Hairstyling Apparatus for Forming Curls of Different Sizes

Abstract

Provided is a hairstyling apparatus (1) for curling and smoothing hair, which includes: first and second elongate jaws (2, 3) which are pivotably movable relative to one another, the first jaw (2) having a first casing (6) supporting a first inner planar treatment surface (4), and the second jaw (3) having a second casing (7) supporting a second inner planar treatment surface (5), the inner surfaces (4, 5) being intended for pinching a lock of hair; and at least one heating element (41, 510) intended for heating at least one inner treatment surface (4, 5). The largest width (l1) of the first casing (6) is no greater than 90% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing (7). The first casing (6) and/or the second casing (7) is asymmetrical relative to the median plane in a longitudinal crosssection of said first casing (6) or said second casing (7), respectively.

Claims

1. Hairstyling apparatus for curling and straightening hair, comprising: first and second elongated jaws that are pivotably movable with respect to one another, the first jaw having a first casing supporting a first inner planar treatment surface, and, the second jaw having a second casing supporting a second inner planar treatment surface, the inner surfaces being designed to pinch a lock of hair, at least one heating element designed to heat at least one inner treatment surface, a largest width (l1) of the first casing being less than or equal to 90% of a largest width (l2) of the second casing and at least one of either the first casing or the second casing being asymmetrical with respect to a median plane (P1, P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of said first casing or said second casing, respectively, wherein the second jaw comprises a steam release means oriented toward the first casing and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the largest width (l1) of the first casing is between 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in the closed position of the jaws, the median plane (P1) in a longitudinal cross-section of the first casing is parallel to and distinct from the median plane (P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of the second casing.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which a distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of a value of the largest width (l2) of the second casing.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in a closed position of the jaws, one of two longitudinal edges of the first casing is flush with a longitudinal edge of the second casing arranged on a same side of the second casing.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the inner treatment surfaces are flat, identical and are facing one another in a closed position, and are arranged in their respective casings adjacent to said flush longitudinal edges.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which each of said longitudinal edges is provided with at least one small bar that protrudes toward an interior of the casing.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which a width (l) of each inner treatment surface is between 40% and 60% of the largest width (l1) of the first casing.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the first casing has a deflector formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closed position substantially facing the steam release means of the second casing.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the second casing comprises a comb or a brush oriented toward the first casing and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the first casing has a groove formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closed position substantially facing the comb or brush of the second casing.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which a first handle of the first jaw and a second handle of the second jaw each has a width (lp) that is smaller than the largest (l1) of the first casing.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which an external surface of the first casing and the second casing is essentially smooth.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which, in a transverse cross-section, a line defined by an exterior outline of the first and second casings is a rounded curve without any points of inflection.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a fluid reservoir and a steam-generating means in fluid communication with the steam release means and an actuator designed to control the steam-generating means.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the steam-generating means comprises an electric pump and in which said actuator is designed to control the electric pump.

17. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the largest width (l1) of the first casing is about 80% of the largest width (l1) of the second casing.

18. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which a distance between said two median planes (P1, P2) is about 10% of a value of the largest width (l2) of the second casing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] It will be easier to understand the invention upon review of the embodiments, which should not be understood as limiting in any way, and which are illustrated here:

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus according to the prior art;

[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, depict a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in an open position and in a closed position, respectively;

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts a transverse cross-section view of the casings according to the invention;

[0042] FIG. 5 depicts a dimetric view of the apparatus according to the invention, from the side on which the casing edges are flush with one another;

[0043] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0044] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section view of the remote base of the apparatus according to this alternative embodiment.

[0045] The same reference numbers are used to indicate the same or even similar components depicted in multiple drawings.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] As depicted in all of the drawings, including FIG. 1, which depicts the prior art, the hairstyling apparatus (1) comprises a first jaw (2) and a second jaw (3) arranged facing one another. Each jaw can be broken down, at least functionally, into two parts: a casing that holds the hair treatment bodies, and a handle for the user to grip it. Each casing is formed in one piece. The casing and the handle can be a single piece as an extension of one another. Thus, the first jaw (2) can be formed of a first casing (6) and the first handle (6) and the second jaw (3) can be formed of the second casing (7) and the second handle (7). The first inner treatment surface (4) is supported by the first jaw (2), and more specifically by the first casing (6), the second inner treatment surface (5) is supported by the second jaw (3), and more specifically by the second casing (7). The two jaws (2, 3) are connected so as to switch between an open position and a closed position, in which the inner treatment surfaces (4, 5) pinch a lock of hair. The first (4) and second (5) hair treatment surfaces are flat, complementary surfaces which, when the apparatus is in the closed position, move to roughly fit together to pinch the lock of hair, thus making it possible to straighten it when the lock is slid through in a straight-line movement. The two treatment surfaces are essentially symmetrical relative to the straightening plane when the apparatus is in the closed position. Likewise, the heating elements of each treatment surface are essentially symmetrical relative to the straightening plane when the apparatus is in the closed position.

[0047] The first jaw (2) and the second jaw (3) are connected by a hinge-type joint, and a maximum opening angle () of the two jaws is between 5 and 60, or even between 10 and 20, and preferably approximately equal to 15. In addition, the apparatus is depicted here still in an open rest position, but it can be in a closed rest position, as depicted in patent EP2145557, said jaws being assembled to pivot to the other end between an open position enabling the insertion of hair between the two treatment surfaces, and a closed position to put the hair in contact with the two treatment surfaces, and the apparatus comprises a means of returning the demi-handles, which press the treatment surfaces together. The pivot axis of the two jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can be placed at the ends of the jaws (as depicted here) or placed approximately in the middle of the jaws to provide an apparatus with a scissor-type joint.

[0048] The material forming the treatment surfaces (4, 5) is made of metal and/or ceramic and/or glass and/or plastic material and/or a fiber piece. At least one of the first and second casings has a single heating element designed to heat, through contact, the corresponding treatment surface, and by radiation, the coating. The treatment surface can rise to a temperature of between 130 and 230 C. The casing and the external handle are in one piece to form the jaw. The material forming the external part of the casing, or even also the external part of the handle, can be plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). It is important for this material to have a very smooth surface. The material forming the interior part of the casing, or even also the interior part of the handle, can be plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0049] As depicted in FIG. 4, the apparatus (1) comprises at least one heating means (41) to heat the first treatment surface (4). In one particular embodiment, the apparatus (1) also comprises a heating means (51) to heat the second treatment surface. The one or more heating means (41, 51) can be a heating element that can be a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor or a ceramic element that lies flat against the treatment surface (4, 5) or is arranged inside the element comprising the treatment surface (4, 5).

[0050] As depicted in FIG. 4, the apparatus (1) comprises in one embodiment a means of generating steam (80) from the fluid, comprising a steam-generating chamber (81) and a heating means (or heating element or heater element) (82), for the steam-generating chamber. The one or more steam-generating chamber(s) are made of aluminum, and may comprise a steam release means (31) that can be formed by one or more steam delivery holes, such as a row of holes, for example. The one or more steam-generating chamber(s) (81) can be lying flat in direct or indirect contact against the corresponding heating element (82). The proper pressing of the heating element (82) and therefore its optimal operation are ensured by a spring-loaded strip (not depicted), for example.

[0051] A temperature sensor can be preferably arranged above the inlet of fluid into the chamber. The heating means (82) of the steam-generating chamber can be at least one heating element that can be a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor or a ceramic element that is lying flat against one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming the treatment surface, and it can be identical or separate from the heating means of the treatment surface. The means of delivering or releasing the steam (31) can have a series of steam release holes arranged laterally to the first treatment surface (4), and preferably set back a bit from the treatment surface (4). Alternatively or additionally, the steam delivery means has a series of holes arranged on the treatment surface. The steam release flow is approximately between 3 and 4 g/min, and preferably approximately equal to 2.5 g/min. The internal construction of the apparatus and particularly of the steam-generating means is described in full detail in the applicant's patent EP2449909.

[0052] As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the hairstyling apparatus (1) for curling and straightening hair measures, at its largest width (l1) of the first casing (6), less than or equal to 90% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing (7). More specifically, the largest width (l1) of the first casing (6) is between 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing (7), and preferably equal to 80%. These largest widths are essentially constant over the casing, except on the ends of each casing, which is why a value range is indicated. Moreover, FIG. 4 is a cross-section roughly in the middle of the casings.

[0053] In the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the median plane or even the sagittal plane (P1) in a longitudinal cross-section of the first casing (6) is parallel to and separate from the median plane (P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of the second casing (7). The distance between the two median or sagittal planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the width of the largest width (l2) of the second casing (7), and preferably equal to 10%. Thus, the body of the two casings is not symmetrical along a transverse longitudinal plane, but offset.

[0054] The outline of the apparatus is clearly asymmetrical and is used judiciously, both to decrease the bulk of the internal elements and to facilitate the process of using the straightener for forming curls of different sizes. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the jaws (2 and 3) are in the closed position, one of the two longitudinal edges (61) of the first casing (6) is flush with the longitudinal edge (71) of the second casing (7) arranged on the same side of the second casing (7). Transverse longitudinal plane P4 and transverse longitudinal plane P5, respectively, are the median plane of the inner treatment surface (4) and the inner treatment surface (5), respectively. In the cross-section depicted in FIG. 4, this plane (P4) is parallel and offset toward the exterior with respect to planes P1 and P2. Planes P4, P1 and P2 are parallel to one another and are each orthogonal to the straightening plane (P1). In addition, the first casing (6) and the second casing (7) of this example are also asymmetrical relative to their respective median planes (P1, P2) in a longitudinal cross-section.

[0055] As we have seen, the inner treatment surfaces (4, 5) are flat, identical, facing one another in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective casings (6, 7) on the side and nearby said flush edges (61, 71). In FIG. 4 is shown the flush line, a line running tangent to the edges (61, 71) of the casings or covers that are flush with one another. This line is orthogonal to the straightening plane (P1). The curves of the outlines (Ii6, Ii7) of the respective casings (6, 7) form a circular arc that is essentially continuous at the flush edges (61, 71), and therefore the value of the circular arc is approximately 15 mm.

[0056] Each of said two longitudinal edges (61, 71) is provided internally with a small bar (62, 72) that protrudes toward the interior of the apparatus, preferably made of the same material (such as PBT plastic) as said casings (6, 7). These small bars are arranged in the same way on both casings as depicted in FIG. 5. They make it possible to apply tension to give a bolduc ribbon effect to the hair, which slides over one of these small bars during the straightening action. This is a first way of forming inward or outward curls, respectively, depending on which small bar is usedthe one arranged on the bottom or the one arranged on the top of the straightener, respectively.

[0057] As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the width (l) of each inner treatment surface (4, 5) is between 40% and 60% of the largest width (l1) of the first casing (6), and preferably between 40% and 50%, and even roughly equal to 45%.

[0058] As depicted in FIG. 4, here is a non-limiting example of the dimensions of the apparatus according to the invention:

[0059] l1: largest width of the first casing (6)=45 mm

[0060] l2: largest width of the second casing (7)=52 mm

[0061] h1: largest height of the first casing (6)=23 mm

[0062] h2: largest height of the second casing (7)=32 mm

[0063] l: width of each inner treatment surface (4, 5)=25 mm

[0064] r: radius of the curve formed by the outline of each side of the first casing (6): about 14 mm.

[0065] The straightener according to the invention has its second jaw (3) comprising a steam release means (31) oriented toward the first casing (6) and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface (5). Precisely, this means that the first jaw (2) comprises, for the hair treatment, only one straightening plate, while the second jaw has, for hair treatment, a straightening plate and at least one additional hairstyling function. Said at least one additional hairstyling function may be one or more functions chosen from the following list: steaming, combing, brushing, ionizing, applying tension with the small bar made of a silicone-type material, or applying tension with a small movable bar that oscillates, for example. This invention thus provides a compact hairstyling apparatus with an additional hairstyling function to that of straightening, and with the ability to form curls of at least two different sizes, or even at least three different sizes. To do this, said additional hairstyling function is built into the broader of the two casings. The invention resides in the best reduction of the width of the jaw casing with only the straightening function, without resulting in a dysfunction, either in terms of safety or efficacy, of the complete hairstyling apparatus. Consequently, the formation of curls, as well as the release of the curls, constituted an additional limitation on the size and shape of the casings.

[0066] If a steam function is built into the second jaw (3), it may be important for the first casing (6) to have a deflector (21) formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closed position roughly facing the steam release means (31) of the second casing (7). This deflector makes it possible to protect the scalp from any undesired spray of steam or condensed droplets of hot water. This deflector (21) makes it possible to direct the steam toward the hair, which will be passed over twice by the steam. The deflector in the prior art depicted in FIG. 1 was very broad, flat and covered the entire size of the jaw it was facing. The sizing of the deflector (21) of the invention depicted in FIG. 4 was carefully chosen by the inventors to retain this function; the width dimension is decreased as much as possible such that it just covers the steam release holes (31). Moreover, the shape of this deflector has been modified; it is no longer flat as depicted in FIG. 1, but the interior outline of the first casing (6) is slanted upward to serve as the deflector.

[0067] As depicted in FIG. 4, the second casing (7) comprises a comb or brush (32) oriented toward the first casing (6) and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface (5). In this case, the first casing (6) can have a groove (22) formed in its interior outline and arranged in the closed position roughly facing the comb or brush (32) of the second casing (7). In this way, the comb clearly separates the entire thickness of the lock without the combing function taking up too much space.

[0068] As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first handle (6) of the first jaw (2) and the second handle (7) of the second jaw (3) each have a width (lp) that is strictly smaller than the largest width (l1) of the first casing (6), which is to say, at the smallest width on the two casings (6, 7). Consequently, the edges of the casings (6, 7) that are arranged flush with one another are, in these cases, aligned with the edge of the same side of the handles to form a coinciding alignment line (L.sub.ali) as shown in FIG. 2. It turns out that this alignment increases the ergonomics of the apparatus, which can be manipulated by any size hand.

[0069] The external surface of the first casing (6) and the second casing (7) is essentially smooth. The friction coefficient was measured using roughness measurements of the shell in the area designed for winding the curls as follows:

[0070] a) Ra measurement on the flat upper part, or even the part that is tangent to the horizontal of the shell (6) depicted in FIG. 4:

[0071] In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 m, which is 0.23 m on average;

[0072] In the transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 m, which is 0.31 m on average.

[0073] b) Ra measurement on the lateral part, to the left and to the right of the casing (6) depicted in FIG. 4:

[0074] In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 m, which is 0.24 m on average, with localized peaks ranging up to 1.63 m.

[0075] The roughness meter used is from the brand Mitutoyo, no. JP1010. The statistical criterion R.sub.a is statistical, and it is the average arithmetic deviation with respect to the average line.

[0076] This makes it possible to wind and release the curls easily without damaging the lock of hair.

[0077] In a transverse cross-section as depicted in FIG. 4, the line defined by the exterior outline of the first and second casings (6, 7) is a rounded curve without any points of inflection. A major portion of the work was to define, as best as possible, the most rounded and fluid outline possible of the casings, without any points of inflection and according to the overall bulk of the internal components and the safety and efficacy measures established by the apparatus. It is notable that in a transverse cross-section, there are no flat lines that are visually detectable by the naked eye. On the first casing, it has circular arcs on the sides that are smaller than the circular arcs on the sides of the second casing. The curve radii of each side of the first casing (6) are roughly identical. This makes it possible to form the roundest possible curls. This also makes it possible to avoid having corners on the apparatus, which are fragile to impact. In a cross-section view, the exterior outline of the first casing (6) is roughly a reduction of the exterior outline in a transverse cross-section of the second casing (7) at a ratio of approximately 0.8.

[0078] According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir (83) and a steam-generating means (80) in fluid communication with the steam release means (31) and an actuator (85) designed to control the steam-generating means (80). More specifically, the steam-generating means (80) comprises an electric pump (84), and said actuator (85) is designed to control the electric pump (84). This makes it possible to control the supply to the steam-generating chamber (81) independently of heating the treatment or straightening surfaces (4, 5). The user has a choice, by this actuator (85). If he wishes to make curls with or without steam, the user presses the actuator directly. The electric pump may be a peristaltic pump, for which the actuator (85) will control the motor.

[0079] FIGS. 6 and 6 depict an alternative embodiment of the invention. The apparatus has a two-piece configuration: a straightening iron as described in the invention presented above, and a remote base. This configuration is described in the applicant's patent EP2449910. Thus, the apparatus (1) designed for hairstyling, comprising a base (1000), comprising a (main) fluid reservoir (83), a hand-held unit (100) comprising a means of generating steam (80) from the fluid, a means of delivering the steam (31) to the hair, a cord (121) comprising at least one tube designed to transfer the fluid and arranged between the main fluid reservoir (83) and the steam-generating means (80), the hand-held unit (100) comprises at least one first treatment surface (4) designed to come into contact with the hair, and the means of generating steam (80) from the fluid are exclusively provided in the hand-held unit (100). The base is referred to as remote from the hand-held unit, and can be placed on a work surface. The base comprises a receptacle (1001) for holding the hand-held unit or hand piece (100) when it is not in use, and comprises a cover (2030) for adding the fluid; the cover (2030) may be completely removable to replace the demineralization means (2000) (cartridge) when necessary. A portion of the base may be made transparent so that the user can be visually alerted that the ion-exchanging resin is changing color, as it is no longer operative. It comprises a demineralization means (2000) that makes it possible to reduce the calcium content of the fluid added to the base. This demineralization means (2000) is arranged between an intermediary reservoir that receives the raw fluid and between the reservoir (83) that contains the purified fluid intended for the hairstyling apparatus (1).

[0080] As depicted in FIG. 6, the base (1000) comprises a demineralization means (2000) and a fluid reservoir (83); the fluid is carried by the cord (121) comprising a fluid tube (121) and electrical wires (121). The means of conveying the fluid from the reservoir in the base to the steam-generating chamber of the hand-held unit (100) comprises an electric pump (84), in this case a peristaltic pump, the motor (84) of which is controlled by the actuator (85) arranged here on the base (1000).

[0081] Alternatively, the apparatus may take on a configuration depicted in FIG. 2, comprising a single apparatus with a built-in fluid reservoir and a built-in steam-generating actuator (85).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN OPERATION

[0082] In operation, the user connects the electrical power supply to the apparatus, the PTC- or ceramic-type heating element begins heating the surfaces designed to come in contact with the hair, and a separate heating element (or the same heating element) begins heating the steam-generating means (80) (when there is a steam function), the user takes hold of the apparatus and applies it to pinch the lock of hair receiving the treatment.

[0083] Since the two casings are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the apparatus on the lock is significant: the user must arrange and close the straightener so that the two flush sides are as close as possible to the scalp; the direction is depicted in FIG. 2. Then, the user can perform the traditional straightening step by sliding the hair in a rectilinear fashion along the lock, in the direction shown by the arrow drawn on the first casing (6) in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0084] When the user wishes to form small-sized curls, he proceeds as follows: with the apparatus (1) in the open position, he winds the lock of hair around the first casing (6), and then closes the straightener as close as possible to the scalp, holds it still for several seconds and then slides the apparatus (1) toward the free end of the lock to release the lock. This makes it possible to form small-sized curls.

[0085] When the user wishes to form larger-sized curls, he proceeds as follows: once the apparatus is closed as close as possible to the scalp, he slides it along the entire length of the lock and, at the end of the lock, he keeps the apparatus in the closed position and spins it around itself to wind the lock around the two casings (6, 7) in the closed position up to the scalp, and then, after a few seconds, he unwinds the lock. This makes it possible to form smooth, shiny, large-sized curls.

[0086] Each static step can last a few seconds, or even one or two minutes, enough time to allow the curls to form properly. The length of the pause varies in particular depending on the temperature of the apparatus and on the kind of hair being treated.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0087] The invention offers many advantages, which include providing a hairstyling apparatus, and particularly a straightener: [0088] With a steam function option, that is not very bulky and is able to form regular curls, [0089] With a steam function option, that is not very bulky and is able to form curls by an easy-to-use method, [0090] With a steam function option, that is able to form curls of at least two different sizes (or diameters) or even at least three different sizes, by an easy-to-use method, [0091] With a steam function option, that is able to make curls, at a low production cost for this single apparatus, [0092] With a steam function option, that is able to make curls and that has a reduced weight, [0093] With a steam function option, that is able to make curls and is easy to manipulate, and in particular to manipulate with the two handles or gripping areas and without touching the end of the apparatus on the treatment side, which can sometimes be hot, [0094] With a steam function option, able to control, in a reliable manner, at least one of the operating parameters of the steam, [0095] With a steam function, that can provide continuous, or even constant, steam output, corresponding to the control setting, [0096] With a steam function option, that is sturdy, and in particular sturdy under impact, robust in operation and that ages well with regard to mechanical deformation, for example. [0097] With a steam function option, that works efficiently and/or quickly, [0098] With a steam function option, that is easy and practical to use, [0099] With a steam function option, and additional disposable components that are simple and inexpensive in design, [0100] With a steam function option, that is safe and can never burn the user's scalp or hands, [0101] With an increased product lifespan, which decreases the environmental impact of the device, [0102] With safe, reliable operation providing a high-quality hair treatment, [0103] Sturdy, robust operation that ages well, [0104] Efficient and/or quick operation, [0105] Airtight operation; [0106] That functions in any position of the apparatus, [0107] That is easy and practical to use, [0108] With a simplified structure, [0109] That can be manufactured at a low cost, [0110] That produces less undesirable friction, [0111] That is no longer at the mercy of mechanical deformation of the casings for activating a component, [0112] That no longer causes irregular stress with regard to the force applied by the user for closing or opening.

[0113] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and depicted, which have been provided only as examples. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the makeup of the various components or by substituting equivalent techniques, while nevertheless remaining within the scope of protection of the invention.