Curly hair

Abstract

The hair curling device includes a barrel 20 including a heat sink 22. The heat sink 22 includes a hair curling surface 24, and a first set of light emitting diodes LEDs 26 are coupled to the heat sink 22. The heat sink 22 is configured to transfer residual thermal energy from the first set of LEDs 26 to heat hair wrapped around the hair curling surface 24 via conduction. The hair curling device also includes a housing 28 surrounding the barrel 20. The housing 28 and the barrel 20 define a hair chamber 14 therebetween. A second set of LEDs 12 are coupled to the housing 28. The second set of LEDs 12 are configured to emit light energy toward the hair curling surface 24 and heat the hair wrapped around the hair curling surface 24 via absorption of the emitted light energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to the field of curling hair, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for curling hair.

Background Art

[0002] Hair curling devices generally include a curling surface for curling hair and a heating element for heating the hair to make it easier to curl.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In some prior art devices, the heating element may have light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for heating the hair through light radiation absorption.

[0004] WO2019 / 048357A1 discloses a hair styling device having a heat source for heating the hair by conduction through direct contact between the hair contact surface of the heat source and the hair. The object of the subject matter of the present disclosure is to improve the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for curling hair having a barrel including a heat sink. The heat sink includes a hair curling surface to which a first set of light-emitting diodes LEDs is attached. The heat sink is configured to transfer residual heat energy from the first set of LEDs to heat the hair wound around the periphery of the hair curling surface through conduction. The hair curling device also includes a housing surrounding the barrel. The housing and the barrel define a hair chamber therebetween. A second set of LEDs is attached to the housing. The second set of LEDs is configured to emit light energy towards the hair curling surface and heat the hair wound around the periphery of the hair curling surface through absorption of the emitted light energy.

[0006] Thus, the hair is heated by conduction using residual thermal energy from the first set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and by absorption of light energy from the second set of LEDs, thereby providing efficient heating of the hair. Furthermore, in this method, the hair is heated using energy from two sets of light-emitting diodes, thereby providing rapid heating of the hair.

[0007] In one embodiment, the heat sink is configured to transfer residual thermal energy from a first set of light-emitting diodes to heat the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface via conduction, while simultaneously, a second set of light-emitting diodes is configured to emit light energy toward the hair curl surface, heating the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface through the absorption of the emitted light energy.

[0008] In one embodiment, the housing also includes a heatsink to which a second set of light-emitting diodes is mounted, the heatsink being configured to transfer residual thermal energy from the second set of light-emitting diodes to hair wrapped around the hair curl surface of the heatsink via conduction.

[0009] Thus, heating with a second set of LEDs utilizing light energy and residual heat energy provides more efficient hair heating than heating with only the first set of LEDs. A lower intensity is required for the first set of LEDs than for conventional hair curling devices. A lower intensity is required for the second set of LEDs than for conventional hair curling devices. Thus, hair heating is faster than when heating does not occur simultaneously.

[0010] In one embodiment, the barrel is an inner barrel, the housing is an outer barrel, and the device further has a connecting bridge between the inner barrel and the outer barrel, and the inner barrel, the outer barrel, and the connecting bridge are integrally formed.

[0011] Thus, more efficient heat conduction is provided compared to cases where there is a connection between the inner barrel, outer barrel, and connecting bridge.

[0012] In one embodiment, the barrel has a waveguide in which a first set of light-emitting diodes are embedded.

[0013] In one embodiment, the waveguide is configured such that light emitted by a first set of light-emitting diodes heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface through the absorption of light energy from the light emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes.

[0014] Thus, more efficient heating of the hair is provided using the light energy from the first set of LEDs.

[0015] In one embodiment, the waveguide is configured to block light emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes from reaching the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface. In this way, in embodiments where the light in the hair receiving chamber is too bright, the light is blocked from view.

[0016] In one embodiment, the waveguide is configured to selectively block light emitted by a first set of light-emitting diodes from reaching the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the waveguide has a hair curl surface that provides a continuation of the hair curl surface of the barrel.

[0018] Thus, there are no obstructions to the hair curling surface in order to provide the first set of LEDs on the barrel. This allows for a smooth hair curling surface, which produces smooth curls. This also reduces the risk of hair getting caught or snagged in the hair curling device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first set of light-emitting diodes is divided into a plurality of groups, the groups include a plurality of first light-emitting diodes arranged along the longitudinal direction of the barrel, and the groups are circumferentially separated from adjacent groups from the plurality of groups. In one embodiment, the second set of light-emitting diodes includes a plurality of second light-emitting diodes arranged substantially equidistantly around the inner surface of the housing.

[0020] These methods provide a uniform heating distribution on the hair and the hair curling surface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the hair curling surface is made of a light-absorbing material for absorbing light energy from the second set of light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the housing facing the hair curling surface is made of a light-absorbing material configured to absorb the light energy emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes.

[0022] These methods provide more efficient heating of the hair. This is because any light energy not absorbed by the hair can be absorbed by the surface and used to heat the hair via conduction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the barrel is hollow.

[0024] In one embodiment, the barrel has an air inlet and an air outlet, and the device further has a fan configured to take in air through the air inlet and send out air through the air outlet.

[0025] Thus, a cooling mechanism for cooling the device and / or the hair is provided.

[0026] In one embodiment, the device further has a hair collection mechanism for winding the hair around the hair curling surface.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of curling hair using the apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising winding the hair around a hair curling surface; operating a first set of light emitting diodes to generate residual heat energy and heating the hair around the hair curling surface by conduction through a heat sink; and operating a second set of light emitting diodes to generate light energy and heating the hair around the hair curling surface by absorption of the light energy.

[0028] Thus, the hair is heated via conduction using the residual heat energy from the first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and by absorption of the light energy from the second set of LEDs, thereby providing efficient heating of the hair. Further, in this method, the hair is heated using the energy from two sets of light emitting diodes, thereby providing rapid heating of the hair.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further comprises operating the first set of light emitting diodes and simultaneously operating the second set of light emitting diodes.

[0030] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be described with reference to the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. is a perspective schematic view of a hair curling device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the hair curling device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. is a flowchart of a method of operating the hair curling device of FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] At least some of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be constructed, in part or in whole, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. The terms “component,” “module,” and “unit” as used herein include, but are not limited to, hardware devices such as discrete or integrated components, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform specific tasks or provide related functions. While various combinations of optional features are described herein, it should be understood that the features described can be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of any other embodiment as appropriate, unless such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this document, the terms “having” or “including” mean including the specified component, but do not exclude the presence of other components.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the hair curling device 8 includes a barrel 20 and a housing 28.

[0035] The barrel 20 is an inner barrel. The barrel 20 is a right cylinder. An air inlet 36 is located at the first end of the barrel 20 on its first circular surface 30. An air outlet 16 is located at the second end of the barrel 20 on the second circular surface 18 of the cylinder. The barrel 20 includes a heat sink 22. The heat sink 22 is the main structure of the apparatus 8. The heat sink 22 provides a structure to which elements of the apparatus can be mounted, including, for example, elements located inside the barrel 20. The heat sink 22 is made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum.

[0036] In some embodiments, the barrel 20 may be hollow. The barrel 20 can be any suitable shape, such as a prism. For example, the barrel 20 may be conical rather than cylindrical. The elements of the device 8 can be attached to the heat sink 22.

[0037] The heat sink 22 includes a hair curling surface 24. The hair curling surface 24 is made from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. The hair curling surface 24 is made from the same material as the heat sink 22. The hair curling surface 24 is smooth. When in use, the user's hair is wrapped around the hair curling surface 24, resulting in at least a portion of the user's hair being in direct physical contact with the hair curling surface 24. The user can wrap their hair around the hair curling surface 24 with any number of complete or incomplete turns.

[0038] In some embodiments, the heat sink 22 may have a main portion and a separate hair curl surface 24, which allows different materials to be used for the hair curl surface 24 and the main portion of the heat sink 22. The hair curl surface 24 may be made of a light-absorbing material to absorb light energy 34 from a second set of light-emitting diodes 12. This provides more efficient heating of the hair because any light energy 34 not absorbed by the hair can be absorbed by the hair curl surface 24 and used to heat the hair via conduction.

[0039] The first set of LEDs 26 is mounted on the heatsink 22 of the barrel 20, so that the thermal energy generated by the first set of LEDs 26 when the LEDs are on can be transferred to the heatsink 22 via conduction. The first set of LEDs 26 is mounted so that the light energy generated by the first set of LEDs 26 when the LEDs are on can be transferred to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24 via light emission absorption.

[0040] The heat sink 22 includes several elongated grooves. Each groove extends along the length of the barrel 20. The grooves are circumferentially separated from adjacent grooves in the set of grooves. Each groove is provided with a waveguide 10. Thus the waveguides are parallel to each other. Each waveguide 10 includes a hair curling surface 24. The hair curling surface 24 of the waveguide is a continuation of the hair curling surface of the heat sink, and as a result, the combination of the barrel heat sink and waveguide 22 is cylindrical. This allows the hair to be wrapped around a smooth surface and curled. This prevents the hair from getting caught in the hair curling device, prevents twisting of the curl produced by the device, and allows for smooth curls to be achieved. A first set of LEDs 26 are embedded inside the waveguide 10. The waveguide 22 is made of a transparent material so that the light energy from the first set of LEDs 26 can pass through the hair curling surface 24 and heat the hair.

[0041] In some embodiments, the hair curl surface 24 of the waveguide 10 may be made of a material that partially or selectively transmits light. The hair curl surface 24 of the waveguide 10 may include gaps through which light energy can pass. The hair curl surface 24 of the waveguide 10 may have any other suitable configuration to allow light energy emitted by the first set of LEDs 26 to heat the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24.

[0042] In some embodiments, the waveguide 10 may be made from a selectively or completely opaque material. The waveguide 10 may be made from a material that selectively or completely absorbs the light energy generated by the first set of LEDs 26. The hair curl surface 24 of the waveguide 10 converts the light energy generated by the first set of LEDs 26 into thermal energy, which is transmitted to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24.

[0043] The housing 28 is a right-circular hollow cylinder positioned around the barrel 20. The housing 28 may have a substantially cylindrical inner surface. The housing can be positioned around the barrel 20 so as to provide hair chambers between them. The housing 28 is connected to the barrel 20 via a connecting bridge 40. The housing 28 may be a heat sink or may form part of the heat sink 22. The connecting bridge 40 may be a heat sink or may form part of the heat sink 22. The barrel 20, housing 28, and connecting bridge 40 are integrally formed, providing more efficient heat conduction compared to having connections between the inner barrel, outer barrel, and connecting bridge 40. The housing 28 and connecting bridge 40 can be made from the same material as the barrel 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of the housing 28 and / or connecting bridge 40 facing the hair curl surface 24 may be made of a light-absorbing material configured to absorb the light energy emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes 26. The connecting bridge and housing can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0045] The second set of LEDs 12 is mounted on the inner surface of the housing. The second set of LEDs 12 is mounted on the heatsink 22, so that the residual thermal energy generated by the second set of LEDs 12 when the LEDs are on can be transferred to the heatsink 22 via conduction. The second set of LEDs 12 is mounted so that the light energy 34 generated by the second set of LEDs 12 when the LEDs are on can be transferred to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. The second set of LEDs 12 includes a plurality of LEDs that are substantially evenly distributed around the inner surface of the housing.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first set of LEDs 26 and the second set of LEDs 12 can simultaneously generate light energy and thermal energy, and the transfer of individual light energy and thermal energy to the hair can occur simultaneously.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, the connecting bridge 40 extends between the barrel 20 and the housing 28 at the first end of the barrel 20. The connecting bridge 40 is an annular planar structure, with its inner circumference defined by the circumference of the first end of the barrel 20 and its outer circumference defined by the circumference of the first end of the housing 28. The heat sink 22 consists of the barrel 20, the connecting bridge 40 and the housing 28.

[0048] The air inlet 36 allows air 32 to enter the hollow portion of the barrel 20, and the air outlet 16 allows air 32 to exit the hollow portion of the barrel 20. The barrel 20 includes a fan 38 configured to draw air 32 in from the air inlet 36 and expel it from the air outlet 16. The fan 38 is located at the first end of the barrel 20 within the air inlet 36.

[0049] When the first set of LEDs 26 is turned on, the LEDs generate light energy and residual heat energy. The residual heat energy is transferred to the heat sink 22 mainly by conduction. The residual heat energy is transferred through the heat sink 22 to the hair curl surface 24 portion of the heat sink 22 by conduction. The residual heat energy is transferred from the hair curl surface 24 to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24 mainly by conduction. This heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. Furthermore, the light energy radiated by the first set of LEDs 26 passes through the hair chamber 14 and is absorbed by the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. This heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24.

[0050] When the second set of LEDs 12 is turned on, the LEDs generate light energy 34 and residual thermal energy. The residual thermal energy is transferred to the heat sink 22 mainly by conduction. The residual thermal energy is transferred through the heat sink 22 to the hair curl surface 24 portion of the heat sink 22 by conduction. The residual thermal energy is transferred from the hair curl surface 24 to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. This heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. Furthermore, the light energy 34 emitted by the second set of LEDs 12 passes through the hair chamber 14 and is absorbed by the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24. This heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface 24.

[0051] By reusing the light and thermal energy from both the first and second sets of LEDs 12, the efficiency of the device is improved compared to conventional hair curling devices. As mentioned above, using the energy from two sets of LEDs and the two sets of LEDs allows for faster hair heating than conventional hair curling devices. Furthermore, heating with the second set of LEDs 12 using light energy 34 and residual thermal energy provides more efficient and rapid hair heating than heating using only the first set of LEDs 26. A lower intensity is required for the first set of LEDs 26 than for the LEDs in conventional hair curling devices. A lower intensity is required for the second set of LEDs 12 than for the LEDs in conventional hair curling devices.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hair curling device includes an automatic hair collection mechanism for wrapping hair around a hair curling surface 24. Automatic hair collection mechanisms are known in the art. An automatic hair collection mechanism can be provided using any suitable device.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, a method of using the device is shown, which includes the steps of wrapping hair around the curling surface 41, activating a first set of light-emitting diodes to generate residual thermal energy and heating the hair around the curling surface by conduction through the heat sink 42, and activating a second set of light-emitting diodes to generate light energy and heating the hair around the curling surface by absorption of the light energy 43.

[0054] When the device is used by a user, in the first step 41, the user wraps the hair to be curled around the hair curling surface 24. In the second step 42, the user activates the first LED 26 to generate residual thermal energy, which heats the hair around the hair curling surface 24 by conduction through the heat sink 22. In the third step 43, the user activates the second LED 12 to generate light energy 34, which heats the hair around the hair curling surface 24 by absorption of light energy 34. The user operates the set of LEDs using inputs such as switches. When the LEDs are activated, they are in the ON state. In some embodiments, the user can activate the first and second LEDs 12 simultaneously. The order of the steps described is not important to the present invention.

[0055] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and description, such illustrations and description are illustrative and descriptive, and not limiting. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0056] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art practicing the claimed invention from the drawings, description and appended claims. In the claims, the word “has” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurality. One processor or other unit can perform the functions of multiple items described in the claims. Thus, the mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for curling hair, A barrel including a heatsink having a hair curl surface and a first set of light-emitting diodes, A housing that surrounds the barrel and defines a hair chamber between itself and the barrel, the housing having a second set of light-emitting diodes, An apparatus wherein the heat sink transmits residual thermal energy from the first set of light-emitting diodes to heat the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface via conduction, and the second set of light-emitting diodes emits light energy toward the hair curl surface, heating the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface through absorption of the emitted light energy.

2. The housing has the heat sink to which the second set of light-emitting diodes are coupled, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink transmits residual thermal energy from the second set of light-emitting diodes to the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface of the heat sink via conduction.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barrel is an inner barrel, the housing is an outer barrel, and the apparatus further has a connecting bridge between the inner barrel and the outer barrel, and the inner barrel, the outer barrel and the connecting bridge are integrally formed.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrel has a waveguide and the first set of light-emitting diodes are embedded in the waveguide.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the waveguide is configured such that light emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes heats the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface through absorption of light energy from the light emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the waveguide is configured to block the light emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes from reaching the hair wrapped around the hair curl surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the waveguide has a hair curl surface that provides a continuation of the hair curl surface of the barrel.

8. The first set of light-emitting diodes is divided into a plurality of groups, each group comprising a plurality of first light-emitting diodes arranged longitudinally along the length of the barrel, and each group is separated circumferentially from adjacent groups from the plurality of groups. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second set of light-emitting diodes includes a plurality of second light-emitting diodes arranged substantially equally spaced around the inner surface of the housing.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hair curl surface is made of a light-absorbing material that absorbs light energy from the second set of light-emitting diodes.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface of the housing facing the hair curl surface is made of a light-absorbing material that absorbs light energy emitted by the first set of light-emitting diodes.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrel is hollow.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the barrel has an air inlet and an air outlet, and the apparatus further comprises a fan that takes in air through the air inlet and blows out air through the air outlet.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a hair collection mechanism for wrapping the hair around the hair curl surface.

15. A method for curling hair using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The steps include wrapping the hair around the aforementioned hair curl surface, The steps include activating the first set of light-emitting diodes to generate residual thermal energy and heating the hair around the hair curl surface by conduction through the heat sink, A method comprising the steps of activating the second set of light-emitting diodes to generate light energy and heating the hair surrounding the hair curl surface by the absorption of the light energy.

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