Patent Application
20180360185
This disclosure is generally related to hair styling appliances and devices, and methods for using the same.
Heated curling irons, flat irons, and hair straighteners are commonly used in styling hair and may be used to create a wide variety of hair styles. Such appliances, for example, may be used to impart a curl that does not naturally occur in someone's hair, or to straighten someone's hair to remove a naturally occurring kink or curl. More specifically, a circular or semicircular-shaped curl can be created by wrapping hair about the outer surface of a heated cylindrically shaped curling iron.
However, prolonged use of traditional curling irons (e.g., by hair stylists at a salon) can lead to muscle fatigue and/or result in injury. Furthermore, traditional curling irons can be unwieldy and difficult to operate, often times requiring a user to contort their arms, head and/or shoulders during use, which may prevent the appliance from being properly used and may also result in muscle fatigue and/or injury to the user. These issues with traditional curling irons are particularly problematic when traditional curling irons are used to self-style hair (as opposed to using the curling iron to style another person's hair). Therefore, what is needed is an effective and efficient curling iron that facilitates extended use and self-styling.
The present invention is directed to an adjustable curling iron that may be suitable for extended use and/or facilitate effortless self-styling, as well as a method for using the same. In a first embodiment, an adjustable curling iron is disclosed comprising a handle assembly comprising a proximal end configured to receive a power supply; a distal end; and one or more switches mounted on the surface of the handle; a heating rod comprising a first end and a second end; a cylindrical housing extending from the first end toward the second end; a tip positioned at the second end; and a heating element connected to the power supply and extending within the cylindrical housing along its length; and a coupling assembly configured to engage the distal end of the handle assembly and the first end of the heating rod, and further configured to adjust the position of the heating rod from a first position, wherein a longitudinal axis of the heating rod is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handle assembly, to a second position, wherein an angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the heating rod and the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of styling hair is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of providing an adjustable curling iron of the present invention; contacting the hair with the housing when the heating rod is in the first position; adjusting the heating rod from the first position to the second position; and contacting the hair with the housing when the heating rod is in the second position.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.
The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided throughout the disclosure should not necessarily be interpreted as to-scale drawings.
This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of this invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
In some embodiments, the handle assembly 200 may have a proximal end 201 and a distal end 202, and may be configured to receive a power supply 204. As illustrated in
The buttons 203 may be mounted on the surface of the handle assembly 200, or may otherwise be disposed such that the user can manipulate the switches 203 when holding the handle assembly. The buttons 203, for example and without limitation, may be provided as mechanical switches and/or capacitive buttons. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 200 may additionally, or alternatively, be provided with an interactive display (e.g., a capacitive touchscreen display) and may present the user with a graphical user interface (GUI) through which the user may control performance of the device. In such cases, buttons 203 may be provided as part of the GUI.
By way of example, with reference to
In some embodiments, some or all of the buttons 203 may be placed into a ‘locked’ mode wherein their functionality is disabled so that a user does not inadvertently adjust the performance parameters of the adjustable curling iron 100 during use. The buttons 203 may then be ‘unlocked’ to resume normal functionality. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons 203 may be ‘locked’ and ‘unlocked’ by toggling a mechanical switch. In other embodiments, buttons 203 may be ‘locked’ and ‘unlocked’ based on a pattern of button presses. By way of example, pressing and holding the power button for a short period of time (e.g., between 2-4 seconds) or pressing the power button in rapid succession (e.g., quickly pressing the power button 5 times) may lock/unlock the mode and ‘+’/‘−’ buttons. In some embodiments, the buttons 203 may automatically assume the ‘locked’ mode after a period of inactivity has been detected (e.g., if no button 203 is pressed for 1 minute).
The heating rod 300, in turn, may have a first end 301 and a second end 302, and may include a housing 303 extending from the first end 301 to the second end 302. The housing 303 may contain a heating element that extends along its entire length. The heating rod 300 may also be provided with a tip 304, which may be located at the second end 302 of the heating rod 300. The tip 304 may be formed of a material that does not conduct a significant amount of heat, whereby a user can safely touch the tip during operation without suffering any burns or experiencing discomfort. As illustrated in
As for the coupling assembly 400, the term “coupling assembly” may generally refer to a component configured to facilitate the connection of a handle assembly 200 and a heating rod 300. As illustrated in
The range of possible adjustment positions may vary depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling assembly 400 may allow the user to adjust the relative position of the heating rod 300 and handle assembly 200 from anywhere between 180° and 90°. While in others, the adjustment range may be larger (e.g., between 270° and 90°) or smaller (e.g., between 150° and 120°). Furthermore, some embodiments, may allow the relative position of the heating rod 300 and handle assembly 200 to be adjusted in a continuous fashion, while others may only allow for adjustment between a set number of positions. The coupling assembly 400, for example, may only allow the relative position between the heating rod 300 and handle assembly 200 to be adjusted to form an angle of either 90°, 120°, 150°, or 180°.
As illustrated in
The spring 401 may bias the positional alignment member 402 to remain in an engaged position until an actuation force is provided to disengage the positional alignment member 402. This actuation force may be provided by the release button 406, which when pressed, may push against a portion (e.g., an inner ring) of the positional alignment member 402 and cause the spring 401 to compress. The coupling assembly 400 may be freely rotated relative to the handle assembly 200 until the release button 406 is no longer depressed, at which point the positional alignment member 402 may automatically reengage with the bottom component portion 405.
Similar to the coupling assembly 400 of the first embodiment, the top and bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408 may be provided with interior features that may interface with a grooved portion 305 provided at the first end 301 of the heating rod 300 to form a secure connection between the heating rod 300 and the coupling assembly 400. The top and bottom component housing portions 404,405 may likewise be coupled to corresponding portions of the handle assembly 200, whereby the coupling assembly 400 (and consequently the heating rod 300) may be able to rotate relative to the handle assembly 200. The top and bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408 may also be coupled to the top and bottom component housing portions 404,405, whereby the top and bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408 may be able to rotate relative to the top and bottom component housing portions 404,405. The top and bottom component housing portions 404,405 may include one or more ball bearing assemblies on their outer surfaces, in order to facilitate smooth rotation of the heating rod 300.
Furthermore, as previously noted, the top and bottom component housing portions 404,405 and top and bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408 may enclose certain internal components, which may help to control adjustment of the coupling assembly 400 and heating rod 300 relative to the handle assembly 200. As illustrated in
The positional alignment member 402 may have one or more or teeth on its top and/or bottom surface that may engage with corresponding ridges provided on the interior of the top and/or bottom component housing portions 404,405. The number and position of the teeth and/or ridges may dictate what adjustment positions are possible. As illustrated in
The spring 401 may bias the positional alignment member 402 to remain in an engaged position until an actuation force is provided to disengage the positional alignment member 402. This actuation force may be provided by the release button 406, which when pressed, may push against a portion (e.g., an inner ring) of the positional alignment member 402 causing the spring 401 to compress. The coupling assembly 400 may be free to rotate relative to the handle assembly 200 until the release button 406 is no longer depressed, at which point the positional alignment member 402 may automatically reengage with the bottom component portion 405.
As noted above, the coupling assembly 400 may also include a ratcheting mechanism 409, which may serve to restrict the motion of the top and bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408 and consequently the heating rod 300 itself. The ratcheting mechanism 409 may itself include a pawl, a pawl spring and a gear. The gear may be mechanically coupled to the top and/or bottom heating rod engagement portions 407, 408, and may mechanically engage with the pawl to prevent rotation of the heating rod 300 relative to the top and bottom component housing portions 404,405. The pawl may also be provided with a heel that may be used to rotate the pawl to release or disengage the pawl from the gear. The heel of the pawl may also be mechanically engaged with the positional alignment member 402 and/or spring 401 such that the pawl cannot be released or disengaged when the positional alignment member 402 is in a locked position (i.e., when the release button 406 is not pressed). The pawl spring may be secured to the pawl and may bias the pawl to remain in an engaged or locked position. Pressing the release button 406 may, directly or indirectly, cause the pawl to disengage, thereby allowing the heating rod 300 to rotate freely, until the release button 406 is no longer depressed and the pawl is able to reengage.
Another aspect of the present invention involves the use of an adjustable curling iron in performing a method of styling hair. The hair styling method may involve providing an adjustable curling iron as described above; contacting the hair with the housing of the heating rod when the heating rod is in a first position; adjusting the heating rod from the first position to a second position; and contacting the hair with the housing when the heating rod is in the second position.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced other than as described. The description provided above is intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the present invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below. It is also worth noting that the Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62521204 | Jun 2017 | US |
