Patent Application
20170135457
This invention pertains to a hairstyling apparatus that can use steam and is designed for styling, through contact with the hair, and in particular, designed to straighten as well as curl a person's hair.
Traditionally, there exist two different types of hairstyling apparatuses for straightening or curling: rollers, whether heated or not, a straightener or straightening iron and a curler or curling iron.
Apparatuses of the straightening iron or curling iron type generally comprise two jaws that pivot with respect to one another around a shared axis, and each comprising one end that supports a treatment surface, at least one of the treatment surfaces being heated, the other being provided to bring the hair into contact with the first, particularly by switching from an open position of the jaws, enabling the insertion of the hair, to a closed position to put it in contact with the heating part.
The straightener has, on a first end of its jaws, two identical flat, heated surfaces that pinch the hair. In addition, the other end of the jaws forms two handles serving as a gripping area and making it possible to switch from the open position to the closed one. The switch is made manually by pressing the two jointed handles of the apparatus toward each other to bring the treatment surfaces in contact with the hair. A lock of hair is straightened by moving the apparatus along that lock, from the root toward the tip, in a straight-line movement of the closed apparatus.
The curler has surfaces formed by a cylindrical heating mandrel with one flap that pinches the end of the lock by pivoting on the mandrel before winding the whole lock around the mandrel. A lock of hair is curled by winding the lock at least partially around the treatment surface(s) and by applying heat to set the curl, primarily statically.
In each of these two apparatuses, there is an option to also use steam applied to the hair. This makes it possible to improve the styling of the hair, elongate the styling of the hair, keep moisture in the hair, care for the hair or aid the penetration of cosmetic agents into the hair.
There already exist straightening apparatuses that work with steam, such as those described by the applicant in patents WO2009077672 and EP2591698. The straightener of the second document cited is illustrated in
Thus, if the user wishes to use this apparatus to form curls by winding the lock around one or both of the covers, he will not manage to form a well-rounded curl or to form a very regular curl, nor to slide it in a fluid and regular fashion to undo the curl, once formed.
The objective of this invention is to remedy, at least in part, the aforementioned disadvantages, and to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is not very bulky and that is capable of forming regular curls.
Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is not very bulky and that is capable of forming curls through an easy method of use.
Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is capable of forming curls of at least two different sizes (or diameters) or even at least three different sizes (or diameters) through an easy method of using this apparatus alone.
Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is capable of making curls at a lower cost price.
Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is capable of making curls and that weighs less.
Another objective is to provide a straightener, with or without steam, that is capable of making curls and that is easy to manipulate, and in particular easy to manipulate on the two handles or gripping areas, without touching the ends of the apparatus on the treatment side, which can sometimes be hot.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, using steam, in which at least one of the steam operating parameters can be controlled in a reliable manner.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, using steam, that can put out a continuous—or even constant—flow of steam, corresponding to the control setting.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, using steam, that is sturdy, and in particular sturdy under impact, robust in operation and ages well, with regard to mechanical deformation, for example.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, that can use steam, and that operates efficiently and/or quickly.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, that can use steam depending on the choice of hairstyle to be achieved and/or depending on the user's choice, before or during the treatment, and/or without having to add additional accessories.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, that can use steam and that is easy and practical to use.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, that can use steam and additional disposable components that are simple and inexpensive in design.
Another objective of the invention is an apparatus that styles hair by contact with it, that can use steam, and that is safe and can never burn the user's scalp or hands.
These objectives are achieved, according to a first aspect of the invention, with a hairstyling apparatus for curling and straightening hair, comprising first and second elongated jaws that are pivotably movable relative to one another, the first jaw having a first casing supporting a first inner planar treatment surface, and the second jaw having a second casing supporting a second inner planar treatment surface, the inner surfaces being designed to pinch a lock of hair, and at least one heating element designed to heat at least one inner treatment surface. In this apparatus, the largest width (l1) of the first casing is less than or equal to 90% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing. This characteristic, unlike any traditional straightener specifications, which are expected to have identical casing widths, makes it possible to provide different casings and therefore makes it possible to produce curls of different sizes around a casing or both casings together in the closed position, all while keeping the apparatus simple and not very bulky. We will consider the largest width as the reference for the size ratio between the two casings. Additionally, in this apparatus, at least one of the first or second casings is asymmetrical relative to the median plane in a longitudinal cross-section of said first casing or said second casing, respectively. This characteristic makes it possible to obtain curls, the curve radius of which is not constant, for a more natural effect. According to the invention, the second jaw comprises a means of releasing steam oriented toward the first casing and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface. This makes it possible to provide the steam treatment before the straightening treatment in the recommended order of passing the straightener over the lock. The technical components making it possible to produce and extract the steam are enclosed inside the larger-sized jaw, which is the broader jaw. The means of steam production comprises at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a steam-generating chamber, and the steam-generating chamber can be heated by a heating means designed to also heat the treatment surface, or by a heating means dedicated solely to the steam-generating chamber.
More specifically, according to the invention, the largest width (l1) of the first casing is between 75% and 85% of the largest width (l2) of the second casing, and preferably equal to 80%. This makes it possible for each casing to house all of the internal technical components while limiting the overall external bulk of the two covers or two shells holding the hair treatment part.
According to the invention, when the jaws are in the closed position, the median plane (P1) in a longitudinal cross-section of the first casing, is parallel to and distinct from the median plane (P2) in a longitudinal cross-section of the second casing. This means that in a transverse cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the straightener, the cross-section is not orthogonally symmetrical with respect to the straightening plane (P1). The straightening plane (P1) is defined in that it contains the flat straightening area formed by the two flat treatment surfaces, one against the other, in the closed position of the apparatus. Each of the two casings is arranged on either side of the straightening plane. Thus, in the treatment area, the first casing is offset with respect to the second casing. This dissymmetry or offsetting makes it possible to provide an apparatus, the use of which will be intuitive for the user in one particular direction. This arrangement intuitively guides the user toward the most efficient method of use.
More specifically, according to the invention, the distance between the two median planes (P1, P2) is between 5% and 20% of the value of the largest width (l2) of the second casing, and preferably equal to 10%. This offsetting is pronounced enough to ergonomically guide the user.
According to the invention, when the jaws are in the closed position, one of the two longitudinal edges of the first casing is flush with the longitudinal edge of the second casing arranged on the same side of the second casing. This means that in the closed position, two edges of the same side of the apparatus are facing one another (as is usually the case for a straightener) and, more importantly, the two edges of the other side of the casing will be offset with respect to one another. On the side where the edges are flush, the curve formed by the outline of the two shells or casings will be relatively symmetrical with respect to the straightening plane (P1). The straightening plane (P1) is the plane containing the straightening area formed by the two surfaces in contact with one another. These two flush edges make it possible to form large-size curls by winding the lock around the two casings in the closed position of the apparatus. These two edges that are flush with one another make it possible to form a loose, well-rounded curl, which is to say, regular and without undesirable marks, with a relatively compact apparatus relative to the size of the curl obtained.
According to the invention, the inner treatment surfaces are flat, identical and facing one another in the closed position, are arranged in their respective casings and adjacent to said flush edges. By “adjacent” we mean as close or nearby as possible, considering production limitations, and taking into account the presence of any small bar that might be between the casing and the treatment surface. This means that the straightening treatment is done on the side of the flush edges. While in use on the lock being treated, these edges are to be arranged on the scalp side, to allow the hair, among the various treatment combinations provided by the apparatus (such as straightening, steaming, and even combing or brushing), to be subjected last to the straightening treatment and to ensure the perfect finish to the hairstyle.
More specifically, according to the invention, each of said two longitudinal edges is equipped with at least one small bar protruding toward the interior of the casing and made of the same material as said casings. This small bar protrudes relative to the outline of the casing and is oriented toward the interior of the casing. This small bar ideally forms two surfaces with a right angle (and not a chamfer), one of the two surfaces of which is parallel to the treatment surface or the surface of the adjacent straightening plate. This small bar makes it possible, when the apparatus is closed, to hold the lock in tension, to subject it to a scissoring effect and to curve it more easily. This effect, known as “bolduc” (gift ribbon) in French, can be compared to the effect of a scissor blade sliding over a “bolduc” ribbon to form curls. The small bars are identical and arranged in the same place on the jaws, to produce the same “bolduc” effect depending on the upward or downward tilt of the straightener. The small bar has a specific design and a surface texture that enables the hair to have a friction force on the upper small bar relative to the friction force on the external surface of the jaws. The surface texture can be a rough coating.
According to the invention, the width of each inner treatment surface is between 40% and 60% of the largest width (l1) of the first casing, and preferably between 40% and 50%, and preferably roughly equal to 45%. About half of the width of the casings is occupied to produce the main treatment step, which is the straightening step necessary to straighten the lock that may then be curled, depending on the user's choice.
More specifically, according to the invention, the first casing has a deflector formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closed position roughly facing the steam release means of the second casing. This deflector has several functions: to protect the scalp from any jet of steam that could burn it, direct the steam toward the hair, which will be passed over twice and thus receive a better treatment. The angle and arrangement of the deflector is such that its size is minimized as much as possible as compared to the closest prior art, while maintaining its functionalities.
According to the invention, the second casing comprises a comb or a brush oriented toward the first casing and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface. When combing or brushing functions are provided in addition to the straightening function, the order in which the hair is treated is as follows: combing or brushing, then straightening or, if steam is formed, steaming, then combing or brushing, and then straightening.
More specifically, according to the invention, the first casing has a groove formed in its interior outline that is arranged, in the closed position, roughly facing the comb or the brush of the second casing. This makes it possible to hold at least the free end of the comb or at least the free end of the row of brush bristles in the closed position, while limiting the bulk as much as possible, all while protecting the end of the accessory (comb, brush, etc.) from any excessive tension caused while the apparatus is passing along the lock in the closed position that could damage the comb. The comb should not abut the upper casing before coming into contact with the heating plates.
According to the invention, the first handle of the first jaw and the second handle of the second jaw each have a width (Lp) that is strictly smaller than the largest width (l1) of the first casing. This makes it possible to have an easy grip for any size hand. Then handles extend along the longitudinal axis of the respective casings. The edges of the casings, which are flush with one another, are each in a particular aligned configuration (along a single straight line) with the corresponding edges of the handles. The asymmetry of the apparatus is also pronounced in the handles.
According to the invention, the external surface of the first casing and second casing at least covering the treatment area formed by the treatment surfaces is essentially smooth. This enables the locks to slide as much as possible when they are wound around one or both of the casings and when they have to be released without impacting the shape of the curls produced, shiny surface texture, such as Charmilles 0 or 3. The roughness (Ra) of the surface referred to as “essentially smooth” will range between 0.2 μm and 2 μm, and more specifically between 0.2 μm and 0.5 μm. At least one gripping area can be arranged on the external surface of the casings. This gripping area is adapted to limit the transfer of heat in order to offer the option of a different manner of handling it without a risk of burn, by holding the jaws by the casing instead of by the handles. For example, the surface of this gripping area can be made of a different material or can have a different surface texture from the rest of the external surface of each casing.
According to the invention, in a cross-section, the line defined by the exterior outline of the first and second casings is a rounded curve without any point of inflection. According to one specific aspect, the line is never visually flat. This makes it possible to provide an apparatus of reduced bulk, capable of forming curls, the overall outline of which is roughly rounded. For these reasons of bulk and different contents of the two casings, the exterior outline is nevertheless not circular. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir and a steam-generating means that is in fluid communication with the steam release means and an actuator designed to control the steam-generating means. This makes it possible to control the steam separately from the heating of the treatment or straightening surfaces. The user has a choice through this actuator.
According to the invention, the steam-generating means comprises an electric pump and said actuator is designed to control the electric pump. This makes it possible to control the supply to the steam-generating chamber independently of the heating of the treatment or straightening surfaces. Thus, if the user wishes to stop generating steam, he presses the actuator or switch to stop the operation of the electric pump, while the heating of the steam-generating chamber remains unchanged by the activation of the switch, and continues. If the user wishes to have steam once again, he will activate the switch, which will restart the electric pump and make the steam immediately operational, as the steam-generating chamber will have remained at the appropriate temperature while the pump was stopped. The user has a choice, through this actuator, between stopping the steam immediately and restarting the steam immediately.
It will be easier to understand the invention upon review of the embodiments, which should not be understood as limiting in any way, and which are illustrated here:
The same reference numbers are used to indicate the same or even similar components depicted in multiple drawings.
As depicted in all of the drawings, including
The first jaw (2) and the second jaw (3) are connected by a hinge-type joint, and a maximum opening angle (α) of the two jaws is between 5° and 60°, or even between 10° and 20°, and preferably approximately equal to 15°. In addition, the apparatus is depicted here still in an “open” rest position, but it can be in a “closed” rest position, as depicted in patent EP2145557, said jaws being assembled to pivot to the other end between an open position enabling the insertion of hair between the two treatment surfaces, and a closed position to put the hair in contact with the two treatment surfaces, and the apparatus comprises a means of returning the demi-handles, which press the treatment surfaces together. The pivot axis of the two jaws supporting the treatment surfaces can be placed at the ends of the jaws (as depicted here) or placed approximately in the middle of the jaws to provide an apparatus with a scissor-type joint.
The material forming the treatment surfaces (4, 5) is made of metal and/or ceramic and/or glass and/or plastic material and/or a fiber piece. At least one of the first and second casings has a single heating element designed to heat, through contact, the corresponding treatment surface, and by radiation, the coating. The treatment surface can rise to a temperature of between 130 and 230° C. The casing and the external handle are in one piece to form the jaw. The material forming the external part of the casing, or even also the external part of the handle, can be plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). It is important for this material to have a very smooth surface. The material forming the interior part of the casing, or even also the interior part of the handle, can be plastic, such as fiberglass-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
As depicted in
As depicted in
A temperature sensor can be preferably arranged above the inlet of fluid into the chamber. The heating means (82) of the steam-generating chamber can be at least one heating element that can be a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor or a ceramic element that is lying flat against one of the walls or arranged inside the element forming the treatment surface, and it can be identical or separate from the heating means of the treatment surface. The means of delivering or releasing the steam (31) can have a series of steam release holes arranged laterally to the first treatment surface (4), and preferably set back a bit from the treatment surface (4). Alternatively or additionally, the steam delivery means has a series of holes arranged on the treatment surface. The steam release flow is approximately between 3 and 4 g/min, and preferably approximately equal to 2.5 g/min. The internal construction of the apparatus and particularly of the steam-generating means is described in full detail in the applicant's patent EP2449909.
As depicted in
In the closed position of the jaws (2, 3), as depicted in
The outline of the apparatus is clearly asymmetrical and is used judiciously, both to decrease the bulk of the internal elements and to facilitate the process of using the straightener for forming curls of different sizes. As depicted in
As we have seen, the inner treatment surfaces (4, 5) are flat, identical, facing one another in the closed position, and are arranged in their respective casings (6, 7) on the side and nearby said flush edges (61, 71). In
Each of said two longitudinal edges (61, 71) is provided internally with a small bar (62, 72) that protrudes toward the interior of the apparatus, preferably made of the same material (such as PBT plastic) as said casings (6, 7). These small bars are arranged in the same way on both casings as depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
l1: largest width of the first casing (6)=45 mm
l2: largest width of the second casing (7)=52 mm
h1: largest height of the first casing (6)=23 mm
h2: largest height of the second casing (7)=32 mm
l: width of each inner treatment surface (4, 5)=25 mm
r: radius of the curve formed by the outline of each side of the first casing (6): about 14 mm.
The straightener according to the invention has its second jaw (3) comprising a steam release means (31) oriented toward the first casing (6) and adjacent to the second inner treatment surface (5). Precisely, this means that the first jaw (2) comprises, for the hair treatment, only one straightening plate, while the second jaw has, for hair treatment, a straightening plate and at least one additional hairstyling function. Said at least one additional hairstyling function may be one or more functions chosen from the following list: steaming, combing, brushing, ionizing, applying tension with the small bar made of a silicone-type material, or applying tension with a small movable bar that oscillates, for example. This invention thus provides a compact hairstyling apparatus with an additional hairstyling function to that of straightening, and with the ability to form curls of at least two different sizes, or even at least three different sizes. To do this, said additional hairstyling function is built into the broader of the two casings. The invention resides in the best reduction of the width of the jaw casing with only the straightening function, without resulting in a dysfunction, either in terms of safety or efficacy, of the complete hairstyling apparatus. Consequently, the formation of curls, as well as the “release” of the curls, constituted an additional limitation on the size and shape of the casings.
If a steam function is built into the second jaw (3), it may be important for the first casing (6) to have a deflector (21) formed in its interior outline and arranged in a closed position roughly facing the steam release means (31) of the second casing (7). This deflector makes it possible to protect the scalp from any undesired spray of steam or condensed droplets of hot water. This deflector (21) makes it possible to direct the steam toward the hair, which will be passed over twice by the steam. The deflector in the prior art depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
The external surface of the first casing (6) and the second casing (7) is essentially smooth. The friction coefficient was measured using roughness measurements of the shell in the area designed for winding the curls as follows:
a) Ra measurement on the “flat” upper part, or even the part that is tangent to the horizontal of the shell (6) depicted in
In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.22 μm, which is 0.23 μm on average;
In the transverse direction: 0.22; 0.44; 0.27 μm, which is 0.31 μm on average.
b) Ra measurement on the lateral part, to the left and to the right of the casing (6) depicted in
In the longitudinal direction: 0.24; 0.23; 0.43; 1.63 μm, which is 0.24 μm on average, with localized peaks ranging up to 1.63 μm.
The roughness meter used is from the brand Mitutoyo, no. JP1010. The statistical criterion Ra is statistical, and it is the average arithmetic deviation with respect to the average line.
This makes it possible to wind and “release” the curls easily without damaging the lock of hair.
In a transverse cross-section as depicted in
According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir (83) and a steam-generating means (80) in fluid communication with the steam release means (31) and an actuator (85) designed to control the steam-generating means (80). More specifically, the steam-generating means (80) comprises an electric pump (84), and said actuator (85) is designed to control the electric pump (84). This makes it possible to control the supply to the steam-generating chamber (81) independently of heating the treatment or straightening surfaces (4, 5). The user has a choice, by this actuator (85). If he wishes to make curls with or without steam, the user presses the actuator directly. The electric pump may be a peristaltic pump, for which the actuator (85) will control the motor.
As depicted in
Alternatively, the apparatus may take on a configuration depicted in
In operation, the user connects the electrical power supply to the apparatus, the PTC- or ceramic-type heating element begins heating the surfaces designed to come in contact with the hair, and a separate heating element (or the same heating element) begins heating the steam-generating means (80) (when there is a steam function), the user takes hold of the apparatus and applies it to pinch the lock of hair receiving the treatment.
Since the two casings are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the apparatus on the lock is significant: the user must arrange and close the straightener so that the two flush sides are as close as possible to the scalp; the direction is depicted in
When the user wishes to form small-sized curls, he proceeds as follows: with the apparatus (1) in the open position, he winds the lock of hair around the first casing (6), and then closes the straightener as close as possible to the scalp, holds it still for several seconds and then slides the apparatus (1) toward the free end of the lock to “release” the lock. This makes it possible to form small-sized curls.
When the user wishes to form larger-sized curls, he proceeds as follows: once the apparatus is closed as close as possible to the scalp, he slides it along the entire length of the lock and, at the end of the lock, he keeps the apparatus in the closed position and spins it around itself to wind the lock around the two casings (6, 7) in the closed position up to the scalp, and then, after a few seconds, he unwinds the lock. This makes it possible to form smooth, shiny, large-sized curls.
Each static step can last a few seconds, or even one or two minutes, enough time to allow the curls to form properly. The length of the pause varies in particular depending on the temperature of the apparatus and on the kind of hair being treated.
The invention offers many advantages, which include providing a hairstyling apparatus, and particularly a straightener:
Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and depicted, which have been provided only as examples. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the makeup of the various components or by substituting equivalent techniques, while nevertheless remaining within the scope of protection of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1456331 | Jul 2014 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2015/051813 | 7/1/2015 | WO | 00 |
