APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A HAIRCARE PRODUCT, AND ASSOCIATED APPLICATION METHOD

Abstract

The applicator for applying a haircare product comprises a base 12 and spikes 14 protruding with respect to the base. At least a plurality of spikes 14 each have a cross section of elongate shape in at least one direction of extension. At least some of the spikes of said plurality of spikes are made at least partially of porous material that is able to absorb said haircare product.

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a haircare product, comprising a base (12) and spikes (14) protruding with respect to the base, characterized in that at least a plurality of spikes (14) each have a cross section of elongate shape in at least one direction of extension, at least some of the spikes of said plurality of spikes being made at least partially of porous material that is able to absorb said haircare product.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of each spike of said plurality of spikes has a length (D) along an axis of greatest length of said direction of extension, and a width (d) along an axis of greatest width intersecting said axis of greatest length, the length (D) being at least two times greater, and preferably four times greater, than the width (d).

3. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein said length (D) is at least equal to 3 mm, and preferably at least equal to 8 mm.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the spikes of said plurality of spikes are mounted in a fixed manner relative to the base (12).

5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the spikes of said plurality of spikes are each able to be oriented angularly relative to the base (12) about the axis of extension thereof.

6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein said spikes are able to be oriented jointly.

7. Applicator according to claim 5, comprising a member (26, 30) for adjusting the angular orientation of the spikes (14).

8. Applicator according to claim 7, also comprising a sensor for measuring the speed or acceleration of said applicator, and a control unit (32) that is able to control the operation of the member (30) for adjusting the angular orientation of the spikes depending on the data from said measurement sensor.

9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes of said plurality of spikes are arranged in a mutually parallel manner.

10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least a plurality of spikes (14) each have a cross section of elongate shape in at least two directions of extension.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the base (12) delimits a frontal face (16) with respect to which the spikes (14) protrude, the density of spikes on said frontal face being between 0.1 and 20 per cm.sup.2, and preferably between 1 and 5 per cm.sup.2.

12. Applicator according to claim 11, wherein the frontal face (16) of the base of the applicator is between 10 and 1000 cm.sup.2, and preferably between 50 and 400 cm.sup.2.

13. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the total number of spikes (14) is between 20 and 20 000, in particular from 50 to 10 000, and preferably from 100 to 2000.

14. Method for applying a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent to the hair with the aid of an applicator according to claim 1, comprising: a step of loading the spikes of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, and a step of transferring the hairstyling composition retained on the spikes of the applicator to the hair, wherein the spikes of said plurality of spikes are oriented such that said direction of extension of the cross section of several spikes forms a non-zero angle with the direction of extension of the hair.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein, in the step of transferring the hairstyling composition to the hair, the spikes of said plurality of spikes are tapped on the hair.

Description

[0089] The present invention will be understood better from studying the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0090] [FIG. 1] illustrates an application method according to one implementation example of the invention,

[0091] [FIG. 2] is a front view of an applicator according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is used in the application method in FIG. 1,

[0092] [FIG. 3]

[0093] [FIG. 4] are views in cross section on the axes and IV-IV in FIG. 2,

[0094] [FIG. 5] is a view in cross section on the axis V-V in FIG. 3, illustrating the cross section of a spike of the applicator,

[0095] [FIG. 6a]

[0096] [FIG. 6b]

[0097] [FIG. 6c]

[0098] [FIG. 6d]

[0099] [FIG. 6e]

[0100] [FIG. 7a]

[0101] [FIG. 7b]

[0102] [FIG. 7c]

[0103] [FIG. 7d] are views in cross section illustrating the cross section of spikes of applicators according to further exemplary embodiments of the invention,

[0104] [FIG. 8]

[0105] [FIG. 9] are views in cross section of an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, and

[0106] [FIG. 10] is a view in cross section of an applicator according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0107] The method according to the invention can be implemented directly by the consumer in order to arrange or touch up their hairstyle, as is illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the method can be implemented in a professional setting.

[0108] 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. As will be described in more detail below, the composition is transferred from the applicator 10 to the hair advantageously with a particular orientation with respect to the head of hair. The applicator 10 is pre-loaded with composition to be applied before the step of transferring it to the hair.

[0109] As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 2 to 4, the applicator 10 comprises a base 12 and a plurality of spikes 14 extending therefrom. As will be described in more detail below, each spike 14 of the applicator 10 has a cross section of elongate shape.

[0110] In the illustrated example, the applicator 10 also comprises a tab 15 to make it easier to grip and handle. The tab 15 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 tab.

[0111] The base 12 has a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, it is possible to provide other shapes, for example polygonal, oval, etc., for the base.

[0112] The spikes 14 make it possible to apply the composition to the consumer's hair. The spikes 14 extend transversely with respect to the base 12. The axes of extension of the spikes 14 are mutually parallel. The spikes 14 are preferably identical to one another. The spikes 14 extend from a frontal face 16 of the base 12.

[0113] The base 12 is delimited axially by the first frontal face 16 and by a second frontal face 18 on the opposite side from the first frontal face 16. The frontal faces 16, 18 form end faces of the base 12. The frontal faces 16, 18 are in this case flat. In a variant, these faces could be slightly convex or concave.

[0114] In the illustrated example, the spikes 14 are spaced apart regularly from one another. Depending on the spacing of the spikes 14, the fixing effect of one and the same composition will be different. 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, for example when the composition is intended to be deposited in a particular pattern.

[0115] In the illustrated example, the spikes 14 are arranged in a mutually parallel manner and extend in the same direction. Alternatively, the spikes can be arranged so as to form at least two groups such that the spikes of one and the same group extend in the same direction and in a different direction from the spikes of the other group.

[0116] As indicated above and as is illustrated in FIG. 5, each spike 14 has a cross section of elongate shape along an axis X-X′ of greatest length. The axis X-X′ extends perpendicularly to the axis of the base.

[0117] The cross section of the spike 14 is in this case rectangular. The cross section of the spike 14 has a length D along the axis X-X′ and a width d along an axis Y-Y′ of greatest width perpendicular to said axis X-X′, where preferably D>2d, and in particular D>4d. In the illustrated example, given the rectangular shape of the cross section of the spike 14, the axis X-X′ of greatest length is coincident with or parallel to one of the long sides of the rectangle and the axis Y-Y′ of greatest width is coincident with or parallel to one of the short sides of the rectangle.

[0118] In the illustrated example, the cross section of the spike 14 is rectangular with rounded corners. In a variant, as is illustrated in FIG. 6a, the cross section of the spikes 14 may be rectangular with right-angled corners. Alternatively, it is possible to provide other polygonal shapes, for example in the form of a triangle, lozenge, parallelogram, etc. for the elongate cross section of the spikes 14.

[0119] The cross section of elongate shape of the spikes 14 may have shapes other than polygonal, for example elliptical or oval, as is illustrated in FIG. 6b. In another variant, the cross section of the spikes 14 may be in the form of a dumbbell as illustrated in FIG. 6c, or in the form of an hourglass, etc.

[0120] The cross section of elongate shape of the spikes 14 may also have other shapes, for example in the form of a crescent moon as is illustrated in FIG. 6d, or a wavy shape as illustrated in FIG. 6e. In the illustrated example in FIG. 6d, the axis X-X′ of greatest length is in the form of a circular arc, and in the illustrated example in FIG. 6e, the axis X-X′ of greatest length has a wavy shape.

[0121] By way of indication, the spikes 14 can have a length D along the axis of greatest length of at least 1 mm, better still at least 3 mm, and preferably at least 8 mm. The spikes 14 can have a width d along the axis of greatest width of less than 10 mm, and preferably less than 2 mm. It is possible to provide a height of between 10 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 12 mm and 30 mm, for the spikes.

[0122] The applicator 10 can be made by moulding a rigid plastics material, for example PP, PE, HDPE, etc., or a flexible plastics material. In the illustrated example, the applicator 10 is made by moulding in one piece. The spikes 14 are made integrally with the base 12. Alternatively, the spikes 14 could be produced in the form of attached elements that are fixed to the base 12 by any appropriate means, for example by adhesive bonding or by overmoulding. In this case, at least some of the spikes 14 may be made at least partially from porous material that is able to absorb said haircare product.

[0123] To effect application to the hair, the user can proceed as follows.

[0124] First of all, the user loads the spikes 14 of the applicator with composition, for example by dipping them into a container containing the composition. In this way, a layer of composition covers each of the spikes 14.

[0125] Next, in a second step, the user positions the applicator 10 relative to the head of hair such that the direction of extension of the cross section of the spikes 14 is not aligned with the direction of extension of the hair. For example, the angle formed between this direction of extension of the cross section of the spikes 14 and the direction of extension of the hair can be for example greater than 30° and preferably greater than 60°. Optimally, the angle formed between the direction of extension of the cross section of the spikes 24 and the direction of extension of the hair is around 90° in order for it to be possible to fix a maximum number of adjacent hairs.

[0126] Finally, in a third step, the user brings the spikes 14 of the applicator into contact with the hair by introducing them into the thickness of the head of hair in order to apply the product by capillary action. During this step, the user can lightly tap the spikes against the hair in order to facilitate the deposition of the composition on the head of hair.

[0127] Independently of the application of composition, the user can also make use of the applicator not loaded with composition in order to style or restyle their hair. In this case, the user positions the applicator 10 such that the direction of extension of the cross section of the spikes 14 is in the direction of extension of the hair.

[0128] In the above illustrated examples, the cross section of the spikes 14 is elongate in a single direction of extension. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the spikes 14 a cross section that is elongate in at least two directions of extension, as is illustrated in FIGS. 7a to 7d.

[0129] In the example in FIG. 7a, the cross section of the spike 14 is elongate in two perpendicular directions in the form of a cross. The axes X-X′ and Y-Y′ form the axes of greatest length and of greatest width of one direction of extension of the cross section, and the axes X-X″ and Y-Y″ form the axes of greatest length and of greatest width of the other direction of extension.

[0130] In each of the illustrated examples illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 7c, the cross section of the spike 14 is elongate in two perpendicular directions in the form of a star. In the illustrated example in FIG. 7d, the cross section of the spike 14 is elongate in three perpendicular directions in the form of a grid. In a variant, it is possible to provide other types of elongate cross section for the spikes 14.

[0131] With this type of design, in which the cross section of the spikes 14 is elongate in several directions, it is not necessary to orient the spikes relative to the head of hair before applying product. This type of design is furthermore advantageous for heads of hair in which the hairs extend in several directions.

[0132] In the above illustrated examples, the spikes 14 are mounted in a fixed manner with respect to the base 12. In a variant, it is possible for the spikes to be mounted in a movable manner relative to the base, for example as is illustrated in the illustrated example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which identical elements bear the same references.

[0133] In this example, each spike 14 of the applicator is mounted on a shaft 20 extending through the base 12. Each shaft 20 protrudes from the frontal face 16 of the base and supports the associated spike 14 at its free end. The spike 14 can be fixed to the associated shaft 20 by any appropriate means. In a variant, it is also possible to make the spike 14 and the shaft 20 in one piece.

[0134] In the illustrated example, the applicator 10 comprises a plurality of pulleys 22 that are each fixed to one of the shafts 20 on the opposite side from the spikes 14 with respect to the base 12. The applicator 10 also comprises a belt 24 for driving the pulleys 22 in rotation, and an actuating wheel 26 that is connected to one of the pulleys 22, thereby forming a driving pulley. The applicator 10 comprises a case 28 fixed to the frontal face 18 of the base and inside which the pulleys 22 and the belt 24 are housed. The wheel 26 extends out of the case 28. In an alternative example, the belt 24 can be replaced by gears.

[0135] The angular orientation of the spikes 14 relative to the base 12 is controlled manually by the user via the wheel 26. In a variant, the angular movement of the spikes 14 relative to the base 12 may be controlled in an assisted manner, with a motor 30 as is illustrated in the illustrated example in FIG. 10, in which identical elements bear the same references. The motor 30 makes it possible to drive one of the pulleys 22, which forms the driving pulley, in rotation, the other pulleys being driven in rotation under the effect of the motor via the belt 24. The motor 30 is mounted inside the case 28. The motor 30 may be for example an electric stepper motor.

[0136] In this illustrated example, the applicator 10 also comprises an electronic control unit 32 for controlling the operation of the motor 30. To this end, the applicator 10 comprises a sensor (not shown) for measuring the acceleration of said applicator. The measurement sensor is connected to the control unit 32 via a connection, for example of the wired or wireless type. The control unit 32 is connected to the motor 30 via a connection 34, depicted schematically, that may also be of the wired or wireless type. The control unit 32 and the measurement sensor are fixed to the case 28.

[0137] The control unit 32 is able to control the operation of the motor 30 depending on signals output by the measurement sensor, for example in order to orient the spikes 14 such that they take up an orientation aligned with or perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hair.

[0138] Typically, when the measurement sensor transmits data corresponding to a movement of the applicator to the control unit 32, the control unit 32 controls the operation of the motor 30 so as to orient the spikes 14 in a predetermined manner with respect to the base, which corresponds to an orientation aligned with the direction of extension of the hair. When the measurement sensor transmits data corresponding to stopping of the applicator to the control unit 32, the control unit 32 controls the operation of the motor 30 so as to pivot the spikes 14 and orient them in a manner perpendicular to the direction of extension of the hair. The control unit 32 can also be programmed to detect when the applicator 10 is moved along an axis perpendicular to its first movement, meaning that the movement of the applicator is no longer along the hair but dipping towards the head of hair. In this case, the control unit 32 controls the operation of the motor 30 so as to orient the spikes 14 perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the hair.

[0139] In the illustrated examples described, the spikes 14 of the applicator are fixed or able to be oriented angularly with respect to the base. In a variant, it is possible to provide an applicator comprising both, fixed and movable, types of spikes.