U.S. patent application number 14/493065 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for hair volumizing device that utilizes individual treatment elements without leaving a visible pattern.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oomph Innovations, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Patricia A. Lund, William M. Schwartz. Invention is credited to Patricia A. Lund, William M. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20150027486 14/493065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389419 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lund; Patricia A. ; et
al. |
January 29, 2015 |
HAIR VOLUMIZING DEVICE THAT UTILIZES INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT ELEMENTS
WITHOUT LEAVING A VISIBLE PATTERN
Abstract
A hair volumizing device is designed specifically for adding
lift or volume to any hairstyle. The device comprises two arms with
heated interlocking plates that employ interlocking two dimensional
arrays of individual treatment elements with alternating spaces.
The individual treatment element design and the two-dimensional
array pattern provide substantial lift and holding strength. The
individual treatment elements of the volumizing device transforms
the under layer of hair of a person into a matrix that can support
the outer or upper visible layer of hair to create volume. The
various embodiments also minimize any discernible pattern left in
the hair.
Inventors: |
Lund; Patricia A.; (Oakland,
CA) ; Schwartz; William M.; (San Francisco,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lund; Patricia A.
Schwartz; William M. |
Oakland
San Francisco |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Oomph Innovations, LLC
San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
52389419 |
Appl. No.: |
14/493065 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13707423 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
8839802 |
|
|
14493065 |
|
|
|
|
61616955 |
Mar 28, 2012 |
|
|
|
61637688 |
Apr 24, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D
2/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/225 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/40 20060101
A45D002/40; A45D 1/04 20060101 A45D001/04 |
Claims
1. A device for volumizing hair, comprising: a first arm comprising
a first interlocking plate; a second arm comprising a second
interlocking plate; at least one heating element associated with
any of said first interlocking plate and said second interlocking
plate; a pivot positioned between said first arm and said second
arm and arranged to allow relative movement of the interlocking
plates between an interlocked position and a non-interlocked
position; said first and second interlocking plates each comprising
an array of treatment elements for treating the hair; wherein the
array of individual treatment elements of the first interlocking
plate is interlockingly complementary to the array of individual
treatment elements of the second interlocking plate; and wherein
individual treatment elements of an array are disposed on a surface
of the associated plate such that the array is non-parallel to at
least one of the long and short axes of the interlocking plate.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein when in the interlocked position
the individual treatment elements on the first interlocking plate
are not in contact with the individual treatment elements on the
second interlocking plate and are separated by a gap.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one individual treatment
element comprises; a flat top surface, and at least one angled side
projecting from the interlocking plate at a non-perpendicular
angle.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the array of individual treatment
elements comprises a spiral pattern.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the array of individual treatment
elements comprises a zig-zag pattern.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the array of individual treatment
elements comprises a radial pattern.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual treatment elements
comprise prisms projecting from the interlocking plate.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the bases of the individual
treatment elements are regular polygons in shape.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual treatment elements
comprise; a rectangular base, and two triangular sides.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual treatment
elements comprise pyramids.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual treatment
elements comprise truncated prisms.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein an individual treatment element
comprises at least one of; a base that is curved in shape; and a
top that is curved in shape.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the individual treatment
elements comprise: at least one surface that is textured.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one interlocking plate
comprises individual treatment elements of at least two different
shapes.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one interlocking plate
comprises an array of individual treatment elements in at least two
different patterns.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein the arrays of individual
treatment elements on the interlocking plates are shaped for
creating a three dimensional matrix of raised flat surfaces in an
under layer of hair capable of supporting an upper layer of
hair.
17. A device for volumizing hair, comprising: a first arm
comprising a first interlocking plate; a second arm comprising a
second interlocking plate; at least one heating element associated
with any of said first interlocking plate and said second
interlocking plate; and a pivot positioned between said first arm
and said second arm and arranged to allow relative movement of the
interlocking plates between an interlocked position and a
non-interlocked position; said first and second interlocking plates
each comprising an array of individual treatment elements; wherein
the array of individual treatment elements of the first
interlocking plate is interlockingly complementary to the array of
individual treatment elements of the second interlocking plate and
wherein the two dimensional array of individual treatment elements
comprises a checkerboard pattern.
18. A device for volumizing hair, comprising: a first arm
comprising a first interlocking plate; a second arm comprising a
second interlocking plate; at least one heating element associated
with any of said first interlocking plate and said second
interlocking plate; and a pivot positioned between said first arm
and said second arm and arranged to allow relative movement of the
interlocking plates between an interlocked position and a
non-interlocked position; said first and second interlocking plates
each comprising a two dimensional array of individual treatment
elements; wherein the array of individual of individual treatment
elements of the first interlocking plate is interlockingly
complementary to the array of individual treatment elements of the
second interlocking plate; wherein each individual treatment
element comprises: means for creating a three-dimensional matrix of
raised flat surfaces in an under layer of hair capable of
supporting an upper layer of hair.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/706,423, filed Dec. 6, 2012, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,839,802, issuing on Sep. 23, 2014, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/706,423 claims benefit
of U.S. provisional patent applications Ser. No. 61/616,955 filed
Mar. 28, 2012 and Ser. No. 61/637,688 filed Apr. 24, 2012, each of
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference
thereto.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to hair
treatment devices used for styling a person's hair. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hair volumizing
device that creates the outward appearance of greater hair volume
without leaving an outwardly visible pattern.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Existing hair treatment devices include a category of
devices that crimp hair. These crimping devices, known as crimping
irons or crimpers, impart a series of bends or creases to the hair.
There are two uses of such crimping devices. A first use, and a
common use, is to impart a visible crimp pattern to the top layer
of the hair as a distinct hairstyle, this is known as a crimped
hairstyle and this process is known as crimping. A second use,
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,578, is to use a crimping device
to create the appearance of volume to a person's hair. This is done
by applying the crimping device to an under layer of the hair. An
under layer of hair is a layer of hair that is covered by an upper
layer of hair and has at least a portion that is an interior hair
layer that is not visible in a hair style because an upper layer of
hair rests on top and hides it from view. In this method of use the
under layer of hair is crimped. This causes the upper layer of hair
to be lifted and held away from the head, creating the appearance
of greater hair volume. This is because the outer layer of hair
rests on the under layer further away from the head and scalp than
it would have rested when the under layer was not crimped. Thus the
upper layer is lifted and creates the appearance of more hair
volume. This lifting application of the device has been
accomplished heretofore by re-purposing the first use of the
crimping device of creating a distinct pattern in the visible hair
and using the same crimping device on an under layer of hair and
not on the upper visible layer of hair.
[0006] There are many drawbacks to using a known crimping device in
a lifting application because the crimping device is not
specifically designed for use in a lifting application. A crimping
application requires that the crimping device impart a distinct
crimped pattern to the hair, which does, as a secondary effect,
create somewhat greater volume in the hair. However, a volumizing
application requires the creation of a firm support structure in
the under layer of hair that can be sustained while supporting the
upper layer of hair, giving the appearance of significantly greater
hair volume, and that little or no discernible pattern or texture
be visible, thereby leaving the basic hair style unchanged. Current
hair treatment devices are not specifically designed for lifting
and volumizing and do not meet these requirements.
[0007] In particular, the saw-tooth ridge design of crimping
devices, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,578, does not meet these
requirements for volumizing. These crimping devices employ a single
row of long columnar, saw-tooth-shaped ridges on heated mating and
interlocking plates, which are embedded in a handheld device that
is clamped briefly on the hair. The ridges in these devices extend
the entire length of the heated interlocking plates. The ridges run
parallel to the long axis of the device.
[0008] There are many problems with the known crimping device with
the arrangement of saw-tooth ridges in a hair-lifting or volumizing
application including:
[0009] The arrangement of saw-tooth ridges leaves a noticeable,
undesirable crimped pattern in the under layer of hair that shows
through to the upper layers. The person's hair then appears visibly
crimped, which is not the objective of users seeking to add volume
and lift to hair without changing the hairstyle. Crimped hair shows
through to the upper layers because the saw-tooth ridges found in
existing crimping devices creates a distinct and regular pattern in
the hair consisting of a series of sharp, long, accordion pleats or
folds. These pleats which are as long as the length of the plates
of the device are obvious in the hairstyle and tend to poke through
to its upper layers. Further, any hair treatment device having
ridges of any shape leaves a distinct pattern in the hair when used
in a volumizing application due to the length and regularity of the
folds that are created in the hair. Since a goal of a hair
treatment device used in a volumizing application is to create lift
and volume without creating a visibly crimped hairstyle, any use of
ridges, having a saw-tooth or other profile, in such a device is
undesirable.
[0010] A second problem with the saw-tooth-ridged pattern in
crimping devices is that it is not able to create a firm support
structure in the lower layers of hair capable of supporting the
upper hair layers when used in a volumizing application. This is
because the sharp, saw-tooth-shaped ridges create a series of
sharp, accordion pleats in the hair that unfold or collapse under
the weight of the upper hair layers resting on them and no longer
aid in volumizing the hair. As one crimped pleat or fold of hair
loses structure by folding or collapsing, the load of the portion
of the upper layer of hair that the pleat was supporting is
transferred to the adjacent crimped pleats of hair, which in turn
are now weighted with more weight than they can support, leading to
collapse of all pleats of the hair treated by the device in a
domino, cascading fashion. Thus, structural stability is not stable
in a volumizing application done with a crimping device having
saw-tooth ridges.
[0011] A third problem with existing crimping devices, such as
found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,578, is that the ridge height is not
adequate to lift the hair significantly up and away from the head
and scalp, in order to create the appearance of substantially
greater hair volume.
[0012] A fourth problem with prior art devices is the undesirable
appearance of frizzy hair from the crimped under layer poking
through to the upper layers of hair, caused by the use of
closely-spaced, jagged, saw-tooth ridges. Frizzy hair appears dull,
kinky, and unhealthy.
SUMMARY
[0013] A hair volumizing device is designed specifically for adding
lift or volume to any hairstyle. The device comprises two arms with
heated interlocking plates that employ interlocking two dimensional
arrays of individual treatment elements with alternating spaces.
The individual treatment element design and the two-dimensional
array pattern provide substantial lift and holding strength. The
individual treatment elements of the volumizing device transforms
the under layer of hair of a person into a matrix that can support
the outer or upper visible layer of hair to create volume. The
various embodiments also minimize any discernible pattern left in
the hair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
volumizing device with the interlocking plates in a non-interlocked
position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 with the interlocking plates in a an interlocked position;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows section A-A of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows section B-B of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric drawing of an interlocking plate
showing a two-dimensional array of separate, individual treatment
elements with flat top surfaces;
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a single hair being bent or creased by the
interlocking plates and showing crease points;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows an upper layer of hair supported by a treated
under layer of hair which forms platforms;
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a treatment element
embodiment in which trapezoid-shaped treatment elements are
arranged as individual, separate treatment elements in a
two-dimensional array;
[0022] FIG. 9 shows an interlocking plate having a diamond shaped
treatment element embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 10 shows an interlocking plate having a curved shaped
treatment element embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 shows an interlocking plate having a trapezoidal and
diamond shaped treatment element embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 12 shows a user employing the device;
[0026] FIG. 13 shows an interlocking plate having a spiral-shaped
treatment element embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 14 shows an interlocking plate having a zigzag-shaped
treatment element embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 15 shows an interlocking plate having a radial-shaped
treatment element embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 16 shows an interlocking plate having a flat-top
pyramid-shaped treatment element embodiment;
[0030] FIGS. 17 and 18 each show an interlocking plate having a
treatment element embodiment having a textured top surface; and
[0031] FIG. 19 shows an interlocking plate having individual
treatment elements in at least two different patterns.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] A hair volumizing device is designed specifically for adding
lift or volume to any hairstyle. The device comprises two arms with
heated interlocking plates that employ interlocking two dimensional
arrays of individual treatment elements with alternating spaces.
The individual treatment element design and the two-dimensional
array pattern provide substantial lift and holding strength. The
individual treatment elements of the volumizing device transforms
the under layer of hair of a person into a matrix that can support
the outer or upper visible layer of hair to create volume. The
various embodiments also minimize any discernible pattern left in
the hair.
[0033] A hair treatment device is optimized for lifting and
volumizing hair. The volumizing device leaves little or no visible
pattern or frizz in the hair and creates significantly greater and
longer lasting volume in the hair. In an embodiment, these benefits
are achieved through a design that employs arrays of outwardly
projecting individual treatment elements arranged in a
two-dimensional array pattern, such as a checkerboard or waffle
pattern, instead of long, regular ridged, parallel treatment
elements. The volumizing device may be for use by end users on
their own hair as well as users on the hair of others, such as in
salons by stylists and hair technicians.
[0034] The hair volumizing device allows users to impart
significant volume or lift to hair by creating a three-dimensional
matrix of hair in the under layers of the hair that serves to lift
portions of the upper layers of the hair away from the head,
creating the appearance of greater hair volume, without creating a
clearly visible pattern in the hair. An under layer of hair is a
portion of hair that is not visible in a hairstyle because it is
located beneath the upper layers of hair that comprise the hair
visible to others in a hairstyle. To separate an under layer from
the upper visible layer of hair, a comb may be used to part the
hair slightly below the point where the user typically parts the
hair. The upper hair is separated and hair clips may be used to
keep it out of the way while the under layer is being treated. The
selected under layer of hair, is then treated with the volumizing
device. This process can be repeated all over the head in order to
lift hair away from the scalp, giving the appearance of greater
hair volume. Users may treat only the portion of hair closest to
where it leaves the scalp or they may additionally treat hair as
far down the hair shaft as they desire.
[0035] A volumizing sub-structure in the under layers of the hair
is created by clamping the hair between the interlocking plates of
the volumizing device, which are made up of arrays of outwardly
projecting individual treatment elements. The plates are heated and
briefly clamped on the under layers of hair in order to create
structural support for the upper layers.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a volumizing device 1 that may
include a pair of arms 2 and 3 joined by a pivot 7. At one end of
each arm there may be an interlocking plate 4 and 5, and at another
end of each arm there may be a handle portion 8. In an embodiment,
the pivot may be a hinge, such as a barrel hinge or floating hinge
which allows for the interlocking plates to be clamped together in
a parallel fashion. In an embodiment, the pivot joins the arms at
an end of the arm such that the interlocking plate and handle
portion of each arm are not separated by the pivot. In another
embodiment, the pivot joins the arms such that the interlocking
plate and handle portion of each arm are located on opposite sides
of the pivot.
[0037] In an embodiment, the interlocking plates may have a long
axis in the direction of the length of the arms and a short axis in
the direction of the width of the arms. Either or both of the
interlocking plates may be heated by a heating element located
within the arm. In an embodiment, the heating element may heat an
interlocking plate by any conventional heating method including,
for example, electrical resistance, induction, infrared,
combustion, or steam. The heating element may heat an interlocking
plate to an operating temperature in a range of about 250.degree.
F. to about 430.degree. F. The temperature, as well as an on/off
function, in some embodiments, may be controlled by an analog or
digital circuit located, for example, within an arm of the device.
In an embodiment, the device may be powered by an internal power
supply, such as a battery. In an embodiment, the device may be
powered by an external source through, for example, a power cord 9.
Section A-A of FIG. 1 is shown in detail by the upper and lower
interlocking plates of FIG. 3.
[0038] In an embodiment, the interlocking plates may have a
complementary design such that, when the ends of the arms at which
they are located are clamped together, the interlocking plates
interlock with each other, as shown in FIG. 2. When in the
interlocked position, the individual treatment elements on an
interlocking plate may mesh with complementary treatment elements
on the other interlocking plate. During use, the interlocking
plates may clamp onto an under layer of hair, with at least one of
the interlocking plates being heated, in order to set the hair in a
shape determined by the shape of the interlocking plates. Section
B-B of FIG. 2 is shown in detail by FIG. 4.
[0039] In an embodiment, each interlocking plate may include, for
example, a two-dimensional array of separated individual treatment
elements 10 separated on all sides by spaces 11. The embodiments of
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 show the individual treatment elements
arranged in a checkerboard fashion in rows and columns. In an
embodiment, an individual treatment element may constitute a square
prism having flat sides 12 and a flat top 13, surrounded on each of
its four sides 12 by a space 11 that is also of square prism shape
and similarly sized to the individual treatment element. Though
shown in a checkerboard pattern in FIG. 1, the individual treatment
elements also may be arranged in any regular pattern or in an
irregular array. As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment elements 10 on
each plate may interlock with the complementary spaces 11 on the
opposite, mating interlocking plate. In some embodiments, the
treatment elements on opposing plate pairs have a pattern or array
that is the inverse of the opposing plate. Alternatively, in other
embodiments, a plate has more spaces than treatment elements and,
when the interlocking plates interlock, a space on one plate has a
complementary space, instead of a complementary treatment element,
on the other plate.
[0040] When the heated plates clamp an under layer of hair, the
hair is bent and formed by the heated plates to create a matrix of
piers which serve to support the upper visible layer of hair and
hold it away from the head, thus creating the appearance of greater
hair volume. The hair treated by the device takes the shape of the
treatment elements. FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the individual
treatment elements from FIG. 4 while the device is in use, with a
hair 14 being bent or folded in an alternating treatment element
and gap in the checkerboard pattern found in the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0041] The array of alternating gap and treatment element design
not only creates a strong support structure in the lower layers of
hair, but it also does this without creating a clear pattern that
is visible in the upper layer as is the case when using
conventional crimping devices. This is because each treatment
element creates a firm support pier in the hair that alternates
with surrounding recessed piers, thus breaking up and obscuring any
clear pattern of folds in the hair. This is in sharp contrast to
the long, accordion pleat folds left in the hair by the long ridges
of known crimping devices, which leave a clear pleated or crimped
pattern that is visible in the upper layers of hair.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows each plate having 6 columns and 18 rows;
however the number of rows and columns can be as few as two and as
many as 20 or even more. In an embodiment, the height of the
treatment elements ranges from about 4 to about 25 mm, but it may
exceed this if it is desired to achieve the appearance of even more
volume. In further embodiments, the height of treatment elements on
the same or complementary interlocking plates may vary.
[0043] In embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the
treatment elements are rectangular prisms having square bases and
flat square tops. The long axis length of each treatment element
may range from about 4 mm to about 25 mm and short axis length from
about 4 mm to about 25 mm, although other dimensions are within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0044] When the plates are clamped together, as shown in FIGS. 4
and 6, the treatment element arrangement leaves small gaps between
the treatment elements on one plate and the treatment elements on
the other plate to fit the hair that is treated and bent or folded,
as shown. The complementary individual treatment elements of the
interlocking plates comprise gaps that accommodate an amount of
hair intended to be treated at once. Thus, the gap may be made
larger or smaller to accommodate various amounts of hair to be
treated. The width of the interlocking plate ranges from about 8 mm
for short hair and up to about 75 mm or more for longer hair. The
long axis length of the plate ranges from about 12 mm to about 125
mm or more.
[0045] In addition to the treatment element configuration shown in
the embodiment of FIG. 1 there exist several related and
alternative embodiments of treatment element systems for lifting
hair to create volume.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of an embodiment having
trapezoidal treatment elements 15 having flat top surfaces. In
embodiments, the trapezoidal treatment elements are arranged in a
waffle or checkerboard pattern and function similarly to the square
treatment elements of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a diamond or an angled treatment element 16
pattern in a checkerboard-like embodiment having flat top treatment
element surfaces. In embodiments, the shapes of the tops and the
bases of the individual treatment elements are rectangular, square,
diamond, trapezoidal, round, oval, elliptical, triangular,
pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other polygonal or geometric shape.
In some embodiments the individual treatment elements may be
prisms, truncated prisms, antiprisms, pyramids, flat-topped
pyramids (shown in FIG. 16), and other polyhedrons. Further, in
these embodiments the treatment elements are individual treatment
elements surrounded by spaces and projecting from the surface of
the interlocking plate.
[0048] Non-rectilinear designs, such as those shown in FIG. 10 of
curved treatment elements 17 are also within the scope of the
present disclosure. In some embodiments, the treatment elements may
be S-shaped, or may assume other curved shapes and may include
individual and separated treatment elements that are arranged in
patterns, such as in rows and columns.
[0049] In embodiments, the treatment elements may be arranged in a
variety of patterns. These arrangements may include rows and
columns not parallel to either the long or short axes of the
interlocking plate. Further, in some embodiments rows or columns of
treatment elements may not be parallel to other rows or columns of
treatment elements and may not be in a symmetrical pattern of rows
and columns. In some embodiments the treatment elements may assume
a spiral pattern, as shown in FIG. 13; a zig-zag pattern, shown in
FIG. 14; a radial pattern, as in FIG. 15 or any combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the treatment elements may be
disposed in a two-dimensional array on an interlocking plate in an
irregular or random pattern. In addition, in some embodiments, a
variety of treatment element patterns may co-exist on the same
interlocking plate, in different sections of the plate. In some
embodiments, complementary interlocking plates may have differently
shaped treatment elements and different patterns of treatment
elements that mesh and interlock with one another. As shown in
FIGS. 13-15, embodiments may have continuous treatment elements. In
embodiments, individual treatment elements, as shown in FIGS. 3-11,
may be disposed on the surface of the interlocking plates in, for
example, spiral or zig-zag or radial patterns.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows a table-type support 18, created by the flat
top surface of the individual treatment elements of an interlocking
plate, and an array of piers having table-type supports providing a
foundation for support to the upper layers 19 of hair. The short
spans between piers, by virtue of the alternating treatment element
design, enhance hair support. The individual, alternating treatment
elements that form the piers break up the pattern in the hair,
making it less visible, while adding to the strength of the
foundation. In some embodiments, the tops of the treatment elements
may be concave, convex; or any combination of curves, flat
sections, indentations, projections and other shapes. In some
embodiments, the top surfaces of the treatment elements may be
smooth, ridged, textured, uneven, stepped, or any combination
thereof. For example, FIGS. 16-17 show embodiments wherein an
interlocking plate includes treatment elements 10 having flat tops
with textured surfaces. In some embodiments the tops of the
individual treatment elements may not include a top surface and
instead comprise a vertex or apex.
[0051] The sides 12 of the individual treatment elements shown in
the embodiment of FIG. 1 may be flat sides projecting
perpendicularly from the interlocking plate and the individual
treatment elements shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 may have flat
sides projecting at an obtuse angle to the interlocking plate. In
some embodiments, the sides of a treatment element all project from
the interlocking plate at the same angle and in some embodiments at
least one side of a treatment element projects from the
interlocking plate at an angle different than at least one of the
other sides of the treatment element. In some embodiments, the
sides of the individual treatment elements may be curved, stepped,
faceted or textured.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 19, in some embodiments, each plate
may have any combination of types of individual treatment elements
22, 23, having varying or similar size, heights, shapes, top
surfaces, and types of sides. In some embodiments, a device has
interchangeable plates with different types of individual treatment
elements, with varying or similar size, heights, shapes, top
surfaces, and types of sides. In some embodiments, the
interchangeable plates may be in pairs of complementary plates, and
in some embodiments an interlocking plate may have a plurality of
complementary plates having different individual treatment element
configurations.
[0053] In some embodiments the interlocking plates may be flat and
rectangular, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1. In some
embodiments, the interlocking plates may be curved along either of
their axes or both. In some embodiments, the interlocking plates
may have both curved and flat sections. Also in some embodiments,
the interlocking plates may be non-rectangular in shape, including,
for example, interlocking plates in the shape of circles, ovals,
triangles, and other polygons and geometric shapes. The plate shape
is independent of the pattern of the individual treatment elements.
In some embodiments, a circular interlocking plate may have a
checkerboard treatment element pattern or a radial treatment
element pattern and in some embodiments a rectangular plate may
have a radial treatment element pattern or a checkerboard treatment
element pattern.
[0054] In some embodiments, the overall device, including the arms
and the interlocking plates may be straight and in some embodiments
the overall device, or components thereof, may be curved,
including, for example, along the long or short axes of the arms.
In an embodiment, a curved volumizing device is curved to be better
adapted to reach the back of the head more easily or to match the
curvature of the head. In some embodiments, the overall device is
made of smaller components to suit travel applications. In some
embodiments, the travel version may have as few as two columns of
individual separate treatment elements in any of the above
described patterns.
[0055] In some embodiments, the construction of the interlocking
plate may be made from ceramic or metal, including, for example,
aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, steel, iron, zinc and nickel
alloys. In some embodiments, the metals may be coated with various
materials, including, for example, silicone, anodized metal,
TEFLON, ceramics, including, for example, tourmaline and
titanium-infused ceramics or some combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the treatment elements may have both thermally
conductive and insulating layers and may contain materials designed
to create friction to help hold the hair in place during treatment.
Fabrication of the interlocking plates and treatment elements is
done with any manufacturing method, including, for example, die
casting, mold casting, extrusion, milling, drawing, laser cutting,
and other metal forming and fabrication methods.
[0056] Referring now to the operation of a volumizing device such
as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 may
include, for example, two mating, heated interlocking plates 4 and
5 that clamp and interlock in a jaw-like fashion onto the under
layers of the hair 20, as shown in FIG. 12. In embodiments, the
interlocking plates consist of separate and individual treatment
elements arranged in a two-dimensional array or pattern as
described above. When the plates are clamped together, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 6, the treatment element arrangement provides small
gaps between the plates in order to fit the treated hair. FIG. 12
shows a hair treatment device in use on a person's hair with the
plate and treatment elements design described here.
[0057] When a lower layer of hair is clamped between the heated
plates of the device as shown in FIG. 6, each treated hair may be
bent over each treatment element, creating discrete bends, folds or
creases in the hair. The hinging of the device enables the mating
interlocking plates to meet in a parallel fashion when clamped on
the hair. In some embodiments, each treatment element will bend the
hair from about 60- to about 120-degree angles, multiple times per
treatment element. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, each
treatment element may bend a strand of hair 14 at 90-degree angles,
a total of four times per treatment element, as shown in FIG. 6. As
shown in FIG. 7, each treatment element may create a raised flat
surface 18 in the under hair layer 20 for the upper hair layer 19
to rest on and a lower flat surface 21 that rests against the scalp
or other hair in order to provide a firm support for the upper
layer of hair. As shown in FIG. 7, when a segment of hair is placed
over the entire active heated surface of the interlocking plate,
and clamped briefly, a strong three-dimensional support matrix of
piers is created in the under layer of treated hair, which supports
the upper layer which remains untreated by the volumizing device.
This process can be repeated as far down the hair shaft as desired
and around the entire head of hair. Furthermore, the process may be
repeated so that multiple layers of under layers of hair create
support matrices that are stacked onto each other to create even
greater volume in the user's hair.
[0058] By virtue of a checkerboard-like three-dimensional
alternating treatment element pattern, portions of hair that are
folded along a given row serve to support the neighboring hair
portions in adjacent rows that are folded in the opposite
direction. These alternating hair folds may create a strong
foundation of support due to a grid of flat topped piers that are
more stable and less likely than hair treated with columnar
treatment elements, found in crimping devices, to collapse in a
domino cascading fashion. This system also minimizes the spans
between piers, so that the upper or outer layer of hair is better
supported. This individual treatment element arrangement creates a
more laterally stable platform to hold the upper hair up and away
from the head or scalp, thereby adding the volume desired and
holding it for long periods of time.
[0059] This alternating treatment element checkerboard design may
provide such support without leaving a distinct visible pattern in
the hair, due to the individual, flat-topped treatment elements and
their alternating arrangement on the interlocking plates. Because
each treatment element alternates with gaps on all sides, any clear
pattern of folding in the hair created by each raised treatment
element is broken up and obscured by the adjacent gaps between the
treatment elements, especially when concealed beneath an upper
layer of hair not treated by the volumizing device. This is in
contrast to the long, sharp-peaked, accordion pleated folds left in
the hair by the long, saw-tooth ridges of a crimping device, which
leave a clear pleated or crimped pattern that is clearly visible in
the upper layers of hair.
[0060] Additionally, the device creates volume and lift without
creating undesired frizz in the lower layers that protrudes into
the upper visible layers. When a segment of hair is placed over the
entire active surface of the interlocking plate, and clamped
briefly between two interlocking plates, a strong three-dimensional
support system is created in the lower layer of treated hair that
supports the upper visible layer, while the outer or upper hair
layer remains untreated. This process can be repeated as far down
the hair shaft as desired, thereby building volume on the top and
on the sides of the head for a long-haired user. It can also be
repeated in an under layer close to the scalp, over the entire head
of hair, adding volume in the back of the head.
[0061] In summary, these plates impart to the hair a foundation of
strong support designed to create, lift and add volume in hair,
while minimizing a visible pattern in the hair and without creating
undesired frizz.
[0062] While the foregoing written description of the embodiments
enables one of ordinary skill to make and use a hair volumizing
device as described, those of ordinary skill will understand and
appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and
equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples
herein. The specification described here should therefore not be
limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples,
but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of
the embodiment as claimed.
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