Hair Treatment Apparatus With Improved Sealing

Abstract

Hair treatment apparatus having: -first and second arms which are movable with respect to each other and can adopt a spaced-apart configuration, for introduction of a lock of hair between them, and a closed configuration for treatment of the lock of hair, first and second contact surfaces carried respectively by the first and second arms and arranged opposite each other, at least one of the contact surfaces providing heat, -at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface situated on the same arm, in order to expose the hairs engaged between the arms to the steam, -at least the first arm having at least one first part supporting the first contact surface and at least one second part distinct from the first part and separated from the latter, -an elastically deformable sealing element having a proximal portion extending at least partially around the first contact surface between the latter and the first support part, and a distal portion extending in contact with the second part, the proximal portion and the distal portion being connected by an intermediate portion extending between the first and second parts and configured to form a screen to the steam.

Claims

1. The device for treating the hair, comprising: a first and a second arms movable with respect to each other, configured to take on a configuration where the first and second arms are apart in order to introduce a lock of hair between them, and a configuration where the first and second arms are closed for the treatment of the lock of hair, where first and second contact surfaces are carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite, with at least one of said contact surfaces configured to heat up; at least one steam outlet carried by one of the first and second arms at a distance from the corresponding contact surface located on the same arm, in order to expose the hair engaged between the first and second arms to steam, wherein at least the first arm comprises at least a first part for supporting the first contact surface and at least one second part different from the first part and separate from the first part, an elastically deformable sealing element comprising a proximal portion extending at least partially around the first contact surface between the second part and the first part and a distal portion extending in contact with the second part, the proximal and distal portions connected by an intermediate portion extending between the first and second parts and configured to form a steam screen.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion extends around the entire periphery of the first contact surface.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion is pinched between the first contact surface and a rib of the first part, having a cross section, generally H-shaped, with a groove engaged in a return of the first contact surface and an opposite groove engaged in said rib of the first part.

4. The device according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the distal portion is pinched between the second part and a third internal part of the first arm.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the second part has a groove in which the distal portion is received at least partially, and wherein the third part has a rib applying on the distal portion directly above said groove.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate portion has at least one bend in cross section.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate portion is curved concave towards the opposite arm, with a U-shaped bottom in the cross section.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first contact surface has a generally rectangular contour and the intermediate portion and the distal portion extend around three of the four sides of the first contact surface only.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate portion and the distal portion are absent from the side of the first contact surface furthest from said at least one steam outlet.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first contact surface is pivotally mounted on the first arm by a ball joint.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a height which varies along at least one side of the first surface contact.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the height of the intermediate portion is minimal, substantially at mid-length of at least one side of the first contact surface and grows towards the ends of said side.

13. The device, according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element has a shape that is not symmetrical with respect to a median plane passing through the first contact surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device and perpendicular to the heated surface of the first contact surface facing the second contact surface.

14. The device, according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is present on one of the first and second arms, and said at least one steam outlet is carried by the other of the first and second arms.

15. The device, according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge containing a cosmetic composition, the second part serving to support said cartridge, and having a slide in which the cartridge is engaged.

16. The device, according to claim 1, wherein the second part faces said at least one steam outlet.

17. The device, according to claim 1, further comprising at least one comb comprising at least one row of teeth, the comb carried by the second arm.

18. The device, according to claim 1, further comprising a confined area around said at least one steam outlet.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the confined area is delimited by at least one of the following elements: a cartridge of composition to be applied to the lock of hair, a comb and a containment structure disposed substantially opposite said at least one steam outlet, wherein the containment structure comprises at least one groove facing said at least one steam outlet (20) and, when the device comprises a comb, a cover of said comb, the second part, one side of the first and of the second surfaces of contact, or any other element of the device partially creating a confinement around said at least one steam outlet.

20. The device, according to claim 1, further comprising a seal positioned behind said at least one steam outlet behind the last nozzle, on the side of the grip area of the device, wherein said seal is fixed on the second arm, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm in position close to the first and second arms, and wherein the seal is arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot connection allowing the first and second arms to form a clamp.

21. The device according to claim 4, wherein the third part has an elongated wall in a direction of the grip area of the device, towards the rear of the device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0061] The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows schematically, in side perspective, a processing example of device of the hair according to the invention,

[0063] FIG. 2 schematically represents, in perspective seen from the other side, the device of FIG. 1, the device having been turned over,

[0064] FIG. 3 schematically represents, in frontal perspective, the device of FIG. 1,

[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a device according to the invention,

[0066] FIG. 5 is a schematic view, in cross section, of the device of FIG. 1,

[0067] FIG. 6 is a schematic view, in cross section, of another example of device according to the invention,

[0068] FIG. 7 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of a detail of the device of FIG. 6,

[0069] FIG. 8 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of FIG. 6,

[0070] FIG. 9 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of FIG. 6

[0071] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view, in isolation, of the switch box of the device of FIG. 6,

[0072] FIG. 11 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the device of FIG. 6,

[0073] FIG. 12 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of FIG. 6,

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the device of FIG. 6,

[0075] FIG. 14 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the device of FIG. 6, and

[0076] FIG. 15 is an isolated, schematic, and perspective view of the sealing element of the device of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0077] In the following description, identical elements or identical functions bear the same reference sign. Their detailed description is not repeated in relation to each of the figures, and only the main differences between the embodiments are mentioned.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for treating the hair, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

[0079] In the example illustrated, the device 1 is autonomous, with an integrated water tank 2. Only part of the electrical supply cord 3 is visible in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0080] The device 1 comprises a first arm 4 and a second arm 5 extending along a longitudinal axis Y of the device 1, movable relative to each other, which can assume a configuration where they are apart for the introduction of a lock of hair between them and a configuration where they are closed for treatment of the lock of hair. FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 in particular illustrate this latter configuration. FIG. 4 represents, within a device 1, the configuration separated from the first and second arms 4 and 5 for introducing a lock of hair between them.

[0081] The first and second arms 4 and 5 are hinged together by means of a pivot link 6 so as to form a clamp. The case of each of the first and second arms 4 and 5 comprises a shell, respectively referenced 17 and 18, which houses different constituent elements. The first and second arms 4 and 5 are movable in the close configuration along the lock of hair to be treated and comprise respective proximal parts 4a and 5a, which can be concomitantly grasped with one hand to manipulate the device 1.

[0082] The first and second arms 4 and 5 also comprise respective distal parts 4b and 5b, equipped with opposite first and second corresponding plates 10 and 11, which allow the hair to be pinched between them.

[0083] The first and second plates 10 and 11 define the first and second respective contact surfaces 12 and 13, which heat up. Contact means contact with the lock of hair or any other hair fiber as mentioned above.

[0084] In the example illustrated, the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially planar.

[0085] The first plate 10 is heated by at least one resistive heating element 15, in this case a PTC thermistor, housed in a case 22 of the first arm 4, not far from the contact surface 12. As a variant, the first and second plates 10 and 11 are each heated by a separate heating device, in which case another resistive heating element is mounted in the case 23, for example.

[0086] It should be noted that variants of shapes are possible for the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13. One can, for example, implement curved surfaces, as on certain hairdressing devices allowing the curling of the hair, or even make it wavy, like those used in hair crimpers, or even equipped with many protuberances, like teeth for example. Preferably, the contact surfaces are then complementary so as to grab the lock of hair well.

[0087] The device 1 also comprises at least one steam outlet 20, in this case several outlets, carried by the second arm 5, in this example, at a distance from the second plate 11, to expose the hair engaged between the first and second arm 4 and 5 when they are in this steam application zone.

[0088] The device 1 comprises at least one comb 30 comprising at least one row of teeth 31, the comb 30 in this example being carried by the second arm 5. The comb may include rigid teeth and/or flexible bristles such as, for example, tufts of silk bristles or a combination of rigid teeth and flexible bristles.

[0089] In this example, the first arm 4 comprises at least a first part 40 for supporting the first plate 10 and at least one second part 41 distinct from the first and separated from the latter.

[0090] The device 1 also comprises, in accordance with the invention, an elastically deformable sealing element 50, comprising a proximal portion 51 extending at least partially around the first plate 10 between the latter and the first part 40 and a distal portion 52 extending in contact with the second part 41, the proximal 51 and distal 52 portions being connected by an intermediate portion 53 extending between the first and second parts 40 and 41.

[0091] The width h of the intermediate portion 53, measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis Y of the device 1, can be greater than 1 mm, being in particular less than 4 mm.

[0092] The developed length of the intermediate portion 53 measured in a transverse plane can be greater than 5 mm, in particular 7 mm.

[0093] The intermediate portion 53 connects the proximal 51 and distal 52 parts, so that there can be a drop h, between a low point P of the proximal portion 51 and a low point Q of the distal part 52, for example, visible in FIG. 5, preferably greater than 2 mm, etc., being for example less than 6 mm, being for example substantially equal to 3.6 mm.

[0094] The total height of the sealing element 50, which corresponds to the distance measured between the point P and the top of the concave part of the intermediate portion 53 is preferably between 5 and 15 mm, knowing that this height varies according to the cross section of the sealing element 50. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 15, this height is minimal in the middle of the length while it is maximal in the corners. Advantageously, the minimum height is substantially equal to 8 mm and the maximum height is substantially equal to 10 mm.

[0095] The proximal portion 51 extends over the entire periphery of the first plate 10.

[0096] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the proximal portion 51 of the sealing element 50 is pinched between the first plate 10 and a rib 55 of the first part 40. In this example, the proximal portion 51 has a generally H-shaped cross section. The proximal portion 51 has a groove 56 engaged in a return 57 of the first plate 10 and an opposite groove 58 engaged in the rib 55 of the first part 40.

[0097] The distal portion 52 is pinched between the second part 41 and a third internal part 42 of the first arm 4, formed in this example by an internal part of the shell 17.

[0098] The intermediate portion 53 has at least one bend in cross section. In the example illustrated, the intermediate portion 53 is curved concave towards the opposite arm 5, with a U-shaped bottom in cross section.

[0099] The first plate 10 has a generally rectangular outline with four sides. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 extend around three of the four sides of the first plate 10 only. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 are absent from the side 16 of the first plate 10 furthest from said at least one steam outlet 20. Thus, FIG. 5 shows the sealing element 50 on the side of the first plate 10, which is opposite to the steam outlet 20 which only has the proximal part 51. The other three sides of the first plate 10, as can be seen in FIG. 15, are surrounded by the assembly of the proximal part 51, the distal part 52 and the intermediate part 53 of the sealing element 50. This allows to reduce the width of the device 1 without appreciably affecting the seal.

[0100] In particular because of this, the sealing element 50 has a non-symmetrical shape, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 15, with respect to a median plane passing through the first plate 10 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the device 1 and perpendicular to a contact surface 12 of the first plate 10 facing the second plate 11.

[0101] Still in this example, the sealing element 50 is present on a single arm, namely the first arm 4, said at least one steam outlet 20 being carried by the other arm, namely the second arm 5. Preferably the sealing element 50 and in particular the intermediate portion 53 is located in the steam ejection zone, possibly slightly offset from said at least one steam outlet 20 so as to form a steam screen. Slightly offset means an offset of between 2 and 15 mm and advantageously substantially equal to 7 mm relative to the axis of ejection of the steam. Preferably, the offset is towards the interior of the device.

[0102] In this example, the device 1 does not have a reservoir for a cosmetic composition, nor an applicator for a cosmetic composition.

[0103] The second part 41 faces said at least one steam outlet 20.

[0104] In the example shown, the device 1 comprises a confined zone 90 around said at least one steam outlet 20. The confined zone 90 is delimited in this example by the confinement structure 21 formed by the second part 41 which allows at least partial confinement of the steam emitted by the device. This confinement structure 21 comprises in this example a groove 25 facing the steam outlets 20. The confined area 90 is also delimited by the comb 30. The containment structure 21 also includes a cover 91 of said comb 30.

[0105] The first plate 10 is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 or 6, pivotally mounted on the first corresponding arm 4 via the engagement of a head 110 in the form of a portion of a sphere, formed in the first part 40, in a case defined by a cylindrical wall 111 formed with the shell 17 of the first arm 4.

[0106] The support of the spherical surface of the head 110 on the circular edge of the wall 111 creates a ball joint, which allows the first plate 10 to pivot when the thickness of the lock of hair which is pinched between the plates is not homogeneous or is not placed in the center of the first plate 10, and thus with a greater contact surface with the lock. FIG. 5 shows a helical spring 62 which is supported at one end against the bottom of the case defined by the cylindrical wall 111 and at the other end against the head 110. The deformability of the sealing element 50 thanks to the intermediate portion 53 allows it to accompany this pivoting of the first plate 10 while playing a role of barrier against the steam. Indeed, the bellows shape of said intermediate portion 53 gives the sealing element remarkable flexibility, while its proximal 51 and distal 53 portions are fixed, respectively with the first plate 10 and the second part 41.

[0107] The lower part of the second arm 5 houses the steaming chamber which allows the creation of steam which is then projected through the outlets 20 passing through the channels 26 and nozzles 27.

[0108] Such a steaming chamber may include a heating device consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called PTC, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called NTC.

[0109] The total steam flow delivered by all the steam outlets can be between 0.5 g/min and 0.8 g/min or between 2 and 2.5 g/min.

[0110] The steaming chamber is itself supplied by means of an electric pump and, in particular, of a peristaltic pump, itself connected to the reservoir 2, these elements preferably being located in the second arm 5.

[0111] The device 1 may also include an electronic card, not illustrated, configured to manage the electrical supply of the resistive heating elements in order to control the operating temperature. This electronic card can be arranged inside one of the two arms 4 or 5, for example in the proximal part 5a of the arm 5, and have a user interface.

[0112] The device 1 may further comprise a magnetic sensor, not illustrated, of the ILS flexible blade switch type, which allows to detect the close configuration of the arms 4 and 5, in which the surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially one against the other to grab the lock of hair to be treated. In another variant, the flexible blade switch could be replaced by a magneto-resistive sensor MRS, or by any other detection means.

[0113] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 14, the second part 41 is different. In this example, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, the second part 41 has a groove 60 in which the distal portion 52 is received at least partially, the third part 42 having a rib 61 applying to the distal portion 52 to the vertical to said groove 60.

[0114] Still in this example, as in the previous example seen in FIG. 15 and as seen in this example in FIGS. 7 and 8 in particular, the intermediate portion 53 has a height h which varies along at least one side of the first plate 10, and along each side of the first plate 10 in which the intermediate portion 53 is present.

[0115] As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the height h of the intermediate portion 53 is minimal, substantially at mid-length of at least one side of the first plate 10 and increases towards the ends of said side.

[0116] The difference in height h of the intermediate portion 53, maximal at the corners of the sides of the first plate 10 and minimal at the centers of the sides of the first plate 10, is in particular chosen so as to allow the pivoting of the first plate 10. Indeed, the further one moves away from the head 110, the higher the movements of the first plate 10 during a pivoting by a given angle. These high amplitude movements are then remarkably facilitated by the maximum difference in height h at the corners, since the length of the bellows is then maximized.

[0117] In this example, the water tank is not integrated into the device 1, but in a separate station.

[0118] As illustrated, the device 1 may include a cartridge 80 containing a cosmetic composition C to be applied to the hair, the second part 41 serving to support said cartridge 80. The second part 41 can then have a slide 81 in which the cartridge 80 is engaged. The cartridge 80 comprises a porous material 82 impregnated with said composition C. In the example illustrated, the porous material 82 is a felt. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, the second part 41 has a rib 85 pressing against said porous material 82, on the side opposite to the sealing element 50. In this example, the rib 85 partially penetrates into the porous material 82, as it is seen.

[0119] The cartridge 80 is also held in place in this example by being engaged in a slide 86 of the device 1.

[0120] On the second arm 5, a spring 107 allows to press the hair, during its passage, by pressing a surface 108 against the lower edge 109 of the porous material 82, as seen in particular in FIG. 12.

[0121] In this example, the confined area 90 is delimited by the cartridge 80, the comb 30, and one side of the first and second plates 10 and 11.

[0122] In this example again, the device 1 comprises a device for heating the first plate 10 consisting of a positive temperature coefficient PTC thermistor 15 and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a coefficient thermistor negative NTC 101. The thermistors PTC 15 and NTC 101 are, as can be seen in FIG. 8, arranged behind the first plate 10. The device 1 comprises two plugs 102, for example made of silicone, arranged at their longitudinal ends. This protects thermistors 15 and 101 from any possible presence of condensate which could shorten the lines of leakage and generate a risk for the user.

[0123] Each plug 102 is advantageously perforated with two holes, not visible in the figure for the sake of clarity of the drawing, in order to allow the wires of the thermistor 101 to pass through the front of the first plate 10 and the wires of the thermistor 15 to the back of the first plate 10.

[0124] The device 1 also comprises, as can be seen in FIG. 10, a switch 105 for detecting the presence of the cartridge, present in a case 106 comprising two parts welded together by ultrasound. The switch wires and a movable detection finger pass through seals, in particular made of silicone, wedged between the two parts of the case 106 before welding.

[0125] The device 1 also comprises, in this example, as can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, a seal 120 positioned behind the last nozzle 27a, on the side of the grip area of the device. This seal 120 is fixed on the second arm 5, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm 4 in the position close to the arms 4 and 5. The seal 120 is arranged between the last steam nozzle 27a and the pivot link 6 allowing the arms to form a clamp. The seal 120 extends, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, behind the plates 10 and 11 and behind the last nozzle 27a, so as to force the steam to escape through the front of the device 1 and thus protect the grip area from the steam. There is therefore no risk of the user's hand being burned and condensation of the steam on the grip area is avoided. This also avoids the formation of condensation on unidentified areas.

[0126] The third part 42 has, as can be seen in FIG. 13, a wall 112 extending in the direction of the grip area of the device 1, towards the rear of the latter. This third part 42 is at least in indirect contact with the first plate 10. Thus, as soon as the device 1 is started up, the third part 42 is heated and can, by its wall 112, accelerate the heating of the shell 17 of the first arm 4, so as to limit condensation on the internal surfaces and external of this shell 17.

[0127] Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 14, in the second arm 5, the support element 114 of the steaming chamber may comprise a wall 115 elongated towards the grip area of the device 1. This allows to bring heat to the internal and external surfaces of the shell 18 of the second arm 5 in order to limit the condensation thereof.