CN106388208B

CN106388208B - Device for treating hair

Info

Publication number: CN106388208B
Application number: CN201610617047.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雷吉斯·弗雷尔; 弗兰克·曼迪卡; 斯蒂芬妮·努左; 桑迪·拉比泽; 弗雷德里克·伍德兰
Original assignee: SEB SA; LOreal SA
Current assignee: SEB SA; LOreal SA
Priority date: 2015-07-29
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2022-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-29
Also published as: WO2017017111A1; RU2672947C1; FR3039372A1; JP6735812B2; FR3039372B1; KR102042942B1; KR20180021385A; EP3328234B1; CN106388208A; CN206576487U; EP3328234A1; ES2808916T3; JP2018525084A; US20180213909A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating hair, comprising: a first arm and a second arm, which are movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an expanded configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between the first arm and the second arm, the first arm carrying an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, which applicator member is contactable with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the first arm and the second arm, and the second arm having at least one housing; a pressing element disposed in the housing, the pressing element configured to press the hair against an applicator member in a moved-together configuration; a comb mounted on the pressing element.

Description

Device for treating hair

Technical Field

The present invention relates to devices for treating hair and more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices intended to shape hair, particularly to devices used to straighten, curl or crumple (crimp) hair.

The invention concerns a device comprising two arms that can move with respect to each other, can adopt an open configuration for introducing a lock of hair between said arms and a moved-together configuration for treating said lock of hair, said arms being able to move along said lock in this moved-together configuration. In such devices, the arm typically carries two heating elements with which the hair is brought into contact when the device is in use.

Background

Many devices of this type (sometimes also referred to as hair straighteners) have been proposed which effect the application of a hair care product to the hair.

Thus, application WO 2009/078046 describes an appliance comprising a base for housing a hair treatment device which allows a hair care product to be dispensed during operation. Such devices are constructed of a support material impregnated with a hair care product for a single use. In the closed position, the support material is in contact with a presser in the form of a roller or plate.

Application WO 2014/064660 discloses a hair styling appliance comprising a container containing a product to be applied, an applicator member for applying said product on one of a plurality of jaws, and a steam outlet on the other of the plurality of jaws. The applicator member is arranged relative to the counter-support surface. A comb may be provided on one of the arms.

From applications US 2001/0022184 and WO 2012/157865, a hair styling appliance is likewise known which comprises heating elements, each of which is mounted on a holding mechanism in an articulated manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to further improvements in devices for applying hair care products to hair.

According to a first aspect thereof, the subject of the invention is therefore a device for treating the hair, comprising:

-a first arm and a second arm, which are movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an expanded configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between the first and second arms, the first arm carrying an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, which applicator member is contactable with the hair in the moved-together configuration of the first and second arms, and the second arm having at least one housing,

-a pressing element provided in the housing, the pressing element being configured to press the hair against the applicator member in the configuration of the first and second arms moved together,

-a comb mounted on the pressing element.

The pressing element may push the hair against the applicator member, allowing efficient application of the cosmetic product to the hair.

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

The fact that the comb is mounted on the pressing element allows the comb to be close to the pressing element, thereby allowing a better separation of the hair on which the product is applied.

Moreover, mounting the comb on the pressing element may provide a more compact device.

Preferably, the pressing element and the applicator member each have an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis Y, and are advantageously more or less equally long.

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

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

Preferably, the pressing element is detachable.

Preferably, the comb is mounted on the pressing element such that it can move together with the pressing element and is thus detachable from the pressing element. This makes it possible to detach the pressing element and the comb in one action and, for example, to clean both, in particular after a long use or when the user wishes to change the cosmetic product to be applied. This also makes it possible to replace the pressing element and/or the comb, in particular with pressing elements and/or combs having different shapes, or having different dimensions, in order to vary, for example, the amount of cosmetic product applied and/or the effect obtained on the hair, in particular by varying the force with which the pressing element presses against the applicator member. This also makes it possible to enter the housing that holds it and to clean the latter.

The pressing element, in particular the pressing element carrying the comb, is preferably inserted into or removed from the housing through a front opening in the housing, in particular by sliding. The pressing element may comprise at least one projection such as a rib or groove which cooperates with a complementary projection such as a groove or rib on an opposing wall of the device which at least partially defines the housing.

The device may comprise, on the second arm, at least one means for locking the pressing element in the housing, in particular a locking means intended to cooperate with the pressing element, in particular with a corresponding projection on the pressing element. The locking member may prevent the pressing element from being accidentally dislodged.

Alternatively, the pressing element is not mounted in a detachable manner. The pressing element may comprise at least one stud, preferably two studs, mounted so as to slide at least partially into a through hole in the casing, the stud allowing a sliding range limited at its end by a locking element, in particular a screw. Such posts may hold the pressing element in place and limit lateral movement of the pressing element, thereby avoiding disengagement of the pressing element.

The pressing element may form a one-piece component.

The pressing element may have a flat or non-flat bearing surface, in particular a cross section with a non-rectilinear (e.g. convex or concave towards the outside) profile, which at its top is in the form of a face or a truncated face.

The pressing elements may have a substantially parallelepiped shape or be formed by rollers.

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

The pressing element may have a surface roughness. This roughness helps in particular to straighten the hair.

Alternatively, the pressing element is made of a porous material, in particular a material formed of fibers, which are oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form a felt, or of foam. In this case, the pressing element can help to apply the product on both sides of the lock of hair treated and/or to absorb the remaining product and/or to even out the application of the product.

The pressing element may be heated. This may fluidize the cosmetic product when it is applied.

The pressing element may have a length between 70mm and 110 mm.

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

The applicator member may have a flat or non-flat support surface, in particular having a side with a cross-section having a non-rectilinear profile, for example convex or concave towards the outside.

Preferably, the applicator member is filled with a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing element comprises at least one protrusion or central pin inserted into a path defined by a housing holding the pressing element. The protrusion or central pin defines a rocking axis of the pressing element.

For example by a slot or groove.

The protrusion may be supported by an elastically deformable tab of the pressing element. During mounting of the pressing element in the housing, the protrusion may fit in the path by elastic deformation of a tab that it supports. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protrusions facing each other.

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

More preferably, the applicator member is removable. The applicator member may be mounted on a part acting as a stand so as to form a removable filler. The fact that the applicator member or the filler is removable makes it possible to replace the applicator member or the filler for hygienic reasons or when it no longer contains any cosmetic product or when the user wishes to use another applicator member or a different filler, in particular having a different shape or containing a different cosmetic product.

The applicator member may be supplied with product via a reservoir in the arm supporting it. The container may be permanently fastened to the arm or be removable and is, for example, designed 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 teeth of the comb extend in the direction of the other arm.

Preferably, the comb is mounted on the pressing element so as to be detachable. The comb is mountable on and dismountable from the pressing element by sliding in a cavity provided therefor of the pressing element, in particular by sliding through a front opening in the cavity along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element. The comb may comprise at least one fastening projection, in particular a rib or a hook, which cooperates with a complementary fastening projection of the cavity, in particular an opening or a groove in the pressing element. This may allow the comb to be replaced for hygienic reasons or when damaged, removed for cleaning, or replaced with a different comb. This also allows the user to remove the comb when they do not desire to use it.

Preferably, the comb and/or the pressing element comprise a locking element which prevents the comb from accidentally moving away from the pressing element.

Alternatively, the comb is integrally formed with the pressing element in an integral manner, for example injection molded with the pressing element. The comb may then be placed on the arm and detached simultaneously with the applicator member.

Preferably, the comb is located downstream of the applicator member in the direction of movement of the device in the hair, so that the combing action takes place before the application of the cosmetic product.

Preferably, the base of the teeth of the comb are retracted with respect to the support surface of the pressing element.

The expression "retracted" means that, along an axis perpendicular to the support surface, the base of the tooth is at a smaller distance from the bottom of the housing than the support surface of the pressing element.

The comb may have more than 20 teeth, preferably more than 30 teeth.

The teeth of the comb may be spaced apart by a distance of between 1mm and 3 mm.

The length of the teeth may be between 6mm and 10 mm.

Preferably, the comb can be made of a rigid thermoplastic material or of metal, in particular of glass fibre reinforced Polyamide (PAGF).

The device preferably comprises a support member on which the pressing element bears in the housing. The support member is configured to allow the pressing element to rock in the housing.

The term "rocking" should be understood to mean that the pressing element may have a rotational movement about at least one axis, the movement of the pressing element may be a more complex movement having rotational components about several axes, in particular about or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element and/or about or parallel to the transverse axis of the housing. The rocking of the pressing element may apply a more uniform pressure along the entire length of the applicator member and may take into account manufacturing tolerances. The pressing element can thus be adapted to a possible incorrect tilting of the applicator member, which is particularly useful when the applicator member is detachable and can come from various sources. This allows for uniform deposition of the cosmetic product onto the hair.

The support member may be rigid; alternatively, the support member may be elastically deformable. In another alternative, the support member comprises a zone of rigid contact and one or more zones of contact with one or more elastic return members, for example designed to return the pressing element into a predetermined rest position when the applicator member is not mechanically loaded. One or more of the resilient return members may be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

Preferably, the support means comprise a projection projecting from the bottom of the housing and/or from the pressing element, in particular in the form of a hemisphere, or in the form of a substantially conical tooth, or in the form of a half-cylinder oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element. Alternatively or in addition, the support member comprises at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, which is arranged in the housing, for example fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the pressing element.

In particular, one or more elastic members may force the pressing element to abut against a projection extending from the bottom of the housing.

The support member may be removable, for example being held in a recess in the housing when it is in place on the device.

Preferably, the bearing region in the housing is located substantially midway along the pressing element.

Alternatively, the support member comprises at least two elastic pieces, in particular two helical springs provided in the housing, which are fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the pressing element, and in particular are provided close to the axial ends of the pressing element. Then, the pressing member may rock due to the elastic deformation property of the elastic member.

The pressing element can be moved along an axis perpendicular to the application surface, in particular over a maximum downward stroke of between 5mm and 1mm from its high position. For example, the aforementioned groove is wider than the corresponding rib, so that the pressing element can move in translation along this axis with respect to the rib and therefore with respect to the housing. The maximum lowering stroke may be defined by the projection on 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 upright.

In particular, the stroke of the pressing element may be such that, when the device is used, 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.

Preferably, the support member returns the pressing element into the high position. Depending on the return force exerted by the support member on the pressing element, the pressing element can exert a more or less strong pressure on the applicator member, and this can control the amount of product applied to the hair.

The device may comprise at least two heating plates, which are respectively provided on the first and second arms, and each of which presses the hair against another of the heating plates in a moved-together configuration.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing element comprises at least one protrusion or pin inserted into a path defined by the housing holding the pressing element. The boss or pin defines a rocking axis of the pressing element.

For example, the path is defined by the slot or groove.

The protrusion may be supported by an elastically deformed tab of the pressing element. During mounting of the pressing element in the housing, the protrusion may fit in the path by elastic deformation of a tab supporting it. Preferably, the pressing element comprises two such tabs and two such protrusions facing each other.

The pressing element can be pushed into the expanded position by two elastic means, in particular helical springs working in compression, one end of which is held in the guide and the other end of which bears against the wall of the pressing element. The housing can have a projection, in particular having a T-shaped cross section, and the pressing element can be held in the housing by the projection of the pressing element abutting below the head of the T, in particular the projection of the pressing element being raised.

The comb can be fastened in the pressure element by sliding on the pressure element, by inserting at least two mutually separate fastening projections into corresponding housings which are likewise separated from one another.

These housings may be located on either side of the aforementioned path in the longitudinal direction. The fastening boss may be a rib having a cylindrical shape with an at least partially circular cross section, and the fastening boss may be connected to the remaining part of the comb by a lug inserted into a corresponding slot through which the housing is opened to the outside.

Alternatively, the fastening projection is a hook inserted into a window of the pressing element.

The pressing element may have a U-shaped overall cross-section by being provided with two opposite uprights, and the rib and the housing are preferably arranged to press the comb against one of the uprights of the pressing element, the bases of the teeth of the comb lying substantially on the wall connecting the uprights, which also defines the support surface of the applicator member.

The comb may have a longitudinal rib portion resting on the upright portion, above the aforementioned lugs connecting the cylindrical rib portion to the remainder of the comb.

The comb also rests frontally on an upright below the lug.

At one end, the comb may comprise an elastically deformable locking tab designed to snap-fasten to the pressing element once it has been completely introduced into the pressing element.

Alternatively, the comb may comprise a blocking projection on the fastening projection which cooperates with a complementary blocking projection on the pressing element.

The comb may comprise a blocking tab which closes the introduction opening once the comb has been mounted on the pressing element.

Alternatively, the upright portions of the pressing elements are connected by end walls, which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pressing elements.

The comb may include a handle that assists the comb in fitting and being removed.

The comb can only be introduced into the pressing element or detached from the pressing element when the pressing element is in the high position. In particular, when the pressing element is pressed down, the walls of the housing defining the separate fastening bosses for housing the comb can be inserted into corresponding windows in the underlying structure, which windows are formed in the walls of the housing extending between the U-shaped uprights of the pressing element. When the pressing element is pressed, the wall tends to prevent the fastening boss inserted into the housing from coming out.

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

The device preferably comprises detection means for recording the number of applications of the product and/or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator means, for example the number of times the arms are moved together and/or the time during which the arms are held in the moved-together configuration. The detection means may comprise a switch, a reed switch, or an optical, inductive or capacitive sensor. The detection member is preferably disposed in the housing below the pressing elements so that in the moved-together configuration the pressing elements are in contact with the detection member.

The detection means may detect the presence of the applicator member and/or the pressing element. If the applicator member and/or the pressing element are not present, heating of the plate is not possible in particular.

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

The device may comprise means for identifying the applicator member, said means detecting the identifier of the applicator member and comparing it with a registration identifier. This may prevent the use of unregistered applicator members or allow the device to be linked to the number of applications to the hair and/or the application time of each of the applicator members. Thus, when the applicator member is replaced, the device identifies a new applicator member.

The device may comprise a steam outlet for exposing hair introduced into the device to steam, in particular a steam outlet arranged upstream of the applicator member in the direction of movement of the device on the hair.

Another subject of the invention is a method for treating the hair by means of a device according to the invention, in which the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and the device is moved along the lock of hair so as to perform the following successive steps on the lock of hair:

-combing said lock of hair by applying a combing force to said lock of hair,

-applying the cosmetic product by pressing the lock of hair against the applicator member by the pressing element,

-optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair, and

straightening the hair by heating the lock of hair in contact with at least one heating plate, in particular by passing the lock of hair between two opposite heating plates.

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-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 during which the hair is pressed against the applicator member, and sending a signal to the user when the applicator member is empty.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and by reviewing the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view along II in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG. 1,

figure 4 is a perspective view of the device from figure 1, without the pressing element and the applicator member,

figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a pressing element,

figure 6 is a perspective view along VI in figure 5,

figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through an example of a pressing element and a support member in a housing,

figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view through a device comprising the pressing element of figure 7,

figures 9 to 12 are longitudinal section views through a variant of the pressing element and the supporting member in the housing,

figures 13A to 13C are cross-sectional views through variants of the pressing element,

figure 14 is a cross-section through another example of a device according to the invention,

figures 15 and 16 show two perspective cross-sections of a detail of another example of a device according to the invention,

figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in figures 15 and 16 as seen from the front,

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the example of the device in figures 15 and 16,

figure 19 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pressing element of the device in figures 15 and 16,

figure 20 is a perspective view of the comb of the device in figures 15 and 16,

figure 21 is a partial view of a perspective view of the comb of figure 20 different from the perspective view of the comb of figure 20,

figure 22 is a view from below of a variant of the pressing element and comb,

figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the device configured to accommodate the pressing element and comb of figure 22,

fig. 24 shows a perspective view of the pressing element of fig. 22, an

Figure 25 is a perspective view of the comb of figure 22.

Detailed Description

In the remainder of the description, identical and similar elements have the same reference numerals. In order to keep this description concise, these elements are not described in detail for all embodiments. Rather, only the elements that differ from one embodiment to another are described in detail.

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

As shown in fig. 1, the handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between a splayed configuration (not shown) for introducing a lock of hair between said jaws and a moved-together configuration for treatment.

The jaws 3 and 4 are supported by upper and

lower arms

5 and 6 respectively, the upper and

lower arms

5 and 6 being connected together at one end by a hinge 8 in the example in question, the handpiece 2 thereby forming a clamp (tong).

Each of the upper and

lower arms

5, 6 preferably has an overall length of between 22cm and 31cm and defines respective half-handles 10, 11 between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3, 4, against which half-handles 10, 11 a user can press in order to move the jaws 3, 4 together.

The upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6 are along respective longitudinal axes X ₁ And a longitudinal axis X ₂ Extended, when jaws 3 and 4 are closed, longitudinal axis X ₁ And a longitudinal axis X ₂ Preferably substantially parallel to each other.

Resilient return members (not visible) are preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to the open configuration, for example resilient members provided around the hinge pins 8.

The invention is not limited to the particular manner in which the upper and

lower arms

5, 6 are connected together, and enables the jaws 3, 4 to be moved in some other manner, without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the presence of a hinge is largely preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

The jaws 3 and 4 define between each other an area for treating the hair, which is intended to receive a lock of hair to be treated along which the handpiece 2 is moved during treatment, for example in the direction from the root of the hair to the ends of the hair.

In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to comb the hair by passing it through the comb 13, apply the cosmetic product, treat the hair by steam and then carry out a thermal treatment of the hair by contact with two

heating surfaces

15 and 16, in this case formed by two heating plates.

As shown in FIG. 2, the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 on the hair is preferably substantially perpendicular toLongitudinal axis X of arm 5 ₁ And the longitudinal axis X of the arm 6 ₂ 。

In the example discussed, the handpiece 2 is connected by a line 18 to a base station (not shown) that is fixed during processing and connected to a power source (mains).

The base station provides an electrical power supply to the handpiece 2 and it supplies water to generate steam and may also perform additional functions of processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The connection of the handpiece 2 to the docking line 18 may thus include various electrical conductors and water supply lines.

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

The cosmetic product is applied by a filler 20 supported by one of the two arms (arm 5 or arm 6, in this case upper arm 5). The filler 20 is in contact with the pressing member 21, and the pressing member 21 is disposed opposite to the upper arm 5.

The filler 20 comprises a body 23 and an applicator member 26 held in the body 23 and has an application surface 36, the application surface 36 being in contact with the hair present above the pressing element 21.

The filler 20 can be fastened to the arm 5 or the arm 6 by any means, as shown in fig. 3, in particular by sliding the rib 27 of the body 23 into the groove 29 with complementary shape.

The body 23 has a cavity 30, the cavity 30 being open towards the outside through an opening 31, the applicator member 26 being inserted in the opening 31 when the filler 20 is manufactured. Body 23 includes a boss (relief)32 for retaining applicator member 26 extending into cavity 30.

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

Applicator members 26 are for example constituted by fibres, oriented substantially in the same direction (parallel to axis Z), and assembled to form a felt. As shown, the application surface 35 of the applicator member 26 may be flat.

Alternatively, applicator member 26 may also be made by assembling two felts, in particular having different densities. According to this alternative, one of the felts may consist of fibers oriented in one direction (in particular parallel to the axis Z), while the other of the felts may consist of fibers oriented in a direction perpendicular to the other fibers (in particular perpendicular to the axis Z).

As is evident from fig. 3, the pressing element 21 has a bearing surface 36, which bearing surface 36 may have a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface 35. Thus, the support surface 36 may be flat, elongated along a longitudinal axis Y substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Z in the moved-together position of the

arms

5 and 6, and having substantially the same size as the application surface 35.

The pressing element 21 is removably housed in the housing 38 through a front opening in the housing 38. Housing 38 is also open to the outside through at least one opening 37 facing applicator member 26.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the pressing element 21 is introduced into its housing 38 by sliding the ribs 45 on the housing 38 into corresponding grooves 48 in the pressing element 21. Ribs 45 are provided on opposing

side walls

54 and 56 of housing 38. The recess 48 in the pressing element 21 is provided on a side wall of the pressing element 21, the recess 48 facing the wall 54 and the wall 56, respectively.

The pressing element 21 is movable 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 moved together with the housing 38.

The pressing element 21 rests on a support member 40 extending in the housing 38, allowing a rocking movement of the pressing element 21 and keeping the pressing element 21 in the high position in the open position of the

arms

5 and 6.

The stroke P of the pressing element between its high position and its low position is between 1mm and 5mm, for example approximately equal to 3 mm. The movement of the pressing element 21 is limited by the bottom 42 of the housing or by the width i of the groove 48.

The stroke of the pressing element may advantageously position the pressing element in the closed position of the device so that the hair is substantially flush, that is to say the lock of hair is unbiased between the portion located between the heating plate and the portion located between the pressing element and the applicator member. In other words, when the device is used, the distance between the two heating plates is substantially equal to the distance between the pressing element and the applicator member, both distances being measured in a direction substantially collinear with the axis Q. Moreover, the supporting surface 36 of the pressing element is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 16, while, in a plane perpendicular to the direction Q, the application surface 35 is substantially coplanar with the heating surface 15. This therefore improves the straightening effect of the hair by the device.

In the example shown in fig. 3, 5 and 6, the support member 40 is a leaf spring fastened in a recess 41 in the pressing element 21, which leaf spring is oriented towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The leaf spring 40 thus rests in the area 43 against the bottom 42 of the housing 38, the rocking of the pressing element 21 about the area 43 taking place about the rotation axis B substantially perpendicular to the axes Y and Q.

At its ends, the leaf spring 40 has fastening tabs (tab)44 in the recess 41 in contact with the pressing element 21 and a portion 46 between the fastening tabs projecting towards the bottom 42 of the housing 38, the central part of the portion 46 defining a rocking area 43.

The height s occupied by the leaf spring 40 before introduction into the housing 88 is greater than or equal to the distance f between the bottom 43 of the housing and the bottom of the recess 41. Thus, the leaf spring 40 is always loaded by contact with the bottom 42 of the housing. The distance f is for example between 1mm and 5mm and is for example equal to about 3 mm.

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

The groove 48 has a width l that is greater than the thickness e of the rib 45. The width l of the groove 48 is for example between 1mm and 5mm, for example equal to about 3.2 mm. The thickness e of the ribs 45 is between 0.5mm and 5mm, in this case equal to 1 mm. This difference allows the pressing element 21 to move along the axis Y and/or to rock 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 between 1mm and 5mm, for example equal to about 2 mm.

The pressing element 21 is locked in the housing 38 by means of a projecting boss 50 (visible in fig. 5 and 6), which projecting boss 50 is present in a groove 48 in the pressing element 21 and engages with a retraction boss 52 (visible in fig. 4) in the rib 45 of the housing 38.

The projection 50 does not extend along the entire width l of the groove 48 and, in order to remove the pressing element 21, it is sufficient to press on the pressing element 21 so that it is pressed down along the axis Q and the projection 50 disengages from the projection 52. Thus, the pressing member 21 can be slid forward in the housing 38.

Comb 13 is located upstream of applicator member 26 and pressing element 21 in the direction of movement D of handpiece 2. Comb 13 is integrally formed with pressing element 21, in particular molded integrally with pressing element 21.

The comb 13 extends parallel to the support surface 36 and substantially along its entire length.

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

The base of the tooth 55 is set back with respect to the support surface 36, in particular by a distance r between 0.2mm and 5mm, for example equal to 2 mm. This allows the hair to be properly inserted between the support surface 36 and the application surface 35.

All of the teeth 55 preferably have the same height H, which is between 2mm and 12mm, for example equal to 8 mm. The height is large enough to allow hair to be properly held between the teeth 55.

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

The pressing element 21 may comprise a protrusion, for example a tongue 57, for easier gripping.

In fig. 3 and 4, the handpiece 2 has a steam outlet 58, the steam outlet 58 being provided on the arm 6 and being used after the cosmetic product has been applied to the hair.

Thus, when using the handpiece 2, the user closes the two

arms

5 and 6 around a lock of hair and moves the handpiece 2 in the closed position from the root of the hair to the ends of the hair. First, the hair is combed by the comb 13, then the product is applied by pressing the hair against the applicator member 26 by the pressing element 21, then the hair is subjected to the steam passing through the steam outlet 58 and finally heated between the two

heating surfaces

15 and 16.

The example in fig. 7 and 8 differs from the example of fig. 1 to 6 in that the leaf spring 40 is fastened or positioned in the housing 38. For example, the housing 38 includes a recess 60 that houses the leaf spring 40, wherein the leaf spring 40 is secured by any suitable securing mechanism.

The leaf spring 40 then comes into contact with the bottom 42 of the housing by its end 44 and its area of contact with the pressing element 21 defines a rocking area 43.

The example in fig. 9 and 10 differs from the example of fig. 1 to 6 in that the support member 40 is a projection extending from the pressing element 21 or from the bottom 42 of the housing 38.

In the example of fig. 9, the protruding boss 40 is a boss on the bottom 42 of the housing 38. The projection 40 has a substantially triangular shape in a cross-section in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21.

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

The protruding boss 40 may be in the form of a tooth, the protruding boss 40 extending from the center of the bottom 42 of the housing 38, and the pressing element 21 resting on the protruding boss 40. The pressing element 21 can rest on the end of the tooth 40, which has a small extent. This allows the pressing element to rock about at least two different axes of rotation, in particular axes parallel to axis Y and axis B.

Alternatively, the projecting boss 40 may be in the form of a semi-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis B, and the pressing element 21 abuts on the generatrix of the boss 40.

The example in fig. 10 differs from the example in fig. 9 in that the protruding boss 40 belongs to the pressing element 21.

The example in fig. 11 differs from the example in fig. 1 to 6 in that the support member 40 is a coil spring. The coil spring is interposed between the pressing member 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing 38. Each of the pressing element 21 and the bottom 42 of the housing 38 comprises a recess 41 and a recess 60 for holding the helical spring 40 in place. The coil spring 40 is disposed to abut on the center of the pressing member 21.

The example in fig. 12 differs from the example in fig. 9 in that the support member 40 includes two

coil springs

40a and 40b, and the

coil springs

40a and 40b are provided close to one ends of the pressing elements 21, respectively.

Fig. 13A to 13C show a modification of the bearing surface 36 of the pressing member 21.

The bearing surface 36 may have a curved cross-section as shown in fig. 13A, a cross-section in the form of a dihedral as shown in fig. 13B, or a cross-section in the form of a truncated dihedral as shown in fig. 13C. However, the present invention is not limited to these forms.

The example in fig. 14 differs from the example in fig. 1 to 4 in that the comb 13 is detachably mounted on the pressing element 21. Comb 13 may comprise at least one groove 70 intended to engage with a complementary rib 72 on pressing element 21, this at least one groove 70 being in particular a T-shaped groove. The groove 70 may hold the comb 13 on the pressing element 21.

Comb 13 and/or pressing element 21 may comprise a locking member (not shown) for preventing the comb from freely moving away from pressing element 21.

Alternatively, the comb 13 comprises ribs and the applicator member comprises corresponding grooves. Any other detachable fastening mechanism is also possible.

Fig. 15 to 21 show another modification of the pressing member 21, the comb 13 being detachably mounted on the pressing member 21.

According to this further variant, the pressing element 21 has, along at least a portion of its length, a cross-section of the overall shape of a U. In this case the upper surface of the U-shaped plate forms a bearing surface 36. The two

lateral uprights

101 and 102 of the U-shape have respective retaining

ridges

103 and 104. These elevations are oriented towards each other and extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21.

The lower arm 6 holding the pressing member 21 has a projecting boss 105 having a T-shaped cross section, and a head 160 of the projecting boss 105 is held between the upright portion 101 and the upright portion 102.

The lower arm 6 also forms two housings for housing the respective

elastic members

40a, 40b, the two housings being open towards the pressing element 21. Complementary guides for retaining the

helical springs

40a, 40b may be provided on the pressing element 21, in particular on the region opposite the bearing surface 36.

The pressing element 21 comprises tabs 157, one of the tabs 157 being visible in fig. 18, and each of the tabs 157 being provided with a facing protrusion (protuberance) 156. These projections 156 are intended to slide in grooves 155 in the projections 105, substantially along the middle of the projections 105.

The pressing element 21 may be mounted on the lower arm 6 as follows:

two

helical springs

40a, 40b are provided in the housing of the lower arm 6 provided for this purpose;

the pressing element 21 is placed above the boss 105 so that the pressing element 21 covers the two

helical springs

40a, 40 b;

pressing element 21 is snapped into place on boss 105 so as to cause deformation of

lateral uprights

101, 102 until

protuberances

103, 104 snap-fasten onto head 106 of boss 105. The

elastic members

40a, 40b push the

protuberances

103, 104 against the head 106 of the boss 105. The

ridges

103, 104 prevent the pressing member 21 from moving away from the lower arm 6.

Although the pressing element 21 is fitted, the tabs 157 elastically deform to allow the protrusions 156 to fit in the grooves 155.

Also, as shown, the pressing member 21 is formed with a rib 106 extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the rib 106 is oriented toward the outside of the device when the pressing member 21 is mounted.

In fig. 20 and 21, a comb 13 is shown which can be coupled to a pressing element 21.

In this case, the comb 13 has two

cylindrical ribs

107 and 108 extending in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 on the same side thereof.

The cylindrical rib 107 and the cylindrical rib 108 extend in sequence along only a part of the length of the comb 13 in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

The two

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 are connected to the plate 109 of the comb 13 by two

lugs

110, 111, the two

lugs

110, 111 extending substantially perpendicular to the teeth 55 of the comb.

The comb 13 also has blocking tabs 115, as shown, the blocking tabs 115 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and perpendicular to the plane of the tongue 57.

The tab 115 is disposed adjacent the end of the comb 13 having the tongue 57. Preferably, the tab 115 is located between the teeth 55 and the tongue 57 in the lengthwise direction of the comb 13.

The comb 13 also has a locking projection 116 at the end opposite to the end with the tongue 57. As shown in particular in fig. 21, the locking lug 116 is in the form of an elastically deformable locking tab, comprising, in succession from the opposite end to the end of the comb 13 having the tongue:

-a first elevation 117;

a first recess 118, the first recess 118 being immediately adjacent to the first elevation 117, so that the comb 13 has a reduced thickness at this first recess 118;

second elevations 119, second elevations 119 being longer than first elevations 117 and having substantially the same thickness; and

a second recess 120, so that the thickness of the comb 13 at this second recess 120 is substantially the same as the thickness at the first recess.

In this case, "thickness" is understood to mean the dimension measured in the plane of the cross section of the comb 13 and in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the height of the teeth 55.

Of course, further examples of locking tabs may be implemented. In particular, the second elevations and/or second depressions may not be present.

The window 152 is provided in the structure that accommodates the pressing member 21 so as to accommodate the cylindrical wall of the housing 150 when the pressing member 21 is pressed.

In this case, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing element 21, for example, as follows:

Placing the two

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21 close to the respective housings 150 formed in the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 being in the high position and the two

arms

5, 6 of the device being in the open position.

The

cylindrical ribs

107, 108 slide into the housing 150 in the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21, the

lugs

110, 111 passing through openings in the housing 150;

the sliding continues until the recess 118 of the locking tab snaps fastened to the edge 122 of the window 121 formed at the end of the element 21.

Once the comb has been fitted on the pressing element, the tab 115 closes the opening that introduces the comb into the pressing element.

During use, the applicator member is in contact with the pressing element 21 at a certain angle. The pressing element 21 is then rocked about the axis of the projection 156 in order to maximize the contact area between the support surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator member. Finally, the pressing element 21 is pressed vertically until the heating plate abuts against the projection 156 moving in the corresponding rib 155.

The embodiments described with respect to fig. 15 to 21 may have a uniform contact pressure over the entire contact area between the support surface and the application surface. This embodiment may also have a maximum contact area. The structure of the comb in this embodiment also has the following advantages: limiting its impact over the width of the device so that the device becomes more compact.

In this embodiment, the comb and the pressing element are advantageously made of several saw-tooth shaped extrusions (extrusions) formed by the wall of the housing 150 and the

cylindrical ribs

107, 108. In particular, this may limit the interaction with the elastic member defining the central guiding axis of the pressing element and/or with the protrusion 156, compared to a structure made of a single extrusion.

Fig. 22 to 25 show another modification of the pressing member 21, in which the comb 13 is detachably attached to the pressing member 21.

According to this other variant, the pressing element 21 has, along at least part of its length, a cross-section in the overall shape of a U. In this case, the upper surface of the U-shaped plate forms the bearing surface 36. The two

lateral uprights

101 and 102 of the U-shape are connected together by a central pin 200 and two

end planes

202 and 203 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the pressing element 21. Alternatively, the central pin 200 extends from one of the two

lateral uprights

101 or 102 towards the other of the two lateral uprights, but is not connected to the latter. The center pin 200 is substantially equidistant from the two

end flats

202 and 203. The two

end planes

202 and 203 can close the pressing element 21 at its ends, thereby increasing the strength and limiting the deformation of the latter.

The lower arm 6 holding the pressing element 21 has a guide slot 205, the guide slot 205 extending vertically and holding the pin 200 when the pressing element 21 is mounted on the arm 6, the pin 200 being guided in a vertical movement.

The lower arm 6 is also formed with two housings for accommodating the respective

elastic members

40a, 40b, the two housings being open toward the pressing member 21. Complementary guides for accommodating the

helical springs

The pressing element 21 comprises a post 210 and a post 212, the post 210 and the post 212 being molded with the pressing element 21 and having an internal thread. These

columns

210 and 212 are housed in sliding manner in through

holes

215 and 217 in the lower arm 6. Each of them carries at its free end projecting out of holes 215 and 217 a washer 220 and a washer 222 and a screw 225 and a screw 227. Such elements may retain the post in the bore. Lower arm 6 has an inner spacing 230 which, by sliding in

holes

215 and 217, allows vertical movement of

screw tabs

210 and 212,

washer

220 and 222, and screw 225 and screw 227 in the assembly of this spacing 230.

In fig. 22 and 25, a comb 13 is shown which can be coupled to the pressing element 21.

In this case, the comb 13 has two

hooks

237, 238, the two

hooks

237, 238 being on the same side of the comb, extending from the comb towards the rear of the comb. Each of the two

hooks

237, 238 has an end portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the comb 13 and is connected to the comb by a connection forming an elbow with the end portion.

The

hooks

237, 238 extend one after the other in the length direction of the comb 13.

Pressing element 21 includes

windows

245 and 247 for retaining

hooks

237 and 238, respectively. The

windows

245 and 247 are elongated along the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21 so that the ends of the

hooks

237 and 238 can be inserted into said

windows

245 and 247. The length of the window is greater than or equal to the length of the ends of

hooks

237 and 238.

Each end of

hooks

237 and 238 includes a blocking boss 250 and a blocking boss 251, with blocking

bosses

250 and 251 snap-fit with

complementary blocking bosses

260 and 261 on pressing element 21.

The junction of hook 237 and hook 238 may have a surface 265 and a surface 266, the surface 265 and surface 266 being oriented toward the side opposite hook 237 and hook 238 and having a chamfered portion so as to be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the comb. The ends of the

hooks

237 and 238 may also have chamfered portions toward the inside of the hooks. This chamfer makes it easier to detach the comb 13 from the pressing element 21.

The lateral surfaces of the

windows

245 and 247 may also have inclined lateral surfaces (not shown) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pressing element 21. This orientation of the surface of the window may make it easier to detach the comb 13 from the pressing element 21 by guiding the hooks through the window.

The comb 13 also has gripping tabs 214, as shown, the gripping tabs 214 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the comb 13.

In this case, for example, the comb 13 is mounted on the pressing member 21 as follows:

the two

hooks

237 and 238 are positioned close to corresponding

windows

245 and 247 formed on the pressing element 21, the pressing element 21 being in the high position and the two

arms

5, 6 of the device being in the open position;

inserting two

hooks

237 and 238 into

windows

245 and 247 and sliding comb 13 towards the rear in the longitudinal direction of pressing element 21, blocking

projections

250 and 251 of

hooks

237 and 238 being snap-fastened on

complementary blocking projections

260 and 261 on pressing element 21.

During use, the applicator member is in contact with the pressing element 21 at a certain angle. The pressing element 21 then rocks about the central pin 200, so as to maximize the contact area between the bearing surface 36 of the pressing element 21 and the application surface of the applicator member. Finally, pressing element 21 is pressed vertically until the heating plate abuts central pin 200 sliding in slot 205 and screw

tabs

210 and 212 sliding in

holes

215 and 217.

The embodiments described with respect to fig. 22-25 may have a stronger pressing element and stronger comb, better retention of the pressing element on the arm, a more limited lateral rocking gap of the pressing element, thereby limiting the risk of disengagement of the pressing element, increasing the rigidity of the pressing element and improving the guiding of the pressing element on the arm.

The invention is not limited to just the described exemplary embodiments, the features of which may be combined with one another as part of variants which are not shown. The invention may also be varied in a number of ways that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art. For example, the support surface 36 may have a roughness that may help straighten hair. The pressing element and the applicator member may be made of the same material.

Claims

1. A device for treating hair, the device comprising:

-a first arm (5) and a second arm (6), said first arm (5) and said second arm (6) being movable with respect to each other between a moved-together configuration for treating the hair and an expanded configuration for inserting hair to be treated between said first arm and said second arm, said first arm (5) carrying an applicator member (26) for applying a cosmetic product, said applicator member (26) being contactable with the hair in said moved-together configuration of said first arm (5) and said second arm (6), and said second arm (6) having at least one housing (38),

-a pressing element (21), the pressing element (21) being provided in the housing (38), the pressing element (21) having a bearing surface (36), the bearing surface (36) being configured to press the hair against the applicator member (26) in the moved-together configuration,

-a comb (13), the comb (13) being mounted on the pressing element (21),

wherein the device comprises a support member on which the pressing element bears, which allows the pressing element (21) to move along an axis (Q) perpendicular to an application surface (35) of the applicator member (26) and/or allows the pressing element (21) to make a rocking motion in the housing when the device is in use, wherein the bases of the teeth (55) of the comb (13) are retracted with respect to the bearing surface (36) of the pressing element (21).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element (21) is one-piece.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the support surface (36) has a shape complementary to the shape of the application surface (35) of the applicator member (26).

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element (21) is detachable.

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member (26) has an application surface (35), the support surface (36) and the application surface (35) being flat on opposite areas of the support surface (36) and the application surface (35).

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing element (21) comprises at least one boss cooperating with a complementary boss on opposite walls (54, 56) of the device, which at least partially define the housing (38).

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the stroke of the pressing element (21) is such as to align the hair to be treated held between the two arms of the device when the device is used.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member (26) is filled with a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the comb (13) is mounted on the pressing element (21) so as to be removable.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein said comb (13) is integrally formed with said pressing element (21) in a single piece.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the teeth (55) of the comb (13) extend in the direction of the other arm.

12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the comb (13) is located downstream of the applicator member (26) in the direction of movement of the device on the hair, so that the combing action takes place before the application of the cosmetic product.

13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the support member (40) is a projection projecting from a bottom (44) of the housing (38) and/or from a bottom (44) of the pressing element (21).

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support member (40) comprises at least one spring, which is provided in the housing (38).

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the elastic member forces the pressing element (21) to abut against a boss (105) projecting from the bottom of the housing.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bearing area around which the rocking is located in the housing (38) is located substantially midway along the pressing element (21).

17. Device according to claim 16, wherein it comprises detection means for recording the number of applications of the product and/or the time during which the hair is pressed against the applicator means (26).

18. Method for treating the hair by means of a device according to claim 1, wherein the arms of the device are closed around a lock of hair and the device is moved along the lock of hair so as to perform the following successive steps on the lock of hair:

-combing said lock of hair by applying a combing force to said lock of hair,

-applying the cosmetic product by pressing the lock of hair against the applicator member (26) by the pressing element (21),

-optionally, applying steam to the lock of hair, and

-straightening said hair by heating said lock of hair in contact with the heating plates (15, 16).