Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair Treatment Device The invention relates to a hair treatment device comprising: - two hair treatment jaws movable relative to each other between a spread-apart configuration and a close-close configuration, - an internal treatment element having an internal heating surface extending from one of the jaws to the other jaw in the close-close configuration and configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the jaws, at least one internal treatment element having a first lateral edge and a second opposing lateral edge, the first lateral edge being configured such that an angle formed between a median plane of the device, extending between the jaws in the close-close configuration, and hair under mechanical tension, resting on the first lateral edge, and on an external surface of the corresponding jaw adjacent and disjointed from the internal treatment element,either less than or equal to 120°, and strictly greater than 90°. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device technical field

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to curling devices comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, which can take a configuration with a gap for introducing a strand of hair between them and a configuration with a gap for processing the strand. Previous technique

[0003] Many devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally have heating plates on their external surfaces around which the strands of hair are wound to curl them.

[0004] Some devices also include internal heating plates between which the strands can be pinched during curling and / or to allow hair straightening.

[0005] US patent applications US2006150996 and US2011232673 describe clip-type hair treatment devices having a heating plate on each of its arms, the heating plates extending at least to one of the lateral edges on one side.

[0006] International applications WO16001071 and WO16001583 describe devices comprising arms each having a housing with an internal heating plate away from the lateral edges of the arms.

[0007] EP2319354 describes a hair curling device comprising two fixed arms and a heating element for heating the arms. Each arm supports an internal heating plate that moves elastically between a lower and an upper position on the arm, the internal plates extending to the lateral edges of the arms and protruding laterally from them.

[0008] There is a need to improve the hair curling treatment without complicating the use of the device.

[0009] There is still a need to improve the hairdressing result to obtain beautiful curls or beautiful waves.

[0010] There is therefore a need to further improve hair treatment devices, in particular to benefit from a versatile, efficient, simple device, safe and comfortable to use, reliable operation and cost compatible with large-scale distribution.

[0011] There is also a need for a hair curling device that can also be used effectively as a straightener. Description of the invention

[0012] The present invention meets all or part of these needs by means of, according to one of its aspects, a hair treatment device, in particular for styling, preferably for curling hair, comprising: - two hair processing jaws movable relative to each other between a wide engagement configuration between said hair processing jaws and a close hair processing configuration, - an internal treatment element having an internal surface for heating the hair to be treated extending over one of the two jaws towards the other jaw in a close configuration of the two jaws and configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the two jaws in a close configuration thereof, an internal treatment element having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to the first lateral edge, the first lateral edge being configured such that an angle formed between a longitudinal median plane of the device, extending between the jaws in a close configuration of the jaws, and hair under mechanical tension, resting on the first lateral edge of the corresponding internal treatment element, and on an external surface of the jaw bearing the internal treatment element adjacent to and disjoint from the corresponding internal treatment element, is less than or equal to 120°,preferably less than or equal to 110°, and strictly greater than 90°, preferably greater than or equal to 95°.

[0013] By "hair under mechanical tension," it is understood that the hair extends along a straight line between the first lateral edge and the adjacent outer surface of the jaw bearing the corresponding internal processing element. In other words, the aforementioned angle is thus defined between the median plane defined between the jaws in close proximity and a fictitious plane in contact, on the one hand, with the first lateral edge, and on the other hand, with the adjacent outer surface of the same jaw. This mechanical tensioning is achieved, in particular, by means of the internal processing element(s) by pinching and by moving the device along the hair strand.

[0014] Such an angle with the outer surface of the jaw allows for a well-formed curl when curling hair, by pressing the hair against the first lateral edge and an adjacent outer surface of the jaw, particularly similar to curls made with a blade passed over curling ribbon. Furthermore, with such an angle, the The first lateral edge is relatively close to the outer surface of the jaw, without protruding beyond it. This allows, particularly during hair straightening, the first lateral edge to be brought closer to the scalp, thus increasing the area of ​​hair treated without actually touching the scalp. This enables treatment as close as possible to the hair roots while maintaining user comfort, despite the temperature of the internal surface(s).

[0015] The device may comprise two arms, the distal portions of which each form one of the two jaws; these two arms are preferably articulated to each other at their proximal ends, opposite the jaws, and each may comprise a half-handle, on the side of the joint, by which the user can grasp and manipulate the device, in particular by pressing on these half-handles to move the jaws from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In other words, the user will then close the gripper formed by the arms.

[0016] Preferably, each jaw is elongated in shape and extends along a longitudinal axis, which is preferably a straight axis.

[0017] The device can thus be elongated along a longitudinal axis, preferably straight, in a configuration close to the jaws. Internal processing organ

[0018] The device may include an internal counter-support surface, opposite the internal heating surface in the close-to-the-jaws configuration, designed to grip, together with the internal heating surface, the hair to be treated in the close-to-the-jaws configuration. The internal counter-support surface may have a shape complementary to the internal heating surface.

[0019] Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are substantially the same length and / or the same width.

[0020] The internal counter-support surface can also be an internal heating surface of an internal processing element, the device having, in this case, two internal processing elements each extending over one of the jaws and each having at least one internal heating surface, the internal heating surfaces being opposite each other and being configured to pinch the hair between them in a configuration close to the jaws.

[0021] Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are elongated along the jaw carrying it, in particular along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of this jaw.

[0022] Preferably, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface have treatment surfaces coming into contact with the hair which are substantially flat.

[0023] Alternatively, the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface are not planar, in particular curved, hollow or corrugated.

[0024] The internal heating surface may have surface features, in particular protruding features such as teeth. In this case, the counter-support surface may be flat or also have surface features, in particular protruding features extending between the protruding features of the internal heating surface in a configuration close to the jaws.

[0025] Preferably, the internal heating surface has a treatment surface coming into contact with the hair, which is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0026] The internal processing organ or organs may include an internal plate extending between the jaws having a hair contact surface, the hair contact surface forming the internal heating surface.

[0027] The internal plate(s) may be made of a material with good heat conductivity, the internal heating surface(s) having a temperature, for example, greater than 50°C, preferably between 90°C and 230°C in use, advantageously between 180°C and 210°C. The internal plate(s) may be made of metal, preferably aluminum, particularly with hard anodizing.

[0028] The internal plate or plates may have a thermal conductivity of at least 20 Wm'.K1. Such conductivity allows rapid heating of the internal heating surface or surfaces and efficient heat transfer to the hair extending between the internal heating surface and the counter-support surface.

[0029] The internal processing organ(s) can be mounted on the corresponding jaw by insertion into a housing in the jaw opening opposite the other jaw.

[0030] The internal processing organ or organs may include a support carrying the internal plate, the support being able to be mounted in the housing of the corresponding jaw.

[0031] The internal processing element(s), in particular the support(s), may be movable within the housing by translation along an axis perpendicular to a median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in the close-closed position and / or by tilting within the housing. The maximum tilting and / or translation height from the rest position of the processing element(s) may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0032] By "tilting" it should be understood that the or at least one of the internal processing elements, in particular the or at least one of the supports, may have a rotational movement about at least one axis, the movement of the or each internal processing element being able to be a more complex movement, with rotational components about several axes, in particular about or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal treatment element(s) and / or around or parallel to a transverse axis of the housing. In a manner known as such, the internal treatment element(s) can, for example, be mounted on a ball joint. Tilting the internal treatment element(s) allows for more uniform pressure to be applied along the entire length of the internal heating surface and takes into account the angle of the jaws' closure according to the hair thickness. This ensures even application of heat and pressure to the hair.

[0033] One or more of the internal processing elements, in particular one or more of the supports, may be mounted in the housing on a support means configured to allow movement of the corresponding internal processing element within the housing. The support means may be as described in FR3011449.

[0034] The support means may be rigid; alternatively, it is elastically deformable. Alternatively, the support means comprises a rigid bearing area and one or more bearing areas against one or more elastic return elements, which are, for example, arranged to return the corresponding processing element to a predefined rest position in the absence of mechanical stress from the application element. The elastic return element(s) may be helical or leaf springs.

[0035] Preferably, the support means allows the internal processing element to tilt within the housing and includes a protruding relief at the bottom of the housing and / or the corresponding processing element, in particular the corresponding support. The protruding relief may be hemispherical, or tooth-shaped (approximately conical), or semi-cylindrical, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the internal processing element.

[0036] As an alternative or in addition to the protruding relief, the support means comprises at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, disposed in the housing, for example fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the internal processing element, in particular to the support. The support means may comprise at least two springs, in particular two helical springs disposed in the housing, fixed to the bottom of the housing or fixed to the internal processing element, in particular to the support, arranged in particular near the axial ends of the corresponding internal processing element. Tilting of the internal processing element is then possible due to the elastically deformable nature of the springs.

[0037] The internal processing organs, or at least one of them, can be movable along an axis perpendicular to the median plane of the device, extending between the jaws in a close-closed configuration from a high position over a stroke maximum indentation defined by a relief of the corresponding internal processing element, coming into contact with the bottom of the housing, and / or by the cooperation between ribs and lateral grooves of the housing and the internal processing element, in particular of the support, the grooves being wider than the corresponding ribs, so that the ribs are mobile in translation in the grooves along the aforementioned axis between two positions. Internal processing unit rear structure

[0038] The first and second lateral borders of the internal processing organ(s) can each extend along a longitudinal axis of the jaw bearing the corresponding internal surface.

[0039] The first lateral edge may be closer to the outer surface of the jaw bearing the adjacent internal processing organ than the second lateral edge is to the outer surface of said adjacent jaw. In other words, the internal processing organ(s) may be shifted laterally upstream or downstream, preferably downstream, with the hair being moved from upstream to downstream during processing.

[0040] The two internal processing organs can have the same footprint in the median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in a close configuration of the jaws.

[0041] One or each of the internal processing elements may project laterally from the aforementioned housing on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, and / or less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.3 mm. For example, each, or at least one of the internal plates, may project laterally from the aforementioned housing on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance of 1 mm.

[0042] At least one of the internal plates or each of them may protrude laterally from the aforementioned support on the side of the first lateral edge by a distance greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, and / or less than or equal to 3 mm, better less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0043] The support of the internal processing organ or organ can, at rest, extend towards the other jaw, in particular by a height at rest of between 1 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular greater than or equal to the maximum height of tilting and / or translation.

[0044] The internal processing element carried by the support can be spaced more than 4 mm apart from the opening of the support housing towards the other arm.

[0045] By "at rest", we mean in a configuration with the jaws spread apart.

[0046] Preferably, the, at least one or each internal processing organ, in particular the, at least one or each of the internal plates is asymmetrical with respect to a median plane of the corresponding jaw housing, orthogonal to the median plane of the device extending between the jaws in close jaw configuration, in particular may have a transverse distance between the first lateral edge and the transverse median plane of the housing greater than that between the second lateral edge and the transverse median plane of the housing.

[0047] The, at least one or each internal processing organ, in particular the, at least one or each internal plate, may be spaced from a plane laterally supported on the external surfaces of the two adjacent and disjoint jaws of the corresponding internal processing organ by a resting distance of less than or equal to 6 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

[0048] The first lateral edge of the internal processing element(s), in particular the internal plate(s), may have an edge configured to come into contact with tensioned hair resting against the first lateral edge and the adjacent outer surface of the jaw carrying the internal processing element. The edge may be projecting, chamfered, or rounded with a radius of curvature of 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, advantageously 1.5 mm. Such an edge promotes curling or waving of the hair and allows for good styling results, particularly curling. External heating processing unit

[0049] The device may include at least one external hair heating treatment element extending over one of the two jaws outwards from the jaws, better two external hair heating treatment elements each extending over a respective jaw outwards from the device in a close configuration of the two jaws, preferably in opposition to each other on the device in a close configuration of the jaws.

[0050] The external treatment unit(s) may include an external plate extending over the external surface of the corresponding jaw and having a shape substantially complementary to the latter. The external plate(s) have an external surface in contact with the hair, defining at least partially the external heating surface of the external treatment unit.

[0051] The external plate or plates can be made of a material that is a good conductor of heat, the external heating surface or surfaces having a temperature, for example, greater than 50°C, preferably between 55° and 150°C in use of the device, for example in the order of 90°C.

[0052] The external surface or surfaces can be made of metal, or ceramic, preferably stainless steel, for example 304 according to JISG4305.

[0053] The external plate or plates may have a thermal conductivity of at least 20 Wm'.K1. Such conductivity allows for rapid heating of the external heating surface(s) and efficient application of heat to the hair.

[0054] The external heating surface or surfaces can be extended along a longitudinal axis of the jaw carrying it.

[0055] The external heating surface(s) and the internal heating surface(s) may be at least partially the same size in the median plane of the device extending between the two jaws in a close-coupled configuration. This allows both the internal and external surfaces to be used to treat the same strand of hair, if desired, for example during a curling operation.

[0056] Preferably, the two external heating surfaces are substantially the same length along their respective jaws.

[0057] Preferably, the external heating surface or surfaces are convex outwards, in particular semicylindrical in shape.

[0058] The outer plate or plates may include fastening elements configured to cooperate with complementary elements of the corresponding jaw; the outer plate or plates may have longitudinal edges curved inwards, configured to fasten to the outer body of the jaw, in particular by engaging in corresponding longitudinal grooves extending along the longitudinal axis of the jaw on the outer body of the jaw. Such fastening of the outer plate or plates by curved edges prevents any protruding edge of the outer plate or plates from coming into contact with the hair wrapped around the jaw.

[0059] Preferably, the external treatment organ extends over only a part of the external surface of the jaw, in particular over the part of the external surface of the jaw oriented at least partially towards the side opposite to the internal heating surface of the jaw.

[0060] Preferably, the outer plate or plates are separate and distinct from the inner plate or plates.

[0061] The internal heating surface and the external heating surface carried by the same jaw can be heated by thermal conduction by the same heat source extending in said jaw.

[0062] Alternatively, the external heating surface and the internal heating surface carried by the same jaw can be heated by respective separate heat sources.

[0063] One of the jaws, in particular each jaw, may have a distal portion lacking an external and / or internal hair heating plate, in particular of sufficient length to be grasped by the user. This distal portion allows the user to grasp the device at its distal end without risk of burning themselves, which is particularly useful when the device includes an organ that exerts traction on the hair, such as a comb, as we will see later, because greater force may then be required to move the device along the hair.

[0064] Said distal portion without external and / or internal hair heating plate can extend over a length, along a longitudinal axis of the device, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 and 40 mm, advantageously between 25 mm and 30 mm.

[0065] Said distal portion without external and / or internal hair heating plate may include one or more reliefs allowing the finger to be held on the distal portion while limiting the risk of contact with the external heating surface(s).

[0066] The length of the external treatment organ or organ(s) can be between 50 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 80 and 100 mm, advantageously around 88 mm. Additional processing organ

[0067] The device may include an additional hair processing element extending from one of the two jaws to the other jaw in a configuration close to the two jaws and arranged on said jaw laterally in a configuration close to the jaws relative to the internal processing element.

[0068] The additional processing element allows for the addition of an extra treatment to the straightening or curling process, thereby improving the quality of the curling or straightening treatment. Its laterally arrangement relative to the inner plate ensures that the treatments by the inner plate and the processing element are not simultaneous but successive, which is particularly advantageous for improving straightening.

[0069] The additional processing organ may include a projecting element, in particular a comb, which extends from the jaw at least partially towards the other jaw.

[0070] The additional processing element can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding jaw along the or each internal heating surface in close proximity to the jaws, while being disjoint from the latter or the latter.

[0071] By "disjoint", it is understood that the processing element is offset from the heating surface by a non-zero distance, when the device is observed along its longitudinal axis.

[0072] The additional processing element may include at least one steam outlet and / or a cosmetic product application element and / or an element exerting traction on the hair, in particular a comb.

[0073] Where the additional processing element includes a cosmetic product application element, the cosmetic product application element may include a porous element impregnated with a cosmetic composition, in particular supplied with product by a reservoir in contact with the porous element or by means of a dispensing mechanism that is actuated automatically or manually during use of the device. The cosmetic product application element may be a refillable unit mounted removably on the device.

[0074] The cosmetic composition may be a cleansing, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or hair-styling composition. Preferably, the use of the device involves the application of at least one hair-styling composition. This hair-styling composition may be a curling, setting, straightening, or smoothing composition, preferably a straightening or smoothing composition.

[0075] The cosmetic composition may contain at least one active agent selected from reducing agents, including thiols; oxidizing agents, including hydrogen peroxide or persalts (e.g., persulfates); coloring agents, including pigments, direct colorants, or oxidation colorants. The cosmetic composition may also contain at least one active agent selected from non-durable shaping agents, including styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric, or non-ionic; conditioning agents, including silicones; mineral or vegetable oils; vegetable waxes; cationic surfactants and cationic polymers; alkalis; and acids.

[0076] Preferably, the cosmetic composition contains at least one agent selected from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or hydroxide-type alkaline agents.

[0077] Preferably, the additional processing element comprises at least one steam outlet, in particular a longitudinal row of steam outlets or an elongated steam outlet, in particular in the form of a slot, along the longitudinal axis. The steam outlet(s) are preferably located opposite an internal surface of the other jaw that is distinct from the internal heating surface. The internal surface opposite the steam outlet(s) may include a steam containment recess or groove opposite the steam outlet(s). Alternatively or complementarily, the steam outlet(s) may extend into a recess or groove of the jaw supporting them.

[0078] Preferably, the additional processing element comprises a comb.

[0079] The comb can improve the distribution of hair on the device for treatment by the internal surface and / or the external surface, which in particular improves the distribution of heat on the hair and the homogeneity of the treatment on the hair.

[0080] The comb can be arranged on the corresponding jaw so that the distal end of its teeth is spaced a non-zero distance from the hair which would be wrapped under tension around the two jaws in a close jaw configuration.

[0081] The distal end of the teeth of the comb can be spaced, in close jaw configuration, from the jaw opposite to that carrying the comb, by a non-zero distance.

[0082] The comb can be spaced from the internal processing organ by a distance taken between the edge of the internal processing organ, in particular the internal plate, on the side of the comb and the base of the teeth on the side of the internal processing organ, of between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 8 and 9 mm.

[0083] The height of the teeth of the comb can be between 5 and 10 mm, preferably between 7 and 9 mm.

[0084] The comb may be removable, in particular by sliding it into a housing such as a longitudinal groove in the jaw. The comb may be held in the housing by a shape-to-shape relationship between the base of the comb and the longitudinal groove; in particular, the base of the comb may have a relief that cooperates with a complementary relief in the housing. The comb may include a gripping extension that extends out of this housing when mounted on the corresponding jaw, facilitating the removal and insertion of the comb into its housing.

[0085] Preferably, the additional treatment element comprises a comb as described above and one or more steam outlets as described above, the steam outlet(s) extending between the comb and the internal heating surface(s) of the hair. Such an arrangement allows for clear differentiation of the treatment of each element. Processing method

[0086] The invention also relates to a method for treating hair using one of the devices as defined above. The method may be for straightening, curling, or waving hair. The hair treatment method may involve engaging a strand of hair between the two jaws and / or against at least a portion of the external heating surface of the device and moving the device along the strand of hair, preferably from its roots to its tips, in particular by maintaining said device in a position close to the jaws.

[0087] The method may include moving the device along a strand of hair to perform at least one heat treatment of the strand of hair by pinching between the two jaws and pressing against the internal surface by the counter-support and / or external surface of the device.

[0088] The method may also include a step in which the device is animated by a rotational movement around its longitudinal axis so as to wrap the hair around one or more external heating surfaces.

[0089] The hair strand entering and exiting the treatment device preferably undergoes a change of orientation around the device greater than or equal to 150°, in particular greater than or equal to 200°, even better greater than or equal to 250°. The looping angle can be at least 270°.

[0090] Preferably, the additional processing unit includes at least one steam outlet and the processing step with the additional processing unit includes a steam application step.

[0091] When the additional processing element includes a comb and one or more steam outlets, the processing step with the additional processing element may include a hair combing step and a steam application step, the combing step preferably being carried out before the steam application step when moving the device over the hair strand.

[0092] The method may include wrapping the hair strand around the two jaws in a close configuration of the jaws, particularly when the device includes an external heating surface on each of the jaws.

[0093] The steps of the process are preferably carried out successively along the hair strand, in particular from the root of the hair to the tips, in the following order: - Optionally, combing and / or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / hair guiding / external heat treatment by wrapping on one or two jaws or - Optionally combing and / or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / support against the first edge of the internal plate(s) / external heat treatment by the external heating surface of one of the jaws / optionally external heat treatment by the external heating surface of the other jaw.

[0094] The steam application is carried out, preferably, with a steam flow rate less than or equal to Ig / min.

[0095] The method may include applying pressure to the distal end of the jaws to maintain the jaws in a close configuration so as to exert a greater force on the hair in said jaw configuration. Brief description of the drawings

[0096] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which

[0097] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates, in perspective, an example of a device according to the invention,

[0098] [Fig.2] Figure [Fig.2] illustrates, in perspective, the distal end of the device of the [Fig.l],

[0099] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates, in cross-section, an example of a device according to the invention,

[0100] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an enlargement of [Fig.3] at the level of the organ of treatment,

[0101] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates, in perspective and partially, the distal end of the device of [Fig.1],

[0102] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an enlargement of [Fig.3],

[0103] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates an enlargement of an edge of one of the inner plates of the device in [Fig. 3], and

[0104] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates, in isolation, the internal plates and housings of the device of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0105] In the following description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference numeral. For the sake of brevity, they are not described opposite each figure; only the differences between the embodiments are described.

[0106] Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a hair treatment device 2 according to the invention.

[0107] This device 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between a spread configuration (not shown) for introducing a strand of hair between them and a close processing configuration, illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0108] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper arms 5 and lower arms 6, which are, in the example considered, connected to each other at one of their ends by a joint 8, the device 2 thus forming a clamp.

[0109] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the joint 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together and thus pinch the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0110] The width of arms 5 and 6 at half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at jaws 3 and 4. Alternatively, the widths could be substantially identical, or even the width of arms 5 and 6 at the level of half-handles 10 and 11 could be greater than that at the level of jaws 3 and 4.

[0111] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface.

[0112] An elastic return member (not apparent) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 in the spread configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring arranged around an axis of the joint 8.

[0113] The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 together, and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is largely preferred for the ergonomic advantages it provides.

[0114] The device 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X. The device 2 includes a cord 17 designed to supply the energy necessary for the device's operation. The cord 17 can thus be an electrical cord designed to connect the device to the electrical network. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the cord could also be a fluidic cord designed to supply the device with fluid (water, for example).

[0115] The device may include a water reservoir for the production of steam.

[0116] A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the device 2 to allow the user to control the operation of the device. Heating plates

[0117] The device 2 comprises an internal heating surface for the hair 45 to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 opposite each other, and opposite each other in a close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 45 are, for example, configured to pinch between each other the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0118] The two internal surfaces of the heaters 45 are substantially flat, but this could not be the case. They could be of complementary corrugated shapes or of complementary curved shapes, for example.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the internal heating surfaces are formed by the contact surface of internal plates 16 made of a heat-conducting material, each extending over one of the jaws. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal heating element of the device.

[0120] In an alternative not shown, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 may carry an internal plate 16 having a heating contact surface opposite a surface of counter-support of the other jaw 3 or 4. The counter-support surface can be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

[0121] In the illustrated example, the inner plates 16 are each mounted in the cavity 30 of a support 9, itself mounted in a housing 38 of the corresponding jaw 3 or 4. The inner plates 16 are each fixedly mounted on the support 9. At least one of the supports 9 is movable in its housing, as will be seen later. In an alternative not shown, the inner plates may be directly mounted in the housing and optionally movable within the corresponding housing, or the inner plates may be mounted on the support while movable within the cavity, the support being fixed in the housing.

[0122] At least one of the supports 9 is movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the jaw in its housing 38, between a high position spaced away from the bottom of the housing and a low position close to it.

[0123] The stroke of the support 9 and its tilting advantageously allows the internal heating surface 45 to be positioned in the closed position of the device, so that the hair is pinched in a substantially uniform and efficient manner during the treatment between the internal heating surfaces, which improves the smoothing of the hair by the device.

[0124] The support 9 rests on a support means 140 extending into the housing 38, allowing a tilting movement of the support and maintaining, in the open position of the arms 5 and 6, the support 9 in the raised position.

[0125] The support means 140 may include one or more springs 141, in particular a spring as illustrated, extending between the bottom of the housing 38 and the support 9, or a leaf spring fixed in a recess in the support 9 or the bottom of the housing 38. The support means may alternatively or additionally include a protruding feature between the support 9 and the bottom of the housing 38, allowing for a tilting motion and limiting the travel of the support within the housing. For example, in the illustrated example, the support means includes a ball joint compressed by a spring as described in patent application FR3011449.

[0126] The support 9, movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, may include a peripheral seal 33 ensuring a seal between the support 9 and the housing 38 while allowing the support 9 to move within the housing as described above. Such a seal notably ensures the housing is sealed against steam emitted by one or more steam outlets, as will be described later.

[0127] The device 2 may also include two external surfaces, formed by external plates 13, for heating the hair to be treated, each extending outwards from one of the two jaws 3 and 4 of the device 2 in a close-proximity configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4, in particular on the convex outer surface of the jaw 3 or 4, and are in opposition to each other on device 2 in close configuration of jaws 3 and 4.

[0128] Each external plate 13 is disposed on a face of the corresponding jaw 3 and 4 opposite the face receiving the internal plate 16 carried by the same jaw 3 or 4.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the outer plates 13 are made of stainless steel and the inner plates 16 are made of aluminum. However, other materials with good heat conductivity, including other metals, could be used.

[0130] The external plates 13 can be flexible metal sheets or preformed to have a convex shape complementary to the external surface of the jaw 3 and 4.

[0131] The outer plates 13 are fixed to the jaw 3 or 4 by any suitable means. For example, the outer plates 13 have longitudinal edges 90 curved inwards and configured to each fit into a corresponding groove or lateral recess 91 of the corresponding jaw 3 or 4.

[0132] The external plates 13 and the internal plates 16 are preferably elongated along the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of each of the jaws 3 and 4.

[0133] The outer plates 13 and the inner plates 16 are at least partially superimposed with each other along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the device 2.

[0134] The device 2 may have, as illustrated, a distal portion, opposite the joint 8, without a heating plate. This distal portion may be convex in shape and wide enough to be grasped by a hand, particularly when using the device 2.

[0135] The internal plates 16 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, preferably between 90°C and 230°C.

[0136] The external plates 13 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, preferably between 60 and 100°C.

[0137] In the illustrated example, the inner plate 13 and the outer plate 16, carried by the same jaw 3 or 4, are heated by thermal conduction by the same heat source 14 extending within said jaw and visible in [Fig. 3]. However, this may not be the case, and the device 2 could, in particular, comprise several heat sources, respectively for the inner and outer plates.

[0138] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], each internal plate 16 has a first lateral edge 31 and a second lateral edge 36 opposite the first edge 31, the edges 31 and 36 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of the corresponding jaw. The internal plates can be offset on the corresponding jaw so that the first edge 31 is closer to the adjacent lateral edge 100 of the corresponding jaw than the second edge 36 is not of the adjacent lateral edge 101 of the corresponding jaw.

[0139] The internal plates 16 may protrude from the housing 38 laterally to the jaw on both sides and have a lateral extension defining the first lateral edge 31 longer in cross-section of the device than the lateral extension defining the second edge 36.

[0140] As illustrated in [Fig.6] for the jaw 3, the first edge 31 can be configured so that, when the spring 141 is not compressed, an angle [3] formed between a median plane Z of the device 2 extending between the jaws 3 and 4 in close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 and the tensioned hair bearing on the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 and on an adjacent outer surface of the jaw 3 or 4 carrying the inner plate, illustrated by plane C, is less than or equal to 120° and strictly greater than 90°, for example equal to 105°.

[0141] The internal plates 16 can protrude laterally at rest from the housing 38 on the side of the first edge 31 only by a width Ls of 1 mm.

[0142] As illustrated in [Fig.6], each internal plate 16 can be spaced, at rest, from a plane P bearing laterally on the adjacent outer surface of the two jaws 3 and 4 by a distance Dp less than or equal to 6 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

[0143] The first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 of the jaw 3 may have an edge 40 configured to come into contact with hair under mechanical tension during treatment. This hair is represented by the plane C bearing against the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 and an adjacent outer surface of the jaw 3. The edge 40 may be rounded with a radius of curvature of 1.5 mm.

[0144] The support 9 can protrude, at rest, from the jaw 3 or 4 towards the other jaw 3 or 4 by a height H1 of at least 2 mm, for example 4 mm.

[0145] This distance makes it possible to avoid contact between the surface of the plate protruding from the support 9 of the plate and the surface of the jaw bordering the housing 38 opposite said surface of the plate during the movement of the support 9 in the housing 38 via the spring 141.

[0146] As illustrated in the enlargement of [Fig.7], the first edge 31 comprising the edge 40 may have a second part 122 flat and oriented opposite to the jaw 4. This part 122 is parallel to the surface 45 of the inner plate 16.

[0147] The second part 122 extends, for example, from the edge 40 to a rib 125 of the inner plate 16, this rib 125 engaging in the joint 33 of the support 9 of the jaw 3.

[0148] Each inner plate 16 has a plurality of these ribs 125, as illustrated in [Fig.8]. For example, a rib 125 is formed by a bend in the inner plate 16 at its second edge 36.

[0149] The thickness Eb of the first edge 31 bearing the edge 40 is less than the thickness Ep of the inner plate 16, outside the various ribs 125.

[0150] As illustrated in [Fig.8], each inner plate 16 has a cavity 130 configured to receive the heating element 14. This cavity 130 is formed by two parallel walls 131 extending orthogonally to the surface 45 and a wall 132 connecting the two walls 131.

[0151] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.8], each wall 131 has reliefs 135 which contribute to holding the internal plates 16 on the support 9.

[0152] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 of the jaw 4 is not in contact with the support 9, unlike the second edge 36.

[0153] The first edges 31 and the second edges 36 are, for example, offset transversely from each other by a non-zero distance Db.

[0154] The first edge 31 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4 can be curved without presenting a protruding edge.

[0155] The second edges 36 of the internal plates 16 of the jaw 3 and 4 do not extend laterally from the housings 30 and are curved so as not to have a protruding edge.

[0156] The position and shape of the first edges 31 and in particular of the edge 40 allow, during curling, an improvement of the result because it increases the angle of folding of the hair and produces, at the passage of the edge 40, an effect equivalent to that obtained by the passage of a salient edge with a particular angle on a curling ribbon.

[0157] In addition, the internal plates 16 protruding from their support 9, the first edge 31 is brought closer to the adjacent external surface 32, which makes it possible to get closer to the roots of the hair to be treated compared to prior art devices.

[0158] The radius of curvature with respect to the longitudinal axis Y1 of the external plate 13 of the jaw 3 may be less than that of the external plate 13 of the jaw 4 with respect to the longitudinal axis Y2. External portion of guidance

[0159] In the illustrated examples, each jaw 3 and 4 has an external hair-guiding portion delimited longitudinally on each of its two sides by a stopping surface 18 formed by a shoulder. The external hair-guiding portion is defined, for example, by the external plates 13.

[0160] The shoulders 18 may have a variable height He, for example varying between 0.5 mm on the external surface of the jaw extending laterally to the internal plate 16 and 2 mm on the external surface of the jaw opposite the internal plate 16.

[0161] Each shoulder 18 can be formed by ribs delimiting the outer portion for guiding the hair. The rib is preferably thicker opposite the inner plates 13 than on the sides of the inner plates 13.

[0162] Each external guide portion is set back from the base level of jaw 3 or 4 defined as the level of jaw 3 or 4 outside the shoulder 18. Thus, each guide portion has an apparent width li and 12, illustrated in [Fig.3], lower and set back from the rest of jaw 3 or 4.

[0163] The internal plates 13 can extend over the entire length of the external guide portion.

[0164] One of the jaws may have a lateral recess 170 at the level of the corresponding guide portion. The recess 170 may be laterally delimited by the stopping surfaces in the proximal and distal parts of the jaw delimiting the guide portion. These stopping surfaces form, at the shoulder, guide surfaces 20 of greater height, allowing the hair to be held in the recess 170. The recess 170 extends laterally from the jaw and is opposite a part of the other jaw 3 or 4. In this way, a part of the internal surface 13 of the other jaw 3 or 4 faces the recess 170, which allows at least part of an additional processing element extending from the other jaw into the recess 170, in particular a comb as we will see later, and offers new processing possibilities.Preferably, the recess 170 is of uniform depth along the longitudinal axis of the device X so that the outer surface of the jaw is substantially cylindrical in shape along the recess 170, i.e. of identical cross-section along the recess 170.

[0165] Due to the presence of the recess 170, the width h of the jaw carrying the recess at the level of said recess 170 is smaller than the width 12 of the other jaw opposite said recess 170. The width h is between 30 mm and 50 mm and is, for example, equal to 38 mm. The width 12 is between 40 mm and 60 mm and is, for example, equal to 47 mm. Additional processing organ

[0166] In the illustrated examples, the device 2 includes an additional hair processing element 12 extending from the jaw 4, towards the other jaw 3 in a configuration close to the two jaws 3 and 4, and arranged on said jaw 4 laterally with respect to the internal plate 16.

[0167] The organ 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 along the second edge 36, opposite the first edge 31, of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4, being disjoint from this internal plate 16, when the device 2 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0168] The component 12 may include a steam outlet 21 and a comb 22, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0169] The comb 22 can be removably placed in a housing such as a longitudinal groove 35, visible in [Fig. 2]. The user can thus change or remove the comb 22 as needed.

[0170] The groove 35 may have a rectangular cross-section and open at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0171] The comb 22 may include, in the distal part of the device 2, an element 46 allowing the comb 22 to be grasped when being introduced into the groove 35 or extracted from it.

[0172] The comb 22 can extend, for example, over the entire length of the guiding portion. Alternatively, it could extend over only a part of the guiding portion.

[0173] Steam treatment can be achieved by means of a vaporization unit consisting of a heating element and an evaporation chamber 19 supplied with water from a reservoir located in an arm of the device, or alternatively from a remote reservoir. The device may include an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, drawing the water to be sent to the device 2 from a water reservoir. The pump is, for example, as disclosed in publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be made in accordance with the teaching of application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0174] The evaporation chamber 19 can be arranged on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example considered, and the steam outlet 21 is provided on the same arm 6.

[0175] The steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a ramp, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0176] The ramp may include several steam projection orifices, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably equidistant along the ramp and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane.

[0177] The vaporization unit is electrically powered and a temperature sensor is advantageously located in the evaporation chamber 19. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value between 110°C and 130°C.

[0178] The steam produced, which exits through the outlets 21, is partially confined between the steam outlet 21, the internal heating plates 16, and the other jaw 3, notably by means of the presence of a confinement groove 500 visible in [Fig. 3]. This partial confinement improves the application of the steam to the hair.

[0179] The comb 22 can be positioned opposite the recess 170 of the other arm 5, illustrated in [Fig.2], so that the ends of its teeth fit into the recess 170.

[0180] The comb 22 can be arranged on the jaw 4 so that the distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb is spaced a non-zero distance from the hair that would be wrapped around the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0181] To this end, the comb 22 is configured so that, for any cross-section of the device in close-up configuration of the jaws, for example that of [Fig.4], the tangent T, which can for example fictitiously represent the hair, to the two jaws 3 and 4, extending from the side of the device carrying the comb 22, is distant from the comb 22.

[0182] The smallest distance Dd between the distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 and the tangent T, can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, better to 1 mm, for example equal to 3 mm.

[0183] When the user wraps the hair around the jaws 3 and 4, particularly when curling, the hair under tension follows the tangent T between the two jaws 3 and 4. Thus, the wrapped hair does not pass through the comb 22, which facilitates the styling operation.

[0184] The distal end 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 is, for example, laterally offset, in a configuration close to the jaws 3 and 4, from the opposite jaw 4, in this case from the jaw at the level of the recess 170, by a distance Dde greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm. This ensures that the teeth of the comb 22 cannot interfere with the jaw 4 at the level of the recess 170.

[0185] The height of the teeth Hde of the comb 22 can be between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 7 and 10 mm, for example on the order of 8 mm.

[0186] The teeth of the comb 22 can have a rectangular cross-section.

[0187] In the illustrated example, the combination of the outer guide portion, the edge 40 and the heat of the outer plates 13 produces a high-quality curl of the hair.

[0188] In addition, device 2 can also function as a straightener, without loss of straightening quality compared to a conventional device dedicated solely to hair straightening. Processes

[0189] To curl or straighten hair using device 2, a strand of hair can be moved on device 2 between the inner plates 16 and / or by passing over one or more of the outer plates 13, passing or not through the treatment organ 12.

[0190] The hair treatment process for curling may include moving the device 2 along a strand of hair from the root to the tips to perform the following successive steps:

[0191] a. Treatment of the hair strand with the organ 12, for combing the hair in the comb 22 and for applying steam through the outlet 21 and,

[0192] b. A first heat treatment of the hair strand by pressing between the internal plates 16 of the device 2.

[0193] c. A second heat treatment of the hair strand by applying it under tension against the external plate 13 the jaw 3.

[0194] Preferably, the hair strand undergoes a change of orientation around the device 2 of at least 270° during the treatment.

[0195] At the end of step b of heat treatment of the hair between the internal plates 16, the strand of hair makes between the first edge 31 and the adjacent external surface 32 of the jaw 3 on which the strand of hair is wound a change of orientation of 100°.

[0196] At the end of step b of heating the hair on the internal plates 16, the hair is moved on the edge 40, which makes it possible to produce the curl effect mentioned previously.

[0197] Another application of heat to the outer plate 13 of the jaw 4 could also be carried out.

[0198] During step c, the hair is correctly contained in the external guide portion by means of the recess 170 and the shoulders 18.

[0199] In the case of a hair treatment process for straightening, it may involve moving the device 2 along a strand of hair from the root to the tips to perform the following successive steps:

[0200] a. A treatment of the hair strand with the organ 12, to comb the hair in the comb 22 and then to apply steam through the outlet 21 and,

[0201] b. A first heat treatment of the hair strand by pressing between the internal plates 16 of the device 2.

[0202] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0203] The device may include a removable or non-removable cosmetic product application element, comprising a porous element configured to come into contact with the hair between the jaws in a configuration close to the latter.

Claims

1. Demands Hair treatment device (2), in particular for styling, preferably for curling hair, comprising: - two hair processing jaws (3, 4) movable relative to each other between a wide engagement configuration between said hair processing jaws and a close hair processing configuration, - an internal treatment organ having an internal surface (45) for heating the hair to be treated extending over one of the two jaws (3, 4) towards the other of the jaws (3, 4) in a configuration close to the two jaws (3, 4) and configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the two jaws (3, 4) in a configuration close to them, - at least one external hair heating treatment organ extending over one of the two jaws (3, 4) towards the outside of the jaws (3, 4), the internal processing organ having a first lateral edge (31) and a second lateral edge (32) opposite the first lateral edge (31), the first lateral edge (31) being configured such that an angle formed between a median plane (Z) of the device (2), extending between the jaws (3, 4) in close proximity to the jaws (3, 4), and hair under mechanical tension, resting on the first lateral edge (31) of the corresponding internal processing organ, and on an external surface of the jaw (3, 4) carrying the internal processing organ adjacent to and separate from the corresponding internal processing organ, is less than or equal to 110°, and strictly greater than 95°, the internal processing organ(s) being mounted on the corresponding jaw (3, 4) by insertion into a housing in the jaw (3, 4) opening opposite the other jaw (3, 4), the, at least one or each internal processing organ,being asymmetrical with respect to a median plane (PI) of the housing (38) of the corresponding jaw, orthogonal to the median plane (Z) of the, device (2) extending between the jaws (3, 4) in close proximity to the jaws (3, 4).

2. Device (2) according to claim 1, having two internal processing members each extending over one of the jaws (3, 4) and each having at least one internal heating surface (45), the internal heating surfaces (45) being opposite each other and being configured to pinch the hair together in a configuration close to the jaws (3, 4).

3. Device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first lateral edge (31) is closer to the outer surface of the jaw (3, 4) carrying the internal processing member adjacent to it than the second lateral edge (36) is to the outer surface of said jaw (3, 4) adjacent to it.

4. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal processing element or elements comprise an internal plate (16) extending between the jaws (3, 4) having a hair contact surface, the hair contact surface forming the internal heating surface, the internal processing element or elements being mounted on the corresponding jaw (3, 4) by insertion into a housing (38) of the jaw (3, 4) opening opposite the other jaw (3, 4), the internal processing element or elements preferably comprising a support (9) carrying an internal plate (13), the support (9) being mounted in the housing (38) of the corresponding jaw (3, 4).

5. Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the, at least one or each internal processing element has a transverse distance between the first lateral edge (31) and the transverse median plane (PI) of the housing (38) greater than that between the second lateral edge (36) and the transverse median plane of the housing (38).

6. Device (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one or each of the internal plates (13) protrudes laterally from the aforementioned support (9) on the side of the first lateral edge (31) by a distance (Ls) greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, and / or less than or equal to 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2 mm.

7. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the, at least one or each internal processing unit is spaced of a plane (P) resting laterally on the outer surfaces of the two adjacent and disjoint jaws (3, 4) of the corresponding internal processing organ by a distance (Dp) at rest less than or equal to 6 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

8. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lateral edge (31) of the or at least one of the internal processing elements has an edge (40) configured to come into contact with tensioned hair resting on the first lateral edge (31) and the adjacent outer surface of the jaw (3, 4) carrying the internal processing element, the edge (40) preferably being projecting, chamfered or rounded with a radius of curvature less than or equal to 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2 mm, advantageously equal to 1.5 mm.

9. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two external hair heating treatment elements each extending on a respective jaw (3, 4) outwards from the device in close proximity of the two jaws (3, 4), preferably in opposition to each other on the device in close proximity of the jaws (3, 4).

10. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional hair processing element (12) extending from one of the two jaws (3, 4) to the other jaw (3, 4) in a close configuration of the two jaws (3, 4) and arranged on said jaw (3, 4) laterally in a close configuration of the jaws (3, 4) relative to the internal processing element.

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