U.S. patent application number 15/672485 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for hair styling apparatus having dual switch and lock actuator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Spectrum Brands, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bryan Keith Dandridge, Michael John deGrood, Seung IL Kim.
Application Number | 20180042352 15/672485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61160544 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180042352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
deGrood; Michael John ; et
al. |
February 15, 2018 |
HAIR STYLING APPARATUS HAVING DUAL SWITCH AND LOCK ACTUATOR
Abstract
In a hair styling apparatus a heating assembly is operable to
apply heat to hair. First and second arms are hingedly connected
for selective movement relative to each other between an opened
configuration and a closed configuration of the hair styling
apparatus. The heating assembly includes a hair contact heating
surface disposed on at least one of the first and second arms. An
actuator is operatively connected to both an operating switch and a
lock, with the actuator being moveable between a first position in
which, concurrently, the switch is moved to the on position and the
lock is moved to the unlocked position and a second position in
which, concurrently, the switch is moved to the off position and
the lock is moved to the locked position.
Inventors: |
deGrood; Michael John;
(Madison, WI) ; Dandridge; Bryan Keith; (Waukesha,
WI) ; Kim; Seung IL; (Madison, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spectrum Brands, Inc. |
Middleton |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61160544 |
Appl. No.: |
15/672485 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62373136 |
Aug 10, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D
2/001 20130101; A45D 2/24 20130101; A45D 2/40 20130101; A45D 1/10
20130101; A45D 1/28 20130101; A45D 2/122 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 1/04 20060101
A45D001/04; A45D 2/24 20060101 A45D002/24; A45D 2/40 20060101
A45D002/40 |
Claims
1. A hair styling apparatus comprising: a heating assembly for
applying heat to hair; first and second arms hingedly connected for
selective movement relative to each other between an opened
configuration and a closed configuration of the hair styling
apparatus, the heating assembly including a hair contact heating
surface disposed on at least one of the first and second arms; an
operating switch operatively connected to the heating assembly and
positionable between an on position in which the heating assembly
is on and an off position in which the-heating assembly is off; a
lock operatively connected to at least one of the first and second
arms and positionable relative thereto between a locked position in
which the first and second arms are locked in the closed
configuration of the hair styling apparatus and an unlocked
position in which the first and second arms are positionable
relative to each other to the opened configuration of the hair
styling apparatus; and an actuator operatively connected to both
the operating switch and the lock, the actuator being moveable
between a first position in which, concurrently, the switch is
moved to the on position and the lock is moved to the unlocked
position and a second position in which, concurrently, the switch
is moved to the off position and the lock is moved to the locked
position.
2. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator is
slidable relative to the first and second arms between the first
and second positions of the actuator.
3. The hair styling apparatus of claim 2 wherein in the first
position of the actuator, the actuator is also rotatable relative
to the first and second arms whereby rotation of the actuator
selectively controls the operating temperature of the heating
assembly.
4. The hair styling apparatus of claim 3 wherein rotation of the
actuator in a first direction increases the operating temperature
of the heating assembly and rotation in a second, opposite
direction decreases the operating temperature of the heating
assembly.
5. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4 wherein the actuator is
rotationally biased to a neutral position, rotation of the actuator
in a first direction relative to the neutral position increasing
the operating temperature of the heating assembly by a
predetermined increment, the actuator returning to its neutral
position thereafter such that rotating the actuator in the first
direction a second time further increases the operating temperature
of the heating assembly by the predetermined increment while
rotating the actuator in the second direction decreases the
operating temperature of the heating assembly by the predetermined
increment.
6. The hair styling apparatus of claim 5 wherein the predetermined
increment is in the range of 10.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.
7. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and
second arms each have a proximal end, the apparatus comprising a
hinge adjacent the proximal end to pivotally connect the first and
second arms, the actuator comprising an annular grip circumscribing
the proximal ends of the first and second arms of the
apparatus.
8. The hair styling apparatus of claim 7 wherein the grip is
grippable by a user of the apparatus to slidably position the grip
and hence the actuator between the first and second positions of
the actuator.
9. The hair styling apparatus of claim 7 wherein in the hinge is
configured to bias the first and second arms to the opened
configuration of the hair styling apparatus, in the second position
of the actuator corresponding to the locked position of the lock,
the lock being configured to block the first and second arms
against movement relative thereto to the opened configuration of
the hair styling apparatus.
10. An actuator for a hair styling apparatus including a pair of
working arms, at least one of the working arms having a heating
member, the actuator comprising: a switch for turning the heating
member on and off; a grip; and a switch actuator operatively
connected to the grip such that movement of the grip results in
movement of the switch actuator, the switch actuator comprising: a
pair of longitudinally spaced ribs defining a switch opening
configured to receive and actuate the switch, and a lock structure
comprising an angular locking interface configured to selectively
inhibit separation of the working arms.
11. The actuator of claim 10 wherein the grip is selectively
moveable in a linear manner.
12. The actuator of claim 10 wherein the grip further comprising a
plurality of control electrodes for controlling temperature of the
heating member.
13. The actuator of claim 10 wherein the lock structure includes an
angular locking interface.
14. The actuator of claim 10 wherein the grip is rotatable and
slideable.
15. A method of unlocking a pair of arm members of a hair styling
device, the method comprising sliding, in a linear manner, an
actuator relative to the pair of arm members, the actuator moving a
lock structure from an engaged position to a disengage position
thereby allow separation of the arm members relative to each other,
and simultaneously toggling a switch from an off position to an on
position to thereby activate a heating assembly of at least one of
the arm members.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein rotating the actuator in a first
direction increases an operating temperature of the heating
assembly and rotating the actuator in a second direction decreases
the operating temperature of the heating assembly.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the pair of arm members are
hingedly connected for selective movement relative to each other
between an opened configuration and a closed configuration of the
hair styling apparatus, wherein sliding the actuator results in the
pair of arm members moving about the hinge from the closed
configuration to the open configuration.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the hair styling device has a
longitudinal axis and sliding the actuator comprises moving the
actuator linearly along the longitudinal axis of the hair styling
device.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the sliding the actuator
comprises pulling the actuator in an outward direction.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein moving the lock structure causes
the lock structure to move out of interfacing relationship with a
blocking structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/373,136 filed Aug. 10, 2016, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a hair styling
apparatus, and more particularly to a hair styling apparatus having
a dual switch and lock actuator, and even more particularly such a
dual switch and lock actuator that is operable to concurrently
lock/unlock the apparatus against/for reconfiguration and to switch
a heating assembly of the apparatus on/off.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many different types of hair styling apparatus are available
for use in styling hair. For example, a hair styling apparatus may
be used for straightening, curling, waving and/or otherwise
achieving a desired look of the hair. In one common type of styling
apparatus, a pair of arms are hinged to pivot relative to each
other between opened and closed configurations. Opposed heated hair
contact surfaces are provided on the arms so as to hold hair
between the hair contact surfaces in the closed configuration
thereof. A biasing mechanism typically biases the arms of the
apparatus to the opened configuration. Such a hair styling
apparatus applies high levels of heat directly to the hair.
However, heated surfaces may present a burn hazard when the hair
styling apparatus is not in use, particularly if the apparatus is
left in its opened configuration while heat is applied to the hair
contact surfaces. For example, a user may accidentally touch the
heated surface after using the hair styling apparatus and waiting
for the hair styling apparatus to cool down for storage. Children
may also accidentally touch the heated surface, leading to painful
burns. There is a need, therefore, for a hair styling apparatus
that reduces the risk of inadvertent contact with the heated
surfaces thereof when the apparatus is not in use.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, a hair styling apparatus generally comprises
a heating assembly for applying heat to hair. First and second arms
are hingedly connected for selective movement relative to each
other between an opened configuration and a closed configuration of
the hair styling apparatus. The heating assembly includes a hair
contact heating surface disposed on at least one of the first and
second arms. An operating switch is operatively connected to the
heating assembly and positionable between an on position in which
the heating assembly is on and an off position in which the-heating
assembly is off. A lock is operatively connected to at least one of
the first and second arms and positionable relative thereto between
a locked position in which the first and second arms are locked in
the closed configuration of the hair styling apparatus and an
unlocked position in which the first and second arms are
positionable relative to each other to the opened configuration of
the hair styling apparatus. An actuator is operatively connected to
both the operating switch and the lock, with the actuator being
moveable between a first position in which, concurrently, the
switch is moved to the on position and the lock is moved to the
unlocked position and a second position in which, concurrently, the
switch is moved to the off position and the lock is moved to the
locked position.
[0005] In another aspect, an actuator for a hair styling apparatus
is disclosed. The hair styling apparatus includes a pair of working
arms wherein at least one of the working arms has a heating member.
The actuator generally comprises a switch for turning the heating
member on and off, a grip, and a switch actuator operatively
connected to the grip such that movement of the grip results in
movement of the switch actuator. The switch actuator comprises a
pair of longitudinally spaced ribs defining a switch opening
configured to receive and actuate the switch, and a lock structure
comprising an angular locking interface configured to selectively
inhibit separation of the working arms.
[0006] In still another aspect, a method of unlocking a pair of arm
members of a hair styling device is disclosed. The method generally
comprises sliding, in a linear manner, an actuator relative to the
pair of arm members. The actuator moves a lock structure from an
engaged position to a disengage position thereby allow separation
of the arm members relative to each other, and simultaneously
toggling a switch from an off position to an on position to thereby
activate a heating assembly of at least one of the arm members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hair
styling apparatus in a closed configuration thereof;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an actuator of the hair
styling apparatus;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a switch of the
actuator;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the actuator;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the
actuator; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an actuator, first and second
arms, and a second arm lock structure with partially cut away first
and second arms and various structural components removed from the
actuator and first and second arms to reveal additional
construction.
[0013] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,
one embodiment of a hair styling apparatus according to the present
invention is generally designated 101. The illustrated hair styling
apparatus 101 is generally in the form of a flat iron, or hair
straightener, which has opposed heating surfaces that can be used
to straighten and/or curl hair. As explained in more detail below,
the hair styling apparatus 101 includes a hinge lock that is
intended to protect users and nonusers from burns by forcing the
hair styling apparatus closed when it is turned off, thus reducing
open exposure to the heating surfaces. In one example, the hinge
lock is operated by an actuator that slides the hinge lock
longitudinally relative to the apparatus 101 to inhibit or allow
opening and closing of the apparatus. It is contemplated that in
other embodiments the hair styling apparatus 101 may be of a type
other than a flat iron or hair straightener, such as a curling
iron, blow dryer, or other suitable type of hair styling apparatus
that is adapted to heat hair during styling.
[0015] The hair styling apparatus 101 of the illustrated embodiment
is generally elongate having longitudinal (e.g., proximal and
distal) ends and including first and second working arms generally
indicated at 102 and 103, respectively. The working arms 102, 103
are held in assembly with each other by a suitable pivot, or hinged
connection 104 (illustrated schematically in FIG. 2) at the
proximal end of the hair styling apparatus. The first and second
working arms 102, 103 are thus hingedly connected for movement
relative to one another about a pivot axis defined by the pivot
connection 104 between a closed configuration (FIG. 1) of the hair
styling apparatus 101 and an opened configuration (not shown)
thereof in which the arms are spaced from each other for placement
of hair therebetween to be treated.
[0016] Each of the first and second arms 102, 103 includes a
heating assembly, generally indicated at 108 (broadly, a
hair-heating device), operatively connected to an actuator 110 for
operative control of the heating assembly. The illustrated heating
assembly 108 includes a first heating member 106 disposed on the
first working arm 102 and defining a first working or heating
surface and a second heating member 107 disposed on second arm 103
and defining a second working or heating surface. The heating
members 106, 107 are sufficiently located longitudinally on the
respective arms 102, 103, e.g., adjacent the distal end of the
apparatus 101, so that in the closed position of the hair styling
apparatus 101 the heating members 106, 107 are opposed to each in
closely spaced or contact relationship with each other to heat hair
that is held therebetween. Heat from the heating members 106, 107
is thus applied to the hair in the closed configuration of the hair
styling apparatus 101. In the opened configuration of the hair
styling apparatus 101, the heating members 106, 107 are spaced
apart from one another a sufficient distance to allow the
introduction of hair between the hair-facing surfaces of the
heating members.
[0017] A biasing member, such as a compression spring 105
(illustrated schematically in FIG. 2) or other suitable biasing
member, may be disposed between the first and second working arms
102, 103 to bias the arms 102, 103 away from each other, e.g.,
toward the opened configuration of the hair styling apparatus. In
the illustrated embodiment the compression spring 105 is seated
within opposed spring seats formed on each respective working arm
102, 103. However, it is understood that the biasing member 105 may
be held in assembly with the working arms 102, 103 in any suitable
manner that achieves the intended function of the biasing
member.
[0018] As seen best in FIGS. 2-6, the actuator 110 for operating
the heating assembly 108 includes a grip or knob 112 accessible
exterior of both working arms 102, 103 and a switch actuator 114
connected to the grip for conjoint movement with the grip relative
to the first and second working arms 102, 103. The switch actuator
114 includes a pair of control electrodes 116 in electrical
communication with a power source (not shown) and extending in a
longitudinal direction of the actuator 110. The switch actuator 114
also includes a lock structure 118 (FIGS. 2, 5) that prevents
pivoting movement of the first and second working arms 102, 103
relative to one another about the pivot axis of the pivot
connection 104. A switch 120 (best seen in FIG. 3) for controlling
the on/off state of the heating assembly 108 is mounted on the
apparatus 101 adjacent the actuator 100 such that it is held
stationery while the actuator 110 is capable of movement relative
thereto. The switch 120 includes an on/off switch 123 that is
slidable longitudinally of the switch 120 and communicates with a
suitable power source (not shown), and a pair of temperature
control electrodes 122 in electrical communication with the heating
assembly 108. The switch actuator 114 includes a pair of
longitudinally spaced ribs, or tabs defining a switch opening 115
(FIGS. 2 and 4) therebetween for receiving the on/off switch 123 to
operatively connect the on/off switch to the actuator 110.
[0019] With reference to FIG. 2, using the grip 112 the user slides
the actuator 110 in a longitudinal direction relative to the first
and second working arms 102, 103 as indicated by arrows 124, 128.
Sliding the actuator 110 in the longitudinally outward direction
124 moves the switch actuator 114 and hence the switch engagement
opening 115 in the direction 124. The switch actuator 114 (with the
on/off switch disposed in the switch engagement opening 115)
toggles the switch 123 to its on position, thus turning on the
heating assembly 108 to heat the heating members 106, 107 for
providing heat to the user's hair. Additionally, sliding the
actuator 110 in the direction 124 repositions the control
electrodes 116 into opposed, but closely spaced relationship with
the temperature control electrodes 122 of the switch 120. Movement
of the actuator 110 in the opposite (inward) longitudinal
direction, i.e., direction 128, the switch actuator 114 toggles the
switch 123 to its off position.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the actuator 110 interfacing
with the first and second working arms 102, 103. The first and
second working arms 102, 103 are illustrated as partially cut away
to allow viewing of a lock structure, indicated generally at 118.
Additionally, various structural components are omitted from the
actuator 110 and working arms 102, 103 to allow viewing of the lock
structure 118. As seen best in FIG. 6, the second working arm 103
includes suitable blocking structure 126 configured to engage the
lock structure 118 of the actuator 110. In particular, the lock
structure 118 of the actuator 110 includes an angular locking
interface configured to interface with the blocking structure 126
of the working arm 103 when the working arms 102, 103 are in the
closed configuration of the hair styling apparatus. For example, in
FIG. 6 the working arms 102, 103 are in the closed configuration.
The actuator 110 is in its longitudinally inward position
corresponding to the off position of the on/off switch 123 as
discussed previously herein. The interface between the lock
structure 118 of the actuator 110 and the blocking structure 126 of
the working arm prevents the working arms 102, 103 from separating,
thus holding the workings arms in the closed configuration of the
apparatus.
[0021] To operate the heating assembly to treat hair, the user
slides the actuator 110 in the longitudinal outward direction 124,
thus toggling the on/off switch 123 to the on position in the
manner described previously herein. The hinge lock structure 118 of
the actuator 110 is moved out of interfacing relationship with the
blocking structure 126, thus allowing pivoting movement of the
working arms 102, 103 relative to each other while the heating
assembly 108 is operating. The compression spring 105 biases the
working arms 102, 103 away from each other (e.g., to the opened
configuration of the apparatus 110) and the apparatus is operable
to treat hair in a known manner using the heating surfaces of the
heating members 106, 107. Thus, it can be seen that a single
movement of the actuator 110 concurrently configures the apparatus
101 to its opened (broadly an operating) configuration and turns on
the heating assembly 108.
[0022] When use of the hair styling apparatus 101 is completed, the
user manually urges the working arms 102, 103 together (against the
bias of the spring 105) and then slides the actuator 110 in the
longitudinally inward direction 128. This movement causes the
locking structure 118 to move into interfacing relationship with
the blocking structure 126 of the working arm 103, thus locking the
working arms 102, 103 in the close configuration of the apparatus
101. Concurrently, the on/off switch 123 is moved to its off
position, thus turning off the heating assembly 108. Thus, it can
be seen that a single movement of the actuator 110 concurrently
configures the apparatus 101 to its closed (broadly, non-operating)
configuration and turns off the heating assembly 108. In this
manner, the heating surfaces of the heating members 106, 107 are
brought together and thus generally inaccessible to being touched
by a user, or contacting surfaces or objects that can be damaged by
heat, while the heating members are being cooled following
operation of the apparatus 101.
[0023] In one suitable embodiment, in the opened configuration of
the hair styling apparatus 101 the operating temperature of the
heating members 106, 107 may be manually adjusted or controlled.
For example, the actuator 110 may include a suitable temperature
control system or arrangement to facilitate the manual selection of
intermittent or infinite temperature settings. The temperature
controls communicate with the control circuit, and the control
circuit regulates the temperature of the heating members 106, 107
in response to signals received from the temperature controls. As a
non-limiting example, the hair styling apparatus 101 may include
the following selectable intermittent temperature settings:
230.degree. C., 210.degree. C., 190.degree. C., 170.degree. C., and
150.degree. C. The hair styling apparatus 101 may include other
temperature settings without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the grip or knob
112 is also rotatable relative to the working arms 102, 103 to
selectively adjust the operating temperature of the heating members
106, 107. In a particularly suitable embodiment, the grip 112 is
rotatable a predetermined rotation angle in a clockwise direction
132, and a predetermined rotation angle in a counterclockwise
direction 130, with the grip being biased by a suitable biasing
member (not shown) to a neutral position (e.g., zero degree
position). Upon sliding the actuator 110 in the longitudinally
outward direction 124 to position the on/off switch 123 in the on
position (and configure the working arms 102, 103 in the opened
configuration of the apparatus 101), the control electrodes 116 of
the actuator 110 are aligned with the temperature control
electrodes 122 of the switch 120.
[0025] The user can then select a desired operating temperature by
rotating the grip 112 in either the clockwise direction 132 or
counterclockwise direction 132. Rotating the grip 112 in this
manner conjointly rotates the switch actuator 114 and control
electrodes 116 until one of the two control electrodes 116 comes
into electrical contact with a corresponding one of the temperature
control electrodes 122. As a result, rotation in one direction
(e.g., clockwise) causes an incremental (e.g., 10.degree. C.,
20.degree. C., 30.degree. C., 40.degree. C., etc.) increase of the
operating temperature while rotation in the opposition direction
(e.g., counterclockwise) causes an incremental decrease (e.g., of
the same or different incremental increase) in operating
temperature. In either instance, the grip 112 is then released and
biased back to its rotational neutral position at which it may be
rotated again in either direction to further increase or decrease
the operating temperature of the heating members 106, 107.
[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the grip 112 may not be
rotational and instead the hair styling apparatus 101 may include
one or more microcontrollers, one or more microprocessors, or other
suitable components for regulating the heat output of the heating
members 106, 107 and performing other functions or operations of
the hair styling apparatus 101. For example, a temperature sensing
unit (not shown), such as a thermistor, may be in thermal contact
with the heating members 106, 107 and electrically connected to the
control circuit (not shown). The temperature sensing unit sends a
temperature-indicating signal, indicative of the temperature of the
heating members 106, 107, to the control circuit. The control
circuit is programmed or configured to regulate heating members
106, 107 in response to the temperature-indicating signal.
[0027] When introducing elements of the present invention or
preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0028] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *