Hair care devices and methods

Abstract

A hair care device (1) includes: - a handpiece (2) capable of caring for hair strands by moving along the hair strands from the roots to the ends, the device (1) having a first use direction and a second use direction, wherein in the first use direction the hair strands travel from the front to the opposite back side; and in the second use direction the hair strands travel from the back side to the opposite front side; - at least one power supply wire (17) having a fixing member (18) for connecting it to the handpiece, the fixing member being rotatable relative to the handpiece (2); - a direction sensor (30) configured to provide data indicating the use direction of the handpiece (2) at least in the first and second use directions, the sensor (30) being disposed in the rotation fixing member (18) of the power supply wire (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for hair care, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to devices for shaping hair, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a smoothing and / or straightening device comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, the jaws being capable of an open configuration to introduce hair strands therebetween, and a closed configuration to care for the hair strands. Background Technology

[0003] Various such devices have been proposed. These devices typically include internal heating plates between which hair strands can be held, especially in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on their outer surfaces around which the hair strands are wrapped, especially in the case of curling, or at least for giving the hair a wavy style. These devices are typically used by moving the device from the roots to the ends of the hair, with the hair strands wrapped around or not wrapped around the device depending on the desired effect and the type of device.

[0004] Some of these devices are designed to be used along the hair strand in a specific direction. In particular, for some devices, incorrect use may result in poor treatment results or even cause discomfort to the user.

[0005] KR1020210016993, KR1020170122407 and WO2016 / 161259 disclose hair care devices including a heating plate that is turned on and / or off under the control of device motion detected by a motion detector.

[0006] EP3429420 describes controlling the opening or closing of a device by detecting short rotational movements of the care roller in one or another direction.

[0007] US20170231353 describes a device that includes a motion sensor, particularly an accelerometer or gyroscope type motion sensor, in the grip portion to cause a motor to move a heated portion, thereby following the user's hand movements.

[0008] EP3178347 uses a rotation or acceleration sensor in the grip portion to detect rotational movement of the device in order to trigger certain actions on the device in the cooling area.

[0009] However, these devices do not provide users with any instructions on whether they are using the device correctly when performing care in the preferred direction of use. Summary of the Invention

[0010] There is a need for hair care devices that enable users to achieve optimal and easily repeatable care results without making the device too complicated to use.

[0011] Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a device for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, said device comprising: - A handheld device capable of caring for hair strands by moving it from the roots to the ends, the device having a first use direction and a second use direction during care, in the first use direction the hair strand travels from the front of the device to the opposite back side; in the second use direction the hair strand travels from the back side to the opposite front side. - At least one power supply wire, the power supply wire having a retainer for connecting it to the handheld device, the retainer being rotatable relative to the handheld device. - Using a direction sensor, the direction sensor is configured to provide data indicating the direction of use of the handheld device in at least a first and a second direction of use, the sensor being disposed in the rotating fixture of the power supply wire to the handheld device.

[0012] This detection of usage direction enables the identification of a first usage direction and a second usage direction, and is particularly useful for checking whether the user is using the hair care device according to the preferred usage direction selected from the first and second usage directions as defined by the device designer. Once this check is completed, if the usage direction is not correct, it is easy to alert the user, for example, as will be described in detail below.

[0013] The fact that the sensor is located at the rotating fixed part also means that the detection position can be as close as possible to the hand movement, and especially in the case of a handheld device in the form of two articulated arms, the detection is not affected by the movement of the arms relative to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the device is a hair shaping device, especially for curling and / or straightening.

[0015] Preferably, the handheld component has a handle and a head. The handle makes the device easier to hold and allows complementary elements, particularly the user interface, a reservoir for vaporized fluid, and possibly a cosmetic reservoir, to be inserted into the device.

[0016] The head of the care device can have any cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the head of the care device has a generally polygonal cross-section, especially a generally rectangular or generally square, or a generally elliptical or circular cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are feasible, such as a cross-section with a polygonal profile on one side and a non-polygonal, especially annular (e.g., circular) cross-section on the other side. Preferably, the cross-section of the head of the device is generally flat.

[0017] jaws The handheld component is elongated along a longitudinal axis. The front and back sides are also elongated along the longitudinal axis of the handheld component.

[0018] Preferably, the handheld component is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane extending between the front and back sides of the handheld component.

[0019] The fact that the handpiece is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane has the effect of causing the hair to be treated asymmetrically during the treatment. That is, if the treatment is divided into two parts of equal duration, the second part of the treatment differs from the reverse process of the first part of the treatment for the same handpiece movement rate. Therefore, the treatments in the first and second usage directions are different.

[0020] As a result, this asymmetry of the device produces different care effects on the hair strands depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction of use. Therefore, detecting the direction of use makes it possible to identify the care applied to the hair strands. This, in particular, makes it possible to obtain the desired and easily repeatable care on the hair strands.

[0021] When the device is used in the wrong orientation, this asymmetry in care can lead to a poorer care outcome, meaning the quality of care is lower than that provided when the device is used correctly in the optimal orientation.

[0022] Therefore, by using sensor data that indicates the direction of use, it is possible to alert the user if they are not performing care correctly.

[0023] The handpiece, particularly the head of the handpiece, may include two jaws that are interconnected and capable of an open configuration to guide hair in, and a closed care configuration.

[0024] Preferably, when the handpiece includes two jaws that are interconnected and capable of an open configuration for guiding hair and a closed care configuration, the jaws extend to the distal end of the handle. The two jaws may be interconnected at their proximal ends by a resilient hinge, which is specifically configured to hold the two jaws in the open configuration.

[0025] Each jaw may be carried by one arm, and the two arms are connected to each other, particularly by a hinge at one end, so that the jaws can be in a closed or open configuration. Each arm may include a half-handle at the end corresponding to the hinge, and each arm may include a jaw at the end corresponding to its free end.

[0026] The device may include a jaw configuration detection component configured to detect whether the jaws are in a closed or open nursing configuration, particularly a Hall effect sensor. The detection component may be located at the jaws or at the gripping portion of the arm.

[0027] The direction sensor can be configured to provide data indicating the direction of use only when the jaws are in a closed configuration, especially when the detection member detects that the jaws are in a closed configuration.

[0028] The handheld component, particularly at least one clamp jaw, may include at least one internal care member, the internal care member comprising an internal care surface configured to contact or oppose a portion of the hair strand during care. The internal care surface is preferably a heated surface. The care member is preferably a heating plate.

[0029] Each jaw may include an internal care member, the internal care member including an internal care surface configured to contact or be opposite a care member of another jaw.

[0030] When the jaws are in a closed configuration, the handpiece is preferably asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane transverse to the care surface.

[0031] The handheld device may include at least one external care component, the external care component including an external care surface configured to contact a portion of the hair bundle during care, the external care surface being, in particular, a heating surface, especially a heating plate.

[0032] The external care component is particularly capable of curling hair by wrapping it around the handpiece and / or around one or each clamp jaw.

[0033] The rotating fastener attached to the power supply wire may extend along the handle of the handpiece, particularly along the proximal end of the handle, such as the proximal end of the half handle.

[0034] The rotating fastener can extend in the region of the hinge that connects the two arms to each other, and the two arms can move relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed care configuration for introducing hair therebetween.

[0035] The fixing member that attaches the wire to the handpiece can rotate approximately about the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, or about an axis that forms a non-perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the handpiece but remains in the longitudinal midplane transverse to the care surface.

[0036] "Approximately around the longitudinal axis" means that the fastener rotates around the axis, which forms an angle of less than 20° with the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal plane.

[0037] As explained later, during use of the device, when the user changes the orientation of the handheld component, the user rotates the device relative to the ground plane about the longitudinal axis of the handheld component. Therefore, enabling the fixing component to rotate approximately about the longitudinal axis of the handheld component, or about an axis that forms a non-perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the handheld component, means that the rotating fixing component rotates when the orientation of the handheld component about the longitudinal axis relative to the ground plane changes.

[0038] wire Preferably, the wire includes a bend at its end where it connects to the handheld component. This bend can form a deflection angle of 90° to 170°, preferably 120° to 160°, advantageously approximately 140°, between the two portions of the wire. This bend reduces the volume of the wire due to its stiffness in the longitudinal direction of the handheld component, thus making the handheld component easier to use. Combined with the rotating retainer, this also ensures that the wire is always automatically oriented in a generally vertical direction, in which case it is downward under its own weight and does not tilt in the opposite direction as the handheld component rotates, thereby facilitating orientation detection.

[0039] The conductor is configured such that the mid-plane of its bend portion is in a generally vertical plane during use.

[0040] In a variant, when the device is picked up, the wire automatically orients itself under its own weight, and an orientation sensor detects the change in orientation relative to the initial orientation, thereby deriving the direction of use relative to the initial position. The wire may be counterweighted, for example, at its center or eccentrically. In this case, the counterweight allows the wire to automatically orient downwards under its weight. In this case, the indicated data is preferably the change in position of the wire or its rotating fixing element.

[0041] Preferably, the rotating fastener is configured such that the rotational movement of the handheld component is substantially independent of the rotation of the wire. This allows the direction of use to be detected at the fastener through which the wire is attached by detecting the orientation of the handheld component relative to the rotating fastener of the wire.

[0042] Using a direction sensor The usage orientation sensor may be a sensor that senses the position, rotation, and / or orientation of the rotating fixing member of the power supply wire relative to the handheld device. Data indicating the usage orientation may correspond to the position of the power supply wire relative to the handheld device within one of at least two predetermined discrete position ranges corresponding to a first positioning direction and a second positioning direction, to the rotation of the rotating fixing member within one of at least two predetermined discrete rotation ranges of the power supply wire relative to the handheld device, and / or to the orientation of the rotating fixing member of the power supply wire relative to the handheld device within one of at least two predetermined discrete orientation ranges. Specifically, due to its rotating fixing member, the power supply wire tends to maintain a relatively fixed orientation relative to the ground plane at its fixing point with the handheld device, and particularly tends to extend vertically.

[0043] The first direction of use can be the optimal direction of use for optimally performing care along the hair strand, and the second direction of use can be the opposite, inferior direction of use.

[0044] The orientation sensor may include a first portion fixed relative to the handheld device and a second portion fixed relative to the wire, the sensor being configured to determine the position, rotation, and / or orientation of the first portion relative to the second portion or the second portion relative to the first portion.

[0045] The first and second parts may include electrical connection elements configured to exhibit at least one or more different electrical characteristics at at least two positions and / or orientations of the rotating fixture corresponding to the first and second directions of use, respectively. The one or more electrical characteristics may include voltage, current intensity, or resistance.

[0046] The orientation sensor may include a microcontroller configured to detect electrical characteristics, particularly the voltage between two conductive elements, especially the voltage between two electrical contacts or between a conductive rail and an electrical contact.

[0047] The first and second parts may each include one or more conductive elements, which form an electrical connection depending on the position and / or orientation of the first and second parts relative to each other. In particular, at least two different electrical connection configurations can be adopted according to the position and / or orientation of the first and second parts of the rotating fixture, especially the sensor, relative to each other, and the electrical connection configurations correspond to at least a first and a second use direction of the handheld device.

[0048] The first and second portions may each include one or more conductive elements. One of the conductive elements in the first and second portions is connected to a non-zero power source, particularly mains power, and at least another conductive element in the first and second portions constitutes an electrical detection electrode. Within a position and / or orientation range opposite to each other, the conductive elements of the first and second portions may be in contact with each other, such that there is electrical conduction between the conductive element connected to the power source and the electrical detection electrode. Outside this range, there is no electrical conduction between the two elements. It is then possible to identify whether the first and second portions are located outside or within this position and / or orientation range by simple electrical measurements.

[0049] Multiple conductive elements belonging to either the first part or the second part can constitute an electrical detection electrode. Each electrode can: Within a position and / or orientation range relative to each other in the first and second parts, an electrical connection is made to a conductive element connected to a non-zero power source, and Outside of this range, do not connect to conductive elements connected to a power source.

[0050] The positions and / or orientation ranges of the first and second portions associated with the electrodes relative to each other can be different. The positions and / or orientations of the first and second portions relative to each other can then be accurately detected by performing electrical measurements on multiple electrodes, detecting electrodes electrically connected to and not electrically connected to the power source, combined with knowledge of the position or orientation range associated with each electrode.

[0051] One of the first and second portions of the sensor, preferably the first portion, may include at least one electrical contact, more preferably two electrical contacts, and even more preferably three electrical contacts, and the other of the first and second portions of the sensor, preferably the second portion, may include a conductive rail. Preferably, the electrical contacts, or each electrical contact, are in contact with the conductive rail at at least one position and / or orientation range of the first portion relative to the second portion. The position and / or orientation range of the first portion relative to the second portion associated with each electrical contact may be different. They may be completely separated or at least partially overlapping. Each position and / or orientation range may correspond to a direction of use.

[0052] The conductive rail may extend in an arc along the periphery of the first or second portion.

[0053] The conductive rail can extend within an angle range of 90° to 210°, particularly 120° to 180°. In the case of multiple electrical contacts, the contacts can be positioned on a circle of approximately the same diameter. Adjacent electrical contacts can be spaced apart from each other by an angle of 60° to 200°.

[0054] The electrical contacts may extend in an angular range of 10° to 90°, particularly 10° to 20°, on the first or second part.

[0055] The conductive element or at least one conductive element in the first part, especially the electrical contact or the conductive rail, can be arranged substantially centrally in the plane extending between the jaws when the jaws are in a closed configuration, and the conductive element or at least one conductive element in the second part, especially the electrical contact or the conductive rail, can be arranged substantially centrally in the vertical plane when the device is in use, especially in the middle plane of the bend of the wire near the handpiece.

[0056] The first part is symmetrical about the mid-plane of the plane extending between the jaws when the jaws of the hand grip are in a closed configuration.

[0057] In one embodiment, the orientation sensor uses a first and a second portion, preferably the first portion, comprising at least two electrical contacts, particularly three, one of which is connected to a non-zero power source, while the other contacts are not energized. In this case, the conductive rail is not energized, and electrical characteristics are measured at the non-energized contacts relative to the energized contacts. When the electrical characteristics, particularly the voltage, measured at the non-energized contact or at one of the non-energized contacts are non-zero, this indicates that the handheld device is used in one of the first and second usage directions. Conversely, it indicates that the handheld device is used in the other of the first and second usage directions.

[0058] In one embodiment, the orientation sensor is used in a first and a second portion, preferably the first portion, which includes at least two, and in particular three, non-energized electrical contacts. In this case, the conductive rail is energized, and electrical characteristics are measured at the contacts relative to the energized conductive rail. When the electrical characteristics, in particular the voltage, measured at each contact conform to a first electrical configuration, this indicates that the handheld device is used in one of a first and a second usage direction. When the electrical characteristics, in particular the voltage, measured at each contact conform to a second electrical configuration that differs from the first electrical configuration in terms of the voltage measured at at least one contact, this indicates that the handheld device is used in the other of the first and second usage directions.

[0059] In one embodiment, the orientation sensor uses a first and a second portion, preferably the first portion, which includes a single electrical contact, and in the case of the electrical contact and the metal rail, one is energized while the other is not. A non-zero electrical characteristic indicates that the electrical contact is in contact with the conductive rail, and the handheld device is being used in one of the first and second usage directions. Conversely, a non-zero electrical characteristic indicates that the handheld device is being used in the other of the first and second usage directions.

[0060] The microcontroller can be configured to detect electrical characteristics only when the jaws are in a closed configuration, particularly when the jaw configuration detection component detects the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0061] For example, when the jaws are in an open configuration, the electrical contacts are not energized, which means the microcontroller cannot detect electrical parameters.

[0062] In the variant, the electrical contacts are always energized during device operation, and the orientation sensor is configured not to transmit information when the jaws are in an open configuration.

[0063] The portion including the electrical contacts may include an electrical contact support made of an electrically insulating material having electrical contacts passing through it. A portion of the electrical contacts extending on one side of the support is configured to extend into contact with a metal rail in at least one orientation of the handpiece relative to the wire, and a portion extending on the other side of the electrical contacts is configured to be electrically connected to a microcontroller for measuring electrical parameters, particularly the voltage on at least one electrical contact, especially on a non-energized electrical contact.

[0064] The direction sensor may be a binary sensor, which is configured to distinguish between a first direction of use and a second direction of use.

[0065] Optimal direction The device may include a processor configured to determine the usage orientation of the handheld device, at least in a first usage orientation and a second usage orientation, based on data indicating the usage orientation from a usage orientation sensor, particularly from one or more voltage data detected by a microcontroller, and to generate usage orientation information.

[0066] When the handpiece includes two interlocking jaws that can be configured to open to guide hair and close to care, the processor can be configured to determine the direction of use only when the jaws are in the closed configuration.

[0067] The processor can be configured to send the generated usage direction information to a user warning component that is connected to or forms part of the device.

[0068] The device may include a user alerting component configured to receive information related to the direction of use of the handheld device and to issue a user alert for at least one direction of use, particularly a user-perceptible signal, especially an audible, visual, or tactile signal depending on the direction of use.

[0069] The user warning component may be contained within or on the handheld device.

[0070] In a variant, the user alerting component may be detachable from the handheld device. For example, the user alerting component may be a telephone or tablet wirelessly connected to the processor.

[0071] The user warning issued by the user warning component may correspond to one of the first and second usage directions, and more particularly to the worse usage direction between the first and second usage directions.

[0072] In this way, if the user uses the device in a poor orientation, the user is quickly alerted, allowing them to correct their usage and move the handpiece in the optimal care direction. Therefore, the device simplifies its use, making it more intuitive and ergonomic.

[0073] Additional nursing components The device may include additional care components, particularly selected from steam applicators, cosmetic applicators, brushes or combs, and combinations thereof.

[0074] Steam can be applied through a series of holes, which are particularly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0075] The handpiece may include two interconnected jaws, which are capable of an open configuration to guide hair in and a closed care configuration, with the additional care member mounted on at least one jaw and extending at least partially between the two jaws.

[0076] The additional care component can be arranged on the handpiece, particularly on one of the jaws, asymmetrically about the central plane, especially transversely to the central plane extending between the jaws when the jaws are in a closed configuration. The additional care component can be arranged on the handpiece such that it cares for the hair in front of one or more plates in one direction of use, and for the hair behind one or more plates in another direction of use. Therefore, having the additional care component pre-apply its care advantageously constitutes a preferred direction of use for the device.

[0077] The additional care component can be laterally positioned on the handpiece, particularly on a clamp jaw.

[0078] method According to another aspect of the invention, independent of or in combination with the foregoing, another subject of the invention is a method for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, the method being implemented by a handheld part of a device that moves along a hair strand, particularly the device described above, the method comprising the following steps during the movement of the device along the hair strand from the root to the tip: - Based on data from a usage orientation sensor arranged in a rotating retainer that connects the device's power supply wires to the handheld component, the usage orientation of the handheld component is determined in at least a first usage orientation and a second usage orientation. In the first usage orientation, the hair strand travels from the front of the handheld component to the opposite back; in the second usage orientation, the hair strand travels from the back to the opposite front of the handheld component. - The device adopts one of at least two different configurations based on the determined direction of use.

[0079] The first direction of use can be the optimal direction of use for optimally performing care along the hair strand, and the second direction of use can be the opposite, inferior direction of use.

[0080] The device can be configured to provide a warning that is perceptible to the user when one of a first or second use orientation is determined.

[0081] In the variant, the device may employ a specific operating configuration associated with the direction of use, particularly a poor operating configuration in cases where the direction of use is not recommended.

[0082] Data from the orientation sensor can be the position or rotation of the rotating fixture relative to the handheld component, particularly the rotation approximately around the longitudinal axis of the handheld component or around an axis that forms a non-perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the handheld component.

[0083] The rotating fastener can be positioned or rotated in a manner corresponding to the optimal direction of use for optimally performing care along the hair strand, or in a manner corresponding to a less desirable, especially the opposite, direction of use.

[0084] The device adopts a warning configuration when the position or rotation corresponds to a poor usage direction.

[0085] When using the device, the user adjusts the orientation of the handpiece by rotating it around its longitudinal axis. This is because gravity causes the rotating fixed part to rotate, changing the relative position between the handpiece and the power supply wire.

[0086] "Adjusting the orientation of the handheld device" means that the user changes the angle of the handheld device relative to the ground plane around its longitudinal axis.

[0087] The orientation of the handpiece advantageously indicates the direction of use of the handpiece. In particular, each direction of use corresponds to an orientation or range of orientations, and the orientations or ranges of orientations for different directions of use are different and do not completely overlap. Therefore, rotating the position or rotation of the fixing member indicates the direction of use of the handpiece. This orientation range can be between 20° and 200°, especially between 60° and 100°.

[0088] The device can emit signals that are perceptible to the user in an alert configuration, especially sound, visual, or tactile signals.

[0089] The device may include two jaws capable of employing a jaw-open configuration and a jaw-closed configuration, wherein the device employs a warning configuration only when the jaws are in the closed configuration.

[0090] The device may include a jaw configuration detection component configured to detect whether the jaws are in a closed or open nursing configuration, particularly a Hall effect sensor, an electrical contact switch, or an optical contact switch, preferably a Hall effect sensor.

[0091] The method may include the step of determining jaw configuration detection.

[0092] Preferably, the direction of use is determined only when the detected configuration is a closed configuration.

[0093] The method may include treating hair on the internal care surface of the handheld device, particularly a heated surface, particularly a heated plate.

[0094] The method may include treating hair on the external care surface of the handheld device, particularly a heated surface, particularly a heated plate.

[0095] The method may include additional care, particularly steam application, cosmetic application, and / or combing. Attached Figure Description

[0096] The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and studying the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a device in a closed configuration according to the present invention is shown in a side view; Figure 2 Shown in 3D Figure 1 The device is in an open configuration; Figure 3 Shown in 3D Figure 1 The rotating retainer of the device is detached from the handpiece of the device; Figure 4 Shown in 3D Figure 3 A portion of a rotating fastener, said rotating fastener being mounted in a portion of the device; Figure 5a A top-down schematic diagram illustrates an example of the device in use; Figure 5b A side view diagram is shown in Figure 5a The orientation of the device in the usage example; Figure 5c A side view diagram is shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b The orientation of the rotating fastener in the usage example; Figure 6a Another example of the device's use is shown in a top-down schematic diagram; Figure 6b A side view diagram is shown in Figure 6a The orientation of the device in the usage example; Figure 6c A side view diagram is shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b The orientation of the rotating fastener in the usage example; Figure 7 A variant of the rotating fastener is shown in a schematic perspective view, wherein the rotating fastener is detached from the handpiece of the device; Figure 8 Another variation of the rotating fastener is schematically shown; and Figure 9 A schematic perspective view shows another variation of the rotating fastener, which is detached from the handpiece of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0097] In the following description, elements that are the same or have the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, each figure is not described with reference to every figure; only the differences between embodiments are described.

[0098] For clarity, the accompanying drawings may not adhere to the actual scale.

[0099] Figures 1 to 6c A first example of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, in this example used for straightening hair.

[0100] Device 1 has a handheld component 2, which includes two jaws 3 and 4, the jaws being able to open relative to each other in an open configuration. Figure 2 (as shown) and closed care configuration ( Figure 1 The hair strands are moved between the open and closed configurations, and the hair strands are cared for in the closed configuration.

[0101] Jaws 3 and 4 are supported by the upper arm 5 and the lower arm 6, respectively. In this example, the arms are connected to each other at one end by a hinge 8, so that the handpiece 2 forms a clamp-like structure.

[0102] Arms 5 and 6 define corresponding half handles 10 and 11 between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3 and 4. The user can press the half handles to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together, thereby clamping the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0103] The width of arms 5 and 6 at half handles 10 and 11 is less than the width at jaws 3 and 4.

[0104] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a generally flat inner surface.

[0105] Preferably, a resilient reset element (not shown) is provided to reset the jaws 3 and 4 to an open configuration. The resilient reset element is, for example, a pivot pin surrounding the hinge portion 8 or a spring disposed adjacent to it.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the specific manner in which arms 5 and 6 are connected, and jaws 3 and 4 can move in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the presence of the hinge is highly preferred due to the ergonomics it provides.

[0107] Handheld component 2 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0108] Jaw 3 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis Y1.

[0109] Jaw 4 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0110] Device 1 may include a water reservoir 7 for generating steam, particularly disposed within the handheld component 2. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the water reservoir 7 is preferably integrated within the handheld component 2, and more particularly within one of the arms 5 and 6. Advantageously, the water reservoir 7 is integrated within the arm 6, which includes the steam outlet 21, described in detail later. This makes the device 1 particularly compact and its internal construction relatively simple. However, other embodiments of the water reservoir 7, such as within the other arm 5 or even completely away from the handheld component 2, are entirely feasible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0111] A user interface (not shown) may exist on device 1, especially on handheld device 2, to allow the user to control the operation of device 1.

[0112] heating plate The handpiece 2 has a heating inner surface 14 on each of the two jaws 3, 4 for heating the hair to be treated. The heating inner surfaces are opposite each other when the jaws 3, 4 are in a closed configuration, thereby defining a heated treatment area between them when the two jaws 3, 4 are in a closed configuration. For example, the two heating inner surfaces 14 are configured to clamp the hair extending between the two jaws 3, 4 when the two jaws 3, 4 are in a closed configuration.

[0113] The two heated inner surfaces 14 are generally flat, but their configurations can be different. For example, they can be complementary wavy shapes or complementary curved shapes.

[0114] In the example shown, the heated inner surface 14 is formed by the contact surface of the inner plates 16 made of thermally conductive material, each inner plate 16 extending over a jaw. Each inner plate 16 constitutes an internal care component of the device.

[0115] In a variant not shown, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 may carry the inner plate 16, which has a heated contact surface facing the abutting surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The abutting surface may be formed by the body of the jaw or by elements added to the jaw.

[0116] The handheld device 2 may include a jaw configuration detection component configured to detect the configuration of jaws 3 and 4, i.e., whether jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed or open configuration, especially a Hall effect sensor.

[0117] As shown in the figure, plate 16 can be laterally offset on jaws 3 and 4, i.e., not centered on axes Y1 and Y2. Therefore, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical about the mid-plane P perpendicular to the heated inner surface 14 of jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration.

[0118] Additional nursing components In the example shown, the device 1 includes an additional hair care component 12 that extends from the jaw 4 toward the other jaw 3 when the jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration and is laterally arranged on the jaw 4 relative to the inner plate 16.

[0119] For example, jaw 3 has no additional care.

[0120] When viewed along the longitudinal axis X of the device 1, the member 12 extends longitudinally along the edge 13 of the inner plate 16 of the jaw 4 and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4, and is separated from the inner plate 16.

[0121] The jaws 4 may be without any additional care members on the side of edge 15 opposite to edge 13 of inner plate 16. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the intermediate plane P.

[0122] Component 12 may include steam outlet 21 and / or comb teeth 22, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0123] The comb teeth 22 can preferably be detachably arranged in a housing such as the longitudinal grooves 23, for example... Figure 2 As shown. Therefore, users can replace or remove the comb teeth 22 as needed.

[0124] The slot 23 may have a rectangular cross-section and extend to the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0125] The comb teeth 22 may include elements 24 in the distal portion of the device 1 to grip the comb teeth 22 when they are inserted into or removed from the slot 23.

[0126] The comb teeth 22 may extend, for example, over the entire length of the guide portion. In a variant, they may extend only over a portion of the length of the guide portion.

[0127] Steam treatment can be achieved via a vaporization component comprising a heating element that heats an evaporation chamber supplied with water from a reservoir located within one arm of the apparatus, or, in a variant, from a remote reservoir. The apparatus may include an electric pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, that draws water from the reservoir to be delivered to apparatus 1. This pump is disclosed, for example, as in document FR2967018. The evaporation chamber may be constructed according to the teachings of application EP2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0128] The evaporation chamber can be located on one of the arms, in this example the lower arm 6, and the steam outlet 21 is located on the same arm 6.

[0129] Steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a spray line extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0130] The spray line may include multiple steam injection holes, such as 4 to 10, preferably 7, which are preferably evenly distributed along the spray line, with the axis of each hole being approximately perpendicular to the mid-plane of the treatment.

[0131] The vaporization component is electrically powered, and the temperature sensor is advantageously located within the evaporation chamber. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber between 110°C and 130°C.

[0132] The teeth of comb 22 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0133] Direction of use As previously mentioned, the handpiece 2 is preferably asymmetrical about the mid-plane P perpendicular to the heated inner surface 14 in the closed configuration of the jaws 3 and 4.

[0134] When using the device shown to care for hair, the hair is held between jaws 3 and 4, and the handpiece 2 moves along the hair strand.

[0135] Therefore, the asymmetry relative to plane P leads to asymmetrical hair care.

[0136] Handheld component 2 can be used in four directions: - In the first direction of use, with jaw 4 located below jaw 3, the following steps are performed: combing, applying steam, and heating.

[0137] - The second direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is below jaw 3: heating, applying steam, and combing.

[0138] - The third direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is above jaw 3: combing, applying steam and heating.

[0139] - The fourth direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is above jaw 3: heating, applying steam, and combing.

[0140] The first and third nursing care are performed from front F1 toward the opposite back F2; the second and fourth nursing care are performed from back F2 toward front F1.

[0141] The first and third application directions apply essentially the same care to the hair, and the second and fourth application directions perform essentially the same care on the hair.

[0142] The first and third usage directions are considered optimal because the quality of care obtained through the other two directions is superior, as combing occurs before the application of steam and heat. In practice, this allows for a clear distinction between the three key steps of hair care and styling: In the first step, the hair is combed and properly oriented and distributed across the entire care width. In the second step, separate from the first, the hair is steamed, slightly dampened to protect it and properly prepare it for the upcoming heat treatment. In the third step, separate from the first two, the hair undergoes thermomechanical treatment by the temperature of plate 16 and the pressure applied by the clamps formed by arms 5 and 6. These three consecutive steps produce excellent styling results while protecting the health of the hair. Therefore, it will be understood that using the device in different directions, in this case the second and fourth usage directions, is undesirable because it will not produce optimal results.

[0143] In order to visually guide the user to use the handheld device in a first direction, the handheld device 2 may be provided with an arrow 25, which indicates the optimal direction to the user.

[0144] Power supply wires Device 1 includes a conductor 17, which is designed to supply the energy required for the operation of the device. The conductor 17 can therefore be an electrical wire, designed to connect the device to mains power. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the conductor can also be a fluid conduit, designed to supply fluid (e.g., water) to the device.

[0145] The conductor 17 includes a bend 19 at its end where it connects to the handheld component 2. The bend 19 is located between a first portion 17a and a second portion 17b of the conductor 17. The first portion 17a is preferably rotatably connected to the handheld component 2, and the second portion 17b is fixedly connected to a power source. The bend 19 forms a deflection angle α of approximately 45° between portions 17a and 17b. The midplane of the bend 19 lies in a vertical plane.

[0146] The wire 17 has a rotating fastener 18 for attaching it to the handpiece.

[0147] The rotating fastener 18 allows the wire 17 to rotate about the axis of rotation R, thereby preventing the wire 17 from becoming kinked or tangled when using the device, making the device easier to operate and use.

[0148] The rotating fixing member 18 is configured such that the rotational movement of the handpiece 2 is substantially independent of the rotation of the wire 17.

[0149] Specifically, by means of the bend 19 and the rotating fastener, the guide wire 17 tends to maintain its orientation relative to the ground, that is, the second part 17b will remain vertically at its lowest point, like a pendulum, solely under its own weight. Even if the handpiece 2 rotates about its longitudinal axis, the orientation of the guide wire 17 is advantageously maintained to be approximately vertical.

[0150] The rotation axis R can be approximately parallel to, or even parallel to, the longitudinal axis X of the handheld part 2.

[0151] Using a direction sensor The device 1 also includes a sensor 30 that senses the rotation and / or position of the rotating retainer 18, and the sensor 30 is positioned within the rotating retainer 18 of the guide wire 17. The sensor 30 is configured to provide information related to the usage orientation of the handheld device 2.

[0152] like Figure 3 As shown, the sensor 30 includes a first portion 31 fixed relative to the handheld component 2 and a second portion 32 fixed relative to the wire 17.

[0153] The first part 31 and the second part 32 can rotate relative to each other about the axis R.

[0154] The first part 31 includes three non-energized electrical contacts 34a to 34c, which are mounted in a support 33 made of electrically insulating material.

[0155] Contacts 34a to 34c are arranged in a circle of the same diameter on the first side 40 of the support 33. The angular interval between adjacent non-energized contacts 34 is, for example, 90°.

[0156] Contacts 34a and 34b are positioned relative to each other on the handpiece 2 in a plane extending between jaws 3 and 4 when jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration.

[0157] Contact 34c is positioned on the handpiece 2 within the intermediate plane P, on the side corresponding to the jaw 3.

[0158] In other words, assuming that the top of the handpiece 2 corresponds to one side of the jaws 3 and the bottom of the handpiece 2 corresponds to one side of the jaws 4 that carries the additional care member 12, then contacts 34a and 34b are located on the side and contact 34c is located on the top.

[0159] The second part 32 includes an arc-shaped conductive rail 41, for example, extending 180°. In this example, the rail 41 is energized.

[0160] The conductive rail 41 is positioned at the top of the second part 32, opposite to the deflection direction of the second part 17b of the conductor 17, i.e., relative to the top of the vertical direction.

[0161] Each contact 34a to 34c is connected to pin 36, which extends from one side 42 through support 33. The end 37 of pin 36 on side 42 is electrically connected to the microcontroller, which is not shown for clarity.

[0162] Pins 36 of contacts 34a and 34b are connected to these contacts via arc-shaped connectors 38.

[0163] The conductive rail 41 is also connected to pin 43, which extends from side 42 through support 33. The end 44 of pin 43 on side 42 is electrically connected to a microcontroller (not shown for clarity) for measuring the voltage between conductive rail 41 and each contact 34a to 34c.

[0164] The power supply (not shown) for conductive rail 41 is 5V.

[0165] The angle range of contact 34c is, for example, greater than the angle range of contacts 34a and 34b.

[0166] Since rail 41 is fixed relative to the second part 32, rail 41 can rotate about axis R relative to electrical contacts 34a to 34c.

[0167] Depending on the angular position of the rotating fixing member, the rail 41 may or may not contact the contacts 34a to 34c, and the contacts 34a to 34c that are in contact depend on the aforementioned direction of use.

[0168] To illustrate the operation of sensor 30 Figures 5a to 5c The handheld component 2 is shown in use along the first direction. Figures 6a to 6c This is shown as being used in the second direction. As previously described, hair C is processed along direction D from the root Ra to the tip Po.

[0169] exist Figures 5a to 5c and Figures 6a to 6c In this context, the relative position between the rail 41 and the contact is visualized by observing the handpiece 2 along direction A from the end corresponding to the wire 17.

[0170] As shown in the figure, when the device is used, the intermediate plane T extending between jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle β with the horizontal plane H.

[0171] exist Figures 5a to 5cIn the first direction of use, the conductive rail 41 is in contact with contacts 34a and 34c. Contact 34b is not in contact with rail 41.

[0172] Therefore, the microcontroller is able to measure positive voltage at contacts 34a and 34c, and zero voltage at contact 34b.

[0173] On the contrary, Figures 6a to 6c In the second direction of use, the conductive rail 41 is in contact with contacts 34c and 34b. This time, contact 34a is not in contact with rail 41.

[0174] Therefore, the microcontroller is able to measure positive voltage at contacts 34b and 34c, and zero voltage at contact 34a.

[0175] Handheld device (not shown) with Figures 5a to 5c and Figures 6a to 6c When the orientation is 180°, corresponding to the third and fourth usage directions, contact 34c no longer contacts rail 41, contact 34b contacts rail 41 in the third usage direction, and contact 34a contacts rail 41 in the fourth usage direction.

[0176] Therefore, based on the voltage measured at electrical contacts 34a to 34c, the microcontroller is able to provide data indicating the orientation of the handheld device relative to the horizontal plane. Since orientation is a characteristic of the direction of use, especially the range of orientations, as just illustrated, the microcontroller is able to provide data indicating the direction of use of the handheld device 2. This data is then processed by a processor (not shown), which is able to determine information related to the direction of use from the sensor data, specifically determining that the handheld device 2 is used along the optimal direction of use, here the first direction of use and the third direction of use.

[0177] The device 1 may include a user alerting component (not shown) configured to receive information relating to the use direction of the handheld device 2 and to issue a user alert for at least one use direction, particularly a direction different from the optimal use direction, especially a signal perceptible to the user, particularly an audible, visual or tactile signal.

[0178] A variation of sensor 30 is shown in Figures 7 to 9 .

[0179] exist Figure 7 In the variant, rail 41 is not energized, but contact 34c is energized, specifically with a 5V voltage. Therefore, when the two contacts are in contact with rail 41, rail 41 can form a bridge circuit between contact 34c and contact 34a or 34b.

[0180] In this embodiment, the orientation range of the rotating fixing member 18 is determined by measuring the voltage on contacts 34a and 34b.

[0181] Two opposing measuring contacts 34a and 34b are substantially located on the intermediate plane P, and the energizing contact 34c is located on the longitudinal plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration. Contact 34a is located on the side corresponding to jaw 4, and contact 34c is located on the side corresponding to comb teeth 22.

[0182] In this variant, in the first direction of use, the voltage on contact 34b is positive, and the voltage on contact 34a is zero.

[0183] In the second operating direction, the voltage on contacts 34a and 34b is negative.

[0184] In the third direction of use, the voltage on contact 34a is positive, and the voltage on contact 34b is zero.

[0185] In the fourth usage direction, the voltage across contacts 34a and 34b is zero. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the sensors, it is possible to determine the usage direction that results in essentially the same optimal care and the usage direction that results in different care.

[0186] exist Figure 8 In the variant, the angular interval between contacts 34a and 34c, measured with respect to the center of the contacts, is smaller, for example, equal to 45°.

[0187] Similarly, the conductive rails cover an angle range of 90°.

[0188] exist Figure 9 In the variant, the first part includes a single non-energized contact 34, and the second part includes an energized conductive rail 41, particularly connected to mains power.

[0189] The contact 34 on the handpiece 2 extends in the plane passing between jaws 3 and 4 when jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration.

[0190] Rail 41 has an angular range of 180° and is positioned on the side corresponding to conductor 17. Therefore, the end of rail 41 is contained within a vertical plane.

[0191] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a positive voltage is measured at contact 34, i.e., when one side edge of the jaws is higher than the other side edge, especially away from the side edge of the comb teeth and / or steam outlet, the microcontroller determines that the handpiece is used in the first direction; or when zero or neutral voltage is measured at contact 34, i.e., when the other side edge of the jaws is highest, especially close to the side edge of the comb teeth and / or steam outlet, the microcontroller determines that the handpiece is used in the other direction. In this case, the two directions of use do indeed correspond to different care.

[0192] Therefore, the angular range of the conductive rail 41 determines the orientation range of the first and second operating directions.

[0193] The following describes an example of a method for hair care using the device 1 of the present invention.

[0194] In this example, the care to be performed is straightening. In the variant, the care to be performed is curling.

[0195] In the first step, device 1 is powered by inserting wire 17 into an AC outlet.

[0196] In the second step, the user places a section of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, with the jaws in an open configuration. The handheld component 2 is positioned near the roots of the hair.

[0197] Then, in the third step, the user brings jaws 3 and 4 into the closed configuration.

[0198] When jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration, the jaw configuration detection component detects this and sends a signal to the warning component or sensor 30 to initiate the detection of the orientation.

[0199] The signal can also be transmitted to any other logic unit in the device, as long as that logic unit is able to initiate the detection of the direction of use.

[0200] The direction of use is not detected before this signal from the detection component.

[0201] In this step, the user has adjusted the orientation of the handheld component 2 by changing its tilt angle relative to the ground plane H, and as previously described, this results in the position, rotation, and / or orientation of the rotating fixture.

[0202] In the fourth step following the third step, sensor 30 determines the direction of use.

[0203] The detection is performed by measuring the voltage on one or more contacts 34 using a microcontroller.

[0204] Based on these measurements, the sensor determines the direction of use from at least two directions.

[0205] The sensor 30 then transmits information related to the usage direction of the handheld device 2 to the warning component.

[0206] If the direction used is the optimal direction, the warning component can be set not to emit any perceptible signal to the user.

[0207] If the orientation being used is poor, warning components can be set to emit perceptible signals to the user, such as visual, auditory, or tactile signals or combinations thereof.

[0208] Alternatively, the opposite approach could be considered: emitting a perceptible signal when used in the optimal direction, but not emitting a signal in other directions.

[0209] It is even conceivable to emit a perceptible signal for all directions of use, the signal of which differs depending on whether the direction of use is the optimal or the inferior direction.

[0210] If the user is warned of incorrect orientation, the method may include the step of reorienting the handheld device 2 correctly relative to the hair.

[0211] Once in the correct orientation that allows the handpiece 2 to be used in the optimal direction of use, the handpiece 2 is moved along the hair from the root to the tip in order to perform the following steps on a given area of ​​the hair strand: combing, applying steam and heating.

[0212] The present invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0213] The number of nursing steps, the type of nursing care, and the order of nursing care can vary.

[0214] This method may include the step of applying cosmetics.

[0215] The handpiece may include a heated outer surface for curling hair by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0216] The angular interval between the two contacts can be different, for example, between 20° and 200°.

Claims

1. A device (1) for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising: - Handheld device (2) capable of caring for hair strands by moving them from the roots to the ends of the hair strands, the device (1) having a first use direction and a second use direction during the care process, in the first use direction the hair strands travel from the front of the device to the opposite back; In the second usage direction, the hair strand travels from the back to the opposite front, and the two usage directions correspond to different orientations of the handheld component (2). - At least one power supply wire (17) having a fixing member (18) for connecting it to the handheld device, the fixing member being rotatable relative to the handheld device (2). - A direction sensor (30) is used, which is configured to provide data indicating the direction of use of the handpiece (2) at least in the first and second directions of use, the sensor (30) being arranged in a rotating fixture (18) of the power supply wire (17) relative to the handpiece (2).

2. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The handpiece (2) includes two interconnected jaws (3, 4), which are capable of being in an open configuration to guide hair in, and a closed care configuration.

3. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The handpiece (2), especially at least one of the jaws (3, 4), may include at least one internal care member (16) having an internal care surface configured to contact or be opposite a portion of the hair bundle during care.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The handpiece (2) extends along the longitudinal axis (X) and is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal intermediate plane (P) extending between the front (F1) and back (F2) of the handpiece (2).

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Using a direction sensor (30) to sense the position or rotation of the rotating fixing member (18) of the power supply wire (17) relative to the handheld member (2), the data indicating the direction can correspond to the position of the power supply wire (17) relative to the handheld member (2), the position range of which falls within at least two predetermined discrete position ranges corresponding to the first positioning direction and the second positioning direction, can correspond to the rotation of the rotating fixing member (18), the rotation range of which falls within at least two predetermined discrete rotation ranges of the power supply wire relative to the handheld member (2), and / or can correspond to the orientation of the rotating fixing member (18) of the power supply wire (17) relative to the handheld member (2), the orientation range of which falls within at least two predetermined discrete orientation ranges.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wire (17) includes a bend (19) at the end where it is connected to the handpiece (2).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The orientation sensor (30) includes a first portion (31) fixed relative to the handheld part (2) and a second portion (32) fixed relative to the wire (17). The sensor (30) is configured to determine the position, rotation and / or orientation of the first portion (31) relative to the second portion (32) or the second portion (32) relative to the first portion (31). The first and second portions (31, 32) include electrical connection elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) configured to exhibit at least one or more different electrical characteristics within two positions and / or orientations of the rotating fixed part (18) corresponding to the first and second directions of use, respectively. The electrical characteristics may include voltage, current intensity or resistance. The orientation sensor (30) includes a microcontroller configured to detect the electrical characteristics.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The first and second parts (31, 32) each include one or more conductive elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41), one of the conductive elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) of the first and second parts (31, 32) is connected to a non-zero power source, in particular to mains power, and at least another of the conductive elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) of the first and second parts (31, 32) constitutes an electrical detection electrode.

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a processor configured to determine the usage orientation of the handheld device (2) in at least a first and second usage orientation based on usage orientation data from a usage orientation sensor (30), particularly from one or more voltage data detected by a microcontroller, and to generate usage orientation information.

10. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The handpiece (2) includes two jaws (3, 4) that are interconnected and capable of being in an open configuration to guide hair therebetween, and in a closed care configuration. The processor is configured to determine the direction of use only when the jaws (3, 4) are in the closed configuration.

11. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The processor is configured to send the generated usage direction information to a user warning component that is connected to or constitutes part of the device (1).

12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a user alerting member configured to receive information related to the direction of use of the handheld device (2) and to issue a user alert for at least one direction of use, in particular a signal perceptible to the user, especially an audible, visual or tactile signal depending on the direction of use.

13. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the user warning issued by the user warning member corresponds to one of the first and second usage directions, and particularly corresponds to the worse of the first and second usage directions.

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes an additional care component (12), particularly selected from steam applicators, cosmetic applicators, combs, and combinations thereof.

15. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The handpiece (2) includes two jaws (3, 4) that are interconnected and capable of being in an open configuration to guide hair therebetween, and in a closed care configuration. An additional care member (12) is mounted on one of the jaws (3, 4) and extends at least partially between the two jaws (3, 4).

16. The apparatus (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, Additional nursing components (12) are arranged asymmetrically about the middle plane.

17. A method for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, implemented by moving a device (1) along a hair strand, especially the device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising, during the use of the device (1) from the root to the tip of the hair: - The usage direction of the handpiece (2) of the device (1) is determined from data from a usage direction sensor (30) arranged in a rotating fixing member (18) that connects the power supply wire (17) of the device (1) to the handpiece (2), at least in the first and second usage directions, wherein in the first usage direction, the hair strand travels from the front of the handpiece to the opposite back, and in the second usage direction, the hair strand travels from the back of the handpiece to the opposite front. - The device (1) adopts one of at least two different configurations based on the determined direction of use.

18. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, Data from the orientation sensor (30) is used to determine the position or rotation of the rotating fixture (18) relative to the handheld component (2).

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The device (1) adopts a configuration that is perceptible to the user when one of the first and second usage directions is determined.

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