U.S. patent application number 11/333923 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for multifunction hair appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sage Communications, Inc.. Invention is credited to Elizabeth Hertenstein, Francine Higgins.
Application Number | 20060201527 11/333923 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36969530 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060201527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higgins; Francine ; et
al. |
September 14, 2006 |
Multifunction hair appliance
Abstract
A multifunction hair styling appliance is described which
includes a base unit having at least one heating element; and at
least one styling attachment, wherein the at least one styling
attachment is detachably electrically connected to the base unit
and is capable of styling hair.
Inventors: |
Higgins; Francine; (Sanford,
FL) ; Hertenstein; Elizabeth; (Debary, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLASTER/GREENBERG P.C.;8 PENN CENTER
1628 JOHN F. KENNEDY BLVD.
15TH FLOOR
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Sage Communications, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36969530 |
Appl. No.: |
11/333923 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60644689 |
Jan 18, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/225 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/40 20060101
A45D002/40 |
Claims
1. A multifunction hair styling appliance, comprising: a base unit
comprising at least one heating element; and at least one styling
attachment, wherein the at least one styling attachment is
detachably electrically connected to the base unit and is capable
of styling hair.
2. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 1,
wherein the base unit has a first base unit portion having a first
end and a second end and a second base unit portion having a first
end and a second end and the first and second base unit portions
are connected at their first ends such that their second ends are
capable of being moved away from and toward each other.
3. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 2,
wherein the first ends of the first and second base unit portions
are connected by a fastening system under tension such that when
the second ends of the first and second base unit portions are
moved towards each other under the application of pressure, the
first and second base unit portions close in facing engagement.
4. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 3,
wherein the fastening system comprises a spring-loaded clamp.
5. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 3,
wherein the fastening system comprises a hinge.
6. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 2,
wherein the first base unit portion has an upper and lower surface
and the second base unit portion has an upper and lower surface and
the first and second base units are configured such that the lower
surface of the first base unit portion and the upper surface of the
second base unit portion are mating surfaces configured to fit
together in facing engagement.
7. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 2, wherein
the at least one styling attachment comprises a first heat styling
plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a second heat
styling plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the
lower surface of the first heat styling plate and the upper surface
of the second heat styling plate are configured to meet in facing
engagement when compressed against one another and at least one of
the lower surface of the first heat styling plate and the upper
surface of the second heat styling plate are heat conductive
surfaces.
8. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 7, wherein
both the lower surface of the first heat styling plate and the
upper surface of the second heat styling plate are heat conductive
surfaces.
9. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 7, wherein
the heat conductive surface is at least one of ceramic and
metallic.
10. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 9, wherein
the metallic surface is at least one of gold plate and stainless
steel.
11. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 9, wherein
the heat conductive surface is a non-stick surface.
12. The multifunction hair styling appliance according to claim 1,
wherein the at least one hair styling attachment comprises a pair
of heat styling plates configured to meet in facing engagement when
compressed against one another and the pair of heat styling plates
are selected from two hair straightening plates, a curling iron
barrel and mating curved clamping plate, two curved plates for
forming a bop or flip, and two mating crimping or wave forming
plates.
13. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 1, further
comprising a aperture configured for receiving at least one
extension attachment selected from a mirror, a misting sprayer, and
a handle.
14. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one styling attachment comprises at least one heat
conductive surface.
15. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 1, wherein
the at least one styling attachment is detachably electrically
connected to the base unit by use of a male-female snap-in
electrical plug attachment and a USB-type electrical connection and
the base unit is capable of electrically communicating with a power
source.
16. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 15, wherein
the power source is an electrical outlet and the base unit
comprises an electrical cord and plug for plugging into the
electrical outlet.
17. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 15, wherein
the power source is a battery pack attachable to a housing of the
base unit and the base unit is capable of being plugged into a
battery charging unit.
18. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 1, wherein
the base unit is a one-piece unit capable of communicating with a
power source and having at least one female receptacle for
receiving an electrical connector from the at least one hair
styling unit.
19. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 18, wherein
the at least one hair styling unit is attachable by an electrical
cord having sufficient length to allow for free use of the at least
one hair styling attachment when the base is securely positioned on
a flat surface.
20. The multifunction hair appliance according to claim 18, wherein
the at least one hair styling attachment has a first hair styling
component having a first end and a second end and a second hair
styling component having a first end and a second end, the first
ends being connected such that the second ends of the first and
second hair styling components are capable of being moved away from
and toward each other, the first hair styling component comprises a
first handle portion and a first heated styling plate and the
second hair styling component comprises a second handle portion and
a second heat styling plate and the first and second heat styling
plates are configured so as to meet in facing engagement when the
first and second styling components are moved toward each
other.
21. A multifunction hair styling appliance, comprising: a base unit
capable of electrically communicating with a power source and
comprising at least one heating element, a first base unit portion
having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower
surface and a second base unit portion having a first end, a second
end, an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the first and
second base unit portions are connected at their first ends such
that their second ends are capable of being moved away from and
toward each other and the base unit portions are configured such
that the lower surface of the first base unit portion and the upper
surface of the second base unit portion are mating surfaces
configured to fit together in facing engagement; and at least one
styling attachment comprising a first heat styling plate having an
upper surface and a lower surface and a second heat styling plate
having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface
of the first heat styling plate and the upper surface of the second
heat styling plate are configured to meet in facing engagement when
compressed against one another and at least one of the lower
surface of the first heat styling plate and the upper surface of
the second heat styling plate is a heat conductive surface, wherein
the at least one styling attachment is detachably electrically
connected to the base unit and is capable of styling hair.
22. A multifunction hair styling appliance, comprising: a one-piece
base unit having a heating element and being capable of
communicating with a power source and having at least one female
receptacle for receiving an electrical connector; and at least one
styling attachment having a first hair styling component having a
first end and a second end and a second hair styling component
having a first end and a second end, the first ends being connected
such that the second ends of the first and second hair styling
components are capable of being moved away from and toward each
other, the first hair styling component comprises a first handle
portion and a first heated styling plate and the second hair
styling component comprises a second handle portion and a second
heat styling plate and the first and second heat styling plates are
configured so as to meet in facing engagement when the first and
second styling components are moved toward each other, wherein the
at least one hair styling attachment is detachably electrically
connected to the base unit by an electrical cord having sufficient
length to allow for free use of the hair styling attachment when
the base unit is securely place on a flat surface and the at least
one hair attachment is capable of styling hair.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/644,689, filed
Jan. 18, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A variety of different devices and methods are known for
straightening, curling or styling hair. Styling can occur with one
or two-handed operation. For example, a hairbrush can be used to
brush or style hair while heating the hair using a hair dryer.
Alternatively, hair may be styled using a hair dryer with a styling
attachment. Such appliances include brushes, combs or diffusers
that attach to the heated end of the hair dryer nozzle and allow
for heated air styling. While this allows for a more one-handed
styling technique, such appliances have several drawbacks. In some
models in which the air outlet is larger than a normal hair dryer
to accommodate the styling device, the air velocity is lower. While
this can be gentler on the hair, it takes much longer to dry and
style the hair. Further, such styling appliance combinations tend
to be heavier than a standard hair dryer requiring the user to hold
the heavier appliance aloft for longer periods of time. This is a
particular nuisance to full time hair stylists and users with
longer hair requiring longer styling time.
[0003] Electric hair straightening devices and curling irons can
also be used separately from a hair dryer. Such appliances
separately plug in and have independent hand-held handles
permanently attached to the heat styling units. The unit heats up
and the heated portion can be used to style the hair. Electric
straighteners function by compressing hair between flat, heated
surfaces that "iron" the hair. Similar devices can be used for
"crimping" or created waves to hair surfaces. Straighteners or
crimpers typically employ a scissors-like or kitchen tong design in
which opposing arms of the device (having internal heated surfaces
- either flat or crimped) are spring loaded so as to come together
to compress hair when force is applied against the outer surfaces
of the opposing arms (or through use of extended handles that act
on the spring-loaded opposing arms). Such devices require the user
to hold the device handle and apply force simultaneously.
[0004] Curling irons have a hand-held end or handle and include a
smooth, elongated tubular barrel which includes a heating element
generally located inside the device tube of the barrel. The
unheated clamp extends along the heated barrel portion and clamps
down to hold portions of a user's hair against the heated barrel.
Heat from the heated barrel causes the hair on the barrel to retain
its shape and curl after loosening the clamp. The clamp sometimes
causes a flat portion on the curl.
[0005] To style some naturally wavy hair, it is necessary to dry,
straighten and then curl the user's hair in order to undo the
natural wave and then apply a new style to the hair. Styling with a
curling brush or other attachment typically can perform a similar
function, but not as effective for already wavy and/or ultrafine
hair.
[0006] Also available in the prior art are heated curling brushes
that act in a manner similar to a curling iron, but include
elongated teeth extending from the barrel which brushes or combs
the hair while styling without the use of a clamp. Such devices do
not form tight curls like a curling iron, but create softer waves
or curls. For fine hair or very thick hair, such devices can tangle
and/or break hair readily and can be difficult to use in a hurry,
since placing too much hair on the barrel tends to increase the
risk of breakage or tangling. It is also more difficult to control
the ultimate styled look when using a heated brush-type curling
iron.
[0007] Still another method of hair styling includes the use of
heated curlers or rollers. Heat rollers can be effective, but tend
to "over-curl" hair for current styles and take longer to use than
conventional curling irons and other hand-held styling tools, since
hair needs to be not only evenly rolled up on the rollers while
heat is applied, but additional time is needed for removing the
rollers. Further, such devices are not useful for traveling users,
since they are large in size and not very portable. While there are
smaller units that are steam heated curling stations, each roller
needs to be heated individually, which takes longer and the user
still has the time constraints of having to roll up and unroll the
rollers for styling. In addition, some of such steam driven units
also require salt for use, requiring the user to pack salt as well
as all the components of the styling unit for travel.
[0008] Thus, while there are many different appliances available
for hair use and styling, there is a need in the art for a
light-weight, portable styling tool which is not overly heavy for
extended use, is acceptable for travel and can accomplish all
necessary styling functions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention includes a multifunction hair styling
appliance, comprising a base unit comprising at least one heating
element; and at least one hair styling attachment, wherein the at
least one hair styling attachment is detachably electrically
connected to the base unit and is capable of styling hair.
[0010] The invention further includes a multifunction hair styling
appliance, comprising a base unit capable of electrically
communicating with a power source and comprising at least one
heating element, a first base unit portion having a first end, a
second end, an upper surface and a lower surface and a second base
unit portion having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and
a lower surface wherein the first and second base unit portions are
connected at their first ends such that their second ends are
capable of being moved away from and toward each other and the base
unit portions are configured such that the lower surface of the
first base unit portion and the upper surface of the second base
unit portion are mating surfaces configured to fit together in
facing engagement; and at least one hair styling attachment
comprising a first heat styling plate having an upper surface and a
lower surface and a second heat styling plate having an upper
surface and a lower surface, and the lower surface of the first
heat styling plate and the upper surface of the second heat styling
plate are configured to meet in facing engagement when compressed
against one another and at least one of the lower surface of the
first heat styling plate and the upper surface of the second heat
styling plate is a heat conductive surface, wherein the at least
one hair styling attachment is detachably electrically connected to
the base unit and is capable of styling hair.
[0011] In one embodiment, the invention includes a multifunction
hair styling appliance, comprising a one-piece base unit having a
heating element and being capable of communicating with a power
source and having at least one female receptacle for receiving an
electrical connector; and at least one hair styling attachment
having a first hair styling component having a first end and a
second end and a second hair styling component having a first end
and a second end, the first ends being connected such that the
second ends of the first and second hair styling components are
capable of being moved away from and toward each other, the first
hair styling component comprises a first handle portion and a first
heated styling plate and the second hair styling component
comprises a second handle portion and a second heat styling plate
and the first and second heat styling plates are configured so as
to meet in facing engagement when the first and second styling
components are moved toward each other, wherein the at least one
hair styling attachment is detachably electrically connected to the
base unit by an electrical cord having sufficient length to allow
for free use of the hair styling attachment when the base unit is
securely place on a flat surface and the at least one hair
attachment is capable of styling hair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base unit in the closed
position in accordance with an embodiment of the hair appliance of
the invention;
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the base unit of FIG. 1
when the base unit is in the open position;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of narrow hair
straightening plates for attachment to a base unit as hair styling
attachments in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the
hair straightening plates in FIG. 2 taken along line II-II;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of wide hair
straightening plates for attachment to a base unit as hair styling
attachments in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the
hair straightening plates in FIG. 3 taken along line III-III;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a curling iron barrel and
mating curved clamping plate for attachment to a bse unit as hair
styling attachments in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the barrel of FIG. 4
taken along line IV-IV;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an attachable mirror
for attachment to a base unit in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of curved plates, for
example, for forming a flip or bob or the like, for attachment as
hair styling attachments to a base unit in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of one of the curved
plates of FIG. 6 taken long line VI-VI;
[0025] FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of a pair of
small-sized, waved crimping plates for attachment to a base unit as
hair styling attachments in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional elevational view of a pair
of large-sized, wave forming plates for attachment to a base unit
as hair styling attachments in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 a battery charging plate for charging a base unit in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a user operating a one-piece base
unit and an attached hair styling attachment on hair tresses
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 9A is an enlarged rear perspective view of the hair
styling attachment of FIG. 9; and
[0030] FIG. 9B is an enlarged front perspective view of a portion
of the one-piece base unit of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "lower" and "upper"
and "top" and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to
which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above
specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar
import.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown in
FIGS. 1 and 1A an exemplary base unit, referred to generally as 10,
for use in a multifunction hair appliance described herein. FIG. 9
shows an alternative base unit 10' and is described further below.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the base unit has a first base
unit portion 12 having a first end 30 and a second end 32 and a
second base unit portion 14 having a first end 34 and a second end
36. The first and second base unit portions 12, 14 are connected at
their first ends 30, 34 such that their second ends 32, 36 are
capable of being moved away from each other as shown by the
directional arrows in FIG. 1A and toward each other until they fit
substantially close together, and preferably in facing engagement
as shown in FIG. 1. It is most preferred that the lower surface 22
of the first base unit portion and the upper surface 24 of the
second base unit portion are configured so as to meet in facing
engagement and that the upper surface 26 of the first base unit
portion and the lower surface 28 of the second base unit portion
provide an ergonomic design for being held comfortably in the
user's hand which will operate the base unit by moving the portions
12, 14 away from each other using opposing hand force and toward
each other under compressive hand pressure.
[0033] The first ends 30, 34 of the first and second base unit
portions 12, 14 are connected by a fastening system 18 which is
preferably under tension such that when the second ends 32, 36 of
the first and second base unit portions 12, 14 are moved towards
each other under the application of compressive hand pressure, the
first and second base unit portions close in facing engagement.
Most preferably, the fastening system is a spring-loaded clamp 38.
However, other fastening systems may be used including, but not
limited to, a hinge, molded movable edge portion, snap fitting or
other compressible fastening system. Spring-loaded tension is
preferred because it allows the base unit portions to snap back
toward each other using less force.
[0034] The multifunction hair appliance includes one or more hair
styling attachments which are detachably electrically connected to
the base unit and are capable of styling hair. The base unit may
include any electrical attachment 35 capable of providing
electrical power from a power supply 37 such as an outlet (not
drawn to scale) or, alternatively, electrical attachment 35 and
power supply may be omitted and/or used in addition to a battery
source (not shown). The power supply 37 or other energy source,
such as a battery, should be sufficient to be able to deliver
sufficient energy to enable (i) conductive heat energy to be
released from a heat element 39 shown in block form in phantom
lines in the base unit in the drawings; (ii) to operate controls 41
on the hair appliance for adjusting the output of the heating
element and/or (iii) for operating any quick release mechanism 53
that may be optionally used for unplugging the hair styling
attachment from the base without touching the attachments while
hot. Such controls or quick release mechanisms are optional and are
shown in FIG. 1 for exemplary purposes only. The heating element
used is not critical which is why it is shown in block format, and
may be any suitable heating element known in the art or to be
developed, suitable for use in hair appliances such that no
particular heating element is required. Such heating elements are
well known. While the heating element is shown in the base unit in
the Figures in electrical communication with the heatable surfaces
in the hair styling attachments, it will be understood to those
skilled in the art, based on this disclosure, that the heating
element may also be located in the hair styling attachment(s)
themselves so long as the heating element can be powered by an
energy source such as the power source 37, a battery or the like.
Further, while controls are mentioned for adjusting the heat levels
of the hair styling attachments through the heating element in a
manner well known in the art, for example, as occurs in most
commercial curling irons, it should be understood that the heat
level can be preset to a moderate or other desired styling level
and made to be not adjustable for reducing manufacturing costs.
[0035] The hair styling attachment may be electrically detachable
from the base unit by using a male-female plug of either a regular
single prong or multi-prong variety or any other suitable plug-in
capable of providing energy to an electrical heating element of the
type generally used in hair care appliances. In any type of plug or
electrical connection, the base unit generally would include a
female electrical inlet 16 (shown in FIG. 1 as a broken line of
generally rectangular configuration) that extends into the base.
Such inlet 16 is preferably located in each of the first and second
base unit portions 12, 14, (see 16A, 16B of FIG. 1, 1A) and each
extends into, i.e., is recessed below the surface of, the second
ends 32, 36 of the respective base unit portions. The inlets 16 are
in electrical communication through any suitable method with the
heating element 39 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1).
[0036] The at least one styling attachment can be seen in various
embodiments in any of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7A or 7B and will be
generally referred to as 40 in FIGS. 2 and 2A, 240 in FIGS. 3 and
3A, 340 in FIGS. 4 and 4A, 440 in FIGS. 6 and 6A, 540 in FIG. 7A
and 640 in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 2, the hair styling attachment 40
includes a first heat styling plate 42 having an upper surface 44
and a lower surface 46. The attachment 40 also has a second heat
styling plate 48 having an upper surface 50 and a lower surface 52.
The lower surface 46 of the first heat styling plate 42 and the
upper surface 50 of the second heat styling plate 48 are preferably
inwardly facing surfaces configured to meet in facing engagement
when they are compressed against one another by action of a user's
hand on the base unit. At least one of the lower surface 46 of the
first heat styling plate 42 and the upper surface 50 of the second
heat styling plate 48 are heat conductive surfaces. The
multifunction hair appliance described herein can be made so as to
have only one heating surface (by having only one plug-in
electrically connected to the heating element) or to have dual
heating surfaces because each of the surfaces can be separately
electrically connected to the heating element. This provides the
ability to have different devices for different hair styling
effects which can be achievable using heat on only one or both
surfaces of the hair tresses to be styled which are placed within
the hair styling attachment 40.
[0037] The first hair styling plate has a first end 54 and a second
end 56. The second hair styling plate has a first end 58 and a
second end 60. When the base unit 10 is operated by hand so that
the first and second base unit portions 12, 14 move away from each
other, the second ends 56, 60 of the first and second hair styling
plates 42, 48 also move away from each other. When the base unit
portions are compressed together, the pair of styling plates 42, 48
are preferably configured so as to meet in facing engagement when
compressed against one another. The outer surfaces 44, 52 as well
as the surrounding side surfaces 64, 66 of the first and second
styling plates 42, 48 can, but need not, include heat resistant
material surrounding the heat conductive surface(s) 46 and/or 50 as
shown for example in FIG. 2A in order to allow the user to remove
the hair styling plates without waiting for the unit to cool or
burning their hands. Accordingly, the hair styling plates may also
be ergonomically shaped so as to provide ease of use. This is
particularly important in embodiments of the invention in which the
base unit may not be directly attached to the hair styling
attachments and the user would then be gripping the hair styling
attachments instead of the base unit (see FIG. 9).
[0038] Alternatively, as noted above, the base unit can be easily
detachable from the hair styling attachments in those cases when
the attachments are too hot to touch using any suitable
quick-release mechanism, for example, the quick-release mechanism
51 as shown in FIG. 1 which may be operable by a slide switch or
button mechanism (for example the button 53 of FIG. 1) to eject the
styling plates from the base without touching the styling plates
(such as to eject them onto a counter or other safe area). Such
mechanisms are well known in the art and in other small appliance
designs, for example, to eject blender blades from a hand mixer
using a slide eject button. Any suitable quick-release mechanism
may be used as is known in the art or to be developed as an
optional feature herein. It is also contemplated within the scope
of the invention that extending handles or other finger gripping
surfaces such as rings, handles, cords and the like (not shown) may
be provided to the ends 56, 60 of the various embodiments of the
hair styling attachments to enable a user to pull the attachments
from the base unit using a tugging or pulling force. Such gripping
surfaces or handles may be made of any suitable material such as
plastics, cord, elastomers and the like, provided that it is
preferred that such material does not unnecessarily absorb heat
from the unit to enable a user to safely remove the attachments
without harm.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the hair styling plates preferably
include a male connector piece 62 which is compatible with the
electrical connection inlet 16 of the base unit. In FIG. 2, the
pair of hair styling plates are two hair straightener plates of a
more narrow configuration for use with shorter hair or for use on
only a portion of a user's hair (such as bangs or hair ends). The
ends may be rectangular or have curved or softer comers depending
on the desired design. FIGS. 2 and 3 demonstrate variations in such
straightening plates based on width and edges all of which and
other variations thereon are within the scope of this disclosure.
However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that
other variations in these designs for forming waves or for hair
styling plates are within the scope of the invention and such
examples are intended to be illustrative only.
[0040] In FIG. 3, the hair styling plates 242, 248 are two
straightening plates which are of a wider size for use on longer
hair or larger hair sections. Preferably for both the straightening
plates 42, 48 in FIG. 2 and the straightening plates 242, 248 in
FIG. 3, the heat conductive surfaces such as surfaces 46, 246 are
formed of a ceramic-type surface to avoid trapping moisture, but
this is not necessary and any acceptable straightening surface that
can be used for heated hair straightening may be used in the
appliance, including metals, heat-resistant plastics, porcelain
materials or any other material capable of retaining sufficient
heat and operable safely as a hair styling surface.
[0041] In FIG. 4, the first and second styling plates 342, 348 are
now configured as a curling iron barrel 342 and a mating curved
clamping plate 348. However, unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and
3, the upper surface 344 and lower surface 346 of the curling iron
barrel 342 are preferably fully heated so that when hair is wrapped
around the barrel 342, it encounters heat along the entire
periphery of the barrel. The lower plate or clamping plate 348 may
or may not be a heat conductive surface, however, unlike
traditional curling irons, it may be made to be heated. Because a
heat resistant surface is typically not placed around a curling
iron type styling attachment, the user will generally have to wait
for the unit to cool to detach the styling attachment from the base
unit or the appliance will have to be fitted with a quick release
mechanism. However, it is also optionally within the scope of the
invention to provide a protective, heat resistant, end portion to
the end of the curling iron farthest from the base unit that can be
used for removing the curling iron. Also advantageous in this
embodiment is that both the barrel 342 and the clamping plate 348
will move away from each other a further distance by operation of
the base unit instead of leaving a closely pinched portion between
the clamp and barrel as in traditional curling irons. This helps to
prevent the pulling and winding of hair around the portion where
the barrel and clamping plate meet. It is also preferred that for
use in the curling iron embodiment, that the heat conductive
surfaces 344, 346, 350 such as the barrel 342 and at least the
inner surface 350 of the clamping plate (preferably the whole
clamping plate) are formed of a conductive metal such as stainless
steel and may also be coated with a non-stick surface such as
polytetrafluoroethylene polymers (PTFEs) available under the
tradename, Teflon.RTM. from DuPont or similar materials. However,
other materials, including other metals such as gold-plated metals
may be used and the type of metal or other material used is not
restricted herein. The barrel may be solid in cross-section or
hollow as shown in FIG. 4A for cost savings and lighter weight.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the styling plates are in the form of
two, exemplary waved or curved plates 442, 448 which may be used
for forming a bop or flip or other curved or waved styles. Other
plate and styling configurations are contemplated within the
invention, however, the waved plates shown are used for
demonstrating a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such plates
442, 448 are along the lines of straightening plates that form a
soft wave along the bottom of the hair tresses to create a flip up
or turned down hair as in a bob or page-boy style. It is possible
to straighten the hair using attachments as in FIGS. 2 and 3, and
then to straighten, but softly curve the bottom of the hair tresses
up or down using the attachment of FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the
outer surfaces 444, 452, 464 and 466 can, but need not, be formed
of heat-resistant material for use in easily removing the hair
styling attachments without waiting for the styling plates 442, 448
to cool. However, this is not necessary. As noted in FIG. 6, the
second heat styling plate 448 in this embodiment can have an outer
flanged portion 468 which extends beyond the edges of the first
styling plate 442 so as to maintain the hair leading into the curve
in a straightened configuration and assist the device in keeping
the hair inside the plates 442, 448. The first styling plate 442 is
preferably formed in transverse cross section in a parabolic, "C"
or generally semicircular configuration. The second styling plate
448 is curved so as to mate within the first styling plate 442 in
facing configuration when the plates 442, 448 are compressed.
Preferably, in this embodiment, at least the lower surface 446 of
the first styling plate 442 and the upper surface 450 of the second
styling plate 448 are formed of heat conductive materials similar
to those used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but can be made of
any suitable surface, including, but not limited to, ceramic,
metallic, porcelain and similar materials.
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B show two similar embodiments differing only
in the size (length of undulations) of the wave cross-sectional
configuration of the lower surfaces 546, 646 of the first styling
plates 542, 642 and the upper surfaces 550, 650 of the second
styling plates 548, 648. In FIG. 7A, the wave configuration is of a
smaller wavelength than the wave configuration of FIG. 7B, such
that the hair attachment in FIG. 7A can form two mating
wave-forming or crimping surfaces 546, 550 and the hair attachment
of FIG. 7B can form two mating looser wave forming or crimping
surfaces 646, 650. The crimping and waving hair styling attachments
540, 640 can include heat conductive surfaces made of any of the
materials noted above, and preferably are a non-stick coated
metallic surfaces. The outer surfaces 544, 644, 552, 652 and side
surfaces 564, 566, 664, 666 can be, but need not be formed of heat
resistant materials.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the multifunction hair appliance
can include an aperture 20 which may be a hole into which an
attachment may snap, insert or otherwise be mounted. More
preferably, the aperature 20 is a threaded hole configured for
receiving at least one extension attachment such as, but not
limited to a mirror, a misting sprayer, or an additional handle for
additional holding support. FIG. 5 shows a mirror attachment 70 as
an example in which a mirror 72, which may be a standard mirror, a
polished metal, or the like and having a post, stem or the like
(which may be flexible or rigid) such as post 74. At the end 76 of
the post 74 the mirror may be configured so as to fit into the
aperture 20 through a quick connect, snap-in, threaded screw or
other attachment function. A detachable mirror enables the user to
view the back of the head while holding the appliance for better
styling results and for safety purposes. A spray mist attachment
can also be provided and may include, for example, a plastic bottle
which may screw or otherwise attach to the base unit and have a
periodic misting function. For example, if damp styling is desired
or to reduce static electricity on the hair, the user could
activate the spray to apply a mist to the hair. Styling products,
such as spray-on mousse and similar gels, etc. can also be applied
during styling using such an attachment. It is within the scope of
the disclosure and should be understood based on the description
herein that a kit could be prepared that allows a user to attach a
component of choice to the base unit and/or to have variable
styling attachments
[0045] The base unit 10 is preferably capable of electrically
communicating with a power source. Any suitable appliance power
source 37 may be used. For example, the power source may be a
standard household electrical outlet 75 for use with and adapted to
work with a plug capable of use in the U.S. or adaptable for use in
various countries. The base unit preferably has an electrical cord
and plug 35 for plugging into a standard electrical outlet.
Alternatively, a portable or travel unit is within the scope of the
invention in which the power source is a battery pack (not shown)
attachable to a housing 78 of the base unit 10. The battery pack
may also fit within or be housed within the base unit. The base
unit can also be made so as to be capable of being plugged into a
battery charging unit 80 such as that shown in FIG. 8. In such an
embodiment, fold out charging plug male extensions (not shown) may
be provided to the base unit having a battery pack inside the base
unit housing 78 that are compatible electrically with female
receiving inlets 82 in the battery charging unit 80. However, it
should be understood that any suitable power supply and/or
rechargeable system can be used with the multifunction hair
appliance of the invention and that such power supplies and
rechargeable systems are well known in the small appliance and hair
care appliance arts.
[0046] The multifunction hair appliance described herein is a
unique appliance that will allow the user to attach the component
of choice to a base unit, so as to use various hair styling
mechanisms such as straightening irons and curling irons. It
eliminates the need for two separate appliances and includes
options for different hair types and lengths. The base unit can be
made so that the base unit portions include a spring hinge or
similar mechanism to enable the user to be able to push the
appliance handles together under application of user pressure. Both
portions of the base unit can include power sources and/or heating
elements capable of heating the unit, and can provide various
options and a variety of controllable settings for use with
variable power supplies and different levels of heat during
styling. A single controller may be used for the entire unit or
individual controllers 41 which may be similar to or different from
those shown in FIG. 1 (and located at different positions along the
base) can be provided on each base unit portion 12, 14 to enable
different heating levels (or no heat) to be applied on either hair
styling plate. The controllers themselves may be any suitable heat
control controllers known or to be developed for use with small
appliances and hair care appliances generally which are safe and
acceptable for use in hair styling appliances. In addition, the
invention provides the advantages of attachments that are useful
for short or thin hair or for thick or long hair. The styling
plates may be coated with gold plate, stainless steel, or ceramic
so that the surfaces can be variable to keep hair from frizzing if
it is damp (ceramic) or keep hair from sticking to the surface
(metallic and non-stick).
[0047] The plates can be made in variable sizes as well so as to
optimize sizes for different uses. Further, in some embodiments,
such as the curling iron embodiment, the barrel and clamp of the
curling iron can be made so that both conduct heat which is
advantageous for those with thicker hair or optionally heat is
conducted on only one side. Further, a curling iron set could be
provided (or straightening set) in which the length, width or
surface type of the barrel and clamp and/or plate material can be
varied for different styles or different hair within a family or
other group of appliance users. In wave-making attachments, both
sides can be heated to produce a longer lasting wave on the hair.
In the bob or flip attachment, the curvature can be varied so as to
produce different size flips which is advantageous for different
length or style hair.
[0048] By separating the base unit 10 from the hair styling
attachment, the base unit or handle can house all the electronics
necessary to produce the desired conductive heat and/or variable
heat settings once the unit is supplied by a power source.
[0049] The appliance further provides the advantage of an
ergodynamically designed base unit (and in some embodiments,
styling attachments) for ease of handling and use, which can be
especially beneficial for hair stylists who use the appliance for
longer periods of time and more frequently. This base unit can be
made of any suitable material, including inexpensive, standard
molded thermoplastics used in many hair appliances. Heat can be
variably controlled using simple slide or dial mechanisms which can
be located anywhere along the housing of the base unit on one or
both of the base unit portions.
[0050] For additional safety concerns a mechanical device or elbow
can be provided at the first ends of each of the base unit portions
that can act as a dial to produce either a wide or narrow opening
for a hair styling attachment. This would keep a large attachment
from being joined on one arm with a narrow one on the other to
avoid the possibility of burning a user who might try to put
non-mating attachments in the appliance. Further, the attachments
themselves may be color coded and/or sized accordingly to
correspond with the opening of the base unit.
[0051] The disclosure includes a further embodiment 10' shown in
FIGS. 9, 9A and 9B in which the base unit is not a two- or
multi-piece unit, but is a one-piece unit 10' also capable of
communicating with a power source. In this embodiment, the base
unit 10' has at least one female receptacle 16' as shown in FIG. 9B
for receiving an electrical connector from the at least one hair
styling unit 40'. The hair styling unit is preferably attachable to
the one-piece base 10' by an electrical cord 84' having sufficient
length to allow for free use of the at least one hair styling
attachment when the base is securely positioned on a flat surface
such as a dresser or vanity 86'. Preferably a no-tangle or
non-twist cord such as a telephone-type coil is used, but it should
be understood that other types may be used without departing from
the invention.
[0052] The at least one hair styling attachment 40' has a first
hair styling component 88' having a first end 90' and a second end
92' and a second hair styling component 94' having a first end 96'
and a second end 98', the first ends 90', 96' are preferably
connected such that the second ends 92', 98' of the first and
second hair styling components 88', 94' are capable of being moved
away from and toward each other in a manner similar to the hair
styling attachment 40 described above. The first hair styling
component 88' comprises a first handle portion 100' and a first
heated styling plate 102'. The second hair styling component 94'
comprises a second handle portion 104' and a second heat styling
plate 106'. The first and second heat styling plates 102', 106' are
configured so as to meet in facing engagement when the first and
second styling components are moved toward each other. The handle
portions 100', 104' are preferably formed of heat resistant
material and can be attached by a fastener system 38' such as a
spring clamp noted above or other similar mechanism to facilitate
close fit when the device is closed and ease of use.
[0053] The benefits of this embodiment include allowing for a
lighter weight hand-held piece because the bulk of the electrical
components are found in the one-piece base unit 10' and the
hand-held portion only includes the heat-resistant handle and
styling plates 102', 106'. The styling plates may be formed in the
same manner as any of the heat styling plates noted in the prior
embodiments described herein. The electrical cord 84' can include
on the side that attaches to the styling components a two-headed
plug on one end, wherein each plug fits independently into each of
the handle portions 100', 104' that include female inlets 108'
instead of male plugs as in the other embodiments noted herein.
Alteratively, two cords 84' (only one is shown for convenience in
FIG. 9A) can be used that connect into two separate inlets in the
base unit 10'. Another advantage of this embodiment, is that other
hair appliances or other personal care attachments can be made to
plug into the one-piece base unit such as hair dryers, clippers,
shavers and the like (not shown).
[0054] The handle portions can also include snap-in electrical
fittings 62' which may be configured to fit into optional inlets
16' in the handle portions. If such snap-in electrical fittings are
used, they are preferably in electrical communication through the
handle to the plug inlets 108' so as to communicate the power from
the heating unit to the plates 102', 106'. A user P can safely use
the hand-held portion by holding the handle portions 100', 104' in
the user's hand H as shown.
[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *