U.S. patent application number 11/565998 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for comb for use with a flat iron.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOODY PRODUCTS. Invention is credited to Kelly Chapman, Stan Chudzik, David Harper.
Application Number | 20080127989 11/565998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39493830 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080127989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chapman; Kelly ; et
al. |
June 5, 2008 |
COMB FOR USE WITH A FLAT IRON
Abstract
A flat iron comb in accordance with the present disclosure
combines a comb with tongs to allow the user to section a portion
of hair and clamp down with the comb portion to provide tension
when the flat iron is pulled behind the flat iron comb. The flat
iron comb also lines tip the hair prior to being heated by the flat
iron thus allowing a straighter result on the hair. The flat iron
comb possesses a slot in a lower armature to allow for the comb of
an upper armature to be inserted therein when the tongs are clamped
down. The lower armature also possesses a tapered sectioning point
on the tip of the armature to allow the user to get closer to the
scalp to gather the hair section to be straightened. The armature
can also possess a ceramic attribute in the lower armature to
assist in setting and drying the hair.
Inventors: |
Chapman; Kelly; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Chudzik; Stan; (Alpharetta, GA) ;
Harper; David; (Manchester, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA, PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Assignee: |
GOODY PRODUCTS
Freeport
IL
|
Family ID: |
39493830 |
Appl. No.: |
11/565998 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 24/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/118 |
International
Class: |
A45D 24/10 20060101
A45D024/10 |
Claims
1. A comb for use with a flat iron, comprising: an upper arm having
comb teeth extending outwardly from a surface of the upper arm
proximate a first end of the upper arm; a substantially straight
lower arm having a slot extending through a portion thereof and
proximate a first end of the lower arm, wherein the slot is
configured to receive at least a portion of the comb teeth therein;
and a connection portion disposed at a closed end of the comb and
connected to second ends of the upper and lower arms such that the
comb teeth and slot are disposed proximate an open end of the comb,
the connection portion orienting the upper and lower arms in a
normal open position wherein the upper and lower arms are
separated, and allowing the upper and lower arms to move together
upon application of a force to a closed position with at least a
portion of the comb teeth of the upper arm extending through the
slot of the lower arm.
2. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the upper arm
comprises a comb portion having the comb teeth extending outwardly
from a surface thereof, and a grip portion disposed between the
comb portion and the connection portion of the comb, and wherein
the lower arm comprises a slotted portion having the slot extending
therethrough, and a grip portion disposed between the slotted
portion and the connection portion of the comb.
3. A comb in accordance with claim 2, wherein the comb portion and
the slotted portion are demountably connected to the corresponding
grip portions.
4. A comb in accordance with claim 2, wherein the comb portion of
the upper arm includes an inner surface defining a channel, and
wherein the comb portion comprises a comb insert having the comb
teeth extending therefrom and having a spine configured to be
slidably received in the channel of the comb portion.
5. A comb in accordance with claim 2, wherein the grip portions
comprise sleeves.
6. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the upper and lower
arms are demountably attached to the connection portion.
7. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection
portion is fabricated from a resilient material, biases the upper
and lower arms to the normal open position, and deflects when force
is applied to allow the upper and lower arms to move to the closed
position.
8. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection
portion comprises a hinge configured to allow the upper arm to
rotate away from the normal open position and way from the lower
arm.
9. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection
portion comprises a torsion spring.
10. A comb in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lower arm
comprises a tapered tip.
11. A on comb for use with a flat iron, comprising: an upper arm
comprising a comb portion having comb teeth extending outwardly
from a surface thereof and a grip portion connected to the comb
portion; a substantially straight lower arm comprising a slotted
portion having a slot therethrough configured to receive at least a
portion of the comb teeth therein, a grip portion connected to the
slotted portion, and a tapered tip at a first end thereof; and a
connection portion fabricated from a resilient material disposed at
a closed end of the comb and connected to grip portions of the
upper and lower arms at points opposite the points of connection
with the comb portion and slotted portion, respectively, such that
the comb teeth and slot the are disposed proximate an open end of
the comb, the connection portion orienting the upper and lower arms
in a normal open position wherein the upper and lower arms are
separated, and allowing the upper and lower arms to move together
upon application of a force to a closed position with at least a
portion of the comb teeth of the comb portion of the upper arm
extending through the slot of the slotted portion of the lower arm
and wherein the comb comprises the two arms only.
12. A comb in accordance with claim 11, wherein the comb portion
and the slotted portion are demountably connected to the
corresponding grip portions.
13. A comb in accordance with claim 11, wherein the comb portion of
the upper arm includes an inner surface defining a channel, and
wherein the comb portion comprises a comb insert having the comb
teeth extending therefrom and having a spine configured to be
slidably received in the channel of the comb portion.
14. A comb in accordance with claim 11, comprising sleeves disposed
around the grip portions of the upper and lower arms.
15. A comb in accordance with claim 11, wherein the upper and lower
arms are demountably attached to the connection portion.
16. A comb in accordance with claim 11, wherein the upper arm, the
lower arm and the connection portion are integrally molded as a
single unitary component.
17. A comb in accordance with claim 11, wherein the upper arm, the
lower and the connection portion are fabricated from a resin having
a ceramic additive.
18. A comb for use with a flat iron, comprising: an upper arm
having one of comb teeth and brush bristles extending outwardly
from a surface of the upper arm proximate a first end of the upper
arm; a lower arm having a slot extending through a portion thereof
and proximate a first end of the lower arm, wherein the slot is
configured to receive at least a portion of the comb teeth or the
brush bristles therein; and a connection portion disposed at a
closed end of the comb and connected to second ends of the upper
and lower arms such that the comb teeth or the brush bristles and
slot are disposed proximate an open end of the comb, the connection
portion orienting the upper and lower arms in a normal open
position wherein the upper and lower arms are separated, and
allowing the upper and lower arms to move together upon application
of a squeezing force upon the upper and lower arms to cause the
arms to move to a closed position with at least a portion of the
comb teeth or the brush bristles of the upper arm extending through
the slot of the lower arm.
19. A comb in accordance with claim 18, wherein the upper arm
comprises a comb portion having the comb teeth or the brush
bristles extending outwardly from a surface thereof, and a grip
portion disposed between the comb portion and the connection
portion of the comb, and wherein the lower arm comprises a slotted
portion having the slot extending therethrough, and a grip portion
disposed between the slotted portion and the connection portion of
the comb.
20. A comb in accordance with claim 19, wherein the comb portion
and the slotted portion are demountably connected to the
corresponding grip portions.
21. A comb in accordance with claim 19, wherein the comb portion of
the upper arm includes an inner surface defining a channel, and
wherein the comb portion comprises a comb insert having the comb
teeth or the brush bristles extending therefrom and having a spine
configured to be slidably received in the channel of the comb
portion.
22. A comb in accordance with claim 18, wherein the upper and lower
arms are demountably attached to the connection portion.
23. A comb in accordance with claim 18, wherein the lower arm
comprises a tapered tip.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to combs and,
more particularly, to a flat iron comb having an upper armature
with teeth extending therefrom and an lower armature having a slot
therethrough, with the armatures being movable between a normal
open position and a closed position wherein the teeth of the upper
armature extend through the slot of the lower armature and the
armatures engage and retain strands of hair disposed
therebetween.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] When styling their hair or having their hair styled by a
stylist, women often use electric flat irons to flatten or
straighten naturally curly or wavy hair through the application of
heat, pressure and tension. While the flat irons are generally
effective, women working with flat irons to straighten their hair
experience various frustrations and/or inconveniences during the
process. Straightening one's hair with a flat iron requires the use
of a comb to help section a portion of the hair to be flat ironed.
In a typical hair straightening process, the hair is sectioned with
a comb, and the sectioned hair may be held with the comb used for
sectioning or may be held by the hand or the woman or the stylist
after the comb is placed down or shifted to the palm of that hand.
The flat iron is then placed around and clamped down upon the
sectioned hair. The flat iron is then pulled along the hair with
some force being placed on the flat iron to create tension on the
hair. In some cases, women or stylists then pick up a boar round
brush to hold the section of hair and to provide tension on the
hair when the flat iron is guided along the hair.
[0003] With the presently available combs, the sectioning of the
hair with the comb provided some insight on how the combs do not
always pick up the hair close to the scalp when used to section the
hair. This presents an opportunity to simplify the process of
gathering hair sections with a comb, and the number of times one
would pickup and exchange styling implements, while improving the
ability of the women and stylists to pick Up the hair close to the
scalp when the hair is sectioned. Therefore, a need exists for a
complimentary styling tool to assist with the process of flat
ironing/straightening women's hair.
[0004] Various products for assisting in hairstyling processes
involving the application of heat have been disclosed. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,927,684 to Lam discloses a hair-grooming implement
for controllably applying heat to hair strands while they are being
combed by having heated surfaces positioned between adjacent comb
teeth at a location such that they can only be contacted by hair
strands drawn between adjacent comb teeth during a hair-combing and
hair-grooming operation. The heat applied to the combed hair
strands softens the hair strands and allows the teeth of the comb
to position the hair strands in a desired, neatly groomed
orientation with respect to the person's head, in which orientation
they will remain after the softening and compliancy-increasing heat
is no longer present. This causes the hair strands, in their new,
neatly groomed orientation, to remain in the desired groomed
position for a substantial period of time.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,143 to Schroeder discloses an
electrically heated comb for hair styling and straightening which
heats each hank of hair on two sides for quick and effective drying
and styling of the hair. The comb has a row of heat conducting
teeth and insulated protective teeth, all of which are connected to
a heat conducting element that extends outwardly from a handle. At
least portions of two heat conducting teeth are provided in the
space between immediately adjacent protective teeth. Each of the
two heat conducting teeth has only one exposed heating surface
within the aforesaid space.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,121 to Westerveld et al. discloses a
hair styling brush for use in combination with a hot air source,
comprising an elongate hollow body with a row of hollow teeth,
which extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis
of the hollow body. The interior of the hollow body is in open
communication with the interior of each of the hollow teeth. The
hollow teeth have outlet apertures through which in operation an
air stream flows, with the air stream being directed substantially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the hollow body. To
give the hair a maximal volume, the brush is provided with a comb
at either side of the row of hollow teeth opposite the outlet
apertures.
[0007] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,064 to Simpson discloses a high
temperature externally heated hair-styling device that has a
hair-styling body. An over-temperature alarm is mounted in the
hair-styling body. The over-temperature alarm has a temperature
sensor which is thermally connected to the hair-styling body. The
sensor provides a voltage signal representative of the temperature
of the hair-styling body. A variable reference voltage signal
generator is powered by a DC battery power source. The reference
signal generator has an adjustable range and the reference voltage
signal is calibrated to coincide with a predefined operating
temperature range. A comparative device comparing the
representative and reference voltage signals is used to determine
when the predefined operating temperature range is exceeded. An
indicator device responsive to the comparative device is used to
indicate a temperature of the hair-styling body exceeding the
predefined operating temperature range of the hair-styling body. An
on/off switch is used to connect or disconnect the reference
voltage signal generator from the DC power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a flat iron comb
having an upper armature having comb teeth extending outwardly from
a surface of the upper armature proximate a first end of the upper
armature, and a lower armature having a slot therethrough proximate
a first end of the lower armature, wherein the slot is configured
to receive the comb teeth therein. The flat iron comb may further
include a connection portion disposed at a closed end of the flat
iron comb and connected to second ends of the upper and lower
armatures such that the comb teeth and slot are disposed proximate
an open end of the flat iron comb. The connection portion may
orient the upper and lower armatures in a normal open position
wherein the upper and lower armatures are separated, and allow the
upper and lower armatures to move together upon application of a
force to a closed position with the comb teeth of the upper
armature extending through the slot of the lower armature.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a flat iron
comb having an upper armature comprising a comb portion having comb
teeth extending outwardly from a surface thereof and a grip portion
connected to the comb portion, and a lower armature comprising a
slotted portion having a slot therethrough configured to receive
the comb teeth therein, a grip portion connected to the slotted
portion, and a tapered tip extending outwardly from the slotted
portion on the side of the slotted portion opposite the grip
portion of the lower armature. The flat iron comb may further
include a connection portion fabricated from a resilient material
disposed at a closed end of the flat iron comb and connected to
grip portions of the upper and lower armatures at points opposite
the points of connection with the comb portion and slotted portion,
respectively, such that the comb teeth and slot are disposed
proximate an open end of the flat iron comb. The connection portion
of the flat iron comb may orient the upper and lower armatures in a
normal open position wherein the upper and lower armatures are
separated, and allowing the upper and lower armatures to move
together upon application of a force to a closed position with the
comb teeth of the comb portion of the upper armature extending
through the slot of the slotted portion of the lower armature,
armature having one of comb teeth and brush bristles extending
outwardly from a surface of the upper armature proximate a first
end of the upper armature, and a lower armature having a slot
therethrough proximate a first end of the lower armature, wherein
the slot is configured to receive the comb teeth or brush bristles
therein. The flat iron comb may further include a connection
portion disposed at a closed end of the flat iron comb and
connected to second ends of the upper and lower armatures such that
the comb teeth or brush bristles and slot are disposed proximate an
open end of the flat iron comb. The connection portion of the flat
iron comb may orient the upper and lower armatures in a normal open
position wherein the upper and lower armatures are separated, and
allowing the upper and lower armatures to move together upon
application of a force to a closed position with the comb teeth or
brush bristles of the upper armature extending through the slot of
the lower armature.
[0010] Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the
claims of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Objects, features, and advantages of the present device will
become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flat iron
comb in accordance with the present disclosure in a normal open
position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flat iron comb of FIG. 1
in a closed position;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a flat iron comb having a coil spring connecting upper and lower
armatures; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of a further alternative embodiment of
a flat iron comb having a hinge connecting upper and lower
armatures in open and extended positions.
[0016] While the method and device described herein are susceptible
to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain
illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings
and will be described below in detail. It should be understood,
however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the
specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to
cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0017] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it
should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is
defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this
patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the
invention since describing every possible embodiment would be
impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments
could be implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0018] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,
unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph.
[0019] A flat iron comb in accordance with the present disclosure
combines a comb with tongs to allow the user to section a portion
of hair and clamp down with the comb portion to provide tension
when the flat iron is pulled behind the flat iron comb. The flat
iron comb also lines up the hair prior to being heated by the flat
iron thus allowing a straighter result on the hair. The flat iron
comb possesses a slot in a lower armature to allow for the comb of
an upper armature to be inserted therein when the tongs are clamped
down. The lower armature also possesses a tapered sectioning point
on the tip of the armature. The sectioning point allows the user to
get closer to the scalp to gather the hair section to be
straightened. The armature can also possess a ceramic attribute in
the lower armature to assist in setting and drying the hair.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a flat iron comb 10 in
accordance with the disclosure is illustrated. The flat iron comb
10 includes an upper armature 12 and a lower armature 14 joined at
a closed end 16 of the flat iron comb 10 by an intermediate
connection portion 18. The connection portion 18 is configured so
that the armatures 12, 14 are substantially parallel or diverge as
the armatures 12, 14 extend away from the connection portion 18
toward an open end 20 of the flat iron comb 10. The connection
portion 18 is further configured to be flexible and resilient such
that the armatures 12, 14 are normally disposed in an open or
separated position as shown in FIG. 1, and may also be pressed
together to a closed position as shown in FIG. 2 wherein the facing
inner surfaces of the armatures 12, 14 may be brought into contact.
Due to the resiliency of the connection portion 18, the armatures
12, 14 separate and return to the normal open position of FIG. 1
when the flat iron comb 10 is released.
[0021] Returning to FIG. 1, the upper armature 12 includes a grip
portion 22 proximate the connection portion 18 and a comb portion
24 proximate the open end 20 of the flat iron comb 10. The comb
portion 24 includes a plurality of spaced teeth 26 extending
downwardly toward the lower armature 14. The lower armature 14
includes a grip portion 28 proximate the connection portion 18 and
a slotted portion 30 proximate the open end 20 of the flat iron
comb 10. The lower armature 14 further includes a tapered tip 32
extending therefrom at the open end 20 opposite the connection
portion 18. The tip 32 may configured to penetrate the hair pack of
the user to reach the scalp and maximize the hair sectioned when
the tip 32 is inserted therein. The slotted portion 30 of the lower
armature 14 includes a slot 34 extending therethrough and is
configured to align with and receive the teeth 26 of the upper
armature 12. When the armatures 12, 14 are pressed together as
shown in FIG. 2, the teeth 26 extend through the slot 34 to allow
all or a portion of the facing inner surfaces of the armatures 12,
14 to meet.
[0022] The grip portions 22, 28 may include sleeves 35 disposed
thereon that may be fabricated from fabric, rubber, polyurethane or
other material that may prevent slippage and/or provide a surface
that will not burn the user's fingers in applications where the
flat iron comb 10 is exposed to heat. In one embodiment, the
sleeves 35 may be fabricated from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and
disposed on areas where the user's fingers or hand will be in
contact with the grip portions 22, 28. The sleeves 35 could also be
made from other materials such as TPE, Santoprene, Neoprene,
silicone, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and other soft materials.
Alternatively, those same areas could be over-molded with a TPE,
Santoprene, Neoprene, PVA and/or other soft material resin.
Alternatively, a silicone or PVA sleeve 35 may be provided in
combination with a silicone gel or PVA gel that is captured within
the sleeve 35 and components, or as a gel pack or pouch that is
adhered to the components or captured by components to secure the
pack or pouch to the sleeve 35 in final assembly.
[0023] As discussed above, the flat iron comb 10 may be used in
conjunction with a heated flat iron to flatten/straighten naturally
curly or wavy hair. The hair is first sectioned by inserting the
tip 32 of the flat iron comb 10 through the hair pack at a desired
location down to the scalp. The tip 32 is pushed along the scalp to
gather the hair section on the upper surface of the slotted portion
30 of the lower armature 14. Once the desired portion of hair is
sectioned, the upper and lower armatures 12, 14 are pressed
together with the teeth 26 extending through the sectioned hair and
into the slot 34. With the teeth 26 embedded in the sectioned hair,
the flat iron comb 10 is drawn along the hair away from the scalp
to separate the sectioned hair from the remaining hair. At a
desired point, the armatures 12, 14 are pressed together on the
hair to apply tension to the sectioned hair as the flat iron comb
10 is drawn farther away from the scalp. Once the sectioned hair is
pulled taught, the flat iron may be pressed onto the hair to apply
heat and pressure to straighten the sectioned hair.
[0024] In one embodiment, the flat iron comb 10 substantially as
described above may be provided with the tipper and lower armatures
12, 14 and the intermediate connection portion 18 being integrally
formed as a single unitary component. The flat iron comb 10 may be
produced from a wide variety of materials such as acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, high
impact polystyrene (HIPS), general purpose styrene, cellulose
acetate, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Santoprene, Neoprene,
styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and the like. The flat iron comb 10 may
also be made out of metal or wood. The choice of material will be
based on functional performance requirements necessary to produce a
comb 10 that is flexible while sturdy enough to withstand the
repeated mechanical and thermal loading that occurs over time as
the comb 10 is used in hair styling. These materials may also be
infused with one or more additives to provide additional
therapeutic benefits to the hair to which the flat iron comb 10 is
applied, such as additives having anti-static, anti-bacterial,
anti-microbial, ionic and shine-producing properties. Additives
providing such benefits and other benefits include ceramide,
tounnaline, olive oil, macadamia nut oil, yogurtine, bamboo
charcoal, carbon, silicone, copper, and the like. Further, the
material from which the flat iron comb 10 is fabricated may be
infused with a ceramic additive or other additive having a low
thermal conductivity so that the amount of heat transferred from
the hair and/or the flat iron to the flat iron comb 10 is
minimized, thereby allowing the heat to remain within or be applied
to the hair to promote the straightening of the hair.
[0025] Flat iron combs in accordance with the present disclosure
may also be configured for manufacturing the comb to be expandable
and/or reconfigurable to meet differing consumer needs. With that
in mind, the flat iron comb may be built using components that are
interchangeable so that the features of a particular configuration
of the flat iron comb may be directed toward specific consumer
needs, demographics and/or price points. The flat iron comb may be
designed as a platform having interchangeable parts to allow other
features. Consequently, one or both of the armatures 12, 14 may be
demountably attached to the intermediate connection portion 18 so
that armatures 12, 14 and connecting portions 18 having differing
material properties or configurations may be connected during the
manufacturing process at connection points 26, 28, respectively, to
produce a desired configuration of the flat iron comb 10. The
armatures 12, 14 and connection portion 18 may be configured with
any known connection mechanism for demountably attaching adjacent
components. For example, the connection portion 18 may have
externally threaded shanks extending outwardly at the connection
points 26, 28, and the corresponding ends of the armatures 12, 14
may have internally threaded recesses allowing the armatures 12, 14
to be screwed onto the connection portion 18. Alternatively, in
lieu of threads, the shanks and recesses may have detents and
corresponding indentations that receive the detents to secure the
components. If it is desired for the components to be permanently
attached during normal use, an adhesive may be applied to the
connecting elements during assembly or more permanent connection
mechanisms may be employed. Other connection mechanisms will be
apparent to those skilled in the art and are contemplated by the
inventors as having use in flat iron combs in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0026] In a similar manner, the components of the armatures 12, 14
may be interchangeable. On the upper armature 12, the grip portion
22 and comb portion 24 may be separate components that are
connected at a point 40 via a connection mechanism such as those
discussed above. Similarly, the grip portion 28, slotted portion 30
and tip 32 of the lower armature 14 may be demountably or
permanently connected at connection points 42, 44, respectively. Of
course, those skilled in the art will understand that the flat iron
comb 10 may be implemented with as many or as few connection points
36-44 as are necessary to provide the desired amount of
configuration flexibility in the flat iron comb 10.
[0027] An alternative or additional degree of flexibility may be
provided in the configuration of the comb portion 24 so that the
teeth 26 may be removed and replaced by alternative tooth
configurations, by teeth fabricated from different materials, or by
brush heads having bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the
teeth 26 may extend from a comb insert 46 that may be demountably
attached to the comb portion 24 so that the insert 46 may slide
into and out of the comb portion 24 as indicated by the double
arrow and end portion of the insert 46 illustrated at the left side
of FIG. 1. The comb portion 24 may be configured with an inner
surface defining a channel 48 that slidably receives a spine 50 of
the comb insert 46. The channel 48 and spine 50 may include detents
or other similar mechanism for retaining the spine 50 in place
within the channel 48. Where comb inserts 46 having differing
configurations of teeth 26 are used, it may be necessary to attach
a slotted portion 30 to the lower armature 14 having a slot 34
configured to receive the tooth configuration of the particular
comb insert 46 connected to the comb portion 24 of the upper
armature 12.
[0028] Various tooth and/or bristle patterns of the comb portion 24
and/or insert 46 may be provided that may correspond to the various
hair types on which the flat iron comb 10 may be used, such as
curly, straight, wavy, thick, thin, medium, and the like. The
interchangeable portions 24 and inserts 46 provide the ability to
offer a range of products for specific hair needs. The
tooth/bristle patterns can be of various lengths and widths
depending on hair type, and may include multiple rows of teeth
and/or bristles. The teeth or bristles may be infused with
ceramic-like properties to assist in drying and straightening the
hair.
[0029] The comb/bristle portion 24 can be replaced entirely with
other styling tool products such as a hot round. The hot round
would encompass an assembly of components such as a metal coated
ceramic (or any other desired additive) with a tooth or bristle
structure emerging from the interior of the hot round or the metal
hot round itself. The teeth/bristles may be constructed of nylon,
polypropylene, or boar hair, or a mix of these materials or any
other bristle material. The hot round may possess a feature where
the bristles retract similar to the bristles of the brushes
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/876,407, filed on
Jun. 25, 2004, entitled "Self-Cleaning Comfort Hair Brush and
Roller and System for Selecting a Brush from a Plurality of Brushes
According to Hair Type" and subsequently published as U.S. Patent
Publ. No. 2005/0055788 A1, the specification of which is expressly
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, and as applied
to hot round products. The retractable-bristle hot round design may
allow for one-handed operation for retracting the bristles within
the hot round structure. The comb/bristle portion 24 may also be a
tufted round brush that is integrally molded or may be attached to
the grip portion 22 as previously discussed. The round portion of
the round brush may be a solid or semi-solid material in
construction that serves as a base for the anchoring of the tufts
or multiple strands of bristles. The tufts of bristles may be
constructed from nylon, polypropylene, boar hair, tampico, horse
hair, Nylex, or any combination or mix of these or other materials.
The tufts of bristles may be monofilament (one bristle anchored to
a base) or a multi-filament tuft that is a single material or
multiple material tuft in construction.
[0030] The comb portion 24 may also be implemented in the form of a
vented brush block. The vent design incorporates slots, holes,
notches that allow air to pass through the brush block. One version
of the vented flat iron comb may include bristles tufted or
anchored directly into a solid block design. Another embodiment
could incorporate the retractable-bristle brush technology
discussed above and including a tufted pad secured between a brush
face, brush frame and/or brush back plate. The bristles of the
vented brush block may have either a monofilament or a
multifilament arrangement.
[0031] A further alternative version of the flat iron comb 10 could
utilize foam, polyester or polyester-based sponges, natural
sponges, TPE over-mold, microfiber, chamois, PVA or squeegee
material in place of the teeth 26 in the comb portion 22. Both
portions 22, 30 could incorporate the foam, TPE over-mold, or
squeegee material. This embodiment would provide the ability to
wick or absorb moisture or water away from the hair while still
providing tension to the sectioned hair while using the flat
iron.
[0032] Like the comb portion 24, the slotted portion 30 may having
varying configurations and be interchangeable to provide a desired
configuration of the flat iron comb 10. The slotted portion 30 in
various embodiments may be fabricated from metal or resin, and may
be infused with additives that assist with straightening the hair.
An aluminum slotted portion 30 coated with ceramic that assists in
drying the hair is one alternative option. Another alternative is
an aluminum slotted portion 30 coated with ceramic and a material
having ionic properties to assist drying the hair and preventing
static. As a further alternative, a resin slotted portion 30 with
infused additives such as tourmaline may provide anti-static and
shine properties. Jade is a further alternative material or coating
that may be utilized on the slotted portion 30 to distribute
heat.
[0033] In addition to the alternative configurations of the
components of the armatures 12, 14, alternate configurations of the
connection portion 18 may be implemented depending on the
particular manufacturing, hair styling or market needs to be met by
the flat iron comb 10. For example, the material from which the
armatures 12m 14 are fabricated may not have the necessary
flexibility or resiliency required for the connection portion 18 to
be repeatedly loaded and unloaded as the armatures 12, 14 are
pressed together and released during use. FIG. 3 illustrates one
embodiment wherein the connection portion 18 is replaced by a coil
spring 52 that will flex to allow the armatures 12, 14 to be
pressed together and then returned to the normal open position. The
coil spring 52 may be fabricated from the same material as one or
both of the armatures 12, 14, or may be formed from a different
material, such as a metal having the necessary flexibility and
resiliency.
[0034] The comb/bristle portion 24 could be manufactured
specifically for the multicultural consumer market, with the
comb/bristle portion 24 being constructed from a metal such as
brass. This allows the multicultural consumer to utilize the flat
iron comb 10 as a more advanced pressing comb than those presently
used by multicultural consumers. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment
of the flat iron comb 10 adapted to function as a pressing comb
when heat is used to style the hair of the user. In this
embodiment, the connecting portion 18 is replaced with a hinge 54
connecting the armatures 12, 14 such that the flat iron comb 10 can
be opened with the upper armature 12 rotated away from the lower
armature 14 to the position shown on the right in FIG. 4. In the
rotated position, the flat iron comb 10 may be used in a stove iron
system for styling the hair with high heat. The comb portion 24 may
be fabricated from a metal having high thermal conductivity, such
as copper or brass, while the slotted portion 30 may be fabricated
from a ceramic material or a ceramic-infused resin having a low
thermal conductivity.
[0035] During the styling process, the upper armature 12 may be
rotated away from the lower armature 14, and the comb portion 24
may be inserted into a Marcel iron oven and heated. Once the comb
portion 24 is heated, the comb portion 24 is withdrawn from the
stove, and the upper armature 12 is rotated back toward the lower
armature 14 to the normal open position. If desired, the hinge 54
may be configured to hold the armatures 12, 14 in the normal open
position and allow the armatures 12, 14 to be pressed together to
the closed position. With the armatures 12, 14 in the normal open
position, the flat iron comb 10 may be applied to the hair in a
similar manner as described above to press the user's hair in the
desired hair shape, with the comb portion 24 applying heat to the
sectioned hair without a significant amount of heat being lost to
the slotted portion 30.
[0036] In addition to straightening women's hair in conjunction
with a flat iron, the flat iron combs in accordance with the
disclosure may be used in other hair care and grooming
applications, and may be implemented with additional features. For
example, an embodiment of the flat iron comb may be designed as a
gas powered (butane), corded or cordless flat iron comb that would
eliminate the need for a separate flat iron. The powered versions
of the flat iron comb may possess temperature control ability and a
quick temperature recovery ability, the status of which may be
displayed via digital displays (with LED or LCD technology) or LED
diodes displaying on-off status and/or power levels. The flat iron
comb may also be used in detangling children's hair. The teeth or
bristles of the comb may be movable, and a motor may be added
within the comb to cause the teeth or bristles to oscillate to
assist in detangling knotted hair. The flat iron comb 10 can also
be used by parents when cutting their children's hair to section
the child's hair and make a straight cut of the sectioned hair
without the risk of cutting their fingers. The flat iron comb may
also have application in the pet grooming market where show dog
groomers often use flat irons to straighten the hair of show dogs
in preparation for competition.
[0037] The flat iron comb 10 as discussed in the various
embodiments above may eliminate the need for multiple styling tools
to be used in coordination with a flat iron, and the constant
picking up and placing down of the multiple styling tools being
used. The flat iron comb 10 allows the user to section and apply
tension on the hair with the same tool, and to apply the flat iron
to the section of hair without the necessity of switching tools or
setting aside a tool in the middle of the styling process.
[0038] While the preceding text sets forth a detailed description
of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be
understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the
words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The
detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does
not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims defining the invention.
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