JP2018525084A - Device for treating hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating hair, the apparatus comprising first and second arms, wherein the first and second arms treat a joint movement configuration for treating hair and treat To apply cosmetics, the hair can move relative to each other between the spaced configurations for insertion between these arms, and the first arm can contact the hair in the joint movement configuration of the arms And the second arm has at least one housing, the first and second arms, and a press element disposed within the housing, wherein the press element is in a joint movement configuration A press element configured to press the hair against the applicator member, and a comb mounted on the press element.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, an apparatus intended to shape hair, particularly straightening, curling or shrinking hair. It is related with the apparatus aiming at making it.

  The present invention relates to a device comprising two arms, the two arms being movable with respect to each other, a spaced configuration for putting a hair tress between these arms and for treating the hair tress And the arm can move along the lock of the hair in this joint movement configuration. In such devices, the arm often comprises two heating elements, and the hair is brought into contact with these heating elements during use of the device.

  Numerous devices of this type have already been proposed for applying hair care products to the hair, sometimes called straight irons.

  U.S. Patent No. 6,057,056 describes an appliance that includes a sheet for housing a hair treatment device that dispenses a hair care product during operation. This device consists of a support material impregnated with a single use hair care product. In the closed position, the support material contacts a presser in the form of a roller or flat plate.

  Patent document 2 discloses a hair styling device including a reservoir for storing a product to be applied, an applicator member for applying the product on one of the jaws, and a steam outlet on the other of the jaws. Is disclosed. The applicator member is disposed on the opposite side of the opposing pressing surface. A comb can be placed on one of the arms.

  Also known from US Pat. Nos. 5,037,028 and 5,489, are hair styling devices comprising heating elements each mounted for articulation on a holding means.

International Publication No. 2009/078046 Pamphlet International Publication No. 2014/064660 Pamphlet US Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0022184 International Publication No. 2012/157865 Pamphlet

  The present invention aims to further improve the device for applying hair care products to the hair.

Thus, according to a first of the aspects of the present invention, the subject of the present invention is an apparatus for treating hair, the apparatus comprising:
First and second arms, wherein the first and second arms are between a joint movement configuration for treating the hair and a spaced configuration for inserting the treated hair between the arms. The first arm comprises an applicator member for applying cosmetics that can move relative to each other and can contact the hair in an arm joint movement configuration, the second arm comprising at least one First and second arms having a housing;
A press element disposed within the housing, the press element configured to press the hair against the applicator member in a joint movement configuration of the arm; and
And a comb mounted on the press element.

  The pressing element allows the hair to be pressed against the applicator member so that the cosmetic can be effectively applied to the hair.

  The comb makes it possible to distribute the hair along the applicator member and to better apply cosmetics to the hair.

  Because the comb is mounted on the press element, the comb can be in close proximity to the press element, thereby better separating the hair to which the product is applied.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide a smaller device by mounting the comb on the press element.

  Preferably, the pressing element and the applicator member each have an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis Y, and are advantageously approximately the same length.

  More preferably, the pressing element has a pressing surface having a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface of the applicator member. For example, the pressing surface and the application surface are flat in their facing areas.

  The housing is preferably closed at least three of its sides and at the bottom.

  Preferably, the pressing element is removable.

  Preferably, the comb is mounted on the press element so that it can move with the press element and is therefore removable with the press element. This makes it possible to remove the pressing element and the comb in one action, for example to clean them, especially after long-term use or when the user wishes to change the cosmetic applied. Thereby changing the pressing element and / or comb in order to change the amount of cosmetic applied and / or the effect obtained on the hair, for example by changing the force with which the pressing element presses the applicator member, In particular, it is also possible to replace the pressing elements and / or combs with different shapes or sizes of pressing elements and / or combs. This also makes it possible to access the housing holding the pressing element and / or comb and to be able to clean the pressing element and / or comb.

  The pressing element, in particular a pressing element comprising a comb, is preferably inserted into or withdrawn from the housing through the front opening of the housing, in particular by sliding. The pressing element may include at least one relief such as a rib or groove that cooperates with a complementary relief such as a groove or rib in the opposite wall of the device that at least partially defines the housing. Work.

  The device comprises at least one member for locking the pressing element in the housing, in particular a locking element intended to cooperate with the pressing element and in particular with a corresponding relief of the pressing element. May be included above. The locking member can prevent the pressing element from coming out accidentally.

  Alternatively, the press element is not attached in a removable form. The pressing element may comprise at least one stud, preferably two studs, mounted at least partially to slide into the through-hole of the housing, which stud is at its end by a locking element, in particular a screw. Allows a limited range of sliding motion. Such studs allow the press element to be held in place and limit the lateral movement of the press element to avoid disengagement of the press element.

  The pressing element can form an integral part.

  The pressing element is in the form of a dihedron or a dihedron that is truncated at the top, in particular a flat or non-flat pressing surface that has a non-straight, for example outwardly convex or concave profile in cross-section Can have.

  The pressing element may have a substantially parallelepiped shape or may be formed by a roller.

  The pressing element can be made of a plastic material, in particular of polyamide (PA), glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PAGF), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or of metal.

  The pressing element can have a surface roughness. This roughness can be particularly helpful in straightening hair.

  Alternatively, the pressing element can be made of a porous material, in particular a material formed by fibers assembled in substantially the same direction and formed to form a felt, or from a foam. In this case, the pressing element may help to apply the product to both sides of the hair strand to be treated and / or absorb excess product and / or homogenize the application of the product to the hair. .

  The pressing element can be heated. This may make it possible to fluidize the cosmetic when it is applied.

  The pressing element can have a length of 70 mm to 110 mm.

  The applicator member is preferably made of a porous material or made of foam, especially formed by a set of fibers oriented in substantially the same direction and assembled to form a felt.

  The applicator member may in particular have a flat or non-flat pressing surface that is non-straight, for example having a cross-section with an outwardly convex or concave profile.

  Preferably, the applicator member is impregnated with cosmetics to be applied to the hair.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the pressing element includes at least one protrusion or central pin that is inserted into a path defined by a housing that holds the pressing element. This protrusion or central pin defines the pivot axis of the press element.

  This path is defined, for example, by a slot or groove.

  This protrusion may be provided by an elastically deformable tab of the pressing element. The protrusion can be fitted in this path by elastic deformation of the tab with the protrusion during attachment of the press element to the housing. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protrusions facing each other.

  The pressing element and the applicator member can be made of the same material.

  More preferably, the applicator member is removable. The applicator member can be attached to a portion that functions as a holder to form a removable refill. The applicator member or refill is removable so that for hygiene reasons, or when the applicator member no longer contains any cosmetics, or the user has a different shape or contains different cosmetics in particular. If it is desired to use another applicator member or a different refill, the applicator member can be replaced.

  The applicator member can be supplied with the product by a reservoir in the arm comprising it. This reservoir may be permanently fixed to the arm or removable and may be designed, for example, to be fitted and removed simultaneously with the applicator member.

  Preferably, the comb extends along the pressing element and the applicator member, in particular along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element.

  Preferably, the comb teeth extend in the direction of the other arm.

  Preferably, the comb is mounted on the press element so as to be removable. The comb is slid within the cavity of the press element provided for this purpose, in particular by sliding through the front opening of the cavity along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the press element, It can be mounted on and removed from the press element. The comb may comprise at least one fixing relief, in particular a rib or hook that cooperates with a complementary fixing relief of the cavity, in particular an opening or groove in the pressing element. This makes it possible to replace the comb, remove the comb and clean it, or replace the comb with a different comb for hygienic reasons or when the comb is damaged. This also allows the user to remove the comb when it is not desired to use the comb.

  Preferably, the comb and / or press element includes a locking element that prevents the comb from accidentally coming off the press element.

  Alternatively, the comb is integrally formed with the press element in a monolithic form, for example injection molded with the press element. The comb can then be placed on the arm and removed simultaneously with the applicator member.

  Preferably, the comb is located downstream of the applicator member in the direction of movement of the device over the hair, so that the action of combing the hair is performed before the action of applying the cosmetic product.

  Preferably, the base of the comb teeth is recessed with respect to the pressing surface of the pressing element.

  The expression “deep” means that along the axis perpendicular to the pressing surface, the base of the tooth is at a shorter distance from the bottom of the housing than the pressing surface of the pressing element.

  A comb may have more than 20 teeth and better still more than 30 teeth.

  The comb teeth can be separated by a distance of 1 mm to 3 mm.

  The length of the teeth may be 6 mm to 10 mm.

  Preferably, the comb is made of a rigid thermoplastic material or metal, especially glass fiber reinforced polyamide (PAGF).

  The apparatus preferably includes support means for pressing the press element within the housing, the support means including support means configured to oscillate the press element within the housing.

  The term “oscillate” is to be understood in the sense that the press element can exhibit a rotational movement about at least one axis, the movement of the press element being around several axes, in particular the press More complex motion can be achieved by rotational components around or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the element and / or around the transverse axis of the housing.

  Oscillation of the pressing element allows more uniform pressure to be applied along the entire length of the applicator member and allows for manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the press element may be able to adapt to possible improper tilting of the applicator member, but this may be the case when the applicator member is removable and may be from a variety of sources. Is particularly useful. Thereby, cosmetics adhere to hair uniformly.

  The support means may be rigid or elastically deformable. In a further alternative, the support means includes one or more elastic areas designed to return the press element to a predetermined rest position in the absence of mechanical load by the applicator member, e.g. One or more regions in contact with the return member. The elastic return member may be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

  Preferably, the support means comprise a relief projecting from the bottom of the housing and / or the bottom of the press element, in particular such a relief, in particular in the form of a hemisphere, or in the form of a substantially conical tooth, or press It is in the form of a semi-cylinder oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the element. Alternatively or additionally, the support means comprise at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, arranged in the housing, for example fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the pressing element.

  In particular, the spring can press the pressing element into contact with a relief protruding from the bottom of the housing.

  The support means is removable and can be held, for example, in a recess in the housing when in place on the device.

  Preferably, the pressing area in the housing is located substantially in the middle along the pressing element.

  Alternatively, the support means is arranged in the housing, fixed to the bottom of the housing, or fixed to the press element, in particular at least two arranged close to the axial end of the press element Includes springs, especially two coil springs. The press element can then oscillate due to the elastically deformable nature of the spring.

  The pressing element can move along an axis perpendicular to the application surface, in particular it can move from its high position over a maximum depressing movement distance of 5 mm to 1 mm. For example, the grooves described above are wider than the corresponding ribs, and the pressing element can move in translation along this axis relative to the ribs and thus relative to the housing. The maximum push-down travel distance can be determined by the relief of the pressing element in contact with the bottom of the housing and / or by the width of the groove and / or by the length of the stud.

  The movement distance of the pressing element is such that, in particular, the hair to be treated held between the two arms of the device is aligned and preferably extends parallel to the direction of movement of the device while the device is in use. It may be a moving distance.

  Preferably, the support means returns the pressing element to the high position. Depending on the return force that the support means exerts on the press element, the press element can exert a somewhat strong pressure on the applicator member, thereby controlling the amount of product applied to the hair. Can be possible.

  The apparatus may include at least two heating plates that are disposed on each of the first and second arms, each pressing the hair against the other of the heating plates in a joint movement configuration. .

  In one exemplary embodiment, the pressing element includes at least one protrusion or pin that is inserted into a path defined by a housing that holds the pressing element. This protrusion or pin defines the pivot axis of the press element.

  This path is defined, for example, by a slot or groove.

  This protrusion may be provided by an elastically deformable tab of the pressing element. The protrusion can be fitted in this path by elastic deformation of the tab with the protrusion during attachment of the press element to the housing. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protrusions facing each other.

  The pressing element can be pushed into the spaced position by two springs, in particular a coil spring acting in a compressed state, with one end held in the guide and the other end pressing on the wall of the pressing element. The housing may have a relief, in particular having a T-shaped cross section, and the pressing element may be held in the housing by a relief of the pressing element, in particular a ridge, adjacent under the head of T.

  The comb can be fixed by being slid over the pressing element by inserting at least two separate fixing reliefs into corresponding housings of the pressing element that are also separate from each other.

  These housings may be located on either side of the aforementioned path in the length direction. The fixed relief may be a rib having a cylindrical shape with at least a partially circular cross section and may be connected to the rest of the comb by a knob inserted into the corresponding slot, through these slots through the housing Faces outward.

  Alternatively, the fixed relief is a hook that is inserted into the window of the pressing element.

  The press element may have a U-shaped overall cross section with two opposed uprights, and the rib and housing arrangement is preferably such that the comb is pressed against one of the uprights of the press element The comb tooth base is substantially positioned on the wall connecting the uprights, which also defines the pressing surface of the applicator member.

  The comb may have longitudinal ribs that compress the uprights above the knob that connects the cylindrical ribs to the rest of the comb.

  The comb also squeezes the uprights forward below these knobs.

  At one end, the comb may include an elastically deformable locking tab that is designed to snap into the press element once it has been introduced into the press element.

  Alternatively, the comb may include a block relief on the fixed relief that cooperates with a complementary block relief on the press element.

  The comb may include a block tab that closes the inlet opening when the comb is mounted on the press element.

  Alternatively, the upright portions of the press elements are connected by end walls that extend perpendicular to the length of the press elements.

  The comb may include a handle that helps to fit and remove the comb.

  The comb can be introduced into or removed from the press element only when the press element is in the high position. In particular, the walls defining the housing for receiving the separate fixed reliefs of the comb can be inserted into corresponding windows in the underlying structure when the press element is depressed, and these windows are Formed on the wall of the housing extending between the U-shaped uprights. When the pressing element is depressed, this wall serves to prevent the fixed relief inserted into the housing from exiting.

  The pressing element preferably has a length substantially equal to the length of the heating plate.

  The device preferably records the number of times the product has been applied and / or the time that the hair has been pressed against the applicator member, eg the number of times the arms have been moved together and / or the time that the arms have been held in a joint movement configuration. The detection member may be included. The detection member may include a switch, a reed switch, or an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, or a capacitive sensor. This detection member is preferably arranged below the press element in the housing in order for the press element to contact the detection member in the joint movement configuration of the arm.

  The detection member may detect the presence of an applicator member and / or a press element. This makes it possible not to heat the flat plate, especially in the absence of pressing elements and / or applicator members.

  The device may comprise an applicator member, in particular a refill identifier, in particular a specific relief or electronic identification chip present on the refill.

  The apparatus can include a member for identifying the applicator member that detects the identifier of the applicator member and compares it to the registered identifier. This prevents the use of unregistered applicator members or allows the device to associate the number and / or time of application to the hair with each applicator member. Thus, when the applicator member is changed, the device recognizes the new applicator member.

  The device may include a steam outlet for exposing the hair contained in the device to the steam, in particular a steam outlet disposed upstream of the applicator member in the direction of movement of the device over the hair.

A further subject matter of the invention is a method for treating hair with the device according to the invention, wherein the arm of the device is closed around the lock of the hair and the device moves along the lock of the hair, In the cell, the following sequential steps:
The step of combing the tress,
Applying the cosmetic product by pressing the lock into the applicator member by a pressing element;
Optionally, applying steam to the locks;
The step of straightening the hair is performed by heating the lock of hair in contact with at least one heating plate, in particular by passing the lock of hair between two opposing heating plates.

This method
Identifying the applicator member, and / or
Detecting whether the applicator member is empty, in particular by measuring the number of applications and / or the time the hair is pressed against the applicator member, and sending a signal to the user when the applicator member is empty It can also be included.

  The invention may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and by examining the accompanying drawings.

1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention. It is a front view along II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 without a press element and applicator member. Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a pressing element. FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken along VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through an example of a pressing element and support means in a housing. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through a device incorporating the pressing element of Figure 7; Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through a variant of the pressing element and the support means in the housing. Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through a variant of the pressing element and the support means in the housing. Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through a variant of the pressing element and the support means in the housing. Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through a variant of the pressing element and the support means in the housing. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through a variation of the press element. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through a variation of the press element. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through a variation of the press element. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through another example of an apparatus according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a perspective cutaway view of the details of another example of a device according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a perspective cutaway view of the details of another example of a device according to the invention. FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of details of the example device of FIGS. 15 and 16 as viewed from the front. FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of details of the example apparatus of FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of details of the pressing element of the apparatus of FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the comb of the apparatus of FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 21 is a partial view of the comb of FIG. 20 viewed from a different viewpoint from FIG. 20. FIG. 6 is a view from below of a deformation of the press element and the comb. FIG. 23 is a cutaway view of details of an apparatus configured to receive the pressing element and comb of FIG. FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the pressing element of FIG. 22. It is a perspective view of the comb of FIG.

  In the remainder of the specification, identical or similar elements have the same reference signs. For the sake of brevity, these elements will not be described in detail with respect to all of the embodiments. Rather, only elements that differ from embodiment to embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 shows an example handpiece 2 of a device for treating hair according to the invention.

  This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4, which are spaced apart (not shown) for placing a lock of hair between these jaws and for the treatment shown in FIG. Can move relative to each other.

  The jaws 3 and 4 are provided in an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6, respectively, which in the example considered here are connected to each other at one end by an articulation 8 and thus the handpiece. 2 forms tongs.

  Upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 each preferably have a total length of 22 cm to 31 cm and define their own half-handles 10 and 11 between articulation 8 and jaws 3 and 4. The user can push the half handles 10 and 11 to move the jaws 3 and 4 together.

Upper arm 5 and lower arm 6, the jaw 3 and 4 are closed preferably is substantially parallel to one another, extending along the respective longitudinal axis X ₁ and X _2.

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

  The present invention is not limited to a particular method of connecting the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 to each other, and the jaws 3 and 4 are allowed to move in some other manner without departing from the scope of the present invention. obtain. However, the presence of an articulation is highly preferred due to the ergonomics it provides.

  The jaws 3 and 4 define a region for treating the hair between each other, which region is intended to receive the lock of hair to be treated, and the handpiece 2 is, for example, from the root of the hair. Move along the lock of the hair during the procedure.

  In the example considered here, the handpiece 2 was formed by combing the hair through the comb 13, applying cosmetics, treating the hair with steam, and then in this case by two heating plates. It is configured to perform a thermal treatment of the hair by contacting the two heating surfaces 15 and 16.

The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 on the hair shown in FIG. 2 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X ₁ and X ₂ of the arms 5 and 6.

  In the example considered here, the handpiece 2 is connected by a line 18 to a base station (not shown) that is attached during the procedure and to a power source.

  The base station can also provide power to the handpiece 2, provide water to its supply to generate steam, and perform additional functions to process electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. Thus, the line 18 connecting the handpiece 2 to the base station includes various electrical conductors and water pipes.

  A user interface (not shown in the drawing) may or may not be present on the handpiece 2 so as to cause the user to activate, for example, certain parts of the handpiece 2.

  The cosmetic product is applied by a refill 20 provided by one 5 or 6 of the two arms, in this case the upper arm 5. The refill 20 is in contact with a press element 21 disposed on the opposite side of the refill 20.

  The refill 20 includes a body 23 and an applicator member 26 that is held within the body 23 and has an application surface 35 that contacts the hair above the press element 21.

  The refill 20 may be secured to the arm 5 or 6 by any means, particularly by sliding the ribs 27 of the body 23 into the complementary shaped grooves 29, as shown in FIG.

  The body 23 has a cavity 30 that opens outwardly by an opening 31 and the applicator member 26 is inserted into the cavity 30 while the refill 20 is being manufactured. The body 23 includes a relief 32 for holding an applicator member 26 that extends into the cavity 30.

  The body 23 and the applicator member 26 have a substantially cuboid overall shape and are elongated along the longitudinal axis Z.

  The applicator member 26 is composed of fibers oriented in substantially the same direction, for example parallel to the axis Z, and is assembled to form a felt. The application surface 35 of the applicator member 26 may be flat as shown.

  Alternatively, the applicator member 26 may be manufactured by assembling two felts that are particularly different in density. According to this alternative, one of the felts can be composed of fibers oriented in one direction, in particular parallel to the axis Z, and the other of the felts is perpendicular to the other fiber, in particular the axis. It can be composed of fibers oriented in a direction perpendicular to Z.

  In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the pressing element 21 has a pressing surface 36 that may have a shape complementary to the application surface 35. Thus, the pressing surface 36 is flat and elongated along the longitudinal axis Y substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z at the joint movement position of the arms 5 and 6, and substantially the same as the application surface 35. Can have a range.

  The press element 21 is removably received in the housing 38 through the front opening of the housing 38. The housing 38 also opens outwardly through at least one opening 37 that faces the applicator member 26.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the press element 21 is introduced into the housing 38 by sliding the ribs 45 on the housing 38 into the corresponding grooves 48 in the press element 21. Ribs 45 are disposed on opposite side walls 54 and 56 of housing 38. The groove 48 of the press element 21 is arranged on the side wall of the press element 21 facing the walls 54 and 56 respectively.

  The pressing element 21 can move along an axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y between a high position spaced from the bottom of the housing 38 and a low position moving with the bottom of the housing 38.

  The pressing element 21 squeezes the support means 40 extending into the housing 38 and causes the pressing element 21 to perform a swinging motion, keeping the pressing element 21 in a high position in the open position of the arms 5 and 6.

  The movement distance P of the press element between the high position and the low position is 1 mm to 5 mm, for example equal to approximately 3 mm. Movement of the pressing element 21 is limited by the housing bottom 44 or by the width l of the groove 48.

  The distance traveled by the pressing element advantageously allows the pressing element to be positioned in the closed position of the device, so that the hair is substantially aligned, i.e. located between the heating plates, the pressing element and the applicator member There is no hair tress between the part located in between. In other words, while the device is in use, the distance between the two heating plates is substantially equal to the distance between the pressing element and the applicator member, and these two distances are substantially equal to the axis Q. Measured in collinear direction. Further, the pressing surface 36 of the pressing element is substantially flush with the heating surface 16 and the application surface 35 is substantially flush with the heating surface 15 in a plane perpendicular to the direction Q. Thus, this improves the straightening of the hair with the device.

  In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the support means 40 is a leaf spring secured to a recess 41 in the press element 21 that is directed toward the bottom 42 of the housing 38. Thus, the leaf spring 40 compresses the bottom 42 of the housing 38 in the region 43, and the rocking of the pressing element 21 occurs around the region 43 about the rotational axis B substantially perpendicular to the axes Y and Q. .

  The leaf spring 40 has a locking tab 44 at its end that contacts the press element 21 in the recess 41, and has a portion 46 between the ends that is convex toward the bottom 42 of the housing 38, The central portion of this portion 46 defines a swing region 43.

  The height s taken by the leaf spring 40 before being introduced into the housing 38 is equal to or greater than the distance f between the bottom of the housing 38 and the bottom of the recess 41. Therefore, the leaf spring 40 is always subjected to a load by contact with the bottom 44 of the housing. The distance f is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm, and is approximately equal to 3 mm, for example.

  The housing 38 is substantially the same length L as the press element 21. The length L of the press element 21 is, for example, 70 mm to 110 mm, preferably 90 mm.

  The groove 48 has a width l greater than the thickness e of the rib 45. The width l of the rib 48 is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm, and is approximately equal to, for example, 3.2 mm. The thickness e of the groove 45 is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in this case equal to 1 mm. Due to such a difference, the pressing element 21 can move along the axis Y and / or swing as described above.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the two ribs 45 are offset along the axis Q by a distance d, for example equal to 1 mm to 5 mm, for example approximately 2 mm.

  The pressing element 21 is locked in the housing 38 by a protruding relief 50, which can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, which is in the groove 48 of the pressing element 21 and can be seen in FIG. Engage with the recessed relief 52 in the rib 45 of the possible housing 38.

  Since the relief 50 does not extend along the entire width l of the groove 48, in order to remove the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 is pushed down along the axis Q so that the relief 50 is disengaged from the relief 52. It is sufficient to press the pressing element 21. Thus, it is possible to slide the pressing element 21 forward in the housing 38.

  The comb 13 is located upstream of the applicator member 26 and the press element 21 in the movement direction D of the handpiece 2. The comb 13 is integral with the press element 21, and is particularly molded integrally with the press element 21.

  The comb 13 extends parallel to the pressing surface 36 and substantially along the entire length of the pressing surface 36.

  The comb 13 has a plurality of teeth 55 each extending along an axis parallel to the axis Q. The comb 13 advantageously has more than 20 teeth 55, better still more than 30 teeth 55, in this case approximately 44 teeth.

  The base of the tooth 55 is recessed with respect to the pressing surface 36, in particular by a distance r equal to 0.2 mm to 5 mm, for example 2 mm. As a result, the hair can be appropriately inserted between the pressing surface 36 and the application surface 35.

  The teeth 55 are preferably all of the same height H and are equal to 2 mm to 12 mm, for example 8 mm. This height is large enough to allow proper hair retention between the teeth 55.

  The teeth 55 are all at an equal distance from each other. The spacing k of the teeth 55 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, for example equal to 1 mm.

  The press element 21 may include a relief, such as a tongue 57, to make it easier to grip.

  3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a steam outlet 58, which is disposed on the arm 6 and used after the cosmetic product has been applied to the hair.

  Thus, while the handpiece 2 is in use, the user closes the two arms 5 and 6 around the hair tress and moves the handpiece 2 from the root of the hair to the tip of the hair in the closed position. The hair is first combed by the comb 13, after which the product is applied by pressing the hair against the applicator member 26 by means of the press element 21, then the hair is steamed by the steam outlet 58 and finally two Heat is applied between heated surfaces 15 and 16.

  The example of FIGS. 7 and 8 differs from the example of FIGS. 1-6 in that the leaf spring 40 is fixed or positioned within the housing 38. The housing 38 includes, for example, a recess 60 that receives the leaf spring 40, in which the leaf spring 40 is secured by any suitable securing means.

  The leaf spring 40 then contacts the bottom 44 of the housing by its end 44, and the contact area with the press element 21 defines a swing area 43.

  The examples of FIGS. 9 and 10 differ from the examples of FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a relief protruding from the press element 21 or from the bottom 44 of the housing 28.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the protruding relief 40 is a relief on the bottom 44 of the housing 28. The relief 40 has a substantially triangular cross section in a plane including the longitudinal axis of the press element 21.

  This need not necessarily be the case and the protruding relief 40 may have a semi-circular or semi-polygonal shape in particular.

  The protruding relief 40 may be in the form of a tooth extending from the center of the bottom 44 of the housing 28, against which the pressing element 21 presses. The pressing element 21 can compress the end of the tooth 40 with a small extent. Thereby, the pressing element can oscillate about at least two different rotational axes, in particular about axes parallel to the axes Y and B.

  Alternatively, the protruding relief 40 may be in the form of a semi-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis B, and the pressing element 21 presses on the bus bar of the relief 40.

  The example of FIG. 10 differs from the example of FIG. 9 in that the protruding relief 40 belongs to the press element 21.

  The example of FIG. 11 differs from the examples of FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the support means 40 is a coil spring. The coil spring is interposed between the pressing element 21 and the bottom 44 of the housing 28. The press element 21 and the housing bottom 44 each include indentations 41 and 60 to keep the coil spring 40 in place. The coil spring 40 is arranged so as to press the center of the press element 21.

  The example of FIG. 12 is different from the example of FIG. 11 in that the support means 40 includes two coil springs 40 a and 40 b that are arranged in proximity to one end of the press element 21.

  13A-13C show a variant of the pressing surface 36 of the pressing element 21. FIG.

  The pressing surface 36 is curved as shown in FIG. 13A, is in the form of a dihedron as shown in FIG. 13B, or is in the form of a dihedron whose tip is cut as shown in FIG. 13C. Can have. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form.

  The example of FIG. 14 differs from the examples of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the comb 13 is removably attached to the press element 21. The comb 13 may include at least one groove 70 intended to engage a complementary rib 72 on the press element 21, in particular a T-shaped groove. The groove 70 makes it possible to keep the comb 13 on the press element 21.

  The comb 13 and / or the press element 21 may include a locking member (not shown) for preventing the comb from freely coming off the press element 21.

  Alternatively, the comb 13 includes ribs and the applicator member includes corresponding grooves. Any other means of removably securing is possible.

  15-21 show another variant of the press element 21 with the comb 13 removably attached.

  According to another variant, the press element 21 has a U-shaped cross section as a whole along at least part of its length. The upper surface of the U web in this case forms a pressing surface 36. The two lateral uprights 101, 102 of U have respective holding ridges 103 and 104. These ridges are directed towards each other and extend substantially in the length direction of the press element 21.

  The lower arm 6 holding the pressing element 21 has a protruding relief 105 having a T-shaped cross section, the head 160 of which is held between the uprights 101 and 102.

  The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for receiving respective springs 40a, 40b that open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for holding the coil springs 40 a, 40 b can be provided on the pressing element 21, in particular in the region opposite to the pressing surface 36.

  The pressing element 21 includes tabs 157, one of which can be seen in FIG. 18, each tab 157 having an opposing projection 156. These protrusions 156 are intended to slide in the groove 155 of the relief 105 along the groove 155 to substantially the middle.

The pressing element 21 can be mounted on the lower arm 6 as follows.
-Two coil springs 40a, 40b are arranged in the housing of the lower arm 6 provided for this purpose.
The pressing element 21 is placed above the relief 105, and the pressing element 21 covers the two coil springs 40a, 40b.
-The pressing element 21 is snapped into place on the relief 105, causing the lateral uprights 101, 102 to deform until the ridges 103, 104 are snapped onto the head 160 of the relief 105. The springs 40a and 40b push the raised portions 103 and 104 to abut the head 160 of the relief 105. The raised portions 103 and 104 prevent the pressing element 21 from coming off the lower arm 6.

  While the press element 21 is fitted, the tab 157 is elastically deformed so that the protrusion 156 fits into the groove 155.

  Further, as shown, the press element 21 forms a rib 106 extending in the length direction thereof. The ribs 106 are in this case directed towards the outside of the device when the pressing element 21 is attached.

  A comb 13 that can be joined to the press element 21 is shown in FIGS.

  The comb 13 in this case has two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 on one same side of the comb 13.

  Each of the cylindrical ribs 107 and 108 extends in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 along only a part of the length of the comb 13.

  The two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are connected to the web 109 of the comb 13 by two knobs 110, 111 extending substantially perpendicular to the comb teeth 55.

  The comb 13 also has a block tab 115 that extends perpendicular to the length of the comb 13 and perpendicular to the plane of the tongue 57 as shown.

  Tab 115 is provided near the end of comb 13 having tongue 57. Preferably, the tab 115 is located between the tooth 55 and the tongue 57 in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

The comb 13 also has a lock relief 116 at the end opposite to the end having the tongue 57. In particular, as shown in FIG. 21, the lock relief 116 is in the form of an elastically deformable lock tab, which is from the end of the comb 13 opposite the end having the tongue.
A first raised portion 117;
A first indentation 118 immediately adjacent to the first ridge 117, wherein the comb 13 has a reduced thickness in the first indentation 118;
A second ridge 119 that is longer than the first ridge 117 and has substantially the same thickness;
A second indentation 120, wherein the thickness of the comb 13 in the second indentation is substantially the same as the thickness of the comb 13 in the first indentation. .

  In this case, “thickness” is understood to mean a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the teeth 55 in the cross-sectional plane of the comb 13.

  Of course, further examples of lock relief may be implemented. In particular, the second ridge and / or the second depression may not be present.

  A window 152 is provided in the structure for receiving the press element 21 for receiving the cylindrical wall of the housing 150 when the press element 21 is depressed.

In this case, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21 as follows, for example.
Two cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are placed next to the corresponding housing 150 formed in the press element 21 in the longitudinal direction of the press element 21, the press element 21 being connected to the two arms 5, 6 of the device Is in the high position with the being in the spaced position.
Cylindrical ribs 107, 108 are slid into the housing 150 in the length direction of the press element 21, and the knobs 110, 111 pass through the opening of the housing 150.
The sliding movement is continued until the locking tab recess 118 is snapped to the edge 122 of the window 121 formed at the end of the element 21.

  When the comb is fitted over the press element, the tab 115 closes the opening for introducing the comb into the press element.

  In use, the applicator element contacts the press element 21 at a certain angle. Next, the press element 21 swings about the axis of the protrusion 156 in order to maximize the contact area between the pressing surface 36 of the press element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, the pressing element 21 is pushed down vertically until the heating plate abuts, and the protrusion 156 moves in the corresponding groove 155.

  The embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 15-21 makes it possible to have a uniform contact pressure over the entire contact area between the pressing surface and the application surface. This embodiment also makes it possible to have the maximum contact area. The structure of the comb in this embodiment also has the advantage of limiting the effect of the comb on the width of the device, so that the device is smaller.

  In this embodiment, the comb and press elements are advantageously produced by several knurled extrudates formed by the housing 150 and the walls of the cylindrical ribs 107,108. In particular, compared to a structure manufactured from one extrudate, this makes it possible to limit the interaction with the spring and / or with the protrusion 156 defining the central guide axis of the pressing element. It becomes.

  Another variant of the pressing element 21 with the comb 13 removably attached is shown in FIGS.

  According to another variant, the press element 21 has a U-shaped cross section as a whole along at least part of its length. The upper surface of the U web in this case forms a pressing surface 36. The two lateral uprights 101, 102 of U are connected to each other by a central pin 200 and two end faces 202 and 203 extending perpendicular to the length direction of the press element 21. Alternatively, the central pin 200 extends from one of the two lateral uprights 101 or 102 towards the other of the lateral uprights, but is not connected to the other. The center pin 200 is substantially equidistant from the two end faces 202 and 203. The two end faces 202 and 203 allow the pressing element 21 to be closed at its ends, thereby increasing the strength and limiting the deformation of the pressing element 21.

  The lower arm 6 that holds the pressing element 21 has a guide slot 205 that extends vertically and holds the pin 200 when the pressing element 21 is mounted on the arm 6, and is in vertical motion. It is possible to guide the pin 200 that is being operated.

  The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for receiving the respective springs 40 a, 40 b that open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for receiving the coil springs 40 a, 40 b can be provided on the pressing element 21, in particular in the region opposite the pressing surface 36.

  The press element 21 includes studs 210 and 212 that are molded with the press element 21 and have internal threads. These studs 210 and 212 are slidably received in the through holes 215 and 217 of the lower arm 6. These studs are provided with washers 220 and 222 and screws 225 and 227 at their free ends protruding from holes 215 and 217, respectively. Such an element makes it possible to keep the stud in the hole. The lower arm 6 has an interior space 230 and is vertical in this space 230 of the assembly of screw tabs 210 and 212, washers 220 and 222, and screws 225 and 227 by sliding in holes 215 and 217. Enable exercise.

  A comb 13 that can be joined to the pressing element 21 is shown in FIGS.

  The comb 13 in this case has two hooks 237, 238 extending from the comb toward the rear of the comb on one side of the comb. Each of the two hooks 237 and 238 has an end portion that is connected to the comb by a connecting portion that extends in the length direction of the comb 13 and forms an elbow with the end portion.

  The hooks 237 and 238 extend back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

  The press element 21 includes windows 245 and 247 for holding hooks 237 and 238, respectively. Windows 245 and 247 are elongated along the longitudinal axis of press element 21 such that the end portions of hooks 237 and 238 can be inserted into windows 245 and 247. The length of the window is greater than or equal to the length of the end portions of the hooks 237 and 238.

  Each end portion of hooks 237 and 238 includes block reliefs 250 and 251 that are snapped together with complementary block reliefs 260 and 261 on press element 21.

  The connecting portion of the hooks 237 and 238 can have surfaces 265 and 266 that are oriented away from the hooks 237 and 238 and oblique to the longitudinal axis of the comb. Chamfered so as to be directed to The ends of hooks 237 and 238 may also have chamfers toward the inside of the hook. Such a chamfered portion makes it easy to remove the comb 13 from the press element 21.

  The outer surfaces of the windows 245 and 247 can also have outer surfaces (not shown) that are oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the press element 21. With this orientation of the window face, it may be easier to remove the comb 13 from the press element 21 by guiding the hook through the window.

  The comb 13 also has a grip tab 214 that extends perpendicular to the length of the comb 13 as shown.

In this case, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21 as follows, for example.
Two hooks 237 and 238 are positioned next to the corresponding windows 245 and 247 formed on the press element 21, the press element 21 being high with the two arms 5, 6 of the device in the spaced position In position.
The hooks 237 and 238 are inserted into the windows 245 and 247, the comb 13 is slid rearward in the length direction of the press element 21, and the block reliefs 250 and 251 of the hooks 237 and 238 are It is snapped onto the upper complementary block reliefs 260 and 261.

  In use, the applicator element contacts the press element 21 at a certain angle. Next, the pressing element 21 oscillates about the central pin 200 to maximize the contact area between the pressing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator element. Finally, the pressing element 21 is pushed down vertically until the heated plate abuts, the central pin 200 slides in the slot 205, and the screw tabs 210 and 212 slide in the holes 215 and 217.

  The embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 22-25 has a higher strength of the press element and comb, a better holding of the press element on the arm, a more limited lateral swing gap of the press element, Thereby, it is possible to limit the risk of disengagement of the press element, increase the rigidity of the press element, and improve the guide of the press element on the arm.

  The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, and their features can be combined with one another as part of a variant not shown. The present invention may be modified in a number of ways that can be accomplished by one skilled in the art.

  For example, the pressing surface 36 may exhibit roughness that can help straighten the hair. The pressing element and the applicator member can be made of the same material.

2 Handpiece 3 Jaw 4 Jaw 5 Upper Arm 6 Lower Arm 8 Joint Joint 10 Half Handle 11 Half Handle 13 Comb 15 Heating Surface 16 Heating Surface 18 Line 20 Refill 21 Press Element 23 Main Body 26 Applicator Member 27 Rib 29 Groove 30 Cavity DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 Opening part 32 Relief 35 Application | coating surface 36 Pressing surface 37 Opening part 38 Housing 40 Support means 40a Spring 40b Spring 41 Indentation 42 Bottom part 43 Oscillating area 44 Fixing tab, bottom part 45 Rib 48 Groove 50 Relief 52 Retreat relief 54 Side wall 55 Tooth 56 Side wall 57 Tongue 58 Steam outlet 60 Indentation 70 Groove 72 Rib 101 Lateral upright portion 102 Lateral upright portion 103 Raised portion 104 Raised portion 105 Relief 106 Rib 107 Cylindrical rib 108 Cylindrical rib 109 Web 110 Knob 111 Knob 115 Block Tab 116 Lock Relief 117 First Bump 118 First Bump 119 Second Bump 120 120 Second Bump 121 Window 122 Edge 150 Housing 152 Window 155 Groove 156 Projection 157 Tab 160 Head 200 Center pin 202 End face 203 End face 205 Guide slot 210 Stud 212 Stud 215 Through hole 217 Through hole 220 Washer 222 Washer 225 Screw 227 Screw 230 Internal space 237 Hook 238 Hook 245 Window 247 Window 250 Block relief 251 Block relief 260 Block relief 261 Block Relief B Rotation axis D Movement direction Q axis X ₁ Length direction axis X ₂ Length direction axis Y Length direction axis Z Length direction axis

Claims (21)

A device for treating hair,
A first and second arm (5, 6) having a joint movement configuration for treating the hair and a spacing configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between the first and second arms; The first arm (5) can be in contact with the hair in the joint movement configuration of the first and second arms (5, 6). First and second arms (5, 6) comprising an applicator member (26) for application, said second arm (6) having at least one housing (38);
A pressing element (21) disposed in the housing (38), the pressing element (21) being configured to press the hair against the applicator member (26) in the joint movement configuration. A pressing element (21);
A comb (13) mounted on the pressing element (21).   2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element (21) is integral.   The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing element (21) has a pressing surface (36) having a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface (35) of the applicator member (26).   4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing element (21) is removable.   The pressing element (21) has a pressing surface (36), the applicator member (26) has an application surface (35), and the pressing surface (36) and the application surface (35) are: 5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facing areas are flat.   The pressing element (21) includes at least one relief, such as a rib or groove (48), wherein the relief at least partially defines the housing (38), the opposite wall (54; Device according to any one of the preceding claims, cooperating with complementary reliefs such as grooves or ribs (45) at 56).   The pressing element (21) can move along an axis (Q) perpendicular to the application surface (35), in particular over a maximum depressing movement distance (P) of 1 mm to 5 mm. A device according to claim 1.   The movement distance of the pressing element (21) is such that the hair to be treated held between the two arms of the device is aligned while the device is in use, and preferably the direction of movement of the device The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the travel distance is such that it extends parallel to.   9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator member (26) is soaked with cosmetics to be applied to the hair.   10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb (13) is mounted on the press element (21) so as to be removable.   10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comb (13) is integrally formed with the pressing element (21) in a monolithic form.   12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth (55) of the comb (13) extend in the direction of the other arm.   The comb (13) is positioned downstream of the applicator member (26) in the direction of movement of the device over the hair, so that the action of combing the hair is performed before the action of applying the cosmetic. 13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein:   14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the teeth (55) of the comb (13) is recessed with respect to the pressing surface (36) of the pressing element (21).   Support means (40) against which the press element (21) presses within the housing (38), which support means (40) causes the press element (21) to oscillate within the housing (38). 15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be executed.   Device according to claim 15, wherein the support means (40) is a relief projecting from the bottom (44) of the housing (38) and / or of the pressing element (21).   The support means (40) is arranged in the housing (38), for example fixed to the bottom (44) of the housing (38) or fixed to the press element (21). 17. A device according to claim 15 or 16, comprising two springs, in particular leaf springs.   18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the spring pushes the pressing element (21) into contact with the relief (105) protruding from the bottom of the housing.   18. The pressing area (43) around which the oscillation in the housing (38) occurs is located substantially in the middle along the pressing element (21). The device described in 1.   In particular, it includes a detection member for recording the number of times of product application and / or the time that the hair is pressed against the applicator member (26), the detection member comprising, in particular, a switch, a reed switch, or an optical sensor, 20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor, wherein the detection member is preferably arranged in the housing (38). 21. A method for treating hair using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first and second arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair, The device moves along the lock of the hair, and into the lock of the hair, the following sequential steps:
Combing the hair strands;
Applying the cosmetic product by pressing the lock into the applicator member (26) by the pressing element (21);
Optionally, applying steam to the tress;
Straightening the hair by heating the hair tress in contact with a heating plate (15; 16), in particular by passing the hair tress between two opposing heating plates (15, 16). And how to get it.

Images