U.S. patent application number 16/073978 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for hair styling device for curling or waving hair and method for operating such a hair-styling device.
The applicant listed for this patent is WIK Far East Ltd.. Invention is credited to Marwin Kock.
Application Number | 20190045901 16/073978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55753394 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190045901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kock; Marwin |
February 14, 2019 |
Hair Styling Device for Curling or Waving Hair and Method for
Operating Such a Hair-Styling Device
Abstract
A hair-styling device serves to curl or wave hair. Said
hair-styling device comprises two styling bodies 5, 5.1, which
interact with each other to style the hair and can be rotated about
the longitudinal axis of the styling bodies and of which at least
one of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 is driven, which styling bodies 5,
5.1 have a shell surface contoured by elevations and recesses and
are arranged in relation to each other in such a way that
complementary contours of the two styling bodies 5, 5.1 mesh in the
course of rotation of the two styling bodies. The styling bodies 5,
5.1 have a bone-shaped cross-sectional geometry having two head
sections 7, 7.1 designed with a shell surface 8 that is convexly
rounded at least in some sections and having a tapered central
section 6 located between the head sections and designed with a
concave shell surface. The radius of curvature in the region of the
central apex 9 of the head sections 7, 7.1 of the one styling body
5, 5.1, 5.2 corresponds to the radius of curvature of the tapered
central section 6 of the other styling body. The axis of rotation
11, 11.1 of the styling bodies (5, 5.1) is arranged in the central
section 6 centrally between the central apexes 9 of the head
sections 7, 7.1.
Inventors: |
Kock; Marwin; (Essen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WIK Far East Ltd. |
Hong Kong |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
55753394 |
Appl. No.: |
16/073978 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/055467 |
371 Date: |
July 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 1/14 20130101; A45D
1/08 20130101; A45D 1/12 20130101; A45D 2/40 20130101; A45D 1/06
20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 1/06 20060101
A45D001/06; A45D 2/40 20060101 A45D002/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2016 |
DE |
20 2016 101 485.9 |
Aug 31, 2016 |
DE |
20 2016 005 287.0 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A hair-styling device for curling or waving hair, comprising:
two styling bodies, which interact with each other to style the
hair, which may be rotated about their longitudinal axis and of
which at least one of the styling bodies is driven, which styling
bodies have a shell surface contoured by elevations and recesses
and are arranged in relation to each other in such a way that
complementary contours of the two styling bodies mesh in the course
of rotation of the two styling bodies, wherein the styling bodies
have a bone-shaped cross-sectional geometry having two head
sections designed with a shell surface that is convexly rounded in
one or more sections and having a tapered central section located
between the head sections and designed with a concave shell
surface, wherein the radius of curvature in the region of the
central apex of the head sections of the one styling body
corresponds to the radius of curvature of the tapered central
section of the other styling body, and that the axis of rotation of
the styling bodies is arranged in the central section centrally
between the central apexes of the head sections.
18. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the thickened head
sections have a width, said width corresponds to a multiple of the
width of the central section.
19. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the head sections
of the styling bodies in an area of their central apexes have a
larger radius of curvature than in an area of their side
apexes.
20. The hair-styling device of claim 18, wherein the head sections
of the styling bodies in the area of their central apexes have a
larger radius of curvature than in an area of their side
apexes.
21. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the styling bodies
carry a hair contact functional part in their head sections in the
area of the apexes of an transition from the convexly rounded shell
surface to the concave shell surface of the central section.
22. The hair-styling device of claim 21, wherein the hair contact
functional part is a hair entrainer which is adapted according to
its material properties.
23. The hair-styling device of claim 21, wherein the hair contact
functional part is a care substance applicator.
24. The hair-styling device of claim 22, wherein the hair contact
functional part is a care substance applicator.
25. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein both styling
bodies have the same cross-sectional geometry and an same
cross-sectional size.
26. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the styling bodies
when rotating about their axis of rotation may be moved past each
other, without any mutual contact.
27. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein both styling
bodies, in order to be rotatably driven, are connected to a gear
which is driven by a common motor.
28. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the hair styling
device has arms, wherein each arm carries on its side directed
towards the other arm a styling body, and wherein said arms are
pivotally connected to each other to open and close the
hair-styling device for inserting a hair strand.
29. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the styling bodies
are made of a heat conducting material, such as an aluminum alloy,
and wherein an electric heating element is disposed above the
surface of their head sections.
30. The hair-styling device of claim 17, wherein the styling bodies
are made of a thermally conductive material, such as an aluminum
alloy, and wherein each part housing the styling bodies has one or
more radiating heat source.
31. A method for operating the hair styling device of claim 17,
wherein the styling bodies are driven according to a predetermined
program with reference to their drive, and wherein a control
program privileges a non-constant drive of the styling bodies.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the styling bodies are driven
with an alternating slow and faster driving speed.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the styling bodies are driven
intermittently.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the intermittent driving of the
styling bodies is cycled according to 90.degree.-positions of the
styling bodies to each other and a drive interruption is performed
in one or more of said 90.degree.-positions.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure refers to a hair-styling device for
curling or waving hair, comprising two styling bodies, which
interact with each other to style the hair and may be rotated about
the longitudinal axis of the styling bodies and of which at least
one of the styling bodies is driven, wherein said styling bodies
have a shell surface contoured by elevations and recesses and are
arranged in relation to each other in such a way that complementary
contours of the two styling bodies mesh in the course of rotation
of the two styling bodies. A method for operating such a
hair-styling device is also described.
[0002] Different hair styling devices are used to curl or wave
hair, depending on the desired hair styling result to be obtained.
Crimpers are, for example, known for curling hair. These devices
are provided with two arms, which are pivotally connected to each
other. Thus, such hair styling devices may be opened and closed in
a pincer-like manner. The opening and closing of the arms are used
for receiving and releasing a strand of hair to be styled. Each arm
of such hair styling devices carries at its side, directed towards
the other arm, a styling body. At least one, but typically both, of
the styling bodies are heated, like a resistor heater, PCT-heater,
or something similar. In the case of a crimper, a heated contact
plate with a wavy or zig-zag-shaped contour on its surface facing
the hair to be styled is provided. The hair styling surface of such
a plate-like styling body is characterized by elevations and
recesses. The styling bodies of both arms are arranged to each
other in such a way that the elevations of the one styling body
engage in the recesses of the other styling body. A strand of hair
which is positioned into the opened hair styling device between the
styling bodies is obtained by pressing the arms and simultaneous
thermal action on the hair held between the styling bodies. For the
styling process of the hair it is required that the hair be held
for a certain time between the styling plates. The styling of a
hair strand occurs with such a device at discrete steps, since in a
styling step only a portion of a hair strand may be styled, i.e.
the one corresponding to the width of the plate-like styling
bodies.
[0003] A development of such a hair styling device is known from EP
2 366 306 A1. The hair styling device disclosed by this reference
is also used for forming curls using crimpers. In this hair styling
device, the styling bodies are each rotatably supported within an
arm of the hair styling device and have a cross-sectional geometry
like a gear or gear crown. In this hair styling device, the teeth
of the styling body form the elevations and the tooth interspaces
form the recesses. Both styling bodies are engaged like how two
gears would engage with their respective contours. The styling
bodies must be driven in opposite rotational directions to perform
the hair styling. An advantage of such a hair styling device
utilizing crimpers, as previously described, is that the hair in
the hair styling gap between the styling bodies is automatically
drawn in when rotating the same. Thus, a hair strand to be styled
may be curled along its entire length, without requiring multiple
applications of the hair styling device.
[0004] However, due to the crown-gear-like cross-sectional geometry
of the styling bodies and their mutual engagement, such a hair
styling device is only suitable for forming relatively small curls.
Thus, such hair styling devices must be compared to a crimper, with
respect to the styling results.
[0005] In the above-mentioned hair styling devices, manipulation of
the hair is only possible with both hands. While one hand holds the
hair styling device, the other hand must supply the hair strand to
be styled on the device or introduce the strand therein. To curl,
the hair styling device must also be rotated about its longitudinal
axis.
[0006] EP 2 651 260 B discloses a hair styling device in which a
hair strand to be curled is automatically drawn into a hair styling
chamber of the device. The device contains a hair styling shaft,
around which the drawn hair is wound. After the hair styling, the
hair strand is released. This hair styling device curls a hair
strand similar to a conventional curler, but instead the hair
strands are automatically wound through the device in the hair
styling chamber around the hair styling shaft. A drawback of such a
device is that a user is not able to see what is happening to the
hair within the closed hair styling chamber. A user is thus unable
to rapidly intervene where an impeding knot forms within the hair
strands. Moreover, this device is only suitable for curling long
hairs and for providing relatively small curls.
[0007] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations
therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other
limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of
skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of
the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0008] Proceeding from the foregoing, an aspect of the present
disclosure is to provide a hair styling device, in which a hair
strand may be curled or even waved over its entire length, without
the need for multiple applications of the hair styling device,
wherein the focus is on the styling of large curls or waves, such
as so-called beach waves. The following embodiments and aspects
thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems,
tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative,
not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the
above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while
other embodiments are directed to other improvements.
[0009] This is achieved through the present disclosure by the hair
styling device of the type indicated, wherein the styling bodies
have a bone-shaped cross-sectional geometry having two head
sections designed with a shell surface that is convexly rounded at
least in some sections and having a tapered central section located
between the head sections and designed with a concave shell
surface, wherein the radius of curvature in the region of the
central apex of the head sections of the one styling body
corresponds to the radius of curvature of the tapered central
section of the other styling body, and that the axis of rotation of
the styling bodies is arranged in the central section centrally
between the central apexes of the head sections.
[0010] In this hair styling device, the styling bodies are
rotatably supported and have a bone-shaped cross-sectional
geometry. The styling bodies extend over a certain axial length.
Therebetween, a hair styling gap is formed, through which a hair
strand to be styled is moved. The bone-shaped cross-sectional
geometry is provided by a cross-sectional shaping of the styling
bodies, of which, are provided with thicker width-wise head
sections and tapered central sections disposed between the head
sections. Such a styling body has a tapered cross-sectional
geometry through the central section. The head sections have a
convex rounded shell surface. The central section connecting both
head sections, on the other hand, has a concave curvature at both
of its opposed side surfaces. The structures forming the central
section may also have a cross-sectional geometry with an inverted
elliptical shape. Therefore, providing tapering within the styling
body. The radius of curvature in the central apex area of the head
sections of one of the styling bodies and the radius of curvature
of the tapered central section of the other styling body are
adapted to each other for engagement of the styling bodies for hair
styling. The axis of rotation of the respective styling body is in
the central section, particularly, between the terminal central
apexes of the head sections. The styling bodies are moved in
opposed direction, for hair styling, wherein at least one of the
styling bodies is driven. The styling bodies are positioned with
respect to each other so that during their rotational movement, the
head section of one styling body penetrates the concave tapering of
the head section of the other styling body until its central apex
is facing the apex of the tapering of the central section and is
then extracted from the engagement position in the tapering again.
During further rotational movement, this head section is again
extracted from the tapering previously housing the head section and
a head section of the other styling body is then introduced into
the tapering formed by the central section of the styling body,
whose head section was previously introduced in the tapering of the
other styling body.
[0011] In this concept, due to the particular cross-sectional
geometry of both styling bodies, due to the rotation of the styling
bodies while rotating the same with an opposed driving direction,
the width of the hair styling gap between the styling bodies
changes cyclically. The width of the hair styling gap, in which the
hair to be styled or the hair strand to be styled is received, is
smallest, when the central apex of the head section of the one
styling body faces the apex of the tapering of the other styling
body. This position is achieved every 90.degree.. In this position,
if desired, a contact between both styling bodies may be foreseen.
However, an embodiment is disclosed, wherein the position of both
styling bodies pass each other without contacting. The remaining
gap between the shell surface of one styling body and the shell
surface of the other styling body is typically between 0.5 mm and 2
mm. The cyclical change of the gap width of the hair styling gap
facilitates a delicate styling of a hair strand, without exerting
excessive traction on the same, if applicable. In a further
embodiment, the gap width may be set by changing the distance of
the rotational axis of both styling bodies to each other. A
remaining hair styling gap having a larger gap width may also be
reasonable while styling thick hair, whereas for styling thinner
hair a smaller gap width is desired.
[0012] As in conventional hair styling devices of this type, the
styling bodies of the present disclosure are heated around at least
their head sections. Since the styling bodies are typically made of
heat conductive material, such as an aluminum alloy, the heating of
such styling bodies around their head sections is considered to be
sufficient. Moreover, the central section is also heated due to
heat conduction. The styling bodies may also be heated from the
side opposite of the hair styling gap by means of radiation
heating. It is also possible to supply a flow of warm air for
heating, which exits the hair styling device through the styling
bodies and the hair styling gap.
[0013] In such a hair styling device hair styling is achieved by
means of said cyclical variation of the width of the hair styling
gap by perusing two different hair styling mechanisms,
particularly, due to the cross-sectional geometry of the styling
bodies and by driving the same in opposite directions. On one hand,
a hair styling mechanism is used, in which a hair strand to be
styled is held between two styling bodies acting thereon with a
certain pressure. With this hair styling mechanism, a hair strand
is styled between both styling bodies when the head section of one
styling body, representing an elevation, is inserted into the
tapering of the central section of the other styling body,
representing a recess. In this position, the hair styling gap has
its smallest width. Furthermore, in this position, since this width
is essentially smaller than the thickness of one hair strand
received inside the gap, hair styling is performed similarly to the
hair styling principle wherein two contoured styling plates act
against each other by interposing a hair strand. When the styling
bodies, as referenced in an embodiment, are respectively carried
within an arm of the hair styling device, wherein the arms may be
adjusted to each other in an articulated way, the contact pressure
may be set manually. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one of
both styling bodies may also be supported in the direction of the
rotational axis of the other styling body in a floating manner
against the force of one or more return elements. According to the
other hair styling mechanism, the shell surface of one head section
is pressed against a hair strand to be styled without thrust
bearing and brushes along the same. This hair styling mechanism
corresponds to the hair styling mechanism used when curling hair
with a straightener. In this hair styling mechanism, the heated
hair is drawn around an edge of the styling plate of the
straightener. Something similar occurs in the inventive hair
styling device, when the shell surface of one head section of a
styling body in moved, in the course of its rotational movement,
into the tapering of the other styling body past the hair strand.
In this hair styling device for forming curls in a single hair
styling process, two different hair styling mechanism are combined
in such a way that particularly durable curls or waves may be
styled. Further, due to the particular cross-sectional geometry of
the styling bodies, this operation may be accomplished by anyone
without exerting significant traction onto the hair strands to be
styled. At the same time, due to the counterrotating styling
bodies, the hair strands are successively drawn into the hair
styling gap.
[0014] Both of said hair styling mechanisms act in a temporal
successive way on the same hair strand portion to be styled, so
that in said process of sliding a head section of the hair strand,
the strand is already preheated and has obtained a certain
pre-configuration (pre-waving) before reaching the position of the
hair styling gap. This hair styling device also allows a
manipulation, such that said hair styling mechanisms may be
performed on nearby or overlapping hair strand portions, in
particular when the hair styling device is moved against the hair
insertion direction. In this way, larger or smaller curls or waves
may be formed.
[0015] The styling bodies of this hair styling device are, as
previously recited, typically supported in a respective arm of a
hair styling device having two arms, which are rotatably connected
to each other for opening and closing the device. This opening and
closing occurs as in the case of pincers, such as in the case of
conventional hair styling devices. Preferably, both styling bodies
are actively driven synchronously through a respective electric
motor. According to another embodiment, only one electric motor is
provided for driving both styling bodies, which drives both styling
bodies through a distribution gear. This may be accomplished by two
engaging straight or bevel gears. Such a drive may also be obtained
in an embodiment of the hair styling device in which the styling
bodies are disposed in rotatably articulated arms. The gears of the
distribution gear are, in this case, in proximity of the pivot axis
of the arms so that an opening movement of the arms only causes a
small offset of the engaging teeth of the spur gears. Through this
mechanical coupling of the drive of both styling bodies the
relative position of the styling bodies to each other is defined
and invariable.
[0016] In a further embodiment, the cyclical sweeping of the
thickened head sections is used to position an additional hair
contact functional part thereat. In this case, a hair entrainer may
be used, which may for example be provided in the form of a
bead-like silicone part protruding from the surface. Alternatively,
or even as an addition to this measure, it may be conceived that
the sweeping of the head sections past the portions of hair strands
to be styled is used for applying a hair conditioning means. In
this case, a correspondingly adapted replaceable hair conditioner
cartridge is typically integrated into the styling bodies, wherein
the hair conditioning emitting side is positioned on the surface of
the thickened head sections. A suitable hair entraining and/or
conditioning application position in the thickened head sections is
the apex, which connects the section of the convexly curved shell
surface with the concavely curved and tapered central section.
[0017] It is also advantageous that through controlling the drive
in this hair styling device with its two hair styling mechanisms,
the effect of one or the other hair styling mechanism may be
accentuated. The hair styling device may be driven in such a way
that the styling bodies rotate uniformly and constantly. However, a
drive may be conceived, in which the driving motion of the styling
bodies comprises a faster and a slower drive within certain angular
ranges. Also, an intermittent drive of the styling bodies within a
360.degree. rotation is possible, in which this is maintained
within certain positions of the styling bodies for a determined
time, before these are brought into the following position by
rotating a predetermined angle. For example, it may be reasonable
if the styling bodies remain for a certain time in their 90.degree.
position to more thoroughly heat and style hair by using the
pressure on the section of the hair strand acting in this position
between the styling bodies, where the apexes of a terminal head
section and of a central section are facing each other and the hair
styling gap is smallest. Depending on the desired curl
configuration, this may be provided at each 90.degree. step or only
every two, three or a desired number of steps. The configuration of
curls may also be varied by the fact that with such a non-constant
drive of the styling bodies, the stop phases or the phases with a
slower drive are selected by a random generator. The hair styling
process may also be influenced by an alternating drive in the
direction of rotation. This allows a hair strand section to be
formed, for example, over 270.degree. two or three times through
the corresponding alternatingly drive styling parts, while a
successive hair strand portion is not styled in an alternating
fashion or with the same or other selected driving alterations. The
embodiment of the styling bodies allows such an alternating drive,
without causing discomfort or drawbacks in handling by the
user.
[0018] In addition to the aspects and embodiments described above,
further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference
to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description forming a
part of this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present disclosure is explained in the following by
means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the appended
figures. In particular:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front side view of a hair styling
device having two rotatably driven styling bodies,
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the hair styling
device of FIG. 1,
[0022] FIGS. 3a to 3j show a sequence of different positions of the
styling bodies of the hair styling device of FIG. 1 to each other
in a rotating drive of the styling bodies within a range of
rotation angles of 90.degree.,
[0023] FIGS. 4a, 4b show a schematic representation of the hair
styling device of previous figures during the process of styling
hair in two different positions of its styling bodies,
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a further hair
styling device of the present disclosure, and
[0025] FIG. 6 shows one of the two styling bodies of the hair
styling device of FIG. 5 in a cross-sectional representation.
[0026] Before further explaining the depicted embodiments, it is to
be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its
application to the details of the particular arrangements shown,
since the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments. It is
intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to
be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the
terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and not
limitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] A hair styling device 1 comprises two arms 2, 2.1, which are
pivotally connected to each other. FIG. 1 shows the hair styling
device 1 having closed arms 2, 2.1. The arms 2, 2.1 may be
separated from each other in the direction of the block arrows,
shown in FIG. 1, for opening the hair styling device. FIG. 2 shows
the hair styling device 1 in a side view, in which the articulated
position of arms 2, 2.1 may be seen. The pivot joint is shown in
FIG. 2 at 3. The arm 2.1 penetrates a section of arm 2 around the
joint 3 and carries at its other end a handle 4. In order to open
the hair styling device 1, whereby the arms 2, 2.1 are separated
for receiving a hair strand, the handle 4 is lifted and thus moved
away from the grip part 5. In the position of use of the hair
styling device 1 shown in figures, both arms 2, 2.1 are locked,
wherein the locking is released by acting on the handle 4.
[0028] Each arm 2, 2.1 carries a styling body 5, 5.1. The styling
bodies 5, 5.1 in both arms 2, 2.1 are identical. The styling body 5
is described in the following, and the same description is valid
for the other styling body 5.1 as well.
[0029] The body 5 is ultimately a styling body having an
approximately strip-shaped appearance with a longitudinal extension
as shown in the side view in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 shows the styling body
5 in a front side view and thus with reference to its
cross-sectional geometry. The cross-sectional geometry of the
styling body 5 is bone-shaped. Thus, the styling body 5 is provided
with two head sections 7, 7.1, which are thickened with respect to
a central section 6. The head section 7 has a convexly curved shell
surface 8. In the plane of the central longitudinal plane, on the
outer side of the shell surface 8 a central apex 9 is positioned.
The radius of curvature in the area of the central apex 9 is larger
than in the section of the head section 7, through which its
largest width is defined. In this position two side apexes 10, 10.1
are provided. The head section 7.1 is configured as the head
section 7. Between both head sections 7, 7.1 the already described
central section 6 is provided. It has, at both its shell surface
sides, a concavely curved shell surface. The shell surface of the
head sections 7, 7.1 is continuously merged to the tapered surface
of the central section 6. The axis of rotation of the styling body
5 is indicated in FIG. 1 and provided with reference numeral 11.
The styling body 5 is driven in the direction of rotation indicated
by the arrow in FIG. 1.
[0030] The styling body 5 in the example shown is a section made of
an extruded aluminum profile having a smooth typically polished
outer shell surface. The head sections 7, 7.1 are hollow chambers.
In each hollow chamber of the head sections 7, 7.1 a heating
element is inserted, such as a PCT-heating element. The hollow
configuration of the head sections 7, 7.1 and the heating element
housed therein are not shown in the figures. The heating elements
inserted in the hollow chamber of the head sections 7, 7.1 heat the
shell surface 8 of the styling body 5. Due to the good heat
conductivity of the material used for the styling body 5, the shell
surface of the styling body 5 has a homogeneous surface temperature
during heating.
[0031] The radius of curvature in the area of the central apex 9 of
the styling body 5 corresponds to the radius of curvature of the
concave formation of the shell surface in the area of the central
section 6, which forms its tapering 12.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows both styling bodies 5, 5.1 in the position of
use of the hair styling device 1, and thus having closed arms 2,
2.1. The axes of rotation 11, 11.1 of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 and
the configuration of the respective tapering 12 and the contour of
the head sections 7 or 7.1 entering the same during use of the hair
styling device 1 are adapted to each other in such a way that a
contact between the styling bodies 5, 5.1 during a rotational
movement thereof is excluded.
[0033] The sequence of FIGS. 3a to 3j shows the hair styling device
1 in different positions of its styling bodies 5, 5.1. In FIG. 3,
the styling body 5 is directed horizontally and the styling body
5.1 is directed vertically. This position of both styling bodies 5,
5.1 to each other is evidenced by the insertion of the head section
7.1 of styling body 5 into the complementary tapering of styling
body 5.1. Insofar, the head sections 7, 7.1 in the hair styling
device 1 form elevations and the taperings 12 form recesses and
thus the contouring of the shell surface of styling bodies 5, 5.1.
A hair styling gap is provided between both styling bodies 5, 5.1.
This reciprocal position shown in FIG. 3a of both styling bodies 5,
5.1 corresponds to a configuration having the smallest width of the
hair styling gap. The remaining hair styling gap in the example
shown is 1.0 mm, for example.
[0034] Both styling bodies 5, 5.1 are driven by means of an
electric motor and a distribution gear connected downstream of the
electric motor, while being cinematically coupled to each other
about their rotational movement. In the example shown this occurs
through two spur and bevel gears engaged to each other, which are
positioned near the joint 3. A movement of the styling body 5 may
thus be performed without a corresponding rotational movement of
styling body 5.1.
[0035] In order to style a hair strand, both styling bodies 5, 5.1
are rotatably driven. The sequence of FIGS. 3a to 3j shows the
different positions of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 to each other when
performing a rotational movement of 90 degrees. After a 90-degree
rotation, the styling body 5 is directed vertically and the styling
body 5.1 is directed horizontally (see FIG. 3j). This position
corresponds to the position of FIG. 3a with the hair styling gap at
its smallest width. In this movement process, it is interesting
that the width of the hair styling gap, starting from a position of
the styling bodies 5, 5.1, as shown in FIG. 3a, initially
increases, in particular up to an angle of 45 degrees and then
drops again, until upon inserting the head section of styling body
5.1 into the tapering 12 of styling body 5, the smallest width of
the hair styling gap is reached again. This repeats cyclically in
the course of one rotational movement of the styling bodies 5,
5.1.
[0036] Through this measure, not only is a hair strand inserted in
the hair styling gap successively drawn in, but also a relatively
large curl or wave is formed in a particularly effective way.
[0037] FIG. 4a shows the hair styling device 1 with an inserted
hair strand H and styling bodies 5, 5.1 in a position according to
FIG. 3. The hair strand H has been inserted, after the arms 2, 2.1
have been previously opened. The opening of the hair styling device
1 for inserting or extracting a hair strand may be performed at
each position of the styling bodies 5, 5.1. Then, the arms 2, 2.1
are again closed. The position shown in FIGS. 3a and 3j of the
styling bodies 5, 5.1 to each other having the smallest gap width
are positions in the course of the styling process. In these
positions, the hair to be styled is subject to pressure, since the
hair strand H has a thickness of slightly more than 1 mm and thus
is slightly thicker than the minimum width of the hair styling gap.
In this position the central apex of one head section of the one
styling body 5 faces the apex of a tapering of the other styling
body 5.1 and the gap width for hair styling is minimal. The
otherwise continuous rotational movement of the styling bodies 5,
5.1 is interrupted for a certain period, for example 1 to 2
seconds. At this point a curl or wave apex is introduced into the
hair strand H by applying pressure and temperature. Further
rotation of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 to 90 degrees occurs with a
continuous drive, before the styling bodies are in a position
corresponding to FIG. 3j. The drive of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 is
again shortly interrupted to impress the successive curl or wave
apex in the hair strand H. This is repeated until the entire hair
strand has been drawn through the hair styling device 1.
[0038] The phases of hair styling between said apex impressing
phases also contributes to the hair styling.
[0039] The head sections of the two styling bodies 5, 5.1, to which
the hair is applied, act due to the rotation of the styling bodies
5, 5.1 in the manner of edges on which the hair strand H to be
formed is drawn past. This causes a preheating of the hair strand
and a pre-configuration of the same before the impressing step in
the 90-degree positions of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 to each other.
For an effective pre-configuration, the side apexes 10, 10.1 of the
head sections of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 are designed with a
smaller radius of curvature than the center vertices. This is the
case in the described embodiment. Another possible embodiment
allows the head sections to have a cross-sectional or approximately
circular cross-sectional shape deviating from the illustrated oval
shape.
[0040] In the hair styling process described above, a certain
impressing time is provided when the styling bodies 5, 5.1 are in
their 90-degree position relative to each other (corresponding to
FIGS. 3a and 3j). This impressing time is typically adjustable, so
that in this way influence on hair styling can be taken. The curl
or wave apexes are accentuated with a longer impressing time. It is
also possible to use a hair-styling process in which the styling
bodies 5, 5.1 are driven continuously and without interruption by
the impressing time.
[0041] Influence on the hair styling may also be exerted through
the rotational speed of the styling bodies 5, 5.1, as this, if an
impressing time is provided, defines the length of the hair styling
process on the hair strands to be styled, which is performed
without an abutment.
[0042] The illustration of the strand of hair to be formed in FIGS.
4a, 4b make it clear that in the course of the rotational movement
of the styling bodies 5, 5.1 and the changing width of the hair
styling gap, the hair styling device 1 can be moved without pulling
on the strand of hair. This can be used to influence the shape of
the curls or waves. If larger curls or waves are to be formed, this
will be done in the opposite direction of the insertion direction
of the hair strand H.
[0043] The insertion direction of the hair strand H is indicated in
FIGS. 4a, 4b with an arrow.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows another hair styling device 1.1 of the present
disclosure. This is in principle constructed as the hair styling
device 1, which has been described in detail in the preceding
figures. The hair styling device 1.1 is provided in the area of its
handle 13, with a control switch arrangement 14. The control switch
arrangement 14 comprises a central key 15 and adjacent keys 16.
[0045] Through these, the operating mode of the hair styling device
1.1 can be adjusted. This includes setting of the desired hair
styling temperature and hair styling program, which in turn
influences the drive of the styling bodies. The hair styling device
1.1 also has an acceleration sensor for detecting longitudinal
axial rotational movements. This makes it possible to start and
stop the drive of the styling bodies. A short, fast turning
movement over a small turning angle in one direction is the
starting signal. A rotation movement corresponding to a few degrees
of rotation in the opposite direction is the stop signal. The hair
styling program to be performed has been previously selected.
Therefore, the hair styling device 1.1 can then be used without
requiring the operation of the control switch arrangement. Finally,
it is usual for the strand of hair to be curled with the same
operating mode of the hair styling device 1.1.
[0046] The operating mode can be varied with respect to the drive
in the hair styling device 1.1, for example, by a differently
intermittent drive. Of course, a continuous drive of the styling
bodies may also be set. In an intermittent drive, the styling
bodies remain at predetermined locations, typically in the
90.degree. positions where the apex of a head section opposes the
apex of a tapering of the central section, for a predetermined
period of time. Such brief interruption may last one or more
seconds. The interruption is the same in every 90.degree. position,
depending on the program selected, but may also be different. In
this way the resulting hair styling may be individually adjusted.
In the 90.degree. positions of both styling bodies to each other,
maximum heat is applied to the hair.
[0047] In the hair styling device 1.1, two styling bodies 5.2 are
used (see FIG. 6). These styling bodies 5.2 are constructed in
principle, as the styling bodies 5, 5.1 of the embodiment of the
hair styling device 1 of the preceding figures. In the styling body
5.2 PTC heating elements 17 inserted therein are shown, through
which the head sections are heated. At the side apexes 10.2 and
thus at the apexes between the terminal convex shell surface
section and the concavely curved shell surface section of the
central section, hair entrainers 18 are arranged on the styling
body 5.2. These are used in slots provided on the styling body 5.2,
which follow the longitudinal extension. The hair entrainers 18 are
made of silicone and cause a hair entrainment due to their surface
adhesion force.
[0048] It may also be conceived, that a hair entrainer is provided
on one side of opposing sides of the apexes 10.2 of the head
sections of the styling body 5.2 and on the other side a hair
conditioner applicator is provided. The styling body 5.2 is then
driven in the direction in which one side apex 10.2 initially
contacts the hair with the hair entrainer and the other side apex
of the styling body contacts the hair only after it has moved
through the 90.degree. position of both styling bodies to each
other and thus applies a conditioner onto the hair strand at the
end of the hair styling process.
[0049] The developments of the hair styling device 1.1 described
herein may also be used for the hair styling device 1 of the
preceding figures.
[0050] The invention was described based on exemplary embodiments.
A person skilled in the art will derive numerous embodiments for
implementing the invention without departing from the scope of the
present claims. While a number of aspects and embodiments have been
discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain
modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations
therefore. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such
modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations, which
are within their true spirit and scope. Each embodiment described
herein has numerous equivalents.
[0051] The terms and expressions which have been employed are used
as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any
equivalents of the features shown and described or portions
thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are
possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should
be understood that although the present invention has been
specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional
features, modification and variation of the concepts herein
disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that
such modifications and variations are considered to be within the
scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever
a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and
subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges
given are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markush
group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of
the group and all combinations and sub-combinations possible of the
group are intended to be individually included in the
disclosure.
[0052] In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their
art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard
texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in
the art. The above definitions are provided to clarify their
specific use in the context of the invention.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0053] 1, 1.1 hair styling device [0054] 2, 2.1 arm [0055] 3 joint
[0056] 4 handle [0057] 5, 5.1, 5.2 styling body [0058] 6 central
section [0059] 7.7 head section [0060] 8 shell surface [0061] 9
central apex [0062] 10, 10.1, 10.2 side apexes [0063] 11, 11.1 axis
of rotation [0064] 12 tapering [0065] 13 grip [0066] 14 control
switch arrangement [0067] 15 key [0068] 16 key [0069] 17 PTC
heating element [0070] 18 hair entrainer [0071] G grip section
[0072] H hair strand
* * * * *