Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
Hair Styling Apparatus
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an electric hair styling apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART
[002] Heated styling tools are generally well known. Hair irons have been
developed
to style the hair by straightening, crimping and curling, for example. Many
known devices have a wand-like shape in which hair can be compressed by two
heated members or wrapped around a heated member to change the structure of
the hair with heat. Known hair irons typically include a handle for the user
to
hold and, often, the controls for the device are located on the handle.
[003] The present invention addresses problems and limitations associated with
the
related art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] A hair styling apparatus for changing the structure of hair through heat
is
disclosed. The preferred hair styling apparatus includes opposing first and
second elongate members each having first and second ends and inner and
outer surfaces. Each of the elongate member has an electrically powered heat
plate proximate the inner surface at the first end. The second ends of the
elongate members are pivotally connected and are biased such that the first
ends of the elongate members are biased away from each other. An electric
motor is located within one of the first and second elongate members,
preferably
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
the second elongate member. The electric motor is configured to selectively
vibrate the heat plates to provide for faster hair styling, which results in
less
damage since it is believed that the vibration allows the heat plates to glide
through the hair more easily.
[005] In further preferred embodiments, a control panel for the power, heat
and
vibration settings is located on the inner surface of the second elongate
member.
When the control panel is on the inside surface of the elongate member, there
is
a lower probability that the device settings will be inadvertently changed
during
use. Having the control panel on the inside surface of the elongate member is
further beneficial as it provides for a smoother, easier outer surface of a
user to
grasp. To improve the ease of use of the control panel, the first elongate
member preferably includes a transparent window such that the control panel
can be viewed.
[006] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will appear
more
fully from the following description, made in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts
throughout the several views. And, although the disclosure hereof is detailed
and exact, the physical embodiments herein disclosed are merely examples that
may be embodied in other specific structures. While preferred embodiments
have been described, the details may be changed without departing from the
claims.
-2-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] In the drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals and letters
indicate
corresponding parts of the various embodiments throughout the several views,
and in which the various embodiments generally differ only in the manner
described and/or shown:
[008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred hair styling apparatus 10
in a rest
position, the hair styling apparatus 10 having first and second elongate
members
12, 30; wherein the first elongate member 12 is pivotally connected to the
second
elongate member 301-
[0091 Figure 2 is a top view of the hair styling apparatus 10 of Fig. 1
illustrating how a
control panel 44 on the second elongate member 30 is viewable through a
transparent window 26 of the first elongate member 12;
[010] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the hair styling apparatus 10 of Fig. 1;
[011] Figure 4 is a side view of the hair styling apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 (with
various
elements having being removed for clarity);
[012] Figure 5 is a front end view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1;
[013] Figure 6 is a rear end view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1;
[014] Figure 7 is a side, partial cutaway view of the hair styling apparatus
10 of Fig. 1
in a compressed position in which the first and second elongate members 12, 30
are brought together against a bias;
[015] Figure 8 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram; and
[016] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram corresponding the electrical
circuit diagram
of Fig. 8.
-3-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[017] The preferred embodiments are illustrated in Figures 1-9. The hair
styling
apparatus 10 includes opposing first and second elongate members 12, 30.
Each elongate member 12, 30 having a first end 14, 32 and second end 16, 34
as well as an inner surface 18, 36 and outer surface 20, 38. The two elongate
members 12, 30 are pivotally connected proximate the second ends 16, 34 at
pivot point 60. Furthermore, the first and second elongate members 12, 30 are
spring biased such that the first ends 14, 32 are biased away from each other
in
a rest position as is illustrated in Figure 1. To bias the first ends 14, 32
away from
each other, a spring 62 is positioned proximate the pivot point 60. The spring
62 is preferably located in a housing 64 that is secured within a guide
protrusion
66 of the inner surface 18 of the first elongate member 12.
[018] At the first ends of the elongate members 14, 32, on the respective
inner
surfaces 18, 36, heat plates 22, 40 are provided. The heat plates 22, 40
include
heating elements (not shown) that generate heat, preferably through electric
resistance. Preferably, the heat plates 22, 40 can be heated to a temperature
in
the range of about 150-500 degrees F, even more preferably in the range of
about 190-450 degrees F. In the most preferred embodiments, the heat plates
22, 40 have a nano-silver coating to prevent grooves from forming over time
after
repeated use. It will be understood, however, that other heat plate materials
and coatings such as ceramics can be utilized. In preferred embodiments, at
least one of the heat plates 22, 40 is proximate a heat sensor (not shown)
that
-4-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
can send temperature information to the control panel 44, perhaps for display
on
a temperature indicator 48.
[019] The preferred hair styling apparatus 10 includes an electric motor 80
within one
of the elongate members, preferably the second elongate member 30. The
electric motor 80 generates a vibration or oscillation throughout at least one
of
the elongate members 12, 30, including the respective heat plate 22, 40. It is
believed that the vibration of the heat plates 22, 40 during use allows for
the heat
plates 22, 40 to glide better through the hair to provide smooth and straight
hair
that less damaged than known models that do not utilize vibration. It is
further
believed that the vibration of the heat plates 22, 40 during use allows for
faster
hair styling as the hair slides faster between the heat plates. The preferred
range of oscillation or vibration is from about 5,500 to about 9,500, more
preferably from about 6,500 to about 8,500, even more preferably from about
7000 to about 8000 oscillations per minute. More preferably, the vibration is
about 7,500 oscillations per minute or about 125 oscillations per second. The
frequency is preferably in the range of from about 90 to about 160 Hz, most
preferably about 125 Hz.
[020] Figure 8 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram, and Figure 9 is a
corresponding
functional block diagram, of circuitry suitable for use with of a particularly
preferred embodiment. The 120 volt AC input 101 is directly applied to heater
105 and also an AC/DC rectification circuit 102 before being converted to a
lower
voltage level and ground reference input by static voltage circuit 103. This
provides power to the CPU 106 (see also Figure 8, pins 1, 8, 19-20). The CPU
106 performs analog/digital conversion and input/output control as programmed
-5-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
in a manner known in the art. Thus, the CPU 106 receives inputs from: the
temperature sensor (or thermistor) 109 adjacent one heating element (24 or
42),
which provides accurate indication of temperature (user adjustable between
about 190-450 F); the crystal oscillator circuit 110, which provides timing
to allow
the CPU 106 to automatically shut off heater 105 after a selected period
(e.g.,
anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes, preferably fifty minutes) as a safety
feature (see pins 9 and 10); and the switch input circuit 111, which includes
the
inputs from user switches 46, 50a, 50b and switch 72 (pins 3-7). Using digital
outputs, the CPU 106 independently controls the vibration motor 80 through
motor control circuit 107 (Figure 8, pin 13); the heating elements 22, 40 (pin
15)
through switching output circuit 108; the display 48 through FND indication
circuit
104 (pins 16-22, 24-28); and a buzzer (shown in Figure 8 only; pin 14).
Preferably, circuit board 82 of the hair styling apparatus 10 is located
within the
second elongate member 30. It will be further understood that the hair styling
apparatus 10 can be configured for other voltage parameters, where the voltage
differs from 120 volts AC (for example, 220 volts as is common in Europe).
[021] While the person of ordinary skill may implement the preferred
embodiment in a
variety of platforms and components, the following major components preferred
for use in the circuitry of Figure 8 are commercially available.
-6-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
Symbol Component
BZ1 Buzzer; BTK-5
C1 450F(30)120V
C2 M 648K MA 250VACW1713
C3-C5 J220Mf, by
D1-D8 GS1M_ Surface Mount Rectifier, 1A
F1 4 Fuse, 120VAC
FND YDSR-303AM Display
HT1, HT2 Heating Plates
M Z7AL2B009000 cylindrical DC vibration motor
PT1 rMOC3O61 8210 6-Pin Dip Zero-Cross Phototriac Driver
Optocoupler
SW1-2-3 Up-Middle-Down Switches SPST PB
SW4 Lockout (no heat or vibration unless unit closed) SPST Push
Button
Thermistor TSW-124T 250V 1 OA 228 C
TR1 Power Triac 137S60 1545 PJm0827 A5
U1 PIC16F72-I/SO Microcontroller
XT1 Crystal Oscillator (Clock)
ZD1, ZD2 J Zener Diodes
[022] In the most preferred embodiments, the vibrating feature is optionally
actuated
such that the hair styling apparatus 10 can be used with heat and vibration or
heat only. In further preferred embodiments, the vibrating feature is only
activated when the elongate members 12, 30 are compressed or joined toward
each other and against the bias (see, for example, Figure 7), such that the
risk
that the vibration motor will overheat is reduced and the useful life of the
hair
styling apparatus 10 is extended due to reduced wear. To control such
vibration,
the preferred hair styling apparatus 10 includes a protrusion 70 on the first
elongate member 12 proximate the pivot point 60. When the two elongate
-7-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
members 12, 30 are compressed together against the bias, the protrusion goes
through channel 76 of the second elongate member 30 to activate the vibration,
e.g. by contacting a spring board 74 that will then engage a push switch 72.
When the elongate members 12, 30 are released from the bias, the spring board
74 disengages the push switch 72, which turns off the vibration.
[023] The control panel 44 is preferably located on the inner surface 36 of
the second
elongate member 30. Locating the control panel 44 on the inner surface 36 of
the second elongate member 30 prevents inadvertent adjustment of the
apparatus settings and provides for a smoother, easier grasp of the hair
styling
apparatus 10. The preferred control panel 44 includes a power button push
button switch 46. The push button switch 46 preferably being a three-way
switch having three settings including heat without vibration, heat with
vibration
and power off. Preferably, the switch 46 is configured such that the heat with
vibration and heat without vibration settings toggle back and forth as the
switch is
pressed and the apparatus 10 can be turned off by holding the push button down
for a few seconds.
[024] The preferred control panel 44 further includes temperature up and
temperature
down buttons 50a, 50b as well as a temperature indicator 48. In the most
preferred embodiments, the temperature indicator 48 is digital and indicates
the
current approximate temperature of the heat plates 22, 40. It will be
understood
that the control panel 44 can display other information or variants of the
preferred
information and that the present invention should not be limited to any
specific
information or configuration.
-8-
CA 02688847 2009-12-18
[025] Even more preferably, the first elongate member 12 includes a
transparent
window 26 such that a user can easily view at least a portion of the control
panel
44, preferably at least the current temperature settings or the temperature
indicator 48. Preferably, the outer surface 20, 38 of the first and second
elongate members 12, 30 have generally smooth surface such that a user can
easily grasp, rotate and maneuver the hair styling apparatus 10 during use.
[026] It will be understood that both the elongate members 12, 30 and
corresponding
heat plates 22, 40 can have a variety of widths as desired (i.e., 1/2 inch, 1
inch, 1
1/2 inch, 2 inch).
[027] Power to the preferred hair apparatus 10 is supplied through cord 90
that can be
connected to a source of electricity.
[028] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and
advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing
description, together with details of the structure and function of the
invention, the
disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially
in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the
invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the
terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.
-9-
