EP0653915B1 - Hair conditioning and/or styling device with a steam distribution tube - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair conditioning device. The invention concerns a steam apparatus for the conditioning and/or styling of hair, including: a housing with a gripping means (1); a hair strand rolling body (2) mounted on the housing and extending therefrom; a steam producing unit connected to a steam distribution means (20) opening into the rolling body (2); a means (10) for clamping a hair strand onto the rolling body (2), characterized in that: the steam distribution means is a tubular element (20) coaxially mounted in the rolling body (2) from the housing, said element comprising at least one steam distribution port (21); the rolling body (2) comprises perforations (4b) through which the steam passes. Steam curling iron.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the technical field general treatment and / or shaping equipment hair, such as that for performing functions styling, drying, styling, or crimping for example.

The present invention relates to a steam appliance for hair treatment and / or shaping, comprising a housing with a gripping means, a body winder for locks of hair, mounted on the housing and, extending therefrom, a body of production of steam connected to a means of distributing steam emerging in the winding body, and a means of tightening a lock of hair, such as pliers, on the winding body.

The apparatus according to the invention is more particularly intended to provide a function immobilizing a lock of hair in order to ensure or to facilitate the crimping of said wick. As such, the processing and / or shaping apparatus in accordance with the invention relates more specifically, but not exclusively curling machines. The device conforms to the invention may however obviously include association on the housing constituting the devices additional capable of providing other functions of hair treatment and / or shaping, such as brush, or any other means capable of providing heat, steam, air flow, or even a product of treatment. The apparatus according to the invention therefore comprises also devices such as styling irons or curling provided with heating and generation means steam.

PRIOR ART

It is already known to ensure the winding and curling a strand of hair, using devices comprising a housing forming a gripping, such as a handle, said housing being provided or connected to a heating means and to means for generating steam and air generation. The housing has a end of a tube pierced at its periphery with a series orifices used for the passage of steam. The tube is also associated with a clamp, movable away or in approximation of the tube to ensure the tightening of the end of the lock of hair on said tube. The user can then by rotation of the set of the device ensures the winding of the wick around the tube, then spray the steam through the wick. Electronics made according to this principle do not give entirely satisfaction due to their difficulty in handling making the operation of winding the wick delicate, since it is necessary for the winding to put in rotation of the whole apparatus from gripping. Such devices are also generally associated with a means generating an air flow intended to mix with the steam flow, the air flow from the housing. It turns out that the air / vapor mixture is produced by particularly heterogeneous both on the periphery of the tube and in its longitudinal direction. We observes the creation of heterogeneous mixing zones, located randomly on the tube, which leads impregnation of the wick also heterogeneous and uncontrolled. The operational safety of these devices is also not perfect, since due to the pressure relatively high vapor compared to that of the flow of air there is fear of creating vapor flow likely to go to the case and therefore to the electrical components of the device.

An apparatus of the prior art similar to those described previously is disclosed in US-A-40.29.110. This device comprises a steam generator means mounted on the end of the winding body opposite the housing. The vapor diffusion through the coiled lock of hair on the winding body is thus not distributed optimally.

The object of the invention therefore aims to achieve a new steam appliance for treatment and / or setting hair form, likely to remedy various disadvantages listed above and in which the realization of the wick is particularly facilitated while by allowing a homogeneous impregnation of the wick by the safe for the user.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new steam appliance in which the distribution of steam to through the lock of hair is particularly controlled.

A complementary object of the invention aims to provide a steam appliance in which the air / steam mixture is homogeneously.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus steam whose design is simplified and susceptible to be carried out at lower cost.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new hair treatment and / or shaping process, allowing safe distribution homogeneous vapor in the lock of hair.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using an apparatus for steam for the treatment and / or shaping of hair comprising the Features of claim 1.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a hair treatment and / or shaping process comprising the The features of claim 12.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 montre selon une vue en perspective partielle un appareil de traitement et/ou de mise en forme des cheveux conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 2 montre selon une coupe partielle transversale/longitudinale un appareil de traitement et/ou de mise en forme des cheveux conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 3 montre une vue en coupe transversale de l'appareil de traitement conforme à l'invention effectuée selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples in which:

• Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a hair treatment and / or shaping apparatus according to the invention.
• Figure 2 shows a partial cross / longitudinal section of a hair treatment and / or shaping device according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the treatment apparatus according to the invention carried out along line III-III of FIG. 2.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

The steam treatment and / or hair shaping apparatus according to the invention, such as the curling machine shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, comprises a gripping means 1, constituted by a handle intended to be entered by the user's hand. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gripping means 1 forms the housing of the device in which or from which the different elements are arranged the component. The gripping means 1 is for example consisting of a cylindrical body with an axis of revolution x -x ', on which is advantageously mounted free to rotate according to said axis x-x ', a winding body 2. The latter is also advantageously of cylindrical shape, aligned along the axis x-x 'and connected to control and stop means (not shown in the figures) of the rotation of the winder body 2. In the example shown, the control and stop means are consisting of a two-position control button ensuring blocking or releasing the rotation of the rewinder body 2 around its axis of revolution x-x '. The roller body 2 can also be connected to a motorization assembly electric capable of rotating, or being mounted fixed manner on the gripping means.

The winding body 2 can be provided with its periphery of a series of ribs 4, delimiting between them grooves 4a, to promote the attachment of a lock of hair, or object to its slipping during winding around the winding body 2. In the example shown, the ribs 4 and grooves 4a are longitudinal, but it is quite obvious that any type of means capable of ensuring a equivalent function is possible.

The winding body 2, preferably of section circular, is also provided at its periphery with a series of holes 4b arranged in its thickness and distributed longitudinally at its surface along the grooves 4a.

The winding body 2 is hollow, of section substantially constant, and secured by one end 5a of the gripping means 1. It is limited towards its other end by an internal wall 5b of partitioning forming a face internal terminal 5c facing the gripping means 1.

The apparatus for processing and / or shaping hair according to the invention also comprises at least a movable clamp 10 intended for clamping the end of a lock of hair on the peripheral surface of the body 2. The movable clamp 10 is mounted so advantageous on the rewinder body 2 so as to be freely movable along the latter. Advantageously, the movable clamp 10 is movable along the longitudinal axis x-x ' of the winding body 2, via a slide 11 mounted movably on said body. The kinematics of displacement can be reversed, the movable clamp 10 being permanently mounted on the housing, while the body winding 2 is movable relative to the clamp 10.

The movable clamp 10 is intended to ensure the tightening of the end of a lock of hair on the coiling body 2 via a compression arm 13 extending along the axis x-x 'and intended to be applied longitudinally on the periphery of said body.

The clamp 10 has at its end opposite the arm of compression 13 a control head 15 intended to be manually operated to allow rotation of the clamp 10 around a transverse axis of rotation (not shown in figures). In known manner, the clamp 10 is mounted on the slide 11 in association with a return means elastic (not shown in the figures) such as a blade or spring ensuring permanent elastic return of the compression 13 resting on the periphery of the body winding 2.

The steam appliance according to the invention comprises also a steam generator (not shown in figures), such as a generator, internal or external a the appliance, connected to a steam distribution means constituted by a tubular element 20 mounted coaxial with the body winding 2 and in the latter, substantially over the entire length of the winding body 2, from an inlet 20a located in the housing.

The tubular element 20 is advantageously in contact frictional with the winding body 2 and comprises in its preferred version shown in Figures 1 to 3, at least one steam distribution port 21 located at its end terminal, and preferably extending over all of its cross section.

The tubular element 20 extends in the body winding 2 from the housing substantially to the wall 5b and stops at a distance from the latter for provide a distribution chamber 25.

Steam from an internal or external tank to the device is therefore driven into the element tubular 20 from its inlet 20a, along arrow F1, and opens through the orifice 21 in the chamber 25 formed between said orifice 21 and the terminal internal face 5c of the body winding 2.

Alternatively, it is possible to perform a plurality of holes 21 opposite the end of the tubular element 20 at entrance 20a.

The tubular element 20 has a cross section of geometric shape and dimensions suitable for delimit between its outer surface and the inner surface of the winding body 2 a series of longitudinal recesses 26 forming from the terminal end of the element tubular 20, distribution channels of the vapor flow in direction of the case.

According to the preferred variant shown in Figures 1 at 3 the tubular element 20 is formed by a crushed tube at at minus three, and preferably four branches 27 extending radially and being in frictional contact with the internal surface of the winding body 2. In this case the branches 27 support the winding body 2 in at least three and preferably four generators, the recesses 26 being delimited between two adjacent branches 27. Other shapes of the cross section of the element tubular are obviously possible, and for example a triangular shape, as long as there is sufficient space arranged to ensure the passage of the vapor flow from the orifice 21 in the distribution chamber 25, then in the recesses 26.

According to another preferred variant of the invention, the housing of the apparatus is equipped so as to include a ventilation unit (not shown in the figures) suitable for create an air stream from the housing and progressing in the recesses 26 in the opposite direction to the progression of the steam flow from the distribution chamber 25.

The ventilation air stream flows accordingly in the recesses 26 from the housing and towards the terminal end of the tubular element 20 to ensure homogeneous air / vapor mixture in the recesses 26.

According to a complementary variant of the invention the ventilation air stream may have a section annular ventilation device surrounding the body winding 2 and passing through a perforated ring 30 ensuring the connection between said body and the interior of the housing.

The operation of a device according to the invention is the next :

The user grasps the device with one hand by means gripping and presses on the head 15 so as to ensure the release of the clamp 10. This allows to set up between the compression arm 13 and the winding body 2, a lock of hair which is then immobilized by relaxation of the head 15. The user can then rotate the body winding 2 through the control means so as to wind the wick on the clamp 10 and on the winding body 2. The user sets operates the steam generator to generate an incoming flow of steam inside the tubular element 20 through the inlet 20a according to arrow F1. The steam inlet flow F1 is therefore conducted without exhaust substantially over the entire length of the tubular element 20 towards the outside of the device towards its end towards the distribution chamber 25. The incoming flow steam is then released near the end of the winding body 2 at the level of the wall 5b by passing through the orifice 21 and is directed to the outside of said tubular element 20 in the opposite direction to the arrows F1, according to the direction F2 in the recesses 26. Simultaneously, the ventilation air flow produced in the housing progresses according to arrow F3 in the recesses 26 to against the vapor flow released. The two flows are therefore brought to form a air / vapor mixture in the recesses 26 just before the penetration of the mixture in the lock of hair, that is to say before the mixture is expelled, according to arrows F4 through the holes 4b.

The steam appliance and the related method according to the invention therefore allow vapors to escape into an area away from the main electrical components of the device, i.e. opposite of the case which improves the electrical safety of the device after having walked along the entire length of the winding body 2 and the tubular member 20. This construction also has an improved thermal balance in allowing contact of the vapor with the tubular element 20 on a path elongated since it concerns both the outward journey and the return journey of the steam in the recesses 26. Furthermore, the creation of a vapor flow and a flow opposite direction ventilation air, as well as the respective mixture of these two opposite flows within distribution channels ensure mixing and a homogeneous distribution of the two flows in an enclosure partially closed just before entering the wick hair.

The control of the mixture, as well as the dynamics of the flows allow good penetration of the mixture into the wick of hair. Furthermore the realization of the tubular element 20 is particularly simple industrially, since no drilling of the tubular element 20 is required according to the preferred variant.

POSSIBILITIES OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the production of steam devices used for treatment and hair shaping, especially in making steam curling irons.

Claims (13)

1. A steam appliance for treating and/or shaping hair, the appliance comprising:

   a housing (1) having grasping means;

   a roller body (2) for rolling up locks of hair, the body being secured at one end (5a) to the housing and being limited towards its other end by a partition wall (5b), said body including holes (4b) to pass steam from a steam production member;

   clamping means (10) for clamping a lock of hair on the roller body (2); and

   steam delivery means connected to said steam production means and opening out into the roller body (2), said delivery means being a tubular element (20) mounted coaxially inside and extending along the roller body (2) from an inlet (20a) situated in the housing, said element (20) including at least one steam outlet orifice (21),
   the appliance being characterized in that said orifice (21) is situated at the terminal end of said tube in such a manner as to convey an inlet flow of steam inside the tubular element (20) substantially along its entire length to be released in the vicinity of the partitioning wall (5b) via the orifice (21) and then to be directed in the opposite direction inside the roller body (2) along the longitudinal recesses (26) between the outside surface of said tubular element (20) and the inside surface of said roller body (2) to enable it then to escape through said holes (4b).
2. An appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal end of the tubular element (20) is provided with a steam dispensing orifice (21) which opens out into a manifold chamber (25) provided between said end and the terminal inside face (5c) of the internal wall (5b).
3. An appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outside surface of the tubular element (20) and the inside surface of the roller body (2) co-operate to define a series of longitudinal recesses (26) forming steam flow distributing channels extending from the orifice (21).
4. An appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that the recesses (26) extend from the terminal end of the tubular element (20).
5. An appliance according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the internal section of the roller body (2) is circular.
6. An appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular element (20) is formed by a deformed tube having at least three branches (27), the branches supporting the roller body (2) along at least three generator lines, the recesses (26) being defined between pairs of adjacent branches (27).
7. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the roller body (2) is provided on the outside with longitudinal ribs (4) that define between them grooves (4a) having the holes (4b) formed therein.
8. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the roller body (2) is mounted to rotate freely on the housing about its longitudinal axis and about the tubular element (20).
9. An appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes a fan unit suitable for creating a stream of air running in the opposite direction to the direction in which the flow of steam moves along the recesses (26).
10. An appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the stream of air flows along the recesses (26) from the housing and towards the terminal end of the tubular element (20) so as to perform air/steam mixing in said recesses.
11. An appliance according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the stream of air includes a peripheral annular ventilation section surrounding the roller body (2) and passing through a perforated ring (30) that links together the roller body (2) and the inside of the housing.
12. A method of treating and/or shaping hair, and consisting in:

    holding a lock of hair in place between a roller body and means for clamping the lock on said body;

    rolling up the held lock on the roller body; and

    causing steam to pass from the roller body through the held lock;
    characterized in that it further consists in:

    conveying the inlet flow of steam without loss to the surroundings towards the end of the roller body and along its longitudinal axis within a coaxial tubular element extending inside the roller body; and

    releasing the flow of steam in the vicinity of the end of the roller body and directing it between the outside surface of the tubular element and the inside surface of said roller body in the direction opposite to the direction of the inlet flow to enable it then to escape through the holes provided through the periphery of said roller body.
13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that it consists in producing a flow of air against the released flow of steam so as to ensure air/steam mixing of the two flows immediately before the mixture penetrates into the lock.

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