Hair styling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising a first arm and an opposing second arm connected to the first arm; such that the hair styling device is configured to hold hair between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the hair styling device further comprises a counter for counting the number of instances in which hair is held between the first arm and the second arm.

Description

HAIR STYLING DEVICEFIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed to a hair styling device, relating in certain embodiments to a hair straightening device for keratin smoothing.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hair styling is common, particularly for women, in order to improve the aesthetics, manageability, professional image, health and texture of hair. Styling treatments such as keratin smoothing alters hair texture, offering a long-term solution for those who prefer straight hair.

[0003] Keratin smoothing is a hair treatment designed to reduce frizz, add shine, and make hair more manageable. The treatment involves applying a keratin-based formula to the hair, which is then sealed in using heat from a flat iron or hair straightener. Keratin is a natural protein found in hair, skin, and nails, and the treatment works by replenishing this protein to help smooth and straighten the hair. The effects of keratin smoothing can last several weeks to a few months, depending on hair type and care. Professional stylists are recommended for application due to the specificities required.

[0004] The process for keratin smoothing is typically as follows:Cleansing, where the hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and open the cuticles;Drying, where the hair is roughly dried leaving hair damp;Application, where a keratin formula is applied to the roughly dried / damp hair. A keratin formula usually contains various ingredients, including keratin proteins, to strengthen and smooth the hair;Processing, where the keratin formula is left on the hair for a specified amount of time to allow it to penetrate and bond with the hair; andSealing: The hair is then dried and straightened by passing the hair through a flat iron or hair straightener at high temperatures to seal the keratin into the hair cuticles.

[0005] In order to seal the keratin into the cuticles with optimal results, it is generally recommended to pass each section of hair through a flat iron or hair straightener an exact amount of times, the amount of times depending on the keratin formula used and the nature of the hair the subject of treatment. Such an approach requires a hair stylist to count each stroke and arrive precisely at the exact number of strokes before moving on to the nextsection, which is a long and arduous process. In hair salon environments, where there is often surrounding noise and likelihood of interruptions, and where the stylist is generally expected to maintain conversation, the number of strokes may be accidentally miscounted, which may lead to providing a suboptimal result.

[0006] In view of the above, it may be desirable to provide a method of reducing the likelihood that a stylist will not miscount the number of strokes before to the next section of hair. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hair styling device in view of the above concerns, or at least provide a viable alternative.

[0007] The above discussion of background art is included to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the background art was known or part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of any one of the claims of the specification.SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising: a first arm; and a second arm arranged such that the hair styling device is configured to treat hair between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the hair styling device further comprises a counter for counting the number of instances in which hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first arm and the second arm are arranged: to come together to contact hair therebetween and to open to release the hair.

[0010] In an embodiment, the hair styling device is configured to treat hair by passing the hair between the first arm and the second arm.

[0011] In an embodiment, the counter is configured to detect one or more of: the coming together of the first arm and the second arm; or the opening of the first arm and the second arm, to count the number of instances in which hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

[0012] In an embodiment, the counter may be manually reset by auser.

[0013] In an embodiment, the hair styling device further comprises an indicator to indicate each time the counter reaches a predetermined number of instances.

[0014] In an embodiment, the hair styling device enables a user to manually set the predetermined number of instances.

[0015] In an embodiment, the indicator comprises one or more of: a speaker configured to emit a sound signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances; a vibrator configured to emit a vibration signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances; or a light configured to emit a light signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances.

[0016] In an embodiment, the indicator comprises a display for visually displaying the number of instances.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display will automatically set to indicate that there have been no instances after reaching the predetermined number of instances.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first arm comprises a first plate and the second arm comprises a second plate whereby the hair styling device is configured to treat hair between the first plate and the second plate, each of the first plate and the second plate configured to be heated.

[0019] In an embodiment, the hair styling device further comprises a temperature control mechanism to adjust the temperature of at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

[0020] In an embodiment, the hair styling device comprises a display and the temperature is displayed on the display.

[0021] In an embodiment, the hair styling device further comprises a safety feature that automatically deactivates heating of the first plate and the second plate if the temperature exceeds a safety threshold.

[0022] In an embodiment, the hair styling device constitutes a hair iron.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided method of using a hair styling device according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: placing a selection of hair between the first arm and the second arm such that the hair styling device treats the selection of hair; andwherein the hair styling device counts the number of instances in which the selection of hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

[0024] In an embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, a user holds and releases the same selection of hair between the first arm and the second arm until the counter reaches a predetermined number of instances.

[0025] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise: reference to like numbers denotes reference to like features; the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps; the use of '(s)' following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of that noun 'or' means, where the context allows, both ‘and’ and ‘or’; reference to “a” or “one” thing, includes a reference to “one or more” of that thing; terms such as "side," "end," "top," "bottom," and the like are only used to describe elements as they relate to one another but are in no way meant to recite specific orientations of the device, to indicate or imply necessary or required orientations of the device, or to specify how the invention described herein will be used, mounted, displayed, or positioned in use; reference to one feature being “connected” to another feature means it can be both “directly connected” or “indirectly connected” to that feature; and the reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The present invention is described by way of non-limiting examples within the following description and figures. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the present invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein, which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates; such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0027] FIGURE 1 shows a hair styling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIGURE 2 shows a hair styling device according to another embodiment of the invention.List of Parts1 Hair styling device2 First arm3 Second arm4 Hinge5 Display6 First plate7 Second plateDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In broad terms, the present invention provides a hair styling device. Within the broader inventive concept, various embodiments of the hair styling device are described further detail below with reference to FIGURES 1 and 2.

[0030] FIGURE 1 shows a hair styling device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the case of FIGURE 1 , the exemplified hair styling device constitutes a hair iron. The hair styling device 1 comprises a first arm 2 connected to a second arm 3. In the embodiment exemplified hair styling device 1 , the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 each respectively comprise a first plate 6 and a second plate 7 which may be configured to be heated to enable the heat treatment of hair. As shown, the first arm 2 may be pivotally connected to the second arm 3 via a hinge 4, such that the hair styling device 1 is reminiscent of tongs. Such an arrangement enables treatment of hair whereby: a selection of hair to be treated is placed between the first arm 2 and the second arm 3; the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 come together to place the selection of hair in contact with the first plate 6 and the second plate 7; the hair styling device 1 is passed along the selection hair such that hair passes between the first plate 6 and the second plate 7 in order to treat the selection of hair; upon reaching the end of the selection of air, the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 is opened to enable a further treatment of the same or a different selection of hair.This process may be applied multiple times on the same selection of hair before moving to another selection of hair.

[0031] As part of the invention, the hair styling device 1 comprises a counter for counting the number of instances in which hair is treated between the first arm 2 and the second arm 3. This is particularly useful in styling services such as keratin smoothing, which require each selection of hair to be styled between 5 and 10 times depending on the product used and the composition of hair being applied to. Depending upon the nature of the keratin formula and the hair to be treated, each selection of hair may for example require heat treatment precisely 7 times. Using hair styling devices of the prior art, a hair stylist would need to mentally count each instance the hair styling device 1 is applied to each selection of hair, in order to provide optimal results.

[0032] The counter may be electronically or mechanically set to a predetermined number of instances of treatment, and may count the number of instances by any means, such as but not limited to: a sensor to detect the coming together of the first arm 2 and the second arm 3; a sensor to detect the opening of the first arm 2 and the second arm 3; a sensor to detect the temperature change from ambient temperature to a heated temperature when the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 are in close proximity to one another; or a button, switch, or any other mechanical means wherein the user manually interacts with the hair styling device 1 to enable the counting.

[0033] According to certain embodiments, the hair styling device 1 may further comprise an indicator to indicate to the user each time the counter reaches a predetermined number of instances of hair treatment. This is particularly useful during keratin smoothing, as it ensures that environmental disruptions do not result in an incorrect count, thereby providing suboptimal results. It also allows the user to converse with clients or colleagues which may improve the overall styling experience.

[0034] The counter may automatically reset once the predetermined number of instances is reached, or it may continue to count and provide a further indication each time it reaches the predetermined number of instances. That is, the counter may for example reset to zero upon reaching 7 instances of treatment. Alternatively, the counter may not necessarily reset but may for example count in instances of 7, 14, 21 , 28 et cetera. According to certain embodiments, the counter may be manually reset by the user at any time. This may be particularly useful if, for example, if the counter has incorrectly counted one or more instances before the hair styling has commenced due to, according to certain embodiments of the invention, inadvertent coming together of the first arm 1 and the second arm 2.

[0035] According to certain embodiments, the indicator may comprise one or moreof: a speaker configured to emit a sound signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances. The sound signal may be of any nature which is audible to the user, such as beeping or instrumental; a vibrator configured to emit a vibration signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances. The vibration signal may mechanically or electrically vibrate parts or all of the hair styling device 1 , using a symmetrical or asymmetrical signal; a light configured to emit a light signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances. The hair styling device 1 may already include one or more lights of LCD nature or otherwise, however the indicator will provide a distinct light signal such as flashing of one or more lights, or changing the light colour, brightness, or intensity.

[0036] The indicator may be integral to a single device to form a singular hair styling device 1 of generally unitary construction. In other embodiments either or both of the counter and the indicator may for example be connected by Bluetooth to the remainder of the hair styling device comprising a first arm 2 and the second arm 3. For example, the indicator may be provided by a smartphone used, or a smart watch worn, by a hair stylist which connected via Bluetooth to the device providing the first arm 2 and the second arm 3. In this way for example, a smartwatch may vibrate each time a predetermined number of treatments has occurred as determined by the counter. Alternatively, a smartphone or a smartwatch may display the number in a display (e.g. screen provided by the smartphone or smartwatch). A user may for example download an App which then enables the user to track use of the hair styling device, including: the counting of instances of treatment, details of temperature settings, photos of end results and the like.

[0037] In an embodiment, the indicator my comprise a display 5 for visually displaying the number of instances. The display 5 may automatically reset once the predetermined number of instances is reached such that it displays that there have been no instances, or it may continue to display the number of instances above the predetermined number of instances and provide a further indication when it reaches the next iteration of the predetermined number of instances.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the first arm 2 comprises a first plate 6, and the second arm 3 comprises a second plate 7 and is configured such that the hair is held and released between the first plate 6 and the second plate 7, wherein the first plate 6 and the second plate 7 may be configured to be heated. The hair styling device 1 may constitute or resemble a hair straightener or hair iron. Means of detecting when the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 open and close (for example, an electrical contact which contacts when the arms close) can be thenused by a counter to count the number of instances in which treatment of a selection of hair has occurred.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, as per embodiment shown in FIGURE 2, a hair styling device 1 may for example resemble a curling iron. According to this embodiment, each of the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 may for example be configured to be heated.

[0040] According to certain embodiments, the hair styling device 1 may further comprises a temperature control mechanism to adjust the temperature of at least one of the first arm 2, second arm 3, first plate 6 and the second plate 7. The temperature may be displayed on the display 5, and it may be manually adjusted by the user, or automatically adjusted based on environmental and / or preset conditions. The temperature control mechanism may further comprise a safety feature that automatically deactivates heating of the first arm 2, second arm 3, first plate 6 and the second plate 7 if the temperature exceeds a safety threshold. The safety threshold may be preset to a maximum temperature determined by regulatory standards, or by user preference, and the hair style device 1 may indicate to the user if the safety threshold has been met.

[0041] According to embodiments of the invention, the invention advantageously enables the user of a hair styling device to reliably and without additional mental effort keep track of how many treatments a selection of hair has received while concentrating on other aspects of hair styling.

[0042] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments and / or examples as described herein are therefore to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising: a first arm; and a second arm arranged such that the hair styling device is configured to treat hair between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the hair styling device further comprises a counter for counting the number of instances in which hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

2. A hair styling device according to claim 1 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are arranged: to come together to threat hair therebetween and to open to release the hair from treatment.

3. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the counter is configured to detect one or more of: the coming together of the first arm and the second arm; or the opening of the first arm and the second arm, to count the number of instances in which hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

4. A hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the hair styling device is configured to treat hair by passing the hair between the first arm and the second arm.

5. A hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the hair styling device further comprises an indicator to indicate each time the counter reaches a predetermined number of instances.

6. A hair styling device according to claim 5, wherein the hair styling device enables a user to manually set the predetermined number of instances.

7. A hair styling device according to either of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the indicator comprises one or more of: a speaker configured to emit a sound signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances; a vibrator configured to emit a vibration signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances; or a light configured to emit a light signal upon the counter reaching the predetermined number of instances.

8. A hair styling device according to any one of claim 5 to claim 7, wherein, the indicator comprises a display for visually displaying the number of instances.

9. A hair styling device according to claim 8, wherein the display will automatically set to indicate that there have been no instances after reaching the predetermined number of instances.

10. A hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first arm comprises a first plate and the second arm comprises a second plate whereby the hair styling device is configured to treat hair between the first plate and the second plate, each of the first plate and the second plate configured to be heated.

11. A hair styling device according to claim 10, wherein the hair styling device further comprises a temperature control mechanism to adjust the temperature of at least one of the first plate and the second plate.

12. A hair styling device according to either of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the hair styling device comprises a display and the temperature is displayed on the display.

13. A hair styling device according to any one of claim 10 to claim 12, wherein the hair styling device further comprises a safety feature that automatically deactivates heating of the first plate and the second plate if the temperature exceeds a safety threshold.

14. A hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the hair styling device constitutes a hair iron.

15. A method of using a hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, the method comprising:Placing a selection of hair between the first arm and the second arm such that the hair styling device treats the selection of hair; and wherein the hair styling device counts the number of instances in which a selection of hair is treated between the first arm and the second arm.

16. A method of using a hair styling device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a user holds and releases the same selection of hair between the first arm and the second arm until the counter reaches a predetermined number of instances.

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