WO2007025918A2

WO2007025918A2 - Applicator for a hair product

Info

Publication number: WO2007025918A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/065584
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Habatjou
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2005-08-29
Filing date: 2006-08-23
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: WO2007025918A3

Abstract

The present invention concerns an applicator for the application of a product, in particular a hair product, on keratinic fibres, including: a container intended to hold the product, an applicator element (2) intended to be placed in fluid communication with the container to apply said product on the keratinic fibres, the applicator element extending on a longitudinal axis (X), a holder (3) intended to be connected to a grasping element (42), said grasping element extending on a longitudinal axis (Y) forming a non-zero angle (α) with the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator element, and a retaining member (6), mobile relative to the holder (3), configured to enable the user to hold the keratinic fibres in contact with the applicator element (2) during application.

Description

The present invention concerns applicators for hair products, for example colouring, bleaching or hair care products.

Applicators for hair products are described in patents EP-B l-O 251 190, JP 2002-165630, US 2,895,486 and US 4,602,651. US Patent 2,895,486 teaches the use of a foam roller to apply the product, the roller extending on a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of a container holding the product to be applied. Treatment of the hair by means of such an applicator can prove impractical, particularly when the user wishes to apply the product to his/her own hair. US Patent 3,368,569 and patent applications WO 2004/057997, FR 2 769 806 and JP 2002-165630 disclose combs for the application of hair products. With these combs it can be difficult to obtain a uniform treatment of the hair, given the inability to achieve a totally even distribution of the product on the hair. Moreover, the flow of product can be uneven and difficult to control. There is therefore a need to provide a novel applicator that is relatively inexpensive to make, easy to use, and which optionally enables the user to treat his/her own hair and in so doing obtain a satisfactory result.

Thus the object of the invention is an applicator for the application of a product, in particular a hair product, on the keratinic fibres including: - a container intended to hold the product;

- an applicator element intended to be placed in fluid communication with the container for application of the product on keratinic fibres, the applicator element extending on a longitudinal axis,

- a holder intended to be connected to a grasping element, said grasping element extending on a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, and

- a retaining member, mobile relative to the holder, configured to enable the user to hold the keratinic fibres in contact with the applicator element during application. A further object of the invention is an applicator for the application of a product, in particular a hair product, on the keratinic fibres including:

- a container intended to hold the product,

- an applicator element intended to be placed in fluid communication with the container for application of the product on the keratinic fibres, the applicator element extending on a longitudinal axis,

- a grasping element extending on a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the applicator element,

- a holder intended to be connected to the grasping element, and - a retaining member, mobile relative to the holder, configured to enable the user to hold the keratinic fibres in contact with the applicator element during application.

The container can serve as a grasping element.

The container can be housed in the grasping element, the holder being traversed by at least one channel enabling the product to circulate from the container to the applicator element.

The applicator element can be attached to the container. According to another embodiment, the applicator element and the container can be made in a single piece.

The container can include an open upper part closed off by a cap. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the applicator element and the longitudinal axis of the grasping element can be greater than 45°, said longitudinal axes being advantageously perpendicular. The holder can be elbowed, for example at an angle of about 90°, so that for example the longitudinal axis of the applicator element is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grasping element. The angle formed between the longitudinal axes of the applicator element and the grasping element facilitates manipulation during application of the product. The application can thus be more precise, particularly when the user treats his/her own hair. Furthermore, the applicator element can enable the product to be properly distributed on the hair. The product can in particular be dispensed after passing through the applicator element, which can render the flow more even and can enable a more uniform application to be obtained. By virtue of its mobility, the retaining member facilitates the take-up of a lock of hair and the retention thereof against the applicator element during application of the product. The retaining member can be oriented as desired by the user, enabling him/her to apply a variable force on the hair and to press it more or less firmly against the applicator element, depending on the desired result. The retaining member can be moved by the user during application and, in the embodiments of the invention described below, is not used to comb or separate the hair.

The container can include a flexible wall allowing the user, by pressing the wall, to force the product to move towards the applicator element. The container can include a threaded neck intended to engage with a screw thread on the holder.

The holder can include a perforator element which can be useful in cases where the container is sealed by a cover strip before use. This cover strip can be pierced at the moment when the container is attached to the holder, thereby providing complete hygiene and great ease of use.

The applicator element can be detachably mounted on the holder. The applicator element can be interchangeable, being chosen for example as a function of the product to be applied. The user can thus have at his/her disposal several applicator elements intended for the application of different colours, for example. As the case may be, the holder can include a detachable part carrying the applicator element. This can for example enable a rotary applicator element to be replaced by a non-rotary applicator element, and vice versa. This detachable part can be elbowed.

The applicator element can include a porous material. The applicator element can include fibres, in particular fibres permeable to the product applied. These fibres can be made of a synthetic or natural material. The fibres can be loose, in the form of a brush, being then oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holder, or agglomerated in the form of felt. The fibres can be arranged in at least one bundle, preferably bevel cut. The use of fibres can enable a more precise and/or deeper application, in particular as far as the roots of the hair. The retaining member can be configured to come into contact with the fibre bundle at its end or in proximity thereto.

The applicator element can be a roller, which is advantageously rotatable. Rotation of the roller can further improve the distribution of product.

The roller can be made of an open-cell or semi-open-cell foam, an agglomerate material, a metal, or with fibres.

The roller can be made at least partially of a thermoplastic material, in particular a polyolefin, an acrylic or cellulose polymer, a polycarbonate, a polyamide, a styrene polymer, a vinyl polymer, PETP, and mixtures thereof, expanded or non- expanded.

The applicator element can be flocked, as the case may be.

In embodiments of the invention, the applicator element is different from a comb, and more particularly different from a comb including hollow teeth in which the product to be applied can circulate, or from a comb including orifices designed to feed the product between the teeth.

The holder can include at least one outlet orifice, in particular a plurality of orifices, enabling the product to emerge from the aforementioned channel and enabling product to be fed to the applicator element. The choice of the size and distribution of the orifices can be made as a function of the flowrate desired during application, for example. The orifices can emerge directly against an inner face of the applicator element, so that the latter is traversed at least partially by the product.

When the applicator element is rotatable and rotates about a hollow pin on the holder, the orifices can be distributed along this hollow pin. The applicator can include a flange to prevent the product present on the applicator element from flowing towards the rest of the holder.

The applicator can include a retaining member to hold the applicator element on the holder, which can also serve to form the channel at one end. This retaining member includes a screw for example.

The retaining member can be mounted on the holder by means of a pivot. The retaining member is for example rotatable about a geometric axis of rotation extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, in particular when the applicator element is rotatable. The pivot can be located on the holder between the grasping element and the applicator element. The pivot can be located between the container and applicator element.

The retaining member can include a handle on which the user can exert pressure to press the keratinic fibres against the applicator element, the fibres being thereby pinched between the applicator element and the retaining member. This handle can also be configured to apply pressure on the container when the user presses thereon to hold the keratinic fibres against the applicator element.

The retaining member can include a pressing rod extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, the retaining member being for example elbowed and the pressing rod being formed by the distal branch of the elbow.

The pressing rod can be configured so as to bear against a roller or against the end of the fibre bundle or in proximity thereto. When the applicator element is a bevel-cut bundle of fibres, the pressing rod can in particular extend substantially parallel to the edge of the bevel. The retaining member can present a surface in contact with the keratinic fibres that is not entirely smooth, incorporating for example at least one projection arranged so as to cause the keratinic fibres in contact therewith to be displaced laterally.

The pressing rod is traversed for example by at least one helical projection. The presence of such a projection can for example cause the keratinic fibres to move laterally, in response to a pulling movement exerted by the user. The pressing rod can include a collar located for example in proximity to the aforementioned flange on the holder. The displacement of the keratinic fibres in contact with the pressing rod can take place in the direction of this collar.

Another object of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for the application of a product on keratinic fibres including:

- an applicator element to apply the product, extending on a longitudinal axis,

- a holder intended to be connected to a container holding the product to be applied, the container being fixed on the holder with its longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, the holder being traversed by at least one channel allowing the product to circulate from the container to the applicator element, and

- a mobile retaining member configured to enable the user to hold the keratinic fibres in contact with the applicator element during application.

A further object of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator including:

- a holder arranged to receive a container holding the product to be applied,

- an applicator element permeable to the product to be applied, including a foam, an agglomerate material or fibres, the applicator element preferably being fed with product so that the latter passes at least partially through the applicator element before being dispensed onto the keratinic fibres to be treated,

- a retaining member enabling the keratinic fibres to be pressed against the applicator element.

An applicator of this kind can make it possible to control the flow and evenness of the product and can enable it to be applied uniformly. The applicator element can include a roller or a bundle of fibres such as defined above.

- a holder arranged to receive a container holding the product to be applied, - an applicator element mounted rotatably on the holder, supplied with product from the container, and

- a mobile retaining member enabling the keratinic fibres to be pressed against the applicator element. Rotation of the applicator element can render the distribution of product more uniform.

The retaining member is advantageously such as defined above, including a pressing rod.

- a holder arranged to receive a container holding the product to be applied,

- a resiliency deformable applicator element,

- a mobile retaining member enabling the keratinic fibres to be pressed against the applicator element. The resilience of the applicator element can enable the keratinic fibres to be pinched with the retaining member, facilitating the charging of the fibres with product, while at the same time allowing them to slide relative to the applicator element. The pinching effect is not excessive by virtue of the deformability of the applicator element. The applicator element can be a foam, a felt material or a bundle of fibres, in particular a brush.

The applicator can include a product fluidification system. Said product fluidification system can include vibration generating means connected to a power source. The power source can be housed in the grasping element. The vibration generating means can be provided on said container. According to an additional or alternative embodiment, said vibration generating means are provided on said cap.

The applicator can include a container holding a colouring product for the hair. A further object of the invention is a method of treating the hair in which at least one lock of hair is treated with the product held in the container of an applicator such as defined above, the lock of hair being pinched between the applicator element and the retaining member. The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of non-limitative embodiments thereof, and by reference to the attached drawing in which:

- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic partial view, from above, of an applicator according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a diagrammatic and partial longitudinal cross-section of the applicator in Figure 1 , in the process of being used,

- Figure 3 is a diagrammatic and partial perspective view of the applicator in Figures 1 and 2,

- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, with the applicator element removed, and

- Figure 5 is a diagrammatic and partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment,

- Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another embodiment of an applicator according to the invention, - Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the applicator shown in Figure 6,

- Figure 8 is a diagrammatic transverse sectional view of the part of the applicator shown in Figure 7.

Figure 1 depicts an applicator 1 for the application of a product, in particular a hair product, on keratinic fibres, in particular the hair.

The applicator 1 includes an applicator element 2 to apply the product, which extends on a longitudinal axis X, and a holder 3 intended to be connected to a grasping element 42. The applicator can also include the grasping element 42. According to an embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the grasping element 42 can define or receive a container 4 holding the product, or according to another embodiment depicted in Figure 6 can define a housing 41 for different elements that will be described later. This grasping element extends on a longitudinal axis Y.

In reference to Figures 1 and 2, the holder 3 is configured so that the grasping element 42, and thus the container 4, is attached to the holder 3 with the longitudinal axis Y of the grasping element forming a non-zero angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the applicator element 2.

In the example described the angle α is substantially equal to 90°, but the scope of the present invention is not exceeded if it is otherwise, the angle α being preferably greater than 45°.

The holder 3 is traversed by a channel 5 enabling the product to circulate from the container 3 towards the applicator element 2.

In the example in Figures 1 to 4, the applicator element 2 is a roller, made of an open-cell or semi-open-cell foam. The applicator element 2 can also be made of an agglomerate material or a metal, for example, being preferably permeable to the product and resiliently deformable.

The applicator element 2 is made of a material compatible with the product to be applied, for example a thermoplastic material. The applicator element 2 can in particular be made with acrylic, cellulose, vinyl or styrene polymers, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyolefins, PETP, and mixtures thereof, expanded or non-expanded.

In the example considered, the applicator element 2 is carried by a hollow pin 33 of an elbowed portion 30 of the holder 3, traversed by the channel 5.

The hollow pin 33 extends on the axis X and includes orifices 20 spaced at intervals to facilitate the emergence of the product from the channel 5 towards the applicator element 2, as can be seen in Figure 4.

The diameter of the orifices 20 is for example between 0.10 and 5 mm, being chosen for example as a function of the viscosity of the product and the desired flowrate. The elbowed portion 30 is for example detachably mounted on the rest of the holder, by any means of attachment such as for example snap-on, clamping or screwing.

In the example described the applicator element 2 is detachably mounted on the elbowed portion 30, being for example held thereon by a retaining element 19 such as a screw, the head of which is sufficiently wide to hold the applicator element 2 against a flange 18 located on the hollow pin 33 on the side opposite the screw 19.

The inner face of the applicator element 12 is positioned against the orifices 20 with a sufficient amount of play so as not to impede rotation about the axis X, but small enough so that the product passes through the applicator element before being dispensed onto the hair fibres.

The retaining member 6 is mounted on the holder 3 by a pivot 21 , and can pivot about a geometric pivot axis Z perpendicular to the axis Y and parallel to the axis X. The retaining member 6 includes on one side of its pivot 21 a handle 23 and on the other side an elbowed portion of which the distal branch is formed by a pressing rod 25, which extends parallel to the holder 3, and which enables the keratinic fibres, in particular the hair, to be held against the applicator element 2, when the user moves the handle 23 in the direction of the container 4. The pressing rod 25 is situated for example substantially at the same distance from the axis Z as the axis X.

The pressing rod 25 can include at least one projection facilitating the lateral movement of the hair in contact therewith.

The pressing rod 25 can in particular include at least one projection making it possible, in response to a pulling movement exerted by the user, to displace the keratinic fibres towards one end of the pressing rod including a collar 27 located in proximity to the flange 18.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the retaining member 6 can include a resilient spring return element for the handle 23, presented for example in the form of a flexible lug 28 which bears against the holder 3 and enables the retaining member 6 to be held off the applicator element, in the at-rest position, thereby facilitating the take- up of the keratinic fibres. The lug 28 is for example made by injection moulding in a single piece with the rest of the retaining member 6.

In the example described the container 4 includes a flexible wall 1 1 on which the user can press with the hand and/or with the handle 23.

The container includes a threaded neck 12 intended to cooperate in a leaktight manner with a threaded recess 13 on the holder, as can be seen in Figure 2.

The holder 3 includes a perforator element comprising a pointed rod 15, enabling a closure seal 16 arranged on the neck 12 of the container 4 to be pierced before first use of the latter. The rod 15 communicates with the channel 5, so that the product present in the container 4 is able to flow into the channel 5 in the direction of the applicator element 2.

The applicator element 2 need not be rotatable. The applicator element 2 can in particular include fibres, as illustrated for example in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the applicator element 2 includes a bundle of fibres bevel cut in the form of a baish, which can for example enable the roots of the hair to be reached more easily.

The pressing rod 25 can be located in proximity to the edge 31 of the fibre bundle, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator element in the example illustrated, the bundle being relatively wide.

As the case may be, the applicator is presented to the user with at least two different applicator elements, for example a roller and a fibre bundle, each carried by a detachable portion of the holder. The user can choose the applicator element as a function of the treatment to be applied. Figures 6 to 8 depict another embodiment of an applicator according to the present invention. This embodiment is distinguished from that described in reference to Figures 1 and 2 in that the container is not provided in the grasping element 42 but on the applicator element. The grasping element 42, together with a part of the holder 3, extends on a longitudinal axis Y while the applicator element extends on the longitudinal axis X. The angle α formed between the axes X and Y is non-zero, as depicted in Figure 6. Preferably this angle α is 90°.

In this embodiment the applicator element 2 includes an applicator portion surmounted by a container 4. The applicator element and the container are advantageously made in a single piece.

The applicator element can be presented in the form of a comb including a plurality of teeth having for example a generally pyramidal configuration. These teeth are spaced apart preferably in an equidistant manner.

The container 4 can extend upwardly from the applicator element. This container presents for example a generally rectangular parallelepipedic configuration and includes a lower part and an upper part.

The lower part is perforated and more particularly includes a plurality of product distribution apertures 34. These apertures are preferably provided in the spaces separating the different teeth of the applicator portion. Such apertures thus cause the inside of the container 4 to communicate with the applicator element. The teeth can perform the function of a means of guidance for the product dispensed from the container 4.

The upper part can define an opening which can be closed off by a lid 43.

Furthermore, the embodiment in Figure 6 is distinguished from the embodiments previously described in that the applicator includes a system of fluidification of the product to be dispensed. In the example shown, a system of this kind includes vibration generating means 40 connected to a power source 36 by electrical wires 39.

The vibration generating means 40 can include a piezo-electric system or a motor and flyweight system. These means are particularly adapted for the dispensing of products of high viscosity and/or of oily, gelatinous or paste consistency. More precisely, such means are particularly suitable for the dispensing of thixotropic products. Preferably these means are provided on the Hd 43 and/or on a sidewall of the container 4, so as to be in immediate proximity to the product held in the container and to induce adequate stirring of said product. Such means are intended to fluidise the product held in the container 4 thereby enabling it to pass through the product distribution apertures 34.

Once it has been dispensed, said product can revert to its initial consistency. A system of this kind thus facilitates the dispensing of high-viscosity product held in the container and also ensures effective distribution of the product on the hair of the person to be treated. Furthermore, a system of this kind makes it possible to save a considerable amount of time in applying the product.

In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the power source 36 and part of the electrical wires 39 are housed in the grasping element. In this example the power source 36 is a batteiy. However, it will be noted that all types of energy storage devices or power sources can be used.

As the case may be, the vibration source can optionally be powered from the mains via a suitable transformer.

The electrical wires 39 connect said power source to the vibration generating means. These wires preferably extend from the inside of the grasping element, then inside a channel formed in the holder 3, to the vibration generating means. In addition, a switch 38 can be provided to enable selective actuation of the vibration generating means 40.

The switch 38 can be interposed between the batteiy 36 and the vibration generating means 40. Such a switch can be seated in a recess 37 formed in the thickness of the wall of the grasping element. This switch can be actuated manually by the user. Otherwise, according to another embodiment, actuation of the switch can result from the movement of the retaining member 6. In particular, this actuation can depend on the angular position of the retaining member 6 relative to the applicator element 2. For example, the switch can be activated when said retaining member 6 is in position holding the hair against the applicator element 2, and can be deactivated when said retaining member 6 is moved away from said applicator element 2.

It will be noted that the use of a system of fluidification of the product to be dispensed does not necessarily require the container to be provided in proximity to the applicator element 2. In fact, it is possible for example to equip an applicator with a product fluidifϊcation system as depicted in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, stirring of the product can take place at the outlet from the container 4, in the channel 5 or at the level of the applicator element 2.

The invention is not limited to the examples illustrated. It is possible for example to make the applicator element differently, for example using a flock material.

The expression "including one" should be understood as being synonymous with the expression "including at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. Applicator for the application of a product, in particular a hair product, on keratinic fibres, including:

- a container (4) intended to hold the product, - an applicator element (2) capable of being placed in fluid communication with the container to apply the product on keratinic fibres, the applicator element extending on a longitudinal axis (X),

- a holder (3 ) intended to be connected to a grasping element (42), said grasping element extending on a longitudinal axis (Y) forming a non-zero angle (α) with the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator element, and

- a retaining member (6), mobile relative to the holder (3 ), configured to enable the user to hold the keratinic fibres in contact with the applicator element (2) during application.

2. Applicator according to claim 1 , in which the container (4) is housed in the grasping element (42), the holder (3) being traversed by at least one channel (5 ) enabling the product to circulate from the container (4) to the applicator element (2).

3. Applicator according to claim 2, in which the holder (3 ) includes at least one orifice (20), in particular a plurality of orifices, enabling the product to emerge from the channel (5 ) towards the applicator element.

4. Applicator according to claim 1 , in which the applicator element (2) is attached to the container.

5. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the applicator element (2) and said container (4) are made in a one piece.

6. Applicator according to claim 4 or 5, in which said container (4) includes an open upper part closed off by a lid (43 ).

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container includes a flexible wall ( 1 1 ).

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container (4) includes a threaded neck ( 12) intended to engage with a screw thread ( 13) on the holder.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container (4) is closed by a cover strip (16) before use and in which the holder (3) includes a perforator element ( 15), in particular a pointed rod.

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator element (2) is detachably mounted on the holder (3).

1 1. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holder includes a detachable portion (30) carrying the applicator element.

12. Applicator according to claim 6, in which the detachable portion (30) of the holder is elbowed.

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator element (2) includes a roller.

14. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the roller is rotatable.

15. Applicator according to either of the two preceding claims, in which the roller is made of at least one of the materials in the following list: open-cell or semi-open-cell foam, agglomerate material.

16. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator element (2) includes fibres.

17. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the fibres are arranged in at least one bundle of fibres cut into a bevel shape, in particular in the form of a brush.

18. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator element includes a porous material.

19. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holder (3) is elbowed.

20. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the angle (α) between the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator element and the longitudinal axis (Y) of the grasping element is greater than 45°.

21. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the axes (X) and (Y) are substantially perpendicular.

22. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator element is permeable to the product and in which the product passes at least partially through the applicator element before being dispensed onto the keratinic fibres.

23. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining member (6) includes a pressing rod (25) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator element (2).

24. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the pressing rod includes at least one helical projection.

25. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining member (6) is mounted on the holder (3) by a pivot (21 ).

26. Applicator according to the preceding claim, in which the pivot (21 ) is located on the holder (3) between the grasping element and the applicator element (2).

27. Applicator according to claim 25 or 26, in which the retaining member (6) can turn relative to the holder (3) about an axis (Z) extending substantially parallel to the axis (X).

28. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining member (6) includes a handle (23), the retaining member exerting a pressure on the applicator element when the user presses on the handle.

29. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining member is made by injection moulding with a flexible lug (28) forming a spring.

30. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the applicator element is resiliency deformable.

31. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally including a product fluidifϊcation system (36, 39, 40).

32. Applicator according to claim 31, in which said product fluidification system (36, 39, 40) includes vibration generating means (36) connected to a power source (40).

33. Applicator according to claim 32, in which said vibration generating means are provided on said container (4).

34. Applicator according to claim 32 or 33 in combination with claim 6, in which said vibration generating means are provided on said lid (43).

35. Applicator according to any one of claims 32 to 34, in which said power source (40) is housed in the grasping element.

36. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, including a container (4) holding a colouring product for the hair.

37. A method of treating the hair in which at least one lock of hair is treated with the product held in the container of an applicator such as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the lock of hair being pinched between the applicator element (2) and the retaining member (6).