U.S. patent application number 13/428753 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-26 for hair straightening apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kiss Nail Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kyoung Hak Lee, Won Seok OH. Invention is credited to Kyoung Hak Lee, Won Seok OH.
Application Number | 20130247933 13/428753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49210615 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130247933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OH; Won Seok ; et
al. |
September 26, 2013 |
HAIR STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS
Abstract
A hair straightening apparatus is provided. The hair
straightening apparatus includes a handle end and a heated
application end extending from the handle end and including a
heating element and a first set of combs. The hair straightening
apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism extending from and
hinged to the handle end for engagement between individual combs of
the first set of combs.
Inventors: |
OH; Won Seok; (Port
Washington, NY) ; Lee; Kyoung Hak; (Plainview,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OH; Won Seok
Lee; Kyoung Hak |
Port Washington
Plainview |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kiss Nail Products, Inc.
Port Washington
NY
|
Family ID: |
49210615 |
Appl. No.: |
13/428753 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 2/002 20130101;
A45D 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/269 |
International
Class: |
A45D 97/00 20110101
A45D097/00 |
Claims
1. A hair straightening apparatus comprising: a handle end; a
heated application end extending from the handle end and comprising
a heating element and a first set of combs; a clamping mechanism
extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement between
individual combs of the first set of combs.
2. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
set of combs extend in a same direction perpendicular to a length
of the handle end and the heated application end, and wherein the
first set of combs run along a majority of the length of a side of
the heated application end.
3. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
clamping mechanism comprises a heat conducting bar that contacts
the heating element, when the clamping mechanism is engaged with
the heated application end.
4. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heating
element is substantially barrel-shaped and runs a majority of a
length of the heated application end between and above the first
set of combs.
5. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 4, wherein the heating
element has a flat surface that faces the heat conducting bar.
6. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
a locking ring, rotatable around the handle end, which disengages
the clamping mechanism from the heated application end when rotated
to a specified position.
7. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 6, wherein the
specified position is a position in which an open portion of the
locking ring is positioned at the clamping mechanism so that the
clamping mechanism may pass through a circumference of the locking
ring and disengage from the heated application end.
8. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
first and second guiding posts extending in a direction
perpendicular from lengths of the handle end and the heated
application end, and disposed at an end of the heated application
end closest to the handle end; and third and fourth guiding posts
extending in a direction perpendicular from a length of clamping
mechanism and opposite that of the first and second guiding posts,
wherein the third and fourth guiding posts are disposed between the
first and second guiding posts.
9. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first
guiding post remains in contact with the third guiding post, and
the second guiding post remains in contact with the fourth guiding
post throughout disengagement of the clamping mechanism from the
heated application end.
10. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
a hinge that allows for engagement and disengagement of the
clamping mechanism with the heated application end, wherein the
hinge is disposed at an end of the handle end that is furthest from
the heated application end.
11. A hair straightening apparatus comprising: a handle end; a
heated application end extending from the handle end and comprising
a heating element, a first set of combs, and a second set of combs,
wherein the first set of combs and the second set of combs extend
in opposing directions perpendicular to a length of the handle end
and the heated application end; and a clamping mechanism extending
from and hinged to the handle end for engagement with the heated
application end.
12. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first
set of combs extend in a same direction perpendicular to a length
of the handle end and the heated application end, and wherein the
first set of combs run along a majority of the length of a side of
the heated application end.
13. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, wherein the
clamping mechanism comprises a heat conducting bar that contacts
the heating element, when the clamping mechanism is engaged with
the heated application end.
14. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 12, wherein the
heating element is substantially barrel-shaped and runs a majority
of a length of the heated application end between and above the
first set of combs.
15. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 14, wherein the
heating element has a flat surface that faces the heat conducting
bar.
16. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further
comprising a locking ring, rotatable around the handle end, which
disengages the clamping mechanism from the heated application end
when rotated to a specified position.
17. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 16, wherein the
specified position is a position in which an open portion of the
locking ring is positioned at the clamping mechanism so that the
clamping mechanism may pass through a circumference of the locking
ring and disengage from the heated application end.
18. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further
comprising: first and second guiding posts extending in a direction
perpendicular from lengths of the handle end and the heated
application end, and disposed at an end of the heated application
end closest to the handle end; and third and fourth guiding posts
extending in a direction perpendicular from a length of clamping
mechanism and opposite that of the first and second guiding posts,
wherein the third and fourth guiding posts are disposed between the
first and second guiding posts.
19. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first
guiding post remains in contact with the third guiding post, and
the second guiding post remains in contact with the fourth guiding
post throughout disengagement of the clamping mechanism from the
heated application end.
20. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further
comprising a hinge that allows for engagement and disengagement of
the clamping mechanism with the heated application end, wherein the
hinge is disposed at an end of the handle end that is furthest from
the heated application end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of hair care,
and more particularly, to a hair straightening apparatus.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Many devices have been development to aid in the styling of
hair. Hair curlers, or curling irons, impart curls into hair by
applying heat to a rod around which the hair is wound. Hair
straighteners and smoothers operate using a similar premise, and
typically include heat conducting elements between which hair is
clamped and pulled through. The heat conducting elements are
conventionally flat surfaces. Hair straighteners conventionally use
a pair of untextured surfaces for engaging the hair. As a result,
the hair can require additional brushing in order to achieve the
desired style. Further, hair straighteners are generally configured
for use with long hair, while separate devices, such as heated
combs, may be configured for use with short hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has been made to address at least the
above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the
advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present
invention relates to an improved hair straightening apparatus.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a hair
straightening apparatus is provided. The hair straightening
apparatus includes a handle end and a heated application end
extending from the handle end and including a heating element and a
first set of combs. The hair straightening apparatus further
includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the
handle end for engagement between individual combs of the first set
of combs.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair
straightening apparatus is provided that includes a handle end. The
hair straightening apparatus also includes a heated application end
extending from the handle end and including a heating element, a
first set of combs, and a second set of combs. The first set of
combs and the second set of combs extend in opposing directions
perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated
application end. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a
clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for
engagement with the heated application end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening
apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a top
surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a
bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening
apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a top
surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a
bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the hair
straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4, according to the
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of
the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar
components may be designated by the same or similar reference
numerals although they are illustrated in different drawings.
Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the
art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the
present invention.
[0018] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrates a hair
straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. A hair straightening apparatus
100 includes a handle end 102 and a heated application end 104. The
handle end 102 includes a power button 106, a temperature dial 108,
and first and second indicators 110 and 112. The power button 106
is used to turn the hair straightening apparatus 100 on and off,
while the temperature dial 108 provides a means to adjust the
temperature at the heated application end 104. More specifically,
when the temperature dial 108 is rotated in a first direction the
temperature at the heated application end 104 is increased, and
when the temperature dial 108 is rotated in a second direction,
which is opposite the first direction, the temperature at the
heated application end 104 is decreased. The first and second
indicators 110 and 112 are utilized to provide an indication of the
power status of the hair straightening apparatus 100 and a
temperature set for the heated application end 104. Specifically,
the first indicator 110 may be embodied as a magnifying lens that
allows a user to view a temperature that is written on a front face
of the temperature dial 108 within the handle end 102. As the
temperature dial 108 is rotated, a different temperature is viewed
through the magnifying lens. The second indicator 112 may be
embodied as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is lit with a first
specified color when the power status of the hair straightening
apparatus 100 is on. The second indicator 112 is not lit when the
hair straightening apparatus is off. In an alternative embodiment
of the present invention, the second indicator may be lit with a
second color, different from the first specified color, when the
hair straightening apparatus 100 is off but remains connected to a
power source.
[0019] Different numbers and configurations of buttons, dials and
indicators may be provided in accordance with additional
embodiments of the present invention. Further, additional buttons,
dials and indicators may be provided with different purposes in the
operation of the hair straightening apparatus 100, according to
additional embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] A grip 114 is disposed at a distal end of the heated
application end 104, furthest from the handle end 102. The grip 114
allows a user of the hair straightening apparatus 100 to secure the
hair straightening apparatus 100 with a second hand, when the hair
straightening apparatus 100 is in use. The grip 114 may be embodied
as a contoured projection that is formed from a plastic, or another
non-conductive material, so that heat from the heated application
end 104 is not transferred to the hand of the user.
[0021] A power cord 116 extends from a proximal end of the handle
end 102, furthest from the heated application end 104, in order to
provide electricity to the hair straightening apparatus 100. The
power cord 116 may be disposed at any point on the handle end 102
of the hair straightening apparatus 100 that allows a user to still
comfortably hold the handle end 102 of the hair straightening
apparatus 100.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a magnified
view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG.
1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top
surface of the heated application end 104 includes a first set of
combs, which includes a first fine tooth comb 202 and a second fine
tooth comb 204. The first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine
tooth comb 204 extend in a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the length of the heated application end 104 and
the handle end 102. Further, the first fine tooth comb 202 and the
second fine tooth comb 204 extend along a majority of the length of
opposing sides of the heated application end 104.
[0023] A heating element 206 extends within a majority of the
length of the heated application end 104. The heating element 206
may be constructed of aluminum and coated in either titanium or
ceramic, for example. The heating element 206 is substantially
barrel-shaped, and is disposed below the first fine tooth comb 202
and the second fine tooth comb 204 such that only a curved top most
portion of the heating element 206 extends between the first fine
tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204. However, the
curved top-most portion of the heating element 206 does not extend
above a height of the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine
tooth comb 204.
[0024] The hair straightening apparatus 100 is used in the closed
position to straighten short hair. When using the hair
straightening apparatus 100 for short hair, a user runs the first
fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 through the
hair. The hair makes contact with the curved top-most portion of
the heating element 206. However, the height of the first fine
tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 prevents the
heating element 206 from making contact with a scalp of the user.
The first fine tooth comb 202, the second fine tooth comb 204 and
the heating element 206 of the heated application end 104 act
together to straighten short hair. The heating element 206 may be
embodied in any shape that allows it to properly heat the short
hair when used with the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second
fine tooth comb 204, without directly contacting skin of the
user.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrates a magnified
view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of
FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
bottom surface of the heated application end 104 includes a second
set of combs, which includes a first wide tooth comb 302 and a
second wide tooth comb 304. The first wide tooth comb 302 and the
second wide tooth comb 304 extend in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the length of the heated application
end 104 and the handle end 102. Further, the first wide tooth comb
302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 extend in a direction that
is opposite that of the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second
fine tooth comb 204. More specifically, the first wide tooth comb
302 is disposed below the first fine tooth comb 202, and the second
wide tooth comb 304 is disposed below the second fine tooth comb
204. Thus, the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth
comb 304 are also disposed on opposing sides of the heated
application end 104. The first wide tooth comb 302 and the second
wide tooth comb 304 extend along a majority of the length of the
heated application end 104. The heating element 206 is disposed
above and between the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide
tooth comb 304.
[0026] A clamping mechanism 306 is engaged between the first wide
tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304. The clamping
mechanism 306 is in contact with a surface of the heating element
206 between the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth
comb 304. While the heating element 206 is generally barrel-shaped,
in an embodiment of the present invention, the heating element 206
has a flat surface along its length for contact with the clamping
mechanism 306. This bottom surface of the heated application end
104 is used to straighten longer hair, as described in greater
detail below with respect to FIGS. 4-7.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrates a hair
straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism 306 is
shown disengaged from the heated application end 104 of the hair
straightening apparatus 100. A locking ring 402 is used to
disengage the clamping mechanism 306 from the heated application
end 104. Specifically, the locking ring 402, which is disposed at
an end of the handle end 102 closest to the heated application end
104, is rotated around the handle end 102 to disengage the clamping
mechanism 306, such that the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in
the open position. When in the closed position, the locking ring
402 is disposed over the clamping mechanism 306. However, when in
the open position, the clamping mechanism 306 is permitted to
disengage because the locking ring 402 is rotated so that it is no
longer disposed over the clamping mechanism 306. More specifically,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
locking ring 402 is not a complete ring. An open portion of the
ring is rotated such that it is disposed over the clamping
mechanism 306, allowing the clamping mechanism 306 to pass through
the circumference of the locking ring 402. The bottom surface of
the hair straightening apparatus 100 is able to be used for
straightening longer hair when the clamping mechanism 306 is
disengaged. Thus, the locking ring 402 controls whether the top
surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is used for short
hair or the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100
is able to be used for long hair.
[0028] The clamping mechanism 306 disengages from the heated
application end 104 in a manner consistent with its attachment to
the handle end 102 at a hinge 404. Specifically, when the locking
ring 402 is rotated such that its open portion is disposed over the
clamping mechanism 306, the clamping mechanism 306 is able to
rotate outward at an axis provided at the hinge 404. In an
embodiment of the present invention, an internal spring provides a
force separating the clamping mechanism 306 from the heated
application end 104 and encouraging disengagement of the clamping
mechanism 306 when the locking ring 402 is properly rotated.
Further, when a user holds the handle end 102, the user is able to
control the positioning of the clamping mechanism 306 when
disengaged. Specifically, since the hinge 404 of the clamping
mechanism 306 is disposed at a distal end of the handle end 102,
the clamping mechanism also separates from the handle end 102,
though at a lesser degree than from the heated application end 104.
The user is then able to control the disengagement of the clamping
mechanism 306 from the heated application end 104 or provide a
force in a direction for engagement of the clamping mechanism 306
with the heated application end 104, when holding the handle end
102.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrates a magnified
view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG.
4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
clamping mechanism 306 includes a heat conducting bar 502 that runs
a majority of the length of the clamping mechanism 306. The heat
conducting bar 502 may be constructed of aluminum and coated in
titanium or ceramic, for example. Specifically, the heat conducting
bar 502 is disposed on a side of the clamping mechanism that faces
the heating element 206. The heat conducting bar 502 runs from an
end of the clamping mechanism 306 closest to the handle end 102, to
an opposing end of the clamping mechanism closest to the grip 114.
However, the heat conducting bar 502 stops short of the grip 114,
so that heat is not provided near the grip 114 when the hair
straightening apparatus is in use.
[0030] The bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100
is used to straighten long hair. When the clamping mechanism 306 is
in a closed position, the flat surface of the heat conducting bar
502 comes into contact with the flat surface of the heating element
206. After power is turned on and a temperature is selected, heat
is supplied to the heating element 206 and then transferred from
the heating element 206 to the heat conducting bar 502. When both
the heating element 206 and the heat conducting bar 502 are heated,
the clamping mechanism 306 is disengaged from the heated
application end 104 by rotating the locking ring 402. The clamping
mechanism 306 is then positioned beneath a section of hair of the
user, preferably close to the scalp. The clamping mechanism may be
constructed of a plastic, or other non-conductive material, so that
it is not significantly heated from the conducting bar 502 and the
heating element 206. The section of hair is then closed between the
clamping mechanism 306 and the heated application end 104. The
first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 are
inserted into the section of hair. The hair straightening apparatus
100 is then pulled through the section of hair. Thus, the first
wide tooth comb 302 is run through the section of hair, the section
of hair is heated through contact with the heating element 206 and
the conducting bar 502, and the second wide tooth comb 304 is run
through the section of hair, thereby, straightening the section of
hair.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrates a magnified
view of the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of
FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
clamping mechanism 306 is shown in an open position. As described
above with respect to FIG. 4, the locking ring 402 releases the
clamping mechanism 306 from the closed position when the locking
ring 402 is rotated such that an open space in the locking ring 402
is positioned over the clamping mechanism 306. The locking ring 402
rotates around the clamping mechanism 306 within a locking groove
602. When the locking groove 602 is no longer occupied by the
locking ring 402, the clamping mechanism is able to be released
from the closed position through the assistance of an internal
spring.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrates a front view
of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. A first guiding post 702 and a
second guiding post 704 are shown extending downward from the
heated application end 104 of the hair straightening apparatus. The
first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704 are
substantially parallel and extend in line with the first wide tooth
comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304, respectively. A third
guiding post 706 and a fourth guiding post 708 are shown extending
upward from the clamping mechanism 306. The third guiding post 706
and the fourth guiding post 708 are also substantially parallel.
The third guiding post 706 and the fourth guiding post 708 are
disposed such that they are both between the first guiding post 702
and the second guiding post 704. More specifically, the third
guiding post 706 is disposed adjacent to an interior face of the
first guiding post 702, and the fourth guiding post 708 is disposed
adjacent to an interior face of the second guiding post 704. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the first guiding post 702 is
always in contact with the third guiding post 706, and the second
guiding post 704 is always in contact with the fourth guiding post
708.
[0033] The clamping mechanism 306 is not permitted to open wider
than a position in which the first guiding post 702 is adjacent to
the third guiding post 706 and the second guiding post 704 is
adjacent to the fourth guiding post 708. More specifically, the
clamping mechanism 306 may be embodied to open approximately 8-15
degrees. Further, the first, second, third and fourth guiding posts
702-708 are disposed at ends of the heated application end 104 and
the clamping mechanism 306 that are closest to the handle end 102.
Due to the fact that the first guiding post 702 is always adjacent
to the third guiding post 706 and the second guiding post 704 is
always adjacent to the fourth guiding post 708, hair is prevented
from entering the handle end 102 when the hair straightening
apparatus is in use. Further, the clamping mechanism 306 is guided
to open and close along a single plane of motion without moving
transversely. More specifically, the clamping mechanism 306 is
guided to always close such that the heat conducting bar 502 is in
contact with the heating element 206.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrates a front
perspective view of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping
mechanism 306 is shown in a closed or locked position, with the
first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704 extending
downward beyond a circumference of the handle end 102, a
circumference of the locking ring 402, and lengths of the first
wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304. When the
hair straightening apparatus 100 is not in use, or while the hair
straightening apparatus 100 is heating for use, the hair
straightening apparatus 100 may rest on ends of the first guiding
post 702 and the second guiding post 704. By resting on the ends of
the first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704, the
heating element 206 and the heat conducting element 502 are not in
close proximity to the surface upon which the hair straightening
apparatus rests.
[0035] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *