Abstract
Provided is a hairstyling apparatus (1) including a portable treatment unit (2) provided with two arms (3, 4) arranged to form a clamp provided with two treatment surfaces (5, 6) disposed opposite one another and enabling a lock of hair to be clamped therebetween, the portable treatment unit including steam-diffusion means (7) arranged to diffuse steam from a first (5) of the two surfaces towards the second (6) of the two surfaces, one of the arms (3, 4) including a comb (19) disposed downstream or upstream of one of the surfaces (5, 6) of the arm (3, 4).
Claims
1. Hairstyling apparatus comprising: a handheld treatment unit powered electrically by an electrical cord and having two arms configured to form a clamp with two treatment surfaces that are flat and form two heating plates and which face each other and come into contact with each other when the clamp is closed, 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 treatment surfaces to the second of the two surfaces, and wherein one of the arms has a comb located upstream or downstream of one of the treatment surfaces of said arm, a means of diffused steam confinement between the two treatment surfaces clamped against each other, the means of diffused steam confinement comprising a single confinement space defined by: (i) a groove located in a second of the two treatment surfaces; and (ii) a furrow located in the first of the two treatment surfaces and which faces the groove, wherein the furrow comprises the means of diffusing steam such that steam is diffused from a bottom surface of the furrow toward the groove when the clamp is closed, and a steam blocking component positioned on only one arm of the handheld treatment unit, the steam blocking component projecting out from only the first arm that comprises the means of diffusing steam and which is configured to block steam escaping from the means of diffused steam confinement in a direction of a proximal part of the clamp which is configured for manipulating the handheld treatment unit, and a means of steam generation comprising a steam generation chamber with a heating device, a temperature measurement device, and a reservoir of liquid, wherein the means of steam generation is located in the first arm below the treatment surface, wherein the furrow and the groove form a cylindrical space when the clamp is in a closed position and a perforated roller is mounted to rotate inside of the cylindrical space.
2. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is a single comb on the apparatus and is located either upstream or downstream of one of the treatment surfaces.
3. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is spaced at a distance from an adjacent treatment surface such that the comb is not in contact with said treatment surface.
4. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 3, in which the comb is spaced at least 1 mm away from the adjacent treatment surface.
5. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is fastened to the adjacent treatment surface in such a way that it is in contact with said treatment surface.
6. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb defines a series of teeth extending from a base and wherein the base is located in a plane of the treatment surface.
7. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which each of the arms has a distal portion, and in which the comb is mounted directly on the distal portion of the arm holding the comb.
8. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 7, in which the comb is located so that it extends from a lengthwise portion of the distal portion.
9. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 7, in which at least a free end of the teeth of the comb is brought to face a length of the distal portion of the arm that is not holding the comb when the apparatus is in closed position.
10. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is made of at least one of the following materials: thermosetting plastic, metal or aluminum alloy, or thermoplastic.
11. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb has teeth with a pyramidal, conical, or cylindrical shape or a triangular section, or a combination of at least two of these shapes.
12. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb has teeth with a regular gap of 1-8 mm between them.
13. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb has teeth having a height of 3-25 mm.
14. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is attached permanently to the apparatus.
15. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the comb is attached to the apparatus such that it can be detached.
16. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of diffusing steam is configured so as to deliver a steam flow rate of 0.5-2 g/min.
17. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of diffusing steam is configured so as to deliver a steam flow rate of 0.05-0.5 g/min.
18. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of steam generation includes the reservoir for liquid to be converted to steam and, in the fluid connection to the steam generation chamber, a water pump designed to activate when the two surfaces are clamped together, to move the liquid from the reservoir to the steam generation chamber.
19. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of steam generation includes the reservoir for liquid to be converted to steam and, in the fluid connection to the steam generation chamber, an air pump designed to activate when the two surfaces are clamped together, to move the liquid from the reservoir to the steam generation chamber.
20. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the means of steam generation includes the liquid reservoir with a fluid connection to a piece of felt intended to come into contact with the heating device.
21. Hairstyling apparatus as in claim 1, in which the treatment surfaces have a length (L1) of 80-120 mm and a width (l1) of 20-35 mm.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The following description of various embodiments shows the characteristics and advantages of the invented hairstyling apparatus. This description is based on figures, which include:
(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an invented hairstyling apparatus, of the steam straightener type;
(3) 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;
(4) FIG. 2′ illustrates two heating plates located on the two arms of the handheld treatment unit, respectively in the clamped and open positions of the clamp, in an alternative mode to that illustrated in FIG. 2;
(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an invented hairstyling apparatus, showing the presence of a steam shut-off;
(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a heating plate with two adjoining furrows having means of steam diffusion;
(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a heating plate with a furrow having a perforated grid;
(8) 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;
(9) 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;
(10) FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 illustrate other alternatives for executing the means of confinement;
(11) FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 illustrate a cutaway view of three possibilities for locating the comb;
(12) FIGS. 16 and 17 are a frontal view and a perspective view illustrating a comb according to the invention.
(13) FIG. 18 illustrates one way to generate steam, using an air pump to transport the water;
(14) FIG. 19 illustrates one way to generate steam, using a piece of felt to transport the water;
(15) FIG. 20 illustrates one way to generate steam, using a mechanical water pump as the transport means;
(16) FIG. 21 illustrates one way to generate steam, using an electric pump as the transport means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION --
(17) 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. 1-21.
(18) 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. The housings of the arms are defined by outer shells, for example.
(19) 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.
(20) 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.
(21) 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.
(22) 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 (201) 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 of 0.5-2 g/min., preferably 0.9-1.2 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 of 0.5-5 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.
(23) 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.
(24) 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 17. The ratio of this distance d1 to the width l1 of this heating plate 17 is preferably 0.1-0.4. 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.
(25) 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 0.9-1.2 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, in a first embodiment the furrow 10 should be 2-6 mm wide, preferably 2.5 mm, and the furrow 10 should be 0.5-2 mm deep, preferably 1 mm. In addition, the volume of the furrow 10 should preferably be 200-275 mm.sup.3, preferably 225 mm.sup.3. The furrow 10 should preferably be 20-220 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 of 400-550 mm.sup.3, preferably 450 mm.sup.3. In a second embodiment, where the steam flow rate can be higher than in the first embodiment, for example, the furrow 10 forms a concave space in the treatment surface with a volume of 500-2500 mm.sup.3; the furrow is 3-8 mm wide, preferably 4-7 mm, and is 1-4 mm deep, preferably 1.5-3 mm; the furrow is 20-220 mm long, preferably 90 mm.
(26) FIG. 2′ illustrates one way to locate the steam confinement means that is an alternative to that shown in FIG. 2. The steam confinement means illustrated in FIG. 2′ include the furrow 10 and the groove 9, facing each other, but can also be only the furrow 10 or only the groove 9. The confinement means are located in the center of the treatment surface(s), all other things being equal.
(27) As shown in FIG. 4, the handheld treatment unit 2 comprises a steam shut-off 20 located on the first arm 3, on the proximal longitudinal edge 5a of the first surface 5. This steam shut-off 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.
(28) 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 0.5-2 g/min., preferably 0.9-1.2 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 liquid 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).
(29) 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.
(30) 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.
(31) 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.
(32) 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.
(33) 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.
(34) 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.
(35) 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.
(36) 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.
(37) 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.
(38) In FIG. 13, a cutaway section of the apparatus as in FIG. 1, the comb 19 is shown separated from the treatment surface 5 adjacent to and facing the outer shell of the housing of the arm being shown. In closed position, the comb is not in contact with the shell. FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of the apparatus at the level of the treatment surfaces 5 and 6 in closed position, thus forming the means of confinement together with the furrow and the groove 9 and 10. The respective distal portions 3b and 4b of the arms 3 and 4 are shown in this cross-section.
(39) FIG. 14 is a variation of FIG. 13 with the comb located on the other side of the apparatus, and also formed in the outer shell of the arm 3.
(40) FIG. 15 is a variation of FIG. 13 with the comb forming one piece with the adjacent treatment surface 5.
(41) As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the means of steam generation 200 is located in the lower arm at the level of the treatment surface or straightening plate 5. The means of steam generation includes a reservoir of liquid to be converted to steam. The liquid can be water or a liquid cosmetic. This reservoir will have a fluid connection to the steam generation chamber 201. The liquid will be moved by a pump. The pump can be a water pump to provide a normal flow of steam, wherein the pump is either a mechanical water pump (valve or other type) or an electric pump; or it can be an air pump to provide a relatively low stream flow rate; or the pump can be a felt system that is moved relative to a heating element or heating device 202 to form the steam; with said movement or pump action activated when the straightener is closed. The air pump system is illustrated schematically in FIG. 18: a liquid reservoir 204 has a fluid connection through a water tube 208 to the means of steam generation 200 such that the liquid arriving in the steam generation chamber 201 is evaporated before going out toward the hair through the orifices; an air pump 205 is installed on the reservoir and has two valves (not shown). The felt system or other capillarity system used to carry the liquid is shown schematically in FIG. 19: the liquid reservoir 204 partially receives a piece of felt 206 (or a porous wicking material) against which there is at least one vent opening 209. The liquid is carried out of the reservoir through the felt by capillarity. The felt 206 and the heating device 207 can be moved with respect to each other. When the clamp is closed (for example, but not necessarily), the part of the felt 206 that is outside of the reservoir and the heating device 207 are brought into contact at the level of the steam generation chamber 201, and the liquid in the felt is evaporated and then leaves the apparatus.
(42) The water pump system is illustrated in patent FR2967017A1 filed by the applicant. It is also shown schematically in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the same manner as in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 20 shows schematically a mechanical valve water pump system 210 located on the tube 208 connecting the liquid reservoir 204 to the steam generation chamber 201. This pump can be activated manually or automatically when the apparatus is closed, i.e., when the two surfaces 5, 6 are clamped together. FIG. 21 shows schematically an electric water pump system 211 located and operating on the tube 208 connecting the liquid reservoir 204 to the steam generation chamber 201. This pump can be activated manually or automatically when the apparatus is closed, for example. For example, a switch 212 is closed each time the user closes the jaws of the straightener and thereby activates the electric pump, which is a peristaltic pump, for example, to carry the liquid from the reservoir 204 to the steam generation chamber 201.
(43) As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the upper arm of the straightener has a heating surface 6 that will be spring-mounted so as to allow optimal clamping of the lock of hair when the apparatus is closed and the two treatment surfaces are clamped against each other. A temperature measurement device 203 is provided to report the temperature of the means of steam generation.
(44) The comb according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, in its detachable embodiment. The comb 19 includes a base 190 from which the teeth 191 extend and whose free ends 192 are the same height h and have the same spacing e between them. A tab 193 allows the comb to be pulled out of the apparatus, in particular out of a groove in the outer shell of the apparatus. The base of the teeth is in the plane P. The comb 19 is made of at least one of the following materials: thermosetting plastic, metal or aluminum alloy, thermoplastic.
(45) 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.
(46) 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.
(47) 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 of 0.5-2 g/min., preferably 0.9-1.2 g/min.
(48) 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.
