Patent Application
20250143432
The present invention relates to electrical appliances. An embodiment of the invention comprises a hair styling appliance.
There are known devices for styling hair. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,578, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a blow-wave brush for drying and styling hair. U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,827, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method and apparatus for styling synthetic wigs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,915 discloses a heated hairbrush and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,698 discloses a brush attachment for a handheld device and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,004 discloses a hair drying/styling device and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 9,521,891 discloses a hair styling tool and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,038 discloses a hairstyling brush iron and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,537 discloses an attachment for a handheld appliance, such as a hot styling brush, and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 10,660,417 discloses a hair drying and styling system and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0027481 discloses a synthetic hair styling apparatus and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application No. 2016/0166037 discloses a hair care device and is incorporated herein by reference.
One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for styling synthetic hair. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for styling synthetic hair, blends of synthetic hair and natural hair, and natural hair. These and other objectives of the invention can be achieved in various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.
An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus adapted for styling synthetic hair.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus adapted for styling synthetic hair, blends of synthetic and natural human hair, and human hair.
According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for styling synthetic hair comprises a handle section and multiple styling attachments that can be releasably attached to the handle section. The handle section includes a heating element and a blowing device so that the handle can expel hot air into a styling attachment when attached to the handle section. Each of the styling attachments can be releasably attached to the handle section. The user selects the desired styling attachment and positions it on the mounting end of the handle section. The handle section can include a locking mechanism to selectively lock the styling attachment to the handle section during use.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the amount of heat provided by the heating element is adjustable so that the temperature of the blown air is adjustable.
According to an embodiment of the invention, three temperature settings are provided on the handle section: (1) a low setting (approximately 131° F.) for traditional synthetic hair, (2) a medium setting (approximately 203° F.) also for use with synthetic hair, and (3) a high setting (approximately 275° F.) for high heat friendly synthetic hair, blends of synthetic hair and natural human hair, and human hair only. In addition, the handle section includes means to adjust the velocity of the air blown by the blowing device (slow, medium, fast settings), and a cool button/switch that can turn off the heating element so non-heated air is blown from the appliance.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle section includes means to adjust the velocity of the air blown by the blowing device (slow, medium, fast settings), and a cool button/switch that can turn off the heating element so non-heated air is blown from the appliance.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the styling attachments comprise two dryer brush attachments and a curling wand attachment.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a hair styling apparatus comprising a handle section having an interior and an open end, and a styling attachment releasably attached to the handle section proximate the open end of the handle section. The interior of the styling attachment is in communication with the interior of the handle section. A heating element is contained within the handle section and is adapted to heat air within the handle section to a plurality of selectable temperatures. A fan is contained within the handle section and is adapted to blow air within the handle section into the interior of the styling attachment.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the styling attachment can comprise an oval smoothing brush, a round volume brush, or a curling wand.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the styling attachment comprises a brush assembly having openings formed therein, whereby air blown into the styling attachment is expelled through the openings.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle section includes a cool switch operatively connected to the heating element. Positioning the cool switch at a first position turns the heating element off whereby the air blown into the styling attachment and expelled through the openings is unheated.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the handle section includes a motor operatively connected to the fan, and an airflow switch operatively connected to the fan to control the output of the motor whereby the air blown into the styling attachment and expelled through the openings travels at a first speed when the airflow switch is in a first position and travels at a second speed higher than the first speed when the airflow switch is in a second position.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The handle section can include a temperature control dial operatively connected to the heating element to control the heating element, whereby movement of the temperature control dial to a first position selects the first temperature and movement of the temperature control dial to a second position selects the second temperature.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature in the range of 100 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, a second temperature in the range of 140 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, and a third temperature in the range of 240 to 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature of approximately 131 degrees Fahrenheit, a second temperature of approximately 203 degrees Fahrenheit, and a third temperature of approximately 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The handle section can include a substantially cylindrical temperature control dial operatively connected to the heating element to control the heating element, such that rotating the temperature control dial to a first position selects the first temperature (131° F.), rotating the temperature control dial to a second position selects the second temperature (203° F.), and rotating the temperature control dial to a third position selects the third temperature (275° F.).
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a hair styling appliance kit comprising a handle section and a plurality of different styling attachments. The handle section has an interior and an open end. Each styling attachment can be releasably attached to the handle section proximate the open end of the handle section. The interior of each styling attachment is in communication with the interior of the handle section when it is releasably attached to the handle section. A heating element is contained within the handle section. The heating element can heat air within the handle section to a plurality of selectable temperatures. A motorized fan is also contained within the handle section. The fan blows air within the handle section into the interior of the styling attachment that is attached to the handle section. The plurality of styling attachments can comprise an oval smoothing brush, a round volume brush, and/or a curling wand.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the kit includes three styling attachments. The first styling attachment comprises an oval smoothing brush, the second styling attachment comprises a round volume brush, and the third styling attachment comprises a curling wand.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the handle section includes a cool switch operatively connected to the heating element such that positioning the cool switch at a first position turns the heating element off and air within the handle section is unheated.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The handle section can include a temperature control dial operatively connected to the heating element to control the heating element, such that movement of the temperature control dial to a first position selects the first temperature and movement of the temperature control dial to a second position selects the second temperature.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature in the range of 100 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, a second temperature in the range of 140 to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, and a third temperature in the range of 240 to 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of selectable temperatures comprises a first temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit, a second temperature of 203 degrees Fahrenheit, and a third temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle section can include a cylindrical temperature control dial operatively connected to the heating element to control the heating element, such that rotating the temperature control dial to a first position selects the first temperature, rotating the temperature control dial to a second position selects the second temperature, and rotating the temperature control dial to a third position selects the third temperature.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using a hair styling appliance.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using a hair styling appliance to style synthetic hair and/or blends of synthetic and natural human hair.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of styling hair. The method can include providing a hair styling kit comprising a handle section and a plurality of different styling attachments. The handle section has an interior and an open end. Each styling attachment is adapted to be releasably attached to the handle section proximate the open end of the handle section. When a styling attachment is releasably attached to the handle section, the interior of the attached styling attachment is in communication with the interior of the handle section. A heating element can be contained within the handle section. The heating element can heat air within the handle section to a plurality of selectable temperatures, such as 131° F., 203° F., and 275° F. A motorized fan can be contained within the handle section, which blows air within the handle section into the interior of a styling attachment when it is attached to the handle section. The plurality of styling attachments can consist of an oval smoothing brush attachment, a round volume brush attachment, and a curling wand attachment. A user selects one of the styling attachments to use, and the selected styling attachment is releasably attached to the handle section. A temperature is selected for the heating element that is conducive for styling the particular type of hair that is to be styled, and the selected styling attachment is used to style the hair. When styling is completed, the styling attachment can be removed from the handle section, and replaced with a different styling attachment to perform a different styling task if desired.
A hair styling appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
Preferably, the handle section 52 has a generally rounded, contoured shape as shown in
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a kit comprising the hair styling apparatus 50 and a plurality of interchangeable styling attachments 61, 62, 63, wherein each styling attachment can be releasably attached to the handle section 52 of the apparatus 50. The user can select the particular styling attachment that is desired for use at a particular time for a particular purpose.
A kit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
The curling wand 63 can comprise a barrel section 48, a tip section 49 attached at the upper end of the barrel section 48, a clasp section 47 pivotably attached to the outer surface of the barrel section 48, and a finger-press handle 46 attached to the clasp section 47. Pressing down on the handle 46 lifts the clasp 47 away from the barrel section 48 whereby the user can position hair fibers over the barrel section 48. Releasing the handle 46 allows the clasp 47 to close down against the barrel 48 whereby the clasp 47 holds the hair fibers in place on the barrel 48 and the hair fibers can be styled by the curling wand 63. Preferably, the barrel section 48 of the curling wand 63 has a diameter of 1.25 inches. Alternatively, the barrel section 48 of the curling wand 63 has a diameter of 1.5 inches. In another alternative embodiment, the barrel section 48 of the curling wand 63 has a diameter of one inch.
The oval smoothing brush attachment 61 is releasably attached to the hand section 52. Each styling attachment 61, 62, 63 can be releasably attached to the handle section 52 using a twist lock mechanism. For example, the brush attachment 61 can have fastening members that can engage complimentary recesses in the handle section 52, keeping the brush attachment 61 securely joined to the handle section 52 while so engaged in the locked position. A spring biased locking switch 15 can be positioned on the handle section 52. Downward movement of the locking switch 15 allows for rotational movement between locked and unlocked positions. When it is desired to remove the oval smoothing brush attachment 61 from the handle section 52 and replace it with another styling attachment 62 or 63, the user presses downwardly on the locking switch 15 with their thumb and twists the brush attachment 61 so that the unlock symbol 64 aligns with an arrow 55 on the handle section 52, releasing the brush attachment 61 from handle section 52. Another styling attachment, such as curling wand attachment 63 can then be positioned on the handle section 52. The arrow 55 on the handle section 52 is aligned with the locked symbol and the curling wand attachment 63 is twisted to the locked position whereby fastening members of the curling wand 63 engage the handle section 52 to lock the curling wand 63 in place. Alternatively, the kit 100 can comprise alternative means for releasably attaching the handle section 52 to the styling attachments 61, 62, 63. For example, the styling attachments 61, 62, 63 can be releasably attached to the handle section 52 utilizing the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,968, which is incorporated herein by reference.
As shown in
The handle section 52 can include means for controlling and varying airflow velocity. An airflow switch cover 8 on the exterior of the handle section 52, shown in
When the fan 6 and the heating assembly 29 are activated, hot air is blown into the brush attachment 61 and expelled through openings 65 formed in the brush attachment 61. A temperature switch 17 controls the amount of heat provided by the heating assembly 29. The temperature switch 17 is operatively connected to a temperature control dial 3 on the handle section 52, shown in
When the control dial 3 is positioned at the LOW setting, the heating assembly 29 heats the air blown by the fan 6 to a temperature of 100 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit (° F.), preferably 131° F., which is an optimal temperature for styling synthetic hair. The term “synthetic hair” used herein refers generally to hair made from man-made fibers rather than naturally grown hair. Synthetic hair is often made from materials such as acrylic, modacrylic or nylon, and used in hair wigs and extensions. An example is the synthetic hair made from fibers sold under the trademark KANEKALON K7 by Kaneka Corporation. Such synthetic fibers are typically marketed with a “do not use heat styling products” warning due to their relatively low melting point. A flow of air at a temperature of 131° F. is ideal for styling synthetic hair as it is well below the melting point for most synthetic hair fibers. As such, the apparatus 50 is a convenient appliance for styling synthetic hair. Synthetic hair fibers that have been typically sold with a “do not use heat styling products” warning can be safely styled with the apparatus 50.
When the control dial 3 is positioned at MEDIUM setting, the heating assembly 29 heats the air blown by the fan 6 to a temperature of 140° F. to 230° F., preferably about 203° F., which can be used to style synthetic hair, and blends of synthetic and natural human hair. Synthetic hair and natural human hair can be blended together and used in wigs and hair extensions. For example, Envy Hair, LLC sells wigs comprising a blend of approximately 30% natural human hair and 70% synthetic hair made from polyester fiber.
When the control dial 3 is positioned at the HIGH setting, the heating assembly 29 heats the air blown by the fan 6 to a temperature of 240° F. to 280° F., preferably about 275° F., which is optimal for styling high heat friendly synthetic hair, such as the heat friendly polyester fiber sold by Kaneka under the trademark FUTURA. In addition, the HIGH setting is suitable for styling blends of synthetic hair and natural human hair, and natural human hair only. As such, the apparatus 50 can be used to style traditional synthetic hair, high heat friendly synthetic hair, blends of synthetic and natural hair, and natural hair, in accordance with the particular needs of the user.
The handle section 52 can include means for emitting negatively charged ions, which reduces hair frizz and static electricity. A ceramic piece 20 can be positioned in the handle section 52, and when the ceramic piece 20 is heated by hot air blown by the fan 6, the ceramic piece 20 emits negative ions that are dispersed with the flow of heated air through one of the styling attachments 61, 62, 63. Alternatively, a negative ion generator can be housed within the handle section 52.
A cool switch cover 9 on the exterior of the handle section 52, shown in
An embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using the kit 100. In accordance with the method, the user can select a desired styling attachment 61, 62, 63 to style hair fibers. For example, the user may select the oval smoothing brush attachment 61, which can be releasably attached to the handle section 52, as shown in
The user selects a desired air flow speed by positioning the air flow switch cover 8 to the SLOW or FAST setting. The user positions the temperature control dial 3 to a desired temperature. In a method of styling synthetic hair according to an embodiment of the invention, the temperature control dial 3 is positioned to the LOW setting. As such, a flow of air at a temperature of approximately 131° F. is expelled through the openings 65 of the brush attachment 61. The synthetic hair fibers are brushed with the brush assembly 35 and styled into a desired shape and volume with the brush attachment 61 expelling the heated air on the synthetic hair fibers. The heated air flowing from the brush attachment 61 heats the synthetic hair fibers, altering the properties within the hair fibers. The heated air softens the synthetic hair fibers and makes them more pliable for styling into a desired shape and volume. As the heated air softens the synthetic hair fibers, the brush attachment 61 is used to style the hair fibers and reform them into a desired shape and length or volume. When the hair fibers have been styled into the desired shape, length or volume, the cool switch cover 9 is moved from OFF to the COOL AIR position so that unheated air is now dispensed from the brush attachment 61. The cool air expelled from the brush attachment 61 cools the synthetic hair fibers and hardens them so that they retain their new shape and volume. Preferably, heated air is blown on the synthetic hair fibers for approximately ten seconds at a time, and then cool air is blown on the synthetic hair fibers.
In a method of styling a blend of synthetic and natural hair, the temperature control dial 3 can be positioned to the MEDIUM setting. As such, a flow of air at a temperature of approximately 203° F. is expelled through the openings 65 of the brush attachment 61. The hair fibers are brushed with the brush assembly 35 and styled into a desired shape and volume with the brush attachment 61 expelling the heated air on the hair fibers. The heated air flowing from the brush attachment 61 heats the hair fibers, altering the properties within the fibers. The heated air softens the hair fibers and makes them more pliable for styling into a desired shape and volume. As the heated air softens the hair fibers, the brush attachment 61 is used to style the hair fibers and reform them into a desired shape and length or volume. When the hair fibers have achieved the desired shape, length or volume, the cool switch cover 9 is moved from OFF to the COOL AIR position so that unheated air is now expelled from the brush attachment 61. The cool air expelled from the brush attachment 61 cools the hair fibers and hardens them so that they retain their new shape and volume.
In a method of styling natural human hair, the temperature control dial 3 can be positioned to the HIGH setting. As such, a flow of air at a temperature of approximately 275° F. is expelled through the openings 65 of the brush attachment 61. The hair fibers are brushed with the brush assembly 35 and styled into a desired shape and volume with the brush attachment 61 dispersing the heated air onto the hair fibers. The heated air flowing from the brush attachment 61 heats the hair fibers, altering the properties within the fibers. The heated air softens the hair fibers and makes them more pliable for styling into a desired shape and volume. As the heated air softens the hair fibers, the brush attachment 61 is used to style the hair fibers and reform them into a desired shape and length or volume. When the hair fibers have achieved the desired shape, length or volume, the cool switch cover 9 is moved from OFF to the COOL AIR position so that unheated air is now expelled from the brush attachment 61. The cool air expelled from the brush attachment 61 cools the hair fibers and hardens them so that they retain their new shape and volume.
When it is desired to style hair using the round volume brush attachment 62, the locking switch 17 is moved to release the oval smoothing brush attachment 61 from the handle section 52. The round volume brush attachment 62 can then be releasably attached to the handle section 52 and can be used to style the hair fibers.
When it is desired to style hair using the curling wand attachment 63, the locking switch 17 is moved to release the large brush attachment 61 or small brush attachment 62. The curling wand attachment 63 can be releasably attached to the handle section 52. The airflow switch cover 8 is positioned to the SLOW or FAST setting, and the temperature control dial 3 is positioned to a desired setting (LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH), and the cool air switch cover 9 is set in the OFF position. The user presses down on the handle 46 of the curling wand attachment 63, thereby moving the clasp 47 away from the barrel section 48, and hair fibers are positioned in the space between the clasp 47 and the barrel section 48. The user releases the handle 46 and the clasp 47 maintains the hair fibers against the barrel section 48. Heated air expelled from openings in the barrel section 48 heats the hair fibers, altering the properties within the fibers. The heated air softens the hair fibers and makes them more pliable for styling into a desired shape and volume. As the heated air softens the hair fibers, the curling wand 63 can be used to style the hair fibers and reform them into a desired shape, such as a curled shape. When the hair fibers have achieved the desired shape, the user moves the cool switch cover 9 from the OFF position to the COOL AIR position so that unheated air is now expelled from the curling wand 63. The cool air cools the hair fibers and hardens them so that they retain their newly formed shape.
The kit 100 provides a convenient hair styling tool that can be used on any type of synthetic hair fiber, and on natural human hair. The kit 100 can be used to add volume, smooth strands, and/or create beachy waves. The kit 100 allows a user to customize the look of a synthetic wig while preserving the integrity of the wig. The airflow control of the handle section 52 allows for versatile styling, and the various heat settings allow for use of the kit 100 on a variety of synthetic hair fibers. The cool air function of the handle section 52 can provide a shot of cool air that can provide long-lasting hold of a hairstyle. According to an embodiment, the kit 100 can be marketed and sold under the name “3-in-1 airstyler.”
An embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using the kit 100 to style natural human hair and blends of human hair and synthetic hair. According to the method, the curling wand attachment 63 is releasably attached to the handle section 52. The heat control dial 3 on the handle section 52 is positioned to the HIGH setting, and the airflow switch 8 is set to the SLOW setting. Hair is curled by the curling wand attachment 63 and held for approximately twenty minutes. Then a shot of cool air is applied for approximately ten seconds. The curl is released from the curling wand 63 and allowed to rest for approximately five seconds.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of forming curls in high heat friendly synthetic hair, such as the heat friendly polyester fiber sold under the trademark FUTURA by Kaneka. According to the method, the curling wand attachment 63 is releasably attached to the handle section 52. The heat control dial 3 on the handle section 52 is positioned to the HIGH setting, and the airflow switch 8 is set to the SLOW setting. Hair is curled by the curling wand attachment 63 and held for approximately ten seconds. Then a shot of cool air is applied for approximately ten seconds. The curl is allowed to rest on the curling wand attachment 63 for approximately ten seconds. The curling wand attachment 63 is removed from the handle section 52 and replaced with the oval smoothing brush attachment 61. The heat is set to the LOW setting, the airflow is set to the SLOW setting, and the hair is brushed with the oval smoothing brush attachment 61.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of using the kit 100 to remove cold crimp from synthetic fibers. The round volume brush attachment 62 is attached to the handle section 52. The heat is set to the MEDIUM setting, and the airflow is set to the SLOW setting. Alternatively, heat should be set to the HIGH setting if using on heat friendly synthetic hair, such as the heat friendly polyester fiber sold under the trademark FUTURA by Kaneka. Water is sprayed on the area of hair that is cold crimped. The round volume brush 62 is glided over or under the targeted area until cold crimp is removed and the hair is dry.
A hair styling appliance and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of various embodiments of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/547,473, filed Nov. 6, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63547473 | Nov 2023 | US |
