APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A HAIR PRODUCT, AND ASSOCIATED APPLICATION METHOD

Abstract

The applicator for applying a hair product comprises a base (12) and first group of fixed spikes (14) protruding relative to the base. The applicator further comprises a second group of spikes (16) separate from the spikes (14) of the first group and translatably movable relative to the base between at least one extended position protruding relative to said base on the side of the spikes (14) of the first group, and a retracted position.

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a hair product comprising a base (12), a first group of fixed spikes (14) protruding relative to the base, and a second group of spikes (16) separate from the spikes (14) of the first group and translatably movable relative to the base between at least one extended position protruding relative to said base on the side of the spikes (14) of the first group, and a retracted position, characterized in that the spikes (16) of the second group each internally delimit a product supply channel opening out by means of at least one outlet orifice, the applicator further comprising a reservoir (30) connected to said spikes (16) of the second group and internally delimiting at least one compartment (32) for storing said product in fluid communication with the supply channels of said spikes.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the spikes (16) of the second group remain set back from the spikes (14) of the first group in said extended position.

3. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the spikes (16) of the second group are positioned so that they form at least one row of spikes.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the spikes (14) of the first group are positioned so that they form at least one row of spikes.

5. Applicator according to claim 1, comprising a plate (24) supporting the spikes (16) of the second group and translatably movable relative to the base (12).

6. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the spikes (16) of the second group extend through the base (12).

7. Applicator according to claim 1, further comprising an actuating member (34) for moving the spikes (16) of the second group.

8. Applicator according to claim 7, further comprising at least one elastically deformable return element (38) which is interposed between the actuating member (34) and the base (12).

9. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the reservoir (30) comprises at least one deformable portion so that pressure exerted on said deformable portion causes a reduction in the volume of said storage compartment (32) and a movement of the product towards the supply channels and the outlet orifices of the spikes (16) of the second group.

10. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the base (12) and the spikes (14) of the first group are made in one piece.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, in which the base (12) delimits a frontal face (20) from which the spikes (14) of the first group and the spikes (16) of the second group protrude at least in said extended position, the density of the spikes of the first and second groups on said frontal face being between 1 and 20 per cm.sup.2, and preferably between 2 and 12 per cm.sup.2.

12. Applicator according to claim 11, in which the frontal face (20) of the base of the applicator is between 10 and 200 cm2, and preferably between 50 and 100 cm2.

13. Method of applying to the hair a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent for shaping the hair with the aid of an applicator comprising a base (12), a first group of fixed spikes (14) protruding relative to the base, and a second group of spikes (16) separate from the spikes (14) of the first group and translatably movable relative to the base between at least one extended position protruding relative to said base on the side of the spikes (14) of the first group, and a retracted position, the method comprising: a step of loading the spikes (16) of the second group of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, a step of styling the hair by introducing the spikes (14) of the first group of the applicator into the head of hair and moving them, with the spikes (16) of the second group in the retracted position, and a step of transferring the hairstyling composition to the hair by extending the spikes (16) of the second group into the head of hair.

14. Method according to claim 13, in which the step of transferring the hairstyling composition to the hair is realized during and/or after the step of styling the hair.

Description

[0086] The present invention will be better understood from studying the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting examples and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0087] FIG. 1 illustrates an application method according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0088] FIG. 2 is a front view of an applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention which is implemented in the application method of FIG. 1,

[0089] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of FIG. 2,

[0090] FIG. 4 is a front view of the applicator in FIG. 2 in an extended position of the spikes,

[0091] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V in FIG. 4,

[0092] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0093] FIG. 7 is a front view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0094] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7,

[0095] FIG. 9 is a front view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0096] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in FIG. 9, and

[0097] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0098] The method according to the invention can be implemented directly by the consumer in order to put in place or touch up his or her hairstyle, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the method can be implemented in a professional setting.

[0099] The method of the invention is implemented with the aid of an applicator 10 for applying a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent to the consumer's hair.

[0100] As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the applicator 10 comprises a base 12 and a first group of spikes 14 that extend therefrom.

[0101] As will be described in greater detail below, the applicator 10 also comprises a second group of spikes 16 that are translatably movable relative to the base 12 between a retracted storage position and at least one extended use position. The spikes 16 make it possible to apply the composition to the consumer's hair.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the base 12 also comprises a handle 18 to facilitate the gripping and the handling of the applicator. The handle 18 extends from the base 12 on the opposite side from the spikes 14. Alternatively, it is possible for the applicator 10 not to have such a handle.

[0103] The base 12 may have a cylindrical overall shape. As a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes, for example polygonal, oval, etc. for the base.

[0104] The spikes 14 of the first group extend transversely with respect to the base 12. The longitudinal axes of the spikes 14 are mutually parallel. The spikes 14 are preferably identical to one another. The spikes 14 extend from a frontal face 20 of the base 12.

[0105] The base 12 is delimited axially by the first frontal face 20 and by a second frontal face 22 opposite the first frontal face 20. The frontal faces 20, 22 form end faces of the base 12. The frontal faces 20, 22 are in this case flat. As a variant, these faces might be slightly convex or concave.

[0106] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 14 of the first group are spaced apart regularly from one another. By way of indication, the spacing or distance between the spikes 14 may be between 2 mm and 8 mm. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide an inter-spike 14 spacing that is not regular.

[0107] The spikes 14 have an elongate shape. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 14 have a conical overall shape. Alternatively, the spikes 14 can have other shapes. The spikes 14 can also be straight or curved. The spikes 14 have a height that can be between 2 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm. By way of indication, the maximum diameter of each spike 14 can be 1.5 mm. In other embodiments, it is possible to provide a spike diameter of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 14 are arranged so that they form a single row of spikes. As a variant, it is possible to position them in several rows as is illustrated in the variant in FIG. 6, or else to provide other arrangements, for example concentric, elliptical, etc.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, each spike 14 comprises a free end 14a of flat shape. As a variant, it is possible to make provision for ends of the spikes of other shapes, for example rounded shapes, in particular spherical shapes, or else pointed shapes, or generally a section that decreases in the direction of its free end.

[0110] The spikes 14, the base 12 and the handle 18 can be made in one piece, for example by moulding a rigid plastic material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or else a flexible plastic material. As a variant, the spikes 14 may be produced in the form of attached elements that are fastened to the base 12 by any appropriate means, for example by adhesive bonding or else by overmoulding.

[0111] As indicated above, the applicator 10 also comprises the second group of spikes 16 that are movable between a retracted storage position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and an extended use position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The spikes 16 slide relative to the base 12. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 16 extend through the thickness of the base 12. Each spike 16 extends inside a slot (not referenced) formed in the thickness of the base 12.

[0112] The applicator 10 comprises a plate 24 supporting the spikes 16 that is capable of sliding relative to the base 12. The plate 24 is positioned on the opposite side from the spikes 14. The spikes 16 extend transversely with respect to the plate 24. The spikes 16 are fastened to the plate 24. The spikes 16 and the plate 24 can be made in one piece, for example by moulding a rigid plastic material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or else a flexible plastic material. As a variant, the spikes 16 may be produced in the form of attached elements that are fastened to the plate 24 by any appropriate means, for example by adhesive bonding or else by overmoulding.

[0113] The plate 24 is movable in relation to the base 12 between a far-away end position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a close-up end position illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In its far-away end position the plate 24 is spaced apart from the base 12, and in its close-up end position the plate 24 abuts against the base 12. The movement from the far-away end position to the close-up end position, and vice versa, may be obtained by the user by exerting pressure or pulling on the plate 24. The far-away and close-up end positions of the plate 24 respectively correspond to the retracted storage and extended use positions of the spikes 16.

[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the extended use position, the spikes 16 are protruding relative to the base 12 on the side of the spikes 14. The spikes 16 remain set back from the spikes 14. By way of indication, the spikes 16 may for example have a height that is less than half that of the spikes 14. In the retracted storage position, the spikes 16 remain in this case slightly protruding relative to the base 12. Alternatively, the spikes 16 could be fully withdrawn inside the base 12 in this position.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 16 are spaced apart regularly from one another. Depending on the spacing of the spikes 16, the fixing effect of one and the same composition will be different. By way of indication, the spacing or distance between the spikes 16 may be between 2 mm and 8 mm. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide an inter-spike 18 spacing that is not regular, for example when the composition is intended to be deposited in a particular pattern.

[0116] The spikes 16 have an elongate shape. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 16 have a cylindrical overall shape. Alternatively, the spikes 16 can have other shapes. The spikes 16 can also be straight or curved. By way of indication, the diameter of each spike 16 may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spikes 16 are arranged so that they form a plurality of rows of spikes in the form of an array of parallel lines. As a variant, it is possible to provide other arrangements of the spikes 16. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the row of spikes 14 is located at a distance from the spikes 16. As a variant, the row of spikes 14 could extend between spikes 16, or rows of spikes 14 could extend between spikes 16 as is the case in the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, each spike 16 comprises a free end 16a of flat shape. As a variant, it is possible to make provision for ends of the spikes of other shapes, for example rounded shapes, in particular spherical shapes, or else pointed shapes, or generally a section that decreases in the direction of its free end. Alternatively, the free ends of the spikes may be provided with cavities, for example of spherical shape.

[0119] For application to the hair, the user can act as follows.

[0120] First of all, the user loads the composition onto the spikes 16 of the applicator, for example by dipping them into a receptacle containing the composition. In order to facilitate the loading of the composition, the spikes 16 are positioned in the extended use position. A layer of composition partially covers each of the spikes 16.

[0121] Then, before the applicator is introduced into the hair, the spikes 16 are returned to the retracted storage position. Next, the user introduces the spikes 14 into the hair and moves the applicator in order to style the hair and create an arrangement of the hair in step with the movement.

[0122] At the end of each movement of the applicator or during this movement, the spikes 16 are extended in order to apply the fixing product to the hair by capillary action. During this step, the user can lightly tap the spikes 16 against the hair in order to facilitate the depositing of the composition on the head of hair.

[0123] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, in which identical elements have the same reference signs, differs from the previous example in that the applicator 10 comprises a reservoir 30 that internally delimits a product storage compartment 32 containing the composition to be applied. The reservoir 30 is attached to the plate 24 and fastened to it by any appropriate means, for example by screwing, snap-fastening, etc. As a variant, the plate 24 and the reservoir 30 can be made in one piece, by moulding.

[0124] The reservoir 30 is deformable under the action of a force exerted by the user. This deformable character of the reservoir 30 can be obtained due to its thickness and/or the nature of the material used, for example a flexible material such as an elastomer. As will be described in greater detail below, the deformable character of the reservoir 30 is provided to enable the loading of the spikes 16 with composition to be applied.

[0125] The spikes 16 each internally comprise a supply channel (not visible) in fluid communication with the compartment 32 of the reservoir. Each spike 16 is passed through by a supply channel. The channel of each spike 16 also passes through the thickness of the plate 24. The channel of each spike 16 opens out at a first end by means of an inlet orifice (not visible) into the compartment 32 of the reservoir, and at a second end opposite the first end by means of an outlet orifice on the free end of the associated spike.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the channel of each spike 16 is in direct fluid communication with the compartment 32 of the reservoir. The expression “channel in direct fluid communication with the compartment” is understood to mean that the channel is in permanent communication with the compartment 32 and is not associated with selective dispensing means of the pump or valve type that makes it possible to force the product to pass through said channel.

[0127] In this exemplary embodiment, in order to load the spikes 16, the user proceeds in the following manner. The user exerts pressure inwards on a portion of the reservoir 30, which causes the deformation thereof and a reduction in the volume of the compartment 32, which has the effect of moving the composition contained in the compartment through the supply channels of the spikes 16 in the direction of their outlet orifices. The user deforms the reservoir 30 until the spikes 16 are loaded with the desired quantity of composition. With the applicator of this exemplary embodiment, the step of loading the spikes 16 can be carried out before and/or during and/or after the step of styling the hair using the spikes 14.

[0128] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in which identical elements have the same reference signs, differs from the first example described in that the applicator 10 further comprises an actuating handle 34 to control the movement of the spikes 16. The actuating handle 34 is rigidly connected to the plate 24. In this case, stems 36 are provided between the handle 34 and the plate 24 to provide this rigid connection.

[0129] The applicator 10 also comprises a plurality of springs 38 interposed between the actuating handle 34 and the gripping handle 18. One end of each spring 38 is fastened to the handle 34 whilst the other end of the spring is fastened to the handle 18. The springs 38 may for example be of helical type.

[0130] When the user wishes to move the spikes 16 from the retracted storage position to the extended position, he or she exerts pressure on the handle 34 towards the base 12. When the pressure by the user on the handle 34 ceases, the springs 38 return to their initial shape via elasticity, which also causes the handle 34 to return to its initial position and the spikes to return to the retracted storage position.

[0131] In the variant embodiment in which the applicator comprises the product reservoir 30, it is also possible to provide such an actuating handle associated with springs. In this case, the actuating handle is rigidly connected to the reservoir 30. The movement of the handle causes the simultaneous movement of the reservoir 30 and the spikes 16, and the deformation of the reservoir when it presses against the base 12.

[0132] In these exemplary embodiments, the movement of the spikes 16 is controlled manually by means of the plate 24 or the handle 34. As a variant, the movement of the spikes 16 could be controlled in an assisted manner, for example with an electromagnet or else with motors 40 as is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 11, in which identical elements have the same reference signs. Each motor 40 is associated with a screw-and-nut system (not shown) so that the rotation of the shaft of the motor causes the plate 24 to slide. The motors 40 may for example be electric stepper motors.

[0133] In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator 10 further comprises an electronic control unit 42 that makes it possible to control the operation of the motors 40. In this case, the control unit 42 is fastened to the handle 18. The control unit 42 is connected to the motors 40 by means of a connection 44, shown schematically, that may be wired or wireless. The control unit 42 may be programmed to emit a series of control signals to the motors 40 of at least one and preferably several extensions and retractions of the spikes 16 spaced apart over time. The control signals can be emitted when the user sends an order to this end for example using a button, or can be emitted as a function of signals emitted by a sensor, such as an accelerometer of the applicator, for example fastened to the handle 18.

[0134] The frequency of the extensions of the spikes 16 can for example be shorter on starting in order to achieve an improved effect on the roots, or longer as the time increases since starting for an improved effect on the lengths of the hair. The duration of the extensions of the spikes 16 can for example be shorter on starting in order to achieve an improved effect on the ends of the hair, or longer as the time increases since starting for an improved effect on the lengths and/or in order to compensate for the fact that the spikes 16 deliver a decreasing amount of product.

[0135] In addition, it is also possible to provide this type of electronic control unit in the embodiments in which the applicator comprises the product reservoir 30. In this case, the electronic control unit can for example be programmed to emit control signals in order to control the extension of the spikes 16 and the supply of product to these spikes separately.