U.S. patent application number 15/108443 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for device for treating the hair and associated refill.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL, SEB S.A.. Invention is credited to Regis FEREYRE, Franck MANDICA, Stefania NUZZO.
Application Number | 20160324290 15/108443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50780593 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160324290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FEREYRE; Regis ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
DEVICE FOR TREATING THE HAIR AND ASSOCIATED REFILL
Abstract
The present invention relates to a refill (20) for an appliance
for treating the hair, extending along a longitudinal axis
(X.sub.rech) and comprising: --a reservoir containing a haircare
product, and --an end piece for dispensing the product contained in
the reservoir, the dispensing end piece having at least one portion
that extends axially between the abscissae (x.sub.1, x.sub.2), on
the longitudinal axis (X.sub.rech), of the inner longitudinal ends
of the reservoir, this portion being supplied through a supply port
that extends between said abscissae (x.sub.1, x.sub.2) and between
the reservoir and the dispensing end piece, this supply port being
oriented at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis
(X.sub.rech).
Inventors: |
FEREYRE; Regis; (Chavanay,
FR) ; MANDICA; Franck; (Francheville, FR) ;
NUZZO; Stefania; (Paris, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL
SEB S.A. |
Paris
Ecully |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
SEB S.A.
Ecully
FR
|
Family ID: |
50780593 |
Appl. No.: |
15/108443 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/067155 |
371 Date: |
June 27, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D
2007/001 20130101; A45D 19/02 20130101; A45D 2/002 20130101; A45D
19/16 20130101; A45D 2034/005 20130101; A45D 2/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 19/02 20060101
A45D019/02; A45D 19/16 20060101 A45D019/16; A45D 2/00 20060101
A45D002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 26, 2013 |
FR |
1363588 |
Claims
1.-28. (canceled)
28. Refill for an appliance for treating the hair, extending along
a longitudinal axis and comprising: a reservoir containing a
haircare product, and an end piece for dispensing the product
contained in the reservoir, the dispensing end piece having at
least one portion that extends axially between the abscissae, on
the longitudinal axis, of the inner longitudinal ends of the
reservoir, this portion being supplied through a supply port that
extends between said abscissae and between the reservoir and the
dispensing end piece, this supply port being oriented at least
partially transversely to the longitudinal axis, wherein the
dispensing end piece comprises at least one orifice for dispensing
the haircare product that does not lead into the reservoir.
30. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the supply port is of
axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
31. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the supply port is
located in the first or the last quarter of the length of the
reservoir.
32. Refill according to claim 29, comprising a rigid or semi-rigid
body that has a first housing and a second housing that are
separated by a separating wall, the first housing containing the
dispensing end piece and the second housing containing the
reservoir or at least partially defining the latter, the supply
port being made through the separating wall.
33. Refill according to claim 32, wherein the refill comprises a
vent that leads into the second housing and allows the reservoir
containing the haircare product to be placed under atmospheric
pressure.
34. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the reservoir has a
variable internal volume.
35. Refill according to claim 29, which is longer than it is
thick.
36. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the dispensing end piece
is connected to the reservoir by way of a flexible duct.
37. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the dispensing end piece
is pre-filled with the haircare product.
38. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the capacity of the
reservoir is between 3 ml and 20 ml.
39. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the dispensing end piece
has at least one dispensing orifice.
40. Refill according to claim 39, the at least one dispensing
orifice consisting of at least one slot having edges that are
joined at rest.
41. Refill according to claim 39, the at least one dispensing
orifices being made through a deformable wall.
42. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the reservoir is in the
form of a flexible pouch.
43. Refill according to claim 32, wherein: the reservoir is in the
form of a flexible pouch; and the flexible pouch is fastened at at
least two separate locations to a wall that at least partially
defines the second housing.
44. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the reservoir is
delimited at least partially by a flexible diaphragm and a rigid or
semi-rigid body, including a wall separating the dispensing end
piece and the reservoir.
45. Refill according to claim 30, wherein: the reservoir is
delimited at least partially by a flexible diaphragm and a rigid or
semi-rigid body, including a wall separating the dispensing end
piece and the reservoir; and the second housing comprises a wall
that has at least one groove opening onto the supply port so as to
make it easier for the haircare product to flow within the
reservoir towards the supply port.
46. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the supply port is at
least partially defined by a duct that is open at its end that
leads into the reservoir and to the side.
47. Refill according to claim 46, wherein the supply port is
provided laterally with at least one slot or cutout.
48. Refill according to claim 36, wherein: the supply port is at
least partially defined by a duct that is open at its end that
leads into the reservoir and to the side; and the duct extends as
far as the dispensing end piece, the latter being produced from an
extension of said duct.
49. Refill according to claim 29, comprising an applicator member
that is supplied with product by the dispensing end piece.
50. Refill according to claim 49, the applicator member at least
partially covering the dispensing end piece.
51. Refill according to claim 49, the applicator member comprising
a porous material and/or a material that is able to release or
diffuse the cosmetic product.
52. Refill according to claim 29, wherein the refill comprises one
or more components of a pump for supplying the dispensing end piece
with product coming from the reservoir.
53. Refill according to claim 36, wherein: the refill comprises one
or more components of a pump for supplying the dispensing end piece
with product coming from the reservoir; and the one or more
components of a pump being at least one peristaltic pump tube
formed by a portion of said flexible duct.
54. Refill according to claim 29, comprising a member for closing
the refill when not in use.
55. Refill according to claim 29, which does not have a pivoting
flap for access to the reservoir.
56. Device for treating the hair, comprising: at least two arms
that are able to move relative to one another between a
moved-together configuration for treating the hair and a
spaced-apart configuration for inserting a lock of hair to be
treated between said arms and at the front of the device, a refill
according to claim 29, the refill being disposed in a removable
manner on one of the two arms.
57. Device according to claim 56, wherein the moving together of
the arms actuates said pump.
58. Device according to claim 56, wherein the refill has a length
less than or equal to two thirds of the length of the arm, better
still less than or equal to half the length of the arm, the refill
being located at the front of the device.
59. Device according to claim 56, wherein the arm carrying the
refill extends along a longitudinal axis, the arm and the refill
extending along respective longitudinal axes that are parallel to
one another.
60. Device for treating the hair, comprising: at least two arms
that are able to move relative to one another between a
moved-together configuration for treating the hair and a
spaced-apart configuration for inserting a lock of hair to be
treated between said arms and at the front of the device, one of
the arms comprising a base that has a housing that opens out at the
distal end of the arm and opens onto at least a part of the length
thereof opposite the other arm when the two arms are in the
moved-together configuration, a refill according to claim 29, the
refill being disposed in a removable manner in the housing, the
refill being introduced into the housing through one end by a
sliding movement along its longitudinal axis.
61. Device according to claim 56, which is a straightener, each of
the two arms comprising a heating element, the heating elements
each comprising a plate that defines a hot surface for bringing
into contact with the hair.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to devices for treating the
hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, those intended
for shaping the hair, in particular for straightening, curling or
crimping the hair, comprising a refill of cosmetic product.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Usually, hair straighteners consist of two arms that are
connected together with the aid of a hinge which makes it possible
to open and close said arms, and of at least one heating element
disposed on the arms. During operations of styling a lock of hair,
said lock is introduced between the two arms in the open position
and then the two arms are closed manually over the lock of hair.
The lock of hair is then subjected, until the two arms are opened
and the lock of hair is removed, to the heat output by the heating
element.
[0003] The application WO 2009/078046 describes a hairstyling
appliance comprising two arms that are connected together so as to
allow the appliance to be opened and closed, at least one heating
member and at least one seat for accommodating a hair treatment
device, the hair treatment device allowing a haircare product to be
dispensed during operation. The hair treatment device is composed
of a support material impregnated with a haircare product and
suitable for a single use.
[0004] WO 2009/015027 and US 2009/0025247 disclose a hair
straightening device that makes it possible to apply a haircare
product by contact with the hair. The haircare product to be
applied is contained in a removable refill for the application
thereof. The removable refill comprises a reservoir containing the
haircare product in a gelled form, and orifices for dispensing and
applying the product, said orifices being made directly through a
wall of the reservoir. The refill is introduced into a housing
disposed on one of the two arms of the hair straightener, by
sliding.
[0005] There is a need to further improve devices for applying a
haircare product such that the user can easily refill the device
with haircare product and/or change the haircare product to be
applied.
[0006] There is also an advantage in having a sufficient quantity
of haircare product to apply without changing the refill so as to
make it possible not only to style thicker hair but also to reuse a
single refill a number of times.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to a first of its aspects, a subject of the
invention is a refill for an appliance for treating the hair,
extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: [0008] a
reservoir containing a haircare product, and [0009] an end piece
for dispensing the product contained in the reservoir, the
dispensing end piece having at least one portion that extends
axially between the abscissae, on the longitudinal axis, of the
inner longitudinal ends of the reservoir, this portion being
supplied through a supply port that extends between said abscissae
and between the reservoir and the dispensing end piece, this supply
port being oriented at least partially transversely to the
longitudinal axis.
[0010] The reservoir in the refill makes it possible to have a
quantity of haircare product that is sufficient for dispensing a
plurality of doses of product.
[0011] The overlap between the reservoir and the dispensing end
piece makes it possible to have a more compact refill that is easy
to handle.
[0012] The expression "longitudinal end of the reservoir" should be
understood as meaning the longitudinal ends between which the
reservoir extends when it is full.
[0013] The supply port may extend along an axis perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the refill and is preferably located in
the first or the last quarter of the length of the reservoir.
[0014] The refill may be longer than it is thick.
[0015] It is possible for the refill not to have a pivoting flap
for access to the reservoir, the reservoir being in particular
non-removable.
[0016] The refill preferably comprises a rigid or semi-rigid body
that has a first housing and a second housing that are separated by
a separating wall which is preferably rigid or semi-rigid, in
particular made of the same material as the rigid or semi-rigid
body. Preferably, the first housing contains the dispensing end
piece and the second housing contains the reservoir or at least
partially defines the latter, the supply port being made through
the separating wall, preferably in the vicinity of one of the
longitudinal ends of the refill.
[0017] Preferably, the internal volume of the reservoir varies
while the refill is being used.
[0018] The maximum capacity of the reservoir is preferably between
2 ml and 20 ml.
[0019] The reservoir may be in the form of a flexible pouch
received in the second housing. The flexible pouch is preferably
fastened at at least two separate locations to a wall that at least
partially defines the second housing, in particular to the
separating wall.
[0020] The reservoir may be delimited at least partially by a
flexible wall, and at least partially by a rigid or semi-rigid
wall, including in particular the abovementioned separating wall
and/or the rigid or semi-rigid body.
[0021] The second housing may comprise a wall that has at least
one, preferably longitudinal, groove opening onto the supply port
so as to make it easier for the haircare product to flow within the
reservoir towards the supply port, in particular when the flexible
diaphragm tends to press against the separating wall.
[0022] The supply port may be at least partially defined by at
least one duct that leads into the reservoir, in particular in the
vicinity of one of the longitudinal ends of the reservoir.
[0023] The duct may be provided laterally with at least one slot or
cutout that makes it easier for the haircare product to pass into
the supply port. The duct may extend as far as the dispensing end
piece, the latter preferably being produced from an extension of
the duct.
[0024] The haircare product is preferably in the fluid state, that
is to say liquid, at room temperature or a higher temperature,
between 25 and 95.degree. C. for example. In this case, the product
can initially be in the solid or pasty state at room temperature in
the reservoir and be heated up within the reservoir in order to
make it sufficiently fluid to be dispensed by a dispensing
mechanism provided to supply the dispensing end piece. The product
is thus fluid in the reservoir at the time of application.
Preferably, the product is liquid at room temperature.
[0025] When the product is initially solid in the refill and heated
in order to be fluidized, the region around the applicator member
is preferably non-heating so as to more easily control the
temperature of the product.
[0026] The dispensing end piece is preferably pre-filled with the
haircare product. This can avoid the need to actuate a dispensing
mechanism a number of times before the refill is used for the first
time.
[0027] In a variant, the dispensing end piece can be filled at
least partially, and better still entirely, with product while the
refill is being introduced into the appliance, in particular when
the internal volume of the reservoir decreases when the refill is
fitted in the appliance.
[0028] The dispensing end piece preferably has at least one
dispensing orifice, better still a plurality of dispensing
orifices, that preferably consist(s) of at least one slot, better
still a plurality of slots having edges that are joined at rest, in
particular orifices made through a deformable wall, preferably a
wall defined by a portion of a flexible duct.
[0029] Preferably, said at least one orifice for dispensing the
haircare product does not lead into the reservoir.
[0030] Preferably, the rigid or semi-rigid body has a longitudinal
opening on that side of the first housing that is opposite that of
the separating wall and the dispensing orifices open into said
longitudinal opening, allowing the product to be dispensed.
[0031] The refill preferably comprises an applicator member that is
supplied with product by the dispensing end piece, the applicator
member preferably at least partially covering the dispensing end
piece.
[0032] The applicator member may comprise a porous material and/or
a material that is able to release or diffuse the cosmetic product,
in particular an open-cell foam.
[0033] The applicator member may be mounted in a fixed or removable
manner on the rigid or semi-rigid body, in particular over the
opening in the latter, at least partially covering the dispensing
end piece so as to allow the product contained in the dispensing
end piece to impregnate the applicator member through the
longitudinal opening. Preferably, the applicator member comes into
contact with the dispensing end piece.
[0034] Preferably, the applicator member has a length less than
that of the refill.
[0035] The dispensing end piece is preferably made so as to be
filled with product when the dispensing mechanism is actuated, by
increasing in volume by elastic deformation under the pressure of
the product. Thus, product can collect in the dispensing end piece
in order to be dispensed once the filling action has stopped. This
makes it possible to supply the applicator member in a delayed
manner, to avoid the need to collect a large amount of product
within the applicator member itself, and thus to reduce losses of
product during the changing thereof.
[0036] If desired, the applicator member may be produced with a
relatively small thickness, for example less than or equal to 10
mm.
[0037] The refill preferably comprises one or more components of a
pump for supplying the dispensing end piece with product coming
from the reservoir, in particular at least one peristaltic pump
tube or a flap-valve pump that forms a part of the dispensing
mechanism for supplying the applicator member with product.
[0038] The peristaltic pump tube may be formed by a portion of a
flexible duct that connects the dispensing end piece to the
reservoir.
[0039] Preferably, the reservoir has a pressing element which is in
particular guided in movement by notches in the rigid or semi-rigid
body and is intended to press against the peristaltic pump tube in
order to deliver a dose of product.
[0040] The volume of haircare product delivered at the dispensing
end piece on each actuation of the pump may be between 0.01 ml and
0.5 ml.
[0041] The refill may comprise a vent that is made through the
rigid or semi-rigid body, makes it possible to place the reservoir
containing the haircare product under atmospheric pressure and
leads in particular into the second housing.
[0042] The refill may comprise a member for closing the refill when
not in use, in particular a membrane seal or cover intended to at
least partially cover the applicator member.
[0043] A further subject of the invention is a device for treating
the hair, comprising: [0044] at least two arms that are able to
move relative to one another between a moved-together configuration
for treating the hair and a spaced-apart configuration for
inserting a lock of hair to be treated between said arms and at the
front of the device, [0045] a refill according to the invention,
the refill being disposed in a removable manner on one of the two
arms.
[0046] The use of a refill allows the user to be able to apply
different haircare products easily by simply changing the
refill.
[0047] The two arms extend along respective longitudinal axes and
are preferably connected by a hinge present at their proximal end,
this hinge defining a rotation axis that is oriented preferably
perpendicularly to a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the
arms.
[0048] The two arms may define half-handles that are extended
towards their distal end by jaws.
[0049] The maximum thickness of the arms, measured at the jaws, is
preferably greater than that measured at the half-handles; the
maximum thickness of each arm is preferably between 10 and 40 mm,
better still between 17 mm and 32 mm.
[0050] The refill preferably has a length less than or equal to two
thirds of the length of the corresponding arm, better still less
than or equal to half the length of the arm, the refill being
located at the front of the device.
[0051] The arm carrying the refill and the refill preferably extend
along respective longitudinal axes that are parallel to one
another.
[0052] The refill may be received in a housing for incorporating
the refill into the arm. Preferably, the housing is a slideway and
the refill is incorporated into the arm by sliding longitudinally
in said slideway. Preferably, the refill comprises a lateral
extension intended to slide in the slideway and to hold the refill
on the arm.
[0053] The housing may have an opening that extends preferably
along the longitudinal axis of the arm, giving onto the other arm,
this opening allowing the application of the haircare product, in
particular through the applicator member carried by the refill.
[0054] The device may have an electrical switch on the same arm as
the refill, said switch being actuated by the refill, making it
possible in particular to detect the presence of the latter on the
arm.
[0055] The refill may comprise an extension that is visible from
the outside of the device when it is in position on said arm,
making it possible to visually verify that the refill is
present.
[0056] The refill is disposed such that the applicator member comes
into contact with the hair when the arms are closed. The arm
opposite the one that carries the refill may define a
counter-bearing surface such that the hair is pressed against the
applicator member with a certain pressure by the counter-bearing
surface.
[0057] Preferably, the device is produced such that the applicator
member is supplied automatically with product while the device is
being used. Thus, the user does not have to worry about exerting a
particular action on the device in order to apply the product. The
closure of the arms can actuate the pump, which makes it possible
to supply the applicator member with product, in particular with a
dose of product. A dose of product is preferably between 0.01 ml
and 0.5 ml.
[0058] The applicator member is preferably supplied with product
with provisional collection of product under pressure by the
dispensing end piece. The presence of the product under pressure
within the dispensing end piece, once the jaws have been moved
together, makes it possible to continue supplying the applicator
member with product while the device is moved along a lock of hair
with the jaws moved together.
[0059] The arm opposite the one that carries the refill may have a
steam outlet, and preferably also a comb. It may prove advantageous
to use two combs, located respectively downstream and upstream of
the region for applying the cosmetic product, so as to promote the
homogeneous distribution of the product on the hair.
[0060] These combs are advantageously parallel to one another and
may have the same number of teeth.
[0061] If appropriate, the device is produced so as to allow at
least one of the combs, better still each comb, to be fastened in a
removable manner.
[0062] Preferably, in particular when the hair is intended to be
straightened, the device comprises a heating element intended to
come into contact with the hair, and better still two heating
elements, each disposed on an arm. This or these heating element(s)
may each comprise a plate, made of a material that is a good
conductor of heat, that defines a hot surface for bringing into
contact with the hair, the temperature of said surface being for
example greater than or equal to 95.degree. C., better still
between 90 and 230.degree. C.
[0063] Preferably, product is applied to the lock of hair
introduced into the device prior to the application of steam and/or
combing and/or straightening by the heating element(s). Thus, the
hair introduced between the arms can come into contact with the
applicator member before being exposed to the steam and to the
heating elements while the lock is being moved between the arms of
the device.
[0064] A further subject of the invention is a device for treating
the hair, comprising: [0065] at least two arms that are able to
move relative to one another between a moved-together configuration
for treating the hair and a spaced-apart configuration for
inserting a lock of hair to be treated between said arms and at the
front of the device, one of the arms comprising a base that has a
housing that opens out at the distal end of the arm and opens onto
at least a part of the length thereof opposite the other arm when
the two arms are in the moved-together configuration, [0066] a
refill according to the invention, the refill being disposed in a
removable manner in the housing, the refill extending along a
longitudinal axis and being introduced into the housing through one
end by a sliding movement along its longitudinal axis.
[0067] The device may be a straightener having flat heating
elements, in particular which come into contact in the closed
position.
[0068] The invention may be better understood from reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting implementation
examples thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in
which:
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a device
for treating the hair and an associated refill before the refill is
introduced into the device,
[0070] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the device from FIG. 1
when the refill is in the device,
[0071] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the device from FIG.
2,
[0072] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic perspective views from two
different viewing positions of an example of a refill that can be
used within a device according to the invention,
[0073] FIG. 6 is a side view of the refill from FIGS. 4 and 5,
[0074] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section through the refill from
FIGS. 4 and 5,
[0075] FIG. 8 is a side view of the applicator member of the refill
from FIGS. 4 and 5,
[0076] FIG. 9A shows a top view of the dispensing end piece, on its
own,
[0077] FIG. 9B is a view similar to FIG. 8A of a variant end
piece,
[0078] FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic views in longitudinal section
of examples of refills according to the invention,
[0079] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a refill
according to the invention,
[0080] FIG. 13 shows a variant device according to the invention in
longitudinal section,
[0081] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device
according to the invention, illustrating the arrangement of various
components thereof, and
[0082] FIGS. 15 and 16 show variant dispensing end pieces on their
own.
[0083] FIG. 1 shows the handpiece 2 of an example of a device for
treating the hair according to the invention.
[0084] This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 that are able to move
with respect to one another between a spaced-apart configuration
(not shown) for the introduction between said jaws of a lock of
hair, and a moved-together configuration for treatment, illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0085] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower
arm 6, respectively, which, in the example in question, are
connected together at one end by an articulation 8, the handpiece 2
thus forming tongs.
[0086] The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 each preferably have a total
length of between 22 cm and 31 cm and define, between the
articulation 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and
11 on which the user can press in order to move the jaws 3 and 4
together.
[0087] The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 extend along respective
longitudinal axes X.sub.1 and X.sub.2, illustrated in FIG. 2, which
are preferably parallel to one another when the jaws 3 and 4 are
closed.
[0088] An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably
provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a spaced-apart
configuration, this elastic return member being for example a
spring disposed around an articulation pin 8.
[0089] The invention is not limited to a particular manner of
connecting the upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 together and the jaws 3
and 4 may be rendered able to move in some other way without
departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the
presence of an articulation is largely preferred for the ergonomics
it provides.
[0090] The jaws 3 and 4 define between one another a region for
treating the hair, said region being intended to receive a lock of
hair to be treated, the handpiece 2 being moved along said lock
during the treatment, for example in the direction from the root to
the end of the hair.
[0091] In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to
apply a cosmetic product, to treat the hair by way of steam and to
carry out a heat treatment of the hair by contact with one or more
hot surfaces.
[0092] The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 over the
hair, illustrated in FIG. 3, is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 of the
upper arm 5 and lower arm 6.
[0093] The handpiece 2 is connected by a line 13, in the example in
question, to a base station (not shown) that is fixed during the
treatment and is connected to the mains.
[0094] This base station ensures the electric power supply to the
handpiece 2 and also its supply with water in order to generate
steam, and may also carry out additional functions of processing
electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The line 13 which
connects the handpiece 2 to the base station can thus comprise
various electrical conductors and a water supply pipe.
[0095] A user interface (not shown in the figures) can be present
on the handpiece 2 so as to allow the user for example to start up
certain components thereof, or not.
[0096] The application of the cosmetic product is ensured by an
applicator member 15 disposed so as to come into contact with the
hair extending through the treatment region.
[0097] The applicator member 15 is supplied with product with the
aid of a dispensing mechanism which is actuated automatically
during the use of the handpiece 2, for example in order to apply a
quantity of product to the hair, such that a mass of one gram of
hair made up of hair with a length of 20 cm receives between 0.015
and 0.4 g, better still between 0.01 and 0.2 g of product in the
case of a care product, or even more in the case of thermal
straightening, dyeing or chemical straightening products, the
quantity received then being for example between 0.5 and 10 g.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the upper arm 5 may comprise a
slideway 33 disposed on the jaw 3, allowing a refill 20 according
to the invention to be fitted and to be removed once the product
has been used up.
[0099] The handpiece 2 may be designed to automatically detect the
presence of the refill 20 in the slideway 33.
[0100] This detection may be carried out for example
electronically, by virtue of a contactor actuated by the refill 20
when the latter is fitted on the handpiece 2.
[0101] The refill 20 may optionally be produced so as to have an
extension 45 which is easily accessible from the outside of the
device, the user being able to know, by seeing this extension, that
the refill is present in the device, in particular when the
slideway 33 is covering the refill 20. This extension may also
allow the refill to be grasped so as to facilitate the removal
thereof from the slideway 33.
[0102] An example of a refill 20 that can be used in particular
with a handpiece 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 will now be
described with reference more particularly to FIGS. 5 to 7.
[0103] The refill 20 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 has a reservoir 23 and a
dispensing end piece 53.
[0104] The refill 20 extends along a longitudinal axis
X.sub.rech.
[0105] Preferably, the refill 20 comprises a rigid or semi-rigid
body 25 comprising a first housing 27 and a second housing 29 that
are separated by a wall 31. The first housing 27 may comprise the
dispensing end piece 53 and the second housing 29 may comprise the
reservoir 23. The separating wall 31 is preferably made of a rigid
or semi-rigid material. It may be integral with the rigid or
semi-rigid body 25.
[0106] The rigid or semi-rigid body 25 has two longitudinal ends.
The first end 26a is located on the side at which the refill is
introduced into the slideway 33 and the second end 26b is located
on the opposite side.
[0107] Preferably, the first housing 27 and the second housing 29
are at least partially superposed.
[0108] The reservoir 23 extends at least partially between the
abscissae x.sub.1 and x.sub.2, as illustrated in FIG. 7, on the
longitudinal axis X.sub.rech, of its inner longitudinal ends. The
expression "inner longitudinal ends" denotes the furthest apart
points, on the axis X.sub.rech, of the inner surface of the
reservoir 23 when the latter is full.
[0109] The dispensing end piece 53 extends at least partially,
preferably entirely, between the abscissae x.sub.1 and x.sub.2 of
the longitudinal ends of the reservoir 23.
[0110] The axis X.sub.rech is preferably rectilinear, as
illustrated.
[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the slideway 33 may comprise at
least one lip 35 that extends into a space 38, illustrated in FIG.
1, that is intended to receive the refill 20.
[0112] The rigid or semi-rigid body 25 may comprise a lateral
extension that allows the refill to slide and be fastened in the
slideway 33. Preferably, the lateral extension comprises at least
one upright 36 that is shaped so as to engage behind the lip 35 and
an extension 42 that is disposed, when the refill 20 is introduced
into the slideway 33, on the jaw 3.
[0113] The lateral extension 42 makes it possible to hold the
refill 20 in place such that it cannot disengage from the jaw 3
other than by sliding along the axis X.sub.1 of the arm 5 towards
the distal part of the jaw 3.
[0114] Preferably, the lateral extension is formed such that the
refill 20 cannot slide out of the slideway 33 under the effect of
its own weight. The surfaces in contact may be rough and/or the
lateral extension may clamp the lip 35 between the upright 36 and
the extension 42 so as to increase the frictional forces between
the slideway 33 and the lateral extension and prevent the refill 20
from sliding without the application of a force greater than a
given force, directed along the longitudinal axis X.sub.rech of the
refill 20.
[0115] As illustrated in the Figures, the rigid or semi-rigid body
25 is preferably made up of at least two rigidly assembled parts.
The first part 25a forms the second housing 29 and is closed by the
second part 25b comprising the separating wall 31.
[0116] The first part 25a may have on its covered contour a step 28
intended to receive the second part 25b.
[0117] The rigid or semi-rigid shell 25 may be thermoformed.
[0118] The separating wall 31 is passed through by a port 41 for
fluidic communication between the reservoir 23 and the dispensing
end piece 53. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the port 41 is oriented
along an axis Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.sub.rech of
the refill.
[0119] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the port 41 may comprise
an opening made through the separating wall 31 or, as illustrated
in FIG. 7, a channel having at least one end projecting into the
reservoir 23.
[0120] Preferably, the port 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the
end 26a, inside the device when the refill 20 is mounted on the
slideway 33.
[0121] The rigid or semi-rigid body 25, in particular the second
part 25b, preferably has a longitudinal opening 60 substantially
along its entire length.
[0122] The first part 25a may have a vent 95 that opens into the
second housing 29 receiving the reservoir 23.
[0123] In the example in question and as can be seen in particular
in FIGS. 4 to 7, the reservoir 23 and the dispensing end piece 53
extend along respective longitudinal axes X.sub.res and X.sub.em
which are parallel to one another and offset vertically with
respect to one another by a distance c. Preferably, the
longitudinal axes X.sub.res and X.sub.em are parallel to the axis
X.sub.rech of the refill 20.
[0124] A duct 65 connects the reservoir 23 to the dispensing end
piece 53.
[0125] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the duct 65 can be
introduced into the supply port and protrude or not protrude from
the side of the reservoir 23.
[0126] When the duct 65 protrudes from the side of the reservoir,
it preferably comprises a slot or a cutout 70 that makes it easier
for the product to flow from the reservoir 23 to the dispensing end
piece 53.
[0127] In a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the duct 65 can be
fastened to a relief located on the first-housing 27 side of the
port 41.
[0128] The dispensing end piece 53 is preferably designed to
deliver the product in one direction through at least one
dispensing orifice 68 that is visible in
[0129] FIGS. 9A and 9B, is closed at rest and can open under the
pressure of the upstream product.
[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the dispensing end piece
53 may comprise a number of dispensing orifices 68 disposed in line
with one another so as to deliver the product along the applicator
member 15.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, this or these dispensing
orifice(s) 68 may be slots that are elongate along an axis
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.sub.em of the dispensing
end piece 53. In a variant, the orifice(s) 68 is/are oriented along
an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing end
piece 53. The dispensing orifice(s) 68 is/are preferably aligned
along a diametric median plane of the dispensing end piece 53. The
length p of each dispensing orifice 68 may range from 1 to 5 mm.
The dispensing orifices 68 may have identical lengths p and be
distributed evenly along the dispensing end piece 53. The interval
w between two consecutive dispensing orifices 68 is for example
from 1 to 5 mm.
[0132] Preferably, the dispensing end piece 53 is elastically
deformable such that the internal volume can be increased in order
to collect product coming from the reservoir 23 before it is
dispensed, and the dispensing orifice(s) 68 is/are designed to only
open following such an increase in volume. Thus, it is possible to
spread out the dispensing of product over a period of time greater
than that for which the action of filling the dispensing end piece
53 lasts.
[0133] Prolonged dispensing of the product is useful in order to
ensure application that is as homogeneous as possible right along
the treated lock and to reduce the risk of product being present in
a quantity that is not suitable.
[0134] Preferably, the system for supplying the applicator member
15 is designed such that the dispensing of the product after the
jaws 3 and 4 have been moved together lasts more than 10 s, in
particular between 10 and 30 s, for example around 20 s, i.e. more
or less the average duration of treatment of a lock for most
users.
[0135] A particularly simple and effective way of obtaining
prolonged dispensing of the product is to use an elastomeric
material to produce the dispensing end piece 53, with a tubular
shape closed at one end, and for example having a hardness of Shore
55, and to provide it, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, with a
number of dispensing orifices 68 in the form of slots that are
closed at rest and are capable of opening by deformation under the
pressure of the upstream product. The slots are preferably produced
by cutting, so as to close with proper sealing at rest.
[0136] The dispensing end piece 53 comprises for example a tubular
body with a wall thickness of between 0.3 and 2 mm, for example
with an inside diameter of 3.2 mm and an outside diameter of 5 mm,
and made of silicone or some other material such as EPDM
(rubber).
[0137] As illustrated, the dispensing end piece preferably consists
at least partially of an extension of the duct 65.
[0138] The applicator member 15 can be fastened to the rigid or
semi-rigid body 25 in various ways. The applicator member 15 may
for example be retained on the rigid or semi-rigid body 25 by
friction or in a variant be retained by adhesive bonding or welding
or with the aid of an additional holding element (not illustrated).
In particular, the applicator member 15 may be wedged in the
longitudinal opening 60 made in the rigid or semi-rigid body 25 and
partially receive the dispensing end piece 53.
[0139] The applicator member 15 may be held in a removable or
non-removable manner. The applicator member 15 can be fastened to
the rigid or semi-rigid body 25 in various ways. The applicator
member 15 may for example be retained on the rigid or semi-rigid
body 25 by friction or in a variant be retained by adhesive bonding
or welding or with the aid of an additional holding element (not
illustrated). In particular, the applicator member 15 may be wedged
in the opening 60 of elongate shape that is made in the rigid or
semi-rigid body 25.
[0140] The applicator member 15 may be held in a removable or
non-removable manner on the second part 25b of the rigid or
semi-rigid body 25. It is advantageous to be able to change the
applicator member 15 from one use to another without having to
replace the refill 20 as a whole, in particular for reasons of
hygiene or in order for it to be possible to place the applicator
member 15 in a closed container between two uses so as to avoid
drying out thereof.
[0141] The refill 20 preferably carries the applicator member
15.
[0142] Preferably, the length of the applicator member 15 is less
than the length of the refill 20.
[0143] The applicator member 15 is preferably set against the
longitudinal end 26b of the rigid or semi-rigid body 25. The part
60a of the longitudinal opening 60 may comprise at least one
component of a pump, in particular of a peristaltic pump or
flap-valve pump, in particular a peristaltic pump tube.
[0144] The pump component may be a peristaltic pump tube, in
particular formed by a portion of the duct 65 connecting the
reservoir 23 to the dispensing end piece 53.
[0145] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9, the rigid or semi-rigid body
25 may also have, in the part 60a of the opening, a pressing
element 95 as described below.
[0146] Preferably, the applicator member 15 comes into contact with
the dispensing end piece 53 next to the orifices 68 so as to absorb
the product delivered thereby as soon as it exits.
[0147] The reservoir 23 disposed in the second housing 29 of the
rigid or semi-rigid body 25 may be at least partially rigid or
flexible. When the reservoir 23 has a flexible wall 73, as
illustrated in FIG. 10, it is for example formed by the assembly of
two sheets of polypropylene or of a complex forming a flexible
sachet. Preferably, the flexible sachet is fastened to the
separating wall 31, in particular by welding, at at least two
points of the latter and comprises an opening facing the separating
wall 31 on the side disposed in the vicinity of the end 26a of the
refill. The fastening points 75 are preferably at the two
longitudinal ends of the flexible sachet 73. The fastening points
75 make it possible to hold the flexible sachet 73 against the
separating wall 31, in particular during the reduction in volume of
the flexible sachet 73, so as to improve the dispensing of product
at the dispensing end piece 53.
[0148] In a variant, the reservoir 23 is defined at least partially
by the separating wall 31. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 11
and 12, the reservoir 23 is defined by the separating wall 31 and a
flexible wall 73 which is fastened to the separating wall 31 and
which, during the emptying of the reservoir 23, can be
progressively pressed against the separating wall 31. The
separating wall 31 preferably comprises at least one rib 54 that
leads in particular to the supply port 41 and allows the product to
flow towards said port, even when the flexible wall 73 is pressed
against the separating wall 41. Preferably, the rib(s) 54 extend
along substantially the entire length of the reservoir 23. These
ribs make it possible to empty the reservoir 23 better before the
refill 20 is changed.
[0149] The flexible wall 73 may be an elastically deformable
diaphragm.
[0150] The vent 95 makes it possible to have an intake of air into
the reservoir 23 so as to allow the reservoir 23 to empty by
changing volume.
[0151] The reservoir 23 may be single-use. In a variant, the refill
20 may comprise a valve (not illustrated) for filling the reservoir
23, making it possible to fill the reservoir 23 when the latter is
empty or partially empty.
[0152] Filling of the dispensing end piece 53 under pressure can be
carried out in various ways.
[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the product can be moved from the
reservoir 23 to the dispensing end piece 53 by the actuation of a
peristaltic pump.
[0154] A particularly simple and effective way of producing this
pump is to use a system as illustrated in FIG. 14, comprising a
pressing element 95 such as a roller or a cam which is able to move
on the refill 20 so as to be able to bear, during its movement,
against the flexible duct 65 connecting the reservoir 23 to the
dispensing end piece 53 and to pinch it, and then to progressively
squeeze it in the direction of the dispensing end piece 53 in order
to flush the product contained inside towards the dispensing end
piece 53. The duct 65 remains pinched as long as the jaws 3 and 4
are closed over the hair, this making it possible to keep the
dispensing end piece 53 under pressure and to force the product to
leave it through the orifices 68.
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the pressing element 95 can be
actuated by a relief 96 carried by the lower arm 6, this relief 96
coming into contact with the pressing element 95 when the jaws 3
and 4 are moved together.
[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 4, on its opposing faces, the
pressing element 95 may comprise two pairs of lugs 97 that are
inserted into guide slots 99 provided on uprights 98 of the rigid
or semi-rigid body 25. These slots 99 are oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the axis of the flexible duct 65 extending
between the uprights 98. The pressing element 95 can move first of
all substantially in translation, in the slots, in order to pinch
the flexible duct 65, under the pushing pressure of said relief 96.
The slots 99 each have a notch which allows the pressing element 95
then to tilt, progressively squeezing the flexible duct 65, the
lugs 97 engaging in the notches as the pressure by the relief 96 on
the pressing element 95 continues.
[0157] The relief 96 may be carried by an adjusting member (not
illustrated), such as a slider or a knob, the rotation or movement
of which acts on the degree of protrusion and/or the position of
the relief 96 which acts on the pressing element 95. In a variant,
the flow rate is adjusted at the arm which carries the reservoir,
by virtue for example of an adjusting member which restricts the
flow of the product to a greater or lesser extent or which pushes
back, to a greater or lesser extent, a counter-bearing surface
against which the flexible duct 65 is compressed by the pressing
element 95 during the operation of the peristaltic pump.
[0158] The adjusting member can make it possible to adjust the
pressing element 95 into an extreme position for operation of the
device without cosmetic product being dispensed. By virtue of the
adjusting member, the user benefits from the possibility of acting
on the flow rate of cosmetic product delivered on each closure of
the jaws 3 and 4. The adjustment can be carried out continuously or
incrementally, depending on the manner in which the adjusting
member is able to move on the lower arm 6.
[0159] The supply system may be realized so as to cause a dose of
product to be dispensed only after the jaws have been moved
together a predefined number of times.
[0160] A window may be provided, if appropriate, so as to allow the
user to see the degree of emptying of the reservoir 23. In a
variant, each action of moving the jaws 3 and 4 together increments
a counter which is initialized on the installation of a new refill
20, this counter being able to be used to warn the user that
complete emptying of the reservoir 23 is imminent. The counter may
also be used to signal to the user that the product is ready to be
dispensed, when a particular number of actuations of the jaws 3 and
4 is necessary before the product impregnates the applicator member
15, given the dead volume which it is necessary to start filling
before the product is dispensed. When the moving together of the
jaws 3 and 4 is detected electrically, counting can be effected
electronically by the base station.
[0161] In a further variant, the system for supplying the
applicator member 15 with product is driven in a motorized manner
by virtue of an electric motor housed in the arm 5, or possibly in
the assembly that forms a refill 20.
[0162] If appropriate, the refill 20 may comprise an identifier
recognized by the device, this allowing at least one of the
following additional functions: [0163] automated adjustment of one
or more operating parameters of the device depending on the
knowledge of the nature of the product by the base station, which
follows from the recognition of the identifier, [0164] display of
information that guides the user in operations to be carried out
depending on the nature of the product contained in the refill 20,
[0165] knowledge of the capacity of the reservoir 23 fitted and the
output of a signal warning the user when the product has been used
up, assuming that the device knows the number of doses dispensed,
for example by counting the number of times that the jaws 3 and 4
have been moved together, [0166] passage into a predefined state of
the device if the presence of the reservoir 23 is not detected, for
example output of a warning signal, and [0167] preventing operation
in the event of non-recognition of an identifier having an
authentication function.
[0168] The refill 20 can be identified mechanically and/or
electronically. In the latter case, the refill 20 may carry an
electronic chip in which the useful information is contained and
one of the arms 5 or 6 may carry corresponding reading means.
[0169] In the examples illustrated, the heat treatment is ensured
by two heating elements 120 and 122, visible in FIG. 14, that are
carried by the upper arm 5 and lower arm 6, respectively, each
having a plate that defines a hot surface 125 for bringing into
contact with the hair.
[0170] The plates of the heating elements 120 and 122 are made of
any material suitable for the treatment to be carried out, for
example a metal, ceramic or glass.
[0171] The surface state of the plates of the heating elements 120
and 122, in the region of contact with the hair, depends on the
desired treatment, and preferably the plates are smooth when the
device is intended to straighten the hair.
[0172] The length of the plates defines the extent of the treatment
region perpendicularly to the direction D of movement of the
handpiece 2 relative to the hair. The hot surfaces 125 defined by
the plates are for example flat and have a rectangular contour.
[0173] One of the plates is for example mounted in a fixed manner
on the corresponding arm while the other is mounted in an
articulated manner, for example with the aid of a ball joint, so as
to allow the plates to extend parallel to one another and to a
median treatment plane in the closed configuration of the jaws. If
appropriate, at least one of the plates is disposed on one of the
arms 5 and 6, being supported by a structure that forms a
spring.
[0174] The heating elements 120 and 122 may each comprise an
electrical resistor electrically powered by the base station,
preferably with temperature regulation by virtue of one or more
sensors disposed in the vicinity of the heating resistors or in
contact with the plates.
[0175] Treatment with steam is ensured by virtue of a vaporization
member consisting of a resistive element provided in an evaporation
chamber supplied with water by the base station. The latter may
comprise an electrically driven pump, preferably a peristaltic
pump, that draws up water to be sent to the handpiece 2 from a
reservoir of water. The pump is for example as disclosed in the
publication FR 2 967 018.
[0176] The evaporation chamber may be produced in accordance with
the teaching in the application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise, and may
communicate with at least one steam outlet.
[0177] The evaporation chamber is disposed on one of the arms,
namely the lower arm 6 in the example in question, and the steam
outlet is provided on the same arm 6.
[0178] In the example illustrated, the steam outlet is in the form
of a ramp 128 with a shape that is elongate in a direction parallel
to the longitudinal axis X.sub.2 of the lower arm 6.
[0179] The ramp 128 may have a number of orifices for spraying
steam, for example between 6 and 10 orifices, which are preferably
distributed evenly along the ramp 128 and each have an axis
oriented substantially perpendicularly to the median treatment
plane.
[0180] The vaporization member is electrically powered by the base
station and a temperature sensor is advantageously disposed in the
evaporation chamber. The base station may be produced so as to
control the electric power supply of the vaporization member in
order to keep the temperature of the steam leaving the evaporation
chamber at a value of between 110.degree. C. and 130.degree. C.
[0181] Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the applicator member
15 is disposed opposite a counter-bearing surface 130 defined by a
block carried by the lower arm 6. This counter-bearing surface 130
is preferably substantially in the form of a half cylinder of
revolution, with a generatrix parallel to the longitudinal axis
X.sub.2 of the lower arm 6. In a variant, the counter-bearing
surface 130 may be a roller.
[0182] The counter-bearing surface 130 may help to channel the
steam exiting the ramp 128 towards the hair.
[0183] When the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, the counter-bearing
surface 130 comes into abutment against the applicator member 15
and preferably, the counter-bearing surface 130 slightly compresses
the applicator member 15, for example over a distance k of between
1 and 5 mm.
[0184] The radius of curvature r of the counter-bearing surface
130, measured about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the arm, is for example between 2 and 10 mm.
[0185] The counter-bearing surface 130 may be able to move relative
to the jaw 4 which carries it, and its movement may be controlled
by a regulating member, for example the one that regulates the
quantity of product dispensed while the arms 5 and 6 are moved
together. Preferably, this regulating member acts on the height of
the counter-bearing surface 130. When the regulating member is in a
position not actuating the pump, the counter-bearing surface can
reach its maximum height and thus be in a position of maximum
compression of the applicator member 15. This configuration can
make it possible to wipe the applicator member after use.
[0186] The counter-bearing surface 130 may also be defined by a
member designed to define a protective cap for the applicator
member 15 when not in use. This member can thus cover the
applicator member 15 partially, and preferably entirely, in order
to promote the preservation of the product still impregnating the
applicator member 15.
[0187] The handpiece 2 may comprise a comb 133, illustrated in FIG.
14, which is preferably fastened removably to the lower arm 6. This
comb 133 is produced for example from a rigid thermoplastic
material and has a shape that is elongate along the longitudinal
axis X.sub.2 of the lower arm 6.
[0188] The presence of the comb 133 is advantageous in that it
divides the lock into bundles, this tending to increase the contact
surface of the hair with the hot surfaces 125 and to improve the
straightening action. In addition, by dividing the lock, the
surface area for exchange with the steam and the cosmetic product
is also increased, to the benefit of the effectiveness of the
treatment. The comb 133 can also help to increase the traction
exerted on the hair, and this can improve the shaping thereof, in
particular in the case of straightening. The comb can also help to
homogenize the product deposited upstream on the hair by the
applicator member 15.
[0189] Preferably, the device is produced such that a portion of
hair introduced between the jaws 3 and 4 and moving relative
thereto when the handpiece 2 is drawn from the root of the hair to
the end thereof in the direction D, is successively subjected to
exposure to the cosmetic product, by passing between the applicator
member 15 and the counter-bearing surface 130, to the steam by
passing in line with the ramp 128 for spraying steam, and to a heat
treatment by passing between the hot surfaces 125.
[0190] The handpiece 2 may advantageously have on its top a marker,
visible to the user, such as an arrow, informing said user of the
correct direction of movement of the device.
[0191] The steam treatment can improve the penetration of the
product deposited upstream on the hair. The heat treatment makes it
possible to dry the hair and to fix its shape.
[0192] Numerous modifications can be made to the device that has
just been described, without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0193] In a variant that is not illustrated, the heating elements
120 and 122 and the associated hot surfaces 125 are absent, the
device being designed to only effect the application of the
cosmetic product and the exposure to the steam, for example in the
context of haircare or a dyeing treatment.
[0194] There may be multiple heating elements 120 and 122 on each
of the arms 5 and 6, this being able to allow the handpiece 2 to be
used in any direction of movement on the hair, if appropriate. The
device may also retain a preferred direction of movement D during
the treatment, even when there are multiple heating elements 120
and 122 on each of the arms 5 or 6.
[0195] The heating elements 120 and 122 carried by one and the same
arm 5 or 6 may comprise plates with an identical width and operate
simultaneously.
[0196] In order to obtain a symmetrical treatment regardless of the
direction of movement, the device may comprise two steam outlets on
either side of the member 15 for applying cosmetic product and
between the hot surfaces 120 and 122.
[0197] If there are multiple heating elements 120 and 122 on each
of the arms 5 and 6, the member 15 for applying cosmetic product
may be disposed away from the heating elements 120 and 122, only
one steam outlet being present between the plates.
[0198] The movement over the hair is preferably carried out so as
to ensure that the cosmetic product is deposited first.
[0199] In a variant that is not illustrated, at least one of the
heating elements 120 and 122 is produced so as to be able to rotate
in contact with the hair when the handpiece 2 is moved along the
lock to be treated, and is in the form for example of a rotary
cylinder. The other heating element 120 and 122 may have a concave
curved shape, suitable for accommodating the roller when the jaws 3
and 4 are moved together.
[0200] The steam spraying direction may be non-perpendicular to the
median treatment plane, in order to increase the area impacted by
the jet of steam, with an inclination of 0 to 20.degree. with
respect to the normal, for example. The jet exiting each outlet
orifice of the ramp (also known as a nozzle) may be sufficiently
divergent to result in substantially uniform exposure of the lock
in the direction of its width.
[0201] The device according to the invention is preferably used
with a base station; in a variant, the handpiece 2 is autonomous,
comprising the reserve of water necessary for producing steam.
[0202] The cosmetic product applied by the device according to the
invention may be any type of haircare product. The expression
cosmetic haircare product denotes a composition comprising one or
more active ingredients for haircare use, and in particular a
product as defined in directive 93/35/EEC dated 14 Jun. 1993. Water
in liquid or gaseous form which does not contain any additives for
haircare use does not constitute a cosmetic product within the
meaning of the present invention. The cosmetic product may be
intended to make it easier to shape the hair. Examples of active
ingredients are given for example in the publication US
2010/0307528 A1, in paragraphs [0031] and [0032]. The product may
have an aqueous or non-aqueous base.
[0203] In the examples which have just been described, the cosmetic
product is not heated other than by heat losses due to the presence
of the heating elements 120 and 122 and the spraying of steam
between the jaws 3 and 4. In one variant, the cosmetic product is
heated by a specific heating means so as to raise the temperature
thereof prior to application, for example a heating resistor
printed onto a sleeve through which the product passes or which is
disposed on the reservoir or in contact therewith. This increase in
temperature may have the effect of decreasing its viscosity and
making it easier to apply.
[0204] The applicator member 15 may be produced in some other way
than with a foam, for example with a felt, a frit or a brush.
[0205] On account of the longitudinal configuration of the refill
20, the dispensing of product through the evenly distributed
dispensing orifices 68 of constant size is not uniform. The
dispensing orifices 68 in the vicinity of the reservoir 23 are
subjected to a greater pressure than those located at the end and,
as a result, open more, dispensing more product towards the
applicator member 15. The following variants make it possible to
make the dispensing of product towards the applicator member 15
along the dispensing end piece 53 more uniform.
[0206] The dispensing orifices 68 of the dispensing end piece 53
are, in a variant as illustrated in FIG. 15, spaced apart at a
variable distance w, the density of dispensing orifices 68 then
varying with their position on the dispensing end piece 53.
Preferably, the density of dispensing orifices 68 increases with
increasing distance from the reservoir 23 so as to allow product to
be dispensed uniformly in the direction of the applicator member
15.
[0207] The dispensing orifices 68 of the dispensing end piece 53
have, in a further variant as illustrated in FIG. 16, a variable
length p depending on their position on the dispensing end piece
53. Preferably, the length p of the dispensing orifices increases
with increasing distance from the reservoir 23 so as to allow
product to be dispensed uniformly in the direction of the
applicator member 15.
[0208] The counter-bearing surface 130 is, in a variant, inclined
obliquely with respect to the applicator member 15 so as to exert a
variable pressure on the applicator member 15. Preferably, the
pressure exerted on the applicator member 15 by the counter-bearing
surface 130 increases with increasing distance from the reservoir
23 so as to allow product to be applied uniformly to the lock of
hair introduced between the upper arm 5 and lower arm 6.
[0209] The device can be used by moving the jaws 3 and 4 along a
lock in order to straighten the hair. The device can also be used
by winding the lock around a jaw 3 or 4 and unwinding it by sliding
it over this jaw 3 or 4 in order to curl the hair.
[0210] The device can be used in the hot state without steam
production or without the heating elements 120 or 122 being
activated.
[0211] In one variant, the steam outlet and the applicator member
15 occupy substantially the same position relative to the direction
of movement D of the device over the lock of hair. In this case,
the steam outlet orifice(s) is/are formed for example through a
counter-bearing surface against which the applicator member 15
bears when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed.
[0212] In the examples illustrated, the generation of steam takes
place on the lower arm 6 and the application of product on the
upper arm 5. This arrangement can be reversed.
[0213] It is possible for the dispensing end piece 53 not to be
deformable and the product may be dispensed only during the
moving-together movement of the jaws 3 and 4. A deformable chamber
for collecting the product may also be interposed in the path of
the product between the duct 65 against which the pressing element
95 and the dispensing end piece 53 bear, this chamber being formed
for example by a portion of deformable tube or by a diaphragm that
is deformable or able to move without inherent elasticity but comes
into abutment against an elastic return member which deforms in
order to accompany the increase in volume and which generates the
pressure necessary to continue dispensing the product once the jaws
3 and 4 have been moved together.
[0214] The housing in the device that receives the refill may
comprise at least one light source. This source may allow the user
to see that the refill is present while the device is in
operation.
[0215] When the refill is made at least partially of a material
that makes it possible to see the cosmetic product contained in the
interior thereof, the light source can make it easier for the user
to determine the level of cosmetic product remaining in the
refill.
[0216] Thus, it may prove to be advantageous to produce the refill
with at least a portion of the reservoir made of a transparent or
translucent material, and to dispose the light source so as to
light the reservoir.
[0217] In a variant, the refill 20 may be provided with a removable
closure member (not illustrated) to be fitted on the applicator
member 15 when not in use.
[0218] This closure member may be designed to be fitted on the
applicator member 15 before or after the introduction of the refill
20 into the handpiece 2, consisting for example of a cap designed
to be fastened hermetically to the handpiece 2 or the refill
20.
[0219] In a variant, the closure member is a membrane seal to be
removed when the handpiece 2 is used for the first time or when the
refill 20 is fitted into the handpiece 2.
[0220] In a variant that is not illustrated, the upper arm 5, in
particular the jaw 3, comprises a pivoting flap 18 which can take
up the open configuration, allowing a refill 20 according to the
invention to be fitted and to be removed once the product has been
used up, and a closed configuration for using the device to treat
the hair.
[0221] In a variant that is not illustrated, one of the lip 35 and
the upright 36 has a depression for receiving at least one relief
carried by the other of the lip 35 and the upright 36 and/or one of
the top of the jaw 3 and the flat extension 41 may have a
depression for receiving at least one relief carried by the other
of the top of the jaw 3 and the extension 42. The presence of the
depression and the complementary relief may make it possible to
block the refill in position so as to prevent it from sliding out
of the jaw.
[0222] In a variant that is not illustrated, the refill comprises a
flap-valve pump and the handpiece is produced so as to actuate this
flap-valve pump for example when the two arms have been moved
together or, in a variant, with the aid of an actuating member
which can be actuated by the user independently of the moving
together of the arms. The flap-valve pump may comprise a diaphragm
which is positioned opposite an actuating member which is, for
example, height-adjustable so as to be able to control the quantity
of product delivered by the pump on each actuation. The flap-valve
pump comprises a body which is made in one piece with end pieces
which serve to connect to the reservoir and to the dispensing end
piece, respectively. The flap-valve pump comprises a pumping
chamber partially delimited by the diaphragm. The end piece for
connecting to the reservoir may house an inlet valve which opens
when the volume of the pumping chamber increases and which closes
again when this volume decreases during the actuation of the
diaphragm. The pump may also comprise an outlet valve which can be
integrated into the pump, being for example located in the region
of the end piece for connecting to the duct. An anti-backflow valve
may be present between the reservoir and the pumping chamber,
opening in the direction of flow from the reservoir to the pumping
chamber.
[0223] In a variant, the outlet valve is formed by the dispensing
orifice(s) of the dispensing end piece, which open under the effect
of the pressure of product upstream and close again when the
pressure has decreased, by virtue of the inherent elasticity of the
material of which the duct is made.
[0224] When the diaphragm is deformed by bearing on the actuating
relief on the lower arm, the internal volume of the pumping chamber
decreases. The inlet valve is closed and the product is flushed
towards the dispensing end piece. The outlet orifice(s) may open
under the effect of the pressure of the product and then close
again when the pressure decreases following the discharging of the
product.
[0225] When the actuating relief moves away from the diaphragm, the
latter returns to its initial shape by inherent elasticity,
resulting in the increase in volume of the pumping chamber, which
returns to its initial volume. The corresponding reduction in
pressure causes the inlet valve to open and product coming from the
reservoir to be admitted.
[0226] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one", and the limits are
included in all the ranges of values indicated.
* * * * *