EP1475010B1 - Device for the treatment of hair - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a container (2) containing a polymer product to be applied on hair and on scalp with a product distribution valve. A hair uplifting unit (20) is movable with respect to the container to activate the product distribution valve. A distribution nozzle distributes the product on the hair and the scalp after uplifting the hair by the hair uplifting unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for applying a polymer product on hair.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for treating the hair and especially the hair root.

Devices for applying a product to the hair are known of FR-A-2 828 999, FR-A-2 805 442 and US 5 848 598.

There is a need to be able to give volume to the hair, in particular applying to the hairline a product that hardens as it dries to form more these on the scalp.

The aim of the invention is to propose a new device enabling in particular to apply such a product.

• un récipient contenant un produit à appliquer sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu,
• un organe de soulèvement de la chevelure, solidaire du récipient et mobile par rapport à celui-ci,
• au moins un embout de distribution pour distribuer le produit sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu, après soulèvement des cheveux au moyen de l'organe de soulèvement de la chevelure.

The invention thus relates to a device comprising:

• a container containing a product to be applied to at least one of the hair and scalp,
• a member for lifting the hair, secured to the container and movable relative thereto,
• at least one dispensing tip for dispensing the product onto at least one of the hair and scalp, after lifting the hair by means of the hair lifting member.

Thanks to the invention, the user can notably easily apply to hair a product intended to freeze their base, while they are erected on the scalp and so get the desired volume effect.

The lifting member of the hair being secured to the container, the device is advantageously realized so that the user can, of the same hand than the one holding the container, actuate the lifting organ. So, the other hand remains available to assist in obtaining the desired hairstyle, for example.

Preferably, the container comprises a product dispensing valve which is actuated by the movement of the lifting member. The use of the device is found simplified.

More preferably, the device comprises a separate dispensing tip of the lifting member, which makes it possible, for example, to spray the product in a direction substantially perpendicular to the portion of the hair that extends between the leather hairy and the uprising organ.

The lifting member advantageously comprises a comb, which can for example comprise at least one row of teeth, or even a single row of teeth. These latter may have aligned bases. The comb may for example comprise between 2 and 40 teeth, especially between 5 and 20 teeth. The free ends of the teeth can pointing in a direction substantially opposite to the container, in particular during actuation of the lifting member.

The lifting member of the hair may advantageously comprise a actuating part defining a location on which the user can press to cause relative movement of the lifting member relative to the container.

In a particular embodiment, the lifting member is connected by means of minus one leg to a base portion attached to the container and that leg may minus a film hinge. In particular, the lifting member may comprise two such legs, each provided with a film hinge and sufficiently spaced one of the other to allow the dispensing tip to engage with each other during the distribution of the product, after displacement of the lifting member to lift the hair.

The device may also include a support part on the scalp, fixed relative to the container. This part of support can rest on the scalp when the lifting member is moved to lift the hair and include for example two rods, which may be parallel and equidistant from the distribution. The length of these rods may for example be chosen so that their free end is located substantially at the same level as the base of the teeth of the comb, before actuation of the lifting member, when the device is observed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container.

In a particular embodiment, the dispensing nozzle comprises an abutment against which the lifting organ may be applied after a displacement of this one. This stop may in particular come into contact with the actuating part mentioned above of the uprising organ.

The dispensing nozzle may be connected to the base portion by at least one hinge film, and the aforementioned abutment can be located on the opposite side to this hinge film, by relative to the dispensing valve.

The dispensing nozzle may be provided with a nozzle arranged to generate a spray.

The product contained in the container may contain polymers and present a relatively short drying time, for example less than 30 seconds.

• un récipient contenant un produit à appliquer sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu,
• un organe de soulèvement de la chevelure comportant un peigne, solidaire du récipient et mobile par rapport à celui-ci,
• au moins un embout de distribution pour distribuer le produit sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu, après soulèvement des cheveux au moyen de l'organe de soulèvement de la chevelure.

The invention further relates, according to another of its aspects, a device for treating the hair, comprising:

• a container containing a product to be applied to at least one of the hair and scalp,
• a hair lifting member comprising a comb, secured to the container and movable relative thereto,
• at least one dispensing tip for dispensing the product onto at least one of the hair and scalp, after lifting the hair by means of the hair lifting member.

The comb may comprise at least one row of teeth, in particular between 2 and 40 teeth. The free ends of the teeth can point in a direction substantially opposite the container, in particular during the actuation of the lifting member.

• un récipient contenant un produit à appliquer sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu,
• un organe de soulèvement de la chevelure, solidaire du récipient et mobile par rapport à celui-ci,
• au moins un embout de distribution pour distribuer le produit sur au moins l'un des cheveux et du cuir chevelu, après soulèvement des cheveux au moyen de l'organe de soulèvement de la chevelure,

l'organe de soulèvement se raccordant par au moins une charnière-film à une partie de base fixée sur le récipient.The invention further relates, according to another of its aspects, a device for treating the hair, comprising:

• a container containing a product to be applied to at least one of the hair and scalp,
• a member for lifting the hair, secured to the container and movable relative thereto,
• at least one dispensing tip for dispensing the product on at least one of the hair and scalp, after lifting the hair by means of the hair lifting member,

the lifting member being connected by at least one film hinge to a base part fixed to the container.

The lifting member can be connected to the base part by at least one leg or two legs each provided with a hinge-film and sufficiently spaced from each other to allow the dispensing tip to engage with each other during of the distribution of the product, after displacement of the lifting member to lift the hair.

• fournir un dispositif tel que défini plus haut,
• soulever les cheveux avec l'organe de soulèvement de la chevelure,
• distribuer sur la racine des cheveux ainsi soulevés un produit.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a method for applying a product to the hair, comprising the following steps:

• provide a device as defined above,
• lifting the hair with the hair lifting device,
• distribute on the root of the hair thus raised a product.

Hair can be kept lifted after product distribution for a period necessary for drying the product.

• la figure 1 représente, de manière schématique et en élévation, un exemple de dispositif réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté, selon la flèche II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe axiale, schématique et partielle, selon III-III de la figure 1, et
• les figures 4 à 6 illustrent l'utilisation du dispositif des figures 1 à 3 pour donner du volume à la chevelure.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of an example of non-limiting implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 represents, schematically and in elevation, an example of a device produced according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a side view, along arrow II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is an axial section, schematic and partial, along III-III of FIG. 1, and
• Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the use of the device of Figures 1 to 3 to give volume to the hair.

The device 1 represented in FIG. 1 comprises a container 2, containing a produced for example rich in polymers and fast drying under pressure of a gas propellant, and a dispensing head 3 fixed to the container 2 through a base portion 4. The latter may comprise, as seen in Figure 3, a mounting skirt 5 snapped onto an annular groove 6 present in the upper part of the container 2. This one comprises, in the example considered, a cup 7 for supporting a dispensing valve 8, this cup 7 being crimped on the body of the container 2.

The dispensing valve 10 comprises, in a conventional manner, a rod of 11 controls, hollow, a body 12 retained by the cup 7, wherein the rod 11 can sinking, and a return spring 13 of the rod 11 in a position in which it applied by a sealing lip 14 against an annular seal 15. In this position, the lip 14 closes the communication between the inside of the body 12 and a lateral orifice 16 of the rod 11, through which the product can flow out of the container when the rod 11 is pressed.

The head 3 also comprises, according to one aspect of the invention, a member 20 for lifting the hair and a dispensing tip 30.

The lifting member 20 comprises a comb 21 and a part 22 on which the user can press to move the comb 21 and thus allow the uprising.

In the example considered, the comb 21 and the actuating part 22 are made in one piece by plastic molding with two legs 23 se connecting to the base portion 4 and each having a thinned portion 24 defining a film hinge, which allows the comb 21 and the actuating portion 22 to pivot around an axis perpendicular to the plane of Figure 3 and to the longitudinal axis X of the container 2, when the user presses the actuating portion 22. The base portion 4 can be made in one piece with the legs 23. It is not beyond the scope of this invention when the thinned portion 24 is replaced by any other means of articulation.

The comb 21 comprises, in the illustrated example, a row of teeth 25 of which the bases 26 are aligned and the free ends 27 are directed generally in the opposite direction to the container 2.

The dispensing nozzle 30 and the comb 21 are offset along the X axis and the tip 30 comprises a body 31, of generally frustoconical shape in the example described, provided with an inner channel 32 which opens at its lower end into a housing 33 receiving the end of the control rod 11. This housing 33 extends downwards by a cone 35 facilitating the introduction of the rod 11.

The body 31 of the dispensing nozzle 30 receives at its upper end a nozzle 36 and is connected to the base portion 4 by a tab 37, made in one piece with the body 31, this tab 37 having a thinned area 38 defining a hinge movie. Thus, the body 31 of the dispensing nozzle 30 can pivot about an axis substantially parallel to that around which the lifting member 20 can to toggle. The tab 37 can be made in one piece with the base part 4. It can see in FIG. 3 that the thinned zones 24 and 38 are located on the same side of the device 1, relative to the axis of the control rod 11, which coincides with the axis X.

The dispensing nozzle 30 is made on the side opposite the tab 37, with a stop 39 against which the actuating portion 22 can come to bear when the user presses with his index I on it, as can be seen in Figures 4 to 6.

The device 1 further comprises, in the example in question, two rods 40 which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the container 2 and which connect to the base part 4, close to the mounting skirt 5.

The free end 41, of rounded shape, of the rods 40 is substantially at level of the base 26 of the teeth before actuation of the lifting member 20, as we can see it in figure 3.

The device 1 is used in the following manner.

The user having seized the container 2 with one hand, puts his index I on the part 22, and slides the comb 21 tangentially to the scalp S for select the part of the hair he wants to straighten, as seen in Figure 4. It can help with the rods 40 which rest on the scalp S.

Once the device 1 in place, the user can press the part actuation 22 until the latter bears on the stop 39 of the dispensing nozzle 30.

The pressure exerted by the index I will raise the comb 21, giving it a angle relative to its initial orientation. The displacement of the lifting member 20 is facilitated to some extent by the presence of the rods 40.

The hair caught between the teeth of the comb 21 will follow the movement, and the R roots of these hair will extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scalp S, exposing them as a result of the operations, as it is see figure 5.

By pressing a little more on the actuating part 22, the displacement of the stop 39 of the dispensing nozzle 30 will drive that of the control rod 11 and the opening of the dispensing valve 10, which will cause the release of the spray. This one will deposit directly on the hairline, between the scalp S and the part of the hair taken in the comb 21, as seen in Figure 6.

As soon as the desired quantity of product has been deposited, the user can release its pressure on the actuating part 22, so that the distribution of product will stop.

The user can hold the lifting member 20 in this position intermediate for the time necessary to dry the product and will be able to fix R roots in the desired position to give the hair the desired volume. When the user releases the actuating portion 20, the latter can return to the initial position of Figure 2, thanks to some shape memory thinned areas 24.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the example just described.

In particular, it is possible to modify the shape of the lifting member and in particular use gripping elements of the hair having a different shape. We can also modify, among other things, the shape of the dispensing tip and that of the actuating part. Where appropriate, the articulation of the lifting member and the possible recall of it to its original position may be assured otherwise than by at least one film hinge.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression "Comprising one" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least a ", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (21)

1. A device (1) for treating the hair, the device comprising:

   a receptacle (2) containing a substance for application to at least one of the hair and the scalp;

   a lifter member (20) for lifting the hair, the member comprising a comb secured to the receptacle and movable relative thereto; and

   at least one dispenser endpiece (30) for dispensing the substance on at least one of the hair and the scalp, after the hair has been lifted by means of the hair-lifter member.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is made in such a manner as to enable the user to actuate the lifter member with the same hand as is holding the receptacle.
3. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the dispenser endpiece is distinct from the lifter member.
4. A device any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lifter member includes a comb (21).
5. A device according to the previous claim, characterized by the fact that the comb comprises at least one row of teeth.
6. A device according to the previous claim, characterized by the fact that the comb comprises 2 teeth to 40 teeth.
7. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by the fact that the free ends of the teeth point in a direction going substantially away from the receptacle, in particular while the lifter member is being actuated.
8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lifter member includes an actuator portion (22) defining a location on which the user can press to cause the lifter member to move relative to the receptacle.
9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lifter member is connected via at least one tab (23) to a base portion (4) fastened to the receptacle, and by the fact that the tab (23) includes at least one film-hinge (24).
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said tabs (23) are two in number, each being provided with a film-hinge (24), the two tabs being spaced apart from each other sufficiently to enable the dispenser endpiece (30) to engage between them while dispensing the substance, after the lifter member has been moved to lift the hair.
11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it includes a bearing portion (40) for bearing on the scalp, said bearing portion being stationary relative to the receptacle.
12. A device according to the previous claim, characterized by the fact that the bearing portion comprises two rods (40).
13. A device according to the previous claim,
    characterized by the fact that the rods (40) are parallel and situated at equal distances from the dispenser endpiece (30).
14. A device according to claim 4 and any one of claims 12 and 13, characterized by the fact that the rods are of a length selected so that their free ends (41) are situated at substantially the same level as the bases of the teeth of the comb, prior to the lifter member being actuated, and when the receptacle is observed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle.
15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the dispenser endpiece (30) includes an abutment (39) against which the lifter member (20) comes to bear at the end of a movement thereof.
16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the dispenser endpiece is connected to the base portion via at least one film-hinge (38).
17. A device according to any one of the claims 15 and 16, characterized by the fact that the abutment (39) is situated on the side of the dispenser valve (10) that is opposite from the film-hinge (38).
18. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the dispenser endpiece is provided with a nozzle (36) arranged to generate a spray.
19. A device according to any one of the preceeding claims, characterized by the fact that the substance contained in the receptacle contains polymers and presents a drying time of less than 30 s.
20. A method of applying a substance to the hair, the method comprising the following steps:

    providing a device as defined in any one of the preceeding claims;

    lifting the hair with the hair-lifter member (20); and

    dispensing a substance on the roots (R) of the hair as lifted in this way.
21. A method according to the previous claim, characterized by the fact that, after the substance has been dispensed, the hair is held lifted for a length of time that is sufficient to allow the substance to dry.

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