Title: HAIR TREATMENT DEVICE

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

Prior art

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

Patent applications CN105708099 and WO2017174035 describe straightening irons comprising a first unit for heating a vaporization chamber and a second unit, different to the first, for heating treatment plates.

Patent application CN205866296 describes a heated brush that generates steam. The brush heating system and the heating system for producing steam are different.

Patent application JP2017077432 describes a hair iron comprising three different heating units, namely a heating unit for the vaporization chamber and two others for heating the treatment plates.

These arrangements using separate heating elements are often preferred as they allow the heating of the two elements to be controlled independently.

Patent applications EP1967088 and EP2449911 describe hair irons in which the elements for heating the treatment plates also heat the vaporization chamber, the latter supplying the steam outlets directly.

Patent application W02004002262 describes a curling iron comprising a heating block for heating both a porous element soaked in liquid and a plate for treating the hair. In this document, the liquid contained in the porous element evaporates in vaporization chambers on either side of the porous element, the vaporization chambers supplying steam outlets directly.

There is still a need to further improve devices for treating the hair by applying steam, in particular so as to have a device for treating the hair by heating and applying steam which is compact and limits energy losses, and which is reliable in operation, while being relatively simple to manufacture and use.

Disclosure of the invention The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this by virtue of a device for steam treating the hair, in particular a hair brush, having:

- a treatment plate intended to come into contact with the hair during the treatment,

- a vaporization chamber supplied with liquid water, where the liquid water is transformed into steam,

- at least one dispensing chamber for dispensing steam onto the hair, which is different to the vaporization chamber and is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber, and

- a heating system arranged between the treatment plate and the vaporization chamber and configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature above or equal to the water vaporization temperature and to heat at least a portion of the treatment plate.

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 plate, 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.

The presence of a steam dispensing chamber which is different to the vaporization chamber limits the amount of 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.

The steam dispensing chamber may dispense the steam at the steam outlet or all or some of the steam outlets.

Preferably, the treatment plate is intended to come into contact with or face the hair. Preferably, said treatment plate comprises a base having a flat or outwardly domed outer surface. Preferably, said treatment plate 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 an elongate shape along a main axis. As a variant, the treatment device has a different, non-elongate shape.

Preferably, the treatment device comprises 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 water container and optionally a cosmetic product container. Preferably, the head comprises the vaporization chamber, the dispensing chamber or chambers, the heating system and the plate.

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, outline on the other side. Preferably, the head of the device is generally flattened, in cross section.

Brush

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

Preferably, the base of the treatment surface comprises a substantially flat surface intended to come into contact with the hair and from which the teeth extend.

At least one tooth, preferably at least some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth, may have a proximal part inserted in the base of the treatment plate. As a variant, at least one tooth, preferably all of the teeth, are formed as one with the base of the treatment plate or are attached thereto.

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

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

The term “brush” should be understood to mean a hair treatment device constituted by a single arm carrying 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 term “teeth”, sometimes also referred to as “bristles” or “spikes”, should be understood to mean elements protruding from the brush 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. 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.

Teeth

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

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

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

Preferably, the row or rows of teeth each comprise at least 3 teeth, preferably between 10 and 40 teeth, and more preferably between 15 and 40 teeth.

At least one tooth out of the plurality of teeth, preferably some of the teeth, more preferably all of the teeth, may be heated by the heating system, 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 system to produce steam and to heat the teeth of the treatment plate also makes it possible to have a lightweight device, which is easier to handle.

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

Preferably, the heat-conductive material has a thermal conductivity greater than 10 Wm-1K-1 , better than 50 Wm^K ¹ , better than 100 Wnf'K’ ¹ . Preferably, the heat- conductive material is selected from metals, in particular copper, aluminium, iron and steel. Alternatively, the heat-conducting material may be ceramic. The heating system may heat at least some of the teeth, in particular at least two teeth, preferably at least one or more rows of teeth, and in particular may heat all of the teeth which are made from a heat-conductive material. This allows the teeth to be heated easily by the heating means, and the hair to be in contact with hot surfaces in the heated combing area. Said teeth may comprise, at their end, a heat shield made from thermally insulating material, in particular from elastomer or plastic, order to limit the heat in contact with the scalp.

Preferably, the teeth have a height of between 2 mm and 50 mm, and more preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm.

Preferably, the teeth have no surface protrusions.

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

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

Preferably, the teeth all extend along mutually parallel axes.

Some of the teeth may be made from a material with low heat conductivity, for example from elastomer or plastic, in particular the ends as mentioned above, to limit the risk of burning the scalp.

Preferably, the material with low heat conductivity has a thermal conductivity comprised between 0,2 and 0,5 Wm ^-1 K ^-1 .

The brush may comprise, along an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the brush, alternating rows of teeth made from a heat-conductive material and rows of teeth made from a material with low or no heat conductivity.

The teeth made from a material with low or no heat conductivity may be of a different height, in particular taller, than the teeth made from a heat-conductive material. The fact that there are teeth with low heat conductivity which are taller than the heat- conductive teeth thus also makes it possible to limit contact between the scalp and the heat- conductive teeth, only the teeth with low or no heat conductivity coming into contact with the scalp. The base of the plate is preferably made from a heat-conductive material, which may make it possible to maximize the surface for heat exchange between the heating system and the base of the plate. At least some of the teeth may be attached to the base of the plate and may be made from a material with low heat conductivity, in particular a thermally insulating material. At least some of the teeth may be formed as one with the base of the plate.

As a variant, the base of the plate may be made from a material with low heat conductivity, in particular a thermally insulating material. In this case, at least some of the teeth may be attached to the base of the plate and be made from a heat-conductive material as mentioned above. At least some of the teeth which are not intended to be heated may be formed as one with the base of the plate or attached to the latter, being made from a material with low or no heat conductivity.

Heating system

Preferably, the vaporization chamber is mainly heated, in particular only heated, by the heating system.

Preferably, the heating system comprises a single heating member. As a variant, the heating system comprises a plurality of heating members, for example two heating members arranged between the vaporization chamber and the treatment plate, the heating member or members being configured to bring the vaporization chamber to a temperature above or equal to the water vaporization temperature. When a plurality of heating members is used, these heating members may be adjacent to one another or spaced apart from one another, in particular separated by a steam dispensing chamber or by at least one steam outlet conduit.

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

Preferably, the heating system is an active heating element separated from the treatment plate.

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

The term “ Separate from the treatment plate” should be understood as not made of the same material as the treatment plate and/or not integrated into the treatment plate.

The treatment plate and the heating system may be in different materials.

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

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

The heating system may be of substantially parallelepipedal shape.

The heating system may have a main face facing the vaporization chamber and an opposite main face facing the treatment plate.

The heating system may be in contact, via one of its main faces, with a surface of the treatment plate, in particular a lower surface of its base.

The heating system may be in contact, via one of its main faces, in particular the face opposite the face in contact with the treatment plate, with a wall delimiting the vaporization chamber.

A thermal paste may be arranged at the interface between the heating system and the plate, and at the interface between the heating system and the wall of the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the heating system is configured to heat the vaporization chamber such that, during use, in particular as liquid water is entering the vaporization chamber, the temperature in the vaporization chamber is always above or equal to the vaporization temperature.

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

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

The heating system may have electrical power of greater than or equal to 50W, even 100W, 200W or 500W. In particular, the heating power of the heating system is selected such that, given the flow rate of water arriving and the temperature of the water, all of the water is continuously vaporized in the vaporization chamber, as it arrives therein. The device may comprise a switch for turning on the heating system. For example, if the heating system comprises a heating resistor, the switch may make it possible to switch it on or to switch on a control circuit for the heating resistor which, for example, regulates the temperature and supplies power to the heating resistor 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.

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

The selector may also make it possible to change the temperature of the heating system. The temperature of the treatment plate and/or of the teeth of the brush 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, 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 resistor or resistors of the heating system, directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

Vaporization chamber

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 may include at least one wall, preferably opposite the heating system, which is concave towards the treatment plate, in particular a wall with a cross section in the shape of a portion of a circle. Such a shape for the vaporization chamber makes it possible to have a substantially constant and homogeneous pressure and temperature of the steam in the vaporization chamber, thereby limiting the presence of particles of liquid water in suspension in the steam contained in the vaporization chamber.

Preferably, the vaporization chamber comprises a substantially flat wall in contact with the heating system. The vaporization chamber may have 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.

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

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

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.

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

The water inlet may be connected to a liquid water container. The device may include the container, for example in the handle. The device may include a pump between the water container and the vaporization chamber. The container may have a volume between 1 ml and 50 ml. Such a volume makes it possible to hold enough water to be able to treat the hair fully without the need to refill the container during treatment, rendering the device portable and compact.

The device is preferably portable.

In one variant, the container may be remote. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises a handheld component and a base. The base may have a water container. The handheld component of the device may be connected to the base, for example by a hose allowing the water to circulate. The handheld component may be supplied with water by a supply device, for example a pump. With such a device, the handheld component may be more lightweight since it does not contain water. This facilitates treatment of the hair. Moreover, the remote container may hold more water. It may be possible to perform several treatments before it is necessary to refill the container.

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 system 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 controls a pump connected to the container to bring liquid water into the vaporization chamber.

Dispensing chamber

The device may include a single steam dispensing chamber.

As a variant, the device comprises a plurality of dispensing chambers, in particular two dispensing chambers, especially two dispensing chambers arranged on either side of the vaporization chamber.

The or at least one dispensing chamber may extend at least partially laterally relative to the superposition of the vaporization chamber and the heating system. Preferably, all of the dispensing chambers extend at least partially laterally relative to the superposition of the vaporization chamber and the heating system. Such a lateral arrangement of the dispensing chamber or chambers makes it possible to produce the latter with a thickness corresponding substantially to the combined thicknesses of the heating system and the vaporization chamber. This makes the device even more compact, and maximizes heat exchange with the vaporization chamber and the heating system. Specifically, it may be beneficial for the or each dispensing chamber to be at a temperature above the water vaporization temperature such that if water droplets are sprayed into this chamber from the vaporization chamber, these droplets are transformed into steam inside the dispensing chamber, so that only steam comes out of the device.

At least one dispensing chamber may extend between two heating members of the heating system, from the vaporization chamber to steam outlets, in particular steam outlets in the treatment plate. The cross section of the dispensing chamber may range between 0.1 and 2 cm ² , more preferably between 0.3 and 1 cm ² , for example of the order of 0.5 cm ² .

When the device has two dispensing chambers, these may be arranged on either side of the superposition of the vaporization chamber and the heating system, as mentioned above, over a thickness which is preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of the vaporization chamber and the heating system.

The dispensing chamber preferably has a wider base separated from the vaporization chamber by a wall of the latter. This may make it possible to create a shoulder for positioning the heating system above the vaporization chamber.

The dispensing chamber preferably has an L-shaped cross section. The bottom part of the L forming the abovementioned wider base may extend laterally relative to the vaporization chamber. The top part of the L may extend laterally relative to the heating system.

The base of the dispensing chamber or chambers may be arranged substantially at the same height as the top of the vaporization chamber. Such an arrangement prevents the liquid water remaining at the bottom of the vaporization chamber from flowing into the dispensing chamber. It is thus ensured that almost only steam, and not liquid water, flows from the vaporization chamber to the dispensing chamber.

The dispensing chamber or chambers preferably extend over substantially the whole of the length of the plate or of the vaporization chamber.

Steam outlets

The treatment device, in particular the dispensing chamber, may include a plurality of steam outlets.

The dispensing chamber may have at least one opening for steam to pass through, which may be a steam outlet, extending laterally relative to the treatment plate or extending through the treatment plate.

Preferably, the steam outlet or outlets extend in the vicinity of the peripheral edges of the treatment plate.

The steam outlet area may be elongate along an axis of extension extending over more than 70%, and preferably more than 80%, of the dimension of the treatment surface along the axis of extension. Preferably, this axis of extension is parallel to the main axis of the device. The or each dispensing chamber may comprise a steam outlet, in particular a single steam outlet, elongate along the axis of extension, in particular along the entire length of the steam outlet area. In this case, the steam outlet may have an opening with a cross section of greater than or equal to 5 mm ² .

The or each dispensing chamber may comprise a plurality of steam outlets extending in at least one row of steam outlets following one another along the axis of extension.

The steam outlets of the row of steam outlets may alternate with teeth arranged in a row of teeth, in particular the teeth of the brush in the case of a brush, in particular teeth made from a heat-conductive material of the brush, as mentioned above. As a variant, the steam outlets are arranged in an area of the brush that has no teeth.

As a variant, the steam outlet or outlets may extend at a distance from the peripheral edges of the treatment plate of the device. In the case of a brush, the steam outlet or outlets may be bordered laterally by teeth, notably rows of teeth, in particular teeth made from a heat-conductive material, as mentioned above.

Preferably, the steam outlet or outlets supply steam with a steam flow rate less than or equal to 5 ml. min ¹ , preferably between 0.2 and 4 ml.min ¹ , more preferably between 0.4 and 2 ml.min ¹ , and more preferably still between 0.5 and 0.95 ml.min ¹ .

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

The or each steam outlet has an opening smaller than or equal to 20 mm ² , preferably smaller than or equal to 10 mm ² , more preferably smaller than or equal to 5 mm ² , and more preferably still smaller than or equal to 2 mm ² .

The steam outlet or outlets may be made in the treatment plate. As a variant, the steam outlet or outlets may be made in teeth borne by the treatment plate.

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

The steam supplied to the steam outlets made in the hollow teeth may come from a dispensing chamber via an opening for the steam to pass through. Each dispensing chamber may comprise an opening for the steam to pass through, in particular a single opening for the steam to pass through, elongate along the axis of extension of the row of hollow teeth, in particular along the entire length of the area comprising hollow teeth with steam outlets. In this case, the opening for the steam to pass through may have an opening greater than or equal to 5 mm ² , and it is the teeth or the plate which have/has a narrower section and define/defines the steam outlet holes, through which the steam is released from the device.

Body of the device

The treatment plate, the heating system, the vaporization chamber and/or the steam dispensing chamber or chambers may be elongate along parallel longitudinal axes.

In the case of a brush which is elongate along a main axis, the treatment plate, the heating system, the vaporization chamber and/or the dispensing chamber or chambers may be elongate along longitudinal axes parallel to the main axis of the brush.

The dispensing chamber or chambers and the vaporization chamber may be formed by a profile section.

The device may comprise a hollow body with at least two longitudinal cavities separated by a wall, forming the vaporization chamber and the dispensing chamber, respectively. The device has a housing for the heating system, preferably of substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular cross section, delimited by at least one outer surface of the body, in particular a wall of the vaporization chamber and optionally a wall of the dispensing chamber. This housing may be closed off by a lower surface of the treatment plate, in particular of its base.

Preferably, the hollow body is made as a single block, in particular formed as one in a single piece. Preferably, the hollow body is made from heat-conductive material, for example metal. Preferably, the hollow body is formed of a metal profile section. The abovementioned passage opening allowing steam to exit each dispensing chamber may take the form of a longitudinal slot extending over a major part of the length of the profile section.

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

Preferably, the hollow body is received in an insulating casing of the device. This makes it possible to protect the user from the heat. Preferably, the housing receiving the heating system has a substantially rectangular cross section, its main faces being defined by a wall of the vaporization chamber and a surface of the treatment plate.

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

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

The treatment plate may bear against the hollow body, in particular against a surface of the body formed by a wall separating the housing from a steam dispensing chamber.

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

Steam ducts

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

Preferably, at least one duct, more preferably at least two ducts, extend between the dispensing chamber or chambers and the vaporization chamber for supplying steam to the dispensing chamber or chambers.

The or each duct may extend at a longitudinal end of the vaporization and dispensing chambers.

Preferably, the duct emerges at the base of a dispensing chamber, on the opposite side to the plate, for example in the abovementioned wider base of a dispensing chamber. Preferably, the duct emerges in the top part of the vaporization chamber.

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

A duct may place a dispensing chamber in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber. In the case where there is a plurality of dispensing chambers, as a variant a duct may place all of the dispensing chambers in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber.

End covers

The device may include, at at least one of its longitudinal ends, preferably at both of its longitudinal ends, an end cover for closing off at least the vaporization and dispensing chambers at the end. The or each end cover may have at least one groove at least partially forming a duct for fluid communication between the vaporization chamber and the dispensing chamber or chambers.

Preferably, the groove is made on the inside face of the cover which is the face facing the vaporization chamber and the dispensing chambers.

The treatment device may be oriented in different directions during use, for example when brushing the hair. The ducts for placing the dispensing and vaporization chambers in fluid communication ensure that the liquid water contained in the vaporization chamber does not flow into the dispensing chamber, whatever the orientation of the device.

The groove may have at least one bend, preferably two bends, in opposite directions, and thus may have the general shape of an S when the end cover is seen end-on.

As a variant, the groove is straight when the end cover is seen end-on.

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

Seal

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

Preferably, the seal comprises the following openings:

- an opening facing the dispensing chamber, on the one hand, in particular the bottom part of the dispensing chamber, and the groove made in the end cover, on the other hand, and

- an opening facing the vaporization chamber, on the one hand, in particular facing the top part of the vaporization chamber, and the groove made in the end cover, on the other hand.

As a variant, the seal comprises a single opening extending facing the vaporization chamber and at least one dispensing chamber.

Preferably, the opening or openings in the seal are superposed at least partially on the groove in the end cover, when the latter are viewed in superposition along the longitudinal axis of the vaporization chamber. The duct between the vaporization chamber and one or more dispensing chambers may thus be formed, and the steam may flow into the dispensing chamber via this duct.

The duct or ducts allowing steam to pass from the vaporization chamber to the dispensing chamber or chambers may also be formed integrally in the thickness of the seal, the end cover having for example a face bearing against the seal with no hollow relief.

According to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the above, the invention further relates to a device for steam treating the hair, in particular a hair brush, comprising

- a hollow body supplied with liquid water and heated to vaporize the liquid water,

- at least one end cover arranged at a longitudinal end of the hollow body, comprising a duct configured to convey the steam outside the hollow body, from one cavity thereof to another.

This aspect of the invention has the advantage of simplifying the production of the hollow body. It may be used to produce the body as an extruded profile section.

According to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the above, the invention further relates to a device for steam treating the hair, in particular a hair brush, comprising a one-piece hollow body, preferably a profile section, having at least two cavities each extending longitudinally, superposed transversely and separated transversely by a wall, forming a vaporization chamber and a housing intended to receive a heating system, respectively, at least one outer surface of said hollow body forming a treatment plate intended to come into contact with the hair during the treatment.

The treatment plate may be made in one piece with the hollow body of the device, preferably forming part of the profile section. The device is therefore easy to manufacture.

The plate may be smooth, for example so that the device may be used to straighten the hair. As a variant, the plate may be machined to form teeth or other reliefs. According to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the above, the invention further relates to a device for steam treating the hair, in particular a hair brush, comprising a hollow body, for example a profile section, having at least two cavities each extending longitudinally, superposed transversely and separated transversely by a wall, forming a vaporization chamber and a housing intended to receive a heating system, respectively, the hollow body further comprising at least one longitudinal slot made in the outer surface thereof, through which slot the steam formed in the vaporization chamber is released.

A treatment plate may be arranged on the hollow body such that it is superposed on the longitudinal slot. The treatment plate may include openings forming steam outlets. The steam outlets in the treatment plate may thus be supplied with steam via the longitudinal slot in the hollow body. Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure a homogeneous distribution of steam over the whole treatment plate, thus enhancing the treatment of the hair.

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 placing the hair in contact with the treatment plate and applying steam to the hair via one or more steam outlets.

Preferably, the total flow rate of steam leaving the steam outlet or outlets may be between 0.5 and 2 g/min, more preferably 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 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

The invention may be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting implementation examples thereof, and on examining the attached drawings, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a device according to a variant embodiment,

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is a view in cross section of the device in Figure 1,

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the device in Figure 1,

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the body of a device according to one variant of the invention,

[Fig 5] Figure 5 is an end-on view of the body of the device in Figure 4,

[Fig 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the body of the device in Figure 4,

[Fig 7] Figure 7 is a view in cross section of the body of the device in Figure 4,

[Fig 8] Figure 8 shows the end cover from Figure 7 on its own,

[Fig 9] Figure 9 shows the end seal from Figure 7 on its own, and

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is a diagram in cross section of a variant embodiment.

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

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

The device 1 comprises a hollow body 4, formed of a metal profile section, which has three longitudinal cavities separated by walls, forming a vaporization chamber 5 and two dispensing chambers 6a and 6b, respectively, shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The device 1 has a housing 30 intended to receive a heating system 3. The housing 30 extends along the partitioned hollow body 4, having for example a rectangular cross section, and the bottom of this housing is delimited by a partition 90 of the vaporization chamber 5. The housing is delimited laterally by partitions 91 of the dispensing chambers 6a and 6b, and a surface of the treatment plate 2.

The vaporization chamber 5 has, for example, a rectangular shape in cross section. The dispensing chambers 6a and 6b have, for example, an L shape in cross section, being symmetrical to one another about a median plane of symmetry containing the axis X.

The heating system 3 has a flattened shape, with a main face 31 facing the vaporization chamber and an opposite main face 32 facing the treatment plate 2.

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

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

Each dispensing chamber 6a and 6b comprises a dispensing opening 61 through which the steam exits. As can be seen in Figure 3, the dispensing openings 61 are formed by slots and may extend over more than 80% of the length of the treatment plate 2. Each of the openings 61 lies below a row of hollow teeth 21 comprising steam outlets 22. The steam contained in the dispensing chambers 6a and 6b passes through the dispensing openings 61 then through the steam outlets 22, before being applied to the hair during the treatment.

The upper wall of each dispensing chamber 6a, 6b, which includes the opening 61 though which steam passes, is set back from the treatment plate. The device 1 further includes a liquid water supply duct 9 which extends longitudinally under the head of the device in the example shown. The supply duct may be made of elastomer plastic or copper metal.

This supply duct 9 is for example connected to the vaporization chamber 5, for example by a bend linking the supply duct 9 to a longitudinal end of the vaporization chamber 5. As a variant, the supply duct 9 may include openings 90 emerging on the lower face 51 of the vaporization chamber 5. This chamber may thus be supplied with water via its lower face 51.

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

The device 1 includes, at each of its longitudinal ends, an end cover 8 which closes off the vaporization chamber 5 and dispensing chambers 6a and 6b at this end. The end covers 8 may be secured to the device by any means, for example by one or more screws 83, by adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fastening, crimping or the like. A seal 7, in particular an elastomer seal, may be inserted between the body 4 and each cover 8, as shown.

A groove 70, which is substantially straight, may be formed in each end cover 7. Each seal 7 may comprise an opening 80 of substantially similar shape to the groove 70 such that when the end cover 8 and the seal 7 are fitted in the body 4 of the device, the opening 80 faces the groove 70.

The opening 80 and the groove 70 make it possible to form a duct 85 placing the exterior of the body 4 in communication with the vaporization chamber 5 and the dispensing chambers 6a and 6b. The steam generated in the vaporization chamber may thus flow to the dispensing chambers 6a and 6b.

The end covers 8 and the seals 7 may include holes 84 for receiving screws 83 in order to secure them to the body of the device 4.

One variant embodiment is shown in Figures 4 to 7.

In this variant, the body of the device 4 has a different cross section, while still being formed of a metal profile section.

It has three longitudinal cavities, two of which are separated by a wall 50 and form the vaporization chamber 5 and the dispensing chamber 6, respectively. The third cavity forms a housing 30 intended to receive the heating system. The housing 30 has a rectangular cross section, for example. In the example in question, the housing 30 is delimited by a partition 90 of the vaporization chamber 5, a partition 91 of the dispensing chamber 6 and a surface 92 of the treatment plate 2.

The vaporization chamber 5 includes a partition 93, opposite the partition 91 and for example concave towards the treatment plate 2, as shown.

The vaporization chamber 5 is supplied with liquid water via a water intake, for example a tube 92, which passes through the end cover and the seal and emerges in the vaporization chamber. The tube 92 may be made of copper or elastomer plastic. This tube 92 makes it possible to deliver water in several directions, as shown in Figure 7.

In this example, the treatment plate 2 is formed of an upper surface 25 of the hollow body 4. In a variant not shown, a treatment plate 2 is attached against the upper face 25 of the hollow body.

The heating system 3 is arranged between the vaporization chamber 5 and the treatment plate 2 and heats them simultaneously.

As shown in Figure 4, the device may include an electrical power supply cable 100. This cable may for example supply power to the heating system. As a variant, the device may have electrical power supply batteries to make the device easier to handle.

The dispensing chamber 6 is generally L-shaped and includes a wider base 60. This base is separated from the vaporization chamber 5 by the wall 50. The wider base 60 of the dispensing chamber 6 is superposed at least partially on the vaporization chamber. The dispensing chamber 6 includes a steam dispensing opening 61 at the top, for example in the form of a longitudinal slot as in the previous example. The upper wall of each dispensing chamber, which includes the opening 61 though which steam passes, is set back from the treatment plate.

As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the device comprises, at each of its longitudinal ends, an end cover 8 which closes off the vaporization chamber 5 and dispensing chamber 6 with the insertion of a seal 7.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 to 9, the seals 7 include a first opening 81 and a second opening 82, both of oblong shape. The first opening 81 emerges in the top part of the vaporization chamber 5 and the second opening 82 emerges in the wider base 60 of the dispensing chamber 6. A groove 70 is formed in the thickness of the end cover 8. This groove 70 is generally S-shaped and makes it possible to connect the two openings 81 and 82 in the seal 7. A duct comprising an S-bend between the vaporization chamber 5 and the dispensing chamber 6 is thus formed. The particular shape of the duct prevents liquid water contained in the vaporization chamber 5 from entering the dispensing chamber 6 and dripping onto the hair during the treatment.

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

The dispensing chamber 6 includes a dispensing opening 61 which extends through the treatment plate 2 in an area with no teeth 20.

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

The dispensing chamber 6 and the vaporization chamber 5 communicate via a duct formed partially by a groove made in an end cover as described above with reference to the other embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

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

The various embodiments and variants may be combined in so far as they are compatible.