Applicator for applying a haircare product, and associated application method

Abstract

The applicator for applying a haircare product comprises abase ( 12 ) provided with protruding spikes ( 14 ) and a gripping member ( 16 ) supporting the base, the base ( 12 ) being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member ( 16 ).

1 . Applicator for applying a haircare product, comprising a base ( 12 ) provided with protruding spikes ( 14 ) and a gripping member ( 16 ) supporting the base, the base ( 12 ) being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member ( 16 ), characterized in that at least a plurality of the spikes ( 14 ) each delimit internally a product feed duct ( 30 ) that opens out via at least one outlet orifice ( 32 ), the applicator also comprising a reservoir connected to the base ( 12 ), or connected to the gripping member ( 16 ), and delimiting internally at least one storage compartment ( 28 ) for said product that is in permanent fluidic communication with the feed ducts ( 30 ) of the spikes, the spikes ( 14 ) being arranged in the form of parallel rows. 
     
     
         2 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a plurality of the spikes each have a circular cross section. 
     
     
         3 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , further comprising a member ( 36 ) for adjusting the angular orientation of the base ( 12 ). 
     
     
         4 . Applicator according to  claim 3 , wherein the member ( 36 ) for adjusting the angular orientation of the base comprises a motor connected to the gripping member ( 16 ). 
     
     
         5 . Applicator according to  claim 3 , further comprising a sensor ( 40 ) for measuring the speed or acceleration of said applicator, and a control unit ( 38 ) that is able to control the operation of the member ( 36 ) for adjusting the angular orientation of the base depending on the data from said measurement sensor. 
     
     
         6 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the spikes ( 14 ) are provided with end parts with a flat shape or a section that decreases in the direction of their free end. 
     
     
         7 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir comprises at least one deformable part such that pressure exerted on said deformable part causes the volume of said storage compartment ( 28 ) to be reduced and the product to move towards the feed ducts ( 30 ) and the outlet orifices ( 32 ) of the spikes. 
     
     
         8 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the base ( 12 ) comprises a skirt ( 22 ) that fits over the gripping member ( 16 ). 
     
     
         9 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the base ( 12 ) delimits a frontal face ( 18 ) from which the spikes ( 14 ) protrude, the density of spikes on said frontal face being between 0.1 and 20 per cm 2 , and preferably between 1 and 5 per cm 2 . 
     
     
         10 . Applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the frontal face ( 18 ) of the base of the applicator is between 10 and 1000 cm 2 , and preferably between 50 and 400 cm 2 . 
     
     
         11 . Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the total number of spikes ( 14 ) is between 20 and 20 000, in particular from 50 to 10 000, and preferably from 100 to 2000. 
     
     
         12 . Method for applying to the hair a hairstyling composition comprising at least one fixing agent for shaping the hair with the aid of an applicator comprising a base ( 12 ) provided with protruding spikes ( 14 ) and a gripping member ( 16 ) supporting the base, the base ( 12 ) being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the gripping member ( 16 ), the method comprising:
 a step of loading the spikes ( 14 ) of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, and   a step of transferring to the hair the hairstyling composition retained on the spikes ( 14 ) of the applicator by tapping said spikes on the hair.   
     
     
         13 . Method according to  claim 12 , comprising, before the step of loading the spikes of the applicator with the hairstyling composition, a hairstyling step in which the base is turned relative to the gripping member so as to orient the majority of the spikes in the form of rows forming an angle less than or equal to 10° with the direction of movement of said applicator.