U.S. patent application number 12/234125 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-02 for hair iron.
Invention is credited to Chris Burridge, MIGLIORI JEROME, Adi Schimko.
Application Number | 20090084396 12/234125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38670279 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090084396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JEROME; MIGLIORI ; et
al. |
April 2, 2009 |
HAIR IRON
Abstract
A hair iron includes a first arm, a second arm and at least one
cover removably mounted on at least one of the first arm and the
second arm. In one embodiment, removable or interchangeable covers
are mounted on both arms. The arm(s) may include guide recesses or
channels to accommodate projections on the cover(s) to allow the
cover(s) to be slid onto the arm(s). Alternatively, the cover(s)
may include the guide recesses or channels and the arm(s) may
include the projections. Still further, other means for receiving
the interchangeable cover(s) may be incorporated into the cover(s)
and/or the arm(s). The arms are preferably pivotally connected and
include opposing heated plates on the inside surfaces thereof. The
hair iron may form part of a kit containing the hair iron in
combination with one or more replacement covers.
Inventors: |
JEROME; MIGLIORI; (Commelle
Vernay, FR) ; Schimko; Adi; (Haifa, IL) ;
Burridge; Chris; (Surrey, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GrayRobinson, P. A.
401 E. LAS OLAS BLVD, SUITE 1850
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
38670279 |
Appl. No.: |
12/234125 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/224 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D
2001/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/224 |
International
Class: |
A45D 1/00 20060101
A45D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 21, 2007 |
GB |
0718423.7 |
Claims
1. A hair iron comprising: a first arm; a second arm; and at least
a first cover, wherein the first cover is removably mounted on the
first arm.
2. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a second
cover, wherein the second cover is removably mounted on the second
arm.
3. A hair iron as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first cover is a
push fit onto the first arm and the second cover is a push-fit onto
the second arm.
4. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm defines
at least one recess and wherein the first cover includes at least
one projection locatable in the at least one recess.
5. A hair iron as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one
recess is at least one channel extending along at least part of a
length of the first arm.
6. A hair iron as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first cover is
displaceable axially to locate the at least one projection in the
at least one recess.
7. A hair iron as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one
projection is at least one lug.
8. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover
defines at least one recess and wherein the first arm includes at
least one projection locatable in the at least one recess.
9. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein a design is printed
on at least the first cover.
10. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover
includes a flange for locating in a channel provided at a tip of
the first arm.
11. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm and
the second arm are pivotally connected.
12. A hair iron as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first cover
defines an aperture and wherein the aperture accommodates a pivot
arrangement.
13. A hair iron as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pivot
arrangement locates in the aperture to retain the first cover in
position.
14. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
retaining means for retaining the first cover in position.
15. A hair iron as claimed in claim 1, wherein opposing heated
plates are provided on insides of the first arm and the second
arm.
16. A hair iron comprising: a first arm; a second arm; and means
for receiving at least one interchangeable cover on at least one of
the first arm and the second arm.
17. A hair iron as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first arm
defines at least one recess and wherein a first interchangeable
cover includes at least one projection locatable in the at least
one recess.
18. A hair iron as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
interchangeable cover is displaceable axially to locale the at
least one projection in the at least one recess.
19. A hair iron as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one
interchangeable cover defines at least one recess and wherein at
least one of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one
projection locatable in the at least one recess.
20. A kit comprising: a hair iron that includes a first arm, a
second arm, and at least a first cover, wherein the first cover is
removably mounted on the first arm; and at least one replacement
cover to replace the first cover after removal of the first cover
from the first arm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e)(1) upon U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/994,793, which is
entitled "Hair Iron," was filed on Sep. 21, 2007, and is
incorporated herein by this reference. This application also claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) upon United Kingdom Patent
Application Serial No. 0718423.7, which is entitled "Hair Iron,"
was filed with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office on
Sep. 21, 2007, and is incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a hair iron. A particular
application of the invention is a hair straightener.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional hair irons have first and second pivotally
connected arms carrying heated metal or ceramic plates. Heating
elements, either electrical or gas powered, heats the plates ready
for use. A section of hair is placed between the heated plates for
treatment. In the case of hair straighteners, the plates are fiat
and the hair straighteners are drawn from the root to the tip of
the hair during treatment.
[0004] The arms typically comprise a molded casing onto which the
other components, such as the metal or ceramic plates and the
heating elements, are mounted. It may be desirable to alter the
appearance of the hair irons to reflect a particular style or to
enable them to be sold under different brand or model names.
However, molding different casings may complicate the production
cycle and is likely to increase production costs. Thus, it may not
be economically viable to produce a range of hair irons.
[0005] Furthermore, even if a range of hair irons is produced, the
inventor(s) have recognised that a user may wish to customise or
personalize them. There are limited options available for a user to
distinguish conventional hair irons from those of their friends or
colleagues.
[0006] The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments,
attempts to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the
shortcomings outlined above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention relates to
a hair iron comprising a first arm, a second arm and at least a
first cover; wherein the first cover is removably mounted on the
first arm.
[0008] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention relates
to a hair iron comprising first and second arms, having means for
receiving at least one interchangeable cover on said first arm
and/or said second arm. The means for receiving the at least one
interchangeable cover may be any or all of the appropriate features
of the first and second arms described herein.
[0009] Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention
relates to a cover for a hair iron as described herein.
[0010] Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present invention
relates to a kit comprising a hair iron as described herein in
combination with one or more replacement covers.
[0011] It will be appreciated that, at least in preferred
embodiments, the first cover and/or second cover may provide a
replaceable skin enabling a hair straightener to be personalized by
a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair iron having
removable covers in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the hair iron of FIG. 1 in a
closed position;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the arms of the hair
iron along the line A-A shown in FIG. 2; and
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the steps in removing the covers
from the hair iron and fitting replacement covers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A hair iron comprises a first arm, a second arm and at least
a first cover; wherein the first cover is removably mounted on the
first arm. Advantageously, the first cover may readily be removed
to allow a replacement cover to be mounted in its place. The
replacement cover may have a different appearance thereby enabling
a user to change the appearance of the hair iron. For example, a
user may remove the original cover fitted on the hair iron and fit
a replacement cover which is a different color or has a stylized
design printed on it. It will be appreciated also that, in the
event of damage, the first cover may be removed and a replacement
fitted. Equally, at least in preferred embodiments, different
covers may readily be fitted during the manufacturing process, for
example to allow different brand and/or model names to be
displayed.
[0018] The hair iron preferably comprises a second cover which is
removably mounted on the second arm.
[0019] The hair iron preferably has one or more heating elements
for heating plates mounted on the first and second arms. The plates
are typically mounted on the inside of the first and second arms.
Preferably, the plates are opposable. The plates may be made of
metal, ceramic or any other suitable material. The plates may be
tourmaline plates.
[0020] The first cover is preferably removably mounted on an
outside of the first arm. The second cover is preferably removably
mounted on an outside of the second arm. The first arm is
preferably an enclosed component in itself, without the first
cover. In other words, the first arm may comprise a first housing
or the like. The first cover may then be fitted over the first
housing. Indeed, an inside surface of the first cover may conform
to an outside surface of the first arm (or the first housing of the
first arm). The same applies to the second arm, which may comprise
a second housing. Likewise, an outside surface of the second cover
may conform to an outside surface of the second arm (or the second
housing of the second arm). So, the hair iron can be usable without
the covers in place. The housings may provide sufficient heat
insulation. Fitting the covers may nonetheless improve heat
insulation and allow the hair iron to be used for longer periods or
with less discomfort to the user.
[0021] At least in preferred embodiments, the first cover may be
removed without using tools or specialist equipment. The first
cover and/or the second cover may be clipped onto the first arm
and/or second arm. Preferably, the first cover and/or the second
cover may be a push-fit or a press-fit. Cooperating male and female
members are preferably provided for mounting the first cover and/or
the second cover. For example, the first arm and/or the second arm
may have at least one recess or channel for receiving at least one
projection provided on the first cover and/or the second cover. In
other words, the first cover and/or the second cover may comprise
at least one projection locatable in one or more recesses provided
in the first arm and/or the second arm. The at least one projection
may be a lug or an elongate member such as a rail or track. When
the hair iron is assembled, the or each projection is preferably
seated in a recess provided in the first arm and/or the second arm.
The at least one projection may be a restricted fit in said recess.
The recess may be a slot or channel.
[0022] Alternatively, or in addition, the first arm and/or the
second arm may be provided with at least one projection which
locales in one or more recesses provided in the first cover and/or
the second cover.
[0023] The first cover may be adapted so that it can only be
mounted on the first arm. Similarly, the second cover may be
adapted so that it can only be mounted on the second arm. Thus, the
first and second covers may be handed.
[0024] Preferably, the first cover and/or the second cover may be
displaced axially relative to the first arm and/or the second arm
to seat or unseat said at least one projection in said at least one
recess. The cover may be mounted by locating it on the arm such
that said at least one projection is aligned with the corresponding
recess or recesses before displacing the cover axially to seat said
at least one projection. Conversely, the cover may be removed by
displacing it axially to unseat said at least one projection. It
will be appreciated that the steps of mounting and removing the
cover are the same for both the first cover and the second cover.
Alternatively, the first cover and/or the second cover may be
clipped onto the first arm and/or the second arm.
[0025] The first cover and/or the second cover preferably comprise
retaining means. The retaining means may comprise a clip for
cooperating with the first arm and/or the second arm.
[0026] A design may be printed on said first cover and/or said
second cover. The design may incorporate characters, symbols, text,
images or a combination thereof. The design may be printed directly
onto the first cover and/or the second cover or may be printed on
an adhesive label which is then attached to the first cover and/or
the second cover. The first cover and/or the second cover may be
colored.
[0027] A first flange or rib may be provided at an end of the first
cover to locate in a recess provided at a tip of the first arm. A
second flange or rib may be provided at an end of the second cover
to locate in a recess provided at a tip of the second arm.
[0028] The first and second arms are preferably pivotally
connected. A pivot arrangement, pin or hinge may be provided to
connect the first and second arms. At least one aperture is
preferably provided in a sidewall of said first cover and/or said
second cover. The at least one aperture is preferably provided to
accommodate the pivot arrangement, pin or hinge connecting the
first and second arms. The aperture is preferably substantially
semicircular. The location of the pivot pin in said recess may
retain the respective cover in position.
[0029] A hair iron 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The hair iron 1
comprises first and second arms 2, 3 pivotally connected to each
other by a pivot arrangement 4. First and second covers 5, 6 are
removably mounted on the first and second arms 2, 3. The first and
second covers 5, 6 are molded from a plastics material and have
segment shaped or roughly semicircular recesses 7 formed in their
sidewalls to accommodate the pivot arrangement 4.
[0030] Opposable ceramic plates 8, 9 are provided on the inner
surfaces of the first and second arms 2, 3. In the illustrated
embodiment, the plates 8, 9 are flat and the hair iron 1 is
therefore suitable for straightening hair. In other words, the hair
iron 1 is a hair straightener. In other embodiments the plates may
be contoured to provide a hair curling iron or the like. The
ceramic plates 8, 9 are heated by electrical heating elements (not
shown), but in a modified arrangement gas heating elements may be
used (for example, to provide a portable hair iron 1).
[0031] A digital controller 10 for controlling the temperature of
the plates 8, 9 is provided on a power cord 11 connected to a first
end of the first arm 2. The controller 10 is provided with an
ON/OFF button 12 and temperature control buttons 13, 14. The
controller 10 also has a Liquid Crystal Display 15 for displaying
the temperature of the ceramic plates 8, 9.
[0032] The first and second covers 5, 6 are preferably decorated
with printed matter to enhance the appearance of the hair iron 1. A
brand name, logo, emblem and/or graphic design may be printed onto
the first cover 5 and/or the second cover 6. Alternatively, or in
addition, a design may be embossed on the first and/or second
covers 5, 6. The first and second covers 5, 6 are preferably
colored, for example by moulding them from a colored plastics
material.
[0033] The first and second covers 5, 6 may be replaced with covers
having different display material printed on them thereby enabling
a user to personalize the hair iron 1. So, the first and second
covers 5, 6 are adapted to allow them to be removed from the first
and second arms 2, 3 by hand without using tools or specialized
equipment. In more detail, first guide channels 16 extend axially
along each side of the first arm 2 from the pivot arrangement 4 to
the tip of the first arm 2. A first set of inwardly projecting lugs
17 provided on the inside of the first cover 5 is located in the
first guide channels 16 to retain the first cover 5 in position.
Similarly, second guide channels 18 extend axially along each side
of the second arm 3 from the pivot arrangement 4 to the tip of the
second arm 3. The second guide channels 18 receive a second set of
inwardly projecting lugs 19 provided on the inside of the second
cover 6.
[0034] By way of example, the removal of covers 5, 6 having a zebra
pattern and the fitting of replacement covers 5, 6 having a spotted
design will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0035] The removal of the first and second covers 5, 6 from the
first and second arms 2, 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. The first
cover 5 is gripped and displaced axially in a direction away from
the connection for the power cord 9 (i.e., towards the tip of the
first arm 2), as illustrated by the arrow B. The axial displacement
of the first cover 5 displaces the sidewalls outwardly and unseats
the pivot arrangement 4 from the semi-circular recesses 7 in the
first cover 5, as illustrated by the arrow C. The first cover 5 can
then be slid off the end of the first arm 2. These steps are
repeated to remove the second cover 6 from the second arm 3.
[0036] The mounting of replacement first and second covers 5, 6 on
the first and second arms 2, 3 is illustrated in FIG. 4B. The first
cover 5 is aligned with the end of the first arm 2 such that the
first set of lugs 17 locate in the first guide channels 16. The
first cover 5 is then slid along the length of the first arm 2
towards the connection for the power cord 11 at the first end of
the first arm 2, as illustrated by arrow D. The pivot arrangement 4
displaces the sidewalls of the first cover 5 outwardly and the
continued axial displacement of the first cover 5 seats the pivot
arrangement 4 in the semi-circular recesses 7, as illustrated by
arrow E. The resilience of the sidewalls of the first cover 5
thereby retains the first cover 5 in position. These steps are
repeated to mount the second cover 6 on the second arm 5.
[0037] It will be appreciated that the hair iron 1 is used in a
conventional manner. However, care should be taken to ensure that
the first and second covers 5, 6 are fitted or removed only when
the hair iron 1 is cool to avoid injury.
[0038] The skilled person will understand that various changes and
modifications may be made to the embodiment described herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention.
[0039] For example, rather than provide a channel or recess in the
first and second arms 2, 3, projections or lugs may be provided on
the first and second arms 2, 3 for location in one or more recesses
provided in the first and second covers 5, 6. Moreover, in place of
the lugs 17, 19, one or more elongate projections or rails may be
provided on the covers 5, 6.
* * * * *