Hair appliances with plasma chamber for heat generation and static electricity control

Abstract

A handheld electric powered appliance comprises a first handle portion, a first sealed enclosure having one or more inert gases disposed therein. The enclosure has a shaped surface for applying heat and / or ions. The appliance has an electrode disposed at least partially inside of the enclosure and adapted to generate at least one visible plasma filament inside of the enclosure. The appliance can have a fan for generating airflow. The surface of the enclosure can be arranged to apply heat.

Description

HAIR APPLIANCES WITH PLASMA CHAMBER FOR HEAT GENERATION AND STATIC ELECTRICITY CONTROLCross-reference

[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application no. 63 / 605,004, filed December 1 , 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates, generally, to hair appliances and, more particularly, to hair appliances that can be used to style or treat hair using one or more of heat and ion generation to facilitate manipulation and setting of hair, and to control undesired static electricity conditions on hair. The present disclosure also relates generally to products that generate and apply heat and / or ions.Background

[0003] Known electrically powered hair styling appliances include one or both of heat producing components and ionic discharge components. Imparting heat on hair either through direct contact with heated surfaces or through preheated moving air has long been known as a means to style hair and to dry wet hair. The use of ionic generators in hair appliances is known as a means to control static electricity conditions on hair to reduce fly away or frizzy hair that is sometimes caused by excess electrical charges in hair. Ions are atoms or molecules with net electrical charges and, thus, it is known to use ion generating means in a handheld hair appliance to generate ions and direct ions toward hair in order to control undesired static electricity conditions on hair. Examples of such devices are shown and described in the following patent publications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: U.S. Patent nos. 4,258,408, 5,805,406, and 6,907,888; and GB Patent no. 2,067,071. In each of these devices, the ion emitter component, e.g. voltage discharging pin, is located in a position to emit ions in open air so as to be generally directed to a user’s hair, whereby the concentration of ions diminishes as distance increases. In each of these devices, the ionic discharge does not generate heat to a degree that is effective for applying heat to the hair at a level that is typically needed and used for hair styling.

[0004] Various systems for creating and controlling various characteristics of plasma filaments are well known.

[0005] For example, United States Patent no. 3,160,566, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a system and method for controlling and stabilizing plasma which more efficiently utilizes energy input. This patent describes a method and apparatus for producing a stable, medium density, high temperature plasma in an evacuated enclosure permeated by a suitable magnetic field in which the plasma is shielded from neutral gas particles by a plasma blanket.

[0006] United States Patent no. 4,654,561, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes plasma containment devices that address prior problems of containing and sustaining a stable plasma condition for a period of time.

[0007] Small, evacuated glass globes filled with one or more noble gases and provided with high voltage electrodes for creating plasma filaments have been made and sold as novelty items for many years. They are sometimes referred to as “plasma globes”. Various popular tricks and experiments with plasma globes demonstrate that plasma is very hot and heat will slowly be conducted through the glass of the globe if, for example, a human finger touches it or a metal or metallic foil object touches it.

[0008] The plasma filaments in plasma globes are relatively unstable and, due to buoyancy in the gases inside the globe, will rarely extend horizontally and remain unbroken for more than a second. If, however, the filament is extending vertically, for example if a finger is positioned on the top pole position of the globe, the vertical filament will remain unbroken and, thus, heat from the filament held at such a position will conduct through the glass surface of the globe.

[0009] Known hair appliances having ionic generators that emit electrons, either negatively charged or positively charged, typically utilize a metal pin as the ion emission point that emits ions when high voltage is applied to the pin. The concentration of the voltage is necessary to generate electron flow that is more concentrated than the presence of ions in the surrounding environment. The distribution of the ionic flow from the generator pin is not even, as the concentration of ions diminishes as the distance from the emission point increases. Also, surrounding external magnetic and electrical fields affect trajectory and distributions of ions. Thus, concentration of ion emission is greatest at the point closest to the emission pin. Hair appliances using ion generators apply heat to hair through one of, or both of, direct contact with a heated surface, such as with a hair iron, or application of heated air flow as applied in a hair dryer with an air fan. In existing ionic hair brushes, dryers and hair styling irons, an ion emitter pin is typically located on the appliance handle or in the barrel of a hair dryer. The haircontact surfaces or air flow paths closest to the pin have stronger and more concentrated ionic emissions fields.

[0010] Heated hair appliances typically require one or more electrically powered heat generation coils, wires or ceramic heat elements and associated components to comprise heat generation systems. These are positioned alongside of and separate from ion generation systems. While the heat generation systems and ion generation systems receive power from a common circuit upstream, they each require components, controlling circuitry and space that are separate from each other. Having both types or systems coexist in a single appliance adds to the cost, complexity and use of space and materials in a single appliance.

[0011] It is desirable, therefore, to provide hair appliances that provide heat generation and removal of undesired electrical static charge for styling and controlling hair in a manner that is more efficient and that uses more powerful and controllable means than are known in existing hair appliances.Summary

[0012] In an aspect, a handheld, electric powered appliance comprises a first handle portion, a first sealed enclosure having one or more inert gases disposed therein, the enclosure having a shaped surface for applying heat and / or ions. The appliance has an electrode disposed at least partially inside of the enclosure and adapted to generate at least one visible plasma filament inside of the enclosure.

[0013] The appliance can have an enclosure that is evacuated so as to have a pressure that is less than the ambient pressure surrounding said appliance. The enclosure can contain neon and / or argon gas.

[0014] The enclosure can contain one or more of helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon.

[0015] The appliance can include at least one hair contacting surface adapted to contact a user’s hair to be styled.

[0016] The appliance can include a fan for generating air flow. The hair contacting surface can be heated by the at least one visible plasma filament.

[0017] An exterior surface of the sealed enclosure can form a heated hair contact surface.

[0018] The appliance can include a barrel having a distal end, wherein the fan can direct air past the sealed enclosure to carry heat generated by the plasma filament in the sealed enclosure so that heated air exits the distal end of the barrel.

[0019] In an aspect, a hair styling appliance comprises a handle, an elongated barrel having a surface that is at least partially transparent, and a plasma generator.

[0020] The handle can have at least one of a control button, a screen, and a timer.

[0021] The handle can have a screen indicating a status of the appliance. The appliance can further comprise a power cord. The barrel can form an enclosure. A gas can be disposed in the enclosure.

[0022] The appliance can further comprise a clamp having a shape that corresponds to the barrel. The clamp can be heated.

[0023] The plasma generator can generate a plasma filament. The plasma filament can be visible from the outside of the enclosure. The plasma generator can generate at least one of heat and ions.Brief Description of the drawings

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the present disclosure, illustrate preferred embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the present disclosure. Embodiments of the invention are in no way limited by the following figures:

[0025] Fig. 1 A is a detail of FIG. 1B according to embodiments;

[0026] Fig. 1 B is a schematic side elevation view of an appliance according to embodiments;

[0027] Fig. 2 A is plan view of an appliance according to a further embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 2 B is a schematic side elevation view of the appliance in FIG. 2A;

[0029] Fig. 3 A is a detail of FIG. 3B according to another embodiment; and

[0030] Fig. 3 B is a schematic side elevation view of an appliance according to embodiments.Detailed Description

[0031] The present disclosure is directed to various handheld, electrically powered hair styling appliances utilizing an enclosed plasma chamber, which may comprise an evacuated, sealed, container with a mixture of one or more noble gases and a high voltage electrode for creating plasma filaments in a controlled manner to generate desired heat and / or ionic generation for styling hair and / or controlling undesired static electricity conditions on hair. The container may be glass or a rigid polymer. Other appliances for generating and applying heat and / or ions are contemplated.

[0032] The present disclosure is directed to handheld, electric hair styling appliances that use one or more glass or glass-like enclosures that support generation and controlled applicationof plasma filaments to control undesired electrical static conditions in hair and to apply heat to hair in an electrically powered, handheld hair appliance for stying or for drying hair.

[0033] Various embodiments directed to handheld, electric hair styling appliances that apply heat to hair by direct contact, by flow of heated air, or both, each include one or more glass or glasslike enclosures having evacuated interior chambers containing one or more inert gases and a high voltage electrode for generating plasma filaments within one or more of the chambers.

[0034] In some embodiments, a metal or metallic layer is attached or deposited on or at a position of the glass enclosure and located away from the electrode so as to attract plasma filaments across the interior space of the enclosure to a concentrated point or area in order to generate localized heat for controlled conduction through the glass to selectively heat the glass surface to apply to a user’s hair.

[0035] In other embodiments, a glass enclosed plasma filament generating system is used as a means of heat generation in a location in close proximity, but not contacting, a user’s hair. Such embodiments may include use of an electrically powered fan to create an air flow stream which passes over or against the heat generating plasma system in order to direct heated air to a user’s hair.

[0036] One or more plasma generating enclosures may be incorporated into such hair appliances as hair styling irons, heated or cool air hair dryers, hot air brushes, styling wands, and the like. Other products utilizing heat and / or ions are contemplated.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1A- 1 B, a hair styling wand appliance (101) has a handle (102), a power cord (103) adapted to plug into an external, electrical power source (not shown), an elongated barrel (104), and a cool tip (105).

[0038] The handle (102) may have one or more control buttons, touch screens, dials or other conventional manual control input devices for controlling the appliance (101). Alternatively, the appliance (101) may be controlled by voice command using existing, known systems. In the present embodiment, there is a power on / off button (106) and a pair of temperature control buttons (107,108) with arrows indicating increase or decrease in operating temperature. The appliance (101) may also include a timer setting control button (not shown) or a touchscreen control (not shown) for setting a timed period of operation which determines an automatic shutoff event, which can either shut down power completely or shut down heat and plasma generation while the appliance (101) remains powered in a standby state.

[0039] The handle (102) is adapted to be held in the hand of a user for styling one’s own hair or the hair of another person. The power cord (103) extends from a proximal end of the handle(102). The power cord is arranged to be plugged into a typical household electrical socket. In other embodiments, the appliance (101) is powered by an internal or external battery. The elongated barrel (104) is designed to be heated and to apply heat to hair through direct contact. The barrel (104) extends from a distal end of the handle (102) and has a hollow interior (109). The barrel, in embodiments, is in the shape of a round cylinder, conically shaped, or has a shape desired for styling hair.

[0040] The barrel (102), preferably, is made of transparent glass or glass-like material with a generally smooth exterior surface to enable a user to see the generation of and operation of plasma filaments (113) internally in the barrel (104). The interior (109) of the glass is evacuated and one or more inert gases are delivered and contained therein. For example, neon and argon may be used. Helium, xenon and krypton may also be used. Desired pressures may range from 2 to 10 Torr.

[0041] The cool tip (105) is thermally insulated and is positioned at the distal end of the barrel (104) so that the exterior of the cool tip (105) may be grasped by a user during use.

[0042] Referring to the FIG. 1 B, a schematic diagram illustrates a primary electrode (110) positioned inside of the hollow interior (109) of the barrel (102) and connected to the distal end of the handle (102) so that a voltage generating electrical circuit (111) contained in the handle (102) charges the electrode (110). Power applied to the electrode (110) may be in the range of a few thousand volts at a low amperage and, depending on the application and glass properties, it may be as high as 30,000 volts and operate safely since the glass acts as a dielectric. An oppositely charged secondary electrode (112) may be positioned inside the distal end of the barrel (102), so that, for example, the primary electrode (110) is positively charged (anode) and the secondary electrode (112) is negatively charged (cathode). The secondary electrode (112) is optional, and not necessary for operation of the appliance (101).

[0043] It is not necessary to provide a secondary electrode for embodiments of the present invention where the glass barrel (102) or similar plasma containing component comes in direct contact with the user, as contact with the user’s hair or skin will draw the plasma filaments (113) to the specific location of the glass surface where contact is made. For embodiments in which direct contact is not made, for example in a hair dryer delivering heated air where the plasma generator is for generating heated air, a secondary electrode is used.

[0044] The delivery of the plasma filaments (113) to the secondary electrode (112), or to points of contact by the user’s hair or skin, will provide the flow of free floating electrons which will combine with charged particles of a user’s hair so as to control undesired static electricalcharges in the hair. Additionally, the plasma filaments (113) will generate heat at a concentrated point (114) where a secondary electrode (112) is located.

[0045] Strategic positioning of a secondary electrode (112) can be used to intentionally heat exterior surfaces of the appliance (101) to deliver heat for styling hair. One or more secondary electrodes are used, in embodiments.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 2A- 2B, another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a hair styling flat iron appliance (201) having a first handle (202a), a second handle (202b), a power cord (203) adapted to plug into an external, electrical power source (not shown), a first heated plate (204a), and a second heated plate (204b). In embodiments, one or more heated plates may be used. In embodiments, one heated plate and an unheated clamp is used.

[0047] The first handle (202a) and the second handle (202b) are joined by a hinge connection (205) at their proximal ends for opening and closing as is known in existing flat iron hair straightening irons. One or both handles, in this case the first handle (202a), may have one or more control buttons, touch screens, dials or other conventional manual control input devices for controlling the appliance (201). Alternatively, the appliance (201) may be controlled by voice command using existing, known systems. In the present embodiment, there is a power on / off button (206) and a pair of temperature control buttons (207, 208) with arrows indicating increase or decrease in operating temperature. The appliance (201) may also include a timer setting control button (not shown) or a touchscreen control (not shown) for setting a timed period of operation which determines an automatic shutoff event, which can either shut down power completely or shut down heat and plasma generation while the appliance (201) remains powered in a standby state.

[0048] The handles (202a, 202b)) are adapted to be held in the hand of a user, and selectively opened and closed toward each other, for styling one’s own hair or the hair of another person. The power cord (203) extends from a proximal end of the handle (202). The power cord is arranged for plugging into a typical household electrical socket. In embodiments, the appliance has an internal or external battery as a power source.

[0049] One or both of the heated plates (204a, 204b) maybe be constructed and may function as described with reference to first heated plate (204a) in the present embodiment. It is understood that the second heated plate (204b) may be constructed and may function in an identical manner or, optionally, the second heated plate (204b ) may utilize the design and construction of conventional, existing flat iron plates known to those skilled in the art, or it may be unheated.

[0050] Thus, referring specifically to the first heated plate (204a), the first heated plate (204a) comprises a generally elongated enclosed, glass or glass-like container with at least one flat surface (215) running most of or all of the length thereof to form a hair contacting surface (216) adapted to be heated. In embodiments, the surface (215) is curved or wavy. The first heated plate (204a) encloses a hollow interior (209) and, preferably, is made of transparent glass or glass-like material with a generally smooth exterior surface to enable a user to see the

[0051] generation of and operation of plasma filaments (213) internally in the interior (209). The interior (209) of the glass is evacuated and one or more inert gases are delivered and contained therein. For example, neon and argon may be used. Helium, xenon and krypton may also be used. Desired pressures may range from 2 to 10 Torr.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2 A, a schematic diagram illustrates a primary electrode (210) positioned inside of the hollow interior (209) of the first heated plate (204a) and extending from a point between the proximal end of the first handle (202a) and the distal end of the first handle (202a) so that a voltage generating electrical circuit (211) contained in a proximal portion of the handle (202a) charges the electrode (210). Power applied to the electrode (210) may be in the range of a few thousand volts at a low amperage and, depending on the application and glass properties, it may be as high as 30,000 volts and operate safely since the glass acts as a dielectric. An oppositely charged secondary electrode (212) may be positioned inside the distal end of the second heating plate (202a), so that, for example, the primary electrode (210) is positively charged (anode) and the secondary electrode (212) is negatively charged (cathode). The secondary electrode (212) is optional, and not necessary for operation of the appliance (201).

[0053] The delivery of the plasma filaments (213) to the secondary electrode (212), or to points of contact by the user’s hair or skin, will provide the flow of free floating electrons which will combine with charged particles of a user’s hair so as to control undesired static electrical charges in the hair. Additionally, the plasma filaments (213) will generate heat at a concentrated point (214) where a secondary electrode (212) is located. In embodiments, one or more secondary electrodes are used.

[0054] Strategic positioning of a secondary electrode (212) can be used to intentionally heat exterior surfaces of the appliance (201) to deliver heat for styling hair.

[0055] It is conceivable that more than one voltage generating electrode, such as the primary electrode (210), may be provided at various locations along the length of one of or both of theheated plates (204a, 204b). Also, one or more additional secondary electrodes, such as secondary electrode (212), may be provided at various locations along the length of one or both of the heated plates (204a, 204b).

[0056] Another contemplated embodiment is directed to the second plate (204b) being nonenergized but having one or more metallic surfaces or electrodes (214) so as to draw plasma filaments to the surface of the first heated plate (204a) when the first and send handles (202a, 202b) are closed together around a tuft of hair to be styled. In addition to delivering static eliminating ions, heat is generated locally due to the plasma filament activity so that the heat may be used to style the user’s hair. In embodiments, one or both of the plates 204a and 204b are heated by a plasma chamber like that shown in FIG. 2A.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 3 A- 3B, a handheld hair dryer appliance (301) according to the present disclosure is described.

[0058] The hair dryer appliance (301) has a handle portion (302), a power cord (303) adapted to plug into an external, electrical power source (not shown), and a barrel (304a) having an air delivery nozzle (304b) at its distal end. In embodiments, the power cord is arranged to plug into a typical household electrical socket. In embodiments, the appliance has an external or internal battery as a power source.

[0059] In embodiments, the distal end of the barrel has one or more openings for discharging air in a lateral direction. In embodiments, the barrel carries hair brush bristles, tines, or other structures for controlling or interacting with hair.

[0060] The handle portion (302) houses various electrical components and it is adapted to be grasped by a user’s hand to hold the appliance (301) during use. The handle portion (302) may have one or more control buttons, touch screens, dials or other conventional manual control input devices for controlling the appliance (301). Alternatively, the appliance (301) may be controlled by voice command using existing, known systems. In the present embodiment, there is a power on / off button (306) and a pair of temperature control buttons (307, 308) with arrows indicating increase or decrease in operating temperature. The appliance (301) may also include a timer setting control button (not shown) or a touchscreen control (not shown) for setting a timed period of operation which determines an automatic shutoff event, which can either shut down power completely or shut down heat and plasma generation while the appliance (301) remains powered in a standby state. The power cord (303) extends from a proximal end of the handle portion (302).

[0061] A plasma generator (305) comprises a container that has a hollow interior (309) and, preferably, is made of transparent glass or glass-like material with a generally smooth exteriorsurface to enable a user to see the generation of and operation of plasma filaments (313) internally in the plasma generator (305). The generator (305) may be any one of various shapes such as a globe, and the interior (309) of the glass is evacuated and one or more inert gases are delivered and contained therein. For example, neon and argon may be used. Helium, xenon and krypton may also be used. Desired pressures may range from 2 to 10 Torr.

[0062] The plasma generator (305) is preferably positioned inside of the barrel (304a) just downstream of a fan (316) that is mounted around the junction of the handle portion (302) and the barrel (304a). The barrel (304a) may have a transparent or translucent window or windows (317) to permit users to view the plasma generator (305).

[0063] Referring to Figure 3 B, a schematic diagram illustrates a primary electrode (310) positioned inside of the hollow interior (309) of the plasma generator (305) and extending from a point in the handle portion (302) so that a voltage generating electrical circuit (311) contained in the handle portion (302) charges the electrode (310). Power applied to the electrode (310) may be in the range of a few thousand volts at a low amperage and, depending on the application and glass properties, it may be as high as 30,000 volts and operate safely since the glass acts as a dielectric. An oppositely charged secondary electrode (312) may be positioned inside the distal-facing side of the plasma generator (305) and located away from the primary electrode (310), so that, for example, the primary electrode (310) is positively charged (anode) and the secondary electrode (312) is negatively charged (cathode). The secondary electrode (312) is optional, and not necessary for operation of the appliance (301). In embodiments, one or more secondary electrodes are provided.

[0064] The delivery of the plasma filaments (313) to the secondary electrode (312) will provide the flow of free floating electrons which will combine with charged particles of a user’s hair so as to control undesired static electrical charges in the hair. Additionally, the plasma filaments (313) will generate heat at a concentrated point (314) where a secondary electrode (312) is located. Heat generated will be moved by the airflow created by the fan (316).

[0065] In further embodiments, a hair dryer has brush bristles incorporated at the end, adjacent air flow openings in the side of the barrel. In other embodiments, an iron has a heated barrel incorporating a plasma chamber and an unheated clamp. In embodiments, the appliance has a protective sheath.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A handheld, electric powered appliance comprising: a first handle portion; a first, sealed enclosure having one or more inert gases disposed therein, the enclosure having a shaped surface for applying heat and / or ions; an electrode disposed at least partially inside of the enclosure and adapted to generate at least one visible plasma filament inside of the enclosure.

2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure is evacuated so as to have a pressure that is less than the ambient pressure surrounding said appliance.

3. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure contains neon and argon gas.

4. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure contains one or more of helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon.

5. An appliance according to claim 1, further comprising at least one hair contacting surface adapted to contact a user’s hair to be styled.

6. An appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a fan for generating air flow.

7. An appliance according to claim 5, wherein the hair contacting surface is heated by the at least one visible plasma filament.

8. An appliance according to claim 7, wherein an exterior surface of the sealed enclosure forms a heated hair contact surface.

9. An appliance according to claim 6, further comprising a barrel having a distal end; wherein the fan directs air past the sealed enclosure to carry heat generated by the plasma filament in the sealed enclosure so that heated air exits the distal end of the barrel.

10. A hair styling appliance, comprising a handle, an elongated barrel having a surface that is at least partially transparent, and a plasma generator.

11. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein the handle has at least one of a control button, a screen, and a timer.

12. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein the handle has a screen indicating a status of the appliance.

13. The appliance according to claim 10, further comprising a power cord.

14. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein the barrel forms an enclosure.

15. The appliance according to claim 14, wherein a gas is disposed in the enclosure.

16. The appliance according to claim 10, further comprising a clamp having a shape that corresponds to the barrel.

17. The appliance according to claim 16, wherein the clamp is heated.

18. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein the plasma generator generates a plasma filament.

19. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the plasma filament is visible from the outside of the enclosure.

20. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein the plasma generator generates at least one of heat and ions.

Images