U.S. patent application number 11/961444 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for device for applying a product to a lock of hair.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'Oreal. Invention is credited to Nicolas ALBISETTI.
Application Number | 20080223386 11/961444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38226316 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080223386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALBISETTI; Nicolas |
September 18, 2008 |
DEVICE FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT TO A LOCK OF HAIR
Abstract
A device for applying a product to a lock of hair, comprising
two prongs having substantially parallel axes, a common base
bearing the two prongs, a member for selecting a lock of hair that
is arranged so as to project at the opposite end of at least one
prong to the common base, and a member for distributing the hairs
of a lock of hair, a duct being formed in the common base to allow
the product to pass through.
Inventors: |
ALBISETTI; Nicolas; (Clichy,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
L'Oreal
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
38226316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/961444 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60886179 |
Jan 23, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/112 ;
132/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/012
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/112 ;
132/270 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/22 20060101
A45D024/22; A45D 19/18 20060101 A45D019/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2006 |
FR |
0655729 |
Claims
1. A device for applying a product to a lock of hair, comprising: a
base with a duct that allows the product to pass through the base;
a first prong supported by the base at a first end of the first
prong, the first prong extending from the base along a first
longitudinal axis; a second prong supported by the base at a first
end of the second prong, the second prong extending from the base
along a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the
first longitudinal axis; a selection member that selects a lock of
hair, the selection member projecting from a second end opposite
the first end of at least one prong; and a distribution member,
disposed on at least one of the first and second prongs, that
distributes hairs of a lock of hair.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a
stub provided with means for fastening the base to a receptacle
containing the product.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the duct comprises an
inlet arranged on an end of the base opposite to the prongs and an
outlet arranged in at least one prong.
4. The device according to claim 3, in which the outlet is
elongated axially over a majority of the length of the prong.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the selection member is
disposed as a continuation of at least one prong projecting in an
axial direction and, a connection part is arranged between the
selection member and the prong.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one prong
includes radial ribs that distribute the hairs of the lock.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
prongs define an inter-prong space of substantially constant cross
section.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the selection member
has a smaller cross section than a cross section of the prong to
which the selection member is attached.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein both of the first and
second prongs include a distribution member, and an inter-prong
space is defined by surfaces of the first and second prongs such
that the hairs pass between the distribution members.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution
member has a length which is substantially equal to a length of an
outlet of the duct.
11. The device according to claim 1, comprising a flexible
receptacle fastened to the base.
12. The device according to claim 1, comprising two prongs and a
selection member borne by only one prong.
13. The device according to claim 1, comprising two prongs, wherein
each prong includes a selection member.
14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution
member occupies an angular sector of a prong that is less than 180
degrees.
15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution
member is disposed on at least one prong and occupies a complete
circumference of the occupied prong.
16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first prong
includes radial ribs that distribute the hairs of the lock, the
ribs disposed on a surface of the first prong facing away from the
second prong.
17. The device according to claim 16, further comprising an outlet
of the duct disposed on the first prong, the outlet disposed nearer
to the second prong than are the radial ribs.
18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the outlet extends,
in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis, along a
length of the first prong equivalent to a length along the first
prong over which the ribs extend.
19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the second prong does
not include ribs.
20. A device for applying a product to a lock of hair, comprising:
a base with a duct that allows the product to pass through the
base; a first prong supported by the base at a first end of the
first prong, the first prong extending from the base along a first
longitudinal axis; a second prong supported by the base at a first
end of the second prong, the second prong extending from the base
along a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the
first longitudinal axis; means for selecting a lock of hair; and
means for distributing the lock of hair.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This document claims priority to French Application Number
06 55729, filed Dec. 20, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/886,179, filed Jan. 23, 2007, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the application of a
treatment product, for example, a cosmetic treatment product, to a
lock of hair of a user. In one example, the product may be a
coloring product or an aesthetic care product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of Background
[0003] FR 1 133 441 relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid
product to the hair and the epidermis. The apparatus is composed of
a body on which a head is screwed. The head is provided with two
hollow tines which are co-molded with the head and have holes
perforated therein. For the filling operation, the head is
separated from the body, the liquid product that is to be applied
is poured into the body and then the head is screwed on completely.
To operate the apparatus, absorbent cotton is wrapped around the
two hollow tines, and the apparatus is inclined so as to place the
head at an angle of approximately 45.degree. below the horizontal.
In this position, the liquid product contained in the body flows
into one of the hollow tines, the other naturally letting in air
that is necessary for operation. The liquid then flows through the
holes and moistens the absorbent cotton covering the hollow
tines.
[0004] This apparatus typically requires complicated handling, with
a filling step and a step of wrapping the absorbent cotton round
the two tines. Moreover, the apparatus typically does not provide a
fully homogeneous distribution of product within the hair, one
reason being the heterogeneity of the distribution of the product
in the absorbent cotton, another reason being the heterogeneity of
the wrapping of the absorbent cotton round the tines, and yet
another reason being the random distribution of the hair on the
outer surface of the absorbent cotton. In addition, the hair
products often have viscosities which differ from one product to
another and prove to be difficult to apply to the locks, in
particular wide and/or thick ones. The penetration of the absorbent
cotton by the product and the passage of the product through the
holes is usually strongly influenced by the viscosity of the
product. The background art apparatus is therefore often
specifically made to a particular product viscosity.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,480 relates to a hair dye application
apparatus comprising a handle and an application portion one end of
which is screwed onto the handle. The application portion,
typically made of a sponge material, comprises a pair of semi-rigid
applicator elements which are sufficiently spaced apart to
accommodate a small group of hairs between them.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,480, the product typically must pass
through a considerable thickness of sponge material, resulting in a
flow which is extremely dependent on the viscosity of the product.
Moreover, the distribution of the product between the free ends of
the applicator elements and their base is often at risk of being
unduly heterogeneous and dependent on the viscosity of the
product.
[0007] WO 00/22954 relates to a product applicator for multi-color
hair treatment. The applicator is terminated in the form of a cone,
whereby it would be possible, when the applicator is turned
downwards, to retain the treatment product and to allow a lock of
hair to be inserted through a slot so that it can be subjected to a
treatment to change the color of the hair tip. However, the factor
that the lock of hair enters at an oblique angle is sometimes
difficult to manage. Moreover, since the cone is filled with a
treatment product, there is a risk that the distribution of the
treatment product will be irregular unless the slot is very narrow,
in which case inserting the hair would be particularly
cumbersome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to overcome one or
more of the above-noted drawbacks of conventional applicators.
[0009] Moreover, the applicant has noticed that, prior to inserting
a lock of hair, this lock is preferably suitably selected. Another
aspect of certain embodiments of the invention is to meet this
preference.
[0010] One aspect of the invention is to allow the selection of a
lock and the substantially uniform application of the product to
the said lock in a simple movement.
[0011] In one example, the device for applying a product to a lock
of hair comprises two prongs having substantially parallel axes, a
common base supporting the two prongs, and a member for
distributing the hairs of a lock of hair. A duct is typically
formed in the common base to allow the product to pass through, and
a member for selecting a lock of hair is typically arranged so as
to project at the opposite end of at least one prong to the common
base.
[0012] In this example, the user can thus select the lock of hair
prior to inserting it between the prongs. This selection is
typically achieved by means of the selection member. Once the lock
has been selected, the user can slide the lock of hair between the
prongs so that the product flowing through the duct can then be
applied thereto, in particular by means of a rotation of at least
90.degree. so as to impart an S-shaped path on the hair during a
movement of the device in the direction of the free end of the
hair, the hair being distributed by the distribution member. In
other words, with respect to the reference frame constituted by the
application device, the hair can move in a first direction, then in
a second direction perpendicular to the first and then in a third
direction parallel to the first. The second direction can comprise
at least one component perpendicular to the first and, if
appropriate, a component parallel to but in an opposite direction
to the first.
[0013] In one example, the selection member is disposed so as to
project axially at the opposite end of at least one prong to the
common base, or be slightly oblique, in particular at an angle of
less than 10.degree..
[0014] In one example, a prong comprises a cylindrical body
comprising the distribution member. Alternatively, the body can be
slightly frustoconical, in particular at an angle of less than
10.degree.. In one example, the distribution member is a comb. The
distribution member can include a plurality of ribs projecting
radially on two sides of the body, the ribs being regularly
distributed axially.
[0015] In one embodiment, the common base comprises a stub provided
with means for fastening to a receptacle containing the product. In
one example, the means includes a thread. The receptacle can be
made of a flexible synthetic material so as to be able to be
pressed between the fingers of the user and thus cause the product
to pass into the duct.
[0016] In one embodiment, the duct comprises an inlet arranged at
an opposite end of the base from the prongs and an outlet arranged
at least in one prong. In one embodiment, the inlet is in
communication with the reservoir. In one example, the outlet is
elongated axially over most of the length of the prong. This shape
promotes a homogeneous distribution of the product within a lock of
hair. The cross section of the duct taken transversely to the
length of the prong can be constant or decreasing as the duct
extends away from the common base.
[0017] In one embodiment, the selection member is arranged in the
continuation of at least one prong, a connection part being
arranged between the selection member and the prong. The selection
member can take the form of a finger projecting longitudinally at
the end of one prong or else of a finger projecting longitudinally
at the end of each prong. The connection parts can be of
frustoconical type with wide connection fillets, for example ones
having a larger radius than the radius of the selection member. The
cross section of the selection member can be smaller than half the
cross section of a prong.
[0018] In one embodiment, at least one prong comprises radial ribs
for distributing the hairs of a lock. The ribs for distributing the
hairs define grooves between them in which the hairs come to be
distributed, and thus provide a comb effect. In one embodiment, the
prongs define an inter-prong space of substantially constant cross
section. In one embodiment, the selection member has a smaller
cross section than the cross section of the prong.
[0019] In one embodiment, a space between two prongs is defined by
surfaces of the prongs such that a hair from the selected lock of
hair passes between the prongs. The hairs can pass between
distribution members formed on the prongs.
[0020] In one embodiment, the member for distributing the hairs of
a lock of hair has a length which is substantially equal to the
length of an outlet of the duct. In one example, the outlet of the
duct is circumferentially adjacent to the distribution member.
[0021] In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible
receptacle fastened to the common base.
[0022] In one embodiment, the device comprises two prongs and a
selection member borne by one prong.
[0023] In one embodiment, the device comprises two prongs and two
selection members, each prong bearing a selection member. The space
between the two selection members can be larger than the space
between the prongs.
[0024] In one embodiment, the device comprises a member for
distributing the hairs of a lock of hair that occupies an angular
sector of a prong that is, as viewed along a longitudinal axis of
the prong, less than 180.degree. over the cross section of the
prong.
[0025] In another embodiment, the device comprises a distribution
member formed on at least one prong and occupying the complete
circumference of the prong.
[0026] In one embodiment, the device for applying a product to a
lock of hair comprises two prongs having substantially parallel
axes, a base bearing the two prongs, a duct being formed in the
base to allow the product to pass through, and a tine arranged so
as to project axially at the opposite end of at least one prong to
the base. Each prong can comprise a substantially cylindrical body
and a comb projecting outwardly away from the other prong. The comb
can have radial teeth elongated angularly around at least one part
of the prong.
[0027] One aspect of the invention relates to a hair treatment
method, in particular a cosmetic treatment or else an aesthetic
care treatment method, in which a lock of hair is selected from the
head of hair by means of a selection finger. The selected lock of
hair is then passed between two prongs defining an inter-prong
space, the two prongs are rotated slightly around a longitudinal
axis and the prongs are moved translationally so as to cause the
hairs of the selected lock of hair to slide within the prongs and
in the immediate vicinity of a product feed duct which opens into
the hair passage region.
[0028] As should be apparent, the various embodiments, aspects, and
examples of invention can provide a number of advantageous features
and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the
invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more
features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not
others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred
embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not
to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be
formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the
features of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] A better understanding of the invention will be gained from
reading the following description in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and
by way of example, and in no way limit the invention.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example a device for
applying a product to a lock of hair;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1
from another angle;
[0032] FIG. 3 is an elevation front view of the device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the application device shown
in FIG. 1, with a lock of hair;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an elevation side view of the device shown in FIG.
1, equipped with a reservoir;
[0035] FIG. 6 is an elevation side view of the application device
according to another embodiment; and
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG.
6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts
throughout the several views.
[0038] The example of the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 includes a
common base 2 from which there extend two prongs 3 and 4 having
parallel or substantially parallel longitudinal axes. The prongs 3
and 4 can be cylindrical. In this example, the prongs 3 and 4 are
immovable relative to the common base 2. The prongs 3 and 4
typically emanate from the same face of the base 2 and extend at a
small distance from one another, thus forming an axially elongated
inter-prong space 5. The inter-prong space 5 is, in the example
shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
device. On the opposite side of the base 2 from the prongs 3 and 4,
the device 1 typically comprises a sleeve 6 whose outer surface is
provided with an attachment component such as a thread 7. The
sleeve 6 has an internal passage 8. The common base 2 has a disc
shape in the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, but other shapes are
possible.
[0039] The prongs 3 and 4 can be identical. Each prong 3, 4 can
comprise an elongate opening 9 in communication with the passage 8
via a duct 10 which is visible in the example depicted in FIG. 3.
The opening 9 can be defined by two lips 11 and 12 forming part of
the prong 3, 4.
[0040] Each of the prongs 3 and 4 can also comprise a plurality of
ribs 13 projecting radially with respect to the body of each of the
prongs 3 and 4 as shown in FIGS. 1-5. The ribs 13 can be formed
over a limited angular sector around each or both of the prongs 3
and 4, for example of the order of 90.degree.. The ribs 13 are
regularly spaced axially and thus form a comb. The inter-prong
space 5 can have a radial dimension of between 0.5 and 1 cm.
[0041] It will be noted that in different embodiments, the ribs 13
can be provided on one of the prongs or on both prongs. The ribs
can be oriented differently, in particular transversely, relative
to an elongation axis of or each prong.
[0042] In the embodiment represented, the ribs 13 are arranged away
from the inter-prong space 5. In other words, the ribs 13 are
oriented outwardly. The ribs 13 can be arranged on the major part
of the length of each prongs 3 and 4, for example over a length
which is slightly less than the length of the opening 9. The prongs
3 and 4 can have an axial length of less than 5 cm, preferably less
than 2 cm, for example of the order of 1.3 cm. The axial length of
the opening 9 typically is itself slightly less than the axial
length of each prong.
[0043] The application device 1 also typically comprises two
selection members respectively arranged as the axial continuations
of the prongs 3 and 4. The selection members 14 and 15 are
typically connected to the prongs 3 and 4 by a rounded connection
portion 16 and 17, respectively, which can have a frustoconical
shape or a ramp shape with wide connection fillets whose radius is
larger than the radii of the selection members 14 and 15, or even
larger than the radii of the prongs 3 and 4. The selection members
14 and 15 extend from the prongs 3, 4 at the opposite end of the
prongs from the base 2. The longitudinal axes of the selection
members 14 and 15 can be parallel to those of the prongs 3 and 4.
The selection members 14 and 15 can have an axial length which is
less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, for example of the order
of 1.3 cm. The selection members 14 and 15 can have an axial length
which is substantially equal to that of the prongs 3 and 4.
[0044] In the inter-prong space 5, the prongs 3 and 4 are provided
with smooth surfaces 18, 19 which face one another. The selection
members 14 and 15 typically have, in cross section, a bean shape
with a slight concavity arranged on the inner side and a convex
surface on the outer side. The convex surfaces of the selection
members 14 and 15 can be situated substantially in the axial
continuations of the outer surface of the prongs 3 and 4, on the
opposite side to the inner surfaces 18 and 19 and in the vicinity
of the ribs 13. The application device can be produced in the form
of a single block, for example as a one-piece molding.
[0045] The prongs 3, 4 typically have, in cross section, a concave
portion 20, 21 situated circumferentially between the ribs 13 and
the surfaces 18, 19 defining the inter-prong space 5. As can be
seen especially clearly in FIG. 3, the prongs 3, 4 are typically
arranged in a mutually opposed manner. In other words, in this
particular example, the geometric position of one of the prongs is
obtained by pivoting the other prong around 180.degree. and moving
it translationally. In FIG. 3, the opening 9 and the ribs 13 of the
prong 3 are arranged on the upper side, whereas the opening 9 and
the ribs 13 of the prong 4 are arranged on the lower side. The
selection members 14 and 15 are situated in the continuation of the
outer surface of the prongs, such that the space between the
selection members 14 and 15 is significantly greater than the
inter-prong space 5. Thus, this particular arrangement facilitates
selection of the quantity of hairs which are desired to form a
lock.
[0046] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, a lock of hair 22 has
been selected between the selection members or fingers 14 and 15
and has been brought between the prongs 3 and 4 by an axial
translational movement of the device 1, thus passing into the
inter-prong space 5. The device 1 has subsequently been rotated by
about 1/4 of a turn in the clockwise direction, the effect of which
is to bring the lock of hair 22 into contact with the ribs 13 which
thus ensure a relatively regular distribution of the hairs of the
lock of hair 22 in the grooves 23 formed between the ribs 13.
[0047] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the hairs of the lock of
hair 22 that pass into the grooves 23 of each of the prongs 3 and 4
and into the inter-prong space 5 also pass into contact with the
lips 11 and 12 of each opening 9 from which the product, for
example the cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care product, flows.
Each hair individually is thus suitably impregnated on account of
the hairs of a lock being distributed between a plurality of
grooves 23 defined by the ribs 13. A lock of hair 22 is thus spread
out flat over a width of, in this example, at least one centimetre
and then distributed under the comb effect of the ribs 13. The
application device 1 can then be moved translationally radially
with respect to its longitudinal axis, resulting in a sliding
movement of the hairs which are thus impregnated over the major
part of their length and on both sides thereof, owing to the
presence of two openings 9.
[0048] As can be seen from FIG. 5, the application device 1 is
advantageously combined with a reservoir 24 which supplies the
passage 8, the duct 10, and the opening 9 with product. In one
application, the product is a cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care
product. The reservoir 24 can comprise flexible walls. In one
example, the pressure exerted by the user's hand enables the
product to flow. Thus, the reservoir 24 can take the form of a
small pressable container. In a further example, the reservoir 24
can be equipped with a sleeve 25 whose bore is provided with a
thread which complements the thread 7 of the stub 6. The sleeve 25
can thus be fastened on the device 1 and butt against the base 2 as
shown in FIG. 5. The reservoir 24 is then situated in the axial
continuation of the prongs 3 and 4. The prongs 3 and 4 and their
continuation, forming the selection members 14 and 15, then take
the form of a two-pronged fork.
[0049] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
references of the elements which are similar to those of the
preceding embodiment have been retained. The base 2 typically has a
significantly increased thickness in relation to the preceding
embodiment and is in some examples provided with a female thread
instead of a male thread, or else with a smooth bore in order to
provide a press fit with a reservoir. The device 1 in the example
depicted in FIG. 6 comprises a single selection member 14 which is
provided with a rounded free end 14a and which connects to the
connection portion 16 borne by the prong 3. The prong 4 is
terminated by a rounded end 26 in the example shown in FIG. 6.
[0050] In one example, the openings 9 can be localized openings,
for example in the form of holes, and distributed such that there
is one opening for each groove 23. The openings 9 lead out onto the
inner surfaces 18 and 19 in order to discharge some treatment
product into the inter-prong space 5. The openings 9 can be
arranged opposite one another or be offset. The openings 9 can be
disposed at the bottom or on the edge of the grooves 23.
Alternatively, the openings 9 can be formed in the ribs 13 with a
radial orientation towards the other prong or an axial orientation
towards the adjacent groove 23.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the ribs 13 typically extend
substantially around the periphery of each prong 3 and 4, thus
defining circular grooves 23 of angularly variable depth. As can be
seen more particularly from FIG. 7, the ribs 13 typically have an
oval general shape in cross section. The ribs 13 of the prong 3 and
the ribs 13 of the prong 4 shown in FIG. 7 are elongated parallel
to one another. In other words, the grooves 23 are deep outside the
inter-prong space 5 and shallow or non-existent within the
inter-prong space 5. In the latter case, the inner surfaces 18 and
19 are smooth, thus making it easier for the hair to slide. At
least one rib 13 can have two diametrically opposed projections,
one on either side of a prong.
[0052] This shape results in promoting the insertion of the lock of
hair into the inter-prong space 5 and the predistribution of the
hairs by virtue of the mutually opposite inner surfaces 18 and 19
which are caused to undulate slightly by the ribs 13 and the
grooves 23 which have small dimensions at this point, see for
example, FIG. 6. Once the lock of hair has been inserted and
predistributed, the user typically rotates the application device 1
by about 1/4 of a turn, which brings the prongs into engagement
between the large-dimension part of the ribs 13, thereby leading to
the substantially complete distribution of the hairs of the lock of
hair within the grooves 23.
[0053] Moreover, the application device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7
allows for an impregnation on both sides of a lock, resulting in an
appreciable time saving for the user and a better diffusion of the
product within the lock.
[0054] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *