JP7771369B2 - Hair Treatment Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for steaming hair and a corresponding method for treating hair.

In the field of hair styling, it is common to use hair treatment devices such as brushes, especially those for dispensing steam.

Patent documents 1 and 2 describe straightening irons that include a first unit for heating the vaporization chamber and a second unit, different from the first unit, for heating the treatment plate.

Patent document 3 describes a brush that generates steam. The brush heating system is different from the heating system used to generate steam.

Patent document 4 describes a hair iron with three different heating units: a heating unit for the vaporization chamber and two other heating units for heating the treatment plates.

These configurations using separate heating elements are often preferred because they allow for independent control of the heating of the two elements.

Patent documents 5 and 6 describe hair irons in which the element for heating the treatment plate also heats the vaporization chamber, which supplies steam directly to the vapor outlet.

Patent document 7 describes a curling iron equipped with a heating block for heating both a porous element immersed in a liquid and a plate for treating hair. In this document, the liquid contained in the porous element is vaporized in vaporization chambers on both sides of the porous element, which directly supply the vapor to the vapor outlet.

CN105708099 WO2017174035 CN205866296 JP2017077432 EP1967088 EP2449911 WO2004002262

There remains a need to further improve devices for treating hair by applying steam, and in particular to have devices for treating hair by heating and applying steam that are compact, have limited energy losses, and are reliable in operation, while being relatively simple to manufacture and use.

The present invention aims to meet this need and achieves this by providing a device for steaming hair, in particular a hairbrush, which comprises:
a treatment plate adapted to contact the hair during treatment;
a vaporization chamber supplied with liquid water, wherein the liquid water is converted into vapor;
at least one distribution chamber for distributing vapor onto the hair, the distribution chamber being different from the vaporization chamber and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber;
a heating system disposed between the processing plate and the vaporization chamber and configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature equal to or greater than the water vaporization temperature and to heat at least a portion of the processing plate;
It has.

In the device according to the invention, the heating means necessary for generating steam on the one hand and for heating the processing plate on the other hand are shared. The heating means therefore have the advantage of making it possible to miniaturize the device produced. Furthermore, energy losses can be reduced by making optimal use of the heat released.

The presence of a vapor distribution chamber separate from the evaporation chamber limits the amount of water that drips onto the hair during treatment, regardless of the device's orientation. This results in more reliable operation and makes the device easier for the user, as it can be used without having to worry about its orientation.

The steam distribution chamber may distribute steam at the steam outlet, or may distribute steam at all or part of the steam outlet.

Preferably, the treatment plate is adapted to contact or face the hair. Preferably, the treatment plate comprises a base with a flat or outwardly domed outer surface. When viewed from the side, the treatment plate preferably has a substantially polygonal, particularly rectangular or square, outline, although it may also be circular or oval.

Preferably, the processing device has an elongated shape along its major axis. In a variant, the device has a different, non-elongated shape.

Preferably, the treatment device has a handle and a head. The handle makes it easy to grip the device and allows additional elements to be added to the device, in particular a user interface, a water container, and possibly a cosmetic container. Preferably, the head comprises a vaporization chamber, one or more dispensing chambers, a heating system, and a plate.

The head of the processing device may have any cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the head of the device has a substantially polygonal cross-section, in particular a substantially rectangular or substantially square, substantially oval or circular cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated, such as a cross-section having a polygonal contour on one side and a non-polygonal, in particular a round, contour on the other side. Preferably, the head of the device has a generally flat cross-section.

The brush device, in particular the head of the device, in particular the treatment plate, may comprise a plurality of teeth for combing hair, the teeth preferably extending from the base of the treatment plate.

Preferably, the base of the treatment surface comprises a substantially flat surface adapted to contact the hair, with the teeth extending from this surface.

At least one tooth, preferably at least some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth, may have a proximal portion inserted into the base of the treatment plate. Alternatively, at least one tooth, preferably all of the teeth, may be integrally formed with or attached to the base of the treatment plate.

At least one of the teeth, preferably at least some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth may be made from a thermally insulating material. At least one of the teeth, preferably at least some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth may be made from a thermally conductive material, in particular a metal.

Preferably, the treatment device is a brush and the treatment plate is particularly provided with a plurality of teeth.

It should be understood that the term "brush" refers to a hair treatment device comprised of a single arm holding multiple tines, with the hair being received between the tines as the brush passes over the hair. The brush may comprise a single row of tines, but preferably comprises multiple rows of tines, which may be staggered.

It should be understood that the term "teeth", sometimes called "bristles" or "spikes", refers to elements that protrude from the brush and between which hair is received as the brush passes over it. The teeth may have any shape. They may be flexible or rigid and, where applicable, may have a rounded head or ball at the end.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to efficiently treat the hair while brushing it. In particular, the device according to the invention makes it possible to heat and steam the hair in one step. The device according to the invention makes it possible for the hair to have a long-lasting shape.

Teeth Preferably, the teeth extend from the base of the treatment plate of the brush.

The teeth may extend in at least one row of teeth, and preferably in at least two rows of teeth, each row of teeth extending parallel to the major axis of the brush.

The treatment plate of the brush may have a substantially rectangular or elliptical shape when viewed end-on, and the teeth may extend in several rows of teeth, each row extending along the major axis of the brush in the case of a brush having a treatment surface with a substantially rectangular or elliptical contour.

Preferably, each row of teeth comprises at least three teeth, preferably 10 to 40 teeth, more preferably 15 to 40 teeth.

At least one of the teeth, preferably some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth may be heated by the heating system, in particular to a temperature of 180°C or higher. Combining heating of the teeth with application of steam allows for improved hair treatment. In particular, this allows for a higher temperature to be maintained in the steam application spaces, in particular in the spaces between the teeth, when steam is injected into these spaces. It also allows for dry heat heating of the hair before and after steam application, improving hair steam treatment.

Using the same heating system to generate steam and heat the teeth on the treatment plate makes it possible to have a lighter device that is easier to handle.

At least some of the teeth of the treatment plate, and preferably all of the teeth of the treatment plate, may be made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic.

Preferably, the thermally conductive material has a thermal conductivity higher than 10 Wm ^- 1K ^-1 , better still higher than 50 Wm ^- 1K ^-1 , and even better still higher than 100 Wm ^- 1K ^-1 . Preferably, the thermally conductive material is selected from metals, in particular copper, aluminium and steel. Alternatively, the thermally conductive material may be ceramic.

The heating system may heat at least some of the teeth, in particular at least two teeth, preferably at least one or more rows of teeth, and in particular all of the teeth made from a heat-conducting material. This allows the teeth to be easily heated by the heating means and allows the hair to come into contact with a hot surface in the heated combing area. The teeth may have heat shields at their ends made from an insulating material, in particular an elastomer or plastic, to limit the heat coming into contact with the scalp.

Preferably, the teeth are between 2mm and 50mm in height, more preferably between 5mm and 20mm.

Preferably, the teeth have no surface protrusions.

Preferably, at least some of the teeth, and preferably all of the teeth, are attached to the base of the treatment plate, in particular fixed in holes in the base of the treatment plate. Alternatively, at least some of the teeth, and preferably all of the teeth, are formed integrally with the base of the treatment plate.

The teeth may extend perpendicular to the base of the treatment plate or may be inclined relative to the treatment surface.

Preferably, all of the teeth extend along axes that are parallel to one another.

Some of the teeth may be made from a material with low thermal conductivity, such as elastomer or plastic, to limit the risk of scalp burns, particularly at the ends as mentioned above.

Preferably, the low thermal conductivity material has a thermal conductivity of 0.2 to 0.5 Wm ⁻¹ K ⁻¹ .

The brush may have rows of teeth made from a thermally conductive material and rows of teeth made from a material with low or no thermal conductivity, arranged alternately along an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the brush.

Teeth made of a material with low or no thermal conductivity may have a different height, and in particular may be taller than teeth made of a thermally conductive material. Thus, having teeth with low thermal conductivity that are taller than the thermally conductive material makes it possible to limit contact between the scalp and the thermally conductive material, with only the teeth with low or no thermal conductivity coming into contact with the scalp.

The base of the plate is preferably made from a thermally conductive material, which may allow for maximizing the surface area for heat exchange between the heating system and the base of the plate. At least some of the teeth may be attached to the base of the plate and may be made from a material with low thermal conductivity, in particular an insulating material. At least some of the teeth may be formed integrally with the base of the plate.

Alternatively, the base of the plate may be made from a material with low thermal conductivity, in particular a thermal insulating material. In this case, at least some of the teeth may be attached to the base of the plate and made from a thermally conductive material as described above. At least some of the teeth that are not intended to be heated may be integral with or attached to the base of the plate and made from a material with low or no thermal conductivity.

Heating System Preferably, the vaporization chamber is heated primarily, and in particular exclusively, by the heating system.

Preferably, the heating system comprises a single heating element. Alternatively, the heating system comprises multiple heating elements, for example two heating elements arranged between the vaporization chamber and the processing plate, the heating elements being configured to bring the vaporization chamber to a temperature equal to or higher than the water evaporation temperature. When multiple heating elements are used, the heating elements may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other, in particular separated by a vapor distribution chamber or at least one vapor outlet conduit.

Preferably, the treatment plate is not an active heating element; in particular, the treatment plate may be a passive heating element or an insulating element.

Preferably, the heating system is an active heating element separate from the processing plate.

The term "passive heating element" should be understood as an element that can conduct heat but does not generate heat itself, in contrast to an active heating element, such as a thermal resistor or other active heating means, which is the source of heat itself. The treatment plate preferably receives only the heat of the heating system and/or steam.

The heating system is preferably separate from the processing plate.

The term "separate from the processing plate" should be understood to mean not made of the same material as the processing plate and/or not incorporated into the processing plate.

The processing plate and heating system may be made of different materials.

Preferably, there is no material continuity between the processing plate and the heating system.

The heating system may in particular comprise, and in particular consist of, one or more heating resistors or any other suitable heating means.

The heating means may be substantially parallelepiped shaped.

The heating system may have a major surface facing the vaporization chamber and an opposite major surface facing the processing plate.

The heating system may contact the surface of the treatment plate, in particular the underside of the base of the treatment plate, via one of its main surfaces.

The heating system may be in contact with the wall defining the vaporization chamber via one of its main surfaces, in particular the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the processing plate.

Thermal paste may be disposed at the interface between the heating system and the plate, and at the interface between the heating system and the wall of the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the heating system is configured to heat the evaporation chamber so that, in use, the temperature within the evaporation chamber is at or above the evaporation temperature, particularly whenever liquid water flows into the evaporation chamber.

The heating system may be configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature of 100°C to 200°C, preferably 110°C to 180°C.

The heating system may be configured to heat at least a portion of the processing plate to a temperature of 100°C to 250°C, preferably 150°C to 230°C, and more preferably 170°C to 210°C.

The heating system may have a power of 50 W, or in some cases 100 W, 200 W, or 500 W or more. In particular, the heating power of the heating system is selected, taking into account the flow rate and temperature of the arriving water, such that all of the water is continuously vaporized in the vaporization chamber as it arrives therein.

The device may include a switch for turning on the heating system. For example, if the heating system includes a heating resistor, the switch may enable turning on the heating resistor or turning on a control circuit for heating the heating resistor, the control circuit providing power to the heating resistor, for example, to regulate the temperature and maintain a set point temperature.

The switch may be operated by the user via a selector, e.g., a button with two or three positions.

In the case of a brush, the selector may be positioned on the grip handle.

The selector may also make it possible to change the temperature of the heating system. Thus, the temperature of the treatment plates and/or brush teeth may be adapted to the type of hair being treated and/or the characteristics of the treatment being carried out. The same device may therefore be used to treat more than one type of hair.

Devices according to the present invention may include a power source, for example, powered by a storage cell and/or battery and/or an electrical cable connected to a power outlet or power adapter.

The power supply may in particular be capable of supplying power directly to the heating resistors of the heating system or indirectly via a control circuit.

The evaporation chamber does not need to have an element to absorb the evaporated liquid. This makes the device easier to manufacture and lighter. This makes the device easier to handle and, in the case of a brush, allows for brushing hair in several directions. This also facilitates water evaporation, limiting limescale formation.

The vaporization chamber may include at least one wall, preferably opposite the heating system, that is concave toward the treatment plate, in particular a wall whose cross section is in the shape of a part of a circle. Such a shape for the vaporization chamber makes it possible to have a substantially constant and homogeneous pressure and temperature of the vapor in the vaporization chamber, thereby limiting the presence of liquid water particles in a turbid state in the vapor contained in the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber has a substantially flat wall in contact with the heating system.

The vaporization chamber may have a substantially polygonal, particularly rectangular, cross-section. Such a shape allows the vaporization chamber to be heated substantially uniformly across its width, resulting in rapid vapor generation.

The cross section of the vaporization chamber may have a surface area of between 3cm ₂ and 10cm ₂ , more preferably between 4cm ₂ and 7cm ₂ , for example around 5cm ₂ .

The volume of the vaporization chamber may preferably be between 20 cm ³ and 100 cm ³ , more preferably between 30 cm ³ and 70 cm ³ , for example around 45 cm ³ .

Such a vaporization chamber can hold enough vapor to ensure efficient treatment of hair and still have a sufficiently small and lightweight device.

The device includes an inlet for liquid water into the evaporation chamber.

The water inlet may be connected to a liquid water container. The device may include a container, for example, in the handle. The device may include a pump between the water container and the vaporization chamber. The container may have a volume of 1 ml to 50 ml. Such a volume allows it to hold enough water to allow hair to be completely treated without the need to refill the container during treatment, making the device portable and compact.

The device is preferably portable.

In one variant, the container may be separate from the device. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises a handheld component and a base. The base may have a water container. The handheld component of the device may be connected to the base, for example, by a hose that allows water to circulate. The handheld component may be supplied with water by a supply device, for example, a pump. With such a device, the handheld component may be lighter since it does not contain water. This makes it easier to treat the hair. Furthermore, a container separate from the device may hold more water. It may be possible to perform several treatments before the container needs to be refilled.

The device may include a system, in particular a pump, for supplying water to the evaporation chamber. The supply system may be configured to supply the evaporation chamber as a function of the temperature of the evaporation chamber or as a function of the time elapsed since the device was activated. The supply system may be configured to supply the evaporation chamber only when the temperature of the chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature or when the time elapsed since the device was activated is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, in particular corresponding to the time it takes for the evaporation chamber to reach the predetermined threshold temperature. The temperature of the evaporation chamber may be measured using a sensor located in the evaporation chamber or at the interface between the heating system and the evaporation chamber.

Controlling water uptake as a function of temperature makes it possible to limit the risk of adding liquid water rather than vapor.

The device may include a vapor control member configured to control whether the hair is steamed. For example, the vapor control member may control the intake of water into the vaporization chamber. When a user desires to steam the hair, the user activates the vapor control member, which then controls, for example, a pump connected to a container to pump liquid water into the vaporization chamber.

Distribution Chamber The device may include a single vapor distribution chamber.

In a variant, the device comprises multiple distribution chambers, in particular two distribution chambers, in particular two distribution chambers arranged on either side of the vaporization chamber.

The or at least one distribution chamber may extend at least partially transversely relative to the overlap of the evaporation chamber and the heating system. Preferably, all of the distribution chambers extend at least partially transversely relative to the overlap of the evaporation chamber and the heating system. Such a transverse configuration of one or more distribution chambers makes it possible to create a distribution chamber having a thickness that substantially corresponds to the combined thickness of the heating system and the evaporation chamber. This allows the device to be even more compact and maximizes heat exchange with the evaporation chamber and the heating system. In particular, it may be beneficial for the or each distribution chamber to be at a temperature above the water evaporation temperature, such that when water droplets are sprayed into this chamber from the evaporation chamber, these droplets are converted to vapor within the distribution chamber, such that only vapor exits the device.

At least one distribution chamber may extend between two heating elements of the heating system from the vaporization chamber to a vapor outlet, in particular a vapor outlet in the processing plate.

The cross section of the distribution chamber may be in the range of 0.1 cm ₂ to 2 cm ₂ , more preferably 0.3 cm ₂ to 1 cm ₂ , and may for example be in the order of 0.5 cm ₂ .

When the device has two distribution chambers, these may be positioned on either side of the overlap between the vaporization chamber and the heating system, as described above, and preferably across a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the vaporization chamber and the heating system.

The distribution chamber preferably has a wider base separated from the vaporization chamber by the vaporization chamber wall. This may allow for the creation of a shoulder for positioning the heating system above the vaporization chamber.

The distribution chamber preferably has an L-shaped cross section. The lower part of the L, which forms the wider base, may extend transversely to the vaporization chamber. The upper part of the L may extend transversely to the heating system.

The base of one or more distribution chambers may be positioned at substantially the same height as the top of the vaporization chamber. Such a configuration prevents liquid water remaining at the bottom of the vaporization chamber from flowing into the distribution chamber. Thus, substantially only vapor flows from the vaporization chamber to the distribution chamber, and liquid water does not flow from the vaporization chamber to the distribution chamber.

The one or more distribution chambers preferably extend substantially the entire length of the plate or vaporization chamber.

Vapor Outlets The treatment device, particularly the distribution chamber, may include multiple vapor outlets.

The distribution chamber may have at least one opening for the passage of steam, which may be a steam outlet, extending transversely to or through the treatment plate.

Preferably, the steam outlet extends near the periphery of the treatment plate.

The steam outlet area may extend along an extension axis that extends more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, of the dimension of the treatment surface along the extension axis. Preferably, the extension axis is parallel to the major axis of the device.

The or each distribution chamber may be provided with a steam outlet, in particular a single steam outlet, extending along the extension axis, in particular along the entire length of the steam outlet area. In this case, the steam outlet may have an opening with a cross section of 5 ^mm² or more.

The or each distribution chamber may include a plurality of steam outlets extending in at least one alternating row of steam outlets along the elongated axis.

The steam outlets of the row of steam outlets may be arranged alternately with the teeth arranged in the row of teeth, in particular with the teeth of the brush in the case of a brush, in particular with the teeth made from a thermally conductive material of the brush, as described above. As a variant, the steam outlets are arranged in areas of the brush that do not have teeth.

As a variant, the steam outlet may extend at a distance from the periphery of the treatment plate of the device. In the case of a brush, the steam outlet may laterally adjoin a tooth, in particular a row of teeth, in particular teeth made from a thermally conductive material, as described above.

Preferably the vapour outlet supplies vapour having a vapour flow rate of 5 ml.min ⁻¹ or less, preferably from 0.2 to 4 ml.min ⁻¹ , more preferably from 0.4 to 2 ml.min ⁻¹ , even more preferably from 0.5 to 0.95 ml.min ⁻¹ .

The cross section of the steam outlet may have any shape, in particular a substantially square shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially round shape or an oval shape.

The or each steam outlet has an opening of not more than 20mm ² , preferably not more than 10mm ² , more preferably not more than 5mm ² , even more preferably not more than 2mm ² .

The steam outlets may be formed in the treatment plate. Alternatively, the steam outlets may be formed in teeth supported by the treatment plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one tooth, preferably at least some of the plurality of teeth, may be hollow and may include a steam outlet. Preferably, the hollow teeth with steam outlets are aligned along the same extension axis. More preferably, the hollow teeth with steam outlets are arranged around the periphery of the treatment plate.

The steam supplied to the steam outlets formed in the hollow teeth may come from the distribution chambers through openings for the steam to pass through. Each distribution chamber may have an opening for the steam to pass through, in particular a single opening for the steam to pass through, which opening extends along the extension axis of the row of hollow teeth, in particular along the entire length of the area comprising the hollow teeth with the steam outlets. In this case, the opening for the steam to pass through may have an opening of 5 ^mm2 or more, the tooth or plate having a narrower portion defining the steam outlet hole through which the steam is released from the device.

Body of the Device The processing plate, heating system, vaporization chamber, and/or one or more vapor distribution chambers may extend along parallel longitudinal axes.

In the case of a brush that extends along a major axis, the treatment plate, heating system, vaporization chamber, and/or one or more distribution chambers may extend along a longitudinal axis parallel to the major axis of the brush.

The one or more distribution chambers and the vaporization chamber may be formed by a profile section .

The device may comprise a hollow body having at least two longitudinal cavities separated by a wall, the longitudinal cavities forming a vaporization chamber and a distribution chamber, respectively. The device has a housing for the heating system, which is preferably substantially polygonal, in particular having a rectangular cross section, the cross section being defined by at least one outer surface of the body, in particular the wall of the vaporization chamber and possibly the wall of the distribution chamber. The housing may be closed by the underside of the processing plate, in particular the base of the processing plate.

Preferably, the hollow body is made as a single block, in particular formed integrally as a single piece. Preferably, the hollow body is made from a heat-conducting material, for example metal. Preferably, the hollow body is formed from a profiled section of metal. The aforementioned passage openings allowing steam to exit each distribution chamber may take the form of longitudinal slots extending over most of the length of the profiled section .

The hollow body of the device may be formed from a profiled section of metal, in particular aluminium.

Preferably, the hollow body is received in an insulating casing of the device, which allows the user to be protected from heat.

Preferably, the housing that receives the heating system has a substantially rectangular cross-section, with the main surfaces of the housing being defined by the walls of the vaporization chamber and the surface of the processing plate.

Preferably, the width of the heating system corresponds to the width of the housing.

One of the lateral surfaces of the housing may be defined by a wall of the dispensing chamber.

The treatment plate may contact the surface of the hollow body, in particular the body formed by the wall separating the housing from the vapor distribution chamber.

Such an arrangement of various elements within the body of the device makes it possible to obtain a compact device.

Steam Ducts The device may include at least one duct, preferably at least two ducts, for supplying steam to the steam outlet.

Preferably, at least one duct, more preferably at least two ducts, extend between one or more distribution chambers and a vaporization chamber for supplying vapor to one or more distribution chambers.

The or each duct may extend at the longitudinal ends of the vaporization chamber and distribution chamber.

Preferably, the duct is located at the base of the distribution chamber, for example, opposite the plate at the above-mentioned wider base of the distribution chamber. Preferably, the duct is located at the top of the vaporization chamber.

The or each duct may include curved and/or straight portions.

The duct may fluidly connect the distribution chamber with the vaporization chamber. In a variant, if there are multiple distribution chambers, the duct may fluidly connect all of the distribution chambers with the vaporization chamber.

End Covers The device may include an end cover at at least one of the longitudinal ends of the device, preferably at both longitudinal ends of the device, for closing off at least the vaporization chamber and the dispensing chamber at that end.

The or each end cover may have at least one groove at least partially forming a duct for fluid communication between the vaporization chamber and one or more distribution chambers.

Preferably, the grooves are made on the inner surface of the cover, which is the surface facing the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber.

The treatment device may be oriented in different directions during use, for example when brushing hair. The duct providing fluid communication between the distribution chamber and the vaporization chamber ensures that liquid water contained in the vaporization chamber does not flow into the distribution chamber, regardless of the orientation of the device.

The groove may have at least one bend, preferably two bends in opposite directions, and may therefore have a generally S-shape when the end cover is viewed from the side.

In a variant, the groove is straight when the end cover is viewed from the side.

The or each duct may be essentially straight. The or each duct may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device and may extend across at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and more preferably at least 80% of the end cover.

Seal The device may include a seal between the or each cover and the body of the device, the seal comprising at least one opening.

Preferably, the seal comprises the following openings:
an opening facing, on the one hand, the distribution chamber, in particular the lower part of the distribution chamber, and, on the other hand, facing the groove made in the end cover;
An opening facing the vaporization chamber, in particular the top of the vaporization chamber, on the one hand, and facing a groove made in the end cover, on the other hand.

In a variant, the seal has a single opening extending facing the vaporization chamber and at least one distribution chamber.

Preferably, when the seal and end cover are viewed in a superimposed state along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber, the opening in the seal is at least partially superimposed on the groove in the end cover. In this manner, a duct can be formed between the vaporization chamber and one or more distribution chambers, through which vapor can flow into the distribution chambers.

Ducts that allow vapor to flow from the vaporization chamber to one or more distribution chambers may also be integrally formed through the thickness of the seal, with the end cover having a surface in contact with the seal that does not have a hollow relief, for example.

According to another of its aspects, either independently or in combination with the above aspects thereof, the present invention also relates to a device, in particular a hairbrush, for steaming hair, comprising:
a hollow body into which liquid water is supplied and which is heated to vaporize the liquid water;
and at least one end cover disposed at a longitudinal end of the hollow body, the end cover including a duct configured to convey steam from one cavity of the hollow body to another cavity and to the exterior of the hollow body.

This aspect of the invention has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of hollow bodies: it can be used to manufacture the body as an extruded profiled part .

According to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the above aspects thereof, the present invention relates to a device for steaming hair, in particular a hairbrush, comprising a one-piece hollow body, preferably a profiled portion , having at least two cavities, each cavity extending longitudinally, transversely superimposed and transversely separated by a wall, forming a housing adapted to receive, respectively, an evaporation chamber and a heating system;
At least one outer surface of the hollow body forms a treatment plate adapted to contact the hair during treatment.

The processing plate may be made integral with the hollow body of the device, preferably forming part of the profiled portion , so that the device is easy to manufacture.

The plates may be smooth, for example, so that the device can be used for straightening hair. Alternatively, the plates may be machined to form teeth or other reliefs.

According to another of its aspects, independent of or combined with the above aspects, the present invention relates to a device for steaming hair, in particular a hairbrush, comprising a hollow body, for example a profiled portion , having at least two cavities, each extending longitudinally, superimposed transversely and separated transversely by a wall, forming a housing adapted to receive a vaporization chamber and a heating system, respectively, and the hollow body further comprising at least one longitudinal slot made in its outer surface, through which the vapor formed in the vaporization chamber is released.

The treatment plate may be positioned on the hollow body so as to overlap the longitudinal slot. The treatment plate may include openings that form steam outlets. The steam outlets in the treatment plate may thus be supplied with steam through the longitudinal slots in the hollow body. Such a configuration ensures uniform distribution of steam throughout the treatment plate, thus improving hair treatment.

Treatment Method According to another of its aspects, the present invention further relates to a method for treating hair using a device according to the present invention, the method comprising the steps of contacting the hair with a treatment plate and applying steam to the hair via one or more steam outlets.

Preferably, the total flow rate of steam exiting the steam outlet may be between 0.5g/min and 2g/min, more preferably between 0.7g/min and 2g/min.

Preferably, the method is a hair brushing treatment.

The device functions described above may be combined with each other or applied separately to the method.

The method may be repeated several times to completely treat some or all of the hair.

The method may include one or more steps of rinsing the hair.

The method may include at least one step of applying a cosmetic product to the hair strands before or after, preferably before, using the device of the present invention, in particular the brush.

The cosmetic product may be a composition for washing, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning, or shaping hair. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair shaping composition, in particular a composition for curling, setting, or preferably relaxing or straightening hair.

The cosmetic product that can be used in accordance with the method of the present invention may be a liquid, a gel, a milk or cream in the form of a single emulsion (O/W or W/O) or a multiple emulsion, or a solid.

The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents selected from reducing agents, in particular thiols; oxidizing agents, in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts such as persulfates; colorants, in particular pigments; direct or oxidative dyes; temporary shaping agents, in particular styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric, or nonionic; conditioning agents, in particular silicones; mineral or vegetable oils; vegetable waxes; cationic surfactants or cationic polymers; alkaline agents; or acids. Even more preferably, the cosmetic product contains one or more agents selected from oxidizing agents, reducing agents, or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type.

The present invention can be better understood by reading the following description of its non-limiting implementations and examining the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device according to an alternative embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the body of a device according to a variant of the invention; FIG. 5 is an end view of the body of the device in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the main body of the device in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the device in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a view showing the end cover of FIG. 7 alone. FIG. 8 is a view showing the end seal of FIG. 7 alone. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

Figures 1 to 3 show an example embodiment of a device 1 according to the present invention. The device extends along a major axis X. The device 1 comprises a treatment plate 2 including a base 10 and teeth 20 attached at their proximal ends to the base 10.

The device 1 may further comprise hollow teeth 21 extending around the periphery of the treatment plate and provided with steam outlets 22, as shown.

The device 1 comprises a hollow body 4 formed from a profiled piece of metal, the hollow body 4 having three longitudinal cavities separated by walls forming a vaporization chamber 5 and two distribution chambers 6a and 6b, respectively, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The device 1 has a housing 30 adapted to receive the heating system 3. The housing 30 extends along the sectioned hollow body 4 and has, for example, a rectangular cross section, the lower part of which is defined by the partition wall 90 of the vaporization chamber 5. The housing is laterally defined by the partition walls 91 of the distribution chambers 6a and 6b and the surface of the processing plate 2.

The vaporization chamber 5 has, for example, a rectangular cross section. The distribution chambers 6a and 6b have, for example, an L-shaped cross section and are symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane of symmetry containing the axis X.

The heating system 3 has a flat shape and has a main surface 31 facing the evaporation chamber and an opposite main surface 32 facing the processing plate.

The heating system 3 is positioned in the housing 30 between the treatment plate 2 and the vaporization chamber 5. The heating system 3 therefore heats the vaporization chamber 5, the base of the treatment plate 2, and the teeth simultaneously.

Each chamber 6a and 6b has a wider base 60 separated from the vaporization chamber 5 by a wall 50.

Each distribution chamber 6a and 6b is provided with a distribution opening 61 through which steam flows out. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the distribution openings 61 are formed by slots and may extend over more than 80% of the length of the treatment plate 2. Each of the openings 61 is located below a row of hollow teeth 21 that are provided with steam outlets 22. The steam contained in the distribution chambers 6a and 6b passes through the distribution openings 61 and then the steam outlets 22 before being applied to the hair during treatment.

The upper wall of each distribution chamber 6a, 6b includes an opening 61 through which steam passes and is recessed from the treatment plate.

The device 1 further includes, in the example shown, a liquid water supply duct 9 extending longitudinally below the head of the device. The supply duct may be made of elastomeric plastic or copper metal.

For example, this supply duct 9 is connected to the vaporization chamber 5, for example, by a bend that connects the supply duct 9 to a longitudinal end of the vaporization chamber 5. As a variant, the supply duct 9 may include an opening 90 present on the underside 51 of the vaporization chamber 5. This chamber may therefore be supplied with water via its underside 51.

A seal may be placed between the supply duct and the evaporation chamber to prevent liquid water from leaking.

The device 1 includes an end cover 8 at each longitudinal end of the device 1, which closes the vaporization chamber 5 and the dispensing chambers 6a and 6b at that end. The end covers 8 may be secured to the device by any means, such as one or more screws 83, adhesive bonding, welding, a snap fit, crimping, etc. A seal 7, particularly an elastomeric seal, may be inserted between the body 4 and each cover 8, as shown.

The grooves 70 may be substantially linear and formed in each end cover 8. Each seal 7 may include an opening 80 of substantially the same shape as the groove 70, such that the openings 80 face the grooves 70 when the end cover 8 and seal 7 are fitted into the device body 4.

The openings 80 and grooves 70 allow for the formation of ducts 85 that connect the exterior of the body 4 with the vaporization chamber 5 and the distribution chambers 6a and 6b. Thus, vapor generated in the vaporization chamber may flow into the distribution chambers 6a and 6b.

The end cover 8 and seal 7 may include holes 84 for receiving screws 83 to secure them to the body 4 of the device.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 4 to 7.

In this variant, the body 4 of the device has a different cross section and is nevertheless formed from a profiled piece of metal.

The body has three longitudinal cavities, two of which are separated by a wall 50 and form the vaporization chamber 5 and the distribution chamber 6, respectively. The third cavity forms the housing 30, which is adapted to receive the heating system.

The housing 30 has, for example, a rectangular cross section. In this example, the housing 30 is defined by a partition 90 of the vaporization chamber 5, a partition 91 of the distribution chamber 6, and a surface 92 of the processing plate 2.

As shown, the vaporization chamber 5 includes a partition 93 opposite the partition 91, which is concave, for example, toward the processing plate 2.

The vaporization chamber 5 is supplied with liquid water via a water intake, e.g., a tube 92, which passes through the end cover and seal and emerges into the vaporization chamber. The tube 92 may be made of copper or elastomeric plastic. This tube 92 allows the water to be delivered in several directions, as shown in Figure 7.

In this example, the processing plate 2 is formed by the upper surface 25 of the hollow body 4. In a variant not shown, the processing plate 2 is attached to the upper surface 25 of the hollow body.

The heating system 3 is positioned between the vaporization chamber 5 and the processing plate 2 and heats both the vaporization chamber 5 and the processing plate 2 simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 4, the device may include a power cable 100. This cable may, for example, supply power to the heating system. Alternatively, the device may have a power battery to make the device easier to handle.

The distribution chambers 6 are generally L-shaped and include a wider base 60, which is separated from the vaporization chamber 5 by a wall 50. The wider base 60 of the distribution chamber 6 is at least partially superimposed on the vaporization chamber 5. The distribution chambers 6 include vapor distribution openings 61 at their tops, for example in the form of longitudinal slots similar to the previous example. The top wall of each distribution chamber includes the openings 61 through which vapor passes and is recessed from the processing plate.

As with the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the device includes end covers 8 at each longitudinal end of the device 1, which close the vaporization chamber 5 and the dispensing chamber 6 by inserting seals 7.

In the embodiment of Figures 4-9, the seal 7 includes a first opening 81 and a second opening 82, both of which are oblong. The first opening 81 is located at the top of the vaporization chamber 5, and the second opening 82 is located at the wider base 60 of the dispensing chamber 6.

A groove 70 is formed in the thickness of the end cover 8. This groove 70 is generally S-shaped and allows the two openings 81 and 82 in the seal 7 to be connected. In this way, a duct with an S-shaped bend is formed between the vaporization chamber 5 and the distribution chamber 6. The specific shape of the duct prevents liquid water contained in the vaporization chamber 5 from entering the distribution chamber 6 and dripping onto the hair during treatment.

Figure 10 shows another variant embodiment of the present invention. In this variant, two heating elements 3a and 3b are arranged between the processing plate 2 and the vaporization chamber 5. The device according to this variant comprises a single distribution chamber 6, with the two heating elements 3a and 3b arranged laterally on either side of the distribution chamber 6.

The distribution chamber 6 includes a distribution opening 61 extending through the processing plate 2 in an area without teeth 20.

The distribution chamber 6 has a generally T-shaped cross section. The distribution chamber 6 is separated from the vaporization chamber 5 by a wall 50.

The distribution chamber 6 and the vaporization chamber 5 communicate via a duct formed in part by a groove in the end cover, as described above with reference to other embodiments.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

For example, the device may include a cosmetic applicator for applying the product to the hair.

The various embodiments and variations may be combined where compatible.

1 device 2 processing plate 3 heating system 3a, 3b heating element 4 hollow body, body 5 vaporization chamber 6, 6a, 6b distribution chamber 7 seal 8 end cover 9 liquid water supply duct 10 base 20 teeth 21 hollow teeth 22 steam outlet 25 upper surface 30 housing 31 main surface 32 opposite main surface 50 wall 51 lower surface 60 wider base 61 distribution opening 70 groove 80 opening 81, 82 opening 83 screw 84 hole 85 duct 90 partition 91 partition 92 surface, tube 93 partition 100 power cable

Claims (19)

A device (1) for steaming hair, comprising:
a treatment plate (2) adapted to contact the hair during treatment;
a vaporization chamber (5) supplied with liquid water, said liquid water being converted into vapor;
at least one distribution chamber (6, 6a, 6b) for distributing vapor onto the hair, the distribution chamber (6, 6a, 6b) being different from the vaporization chamber and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber;
a heating system (3) disposed between the processing plate and the vaporization chamber, configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature equal to or greater than the water evaporation temperature and to heat at least a portion of the processing plate;
and
The device (1) comprises a hollow body (4) having at least two longitudinal cavities separated by a wall (50), said longitudinal cavities forming the vaporization chamber (5) and the distribution chambers (6, 6a, 6b), respectively. The device of claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber (5) does not have any element for absorbing the liquid to be evaporated. The device of claim 1, comprising a gripping handle and a head having a plurality of teeth (20) for combing the hair. The device described in claim 3, wherein at least one tooth (20) of the plurality of teeth is heated by the heating system (3). The device of claim 1, wherein the heating system (3) has a main surface (31) facing the evaporation chamber (5) and an opposite main surface (32) facing the processing plate (2). The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more distribution chambers (6, 6a, 6b) and the vaporization chamber are formed by profiled portions. The device of claim 1, wherein the vaporization chamber (5) includes at least one wall (93) that is concave relative to the processing plate (2). The device described in claim 1, wherein the or at least one distribution chamber (6, 6a, 6b) has at least a portion located to the side of the overlap between the evaporation chamber (5) and the heating system (3). The device of claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber (5) includes an inlet opening for introducing liquid water into the evaporation chamber (5). The device according to claim 1, wherein the or at least one distribution chamber (6, 6a, 6b) has at least one opening (61) for the passage of steam, which opening may be a steam outlet, an opening in the surface of the device lateral to the treatment plate (2), or an opening through the treatment plate (2). The device of claim 1 , wherein the device includes at least one duct for supplying steam to a steam outlet. The device of claim 11, wherein the or each duct extends at the longitudinal ends of the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow body (4) comprises a housing (30) for the heating system (3). 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an end cover (8) at at least one of the longitudinal ends of the device for closing at least the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber at said longitudinal end. The device of claim 14, wherein the or each end cover (8) has at least one groove (70) at least partially forming a duct for fluid communication between the vaporization chamber (5) and the one or more distribution chambers (6, 6a, 6b). 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the device includes a seal (7) between the or each end cover (8) and the hollow body (4) of the device, the seal comprising at least one opening (80). the device includes a seal (7) between the or each end cover (8) and the hollow body (4) of the device;
The seal (7)
an opening (82) facing the distribution chamber (6) on the one hand and the groove (70) made in the end cover (8) on the other hand;
an opening (81) facing the vaporization chamber (5) on the one hand and the groove (70) made in the end cover (8) on the other hand;
16. The device of claim 15 , comprising: A method for treating hair using the device (1) of claim 1, comprising the steps of contacting the hair with the treatment plate (2) and applying steam to the hair via one or more steam outlets (22, 61). A method according to claim 18, comprising at least one step of applying a cosmetic product to the hair strand before and/or after, preferably before, using the device (1) of the present invention.