EP1264559A1 - Device for applying a haircare product to hair strands and method of treating hair - Google Patents

Abstract

Applicator, is of a material with elastic distortion with an opening to pass the hair through for transfer of the product by capillary action from a reservoir. The applicator (1) to apply a capillary product to locks of hair, and especially a color tint, has a section (4,4a) of a material with elastic distortion to define at least part of the product reservoir, with an opening (Q) for the product flow to the exterior. The opening is defined by two edges (4,4') which, when at rest, seal the opening. A lock of hair (M) is passed through the opening, for the product to be transferred to it by capillary action. The opening is divided into two separate planes (Qa,Qb).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for applying a product, in particular viscous liquid, on a lock of hair, and a method of treatment capillary using this device. The invention is particularly suitable for the application of a hair coloring product, strand by strand. The device of the invention can be used for any other hair treatment, such as waving permanent hair, or other specific treatments. The invention is particularly advantageous for the application of a relatively liquid product, under proper conditions. However, the product to be applied may present itself in the form of a cream, gel or liquid of more or less viscosity high.

In the case of a hair coloring product, typically, the dyes for hair is taken from a bowl. Such dyes are intended either for a global use, called "whole head", in which the hair is completely impregnated with the product, with a view to modifying the color of the whole, either for a more partial use, called "wicks", where only certain parts of the hair are soaked in product, in order to obtain, once the finished treatment, a non-homogeneous effect of color, thus emphasizing such or such movement of the hair with lighter or more shades of color darker than the natural or overall shade of the hair.

Document FR-A-2,589,337 describes a device for applying a dye capillary comprising, on the one hand, a reservoir for the product to be applied and, on the other hand, an application head adapting to the reservoir. The head application has a product supply port and door, at its free end, a fork with two teeth which the user can guide with a end to end of a lock of hair, while it is placed between the two teeth of the fork, for the application of the product on said wick.

The space separating the two teeth opens directly at their base in a cavity open product accumulation, into which opens said orifice Power. This cavity is delimited, on its open face, by a movable flap, suitable for releasing said cavity for easy cleaning of the application head.

Another type of device, for applying a hair product to locks, is described in document FR-A-2 764 488. This device comprises means to isolate a given lock of hair and suitable application means to load hair product. The application of the hair product on the lock isolated is carried out by contacting the application of the drill bit at a given point of the wick with said application means and by displacement of the means of application relative to said wick from said point, towards a free end of the wick. Retaining means are provided to maintain the wick in application contact with the application means during their entire displacement.

Other types of devices for applying a hair product to locks are in the form of a comb comprising inside the channels supply, in communication with a product reservoir. These channels lead either to the tips of the comb teeth or to the spaces between the teeth.

Such devices generally suffer from the same drawbacks, linked to the fact, in particular, that they have an open structure. Indeed, due of this structure, the product retained on the means of application tends to flow, especially when the product is relatively liquid. Furthermore, because the hair to be treated does not form a flat surface, the user is obliged to change the orientation of the application device often, depending on the location to be treated. Such an operation further increases the risk of leaking the product at undesirable places. In addition, some such applicators have the disadvantage of having a relatively low autonomy.

Another type of wick type applicator is described in US-A-4 942 893. With this type of applicator, the part of the hair to be dyed is introduced into a sealed capsule, containing coloring product. There where the locks are kept in the capsule for the entire time necessary to the action of the coloring product. This type of applicator is well suited for the application of products requiring a certain amount of time, but is not all suitable for coloring in highlights mentioned above.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device for the application in locks of a hair product, not having the disadvantages discussed above, with reference to the devices of the technique earlier.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a device allowing the application of a hair product, in good conditions of cleanliness of non-dirtying, regardless of the viscosity of the product to be applied. The invention further aims to provide a device which is of manufacturing cost advantageous.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device allowing the application of a hair product, which is easy to use, and which allows applying the product over the entire length of the wick, from the root to its free end, or vice versa, and this in sufficient quantity to obtain the desired coloring. The application device of the invention is particularly suitable for home use, either by the consumer himself or by a third party with no specific experience in hair dyeing.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the description which follows.

These objects are achieved by making a device for applying wicks a hair product, in particular a coloring product, said device comprising a member made of at least one elastically deformable material and delimiting at least in part a reserve of said product, said delimiting member also at least partly a slit in communication with the reserve of product, and opening onto the outside of the device, said slot being delimited by at least two edges which, at rest, are substantially contiguous on at least one portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot being able to be crossed by a wick, so as to allow coating thereof by means of said produced in response to relative movement between the device and the wick, according to a direction longitudinal to said wick, said slot comprising a first portion formed in a foreground and at least a second portion formed in a second plane separate from the first plane.

It is understood that the sealing referred to in the sense of the present application means a seal or near seal, relative to a composition given. It is clear that the conditions for obtaining such a seal (in particular density of the elastic material, relative support of the edges delimiting the slit) vary depending on the viscosity of the product. Likewise, such watertightness corresponds to watertightness under normal conditions of use, in particular with regard to the duration of use of the device.

This arrangement allows the support to come into contact with the product, so continuous, over all or part of its length, and this without appreciable flow of product off the reserve. For this purpose, the user takes a precise wick, which can be as thin as possible, and position it in the slot. The gesture is simple, precise, and allows quick coloring of wicks desired hair all or part of its length. Sealing during the application can be ensured regardless of the position of the device application. Any accidental spillage of product is almost impossible when the elasticity of the elastically deformable member which delimits said slot, is appropriately chosen. In addition, the risk of bringing the product into contact with the hands of the user is significantly reduced.

In addition, while allowing relative movement of the organ delimiting the slit the along the wick, it substantially prevents any movement which would lead to break contact with all or part of the wick during treatment. The wick is thus held in the slot. With such a configuration, the wick is "pinched" between two parts of the device, without being too tight, so as to allow the device to slide along the wick, from one of its ends to each other. Thus, during the entire movement of the device, a portion of the wick is impregnated with product.

In addition, the slot comprising portions formed in separate planes, the member delimiting in part the slot is not a compact block but has weakening zones formed by the different slit portions. These areas weaken weaken the resistance of the organ during passage of the wick by allowing a slight deformation of said organ caused by the wick during the relative movement between the wick and the slot. So the wick is not not too tight in the slot so that the friction of the organ on the wicks are limited. In this way a sufficient spin of the product is obtained during the passage of the wick in said slot, which is however not too important so as to leave enough product on the wick to obtain the desired coloring.

Advantageously, the elastically deformable member is designed so that, by crossing the slit, the wick also crosses said reserve of product.

According to a particularly simple embodiment, one of the two edges delimiting the slot is formed by a portion of an enclosure made in a material impermeable to the product, and inside which is disposed said member made of elastically deformable material, said enclosure comprising a opening extending at least opposite a portion of said slot. Of preferably, the opening of the enclosure is delimited by edges having a profile capable of promoting the insertion of the wick inside the device.

According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the two edges of the slot are formed by said member of elastically deformable material. In in this case, a first edge of the slot can be formed by a part of said member in a first elastically deformable material. A second edge of the slot is formed by a part of said member, made of a second elastic material deformable. The reserve can be sealed from the outside even with large volume wicks, and this without risk of leakage of the product outside the reserve, whatever the position of the device application. For this purpose, advantageously, the two parts of said member are mounted so as to exert an appropriate compression between said first and second edges. Thus, the slit is produced in a substantially contiguous manner. Also, a relatively large wick can be supported between the means of application.

This arrangement has another advantage. Indeed, due to the elastic compression exerted between the first and second edges of the slot, it produces a spin of the wick during treatment. In this way, everything excess product, deposited on the wick in the reserve, is retained before leaving wick out of the slot while leaving the required amount of product to obtain the desired coloring. Thus, a wick already impregnated with product, therefore cannot cause, by contacting an untreated part of the hair, the unwanted coloring thereof.

On the other hand, the spin should not be too important so as to leave enough product on the wick to achieve the desired coloring. In this Indeed, the slot can have different configurations which limit spinning the wick during treatment.

Generally, a second portion of said slot has one end located in the foreground in which the first portion extends. The presence of such a portion in the member of elastically deformable material allows weaken the resistance thereof when passing the wick.

According to a particular configuration, the slot comprises a plurality of seconds portions, each of said second portions having a first end located in said foreground. Advantageously, the second portions are parallel to each other.

Advantageously, the slot comprises at least a second portion disposed on one side of the foreground, and at least a second portion arranged on the other side of said foreground. The second portion (s) located on one side of the foreground can (wind) be aligned with the second portion (s) located on the other side of said foreground, or offset (s) from the (or the) second (s) portion (s) located on the other side of said foreground.

Advantageously also, the first plane is perpendicular to the second.

In this configuration, the wick is maintained in the first portion of slit being "pinched" between the two edges delimiting this portion. The second slit portions allow the organ to be divided elastically deformable into small portions capable of deforming by bending when passing the wick. The second slit portions preferably extend in one plane parallel to the relative axis of movement of the drill bit in the first portion of slot, so as to favor the deformation of the elastically deformable member generated by the wick.

According to other configurations, the profile of the slot is in the form of a sawtooth, niche, or wave. Thus, the wick is held in the slot by being "pinch" between the two edges which delimit the slot and which have a profile which is not not plan. Here again, the elastically deformable member is, on its surface defining the slit, divided into several small portions capable of deforming while bending at the passage of the wick.

Advantageously, the elastically deformable material (s) is (are) chosen from the group of elastomers of copolymers of propylene / ethylene; polyether blockamides; polyvinyls; of the terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); copolymers block styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS); butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers sequenced (SEBS-SIS); polyurethanes thermoplastics; mixtures of polypropylene with one of the elastomers following: block butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers (SEBS-SIS); terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS).

Preferably, the slot extends over an angular opening of between 20 ° and 320 °, and preferably between 120 ° and 200 °. Slitting can be done in the elastically deformable member, partially, for example, by mechanical (by knife) or thermal (by laser) cutting. Advantageously, the slot is made over a depth which can range from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, and preferably from about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

Advantageously, the two edges of the slot open onto the outside of the member of elastically deformable material, flaring one relative to the other. Thus, the insertion of the wick into the slot is facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the product reserve is delimited at least in part by a recessed portion of said member made of elastically deformable material. Thus, the member made of elastically deformable material can form, for example, a cylinder whose center is hollowed out so as to form said reserve of product.

According to another embodiment, the reserve of product is formed inside the very structure of the material forming the elastically deformable member, in particular by open or semi-open cells, communicating with each other in a multi-directional way. In this case, it is possible to carry out said member made of elastically deformable material in the form of a solid cylinder.

Preferably, the elastically deformable member can be constituted a sponge, or a foam with open or semi-open cell sizes can be between about 0.1 mm and about 2.5 mm.

Preferably, the foam or sponge is hydrophilic, like sponges or polyurethane, viscose or polyester foams. So we can ensure a soft sliding of the lock of hair between said edges of the slit. In some cases, depending on the nature of the product to be applied and the support, it may it may be beneficial to use a hydrophobic foam or sponge, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyether sponges.

Advantageously, the application device comprises an orifice which can be closed, in particular reversibly, so as to allow filling of the reserve of said product. In particular, this orifice is produced in said enclosure.

The enclosure can be produced, in particular, by molding a material more or less rigid thermoplastic, chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylenes terephthalates, etc. Still other materials can be used. Such a enclosure can be molded in two or three pieces, advantageously without against bare. Advantageously, it is made of a transparent material, which allows you to check the filling rate of the product tank.

Advantageously, the application device of the invention can further comprise gripping means, such as an elongated handle.

Means can be provided to immobilize the material organ elastically deformable inside said enclosure. advantageously, the member made of elastically deformable material is immobilized inside said enclosure by pinching by means of one (or two) cover (s) reported (s), closing said enclosure. Such pinching can be achieved, by example, by one or more notches or edges, arranged on the cover (s) or a portion of the enclosure, in contact with the cover (s). The cover (s) can be fixed or removable.

The application device of the invention may further comprise means to allow mounting of the device on a container. This mounting method is suitable for forming an auxiliary tank, containing in particular a reserve of relatively large product. In this case, said container can be put, permanently or selectively, in communication with said reserve of product. Said container may have deformable walls, allowing by compression, the transfer of a dose of product to said reserve of product. The recipient auxiliary, when it is integral with the enclosure, can serve as a means of gripping.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a section transverse whose width decreases towards one end. Section end la narrower makes it easy to reach the roots of the hair to be treated. We will use for example a device of substantially triangular section.

a) isoler une mèche à enduire avec ledit produit ;

b) faire traverser par ladite mèche ainsi isolée, une fente délimitée au moins en partie par un organe réalisé en au moins un matériau élastiquement déformable, et délimitant au moins en partie, une réserve dudit produit avec laquelle ladite fente est en communication, ladite fente débouchant sur l'extérieur du dispositif, et étant délimitée par au moins deux bords qui, au repos, sont sensiblement jointifs sur au moins une portion de la fente, de manière à former étanchéité, ladite fente comprenant une première portion formée dans un premier plan et au moins une seconde portion formée dans un second plan distinct du premier plan ; et

c) déplacer l'organe élastiquement déformable par rapport à ladite mèche, selon une direction longitudinale à ladite mèche.

Another subject of the invention relates to a process for the application in locks of a hair product, in particular a coloring product, said process consisting in:

a) isolating a wick to be coated with said product;

b) passing through said wick thus isolated, a slot delimited at least in part by a member made of at least one elastically deformable material, and delimiting at least in part, a reserve of said product with which said slot is in communication, said slot opening onto the outside of the device, and being delimited by at least two edges which, at rest, are substantially contiguous on at least one portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot comprising a first portion formed in a first plane and at least a second portion formed in a second plane distinct from the first plane; and

c) moving the elastically deformable member relative to said wick, in a longitudinal direction to said wick.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention, illustré en cours d'utilisation ;
• la figure 2 montre une vue schématique en coupe transversale du dispositif représenté à la figure 1;
• les figures 3 à 5 montrent différentes vues selon le mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 6 montre une vue en coupe axiale d'un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 7 et 8 montrent une vue en perspective d'autres modes de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention ;
• les figures 9 et 10 illustrent une vue en coupe axiale d'autres modes de réalisation encore de l'invention ;
• la figure 11 représente une vue en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 12 montre une vue en coupe transversale du dispositif représenté à la figure 11 ;
• la figure 13 montre une vue en coupe axiale du dispositif représenté à la figure 11 ;
• les figures 14 à 17 montrent des vues en coupe axiale de différentes configurations du mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 11.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of the application device according to the invention, illustrated during use;
• Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1;
• Figures 3 to 5 show different views according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 6 shows an axial sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 7 and 8 show a perspective view of other embodiments of the device according to the invention;
• Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an axial sectional view of yet other embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 11;
• Figure 13 shows an axial sectional view of the device shown in Figure 11;
• FIGS. 14 to 17 show views in axial section of different configurations of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

Figures 1 to 5 which are now referred to, illustrate different views of a first embodiment of the application device 1 in accordance with the invention.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, we see an isolated lock of hair M, passing between two edges 4, 4 ′ of a slot Q which is provided with the application device 1. The two edges 4, 4 ′ are each formed of a transverse portion of a cylinder in open or semi-open cell foam. The cylinder is revolution around an X axis. The cylinder is hollowed out at its center and is made up of a stack of two blocks of foam 4a, 4b, along the axis X. According to the example embodiment considered, each of the two foam blocks 4a, 4b is made in elastically deformable foam, of the same kind.

We see that the two blocks 4a, 4b forming the foam cylinder are separated at their interface by a slot portion Qa, perpendicular to the axis X, and having an opening angle α slightly greater than 180 °. The slot Qa is substantially contiguous, and is delimited by two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ , so that the cord C connecting the ends of the slot passes substantially through the center of the tank 2. The foam cylinder 4a, 4b is constituted, by example of a hydrophilic foam, such as a polyurethane foam having cells with an average size of approximately 1.5 mm. The hollowed-out central part of the cylinder forms a reserve 2 of product P, of liquid consistency, in particular a hair dye composition.

Advantageously, slots Qb perpendicular to the main slot Qa are formed on either side of the main slot Qa, in each block of foam 4a and 4b. Each of the slots Qb is delimited by two edges 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ of the same block of foam. One end of each slot Qb lies in the plane defined by the main slot Qa. Preferably, three slots are provided in each block and at each end Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the main slot Qa, namely in the passage area of the wick. The three slots Qb of one of the foam blocks are aligned with the three slots of the other foam block. Each slot Qb is formed over the entire transverse width of each block, and at least over part of the axial height of the block. Portions 40a and 40b of small size foam block are thus delimited by the slots Qb. Preferably, each slot Qb is substantially parallel to the cord C connecting the two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the main slot Qa. Thus, the slots Qb are substantially parallel to the axis of movement of the wick.

The foam cylinder 4a, 4b is placed in a rigid enclosure or case 20, of generally cylindrical shape, composed of a part 20a forming a receptacle for closed bottom, and a cover 20b. The cover is fixed, for example by snap-fastening, on the open end of the receptacle 20a.

The housing 20 has an opening 22 of elongated shape, so as to release the slot Q, defined between the end Q ₁ and the end Q ₂ . Thus, the opening 22 is oriented along a plane perpendicular to the axis X. The opening 22 is bordered by a guide lip 24, slightly flared, intended to promote the introduction of the wick M into the slot Q, and to avoid damaging the hair when moving the application device.

The housing 20 is provided with a filling orifice 26, which can be closed using a removable plug 28. The plug 28 is connected to the body of the housing 20 using a flexible strap 29, to prevent the loss of said plug.

The filling orifice 26 serves to engage the housing 20 with the dispensing nozzle of an external auxiliary tank having a capacity important in product, and allows to introduce an appropriate dose of product in reserve 2. The engagement of orifice 26 with the external reservoir can be performed permanently or temporarily.

Advantageously, the housing 20 and the cover 20b are produced by molding, in particular of a more or less rigid thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This material can be transparent, allowing thus to check the level of filling of product in reserve 2.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, for reasons of simplification, the filling orifice of device 1 has not been shown. These figures show, in more detail, different aspects of the embodiment described above.

Figures 3 and 4 show side and front views, respectively, of the device of FIG. 1. In these figures, it can be seen that the slot Qa is slightly flared on its periphery, thus favoring the introduction of the portion of wick to process in the tank 2. In the part of the slot surrounding the tank 2, the Qa slot is substantially contiguous. The opening 22 made in the housing 20 is bordered by a projecting guide lip 24. The profile of this lip 24 is converging towards the Qa slot. Lip 24 has a portion central 24a, defining a preferential introduction zone, of larger width.

In Figure 5 we see that the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is held in the box 20 by skirts 25a and 25b, concentric with the cylindrical wall outside of the housing 20. These skirts 25a and 25b are carried by the receptacle 20a and the cover 20b respectively. The skirts are as high as a space annular is formed, allowing the contacting of the product contained in the reserve, with foam.

The foam cylinder can be compressed axially, resiliently. The compression ratio is chosen so that the slot has a seal just necessary to prevent the product from flowing out of the tank. Same time, the easy introduction of a portion of the wick, on which one wishes apply the product, must be ensured. After treatment, the wick portion comes out properly wrung out the slit leaving the required amount of product to obtain the coloring of the locks.

To use the device which has just been described, a wick M to be treated is separated from the hair. The user then grasps the device 1 with one hand previously loaded with product P.

Then passing through the opening 22 of the housing, a portion of the wick M is introduced into the slot Qa, where it is sandwiched by the edges 4, 4 'of foam defining the slot. Thus, the wick portion is located in a zone extending substantially between the two ends Q ₁ and Q ₂ of the slot, near the cord C. In this way, the portion of the wick M, trapped elastically between the edges 4, 4 ′, crosses the reserve 2, so as to come into contact with the product P. By moving the application device 1 from the root R of the wick to its free point E, along the arrow F, the user can impregnate in product P all or part of the wick, and this in depth. The foam blocks 40a and 40b delimited by the slots Qb tend to bend slightly when the wick passes so that the friction of the foam on the wick is limited. Sufficient product is then left on the wick to obtain the desired coloration. This can also be done in reverse. This process is repeated, wick by wick, as many times as desired. All this operation is carried out under proper conditions.

Thus, with the application device according to the invention, it is clear that the wick treated (M) is completely under control and maintained throughout its treatment. At the end of the gesture, i.e. when the applicator reaches the tip of the wick, this is carefully rested on the rest of the hair. In the case of a coloring product, its viscosity is advantageously such that the product does not cannot migrate significantly to other untreated hair, so as not to harm the aesthetics of the application thus produced.

It should be noted that the product can be of low viscosity without risking leakage. outside the reserve, regardless of the position in which the device is maintained by the user during processing. Indeed, the pressure between the edges 4, 4 'is chosen so that the wick can come out of the slot wrung out well while leaving enough product on the wick to obtain the desired coloring.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment 101, similar to the embodiment Figures 1 to 5. The housing 20 of Figure 6 is identical to that of Figures 1 to 5. The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 5 in particular by the fact that the foam blocks 4a and 4b are of a different nature. Thus, the portion 4a is formed of a foam, the size of the cells and / or the compressibility and / or the constituent material are different from the foam forming the portion 4b.

This embodiment is also distinguished from that of FIGS. 1 to 5 by the causes the foam blocks 4a, 4b to form a solid cylinder. In addition, the Q slot delimited by two edges 4 and 4 ′ has a profile in the shape of a sawtooth. The Q slot is thus formed of a first portion Qa and a plurality of second portions Qb arranged in relation to each other so as to form teeth saw. The end of each tooth is preferably located opposite the opening 22 of the housing to facilitate the introduction of the wick into the slot. Each tooth 40a and 40b of each block 4a and 4b tends to bend slightly when passage of the wick so that the friction of the foam on the wick are limited. According to the example considered, blocks 4a and 4b are each formed of a different kind of foam. The reserve containing the product to be applied is formed, in this case, by the open cells of blocks 4a and 4b.

In Figure 7, we see an application device 1a, comprising a housing 20 similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. According to the embodiment shown, the filling orifice 26 of the housing 20 is mounted on a tank external auxiliary product 30. This external reservoir 30 is formed of a compressible bottle, made of a suitable thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene, and containing a large reserve of product. The reservoir 30 is surmounted by a dispensing nozzle 32 provided with an adapter 34, capable of being placed in communication with the filling orifice 26. In the illustrated configuration, the external reservoir 30 and the housing 20 (provided with the block foam 4a, 4b) form a set of fixed application, capable of being supplied with product by the user at any time. Thus, by compression of the external reservoir 30, the user can inject a dose of product inside the housing 20, in order to renew the impregnation of the edges 4, 4 'of the slot. In this case, the external reservoir 30 also serves as a gripping member during the application of the product. Furthermore, the slot Q of this embodiment is formed of a main slot Qa and, on the other hand, of several slots Qb situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the main slot Qa is formed. Each of the slots Qb is delimited by two edges 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ of the same block of foam. One end of each slot Qb lies in the plane defined by the main slot Qa. For example, three slots Qb are provided on each side of the slot Qa, namely in each of the blocks 4a and 4b and at each end Q ₁ and Q ₂ . In this embodiment, the slots Qb of the foam block 4a are not arranged opposite the slots Qb of the foam block 4b, but they are offset from one another.

Figure 8 illustrates an application device 1b, comprising a housing 20 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. According to the embodiment shown, the filling orifice 26 of the housing 20 is mounted on a sleeve grip 40. The sleeve 40 can be removable, to allow the introduction, at through the filling orifice, a dose of product inside the housing 20. After filling, the sleeve 40 is fixed on the housing so as to close off said filling hole 26. The slot Q is identical to that described in accordance with figure 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment, particularly simple to carry out, of a application device 201. According to this embodiment, a housing 220 is formed a bottom receptacle 220c in the form of a cup and a cover 220b. The receptacle 220c has substantially the same structure as the lower half of the housing 20 of Figures 1 to 5. Inside the housing 220 is disposed a single hollow foam cylinder 4a. The foam cylinder 4a forms a surface 4, in elastic and tight contact with a rigid 4 "portion of the lid. Thus, a contiguous slot Qa is formed between the foam surface 4 and the 4 "portion of the cover edge 220b. The foam cylinder 4a has Qb slots, for example three in number, one end of which is in the plane defined by the slot Qa. The slots Qb are for example perpendicular to the Qa slot. Advantageously, the cover has an internal profile curved towards outside.

A portion 222a of the receptacle 220c of the housing is hollowed out, forming with a corresponding zone 222b of the cover 220b an elongated opening 22, oriented perpendicular to the X axis. The opening 22 is bordered on all its contour of a guide lip in two parts, a first part 24 of which is secured to receptacle 220c, and a second part 24 'of which is secured to cover 220b.

Thus, when a portion of wick is introduced into the slot Qa, so as to cross reserve 2, the product contained in said reserve can permeate said portion of wick, homogeneously.

FIG. 10 shows a device 301, in partial view, illustrating the mounting of a foam cylinder in two parts 4a, 4b, inside a housing 320 particular. The housing 320 has a cylindrical body 20a, open at each end, each end being closed by a corresponding cover 20b, 20c of identical shape. The cover 20b (20c) has a sealing skirt ring 23 whose outer diameter is slightly less than the diameter inside the body 20a. Each free end of the body 20a has a portion annular of smaller thickness, so as to define an inner projection 21. The internal projection 21 carries a sharp annular edge 21a, oriented in the direction of the corresponding cover. This annular edge 21a can be continuous or discontinuous.

When mounting the housing 320, the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is disposed at inside the body 20a. Then fixing each of the covers 20b and 20c on the corresponding end of the body 20a, for example by breakdown, gluing or force introduction, an annular portion of foam 304a, 304b is pinched between the edge 21a and the annular skirt 23.

It is understood that, when the foam cylinder 4a, 4b is made in one single piece, it is sufficient to secure it on one of its ends only. In this case, the second cover, opposite to that used for the foam attachment, can be removable. Also, the second cover can be used of cap which is removed to introduce product into reserve 2, and which rests after filling.

Such a housing can be used with foam blocks delimiting a slot Q such as those which have just been described in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 8.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 11 to 17, the application device 1, instead of being cylindrical, is of elongated shape. II has a cross section whose width decreases towards an end E, for example a cross section of substantially triangular shape. This embodiment makes it easy to reach the roots due to the tip relatively small width of the device. Aside from this particular form, the device shown in Figures 11 to 17 is substantially identical to that described in accordance with FIG. 1. According to this embodiment, the slot Qa is defined by two independent foam blocks which are each held in the housing 20.

In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13, three portions of slots Qb, delimited by edges 4 ₁ and 4 ₂ , open into the main slot Qa, on either side of the main slot Qa. The slit portions Qb of one of the blocks are opposite those of the other block and are preferably located towards the base of the triangle, namely in the area where the wick passes through the device. They are formed so as to define, in each block, two portions of foam block 40a and 40b of smaller size which bend during the passage of the wick.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 14, three slots Qb are formed in each block 4a and 4b, but this time, offset from each other.

Figure 15 illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of Figure 11 in which Qb slots are formed only on one side of the main slot Qa, in a single block 4a.

The slot shown in Figure 16 has a sawtooth profile section. Again, the teeth 40a and 40b defined between each portion of slot Qa and Qb bend when the wick passes through the device.

Finally, FIG. 17 illustrates another configuration of the embodiment of the Figure 11 in which the slot Q has a crenellated profile section.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variants can be there made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (31)

Device (1, 1a, 1b, 101, 201, 301) for applying a product in wicks capillary (P), in particular of a coloring product, said device comprising a member (4a, 4b) made of at least one elastically deformable material and delimiting at least in part a reserve (2) of said product, said delimiting member also at least partly a slot (Q) in communication with the reserve (2) of product, and opening onto the outside of the device, said slot (Q) being delimited by at least two edges (4, 4 ', 4 ") which, at rest, are substantially joined on at least a portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot (Q) being capable of being traversed by a drill bit (M), so as to allow coating with said product in response to relative movement between the device and the wick, in a direction longitudinal to said wick, said slot (Q) comprising a first portion (Qa) formed in a first plane and at least a second portion (Qb) formed in a separate second plane in the foreground. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastically deformable member (4a, 4b) is designed so that, passing through the slot, the wick (M) also passes through said reserve of product (2). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the two edges (4 ") delimiting the slot is formed by a portion of an enclosure (20, 220) made of a material impermeable to the product, and to the interior of which is disposed said member made of elastically deformable material (4a), said enclosure comprising an opening (22) extending at least opposite at least a portion of said slot (Q). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said opening (22) is delimited by edges (24) having a profile capable of promoting the insertion of the wick (M) inside the device. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said edges (4, 4 ') of the slot (Q) are formed by said member (4a, 4b) of elastically deformable material. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that a first edge (4) of the slot (Q) is formed by a part (4a) of said member made of a first elastically deformable material, a second edge (4 ') of the slot being formed by a part (4b) of said member made of a second elastically deformable material. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a second portion (Qb) of said slot has one end situated in the first plane. Device according to claim 7 characterized in that the slot (Q) comprises a plurality of second portions (Qb), each of said second portions having a first end located in said first plane. Device according to claim 8 characterized in that said second portions (Qb) are mutually parallel. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the said slot (Q) comprises at least a second portion (Qb) arranged on one side of the foreground, and at least a second portion (Qb) arranged on the on the other side of said foreground. Device according to claim 10 characterized in that said (or said) second (s) portion (s) (Qb) located on one side of the foreground is (are) aligned (s) with said (or said) second (s) ) portion (s) (Qb) located on the other side of said foreground. Device according to claim 10 characterized in that said (or said) second (s) portion (s) (Qb) located on one side of the first plane is (are) offset (s) relative to said (or said) second (s) portion (s) (Qb) located on the other side of said foreground. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first plane is perpendicular to the second. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the profile of the said slot (Q) is in the form of a sawtooth, notch, or wave. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastically deformable material (s) is (are) chosen from the group of elastomers of propylene / ethylene copolymers; polyether blockamides; polyvinyls; terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS); block butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers (SEBS-SIS); thermoplastic polyurethanes; mixtures of polypropylene with one of the following elastomers: block copolymers of butylene-styrene / styrene-isoprene-styrene (SEBS-SIS); terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a diene (EPDM); styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (SBS). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slot (Q) extends over an angular opening between 20 ° and 320 °, and preferably between 120 ° and 200 °. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said edges (4, 4 ', 4 ") open onto the outside of the member made of elastically deformable material (4a, 4b), flaring the one relative to the other so as to facilitate the insertion of the wick (M) into the slot (Q). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reserve of product (2) is delimited, at least in part, by a hollowed-out portion of said member (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the member (4a, 4b) of elastically deformable material forms a cylinder, the center of which is hollowed out so as to form said reserve of product (2). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the reserve of product (2) is formed inside the very structure of the material forming the elastically deformable member, in particular by open or semi-rigid cells open, communicating with each other in a multi-directional way. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said open or semi-open cells have a size between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm. Device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the member made of elastically deformable material forms a solid cylinder. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an orifice (26) which can be closed, in particular reversibly, so as to allow filling of the reserve (2) of said product. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises gripping means (30, 40). Device according to claim 3 as well as all those which depend on it, characterized in that means (21a, 23) are provided for immobilizing the member (4a, 4b) of elastically deformable material inside said enclosure (20, 220). Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the member (4a, 4b) made of elastically deformable material is immobilized inside said enclosure (20, 220) by pinching by means of an attached cover (20b, 220b) closing said enclosure. Device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that said enclosure (20, 220) is made of a transparent material. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (26, 34) for allowing the mounting of the device on a container (30) capable of forming an auxiliary tank, said container being able to be placed, permanently or selectively, in communication with said reserve of product (2). Device according to claim 28, characterized in that said container (30) has deformable walls. Device according to any one of the preceding claims which has a cross section whose width decreases towards one end (E). Process for the application in locks of a hair product, in particular a coloring product, said process consisting in: a) isolating a wick (M) to be coated with said product; b) passing through said wick thus isolated, a slot (Q) delimited at least in part by a member (4a, 4b) made of at least one elastically deformable material, and delimiting at least in part, a reserve (2) of said product with which said slot is in communication, said slot opening onto the outside of the device, and being delimited by at least two edges (4, 4 ′, 4 ") which, at rest, are substantially contiguous on at least a portion of the slot, so as to form a seal, said slot comprising a first portion (Qa) formed in a first plane and at least a second portion (Qb) formed in a second plane distinct from the first plane; and c) moving the elastically deformable member relative to said wick, in a longitudinal direction to said wick.

Images