Tank With A Hooking Device For A Steam Hairdressing Apparatus

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of hairdressing apparatuses and preferentially to the field of hairdressing apparatuses that vaporize liquid and diffuse it towards a strand of hair, such as, for example, steam hairdressing apparatuses.

More specifically, the invention relates to the field of hairdressing apparatuses comprising a vaporizing device designed for vaporizing liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair, a main body, and a tank that is removable and intended for containing a liquid to be vaporized and for being assembled with the main body in order to be connected with the vaporizing device to supply the latter with liquid to be vaporized.

The invention also relates to the field of tanks for hairdressing apparatuses, and more particularly to tanks intended for containing a liquid to be vaporized and for being assembled with a main body of a hairdressing apparatus, said tank being intended for being connected with a vaporizing device of the hairdressing apparatus designed for vaporizing the liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair.

PRIOR ART

There are many hairdressing apparatuses that are used to vaporize liquid and diffuse it towards the hair. Indeed, vaporizing a liquid onto a strand of hair while styling is known to improve the effectiveness and the result of the hairdressing operation.

In order to carry out this vaporization, the known hairdressing apparatuses are equipped with tanks to contain the liquid to be vaporized. This tank can generally be removed from the main body of the hairdressing apparatus in order to make it easier to fill. Thus, the user must frequently, in general at least once before each hairstyling operation, remove the tank from the main body of the apparatus, fill it with liquid (for example with water), then assemble the tank with the main body of the hairdressing apparatus in order to supply the latter with liquid to vaporize.

Overall, users are satisfied with these hairdressing apparatuses, in particular with regard to the hairstyling results obtained. On the other hand, there are nevertheless certain disadvantages or risks when handling these apparatuses, and in particular when assembling the tank with the main body of the apparatus or disassembling it therefrom.

Indeed, if the tank is not correctly assembled with the main body of the apparatus, the liquid may leak during the styling operation. These risks are significantly increased due to the fact that the hairdressing apparatuses in question are designed to be manually operated by the user and to be subjected to numerous movements in connection with the styling operations. In addition, the tank may accidentally detach from the hairdressing apparatus. These leaks or this detachment may cause the user inconvenience ranging from simply wetting his/her clothes, for example, to the risk of electrocution, as the hairdressing apparatuses in question are usually electric appliances.

To limit this type of risk, various principles for attaching the tank to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus have been proposed.

One known solution, as can be seen, for example, in many commercially-available apparatuses or as illustrated in document WO2017008413, consists of sliding the tank onto the main body of the hairdressing apparatus to assemble it: the tank must then slide within the main body in order to be assembled or dismantled. The tank is then kept in place in part by friction depending on the sliding direction. However, this solution is particularly inconvenient for the user who, when he/she wants to assemble or disassemble the tank from his/her hairdressing apparatus, must firmly grasp the main body of the hairdressing apparatus with one hand and firmly grasp the tank with the other hand, then exert a substantial relative movement between their parts to disassemble or assemble them. This operation therefore requires both of the user's hands as well as considerable effort in terms of both amplitude and force (to overcome the frictional force). Moreover, with the repeated assembly and disassembly operations, the parts that undergo friction with each other will become worn and slacken, and the reliability of the assembly will decrease over time, which may subsequently lead to accidental disassembly.

Another known solution is to equip the main body of the apparatus with an element whose elastic deformation ensures the assembly or disassembly of the tank. The elasticity of this element, usually a tab, will thus make it possible to ensure that the tank is kept in a hooked position, but also to enable the user, by exerting force on the tank, to elastically deform this tab during the assembly or disassembly operations. This solution has proven to be particularly unreliable with regard to keeping the tank in place and presents risks of accidental disassembly. In addition, this solution is not very durable over time since, due to the repeated assembly and disassembly operations, the tab will wear out and the assembly will develop slack, which increases the risk of accidental disassembly. Furthermore, there is a high risk of fatigue failure of the tab after it has been repeatedly deformed, and then the tank can no longer be held on the main body. The reliability and durability of this solution therefore appear limited.

There is thus a need to improve the existing apparatuses, in particular with regard to the assembly of the tank with the main body of the apparatus.

Presentation of the Invention

The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a particularly reliable and robust tank for a hairdressing apparatus.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a particularly durable tank for a hairdressing apparatus.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a tank for a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly easy to handle, in particular when assembling it with a hairdressing apparatus or disassembling it therefrom.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a tank for a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly intuitive and ergonomic to handle, in particular when assembling it with a hairdressing apparatus or disassembling it therefrom.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a tank for a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly compact and lightweight.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly reliable and robust.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly durable.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly easy to handle, in particular when assembling the tank with the main body of the hairdressing apparatus or disassembling it therefrom.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly intuitive and ergonomic to handle, in particular when assembling the tank with the main body of the hairdressing apparatus or disassembling it therefrom.

One of the purposes of the invention is to propose a hairdressing apparatus that is particularly compact and lightweight.

These objectives are achieved by means of a tank intended for containing a liquid to be vaporized and for being assembled with a main body of a hairdressing apparatus, said tank being intended for being connected with a vaporizing device of the hairdressing apparatus designed for vaporizing the liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair, characterized in that the tank has a movable hooking device comprising at least one hooking means designed to correspond with at least one complementary hooking means belonging to the main body so as to hook the tank with the main body, said movable hooking device being movable between a first position providing the hooking of the tank with the main body and a second position allowing a user to assemble the tank with the main body or disassemble it therefrom.

These objectives are also achieved by means of a hairdressing apparatus comprising a vaporizing device designed for vaporizing the liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair, a main body, and a tank that is removable and intended for containing a liquid to be vaporized and for being assembled with the main body in order to be connected with the vaporizing device to supply the latter with liquid to be vaporized, characterized in that the tank is consistent with the above description.

The invention therefore relates to two separate products, in this case a tank for a hairdressing apparatus and a hairdressing apparatus, there being a connection between them since the former is designed to be connected to the latter.

Preferentially, the liquid is water. However, the invention is not limited to this particular liquid and the liquid may be, for example, oil, a cosmetic product, or any other liquid product that could be diffused onto the hair in order to treat it or in order to improve the effectiveness of the styling operation. The liquid may optionally be a mixture of water and another product, such as, for example, a cosmetic product.

In this case, the expression “vaporize” can be understood in the broadest sense. It thus refers to any type of liquid projection, regardless of its nature, form or state. Thus, for example, the liquid can be vaporized by being dispersed as a multitude of fine droplets, preferentially of microscopic size, for example like a mister.

Preferentially, “vaporize” can also be understood in its strictly physical sense; i.e., as an operation causing liquid to be transformed into steam. In other words, “vaporization” can imply a change in state: the liquid changes from the liquid state to the gaseous state. For example, in the preferential case in which the liquid is water, this change of state; i.e., this vaporization, occurs when the liquid reaches a temperature of 100° C. under normal atmospheric pressure.

“Tank” refers to any type of watertight container that can hold a liquid, and preferentially water. Preferentially, the tank capacity is between 5 mL and 500 mL, and advantageously between 15 mL and 100 mL. Preferentially, the tank is made of plastic.

Advantageously, the tank comprises an upper housing and a lower housing assembled such that that they cannot be disassembled (for example by bonding or welding).

The tank is removable, which means that it can be assembled or disassembled (or hooked in and removed) as desired from the main body of the hairdressing apparatus with no deterioration of the tank or of the main body.

In particular, the tank can be in a hooked position. In this position, the tank is attached to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus: the tank is then joined to the main body, advantageously sealed to the main body. This hooked position allows the tank to deliver the liquid it contains to the hairdressing apparatus so that the vaporizing device can vaporize the liquid and then diffuse it towards a strand of hair.

The tank can also be in an unhooked position. In this position, it is not joined to the main body. Preferentially, the tank is separate from the main body and can then be freely and easily handled by the user, for example to fill the tank, clean it, etc.

“Movable hooking device” is preferentially understood to mean any movable device or means; i.e., that can be moved to several positions, making it possible, among other things, to hook (i.e., to attach) the tank with or onto the main body of the hairdressing apparatus. To this end, the movable hooking device of the invention comprises at least one hooking means designed to correspond with at least one complementary hooking means belonging to the main body so as to hook the tank to the main body. Thus, two hooking means that are complementary between them are used: on one hand, a hooking means embedded onto the movable hooking device, preferentially a male hooking means, and, on the other hand, a complementary hooking means embedded onto the main body of the hairdressing apparatus, preferentially a complementary female hooking means. Said at least one hooking means of the movable hooking device and at least one complementary hooking means of the main body will then cooperate with each other to ensure the hooking; i.e., the attachment, between the tank and the main body. Preferentially, the movable hooking device comprises two hooking means designed to correspond with two complementary hooking means belonging to the main body so as to attach the tank to the main body at two distinct points, which reinforces the mechanical strength of the hooking.

The hooking device of the invention is movable between a first position ensuring that the tank is hooked to the main body and a second position allowing a user to assemble the tank with the main body or disassemble it therefrom. In other words, the first position of the movable hooking device corresponds to the hooked position of the tank as defined above. The second position of the movable hooking device corresponds to the unhooked position of the tank as defined above. Thus, due to the movable hooking device of the invention, the user can easily and quickly control the movement of the tank from its hooked position to its unhooked position, or inversely. In addition, the movable hooking device is embedded onto the tank, which enables the user to actuate it with the same hand as the one grasping the tank. The movable hooking device makes it possible to move the tank from its hooked position to its unhooked position according to the user's wishes. The user can thus hook up or unhook the tank with one hand. In particular, only a deliberate action by the user on the movable hooking device (the user has to move it between its two positions) makes it possible to move the tank from its hooked position to its unhooked position, which avoids any accidental separation of the tank from the main body of the hairdressing apparatus. This significantly reinforces the user comfort and safety of the hairdressing apparatus.

A “hairdressing apparatus” is any type of device that enables a user to perform a hairdressing operation on hair (or optionally on fur, in the case of animals, for example). For example, the hairdressing apparatus can be a straightening iron for straightening hair, a curling iron for making curls or waves, or a versatile apparatus for creating various types of hairstyles.

According to one embodiment, the hairdressing apparatus comprises a first arm connected to a second arm by a hinge so as to form a movable clip between an open position and a closed position. The open position enables the user to insert a strand of hair into the apparatus, while the closed position allows the user to apply pressure to the hair, and preferentially heat, to shape the hair, usually to straighten it. Thus, the apparatus forms a straightening iron, which is an apparatus that is well-known as such and will not be further detailed herein. Particularly, this type of apparatus comprises in particular at least one heat treatment surface, and preferentially two, arranged at the end of an arm (or of each arm) and designed to come into contact with the hair to transfer heat thereto.

“Main body” preferentially refers to the portion of the hairdressing apparatus that is designed to accommodate the tank. According to one embodiment, the main body comprises the vaporizing device, and advantageously the first and second arms.

However, an embodiment could be conceived in which the hairdressing apparatus comprises a main body containing the removable tank and a secondary body comprising in particular the vaporizing device, and advantageously the first and second arms. In this case, the main body and the secondary body would be connected to each other by a cord designed to convey the liquid contained in the main body tank to the secondary body.

Advantageously, the main body comprises a recess that is complementary in shape to at least a portion of the shape of the tank and designed to accommodate at least a portion of the tank when the latter is in a hooked position, said recess comprising said at least one complementary hooking means. Thus, the tank is at least partially located inside the main body of the hairdressing apparatus, which makes it possible, on one hand, to limit the overall footprint of the hairdressing apparatus, and on the other hand to ensure that the tank is securely maintained in its hooked position.

According to a preferential embodiment, the movable hooking device comprises at least one button intended to be directly actuated by the user to move the movable hooking device from its first position to its second position or inversely. This makes the movable hooking device, and accordingly the hairdressing apparatus, particularly easy and intuitive to use. Advantageously, the button is a push button designed to be actuated by one finger of the user's hand. Preferentially, the movable hooking device comprises two buttons, which makes it possible to distribute the effort and therefore to improve the ergonomics of the tank and hairdressing apparatus. Advantageously, the two buttons are coaxial and oriented in opposite directions so that they can be actuated by the user using a pinching movement between two fingers, for example between the thumb and index finger. Indeed, this is a natural and intuitive movement for humans when handling an object.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the movable hooking device is movable in translation relative to the tank. In other words, the movement of the movable hooking device will cause it to move relative to the tank, which will remain stationary. This mode of movement of the movable hooking device makes it possible to reconcile simplicity, robustness and ergonomics. Indeed, due to this embodiment, the user can place the tank in the palm of his/her hand while translationally actuating the movable hooking device with one or more fingers of this hand.

Preferentially, the tank extends longitudinally along a first axis, and said movable hooking device is movable in translation relative to the tank along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis. Having a translational movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank makes it possible to obtain a particularly ergonomic tank insofar as a minimum effort is necessary to hold the tank in one hand. Indeed, the longitudinal axis of the tank is placed in the palm of the hand, giving the tank excellent support, and the translational movement of the movable hooking device, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is thus remarkably well-oriented relative to a movement of the thumb and/or index finger of the hand holding the tank.

According to this advantageous embodiment, the movable hooking device comprises a translational guiding device, the tank comprises a complementary translational guiding device, said translational guiding device and the complementary translational guiding device cooperating with each other so as to translationally guide the movable hooking device within the tank. Thus, the translational movement of the movable hooking device is limited to a single translation that is guided by the tank itself. This ensures easy movement, good ergonomics and intuitiveness for the user, who therefore cannot make any handling mistakes.

Also according to this advantageous embodiment, the movable hooking device preferentially comprises a first stop device in the first position, the tank comprises a first complementary stop device in the first position, said first stop device in the first position and first complementary stop device in the first position cooperating with each other in such a way as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device beyond said first position. Thus, the translational movement of the movable hooking device is limited by the tank itself so as not to go beyond the first position. This ensures easy movement, good ergonomics and intuitiveness for the user, who therefore cannot make any handling mistakes. Also advantageously, the movable hooking device comprises a second stop device in the first position, the tank comprises a second complementary stop device in the first position, said second stop device in the first position and second complementary stop device in the first position cooperating with each other in such a way as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device beyond said first position. Thus, the translational movement of the movable hooking device is doubly limited by the tank itself. This guarantees good mechanical strength, with two stops, and in particular eliminates any risk of accidental disassembly of the movable hooking device from the tank.

Also according to this advantageous embodiment, the movable hooking device preferentially comprises a stop device in the second position, the tank comprises a complementary stop device in the second position, said stop device in the second position and complementary stop device in the second position cooperating with each other in such a way as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device beyond said second position. Thus, the translational movement of the movable hooking device is limited by the tank itself so as not to go beyond the second position. This ensures easy movement, good ergonomics and intuitiveness for the user, who therefore cannot make any handling mistakes. Lastly, when the two preferential constructions above are combined within this advantageous embodiment, the movement of the movable hooking device is completely limited by and within the tank to a translational movement between the first and the second position. This ensures easy movement, good ergonomics and intuitiveness for the user, who therefore cannot make any handling mistakes.

According to one embodiment, the first position of the movable hooking device is an at-rest position. In other words, the movable hooking device is naturally, or by default, kept stable in its first position; i.e., in the position that ensures that the tank is hooked to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus. This substantially improves the safe use of the apparatus since, with no action by the user, the tank remains securely attached to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus. To this end, the movable hooking device preferentially comprises an elastic return device, said elastic return device preferentially being a coil spring, which guarantees reliability, robustness and low manufacturing cost. However, any other appropriate means of making the first position an at-rest position can be conceived, such as, for example, a ferromagnetic device. In the preferential case in which the movable hooking device comprises two buttons, the elastic return device is advantageously arranged between the two buttons so as to push, or move, the latter back or apart. This makes it possible to achieve a simple, inexpensive, reliable and very effective construction from a mechanical point of view. Preferentially, the movable hooking device comprises a housing designed to accommodate the elastic return device. This housing thus makes it possible, on one hand, to limit the footprint of the movable hooking device by incorporating the elastic return device, and on the other hand, to ensure the guidance and the hold of said elastic return device during movements, which will improve overall reliability. Advantageously, when the movable hooking device is in its second position, the two buttons are in contact, which makes it possible to form another stop device in the second position in order to withstand the efforts applied by the user on the buttons.

This reinforces the mechanical strength of the movable hooking device and the reliability of the tank.

According to one embodiment, the tank comprises an additional fixed hooking device designed to cooperate with an additional complementary hooking means belonging to the main body when the tank is in a hooked position. Thus, two other complementary hooking means can be used to improve the hooking of the tank to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus: on one hand, an additional fixed hooking device; i.e., non-mobile and non-deformable, preferentially a male hooking device, embedded on the tank, and on the other hand, by an additional complementary hooking means embedded on the main body of the hairdressing apparatus, preferentially a complementary female hooking means. Said additional fixed hooking device and additional complementary hooking means will then cooperate with each other to ensure the hooking; i.e., the attachment, between the tank and the main body. Preferentially, said additional fixed hooking device and additional complementary hooking means are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank while said at least one hooking means and complementary hooking means are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tank. This makes it possible to properly apportion the hooking points between the tank and the main body and thus to improve the mechanical strength of the hooking.

According to one embodiment, the tank comprises at least one guiding device designed to cooperate with at least one complementary guiding device of the main body when the tank is in the hooked position. In other words, two complementary guiding devices are used to improve the hooking of the tank to the main body of the hairdressing apparatus but also to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the tank by guiding the movement of the latter: on one hand, a guiding device, preferentially female, embedded on the tank, and on the other hand, a complementary guiding device, preferentially male, embedded on the main body, and preferentially incorporated into the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hairdressing apparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the apparatus in FIG. 1, in which the tank has been unhooked and removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top of the tank of the apparatus in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tank in FIG. 3 in which the upper housing of the tank is hidden.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the tank of FIG. 3 in which the movable hooking device is hidden.

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the underside of the tank in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but in which all of the parts are present.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the movable hooking device of the tank in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the movable hooking device in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment of the invention illustrated by the various figures is an embodiment in which the hairdressing apparatus that is the subject-matter of the invention is a steam straightening iron. Consequently, the tank 2, also the subject-matter of the invention, is a tank for a steam straightening iron. However, other embodiments are altogether conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention, such as, for example, a steam curling iron.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the hairdressing apparatus comprises a first arm 11 connected to a second arm 12 by a hinge 13 so as to form a clip that can be moved between an open position and a closed position. The first and second arms 11, 12 are gripping means for the user's hand. To this end, they preferentially form, at least over a portion of their length, a handle forming a gripping area. The hairdressing apparatus is shown in the closed position in FIG. 1. The hinge 13 is thus substantially arranged at the end of said first and second arms 11, 12. The architecture and operation of this type of hairdressing apparatus are well-known as such, so they will not be further detailed herein. For example, each of said first and second arms 11, 12 are known to comprise a heat treatment surface intended to be in contact with the hair. These treatment surfaces are arranged at the end of each of said first and second arms 11, 12, opposite the hinge 13. The hinge 13 is typically a shaft around which said first and second arms are mounted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the hairdressing apparatus comprises a main body 1 designed to house a tank 2 as will be detailed below. In other words, the tank 2 is intended to be assembled with the main body 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1 comprises said first and second arms 11, 12. It is also possible to imagine an alternative embodiment in which the hairdressing apparatus would comprise a secondary body separate from the main body 1 which houses the tank 2. The secondary body could then comprise said first and second arms 11, 12 and said hinge 13. The main body 1 and the secondary body would then be connected to each other by a cord to convey the liquid from the tank 2 of the main body 1 to the secondary body, and more specifically to the first arm 11, for example.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, advantageously, the main body 1 comprises a recess 111;

i.e., a hollow space within the main body 1, the shape of which is complementary to at least a portion of the shape of the tank 2. In other words, the recess 111 forms a hollow impression for at least a portion of the tank 2. The recess 111 is thus designed to accommodate at least a portion of the tank 2 when it is in a hooked position, as will be detailed below.

Preferentially, the main body 1, or more specifically the recess 111, comprises at least one complementary guiding device 114, and advantageously two complementary guiding devices 114, as shown in FIG. 2. Said at least one complementary guiding device 114 can then be in the form of a circular half-pin.

The hairdressing apparatus comprises a tank 2 intended to contain a liquid to be vaporized, preferentially water. The tank 2 is removable; i.e., it is possible to remove, disassemble the tank 2 from the hairdressing apparatus, as can be seen in FIG. 2 which illustrates the main body 1 of the hairdressing apparatus when the tank 2 has been disassembled. The tank 2 is therefore intended to be assembled with the main body 1 of a hairdressing apparatus.

The tank 2 can be in a hooked position, as can be seen in FIG. 1, in which it is incorporated into the main body 1 of the hairdressing apparatus, precisely by being at least partially arranged inside the recess 111. This makes it possible to offer a particularly compact hairdressing apparatus with the tank incorporated into the first arm 11. The hooked position of the tank 2 corresponds to an operational position of the hairdressing apparatus. The tank 2 can also be in an unhooked position as can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 8, in which it is separated from and independent of the main body 1 of the hairdressing apparatus. When the tank 2 is in the unhooked position, it is then possible for a user to fill it, in particular after removing a fill cap 26 which can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the fill cap 26 comprises a fill orifice cap 261, intended to provide a watertight seal for a fill orifice of the tank 2, and a venting orifice cap 262 intended to provide an airtight seal for a venting orifice of the tank while it is being filled. Indeed, to make the filling operation easier, more precisely to ensure that the atmospheric pressure of the tank 2 is maintained during filling, the tank 2 is equipped with two orifices: one with a larger diameter intended to receive the liquid, the other with a smaller diameter intended to ensure venting even if the filling orifice is completely blocked by the liquid or by a funnel or any other filling pipette.

Advantageously, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the tank extends longitudinally along a first axis X-X′; i.e., the tank 2 has an overall elongated shape, such as a substantially rectangular shape, the angles being rounded. Indeed, this longitudinal shape is particularly adapted to enable the tank 2 to be inserted into the main body 1 and more particularly into the first arm 11 as shown in FIG. 1 while maximizing the capacity of the tank 2. Preferentially, the first arm 11 extends parallel to the first axis X-X′. Advantageously, the first arm 11 extends along the first axis X-X′. In this advantageous case, as illustrated, the tank 2 can then extend over more than half the length of the first arm 11, which makes it possible to maximize the capacity of the tank 2. The tank 2 is then fully incorporated into the first arm 11 and thus constitutes a grip area for the user's hand.

The tank 2 also preferentially comprises a connection device 25 which can be seen in FIG. 5 and is intended to correspond to a complementary connection device 15 which can be seen in FIG. 2 and is located in the main body 1, and more specifically in the recess 111. As can be seen in these figures, the connection device 25 is a male connection device, in this case a portion of the tube protruding from the tank 2, while the complementary connection device 15 is a female connection device, in this case an orifice. When the tank 2 is in its hooked position, said connection devices 25 and complementary connection device 15 cooperate in a watertight manner to allow the liquid contained in the tank 2 to supply the main body of the apparatus 1, and more specifically a vaporizing device as will be detailed below. Preferentially, the connection device 25 is arranged at a longitudinal end of the tank 2, as can be seen in FIG. 5, and extends longitudinally parallel to the first axis X-X′.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the tank 2 advantageously comprises a suction tube 251 connected to the connection device 25 in a sealed manner. The suction tube 251 freely extends inside the tank 2 and comprises at its free end a suction end 252 whose mass is greater than that of the suction tube 251. This allows the suction tube 251 to be driven by gravity where the liquid itself is driven by gravity during the movements of the hairdressing apparatus. This ensures good suction of the liquid inside the tank 2 regardless of its filling level and spatial position. The suction tube 251 moves freely inside the tank 2, i.e., it is flexible and can move around inside the tank 2. Combined with the weighted suction end 252, this solves the problem of certain currently-available tanks that do not enable all of the liquid to be suctioned out: in other words, it is impossible to empty them, since suction becomes impossible, for example, when the amount of water has decreased by half. This would result in a lack of autonomy of the apparatus equipped with the tank.

The tank 2 also preferentially comprises a venting device 27 which can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 6 and is designed, on one hand, to prevent the liquid from escaping from the tank 2, and on the other hand, to keep the tank 2 at atmospheric pressure. This venting device 27 makes it possible to solve the following technical problem. When the liquid is aspirated by the suction tube 251, the amount of liquid inside the tank 2 decreases. However, tank 2 is airtight, such that the amount of liquid aspirated cannot be replaced by air. This results in the creation of a negative pressure inside tank 2 as the liquid is suctioned out. After a certain amount of time, the depressurization is so great that it becomes impossible to suction the liquid. It then becomes impossible to suction out all of the liquid contained in the tank 2, which limits the autonomy of the hairdressing apparatus equipped with the tank.

The venting device 27 makes it possible to counter this phenomenon by allowing air to penetrate into the tank 2 as the amount of liquid inside the tank 2 decreases, while preventing the liquid from leaking out of the tank 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the venting device 27 comprises an umbrella-shaped or mushroom-shaped valve. Due to the weight of the liquid pressing on the valve cap or head, this device makes it possible to keep the valve pressed down and thus to prevent the liquid from escaping from the tank 2. On the other hand, when the pressure decreases inside the tank 2, the outside atmospheric pressure pushes the foot of the valve despite the weight of the liquid, which allows air into the tank 2. When the pressure inside the tank 2 is balanced with the outside pressure (atmospheric), the valve returns to its initial position due to the weight of the liquid as previously explained.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tank 2 comprises an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 22 which are tightly and advantageously definitively joined together by bonding or welding, meaning that they cannot be disassembled. Such an assembly makes it possible to solve the problem of assembling the tank 2 by greatly facilitating, or even simply by making it possible, to install the various components inside the tank, and in particular to install the suction tube 251 described above.

As will have been understood, the devices described above, and in particular the suction tube 251 and the venting device 27, each make it possible to solve a particular technical problem and may, in this respect, constitute inventions as such.

As can be seen in FIG. 5 and in more detail in FIG. 7, the tank 2 advantageously comprises a guide frame 23 which itself preferentially comprises different bars that make it possible to provide various guiding and hooking functions as will be detailed hereafter. The guide frame 23 is advantageously located at a longitudinal end of the tank 2, preferentially opposite the connection device 25.

The hairdressing apparatus comprises a vaporizing device designed for vaporizing the liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair. The vaporizing device can, for example, comprise a vaporization chamber in which the liquid contained in the tank 2 is transformed into steam when heated. The steam is then diffused towards a strand of hair, for example through diffusion orifices. This kind of system is well-known as such and will therefore not be detailed herein. Another vaporizing device can, for example, be a misting system that transforms the liquid into fine droplets like a mister, without changing the state of the liquid.

Thus, the tank 2 is intended to be connected with the vaporizing device of the hairdressing apparatus designed for vaporizing the liquid and diffusing it towards a strand of hair. The tank 2 will thus supply the latter with liquid to vaporize. Preferentially, the connection is airtight and is especially made by means of the connection device 25 and the complementary connection device 15. The hairdressing apparatus, and more preferentially, the main body 1 can also comprise a flow generation device, such as a pump for example, and preferentially a peristaltic pump which makes it possible to suction the liquid contained in the tank, using the suction tube 251 to convey the liquid to the vaporizing device.

According to the invention, the tank 2 comprises a movable hooking device 3 as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8. In other words, the movable hooking device 3 is embedded on the tank 2, i.e., the movable hooking device 3 is built into the tank 2.

This allows for a more ergonomic use of the tank 2, and accordingly the hairdressing apparatus, insofar as it is possible to simultaneously handle the tank 2 and the movable hooking device 3 with one hand.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the movable hooking device 3 comprises at least one hooking means 333. More specifically, the movable hooking device 3 preferentially comprises a foot 33 which itself comprises a hook forming a rib that protrudes from the foot 33 and is intended to be hooked to a complementary part; said rib thus forming the hooking means 333. In other words, the hooking means 333 is a male hooking means whose shape is substantially rectangular. Advantageously, as illustrated, the movable hooking device 3 comprises two hooking means 333, which makes it possible to multiply the hooking points between the tank 2 and the main body 1 and thus to reinforce the mechanical strength of the hooking. The two hooking means 333 are advantageously symmetrical relative to a median plane P perpendicular to the first axis X-X′ of the tank as can be seen in FIG. 10.

Said at least one hooking means 333 is designed to allow the tank 2 to be hooked to the main body 1, i.e., to keep the tank 2 in the hooked position. Preferentially, the hooking means 333 is rigid, i.e., it cannot be deformed. This characteristic ensures the mechanical strength of the hooking between tank 2 and the main body 1 and thus avoids any risk of accidental unhooking. In addition, unlike the currently-known tank hooking techniques which operate on the basis of an elastic deformation of such a hooking device, the rigidity of the hooking means 333 of the invention makes it possible to guarantee the mechanical strength of the hooking over time, i.e., including after numerous uses. Indeed, the risk of fatigue failure of the hooking means 333 is eliminated. The reliability and longevity of the hooking means 333 and therefore of the tank 2 and thus of the hairdressing apparatus is increased accordingly.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the main body 1, and more particularly the recess 111, comprises at least one complementary hooking means 112. The latter is designed to be complementary to the hooking means 333, i.e. to cooperate with the latter in order to ensure the hooking of the tank 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the complementary hooking means 112 is preferentially a female hooking means, comprising, for example, a substantially rectangular cavity. This complementary hooking means 112 will then receive the male hooking means 333 to ensure the hooking. The preferentially substantially rectangular shapes of said hooking means 333 and complementary hooking means 112 make it possible to distribute the mechanical forces over a certain length, which improves the mechanical strength, in particular with regard to pullout, of the hooking of the tank 2 to the main body 1. Thus, said at least one hooking means 333 is designed to correspond with said at least one complementary hooking means 112 belonging to the main body 1 so as to hook the tank 2 to the main body 1. Preferentially, said recess 111 comprises said at least one complementary hooking means 112 as can be seen in FIG. 2, advantageously near an angle. Preferentially, the main body comprises two additional complementary hooking means 112 located [sic: along] a second axis Y-Y′ perpendicular to the first axis X-X′.

The movable hooking device 3 is movable between a first position ensuring that the tank 2 is hooked to the main body 1 and a second position allowing a user to assemble the tank 3 [sic: 2] with the main body 1 or disassemble it therefrom. In other words, in order to move the tank 2 from its hooked position to its unhooked position, the user must move the movable hooking device 3.

More specifically, in order to move or keep the tank 2 in its hooked position, the movable hooking device 3 must be moved or kept in its first position. The first position of the movable hooking device 3 therefore corresponds to the hooked position of the tank 2 and therefore to an operating position of the hairdressing apparatus. In order to secure the hooking of the tank 2 and to limit the user's interventions, the first position of the movable hooking device 3 is advantageously an at-rest position. In other words, with no action by the user, the movable hooking device 3 is naturally in its first position, i.e., in the position ensuring the hooking of the tank 2 with the main body 1 of the hairdressing apparatus.

Conversely, to move the tank 2 to its unhooked position, the movable hooking device 3 must be moved to its second position, which will unhook the tank 2 as will be detailed hereafter.

In the various figures, the movable hooking device 3 is in fact shown in this second position.

Preferentially, as can be seen in the different figures, the movable hooking device 3 comprises at least one button 31, and preferentially two buttons 31. “Button” means any part intended to be directly operated by the user, preferentially by the user's hand and more particularly by at least one of the user's fingers. Preferentially, the button 31 is a push button designed to be actuated by only one of the user's fingers. Said at least one button 31 is connected, preferentially rigidly, with the hooking means 333 such that when the user actuates said at least one button 31, this will cause the hooking means 333 to move; more specifically, it will detach the hooking means 333 from the complementary hooking means 112 (i.e., said hooking means 333 and the complementary hooking means 112 no longer cooperate with each other) and therefore cause the movable hooking device 3 to move from its first position to its second position or inversely. In other words, the movable hooking device 3 can thus move between said first and second positions.

Advantageously, the movable hooking device 3 is movable in translation with respect to the tank 2, i.e., the movable hooking device 3 moves in a translational movement, and advantageously only a translational movement, relative to the tank 2, which then constitutes a fixed reference frame.

Preferentially, as can be seen in FIG. 8, said movable hooking device 3 is movable in translation relative to the tank 2 along a second axis Y-Y′ perpendicular to said first axis X-X′. In other words, the translational movement of the movable hooking device 3 thus takes place perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the tank 2. In the preferential case in which the movable hooking device 3 comprises two buttons 31, this means that the two buttons 31 are movable in translation along the second Y-Y′ axis. Such a configuration is an ergonomic improvement that is altogether remarkable since it is thus possible for the user to handle the tank 2 and its hooking system, namely the movable hooking device 3, with one hand. More specifically, the user can position the tank 2 in the palm of his/her hand, with the first axis X-X′ substantially perpendicular to his/her arm. The movable hooking device 3 and in particular the buttons 31 are then in the ideal position to be able to be directly actuated by the thumb and index finger of the user's hand holding the tank.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a plane of symmetry P perpendicular to the second Y-Y′ axis. In other words, the plane P can comprise the first axis X-X′. The movable hooking device 3 is therefore perfectly symmetrical with respect to the plane P. The movable hooking device comprises two sub-assemblies arranged on either side of the plane P and symmetrically with respect to the plane P. Consequently, in the following description, only one of the sub-assemblies will be described, the other being the symmetrical mirror of the first sub-assembly.

The foot 33 of the movable hooking device is secured to said button 31. Preferentially, the foot 33 is in material continuity with the button 31, meaning that it is made of the same material and can be made at the same time as the button, for example, by machining or molding. However, the foot 33 can also be assembled with the button 31, for example by welding. The foot 33 is roughly in the shape of an inverted T. The vertical bar of the T is thus joined to the button 31 whereas the horizontal bar of the T comprises the hooking means 333.

Preferentially, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a translational guiding device 331 advantageously formed by the vertical bar of the T of the foot 33. The tank 2 thus comprises a complementary translational guiding device 231, which can be seen in FIG. 7, advantageously formed by one bar of the guide frame 23. Said translational guiding device 331 and complementary translational guiding device 231 thus cooperate with each other to translationally guide the movable hooking device 3 within the tank 2, and more specifically within the guide frame 23.

Preferentially, as can be seen in FIG. 8, translational guidance takes place by means of a slide link advantageously formed by the vertical bar of the T moving inside a U-shaped space formed by the guide frame 23 as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, and by the horizontal bar of the T which rests on the U, the length of the horizontal bar of the T being greater than the opening of the U. Preferentially, the U formed within the guide frame 23 opens outwards, and the second Y-Y′ axis is an axis of symmetry for the U-space of the guide frame 23. In addition, the button 31 is also designed to press on the U of the guide frame 23. Thus, the particular shape of the movable hooking device 3, and in particular of its foot 33, combined with the complementary shape of the guide frame 23, make it possible to create a slide link to guide the movable hooking device 3 in the guide frame 23 of the tank 2 of the hairdressing apparatus. A similar translational guiding device that could be created using a dovetail-type device could be conceived without departing from the context of the invention. Preferentially, the slide link is on the Y-Y axis.

Preferentially, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a first stop device in the first position 341 as can be seen in FIG. 9 or 10. More specifically, the button 31 is, when seen from above, in the shape of a T, the horizontal bar of the T being the portion that the user will actuate with his/her finger, as can be seen in FIG. 9. The button 31 advantageously comprises a first pin 34 that protrudes from the vertical bar of the T formed by the button 31, in a direction similar to that of the foot 33. Preferentially, the pin 34 and the foot 33 extend in parallel directions, and advantageously in the same direction. Advantageously, the first pin 34 comprises a substantially flat surface perpendicular to the vertical bar of the T formed by the button 31, said surface forming said first stop device in the first position 341. Said first stop device in the first position 341 is thus advantageously parallel to the plane P.

Advantageously, the button 31 has reliefs that improve the quality of the contact between the button 31 and the user's finger. These reliefs also enable the user to see where to position his/her finger to unhook the tank 2.

Preferentially, the tank 2 comprises a first complementary stop device in the first position 232, as can be seen in FIG. 7. More specifically, said first complementary stop device in the first position 232 is comprised in the guide frame 23 which forms a substantially rectangular window in this portion. Said first complementary stop device in the first position 232 is therefore formed by a bar parallel to the first X-X axis.

Preferentially, said bar is rectangular or square in cross-section in order to provide substantially flat lateral surfaces, and in particular a lateral surface substantially parallel to the first stop device in the first position 341.

Said first stop device in the first position 341 and first complementary stop device in the first position 232 thus cooperate with each other in such a way as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device 3 beyond said first position; in other words, so as to provide the movable hooking device 3 with a first position stop. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 to 10, the cooperation in question is advantageously a plane-on-plane type cooperation. This allows for good contact that distributes efforts well and therefore guarantees a reliable, robust and durable first stop position over time. This limits the translational movement of the movable hooking device 3 such that the latter cannot go beyond its first position. Good stopping quality is all the more important since, as explained above, the first position can correspond to an at-rest position, i.e., a position very frequently occupied by the movable hooking device 3.

Preferentially, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a second stop device in first position 351 which can be seen in particular in FIGS. 9 and 10. More specifically, the button 31 advantageously comprises a second pin 35 which protrudes from the vertical bar of the T formed by the button 31, in a direction opposite but parallel to that of the foot 33. Preferentially, the first pin 34 and the second pin 35 extend in parallel but opposite directions. In other words, said first and second pins 34, 35 extend on either side of the vertical bar of the T formed by the button 31, as can be seen in FIG. 9. Preferentially, the second pin 35 is parallel to the plane P.

Preferentially, the tank 2 comprises a second complementary stop device in the first position 233, which can be seen in FIG. 7. The latter can then be formed by one wall of a notch made directly in the upper housing 21 of the tank 2. Preferentially, the second complementary stop device in the first position 233 extends longitudinally parallel to the first axis X-X′.

Said second stop device in the first position 351 and second complementary stop device in the first position 233 thus cooperate with each other in such a way as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device 3 beyond said first position; in other words, offering a first position stop to the movable hooking device 3. In this case, too, cooperation is advantageously a plane-on-plane-based cooperation which therefore offers the same advantages as the ones previously listed. The fact that the movable hooking device comprises two stop devices in the first position 341, 351, each cooperating with two complementary stop devices in the first position 232, 233 of the tank 2 thus makes it possible to provide the movable hooking device 3 with two first-position stops. This makes it possible to best apportion the contact pressures between the two stops and therefore to improve the strength, reliability and durability of the movable hooking device 3. Moreover, each of these stops makes it possible to keep the button 31 joined with the tank and to avoid accidental disassembly of the movable hooking device 3 from the tank 2.

Preferentially, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a stop device in the second position 332 which can be seen in FIG. 10 and is advantageously formed by the foot 33. More specifically, said stop device in the second position 332 is formed by a surface of the foot 33 that is substantially parallel to the first stop device in the first position 341 and preferentially parallel to the plane P. Thus, said stop device in the second position 332 and first stop device in the first position 341 form two parallel stops that limit the translational movement of the movable hooking device 3.

Preferentially, the tank 2 comprises a complementary stop device in the second position 234, which can be seen in FIG. 7. The complementary stop device in the second position 234 is thus advantageously parallel to the first complementary stop device in the first position 232, for example by being arranged on an opposite side of the same bar of the guide frame 23.

Said stop device in the second position 332 and complementary stop device in the second position 234 then cooperate with each other so as to prevent the translation of the movable hooking device 3 beyond said second position so as to form a second position stop, especially when the user exerts pressure on the button or buttons 31.

Preferentially, as previously mentioned, the plane P forms a plane of symmetry for the movable hooking device. Thus, the movable hooking device comprises two buttons 31, two feet 33, two first pins 34, two second pins, two translational guiding devices 331, two stop devices in the second position 332, two hooking means 333, two first stop devices in the first position 341, two second stop devices in the first position 351, each of them being symmetrically arranged on either side of the plane P as can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Advantageously, the movable hooking device 3 comprises an elastic return device 32, which can be seen in FIG. 9, designed to keep the movable hooking device 3 in its first position. The elastic return device 32 is preferentially a coil spring designed to keep the buttons 31 apart. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, other return devices could be conceived that would keep the buttons 31 apart; i.e., keep the movable hooking device 3 in the first position. For example, an electromagnetic device could be imagined, the tank 2 being equipped with a magnet and each of the buttons 31 being made of magnetic material (or inversely). Preferentially, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the elastic return device 32 is arranged between the two buttons 31, which helps simplify construction and allows the elastic return device 32, in this case the coil spring, to transmit all its effort to the buttons 31 and only to the buttons 31. Preferentially, the movable hooking device 3 comprises a housing 312 designed to accommodate the elastic return device 32 as can be seen in FIG. 9. This ensures that the elastic return device 32 is kept in position and is guided when it deforms. The housing 312 is advantageously formed by a groove running from one end of the button 31, in this case the free end of the vertical bar of the T formed by the button 31 and extending in part towards the interior of the button 31, preferentially along the second axis Y-Y′. Thus, when the movable hooking device 3 is in its second position, the two buttons 31 are in contact, the footprint of the movable hooking device is zero since it is fully incorporated into the housing 312; i.e., inside the buttons 31. This helps to limit the footprint of the movable hooking device 3. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the elastic return device extends longitudinally along the second Y-Y′ axis.

Advantageously, as can be seen in FIG. 9, the second Y-Y′ axis forms an axis of symmetry for the movable hooking device 3.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the first axis X-X′ forms an axis of symmetry for the guide frame 23; the plane P preferentially forms a plane of symmetry for the guide frame.

Preferentially, the tank 2 comprises a fixed additional hooking device 221; i.e., non-mobile and non-deformable, which can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and advantageously comprising a substantially rectangular tab protruding from the tank in a direction parallel to the first axis X-X′. Preferentially, the additional hooking device 221 is located at a longitudinal end of the tank 2 and advantageously opposite the movable hooking device 3, itself located at another longitudinal end of the tank 2. This makes it possible to arrange the various hooking points of the tank 2 on the main body 1 as far as possible from each other, which improves the stability and mechanical strength of the hooking of the tank 2 with respect to the main body 1. Moreover, in the preferential case illustrated in which the movable hooking device 3 comprises two hooking means 333, this gives the tank 2 three hooking points on the main body 1, which corresponds to an isostatic assembly. Moreover, the hooking points can in particular be arranged in a triangle due to the arrangement of two hooking means 333 on the second Y-Y′ axis and to the arrangement of the additional hooking device 221 on an axis parallel to the first X-X′ axis, or optionally on the first X-X′ axis. A triangular arrangement of the points on which the tank 2 is hooked to the main body 1 makes it possible to improve the stability and the mechanical strength of the hooking between the tank 2 and the main body 1, and therefore the reliability of the hooking between the two elements.

The main body 1 thus comprises an additional complementary hooking means 113 which can be seen in FIG. 2. The additional complementary hooking means 113 comprises, for example, a substantially rectangular groove running inside the main body 1 from the recess 111 in a direction parallel to the first axis X-X′.

Said additional hooking device 221 and additional complementary hooking means 113 are thus designed to cooperate together when the tank 2 is in the hooked position, the additional hooking device 221 preferentially being a male hooking device and the additional complementary hooking means 113 preferentially being a complementary female hooking means. The illustrated embodiment uses at least one additional complementary hooking means 113 cooperating with at least one additional hooking device 221, but it is altogether conceivable that these elements could be multiplied in order to reinforce the mechanical strength of the hooking.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tank 2 comprises at least one guiding device 24 designed to cooperate with at least one complementary guiding device 114 of the main body 1 when the tank is in the hooked position. This makes it possible to propose at least one guiding means between the hooking means 333 and the additional hooking device 221, which makes it substantially easier to hook the tank 2 to the main body while providing the user with an intermediate guiding means. In addition, the guiding device 24 and the complementary guiding device 114 make it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the hooking when the tank 2 is in the hooked position, by blocking any translational movement of the tank 2 along the first axis X-X′. This makes it possible to relieve the hooking means 333 and the additional hooking device 221 which then only have to ensure a pullout-resistant attachment, along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis X-X′. This improves the strength and durability of the tank. The longer the length of tank 2, the more important this intermediate guiding point is. Preferentially, the guiding device 24 is a female guiding device, such as, for example, a hole or, as illustrated, a lateral notch in the shape of a semi-circular hole. The complementary guiding device 114 is thus a complementary male guiding device that can be in the form of a semi-circular (in a longitudinal direction) pin as can be seen in FIG. 2. Advantageously, the tank 2 comprises two guiding devices 24 and the main body 1 comprises two complementary guiding devices 114.

Tank With A Hooking Device For A Steam Hairdressing Apparatus

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