more hot surfaces. Has been.

The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 over the hair is shown in FIG. 3 and is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X ₁ and X ₂ of the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6.

  The handpiece 2 is connected by a line to a base station (not shown) in this example, which is fixed during processing and connected to the main part.

  This base station can also perform the additional functions of ensuring the supply of power to the handpiece 2 and also ensuring the supply of water and processing the electrical signals received from the handpiece 2 to generate steam. Accordingly, the line 13 connecting the handpiece 2 to the base station can comprise various electrical conductors and water supply pipes.

  A user interface (not shown in the figure) may be present on the handpiece 2 to allow the user to activate or deactivate certain components of the handpiece 2, for example.

  The application of the cosmetic product is ensured by an applicator member 15 arranged to contact the hair extending through the treatment area.

  The applicator member 15, for example, is a 1 gram mass of hair made from 20 cm long hair and receives the product between 0.015 g and 0.4 g, more preferably in the case of a care product. For products that are received between 0.01g and 0.2g, and even further, products that are straightened by heat, products that are dyed, or products that are straightened chemically, the amount received is, for example, from 0.5g to 10g. The product is supplied by the dispensing end part described later with the aid of a dispensing mechanism that is automatically activated during the use of the handpiece 2 to apply such a quantity of product to the hair. Is done.

  The upper arm 5 can be fitted with a replenisher 20 according to the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and can be removed immediately when the product is used up. A swivel flap 18 may be provided that can take the open configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the closed configuration shown in FIG. 3 for using the product to treat the hair.

  The replenisher 20 includes a container 23 that stores a product to be applied, and a head 25 that includes an applicator member 15.

  The flap 18 is articulated, for example, using a hinge 28, as shown in FIG. 1, to the proximal portion of the arm 5 that functions as the half handle 10 while the handpiece 2 is in use.

  In the illustrated example, the proximal portion 18a of the flap 18 also defines the gripping surface of the half handle portion 10.

  The flap 18 may be articulated to open rearward when the device is viewed as in FIG. This makes it easier to fabricate the hinge 28 and allows the user to provide as much access as possible to fit the refiller 20 or to replace the refiller 20. Can be built.

  The angle stroke α of the flap 18 is preferably at least 90 ° in order to make it easier to introduce the replenisher 20 into the handpiece 2 during fitting or replacement of the refiller 20. .

  The closing or opening movement of the flap 18 may be assisted by an elastic return member, if appropriate, for example a helical spring or a leaf spring located in the region of the hinge 28. This return member can bias the flap 18 toward its open position and stores elastic potential energy when the flap 18 is closed. The use of such a return member that is assisted to open is particularly advantageous when a member is mounted on the device for securing the flap 18 in the closed position. In this case, when the user manipulates the fastening member to unlock the flap 18, the flap 18 is advantageously in its fully open position or, in a variant, part of the opening stroke. Can be opened automatically only over.

  When an elastic return member that attempts to urge the flap 18 toward the open position or the closed position is mounted on the hinge 28, a movement suppressing body can be provided on the flap 18.

  The flap 18 can be held in the closed position in the upper arm 5 in various ways, preferably by snapping of at least one relief carried by the flap 18 into a corresponding configuration carried by the base of the arm 5 Retained. For example, as shown, the flap 18 carries at least one elastically deformable tab 31 that can be snapped to a corresponding coupling relief 32 provided at the base of the arm 5. Where appropriate, means for securing / unlocking by the user are provided to maintain the flap 18 in the closed position. In this case, the user needs to operate the fixing release means before opening the flap 18. This can reduce the risk of the flap 18 opening if the handpiece 2 is accidentally dropped, for example.

  The flap 18 may have any suitable form for at least partially covering the refiller 20 once the refiller 20 is fitted into the device, particularly when the head 25 and container 23 are not in line.

  The flap 18 is positioned relative to the proximal portion 18a of the flap 18 where the distal portion 18b of the flap 18 positioned in the region of the jaw 3 acts to articulate the flap 18 at the base of the upper arm 5. As can be seen, the flap 18 may have a configuration that shifts upward when viewed at a position that is approximately 90 ° open with respect to the articulation pin of the horizontal arm. Accordingly, the flap 18 can include an intermediate portion 18c that extends generally obliquely upward and forward.

  In a variant, the flap 18 may be joined to the base of the arm 5 in some other way, for example articulated with the distal part 18b in the region of the jaw 3.

  In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the refiller 20 is fastened to the flap 18, and the flap 18 is folded to the closed position in order to put the refiller 20 into its use configuration in the handpiece 2.

  In a variant, the refiller 20 may be carried by the arm 5 and the flap 18 covers the refiller 20 in the closed position.

  The flap 18 may include a relief 80 that allows the refiller 20 to be fastened to the flap 18 while in the open position.

  The flap 18 is at least one that allows the user to see that the refiller 20 is present and / or the level of product in the container 23 if the refiller 20 is provided for this purpose. It may be made from an opaque material with two transparent windows (not shown).

  The housing 33 may comprise at least one opening 36 facing the lower arm 6 so that the hair care product contained in the container 23 can be applied to the hair tress. The opening 36 receives at least the applicator member 15 during introduction of the refiller 20 into the housing 33, and more preferably receives the refiller 20 and has a corresponding elongated shape.

  The refiller 20 may have a variety of configurations, for example, as shown, the container 23 is positioned on the proximal side of the handpiece 2, in particular in the region of the half handle 10. Alternatively, the head 25 may be positioned in the region of the jaw 3.

  In particular, in order to be able to reduce the inertia of the handpiece 2 as the articulating pins 8 of the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 approach the center of gravity of the mass of the product contained in the container 23, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, it is advantageous for the container 23 to be housed in the half handle 10. The lower inertia makes it easier to handle the handpiece and makes it less tired for the user to carry.

  The handpiece 2 may be designed to automatically detect the presence of the refiller 20 in its housing 33.

  This detection may be performed, for example, electronically, thanks to a contactor activated by the refiller 20 when the refiller 20 is fitted into the handpiece 2. This contactor is carried, for example, by the base of the upper arm 5 and is actuated by the container 23. In a variant, the presence of the refiller 20 at the base of the upper arm 5 is thanks to the flap 18, for example due to the presence of a contactor in the flap 18 whose state changes depending on whether the refiller 20 is present. It may be detected.

  The closing of the flap 18 may itself be detected automatically, for example, so that it is only allowed to operate the handpiece 2 once it has been established that the flap 18 is in the closed position.

  When the flap 18 is in the closed position, communication may be maintained between the inside and outside of the housing 33 that accepts the refiller 20, and the user is aware that the refiller 20 is present in the device. Can see. In particular, the refiller 20 remains visible after the flap 18 is closed, as shown in FIG.

  The refiller 20 may optionally be fabricated with an extension that remains visible from the outside of the device even when the flap 18 is closed, and the user sees this extension. Thus, it is possible to know that the refiller is present in the apparatus without opening the flap 18.

  The flap 18 may carry a member (not shown) for closing the applicator member 15 when the handpiece 2 is not in use, in particular using the handpiece 2 without product being applied. Is possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an example of a replenisher 20 that can be used in particular with the handpiece 2 will now be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

The container 23 may be fabricated with either a rigid body and a driven piston, or a flexible bag, and can extend along the longitudinal axis _Xres .

The applicator member 15 is supplied with a product by a dispensing end piece 53 extending along the longitudinal axis X _em of the head 25.

  The dispensing end piece 53 can be seen preferably in FIGS. 7A and 7B, through at least one dispensing orifice 68 that can be closed unloaded and opened under the pressure of the upstream product. Designed to deliver in one direction.

Preferably, the dispensing end piece 53 extends along the longitudinal axis _Xem .

In this example, as can be seen in Figure 4, the container 23 and the longitudinal axis X _res a dispensing end part 53 of the flow axis X _em, be parallel to one another, between for example from 24mm to 32mm They are offset from each other by a distance c.

In FIG. 5, the longitudinal axes X _res and X _em are preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis Z of the refiller 20 and parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the support 83 defined by the peripheral edge 83a. It may extend in the plane M shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the dispensing end piece 53 comprises a number of dispensing orifices 68 arranged in line with each other to deliver the product along the applicator member 15. Also good.

The dispensing orifices 68 or these dispensing orifices 68 may be elongated slots along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X _em of the dispensing end piece 53, as shown in FIG. 7A. In a variation, and preferably, as shown in FIG. 7B, the orifice 68 is oriented along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing end piece 53. The center of gravity of the dispensing orifice 68 is preferably aligned along a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis X _em of the dispensing end piece 53. The length p of each dispensing end piece 68 can range from 1 mm to 5 mm. These dispensing orifices 68 may have the same length and may be evenly distributed along the dispensing end piece 53. The distance w between two successive dispensing orifices 68 is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm.

  Preferably, the dispensing end piece 53 is elastically deformable so that the internal volume can be increased to gather before the product coming from the container 23 is dispensed, and the dispensing orifice 68 is in volume Designed to open only after such an increase. Accordingly, it is possible to spread the dispensing of the product over a period of time longer than the time during which the operation of filling the dispensing end piece 53 continues.

  Extending the dispensing of the product is useful to ensure that the application is as uniform as possible correctly along the tuft to be processed and to reduce the risk of the product being present in an inappropriate amount.

  Preferably, the system for supplying the applicator member is such that the dispensing of the product after jaws 3 and 4 have been brought together has been in excess of 10 seconds, in particular 10 seconds to 30 seconds, for example 20 seconds. It is designed to last for an average period of time, that is, for the treatment of tufts for most users.

  A specific simple and effective way to obtain a stretched dispense of a product is to use an elastomeric material having a hardness of Shore 55, for example, a dispense end piece 53 in the form of a tube closed at one end. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a large number of parts are used in the form of slots that can be closed under no load and opened by elastic deformation under the pressure of the upstream product, as shown in FIGS. Providing an orifice 68. The slot is preferably made by cutting so that it closes properly in an unloaded condition.

  Dispensing end piece 53 has a wall thickness between 0.3 mm and 2 mm, for example, has an inner diameter of 3.2 mm and an outer diameter of 5 mm, from silicon or some other such as EPDM (rubber) A tubular body made of a material is provided.

  Preferably, the applicator member 15 contacts the dispensing end piece 53 next to the orifice 68, thereby absorbing as soon as the product to be delivered exits.

  The container 23 may be disposable. In a variant, the refiller 20 may comprise a valve (not shown) for filling the container 23 and fills the container 23 when the container 23 is empty or to some extent empty Make it possible.

  The dispensing end part 53 is supplied with the aid of a flap valve pump 103 carried by the replenisher 20. The handpiece 2 activates this flap valve pump 103 when, for example, the two arms 5 and 6 are mated, or in the alternative, with the help of an actuating member that can be actuated by the user independently of the arm misalignment. Produced to do.

  The flap valve pump 103 may comprise a septum 105 positioned opposite the actuating member, eg, height adjustable, so that the amount of product delivered by the pump 103 in each actuation can be controlled. The pump chamber 114 may have bellows if appropriate.

  The flap valve pump 103 comprises a body made of an integral part of end parts 109 and 111 that function to connect to the container 23 and the duct 65, respectively, to create a dispensing end part 53.

  The flap valve pump 103 includes a pump chamber 114 partially defined by a diaphragm 105.

  The end piece 109 for connection to the container 23 contains an inlet valve (not shown) that opens when the volume of the pump chamber 114 increases and closes again when this volume shrinks during operation of the diaphragm 105. May be. The pump 103 may comprise an outlet valve that can be integrated into the pump 103, which is located, for example, in the region of the end piece 93 for connection to the duct 65.

  In a variant, the outlet valve is formed by the dispensing orifice 68 of the dispensing end piece 53 and opens under the influence of the upstream product pressure, thanks to the inherent elasticity of the material from which the duct 65 is made, Close again when pressure is reduced.

  The replenisher 20 may include a support 83 that receives at least the dispensing end piece 53, which allows the dispensing end piece 53 to be positioned relative to the container 23 and the flap valve pump 103. To do.

  Where appropriate, the container 23 can be fastened to the pump 103 with an O-ring seal 116 present at the inlet end piece 109, as shown in FIG.

  When the diaphragm 105 is deformed by being pressed against the operating escape portion 95 in the lower arm 6, the internal volume of the pump chamber 114 is reduced. The inlet valve is closed and the product is flushed towards the dispensing end piece 53. The outlet orifice 68 can open under the influence of product pressure and closes again when the pressure drops following product discharge.

  As the operating relief 95 moves away from the diaphragm 105, the diaphragm returns to its initial shape due to its inherent elasticity, resulting in an increase in the volume of the pump chamber 114, and the pump chamber 114 returns to its initial volume. A corresponding reduction in pressure causes the inlet valve to open and allow the product coming from the container 23 to enter.

Flap 18, about the longitudinal axis Y is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X ₁ of the upper arm 5, or, in a variant, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the longitudinal direction of the upper arm 5 a axis Y transverse to axis X _1, for example, parallel to the articulation pin of the lower arm 6 and the upper arm 5, more preferably about an axis which coincides with the joint pin may be articulated. It may be advantageous that the articulation of the swivel flap is the same as the articulation of the arm, since this makes it easier to manufacture the handpiece 2.

However, the flap 18 is manufactured flap 18 to be articulated about the longitudinal axis X ₁ and substantially parallel to the axis of the arm 5, which can reduce the total length, required to strengthen the flap 18 This is preferable because the property can be reduced.

  The flap 18 may be articulated around a fixed axis of rotation, or in a variant, the movement of the joint may be more complex, in particular with a surface in contact with the flap 18, for example. In order to ensure parallelism with the base of the arm 5 carrying the flap 18, this may be done thanks to a hinge 28 that allows not only pure rotational movement but also translational movement. In this case, the hinge 28 is, for example, a bearing with a somewhat oval hole through which the indirect pin can move, optionally attached so that the pin abuts one end of the oval housing. You may have a bearing with an elastic return member that tends to bias.

  Where appropriate, a window may be provided so that the user can see how empty the container 23 is. In a variant, each operation that brings the jaws 3 and 4 closer together increases a counter that is initialized to the installation of a new refiller 20, which is imminent when the container 23 is completely empty. Can be used to alert the user that The counter assumes that there is a dead volume that needs to be filled before the product is dispensed, and that the jaws 3 and 4 are activated a specific number of times before the product penetrates the applicator member 15. When necessary, it may be used to signal the user that the product is ready to be dispensed. When movement of the jaws 3 and 4 into one is electrically detected, a count can be electronically provided by the base station.

  In a further variant, the system for supplying the product to the applicator member 15 is electrically operated, thanks to an electric motor housed in the arm 5 or possibly in an assembly forming the refiller 20. It is driven by.

Where appropriate, refiller 20 may comprise an identifier that is recognized by the device, which allows at least one of the following additional functions.
-Automatic adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the device, depending on product property information by the base station, following identification recognition.
-Display of information that guides the user in operation carried out depending on the nature of the product contained in the replenisher 20.
-Assuming that the device knows how many doses are dispensed, for example by counting the number of times jaws 3 and 4 are mated, information on the capacity of the fitted container 23 and the product Output of a signal that warns the user when it is used up.
-The device transitions to a predetermined state when the presence of the container 23 is not detected, for example the output of a warning signal.
-Prevention of driving when an identifier with an authentication function cannot be recognized.

  The refiller 20 may be identified mechanically and / or electronically. In the electronic case, the replenisher 20 may carry an electronic chip containing useful information and the arms 5 or 6 may carry corresponding reading means.

  In the illustrated example, two heating elements 120, which can be seen in FIG. 10, are respectively carried by the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 and each have a plate that defines a hot surface 125 for contacting the hair. And 122 ensure heat treatment.

  The plates of the heating elements 120 and 122 are made from any material suitable for the process to be performed, such as metal, ceramic, or glass.

  The surface condition of the plate of the heating elements 120 and 122 in the area in contact with the hair depends on the desired treatment, and preferably the plate is smooth if the device is intended to straighten the hair.

  The length of the plate delimits the treatment area perpendicular to the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 relative to the hair. The hot surface 125 defined by the plate is, for example, flat and has a rectangular outline.

  One of the plates is mounted, for example, in a manner that is fixed to the corresponding arm, and the other is that the plates extend parallel to each other and to the median treatment surface in a closed configuration of the jaws. By using a ball joint as much as possible, it is mounted by the articulation technique. Where appropriate, at least one of the plates is placed on one of the arms 5 and 6 indicated by the structure forming the spring.

  The heating elements 120 and 122 are preferably powered by the base station with temperature controlled thanks to one or more sensors located near the heating resistor or in contact with the plate. Each electrical resistance may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the treatment with steam is ensured thanks to an evaporating member consisting of a resistive element provided in the evaporating chamber supplied with water by the base station. The base station may comprise an electric pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, that draws water sent from the water container to the handpiece 2. The pump is disclosed in Patent Document 4, for example.

  The evaporation chamber can be made according to the teachings in US Pat.

  The evaporation chamber is arranged on one of the arms, i.e. the lower arm 6 in this example, and the vapor outlet is provided on the same arm 6.

In the illustrated example, the steam outlet is in the form of a slope 128 having a shape that is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X ₂ of the lower arm 6.

  The ramp 128 may have several orifices for spraying steam, for example between 6 and 10 orifices, which are preferably evenly distributed along the ramp 128 and are Each has an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the treatment surface.

  The evaporation member is powered by the base station, and the temperature sensor is advantageously arranged in the evaporation chamber. The base station may be constructed to control the power supply of the evaporation member in order to maintain the temperature of the vapor leaving the evaporation chamber at a value between 110 ° C and 130 ° C.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, the applicator member 15 is disposed opposite the opposing support surface 130 defined by the block carried by the lower arm 6. This opposing support surface 130 is preferably in the form of a substantially rotating semi-cylinder with a generatrix parallel to the longitudinal axis X ₂ of the lower arm 6. In a variation, the opposing support surface 130 can be a roller.

  The counter-supporting surface 130 can help direct the vapor exiting the ramp 128 toward the hair.

  When the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, the counter-support surface 130 will abut against the applicator member 15, and preferably the counter-support surface 130, for example over a distance k between 1 mm and 5 mm. The member 15 is slightly compressed.

  The radius of curvature r of the opposing support surface 130 measured about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm is, for example, between 2 mm and 10 mm.

  The counter-support surface 130 may be able to move relative to the jaw 4 that carries it, the movement of the counter-support surface 130 being, for example, a product dispensed while the arms 5 and 6 are offset It may be controlled by a regulating member, such as one that regulates the amount of. Preferably, the restricting member acts on the height of the opposing support surface 130. When the restricting member is in a position that does not actuate the pump, the opposing support surface can reach its maximum height and therefore can be in the position of maximum applicator member 15 compression. This configuration can allow the applicator member to be wiped after use.

  The opposing support surface 130 may be defined by a member designed to define a protective cap for the applicator member 15 when not in use. Thus, this member may partially, preferably entirely, cover the applicator member 15 in order to promote protection of the product still penetrating the applicator member 15.

The handpiece 2 may comprise a comb (not shown) that is preferably removably fastened to the lower arm 6. This comb is made, for example, from a rigid thermoplastic material and has an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis X ₂ of the lower arm 6.

  The presence of the comb is advantageous in that the comb divides the tufts into bundles, which tends to increase the contact surface of the hair with the hot surface 125 and improve the straightening operation. Dividing the tuft also increases the surface area for exchange with steam and cosmetic products, benefiting treatment effectiveness. Combs also help to increase the traction exerted on the hair, which can improve hair shaping, especially when straightening. The comb can also help to homogenize the product placed upstream in the hair by the applicator member 15.

  Preferably, the part of the hair that is introduced between the jaws 3 and 4 and moves relative to the jaws 3 and 4 when the handpiece 2 is pulled in the direction D from the root of the hair to the tip is applied to the applicator. Passing between the member 15 and the opposing support surface 130 is continuously exposed to the cosmetic product, passing along the slope 128 for spraying the steam, continuously exposed to the steam, and the heating surface 125 The device is fabricated so that it is continuously exposed to heat treatment by passing between them.

  The handpiece 2 may advantageously have on its top a sign visible to the user, such as an arrow, that informs the user of the correct direction of movement of the device.

  Steam treatment can improve the penetration of products placed upstream in the hair. The heat treatment makes it possible to dry the hair and to fix the shape of the hair.

  Numerous modifications can be made to the apparatus described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In a variant not shown, there is no hot surface 125 associated with the heating elements 120 and 122 and the device only provides for the application of cosmetic products and exposure to steam, for example in the context of hair care or dyeing processes. Designed to be

  There may be a plurality of heating elements 120 and 122 on each of the arms 5 and 6, which can use the handpiece 2 in any direction of movement on the hair, if appropriate. The apparatus may maintain a preferred direction of movement D during processing, even when there are multiple heating elements 120 and 122 on each of the arms 5 or 6.

  Heating elements 120 and 122 carried by one and the same arm 5 or 6 may comprise plates of the same width and act simultaneously.

  In order to obtain a symmetrical treatment regardless of the direction of movement, the device may also comprise two steam outlets between the hot surfaces 120 and 122 on either side of the member 15 for applying the cosmetic product. Good.

  If there are a plurality of heating elements 120 and 122 in each of the arms 5 and 6, the member 15 for applying the cosmetic product may be arranged away from the heating elements 120 and 122 and only one steam outlet is provided. It exists between the boards.

  Movement over the hair is preferably carried out to ensure that the cosmetic product is placed first.

  In a variant not shown, at least one of the heating elements 120 and 122 is moved along the tress in which the handpiece 2 is processed and can rotate in contact with the hair, for example when in the form of a rotating cylinder. Produced as possible. The other heating elements 120 and 122 may have a concavely curved shape suitable for accommodating the rollers when the jaws 3 and 4 are mated.

  The vapor spray direction may not be perpendicular to the median treatment surface, for example, having an inclination of 0 ° to 20 ° with respect to the normal to increase the area impinged by the vapor jet. The jet exiting each exit orifice on the bevel (also known as a nozzle) may be sufficiently divergent so that there is a substantially uniform exposure of the tuft in the direction of its width.

  The device according to the invention is preferably used with a base station, and in a variant, the handpiece 2 is autonomous and comprises a reservoir for the water necessary to produce steam.

  The cosmetic product applied by the device according to the invention may be any kind of hair care product. The expression cosmetic hair care product means a composition comprising one or more active ingredients for the use of hair care, in particular as defined in Directive 93/35 / EEC dated 14 June 1993. Means a good product. Water in liquid or gaseous form without any additives for hair care use does not constitute a cosmetic product within the meaning of the invention. The cosmetic product may be intended to make it easier to shape the hair. Examples of active ingredients are provided in paragraphs [0031] and [0032] in Patent Document 6, for example. The product may have an aqueous or non-aqueous base.

  In the example described so far, the cosmetic product is not heated except by heat loss due to the presence of the heating elements 120 and 122 and the spraying of steam between the jaws 3 and 4. In one variation, the cosmetic product is, for example, a sheath body through which the product passes, a sheath body disposed in a container, or a sheath body in contact with the container to increase the temperature of the cosmetic product prior to application. It is heated by a specific heating means such as a heating resistance printed on. This increase in temperature can have the effect of reducing the viscosity of the product and making it easier to apply the product.

  The applicator member 15 may be made of any method other than foam, such as felt, glass material, or brush.

  The refiller 20 is positioned in a removable manner on the applicator head 25, in particular on the applicator member 15, to protect the applicator member 15 from the outside environment when not in use to apply the product. At least one closure member may be provided. The closure member may be able to be applied to the refiller 20 when the refiller 20 is in the handpiece 2 or not. When the replenisher 20 is positioned in the housing 33 of the handpiece 2, the closing member can cover the applicator member 15. The closure member may be separable from the device, and in a variant may be an element that is permanently present in the device. The member defining the counter-support surface 130 may be removable and may act as a member for closing the refiller 20, especially when rotated.

  Due to the longitudinal configuration of the refiller 20, the dispensing of the product through the uniformly sized and evenly distributed dispensing orifices 68 is not constant. The dispensing orifice in the vicinity of the container is exposed to greater pressure than the dispensing orifice located at the end, resulting in a wider opening and dispensing more product towards the applicator member 15. The following variants make it possible to make the dispensing of the product towards the applicator member 15 along the dispensing end piece 53 more uniform.

  The dispensing orifices 68 of the dispensing end piece 53 are spaced apart by a different distance w in the variant as shown in FIG. 11, so that the density of the dispensing orifice 68 depends on the position in the dispensing end piece 53. Change with. Preferably, the density of the dispensing orifice 68 increases with increasing distance from the container 23 so that the product can be dispensed uniformly in the direction of the applicator member 15.

  The dispensing orifice 68 of the dispensing end piece 53 has a different width p depending on the position in the dispensing end piece 53 in a variant as shown in FIG. Preferably, the width p of the dispensing orifice increases with increasing distance from the container 23 so that the product can be dispensed uniformly in the direction of the applicator member 15.

  In a modification, the opposing support surface 130 is inclined with respect to the applicator member 15 in order to cause the applicator member 15 to exert different pressures. Preferably, the pressure exerted on the applicator member 15 by the opposing support surface 130 is such that the product can be evenly dispensed into the tress of hair introduced between the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6. In addition, it increases with increasing distance from the container 23.

  The device can be used by moving the jaws 3 and 4 along the tress to straighten the hair. The device can be used by winding the tuft around part 3 or 4 by sliding the device over jaw 3 or 4 in order to curl the hair.

  The apparatus may be used at high temperatures without steam generation or with heating elements 120 or 122 not activated.

  In one variant, the steam outlet and applicator member 15 occupy substantially the same position relative to the direction D of movement of the device over the hair strand. In this case, the steam outlet orifice is formed, for example, through a counter-supporting surface against which the applicator member 15 is pressed when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed.

  In the illustrated example, vapor generation occurs in the lower arm 6 and product application occurs in the upper arm 5. This configuration may be reversed.

  It is possible that the dispensing end piece 53 may not be elastically deformable, and the product may be dispensed only during movement of the jaws 3 and 4 together. An elastically deformable chamber for collecting the product may be interposed in the product path between the pressing element 95 and the duct 65 against which the dispensing end piece 53 presses, this chamber being, for example, an elastically deformable tube Can be elastically deformable or moveable with part of, or without inherent elasticity, but continues to dispense product as soon as jaws 3 and 4 are mated with deformation to accommodate increased volume It is formed by a diaphragm that abuts against an elastic return member that generates the pressure required for the operation.

  The housing in the device that receives the replenisher may comprise at least one light source.

  This light source can allow the user to see that a refiller is present while the device is in operation.

  If the replenisher is made at least partly from a material that allows the cosmetic product contained therein to be viewed, the light source allows the user to determine the height of the cosmetic product remaining in the replenisher. Can be made easier.

  Thus, it will be appreciated that it is advantageous to make a refiller with at least a portion of a container made of a transparent or translucent material and to place a light source to illuminate the container.

  Preferably, the flap has a window that allows at least the illuminated portion of the container to be viewed so that the user can know the level of product remaining while the flap is in the closed position. Where appropriate, the color of the light source can be varied depending on certain parameters, for example to signal that the processing temperature has been reached or that the product level or water level is low.

  The expression “comprising” should be understood as synonymous with “comprising at least one” and the limits are included in the full range of the indicated value.

2 handpiece
3, 4 jaw
5 Upper arm
6 Lower arm
8 joints, joint pins
10, 11 Half handle
13 lines
15 Applicator member
18 Swivel flap
18a Proximal part
18b distal part
18c middle part
20 Refiller
23 containers
25 heads
28 Hinge
31 tabs
32 Joint relief
33 Enclosure
36 opening
53 Dispensing end parts
65 Duct
68 dispensing orifice
80 Relief part
83 Support
83a Perimeter edge
93 End parts
95 Pushing element, operating relief
103 flap valve pump
105 Diaphragm
109 End parts
111 End parts
114 Pump room
116 O-ring seal
120, 122 heating elements
125 Hot surface
128 slopes
130 Opposing support surface
c Distance
D Direction of movement
k distance
M plane
p length
w interval
X _1, X ₂ longitudinal axis
X _em , X _res longitudinal axis
Y Longitudinal axis
Z Longitudinal axis α Angular distance

Claims (22)

A replenisher (20) for an appliance for treating hair, comprising:
A container (23) for storing hair care products;
A dispensing end part (53) for dispensing the product contained in the container (23);
A replenisher comprising: at least one component of a flap valve pump that supplies a product stored in the container (23) to the dispensing end part.   Along the longitudinal axis (Z), the at least one component is positioned between the container (23) and the dispensing end part (53) along the longitudinal axis (Z). The replenisher according to claim 1. Extending said container along the longitudinal axis (X _res), wherein the longitudinal axis (X _res) length L _res of the container as measured along the is measured along the same axis (X _res) The replenisher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the replenisher is less than or equal to a full length L _rech of the replenisher. The dispensing end piece (53) and the replenisher have respective longitudinal axes (X _em , X _res ) that do not coincide but in particular are parallel, according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Replenisher.   The refiller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacity of the container is between 2 ml and 20 ml.   6. The refiller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the volume of the hair care product delivered in each actuation of the flap valve pump is between 0.01 ml and 0.5 ml.   The refiller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flap valve pump has a pump chamber and an elastically deformable diaphragm that at least partially defines the pump chamber.   The replenisher according to claim 7, wherein the flap valve pump (95) is of the airless type.   The replenisher according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising an inlet valve disposed upstream of the pump chamber and opening in a direction of flow from the container to the pump chamber.   10. Replenisher according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising an outlet valve arranged downstream of the pump chamber and opening in the direction of flow from the pump chamber to the dispensing end part (53).   The dispensing end part has at least one dispensing orifice, more preferably a plurality of dispensing orifices, the dispensing orifice being closed in particular under no load and exerted by the hair care product. The dispensing orifice is made through a wall which is in particular deformable and preferably defined by a flexible duct, the flexible duct A replenisher according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in particular connected to the pump chamber at one of its ends.   12. The refiller according to claim 11, wherein the dispensing orifice (68) is formed by at least one slot having edges that are joined in an unloaded state.   13. Refiller according to claim 10 and 11 or 12, wherein the dispensing orifice forms the outlet valve.   11. Refiller according to claim 9 and 10, wherein the flap valve pump is formed by a single piece comprising the pump chamber and at least one of the inlet valve and the outlet valve.   15. Replenisher according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing end piece (53) is prefilled with the hair care product.   An applicator member to which product is supplied by the dispensing end piece, the applicator member preferably covering at least part of the dispensing end piece, the applicator member preferably comprising a porous material, and 16. A replenisher according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a material capable of releasing or diffusing a cosmetic product, in particular an open-cell foam.   Carrying the dispensing end piece and / or the flap valve pump and / or the container, more preferably comprising the dispensing end piece, the flap valve pump, and a support (83) carrying the container, The replenisher according to any one of claims 1 to 16.   18. A replenisher according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a member for closing the replenisher (20) when not in use. An apparatus (2) for treating hair,
At least two arms (5) that can move relative to each other between an offset configuration for treating the hair and a spaced configuration for inserting the strands of hair to be treated between each other 6)
19. A device comprising a replenisher (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 carried on at least one of the arms (5; 6).   20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the close-up of the arms (5, 6) actuates the flap valve pump (95).   The arm (6; 5) opposite to the one arm carrying the replenisher (20) has a relief (96) for operating the flap valve pump (95) in the offset configuration of the arm. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the relief (96) protrudes to a degree that is adjustable by a user depending on the dose to be dispensed.   A strainer, the two arms (5, 6) each comprising a heating element (120, 122), the heating element (120, 122) preferably having a hot surface (125) for contacting the hair 22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, each comprising a defining plate.

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