EP4122354B1 - Vibrating hair straighteners with integrated hair care - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention belongs to the field of hairdressing and hair treatment devices and utensils, in particular hair straighteners, and more particularly relates to a vibrating straightener with integrated hair care.

The present invention finds a direct, but not exclusive, application in the field of steam straighteners and flat heating plates.

STATE OF THE ART

Changing the shape of your hair has always been a popular aesthetic practice. Already in ancient Egyptian times, long, straight hair was popular. Women who were not “lucky” enough to have this type of natural hair used iron plates heated over a fire to give their hair the desired shape. But the rudimentary equipment available at the time could cause serious burns to the face and hands during handling.

It was not until the end of the ^19th century that hair straighteners became more professional with the invention of a hair clip by French hairdresser Marcel Grateau, an invention for which he was granted the patent American US806386A . This iron allowed, through the rounded shape of its clips, to wave the hair to create curls, even on short hair. In 1909, the first double iron version of the hair straightener was patented by Isaac K. Shero (US943321A ). The dual iron straightener has two irons joined together that can be heated to straighten hair. The heat from heated irons can be used to straighten or straighten hair.

However, since the invention of the double iron straightener, the general function and/or structure of straighteners have not undergone significant changes. As a general rule, straighteners are equipped with two heating plates placed opposite each other on two articulated arms, between which the strands of hair can be placed in order to be straightened or curled. When dry hair comes into contact With the iron hot and adequate pressure applied at the same time, the shape of the hair can be fixed for a while until the moisture returns it to its original state.

Nowadays, straightening or curling irons are more popular than ever. They have become the center of interest of consumers, both in hairdressing salons and in mass distribution. There is a very wide variety of straighteners with different technologies depending on the main function sought (smoothing, curling, hair maintenance, heat quality, ergonomics, etc.). Whatever their type (classic flat plate, straightener-curler, rotary, steam, etc.), straighteners give satisfactory results because they operate at very high temperatures (up to 230°C), particularly to achieve Brazilian smoothing. Unfortunately, applying such a high temperature statically damages the hair and leaves it feeling bad after use. To overcome this problem, some straighteners propose that at least one heating plate be mobile, by being spring-mounted for example, in order to reduce hair pinching and compensate for the irregular and sometimes abrupt movement of the user's hand. when smoothing.

Other hair straighteners are vibrating and therefore avoid the continuous pressure exerted during straightening. This is particularly the case for the solutions described in the documents CN107467853A And US2015173477A1 .

However, these solutions do not concern the application of hair care during straightening.

Indeed, it is essential to respect the hair fiber during sustained treatments such as straightening using heat application. Most manufacturers recommend cosmetic products to use before, sometimes during, and after straightening.

However, the protocols for applying these treatments remain restrictive and the presence of several containers of liquid products can be problematic when traveling by plane.

For example, a classic protocol consists of applying the following steps in order: shampoo; apply the treatment to rinse; rinse and detangle; wring out hair; on towel-dried hair, apply and knead the appropriate treatment onto the lengths and ends; untangle; to dry ; using a comb, take a strand thin a few centimeters wide, comb it then place it between the heating plates.

Some recent models of straighteners offer hair care to be distributed using an applicator integrated into the straightening iron. Such applicators sometimes result in abundant distribution of the product, so that the product melts and is drawn onto the strand by the pressure of the iron which wrings the hair during straightening strokes. This results in heavy dripping along the iron which can cause malfunctions if water or hair care product penetrates the electrical part of the iron.

For example, the document EP3086687A2 (L'OREAL and SEB) describes a hair straightener comprising a reservoir of cosmetic product which must be applied, the reservoir being inserted removably in a housing provided for this purpose. This solution considerably weighs down the iron and makes its use uncomfortable and imprecise.

The document WO2020187646A1 (L’OREAL and SEB) describes an applicator that can be removably mounted on the hair straightener. This applicator is intended to be moved between the iron and a remote reservoir, which poses a hygiene problem because the product risks leaking into the work space and dirtying the straightener itself. U

The documents WO2008/039343 And FR3102650 describe hair straighteners with two arms and a water tank.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art exposed above and proposes a high-tech steam straightener providing hair care for delicate straightening of the hair, enhancing it without damaging it. To this end, the present invention relates to an electric hair straightener, making it possible to temporarily fix the shape of hair by applying heat and comprising a straightening iron formed of two articulated arms provided with facing heating plates, a reservoir of water separated from the straightening iron and a cord connecting said reservoir to said iron to convey the water before it is transformed into steam by a steam generator, the arms being movable relative to each other between an open position allowing a lock of hair to be placed between the heating plates and a closed position allowing the previously placed lock of hair to be pinched with said plates. This straightener is remarkable in that the straightening iron has an activatable vibrator to vibrate the plates heated, and in that the water tank includes a removable cosmetic product refill. The removable refill can also be filled with water. Thus, the straightener according to the invention provides delicate straightening, improved both by vibrations which minimize hair breakage and by the application of hair care automatically during straightening. The results obtained correspond to a high standard of hairdressing and allow the user to avoid the arduousness of long sessions at the hairdresser and the corresponding costs. According to an advantageous embodiment, the vibrator is an electric vibration motor fixed inside an arm of the hair straightener, preferably the upper arm for its lightness compared to the lower arm, the latter comprising the steam generator , so as to produce sufficient vibrations at the heating plates with lower energy expenditure.

The vibrations generated result, for example, in an oscillatory movement of each plate in the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said plate. Therefore, it can be achieved a circular movement of the plates, similar to massage movements.

Advantageously, the vibrator is placed in a cage secured to the arm to eliminate the undesirable effects linked to the inertia of said vibrator and reduce its sound noise.

According to one embodiment, the straightener comprises at least one button for adjusting the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrator between different frequency levels. This button is preferably placed on the straightener.

According to one aspect of the invention, the straightener comprises a digital display screen on which information relating to the state of the vibrator can be displayed, among other things.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the cosmetic product refill is fixed on the water tank by nesting, with a longitudinal sliding movement for example. More particularly, the refill can be inserted into the tank via an upper face thereof and in a housing provided for this purpose.

Advantageously, the refill includes a gripping means facilitating its fixing in the tank and especially its removal from the latter.

According to one embodiment, the refill is a disposable cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the water tank comprises a pump whose inlet and outlet are connected to a distribution nozzle communicating with the interior of the refill and to the steam cord respectively.

Advantageously, the refill contains a cosmetic product based on keratin and/or hyaluronic acid such as hair botox.

The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been explained above in their most basic form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving as non-limiting example an embodiment of a hair straightener conforming to the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures are given purely for illustrative purposes for a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The different elements can be represented schematically and are not necessarily on the same scale. In all of the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same numerical reference.

• Figure 1 : une vue en perspective d'un lisseur avec son fer à lisser et son réservoir d'eau selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• Figure 2 : une vue en perspective du lisseur avec le cordon vapeur et le cordon d'alimentation électrique ;
• Figure 3a : une vue en perspective du fer à lisser dans une position ouverte (position par défaut) ;
• Figure 3b : une vue en perspective du fer à lisser dans une position fermée ;
• Figure 4 : une vue en éclaté du fer à lisser laissant apparaitre le vibreur ;
• Figure 5 : une vue en transparence du fer à lisser laissant apparaitre l'emplacement du vibreur dans le bras supérieur ;
• Figure 6 : une vue de dessus du fer à lisser sans la demi-coque extérieure du bras supérieur avec un détail sur l'agencement du vibreur ;
• Figure 7a : une vue en perspective avant du réservoir d'eau ;
• Figure 7b : une vue en perspective arrière du réservoir d'eau permettant de visualiser la recharge de produit cosmétique ;
• Figure 8 : une vue en perspective de la recharge de produit cosmétique isolée ;
• Figure 9 : une vue partielle en perspective du réservoir laissant apparaitre la pompe ;
• Figure 10 : une autre vue partielle en perspective du réservoir ;
• Figure 11 : une vue en perspective du réservoir sans sa base, focalisée sur l'embout de distribution connecté à la recharge ;
• Figure 12 : une vue en perspective du réservoir sans la recharge ;
• Figure 13 : une vue en perspective de la recharge tournée sur sa face inférieure.

It is thus illustrated in:

• Figure 1 : a perspective view of a straightener with its straightening iron and its water tank according to one embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 : a perspective view of the straightener with the steam cord and the electrical power cord;
• Figure 3a : a perspective view of the straightener in an open position (default position);
• Figure 3b : a perspective view of the straightener in a closed position;
• Figure 4 : an exploded view of the straightener revealing the vibrator;
• Figure 5 : a transparent view of the straightener revealing the location of the vibrator in the upper arm;
• Figure 6 : a top view of the hair straightener without the outer half-shell of the upper arm with a detail on the arrangement of the vibrator;
• Figure 7a : a front perspective view of the water tank;
• Figure 7b : a rear perspective view of the water tank allowing you to visualize the cosmetic product refill;
• Figure 8 : a perspective view of the isolated cosmetic product refill;
• Figure 9 : a partial perspective view of the tank revealing the pump;
• Figure 10 : another partial perspective view of the reservoir;
• Figure 11 : a perspective view of the tank without its base, focused on the distribution tip connected to the refill;
• Figure 12 : a perspective view of the tank without the recharge;
• Figure 13 : a perspective view of the refill turned on its underside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are described here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

In the embodiment described below, reference is made to a classic steam straightener (equipped with flat heating plates), intended mainly for straightening hair and treating it by administering cosmetic treatments. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of the principles of the invention in other styling and hair treatment devices such as curling irons, commonly called “curlers”, and generally equipped with cylindrical or conical tips to give a wavy shape to the hair.

In the remainder of the description, the expression "straightening iron" designates a manual hair straightening device mainly comprising two heating plates between which the strands of hair are placed in order to be straightened, and the term "straightener" laconically designates in the context of the invention a steam type hair straightener and its water tank.

There figure 1 represents the main elements of a straightener 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, namely a straightening iron 10 and a water tank 20. The connecting elements, comprising a steam cord and possibly a cord of power supply, are not shown in this figure.

In fact, the straightener 10 is connected to the water tank 20 by means of a so-called steam cord which allows the water to be routed from the tank to the iron. The power supply of the straightener 100 can be ensured by connection to the mains via an electric cable or independently with a battery placed, preferably, in the base of the tank 20.

There figure 2 reveals a steam cord 30 connecting the straightening iron 10 to the water tank 20 and represents an exemplary embodiment in which said tank is provided with an electrical power cable 40 to be connected to the sector.

The straightener 100 has been designed in an optimized manner for a better user experience, particularly with regard to the straightening result, handling and ergonomics. In fact, the straightener 10 is vibrating and does not incorporate the water tank or cosmetic product refill. As a result, the water tank 20 is separated from the iron and can receive refills (or cartridges) of cosmetic products such as hair care. Thus, the straightener 10 is made lighter so as not to cause discomfort during its use, especially when use is prolonged over time, and the water tank 20 is made heavier to improve its stability compared to certain reservoirs of existing straightener models known to be unstable.

The straightener 10 is formed of two articulated arms, an upper arm 11 and a lower arm 12, mounted in pivot connection around an axis 13 substantially perpendicular to an axis of extension of each arm. The arms 11 and 12 are articulated at their distal ends, located near the inlet of the steam cord 30. Conversely, at their proximal ends, the arms 11 and 12 are equipped with two heating plates 111 and 121 respectively, arranged opposite each other so as to be able to pinch the strands of hair during straightening following normal handling of the straightening iron 10.

Indeed, the straightener 10 has two positions of use, an open position allowing the lock of hair to be introduced between the heating plates 111 and 121, and a closed position allowing said plates to be applied against the lock of hair. Like pliers, the straightener 10 is by default in the open position and pressure on the arms 11 and 12 then makes it possible to bring it into an elastically constrained closed position. Releasing this pressure returns the iron to the open position under the action of a torsion spring.

There figure 3a represents the straightener 10 in the open position, in which the two arms 11 and 12 are spaced from each other angularly around the axis of the pivot 13. The maximum angular deviation allowed corresponds to the default position of the straightening iron 10 and must be sufficient for the introduction of a lock of hair of a few centimeters between the plates 111 and 121, while allowing secure manual grip of the iron 10 by tightened portions of the arms 11 and 12 located upstream of said plates.

There figure 3b represents the straightening iron 10 in the closed position, in which the heating plates 111 and 121 are applied against each other, so that when a lock of hair is grasped between said plates, these exert sufficient pressure which, combined with the transmitted heat, temporarily fixes the shape of the wick for an overall smooth effect. The hair treatment, in particular with the vibrations of the straightening iron 10, will be detailed below. The straightener 10 further comprises electronic power control and control means, a digital display screen, control buttons, a steam generator and a vibrator.

There figure 4 represents in exploded view the straightening iron 10 according to an exemplary embodiment and allows you to visualize its essential components described below.

According to this example, the shell of the upper arm 11 is made up of two assembled half-shells, an outer half-shell 11a and a lower half-shell 11b. Likewise, the shell of the lower arm 12 is made up of two assembled half-shells, an outer half-shell 12a and an inner half-shell 12b. In each arm, the half-shells are assembled in a removable manner by suitable fixing means such as screws or by clipping. The half-shells of each arm can also be definitively assembled or manufactured in one piece by molding, additive manufacturing or any other appropriate process. Each half-shell of the straightener 10 is shaped to receive precise elements in a compact configuration. For example, openings are provided in the interior half-shells 11b and 12b to receive the upper 111 and lower 121 heating plates.

The straightener 10 also includes heating elements 112 and 122 which are in contact with the plates 111 and 121.

The heating elements 112 and 122 can be of the positive temperature coefficient type PTC ( Positive Temperature Coefficient ) or metal-ceramic heaters MCH ( Metal Ceramic Heater ) depending on the nature of the plates 111 and 121. The plates 111 and 121 can be in ceramic, tourmaline or titanium. Each of the aforementioned materials has its own characteristics which give the hair a particular result. For example, ceramic plates allow even distribution of heat and therefore facilitate straightening. Regardless of the technology used to create the plates and their heating elements, the straightener 10 offers an adjustment of the temperature of the plates to best adapt to each type of hair.

The straightener 10 also includes a steam generator 151 connected to the water tank 20 and making it possible to produce steam by heating the water coming from said tank and evacuating it through orifices provided for this purpose. The steam generator 151 is arranged in the lower arm 12 so that its orifices open through the steam outlets 125 of said lower arm. A thermally insulating membrane 152, preferably made of polymer material, is stored between the orifices of the steam generator 151 and the shell of the lower arm 12 to protect the latter from the hot surfaces of the steam generator. Likewise, other insulating parts are shaped and placed appropriately to insulate the hot parts of the straightener.

The steam generator 151 can be heated by its own means or by the heating element 122 with which it can be in contact.

The combined effect of the heat of the plates and the flow of steam improves the straightening result by maintaining hydration of the fiber and promoting the penetration of heat deep into the hair strand to avoid overheating of the superficial fibers.

For further improved straightening, the straightener 10 is vibrating and for this purpose includes a vibrator 16 which makes it possible to produce weak oscillations at the level of the plates 111 and 121 to limit hair breakage during straightening.

The vibrator 16 is for example a vibrating electric motor integral with the shell of the straightening iron 10.

There figure 5 represents the straightener 10 with the outer half-shell of the upper arm 11 in transparency to reveal the vibrator 16, the latter being placed in a suitable cage 116.

According to the example illustrated, the cage 116 is made up of two complementary parts, each being made in the structure of a half-shell of the upper arm 11.

There Figure 6 represents the hair straightener 10 without the outer half-shell of the upper arm 11, on which we can see the vibrator 16 placed in a first half of the cage 116, said half being made in the structure of the inner half-shell.

Of course, the cage of the vibrator can be independent of the structure of the shell of the arm and attached in situ by fixing and/or damping means adapted to modify the mode of propagation of the vibrations generated in the structure of the straightener and thus optimize their effect for smoothing. The vibrator cage can also be made of an acoustically insulating material in order to minimize the noise of the vibrator in operation.

The vibrations generated by the vibrator 16 can be adjusted in frequency and/or amplitude by means of a specific variator incorporated in the electronic control means of the straightener 10. The corresponding adjustment can be made via one or more dedicated buttons 143.

For example, for ease of use, a single button 143 can be provided to adjust the intensity of the vibrations, the latter allowing a vibration level to be chosen from several levels (low, medium and high for example).

The electronic means for controlling the straightening iron 10 include at least one electronic card 141 provided with the facilities necessary for the operation of all the electrical components of said iron. In addition, a digital display screen 142 is provided to display temperature, vibration, error messages or other information.

The hair straightener 10 as described therefore allows steam straightening controlled thermally by adjusting the temperature of the heating plates and mechanically by adjusting the vibrations of said plates, to provide the hair with movement and careful treatment almost imitating a delicate massage . Added to this, the straightener 100 allows you to provide real hair care through application of a cosmetic product on the hair during straightening, thanks to the water tank 20 and its care refill 21.

THE figures 7a and 7b represent the water tank 20 and its treatment refill 21.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the water tank 20 comprises a shell 22 of generally cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical base, in which a housing is provided to receive the refill 21 by longitudinal sliding from an upper face 221 of said shell .

Of course, the refill 21 can be mounted on the tank 20 in another way, by lateral sliding, by tightening, etc.

There figure 8 represents the isolated care refill 21, comprising at its upper part a gripping means 211 to facilitate its attachment to the reservoir 20 and its removal therefrom. The refill 21 has a shape and dimensions adapted to fit perfectly in the housing of the refill 20 provided for this purpose.

The treatment refill 21 can contain any type of hair care, in particular based on proteins such as keratin as well as other chemical compounds such as hyaluronic acid. For example, the treatment could be hair botox. The treatment contained in the refill 21 is preferably in liquid or creamy form and is capable of being evaporated, or at least vaporized if its boiling temperature is higher than the boiling point of water. More preferably, the treatment is liquid and of the vapor-activated type, in other words comprises active agents whose effect is favored by the vapor.

The care refill 21 can be disposable or rechargeable. In all cases, the refill 21 is made of a recyclable material such as a plastic suitable for cosmetic and/or food products.

THE figures 9 and 10 partially represent the water tank to visualize its internal components.

The cosmetic product contained in the refill 21 is removed, just like the water, by means of a pump 24, peristaltic for example, comprising an inlet 241, directly connected to a distribution tip of the refill 21, and an outlet 242 directly connected to the steam generator of the straightening iron 10 by the steam cord 30. The connection between the pump 24 and the refill 21 can be ensured by a flexible pipe of small diameter placed at the level of the base 223 of the tank 20.

THE figures 11 and 12 represent the dispensing tip 261 which is extended by a connector 262, said connector being introduced in a sealed manner into the refill 21 to allow the passage of the liquid (water, cosmetic product or their mixture) contained in said refill.

A passage 222 is provided on the shell 22 of the tank 20 for the steam cord 30 and possibly for the power cord 40.

The reservoir 20 also includes electronic control means 25 in the form of an electronic card and an on/off button 23 which can even centralize this function for the hair straightener.

There Figure 13 represents the lower face of the refill 21, on which we can see a shoulder 212 forming a stop when inserting said refill into the tank, and an opening 213 which closes with a cap and which allows the refill to be filled/empty .

It is clear from the present description that a straightener according to the invention can be produced in different ways depending on its purpose and the type of treatment desired for the hair. Thus, the same principles of the invention can be applied to a curling iron. In addition, certain elements of the straightener can be slightly modified or replaced without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An electric hair straightener (100), comprising a straightening iron (10) formed by two articulated arms (11, 12) equipped with heating plates (111, 121), a water reservoir (20) separate from the straightening iron and a hose (30) connecting said reservoir to said iron for conveying the water before it is transformed into steam by a steam generator (151), the arms being movable relative to one another between an open position allowing placing a lock of hair between the heating plates and a closed position allowing clamping the previously placed lock of hair with said plates, said straightener being characterized in that the straightening iron includes an activatable vibrator (16) to make the heating plates vibrate, and in that the water reservoir (20) comprises a removable cosmetic product refill (21).
2. The straightener according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator (16) is an electric vibrator motor fastened inside an arm (11, 12) of the straightening iron (10).
3. The straightener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibrator (16) is placed in a cage (116) secured to an arm (11, 12) of the straightening iron (10).
4. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one button (143) for setting the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrator (16) between different frequency levels.
5. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a digital display screen (142) on which information relating to the status of the vibrator (16) could be displayed.
6. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) is attached to the water reservoir (20) by interlocking.
7. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) includes a grasping means (211) facilitating removal thereof from the water reservoir (20).
8. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water reservoir comprises a pump (24) whose inlet and outlet are connected to a dispensing nozzle (261) communicating with the interior of the refill (21) and to the hose (30) respectively.
9. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) is a disposable cartridge.
10. The straightener according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) contains a keratin- and/or hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic product.

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