EP1935276A1 - Device for applying a product to a lock of hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has cylindrical teeth (3, 4) with parallel axes, and a common base (2) supporting the teeth. A hair mesh selection unit (14) is arranged in projection at an end of the tooth (3) opposed to the base. One of the teeth has radial ribs (13) for spreading hair of a hair mesh, and a channel (10) is arranged in the base for passage of a product. The base has an end fitting including a fixation unit to fix the base on a container containing the product.

Description

The present invention relates to the application of treatment product, especially cosmetic, to a lock of hair of a user. The product can be coloring or cosmetic care.

The document FR-A-1,133,441 relates to an apparatus for applying liquid product on the hair and on the epidermis. The apparatus consists of a body on which is screwed a head provided with two hollow rods coming from mold with the head and pierced with holes. For the filling, the head is separated from the body, the liquid product to be applied is poured in, and the head is thoroughly screwed. For operation, the two hollow rods are coated with hydrophilic cotton, the apparatus is tilted so as to place the head at an angle of approximately 45 ° below the horizontal. In this position, the liquid product contained in the body flows into one of the hollow rods, the other naturally admitting the air necessary for operation. The liquid then flows through the holes and moistens the hydrophilic cotton lining the hollow stems.

This apparatus requires complicated handling with steps of filling, coating the hydrophilic cotton around the two rods. Furthermore, the device does not ensure a homogeneous distribution of product in the hair because, on the one hand, of the heterogeneity of the distribution of the product in the hydrophilic cotton, on the other hand, the heterogeneity of coating the hydrophilic cotton around the stems, and secondly, the random distribution of hair on the outer surface of the hydrophilic cotton. In addition, the Applicant has found that hair products often have different viscosities from one product to another and are difficult to apply on the locks, especially large and / or thick. It goes without saying that the crossing of the hydrophilic cotton by the product and the passage of the product through the holes is strongly influenced by the viscosity of the product. The apparatus of the prior art is therefore specific to a particular product viscosity.

The document US 5,676,480 relates to a hair dye application apparatus comprising a handle and an application portion of which one end is screwed to the handle. The sponge application portion includes a pair of semi-rigid applicator members and spaced apart sufficiently to receive a small group of hair between them.

The product must pass through a large thickness of sponge material, resulting in a flow that is extremely dependent on the viscosity of the product. Moreover, the distribution of the product between the free ends of the applicator elements and their base may be very heterogeneous and dependent on the viscosity of the product.

The document WO 00/22954 relates to a multicolor treatment product applicator for the hair. The applicator terminates in a conical shape, which, when turned downward, would retain the treatment product and allow a lock of hair to be inserted through a slit to undergo treatment for a modification of the color of the tip. However, the entry of the strand of hair being crooked, proves delicate. Moreover, the cone being filled with treatment product, the distribution of the treatment product may be irregular, except that the slot is very narrow, in which case the insertion of the hair is particularly difficult.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

Furthermore, the Applicant has found that, prior to the insertion of the lock of hair, it should be appropriately selected. The invention is intended to meet this need.

The invention is particularly intended to allow the selection of a wick and substantially uniform application of the product on said wick in a simple gesture.

The product application device on a lock of hair comprises two teeth of substantially parallel axes, a common trunk supporting the two teeth, and a hair distribution member of a lock of hair, a channel being formed in the trunk common for the passage of product, and a selection member of a lock of hair arranged projecting at the end of at least one tooth opposite the common trunk.

The user can thus select the lock of hair before entering it between the teeth, by means of the selection member. Once the lock selected, the user can slide the lock of hair between the teeth to then apply the product flowing through the channel, including a rotation of at least 90 ° to give the hair an S trajectory during a movement of the device towards the free end of the hair, the hair being distributed by the distribution member. In other words, the hair can move relative to the mark constituted by the application device in a first direction, and in a second direction perpendicular to the first, and in a third direction parallel to the first. The second direction may comprise at least one component perpendicular to the first, and, where appropriate, a component parallel to the first, but in the opposite direction.

The selection member may be arranged in axial projection at the end of at least one tooth opposite the common trunk, or slightly oblique, in particular at an angle of less than 10 °.

A tooth may comprise a cylindrical body supporting the distribution member. Alternatively, the body may be slightly frustoconical, in particular at an angle of less than 10 °. The distribution member may be a comb. The distribution member may comprise a plurality of ribs projecting radially from two sides of the body, the ribs being regularly distributed axially.

In one embodiment, the common trunk comprises a tip provided with fixing means on a container containing the product. The container can be made of flexible synthetic material to be squeezed between the fingers of the user and thus pass the product in the channel.

In one embodiment, the channel includes an inlet disposed opposite the teeth and an outlet disposed in at least one tooth. The input may be in communication with a tank. The outlet can be elongated axially over the majority of the length of the tooth. This promotes a homogeneous distribution of the product in a lock of hair. The section of the channel transversely to the length of the tooth may be constant or decreasing away from the common trunk.

In one embodiment, the selection member is disposed in the extension of at least one tooth, a connecting portion being disposed between the selection member and the tooth. The selection member may be in the form of a finger protruding longitudinally at the end of a tooth or a finger protruding longitudinally at the end of each tooth. The connecting portion may be of frustoconical type with wide fillet of connection, for example with a radius greater than the radius of the selection member. The cross section of the selector member may be less than half the cross section of a tooth.

In one embodiment, at least one tooth includes radial hair distribution ribs of a wick. The hair distribution ribs define between them grooves in which the hair is distributed and thus provide a combing effect.

In one embodiment, the teeth delimit an interdental space of substantially constant cross section.

In one embodiment, the selection member has a cross section smaller than the cross section of the tooth.

In one embodiment, a space between two teeth is delimited by surfaces of the teeth, such that a hair of the selected lock of hair passes between the teeth, the hair passing between distribution members formed on at least one tooth.

In one embodiment, the hair distribution member of a lock of hair has a length substantially equal to the length of an outlet of the channel. The outlet of the channel may be circumferentially adjacent to the distribution member.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible container attached to the common trunk.

In one embodiment, the device comprises two teeth and a selection member supported by a tooth.

In one embodiment, the device comprises two teeth and two selection members, each tooth supporting a selection member. The space between the two selection members may be greater than the space between the teeth.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a hair distribution member of a lock of hair occupying an angular sector of a tooth less than 180 °, on the cross section of the tooth.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a distribution member formed on at least one tooth and occupying the circumference of the tooth.

In one embodiment, the product application device on a lock of hair comprises two teeth of substantially parallel axes, a base supporting the two teeth, a channel being formed in the base for the product passage, and a rod disposed in axial projection at the end of at least one tooth opposite the base. Each tooth may comprise a substantially cylindrical body and a comb projecting outwardly opposite the other tooth. The comb may have radial teeth angularly elongated around at least a portion of the tooth.

The invention also relates to a hair treatment method, in particular a cosmetic treatment or an aesthetic treatment method, in which a lock of hair is selected from hair by means of a selection finger. Then, the selected lock of hair is passed between two teeth defining an interdental space, the two teeth are slightly rotated about an axis longitudinally and translates the teeth to slide the hair of the selected lock of hair in the teeth and in the immediate vicinity of a product inlet channel which opens into the hair passage area.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif d'application de produit sur une mèche de cheveux ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1 selon un autre angle ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de face en élévation du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du dispositif d'application de la figure 1 avec une mèche de cheveux ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté en élévation du dispositif de la figure 1 équipé d'un réservoir ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de côté en élévation du dispositif d'application selon un autre mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de la figure 6.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of some embodiments taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a product application device on a lock of hair;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 1 from another angle;
• the figure 3 is a front view in elevation of the device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the application device of the figure 1 with a lock of hair;
• the figure 5 is a side view in elevation of the device of the figure 1 equipped with a tank;
• the figure 6 is a side elevational view of the application device according to another embodiment; and
• the figure 7 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 6 .

As can be seen on the Figures 1 to 5 , the application device 1 comprises a common base 2 from which extend two teeth 3 and 4 of parallel longitudinal axes. The teeth 3 and 4 may be cylindrical. They are fixed relative to the common base 2. The teeth 3 and 4 are derived from the same face of the base 2 and extend at a short distance from one another, thus providing an axially elongated interdental space. The interdental space 5 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. On the opposite side to the teeth 3 and 4, the device 1 comprises a sleeve 6 whose outer surface is provided with a thread 7. The sleeve 6 has an internal passage 8. The common base 2 has a disc shape.

The teeth 3 and 4 may be identical. Each tooth 3, 4 may comprise an elongate opening 9 in communication with the passage 8 by a visible channel 10 on the figure 3 . The opening 9 may be delimited by two lips 11 and 12 forming part of the tooth 3, 4.

Each tooth 3, 4 may also comprise a plurality of ribs 13 projecting radially from the body of the tooth 3, 4. The ribs 13 may be formed on a limited angular sector around the tooth 3, 4, for example 90 ° order. The ribs 13 are regularly spaced axially and thus form a comb. The interdental space 5 may have a radial dimension of between 0.5 and 1 cm.

Note that in different embodiments, the ribs 13 may be provided on one of the teeth or on both teeth. The ribs may be oriented differently, in particular transversely, relative to an axis of elongation of the tooth or each tooth.

In the embodiment shown, the ribs 13 are disposed opposite the interdental space 5. In other words, the ribs 13 are oriented outwardly. The ribs 13 may be arranged over most of the length of each tooth 3,4, for example over a length slightly less than that of the opening 9. The teeth 3 and 4 may have an axial length of less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, for example of the order of 1.3 cm. The axial length of the opening 9 is itself slightly smaller than the axial length of the tooth 3, 4.

The application device 1 also comprises two selection members disposed respectively in the axial extension of the teeth 3 and 4. The selection members 14, 15 are connected to the teeth 3, 4 by a rounded connecting portion 16, 17, which can present a frustoconical shape or a form of ramp with wide connection fillet radius greater than the radius of the selection member 14, 15, or even greater than the radius of the teeth 3, 4. The selection members 14 and 15 extend the teeth 3, 4 opposite the base 2. The longitudinal axes of the selection members 14 and 15 can be parallel to those of the teeth 3, 4. The selection members 14 and 15 may have an axial length less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, for example of the order of 1.3 cm. The selection members 14 and 15 may have an axial length substantially equal to those of the teeth 3 and 4.

In the interdental space 5, the teeth 3 and 4 are provided with smooth surfaces 18, 19 facing each other. The selection members 14 and 15 have in cross section a bean shape with a slight concavity disposed on the inner side and a convex surface on the outer side. The convex surface of the selection member 14, 15 may be located substantially in the axial extension of the outer surface of the teeth 3, 4, on the opposite side to the inner surface 18, 19 and in the vicinity of the ribs 13. The device Application can be made in one-piece form, for example molded.

The teeth 14, 15 have, in cross section, a concave portion 20, 21 located circumferentially between the ribs 13 and the surfaces 18, 19 delimiting the interdental space 5. As can be seen more particularly on the figure 3 the teeth 3, 4 are arranged opposite to one another. In other words, the geometric position of one of the teeth is obtained by pivoting the other tooth 180 ° and translation displacement. On the figure 3 , the opening 9 and the ribs 13 of the tooth 3 are arranged on the upper side, while the opening 9 and the ribs 13 of the tooth 4 are arranged on the lower side. The selection members 14 and 15 are located in the extension of the outer surface of the teeth, such that the space between the selection members 14 and 15 is substantially greater than the interdental space 5. It is thus possible to select the quantity desired hair to form a wick.

As we see on the figures 3 and 4 a lock of hair 22 has been selected between the selection members or fingers 14, 15, and then by displacement in axial translation of the device 1, has been brought between the teeth 3 and 4 thus passing into the interdental space 5. The device 1 was then rotated about 1/4 turn clockwise, causing the lock of hair 22 to contact with the ribs 13 which thus ensure a relatively regular distribution of the hair of the lock of hair 22 in the grooves 23 formed between the ribs 13.

The hair of the lock of hair 22 passing through the grooves 23 of each tooth 3, 4 and in the interdental space 5, also come into contact with the lips 11 and 12 of each opening 9 from which the product flows, for example cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care. Each individual hair is therefore appropriately impregnated due to the hair distribution of a wick between a plurality of grooves 23 defined by the ribs 13. A lock of hair 22 is thus spread flat over a width of at least one centimeter, then distributes the combing effect of the ribs 13. The application device 1 can then be displaced in translation radially relative to its longitudinal axis, hence a sliding of the hair which is thus impregnated over most of its length and on both sides, thanks to the presence of two openings 9.

As we see on the figure 5 , the application device 1 is advantageously associated with a reservoir 24 which supplies the passage 8, the channel 10 and the opening 9, in particular product cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care. The tank 24 may comprise flexible walls, the pressure exerted by the hand of the user to run the product. The reservoir 24 may be in the form of a squeeze bottle. The tank 24 may be equipped with a sleeve 25 whose bore is provided with a complementary thread with the thread 7 of the nozzle 6. The sleeve 25 can thus be fixed on the device 1 and abut against the base 2. The reservoir 24 is then located in the axial extension of the teeth 3 and 4. The teeth 3 and 4 and their extension forming the selection members 14 and 15, are then in the form of a fork with two teeth.

In the embodiment illustrated on the figures 6 and 7 references of elements similar to those of the previous embodiment have been preserved. The base 2 has a thickness markedly increased compared to the previous embodiment and may be provided with a female thread instead of a male thread, or a smooth bore for fitting with a reservoir. The device 1 comprises a single selection member 14 provided with a rounded free end 14a and connected to the connecting portion 16 supported by the tooth 3. The tooth 4 ends with a rounded end 26.

The openings 9 may be punctiform, for example in the form of holes, and distributed, one by groove 23. The openings 9 open on the inner surfaces 18 and 19 to exit the treatment product in the interdental space 5. The openings 9 may be arranged facing each other or staggered. The openings 9 may be provided in the bottom or on the edge of the grooves 23. Alternatively, the openings 9 may be formed in the ribs 13 with a radial orientation towards the other tooth or axial towards the adjacent groove 23.

The ribs 13 extend substantially around the periphery of each tooth 3, 4, thus defining circular grooves 23 of angularly variable depth. As we see more particularly on the figure 7 , the ribs 13 have a generally oval shape in cross section. The ribs 13 of the tooth 3 and the ribs 13 of the tooth 4 are elongated parallel to each other. In other words, the grooves 23 are deep out of the interdent space 5 and shallow or nonexistent in the interdental space 5. In the latter case, the inner surfaces 18 and 19 are smooth, hence a sliding easier hair. At least one rib 13 may have two diametrically opposite projections on one side and the other of a tooth.

This promotes the insertion of the lock of hair in the interdental space 5 and the pre-distribution of the hair thanks to the inner surfaces 18 and 19 facing slightly undulated by the ribs 13 and the grooves 23 which are small to this place, see figure 6 . Once the lock of hair is inserted pre-distributed, the user turns the application device 1 approximately 1/4 of turn, which puts the teeth in engagement between the large portion of the ribs 13, which causes the substantially complete distribution of the hair of the lock of hair in the grooves 23.

Moreover, the application device allows impregnation on both sides of a wick, resulting in a saving of time appreciable by the user and a better diffusion of the product within the wick.

Claims (15)

Device for applying (1) a product on a lock of hair, comprising two teeth (3, 4) of substantially parallel axes and a common trunk (2) supporting the two teeth, characterized in that it comprises an organ selecting (14) a lock of hair projecting at the end of at least one tooth (3) opposite the common trunk (2), and a distribution member (13) of the hair of a lock of hair, a channel (10) being formed in the common trunk for the passage of product. Device according to claim 1, wherein the common trunk (2) comprises a nozzle provided with fixing means on a container containing the product. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel (10) comprises an inlet (8) disposed opposite the teeth and an outlet (9) disposed in at least one tooth (3, 4). Device according to claim 3, wherein the outlet (9) is elongated axially over the majority of the length of the tooth (3, 4). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection member (14) is arranged in the extension of at least one tooth (3), a connecting portion (16) being arranged between the selection member and the tooth. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one tooth (3, 4) comprises ribs (13) radial hair distribution of a wick. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth (3, 4) delimit an interdent space (5) of substantially constant cross section. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection member (14) has a cross section smaller than the cross section of the tooth (3). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which an interdental space (5) is delimited by surfaces of the teeth so that the hair passes between distribution members (13) formed on at least one tooth. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair distribution member (13) of a lock of hair has a length substantially equal to the length of an outlet (9) of the channel. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flexible container (24) fixed to the common trunk (2). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two teeth (3, 4) and a selection member (14) supported by a tooth (3). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising two teeth (3, 4), each tooth supporting a selection member (14, 15). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hair distribution member (13) of a lock of hair occupying an angular sector of a tooth less than 180 degrees. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a distribution member (13) formed on at least one tooth and occupying the circumference of the tooth.

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