HAIR STYLING TOOL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a hair styling tool designed to be attached to human hair to create curls, waves, and / or voluminous hair. The invention further relates to a manufacturing method for the hair styling tool. State of the art and technical background of the invention

[0002] The following methods are known from the prior art for creating curls, waves, and voluminous hair: 1) thermal processes using heated devices such as curling irons and flat irons; 2) chemical processes using liquids and winding devices; and 3) devices that are sometimes difficult to insert into the hair and occasionally uncomfortable to wear, or require various additional items such as clips, hair ties, and clamps. Heating and the use of chemical agents damage the hair, making it brittle and thus prone to breakage.

[0003] A curling iron or flat iron can be used to create a variety of hairstyles. However, a disadvantage is the time commitment, as only parts of the hair can be styled at a time, and manual twisting is required. This manual twisting can cause pain in the shoulders and wrists. The Dyson Airwrap hair styler attempts to minimize the heat issue by using a warm airflow (95°C) and the Coanda effect. However, the Dyson Airwrap requires several attachments, which complicates its use; the Airwrap styler can only style parts of the hair at a time, resulting in increased styling time.

[0004] US4911186A, for example, discloses a convertible hair roller whose cylindrical shape is determined by two parallel wires made of a shape-memory alloy. By heating the wires to a predetermined temperature, they are converted into their circular configuration, so that the hair roller assumes its cylindrical shape, in which it can be used to curl hair.

[0005] Furthermore, methods for creating curls using common household items are known from the prior art, such as creating curls with socks, a bathrobe belt, or a scarf. A particular advantage of these methods is that everyone already has the necessary items at home. However, since socks or scarves, for example, lack inherent stability, attaching them to the hair to create curls necessarily requires additional aids such as external hair ties or uncomfortable hair clips, which can be bothersome at night or while sleeping and lead to unwanted indentations and dents in the hair ends or length. Moreover, these items placed in the hair are not suitable for everyday wear.

[0006] Creating waves in hair without heat has already been achieved in the prior art as a commercially available product, such as the "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" or other similar products. The "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" has a core of aluminum wire encased in foam and finally covered with silk or a synthetic fabric. The product is designed as a long tube and comes with a large hair clip and two hair ties. The "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" is unwieldy and difficult to apply. Sleeping with the "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" in place is uncomfortable; furthermore, the "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" offers only one application method and cannot be washed, making it unsuitable for everyday use.

[0007] US2019142131 A1 discloses another hair styling device that has a flexible frame embedded in a padded casing. The frame can be manipulated, bent, and / or twisted by the user, thereby shaping the device into any desired form. This device has the same disadvantages for the user as the previously mentioned product.

[0008] US5494059A discloses a decorative hair styling device with a body formed by means of a flexible wire and which has a slot through which the hair can be passed.

[0009] Other commercially available products similar to the "Heatless Curl Hair Ribbon" are designed to be tied together at the top of the head with a ribbon, snaps, or a clip. These other products, such as the "Heatless Curl Ribbon Curling Wand, Hair Iron Fabric Wave Curling Iron," still require external attachments.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hair styling utensil and a method for its manufacture which eliminates at least some of the disadvantages of the hair styling devices known from the prior art. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a hair styling tool comprising a planar structure and at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy, which is connected to the planar structure, wherein the hair styling tool in an undeformed state has a longitudinal direction extending centrally through the hair styling tool and a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction, wherein in the undeformed state the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy extends on both sides of the centrally extending longitudinal direction along at least a part of the longitudinal extension, and wherein the hair styling tool is designed to be transformed into a deformed state by mechanical deformation of the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy.

[0012] Shape memory alloys are alloys that can be deformed in a "cold" state and can return to their original shape through phase transformation, preferably by heating, e.g., with a hairdryer, iron (common household appliances), or in a washing machine (although other methods of achieving a phase transformation are also possible). Shape memory alloys are particularly reversible. In an undeformed state, the hair styling tool can be ribbon-shaped, with the longitudinal direction corresponding to a principal direction of expansion of the ribbon-shaped hair styling tool. The at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy is arranged on both sides of the longitudinal direction in the undeformed state. Such an arrangement of the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy gives the hair styling tool according to the invention high stability.In its deformed state, the hair styling tool is dimensionally stable and can therefore be inserted into the hair without any additional aids. A wire made of shape-memory alloys can withstand greater stress when bent than wires made of conventional metals; wires made of conventional metals can break, especially after repeated bending; wires made of shape-memory alloys can be bent much more frequently without breaking.A hair styling tool according to the invention can be designed such that its shape, induced by the original shape of the at least one wire comprising a shape-memory alloy, is such in its undeformed state that strands of hair are held by the hair styling tool without the need for additional aids such as clips or hair ties. For example, deforming the hair styling tool into a deformed state can facilitate its easy insertion into the hair, and a subsequent phase transition back to its original shape can then fix the inserted hair styling tool in place. Alternatively, strands of hair can also be fixed in the deformed state, thereby utilizing the stability of the shape-memory alloys. The hair styling tool can be folded or rolled up.The high flexibility of shape-memory alloys further enables a hair styling tool according to the invention to be deformed into a variety of shapes, thus creating a multitude of different hairstyles. A hair styling tool according to the invention is also gentle on hair, as the hair is shaped solely by mechanically twisting the tool. A hair styling tool according to the invention is sustainable; in particular, it requires no electrical energy to shape the hair, and the materials used can be designed for extensive reuse throughout the product life cycle.

[0013] The term "sheet structure" can serve as a generic term for all two-dimensional textile products. The term "sheet structure" can also include circular-knitted textile products without seams or flat-knitted textile products with seams. The sheet structure is designed such that the at least one wire containing a shape-memory alloy is connected to the sheet structure in such a way that a deformation of the wire containing the shape-memory alloy also leads to a deformation of the sheet structure. The wire containing the shape-memory alloy can also be formed from a multitude of wire strands. The size of the sheet structure, which is particularly flexible, can vary and be adapted for different hair lengths and handling options. A hair styling tool according to the invention can be used to create different hairstyles and, in particular, for curling or waving hair.The at least one wire can also be made of copper wire (with or without plastic coating), enamelled copper wire (with or without plastic coating), or aluminum wire (with or without plastic coating). The at least one wire can be a single wire with a diameter of 0.1 to 2 millimeters. Alternatively, the at least one wire can be a stranded wire with at least two individual strands twisted / braided together to form the at least one wire. The ends of a braided stranded wire can be fixed, for example, by welding or gluing. One advantage of a braided stranded wire compared to a single wire is that the bending radius can be significantly smaller while still maintaining the required wire cross-section.

[0014] In one embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy has only a single wire, wherein the single wire forms a closed curve.

[0015] The individual wire can run close to, and especially parallel to, the edges of the flat structure. The individual wire runs along both sides of the hair styling tool, defined by the central longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the closed curve can be oval in its undeformed state. For example, the individual wire can be at least partially rod-shaped or can run in a zigzag pattern; however, other configurations are also possible. The individual wire can be a single wire or a stranded wire.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the hair styling tool according to the invention, the at least one wire comprising a shape-memory alloy has a first wire and a second wire, wherein the first wire runs along a first side of the two sides and the second wire runs along a second side of the two sides, and wherein, in particular, the free ends of the two wires are each capped with a protective cap, which is attached to the free ends. In this embodiment as well, the first wire and the second wire can each be designed as a single wire or as a stranded wire.

[0017] The free ends of the two wires can be capped, for example with a hat, to protect the user of the hair styling tool according to the invention. Such capping can also protect the flat structure from damage when the two wires are bent. In a further embodiment of the hair styling tool according to the invention, the at least one wire comprising a shape-memory alloy can also have more than two wires. The wires can be laid in different ways, in particular section by section parallel to the longitudinal direction and / or to an edge of the flat structure, or in a zigzag pattern, or the wires can be bent section by section.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, in the undeformed state the at least one wire having a shape memory alloy runs at least partially parallel to the longitudinal direction on both sides of the centrally running longitudinal direction.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the at least one wire is formed from a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, wherein the nickel content in the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is between 49.0 and 53.0 atomic percent, and preferably between 49.0 and 51.0 atomic percent, or the at least one wire is formed from a nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy, wherein the copper content in the nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy is between x = 0 and 15 atomic percent and the nickel content in the nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy is between 49.0 - x and 53.0 - x atomic percent.

[0020] With a nickel content between 49.0 and 51.0 atomic percent in the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, transformation temperatures in the range of approximately -10°C to +100°C can be achieved. To achieve lower transformation temperatures, the nickel content in the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy can be up to 53.0 atomic percent. Due to their passive layer, nickel-titanium shape memory alloys are food-safe and biocompatible. Furthermore, unlike many other metals, shape memory alloys are characterized by a long service life despite frequent deformation. The shape memory alloy can also be formulated as a ternary nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy. In such a ternary shape memory alloy, the nickel content can be reduced and replaced by copper, which leads to a shift in the transformation temperatures.Wires made of a nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy have an improved thermal coefficient compared to a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, so that such a wire can be heated more easily, for example using a hairdryer.

[0021] However, the at least one wire can also be made of shape memory alloys with a different composition. Possible further shape memory alloys include the following combinations with varying proportions: copper-zinc-aluminum, copper-aluminum-nickel, iron-nickel-cobalt-titanium, or iron-manganese-silicon. However, it is necessary to adapt the composition to the specific application. The use of the aforementioned shape memory alloys can lead to an improved product lifespan. Furthermore, it may be necessary to coat / bond the at least one wire made of the aforementioned shape memory alloys with plastic or a lacquer. This is particularly advantageous for alloys used by individuals with contact allergies, as any skin contact with, for example, zinc, cobalt, or nickel would trigger an allergic reaction.Since the wire can come into contact with moisture or chemical substances when using the hair styling tool with damp hair or hair care products, there is also a risk of corrosion, which would lead to a reduced lifespan. For these applications, a shape-memory alloy can be selected that exhibits high corrosion resistance to water or other chemical substances. Salts, fats, or acids released or produced by perspiration from the scalp could also lead to corrosion of the wire if a suitable material composition or coating is not chosen.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the surface structure is made of cotton, or the surface structure is made of cotton and elastane and / or Lycra, or the surface structure is made of silk, or the surface structure is made of silk and elastane and / or Lycra.

[0023] The fabric can also be made from other natural fibers / yarns / twists of plant or animal origin, or from synthetic fibers / yarns / twists, and / or may include microfibers or similar materials. Cotton can be advantageous because it does not further stress, dry out, or damage the hair. Furthermore, a hair styling tool made of, for example, cotton and a shape-memory alloy can be washed in a washing machine without losing its shape: such a hair styling tool can therefore be used hygienically. The surface of the fabric can be, for example, smooth or terry cloth, or otherwise finished or coated.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the at least one wire having a shape memory alloy is coated with a plastic, and / or the at least one wire having a shape memory alloy is coated with a shape memory polymer.

[0025] Such a coating can help to reduce stress on the wire, which contains at least one shape-memory alloy, when bent, thus improving the lifespan of the hair styling tool. A shape-memory polymer used for the coating can have a similar transformation temperature to the wire, so that a phase transition, for example when heated, occurs for both the wire and the shape-memory polymer.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy is arranged in at least one receiving area sewn into the surface structure, in particular designed as a receiving tube, and / or the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy is sewn and / or woven and / or knitted and / or circular knitted and / or embroidered and / or worked into the surface structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy can be placed on the flat structure and fixed by means of a rolled hem extending along a closed curve of the outer edge of the flat structure. The rolled hem can be created using an overlock stitch. Alternatively, the rolled hem can be created by inserting the at least one wire into the receiving tube and fixing it by forming the aforementioned rolled hem along the outer edges. In each of the aforementioned cases, the material of the rolled hem encloses the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the flat structure has at least one slit and / or at least one hole, wherein the flat structure has in particular two holes, which are in particular each positioned around the central longitudinal direction, and wherein the two holes are in particular positioned such that after a symmetrical folding of the hair styling utensil around a folding direction which is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the two holes lie one above the other.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the surface structure is tubular and has a tubular area, and a single slit is formed on one side of the tubular surface structure, and / or the hair styling utensil is designed to receive rolls and / or inserts, and / or at least one band is attached to the surface structure of the hair styling utensil.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the at least one wire having a shape memory alloy is placed on the surface structure and the at least one wire having a shape memory alloy is fixed to the surface structure by means of a fastening thread that at least partially encloses the wire in order to form a composite.

[0031] The fabric structure can be made from one of the aforementioned materials, such as cotton, a cotton-elastane blend, Lycra, silk, felt, or another breathable material. Furthermore, the material should possess the necessary tensile strength to securely hold a thread, such as the fastening thread. Preferably, the fabric structure consists of a non-woven fabric that is tear-resistant yet lightweight, i.e., has a low density. The wire, for example, pre-shaped, can be placed on the fabric structure and fixed to it using the fastening thread, which at least partially encloses the wire. The fastening thread penetrates the material of the fabric structure so that it emerges from one underside of the structure, or is visible there, as is the case, for example, with embroidered textiles.The fastening thread can be made of the same material as the fabric. Preferably, however, the fastening thread has a higher tensile strength than the yarn or fabric used to manufacture the fabric. For example, the fastening thread could be a tear-resistant yarn. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening thread could have a higher elasticity than the yarn or fabric of the fabric.

[0032] Instead of applying the pre-shaped wire to the sheet structure and fixing it with a fastening thread, the so-called Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) process can be used to create the composite. In this process, a guide head lays the wire along a predetermined contour on the sheet structure, with the wire being simultaneously fixed in place by the fastening thread. As the guide head moves along the contour, the wire is continuously fed to it, so that the wire takes on the desired shape (which preferably corresponds to the contour). Preferably, the wire is in a mechanically undeformed state during application, i.e., in its undeformed initial state. The TFP process advantageously results in a mechanically stable bond between the wire and the sheet structure, so that the hair accessory can be deformed and, with the addition of energy (e.g.,thermal energy) can be returned to the undeformed original state through shape transformation of the shape memory alloys. This can lead to a further improvement in product lifespan, as the wire's movement is restricted by the additional fastening using tether thread.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the hair styling utensil according to the invention, the hair styling utensil further comprises a tubular shell with an inner volume, wherein the composite is completely incorporated into the inner volume and wherein the tubular shell is preferably mechanically connected to the planar structure of the composite.

[0034] The tubular casing can be made of the same material as the sheet structure, or it can be made of a different material, such as a waterproof or gas-tight material. If the material is available for knitting, the casing can advantageously be manufactured using a circular knitting process. This allows the tubular casing to be produced in large quantities and lengths in a continuous process. Advantageously, manufacturing the tubular casing using a circular knitting process, independent of the manufacturing method of the composite structure, reduces production costs and increases flexibility in the selection of materials used for the casing. The tubular casing can also be, or become, connected to the composite structure, particularly the sheet structure.Common joining methods, such as gluing, sewing, embroidery, or ultrasonic welding, can be used depending on the material. This mechanical connection between the casing and the composite can ensure good dimensional stability, allowing the casing to adapt to, or follow, changes in shape of the wire and / or composite.

[0035] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a hair styling tool, wherein the hair styling tool has the structure according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments (or a combination of embodiments). The method comprises the following steps: Provision of the sheet structure, the wire comprising at least one shape memory alloy and the fastening thread; continuous placement of the wire on a surface of the sheet structure while simultaneously guiding the wire along a predetermined contour and simultaneously fixing the wire to the surface of the sheet structure by means of the fastening thread using a tailored fiber placement embroidery machine to form the composite.

[0036] The described process advantageously results in a hair styling tool that exhibits good (re)formability and long durability. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is easy to use and can be employed for the production of large quantities, leading to significant cost savings. Additionally, the use of the TFP process offers the advantage that the hair styling tool can be easily recycled, i.e., without significant effort. For this purpose, the fastening thread can be separated and the wire removed from the composite. This allows the individual components to be recycled separately.

[0037] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the following steps: Providing the tubular casing; introducing the composite into the inner volume of the tubular casing; closing the tubular casing to form a closed pocket; preferably connecting the tubular casing to the planar structure of the composite.

[0038] Tubular casings typically have two open ends. After inserting the composite into the tubular casing, both ends can be sealed to securely hold the composite within the internal volume. If one open end was already sealed before insertion, only that open end needs to be sealed. The retention within the internal volume can also be improved by bonding the composite to the casing.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises the following steps: Reducing the longitudinal extent of the composite or the closed pocket containing the composite to provide a compact hair styling tool, preferably by rolling or folding along an axis transverse to the longitudinal extent; packaging the compact hair styling tool in packaging that has a smaller longitudinal extent than the composite or the closed pocket containing the composite. However, the present embodiment can also represent an independent aspect of the invention.

[0040] Reducing longitudinal expansion, particularly deformation, can result in a compact hair styling tool that can easily be housed in space-saving packaging. For example, the hair styling tool can be wound onto a roll of a predetermined diameter and the roll itself packaged in a space-saving manner. Space-saving packaging allows for cost-effective transport, as more products can be transported per unit volume. Brief description of the characters

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 schematically shows embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 2 schematically shows possible extensions of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 4schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 The figures schematically show ways in which a hair styling utensil according to the invention can be attached to the hair. Fig. 9 schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Detailed description of the figures

[0042] Fig. 1 schematically shows embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 1a Figure 1 shows a flat structure 1 with a wire 2 made of a shape-memory alloy, which runs along the edges of the flat structure 1. The hair styling tool has a longitudinal direction 8 and a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction 8. The wire runs on both sides of the longitudinal direction 8. The wire 2 forms a closed curve. Fig. 1bFigure 1 shows a section of a hair styling tool according to the invention, comprising a flat structure and a wire made of shape-memory alloys at the edges of the flat structure, wherein the wire 2 in the depicted section runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 8 on both sides of the longitudinal direction 8. The Fig. 1b The section shown does not include the end areas of the hair styling tool, with one end area in Fig. 1c is depicted. This is in Fig. 1bThe depicted flat structure 1 has two tubular edge regions (receiving area / receiving tube) in which the wire 2 is laid. The wire 2 is connected to the flat structure 1 by these tubular edge regions, so that a deformation of the wire 2 leads to a deformation of the flat structure 1. The wire 2 can also be connected to the flat structure in another way, whereby the connection should be designed such that a deformation of the wire 2 leads to a deformation of the flat structure and thus of the hair styling tool. Fig. 1d shows a further embodiment of a hair styling utensil according to the invention, comprising a flat structure 1, a wire 2 and a sheathing 3 of the wire 2 with a plastic and / or with a shape memory polymer. Fig. 1e corresponds Fig. 1d , in contrast to Fig. 1d in Fig. 1e There is no sheathing on wire 2. Fig. 1fThe figure again shows a top view of an embodiment of a hair styling utensil according to the invention, wherein a wire 2 having a shape memory alloy is arranged at the edges of a planar structure 1.

[0043] Fig. 2 Figure 1 schematically shows possible extensions of a hair styling tool according to the invention. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the following extensions can be used: Fig. 2a shown, ribbons 4 or cords 4 are attached to the hair styling tool, the hair styling tool having a flat structure 1 and a wire 2: a hair styling tool adapted in this way can sometimes be more easily attached to the hair. Fig. 2b shows additional rollers 5 and / or inserts 5 that can be used. Bands 4, cords 4 or other possible attachments 4 may already be attached to the hair styling tool, or the hair styling tool may be designed so that a user can attach these attachments 4 to the hair styling tool.

[0044] Fig. 3schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 3a Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a hair styling tool with two parallel wires 2 and another embodiment with a plurality of parallel wires 2. The free ends of the wires 2 may be capped. Fig. 3b shows an embodiment of a hair styling tool, similar to those in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiments are constructed as follows: in addition, the one shown in Fig. 3b The illustrated embodiment also has two holes 6 in the surface structure through which hair can be threaded. From another perspective, this is shown in Fig. 3b The example shown is also in Fig. 3c visible. Fig. 3d in turn similar Fig. 3c , where instead of two holes there are 6 in Fig. 3d only one hole 6 is arranged in the center of the surface structure 1.

[0045] Fig. 4schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 4a shows an embodiment of a hair styling tool that incorporates the in Fig. 1 The embodiments shown are similar: in addition, the one in Fig. 4a The embodiment shown has two slots 7, which are arranged on one side of the surface structure, and in which, for example, hair can be guided through the two slots 7. Fig. 4b similar Fig. 4a , in contrast to Fig. 4a only one slit 7 is present through the surface structure, through which hair can be guided. Fig. 4cFigure 1 shows an embodiment of a hair styling tool which is tubular in shape and has a slot 7 only on one side of the surface structure: Hair can then be guided into the tubular area provided by the tubular hair styling tool and leave this tubular area through the slot 7.

[0046] Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 schematically show possibilities of attaching a hair styling tool according to the invention to the hair. Fig. 5a Figure 1 schematically illustrates the case where the two halves of hair separated at the parting can be shaped separately using a hair styling tool according to the invention: in particular, a hair styling tool according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, can be used to shape the hair styling tool separately. Fig. 5b shown, twisted into the hair, with fastening as shown in Fig. 5cAs shown, one end of a hair styling tool according to the invention can be folded up. The shape-memory alloys used in the hair styling tool according to the invention allow for such a strong deformation, whereby the at least one wire is only minimally damaged or fatigued despite the strong deformation. In general, individual strands can be twisted around a hair styling tool according to the invention, thereby creating curls, or a hair styling tool according to the invention can be braided with the hair, as with a braid, a French braid, or a fishtail braid, thereby creating waves. Since, unlike known solutions from the prior art, no additional aids such as hair ties, elastic bands, or hair clips are necessary for attaching a hair styling tool according to the invention, unwanted impressions and dents in the hair can be avoided. Fig. 5d-f and Fig. 6a-cshow how the separately shaped hairs can be brought together at the back of the head, then twisted and finally secured in a bun. Fig. 6c-d They show further possibilities of how a hair styling tool according to the invention can be introduced into the hair. The in Fig. 6d The hair styling tool used has additional straps that can be used to further tie the hair together at the top of the head. As in Fig. 7 As shown, many other hairstyles can be created with a hair styling tool according to the invention. After removing the hair styling tool, the hair can then be curly or wavy. The hair can be styled on the top of the head, as in Fig. 7a shown, tied together or at the back of the head, as in Fig. 7c shown. As in Fig. 7b As shown, the hair can also be rolled up in a spiral shape (like a bun) on both sides of the head. As shown in Fig. 7dAs shown, a hair styling tool according to the invention can also be twisted at the top of the head, thereby achieving greater hair volume. As shown in Fig. 8a-b As shown, many hair styling utensils according to the invention can also be attached to a main band, whereby strands of hair can then be twisted around the hair styling utensils attached to the main band.

[0047] Fig. 9 schematically shows further embodiments of a hair styling utensil according to the invention. Fig. 9a shows an embodiment, in particular a part of a hair styling utensil, wherein a wire 2 having a shape memory alloy is arranged at the edges of a planar structure 1 (cf. Fig. 1f However, the area structure 1 is in Fig. 9aThe fabric is formed as a nonwoven material, and the wire 2 was attached to it, which serves as a laminate base, using a TFP (transformation printing) process. A tear-resistant fastening thread 9 was used for this purpose. This thread partially covers the wire 2 and penetrates the nonwoven material on both sides along the wire 2's contour, in order to be secured on the underside of the fabric 1, for example, with a transverse thread. The wire 2 is then held firmly in place on the fabric 1 by the fastening thread 9. A TFP embroidery machine with a movable guide head is used to implement the TFP process. The fabric 1 also has a central slot 7 along its longitudinal axis, which, among other things, improves its deformability, e.g., its ability to rotate around its own longitudinal axis. Fig. 9b Figure 10 shows a tubular shell which has an internal volume (not shown). The internal volume can be accessed by the [object / component] in [the figure / component]. Fig. 9aThe depicted part of the hair styling tool is inserted, with the open ends of the tubular cover 10 being folded over and closed by means of a rolled seam to form a closed pocket in which the part is located. Fig. 9a to provide. This forms the hair styling tool. In this example, the tubular sheath 10 is made of cotton. Other methods for closing the open ends of the tubular sheath 10 can be used alternatively. Fig. 9c shows in a sectional view the shell 10 from Fig. 9b , into which the part from Fig. 9aThe wire 2 has been inserted. As can be seen, the sheath 10 encloses the part, with the wire 2 being attached to the sheet structure 1 using the TFP method. As can also be seen in the figure, the fastening thread 9 encloses the wire on the top side and dips into the sheet structure 1 on both sides next to the wire 2, so that part of the fastening thread 9 extends to the underside of the sheet structure 1 and is optionally secured there with a transverse thread (not shown). However, the transverse thread for securing it on the underside is not strictly necessary, as it can be omitted depending on the TFP method or stitch used.

Claims

1. A hair styling utensil comprising a sheet material (1) and at least one wire (2) connected to said sheet material (1), wherein the hair styling utensil in an undeformed state has a longitudinal direction (8) running centrally through the hair styling utensil and a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction (8), characterised - in that the at least one wire (2) comprises a shape memory alloy, - in that in the undeformed state, the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy extends on both sides of the longitudinal direction (8) running centrally along at least part of the longitudinal extension, and - in that the hair styling utensil is designed to be transformed into a deformed state by mechanical deformation of the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy.

2. The hair styling utensil according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy comprises only one single wire, wherein the single wire forms a closed curve.

3. The hair styling tool according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy comprises a first wire and a second wire, wherein the first wire runs on a first side of the two sides and the second wire runs on a second side of the two sides, and wherein in particular the free ends of the two wires are each covered with a protective cap, which is attached to the free ends.

4. The hair styling utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the undeformed state, the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy runs on both sides of the centrally extending longitudinal direction (8) at least partially parallel to the longitudinal direction (8).

5. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one wire (2) is formed from a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, wherein the nickel content in the nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is between 49.0 and 53.0 atomic percent, and preferably between 49.0 and 51.0 atomic percent, or wherein the at least one wire (2) is formed from a nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy-copper shape memory alloy, wherein the copper content in the nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy is between x = 0 and 15 atomic percent and the nickel content in the nickel-titanium-copper shape memory alloy is between 49.0 - x and 53.0 - x atomic percent.

6. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sheet material (1) is formed from cotton, or wherein the sheet material (1) is formed from cotton and elastane and / or Lycra, or wherein the sheet material (1) is made of silk, or wherein the sheet material (1) is made of silk and elastane and / or Lycra.

7. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy is coated (3) with a plastic, and / or wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy is coated (3) with a shape memory polymer.

8. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy is arranged in at least one receiving area sewn into the sheet material (1), in particular designed as a receiving tube, and / or wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy is sewn and / or woven and / or knitted and / or circular knitted and / or embroidered and / or worked into the sheet material (1).

9. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sheet material (1) has at least one slit (7) and / or at least one hole (6), wherein the sheet material (1) in particular has two holes, which in particular are each positioned around the centrally extending longitudinal direction (8), and wherein the two holes are positioned in particular such that, after symmetrically folding the hair styling utensil about a folding direction extending substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal direction (8), the two holes are superposed.

10. The hair styling utensil according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sheet material (1) is tubular and has a tubular area, and wherein a single slit (7) is formed on one side of the tubular flat structure (1), and / or wherein the hair styling utensil is designed to accommodate rollers (5) and / or inserts (5), and / or wherein at least one band (4) is attached to the flat structure (1) of the hair styling utensil.

11. The hair styling utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one wire comprising a shape memory alloy (2) is placed on the sheet material (1) and wherein the at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy is fixed to the sheet material (1) by means of a fastening thread (9), which at least partially enclosing the wire (2) and forms a composite.

12. The hair styling utensil according to claim 11, further comprising a tubular sheath (10) with an internal volume, wherein the composite is completely inserted into the internal volume and wherein, preferably, the tubular sheath (10) is mechanically connected to the sheet material (1) of the composite.

13. A method for manufacturing a hair styling utensil according to any one of claims 11 or 12, comprising the following steps: - providing the sheet material (1), at least one wire (2) comprising a shape memory alloy and the fastening thread (9); - Continuously applying the wire (2) to a surface of the sheet material (1) while simultaneously guiding the wire (1) along a predetermined contour and simultaneously fixing the wire (2) to the surface of the sheet material (1) by means of the fastening thread using a Tailored-Fibre-Placement embroidery machine to form the composite.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: - providing the tubular sheath (10); - introducing the composite into the interior volume of the tubular sheath (10); - closing the tubular sheath (10) to form a closed pocket; - Preferably connecting the tubular sheath (10) to the sheet material (1) of the composite.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14 further comprises the steps of: - reducing the longitudinal extension of the composite or of the closed pocket containing the composite to provide a compact hair styling utensil, preferably by rolling or folding along an axis transverse to the longitudinal extension; - packaging the compact hair styling utensil in packaging that has a smaller longitudinal extension than the composite or the closed bag containing the composite.