BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to the field of hair care, and more particularly, to a hair straightening apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many devices have been developed to aid in the styling of hair. Hair curlers, or curling irons, impart curls into hair by applying heat to a rod around which the hair is wound. Hair straighteners and smoothers operate using a similar premise, and typically include heat conducting elements between which hair is clamped and pulled through. The heat conducting elements are conventionally flat surfaces. Hair straighteners conventionally use a pair of untextured surfaces for engaging the hair. As a result, the hair can require additional brushing in order to achieve the desired style. Further, hair straighteners are generally configured for use with long hair, while separate devices, such as heated combs, may be configured for use with short hair.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention relates to an improved hair straightening apparatus.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. A lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The lower heating element also includes a top heating surface and an opposing bottom heating surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a latch. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. An upper heating element extends from the upper clamping member and a lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a latch extending from the upper clamping member towards the lower clamping member. A latch receiving groove in the lower clamping member receives the latch.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a comb portion. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. An upper heating element extends from the upper clamping member, the upper heating element having one or more protrusions extending along a length of the upper heating element. A lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a comb portion attached to the upper heating element. The comb portion includes one or more grooves interlocking with the one or more protrusions when the comb portion is attached to the upper heating element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a magnified perspective view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams illustrating perspective views of a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of an upper heating element of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8A-8B are diagrams illustrating comb portions of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a handle end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 10A-10B are diagrams illustrating perspective partial cross-sectional views of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 11A-11F are diagrams illustrating front-views of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention; and
FIGS. 12A-12B are diagrams illustrating front-views of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals although they are illustrated in different drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A hair straightening apparatus 100 includes a handle end 102 and a heated application end 104. The handle end 102 includes a lock release button 106. The lock release button 106 may be engaged to release the hair straightening apparatus 100 from the closed position.
The handle end 102 may also be embodied to include at least one of a power button, a temperature dial, and first and second indicators. The power button may used to turn a power status of the hair straightening apparatus 100 on and off, while the temperature dial may provide a means to adjust the temperature at the heated application end 104. The first and second indicators may be utilized to provide an indication of the power status of the hair straightening apparatus 100 and a temperature set for the heated application end 104.
Different numbers and configurations of buttons, dials and indicators may be provided in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Further, additional buttons, dials and indicators may be provided with different purposes in the operation of the hair straightening apparatus 100, according to additional embodiments of the present invention.
A power cord may extend from a proximal end of the handle end 102, farthest from the heated application end 104, in order to provide electricity to the hair straightening apparatus 100. The power cord may be disposed at any point on the handle end 102 of the hair straightening apparatus 100 that allows a user to still comfortably hold the handle end 102 of the hair straightening apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A lower clamping member 206 is shown disengaged from an upper clamping member 208. Both the lower clamping member 206 and the upper clamping member 208 include the handle end 102 and the heated application end 104. The lock release button 106 is used to disengage the lower clamping member 206 from the upper clamping member 208.
The manner in which the lower clamping member 206 disengages from the upper clamping member 208 is based on the attachment of the lower clamping member 206 and the upper clamping member at a hinge 210. Specifically, when the lock release button 106 is slid along a longitudinal axis X of the handle end 102, a latch 202 is disengaged from a latch receiving groove 204, releasing the lower clamping member 206 from the upper clamping member 208. Thus, the lower clamping member 206 and the upper clamping member 208 are able to rotate apart at an axis provided at the hinge 210. In an embodiment of the present invention, an internal spring provides a force separating the lower clamping member 206 from the upper clamping member 208 and encouraging disengagement of the lower clamping member 206 when the latch 202 is disengaged from the latch receiving groove 204.
Due to the fact that the lower clamping member 206 and the upper clamping member 208 are separated through the handle end 102, a user holding the handle end 102 is able to control the spacing between the lower clamping member 206 and the upper clamping member 208 when disengaged. The user is also able to provide forces on the lower and upper clamping members 206 and 208, respectively, in directions for engagement of the lower clamping member 206 with the upper clamping member 208.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrates a magnified perspective view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A lower heating element 304 extends from the lower clamping member 206. The lower heating element 304 includes two heated sidewalls 306, a top heating surface 308, and a bottom heating surface 310. The top heating surface 308 faces a direction opposite to that of the bottom heating surface 310, and the top heating surface 308 may be parallel to the bottom heating surface 310. The heated sidewalls 306 extend perpendicularly from the top heating surface 308 to attach to the bottom heating surface 310.
The lower heating element 304 may be constructed of aluminum and coated in titanium or ceramic, for example. An upper heating element 311 extends from the upper clamping member 208 and an upper heating surface 312 protrudes from, and extends along, the upper heating element 311. The top heating surface 308 is disposed on a side of the lower heating element 304 that faces the upper heating surface 312 of the upper heating element 311. The lower heating element 304 and the upper heating element 311 do not extend into the handle end 102, preventing heating of the handle end 102 when the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in use.
A removable comb portion 314 is attached to the upper heating element 311 and includes comb tines, or teeth, 315. The comb portion 314 may be attached to the upper heating element 311 by one or more screws 320. The comb portion 314 attaches over a top surface of the upper heating element 311 and may extend along a length of the upper heating element 311. The tines 315 begin near the upper heating surface 312 and extend below the upper heating surface 312. The tines 315 may extend from both sides of the upper heating element 311.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the heated sidewalls 306 may include sloping portions 302 where the heated sidewalls 306 meet the top heating surface 308 and the bottom heating surface 310. Specifically, the sloping portions 302 may include a rounded edge. The rounded edge provides a gradual arcuate attachment of the heated sidewalls 306 to the top heating surface 308 and the bottom heating surface 310. The sloping portions 302 may also include a bisected edge. The bisected edge provides a straight attachment of the heated sidewalls 306 to the top heating surface 308 and the bottom heating surface 310 at approximately a 45-degree angle.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrates a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in a closed position, the top heating surface 308 of the lower heating element 304 and the upper heating surface 312 of the upper heating element 311 come into contact. The user may insert a section of hair 400 between the top heating surface 308 and the upper heating surface 312 for straightening. Specifically, when heat is supplied to the top heating surface 308 and the upper heating surface 312, the lower clamping member 206 is disengaged from the upper clamping member 208 by releasing the lock release button 106. The lower clamping member 206 is then positioned beneath the section of hair 400 of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The section of hair 400 is then closed between the top heating surface 308 and the upper heating surface 312.
The comb tines 315 extend from the comb portion 314 and include a first narrow tooth comb 316 and a second narrow tooth comb 318. The first and second combs 316 and 318, respectively, extend along the length of the upper heating element 311. When the section of hair 400 is closed between the top heating surface 308 and the upper heating surface 312, the hair straightening apparatus 100 is pulled through the section of hair 400. Thus, when the first narrow tooth comb 316 is run through the section of hair 400, the section of hair 400 is heated through contact with the top heating surface 308 and the upper heating surface 312, and the second narrow tooth comb 318 is run through the section of hair 400, thereby straightening the section of hair 400.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrates a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first narrow tooth comb 316 and the second narrow tooth comb 318 protrude beyond the bottom heating surface 310 when the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in a closed position. Specifically, the first narrow tooth comb 316 and the second narrow tooth comb 318 protrude beyond the bottom heating surface 310 a distance sufficient to prevent a curved portion of the user's scalp from contacting the bottom heating surface 310. In an embodiment of the present invention, the combs 316 and 318 protrude beyond a lowest point of the bottom heating surface 310 a distance of approximately 1-3 millimeters.
When heat is supplied to the bottom heating surface 310 and the lower clamping member 206 is engaged with the upper clamping member 208 in a closed position, the bottom heating surface 310 is positioned in contact with the section of hair 400 of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The section of hair 400 is then run through the first narrow tooth comb 316 along the bottom heating surface 310, and through the second narrow tooth comb 318, thereby, straightening the section of hair 400. The embodiment described with respect to FIG. 5 is particularly useful when straightening hair that only extends a short distance from the user's scalp.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, diagrams illustrate perspective views of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 3 in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates the comb portion 314 removed from the upper heating element 311. The upper heating element 311 includes one or more protrusions 604. The protrusions 604 extend outward along a width of the upper heating element 311 in a transverse direction Y. One or more grooves 602 extend along an entire length of an interior of the comb portion 314. The protrusions 604 interlock with the grooves 602, securing the comb portion 314 on the heated application end 104. The protrusions 604 also guide the comb portion 602 along the heated application end 104 when the heated application end 104 is inserted into the comb portion 314, as illustrated by arrow A in FIGS. 6A-6C.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper heating element 311 may be provided in a T-shape, with the upper heating surface 312 protruding downward from the upper heating element 311. Specifically, the upper heating surface 312 may have a width less than the width of the upper heating element 311.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrates an exploded perspective view of an upper heating element of a hair straightening apparatus, providing an alternative embodiment of the present invention to the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 6A-6C. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates the upper heating element 311 including one or more screw holes 702 for attaching a comb portion 704. The comb portion 704 may include first and second comb portions separately attached to the upper heating element. The comb portion 704 includes a support groove 706 and one or more comb screw holes 708. A bracket support 710 fits within the support groove 706. The bracket support 710 includes one or more bracket screw holes 712. When the screw holes 702, the comb screw holes 708 and the bracket screw holes 712 are aligned, screws 714 may be inserted through the bracket support 710, the comb portion 704 and into the upper heating element 311 to attach the comb portion 704 to the upper heating element 311.
Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, diagrams illustrate comb portions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates a narrow tooth comb portion 802 including a plurality of narrowly spaced tines 806 protruding from the narrow tooth comb portion 802. FIG. 8B illustrates a wide tooth comb portion 804 including a plurality of widely spaced tines 808 protruding from the wide tooth comb portion 804. The narrowly spaced tines 806 and the widely spaced tines 808 include a tine base 812 and tine sidewalls 814 extending to a tine point 816. Both the narrow tooth comb portion 802 and the wide tooth comb portion 804 include edge tines 810 that are wider than the narrowly spaced tines 806 and widely spaced tines 808 and provide a boundary between the narrowly and widely spaced tines 806 and 808, respectively, and a distal end of the handle end 102.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view of a handle end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates the hair straightening apparatus 100 in the closed position, locked into place by the latch 202 inserted into the latch receiving groove 204. The latch 202 includes a notched recess 902 on a proximal edge 908 and an arcuate leading edge 906. The arcuate leading edge 906 extends from a distal edge 910 of the latch 202, curving upward towards the notched recess 902 on the proximal edge 908. The notched recess 902 fits around a rim, or lip, of the latch receiving groove 204. The rim extends around a circumference of the latch receiving groove 204. A spring 904 provides an opposing force to push the notched recess 902 of the latch 202 toward the rim of the latch receiving groove 204, locking the latch 202 within the latch receiving groove 204 when the rim is within the notched recess 902.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10B, diagrams illustrate perspective partially cross-sectional views of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A illustrates the hair straightening apparatus 100 in the open position with the latch 202 pushed towards the proximal end of the handle end 102, as indicated by arrow B. FIG. 10B illustrates the hair straightening apparatus in a partially open position where the latch 202 has not been fully inserted into the latch receiving groove 204. Specifically, FIG. 10B illustrates that the arcuate leading edge 906 of the latch 202 provides a curved plane for which the latch 202 can contact the rim of the latch receiving groove 204, allowing the latch 202 to slide towards the distal end of the handle end 102, as illustrated by Arrow C.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11F, diagrams illustrate a front-view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate the hair straightening apparatus 100 in the closed and open positions, respectively. Specifically, FIGS. 11A-B illustrate the lower heating element 304 including a flat top heating surface 1102 and a flat bottom heating surface 1106. The upper heating element 311 includes a flat heating element 1104. Thus, when the section of hair 400 is inserted between the flat top heating surface 1102 and the flat heating element 1104 and the hair straightening apparatus 100 is then brought to the closed position, the section of hair 400 is straightened. Also, when the section of hair 400 is brought into contact with the flat bottom heating surface 1106, the section of hair 400 is straightened.
Further, FIGS. 11C-11D illustrate the lower heating element 304 including the flat top heating surface 1102 and an arcuate bottom heating surface 1108. The upper heating element 311 includes the flat heating element 1104. The arcuate bottom heating surface 1108 is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape. Thus, when the section of hair 400 is brought into contact with the arcuate bottom heating surface 1108, the section of hair 400 is curled.
Finally, FIGS. 11E-11F illustrate the lower heating element 304 including an arcuate top heating surface 1110 and flat bottom heating surface 1106. The upper heating element 311 includes an arcuate heating element 1112. The arcuate top heating surface 1110 is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape. The arcuate heating element 1112 is a concave surface configured to receive the arcuate top heating surface 1110. Thus, when the section of hair 400 is inserted between the arcuate top heating surface 1110 and the arcuate heating element 1112 and the hair straightening apparatus 100 is then brought to the closed position, the section of hair 400 is curled. Also, when the section of hair 400 is brought into contact with the flat bottom heating surface 1106, the section of hair 400 is straightened.
Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, diagrams illustrate a front-view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate the upper heating element 311 including an arcuate upper heating surface 1202. The arcuate upper heating surface 1202 extends from the upper heating element 311 in a direction opposite to the flat heating element 1104 and the arcuate upper heating surface 1202 may have a width less than the width of the upper heating element 311. The arcuate upper heating surface 1202 is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape.
Further, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B include a first double-sided comb portion 1204 and a second double-sided comb portion 1205 attached to the upper heating element 311. The first double-sided comb portion 1204 and the second double-sided comb portion 1205 may be attached to the upper heating element 311 as described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C and FIG. 7. The first double-sided comb portion 1204 and the second double-sided comb portion 1205 may be configured as described above with respect to FIGS. 8A-8B. The first double-sided comb portion 1204 includes a first upper comb portion 1206 extending in a direction opposite to a first lower comb portion 1208. The second double-sided comb portion 1205 includes a second upper comb portion 1207 extending in a direction opposite to a second lower comb portion 1209.
According to the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 12A, the user can wrap the hair 400 around the arcuate bottom heating surface 1108 and the arcuate upper heating surface 1202 in order to curl the hair 400. Specifically, when the hair 400 is wrapped around the arcuate bottom heating surface 1108 and the arcuate upper heating surface 1202, the hair 400 is run through the first lower comb portion 1208 and the second lower comb portion 1209, around the upper heating element 311, and through the second upper comb portion 1207 and the first upper comb portion 1206. Thus, the user is able to curl the hair 400 as the hair 400 is combed through the first double-sided comb portion 1204 and the second double-sided comb portion 1205.
According to the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 12B, the user may clamp an end of the hair 400 between the flat top heating surface 1102 and the flat heating element 1104. The user may then wrap the hair 400 around the arcuate upper heating surface 1202 and the arcuate bottom heating surface 1108 in order to curl the hair 400. Specifically, when the hair 400 is clamped between the flat top heating surface 1102 and the flat heating element 1104 and wrapped around the arcuate bottom heating surface 1108 and the arcuate upper heating surface 1202, the user is able to hold the hair 400 in a fixed position, resulting in prolonged heating, and thus increased curling of the hair 400. When the hair 400 is released from between the flat top heating surface 1102 and the flat heating element 1104, the hair 400 is run through the second lower comb portion 1209, around the upper heating element 311, through the second upper comb portion 1207 and the first upper comb portion 1206, around the upper heating element 311, through the first lower comb portion 1208, and through the second lower comb portion 1209. Thus, the user is able to clamp the hair 400 between the flat top heating surface 1102 and the flat heating element 1104 to provide improved curling of the hair 400.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20130247934
