U.S. patent application number 12/854888 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-17 for hair iron fume removal device.
Invention is credited to Nicholas Johnson.
Application Number | 20110036822 12/854888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43586824 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110036822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Nicholas |
February 17, 2011 |
Hair Iron Fume Removal Device
Abstract
The problem of noxious fume generation during chemical treatment
of hair using a hair iron is solved by providing a fume intake on
the hair iron near the point of fume generation, preferably near
the iron's heating elements. The fume intake receives the fumes and
delivers them to the fume removal passage under vacuum flow
generated by a vacuum source, then transported to a filtration
system or exhausted to the outside environment. Optionally, the
fume intake may extend along the length of the heating element and
may be directed downward, towards the hair. Optionally, the fume
removal device may be attachable as a retrofit to a standard hair
iron. The present invention advantageously prevents the spread of
the noxious fumes to the rest of the salon and protects both the
stylist and client from discomfort and irritation, thus permitting
the more widespread use of these beneficial hair treatments.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Nicholas; (Oakland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AARON PAUL MCGUSHION
4565 Dogwood Ave
Seal Beach
CA
90740
US
|
Family ID: |
43586824 |
Appl. No.: |
12/854888 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61233117 |
Aug 11, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
219/201 ;
219/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/00 20130101;
A45D 44/02 20130101; A45D 1/06 20130101; A45D 1/28 20130101; A45D
2001/002 20130101; B08B 15/04 20130101; A45D 2/001 20130101; A45D
7/06 20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/201 ;
219/225 |
International
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20060101
A45D001/04 |
Claims
1. A fume removal device in connection with a hair iron with a
heating element and used in conjunction with a vacuum source during
the application of a chemical treatment to the hair; said fume
removal device comprising: at least one fume intake proximate to
said heating element; a fume removal passage in fluid communication
between said fume intake and said vacuum source; said fume intake
configured to draw in at least some fumes generated by the
localized heating of a section of said hair as said hair iron is
applied to said section; said fume removal passage configured to
transport the fumes to a desired location.
2. The fume removal device of claim 1 wherein said fume intake is
configured to provide a vacuum flow along at least substantial
majority of a length of said heating element.
3. The fume removal device of claim 2 wherein said fume intake is
an elongated slot.
4. The fume removal device of claim 3 wherein said elongated slot
is longer than said length of said heating element.
5. The fume removal device of claim 2 wherein the rate of said
vacuum flow is adjustable to substantially match a rate of fume
production.
6. The fume removal device of claim 1 wherein said fume intake is
directed towards said section of said hair when said hair iron is
applied to said section.
7. The fume removal device of claim 6 wherein said fume intake
includes a portion configured to extend over said hair when said
hair iron is applied to said section.
8. The fume removal device of claim 1 wherein said desired location
is one of a filtration system and atmosphere.
9. The fume removal device of claim 1 wherein said fume removal
device is attachable to a standard hair iron.
10. A fume removal system for use during the application of a
chemical treatment to the hair; said fume removal system
comprising: a hair iron configured to be applied to a hair strand
section; at least one fume intake provided on said hair iron and
configured to be proximate to said hair strand section during
application of said hair iron to said hair strand section; a vacuum
source; a fume removal passage in fluid communication between said
fume intake and said vacuum source; said fume intake configured to
draw in a substantial quantity of fumes generated by the localized
heating of said hair strand section; said fume removal passage
configured to transport the fumes to a desired location.
11. A fume removal device used during the application of a chemical
treatment to the hair; said fume removal device comprising: a fume
intake positioned on a hair iron and in fluid communication with a
vacuum source through a fume removal passage; said fume intake
configured to draw in at least some fumes generated by the
localized heating of a section of said hair as said hair iron is
applied to said section; said fume removal passage configured to
transport the fumes to a desired location.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the priority date of provisional
application No. 61/233,117 filed on Aug. 11, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a fume removal device, and
more particularly, to a fume removal device for use with a hair
iron during the chemical treatment of hair.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Hair straightening and conditioning procedures, such as
procedures commonly known as Brazilian or Japanese hair treatments,
are popular and costly beauty salon services. The treatments
generally involve chemically treating the hair, followed by
straightening with a high temperature flat iron. The primary
problem is that many types of straightening treatments generate
large amounts of noxious vapors volatilized by the heat of the flat
iron. The moisture and chemicals present in the hair result in
smoke, steam, and unpleasant odors. The resulting fumes may also be
a health hazard, causing many salons to exclude the treatments from
their services.
[0006] Hairdressers and beauty salons have attempted to solve this
problem by opening windows, increasing ventilation, or using fans
to redirect the fumes. This approach has met with little success.
Oftentimes, the use of fans will aggravate the problem by rapidly
spreading the odors throughout the entire retail space, exposing
the workers and entire clientele to the smell. As a result, many
customers may be dissuaded from entering the business.
[0007] Some salons have tried more traditional means to eliminate
fumes by providing bulky fume ducts that are situated near or above
the hair during treatments. These devices are large and unwieldy,
and do not effectively address the fumes at the source of
production, where the flat iron meets the hair. As a result, the
client and the stylist may experience the unpleasant and noxious
fumes; and some fumes may escape the station and into the rest of
the salon.
[0008] What is needed and not provided by the existing art is a
means to remove fumes during a hair treatment to prevent localized
exposure to the client and stylist, as well as the remainder of the
salon. What is also needed is a device that removes fumes while not
interfering with the styling action and movement of the hair iron.
What is further needed is a device that is not bulky, hard to move,
or requires repositioning by a separate action throughout the
styling process.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved hair iron fume removal device that effectively removes
fumes from the source of fume production and prevents the spread
thereof;
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an improved hair iron fume removal device that does not hinder the
movement of the stylists tools or obscure the hair; and
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an improved hair iron fume removal device that is compact and in
the optimal position for effective fume removal.
[0012] These and other advantages and attainments of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a
reading of the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described
an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides
fume removal device connected to a hair iron and used in
conjunction with a vacuum source during the application of a
chemical treatment to the hair. The device includes at least one
fume intake that is preferably near the heating element of the hair
iron, since this is the source of the heat generated fumes.
However, the fume intake may be formed or attached on any part of
the hair iron near the point on fume generation. A fume removal
passage permits fluid communication between the fume intake and the
vacuum source. The fume intake draws in a substantial quantity of
fumes through vacuum flow action as the hair iron is applied to the
section of hair. The fume removal passage transports the fumes to a
desired disposal location through a flexible tube.
[0014] The fume intake is preferably configured to create a vacuum
flow over the much of the entire length of the heating element,
preferably by an elongated slot. Although, if it is desired the
fume intake may be placed intermittently along the length, just a
portion thereof, or a region longer than the length.
[0015] The vacuum source may be adjustable to provide a rate of
vacuum flow that matches the rate of fume production. The vacuum
flow may also be directed to draw from a direction towards the
hair. This is accomplished by directing the fume intake so that it
faces the hair when the hair iron is applied to the hair. To direct
the fume intake, a portion is designed to extend over the hair,
extending beyond the edge of the hair iron.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing the fume intake and showing the
internal fume removal passage in phantom with the jaws in the open
mode;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing the hair iron jaws in the closed
mode;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing the overhang of the fume removal
device;
[0019] FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing a configuration for the fume
intake;
[0020] FIG. 2D is a sectional view of yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, showing a second configuration
for the fume intake;
[0021] FIGS. 3A-B are views of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention as it is applied to the hair of a client;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing two potential modes of exhausting
the fumes; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a kit of the present
invention, showing the kit interior with hair iron and vacuum
source.
LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS OF FIRST-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] fume removal system 20 [0025] fume removal device 22, 22'
[0026] hair iron 24 [0027] heating element 26 [0028] overhang 28,
28' [0029] fume intake 30 [0030] fumes 32 [0031] vacuum source 34
[0032] filtration system 36 [0033] filter 38 [0034] fume removal
passage 40 [0035] exhaust 42 [0036] hair 44 [0037] heating element
46 [0038] strand section 48 [0039] extended portion 50 [0040] power
cord 52 [0041] connector 54 [0042] upper jaw 56 [0043] lower jaw 58
[0044] release button 60 [0045] arrow 62 [0046] vacuum source 64
[0047] enclosure 66 [0048] user 68 [0049] client 70 [0050] arrow 72
[0051] cooling vent 74 [0052] tube 76, 76', 76'' [0053] atmosphere
78 [0054] path 80 [0055] path 82 [0056] pump outlet tube 84 [0057]
switch 86 [0058] outlet 88 [0059] roots 90 [0060] tips 92 [0061]
lower chamber 94 [0062] upper chamber 96 [0063] length L
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0064] The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings are intended as a description of embodiments
of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms
in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized.
The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the
illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0065] Turning first to FIG. 1, the fume removal device 22 of the
present invention is shown as integrated and molded as part of a
hair iron 24. In terms of the ironing function the hair iron 24, in
this case a straightening or flat iron, is constructed of similar
components to those used in standard hair irons used throughout the
hair products industry and will therefore not be explained in great
detail, since their function and structure are well known by those
skilled in the art. The hair iron 24 has an upper jaw 56 that is
pivoted to and rotates in relation to a lower jaw 58. The Jaws 56
and 58 may be injection molded with a plastic or similar material
that is sufficiently heat resistant and has the required insulating
qualities. The jaws 56 and 58 may be optionally unbiased or spring
biased towards a normally open position or a normally closed
position, where the angle between the jaws is near zero. On each of
the mating surfaces of the jaws 56 and 58 a heating element 26 is
provided, such as a ceramic coated PTC element or metal heating
element. The flat, rectangular heating elements 26 are configured
to meet in a substantially planar parallel relationship when the
jaws 56 and 58 are closed. A power cord 52 provides power for the
operation of the hair iron 24 and may be detachable from the hair
iron 24 or integrated into the tube.
[0066] A preferred embodiment of the instant invention is shown in
FIG. 1 integrated within the upper jaw 56 of the hair iron 24.
Within the upper jaw 56 is formed a fume removal passage 40 that
receives fumes 32 from the fume intake 30. In the preferred
embodiment, the fume intake 30 is slot-shaped and proximate to at
least one of the heating elements 26. Other fume intake 30 designs
may be used with similar results as the slot, such as multiple
orifices along the length L of the heating element 26, a single
orifice with an overhang 28 design that guides the fumes 32 into
the fume intake 30, or other designs within the scope of the
invention that achieve similar results. The fume intake 30 is
preferably located on the side of the hair iron 24 immediately
adjacent to the position of a heating element 26 or on a region of
the hair iron where fumes may be effectively collected, such as
near the point of heat application upon the hair 44 strand section
48. The fume intake 30 may be of sufficient shape and/or size to
have the capability of receiving fumes 32 (represented by the
curved arrows leading into the fume intake 30) across the length L
of the heating elements 26, a selected portion of the length L, or
well beyond the length L.
[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, the fume removal passage 40
runs through the upper jaw 56 and delivers the fumes 32 to a tube
76 connected to the hair iron 24 through connector 54. A variety of
connectors may be used, however a quick disconnect-type connector
54 may be preferred where a release button 60 or detent may be
depressed to detach the hair iron 24 from the tube 76. The tube 76
may be selected from any type appropriate flexible tubing that
permits the user 68 to freely utilize the hair iron 24 in a
hairdressing procedure without substantial hindrance, but is
substantially chemically resistant to the variety of fumes 32
produced and is substantially resistant to crimping or collapse due
to vacuum pressure. Examples of appropriate tubing may include
convoluted hose, braided or unbraided, or smooth-bored tubing. One
specific example of a potentially appropriate tube selection may be
3/4'' I.D. 1.05'' Nominal O.D. 0.020'' Wall Thickness. EH-L PVC
Hose with External Polymer Helix, item no. 48930 from U.S. Plastic
Corp.
[0068] FIGS. 2A-D shows the hair iron 24 of the present invention
in the closed mode where a strand section 48 of hair 44 may be
interposed between the heating elements 26 in a hair treatment
process. The hair iron 24 is usually applied to a strand section 48
near the roots and is drawn outwards towards the tips of the hair
44, affecting the structure of the strands 48 as heat and pressure
is applied. The structural effect being determined by factors such
as heating element shape and temperature and type of chemical
applied to the hair. Switch 86 controls the temperature of the
heating elements 26. The fumes 32 are created by the volatilization
of chemicals which were applied to the hair 44, such as in a
formaldehyde-based chemical treatment. FIGS. 2B-D show an overhang
28 extending beyond the edges of the hair iron 24 structure such
that the overhang 28 extends directly over the strand section 48 to
create a laboratory hood-like effect, to guide the rising fumes 32
into the fume intake 30 and to direct the vacuum flow across the
strand section 48 and into the fume intake 30.
[0069] Two of the many possible configurations for the overhang 28
are shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. In FIG. 2C, the fume intake 30 is
directed to draw in fumes 32 from a direction approximately
parallel to the strand section 48 clamped therebetween. As the hair
iron 24 is drawn down the strand section 48 the overhang 28 tends
to capture the upward rise of the fumes 32 from the strand section
48 and permit the fume intake 30 to draw in the fumes 30. The
vacuum action in itself would serve to draw in a substantial
quantity of fumes 32, even without the overhang 28. However, it has
been found that the efficiency of fume 32 removal is increased with
the presence of an overhang 28. After the fumes 32 have been guided
into the fume intake 30, the fume removal passage 40 receives the
fumes 32 and guides them through the tube 76. FIG. 2D shows an
alternate embodiment of the overhang 28', where the fume intake 30
is directed to draw in fumes 32 from a direction approximately
perpendicular to the strand section 48 clamped therebetween. The
overhang 28' folds over the side of the hair iron 24 separated from
the side by a gap that forms the fume intake 30. In a similar
manner as described above, the fumes 32 are guided into the fume
removal passage 40. It may be necessary to mold the upper jaw 56 in
multiple sections to achieve the desired profile.
[0070] A preferred method of operation of the present invention can
be viewed in FIG. 3A, where a user 68, such as a hair stylist, has
the hair iron 24 with the fume removal device 22 of the present
invention integrated thereon applied to the strand section 48 of a
client 70. Arrow 72 shows the downward draw of the hair iron 24
from the roots 90 to the tips 92 of the hair 44. A chemical
treatment is applied to the entire length or portion of the strand
section 48. The heating elements 46 apply heat to the portion of
air 44 directly in contact with the heating elements 46, thereby
volatilizing the chemical to create fumes 32. In this example, the
majority of the fumes 32 are released immediately next to the hair
iron 24 on the upstream side of the strand section 48, where the
direction of the hair iron 24 draw is considered the downstream
direction. So, the fumes 32 are mostly released on the portions of
the strand section 48 that are in immediate contact with the
heating elements 26 or just exiting the hair iron 24. It can be
seen that the fume intake 30 is on this upstream side of the hair
iron 24 to capture and draw in the generated fumes 32. However, the
fume intake 30 may be positioned on the downstream side and/or the
upstream side of the hair iron 24 if required by the generation of
fumes 32.
[0071] FIG. 3B shows a magnified view of the method of use with the
detachable/attachable version of the fume removal device 22'
mounted to a standard hair iron 24 with permanent attachment means
(adhesive, fasteners, and such) or removable attachment means (weak
adhesive, hook and loop, and such). The fume removal device 22' has
been mounted to the side of the upper jaw 56, although other
attachment points are conceived. The fume intake 30 is directed
downwards, towards the strand section 48 and the side mounting
provides an overhang 28. So, instead of the fume removal passage 40
and fume intake 30 being formed integrally with the upper jaw 56 or
lower jaw 58 of the hair iron 24, the fume removal device 22' is
manufactured separately and is attached as a retrofit to a standard
hair iron 24, so that the user 68 may modify an existing hair iron
24 or even choose to detach the fume removal device 22' when the
hair iron 24 is not being used in a chemical treatment process.
[0072] A preferred embodiment of the fume removal system 20 of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 4. The fume removal device 22 is
mounted to a hair iron 24, with the power cord 52 ready to be
inserted into outlet 88 to provide power to the hair iron 24 and
additionally to the vacuum source 64 located within enclosure 66.
The vacuum source 64 may be selected from the numerous appropriate
and readily available vacuum pumps and the like, such as an
oil-free electric vacuum pump. The vacuum source 64 is preferably
compact in size and of a manageable weight, although a permanently
install vacuum pump may not be required to meet this criteria.
Other vacuum sources 64 are also possible, such as a fan-based
vacuum system and any other source that produces the required
vacuum flow.
[0073] FIG. 4 further shows the two paths 80 or 82 by which the
fumes 32 may be carried away from the hair 44. The fumes 32 may be
carried through path 82 to tube 76'' and filtered through filter 36
mounted on the exhaust side of the vacuum source 64. The filter 36
is preferably selected to eliminate the specific type of fumes 32
generated. With formaldehyde, for example, a filter media with
activated carbon, activated alumina/potassium permanganate, and/or
potassium iodide may be selected. Or alternatively, a filter that
utilizes a photocatalytic oxidation process may also be
appropriate.
[0074] Alternately the fumes 32 may be carried through path 80,
into tube 76', through the vacuum source 64 in enclosure 66, and
thereafter vented to atmosphere 78 at a remote location, such as
through a window or vent leading to the outdoors. The tubes 76' and
76'' are separate examples of the potential exhausting of the fumes
32, where the user 68 may select one at the exclusion of the other.
So, the tube 76 is preferably continuous, with the continuing
portion being either tube 76' or 76''.
[0075] Yet another preferred embodiment of the fume removal system
20 is shown in a more compact and portable form in FIG. 5. The
entire system 20 is contained within an enclosure 66, with the
vacuum source 64 located in a lower chamber 94. On the high
pressure or exhaust side of the vacuum source 64 is the pump outlet
tube 84 leading to the filter 38 and exiting the enclosure through
exhaust 42. The lower chamber 94 is preferably insulated to
attenuate sound; and the vacuum source 64 is isolated with rubber
bushings or the like to reduce vibration. A cooling vent 74 may be
provided to adequately cool the vacuum source 64 and prevent
overheating. The hair iron 24 with the fume removal device 22 is
located in the upper chamber 96, which is readily accessible to the
user 68. Although not shown as being connected, tube 76 is a
continuous tube that leads from the fume removal device 22 to the
intake of the vacuum source 64 below. The tube 76 may be of
sufficient length to permit the locating of the enclosure 66 away
from the client 70.
[0076] While particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the
claims.
* * * * *