Hair styling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair styling device, in particular to a hair straightener. The hair styling device has a first arm and a second arm that are movable relative to each other between a closed or operative state and an open or inoperative state. The first member has a first heating plate and the second member has a second heating plate, and in use, a length of hair moves along a heating path between the first heating plate and the second heating plate. The first heating plate and the second heating plate are spaced apart in an operational state so as not to pressurize or clamp hair therebetween. The first member also has a first compression plate and the second member also has a second compression plate. The first compression plate and the second compression plate are substantially planar, and, in use, a length of hair moves along a compression path between the first compression plate and the second compression plate. A length of the heating path is greater than a length of the pressurizing path.

Description

[0001] Description of the case

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the PCT Chinese patent application with the application date of June 14, 2019, application number 201980097524.8, and invention name “Hair Styling Device”. The application number of the international application corresponding to this application is PCT / EP2019 / 065773. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a hair styling device, in particular to a hair straightener.

[0004] As with most known hair straighteners, the present invention can be used to straighten hair or to add wave to hair.

[0005] For convenience, the following description describes the use of the device as a hair straightener for use on female hair, but men can also use the invention. Background Art

[0006] There has long been a need for women to style their hair, that is, to add waves or curls to naturally straight hair, or to straighten naturally wavy or curly hair. In order to style the hair, it is necessary to modify some of the chemical bonds that give the hair its natural state. The chemical bonds can be modified chemically by a perming solution, or by applying heat and / or pressure.

[0007] A hair straightener is a specially constructed hair styling device that uses heat and pressure to style the hair. Hair straighteners were originally called "flat irons" to reflect that they replicated the action of applying a flat iron to the hair, that is, the hair iron is pressed between a heated "iron" and a flat surface.

[0008] Most hair straighteners include a pair of arms hinged to each other, each with a heated plate. With the arms open, the user inserts the proximal or scalp end of a selected section of hair between the arms, then presses the arms together so that the section of hair is squeezed between the heated plates. The straightener is then moved away from the scalp, and the section of hair is heated and squeezed while being pulled between the plates. The hair is styled by the heat and pressure applied to the hair as it passes between the plates.

[0009] To straighten the hair, the arms are oriented so that the heating plates are substantially perpendicular to the scalp and the section of hair is straightened in a substantially linear direction between the plates. However, the straightener may also be used to add wave or curl to the section of hair by orienting the arms relative to the scalp so as to force the hair to bend around a relatively sharp edge as it leaves the heating plates.

[0010] Ceramic heaters are added to hair straighteners to significantly increase their practicality. The advantage of ceramic heaters is that they can raise the temperature of the heating plate relatively quickly. In addition, ceramic heaters can easily bring the heating plate to a temperature of over 200°C, which is known to allow for fast and long-lasting styling.

[0011] The use of ceramic heaters also enables manufacturers to reduce the width of the heating plates, thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasing product. Specifically, the higher temperature heating plates allow the hair to reach the required temperature for styling more quickly, and the plates do not need to be as wide as previous heating plates in order to reach the required temperature for styling.

[0012] Because hair types vary, there is no single combination of heat and pressure that will work for all women to produce lasting styling results. Instead, each user must learn through use how much pressure to apply to the section of hair between the heating plates and how to quickly move the heating plates away from the scalp to achieve the ideal style for her particular hair. Typically, a user will pass the same section of hair between the heating plates more than once until the ideal style is achieved.

[0013] The heat and pressure applied by the heating plate also serves to flatten the hair's cuticle. Although hair is naturally generally rounded in cross-section, flattening the cuticle (thus flattening the cross-section) increases the hair's light-reflecting effect and enhances the hair's shine. Because of the increased shine achieved by flattening the cuticle, many users feel that straighteners make their hair look healthier.

[0014] Some hair straightener manufacturers have attempted to make them more efficient, particularly by actively cooling the hair as it leaves the heating plates to allow for a more durable style. For example, U.S. Patent 6,354,305 describes a hair straightener having an arcuate heating zone defined by opposing heating plates through which the hair is passed while being squeezed. A separate arcuate cooling zone defined by opposing cooling surfaces is provided. The user is able to pass a section of hair through the heating zone to soften and style the hair, and then pass the hair through the cooling zone for a style known as "freezing". U.S. Patent 6,354,305 discloses another arrangement in which the heating and cooling zones are planar and arranged adjacent to each other.

[0015] EP 1 909 609 discloses a hair styling device similar to a conventional hair straightener, comprising a pair of arms with opposing heating plates between which the user's hair is passed. The arms also have opposing cooling plates so that the user can pass the hair through the heating plates and then through the cooling plates and the hair is squeezed between each pair of opposing plates.

[0016] The hair styling appliance of GB 2 498 417 discloses a somewhat similar arrangement, but differs in having a cooling plate on each side of the heating plate.

[0017] Korean patent applications 101 424 122, 2010 0010088 and 2013 0116097 also disclose hair straighteners having a heating plate and a cooling plate, through which hair is passed while being squeezed.

[0018] International patent application WO 2008 / 062293 discloses a hair straightener having a pair of arms with opposing heating plates and cooling plates. It discloses embodiments in which the cooling plate of each arm can be pivoted relative to the heating plate of the arm, so that the user can use the heating plate alone, or first the heating plate and then the cooling plate.

[0019] A curling iron is another type of hair styling device. Curling irons differ from straighteners in that the heating plates are corrugated. Furthermore, unlike straighteners, where the hair moves between the heating plates as the plates are pressed together, in curling irons the hair remains stationary between the curling plates until it is styled. Thus, the user sequentially styles discrete portions of a section of hair by clamping a portion of the section, then separating the heating plates and repositioning them along the section before clamping another portion of the section, and so on, until all sections of hair have been styled.

[0020] Wave stylers include large wave stylers, which work on the same principle as curling irons, but the amplitude of the waves is greater to create larger amplitude waves in the user's hair.

[0021] Thus, a hair straightener and a curling / waving iron have the same features in that they both have opposing heated plates, and the same operating principle in that the user applies pressure to the hair between the heated plates to style the hair, but the difference is that with a hair straightener the hair is (usually) moved between the heated plates, whereas with a curling / waving iron the hair is (usually) not moved between the heated plates.

[0022] Although the terms "press" and "clip" (and their derivatives) are often used interchangeably, in this specification, the term "press" is used for straighteners and the like that are designed to style the hair by applying pressure to the hair that moves relative to the plate, while the term "clip" is used for curling irons and the like that are designed to style the hair by applying pressure to the hair that is stationary relative to the plate.

[0023] EP 1 909 609 also discloses the use of a heating zone and a cooling zone with a (movable) curling plate, ie the same arm with the same heating plate and cooling plate can be used with a flat plate as a straightener or with a corrugated plate as a curling plate.

[0024] EP 0 606 691 discloses a hair straightener which is suitable for frizzy hair (having a large number of small curls). Unlike conventional hair straighteners, the device is used to repeatedly clamp the hair between heating plates. Furthermore, unlike conventional hair straighteners, the heating plates are corrugated. However, the corrugations are relatively shallow, with an amplitude of between 1 / 5 and 1 / 30 of the wavelength, which is significantly shallower than the corrugations of conventional curling / waving irons. The hair straightener is used in the same way as the conventional curling irons described above, i.e. the user sequentially styles discrete portions of the length of hair by clamping a portion of the length of hair and then separating the heating plates and repositioning them along the length of hair before clamping another portion of the length of hair. The corrugated structure causes the hair to be significantly straightened when it is repeatedly clamped therebetween.

[0025] In one embodiment of EP 0 606 691, the corrugated heating plate comprises secondary heating plates, which are respectively connected to the flat (primary) heating plates. Since the corrugated heating plates can be clamped together, the flat heating plates are spaced apart at intervals of 0.4 mm. The flat heating plates occupy about 1 / 3 of the total width of the heating plate, while the corrugated heating plates occupy about 2 / 3. The terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to reflect the fact that, in use, the hair is heated between the flat plates before being clamped between the corrugated plates.

[0026] Although EP 0 606 691 is mainly concerned with clamping the hair between the corrugated plates, a finishing station is also disclosed in which the hair is pressed between the corrugated plates, i.e. the flat plate and the corrugated plates slide together along a length of hair from the root end to the free end, similar to a conventional hair straightener.

[0027] It is understood that frequent and repeated use of hair styling devices, particularly excessive styling of the hair, can damage the hair. For example, regular and repeated use of hair straighteners and / or curling irons can cause long-term damage to the hair. Heating the hair to high temperatures, applying high pressures to the hair, and stretching the hair as the heating plates are pulled away from the scalp are known to cause long-term damage, particularly when these actions are combined. Summary of the invention

[0028] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair styling device, in particular a hair straightener, which produces a lasting styling effect as effectively as known devices, while causing (or potentially causing) less damage to the user's hair.

[0029] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair styling appliance comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being movable relative to each other between a closed or operative state and an open or non-operative state, the first member having a first heating plate and the second member having a second heating plate, the first heating plate and the second heating plate being corrugated and adapted to heat a section of hair as the section of hair is moved therebetween, the first heating plate and the second heating plate being closer together in the operative state than in the non-operative state and being spaced apart in the operative state whereby the section of hair is not compressed between the heating plates, the first member also having a first pressure plate and the second member also having a second pressure plate, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate being substantially planar and closer together than the heating plates in the operative state.

[0030] The inventors have appreciated that it is not necessary to heat and pressurize the section of hair simultaneously, but rather these operations can be separated to some extent. Although the section of hair can be heated continuously as it passes between the members, the section of hair is only pressurized in a portion of the passage. Thus, the combined effects of heating, pressurization and stretching of the section of hair can be experienced over a shorter path and ideally for a shorter time than in known hair straighteners, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the hair.

[0031] The provision of corrugated heating plates increases the path that the section of hair must travel when passing between the heating plates without increasing the overall width of the plates. Thus, contrary to the teachings of EP 0 606 691, for a given speed of movement, the time for the section of hair to pass between the corrugated plates is longer than the time for the section of hair to pass between planar plates of the same overall width. The longer travel time increases the temperature that the section of hair will reach before leaving the heated zone between the heating plates. Preferably, the overall width of the hair styling appliance is minimized to increase its aesthetic appeal. Also contrary to EP 0 606 691, the pressurizing plates are substantially planar so as to minimize the path that the section of hair must travel when passing between the pressurizing plates. Since the combined effects of heat, pressure and tension are received by the hair as it passes between the pressurizing plates, reducing the path (and therefore the time) over which the combined effects are applied is expected to minimize the potential for damage to the hair. It will be appreciated that a pressurizing plate that is substantially planar is most effective for straightening hair.

[0032] Unlike conventional hair straighteners, the flat plates do not need to transfer all the required heat to the hair, nor is it necessary to compress the hair to form the desired style. The hair is heated to a styling temperature between the corrugated heating plates before entering between the flat pressure plates and before any compression occurs. It is expected that the heated section of hair will be quickly styled while the hair is compressed between the flat pressure plates, and the pressure plates can be made narrower than the heating plates of conventional hair straighteners. Therefore, for a given speed of movement, the section of hair can be compressed for a shorter time than in conventional hair straighteners, which is expected to reduce the potential for damage to the hair, even if the hair is maintained at its styling temperature between the pressure plates. For example, while the heating plates of most conventional hair straighteners are over 20 mm wide, the pressure plates of the present invention are expected to be significantly less than 20 mm wide without reducing styling results.

[0033] The press plates may also be heated, either directly by a dedicated (ceramic) heater or passively by conduction from the heating plates. If desired, the temperature of the press plates may be the same, or nearly the same, as that of the heating plates. Despite the combined heating and pressure applied between the press plates, the reduced width of the press plates is expected to reduce the potential for damage to the hair.

[0034] It is understood that hair is most vulnerable to damage when it is heated to its styling temperature. When using a traditional hair straightener, the hair must be moved between the heated plates (usually being pulled and stretched) while being pressurized and held at its styling (highest) temperature. In addition to being able to reduce the temperature between the pressurized plates, the present invention also reduces the width of the pressurized plates to reduce the path (and time) that the hair is pulled and pressurized by the user when it is most vulnerable.

[0035] It will be appreciated that deep waves will increase the path of travel compared to shallow waves. However, deep waves will increase the frictional resistance of the hair to travel between the heating plates. Thus, even if the hair is not pressed between the heating plates, the fact that the hair must travel along the waves means that it must engage with the crests, which will result in resistance to the section of hair. Thus, deep waves will maximize the path of travel for the hair, while shallow waves will minimize resistance.

[0036] If desired, the drag on the hair from the heated area can be reduced by using a low friction coating on the heating plate, and the drag can also be reduced by using rollers at the peaks of the corrugations (it should be understood that a large part of the total drag on the hair will occur at the peaks of the corrugations). If desired, the rollers can be unheated so that they can be maintained at a lower temperature than the rest of the heating plate, whereby the hair directly engages only the cooler heating plate. In addition, thermal insulation can be provided at the peaks of the corrugations to reduce the temperature of the heating plate directly engaging the hair.

[0037] Unlike a curling iron, where the section of hair is sandwiched between corrugated heating plates to achieve a style determined by the corrugations, in the present invention, the hair passes through the crests and troughs of the waves and is therefore not affected by the waves. In the present invention, the arrangement of the waves causes the hair to move along a long, tortuous path between the heating plates. This firstly causes the hair to contact the crests of both heating plates as it passes through the heating plates and thereby quickly acquire heat through direct engagement with the heating plates. Secondly, this causes the section of hair to stay between the heating plates for a longer time (for a given speed of movement of the straightener), increasing the time the hair acquires heat.

[0038] It is desirable that, when in use, the pressurizing plate may be maintained at a lower temperature than the first heating plate. Unlike EP 0 606 691, where the corrugated heating plate is heated to the same temperature as the planar plate, although the pressurizing plate of the present invention may also be heated, it may be heated to a much lower temperature than the heating plate, and the temperature of the hair may be significantly reduced as the hair moves from the heating plate to the pressurizing plate. In embodiments where the pressurizing plate is heated, a temperature differential of approximately 30-60°C may be maintained between the heating plate and the pressurizing plate, although a greater or lesser temperature differential may be used if desired. Although the temperature of the hair (and the pressurizing plate) may be significantly above ambient temperature as the hair moves between the pressurizing plates, the hair will be cooled as it leaves the heated zone. It will be appreciated that the pressure applied to the hair by the pressurizing plate occurs at a lower temperature than the heating plate (and at a lower temperature than the plates of a conventional hair straightener), which is also expected to significantly reduce damage to the hair.

[0039] Desirably, the first pressure plate is movable relative to the first heating plate between an operative position and a non-operative position, and the second pressure plate is movable relative to the second heating plate between an operative position and a non-operative position. The purpose is that the pressure plate is too narrow (and perhaps not hot enough) to style the hair on its own and can only be used in conjunction with the heating plate. In order to style the hair immediately adjacent to the scalp, it is necessary to apply the heating plate directly to that portion of the hair. Since the pressure plate moves along the hair with the "heating plate" as the hair styling device moves away from the scalp, in this desirable embodiment, the pressure plate moves away during the initial portion of the styling operation so that the hair close to the scalp can be styled. When the hair styling device has been moved far enough away from the user's scalp, the pressure plate can be moved to its pressure position to press the heated hair close to the user's scalp.

[0040] Preferably, the spacing between the heating plates in operation is at least 0.5 mm, ideally more than 1 mm, or up to 3 mm. Although the gap between the heating plates is small, it is sufficient to allow a "section" of hair (i.e. a thin and wide section) to pass between the heating plates without being compressed.

[0041] The number of corrugations can be selected depending on the application. It will be appreciated that the corrugations are provided primarily to increase the path length of the hair between the heating plates. The same increased path length can be provided by one large corrugation or by a plurality of smaller corrugations, both of which are within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, there is at least one corrugation on each heating plate, and most preferably, there are at least two corrugations on each heating plate.

[0042] Although the heating plates are spaced apart in the operating state, this does not preclude isolated portions of the heating plates from contacting each other, even portions through which hair passes. For example, if rollers are provided at the crests of some or all of the corrugations to reduce resistance to the hair, the rollers may engage the troughs of another heating plate. Although the section of hair may be temporarily compressed as it passes through the rollers, such temporary compression of the heated hair is not expected to significantly increase damage to the hair.

[0043] However, since it is desirable to maintain the heating plates in a desired separated state, the first member or first arm and the second member or second arm preferably have at least one set of cooperating spacing structures for maintaining a predetermined gap between the heating plates in an operational state.

[0044] It is desirable that the first and second members are elongated with a first end and a second end, and the first and second members are connected together at a rotation joint near the first end of the member. The mating spacing structure is preferably located near the second end of the member, that is, at the end opposite to the rotation joint, where the spacing function is particularly effective. It is desirable that there are two mating spacing structures near the second end of the member, and preferably the two mating spacing structures are spaced apart across the member.

[0045] Preferably, the first member or first arm and the second member or second arm have at least one set of cooperating alignment features for maintaining alignment of the members (and therefore the heating and press plates) in the operative state. Ideally, the alignment features will also perform a guiding function to maintain proper alignment of the panels when transitioning from the non-operative state to the operative state.

[0046] Desirably, the first member or first arm and / or the second member or second arm are asymmetrical in plan view. As hair should be passed first between the heating plates and then between the compression plates when the device is in use, it is desirable to remind the user of the correct orientation of the device relative to her scalp. An asymmetrical member (or members) is an effective method of reminding the user of the correct orientation. Preferably, the asymmetry is created by a discontinuity (e.g. a height difference) along one of the sides of the member. Preferably, the height difference is located near a handle portion of the member, ideally between the handle portion and the heating plates and the compression plates.

[0047] The press plate can be arranged to also move toward or away from the heating plate, and specifically to move into and out of engagement with the heating plate. In this arrangement, the press plate can be passively heated by conduction from the heating plate when the plates are engaged. Alternatively, the press plate can be separated from the heating plate with an air gap between the two to minimize the temperature of the press plate (and increase the temperature difference between the heating plate and the press plate).

[0048] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair styling device comprising a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component being movable relative to each other between an operative state and a non-operative state, the first component having a first heating plate and the second component having a second heating plate, the first heating plate and the second heating plate being adapted to heat a section of hair when the section of hair moves therebetween and is spaced apart in the operative state, the section of hair moving along a heating path between the first heating plate and the second heating plate in use, the first component also having a first pressure plate and the second component also having a second pressure plate, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate being substantially planar, the section of hair moving along a pressure path between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate in use, the length of the heating path being greater than the length of the pressure path.

[0049] This aspect of the invention states that a given section of hair travels a longer path between heating plates (and therefore spends more time) than between compression plates; the longer time spent between heating plates causes the section of hair to receive more heat and be raised to a higher temperature; the shorter time between compression plates reduces the time the hair is exposed to the combined effects (and potentially damaging effects) of heat and compression.

[0050] Preferably, the length of the heating path is at least twice the length of the pressurizing path, ideally at least three times.

[0051] According to a third aspect of this improvement, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being movable relative to each other between an operative state and a non-operative state, the first member having a first heating plate and the second member having a second heating plate, the first heating plate and the second heating plate being adapted to heat a section of hair when the section of hair is moved therebetween, the first heating plate and the second heating plate being closer together in the operative state than in the non-operative state, the first member also having a first pressure plate and the second member also having a second pressure plate, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate being planar and having a width of at least 3 mm.

[0052] According to the third aspect, the heating plates need not be spaced apart in the operating state. According to this aspect of the invention, the operation can be performed even if the heating plates can touch each other with their entire width, whereby the heating plates are spaced apart only by the hair present between the heating plates in use. Although this arrangement is less than ideal because the section of hair may be pressed between the heating plates, it can still achieve effective styling of the hair.

[0053] The minimum width of the planar plate is distinguished from prior art devices such as large wave shapers having corrugated heat / pressure plates, none of which are planar.

[0054] Preferably, the first member and the second member have a mating structure which engages in the operating state. Thus, the structure of the first member may cooperate with the structure of the second member to restrict the relative closing movement of the members, thereby determining the operating state. In a preferred embodiment, the heating plates are spaced apart in the operating state, and the spacing may be determined by the engagement of the pressure plate and / or the mating structure.

[0055] Ideally, the mating structure also increases the structural rigidity of the hair styling device in use and may also help guide movement of the first and second members into an operative condition.

[0056] Preferably, the matching structure comprises a protrusion or a protrusion on one of the first component and the second component; and a groove of a corresponding shape on the other of the first component and the second component.

[0057] As with prior art hair straighteners, the pressurized plate may be actively cooled, if desired, such as by a cooling fluid (such as ambient air), a refrigerant, or the Peltier effect. The cooling fluid (etc.) may act directly on the pressurized plate, or may act indirectly on the pressurized plate (e.g., the pressurized plate may be thermally coupled to a heat sink, etc.). However, the present invention is expected to provide an effective hair styling device without the need for cooling the pressurized plate.

[0058] To avoid unnecessary repetition, it has been identified that one or more features described in relation to each aspect of the invention may be combined with any and all compatible features of other aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to a schematic diagram, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 A perspective view showing relevant parts of a first embodiment of a hair styling device according to the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing one possible configuration of the heating and pressure plates of the second embodiment;

[0062] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing another possible configuration of the heating and pressure plates of the second embodiment;

[0063] Figure 4 A bottom-up perspective view showing an embodiment of a hair styling appliance according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 5 show Figure 4 a perspective view of the device from above; and

[0065] Figure 6 Display by Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a heating plate and a pressure plate of a hair styling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Hair styling device 10, in Figure 1 Only relevant parts thereof are shown, including a first member or first arm 12 and a second member or second arm 14. In a conventional manner, the first arm and the second arm are Figure 1 The arms 12, 14 are movable relative to each other between an open or inoperative condition shown and a closed or operative position (not shown). The arms 12, 14 may be movable relative to each other by means of a hinge or pivot joint in a known manner.

[0067] The first arm 12 has a first heating plate 16, and the second arm 14 has a second heating plate 18. The first heating plate 16 and the second heating plate 18 are metal, and each has a ceramic heater 20. The ceramic heater 20 is driven by an electric current controlled by a controller (not shown) of the hair styling device 10. Preferably, the controller is capable of controlling the temperature of the heating plates 16 and 18 to one of several discrete temperatures, so that the user can determine the best temperature setting for her hair through use.

[0068] It should be understood that in the non-operating (on) position shown, the distance between the heating plates 16 and 18 is sufficient to allow a selected section of hair to be introduced between the heating plates 16 and 18. The configuration of the hair styling device 10 can be similar to a conventional hair straightener, wherein the arms 12 and 14 are connected at one end by a pivot joint and have an open gap at the other end, whereby when the heating plates are in the non-operating state, the user can easily insert the section of hair into the open gap and between the heating plates 16 and 18 (e.g., similar to Figures 4 to 6 In a known manner, when the section of hair is inserted between the heating plates 16 and 18, the hair styling device can be moved closer to the user's scalp and to the position where it is desired to start styling the hair.

[0069] When properly positioned relative to the user's scalp, arms 12 and 14 can be positioned from Figure 1 The positions shown are moved together, specifically, moved to an operating state, wherein the heating plate 16 and the heating plate 18 are close to each other and present a small gap through which the section of hair can pass between the heating plate 16 and the heating plate 18.

[0070] The first heating plate 16 and the second heating plate 18 are corrugated, and the crests 22a and troughs 24a of the first heating plate 16 face the troughs 24b and crests 22b of the second heating plate 18, respectively (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 similar relative peaks and troughs in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ).

[0071] Importantly, when the arm 12 is brought together with the arm 14 to position the first heating plate 16 and the second heating plate 18 in their operating position (not shown), the heating plates 16 and 18 remain spaced apart so that the section of hair is not compressed between the heating plates. However, the section of hair between the heating plates 16 and 18 is still heated, primarily by conduction as the hair engages the heating plates 16 and 18.

[0072] The corrugations enhance heating of the section of hair in two ways. First, for a given width of the heating plates, the tortuous path that the section of hair must take when passing between the heating plates 16 and 18 increases the distance traveled, thereby increasing the time that the section of hair resides between the heating plates (for a given speed of movement of the hair styling device 10 away from the user's scalp). Second, the tortuous path causes the section of hair to come into contact with the crests 22a and 22b of the heating plates 16 and 18, and the more engagement with the heating plates, the more heat is transferred to the hair.

[0073] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be understood that the first of these improvements is that the tortuous movement path of the hair segment 40 between the heating plate 116 and the heating plate 118 is significantly longer than the total width W of the heating plates.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 It will also be appreciated that the second of these improvements forces the section of hair 40 to undergo a tortuous path between the heating plates 116 and 118 so that the section of hair engages the crests of the corrugations as it is drawn between the heating plates.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the first arm 12 also has a first compression plate 26 and the second arm 14 also has a second compression plate 28. If desired, the first compression plate 26 and the second compression plate 28 can be maintained at the same temperature as the heating plates 16 and 18 and can have their own dedicated ceramic heating components.

[0076] In addition, when in use, the pressurization plates 26 and 28 can be maintained at a lower temperature than the first heating plate 16 and the second heating plate 18. For example, the temperature difference can be created by actively heating the pressurization plates 26 and 28 to a lower temperature than the heating plates 16 and 18. In addition, some means can be provided to try to keep the temperature of the pressurization plates at a level close to the ambient temperature. The latter alternative can be achieved by an air gap or thermal barrier between the heating plates and the pressurization components, and / or by installing heat sinks on the extensions 32 and 34 of each pressurization plate 26 and 28.

[0077] Importantly, in Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first pressurizing plate 26 is movable relative to the first heating plate 16, and the second pressurizing plate 28 is movable relative to the second heating plate 18. Each pressurizing plate 26 and pressurizing plate 28 are arranged on the Figure 1 The non-operating position shown and the operating position (not shown) are movable relative to the heating plates 16 and 18. In its operating position, the first pressing plate 26 and the second pressing plate 28 are close to each other to press a section of hair therebetween.

[0078] In other embodiments of the invention, each pressurizing plate is fixed relative to the heating plate of the arm so that the heating plate of each arm moves with the pressurizing plate between an operative state and a non-operative state. However, in this embodiment, preferably there is an air gap or thermal barrier between the heating plate of each arm and the pressurizing plate so that the temperature of the pressurizing plate can be set independently of the heating plate (preferably set lower than the temperature of the heating plate).

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each press plate 26 and press plate 28 is mounted directly to its respective heating plate 16 and heating plate 18 and can move relative to its heating plate along a path 30 shown in dashed lines (e.g., the curved path 30 represents a channel along which the protrusions at the ends of each press plate can slide).

[0080] Thus, although the hair section is not pressurized when passing between heating plates 16 and 18, it is pressurized when passing between pressurizing plates 26 and 28. Thus, the hair section is heated and pressurized to style the hair section as desired, but these two operations are actually performed separately (and sequentially) by different parts of hair styling device 10.

[0081] The pressure plates 26 and 28 are Figure 1 , so it has a relatively small contact area in the operating position. In an alternative embodiment, the contact area of ​​the pressure plate can be planar to increase the contact area (e.g. Figure 2 and Figure 3 However, even in the case of an oval shape, the pressure applied to the previously heated hair as it passes between the pressure plates 26 and 28 is sufficient to style the hair.

[0082] from Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, in their non-operating positions, the first and second pressurization plates 26, 28 are out of alignment with the heating plates 16, 18. This allows the heating plates 16, 18 to be moved closer to the user's scalp without being blocked by the pressurization plates. It will be appreciated that during use, the pressurization plates 26, 28 will "follow" the heating plates 16, 18 along the section of hair being styled. Since it is often desirable to begin styling close to the user's scalp, it is necessary that the heating plates 16, 18 can be very close to the user's scalp at the start of the styling operation. Figure 1 As shown, moving the compression plates 26 and 28 relative to the heating plates 16 and 18 moves the heating plates 16 and 18 closer to the user's scalp. Thus, the hair adjacent to the user's scalp can be heated, and as the hair styling device 10 is moved away from the user's scalp, the compression plates 26 and 28 can be moved to their operating positions to compress and style the heated hair.

[0083] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A second embodiment of the present invention is shown, as shown and described below, which has two possible configurations (in both operative and non-operative positions). Importantly, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Both show heating plates 116 and 118 in their operating states, and compression plates 126 and 128 in their operating positions. Figure 1 It will be appreciated that a first member or arm (not shown) with plates 116 and 126 and a second member or arm with plates 118 and 128 may be moved apart to separate the respective panels or in a manner similar to conventional hair straighteners.

[0084] If desired, the compression plates 126 and 128 may also be moved to a non-operative position relative to the heating plates so that the end T of the heating plates is in close proximity to the user's scalp at the start of a styling operation.

[0085] In this embodiment, the heating plate 116 and the heating plate 118 are made of metal and each has a ceramic heater 120. The pressing plate 126 and the pressing plate 128 are also made of metal and have no heating components in this embodiment.

[0086] In this embodiment, the pressure plates 126 and 128 are Figure 2 and Figure 3The two configurations shown are movable relative to each of the heating plates 116 and 118 depending on the desired temperature of the press plates.

[0087] exist Figure 2 Each of the press plates 126 and 128 is engaged with the respective heating plates 116 and 118, and since the press plates are metal, they will obtain heat from their heating plates by conduction. In particular, it can be arranged in such a configuration that the temperature of the press plates 116 and 118 in use is substantially the same as the temperature of the heating plates 116 and 118.

[0088] exist Figure 3 On the other hand, the press plates 126 and 128 are spaced apart from the respective heating plates 116 and 118 by a space S, and the space S provides an air gap, thereby avoiding any heat conduction from the heating plates 116 and 118.

[0089] It should be understood that the compression plates 126 and 128 can still be Figure 2 and Figure 3 The hair styling device is heated by conduction heating of the hair styling device 40, which is heated therebetween during use, and by radiation and convection heating. Figure 3 The pressure plate 126 and the pressure plate 128 in the configuration will be greater than Figure 2 The pressurized plate in the configuration of is significantly cooler. The spacing S can be adjusted by the user (or by the controller) to set a desired temperature difference between the pressurized plate and the heated plate.

[0090] The hair segment 40 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 It will be appreciated that end 42 of the section of hair is the scalp end and end 44 is the free end of the section of hair. As with conventional hair straighteners, the user initially places heating plates 116 and 118 close to the scalp and moves the device away from the scalp during use, i.e., Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the hair section 40 is moved to the left. Thus, the hair section 40 is gradually styled from the scalp end 42 to the free end 44, wherein the pressurizing plates 126 and 128 follow the heating plates 116 and 118 along the hair section. Figure 1 As in the embodiment of the present invention, the hair first passes between the heating plate 116 and the heating plate 118, where it is heated to the styling temperature (but not pressurized), and then passes between the pressing plate 126 and the pressing plate 128, where it is pressed.

[0091] Figure 4 and Figure 5The third embodiment of the hair styling device 210 shown includes a first member or first arm 212 and a second member or second arm 214. The first arm and the second arm are Figure 4 and Figure 5 The open or non-operating state shown is similar to Figure 6 The closed or operating positions are shown movable relative to each other.

[0092] The arms 212 and 214 have respective grips 232 and 234, which can be grasped by a user with one hand, and whereby the arms 212 and 214 can move relative to each other via a hinge or pivot joint 50 in a known manner. Also in a known manner, the arms 212 and 214 deviate from each other. Figure 4 and Figure 5 of the non-operating state, which is appropriately biased by a spring (not shown) located near the pivot joint 50.

[0093] The first arm 212 has a first heating plate 216, and the second arm 214 has a second heating plate 218. The first heating plate 216 and the second heating plate 218 are metal, each having a ceramic heater 220 ( Figure 6 ). Ceramic heater 220 is driven by an electric current controlled by a controller (not shown) of hair styling device 210. Preferably, the controller is capable of controlling the temperature of heating plate 216 and heating plate 218 to one of several discrete temperatures so that the user can determine the best temperature setting for her hair through use.

[0094] It should be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the inoperative (on) position shown, the distance between heating plates 216, 218 is sufficient to allow a selected section of hair to be introduced between heating plates 216, 218. In a known manner, when the section of hair is inserted between arms 212, 214, the hair styling device can be moved closer to the user's scalp and to a position where it is desired to begin styling the hair.

[0095] When properly positioned relative to the user's scalp, handle member 232 and handle member 234 are positioned from Figure 4 and Figure 5 Press together to the position shown Figure 6 In the operating state, the pressurizing plates 226 and 228 are engaged with each other substantially across their entire areas, and the heating plates 216 and 218 are close to each other but with a small gap through which the section of hair can pass.

[0096] Thus, even though in other embodiments it is possible that the heating plates engage at partial or full width, in this preferred embodiment, a controlled gap is maintained between heating plates 216 and 218 to prevent the section of hair from being compressed therebetween.

[0097] The first heating plate 216 and the second heating plate 218 are corrugated, with the crests and troughs of the first heating plate 216 facing the troughs and crests of the second heating plate 218. In this embodiment, each heating plate includes a complete crest and a complete trough (somewhat similar to a complete sine wave), but in other embodiments, if desired, there may be less than one complete crest and / or less than one complete trough, or more than one complete wave and / or more than one complete trough.

[0098] The hair styling device 210 has a mating structure that helps to keep the heating plate 216 and the heating plate 218 separated in the operating position. The first mating structure is formed by two protruding structures 52 and 54 carried by the first arm 212 and their corresponding recessed grooves 56 in the second arm 214 (in Figure 5 Only one of the grooves 56 can be seen.

[0099] The second matching structure is a protruding structure 60 on the first arm portion 212 and a corresponding recessed structure 62 in the second arm portion 214 .

[0100] The third matching structure is the protruding structure 64 on the second arm portion 214 and its corresponding recessed groove 66 in the first arm portion 212 .

[0101] It should be understood that the exact number, shape and position of the matching structures are not limited to those shown in the figures, and one or more structures may be omitted, moved or changed without affecting the present invention. However, the position and shape of the second matching structure and the third matching structure are ideal because they are extensions of the peaks and valleys of the heating plates 216 and 218.

[0102] Importantly, when arms 212 and 214 are moved to an operative state, the arrangement is such that male structure 52 (and male structure 54) engages with its corresponding recess 56, and male structure 60 and male structure 64 engage with their corresponding recess 62 and recess 66; thus, first heating plate 216 and second heating plate 218 are kept separated by a desired gap or spacing across the entire area.

[0103] As can be seen, the mating structures act together at either end of the heating plates 216 and 218 as well as at either side of the heating plates. Thus, despite any unbalanced or offset forces applied to the first arm and the second arm during use, the mating structures can ensure that the end-to-end separation and the side-to-side separation between the heating plates remain consistent.

[0104] It can be seen that the hair styling device 210 has a further matching structure 70 and a groove 72 to provide further structural stability for the device in the operating state. In addition, if necessary, the structure 70 can be engaged with a switch in the groove 72 to activate the heating assembly.

[0105] In addition to the spacing function of the mating structures, it will be appreciated that the tapered or curved shape thereof also provides a guiding or alignment function, helping to ensure that the heating plates 214 and 216 and the press plates 226 and 228 are properly aligned in the operative state. The male structures 60 and 64 each have a guide member 74 which is tightly positioned in the respective grooves 76 to ensure accurate and proper alignment of the arms 212 and 214. It will be appreciated that the location of the guide member 74 is at the end of each arm opposite the pivot joint 50 to maximize the role of guiding the arms as the arms are moved together into the operative position, and to maximize the role of maintaining the correct alignment of the heating plates 216 and 218 and the press plates 226 and 228 during use.

[0106] It can be seen that the heating plates 216 and 218 and the handle members 232 and 234 are slightly offset, i.e., one side of the arms 212 and 214 has a step 80, while the other side is linear. It is necessary for the user to correctly orient the device relative to her head and move the device away from her head so that the hair passes between the heating plates 216 and 218 first and then between the compression plates 226 and 228. Therefore, it is desirable for the user to be able to easily understand which is the leading edge of the device and which is the trailing edge, even when viewing the device in a mirror. Making the device asymmetric provides a clear visual indication to the user, i.e., the step 80 on one side of the device provides a clear visual indication of the edge that must be placed closest to the user's head.

[0107] It is preferred to place the height difference 80 on the side with the heating plates 216 and 218. When the device is in use, the user presses the handle parts 232 and 234 together, thereby pressing the pressure plates 226 and 228 together. The pressure plates 226 and 228 are preferably in line with the handles to minimize the offset force.

[0108] from Figure 6It can be seen that the heating plates 216 and 218 of each arm 212 and 214 are not directly connected to the pressurization plates 226 and 226, but rather have a small air gap therebetween. Although the pressurization plates are heated due to their proximity to the heating plates, their temperature can be significantly lower than that of the heating plates. In this embodiment, the pressurization plates 226 and 228 have their own heating assemblies 220, so the temperature of the pressurization plates can be controlled independently of the temperature of the heating plates, and ideally controlled to be lower than the temperature of the heating plates.

[0109] In practical variations of the hair styling appliance according to the second embodiment, it is contemplated that the width W of the heating plates 116 and 118 is greater than the width W of the pressing plates 126 and 128, and ideally is significantly greater, so that the time for the length of hair to pass between the heating plates is significantly longer than the time for the length of hair to pass between the pressing plates. In one embodiment, the width W is about 35 mm and the width w is about 10 mm to 15 mm. This is also true for the third embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the width of the heating plate 216 and the heating plate 218 is significantly greater than the width of the pressing plate 226 and the pressing plate 228. In a preferred example of the third embodiment, the width of the heating plate 216 and the heating plate 218 (corresponding to Figure 3 The width W) is 35 mm, and the width of the pressurizing plate 226 and the pressurizing plate 228 (corresponding to Figure 3 The width w) is 12 mm.

[0110] It will be appreciated that even if the temperature of the pressurizing plates is approximately 200°C, the 10 to 15 mm wide pressurizing plates 126, 128, 216, 218 are unlikely to effectively style the hair on their own (for this reason, conventional hair straighteners typically have heating plates that are more than 20 mm wide). Likewise, because the hair is not pressed between the heating plates 116 and 118, it is not effectively styled as it passes through the heating plates, even though it may be heated to approximately 200°C at that stage. In contrast, what is required to style the hair with the present invention is the combination of the heating plates followed by the pressurizing plates. Thus, by pressing the hair between plates that are only approximately 10 to 15 mm wide for effective styling, the reduced plate width compared to conventional hair straighteners reduces the potential for damage to the hair by reducing the path length (and time) over which the hair is pulled and pressed while most susceptible to damage.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the arms (12, 14; 212, 214) of all embodiments of the hair styling apparatus may be resiliently biased apart, as in conventional hair straighteners, and require the user to grip the arms and press them together during use. Alternatively, the arms may be biased together, requiring the user to pull them apart during use (a suitable alternative arrangement is one in which the gripping member of the arms pivots between the heating and pressure plates). A first advantage of the latter arrangement is that the user need not grip the arms to maintain the operating position of the heating plates; therefore less heat may be lost to the atmosphere, particularly during the heating process prior to use of the apparatus. A second advantage of the latter arrangement is that the likelihood of the heating plates being inadvertently touched by the user while manipulating the apparatus is reduced, so as to reduce the likelihood of burns. A third advantage of the latter arrangement is that in the operating position the pressure between the pressure plates is controlled by a spring rather than the gripping force of the user, so that during use, particularly during prolonged use, it is possible to apply a more stable pressure between the pressure plates (or other resilient biasing means, or for example by magnets). The latter arrangement may therefore reduce user fatigue. The latter arrangement is also more aesthetically pleasing when the apparatus is not in use.

[0112] In a preferred example of the third embodiment, the amplitude of the corrugation is about one third of the wavelength (the amplitude is about 10 mm, and the wavelength is about 35 mm), and deeper or shallower corrugations (whose amplitude is respectively greater than or less than one third of the wavelength) can be provided as required. It should be understood that deeper corrugations will increase the path length of the hair passing between the heating plates, and will also increase the frictional resistance of the hair moving between the heating plates. Figure 6 The relative amplitudes and wavelengths shown are known to be a good compromise.

[0113] In accordance with Figures 4 to 6 In a practical hair styling device made according to the third embodiment and having the above-described structure and dimensions of heating plates 216 and 218, the path length of the hair passing between the heating plates will be approximately 43 mm. Therefore, the curled or corrugated structure of the heating plates provides sufficient path length for the hair to reach the desired styling temperature, but the overall width of the device is greatly reduced.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the amplitude and wavelength of the corrugations can be adjusted. In certain embodiments, the heating plate is provided by a flexible corrugated sheet, the ends of which can be forced together to reduce the wavelength of the corrugations and increase the amplitude of the corrugations, or the ends of the sheet can be forced apart to increase the wavelength of the corrugations and reduce the amplitude of the corrugations as desired.

[0115] In other embodiments, the pressure plate can be provided by rollers. Although the contact area of ​​the rollers is smaller (compared to Figure 1 ), but still provides enough pressure to style previously heated hair.

[0116] In other embodiments, the heating plate is provided by a plurality of rollers having corrugations therearound, with the crests of one roller corrugation loosely meshing with the troughs of another roller corrugation, and vice versa (ideally, the hair is not compressed as it passes between the corrugated rollers). If desired, the rollers can be driven to rotate to help the hair pass therebetween.

Claims

1. A hair styling device, characterized in that: The hair extension device comprises a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and the second component are movable relative to each other between an operating state and a non-operating state, the first component has a first heating plate and the second component has a second heating plate, the first heating plate and the second heating plate are adapted to heat a section of hair when the section of hair moves therebetween, the first heating plate and the second heating plate are spaced apart in the operating state, in use, the section of hair moves along a heating path between the first heating plate and the second heating plate, the first component also has a first pressing plate and the second component also has a second pressing plate, the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate are substantially planar, and in use, the section of hair moves along a pressing path between the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate, the length of the heating path being greater than the length of the pressing path.

2. The hair styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The compression plate is heated during use.

3. The hair styling device according to claim 2, characterized in that The compression plate is heated in use to a lower temperature than the heating plate.

4. A hair styling device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that Each compression plate is actively heated by a heating element.

5. A hair styling device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The pressurizing plate is heated by conduction from the heating plate.

6. The hair styling device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first pressurizing plate is movable toward and away from the first heating plate, and the second pressurizing plate is movable toward and away from the second heating plate, thereby adjusting the temperature difference between the pressurizing plate and the heating plate.

7. The hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first component and the second component have at least one set of cooperating spacing structures to maintain a predetermined gap between the heating plates in the operating state.

8. The hair styling device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first and second members are elongated having a first end and a second end, the first and second members being connected together at a rotational joint near the first ends of the members, and at least one mating spacing structure being adjacent the second ends of the members.

9. The hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first component and the second component have at least one set of cooperating alignment structures to maintain alignment of the components in the operating state.

10. The hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one of the first member and the second member is asymmetrical in plan view.

11. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first pressurizing plate is movable relative to the first heating plate between an operative position and a non-operative position, and the second pressurizing plate is movable relative to the second heating plate between an operative position and a non-operative position.

12. The hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The heating plates are spaced at least 0.5 mm apart in the operating state.

13. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The width of the pressurizing plate is less than 20 mm.

14. The hair styling device according to claim 13, characterized in that The width of the pressing plate is between 10 mm and 15 mm.

15. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The length of the heating path is at least twice the length of the pressurizing path.

16. The hair styling device according to claim 15, characterized in that The length of the heating path is at least three times the length of the pressurizing path.

17. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first heating plate and the second heating plate are corrugated, and the crests and troughs of the first heating plate face the troughs and crests of the second heating plate respectively.

18. A hair styling device according to claim 17, characterized in that A roller is provided at the crest of the corrugation.

19. A method of straightening a section of hair using a hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method being performed by heating the section of hair and pressurizing the section of hair, wherein the heating of the section of hair and the pressurizing of the section of hair are performed separately and sequentially.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The hair styling device moves along the section of hair when the first member and the second member are in their operative state, and the section of hair passes between the heating plates before passing between the pressure plates.

Images