U.S. patent application number 13/640115 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for motorised hair styling iron.
This patent application is currently assigned to KENFORD INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is Wai Ho Michael Keong, Wai Keung Kent Wan. Invention is credited to Wai Ho Michael Keong, Wai Keung Kent Wan.
Application Number | 20130025620 13/640115 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43960724 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130025620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keong; Wai Ho Michael ; et
al. |
January 31, 2013 |
MOTORISED HAIR STYLING IRON
Abstract
A hair styling iron includes a pair of hinged elongate jaws
having complementary hair-engaging surfaces configured to hold and
engage hair between the surfaces. The iron is motorised for
rotating or vibrating at least one of the jaws. At least one
elastomeric rib extends along one of the hair-engaging surfaces,
and allows the user to readily modulate the hair-gripping
force.
Inventors: |
Keong; Wai Ho Michael; (New
Territories, CN) ; Wan; Wai Keung Kent; (New
Territories, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Keong; Wai Ho Michael
Wan; Wai Keung Kent |
New Territories
New Territories |
|
CN
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
KENFORD INDUSTRIAL COMPANY
LTD
New Territories, Hong Kong
CN
|
Family ID: |
43960724 |
Appl. No.: |
13/640115 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 7, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2011/072502 |
371 Date: |
October 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2200/207 20130101;
A45D 1/10 20130101; A45D 2/001 20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/227 |
International
Class: |
A45D 1/02 20060101
A45D001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2010 |
CN |
201020177835.1 |
Claims
1. A hair styling iron comprising: a pair of elongate jaws, each
jaw having proximal and distal parts; a hinge connecting the
proximal parts of the jaws to each other for movement of the jaws
between a closed position, in which the distal parts of the jaws
are adjacent for grasping hair, and an open position in which the
distal parts of the jaws are spaced apart; motorised means for
rotating or vibrating at least one of the jaws; heating means for
heating at least one of the jaws, wherein the distal parts of the
jaws have complementary hair-engaging surfaces configured to hold
and engage hair between the hair-engaging surfaces, and one of the
hair-engaging surfaces includes at least one elastomeric rib
extending along the hair-engaging surface.
2. The iron of claim 1, wherein the pair of jaws comprises first
and second jaws, the first jaw includes a barrel having a first
longitudinal axis and a substantially cylindrical hair-engaging
surface, the motorised means comprises a rotary motor which rotates
the barrel about the first longitudinal axis, and the hair-engaging
surface including at least one elastomeric rib comprises a concave
hair-engaging surface on the second jaw.
3. The iron of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
substantially bisects the hair-engaging surface.
4. The iron of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
comprises two elastomeric strips disposed adjacent opposing
longitudinal edges of the hair-engaging surface.
5. The iron of claim 2, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib is
linear and extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
jaw on which the at least one elastomeric rib is disposed.
6. The iron of claim 5, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
extends substantially parallel to a surface of the barrel in the
closed position of the jaws.
7. The iron of claim 1, wherein the hair-engaging surfaces are
metal surfaces, and the at least one elastomeric rib has a length
and a substantially constant cross-section throughout the length,
and protrudes from the one of the hair-engaging surfaces including
the at least one elastomeric rib by a substantially constant
dimension throughout the length.
8. The iron of claim 7, wherein the substantially constant
dimension is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.
9. The iron of claim 7, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
has a convex outer surface protruding from the one of the
hair-engaging surfaces including the at least one elastomeric
rib.
10. The iron of claim 9, wherein the convex outer surface of the at
least one elastomeric rib has a substantially constant radius of
curvature.
11. The iron of claim h wherein the at least one elastomeric rib is
bonded to the one of the hair-engaging surfaces including the at
least one elastomeric rib.
12. The iron of claim 1, wherein the one of the hair-engaging
surfaces including the at least one elastomeric rib includes an
elongate slot and a strip received in the elongate slot, and the at
least one elastomeric rib is located on the strip.
13. The iron of claim 1, wherein the heating portion has a
longitudinally extending plane of symmetry, and each elastomeric
rib is located substantially symmetrically relative to the plane of
symmetry.
14. The iron of claim 1, wherein the jaws include inner clamping
faces and outer convex faces that are polished metal surfaces.
15. The iron of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
has a length that is between 2% and 20% of width of the one of the
hair-engaging surfaces including the at least one elastomeric
rib.
16. The iron of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
has a hardness between 30 Shore A and 50 Shore D.
17. The iron of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric rib
is silicone rubber.
18. The iron of claim 1, wherein each jaw has a heating means
comprising an elongate heating portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to hair styling irons,
particularly electric appliances for hair curling or straightening,
having one member motor driven to rotate or vibrate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One type of known hand-held electric hair curling or
straightening iron use two jaws or arms, at least one of which is
heated, with the other cooperating to hold hair in contact with the
first, and being moveable from an open position allowing the
insertion of hair to a closed position to put the hair in contact
with the heater.
[0003] Some of the drawbacks with the prior art hair irons are that
the processing results can be variable, if the operation is
performed too fast, the processing time is too short and,
therefore, the hair is not properly formatted, while moving too
slowly can damage the hair by overheating. Operation of these irons
requires the user to carefully manipulate the two jaws. A new user
unfamiliar with the iron may have difficulty in accurately
controlling the hair-gripping forces that vary with the clamping
pressure between the heating body and hair. As a tool with opposing
smooth and hard clamping faces is drawn through the hair any
variation in the user's hold on the tool produces a variable
contact pressure that can cause discomfort, as the hair is pulled
unevenly. The resulting treatment of a lock of hair may also
produce an uneven appearance.
[0004] One way in which this issue has been addressed in old hair
irons is by providing one of the jaws with a brush or comb for
gripping the hair, however such a brush or comb makes the tool less
compact and can restrict the manner in which the tool can be used
for different operations, such as curling and straightening.
[0005] It will be understood that there is a need to provide a hair
styling iron capable of readily being used by new users to achieve
hair shaping of good quality, durability, and with uniform
appearance throughout the hair, while being easy to use and
convenient. The apparatus should capable of ensuring a good thermal
transfer between the heated part of the apparatus and hair, while
ensuring the protection thereof and with greater reliability in
operation. The apparatus should be capable of ensuring a good
contact pressure between the means of shaping and hair during
treatment. The device should have a simple and compact structure
that can be manufactured for a low cost. It is an object of the
present invention to address the above needs or more generally to
provide an improved electric hair iron.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a hair styling iron, comprising:
[0007] a pair of elongate jaws, each jaw having proximal and distal
parts;
[0008] a hinge connecting the proximal parts of the jaws for
movement between a closed position in which the jaws are adjacent
for grasping hair therebetween and an open position in which the
jaws are spaced apart;
[0009] motorised means for rotating or vibrating at least one of
the jaws;
[0010] heating means for heating at least one of the jaws;
[0011] the distal parts of the jaws having complementary
hair-engaging surfaces configured to hold and engage hair
therebetween, and wherein
[0012] at least one elastomeric rib extends along one of the
hair-engaging surfaces.
[0013] The proximal parts may be at longitudinal ends of the jaws
or, for instance, at positions intermediate the longitudinal
ends.
[0014] Preferably the pair of jaws comprise first and second jaws,
the first jaw includes a barrel having a first longitudinal axis
and a substantially cylindrical hair-engaging surface,
[0015] the motorised means comprises a rotary motor which rotates
the barrel about the first longitudinal axis and wherein
[0016] the one of the hair-engaging surfaces comprises a concave
hair-engaging surface formed on the second jaw.
[0017] The at least one elastomeric rib may be disposed to
substantially bisect the concave hair-engaging surface.
Alternatively, the at least one elastomeric rib may comprise two
elastomeric strips disposed adjacent opposing longitudinal edges of
the concave hair-engaging surface.
[0018] Preferably the at least one elastomeric rib is linear and
extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the jaw on
which it is disposed. Optionally the at least one elastomeric rib
may be curvilinear.
[0019] Preferably the at least one elastomeric rib is linear and
extends substantially parallel to a surface of the barrel in the
closed position.
[0020] Preferably the hair-engaging surfaces are metal surfaces,
the at least one elastomeric rib has a substantially constant
cross-section throughout its length, and protrudes from the one of
the hair-engaging surfaces by a substantially constant dimension
throughout its length.
[0021] Preferably the at least one elastomeric rib has a convex
outer surface protruding from the one of the hair-engaging
surfaces. Optionally, the outer surface of the rib may protrude
from the one of the hair-engaging surfaces only when the heating
portion is at an elevated temperature, due to thermal expansion,
and may otherwise be flush or recessed below the one of the
hair-engaging surfaces.
[0022] Preferably the convex outer surface of the at least one
elastomeric rib has a substantially constant radius of
curvature.
[0023] The at least one elastomeric rib may be bonded to the one of
the hair-engaging surfaces. Alternatively, the at least one
elastomeric rib may be formed on a strip received in an elongate
slot in the one of the hair-engaging surfaces.
[0024] Preferably the heating portion has a longitudinally
extending plane of symmetry and each elastomeric rib is located
substantially symmetrically relative to the plane of symmetry. For
instance, where one elastomeric rib is provided it is bisected by
the plane, and where two ribs are provided, they may be disposed
either side of the plane.
[0025] Preferably the width of the at least one elastomeric rib is
between 2% and 20% of the width of the one of the hair-engaging
surfaces. Preferably the at least one elastomeric rib has a
hardness between 30 Shore A and 50 Shore D. Preferably the at least
one elastomeric rib is formed from a silicon rubber.
[0026] Preferably each jaw has an elongate heating portion.
Optionally, both elongate heating portions may have substantially
the same form with respective at least one elastomeric ribs.
[0027] This invention provides hair iron which is particularly
effective in use with the above-described method. The iron may be
economically constructed and has an overall simple design which
minimizes manufacturing costs and maximizes performance, allowing
the user to draw the tool through the hair with a generally
constant hair-gripping force.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be
described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair styling iron
according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in an open
position;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an end view of the iron of FIG. 1 in a closed
position;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2;
[0032] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross section through the
second jaw of the iron of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hair styling iron
according to a second embodiment of the invention, shown in an open
position, and
[0034] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross section through the
second jaw of the iron of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a first
embodiment of a hand held electric hair iron having first and
second elongate jaws 10, 11 joined at respective proximal parts
disposed near their longitudinal ends by a transverse hinge 12,
shown in an open position. Both jaws 10, 11 are of hollow
construction, with the first jaw 10 including a barrel 14 disposed
at its outer end and a coaxial handle section 15 at its inner end.
The barrel 14 has a first longitudinal axis 13 and a substantially
cylindrical hair-engaging surface 16.
[0036] In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the barrel 14 is
heated by an internally enclosed resistive element (not shown).
Further, the barrel 14 is motor-driven to rotate about the
longitudinal axis 13, or to vibrate, either generally
omni-directionally or linearly or rotationally along/about an axis.
Motorised hair irons having a jaw driven to rotate or vibrate are
known from the prior art, and it will be understood that this can
be achieved in a number of different ways within the scope of the
present invention. Power may be supplied to the heating element and
motor via a power cord 17 (shown partially cut away).
[0037] The second jaw 11 has a distal part with a concave
hair-engaging surface 19 which is elongate and part-cylindrical.
The concave hair-engaging surface 19 is complementary to the
surface 16 of the barrel 14, and with the jaws 10, 11 closed the
hair-engaging surfaces 16, 19 are adjacent and oppose one another
in a generally parallel configuration.
[0038] In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, an elastomeric rib 20
extends centrally along the concave hair-engaging surface 19 from
which it projects. The exposed face 21 of the rib 20 may have a
smooth convex form, such as a constant radius of curvature. The
elastomeric rib 20 may be located in a linear slot in the plate 22.
A central plane 23 extends longitudinally and bisects the jaws 10,
11. The elastomeric rib 20 may be located at the trough of the
concave face 19, such that it is also bisected by the plane 23. In
the embodiment illustrated, the rib 20 protrudes from the concave
face by a substantially constant dimension throughout its length
(of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm). The longitudinal ends of the rib 20
are spaced apart from the longitudinal ends of the plate 22.
[0039] The basic structure of the jaws 10, 11 may be a moulded
polymeric construction forming the handle portions 15, while the
barrel 14 and plate 22 are of metal such as chromium steel, and
their respective faces 16, 19 are polished.
[0040] A second embodiment of the second jaw is shown in FIGS. 5
and 6, in which a pair of parallel, generally coextensive,
elastomeric ribs 20a are provided, each disposed adjacent opposing
longitudinal edges of the hair-engaging surface 19, such that their
exposed faces 21a project beyond the surface 19. The ribs 20a are
disposed symmetrically on opposing sides of the central plane
23.
[0041] In preferred embodiments the width of the rib 20, 20a is
between 2% and 20% of the width of the concave face 19, most
preferably between 5% and 10% of the width of the face 19. Ribs 20,
20a of silicon rubber having a hardness of 40 Shore A has been
found to provide good performance, but satisfactory performance can
be obtained with a hardness between 30 Shore A and 50 Shore D.
[0042] In use, a lock of hair is wound in a loop about the elongate
barrel 14, the user grasping the jaws to clamp the lock of hair
between the faces 16, 19. In this manner the hair is pressed
against the rib(s) 20, 20a while it is softened by the application
of heat. The user then draws the iron along the lock of hair to
form the hair, and the or each elastomeric rib allows the
hair-gripping force to be more readily maintained at a constant
level.
[0043] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof.
* * * * *