Hair Iron Fume Removal Device

Abstract

The problem of noxious fume generation during chemical treatment of hair using a hair iron is solved by providing a fume intake on the hair iron near the point of fume generation, preferably near the iron's heating elements. The fume intake receives the fumes and delivers them to the fume removal passage under vacuum flow generated by a vacuum source, then transported to a filtration system or exhausted to the outside environment. Optionally, the fume intake may extend along the length of the heating element and may be directed downward, towards the hair. Optionally, the fume removal device may be attachable as a retrofit to a standard hair iron. The present invention advantageously prevents the spread of the noxious fumes to the rest of the salon and protects both the stylist and client from discomfort and irritation, thus permitting the more widespread use of these beneficial hair treatments.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application claims the priority date of provisional application No. 61 / 233,117 filed on Aug. 11, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a fume removal device, and more particularly, to a fume removal device for use with a hair iron during the chemical treatment of hair.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Hair straightening and conditioning procedures, such as procedures commonly known as Brazilian or Japanese hair treatments, are popular and costly beauty salon services. The treatments generally involve chemically treating the hair, followed by straightening with a high temperature flat iron. The primary problem is that many types of straightening treatments generate large amounts of noxious vapors volatilized by the heat of the flat iron. The moisture and chemicals present in the hair result in smoke, steam, and unpleasant odors. The resulting fumes may also be a health hazard...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that effectively removes fumes from the source of fume production and prevents the spread thereof;

[0010]It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that does not hinder the movement of the stylists tools or obscure the hair; and

[0011]It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that is compact and in the optimal position for effective fume removal.

[0013]A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides fume removal device connected to a hair iron and used in conjunction with a vacuum source during the application of a chemical treatment to the hair. The device includes at least one fume intake that is preferably near the heating element of the hair iron, since this is the source of the heat generated fumes. However, the fume intake may be formed or attached on any part of the hair iron near the point on fume generation. A fume removal passage permits fluid communication between the fume intake and the vacuum source. The fume intake draws in a substantial quantity of fumes through vacuum flow action as the hair iron is applied to the section of hair. The fume removal passage transports the fumes to a desired disposal location through a flexible tube.

Problems solved by technology

Hair straightening and conditioning procedures, such as procedures commonly known as Brazilian or Japanese hair treatments, are popular and costly beauty salon services.

The primary problem is that many types of straightening treatments generate large amounts of noxious vapors volatilized by the heat of the flat iron.

The moisture and chemicals present in the hair result in smoke, steam, and unpleasant odors.

The resulting fumes may also be a health hazard, causing many salons to exclude the treatments from their services.

This approach has met with little success.

Oftentimes, the use of fans will aggravate the problem by rapidly spreading the odors throughout the entire retail space, exposing the workers and entire clientele to the smell.

As a result, many customers may be dissuaded from entering the business.

These devices are large and unwieldy, and do not effectively address the fumes at the source of production, where the flat iron meets the hair.

As a result, the client and the stylist may experience the unpleasant and noxious fumes; and some fumes may escape the station and into the rest of the salon.

Images