Hair Curling System

Abstract

A hair curling system for curling or waving hair. The system includes; a frustoconical rolling member with first and second ends; a latching member coupled thereto; a motivated rotating device removably coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member and having: a motor and a coupling member removably mechanically coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member. The coupling member is removably mechanically coupled to the motivating device and has a hexagonal cross-section. The motivated rotating device includes: a tension sensor and a clutch that disengages when the tension sensor measures a tension outside a predetermined range. There is an annular member encircling the first end and rotatably coupled thereto. There is a frustoconical textile member coupled about an exterior of the frustoconical rolling member to provide a layer of absorbent material thereon.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to hair curling or rolling systems and devices, specifically to hair curling or rolling systems and devices for improved effect and/or efficiency.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In the past, a variety of methods and devices have been developed for curling or waving hair. Such methods and devices have been developed to provide temporary curvature to hair and to provide more permanent curvature, commonly known as a `permanent wave` or `perm.`

[0005] Because hair treated so is generally long, it may respond to such treatments and devices in a great variety of ways. Accordingly, skill and attention are required to achieve desired results. However, the longer it takes to perform a curling or waving method, the more opportunity there is for mistake and the more likely it is that there may be inconsistencies, resulting in poor results.

[0006] Accordingly, attempts have been made at improving effect and/or efficiency of curling and/or waving methods and devices. The following are examples of such and are incorporated by reference herein:

[0007] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 4,829,156 by Thompson discloses an electric curling iron includes a handle containing a reversible DC motor for rotating an elongated, generally cylindrical curling mandrel extending from the front end of the handle and coupled to the motor by a clutch so as to prevent injury to the user. The mandrel is electrically heated and controls are provided on the handle for selecting the speed and direction of mandrel rotation, as well as the level of mandrel heating. A clamp for releasably retaining a strand of hair is carried by the mandrel for rotation therewith. A manually actuating mechanism on the handle is designed to allow opening and closing of the clamp while the mandrel is rotating.

[0008] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6,314,968 B1 by Navarro discloses a non-beating hair-curler comprising at least over 50% if usable length one single tapered body with an end of small diameter and an end of large diameter, said tapered body being extended to one of its end by a cylindrical or almost cylindrical body of substantially the same diameter. There is also a method of hair setting.

[0009] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 5,487,396 by Wilson discloses a perm rod kit in which the perm rod has a tight wrap section and a loose wrap section of differing diameters, and in which the transition between the two is accomplished at a mid-portion of the rod kit is disclosed. In addition, a band is provided which is secured to a band cap and then transitioned to the opposite end of the perm rod for utilizing with a band plug to thereby secure a band across the entire strand of the hair after it has been wrapped on the perm rod. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to apply a permanent to any length of hair with the resulting look of naturally curly hair, irrespective of whether the root portion has grown out straight and virgin, and the balance of the strand portion has a residual curl from a pre-existing permanent wave. In accordance with the method the strands of hair are normally first wetted, and then thereafter wrapped around the two step rod with the small end approaching the scalp as close as comfort will permit. Once the entire head has been so treated, a solution is applied which causes the hair in its wrapped configuration to change and therefore accept the curl which has been induced by the perm rod kit. After curling has taken place for a period of time of five to twenty-five minutes, depending upon the observation of the beautician, the hair is then neutralized and after neutralized for at least five minutes, the perm rod kit is removed.

[0010] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 4,267,430 by Downey discloses a dual-voltage electric hair curling apparatus includes having a handle and a heated barrel. A pair of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating elements are located in the barrel and are operable, respectively, at a low automotive vehicle voltage and a high domestic voltage. A switch in the handle permits energization of either heating element dependent upon the voltage of the available power supply and an overload fuse prevents damage to the low voltage heater should it be accidentally energized from a high voltage supply. The curler is provided with a power cord terminating in a two-pronged plug receivable into a corresponding receptacle on a portable vanity case adapted to be mounted by clips to the visor of an automotive vehicle. The vanity case has a mirror illuminated by electric luminaries on its front surface and a cord set terminating in a plug receivable in an automobile cigar lighter is connected to the receptacle and luminaries. When not in use the hair curler, power cord and cord set are stored in a compartment in the vanity.

[0011] However, in many cases, the current systems and devices in the art fail to provide a consistent curl size along a length of hair. Further, many systems and devices are slow to implement, resulting in wasted time for the technician and the client. More, many systems and devices are likely to produce inconsistent results wherein inconsistent tension may be applied to a bundle of hair.

[0012] What is needed is a hair curling system that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available hair curling systems and devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved hair curling system and/or device,

[0014] In one embodiment, there is a hair curling system for curling or waving hair. The system may include one or more of the following: a frustoconical rolling member having a first end and a second end; a latching member coupled near the first end and removably coupleable to near the second end; and/or a motivated rotating device removably coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member having: a motor configured to impart motion; and/or a coupling member mechanically coupled to the motor and removably mechanically coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member.

[0015] The coupling member may be removably and/or mechanically coupled to the motivating device. The coupling member may have a cross-sectional profile of a regular polygons such as but not limited to a hexagon.

[0016] The motivated rotating device may further include one or more of the following: a tension sensor in communication with the coupling member; and/or a clutch that disengages the removable mechanical coupling between the coupling member and the motivating device when the tension sensor measures a tension outside a predetermined range. The predetermined range may include a minimum tension and/or a maximum tension. The motivated rotating device may include a range adjustment device in communication with the tension sensor and configured to enable a user to adjust the predetermined range. The motor may be a variable speed motor.

[0017] The frustoconical rolling member may include an annular member encircling the first end, rotatably coupled thereto, and/or coupled to the latching member. The frustoconical rolling member may include a frustoconical textile member that may be coupled about an exterior of the frustoconical rolling member and/or configured to provide a layer of absorbent material thereon.

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0020] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a top-side perspective view of a curler according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom-side perspective view of a curler according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a rotor device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a hair curling system according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a side cutaway view of a curler according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0028] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording "an embodiment," or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term "an embodiment," or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

[0029] Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

[0030] Finally, the fact that the wording "an embodiment," or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing "an embodiment," and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.

[0031] Looking to the figures, there is shown a hair curling system according to one embodiment of the invention. In particular, there is shown a frustoconical rolling member (also described herein as curling device or rod) 100 and a motivated or motorized rotating device 300 which may removably couple one to the other. In use a user may wrap hair about the curling rod 100 and then use the motorized rotating device 300 to cause the curling rod 100 to spool the hair thereon as is commonly done when curling or waving hair. Advantageously, the illustrated system enables a technician to more quickly and easily spool hair on the rod. Accordingly, where the illustrated system is used in industry, hair may be curled and/or waved with greater speed, efficiency, and provide better working conditions for technicians. The particular details of the illustrated embodiment shall now be more fully described.

[0032] There is shown a frustoconical rolling member 100 having a first end 110 and a second end 120. Wherein the rolling member 100 is frustoconical, the first end 110 and the second end 120 have differing cross-sectional diameters. It is understood that the terms first end and second end are used herein to represent opposite ends of the rolling member 100 and that while the illustrated first end 110 has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the illustrated second end 120, it is envisioned that in one embodiment of the invention, this may be reversed.

[0033] Advantageously, wherein the rolling member or rod 100 is frustoconical, a user of an embodiment of the invention is enabled to wrap hair along a graduating roller diameter. Accordingly, hair may be wrapped more tightly where hanging tension is greater, such as nearer the roots, and more lightly where hanging tension is lesser, such as near the tips. Therefore a more consistent curl appearance may be provided to a length of hair. Rods 100 may be heated or non-heated.

[0034] There is a latching member 130 coupled near the first end 110 and removably coupleable to near the second end 120. The illustrated latching member 130 includes a cap 132 having a top member 134 and a protrusion 136 shaped to fit within an aperture 122 in the second end 120 thereby enabling a user to removably couple the latching member 130 to the second end 120. The latching member 130 also includes a cord 138 that may be elastic, thereby enabling a user to secure a portion of hair to the rod 100 as is commonly done in the art.

[0035] The illustrated frustoconical rolling member 100 includes a first end assembly 500 wherein an annular member 112 encircles the first end 110, rotatably couples thereto, and couples to the latching member 130. The annular member 112 enables the body 502 of the rod 100 to rotate without spinning or spooling the latching member 130, as the annular member 112 may be held while the body 502 of the rod 100 rotates.

[0036] The illustrated annular member 112 couples to the body 502 of the rod 100 at a narrow neck 504 having a flange 506 thereon. The annular member 112 may be coupled thereto as shown by arrows 508. The annular member 112 includes a recessed portion 510 configured to mate to the flange 506, thereby forming a smooth surface. The annular member 112 may then rotate about the narrow neck 504 while being held in by the flange 506.

[0037] The illustrated frustoconical rolling member 100 includes a frustoconical textile member 102 coupled about an exterior of the frustoconical rolling member 100 and configured to provide a layer of absorbent material thereon. The frustoconical textile member 102 also advantageously enhances frictional coupling of wrapped hair to the rod 100. In one embodiment, there may be knobs or protrusions on the exterior surface of the rod 100, especially wherein there is no textile member 102. Accordingly, frictional coupling with hair may be enhanced in the absence of the textile member 102.

[0038] Also shown are small apertures 104 through the frustoconical textile member 102 and through the rod 100 to a hollow interior (See FIG. 5). These small apertures advantageously facilitate fluid communication between the exterior of the rod 100 and the interior of the rod 100.

[0039] There is also shown a motivated rotating device 300 removably coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member 100. The motivated rotating device 300 may be similar to a motorized or electric screwdriver or drill. Non-limiting examples of such include: Skil.RTM. Cordless Palm Size Screwdriver Model 2336-02; Milwaukee.RTM. 2.4 V 2-speed Cordless Screwdriver Kit Model 6547-22; Black & Decker.RTM. Pivot Plus Cordless Drill/Screwdriver Model PD700G; and Barbara K!.RTM. 4.8 Volt Power Screwdriver Model BK12208. While cordless examples are given, it is understood that an embodiment of the invention includes a motivated rotating device having a cord.

[0040] Looking to the details of the illustrated motorized rotating device or unit 420, there is shown a motor 424 configured to impart rotational motion 314 to a coupling member 310 mechanically coupled to the motivating device and removably mechanically coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member 100. Accordingly, a user is enabled to rotate the rolling member 100 about its long axis by activating the rotating unit 420, such as with a switch 422 in communication with a control unit 428.

[0041] The illustrated motivated rotating device 420 further includes the following: a tension sensor 430 in communication with the coupling member and with a control unit 428; and a clutch 426 that disengages the removable mechanical coupling between the coupling member 310 and the motivating device or motor 424 when the tension sensor 430 measures a tension outside a predetermined range. The predetermined range may include a minimum tension and/or a maximum tension. The motivated rotating device may include a range adjustment device 340 in communication with the tension sensor 430 and configured to enable a user to adjust the predetermined range. The motor 424 may be a variable speed motor.

[0042] The illustrated control unit 428 includes logical circuitry for controlling the motor and/or a clutch 426 coupling the motor to the coupling unit 310 according to signals from one or more sources. Such sources may include the on/off switch 422, which may be simply a circuit breaking switch. Another source may include a speed setting dial 423 which may be illustrated by the dial 340 on FIG. 3. Enabling multiple speeds in electric drills and screwdrivers is known and may be accomplished in similar ways.

[0043] A further source includes a tension sensor or transducer 430 that provides a signal regarding a tension, such as a torque on the coupling member 310 (a force in a direction as shown by arrows 314) and/or a transverse force (such as a force in a direction as shown by arrows 312). In one example, there may be a spring biased switch coupled to the housing 330 of the motorized unit 420 and configured to give a first signal when the switch is in a first position corresponding to within a tension range and a second signal when the switch is in a second position corresponding to without a tension range. Such a range may be controlled by deforming the spring and such deformation may be determined by a dial 340.

[0044] Accordingly, the control unit may include logic circuitry that will not enable rotation of the coupling member 310 unless appropriate tension is placed on the coupling member 310 and therethrough to the hair. Therefore, a motorized unit 420, 300 may facilitate consistent hair tension when rolling the hair, thereby enhancing consistency in curling and/or waving results.

[0045] Non-limiting examples of patents/patent applications describing similar systems in drills, screwdrivers, and other systems, which patents and applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein, are: US 2006/0081386 by Zhang et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,020 to Meyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,212 to Rees et al.; US 2004/0011632 by Hellmann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,970 to Eckman; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,968 to Navarro,

[0046] The coupling member 310 may be removably and/or mechanically coupled to the motor 424. The coupling member 310 may have a cross-sectional profile of a regular polygon, such as but not limited to a hexagon.

[0047] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0048] For example, although the figures show only a single rolling member, it is understood that in practice such generally come in sets. Accordingly, there may be a plurality of rolling members.

[0049] Additionally, although the figures illustrate particular angular and dimensional proportions, it is understood that there may be great variety between embodiments of the rolling member(s).

[0050] It is also envisioned that a user may direct fluid to be inserted within the interior of the rolling member.

[0051] It is also envisioned that various embodiments of the invention may be used in combination with hot, cold, wet, and/or dry methods and/or systems for bending hair. Further, it is envisioned that various embodiments of the invention may be adapted for use with short, medium, and/or long hair.

[0052] Also, wherein the illustrated coupling member is a male fitting and the illustrated rod includes a female fitting, it is understood that the shapes and systems for coupling the coupling member to the rod are plethoric and include, among many other ways, wherein the coupling member is a female fitting and the rod includes a male protrusion shaped to fit therein.

[0053] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the small apertures through the rolling member may be of any suitable shape or size and may be arranged in a great variety of arrays or irregular arrangements.

[0054] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to: plastics, rubbers, woven materials, ceramics, metals, and composites.

[0055] Thus while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the inventions it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A hair curling system for curling or waving hair, comprising: a frustoconical rolling member having a first end and a second end; a latching member coupled near the first end and removably coupleable to near the second end; and a motivated rotating device removably coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member having: a motor configured to impart motion; and a coupling member mechanically coupled to the motor and removably mechanically coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member.

2. The hair curling system of claim 1 wherein the coupling member is removably mechanically coupled to the motivating device.

3. The hair curling system of claim 2, wherein the motivated rotating device further comprises: a tension sensor in communication with the coupling member; and a clutch that disengages the removable mechanical coupling between the coupling member and the motor when the tension sensor measures a tension outside a predetermined range.

4. The hair curling system of claim 3, wherein the predetermined range includes a minimum tension and a maximum tension.

5. The hair curling system of claim 4, wherein the motivated rotating device further comprises a range adjustment device in communication with the tension sensor and configured to enable a user to adjust the predetermined range.

6. The hair curling system of claim 1, wherein the frustoconical rolling member includes an annular member encircling the first end, rotatably coupled thereto, and coupled to the latching member.

7. The hair curling system of claim 6, wherein the coupling member includes a cross-sectional profile of a regular polygon.

8. The hair curling system of claim 7, wherein the regular polygon is a hexagon.

9. The hair curling system of claim 1, wherein the frustoconical rolling member further comprises a frustoconical textile member coupled about an exterior of the frustoconical rolling member and configured to provide a layer of absorbent material thereon.

10. The hair curling system of claim 1, wherein the motor is a variable speed motor.

11. A hair curling device for curling or waving hair, consisting essentially of: a frustoconical rolling member having a first end and a second end; a latching member coupled near the first end and removably coupleable to near the second end; a motivated rotating device removably coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member at one of the first end and second end and having: a motor configured to impart motion; and a coupling member mechanically coupled to the motor and removably mechanically coupleable to the frustoconical rolling member.

12. The hair curling system of claim 11 wherein the coupling member is removably mechanically coupled to the motivating device.

13. The hair curling system of claim 12, wherein the motivated rotating device further comprises: a tension sensor in communication with the coupling member; and a clutch that disengages the removable mechanical coupling between the coupling member and the motivating device when the tension sensor measures a tension outside a predetermined range.

14. The hair curling system of claim 13, wherein the predetermined range includes a minimum tension and a maximum tension.

15. The hair curling system of claim 14, wherein the motivated rotating device further comprises a range adjustment device in communication with the tension sensor and configured to enable a user to adjust the predetermined range.

16. The hair curling system of claim 11, wherein the frustoconical rolling member includes an annular member encircling the first end, rotatably coupled thereto, and coupled to the latching member.

17. A hair curling device for curling or waving hair, comprising: a frustoconical rolling member having a first end and a second end; a latching member coupled near the first end and removably coupleable to near the second end; and an annular member encircling the first end, rotatably coupled thereto, and coupled to the latching member.

18. The hair curling device of claim 17, wherein the first end of the frustoconical rolling member includes a cavity.

19. The hair curling system of claim 18, wherein the cavity has a hexagonal cross-section.

20. The hair curling system of claim 17, wherein the frustoconical rolling member further comprises a frustoconical textile member coupled about an exterior of the frustoconical rolling member and configured to provide a layer of absorbent material thereon.