U.S. patent application number 13/288989 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for steam hairdressing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEB S.A.. Invention is credited to Regis Fereyre, Marc Legrain, Benoit Linglin, Xavier Vacheron.
Application Number | 20120111356 13/288989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43711074 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120111356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vacheron; Xavier ; et
al. |
May 10, 2012 |
Steam Hairdressing Apparatus
Abstract
A steam hairdressing apparatus to style the hair, including: a
first and a second jaw arranged facing one another, a first
treatment surface borne by the first jaw and a second treatment
surface borne by the second jaw, the surfaces intended to grasp a
lock of hair, a reservoir of liquid, a means of vaporization of the
liquid in fluid communication with the reservoir, a steam
distribution means in communication with the means of vaporization,
comprising one or more steam distribution orifices in the direction
of a lock of hair, the means of vaporization comprising a first
vaporization chamber forming a unique volume, a second vaporization
chamber equipped with a plurality of baffles, said chambers in
fluid communication, the internal volume (V1) of the first chamber
being greater than the internal volume (V2) of the second
chamber.
Inventors: |
Vacheron; Xavier; (Genas,
FR) ; Linglin; Benoit; (Cruseilles, FR) ;
Fereyre; Regis; (Chavanay, FR) ; Legrain; Marc;
(Civrieux-en-Dombes, FR) |
Assignee: |
SEB S.A.
Ecully
FR
|
Family ID: |
43711074 |
Appl. No.: |
13/288989 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/228 ;
132/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/28 20130101; A45D
1/04 20130101; A45D 2001/008 20130101; A45D 2/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/228 ;
132/272 |
International
Class: |
A45D 4/04 20060101
A45D004/04; A45D 2/36 20060101 A45D002/36; A45D 19/16 20060101
A45D019/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 5, 2010 |
FR |
10 59117 |
Claims
1. Steam hairdressing apparatus to style hair comprising: a first
and a second jaw arranged facing one another, a first treatment
surface borne by the first jaw and a second treatment surface borne
by the second jaw, the surfaces intended to grasp a lock of hair, a
reservoir of liquid, a means of vaporization of the liquid in
communication with the reservoir for generating steam, means of
distribution of the steam in communication with the means of
vaporization including one or more steam distribution orifices in
the direction of a lock of hair, wherein the means of vaporization
includes a first vaporization chamber forming a unique volume, a
second vaporization chamber equipped with baffles, said first and
second chambers in fluid communication, and wherein the internal
volume (V1) of the first chamber is greater than the internal
volume (V2) of the second chamber.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the first vaporization
chamber is arranged upstream from the second vaporization chamber
relative to a direction of the passage of steam.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the internal volume (V1) of
the first chamber is at least two times greater than the internal
volume (V2) of the second chamber.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the baffles arranged
parallel to one another.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the second chamber includes
three to five baffles.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the first chamber has a
volume that is essentially a parallelepiped, having a section
chosen among one of the following sections: a rectangular, square
or trapezoidal section.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the means of distribution
is lateral to the means of vaporization and preferably extends
essentially an entire length of the means of vaporization.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the first chamber has a
water inlet in the form of a water supply pipe an orifice of which
is arranged essentially in a center of the first chamber.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the first vaporization
chamber has a water inlet in the form of a water supply pipe, an
orifice of which is arranged essentially in a first quarter of a
length of the first chamber.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the first vaporization
chamber has a water inlet in the form of a pipe made of material
consisting of or coated with PTFE.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means of
vaporization comprises at least one heating element.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 where a heating element is
arranged against a largest exterior surface of the means of
vaporization, preferably placed opposite the steam distribution
orifices.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising two heating elements
arranged laterally against each side of the means of
vaporization.
14. Apparatus according to claim 11 where the heating element is
regulated by a thermistor.
15. Apparatus according to claim 1 where at least a part of the
interior surface of the means of vaporization has a granular
coating and/or is coated at least partially with an anti-boiling
agent.
16. Apparatus according to claim 1 where the two hair treatment
surfaces are essentially complementary and flat, curved or
corrugated in shape.
17. Apparatus according to claim 13 where the heating element is
regulated by a thermistor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a steam hairdressing apparatus
which is intended to style hair, in particular, the smoothing,
curling and crimping of a person's hair.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Traditionally there have been two types of hairdressing
apparatuses that allow the smoothing or curling or crimping; the
surfaces that grasp the hair are flat or curved or corrugated and
are heated or heating.
[0005] The apparatuses of the grasping type for smoothing or
curling generally comprise two pivoting jaws, each of which has an
end supporting a treatment surface, at least one of the treatment
surfaces being heated, the other provided to bring the hair into
contact with the former, namely, via a position opening the jaws
that allows the insertion of the hair into a closing position,
bringing it into contact with the heating part.
[0006] The other end of the jaws forms two half handles acting as a
holding area and making it possible to change from the opening to
the closing position. The transition is done manually by pressing
the two articulated half-handles of the apparatus towards one
another to bring the heating part in contact with the hair. The
smoothing of a lock of hair is accomplished by moving the apparatus
along this lock, from the root to the tip. The curling of a lock of
hair is done by rolling the lock at least partially around one or
the other of the treatment surfaces and by applying heat to fix the
curl so it holds. To improve the shaping of the hair, it is
possible to use steam projected on the hair as well.
[0007] Known from document U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,597 is a hair curler
comprising a water reservoir, a vaporization chamber and a
compartment for distributing the steam, this compartment comprising
both the baffles and the orifices for the steam outlets. This
apparatus has the advantage of being compact. The baffles were
introduced to "prevent the flow of water directly across the holes
while allowing the passage of the steam so that no matter how the
apparatus was positioned by the user, there would no water leak.
Nevertheless, this apparatus does not allow for optimal safety,
that is, it does not prevent any drop of water from falling on the
scalp hair and burning it.
[0008] Also known from document U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,648 is a steam
curling iron in the water steam category: a water reservoir, a
chamber with baffles, a principal vaporization chamber equipped
with outlets for the steam to the hair. However, the baffles are
placed at the inlet to the fluid, and the vaporization chamber is
situated just above the steam outlet holes; therefore they should
be heated sufficiently so that it does not generate any drop of
spray via its outlet orifices onto the scalp hair. Furthermore,
being highly heated involves undesirable boiling problems in the
apparatus, which could have the projection of drops of hot water on
the scalp hair as its consequence.
[0009] WO04002263 discloses a steam smoother with flat plates
comprising a reservoir with a cosmetic agent, the means of
transport by capillary action (felt) to a heating chamber including
a vaporization plate to pass the steam across the heated smoothing
plate. It is the felt that prevents the conversion of the drops of
boiling water into the spray undesired on the scalp hair, but this
part has a short lifespan, clogs rapidly and does not make it
possible to ensure a continuous flow. Furthermore, when the felt is
dry, no steam can be produced.
[0010] EP1652445 discloses a steam smoother with a chamber for
generating steam placed below the smoothing plate and in fluid
communication with two lines of steam outlet orifices on each side
of the smoothing plate. There is a risk that drops of the boiling
water from the chamber might turn into spray on the scalp hair.
[0011] Finally, FR2921804 and FR2921803 in the name of the
applicant disclose the steam smoother gun comprising a vaporization
chamber uniquely equipped with 2 pathways in a symmetrical
labyrinth that come together in a common steam distribution
chamber. If this device does not allow boiling drops of water
converted to steam to fall from the chamber onto the scalp hair, it
has, on the other hand, quite a weak flow of steam and a limited
lifespan.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The aim of this invention is to remedy, at least in part,
the inconveniences mentioned above and to propose a hair treatment
apparatus likely to communicate rapidly, in an efficient, uniform
manner, a controlled humidity to the treated hair, while
disassociating it from a possible supplementary supply of heat
and/or supplementary mechanical tensile force and/or supplementary
supply of a chemical component.
[0013] Another aim of the invention is a steam hair treatment
apparatus that can be used efficiently in multiple hair styling
processes, with an excellent resistance to scale and operating in a
safe manner.
[0014] Another aim of the invention is a steam hair treatment
apparatus that makes it possible to produce a substantial volume of
vaporized water.
[0015] Another aim of the invention is a steam hair treatment
apparatus that operates reliably, is likely to avoid the
condensation phenomena and is capable of being executed in a
simples and economical manner.
[0016] Another aim of the invention is a steam hair treatment
apparatus with a continuous flow that is likely to supply the steam
in a homogeneous manner to the hair, while having a simplified,
compact structure that is capable of being industrialized at a low
cost.
[0017] Another aim of the invention is a hair treatment apparatus
that allows rapid and efficient treatment of the hair, while being
easy and practical to use in space, because the apparatus is
manipulated by the user in all directions.
[0018] These aims are achieved with a steam hair apparatus for
styling hair, comprising a first and second jaw arranged facing one
another, a first treatment surface borne by the first jaw and a
second treatment surface borne by the second jaw, the surfaces
being intended to grasp a lock of hair, a reservoir of liquid,
means of vaporizing the liquid in fluid communication with the
reservoir, means of distributing the steam in communication with
the means of vaporization including one or more orifices for
distributing the steam in the direction of a lock of hair, the
vaporization means comprising a first vaporization chamber forming
a unique volume, a second vaporization chamber equipped with
baffles, said chambers being in fluid communication.
[0019] Thus the formation of the steam is done in at least two
different chambers, which makes it possible to retain the undesired
tartar effectively and to improve the resistance to scale for the
useful life of the apparatus. The first chamber occupies a first
unique volume, that is to say, a defined volume without
discontinuity or obstacle or barrier. The second chamber occupies a
second volume including discontinuities introduced by the presence
of baffles to create a changing route, of the labyrinth type, for
the steam. This provides an excellent tolerance to scale formation.
This also makes it possible to vaporize the possible drops of water
as yet unvaporized, ensuring a vaporization of all the fluid due to
the exchange surface that has been optimized in value (enlarged
surface).
[0020] Baffle means any obstacle or barrier placed in the chamber
creating uneven movements of the steam, zigzag movements, for
example, reducing the speed of the passage through the chamber,
increasing the contact with the surfaces of the different walls of
the chamber. Because of the baffles, the zigzag of the steam moves
along the horizontal and vertical axes: one can actually make
zigzags from left to right and from top to bottom. This also makes
it possible to vaporize the potential drops of water not yet
vaporized, ensuring vaporization of all the fluid thanks to the
optimized arrangement of the exchange surface, that is, a
three-dimensional arrangement of the baffles.
[0021] By vaporization chamber is meant a chamber heated by any
possible means of heating, for example, an electrical resistor
called a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) resistor or a
ceramic resistor.
[0022] According to the invention, the first vaporization chamber
is arranged upstream from the second chamber in terms of the
passage of the steam. Thus one can consider the "creation of steam"
function fulfilled primarily in the first chamber and the
"anti-scale" function fulfilled primarily in the second
chamber.
[0023] According to the invention, the internal volume V1 of the
first chamber is greater than the internal volume V2 of the second
chamber, that is, at least two times greater than the internal
volume V2 of the second chamber. An elevated volume V1 allows rapid
vaporization and a smaller volume V2 makes it possible to have the
required compactness, the ratio between the two volumes enabling a
good scale trapping function.
[0024] According to the invention, the baffles or barriers may be
divided so they are parallel to one another. This permits the
passage of the steam according to a regular geometry; therefore the
scale will be trapped in a homogeneous manner in the second
chamber.
[0025] According to the invention, the baffles may be at least
three in number, even four or five. This makes it possible to
disrupt the course of the steam while maintaining the relatively
compact size of the chamber.
[0026] According to the invention, the first chamber may have a
unique volume that is essentially a parallelepiped, having a
section chosen from among one of the following sections:
rectangular section, square section, trapezoidal section, etc.
"Unique" volume means the fact that the chamber occupies a volume
without interruption, without baffle, without barrier or
circumventing element. This makes a good compromise possible
between the compactness and efficiency of the vaporization
system.
[0027] According to the invention, the means of distribution may be
lateral to the means of vaporization and preferably extend
significantly the entire length of the means of vaporization. This
makes it possible to provide a good compromise between the
compactness and efficiency of the vaporization system.
[0028] According to the invention, alternatively or additionally:
[0029] the first vaporization chamber may have a water inlet in the
form of a water supply pipe that is arranged essentially in the
center of the first chamber. [0030] the first vaporization chamber
may have a water inlet in the form of a water supply pipe whose
opening is arranged essentially in the first fourth of the length
of the first chamber. [0031] the first vaporization chamber may
have a water inlet in the form of a pipe made of material including
or coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) known under the brand
name "Teflon" or also of another material to which the scale would
have difficulty adhering or would not adhere.
[0032] These provisions make a water supply possible that is
optimized in that it is placed at a location in the chamber where
the temperature is maximum, as far away from the walls as possible,
thus permitting an improved vaporization. The inlet is optimized by
the PTFE material type or its equivalent, material making it
possible to limit the deposit of scale.
[0033] This also makes it possible to limit the undesired effect of
heating. For the record, heating is called a thermal insulation
phenomena of a liquid in relation to a heating surface that has
reached a temperature threshold Ts greater than the boiling
temperature of the liquid Tb. This phenomena is due to the
formation of a layer of steam between the heating surface and the
liquid, making the thermal transfer much slower. The heating is
observed when a drop of water falls on a hot plate. The drop
appears to roll on the surface and does not vaporize
immediately.
[0034] According to the invention, at least one heating element may
be dedicated to the means of vaporization. This permits a
vaporization that is controllable in a manner independent of any
other heater in the hairdressing apparatus.
[0035] The heating element may be arranged against the largest
exterior surface of the means of vaporization, preferably placed
opposite the distribution orifices.
[0036] Alternatively, if the apparatus is comprised of two heating
elements, they are arranged laterally against each side of the
means of vaporization.
[0037] The heating elements extend, placed at least partially
against the lateral surfaces of the means of vaporization.
Advantageously, one of the two heating elements is placed between
an exterior lateral surface of the vaporization chambers and an
exterior surface of the steam distribution means (a distribution
chamber), this making it possible to apply the heat to the
vaporization and distribution means simultaneously within a reduced
size.
[0038] According to the invention, the intention may be to regulate
the heating element(s) with a thermistor. This thermistor functions
as a temperature probe. It may be a NTC (negative temperature
coefficient). The thermistor is branched to act as a safeguard,
because it may block the means of water distribution (pump)
depending on the temperature. Other conditions may be added, for
example, the detection of the opening of the smoother, which stops
the pump. About 95.degree. C. is considered the lower temperature
limit and 130.degree. C. as the high temperature limit, or indeed a
smaller range of 105 to 120.degree. C., that is, a value equal to
110.degree. C.
[0039] According to the invention, at least a part of the interior
surface of the vaporization means has a granular coating and/or is
coated at least partially with an anti-boiling agent. This agent
may be among the following: silicate, Tmate, Ludox, Xylan, etc. The
agent is preferably applied to the walls of the first chamber, but
may be also applied to the walls of the second chamber. The
application is done by vaporization or brush, etc. The granular
surface condition allows the fluid "to cling". These elements alone
or in combination make it possible to limit the undesired effect of
boiling.
[0040] According to the invention, the two hair treatment surfaces
are essentially complementary and flat, curved or corrugated in
shape. What is involved then is a smoother, a curler and a waver
respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The invention will be more understandable to the study of
the modes of execution, one that is non-exhaustive and illustrated
here:
[0042] FIGS. 1 and 1' illustrate a cross-sectional view and a
perspectival view of the apparatus according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus
according to the invention;
[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a longitudinal cross-sectional view
of the means of vaporization according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspectival view from above and
below the means of vaporization according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a longitudinal and lateral
cross-sectional view of the means of vaporization according to a
second embodiment of the invention; and
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of the
first jaw of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] FIGS. 1 and 1' illustrate a steam hairdressing apparatus 1
for styling hair, comprising a first and a second jaw 2, 3 arranged
facing one another, a first treatment surface 4 borne by the first
jaw 2 and a second treatment surface 5 borne by the second jaw 3,
the surfaces (4, 5) intended to grasp a lock of hair, a reservoir
of liquid 19, the means of vaporization 7 of the liquid in fluid
communication with the reservoir 19, the means of distribution 7''
of the steam in communication with the means of vaporization 7
comprising one or more orifices 75 for distributing the steam in
the direction of a lock of hair. The means of vaporization 7
includes a first vaporization chamber 71 forming a unique volume, a
second vaporization chamber of 72 equipped with baffles 73, said
chambers 71, 72 being in fluid communication. The first jaw 2 and
the second jaw 3 are linked by a hinge-type articulation 20 and the
maximum angle .alpha. (not illustrated) of the opening of the two
jaws is between 5.degree. and 60.degree., even between 10.degree.
and 20.degree., and preferably about equal to 15.degree..
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1', whose numerical references
correspond, the invention concerns an apparatus 1 intended to style
hair, comprising a base 1000 consisting of a principal fluid
reservoir 19, a portable unit 100 including the means for
vaporizing the fluid 7, the means of distributing the steam 7', 7''
to the destination of the hair, a cord 21 including at least one
channel intended for the passage of fluid and arranged between the
principal fluid reservoir 19 and the means of vaporization 7. The
portable unit 100 includes a single or at least one first treatment
surface 4 intended to come in contact with the hair and the means
of vaporization of the fluid 7 provided exclusively in the portable
unit 100. The base is said to "extend out" from the portable unit
and is freestanding on a counter. The base includes a stand 1001 to
receive the portable apparatus or handpiece 100 when it is not in
use and a cover 2030 having a fixed part 2031 and a mobile,
pivoting part 2032 to insert the fluid.
[0050] The cover may be totally immovable to replace the means of
demineralization (cartridge) when necessary. Part of the base may
be transparent so the user could be visually alerted to the change
in color of the ion exchange resin when it is no longer working. It
includes the means of demineralization 2000 that makes it possible
to reduce the scale content of the fluid introduced into the base.
This means of demineralization 2000 is arranged between an
intermediate reservoir which received the "gross" fluid and the
principal reservoir 19 which contains the "purified" fluid intended
for the hairdressing apparatus 100.
[0051] The first hair treatment surface 4 and the second hair
treatment surface 5 are complementary, flat or curved surfaces of
an apparatus for smoothing (not illustrated), an apparatus to curl
or wave (not illustrated) or an apparatus to crimp. A curling
apparatus, for example, is described in patent EP0619087 or again
in patent EP2152114 cited as examples. A curling apparatus relates
to an apparatus for treatment and/or for styling hair, preferably
used manually, comprising a means of grasping, arranged from a
principal body, a rolling body for locks of hair, mounted
preferably free to rotate on the principal body around its
longitudinal axis, and at least one set of mobile jaw clamps for
grasping the lock of hair on the body. A crimping apparatus is an
apparatus equipped with two jaws facing one another, each with a
treatment surface that is not flat, described, for example, in
patent WO2008129172. The aforementioned patent documents are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the first
vaporization chamber 71 is arranged upstream from the second
chamber 72 in terms of the passage of the steam. The internal
volume (V1) of the first chamber 71 is greater than the internal
volume (V2) of the second chamber 72, that is, at least two times
greater than the internal volume (V2) of the second chamber 72. The
baffles 73 are distributed parallel to one another. The second
chamber 72 as illustrated includes three baffles 73. The first
chamber 71 has a volume that is essentially a parallelepiped,
having a section chosen among one of the following sections:
rectangular section as illustrated in the first embodiment and
trapezoidal as illustrated in the second embodiment in FIG. 7.
[0053] The means of distribution 7'' are arranged lateral to the
means of vaporization 7 and preferably extend essentially the
entire length of the means of vaporization 7. The first chamber 71
has a water inlet in the form of a water supply pipe 74, the
orifice of which is arranged approximately at the center of the
first chamber 71, illustrated essentially in the middle in relation
to its width and essentially in the first quarter of the length of
the first chamber 71. The first vaporization chamber 71 has a water
inlet in the form of a pipe made of PTFE material. At least one
heating element 8 is dedicated to the means of vaporization 7. The
first embodiment provides a unique heating element for the means of
vaporization, while the second embodiment provides two heating
elements. The heating element 8 is arranged against the largest
exterior surface of the means of vaporization 7 in the first
embodiment, preferably placed opposite the distribution orifices
75. The two heating elements 8 of the second embodiment are
arranged laterally against each side of the means of vaporization
7. The heating element(s) 8 are intended to be regulated by a
thermistor 10. At least part of the interior surface of the means
of vaporization 7 has a granular coating and/or is coated, at least
partially, with an anti-boiling agent. The two hair treatment
surfaces 4, 5 are essentially complementary and flat or curved or
corrugated in shape.
[0054] The chambers are executed in aluminum and may be arranged in
two parts with two covers: a first part illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
5, which is placed on a second part, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4,
and will be sealed by a silicone joint. This first part includes
the steam distribution orifices 75, while the second part will be
placed against the heating element 8. The proper performance of the
heating element and therefore its optimal operation is done by a
leaf spring, for example. The temperature sensor 10 may be
preferably arranged above the water inlet. The heating element may
be a PCT or a ceramic thermistor.
[0055] The reservoir of liquid may be built into the smoother which
makes up the apparatus or may alternatively be arranged at a
distance from the smoother in an extended base as illustrated in
FIG. 1. When it is at a distance, it may be included in a bottle
separate from the smoother-curler apparatus and in liquid
communication with the apparatus' means of vaporization.
[0056] The parts where the vaporization is effective are the means
of vaporization and the means of steam distribution. The means of
vaporization is divided into 2 distinct parts: the first chamber 71
is primarily the vaporization zone 10 per se: it is in this space
that the water is primarily transformed into water vapor. The
second vaporization chamber 72 is made of a set of baffles 73 which
will prevent any drop of water from following a direct route toward
the vaporization holes 75 of the steam distribution chamber 7'.
This ensures a homogeneous steam quality.
[0057] The body of the means of vaporization may be executed by
extrusion; it is enough then to replicate this body for the
vaporization holes and for the insertion of each part in order to
ensure the leak tightness of the chamber. These end plugs may be
made in an aluminum foundry. The leak tightness between these parts
can be accomplished with the aid of a silicone joint.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the portable unit 100 consists of
a heating means 41 to heat the first treatment surface 4. It may
involve a heating element 41, which may be a PTC or a ceramic
thermistor that is placed against the treatment surface 4 or
arranged inside the elements comprising the treatment surface 4.
The means of fluid vaporization 7 includes a vaporization chamber
7' and the heating means 8 of the vaporization chamber 7'. The
chamber(s) are executed in aluminum and may include the steam
distribution orifices 7'' and be placed in direct or indirect
contact against the heating element 8. The proper performance of
the heating element 8 and therefore its optimal operation is done,
for example, with a leaf spring. The temperature sensor 10 may be
arranged preferably above the water inlet 21.
[0059] The heating means 8 of the vaporization chamber may be at
least one heating element, which may be a PTC or a ceramic
thermistor which is placed against one of the walls or arranged
inside the element forming the treatment surface. They can be
identical to or separated from the heating means of the treatment
surface. The steam distribution means (7', 7'') has a series of
orifices 75 for the outlet of steam arranged laterally to the first
treatment surface 4, preferably set back a little from the
treatment surface 4. Alternatively or additionally, the steam
distribution means (7', 7'') has a series of orifices arranged on
the treatment surface.
[0060] A second embodiment consists in the use of two heating
elements and is illustrated in FIG. 7. According to this
embodiment, the means of vaporization (2 vaporization chambers) has
a maximum external volume of 110.times.35.times.12.5 mm,
incorporating heating systems sufficient to vaporize the water in a
sequence of 10 continuous seconds and 10 seconds at rest with a
flow of around 2.5 g/min.+-.1 g/min and an internal volume
sufficient to store the scale contained in at least 35 liters of
hard water with 28.degree. F. hardness. It has taken these
dimensional constraints into account. Three points remain to limit
the deposit of scale at the water inlet pipe in the compact
vaporization chamber. The first point is the nature of the material
of the pipe at the contact of the chamber with a PTFE pipe for the
passage of the water to the vaporization chamber. On the one hand,
this material has an excellent performance at the temperature
(greater than 300.degree. C.) and has a very low friction
coefficient; on the other hand, this does not facilitate the
deposit of the scale on its walls. The second point is the
diameters of the water supply sections of the pipe. The internal
section of this pipe should be large to avoid any premature
clogging. Its internal section should be at least 4 mm in diameter.
To limit the transfer of heat from the walls of the vaporization
chamber to the water, the pipe should have a thickness of at least
1 mm. Furthermore, a seal 6 mm for the internal section and 7 mm
for the external section made of PPS (polyphenylene sulphide)
should be added to the periphery of this pipe which will limit
still more the thermal transfer to the internal wall of the water
inlet pipe. The third point is the minimum distances between the
external section of the water pipe and the internal walls of the
vaporization chamber.
[0061] This distance is fixed by experience at 1 mm. This distance
makes it possible to limit the deposit of scale on the outlet
section of the pipe and therefore its premature clogging. This
latter fact requires a height of the vaporization chamber that is
equal to at least 8 mm. The two vaporization chambers, for example,
have the following measurements: a length of about 107 mm, a width
of about 34 mm, the greatest height of about 12.5 mm and the
smallest height of about 8.5 mm. The interior width of the first
chamber is 16.5 mm, the width of the distribution chamber is 3.5
mm, and the width of the compartments provided to receive the
heating elements is 35 mm. The water supply pipe penetrates the
interior of the mm chamber. With the dimensions cited, the
calculated volume of this "vaporization" zone is 14 cm.sup.3
approximately. The height of the means of vaporization is maximized
to allow it to fulfill the abovementioned functions. Thus it
remains possible to place the pipe made PTFE 14 of a major section
at least 1 mm from the walls above and below the first vaporization
chamber. A PPS washer is added at the entry to the vaporization
zone. To ensure a maximum height at the vaporization zone, it has
been necessary to place the heating elements vertically along the
edge. Taking the cut-off geometry of this chamber necessary for the
maximum reduction of its external volume and its low height (12.5
mm), the width of the ceramic or PTC type heating elements
(preferably for reasons of cost) is limited. If there is just the
single heating element (PTC1), the exchange surface between the
heating element and the vaporization zone (1) is too weak to ensure
the desired flow. Another heating element (PTC2) is integrated to
improve the thermal capacities of the chamber and to ensure the
vaporization of this flow. For information purposes, the PTC chosen
are a PTC1 of dimensions 3.5.times.10.2.times.96 mm and Tmax
225.degree. C. and a PTC2 of dimensions 3.times.6.5.times.74 mm and
Tmax 285.degree. C.
Operational Description:
[0062] When operational, when the apparatus is turned on, the
heating element begins to heat the chambers and another element
begins to heat the surfaces intended to come in contact with the
hair.
[0063] When the temperature sensor reaches a temperature threshold
(for example, 150.degree. C.), it releases the water by the action
of the pump 6 activated by the motor 6'. The water arrives by the
supply pipe made of PTFE (so the scale does not adhere to it) and
falls into the first chamber equipped with the anti-boiling agent
and a specific surface finish. The water should fall on the hottest
surface because it is in direct contact with the heating element.
The water is transformed into steam, and the steam produced passes
into the second vaporization chamber, passes by the baffles and
arrives in a third chamber (the means of distribution) equipped
with steam distribution orifices. For the entire lifespan of the
apparatus, scale is going to form, depending on the hardness of the
water used. This scale will remain trapped in the vaporization
chambers: first of an, in the first chamber, then, if it is not
trapped in the first chamber, then in the second chamber due to the
baffles. The scale will never be projected onto the hair of the
user. In tests, the flows of steam found are on the order of 3 and
4 g/min, closer to 3.5 g/min. However, the pump ensures a
relatively continuous, and even relatively constant flow, on the
order of 1 and 5 mL/min, that is, between 3 and 4, preferably equal
to 3.5 mL/min.
Advantages of the Invention
[0064] The invention provides numerous advantages, among which are
proposing an apparatus: [0065] likely to communicate rapidly in an
efficient and uniform manner, a controlled humidity for the treated
hair, although disassociating it from possible additional heat
and/or tension mechanics and/or chemical input, [0066] capable of
being used efficiently during multiple hair styling processes
[0067] having excellent resistance to scale, [0068] having a safe
operation, [0069] that is reliable during operation, [0070] likely
to avoid the condensation phenomena, [0071] capable of being
executed in a simple and economical manner, within the entire
space, [0072] likely to supply the steam to the hair in a
homogeneous manner, [0073] having a simplified, compact structure
[0074] capable of being industrialized at a low cost and [0075]
that permits a rapid and efficient treatment of the hair [0076]
easy and practical to use, [0077] having excellent tolerance to
scale formation, [0078] having an anti-scale function, [0079]
having a scale trapping function, [0080] likely to limit the
undesired effect of boiling. [0081] does not consume too much
energy and does not heat the parts sensitive to heat (plastic,
pump, etc) too much.
[0082] Of course, the invention is not in any way limited to the
embodiment described and illustrated, which has only been given as
an example. Modifications remain possible, namely from the point of
view of the constitution of the various elements or through the
substitution of equivalent techniques, without leaving the domain
of protection of the invention.
* * * * *