U.S. patent application number 13/669622 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for apparatus and method for heating hair styling devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kwong Cheung, Maggie Cheung. Invention is credited to Kwong Cheung, Maggie Cheung.
Application Number | 20140123995 13/669622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50621222 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140123995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheung; Maggie ; et
al. |
May 8, 2014 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEATING HAIR STYLING DEVICES
Abstract
A hair styling device heating system, is disclosed comprising a
hair styling device having a high heat plastic polymer, an
insulating material, an induction material, a conducting material
and a high heat plastic polymer and securing all of the layers
together. There is a housing for receiving said hair styling device
and for heating it therein. The housing includes an induction coil,
a control circuit operatively connected to the coil, a resonant
capacitor operatively connected to the circuit, a heat sink
connected to the capacitor, and a colored heating indication panel
attached to the housing and operatively connected to the
circuit.
Inventors: |
Cheung; Maggie; (Hong Kong,
HK) ; Cheung; Kwong; (Hong Kong, HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cheung; Maggie
Cheung; Kwong |
Hong Kong
Hong Kong |
|
HK
HK |
|
|
Family ID: |
50621222 |
Appl. No.: |
13/669622 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/269 ;
132/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/105 20130101;
A45D 2/362 20130101; A45D 4/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/269 ;
132/223 |
International
Class: |
A45D 6/00 20060101
A45D006/00 |
Claims
1. A hair styling device having a pair of members hingedly attached
to each other, wherein each member comprises: a. a first layer
comprising a high heat plastic polymer; b. a second layer attached
to said first layer comprising an insulating material; c. a third
layer attached to said second layer comprising an induction
material; d. a fourth layer attached to said third layer comprising
a conducting material; and; e. a fifth layer comprising a high heat
plastic polymer and securing all of the layers together.
2. The hair styling device of claim 1, wherein the insulating
material of said second layer is silicon.
3. The hair styling device of claim 2, wherein the induction
material of said third layer is an iron alloy.
4. The hair styling device of claim 3, wherein the conducting
material of said fourth layer is aluminum.
5. The hair styling device of claim 4, wherein said fourth layer is
an aluminum film.
6. The hair styling device of claim 5, wherein said first layer is
of the same material as said fifth layer.
7. The hair styling device of claim 6, wherein said layers are
fused to one another.
8. The hair styling device of claim 6, wherein said layers are
welded to one another.
9. The hair styling device of claim 8, wherein said welding is
accomplished by ultra-sound welding.
10. The hair styling device of claim 9, wherein said hinge is a
spring hinge.
11. The hair styling device of claim 10, wherein said polymer
material of said first layer changes from opaque to transparent
when heated.
12. The hair styling device of claim 11, wherein said polymer
material of said fifth layer changes from opaque to transparent
color when heated.
13. A hair styling device, comprising: a. a first member comprising
a conducting material; b. a second member fitting substantially
within said first member comprising a high heat plastic polymer; c.
a third member fitting substantially within said second member
comprising an induction material; d. a fourth member fitting
substantially within said third member comprising an aluminum film;
e. an end cap fitting on the end of the hair styling device having
a handle extending therefrom; and f. bristles radially extending
from the hair styling device.
14. The hair styling device of claim 13, further comprising a pair
of rings for holding said fourth member within said third
member.
15. The hair styling device of claim 14, wherein the conducting
material of said first member is aluminum.
16. The hair styling device of claim 15, wherein the induction
material of said third member is an iron alloy.
17. The hair styling device of claim 16, wherein said members are
welded to one another.
18. The hair styling device of claim 17, wherein said welding is
accomplished by ultra-sound welding.
19. The hair styling device of claim 18, wherein said polymer
material changes from opaque to a transparent when heated.
20. A hair styling heating apparatus, comprising: a. a pair of
members hingedly attached to each other, wherein each member
comprises: i. a first layer comprising a high heat plastic polymer;
ii. a second layer attached to said first layer comprising an
insulating material; iii. a third layer attached to said second
layer comprising an induction material; iv. a fourth layer attached
to said third layer comprising a conducting material, and; v. a
fifth layer comprising a high heat plastic polymer securing all of
the layers together; and b. a housing for receiving said hair
styling device and for heating it therein, wherein said housing
comprises: i. an induction coil; ii. a control circuit operatively
connected to the coil; iii. a resonant capacitor operatively
connected to the circuit; iv. a heat sink connected to the
capacitor; and v. a colored heating indication panel attached to
the housing and operatively connected to the circuit, wherein said
hair styling device is inductively heated by said housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to copending application
Ser. No. 13/187,655 filed Jul. 21, 2012 and copending application
Ser. No. 13/483,127, filed on May 30, 2012, which, in turn, claims
priority to provisional application 61/584,923, filed Jan. 10,
2012, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference. This application is a continuation-in-part application
of copending application Ser. No. 13/187,655 filed Jul. 21, 2012,
which is, in turn, a continuation-in-part of copending application
Ser. No. 13/483,127, filed on May 30, 2012, both of which are
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to novel types of
hair styling devices, for example, hair curlers. Specifically, the
present invention relates to a device and method for heating hair
styling devices, for example, hair curlers. In particular, the
present invention relates to an aesthetically pleasing system for
professional and consumer use for heating rollers used for curling
hair that is safe, easy, and quick to use. As used herein, terms
"rollers" and "curlers" may be used interchangeably, as one of
skill in the art will readily recognize. More specifically, the
present invention relates to an apparatus and method for heating a
variety of hair styling devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional hair styling devices, for example, curling
roller sets, usually have one base set with all of the rollers
lined up in the heating station. Typically, one turns on the
heating station and the entire set of rollers heat up at the same
time. The rollers cannot be used until the maximum temperature has
been reached, which can take from 2 to 5 minutes. Once the rollers
are hot, they are removed from the heater and hair is round about
them.
[0006] Having a small army of heated rollers or other types of hair
styling devices, for example, clips, a brush, or other types of
hair styling devices in a heating station, whether at home or at a
salon is dangerous to both professionals and the consumer. The hair
styling devices can be upended or knocked over with the result of
persons and items burned by the heated hair styling devices.
Further, the heating station also heats up, which can also be a
safety hazard for home use, especially if there are young children
in the household.
[0007] There is therefore a great need in the art for an
aesthetically pleasing system for professional and consumer use for
heating hair styling devices, such as rollers, curlers, clips,
brushes, etc. used for styling hair that is safe, easy, and quick
to use. Accordingly, there is now provided with this invention an
improved apparatus and method for heating hair styling devices that
effectively overcoming the aforementioned difficulties and
longstanding problems inherent in heating such hair styling
devices. These problems have been solved in a simple, convenient,
and highly effective way by which to heat the hair styling
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of certain embodiments of the
invention, a hair curler is disclosed comprising a first conical
member having slits extending therearound a second conical member
fitting substantially within the first conical member consisting
essentially of silicon, and a third conical member fitting
substantially within the second conical member comprising a
ferro-magnetic material. A first end cap fits on the end of the
first conical member having substantially concentric slits therein
and a second end cap fits on the end of the third conical member
having substantially concentric slits therein.
[0009] According to another aspect of certain embodiments of the
invention, a hair curler is disclosed comprising a first conical
member comprising a high frictional and conducting material
therearound, a second conical member fitting substantially within
said first conical member comprising a conducting material, a third
conical member fitting substantially within said second conical
member comprising a high heat plastic polymer, a fourth conical
member fitting substantially within said third conical member
comprising an induction material, a fifth conical member fitting
substantially within said fourth conical member comprising an
aluminum film; and an end cap fitting on the end of the hair
curler.
[0010] According to still another aspect of certain embodiments of
the invention, a hair curler heater is disclosed comprising an
upper, middle, and lower housing. An induction coil is positioned
between the upper and the middle housing and a control circuit is
operatively connected to the coil. A resonant capacitor is
positioned between the middle and the lower housing. A heat sink is
connected to the capacitor and a colored heating indication panel
is attached to the upper housing and operatively connected to the
control circuit.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of certain embodiments of
the invention, a hair curler heating system, is disclosed
comprising a hair curler having a ferro-magnetic core, a plastic
outer shell, an insulator therebetween, and a housing for receiving
the curler and for heating it therein. The housing includes an
induction coil, a control circuit operatively connected to the
coil, a resonant capacitor operatively connected to the circuit, a
heat sink connected to the capacitor, and a colored heating
indication panel attached to the housing and operatively connected
to the circuit.
[0012] A further aspect of certain embodiments of the invention
discloses a hair styling device having a pair of members hingedly
attached to each other. Each member has a first layer comprising a
high heat plastic polymer, a second layer attached to the first
layer including an insulating material, a third layer attached to
the second layer including an induction material, a fourth layer
attached to the third layer including a conducting material, and a
fifth layer including a high heat plastic polymer securing all of
the layers together.
[0013] A still further aspect of certain embodiments of the
invention discloses a hair styling device, having a first member
including a conducting material, a second member fitting
substantially within said first member including a high heat
plastic polymer, a third member fitting substantially within said
second member including an induction material, a fourth member
fitting substantially within said third member including an
aluminum film, an end cap fitting on the end of the hair styling
device having a handle extending therefrom, and bristles radially
extending from the hair styling device.
[0014] Another aspect of certain embodiments of the invention
discloses a hair styling heating apparatus, including a pair of
members hingedly attached to each other. Each member has a first
layer including a high heat plastic polymer, a second layer
attached to the first layer including an insulating material, a
third layer attached to the second layer including an induction
material, a fourth layer attached to the third layer including a
conducting material, and a fifth layer including a high heat
plastic polymer securing all of the layers together. The hair
styling heating apparatus also includes a housing for receiving the
hair styling device and for heating it therein. The housing
includes an induction coil, a control circuit operatively connected
to the coil, a resonant capacitor operatively connected to the
circuit, a heat sink connected to the capacitor, and a colored
heating indication panel attached to the housing and operatively
connected to the circuit. The hair styling device is inductively
heated by the housing.
[0015] Additional objects of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description.
[0016] The method and apparatus of the present invention will be
better understood by reference to the following detailed discussion
of specific embodiments and the attached figures which illustrate
and exemplify such embodiments.
[0017] The foregoing Summary of the Invention is not intended to
limit the scope of the disclosure contained herein nor limit the
scope of the appended claims. To the contrary, as will be
appreciated by those persons skilled in the art, variations of the
foregoing described embodiments may be implemented without
departing from the claimed invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] A specific embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an orthogonal top view of the curler heater of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the curler heater of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the curler heater of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the curler heater of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the electrical system of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a detailed electrical schematic drawing of a
portion of FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 5B is a detailed electrical schematic drawing of
another portion of FIG. 5.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the curler of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
curler of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the
curler of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front orthogonal view of still another
embodiment of the hair styling device of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a rear orthogonal view of the hair styling device
of FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a side view of the hair styling device of FIG.
9.
[0032] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the hair styling device of
FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] The following preferred embodiment as exemplified by the
drawings is illustrative of the invention and is not intended to
limit the invention as encompassed by the claims of this
application. A device and method for heating hair curlers is
disclosed herein.
[0034] The curler heater of the present invention 1, as illustrated
in FIGS. 1-4 shows an upper housing 1a, typically having a diameter
of 185 mm, a middle housing 1b, typically having a diameter of 185
mm or 175 mm, with height of 35 mm, and a lower housing 1c,
typically having a diameter of 175 mm. A silicon ring, typically an
o-ring, separates the housings from each other.
[0035] As specifically illustrated in FIG. 3, a first silicon ring
2a separates the upper housing 1a from the middle housing 1b and
another, second silicon ring 2b separates the middle housing 1b
from the lower housing 1c. Screws 14 connect the housings
together.
[0036] A heating indication panel 3 is attached to the upper
housing 1a. The indication panel 3 may be one or many LEDs.
Typically, this indication panel 3 indicates the sufficiency of
heat applied to a curler by a color-coded indication. For example,
it may indicated that a curler is sufficiently heated by turning
green. Alternatively, it may display a red color when power is
applied and thereafter turn green when a curler is sufficiently
heated. A further alternative may include a range of colors or
indication lights showing a gradation of temperature achieved by
the curler. For example, a 4 color changing indicator 13 may be
used which tells the user how much heat energy the roller has left,
making predictable judgments for hair styling purposes. When all 4
sections change color, the curler has reached its maximum
temperature. Three illuminated sections may mean the curler has
reached 75% of heat output. Two 2 illuminated sections may mean the
curler has reached 50% of heat output. If only the last section is
lit, it may mean that the curler has reached 25% of heat
output.
[0037] Another alternative for indicating that a sufficient amount
of heat has been applied to the hair styling device may be a text
message on either the heating device or on the hair styling device
itself. For example, the text, "hot" may appear when the hair
styling devices are heated to a sufficient temperature, such as,
above 60.degree. C., and may disappear when the temperature of the
hair styling devices drop below 60.degree. C.
[0038] As shown specifically in FIG. 4, a coil frame 4 forms a well
4a designed to receive a hair curler that is desired to be heated.
The coil frame 4 also supports an induction coil comprising
windings of wires therearound. Attached to the lower housing 1c is
an on/off switch 5 for applying and disconnecting power to the
heater. A wire coil 6 is wound about the coil frame 4 for creating
an induction coil. The wire coil 6 typically includes multiple
strands (for example, 20 strands) of enameled insulated wires. The
wires are typically 0.3 mm in diameter and are twisted and wound
upon the coil frame in a diameter of, for example, 100 mm with a
typical thickness of 3 mm and length of 63 mm. The number of turns
about the coil may vary, but are typically 26-28 turns.
[0039] A control circuit 7 is operatively connected to the wire
coil 6. The control circuit may be typically a printed circuit
board. This print-circuit board comprises:
##STR00001##
[0040] A micro-switch 8 connects the control circuit 7 to the coil
frame 4. A resonant capacitor 9 is positioned between the middle
housing 1b and the lower housing 1c and is operatively connected to
the circuit board. The coil 6 is connected in parallel with the
resonant capacitor 9 to create a resonant circuit. A heat sink 10
is housed in the lower housing 1c and is connected to the capacitor
9. Power to the heating unit 1 is supplied by a power cord
connected to a suitable electrical connection 11 positioned in the
lower housing 1c.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the electrical system of the present
invention, and FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the detailed electrical
schematics of the present invention. The present invention is
mainly designed to make on-off control on the resonant circuit by
means of an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT). Driven by the
resonant circuit, the inductors form a high-frequency alternating
current. The varying electric current passing through the inductors
will generate varying magnetic lines of force, thus forming a
magnetic field. Eddy currents inducted by magnetic lines of force
are formed on the outer wall of a ferrous hair curler, and the
electric impedances of these eddy currents against the ferrous hair
curler convert electric energy into heat energy.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a hair curler 30 of the
present invention for being heated in the curler heater 1. A first
conical member 12 has slits 15 extending therearound. Typically,
self grip tape is used with the first conical member 12 for
grabbing the hair just enough so that the fine hair is not snagged
or teared.
[0043] A second conical member 16 fits substantially within the
first conical member 12. The second conical member 16 consists
essentially of silicon. A third conical member 18 fits
substantially within the second conical member 16. The third
conical member 18 comprises a ferro-magnetic material. A first end
cap 20 fits on the end of the first conical member 12 and has
substantially concentric slits 22. A second end cap 24 fits on the
end of the third conical member 18 and also has substantially
concentric slits 26 therein. A hair clamp 28 typically holds the
wound hair to the hair roller. The hair clamp helps the hair
rollers to retain heat and also to set the rollers in place.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
hair curler 40 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
component parts are less conical and more cylindrical in shape. A
first conical member 42 has slits 15 extending therearound.
Typically, a high frictional material, for example, self grip tape
is used with the first conical member 42 for grabbing the hair just
enough so that the fine hair is not snagged or teared. The self
grip tape includes conductive material, for example, aluminum.
[0045] A second conical member 44 fits substantially within the
first conical member 42. The second conical member 44 is of
conductive material, for example, aluminum. A third conical member
46 fits substantially within the second conical member 44. The
third conical member may form a cage as depicted in FIG. 7 and
comprise a high heat plastic polymer material. The high heat
plastic polymer material can be welded to the self grip tape of the
first conical member 42 using, for example, ultra sound. Additives
can also be added to the third conical member so that the cage can
be made to turn from opaque to a transparent color when heated. A
fourth conical member 48 fits substantially within the third
conical member. The fourth conical member 48 comprises an induction
material, for example, a ferro-magnetic material such as an iron
alloy.
[0046] The fourth conical member preferably has an air space of
from about 2 mm to about 3 mm between it and the third conical
member. This air space is used as the insulator for storing and
regulating heat in the curler. An end cap 50 fits on the end of the
curler. The end cap 50 is preferably made of the same composition
as the third conical member.
[0047] The foregoing members may be secured together with a sealed
bottom. The plastic of the curler made be of a thermo-sensitive
materials such that the color and/or transparency of the material
(e.g., a thermo-sensitive plastic) changes as the temperature of
the curler, and therefore the material, changes. In this manner, a
user may be afforded a visual cue as to the relative temperature of
the curler.
[0048] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of yet another embodiment of
the hair curler of the present invention. In this embodiment,
similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the component parts
are less conical and more cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the
component parts may be entirely cylindrical in shape. A first
member 52 has slits 15 extending therearound. Typically, a high
frictional material, for example, self grip tape is used with the
first member 52 for grabbing the hair just enough so that the fine
hair is not snagged or teared. The self grip tape includes
conductive material, for example, aluminum.
[0049] A second member 54 fits substantially within the first
member 52. The second member 54 is of conductive material, for
example, aluminum. The second member 54 may further include slits
55 extending a portion of its length.
[0050] A third member 56 fits substantially within the second
member 54. The third member 56 may form a cage as depicted in FIG.
8 and comprise a high heat plastic polymer material. The high heat
plastic polymer material can be welded to the self grip tape of the
first member 42 using, for example, ultra sound. Additives can also
be added to the third member so that the cage can be made to turn
from opaque to a transparent color when heated.
[0051] The first member 52 surrounding the second member 52 may be
typically welded to the third member 56. Such welding may be
accomplished using, for example, ultra-sound. Once welded, members
52, 54, and 56 become fixed to each other and cannot be taken apart
unless they are broken.
[0052] A fourth member 60 fits substantially within the third
member 56. The fourth member 60 comprises an induction material,
for example, a ferro-magnetic material such as an iron alloy. The
fourth member preferably has an air space of from about 2 mm to
about 3 mm between it and the third member. This air space is used
as the insulator for storing and regulating heat in the curler.
[0053] A fifth member 62 fits within the fourth member 60. The
fifth member 62 comprises aluminum film. The aluminum assists in
retaining heat. PBT material may be fixed to the aluminum film. The
fifth member is held within the fourth member by rings 58 and 64.
Rings 58 and 64 retain the fifth member within the fourth member so
that a relatively constant space is kept between the outside
diameter of the fifth member and the inside diameter of the fourth
member. In this way, annulus is formed between these two members.
Screws 68 may be used to connect the third member 56 to the ring
58. An end cap 66 fits on the end of the curler. The end cap 66 is
preferably made of the same composition as the third member. Screws
68 may be used to connect the end cap 66 to the third member. The
foregoing members may be secured together with a sealed bottom. The
plastic of the curler made be of a thermo-sensitive materials such
that the color and/or transparency of the material (e.g., a
thermo-sensitive plastic) changes as the temperature of the curler,
and therefore the material, changes. In this manner, a user may be
afforded a visual cue as to the relative temperature of the
curler.
[0054] A further modification of this unit may transform the
cylindrical curler to another type of hair styling device, for
example, a brush. In such a device, bristles may radially extend
from the outer surface of the hair styling device. In addition, a
handle may extend from an end thereof for easy handling of the
user.
[0055] A hair clamp typically holds the wound hair to the hair
roller. The hair clamp helps the hair rollers to retain heat and
also to set the rollers in place.
[0056] Typically, there are six sizes of hair curlers (in diameters
of 26 mm, 32 mm, 38 mm, 46 mm, 52 mm and 58 mm). They are made of
stainless iron sheet in thickness of 0.1 mm and length of 60 mm.
Each hair curler has silicon film added to the exterior in a
typical thickness of 1-1.5 mm, covered with nylon self grip tape,
with its top and bottom being covered with polycarbonate plastic.
Each size of roller will retain the same temperature of heat and
for the same amount of time, controlled by the insulator inside the
roller.
[0057] FIG. 9 another embodiment of the hair styling device of the
present invention as shown as a clip 70. The clip has a pair of
substantially identical members 72 and 74 that are attached to one
another by a hinge 76. The pair of members may be curved toward one
another in a C-shape. The hinge 76 is shown more particularly in
FIG. 10 in a rear orthogonal view of the hair styling device. As
depicted therein, the hinge 76 has a pin 78 that extends through a
pair of arms 80 and 82 on one member 72 and another pair of arms 84
and 86 on the other member 74. The hinge includes a spring 88 for
biasing the pair of members toward one another.
[0058] A side view of the clip is shown in FIG. 11 illustrating
handles 90 and 92 extending from the members 72 and 74
respectively. The handles 90 and 92 allow the user of the clip to
more easily open and close the clip against the biasing force of
the spring 88. The members 72 and 74 may also include interlocking
teeth 94 which extend beyond their respective members on the
opposite side from the hinge 76.
[0059] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the hair styling device in
the shape of a clip 70 showing the constituent layers of each
member. Each member of the clip 70 includes a first layer 96. The
first layer 96 includes a high heat plastic polymer. The clip 70
also includes a second layer 98 attached to the first layer 96. The
second layer includes an insulating material. The insulating
material may be, for example, silicone. The insulating material
helps to insulate and regulate the heat retained by the clip. The
clip 70 also includes a third layer 100 attached to the second
layer 98. The second layer 98 includes an induction material. The
induction material may be, for example, an iron alloy. The clip 70
further includes a fourth layer 102 attached to the third layer
100. The fourth layer 102 includes a conducting material. The
conducting material may be, for example, aluminum, which may be in
the form of a film. The clip 70 may further include a fifth layer
104. The fifth layer 104 includes a high heat plastic polymer. The
fifth layer 104 secures all of the layers together as previously
described, for example, by welding, gluing, bonding, or the
like.
[0060] In use, the clip 70 may be placed in the induction unit for
heating. Once heated by the induction unit, the outside of the clip
maintains cool to the touch. The user only has to curl the hair
between their fingers for the desired effect, and clip the heated
clip onto the curl they have made. The heat is trapped with the
hair, shortening the styling time but giving amazingly natural
curls at the same time. The user can adjust the tightness of the
curl by making smaller and tight curls or natural waves by casually
curling the hair in loose curls.
[0061] Using the heated clip, hair may be curled by the following
steps: [0062] 1. Gather a section of hair placing the fingers or a
device such as a wand at the root of the hair. [0063] 2. Wrap the
hair around the fingers, not too tightly. [0064] 3. Using a free
hand, hold the curl in place. [0065] 4. Gently slide the fingers
out of the curl. [0066] 5. Apply the heated clip over the curl
without crushing the curl. [0067] 6. Keep the clip in place until
the clip is cool to the touch.
EXAMPLE
[0068] It is to be understood that the following example of the
present invention is not intended to restrict the present invention
since many more modifications may be made within the scope of the
claims without departing from the spirit thereof.
[0069] In operation, an embodiment of the present invention
operates as follows. When the power supply is switched on and two
pole switches are turned on, power is on shown by a red display.
When a heat conducting hair styling device is put into the well, a
micro-switch in the well will be activated. If any ferromagnetic
material is detected, a green lamp will blink and send an acoustic
signal and will apply a high-frequency alternating current to the
inductors. A magnetic field will be thus be generated in the well.
If there is ferromagnetic material within the range of magnetic
field, high frequency eddy currents will be generated in the
magnetic field. Under the effect of the eddy currents, the heat
conducting hair styling device containing ferromagnetic material
will generate heat. When the green lamp stops blinking and the
acoustic signal ends, the heating has been stopped. The heat
conducting hair styling device can then be removed for use. Since
the high frequency eddy current is still left in the heat
conducting hair styling device, it will slowly raise the
temperature. When the temperature indicators have started to change
color slowly (all four grids change color), it means that the heat
conducting hair curler can no longer be heated until the four grids
have turned to their primary colors.
[0070] The total time for registering whether an object in the well
contains iron is typically 4 seconds. The total time for heating
the hair styling device is typically 4 seconds.
[0071] The quick instant heat up of induction heating allows the
user to place the hair styling device into the heating well, wait
for a total of 8 seconds, take the hair styling device out and
place another hair styling device into the well in preparation for
the next roll. The present invention heats up one hair styling
device at a time, eliminating the risk of having heated hair
styling devices sitting around. The hair styling device is always
freshly heated for styling.
[0072] The induction of the present invention also allows the hair
styling device to reach the maximum temperature not at the time of
applying the hair styling device, but shortly afterwards. This
allows the user sufficient time to handle a mildly heated hair
styling device instead of a piping hot hair styling device.
[0073] Although the particular embodiments shown and described
above will prove to be useful in many applications in the heating
hair styling arts to which the present invention pertains, further
modifications of the present invention will occur to persons
skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within
the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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