FR3015875A1 - DEVICE FOR TREATING THE HAIR - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for treating the hair, comprising: - two arms (5, 6) movable relative to each other between a close configuration of treatment of the hair and a configuration apart from engagement with each other hair to be treated, one of the arms (5) having a base having a housing and a pivoting outer flap (18) on the base between an open position of access to the housing and a closed position prohibiting access to the housing, - a refill comprising a reservoir (23) containing a product to be applied, removably disposed in the housing.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for treating the hair, and more particularly but not exclusively those for shaping the hair, especially those intended for smoothing, curling or embossing the hair. The invention relates more particularly to devices comprising two arms movable relative to one another, which can take a configuration apart from introducing a wick between them and a close configuration, of treatment of the wick, the arms being movable in this configuration close together along the wick. The arms usually bear, in such devices, two heating elements in contact with which the hair is brought during the use of the device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many devices of this type, sometimes also called straighteners, have already been proposed. , implementing the application of a hair product on the hair. Usually, the hair straighteners consist of two arms connected to each other by means of a hinge which allows the opening and closing of the latter and at least one heating element disposed on the arms. During styling operations of a lock of hair, the latter is introduced between the two arms in the open position, then the two arms are closed manually on the lock of hair. The lock of hair is then subjected, until the opening of the two arms and the extraction of the lock of hair, to the heat emitted by the heating element.

US Pat. No. 6,325,072 discloses an applicator for a hair product comprising two arms movable relative to one another, a steam generator and a device for applying a hair product. The steam makes it possible to activate and fluidize the hair product. Patent application EP 1 458 259 discloses a device for applying a fluid capillary product comprising a flexible reservoir containing the product to be applied and an applicator body having openings for applying the product to the hair. The flexible reservoir has a passage for allowing the capillary product to exit towards the application ports, the outlet control of the capillary product being done by pressure on the flexible reservoir.

WO 2009/078046 discloses a styling apparatus having two arms interconnected to allow the opening and closing of the apparatus, at least one heating member and at least one seat of a capillary treatment device , the capillary treatment device for dispensing, in operation, a hair product. The hair treatment device is composed of a support material impregnated with a hair product and adapted for a single use. WO 2009/015027 and US 2009/0025247 disclose a device for smoothing the hair, allowing the application of a hair product by contact with the hair. The hair product to be applied is contained in a removable refill for its application. The removable refill comprises a reservoir containing the capillary product in gelled form and dispensing and application openings of the product, made directly through a wall of the reservoir. The refill is introduced into a housing disposed on one of the two arms of the hair straightener, by sliding. There is a need to further improve the devices for applying a hair product to allow the user to easily reload the device into a hair product and / or change the hair product to be applied. There is also an interest in having a sufficient quantity of hair product to be applied without changing the refill, to allow, on the one hand, to comb the hair more abundant and, on the other hand, to repeatedly reuse the same refill . SUMMARY The object of the invention is, according to a first of its aspects, a device for treating the hair, comprising: two arms movable relatively to each other between a close configuration of treatment of the hair and a configuration that is discarded one of the arms having a base having a housing and an outer flap pivoting on the base between an open position of access to the housing and a closed position prohibiting access to the housing; refill comprising a reservoir containing a product to be applied, removably disposed in the housing. The housing on one of the two arms allows the recharge is at least partially integrated into the arm when mounted on it. The pivoting flap allows easy access to the housing and the base or the inner face of the housing to remove or set up the refill. The fact that the flap is pivoting makes it captive.

The reservoir present in the refill makes it possible to have a quantity of capillary product sufficient for dispensing a plurality of doses of product. The use of a refill allows the user to easily apply different hair products by simply changing the refill.

The receiving housing of the refill preferably extends over more than half of the total length of the arm. This can distribute the mass of the refill along the arm and reduce the inertia and effort required to manipulate the device The two arms extend along respective longitudinal axes and are preferably connected by a hinge present at their proximal end, this hinge defining an axis of rotation oriented preferably perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the arms. The two arms can define extended half-handles towards their distal end by jaws, the flap preferably defining the top of one of the jaws, when the latter is observed along its longitudinal axis with the other jaw at the bottom. The maximum thickness of the arms, measured at the level of the jaws, is preferably greater than that measured at the level of the half-handles; the maximum thickness of each arm is preferably between 10 and 40 mm, better between 17 mm and 32 mm.

The refill can be fixed on the shutter and come to be placed in the housing of the arm by closing the shutter. The flap may comprise at least one relief for fixing the refill thereon, in particular by snapping. It may be one or more snap fastening lugs, molded with the rest of the flap. This can facilitate the extraction of the refill that can be done by bringing the shutter in the open position and then detaching the refill of the shutter. Alternatively, the refill can be fixed directly in the housing of the arm, preferably by snapping, while the flap is in the open position. In this case, the shutter can contribute, once closed, to maintain the recharge in the housing. The flap or the base of the arm may comprise a relief arranged to cooperate with the reservoir of the refill to cause the interior volume thereof to decrease especially during the introduction of the refill on the device This may accelerate the distribution of the product and in particular to avoid, when the distribution of a dose of product is caused by the approximation of the arms, having to actuate a large number of times the arms before the product begins to be distributed. The decrease in the interior volume at the installation of the refill can be done by a pressure exerted by the flap and / or the arm on the tank, especially when the latter is flexible. Alternatively, the reservoir comprises a follower piston and said relief may be arranged to act on the piston to advance it in the tank, including the mounting of the refill on the arm. The flap is preferably articulated longitudinally on the arm, in particular with its hinge closer to the insertion end of the hair to be treated between the arms than on the opposite side. The flap can open backwards when the device is observed with the insertion side of the hair between the jaws facing the observer. The arm on which the flap is articulated may define a half-handle, the flap being articulated on the half-handle. The flap can still be articulated on the distal portion of the arm, extending between its free end and the half-handle.

Alternatively, the flap is articulated about an axis transverse to the direction of elongation of the arm which carries it, the two arms then being preferably articulated about the same axis as the flap. The flap can be arranged to snap on the base of the arm in the closed position, preferably carrying at least one holding member in the closed position, in particular elastically deformable, for example at least one elastically deformable tongue adapted to snap on a corresponding relief of the base of the arm, in the closed position of the shutter. The shutter can be hinged by means of a hinge, which may include a spring to maintain the shutter in the open position when not locked in the closed position.

The shutter can be arranged to act on an electrical contact in the closed position, preferably via the recharge, including the tank of the refill, the electrical contact to detect in particular the presence of a recharge in the housing. The device is for example arranged to signal the absence of recharge following this detection and / or to go into a specific operating mode, without product application. If necessary, the detection of the absence of recharge may prohibit the operation of the device The refill may have at least one extension opening out of the arm, preferably a lateral extension protruding or flush on the side of the arm, particularly the side opposite the hinge arm on the arm, allowing a user to view the presence of the refill on the arm.

The housing opens preferably on the outside and / or on a window allowing the user to view, when the flap is in the closed position, the presence of the refill on the arm. The shutter may carry a shutter member of an applicator member of the product contained in the refill, in the absence of use of the device This shutter member may come to cover the applicator member in the absence use of the device, which allows for example to delay the drying of the product still present on the applicator member and / or to prevent its degradation. This can further reduce the risk of damaging or dirtying the application member between two uses of the device The housing may have an opening, preferably extending along the longitudinal axis of the arm, giving onto the other arm, this opening allowing the application of the hair product, in particular by the applicator member carried by the refill. The refill preferably comprises the reservoir and a dispensing tip of the product to be applied. The refill is preferably made so that it can be handled as a single block for its placement in the housing and the withdrawal of the latter.

Preferably, the dispensing tip and the reservoir extend along longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm which carries the refill. The longitudinal axis of the dispensing nozzle and the longitudinal axis of the reservoir may be offset by a distance of between 10 mm and 40 mm, better still between 24 mm and 32 mm. This can facilitate the realization of the refill and the arm to receive it.

The length of the reservoir is preferably less than or equal to half the total length of the arm. This tends to facilitate the handling of the refill. The maximum capacity of the reservoir is preferably between 5 ml and 20 ml. The capillary product is preferably in the fluid state, i.e. liquid, at room temperature or at a higher temperature, for example between 25 and 95 ° C. In this case, the product may initially be in the solid state or pasty at room temperature in the tank and be reheated within the tank to make it sufficiently fluid to be dispensed by a distribution mechanism intended to feed the body. 'application. The product is thus fluid in the tank at the time of application. Preferably, the product is liquid at room temperature. When the product is initially solid in the refill and heated to be fluidized, the area around the applicator member is preferably non-heating so as to control the temperature of the product more easily. The reservoir may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid body in contact with the product. The reservoir may alternatively comprise a flexible body in contact with the product. The reservoir may consist of a flexible body, in particular a flexible bag, or a rigid body, in particular of tubular shape, or partially of a rigid body and partially of a flexible body. The dispenser tip may comprise at least one dispensing orifice, better a plurality of dispensing orifices, preferably constituted by one or more slots, better by a plurality of contiguous edge slots at rest. The dispensing nozzle may thus comprise orifices made through an elastically deformable wall, preferably a wall defined by a portion of a flexible conduit. The dispensing nozzle may be connected to the reservoir by a flexible conduit, an extension of this flexible conduit defining, preferably, at least partially the dispensing nozzle.

The dispensing tip may be pre-filled with the hair product to be applied. Pre-filling of the dispenser tip can be performed before introduction of the refill in the device The refill can in particular be provided to the user who puts it on the arm of the device with the dispenser tip pre-filled. This can avoid having to repeatedly operate a dispensing mechanism before the first use of the device. In a variant, the dispenser tip may be filled at least partially, more completely, with product when the refill is introduced into the device, in particular when the reservoir sees its internal volume decrease when the refill is placed, which may be the case for example when pressure is exerted on the tank when closing the shutter or when the tank has a follower piston which is pushed inside the tank at the introduction of the refill.

The device may comprise an applicator member independent of the refill, but powered by it in product. Alternatively, the refill comprises an applicator member supplied with product by the dispensing nozzle. The applicator member preferably covers at least partially the dispensing nozzle, the dispensing orifices of the dispenser nozzle being preferably oriented towards the applicator member. The dispensing tip is preferably made to fill with product when actuating a dispensing mechanism, increasing volume by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product. Thus, product may be accumulated in the dispensing tip for distribution after the filling action ceases. This allows a delayed supply of the application member, to avoid having to accumulate a lot of product within the application member, and thus reduce product losses during the change thereof . The applicator member may be, if desired, made with a relatively small thickness, for example less than or equal to 10 mm. The applicator member preferably comprises a porous and / or fibrous material and / or capable of releasing or diffusing the product, in particular an open cell foam. The applicator member may be mounted in a fixed or removable manner on a support at least partially covering the dispensing nozzle, the support having at least one opening overlapping at least partially with the dispensing nozzle and allowing the passage of the dispensing product. the dispensing tip to the application member. Preferably, the applicator member comes into contact with the dispenser tip. The applicator member is arranged to come into contact with the hair during the closing of the arms. The arm opposite the one carrying the refill can define a counter-support surface, so that the hair is applied with a certain pressure by the counter-bearing surface against the applicator member. The refill preferably comprises one or more components of a pump for supplying the applicator member with product from the reservoir of the refill, in particular at least one peristaltic pump pipe and / or a valve pump. This pump is preferably actuated when bringing the arms together. The peristaltic pump pipe is preferably constituted by the aforementioned flexible conduit.

The tank may be provided with a dip tube. This dip tube may be constituted by a portion of the aforementioned flexible conduit. When the tank has a follower piston, it is preferable that the flexible conduit does not extend too much into the tank, so as not to hinder the advancement of the follower piston and emptying the tank. Preferably, the flexible duct extends along the refill and comprises an end portion defining the dispensing nozzle, an intermediate portion defining the peristaltic pump hose and an end portion defining the dip tube in the reservoir.

Preferably, the device is made in such a way that the application member is automatically supplied with product when the device is used. Thus, the user does not have to worry about exerting a particular action on the device. to apply the product. The closure of the arms can actuate the peristaltic pump or valves that can supply product to the applicator member, including a dose of product and apply the product on the hair disposed between the arms. A dose of product is preferably between 0.01 ml and 0.5 ml. The applicator member is preferably supplied with product with, as previously mentioned, a temporary accumulation by the dispenser nozzle of pressurized product. The presence within the dispensing nozzle of pressurized product, after the jaws have been brought together, makes it possible to continue feeding the applicator member with product while the device is moved along a lock of hair with jaws close together. The arm opposite to that on which the flap is articulated may have a steam outlet, and preferably also a comb. It may be advantageous to use two combs, located respectively downstream and upstream of the application zone of the cosmetic product, to promote the homogeneous distribution of the product on the hair. These combs are advantageously parallel to one another, and may have the same number of teeth. Where appropriate, the device is made to allow a removable attachment of at least one of the combs, preferably each comb. Preferably, especially when one seeks to smooth the hair, the device comprises a heating element intended to come into contact with the hair, and better two heating elements each arranged on an arm. This or these heating elements may each comprise a plate of a good heat-conducting material, defining a hot surface of contact with the hair, whose temperature is for example greater than or equal to 95 ° C, better between 90 and 230 ° vs.

Preferably, the application of product on the lock of hair introduced into the device is done before the application of steam and / or combing and / or smoothing by the heating element or elements. Thus, the hair introduced between the arms can come into contact with the applicator member before being exposed to the steam and the heating elements during the movement of the wick between the arms of the device. the hair according to the invention is a straightener with flat heating elements, in particular coming into contact in the closed position. The present invention may be better understood on reading the following detailed description, nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. perspective, schematically, an example of a device for treating the hair made according to the invention, with the pivoting flap in the open position and the charging above the arm, - Figure 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1 is a view similar to FIG. 2, the refill being in place on the arm; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, after closing the shutter on the refill in place on the FIG. 5 is a view from above of an example of refill that can be used within a device according to the invention; FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the refill of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 represents in isolation the thermoformed shell and the lid 8A represents, in isolation, the dispensing nozzle in plan view, FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A of a nozzle variant, FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a sheet. carrying a plurality of refills according to the invention, - Figures 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views of refill examples, - Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 1, an alternative embodiment of the device, FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, the refill being in place on the shutter, FIG. 13 is a side view of the device of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a front view of the device of FIG. FIG. 12, after closure of the flap; FIG. 15 represents, in isolation, an example of refill that can be used with the device of FIG. 11; FIG. 16 represents a side view of the refill of FIG. 15; FIG. is an exploded view of the refill of Figure 15, - Figure 18 represents FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative device according to the invention; FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a variant of FIG. embodiment of the device, - Figure 21 shows the device of Figure 20, the refill being in place on the flap, - Figure 22 is a front view of the device of Figure 21, after closure of the flap, - Figure 23 1 is an example of a refill that can be used with the device of FIG. 20, FIG. 24 shows the refill of FIG. 23, seen from the side, FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the refill of FIG. FIG. 26 schematically represents, in perspective, a variant of the device according to the invention; FIG. 27 represents the device of FIG. 26, before putting the refill on the corresponding arm; FIG. similar to Figure 26 of a var Device device according to the invention, - Figure 29 shows the device of Figure 28 before introduction of the recharge, - Figure 30 is a cross section, schematic, of a device according to the invention, illustrating the arrangement of different components thereof, and - Figures 31 and 32 show separately dispenser tip variants. FIG. 1 shows the handpiece 2 of an example of a device for treating the hair of the invention. This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between a spaced configuration (not shown) of introduction between them of a lock of hair and a close configuration of treatment, illustrated in FIG. FIG. 1. The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper and lower arms 6, which are in this example interconnected at one end by a hinge 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming a clamp. The upper and lower arms 6 each preferably have a total length of between 22 cm and 31 cm and define, between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4. The upper arm 5 and lower 6 extend along respective longitudinal axes X1 and X2, which are preferably parallel to each other when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed. An elastic return member (not shown) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 in a spaced apart configuration, this resilient return member being for example a spring disposed about an axis of the hinge 8. The invention It is not limited to a particular way of connecting the upper and lower arms 6 to each other and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile otherwise without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is widely preferred for the ergonomics it brings. The jaws 3 and 4 define between them a hair treatment zone intended to receive a strand of hair to be treated, along which the handpiece 2 is moved during the treatment, for example in the direction from the root towards the tip of the hair. In the example considered, the handpiece 2 is configured to apply a cosmetic product, provide treatment of the hair with steam and to effect heat treatment of the hair by contact with one or more hot surfaces. The direction D of displacement of the handpiece 2 on the hair, illustrated in Figure 2, is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X1 and X2 of the upper arm 5 and lower 6. The handpiece 2 is connected by a cord , in the example considered, to a base station not shown, fixed during the treatment, connected to the sector. This base station provides power to the handpiece 2 and its water supply for steam generation and can also perform ancillary functions for processing electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The cord 13 which connects the handpiece 2 to the base station can thus include various electrical conductors and a water supply pipe. A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the handpiece 2 to allow the user for example to start or not certain components thereof. The cosmetic product is applied by an applicator member arranged to come into contact with the hair extending through the treatment zone. The applicator member is supplied with product by means of a dispensing mechanism which is actuated automatically when the handpiece 2 is used, for example to apply to the hair a quantity of product such as a mass of one gram of hair consisting of hair 20 cm long receives between 0.01 and 0.4 g, better between 0.01 and 0.2 g of product in the case of a care product, even more in the case of thermal smoothing products, coloring or chemical smoothing, the received amount then being for example between 0.5 and 10 g. The upper arm 5 comprises, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a pivoting flap 18 which can take the open configuration illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, allowing the introduction of a refill 20 and the removal of this once the product is exhausted, and a closed configuration, shown in Figure 4, of the device for treating the hair.

The refill 20 comprises a reservoir 23 containing the product to be applied and a head 25 comprising the applicator member 15. In the example shown, the pivoting flap 18 is articulated about an axis of rotation Y which is oriented substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis Xi of the upper arm 5. The flap 18 is for example articulated by a hinge 28, as shown in Figure 1, on the proximal portion of the arm 5 which serves as a half-handle 10 when using the In the illustrated example, the proximal portion 18a of the flap 18 also defines a gripping surface of the half-handle 10. The flap 18 can be articulated so as to open towards the rear when the The device is observed as in Figure 1. This can facilitate the realization of the hinge 28 and the construction of the device so as to provide the most open access possible to the user to enable him to proceed with the establishment or the replacement The angular clearance of the flap 18 is advantageously at least 90 °, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in order to facilitate the introduction of the refill 20 into the handpiece 2 when it is put into service. place or its replacement. The closure or opening movement of the flap 18 may, where appropriate, be assisted by an elastic return member, for example by a helical or leaf spring disposed at the hinge 28. This return member may request the flap 18 to its open position, accumulating elastic potential energy when the flap 18 is closed. The use of such a biasing member assisting the opening is particularly advantageous when the device is also equipped with a locking member of the shutter 18 in the closed position. In this case, when the user acts on this locking member to unlock this flap 18, the opening of the flap 18 can be performed automatically, advantageously to its fully open position or, alternatively, to only a part of the opening race. It is possible to provide the flap 18 with a movement retarder when the hinge 28 is equipped with an elastic return member that tends to bias the flap 18 to the open or closed position.

The shutter 18 can be held in the closed position on the upper arm 5 in a variety of ways, and preferably with snap-fastening of at least one relief carried by the flap 18 on a corresponding shape, not shown, carried by the base of the 5. For example, as illustrated, the flap 18 carries at least one elastically deformable tab 31 which can snap on a corresponding hooking relief provided on the base of the arm 5. Where appropriate, a locking means unlocking by the user is provided to hold the shutter 18 in the closed position. In this case, the user must exert an action on this unlocking means before opening the flap 18. This may reduce the risk of accidental opening of the flap 18, in case of falling of the handpiece 2 for example . The flap 18 may have any shape suitable for at least partial recovery of the refill 20 once it is in place in the device, in particular when the head 25 and the reservoir 23 are not aligned. The flap 18 may have a configuration in which the distal portion 18b of the flap 18 which is located at the jaw 3 is shifted upward relative to the proximal portion 18a of the flap 18 which serves for its articulation on the base of the arm upper 5, when the flap 18 is observed in the open position substantially at 90 °, as can be seen in Figure 1, with the axis of articulation of the horizontal arm. The flap 18 may then comprise an intermediate portion 18c which extends generally obliquely upwards and forwards. Alternatively, the flap 18 may be hooked otherwise on the base of the arm 5 and for example be articulated by its di stale portion 18b at the jaw 3. In the example of Figures 1 to 4, the refill 20 is housed on the upper arm 5 in a housing 33 thereof, while the flap 18 is in the open position, as shown in Figure 3. The upper arm 5 has reliefs, not visible in the figures, which retain the refill 20 in its housing 33, including reliefs which allow a snap of the refill 20 on the upper arm 5. For example, the upper arm 5 comprises elastically deformable tabs on which can snap the refill 20 when inserted into its housing 33 The flap 18 may comprise reliefs 36 which contribute to immobilizing the refill 20 in its housing 33, when the flap 18 is in the closed position.

The flap 18 comprises for example a series of ribs oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the flap 18, which cover the head 25 of the refill 20, when the flap 18 is closed. The flap 18 may also include ribs similarly positioned above the reservoir 23 when the flap 18 is closed. The flap 18 may be made of an opaque material with at least one transparent window, not illustrated, allowing the user to visualize the presence of the refill 20 and / or the level of product in the reservoir 23 if the refill 20 is provided for this purpose.

The housing 33 may comprise, as illustrated in Figure 4, at least one opening 36 facing the lower arm 6, to allow the application of the hair product contained in the reservoir 23 on a lock of hair. This opening 36 receives the applicator member 15 during the introduction of the refill 20 in the housing 33, and has a corresponding elongate shape.

The refill 20 can have various configurations and for example, as illustrated, the reservoir 23 can be located on the proximal side of the handpiece 2, in particular at the half-handle 10, and the head 24 can be positioned at the level of the jaw 3. It is advantageous that the reservoir 23 is housed in the half-handle 10, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, in particular to reduce the inertia of the handpiece 2 by bringing the barycentre of the mass of product contained in the reservoir 23 of the axis of the articulation 8 of the upper arms 5 and lower 6. Less inertia makes the handpiece easier to handle and less tiring for the user to wear. The handpiece 2 can be arranged to automatically detect the presence of the refill 20 in its housing 33.

This detection can be performed for example electronically, thanks to a contactor actuated by the refill 20 when it is in place on the handpiece 2. This switch is for example worn by the base of the upper arm 5 and actuated by the reservoir 23. Alternatively, the detection of the presence of the refill 20 on the base of the upper arm 5 can be achieved through the flap 18, for example due to the presence on the flap 18 of a contactor whose state changes depending on the presence or absence of recharge 20.

The closure of the shutter 18 may itself be detected automatically so as to allow, for example, the operation of the handpiece 2 only after it has been verified that the shutter 18 is in the closed position. When the flap 18 is in the closed position, it can remain a communication between the interior of the housing 33 receiving the refill 20 and the outside, allowing the user to view the presence of the refill 20 on the device The refill 20 can possibly be carried out so as to have an extension that remains visible from the outside of the device once the shutter 18 closed, the user can by viewing this extension have knowledge of the presence of the refill in the device without opening the flap 18. In a variant not shown, the flap 18 carries a shutter member of the applicator member 15, in the absence of use of the handpiece 2. We will now describe with particular reference to FIGS. 7, an example of recharge 20 may especially be used with a handpiece 2 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The refill 20 shown in Figures 5 to 7 comprises a The support shell 39 may have a peripheral flange 39a, as illustrated.

In the example considered and particularly visible in FIG. 5, the reservoir 23 and the head 25 extend along respective longitudinal axes Xres and Xem which are parallel and offset with respect to one another. distance c for example between 24 and 32 mm. The longitudinal axes Xres and Xem may extend in a plane M which is parallel to the plane of the upper face of the thermoformed support shell 39, defined by the peripheral rim 39a, but preferably, as illustrated in FIG. longitudinal axes X, and X are located at different distances from this plane. The reservoir 23 can be received in a portion 39b of the support shell 39, of elongated shape along the longitudinal axis Xres, this portion 39b being closed topally by a first cover 42 which can also be manufactured by thermoforming. This first cover 42 comprises, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, two parallel ribs 45 for positioning the first cover 42 on the support shell 39, these ribs 45 projecting into a housing 47 of the support shell 39 which receives the reservoir 23. One of the thermoformed support shell 39 and the first cover 42 may have a vent 50 opening on the housing 47 receiving the reservoir 23.

The thermoformed support shell 39 also comprises a portion 39c which receives a dispensing nozzle 53 and which is closed upperly by a second cover 55, which can carry the applicator member 15. The fixation of the applicator member 15 on the second cover 55 can be done in various ways. The application member 15 may for example be retained by friction on the second cover 55 or alternatively be retained by gluing or welding or with the aid of an additional holding element, not shown. In particular, the applicator member 15 can become jammed in an elongated opening 60 made on the second cover 55. The applicator member 15 can be detachably or non-releasably held on the second cover 55. interesting to be able to change the application member 15 from one use to another without having to replace the refill 20 in all, especially for reasons of hygiene or to be able to place the application member 15 between two uses in a closed container to prevent drying out. Alternatively, the refill 20 may be provided with a removable closure member, not shown, to be placed on the applicator member 15 in the absence of use. This closure member may be adapted to be placed on the applicator member 15 before or after the introduction of the refill 20 into the handpiece 2, for example consisting of a cover arranged to be fixed hermetically on the handpiece 2 or the refill 20. Alternatively, the closure member is a cap to be removed at the first use of the handpiece 2 or during the introduction of the refill 20 in the handpiece 2. The second cover 55 may have a portion 60 which covers an intermediate portion 62 of the support shell 39, located between the reservoir 23 and the head 25.

A conduit 65 connects the reservoir 23 to the distributor nozzle 53 and extends into the intermediate portion 62.

In the illustrated example, a portion 39d of the thermoformed support shell 39 is not covered by the covers 42 and 55, leaving at least a partial access to a corresponding portion 65a of the duct 65, this portion 65a constituting a pipe peristaltic pump which is actuated by the handpiece 2 to bring the product of the reservoir 23 to the dispenser nozzle 53. The latter is preferably, as illustrated, constituted at least in part by an extension of the conduit 65. The tip distributor 53 is preferably arranged to deliver the product unidirectionally, by at least one dispensing orifice 68, visible in Figures 8A and 8B, closed at rest and can be opened under the pressure of the product upstream.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the dispensing nozzle 53 may comprise several dispensing orifices 68 arranged in the extension of each other, so as to deliver the product along the applicator member 15. This or these dispensing orifices 68 may be elongated slots along a perpendicular axis, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, to the longitudinal axis Xem of the dispensing nozzle 53. As a variant, the orifices 68 are oriented along an axis parallel to the axis The distribution orifice (s) 68 are preferably aligned along a diametrical median plane of the dispenser nozzle 53. The length p of each dispensing orifice 68 may range from 1 to 5 mm. The dispensing orifices 68 may be of identical length and be evenly distributed along the dispensing nozzle 53. The interval w between two consecutive dispensing orifices 68 is, for example, from 1 to 5 mm. Preferably, the dispenser tip 53 is elastically deformable, so as to be able to increase the internal volume to accumulate product from the reservoir 23 before dispensing it, and the dispensing orifices 68 are arranged to open only after such an increase in volume. Thus, it is possible to spread the product distribution over a period of time greater than the duration of the filling action of the dispenser nozzle 53. A prolonged distribution of the product is useful to ensure the most homogeneous application possible all along the treated wick and reduce the risk of product presence in unsuitable quantities. Preferably, the feeding system of the applicator member is arranged so that the distribution of the product following the approach of the jaws 3 and 4 lasts more than 10 seconds, in particular between 10 and 30 seconds, for example about 20 seconds, or significantly the average duration of treatment of a wick in most users. A particularly simple and effective way to obtain a prolonged distribution of the product is to use an elastomeric material to make the dispensing nozzle 53, of tubular shape closed at one end, for example Shore 55 hardness and to provide it, as illustrated on FIGS. 8A and 8B, of several dispensing orifices 68 in the form of slits closed at rest and capable of opening by elastic deformation under the pressure of the product upstream. The slots are preferably made by cutting, so as to close with a good seal at rest.

The dispensing nozzle 53 comprises, for example, a tubular body with a wall thickness of between 0.3 and 2 mm, for example with an internal diameter of 3.2 mm and an outside diameter of 5 mm, made of silicone or another material such as EPDM (rubber). Preferably, the applicator member 15 comes into contact with the dispensing nozzle 53 facing the openings 68, so as to absorb the product delivered by it as soon as it leaves. The dispensing nozzle 53 may extend along the longitudinal axis Z of the head 25. The connection of the duct 65 and the reservoir 23 can be done by a nozzle 71, illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the conduit 65 can enter through the nozzle 71 in the reservoir 23 and extend inside the latter. The tank 23 may be constituted by an independent element which is attached in the corresponding housing 47 provided on the support shell 39, as illustrated in FIG.

The fixing of the covers 42 and 55 on the thermoformed support shell 39 may be performed by welding or, alternatively, by gluing. The reservoir 23 disposed in the housing 47 of the support shell 39 may be at least partially rigid or flexible. In the case where the reservoir 23 comprises a flexible wall 73 as illustrated in Figure 10A, it is for example formed by the assembly of two polypropylene sheets or a complex forming a flexible bag. To assemble the refill 20, it is then possible to place, in the support shell 39, the reservoir 23 with the duct 65, preferably flexible, fixed on it, then come back on the support shell 39 the covers 42 and 55. The second cover 55 can carry the applicator member 15 when it is attached to the support shell 39. The applicator member 15 can also be attached later to the second cover 55.

Alternatively, the reservoir 23 is defined at least partially by the blister shell 39. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the reservoir 23 is defined by the support shell 39 and a flexible wall 73 which is fixed on the shell of support 39 and which can during the emptying of the reservoir, gradually come to marry the shape of the bottom of the housing 47. The vent 50 is then preferably made in the first cover 42.

In another variant, the reservoir 23 is carried by the cover 42, being for example defined between the cover 42 and a flexible wall 73 which can be folded against the cover 42 as the tank 23 is emptied, as shown in FIG. Figure 10C. The vent 50 is then preferably made in the support shell 39. The flexible wall 73 may be an elastically deformable membrane. If necessary, not shown stiffening reliefs are provided to facilitate the complete emptying of the tank 23, avoiding the flexible wall 73 to deform in a manner that would oppose the flow of the product to the conduit 65 when the suction of the latter out of the reservoir 23. The reservoir 23 may be disposable. Alternatively, the refill 20 may comprise a reservoir filling valve 23, not shown, to fill the reservoir 23 when the latter is empty or partially empty. In a variant not shown, the first cover 42 and the second cover 55 are molded in one piece and form a single cover having an opening in the intermediate portion 62 to allow access to the conduit 65.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the thermoformed support shell 39 is made in several copies in one piece by thermoforming a sheet 75 of a thermoplastic material, such as, for example, polycarbonate. The covers 42 and 55 may be made of the same material or of a different material.

The thermoformed support shell 39 can also be made by thermoforming a sheet 75, the remaining portion of which is used as a support for presenting the refill 20 to the user. When, as illustrated in FIG. 9, several support shells 39 are made by thermoforming in the same sheet 75, these support shells 39 are preferably arranged in a regularly spaced manner. The components of the refills 20 can be assembled directly on each support shell 39 without separating it from the sheet 75. Lines of weakening or precut can be made around each support shell 39 so as to allow the removal recharge 20 while leaving the other refills 20 integral with the sheet 75. The sheet 75 may include an opening 78 for fixing on a display. The support shell 39 may be made of a thermoplastic material, opaque or not. It may be the same for the covers 42 and 55. In particular, it may be advantageous to make at least one of the covers 42 and 55 of the support shell 39 in a non-opaque material, so as to allow the The user can visualize the level of the product contained in the reservoir 23. Where appropriate, the support shell 39 or the cover 42 is made with a color allowing an easier visualization of the level of the product, for example a colored background whose color differs from that of the product. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, the refill 20 is fixed on the base of the upper arm 5, then the shutter 18 closes the housing 33 in which the refill 20 is received. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, fix the refill 20 on the flap 18, then fold the flap 18 in its closed position to bring the refill 20 in its configuration of use on the handpiece 2. For example, as shown in these figures, the flap 18 has reliefs 80 which allow the fixing on the latter of the refill 20 while the flap 18 is in the open position. In the example of Figures 11 to 14, the flap 18 is articulated by its proximal portion 18a as in the example of Figures 1 to 4, but it may be otherwise. The refill 20 can engage between reliefs 36 of the flap 18 which ensure its positioning. A refill 20 that can be used on the handpiece 2 of FIGS. 11 to 14 is shown more particularly in FIGS. 15 to 17.

This refill 20 comprises a support 83 which defines a housing receiving the dispenser tip 53, and which serves to hold the applicator member 15 on the dispenser tip 53.

The reservoir 23 preferably comprises a rigid body 86. The support 83 may comprise an extension 88, illustrated in FIG. 16, which serves to hold the reservoir 23 in a predefined position relative to the dispenser tip 53.

The extension 88 has at its end a tip which is made by molding in one piece with the rest of the support 83, in which is inserted the body 86 of the reservoir 23. The support 83 is preferably arranged to be fixed by cooperation of shapes, in particular by snapping, on the flap 18. For example, the latter comprises at its distal portion 18b which is located on the jaw 3, tabs 80 which snap onto the support 83. The proximal portion 18a of the flap 18 may also include reliefs 36 which maintain the reservoir 23, by friction and / or snap. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the support 83 extends over a distance / which is less than the total length Lrech of the refill 20.

The reservoir 23 preferably comprises a rigid body 86 in which a follower piston 90, illustrated in FIG. 16, can move. The body of the reservoir 86 is formed with a connecting end 92 to the flexible conduit 65. The follower piston 90 can be achieved with a non-return washer 94 which can slide on the inner surface of the body 86 when the interior volume of the tank 23 decreases and arquebute to prevent reverse movement of the piston 90. The connection end 92 to the conduit 65 can be made in one piece by molding with the body 86 of the reservoir 23. The pressure filling of the dispensing nozzle 53 can be made in various ways. In the variant of FIGS. 11 to 14, the product is brought from the reservoir 23 to the dispensing nozzle 53 by the actuation of a peristaltic pump. A particularly simple and effective way of producing this pump is to use a system as illustrated in FIG. 18, comprising a pressing element 95 such as a roller or a cam, movable on the upper arm 5, so as to be able to come to bear during its movement against the flexible conduit 65 connecting the reservoir 23 to the head 25 and pinch it, then gradually crush it towards the head 25 to drive the product contained inside towards the head 25. The duct 65 remains pinched as long as the jaws 3 and 4 are closed on the hair, which makes it possible to hold the dispensing nozzle 53 under pressure and to force the product to leave it through the orifices 68. As illustrated in FIGS. 19, the pressing member 95 can be actuated by a raised surface carried by the lower arm 6, this relief coming into contact with the pressing element 95 when the jaws 3 and 4 are brought together. The pressing element 95 may comprise on its opposite faces two pairs of lugs 97 engaged in guide slots, not shown, made on uprights 98, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 13. These slots are oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the flexible conduit 65 extending between the uprights 98. The pressing element 95 can first move substantially in translation, in the slots, to clamp the flexible conduit 65 under the thrust of the relief. The slots each have a notch which allows the pressing member 95 to then tilt by progressively crushing the flexible conduit 65, the lugs 97 engaging in the notches, during the continuation of the support of the relief on the pressing element 95. Preferably, the relief is carried by an adjusting member 100, such as a slider or a wheel, the rotation or displacement of which acts on the degree of prominence and / or the positioning of the relief which acts on the As a variant, the flow rate adjustment is effected at the level of the arm which carries the reservoir, for example thanks to a regulating member which more or less restricts the flow of the product or which moves back more or less a surface of counter-support against which is compressed the flexible conduit 65 by the pressing member 95 during operation of the peristaltic pump. The adjusting member 100 can make it possible to adjust the pressing member 95 in an extreme position for operation of the device without dispensing a cosmetic product. The user benefits, thanks to the adjustment member 100, from the possibility of acting on the flow of cosmetic product delivered at each closure of the jaws 3 and 4. The adjustment can be carried out continuously or in increments, according to the the embodiment of the adjustment member 100 can move on the lower arm 6. In the variant of Figures 20 to 25, the refill 20 comprises a valve pump 103 and the handpiece 2 is made to operate this pump to valves 103 for example when the two arms 5 and 6 are brought together or alternatively, using an actuator that can be actuated by the user regardless of the approximation of the arms. The refill 20 can be fixed as in the example of Figures 11 to 14, on the flap 18. The valve pump 103 may comprise a membrane 105 which is positioned, when the flap 18 is closed, facing an organ actuation, which is for example adjustable in height so as to act on the amount of product delivered by the pump 103 with each actuation. The refill 20 is shown more particularly in FIGS. 23 to 25. The valve pump 103 comprises a body which is made in one piece with tips 109 and 111 which serve for connection respectively to the reservoir 23 and to the dispensing tip. 53. The valve pump 103 comprises a pumping chamber 114, illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, delimited in part by the diaphragm 105. The connection piece 109 to the reservoir 23 can accommodate an unrepresented inlet valve, which opens when the volume of the pumping chamber 114 increases and which closes when this volume decreases during the actuation of the membrane 105. The pump 103 may also include an outlet valve which can be integrated in the pump 103, being for example located at the connection end 93 to the conduit 65. The pumping chamber 114 may be bellows (s), if necessary. In the case of such a pumping mechanism, a check valve is present between the tank 23 and the pumping chamber 114, opening in the direction of a flow from the tank 23 to the pumping chamber 114 In a variant, the outlet valve is constituted by the dispensing orifice or openings 68 of the distributor nozzle 53, which open under the effect of product pressure upstream and close again when the pressure has decreased, thanks to the resilience 20 of the material in which the duct 65 is made. The refill 20 may comprise a support 83 which receives the dispensing nozzle 53, this support 83 making it possible to position the dispensing nozzle 53 relative to the reservoir 23 The reservoir 23 can be made indifferently with a rigid body and a follower piston or with a flexible bag. If appropriate, as illustrated, the reservoir 23 can be fixed with the interposition of an O-ring seal 116 on the inlet nozzle 109 of the pump 103.

When the membrane 105 is deformed by pressing on the actuating relief 95 of the lower arm 6, the internal volume of the pumping chamber 114 decreases. The inlet valve is closed and the product is driven towards the distributor nozzle 53. The outlet or openings 68 may open under the effect of the pressure of the product and then close when the pressure decreases following the evacuation of the product. When the actuating relief 95 moves away from the membrane 105, the latter resumes its original shape by its own elasticity, which causes the volume of the pumping chamber 114 to increase, which resumes its initial volume. The corresponding depression causes the opening of the inlet valve and the admission of product from the tank 23. In another variant, the product distribution system can be produced without a pump using a follower piston moving unidirectionally in the tank, this displacement being caused by the approximation of the jaws 3 and 4. For example, the piston is pushed by a rod which is driven incrementally and unidirectionally moving at each approximation of the jaws. The feeding system can be made so as to cause the dispensing of a dose of product that after a predetermined number of actions of approximation of the jaws. In the examples which have just been described, the refill 20 extends over most of the length of the upper arm 5, and in particular inside the corresponding half-handle 10, which can make it possible to reduce the Inertia of the device However, the invention is not limited to a refill 20 which extends over more than half the length of the arm 5, and it is possible in particular, as illustrated in FIGS. the recharge 20 so that it is substantially housed in the upper jaw 3. It is also illustrated in these figures the possibility of performing the refill 20 with a lateral extension 116 which remains visible once the shutter 18 closed, so to constitute a witness of presence of the refill 20 on the handpiece 2. When the refill 20 is arranged to be housed essentially at the jaw 3, the reservoir 23 may or may not be superimposed on the dispenser tip 53, the recharge 20 p opening may include one or more pump components, which may be peristaltic or valve type.

The flap 18 may be articulated about a longitudinal axis Y which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Xi of the upper arm 5 or alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, about an axis Y which is transverse to the longitudinal axis Y. longitudinal axis X1 of the upper arm 5 and for example an axis which is parallel, better confused, with the axis of articulation between them of the lower arm 6 and upper 5. It may be advantageous for the articulation of the pivoting flap to be the same as that of the arms, as this may facilitate the manufacture of the handpiece 2. It is however preferable to make the flap 18 so that it is articulated about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Xi of the arm 5 because this can reduce the span length and thus reduce the need for stiffening of the flap 18. The flap 18 can be articulated about a fixed axis of rotation or alternatively, the movement of the joint can be more complex and in particular can to be done through a hinge 28 allowing not only a pure rotational movement, but also a translational movement so as to ensure for example the parallelism of the surfaces coming into contact with the flap 18 and the base of the arm 5 which carries it. In this case, the hinge 28 has, for example, slightly oblong holes with holes in which the hinge axis can be displaced, possibly with the presence of an elastic return member which tends to bias this axis in abutment. against one end of the slots oblongs.

A window may be provided, if necessary, to allow the user to view the degree of emptying of the tank 23. Alternatively, each action of approaching the jaws 3 and 4 increments a counter which is initialized at the installation of a new refill 20, this counter can be used to warn the user that the complete emptying of the tank 23 is imminent. The meter can still be used to signal to the user that the product is ready to be dispensed, when a certain number of actuating jaws 3 and 4 is required before the product impregnates the applicator member. , considering the dead volume that it is necessary to begin by filling before distributing the product. When the approximation of the jaws 3 and 4 is detected electrically, the counting can be performed electronically by the base station.

In a further variant, the product supply system of the applicator member 15 is motor-driven by means of an electric motor housed in the arm 5, or possibly in the refill assembly 20. In FIGS. and 29 illustrated the possibility for the refill 20 to extend over virtually the entire length of an arm 5. The refill 20 may, where appropriate, include an identifier recognized by the device, which allows at least the one of the following additional functions: - an automated adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the device according to the knowledge by the base station of the nature of the product, which results from the recognition of the identifier, a display of information guiding the user in the operations to be performed according to the nature of the product contained in the refill 20, knowledge of the capacity of the reservoir 23 set up and the transmission of a signal warning the user when the product is exhausted, assuming that the device knows the number of doses dispensed, for example by counting the number of times the jaws 3 and 4 are close together, - the transition to a predefined state of the device in case not detecting the presence of the reservoir 23, for example the emission of a warning signal, - the blocking of operation in the event of non-recognition of an identifier having an authentication function. The identification of the refill 20 can be done mechanically and / or electronically. In the latter case, the refill 20 may carry an electronic chip in which are contained the useful information and one of the arms 5 or 6 of the corresponding reading means.

In the examples illustrated, the heat treatment is provided by two heating elements 120 and 122 visible in Figure 30, respectively carried by the upper arm 5 and lower 6, each having a plate defining a hot surface 125 of contact with the hair. The plates of the heating elements 120 and 122 are made of any material suitable for the treatment to be carried out, for example a metal, a ceramic or a glass.

The surface condition of the plates of the heating elements 120 and 122, in the area of contact with the hair, depends on the desired treatment, and preferably the plates are smooth when the device aims to smooth the hair. The length of the plates defines the extent of the treatment area perpendicular to the direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 relative to the hair. The hot surfaces 125 defined by the plates are for example flat and rectangular in outline. One of the plates is for example fixedly mounted on the corresponding arm while the other is hinged, for example by means of a ball joint, so as to allow the plates to extend parallel to the one to the other and to a median plane of treatment in closed configuration of the jaws. Where appropriate, at least one of the plates is disposed on one of the arms 5 and 6 being supported by a spring structure. The heating elements 120 and 122 may each comprise an electrical resistance electrically powered by the base station, preferably with a temperature regulation by means of one or more sensors arranged near the heating resistors or in contact with the plates. The steam treatment is provided by means of a vaporizer member constituted by a resistive element present in an evaporation chamber fed with water by the base station. The latter may comprise an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, taking the water to be sent to the handpiece 2 in a water tank. The pump is for example as disclosed in the publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be made in accordance with the teaching of EP 2449909A1 or otherwise, and communicate with at least one steam outlet. The evaporation chamber is disposed on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example in question, and the outlet of the steam is provided on the same arm 6. The output of the steam is present in the illustrated example, in the form of a ramp 128, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the lower arm 6.

The ramp 128 may comprise a plurality of steam projection orifices, for example between 6 and 10 orifices, which are preferably uniformly distributed along the ramp 128 and each axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to the median plane of treatment.

The vaporizer is electrically powered by the base station and a temperature sensor is advantageously disposed in the evaporation chamber. The base station can be made to act on the power supply of the vaporizer member to maintain the temperature of the vapor leaving the evaporation chamber at a value between 110 ° C and 130 ° C.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the applicator member 15 is disposed facing a counter-support surface 130 defined by a pad carried by the lower arm 6. This counter-support surface 130 is preferably substantially semicylindrical in revolution, generatrix parallel to the longitudinal axis X2 of the lower arm 6. Alternatively, the counter-support surface 130 may be a roller.

The counter-support surface 130 can help channel the steam exiting the ramp 128 to the hair. When the jaws 3 and 4 are closed, the abutment surface 130 bears against the applicator member 15, and preferably, the abutment surface 130 slightly compresses the applicator member 15, by example over a distance k between 1 and 5 mm. The radius of curvature r of the abutment surface 130, measured around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm, is for example between 2 and 10 mm. The counter-support surface 130 can be movable relative to the jaw 4 which carries it and its displacement can be controlled by a regulating member, for example that which makes it possible to adjust the quantity of product dispensed when the arms 5 and 6 are brought together. Preferably, this adjustment member acts on the height of the abutment surface 130. When the adjustment member is in a position of non-actuation of the pump, the counter-support surface can reach its maximum height and in this way be a compression position of the maximum applicator member. This configuration can make it possible to wring the applicator member after use. The abutment surface 130 can be further defined by a member arranged to define a protective cover of the applicator member 15 in the absence of use.

This member can then partially cover, preferably completely, the applicator member 15 to promote the preservation of the product still impregnating the applicator member 15. The handpiece 2 may comprise a not shown comb, which is This comb is for example made of a rigid thermoplastic material, and has an elongate shape along the longitudinal axis X2 of the lower arm 6. The presence of the comb is advantageous in that it divides the wick into packets, which tends to increase the contact surface of the hair with the hot surfaces 125 and improve the smoothing action. In addition, by dividing the wick, the exchange surface with the steam and the cosmetic product is also increased, to the benefit of the effectiveness of the treatment. The comb can further contribute to increasing the traction exerted on the hair, which can improve their shaping, especially in case of smoothing. The comb may also contribute to homogenizing the product deposited upstream on the hair by the applicator member 15. Preferably, the device is made so that a portion of hair engaging between the jaws 3 and 4 and moving relative thereto when the handpiece 2 is pulled from the hairline to their tip in direction D, successively undergoes exposure to the cosmetic product, passing between the applicator member 15 and the surface counter-support 130, steam by passage to the right of the steam projection ramp 128 and heat treatment by passage between the hot surfaces 125. The handpiece 2 may advantageously comprise on the top a mark, visible by the user, such as an arrow, informing it on the correct direction of movement of the device The steam treatment can improve the penetration of the product deposited upstream on the hair. The heat treatment makes it possible to dry the hair and fix their shape. Many modifications can be made to the device that has just been described, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In a variant not shown, the heating elements 120 and 122 and the associated hot surfaces 125 are absent, the device being arranged to perform only the application of the cosmetic product and the exposure to steam, for example in the context of a hair care or color treatment. The heating elements 120 and 122 may be multiple on each of the arms and 6, which may allow the use, if any, of the handpiece 2 irrespective of its direction of movement on the hair. The device can also maintain a preferential direction of movement D during the treatment, even when the heating elements 120 and 122 are multiple on each of the arms 5 or 6. The heating elements 120 and 122 carried by the same arm 5 or 6 can comprise plates of identical width and operate simultaneously.

To obtain a symmetrical treatment irrespective of the direction of movement, the device may comprise two steam outlets on either side of the cosmetic product application member and between the hot surfaces 120 and 122. In the presence of Multiple heating elements 120 and 122 on each of the arms 5 and 6, the cosmetic product application member 15 can be disposed outside the heating elements 120 and 122, only a steam outlet being present between the plates. The movement on the hair is preferably carried out so as to ensure the deposition of the cosmetic product first. In a non-illustrated variant, at least one of the heating elements 120 and 122 is made so as to be able to turn in contact with the hair when the handpiece 2 is moved along the wick to be treated, and is for example under the shape of a rotating cylinder. The other heating element 120 and 122 may have a concave curved shape adapted to receive the roll when the jaws 3 and 4 are brought together. The direction of vapor projection may be non-perpendicular to the median plane of treatment, to increase the area impacted by the jet of steam, with an inclination relative to the normal of 0 to 20 ° for example. The jet exiting each exit port of the ramp (also called nozzle) may be sufficiently divergent to lead to a substantially uniform exposure of the wick in the direction of its width. The device according to the invention is preferably used with a base station; alternatively, the handpiece 2 is autonomous, including the water supply necessary for the production of steam. The cosmetic product applied by the device according to the invention can be any type of hair product. By capillary cosmetic product, is meant a composition comprising one or more active substances for capillary use and in particular a product as defined in the EC Directive 93/35 of June 14, 1993. Water in liquid or gaseous form which contains no additives for capillary use does not constitute a cosmetic product within the meaning of the present invention. The cosmetic product may be intended to facilitate the shaping of the hair. Examples of assets are given for example in the publication US 2010/0307528 A1 in paragraphs [0031] and [0032]. The product may be aqueous or non-aqueous based. In the examples which have just been described, the cosmetic product is not heated other than by the heat losses due to the presence of the heating elements 120 and 122 and the projection of steam between the jaws 3 and 4. In a variant, the cosmetic product is heated by a specific heating means, so as to raise its temperature before its application, for example a screen printed heating resistor on a sleeve traversed by the product or disposed on the reservoir or in contact with it. This rise in temperature may have the effect of reducing its viscosity and facilitate its application. The applicator member 15 may be made otherwise than with a foam, for example with a felt, a sinter or a brush. The refill 20 may comprise at least one closure member that can be releasably positioned on the application head 25, in particular on the applicator member 15, to protect it from the external environment in the absence of use to apply the product. The closure member may be applicable on the refill 20 when the latter is not or is on the handpiece 2. When the refill 20 is positioned in the housing 33 of the handpiece 2, the closure member The closing member may be separable from the device, or, alternatively, may be an element permanently present on the device. The member defining the counter-support surface 130 may be removable and serve, especially when returned, closure member of the refill 20. Due to the longitudinal configuration of the refill 20, the product distribution by distribution holes 68 of constant size and equidistributed is not uniform. The dispensing orifices near the reservoir are subjected to a higher pressure than those located at the end and, as a result, open more and distribute more product towards the applicator member 15.

The variants below make it possible to standardize the distribution of the product towards the applicator member 15 along the dispensing nozzle 53. The dispensing orifices 68 of the dispensing nozzle 53 are alternatively as illustrated in FIG. , spaced apart by a variable distance, the density of distribution orifices 68 then varying with the position on the dispensing nozzle 53. Preferably, the density of distribution orifices 68 increases away from the reservoir 23 to allow dispensing of uniform product in the direction of the applicator member 15. The dispensing orifices 68 of the dispensing nozzle 53 are, as a variant as illustrated in FIG. 32, of variable width p as a function of their position on the dispensing nozzle 53. Preferably, the width p of the dispensing orifices increases away from the reservoir 23 to allow a uniform product distribution towards the applicator member 15. The counter surface support 130 is, in a variant, inclined obliquely with respect to the applicator member 15 so as to exert a variable pressure on the applicator member 15. Preferably, the pressure exerted by the counter-support surface 130 on the applicator member 15 increases away from the reservoir 23, to allow a uniform product application on the lock of hair introduced between the upper arm 5 and lower 6. The device can be used by moving the jaws 3 and 4 along a wick, to smooth the hair. The device can also be used by winding the wick around a jaw 3 or 4 and by dragging it by sliding on the jaw 3 or 4, to curl the hair. The device can be used hot without producing steam or without activating the heating elements 120 or 122.

Alternatively, the steam outlet and the applicator member 15 occupy substantially the same position relative to the direction of movement D on the lock of hair of the device. In this case, or the steam outlet orifices are for example formed through a counter-bearing surface on which the applicator member 15 applies when the jaws 3 and 4 are closed.

In the illustrated examples, the steam generation is on the lower arm 6 and the product application on the upper arm 5. This provision can be reversed.

The dispensing nozzle 53 may be non-elastically deformable and the product may be dispensed only during the movement of the jaws 3 and 4 approaching together. An elastically deformable product accumulation chamber may also be interposed on the product path between the duct. 65 on which apply the pressing element 95 and the dispensing nozzle 53, this chamber being for example formed by a section of elastically deformable pipe or by an elastically deformable or mobile membrane without proper elasticity but bearing against a elastic return that deforms to accompany the increase in volume and generates the pressure necessary to continue the distribution of the product once the jaws 3 and 4 close together.

The housing of the device receiving the refill may comprise at least one light source. This source can allow the user to visualize the presence of the refill during the operation of the device When the refill is at least partially made of a material to see the cosmetic product contained therein, the light source can facilitate the determination by the use of the level of cosmetic product remaining in the refill. Thus, it may be advantageous to perform the refilling with at least a portion of the reservoir in a transparent or translucent material, and to arrange the light source so as to illuminate the reservoir. Preferably, the flap has a window that makes it possible to see at least one illuminated part of the reservoir, so that the user can know the level of product remaining while the flap is in the closed position. If necessary, the color of the light source may change depending on certain parameters, for example to indicate that the treatment temperature is reached or that the product or water level is low. The phrase "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one" and in all ranges of values indicated, the markers are included.

Claims (20)

REVENDICATIONS1. Hair treatment device, comprising: - two arms (5, 6) movable relative to each other between a close configuration of treatment of the hair and a spaced configuration of engagement between them of hair to be treated, l one of the arms (5) having a base having a housing (33) and a pivoting outer flap (18) on the base between an open position of access to the housing (33) and a closed position preventing access to the housing ( 33), a refill (20) comprising a reservoir (23) containing a product to be applied, removably disposed in the housing (33). 2. Device according to claim 1, the flap (18) being arranged to act on an electrical contact in the closed position, preferably via the refill (20), in particular the reservoir (23) of the refill (20) . 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, the flap (18) having at least 15 a fixing relief (80) of the refill (20) on the flap (18). 4. Device according to claim 3, the reservoir (23) having a rigid or semi-rigid body in contact with the product. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the refill (20) being arranged to be positioned in the housing (33) when the flap (18) 20 is in the open position. 6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the housing (33) for receiving the refill (20) extending over more than half the length (Lbr) of the arm (5). 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the flap 25 (18) being articulated longitudinally on the arm (5), in particular on the insertion end of the hair to be treated between the arms (5). 8. Device according to claim 7, the arm (5) on which the flap (18) is articulated defining a half-handle (10), the flap (18) being articulated on the half-handle (10). 30 9. Device according to claim 7, the arm (5) on which the flap (18) is articulated defining a half-handle (10), the flap (18) being articulated on the distal portion of the arm (5), s' extending between its free end and the half-handle (10). 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the flap (18) being hinged about a transverse axis (Y) to the elongation direction of the arm (5) which carries it, the two arms (5). , 6) preferably being articulated about the same axis as the flap (18). 11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the arm (6) 5 opposite to that on which the flap (18) is hinged having a steam outlet (128). 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the flap (18) being arranged to snap on the base of the arm (5) in the closed position, preferably carrying at least one resiliently deformable member (31) for holding. closed position, in particular at least one elastically deformable tongue adapted to snap onto the base of the arm (5) in the closed position of the flap (18). 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the housing (33) opening on the outside and / or on a window, for viewing when the flap (18) is in the closed position the presence of the refill (20). on the arm (5). 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, the refill (20) having at least one extension (116) opening outwardly of the arm (5), preferably a lateral extension protruding or flush on the side of the arm (5), in particular on the opposite side of the hinge (28) of the flap (18) on the arm (5). 15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the arms (5, 6) defining half-handles (10, 11) extended towards their distal end by jaws (3, 4), the flap (18) defining the top of one of the jaws (3). 16. Device according to claim 15, the maximum thickness (E) of the arms (5,6) measured at the jaws (3, 4) being greater than that measured at the half-handles (10, 11). 17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the flap 25 (18) carrying a closure member of a product application member contained in the refill (20), in the absence of use of the device 18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the flap (18) or the base of the arm (5) having a relief arranged to cooperate with the reservoir of the refill to cause the interior volume thereof to decrease. when placing the refill (20) on the device 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, the reservoir (23) having a follower piston (88) and said relief being arranged to act on the piston (88) to advance it in the reservoir (23), including mounting charging (20) on the arm (5). 20. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, being a straightener, each of the two arms (5, 6) having a heating element (120, 122), the heating elements (120, 122) preferably having a plate defining a hot surface (125) of contact with the hair.