U.S. patent application number 13/664406 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for induction heated hair styling appliances and the heating unit therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is TAI WAH DISTRIBUTORS PTE LTD. Invention is credited to Kok Swee TOH.
Application Number | 20140075694 13/664406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54256477 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140075694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOH; Kok Swee |
March 20, 2014 |
Induction Heated Hair Styling Appliances And The Heating Unit
Therefor
Abstract
A heated hair-styling appliance for styling hair through heat is
provided. The heated hair-styling appliance comprises a heating
head having an outer shell covering at least part of the surface
thereof, and an inner heat source core disposed within the inner
part of the heating head, and a handle attached to a distal end of
the heating head. The heated hair-styling appliance works in
conjunction with an independent heating unit to heat up the inner
heat source core, and the heat source core operationally supplies
heat to heat up the outer shell for styling hair after it is being
heated. A induction heating unit therefor is also provided.
Inventors: |
TOH; Kok Swee; (Singapore,
SG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TAI WAH DISTRIBUTORS PTE LTD |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
54256477 |
Appl. No.: |
13/664406 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/160 ;
219/635 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 4/06 20130101; A45D
4/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/160 ;
219/635 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/36 20060101
A45D002/36; A46B 9/02 20060101 A46B009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2012 |
SG |
201206925-8 |
Claims
1. A heated hair-styling appliance for styling hair through heat,
the heated hair-styling appliance comprising: a heating head having
an outer shell covering at least part of the surface thereof, and
an inner heat source core disposed within the inner part of the
heating head, a handle attached to a distal end of the heating
head; wherein the hair-styling appliance works in conjunction with
an independent heating unit to heat up the inner heat source core,
wherein the heat source core operationally supplies heat to heat up
the outer shell for styling hair after it is being heated.
2. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the handle is detachable from the heating head.
3. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the outer shall is made up of metal.
4. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the outer shell is cover by a thermal insulation layer.
5. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the outer shell is coated with a ceramic coating.
6. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the inner heat source core is made up of a thermal conducting
material.
7. The hair-styling applicant in accordance with claim 6, wherein
the inner heat source core is made up of ferrous metal.
8. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the hair-styling appliance is a thermal brush.
9. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 8, wherein
the thermal brush has the outer shell covered with a thermal
insulation layer, and bristles are formed on the thermal insulation
layer.
10. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the hair-styling appliance is a curling tong.
11. The hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the hair-styling appliance is a hair-straightening iron.
12. The hair styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the heating unit is an induction-heating unit.
13. A hair styling appliance comprising: an induction heating unit
having a container, the container defines a well that is surrounded
by a induction coil winding, the induction coil winding is
connected to a circuitry operationally generates electromagnetic
induction within the well through the coil winding; a heated
hair-styling appliance in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
hair-styling appliance is heated up within the well through the
electromagnetic induction for usage.
14. The hair styling appliance in accordance with claim 13, wherein
the induction heating unit comprising a guiding pole extending
upwardly from a bottom surface of the well and a thermal sensor
disposed along the length of the guiding pole; and the heated
hair-styling appliance comprises a hollow inner heat source core
and an aperture leading up to the hollow space of the inner heat
source core, wherein the hollow space is adapted to receive the
guiding pole such that the thermal sensor is able to measure the
temperature of at least the inner heat source core.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to heated brush.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a heated brush
for hair styling and a heating unit for heating up the heated
brush.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hair styling often requires heating up hair to style it.
Depending on the used, different hair styling appliances have
different ways of heating up. For example, curling tongs and hair
straightening device, such devices requires electrical power to
continuously heating up the heating elements thereon. Most
commonly, the electrical power is supplied through a power
cord/wire connected thereto. Such power cord/wire often get in the
users' way when they operate these appliances.
[0003] Another hair styling appliance includes thermal brush that
is commonly used in conjunction with a hair blower/dryer. The hair
blower/dryer serves as a heat source to heat up hair as well as the
thermal brush operationally. It is recognized that ordinary users
may face challenges to operate several appliances simultaneously.
Further, such appliances do not retain heat within the appliances
itself; as soon as the hair blower stops blowing heated air to the
thermal brush, it cools down very quickly.
[0004] There is a desire to provide user a cordless and handheld
appliance that is easy and convenience to use. Preferably, the
cordless and handheld is easy to operate, fast heating up,
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
heated hair-styling appliance for styling hair. The hair-styling
appliance comprises a heated head having an outer shell covering at
least part of the surface thereof, and an inner heat source core
disposed within the inner part of the heating head, a handle
attached to a distal end of the heating head. The hair-styling
appliance works in conjunction with an independent
induction-heating unit to heat up the inner heat source core,
wherein the heat source core supplies heat to heat up the outer
shell for styling hair after it is being heated.
[0006] In one embodiment, the handle is detachable from the heating
head.
[0007] In another embodiment, wherein the outer shall is made up of
metal. Possibly, the outer shell is cover by a thermal insulation
layer, such as ceramic coating or any thermal insulation material.
In yet another embodiment, the inner heat source core is made up of
a thermal conducting material, such as ferrous metal.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the hair-styling appliance is a
thermal brush. The thermal brush may have the outer shell covered
with a thermal insulation layer, and bristles are formed on the
thermal insulation layer.
[0009] In yet a further embodiment, the hair-styling appliance is a
curling tong or a hair-straightening iron.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a hair styling appliance comprises an induction heating
unit having a container, the container defines a well that is
surrounded by a induction coil winding, the induction coil winding
is connected to a circuitry operationally generates electromagnetic
induction within the well through the coil winding and the
aforesaid hair-styling appliance. The hair-styling appliance is
heated up within the well through the electromagnetic induction for
usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention
will now be described with reference to the figures accompanied
herein, in which like reference numerals denote like elements;
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates an overall appearance of a heating unit
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates the heating unit of FIG. 1A, with a
portion of the housing cut out, exposing the components mounted
within the heating unit;
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a heating pot in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the circuitry of
the heating unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows an operation flow of the induction-heating unit
of FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a thermal hairbrush in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates a thermal hairbrush in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates a thermal hairbrush in accordance with a
further embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a curling iron in one embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a hair-straightening appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention shall now be described
in detail, with reference to the attached drawings. It is to be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the
illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles
of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an overall appearance of a heating unit
100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
heating unit 100 is adapted to heat up a thermal brush (not shown
in FIG. 1A). Preferably, the heating unit 100 is adapted with
induction heating assembly for heating up the thermal brush placing
therein. The heating unit 100 includes a housing 101 for
accommodating components therein. An upper portion of the housing
101 incorporates a well 103 adapted for loading the heated brush.
The size and depth of the well 103 is catered to be large enough
for loading multiple sizes thermal brushes. The heating unit 100 is
adapted for heating up thermal brush that generally adapted with
handle. It is also desired that the well is adapted to receive only
the brush portion of the thermal brush, while exposing the handle
for outside of the heating unit for handling. Accordingly, a
thermal brush can easily be placed into the well 103 so that the
heated brush can be heated through the heating unit 100 for
subsequent usage. Further, the thermal brush, regardless of the
sizes, can be effortlessly placed or dropped the heated brush into
the well 103 at any orientations while the heating unit is heating
up the heated brush within the cavity of the well 103. A control
panel 105 can be disposed on an external surface of the housing
101. The control panel 105 may further include a button 106 and a
display screen 107 for providing the necessarily operation control.
The button 106 may be an on/off switch, or multi-triggering button
for controlling the operation of the heating unit.
[0024] It is understood that an induction heating unit is desired
in this embodiment as it offers quick heat up time and it allows
the hair styling appliances to be reheated with minimal or no
downtime. However, other heating unit may be desired without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1B illustrates the heating unit 100 of FIG. 1A, with a
portion of the housing 101 cut out, exposing the components mounted
under the housing 101. The heating unit 100 comprises two parts, an
upper part that includes the well 103, and a bottom part that
accommodates the circuitry of the heating unit 100.
[0026] The upper part of the heating unit 100 includes the well
103, a winding roller 111 and a coil 112. The winding roller 111 is
an inner cylinder adapted to wrap around the circular surface of
the well 103 within housing 101. The winding roller 111 facilitates
a means for supporting the coil 112, such that the coil of wire,
preferably copper wire, can be disposed around the perimeter of the
winding roller 111.
[0027] The coil 112 is electrically connected to the circuitry of
the heating unit 100, which is mounted beneath the upper part of
the heating unit 100. The circuitry comprises a PCB board 114 and
components adapted for driving the coil 112 to generate the
electromagnetic induction to heat up the heated brush. Beneath the
PCB board 114, there is further provided a heat sink 116 attached
to the components that operationally produce heat. In another
embodiment, the heating unit 100 may further provide a fan for
increase the heat dissipation efficiency.
[0028] FIG. 1C illustrates an induction-heating pot 150 in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The
induction heating pot 150 has a similar configuration as that of
the induction-heating unit 100. The induction heating pot 150
further comprises a guiding pole 152 extending upwardly from the
bottom of the well. The guiding pole 152 has a tapered end and
along the length of the guiding pole 152, there is provided a
thermal sensor 155. The induction heating pot 150 works in
conjunction with a thermal brush or hair-styling appliances adapted
with a corresponding slot configured for receiving the guiding pole
152. Preferably, the guiding pin 152 is supported through a
flexible member allowing the guiding pin to be able to swivel in
all direction.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the circuitry of
the heating unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The circuitry 300 includes a microcontroller 302, an
insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) driver 304, one or more
IGBT 306, a power source 310, an interface panel 314, sensors 316,
and optionally a fan 320. The power supply 310 operationally
supplies power to the entire heating unit. It may be a
multi-voltage power supply. Depending on the design and
specification, the power supply may further include a switch mode
power supply (SMPS) circuit, to transforms the DC bus voltage into
several different DC low voltage outputs.
[0030] The microcontroller 302 is adapted for controlling the
entire operations and processes of the induction-heating unit. The
microcontrollers 302 suitable for the induction heating equipment
can be any suitable microcontroller available in the market.
[0031] The IGBT 306 is the main power component and is provided to
drive the coil 308 that are winded around the well of the induction
heater. The Ion 306 is driven by the IGBT driver 304 that provides
a voltage transfer interface between the microcontroller 302 and
the IGBT 306. It is well known in the art that, when desire, the
IGBT 306 can be replaced several bipolar transistors.
[0032] The microcontroller is further connected to the interface
panel 314 for receiving control input from user and display some
operating status to the user. The interface panel 314 may include
switches and a display panel. User may control the operations of
the induction heater through the switches provided on the control
panel, and monitor the operating status through the display panel.
The interface panel 314 may further include LED lights for showing
the operating status.
[0033] The sensors 316 include a thermal sensor for detecting the
temperature within the well of the induction heater, or more
specifically the temperature of the thermal brush heated therein.
These sensors detect the necessary operating status automatically,
and the microcontroller 302 responds according. For example, the
weight sensor can be placed at the bottom of the well as a switch
covering the entire bottom surface, and when a thermal brush is
placed within the well, the induction heating unit would recognize
so in order to carrying our further operation. This can prevent
that the induction heating being turned on unintentionally without
any thermal brush presents therein. In another embodiment, the
weight sensor can be used to detect the presence of the thermal
brush to automatically trigger the induction-heating unit to heat
up the thermal brush as it is placed within the well of the heating
unit.
[0034] For safety purpose, it would be desired that the thermal
sensor be provided for detecting the heating condition. Preferably,
the thermal sensor is adapted to be able to detect at least the
temperature of the thermal brush. When the thermal brush is
detected overheating, the induction-heating unit will cut off
automatically. For example, when a heated thermal brush that has
not been cooled down is placed within well, the induction heater
may overheat the thermal brush. Accordingly, it is desired that the
temperature of the thermal brush that is placed within the well can
be detected before the induction heating operation starts.
[0035] The thermal sensor may be a thermopile, or thermopile
infrared sensor or the like. It may also be thermocouples or the
like. Most preferably, the thermal sensor is able to detect the
temperature of the thermal brush contactlessly.
[0036] The induction-heating unit may further adapt with the fan
320 to dissipate heat during the heating operation. The heat
generating components may further attach with heat sink to work in
conjunctions with the fan to effectively dissipate the heat
operationally.
[0037] It is understood to a skilled person that the above
circuitry is illustrated by way of example only, not limitations.
There are many other suitable configurations that can be adapted
for the induction-heating unit. Preferably, the induction-heating
unit shall be able to heat up the heated element of the thermal
brush to a desired working temperature suitable for practical hair
styling. The thermal sensor can be adapted to control or cut off
heating to prevent overheating.
[0038] The induction heater is heated by controlling the coil
power. To control it, a synchronous signal is needed to be
detected.
[0039] For safety protection, the induction may provide an
overvoltage (OV) and overcurrent (OC) detection means.
Operationally, when the induction heater is running, it may
generate an over voltage or a high level of voltage noise created
by the repeatedly switching (i.e. on/off) IGBT 306, which may
damage the IGBT 306. A potentiometer OV may be facilitated to the
microcontroller 302 to regulate the voltage. When current flowing
through the IGBT 306 is higher than the expected current, the IGBT
306 can also be damaged. A current transformer can be adapted to
prevent OC.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows an operation flow of the induction-heating unit
of FIG. 1A in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The operation starts with pressing a power switch to
turn on the induction-heating unit at step 352. At this stage, the
induction-heating unit is placed at a standby mode. At step 354,
the thermal brush can be inserted into the well of the
induction-heating unit. Once the thermal brush is placed in the
induction-heating unit, the induction-heating unit will detect the
presence of the thermal hairbrush through the weight sensor at step
356. The presence of thermal hairbrush will trigger a thermal
sensor to detect whether the temperature of the thermal hairbrush
is detected to be higher than a predefined level. If the detected
temperature is higher than the predefined level, the
induction-heating unit will not function to heat up the thermal
hairbrush. Such detection is provided to prevent overheating. If
the detected temperature is below the predefined level, the LED
light indicator may light up to indicate that the induction-heating
unit is ready for operation. At step 358, the user may press a
start button to start heating up the thermal hairbrush. At step
360, the induction-heating unit may determine the heating time
require. The time determination may be based on the temperature
detected at step 356, or it triggers the sensor to detect the
temperature again after the start button is pressed. The thermal
hairbrush is being heated up in step 362, and once the heating
operation is completed at step 364, users may remove the thermal
hairbrush from the induction-heating unit at step 366 for hair
styling.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a thermal hairbrush 400 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The thermal hairbrush
400 is adapted with a capability of storing and self-releasing heat
without any power source or external heat source. The thermal
hairbrush 400 is adapted for heating up through induction heating
unit, and once heated up it can be used immediately out from the
induction-heating unit. The thermal hairbrush 400 has a brush head
402 with a brush handle 404 thereto for allowing users to handle
the thermal hairbrush 400. The brush head 402 is shown in a
preferred embodiment as a round vented brush of a generally
elongated cylindrical shape. However, one skilled in the art should
appreciate that the thermal hairbrush 400 may be used with a round
brush, a cylindrical shaped brush, a flat hairbrush, a paddle
brush, a spinning brush, a half round brush, a vent brush with a
specific configuration adapted to suit the present application.
When in use, user may hold on to the brush handle 404 and place it
into the well of the induction-heating unit of FIG. 1. Once it is
heated, the heated thermal hairbrush 400 may assist with curling
the hair being brushed with the heat emitted therefrom. The
advantage of the thermal hairbrush 400 is, once heated, it can be
use immediately. It also does not require external power source to
heat it up, therefore, no cable is adapted thereon, therefore, it
is easier to handle.
[0042] Referring back to the FIG. 4, the brush head 402 may be
formed in a variety of diameters. Relatively narrow diameters are
especially effective for creating curls while conversely relatively
larger diameters create looser curls. The brush head 402 is extends
about half way on the heated hairbrush 400 from an end to about a
midpoint on the thermal hairbrush 400. The brush head 402 has a
length suitable to comb or style hair in a comfortable manner and
further to have a adequate number of bristles 406 disposed in
surrounding fashion thereon. As illustrated by the thermal
hairbrush 400, the bristles 406 are extended from the inner side of
the brush head 402.
[0043] The brush head 402 has a outer shell 408 that disposed
around the brush head 402 in concentric relation to the brush head
402. The outer shell 408 further defines through holes 408, through
which, the bristles 406 extend outwardly from the inner space of
the brush head 402.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 4, the thermal hairbrush 400 is
being shown with a cut out portion exposing the inner part of the
brush head 402 and the constructions of the outer shell 408.
Generally, the outer shell 408 is adapted as a heat retainer. The
outer shell 408 is made up of two layers 412, 414. The layer 412 is
made up of thermal insulation material and the layer 414 is made up
of thermally conductive material. For layer 412, materials such as
ceramic material, polymer may be adapted. In an alternative
embodiment, it may also be a thin layer of thermally insulation
coating coated on top of the layer 414. The layer 414 on the other
hand, is made up of thermally conductive material such as metal,
copper, aluminum, or any other thermally conductive material known
in the art. Through the cut out portion, it can be seen that the
thermal brush 400 further comprises a heat source core 420, of
which, the bristles are extended therefrom. Preferably, the heat
source core 420 is also made up of heat conducting materials. More
preferably, the heat source core 420 can be made up of ferrous
metals or alloys. The preferred materials for the heat source core
420 shall be easily heated up through induction heating, and
preferably, the material used is able to retain heat as long as
possible. The heat source core 420 may further be quoted with heat
retaining coating, such as ceramic coating.
[0045] Operationally, the thermal brush 400 is placed in an
induction-heating unit, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1A.
Once the induction-heating unit is turned on, the thermal brush 400
is being heated up through electromagnetic induction. More
specifically, the conducting materials, i.e. the outer shell 408
and the heat source core 420 will be heated up to a desired
temperature. The induction heating may be stopped through a timer,
and once the time is up and the thermal brush 400 is heated up, it
is ready to be used. When in used on hair, the outer shell 408
heats up the hair directly because it is in direct contact with
hair. The thermally conductive layer 414, which is heated up by the
induction-heating unit, releases the heat through the thermal
insulation layer 412 slowly. The thermal insulation layer 412
serves as a thermal retainer for holding the heat onto the
thermally conductive layer 414 as long as possible.
[0046] Similarly, once the heat source core 420 is heated up by the
induction heating unit, it serves as a heat source to the thermal
brush 400 for supplying heat continuously to heat up the outer
shell 408 as it looses heat to the ambient operationally.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, the thermal insulation material
can be a layer of insulating coating, for example, ceramic coating.
Such insulation material can also be applied onto the heat course
core 420, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 5A illustrates a thermal hairbrush 500 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. The thermal
hairbrush 500 comprises a brush head 502 with a brush handle 504
attached thereto at one end. The brush head 502 has a outer shell
508 that disposed around the brush head 502 in concentric relation
to the brush head 502. The outer shell 508 is formed by two layers,
a sleeve 510 and a metal layer 512. The metal layer 512 is an inner
cylinder defining an inner cavity. The metal layer is made up of
thermal conductive material, such as copper, aluminum or the like.
Preferably, it is made up of a material that can be heated up
through induction heater. The sleeve 510 is an outer layer wrapping
around the metal layer 512. Bristles 514 of the thermal hairbrush
500 are extending directly from the sleeve 510. The sleeve 510
together with the bristles 514 are made up of thermal insulation
material, for example, nylon.
[0049] Within the cavity of the inner cylinder, the brush head 502
is further provided with a heat source core 520 disposed along the
concentric axis of the brush head 502. In this embodiment, the heat
source core 520 is configured as a solid component, though it is
possible to make the heat source core 520 with a hollow cylinder.
Similarly, the heat source core 520 is made up of thermal
conducting material; more preferably, it is made up of material
that can be heated up through induction heating.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5A, the heat source core 520 is disposed
within the cavity spaced apart from the sleeve 510. In another
embodiment, it is possible that the heat source core 520 can be
made as an inner cylinder disposed beneath the metal layer 512,
with or without space. In yet a further embodiment, the heat source
core 520 may also be covered by a thermal insulating material (i.e.
between the metal layer 512 and the heat source core 520) aims for
slowing down the heat transfer from the heat source core 520 to the
metal layer 512.
[0051] Operationally, the thermal hairbrush 500 is heated up with a
same or substantially the same way as the thermal hairbrush 400,
and as the thermal hairbrush 500 does not have holes on the outer
shell as the thermal hairbrush 400, it is expected that the heat
can be retained longer within the thermal hairbrush 500.
[0052] Although, the outer shells shown above are completely
surrounding the respective brush head, alternatively the outer
shells may only surround a radial portion of the brush head such as
three quarters of the brush head, half of the brush head or a
quarter of the brush head.
[0053] Further, the brush heads of the thermal hairbrushes
illustrated above are fixed to the handle. In other embodiments,
these thermal hairbrushes may be adapted with the brush head
detachable from the handle, when desire. In such case, the handle
may adapt a quick release latch for securing the brush head onto
the handle.
[0054] FIG. 5B illustrates a thermal brush in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention. The thermal brush
is substantially the same as the thermal brush 500 except that the
heat source core 520 is made a hollow core and the top of the
thermal brush is adapted with an aperture leading up to the hollow
space of the hollow core. Such configuration allows the thermal
brush to be placed into the induction heating pot through inserting
the guiding pole 152 into a hollow space of the hollow heat source
core 520 as shown in FIG. 5B. Preferably, the thermal sensor 155 is
made slightly bigger than the diameter of the guiding pole 152 to
give a tight fit when it is inserted into the heat source core of
the thermal brush. Such configuration allows the thermal sensor to
effectively measure the temperature of at least the heat source
core 520.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a curling iron 600 in one embodiment of
the present invention. The curling iron 600 comprises a handle 602
and an heating rod 604 attached to the handle 602. The curling iron
600 further has a clamp 606 pivoted at the proximal end of the
handle 602 with a clamping plate 607 covers a portion of the
heating rod 604, and a actuator 608 on the other side of the pivot
projecting over the handle 602.
[0056] In FIG. 6, the front end of heating rod 604 is cut out to
show the inner configurations of the heating rod 604. As shown, the
heating rod 604 includes a heat source core 612 and a heating shell
614. The heating shell 614 forms the outer shell of the heating rod
604. When in used, it is directly contacting the hair to style the
hair. The heating shell 614 may be coated with a layer of thermal
insulating material for prolonging the heating process. The heat
source core 612 is a concentric tubular component that disposed
within the heating shell in a telescopic manner. When possible, a
space may be provided between the heat source core 612 and the
heating shell.
[0057] It is to be noted that the curling iron 600 does not require
any power source to operate, therefore, no cord is attached
thereto.
[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a hair-straightening appliance 700 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
hair-straightening appliance 700 includes two opposing tongs 702
that are being hinged together at one distal end. Opposite the
hinge, the opposing tongs 702 holds a heating plate 704 on each
tong 702. The heating plate 704 is removable from the tong 702. The
heating plate can be a flat panel for straightening hair, or a
profiled panel defining zigzag profile for crimping hair.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the front end of the lower tong 702 is
cut out to show the inner configurations of the hair-straightening
appliance 700. As shown, the tong 702 has a heat source core 712
disposed beneath the heating plate 704 with a space apart.
[0060] It is understood that the hinge of the two opposing tongs
702 can be configured at the middle, i.e. class 2 lever, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] When in used, the curling iron 600 and the
hair-straightening appliance 700 illustrated above can be placed
into an induction-heating unit for heating up. Once it is heated up
to a desired temperature, it can be remove from the
induction-heating unit for immediate usage. The outer plate or
shell directly heats up the hair as it is in direct contact with
the hair. The inner core, which was also heated up through the
induction heating unit, dissipates it heat slowly to the outer
plate or shell, thereby prolonging the heating capability.
[0062] While specific embodiments have been described and
illustrated, it is understood that many changes, modifications,
variations, and combinations thereof could be made to the present
invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *