U.S. patent application number 10/639413 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for hair waving apparatus.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Brian, Doucette, Ken, Hardenbrook, Wendy A., Ishida, Wesley J., Walsh, John.
Application Number | 20040031501 10/639413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31713870 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walsh, John ; et
al. |
February 19, 2004 |
Hair waving apparatus
Abstract
A hair waving apparatus having at least two elements with
undulations on each element for producing a wave in a lock of human
hair is disclosed. The elements are pivotally connected and are
biased toward each other and the elements are maintained in
engagement with each other by a biasing means in the form of a
spring to hold the lock of hair therebetween to impart a wave
thereon. The undulations are dimensioned to allow each of the
elements to nest within each other. A plurality of vents are
disposed thereon the undulations to allow moisture to escape from
the hair during hair styling and to hasten the hair drying process
and subsequent wave formation in the hair. Additional features of
the instant invention include retaining means in the form of a stop
are disposed on each of the elements for maintaining each of the
elements in engagement with each other and the stop cooperatively
interacting with the spring to hold the lock of hair therebetween
to impart a wave thereon and a tab is disposed thereon each of the
elements for disengaging the elements from each other when the
elements are biased away from each other and the hair waving
apparatus is in an open position. Guide means, such as a pin,
disposed on each of the elements in alignment with a hole therein
the elements and the pin cooperatively interacting with the hole
and with the spring for positioning the undulations of the elements
in close proximity to each other.
Inventors: |
Walsh, John; (Norfolk,
MA) ; Doucette, Ken; (Norton, MA) ; Anderson,
Brian; (Norwood, MA) ; Ishida, Wesley J.;
(Peabody, MA) ; Hardenbrook, Wendy A.; (Salem,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN, GUMP, STRAUSS, HAUER & FELD
711 LOUISIANA STREET
SUITE 1900 SOUTH
HOUSTON
TX
77002
US
|
Family ID: |
31713870 |
Appl. No.: |
10/639413 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10639413 |
Aug 12, 2003 |
|
|
|
10079724 |
Feb 21, 2002 |
|
|
|
6604533 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/225 |
International
Class: |
A45D 002/40 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A hair waving apparatus comprising: at least two elements; said
elements each having undulations for producing a wave in a lock of
human hair means for pivotally connecting said elements together;
and biasing means disposed between said elements to maintain said
elements biased toward each other and said elements maintained in
engagement with each other by said biasing means to hold the lock
of hair therebetween to impart a wave thereon.
2. The hair waving apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elements each
have a shoulder extending from said undulation and a handle
extending therefrom said shoulder at the pivotal connection to open
said undulations for insertion of the lock of hair
therebetween.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said undulations of each said
elements dimensioned to allow each said elements to nest.
4. The hair waving apparatus of claim 3 wherein said pivotally
connecting means comprises a rod.
5. The hair waving apparatus of claim 4 wherein said biasing means
is a spring.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising guide means disposed
on each said elements cooperatively interacting with said biasing
means for positioning said undulations of said elements in close
proximity to each other.
7. The hair waving apparatus of claim 6 wherein said guide means
comprises a pin which is aligned with each said elements having a
hole therein.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising retaining means
disposed on each said elements for maintaining each said elements
in engagement with each other and said retaining means
cooperatively interacting with said biasing means.
9. The hair waving apparatus of claim 8 wherein said retaining
means is a stop.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said undulations are
fabricated from a shape chosen from the group consisting of a "J"
shape, a "U" shape, a "C" shape, an "S" shape and a "V" shape.
11. A hair waving apparatus comprising: at least two elements, said
elements each having undulations for producing a wave in a lock of
human hair; said undulations of each said elements dimensioned to
allow each said elements to nest; means for pivotally connecting
said elements together; biasing means disposed between said
elements to maintain said elements biased toward each other; said
elements each having a shoulder extending from said undulations and
a handle extending therefrom said shoulder at the pivotal
connection to open said undulations for insertion of the lock of
hair therebetween, retaining means disposed on each said elements
for maintaining each said elements in engagement with each other
and said retaining means cooperatively interacting with said
biasing means to hold the lock of hair therebetween to impart a
wave thereon; and a tab disposed thereon each said elements for
disengaging said elements from each other when said elements are
biased away from each other and said hair waving apparatus is in an
open position.
12. The hair waving apparatus of claim 11 wherein said retaining
means is a stop.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said undulations are
fabricated from a shape chosen from the group consisting of a "J"
shape, a "U" shape, a "C" shape, an "S" shape and a "V" shape.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein said undulations have a
plurality of vents disposed thereon to allow moisture to escape
from the hair during hair styling and to hasten the hair drying
process and subsequent wave formation in the hair.
15. A hair waving apparatus comprising: at least two elements; said
elements each having undulations for producing a wave in a lock of
human hair; each said elements being identical and disposed in a
facing relationship with respect to each other and said undulations
dimensioned to allow each said elements to nest; said undulations
having a plurality of vents disposed thereon to allow moisture to
escape from the hair during hair styling and to hasten the hair
drying process and subsequent wave formation in the hair; a rod
pivotally connecting said elements together; a spring disposed
between said elements to maintain said elements biased toward each
other; a shoulder extending from said undulations; a handle
extending Therefrom said shoulder at the pivotal connection to open
said undulations for insertion of the lock of hair therebetween; a
pin disposed on each said elements in alignment with each said
elements having a hole therein and said pin cooperatively
interacting with the hole and with said spring for positioning said
undulations of said elements in close proximity to each other; a
stop disposed on each said elements for maintaining each said
elements in engagement with each other and said stop cooperatively
interacting with said spring to bold the lock of hair therebetween
to impart a wave thereon; and a tab disposed thereon each said
elements for disengaging said elements from each other thereby
bypassing said stop when said elements are biased away from each
other and said hair waving apparatus is in an open position.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said undulations are a "J"
shape.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said undulations are a "U"
shape.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said undulations are a "C"
shape.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said undulations are an "S"
shape.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said undulations arc a "V"
shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to hair waving. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a hair waving
apparatus for imparting a wave to hair for cosmetic purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various hair styling devices are in use. The typical hair
curler is a plastic cylinder around which the hair is wound about
when wet. Clips and other means are provided for keeping the hair
in place about the cylinder until it dries after which a curl is
formed. Heat or chemical, agents may be applied to the hair to
enhance the curl. Another type of hair curler is an electric
wand-type curling iron.
[0003] To impart a wave into hair, instead of curls, several
devices have been disclosed in the prior art.
[0004] A problem with such hair waving devices is that some are
complicated and awkward to use. Also, the hair wave resulting from
those inadequate devices is uneven and is not aesthetically
pleasing. Another problem is that the devices are expensive and
electric waving apparatus are dangerous to use particularly with
small children in the household.
[0005] A practical hair waving apparatus, for which there is an
unfulfilled need, wherein the hair waving apparatus being capable
of safely imparting a uniform and stylish wave in hair, is not
available.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,846 to Tadrous et al, shows hair wave
rollers which snap together to define a sinuous or swirled path
therebetween. A disadvantage of this patent is that each separate
hair roller can be lost causing user frustration and thereby making
the device inoperable: Furthermore, no provision for or recognition
of the need for combining the two rollers so that they can be more
conveniently used is addressed, thereby making the design
inconvenient to use.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,776 to Prijic discloses a hair curling
apparatus with a modular tray with individual clamp rods pivoted on
the sides of the tray for crimping the hair therebetween. A problem
with Prijic's apparatus is that the tray is bulky and restrictive
which makes it cumbersome to use as well as making it impractical
for use particularly for independent hair waving. Furthermore, the
use of a tray and rod system adds to the cost of the design.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,570,141 to Glantz discloses a clamp-like
hair waver which is bulky, cumbersome and impractical to use and is
costly to manufacture.
[0009] None of the above prior art devices disclose a hair waving
apparatus which is practical, simple in design and is easy to
use.
[0010] In view of the above mentioned problems and limitations
associated with conventional hair waving and curlers, it was
recognized by the present inventors that there is an unfulfilled
need for an improved hair waving apparatus which is simple in
design, practical, fun to use and is economically manufactured and
which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new
and improved hair waving apparatus which avoids the aforementioned
problems of prior art devices.
[0012] It is an object of the instant invention to provide a hair
waving apparatus which may be manufactured from readily available
materials by conventional manufacturing processes.
[0013] It is another object of the instant invention to provide a
hair waving apparatus with undulations thereon that are readily
adaptable at manufacture for use for a wide variety of hair wave
styles.
[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide a hair
waving apparatus that is simple in design, simple to manufacture,
low in cost and time to use.
[0015] Further objects will become apparent from the following
description and claims.
[0016] This invention results from the realization that there is a
great need for an improved hair waving apparatus. The resulting
invention provides a user the capability of conveniently being able
to safely and effectively style hair without the problems
associated with the prior art devices.
[0017] The above and the other objects are achieved in accordance
with the present invention, which, according to a first aspect,
provides a hair waving apparatus which has at least two elements
with undulations on each element for producing a wave in a lock of
human hair. The elements having means for pivotally connecting the
elements together with a rod and biased toward each other with a
biasing means in the form of a spring and the elements maintained
in engagement with each other by the spring to hold the lock of
hair therebetween to impart a wave thereon. The elements each have
a shoulder extending from the undulations and a handle extending
therefrom the shoulder at the pivotal connection to open the
undulations for insertion of the lock of hair therebetween. The
undulations of each of the elements are fabricated from a shape
chosen from the group consisting of a "J" shape, a "U` shape, a "C"
shape, an "S" shape and a "V" shape. The undulations are
dimensioned to allow each of the elements to nest within each
other. A plurality of vents are disposed thereon the undulations to
allow moisture to escape from the hair during hair styling and to
hasten the hair drying process and subsequent wave formation in the
hair.
[0018] The second aspect is a special case of the first aspect of
this invention with additional features. Retaining means in the
form of a stop are disposed on each of the elements for maintaining
each of the elements in engagement with each other and the stop
cooperatively interacting with the spring to hold the lock of hair
therebetween to impart a wave thereon; and a tab is disposed
thereon each of the elements for disengaging the elements from each
other when the elements are biased away from each other and the
hair waving apparatus is in an open position. Guide means, such as
a pin, disposed on each of the elements in alignment with each of
the elements having a hole therein and the pin cooperatively
interacting with the hole and with the spring for positioning the
undulations of the elements in close proximity to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the accompanying drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
hair waving apparatus of the instant invention shown in an open
position.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair waving apparatus of
FIG. 1 shown in a closed position.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
hair waving apparatus of FIG. 2 in a closed position.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a front view of the hair waving apparatus of FIG.
3 in the direction of plane 4-4.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the hair waving apparatus of FIG. 3
in the direction of plane 5-5.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hair waving apparatus of FIG.
3.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hair waving apparatus of
FIG. 2 showing the instant invention of FIG. 2 in use with a lock
of human hair, shown in phantom.
[0027] FIG. 8, including FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D and
FIG. 8E, illustrates a representation of various shapes from which
the undulations of the instant invention may be fabricated.
[0028] FIG. 8A is a front profile view, of an undulation of the
instant invention in a "J" shape.
[0029] FIG. 8B is a front profile view, of an undulation of the
instant invention in a "U" shape.
[0030] FIG. 8C is a front profile view, of an undulation of the
instant invention in a "C" shape.
[0031] FIG. 8D is a front profile view, of an undulation of the
instant invention in an "S" shape.
[0032] FIG. 8E is a front profile view, of an undulation of the
instant invention in a "V" shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Looking more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in
FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of a hair waving apparatus which is
generally indicated at 10, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the hair waving apparatus 10 of the instant invention shown in an
open position.
[0035] As seen in FIG. 1, the hair waving apparatus 10 has at least
two elements 12,13 with undulations 14,15 on each elements 12,13
for producing a wave in a lock of human hair 60 as best shown in
FIG. 7. The elements 12,13 have means for pivotally connecting the
elements 12,13 together with a rod 42 placed between a pair of legs
20,21 which extend from an underside of a handle 18,19. Although
not necessary for operation, handle 18,19 may preferably have a
grip 36,37 thereon to increase friction and to facilitate handling
of the hair waving apparatus 10 particularly when a user's hands
are wet. The elements 12,13 are biased toward each other with a
biasing means in the form of a spring 40 disposed between the legs
20,21 with the rod 42 passing therethrough the spring 40 and
thereby pivotally connecting the elements 12,13. The elements 12,13
are maintained in engagement with each other by the spring 40 to
hold the lock of hair 60 therebetween to impart a wave thereon. The
elements 12,13 each have a shoulder 16,17 extending from the
undulations 14,15 and the handle 18,19 extending therefrom the
shoulder 16,17 at the pivotal connection to open the undulations
14,15 for insertion of the lock of hair 60 therebetween. The
undulations 14,15 of each of the elements 12,13 are fabricated from
a shape chosen from the group consisting of a "J" shape, a "U"
shape, a "C" shape, an "S" shape and a "V" shape. FIG. 8, including
FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E, illustrates a
representation of various shapes from which the undulations 14,15
of the instant invention may be fabricated. It is understood that a
wide variety of shapes suitable for wave profiles for creating a
wave in a human hair 60 may be suitable for the undulations 14,15
from which the hair waving apparatus 10 way be adapted thereto
during manufacture. The above group is only meant to be
illustrative of such shapes and it is understood that the shapes
shown are not to be limited to any one particular shape or style.
The undulations 14,15 are dimensioned to allow each of the elements
12,13 to nest within each other. A plurality of vents 50,51 are
disposed thereon the undulations 14,15 to allow moisture to escape
from the hair 60 during hair styling and to hasten the hair drying
process and subsequent wave formation in the hair 60. Additional
features of the instant invention include retaining means in the
form of a stop 22,23 disposed on each of the elements 12,13 for
maintaining each of the elements 12,13 in engagement with each
other and the stop 22,23 cooperatively interacting with the spring
40 to hold the lock of hair 60 therebetween to impart a wave
thereon; and a tab 24,25 is disposed thereon each of the elements
12,13 for disengaging the elements 12,13 from each other when the
elements 12,13 are biased away from each other and the hair waving
apparatus 10 is in an open position. Guide means, such as a pin
29,30, are disposed on each of the elements 12,13 in alignment with
a hole 32,33 therein the elements 12,13 and the pin 29,30
cooperatively interacting with the hole 32,33 and with the spring
40 far positioning the undulations 14,15 of the elements 12,13 in
close proximity to each other.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hair waving apparatus 10
of FIG. 1 shown in a closed position.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
hair waving apparatus 10 of FIG. 2 in a closed position.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a front view of the hair waving apparatus 10 of
FIG. 3 in the direction of plane 4-4 which shows the nesting
relationship of the undulations 14,15 of the elements 12,13 and a
gap 70 therebetween for receiving the lock of hair 60 therethrough
as better seen in FIG. 7.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the hair waving apparatus 10 of
FIG. 3 in the direction of plane 5-5 showing the spring 40, the rod
42 positioned between the legs 20,21.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hair waving apparatus 10 of
FIG. 3. The grips 36,37 are clearly visible in this view as well as
other design details.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hair waving apparatus 10
of FIG. 2 showing the instant invention of FIG. 2 in use with a
lock of human hair 60, shown in phantom.
[0042] FIG. 8 as mentioned above, including FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG.
8C, FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E, illustrates a representation of various
shapes from which the undulations 14,15 of the instant invention
may be fabricated.
[0043] The hair waving apparatus 10 may be fabricated from readily
available materials and by conventional fabrication techniques such
as by plastic molding and by metal forming. For example, hair
waving apparatus 10, may be made, from a material chosen from the
group consisting of nonmetals and metals. The elements 12,13 of the
hair waving apparatus 10 preferably may be identically fabricated
from a plastic material and the spring 40 and the rod 42 may be
metal. Alternately, the elements 12,13 may be fabricated from a
metal such as aluminum. The basic component parts, namely, the
elements 12,13, the spring 40 and the rod 42 are readily assembled
to define the hair waving apparatus 10.
[0044] To use the hair waving apparatus 10, which is in a normally
closed position, the user simply squeezes the handle 18,19 allowing
the elements 12,13 to open thereby being ready to receive the lock
of human hair 60 placed therebetween the undulations 14,15. When
the handles 18,19 are allowed to return to a normally biased closed
position, the lock of human hair 60 is clamped in place and is
allowed to reside therebetween the undulations 14,15 for a period
of time. The vents 50,51 aid in drying the hair 60 so that, later,
when the elements 12,13 are again opened, a wave is formed in the
lock of human hair 60. Furthermore, for example, when the hair
waving apparatus 10 is fabricated from aluminum, the aluminum when
heated with a hair dryer effectively acts as a heat transfer medium
which further speeds up the hair drying process. As mentioned
above, FIG. 7 shows the instant invention in use with the lock of
human hair 60, shown in phantom.
[0045] Preferably, to make the hair waving apparatus 10 work
better, the stop 22,23 cooperatively interacts with the spring 40
to further maintain each of the elements 12,13 in a positive
engagement with each other to hold the lock of hair 60 securely
therebetween to impart a wave thereon. The tab 24,25 is used for
disengaging the elements 12,13 from each other when the elements
12,13 are biased away from each other slideably bypassing the stop
22,23 when the hair waving apparatus 10 is in an open position.
Also, preferably, the guide means, such as the pin 29,30 is
disposed in alignment with a hole 32,33 therein the elements 12,13.
The pin 29,30 cooperatively interacts with the hole 32,33 and with
the spring 40 for positioning the undulations 14,15 of the elements
12,13 in close proximity to each other. The combination of the
retaining means such as the stop 22,23 and the guide means, pin
29,30 and the hole 32,33, in combination with the biasing means,
spring 40, cooperatively contribute to a high quality wave in the
hair 60. For example, the applicants have actually reduced the
instant invention shown herein to practice. They have, according to
the teachings herein, constructed and have successfully tested,
with favorable hair wave producing results, a fully functional
prototype hair waving apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0046] Surprisingly, the instant invention provides an added
advantage and recognizes a problem of a need for improved wave
setting and adequately and completely addresses an unfulfilled
need, in that the hair waving apparatus 10, in the manner
disclosed, in effect, provides a convenient apparatus which allows
it to be readily adaptable in manufacture to a variety of wave
forms and provides the desired above mentioned advantages and
benefits to a user.
[0047] It is understood that the hair waving apparatus 10 may be
constructed in a wide variety of sizes, colors and style
variations. For example the hair waving apparatus 10 may be,
configured in various wave forms, similar to but not limited to,
the shapes of the undulations 14,15 as described above and shown in
FIG. 8. Also, it is understood that, that the two elements 12,13
disclosed herein may be ganged together during fabrication to
define a larger and wider hair waving apparatus 10 for use with a
particular hair styling application. One practical advantage of the
invention is that it provides a convenient, practical, low cost,
hair waving apparatus 10, which allows a user to conveniently
impart a stylish wave in the lock of human hair 60. A further
advantage of the invention is that the hair waving apparatus 10 is
designed for ease of manufacture by standard methods and by using
readily available materials.
[0048] Of course, a wide variety of further uses and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the
art. Also, one skilled in the art will realize that the foregoing
discussion outlines the more important features of the invention to
enable a better understanding of the instant invention and to
instill a better appreciation of the inventors' contribution to the
art. It must be clear that the disclosed details of construction,
descriptions of geometry and illustrations of inventive concepts
are mere examples of possible manifestations of the invention.
[0049] Although the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the
art undoubtedly will find alternative embodiments obvious after
reading this disclosure. With this in mind, the following claims
are intended to define the scope of protection to be afforded the
inventor, and those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *