Title: Device for treating hair through the application of steam

The present invention relates to a device for treating hair, particularly through the application of steam, and to a corresponding treatment method.

Prior art

Many types of hair-styling appliances or accessories for shaping the hair, in particular by straightening, curling or crimping, are known. By way of example, mention may be made of straightening or curling irons, or else hair brushes.

To enhance the treatment, some appliances provide for steam to be dispensed towards a lock of hair or the whole head of hair. Such devices comprise a vaporization chamber able to vaporize a liquid coming from a liquid reservoir, and one or more steam outlets in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber and for applying the steam to the hair.

Patent application EP 3 097 815 describes a hair-styling device with the emission of steam from a vaporization chamber in a base towards steam outlets in a handpiece. The vaporization chamber is remote from the handpiece, which means that the steam needs to be conveyed to the handpiece.

International applications WO 2009/077676 and WO 2013/128092 describe hair- styling devices with steam being emitted at the periphery of the device and of the hairheating zone.

Patent application EP 2449909 and international applications WO 2020/127852 and WO 2020/127851 describe hair-styling appliances with two spaces in the vaporization chamber, these being separated from one another by a wall that has an opening. The steam outlets are at the periphery of the appliance on a distribution chamber that lies laterally relative to the vaporization chamber.

There is still a need for a hair-treatment device, notably of the brush type, that safeguards the emission of steam while at the same time limiting the fouling of the steam outlets with scale.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention meets this need with the aid of a device for the steam-treatment of hair, comprising - a vaporization chamber having a first vaporization volume having an inlet for fluid that is to be vaporized, and a second vaporization volume in fluidic communication with the first vaporization volume via a passage with a reduced cross section in relation to at least one cross section of the first vaporization volume,

- a hair-treatment soleplate configured to come into contact with or to face the hair and having at least one steam outlet, and

- a steam distribution chamber distinct from the vaporization chamber, in fluidic communication with the second vaporization volume and supplying steam to the steam outlet, the steam outlet opening directly onto the distribution chamber, and

- at least one heating structure housed in the device sandwiched between a plane of extension of the treatment soleplate and planes of extension of the first and of the second vaporization volumes and extending on each side of the steam outlet.

The expression “ in fluidic communication" means that it is possible for fluid to pass between the two volumes, notably through openings that coincide with one another or that are connected by a fluid passageway.

The expression “on each side" means that the heating structure has a first part extending laterally on one side of the steam outlet and a second part extending laterally on the other side of the steam outlet.

The expression ''plane of extension" means a median plane notably defined by the width and the length.

The expression “ sandwiched between a plane of extension of the treatment soleplate and planes of extension of the first and of the second vaporization volumes" means that the heating structure is arranged between a plane of extension of the treatment soleplate and a plane of extension of the first volume and between the plane of extension of the treatment soleplate and a plane of extension of the second vaporization volume.

The presence of two vaporization volumes separated from one another by a reduction in cross section makes it possible to limit the passage of liquid water from the first vaporization volume to the second and to hold back any particles of limescale that may form in the first vaporization volume.

The presence of a steam distribution chamber which is distinct from the vaporization chamber limits the amount of liquid water that drips onto the hair during treatment, regardless of the orientation of the device. More reliable operation is thus obtained and the device is more user friendly as it can be used without having to worry about its orientation.

With the device according to the invention, the heating means necessary for the production of steam, on the one hand, and for heating the treatment soleplate, on the other hand, are shared. It thus has the advantage of allowing the device produced to be compact. Moreover, energy losses can be reduced by making optimum use of the heat released.

In addition, such a structure makes it possible to have a steam vaporization zone between two heating zones, thus making it possible for heat followed by steam followed once again by heat to be applied to the hair in succession.

Preferably, the treatment soleplate is intended to come into contact with the hair. Preferably, said treatment soleplate comprises a base having a substantially planar or substantially outwardly convex outer surface. Preferably, said treatment soleplate has, when seen end-on, a substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular or square outline, but may also be circular or oval.

Preferably, the treatment device has a shape that is elongate along a main axis. As a variant, the treatment device has a different, non-elongate shape.

Preferably, the treatment device comprises a handpiece having a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping of the device and allows additional elements to be added to the device, in particular a user interface, a reservoir of fluid that is to be vaporized and optionally a reservoir of cosmetic product. Preferably, the head comprises the vaporization chamber, the distribution chamber(s), the heating elements and the treatment soleplate.

The head of the treatment device may have any shape in cross section. Preferably, the head of the treatment device has a substantially polygonal, in particular substantially rectangular or substantially square, or substantially oval or circular, cross section. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a cross section with a polygonal outline on one side and a non-polygonal, in particular rounded, for example circular, outline on the other side. Preferably, the head of the device is generally of flattened shape, in cross section.

Preferably, the device comprises a reservoir for fluid that is to be vaporized integrated into the handpiece, notably into the handle thereof, as indicated previously. As a variant, the device comprises a base fluidically connected to the handpiece and into which the reservoir for fluid that is to be vaporized is integrated.

Preferably, the fluid that is to be vaporized is water, preferably water that is not demineralized, and not distilled.

Vaporization chamber

Preferably, there is a single vaporization chamber in the device.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber comprises a hollow body delimiting the first and second vaporization volumes. The hollow body comprises a fluid supply opening opening onto the first vaporization volume, the opening being in fluidic communication with a reservoir of fluid so as to form the fluid inlet. The hollow body may be in several parts, notably in the form of cavity body forming the cavity of the two vaporization volumes and a cavity-closing wall extending between the cavity body and the treatment soleplate. The cavity body may be produced as a one-piece part. As a variant, the hollow body is a one- piece part.

The passage with reduced cross section may have an area reduced by more than 50%, better still by more than 70% in relation to at least one cross-sectional area of the first vaporization volume or better still, to the cross-sectional area of the first vaporization volume over more than half of its length, or better still, over more than 80% of its length.

The vaporization chamber may comprise a dividing wall separating the first and second vaporization volumes and having an opening that forms the passage with reduced cross section. The opening may have a width less than or equal to 70%, or better still less than or equal to 50% of the width of the dividing wall.

The first and the second vaporization volumes may be of identical width or the second vaporization volume may have a smaller width than the first vaporization volume.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber, not counting the fluid inlet, is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the vaporization chamber, not counting the fluid inlet, is symmetrical about a median plane extending along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber.

The vaporization chamber, notably the first volume, may be wider than it is tall, the height being measured along the axis of superposition between the vaporization chamber, the heating structure and the treatment soleplate. Preferably, said planes of extension of the first and second vaporization volumes are identical or parallel to one another. As a variant, they are inclined with respect to one another by an angle strictly smaller than 90°, and better still, smaller than or equal to 45°.

Preferably, the second vaporization volume extends longitudinally in the continuation of the first vaporization volume with the passage with reduced cross section between them. Preferably, the first and second vaporization volumes are elongate along the one same longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the first and second vaporization volumes extend one after the other along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the passage with reduced cross section is, in the first vaporization volume, considered along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber, at the opposite end from the inlet for fluid that is to be vaporized.

The second vaporization volume comprises a distribution chamber supply opening. The supply opening supplying the distribution chamber may extend at the opposite longitudinal end of the second volume from the passage with reduced cross section.

The second vaporization volume may have no opening other than the distribution chamber supply opening and the opening of the passage with reduced cross section between the first and second vaporization volumes.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber extends along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the treatment soleplate.

The vaporization chamber may have, in cross section, a wall opposite to the treatment soleplate that is concave towards the treatment soleplate, notably extending in cross section in the form of a semicircle, half an ellipse, or half a regular polygon. Such a cross-sectional shape for the vaporization chamber makes it possible to have a substantially constant and homogeneous pressure and temperature of the steam in the vaporization chamber, thereby limiting the presence of particles of liquid water in suspension in the steam contained in the vaporization chamber.

As a variant, the vaporization chamber has a substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular, cross section. Such a shape makes it possible to heat the vaporization chamber substantially uniformly over its entire width and to generate steam quickly.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber comprises a substantially planar wall facing, or better still in contact with, the heating structure. The volume of the vaporization chamber may be between 3000 mm ³ and 20000 mm ³ . The second vaporization volume may have a volume a greater than or equal to 5%, better still, greater than or equal to 8%, and even better still, greater than or equal to 10% of the total volume of the vaporization chamber. Such a vaporization chamber can hold enough steam to ensure efficient treatment of the hair while still having a device that is sufficiently compact and lightweight.

Preferably, the second vaporization volume comprises one or more chicanes in the path of the steam. The chicane(s) may be formed by one or more reliefs that locally reduce the passage cross section or a wall in the path of the steam that reduces the passage cross section for the steam and, as a preference, forces the steam to follow a zigzag path. The chicane or one of the chicanes may constitute the passage with reduced cross section.

The second vaporization volume may have a cross section less than or equal to the cross section of the passage with reduced cross section.

The second vaporization volume may have a width less than or equal to the width of the passage with reduced cross section.

The vaporization chamber may be without an element for absorbing the liquid to be vaporized. The device is thus easier to manufacture and more lightweight. It is thus easier to handle and, in the case of a brush, makes it possible to brush the hair in several directions. The vaporization of the water is also facilitated and the formation of limescale limited.

The vaporization chamber, notably the first vaporization volume, may have one or more internal coatings, notably a water repellent coating. Such a coating may reduce the risk of the formation of scale and make it easier to vaporize the fluid.

The inlet for fluid that is to be vaporized may be connected to a reservoir for liquid-state fluid, notably water.

The device may include a system for supplying the vaporization chamber with water, in particular a pump. The supply system may be configured to supply the vaporization chamber as a function of the temperature of the latter or as a function of the time elapsed since the device was started up. The supply system may be configured to supply the vaporization chamber only when the temperature of the chamber is above a predefined threshold temperature or when the time elapsed since the device was started up is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, corresponding in particular to the time taken for the vaporization chamber to reach a predefined threshold temperature. The temperature of the vaporization chamber may be measured using a sensor arranged therein or at the interface between the heating structure and the vaporization chamber.

Controlling the intake of water as a function of the temperature makes it possible to limit the risk of applying liquid water instead of steam.

The device may include a steam control member configured to control whether or not steam is applied to the hair. For example, the steam control member may control the intake of water into the vaporization chamber. When the user wishes to apply steam to their hair, they actuate the steam control member which then for example commands a pump connected to the reservoir to bring liquid water into the vaporization chamber.

Supply member

Preferably, the device comprises a fluid supply member supplying fluid that is to be vaporized and extending at least partially into the vaporization chamber through the inlet for fluid that is to be vaporized.

The fluid supply member may comprise at least one supply tube extending at least partially into the first vaporization volume. The tube may have a plurality of mutually- spaced supply orifices each opening into the first vaporization volume, notably supply orifices extending towards opposite sides of the first volume in relation to the supply tube.

Preferably, the supply tube extends along the longitudinal axis of the first vaporization volume. The supply tube may extend along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber. The supply tube may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device.

Distribution chamber

Preferably, there is a single distribution chamber in the device.

As a variant, the device may comprise several distribution chambers parallel to one another and in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber and each supplying steam to at least one steam outlet.

Preferably, the distribution chamber comprises an elongate hollow body forming a steam distribution rail, the hollow body comprising a steam inlet, preferably at one of its ends, fluidically connected to the supply opening of the second vaporization volume, notably facing the supply opening of the second vaporization volume.

The body of the distribution chamber may be at least partially formed as one piece with at least one wall of the vaporization chamber. Said wall of the vaporization chamber may constitute the bottom of the distribution chamber, the two chambers being connected to one another by an opening in the second volume which opening is made in said wall. The distribution chamber may be delimited laterally by a relief projecting from an exterior surface of said wall of the vaporization chamber.

The distribution chamber preferably extends longitudinally over more than 80% of the length of the treatment soleplate, better still, more than 90% of the length of the treatment soleplate, and even better still, over substantially the entire length of the treatment soleplate.

The distribution chamber may extend along at least part of the vaporization chamber, notably at least part of each of the first and second volumes. Preferably, the distribution chamber extends longitudinally over more than 70% of the length of the vaporization chamber, better still, more than 80% of the length of the vaporization chamber, and even better still, over substantially the entire length of the vaporization chamber.

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

The or each distribution chamber is preferably sandwiched between the treatment soleplate and the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the distribution chamber is delimited in its lower part by a wall of the vaporization chamber, in its upper part by the treatment soleplate and laterally by a relief of one of said walls of the vaporization chamber and of the treatment soleplate.

Preferably, the distribution chamber extends between two parts of the heating structure, and notably the hollow body has two longitudinal lateral walls separating the distribution volume from a housing of the heating structure extending on each side of the hollow body.

As a variant, the distribution chamber forms within the vaporization chamber a rib extending along the latter chamber.

The body of the vaporization chamber and of the distribution chamber may be made from a thermally conducting material, notably metal. Preferably, the thermally conducting material has a thermal conductivity greater than 10 Wnf'K’ ¹ , better still, greater than 50 Wnf'K’ ¹ , and even better still, greater than 100 Wni 'K’ ¹ .

Treatment soleplate The treatment soleplate may comprise, particularly in instances in which the distribution chamber forms, within the vaporization chamber, a rib extending along the latter chamber, a slot in which the steam outlet(s) extend, the heating structure extending on each side of the slot, the slot extending facing the distribution chamber.

Preferably, the treatment soleplate comprises teeth and/or a base made from a thermally conducting material.

The term “teet/z”, sometimes also referred to as ''bristles ' or ''spikes '^ should be understood to mean elements protruding from the brush and between which hairs are received when the brush passes through the hair. The teeth may have any shape. The teeth may be flexible or rigid, and where applicable may have a rounded head or ball at the tip.

As a variant, the treatment soleplate comprises teeth and/or a base made from a thermally insulating material, notably an elastomer or plastic. Preferably, the thermally insulating material has a thermal conductivity of between 0.2 and 0.5 Wm ^-1 K ^-1 .

The treatment soleplate has a single steam outlet that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of the treatment soleplate. In this case, the steam outlet may have an opening with a cross section of greater than or equal to 5 mm ² .

As a variant, the treatment soleplate comprises a plurality of steam outlets opening into the distribution chamber. The steam outlets may extend as a row of steam outlets extending along the longitudinal axis of the treatment soleplate, preferably with uniform spacing between them.

The steam outlets may be arranged in a zone that has no teeth.

The steam outlet(s) may be made in the base of the treatment soleplate.

Preferably, the steam outlet(s) emit steam with an overall steam flow rate less than or equal to 5 ml. min ¹ , better still, between 0.2 and 4 ml. min ¹ , even better still, between 0.4 and 2 ml.min ¹ , and most preferably, between 0.5 and 0.95 ml.min ¹ .

The steam outlet or the row of steam outlets may extend along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber.

The steam outlet or the row of steam outlets preferably opens substantially at the centre of the treatment soleplate.

The treatment soleplate may bear teeth on each side of the steam outlet(s).

The treatment soleplate may be produced as a one-piece part. As a variant, the treatment soleplate is made up of several parts, notably a part made from a thermally conducting material and a part made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat. The part made from a thermally conducting material may comprise rows of heated teeth the base of which extends over the heating elements. The part made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat may comprise a base having openings to accept the heated teeth, and rows of teeth that are formed in one piece with the base and that extend between the rows of heated teeth.

The teeth may extend as at least two rows of teeth, extending on each side of the steam outlet, the rows of teeth each preferably extending parallel to the main axis of the device.

The treatment soleplate of the device may have a substantially rectangular or elliptical shape when seen end-on and the teeth may extend as several rows of teeth, each row extending along the main axis of the device in the case of a device having a treatment soleplate of substantially rectangular or elliptical outline.

Preferably, the row(s) of teeth each comprise at least 3 teeth, preferably between 10 and 40 teeth, and better still, between 15 and 40 teeth.

At least one tooth out of the plurality of teeth, or better still some of the teeth, or even better still all of the teeth, may be heated by the heating structure, in particular to a temperature above or equal to 180°C. Combining the heating of the teeth and the application of steam makes it possible to improve the treatment of the hair. In particular, it allows a higher temperature to be maintained in the steam application spaces, in particular the spaces between the teeth when the steam is projected into these spaces. It also allows the hair to be heated with dry heat before or after the application of steam, which improves the steam treatment of the hair.

The use of the same heating structure to produce steam and to heat the teeth of the treatment soleplate also makes it possible to have a lightweight device, which is easier to handle. At least some of the teeth of the treatment soleplate, or better still all of the teeth of the treatment soleplate, may be made from a heat-conductive material, in particular iron, aluminium, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic. The heating structure may heat at least some of the teeth, in particular at least two of the teeth, or better still at least one or more rows of teeth, and in particular may heat all of the teeth which are made from a heat- conductive material. This makes it possible for the teeth to be heated easily by the heating structure, and for the hair to be in contact with hot surfaces in the heated combing zone. Said teeth may comprise, at their tip, a heat shield made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat, in particular from an elastomer or plastic, in order to limit the heat in the event of contact with the scalp. The material that is a poor conductor of heat may have a thermal conductivity of between 0.2 and 0.5 Wm ^-1 K ^-1 .

Preferably, the teeth have a height of between 2 mm and 50 mm, or better still, between 5 mm and 20 mm.

Preferably, the teeth have no surface protrusions.

Preferably, at least some of the teeth, and better still all of the teeth, are attached to the base of the treatment soleplate, in particular secured in holes in the base of the treatment soleplate. As a variant, at least some of the teeth, and better still all of the teeth, are formed as one piece with the base of the treatment soleplate.

The teeth may extend perpendicularly to the base of the treatment soleplate or may be inclined with respect to the base of the treatment soleplate.

Preferably, the teeth all extend along mutually parallel axes.

The device may comprise, along an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the brush, alternating rows of teeth made from a thermally conducting material and rows of teeth made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat, notably that is thermally insulating.

The teeth made from a thermally insulating material may be of a different height, in particular taller, than the teeth made from a thermally conducting material. The fact that there are teeth made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat and which are taller than the teeth made from a thermally conducting material thus also makes it possible to limit contact between the scalp and the teeth made from a thermally conducting material, only the teeth made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat coming into contact with the scalp.

Heating structure

Preferably, the vaporization chamber is heated mainly, and notably solely, by the heating structure extending between the vaporization chamber and the treatment soleplate.

The heating structure may comprise two heating elements extending on opposite sides of the steam outlet(s).

Preferably, the two heating elements are coplanar.

Preferably, the heating elements are identical. As a variant, the heating structure comprises a single heating element extending on each side of the steam outlet(s), notably having a through-slot or orifices for the passage of steam.

The heating element(s) may comprise, in particular consist of, one or more heating resistors or any other suitable heating means.

The heating element(s) may each be of substantially parallelepipedal overall shape.

The heating element(s) may be housed in one or more housings of the device extending at least partially between the treatment soleplate and the first vaporization volume.

The heating element(s) may have a main face facing the vaporization chamber and an opposite main face facing the treatment soleplate. The heating element(s) may be in contact, via one of their main faces, with a surface of the treatment soleplate, in particular a lower surface of its base. The heating element(s) may be in contact, via one of their main faces, in particular the opposite face from the face in contact with the treatment soleplate, with a wall delimiting the vaporization chamber.

A thermal paste may be arranged at the interface between the heating element(s) and the treatment soleplate, and at the interface between the heating element(s) and the wall of the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the heating structure is configured to heat the vaporization chamber such that, during use, in particular as liquid fluid is entering the vaporization chamber, the temperature in the vaporization chamber is always above or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid that is to be vaporized. The heating structure may be configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature between 100 and 200°C, and better still to a temperature between 110 and 180°C.

The heating structure may be configured to heat at least part of the treatment soleplate to a temperature between 100°C and 250°C, and better still between 150°C and 230°C, and even better still between 170°C and 210°C.

The heating element(s) may have electrical power greater than or equal to 50W, even 100W, 200W or 500W. In particular, the heating power of the heating elements is selected such that, given the flow rate of fluid arriving and the temperature of the fluid, all of the fluid is continuously vaporized in the vaporization chamber, as it arrives therein. The device may comprise a switch for turning on the heating structure. For example, the switch may make it possible to switch on the heating structure or a control circuit controlling the heating structure and which, for example, regulates the temperature and supplies power to the heating structure so as to keep to a setpoint temperature.

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

The selector may also make it possible to change the temperature of the heating structure. The maximum treatment soleplate temperature attained may thus be adapted to the type of hair to be treated and/or to the nature of the treatment to be performed. The same device may thus be used to treat more than one type of hair.

The device according to the invention may include an electrical power supply. For example, electrical power is supplied by means of accumulators and/or batteries and/or by means of an electrical cable connected to a mains socket or to a mains adapter.

The electrical power supply may in particular make it possible to supply power to the heating structure, directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

Preferably, the treatment soleplate, the heating structure and the assembly formed of the vaporization chamber and of the distribution chamber are mounted removably on the device. They can be removed successively or together form a directly -removable entity. This makes it possible to make maintenance of the device easier.

Brush

Preferably, the treatment device is a brush, the treatment soleplate comprising in particular a plurality of teeth.

The term “brush” should be understood to mean a hair-treatment device constituted by a single arm bearing a plurality of teeth between which hairs are received when the brush passes through the hair. The brush may comprise a single row of teeth but preferably comprises a plurality of rows of teeth, which may be in a staggered arrangement.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to treat the hair efficiently while brushing the hair. By virtue of the device according to the invention, it is possible in particular to heat and apply steam to the hair in one go. The device according to the invention allows long-lasting shaping of the hair.

Preferably, the treatment soleplate has an exterior surface, notably from which the teeth extend and onto which the steam outlets open, that is substantially planar or, preferably, of outwardly convex curvature free of discontinuity or, as an alternative, of outwardly concave curvature free of discontinuity.

Preferably, in the case of a brush, the distribution chamber has two longitudinal lateral walls separating the distribution volume from the heating structure.

Straightening device

As a variant, the device is a hair straightening device comprising two arms joined together, notably at one of their ends, and able to adopt an open configuration in which hair can be engaged between them, and a closed position for treating the hair.

The two arms may each comprise a treatment jaw, these jaws being configured to come into a closed configuration facing one another. At least one jaw, and better still each jaw, may comprise a heated plate for a heat treatment of the hair and forming treatment soleplates. At least one of the jaws may comprise the vaporization chamber, the distribution chamber, the treatment soleplate and the heating structure as described hereinabove. Preferably, the other jaw does not have a steam application system. Preferably, the treatment soleplate of the jaw that does not have a steam application system is mounted in its housing with the ability to pivot. This allows the jaws to adjust to suit the thickness of the hair placed between the jaws.

Treatment method

According to another of its aspects, the invention further relates to a method for treating the hair using a device according to the invention, comprising bringing the head of hair into contact with the treatment soleplate and applying steam to the head of hair via the steam outlet(s).

Preferably, the total flow rate of steam leaving the steam outlet(s) may be between 0.5 and 2 g/min, or better still between 0.7 and 2 g/min.

Preferably, the method is a hair brushing treatment.

The features of the device described above apply to the method in combination or separately from each other.

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

The method may comprise one or more steps of rinsing the hair. The method may comprise at least one step of applying a cosmetic product to the lock of hair before or after using the device of the invention, in particular a brush, and preferably before.

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

The cosmetic products that can be used according to the method of the invention may be liquids, gels, milks or creams in the form of single emulsions (O/W or W/O) or multiple emulsions, or solids.

The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents chosen from reducing agents and, in particular, thiols, oxidizing agents and, in particular, hydrogen peroxide or persalts such as persulfates, colouring agents and, in particular, pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, temporary shaping agents and, in particular, styling polymers that are preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents and, in particular, silicones, mineral or plant oils, plant waxes, cationic surfactants or cationic polymers, alkaline agents or acids. Even more preferably, the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type.

Brief description of the drawings

[Fig. 1] shows a schematic view in cross section of an example of a treatment device according to the invention,

[Fig. 2] is a schematic depiction of a vaporization chamber and a supply member according to the invention,

[Fig. 3] is a schematic depiction of an assembly made up of a vaporization chamber, of a supply member, and of a distribution chamber according to the invention,

[Fig. 4] is a schematic depiction of the head of the treatment device of Figure 1, without the heating structure or the treatment soleplate, in which the assembly of Figure 3 is housed,

[Fig. 5] is a schematic depiction of the head of Figure 4, with the heating structure and the rows of heated teeth added, [Fig. 6] is a schematic depiction, in longitudinal section, of a variant of a treatment device head,

[Fig. 7] is a schematic depiction, in cross section on VII- VII, of the head of the device of Figure 6,

[Fig. 8] is a schematic depiction, from above, of an entity made up of the treatment soleplate, the heating elements, the distribution chamber and the vaporization chamber of the treatment device of Figures 6 and 7,

[Fig. 9] is a schematic depiction, cross-sectioned and viewed in perspective, of the entity of Figure 8,

[Fig 10] is a schematic depiction of a detail of Figure 9, and

[Fig. 11] is a schematic depiction, in longitudinal section, of the entity of Figure 8.

Detailed description

A hair-treatment device in the form of a brush 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The brush 10 comprises a head 15 and a handle 20 and extends along a longitudinal axis X. The head comprises a brush body 25, notably made of plastic and forming a housing 27 for a unit that is preferably removable. The unit comprises a vaporization chamber 30, a distribution chamber 40 fluidically connected to the vaporization chamber 30, heating elements 50 and a treatment soleplate 60.

The vaporization chamber 30 comprises a body 32 delimiting a vaporization volume 34. Said body 32 on its external surface comprises a projecting space 42 delimited around its entire periphery by a lateral wall 44 projecting from the body and of constant height, all this together forming the distribution chamber 40.

The body 32 is preferably made from a thermally conducting material, notably metal.

The vaporization volume 34 comprises a wide first volume 34a extending along a plane of extension Ma and comprising a fluid inlet 36 into which a fluid supply member 80 extends, and a less wide second vaporization volume 34b extending in the continuation of the first vaporization volume 34a along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber Y in a plane of extension Mb. The first and second vaporization volumes 34a, 34b extend along the one same longitudinal axis which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the chamber Y, and along the one same plane of extension Ma or Mb. However, this does not have to be the case. For example, the second volume could extend along a plane Mb inclined by an angle smaller than 45° with respect to the plane of extension Ma of the first volume.

The second vaporization volume 34b is separated from the first vaporization volume 34a by a passage 38 the cross section of which is reduced in relation to that of the first vaporization volume 34a, notably by a passage which in this instance is funnel-shaped. The second vaporization volume 34b has a width substantially identical to the width of the passage 38 with reduced cross section.

The second vaporization volume 34b has chicanes 83 formed by reliefs projecting into the second vaporization volume 34b.

The fluid supply member 80 takes the form of a tube which laterally has a plurality of openings 82 opening into the first vaporization volume 34a. The openings 82 are preferably arranged on the length of the tube as at least two rows arranged on opposite sides of the tube in the vaporization chamber and oriented towards the surface of the vaporization chamber that is heated by the heating elements 50.

The space 42 is connected to the vaporization volume 34 by a through-opening 46 in the body 32. The through-opening 46 opens into the second vaporization chamber at its opposite end to the fluid inlet 36.

The heating elements 50 are arranged on each side of the slot 42 partially on the vaporization chamber 30, notably at least partially on the first vaporization volume 34a. Preferably, the heating elements 50 are each in contact with the body either directly or via a thermally conducting surface, notably a wall of the first vaporization volume 34a and a lateral surface laterally delimiting the distribution chamber 40. The heating elements 50 will therefore heat the vaporization chamber extending beneath them and the distribution chamber extending between the two. As a variant which has not been illustrated, the device may comprise a single heating element extending on each side of the steam outlet(s), the heating element comprising a through-slot in which the vaporization chamber and/or the steam outlet(s) extend(s) or comprising through-orifices for at least partially forming the steam outlet(s).

The treatment soleplate 60 is configured to come into contact with or to face the hair and is positioned on the housing in such a way as to close, notably hermetically seal, this housing. It closes the distribution chamber at the top via a surface that has steam outlets 70 to the outside. The treatment soleplate may comprise two parts. It may comprise a first part formed of rows of teeth 19 made from a thermally conducting material, notably a metal, extending over the heating elements along the longitudinal axis X of the brush 50, and a second part formed of a base 62 made from a material that is a poor conductor of heat, notably a plastic, and of rows of teeth 64 extending from the base along the longitudinal axis X of the brush 50 and formed as one piece with the base 62. The base 62 may have openings between the rows of teeth 64, these openings accepting the teeth of the rows of teeth 90. The steam outlets 70 may be openings of substantially circular outline and may extend between the teeth of one of the rows of teeth 64. In this way, the treatment soleplate exhibits, transversely, and alternation of rows of teeth 64 that are poor conductors of heat, and of rows of teeth 90 that are conductors of heat.

Preferably, the teeth of the rows 90 protrude beyond the base of the treatment soleplate 62 by a distance that is greater than the height of the teeth of the rows 64.

The brush may further comprise on its periphery additional teeth 95 housed in holes in the body of the brush and surrounding the treatment soleplate 60.

Figures 6 to 11 illustrate a variant of the hair-treatment device, here taking the form of a straightening device.

The straightening device 100 has two jaws 103 and 104 that are movable with respect to one another between a spaced-apart configuration (not shown) for the introduction of a lock of hair between said jaws, and a closed-together treatment configuration, illustrated in Figure 1.

The jaws 103 and 104 are borne by an upper arm 105 and a lower arm 106, respectively, which arms, in the example in question, are connected together at one of their ends by a hinge, not shown, the device 100 thus forming tongs.

The arms 105 and 106 define, between the hinge and the jaws 103 and 104, respective half-handles (not shown) on which the user can press in order to move the jaws 103 and 104 closer together and thus grip the hair extending between the two jaws.

The jaws 103 and 104 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially planar inner surface.

An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably provided to return the jaws 103 and 104 to the spaced-apart configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring disposed around a pin of the hinge. The invention is not limited to a particular manner of connecting the arms 105 and 106 together and the jaws 103 and 104 may be rendered movable in some other way. However, the presence of a hinge is largely preferred for the ergonomics that it affords.

The device 100 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X. The device 100 has a line designed to be able to supply the power necessary for operation of the device. The line 17 may thus be an electric cord designed to connect the device to the electric mains. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the line could also be a fluidic line designed to supply the device with fluid (water for example) that is to be vaporized.

The device may have a water reservoir for the production of steam.

A user interface (not shown in the figures) may be present on the device in order to allow the user to control the operation of the device.

The device comprises, in at least one of the jaws 103, a vaporization chamber 120 supplying steam to a distribution chamber 130 separated from the vaporization chamber by a wall at 132 of the latter chamber. The distribution chamber 130 is covered with a treatment soleplate 140 configured to come into contact with the hair between the two jaws when these jaws are in the closed-together configuration. The wall 132 may, as illustrated, have a recess 134 into the vaporization chamber 120 and forming the distribution chamber 130 such that the distribution chamber 130 projects into the vaporization chamber 120.

The treatment soleplate 140 has a row of steam outlets 124 opening to the outside between the two jaws 103 and 104 from the distribution chamber 130. The steam outlets 125 are arranged so that they are evenly distributed in a slot 142 of the treatment soleplate along the longitudinal axis of the treatment soleplate. The treatment soleplate 140 delimits, with the wall 132 on each side of the slot 142, two spaces each of which is to accommodate a heating element 150. Each of the two spaces is therefore delimited at least by the wall 132, a lateral wall of the slot 142 and a wall of the treatment soleplate 140 configured to come into contact with the hair.

Preferably, the wall 132 and the treatment soleplate 140 are made from a thermally conducting material. The heating elements 142 therefore extend between the wall 132 and the treatment soleplate 140 and thus allow the vaporization chamber 120 to be heated simultaneously via the wall 132 and the treatment soleplate 140.

The vaporization chamber 120 comprises a body 123 which, with the wall 132, delimits a vaporization volume 124. The body 123 is preferably of outwardly convex shape so that it forms a large vaporization volume 124. The vaporization volume 124 comprises, at one of its longitudinal ends, notably at the handle end thereof, an inlet 128 for fluid that is to be vaporized and, at its opposite end, a passage 129 for steam to pass into the distribution chamber 130. This passage 129 is formed by an opening in the wall 132 opening onto one end of the distribution chamber 130. The vaporization volume is divided longitudinally into two vaporization volumes 124a and 124b.

The vaporization volumes 124a and 124b are separated from one another by chicanes 126 each of which forms a passage 138 with reduced cross section. The first vaporization volume 124a extends from the inlet 128 for fluid that is to be vaporized as far as the chicane 126a, and the second vaporization volume 124b extends from the chicane 126b to the opening 129. The chicanes 126 are formed by reliefs projecting into the vaporization volume from the wall 132 and/or from the body 123. In this particular instance, the vaporization chamber 120 comprises a chicane 126a extending from the bottom of the body 123 towards that surface of the wall 132 that is internal to the vaporization chamber, leaving a reduced space between the end of the chicane 126a and the internal surface of the wall 132, and a chicane 126b extending from the internal surface of the wall 132 toward the bottom of the body 123, leaving a reduced space between the end of the chicane 126b and the bottom of the body 123. The two chicanes 126a and 126b are separated from one another along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber by a distance that is less than or equal to 30% of the length L of the vaporization volume, or better still less than or equal to 15% of the length L of the vaporization volume. Preferably, the two chicanes 126a and 126b extend transversely in the vaporization volume substantially at the centre of the vaporization volume 124.

Thus, the fluid that is to be vaporized enters the vaporization chamber 120 via the fluid inlet 128. It vaporizes in the vaporization chamber as a result of the heat of the heating elements 142 which diffuse heat via the wall 132 as it circulates from the first vaporization volume 124a to the second vaporization volume 124b, passing via the chicanes 126a and 126b. The chicanes 126a and 126b may make it possible to limit the passage of scale into the second vaporization volume 124b, and to improve the vaporization of the fluid. The steam generated in the vaporization chamber 120 then passes, via the opening 129, into the distribution chamber at the distal end of the vaporization chamber 120. It spreads out in the distribution chamber 130 along the jaw and exits the treatment soleplate 140 via the steam outlets 125. The proximity of the heating elements ensures that the steam remains in the state of steam throughout its progress through the device.

The unit formed by the treatment soleplate 140, the wall 132 and the vaporization chamber 120, and illustrated in Figures 8 to 11, may be removable.

In the example illustrated, the other jaw 104 comprises a treatment soleplate 240 configured to come into contact with the hair when the jaws are in the closed-together configuration. The treatment soleplate 240 has a central slot 242. The treatment soleplate 240 delimits, with a bottom wall 248, on each side of the slot 242, two spaces each of which is to accommodate a heating element 250. The heating elements 250 heat the treatment soleplate 240.

When hair is being treated, hair is equipped between the two jaws 103 and 104 and the device is moved along the lock of hair. The hair is thus heated and straightened when gripped between the two treatment soleplates 140 and 240. As the hair passes between the slots 142 and 242 it receives steam from the steam outlets 125. This improves the straightening.

The invention is not limited to the two examples which have just been described. The features of the two embodiments may be combined insofar as such combination is technically feasible. For example, the vaporization chamber in the context of a brush may be of the same type as that of the above hair-straighteners example, and vice versa. The treatment soleplate may have at its surface teeth that are formed as one piece with it or attached to it, irrespective of the type of hair-treatment device. The steam outlets may or may not extend in a slot in the soleplate.