U.S. patent application number 15/311024 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for hairstyling apparatus using steam with steam-confining means.
The applicant listed for this patent is SEB S.A.. Invention is credited to Regis Fereyre.
Application Number | 20170079400 15/311024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51014535 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170079400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fereyre; Regis |
March 23, 2017 |
Hairstyling Apparatus Using Steam with Steam-Confining Means
Abstract
Provided is a hairstyling apparatus (I) including a portable
treatment unit (2) provided with two arms (3, 4) arranged to form a
clamp provided with two surfaces (5, 6) disposed opposite one
another and enabling a lock of hair to be clamped therebetween. The
portable treatment unit includes steam-diffusion means (7) arranged
to diffuse steam from a first (5) of the two surfaces towards the
second (6) of the two surfaces. The apparatus includes means (9,
10) for confining the diffused steam, between the two surfaces (5,
6) placed one against the other.
Inventors: |
Fereyre; Regis; (Chavanay,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEB S.A. |
Ecully |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
51014535 |
Appl. No.: |
15/311024 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
May 12, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2015/051239 |
371 Date: |
November 14, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/06 20130101; A45D
2001/008 20130101; A45D 2/001 20130101; A45D 19/16 20130101; A45D
1/08 20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D 1/00 20130101; A45D 2/002
20130101; A45D 1/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 19/16 20060101
A45D019/16; A45D 1/06 20060101 A45D001/06; A45D 2/00 20060101
A45D002/00; A45D 1/04 20060101 A45D001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2014 |
FR |
1454271 |
Claims
1. Hairstyling apparatus comprising a handheld treatment unit
having two arms configured to form a clamp with two surfaces that
face each other, together allowing a lock of hair to be clamped,
wherein the handheld treatment unit comprises means of diffusing
steam configured to diffuse steam from a first of the two surfaces
to the second of the two surfaces, wherein the apparatus comprises
means of confining the diffused steam, between the two surfaces
pressed against each other.
2. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which a comb is located
downstream of one of the surfaces.
3. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which each of the two
surfaces has a heating plate, and wherein the heating plates are
located facing each other and together can clamp a lock of
hair.
4. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of steam
confinement is located between the two heating plates.
5. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of steam
confinement includes a groove located in the second of the two
surfaces, facing the means of diffusion.
6. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the groove opens
onto at least one of two longitudinal edges of the second
surface.
7. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the groove is
between 2 and 6 mm wide.
8. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the groove is
between 20 and 220 mm long.
9. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the first surface
contains a furrow with a bottom surface, wherein the means of
diffusing steam is placed so as to diffuse the steam from the
bottom surface, and the means of steam confinement comprises the
furrow.
10. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which the groove is
located facing the furrow.
11. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 10, in which the groove and
the furrow have essentially identical volumes.
12. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the first surface
has two adjoining furrows each with a bottom surface, wherein the
means of diffusing steam is placed so as to diffuse the steam from
at least one of said two bottom surfaces, and wherein the groove is
located facing the two furrows.
13. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which at least one
furrow opens onto at least one of two longitudinal edges of the
first surface.
14. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 13, in which the means of
diffusing steam includes multiple diffusion orifices located along
the bottom surface of at least one furrow.
15. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which the means of
diffusing steam includes a diffusion slot running lengthwise along
the bottom surface of at least one furrow.
16. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which a grid is located
above the at least one furrow of the first surface.
17. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which the furrow has a
curved shape and the groove includes a raised grid whose shape
complements that of said curved furrow.
18. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which the furrow and
the groove have a circular shape so as to form a cylinder in the
closed position of the clamp, with said apparatus having a
perforated roller mounted so as to rotate inside said cylinder.
19. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of
steam confinement is located off-center on the two surfaces.
20. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 4, in which the means of
steam confinement is placed off-center on downstream parts located
on the first and second heating plates.
21. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 20, in which a median line of
the confinement means is located at a distance d1 from the
downstream edge of the heating plates, and a ratio of the distance
d1 to a width l1 of the heating plates is between 0.1 and 0.4.
22. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, which includes a steam
shut-off configured to block the steam escaping from the means of
confinement in the direction of a proximal part of the clamp which
is configured for manipulating the handheld treatment unit.
23. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of
diffusing steam is configured so as to deliver a steam flow rate
between 0.5 g/min. and 2 g/min.
24. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 5, in which the means of
diffusing steam defines a confinement space measured by a volume of
the groove in the second surface.
25. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 9, in which the means of
diffusing steam defines a confinement space measured by a volume of
the furrow comprising steam diffusion orifices in the first
surface.
Description
[0001] The invention concerns a hairstyling apparatus using steam
that comprises a handheld steam treatment unit intended to treat
hair with steam in order to style it. In addition to steaming hair,
the handheld treatment unit of this hairstyling apparatus is
generally configured to heat hair in order to style it. For
example, such a hairstyling apparatus, depending on its
configuration, can be used to straighten, curl, or crimp hair.
[0002] Various hairstyling apparatuses are known that can be used
to treat hair in order to straighten, curl, or crimp it. These
hairstyling apparatuses comprise a handheld treatment unit
consisting primarily of two arms, or jaws, each with a surface that
can be flat or curved. The two arms have a joint between them so as
to form a clamp configured to grip hair between the two surfaces
that face each other, when the two arms come together. These two
arms also include an area to which gripping pressure is applied in
order to open and close the clamp and manipulate it during styling.
At least one of these two surfaces has a heating device so that
hair can be heated while clamped. A lock of hair is straightened by
clamping the lock between the two surfaces and moving the closed
clamp along the lock, from the root toward the end. A lock of hair
is curled by clamping the lock between the two surfaces and rolling
the lock at least partially around the surfaces, with heat making
the hair hold the curl.
[0003] To improve hairstyling, it is known to use steam treatment
in addition to the heat treatment, with the steam projected or
diffused onto the hair. Several examples of embodiments of such
hairstyling apparatuses are described in documents JP2000157322A,
EP1396207A1, EP1515628B1, EP1515629B1, EP1516554B1, FR2967017A1.
According to these various embodiments, in addition to the known
and aforementioned characteristics of a hairstyling apparatus, the
handheld treatment unit includes a means of projecting steam
configured to project the steam from the first of the two surfaces
to the second of the two surfaces. In documents EP1396207A1 and
EP1516554B1, the handheld treatment unit includes a means of
aspirating the steam, located on said second surface, to evacuate
the steam projected from the first surface after it passes through
the lock of hair. In documents EP1515628B1 and EP1515629B1, in one
possible embodiment, the means of projecting steam are configured
to project the steam from the two surfaces that face each other
during clamping. In document FR2967017A1, a patent application
filed by the applicant, the optimized design of the steam
generation means allows for a steam flow rate on the order of 3-4
g/min., higher than other hairstyling apparatus designs that offer
a steam flow rate of less than 2 g/min., which makes it possible to
supply steam evenly to the entire length of the clamped lock of
hair during steam treatment and allows that lock of hair to be
rapidly steam treated as the handheld treatment unit is moved along
the lock of hair.
[0004] This invention is intended to provide a hairstyling
apparatus with performance comparable to that of the hairstyling
apparatus described in document FR2967017A1 while reducing its
size, for example reducing the length of the hairstyling apparatus
and/or the height, for example.
[0005] This invention is intended to provide a hairstyling
apparatus with performance comparable to that of the hairstyling
apparatus described in document FR2967017A1, but using a lower
steam flow rate.
[0006] This invention is intended to provide a hairstyling
apparatus with performance comparable to that of the hairstyling
apparatus described in document FR2967017A1 while simplifying its
design.
[0007] This invention is intended to provide a hairstyling
apparatus with performance comparable to that of the hairstyling
apparatus described in document FR2967017A1 while decreasing its
manufacturing cost.
[0008] This invention is intended to provide a hairstyling
apparatus with performance comparable to that of the hairstyling
apparatus described in document FR2967017A1 while reducing the
volume of liquid used for steam generation.
[0009] Accordingly, the invention concerns a hairstyling apparatus
comprising a handheld treatment unit having two arms configured to
form a clamp with two surfaces that face each other, together
allowing a lock of hair to be clamped. The handheld treatment unit
includes a means of diffusing steam configured to diffuse steam
from the first of the two surfaces toward the second of the two
surfaces. It is noteworthy that the hairstyling apparatus includes
a means of confining the diffused steam between the two surfaces
clamped against each other. This means of confinement makes it
possible to keep a quantity of steam in contact with the lock of
hair, with even distribution, in a confinement space located
between the two surfaces that are clamping the lock of hair, to
provide optimal steam treatment. This steam remains in the
confinement space for a length of time before escaping under the
steam flow action. This steam confinement allows the advantage of
reducing the steam flow from the means of steam generation in the
handheld treatment unit. The steam is provided and circulates by
diffusion or projection means, and circulates with or without
excessive pressure.
[0010] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, the means
of steam confinement comprises a groove located in the second of
the two surfaces, facing the means of diffusion. The steam passes
through the lock of hair and remains confined in that groove.
[0011] According to this embodiment of the invented hairstyling
apparatus, the groove opens onto at least one of the two
longitudinal edges of the second surface, so as to allow this steam
to escape under the action of the steam flow exiting the means of
diffusion, after having kept that steam confined in said groove.
The steam in the confinement space is thereby renewed. This makes
it possible to maintain a level of steam pressure in the
confinement space that can be essentially constant.
[0012] According to this embodiment of the invented hairstyling
apparatus, the groove is between 2 and 6 mm wide, preferably 2.5
mm, and between 0.5 and 2 mm deep, preferably 1 mm. These
dimensions allow the confinement space to be optimized so as to
maintain a sufficient amount of renewed steam in contact across the
width of a lock of hair in order to style it. In addition, the
groove is between 20 and 220 mm long, preferably 90 mm, so as to
optimize the volume of the confinement space for a lower steam flow
rate of 0.5 to 2 g/min., preferably between 0.9 and 1.2 g/min.
[0013] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, the first
surface contains a furrow with a bottom surface, wherein the means
of steam diffusion is placed so as to diffuse the steam from that
bottom surface, and the means of steam confinement comprises the
furrow, in addition to or even in substitution of the
aforementioned groove located in the second of the two
surfaces.
[0014] When the invented hairstyling apparatus includes both a
groove and a furrow as described above, the groove is located
facing the furrow. In addition, the groove and the furrow
preferably have essentially identical volumes.
[0015] In one variation of the invented hairstyling apparatus,
having a groove as described above, the first surface has two
adjoining furrows, each with a bottom surface, and the means of
diffusion are placed so as to diffuse the steam from at least one
of those two bottom surfaces. In addition, the groove is placed so
as to face the two furrows.
[0016] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, at least
one furrow opens onto at least one of the two longitudinal edges of
the first surface, which allows steam to escape after having been
diffused and held in the confinement space.
[0017] In one embodiment of the invented hairstyling apparatus, the
means of steam diffusion includes multiple diffusion orifices
located along the bottom surface of at least one furrow. In one
variation, this means of steam diffusion includes a diffusion slot
located on the bottom surface of at least one furrow.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the invented hairstyling
apparatus, there is a grid above the at least one furrow on the
first surface. This contributes to better distribution of the steam
onto the lock of hair.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invented hairstyling
apparatus, it has a single furrow with a curved shape. In addition,
the groove has a rounded grid whose form matches said curved
furrow. This contributes to better distribution of the steam onto
the lock of hair while keeping it under tension as the handheld
treatment unit holding the lock of hair is moved.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invented hairstyling
apparatus, it has a furrow and a groove that are circular in shape,
so as to form a cylinder when the clamp is in closed position. In
addition, the hairstyling apparatus includes a perforated roller
mounted so as to rotate inside of that cylinder. This allows steam
to be distributed into the confinement space constituted by said
cylinder, with the rotation of the roller preventing the lock of
hair from being pulled as the handheld treatment unit is moved
along the lock of hair.
[0021] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, the means
of steam confinement are off-center on the surfaces. It must be
understood that the means of confinement are not in the middle of
the surfaces but rather upstream or downstream on the surfaces.
More precisely, the means of confinement can be in the form of a
confinement system that is off-center on the treatment surface, for
example a single assembly formed at least by the groove that is
off-center on the treatment surface or straightening plate with
respect to its median plane and crosses it orthogonally.
[0022] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, each of the
two surfaces has a heating plate, and those heating plates are
located facing each other and together can clamp a lock of hair.
This allows heat treatment of the lock of hair at the same time as
steam treatment.
[0023] Preferably, according to this embodiment of the hairstyling
apparatus with two heating plates, the means of steam confinement
are located between the two heating plates. This offers the
advantage of heating the steam that is present in the confinement
space.
[0024] According to this preferred embodiment of the invented
hairstyling apparatus, the means of steam confinement are
off-center on the downstream parts of the heating plates, which
allows the lock of hair to be steam-treated before it is
heat-treated, as the handheld treatment unit is moved along the
lock of hair. Preferably, the median line of the means of
confinement is located at a distance d1 from the downstream edge of
the heating plates, and the ratio of the distance d1 to the width
l1 of the heating plates is between 0.1 and 0.4.
[0025] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, a comb is
located downstream of one of the surfaces. This makes it possible
to untangle and aerate the lock of hair before it is steam-treated,
thus promoting the passage of steam through the hair.
[0026] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, it includes
a steam shut-off that is configured to block the steam escaping
from the means of confinement in the direction of the proximal part
of the clamp, with said proximal part configured for manipulating
the handheld treatment unit. This protects the hand that is
manipulating the handheld treatment unit against steam burns.
[0027] According to the invented hairstyling apparatus, the means
of steam diffusion are configured so as to deliver a steam flow
rate between 0.5 g/min. and 2 g/min., preferably between 0.9 g/min.
and 1.2 g/min. This allows the use of traditional or innovative
means of steam generation on the handheld treatment unit, with a
limited size and a simplified design compared to those described in
document FR2967017A1.
[0028] The following description of various embodiments shows the
characteristics and advantages of the invented hairstyling
apparatus. This description is based on figures, which include:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an invented hairstyling apparatus, of the
steam straightener type;
[0030] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two heating plates located on the
two arms of the handheld treatment unit, respectively in the
clamped and open positions of the clamp;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an invented hairstyling apparatus,
showing the presence of a steam shutoff;
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a heating plate with two adjoining
furrows having means of steam diffusion;
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a heating plate with a furrow having a
perforated grid;
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates two heating plates in clamped position
and shows a curved shape of the furrow and a rounded perforated
grid covering the groove;
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates two heating plates in clamped position
and shows a cylindrical shape constituted by the furrow and the
groove, with a perforated roller in the cylinder;
[0036] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 illustrate other alternatives for
executing the means of confinement.
[0037] In the following description, the same references are used
to designate identical or similar characteristics according to the
various embodiments of the invented hairstyling apparatus that are
described with reference to FIGS. 1-12.
[0038] In FIG. 1, the invented hairstyling apparatus 1 is a hair
straightener. It comprises a handheld treatment unit 2. This
handheld treatment unit 2 is powered electrically by means of an
electrical cord 8. The handheld treatment unit 2 comprises two arms
3, 4--also called jaws--joined to each other by means of a pivot
connection 21 that enables them to clamp.
[0039] Each of the two arms 3, 4 has a proximal part 3a, 4a. These
two proximal parts 3a, 4a can be gripped simultaneously with one
hand, permitting manipulation of the handheld treatment unit 2 and
closing of the clamp when the two proximal parts 3a, 4a are
squeezed together.
[0040] The two arms 3, 4 each have a surface 5, 6 on the internal
face of their distal part 3b, 4b that together allow the lock of
hair to be clamped. According to the embodiment in FIG. 1, the
surfaces 5, 6 are flat, forming two heating plates 17, 18. When the
clamp is closed, the heating plates 17, 18, which face each other,
come into contact with each other, resulting in the clamping
action.
[0041] In one embodiment, the handheld treatment unit 2 of the
hairstyling apparatus 1 according to the invention will be able to
duplicate technical characteristics similar to those described in
patent application FR2967017A1 filed by the applicant, regarding
implementation of the means of heating (not shown) for the heating
plates 17, 18. In this regard, the means of heating for the heating
plates 17, 18 each have a heating device (not shown) consisting of
a thermal resistor with a positive temperature coefficient, or PTC,
and a device (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the
heating device consisting of a thermal resistor with a negative
temperature coefficient, or NTC. These heating and measurement
devices will be located in housing zones 22, 23 on each arm 3, 4
for each of the heating plates 17, 18. Since the characteristics of
such means of heating the heating plates 17, 18 are known to
professionals in this field, they will not be described further.
Variations that are known to professionals in this field or
innovative are equally possible for these means of heating the
heating plates 17, 18 without going beyond the scope of the
invention. In addition, variations in shape are possible for the
surfaces 5, 6. In particular, curved surfaces can be implemented,
such as those found on hairstyling apparatuses used to curl hair,
or even wavy surfaces, such as those found on hairstyling
apparatuses used to crimp hair. In addition, embodiments of the
handheld treatment unit 2 are possible with only one of the two
surfaces 5 or 6 emitting heat, and the other surface merely
contributing to clamping the lock of hair in order to style it.
[0042] The handheld treatment unit 2 of the hairstyling apparatus 1
also comprises means of projecting or diffusing steam 7 from the
first surface 5 toward the second surface 6. As shown in FIGS. 1-3,
the first arm 3 has a furrow 10 with a bottom surface 11 in which
orifices 12 are located that allow the projection or diffusion of
steam toward the second arm 4 when the clamp is closed. The first
arm 3 also has, at its distal part 3b, a steam generation chamber
(not shown) that allows steam to be generated and projected or
diffused through the orifices 12. In one embodiment, the handheld
treatment unit 2 of the hairstyling apparatus 1 according to the
invention will be able to duplicate technical characteristics
comparable to those described in patent application FR 2 967 017 A1
filed by the applicant, regarding implementation of the steam
generation chamber. Accordingly, this steam generation chamber
comprises in particular a heating device (not shown) consisting of
a thermal resistor with a positive temperature coefficient, or PTC,
and a device (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the
heating device consisting of a thermal resistor with a negative
temperature coefficient, or NTC. These heating and measurement
devices are located in a second housing zone 24 shown in FIG. 2,
under the first housing zone 22. Variations that are known to
professionals in this field or innovative are equally possible for
this steam generation chamber, without going beyond the scope of
the invention. Preferably, eight orifices 12 with a diameter of 1.2
mm are located in the bottom surface 11 of the furrow 10. In
addition, the means of steam projection or diffusion are configured
so as to project or diffuse steam at a flow rate between 0.5 g/min.
and 2 g/min., preferably between 0.9 g/min. and 1.2 g/min.
Professionals in the field are able to configure such means of
steam projection or diffusion so as to obtain such a flow rate.
However, a flow rate between 0.5 g/min. and 5 g/min., essentially
equal to 4 g/min., for example, is possible for a hairstyling
apparatus that is smaller than that described in document
FR2967017A1 and capable of producing the same flow rate.
[0043] Other characteristics, also known to professionals in the
field, are also implemented on the hairstyling apparatus 1
according to the invention. The handheld treatment unit 2
comprises, in particular, a circuit board (not shown) that is
configured to manage the activation of the two heating plates 17,
18 and the steam generation chamber. This circuit board is located
inside one of the two arms 3, 4, in the proximal part 3a of the
first arm 3, for example. The handheld treatment unit 2 comprises a
magnetic sensor 25, shown in FIG. 1, of the reed switch (RS) type,
which is able to detect the closed position of the clamp when the
two surfaces 5, 6 close against each other and clamp a lock of
hair. In one variation, the reed switch could be replaced by a
magneto-resistive sensor, or MRS.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the furrow 10 is located in the
downstream part 17a of the first heating plate 17 (or first surface
5 which is not necessarily a heating surface), relative to the
movement direction of the handheld treatment unit 2 from the root
to the end of the hair, as indicated by the arrow 26 in FIG. 2.
This makes it possible to steam-treat the lock of hair before it is
heat-treated (respectively, or not necessarily heated when
clamped). The two ends of the furrow 10 preferably open onto the
longitudinal edges 5a, 5b of the first surface 5. However, a
variation is also possible in which the furrow 10 opens only onto
one of the longitudinal edges 5a, 5b. As shown in FIG. 2, the
median line 27 of the furrow 10 is located at a distance d1 from
the downstream lateral edge 29 of the first heating plate. The
ratio of this distance d1 to the width l1 of this heating plate 17
is preferably between 0.1 and 0.4. For example, the width of the
plate is equal to 28.9 mm and the distance d1 is equal to 6.25 mm,
corresponding to a ratio of 0.22.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a groove 9 is located in the
downstream part 18a of the second heating plate 18, facing the
furrow 10. According to this embodiment, the groove 9 and the
furrow 10 are of essentially identical shape and volume. The groove
or the groove and furrow assembly forms a means of confining the
diffused steam. As with the furrow 10, both ends of the groove 9
open onto the longitudinal edges 6a, 6b of the second surface 6.
The groove 9 and the furrow 10 are dimensioned so as to
concomitantly constitute a confinement space 28 for the steam
flowing out of the orifices 12. This confinement space 28 makes it
possible to contain the steam around the lock of hair clamped
between the two surfaces 5, 6, before allowing that steam to escape
through the ends of the groove 9 and the furrow 10, due to the
replacement steam flowing from the orifices 12. Confining the steam
enhances the steam treatment of the lock of hair while using a
lower rate of steam flow, preferably between 0.9 g/min. and 1.2
g/min., while ensuring fairly rapid movement of the handheld
treatment unit 2 along the lock of hair. In addition, having the
confinement space 28 between the two heating plates 17, 18 allows
for advantageous reheating of the steam confined in that space. In
order to have this confinement space 28, the furrow 10 should
preferably be between 2 mm and 6 mm wide, preferably 2.5 mm, and
the furrow 10 should be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm deep, preferably 1
mm. In addition, the volume of the furrow 10 should preferably be
between 200 mm.sup.3 and 275 mm.sup.3, preferably 225 mm.sup.3. The
furrow 10 should preferably be between 20 mm and 220 mm long,
preferably 90 mm. The dimensions and volume of the groove 9 should
preferably be similar, which allows the confinement space 28 to
have a volume between 400 mm.sup.3 and 550 mm.sup.3, preferably 450
mm.sup.3.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the handheld treatment unit 2 comprises
a steam shutoff 20 located on the first arm 3, on the proximal
longitudinal edge 5a of the first surface 5. This steam shutoff 20
prevents the steam that is escaping from the confinement space 28
from entering the area where the handheld treatment unit 2 is
gripped, consisting of the proximal parts 3a, 4a of the two arms 3,
4.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates one variation of the means for projecting
or diffusing steam 7 onto the first surface 5. These means of
projecting or diffusing steam 7 include two adjoining furrows 10,
10' with a design similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, located
on the downstream part 17a of the first heating plate 17. Each
furrow 10, 10' includes orifices 12, 12' located on the bottom
surface 11, 11' of said furrow 10, 10', through which steam is
projected, diffused, and transported. According to this
implementation example, the groove 9 located on the second heating
plate 18 has a width that matches the total width of the two
furrows 10, 10'. The steam flow rate is also between 0.5 g/min. and
2 g/min., preferably between 0.9 g/min. and 1.2 g/min. The volume
of the confinement space in this case is constituted by the volumes
of the groove 9 and the furrows 10, 10'. This volume falls within a
range of values that are twice that of the volume of the
confinement space 28 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. In
effect, the steam channel or groove is doubled compared to the
preceding embodiments, so that the steam follows a double channel
and the lock of hair is steam-treated twice. The channels can be
circulating fluid to one end of the surface(s). In this
configuration, where steam is circulated from parallel channels
through one channel to form a U shape, one alternative is for the
steam outlet orifices to be present in only one of the channels
(not shown).
[0048] In FIG. 6 the means for projecting or diffusing steam 7 are
similar to those in FIGS. 1-3. In addition, a grid 13 is placed
over the furrow 10, which promotes even distribution of the steam
being produced and moved, in the confinement space 28 comparable to
that shown in FIGS. 1-3. Such a grid 13 can be placed on each
furrow 10, 10' in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
[0049] In the embodiment from FIG. 7, the furrow 10 has a curved
shape. The groove 9 includes a rounded grid 14 whose form
complements that of said curved furrow 10. This rounded grid allows
steam to be distributed evenly into the confinement space 28, and
the lock of hair to be pulled as the handheld treatment unit 2 is
moved. The volume of the confinement space 28 falls within a range
of values similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0050] In FIG. 8, the furrow 10 and the groove 9 are circular in
shape and define a cylinder 15 when the clamp is closed, with said
cylinder 15 defining the confinement space 28. In addition, a
perforated roller 16 is located and rotates around an axis X inside
of the cylinder 15. This perforated roller 16 can be powered. The
volume of the cylinder 15 falls within a range of values similar to
that for the volume of the confinement space 28 from the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0051] Each of FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 illustrates other
alternatives for executing the means of confinement from FIG. 2,
but they can be implemented in any of the ways described, alone or
in combinations. The common point of these alternatives is one or
two special piece(s) labeled 30, 30a, one or both of which are
inserted into one or two spaces (hereinafter called gutters)
provided in one or both of the heating plates. Such a piece
inserted into the plate at least partially defines the contour of
the means of confinement. This or these pieces make it possible to
introduce additional functions to the treatment with confined
steam.
[0052] Accordingly, FIG. 9 illustrates one spacing configuration
with one or two glass pieces inserted respectively into a provided
space that is larger than the space in the groove at the end of the
heating plates. One or more groove(s) are formed in one or both
glass pieces. The glass piece(s) can be illuminated by one or more
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to form light bars on each side of the
confinement groove.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative in which the steam is
carried by two channels 31, 31a that carry steam coming from the
steam generation chamber. For this, the special piece is inserted
into the larger space provided on the treatment surface of the
plates. This piece makes it possible to redirect the steam coming
through the channel from the steam generation chamber.
[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative in which the special
piece(s) are made of aluminum, for example, and painted, and slide
into the space provided, for example. They can be secured by
dovetailing. It is possible to change the size of the groove(s) by
replacing one or both of the special pieces.
[0055] Finally, FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative in which the
special piece(s) 30, 30a are made of silicone. Advantageously and
as shown, the silicone piece 30, 30a, when in place, can project
from the surface of the heating plate 17 and thereby create a hair
tension zone 32 or traction zone 32 next to the groove, allowing
for better straightening that is more gentle to the lock of
hair.
[0056] In FIG. 1, a comb 19 is located downstream of the first
surface 5 on the first arm 3. This comb 19 makes it possible to
untangle and aerate the lock of hair before it passes between the
two surfaces 5, 6.
[0057] Other implementation variations are possible within the
scope of the invention. In particular, a confinement space can be
provided that is constituted only by the volume of a groove 9 in
the second surface 6, or only by the volume of a furrow 10
comprising orifices 12 for diffusing or projecting steam, on the
first surface 5. In this case, said volume of the groove 9 or the
furrow 10 should be dimensioned so as to constitute said steam
confinement.
[0058] The means of confinement and the means of diffusing or
projecting the steam 7 can also be placed on the surfaces 5, 6,
separate from the heating plates 17, 18, with said means of
confinement and means of diffusing or projecting the steam 7
located downstream of said heating plates 17, 18.
[0059] According to the various aforementioned embodiments, it is
also possible to replace the orifices 12 for diffusing or
projecting steam through a steam diffusion or projection slot
located in the bottom surface 11, 11' of the furrow 10, 10',
maintaining a steam flow rate between 0.5 g/min. and 2 g/min.,
preferably between 0.9 g/min. and 1.2 g/min.
[0060] According to the various aforementioned embodiments, it is
possible to add an onboard ionizer, used to deliver ions into the
means of steam confinement in order to eliminate static
electricity.
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