Device for applying a haircare product to locks

Abstract

A device for applying a haircare product to a lock of hair may include an applicator comprising a container, the containing being configured to hold a quantity of the haircare product. The device may further include a holding member configured to engage with the applicator such that, when the device is moved longitudinally with relation to the lock of hair, the holding member holds the lock of hair in contact with the applicator. The applicator may include an applicator end piece mounted on the container, the end piece comprising an outlet orifice and a moveable closure element. The closure element, in a first position, may close off the outlet orifice and, in a second position, at least partly open the outlet orifice. The closure element may move between the first position and the second position in response to a force exerted on the closure element by insertion of the lock of hair between the holding member and the closure element.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A device for applying a haircare product to a lock of hair, the device comprising:
 an applicator comprising a container, the container being configured to hold a quantity of the haircare product; and   a holding member configured to engage with the applicator such that, when the device is moved longitudinally with relation to the lock of hair, the holding member holds the lock of hair in contact with the applicator;   wherein the applicator comprises an applicator end piece mounted on the container, the end piece comprising an outlet orifice and a movable closure element,   wherein, in a first position, the closure element closes off the outlet orifice and, in a second position, the closure element at least partly opens the outlet orifice, and   wherein the closure element moves between the first position and the second position in response to a force exerted on the closure element by insertion of the lock of hair between the holding member and the closure element.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the holding member and the applicator are movable relative to each other. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the holding member and the applicator are connected by a connecting strip to form a unitary structure. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the applicator and the holding member are symmetrical to one another about an axis bisecting the connecting strip. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the holding member and the applicator are two separate structures. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the container has an annular neck portion configured to be grasped between two fingers. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the applicator end piece has a surface that is configured to store haircare product and release haircare product product. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein an area of the holding member is greater than or equal to an area of the applicator end piece. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the holding member comprises a comb. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the closure member moves between the first position and the second position in response to a force exerted axially on the closure element. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the device is configured for applying haircare products chosen from washing products, conditioning products, products for temporary shaping, products for durable shaping, perming or straightening products, bleaching products, dyes, products for perfuming hair, and/or alcohol-free perfumes. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein the device is configured for applying direct dyes to the hair. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , wherein the direct dye comprises one or more colored insoluble pearlescent agents. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the applicator further comprises a haircare product within the container.