GB2615802A

GB2615802A - A hair roller

Info

Publication number: GB2615802A
Application number: GB2202273.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fang Chaoying
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-21
Filing date: 2022-02-21
Publication date: 2023-08-23
Also published as: GB202202273D0; WO2023156780A1

Abstract

A hair roller comprises a housing 20, an electrically-powered heater 14 and an electrical connector 18. A section of hair can be wrapped onto the housing and the electrically- powered heater heats the hair roller to transfer heat to the hair. The electrical connector 18 is removably connectable to an electrical supply connector (102, fig.3) of a power applicator (100, fig. 3). In use, the electrical connector is to receive electrical energy from the electrical supply connector for delivery to the electrically-powered heater 14. The power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can supplied to the electrical connector from the electrical supply connector when the hair is wrapped around the housing of the hair roller. The power applicator may comprise a charging unit (300 fig. 5). Alternatively the power applicator may comprise a base unit (108, fig 6) and a probe (104, fig.6).

Description

A HAIR ROLLER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hair roller and to a hair roller kit

Background of the Invention

Hair rollers are commonly used for treating or styling hair, for instance to shape or curl the hair. When rolled into a person's hair, the hair can be heated to change the internal structure of the hair and cause the hair to curl. Hot hair rollers are pre-heated before being rolled into the hair where the heat stored in the thermal mass of the hot hair roller is transferred to the hair.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair roller. The hair roller comprises: a housing, a thin-film heater, and an electrical connector. A section of hair can be wrapped onto the housing and, in use, the thin-film heater heats the hair roller to transfer heat to the hair wrapped around the housing. The electrical connector is connectable to an external electrical energy supply. In use, connecting the electrical connector the external electrical energy supply enables electrical energy to be delivered to the thin-film heater to cause heating of the hair roller. The thin-film heater is an electrically-powered heater.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair roller. The hair roller comprises: a housing, an electrically-powered heater, and an electrical connector. A section of hair can be wrapped onto the housing and, in use, the electrically-powered heater heats the hair roller to transfer heat to the hair wrapped around the housing. The electrical connector is removably connectable to an electrical supply connector of a power applicator. In use, the electrical connector is to receive electrical energy from the electrical supply connector for delivery to the electrically-powered heater. The power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can supplied to the electrical connector from the electrical supply connector when the hair is wrapped around the housing of the hair roller.

The electrically-powered heater may comprise a resistive heater. In other embodiments, the electrically-powered heater may comprise an inductive heating system comprising an inductor and a susceptor where the susceptor heats the hair roller, for instance by heating the housing. The resistive heater may comprise a thin-film heater wrapped around the portion of housing on which the hair is rolled.

Where the hair roller comprises a thin-film heater, the thin-film heater may comprise one or more resistive heating elements. The thin-film heater can provide a large contact area with the housing relative to the size of the heater.

The resistive heating element(s) may be supported on, or embedded within, a superstructure of the thin-film heater. The resistive heating element(s) may be supported on an insulating substrate. The insulating substrate may comprise a polyimide substrate. The resistive heating element(s) may be sandwiched between layers of an insulating material The heating element(s) of the thin-film heater may comprise: a cut metal shim, an etched foil resistor, or a printed resistor. The heating element(s) may be connected to terminals at each end. The heating element(s) may have an electrical resistance of between 0.2 ohm and 5 ohms. The heating element(s) may be laid out in parallel lines that are connected at the ends. The heating element(s) lines may be spaced apart from each other by between 0.3mm and 5mm. The small spacing between the heating element(s) lines means the heating element can cover a larger surface area of the housing.

The thin-film heater may have a thickness of less than 50iiim. The thin-film heater may weigh less than 3 grams. The thin-film heater may be is wrapped around the housing. The thin-film heater may have electrical connections that pass through the housing.

The thin-film heater 14 may use more than 250W. The thin-film heater may use approximately 270W. The thin-film heater 14 may use up to 400W. The thin-film heater may heat the hair roller to a temperature of 120 °C over a period of approximately 10s.

The hair roller may comprise an insulator wrapped around the housing to encapsulate the thin-film heater. The insulator may define an external surface of the hair roller. The insulator can protect the electrically-powered heater from damage arid prevent a user contacting a heating element of the electrically-powered heater.

The hair roller may comprise a temperature monitoring unit to measure or react to the temperature of the housing or of the electrically-powered heater. The temperature monitoring unit allows the hair roller to be heated to, and controlled at, a specified temperature or temperature profile over a period of heating the electrically-powered heater. The temperature monitoring unit may comprise a thermal switch. The thermal switch may comprise a bimetallic strip.

Heating the hair roller allows a user to have free hands once the hair roller is fixed in the user's hair. Using a thin-film heater allows the hair roller to be made lightweight in comparison with a pre-heated hair roller that relies on a substantial thermal mass, which can be very heavy, to store the energy from the pre-heating station. Due to the low thermal mass of a thin-film heater, the hair roller can be heated up rapidly. The rapid temperature increase of a low thermal mass heater makes heating the hair rollers on a user's head easier. Moreover, the hair roller can be cold on insertion into the hair that is to be treated meaning that there is no cause for discomfort to a hair roller user or burning of their fingers. The rapid heat up and the ease of insertion can mean that the total styling time for a user will be lower. As no pre-heat is required before insertion, the initial temperature to which the hair roller is heated can be lower meaning the treated hair will not be as damaged by the treatment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair roller power applicator for applying electrical energy to a hair roller comprising an electrically-powered heater. The power applicator comprises: an electrical supply connector, an electrical energy source to supply electrical energy to the electrical supply connector, and a control system to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector. The electrical supply connector is removably connectable to an electrical connector of the hair roller. The electrical supply connector is to, in use, deliver electrical energy to the electrical connector for delivery to the electrically-powered heater. The power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can be supplied to the electrical connector when a section of hair on a user's head is wrapped around the hair roller.

The electrical supply connector may be configured to guide the electrical supply connector to connect with the electrical connector of the hair roller. The electrical supply connector may be shaped to guide the electrical supply connector to connect with the electrical connector of the hair roller. The electrical supply connector and/or the electrical connector may comprise a magnet to aid the connecting of the electrical supply connector to the electrical connector.

The hair-heating temperature of the hair roller can be controlled with the power applicator in the present invention making the hair roller more versatile. Accordingly, a variety of heating profiles (heating to a range of temperatures over a heating period) can be implemented in the hair roller, in this way, the hair roller can accommodate different volumes of hair rolled onto the hair roller of the present invention. The hair roller can also accommodate different amounts of water content in hair rolled onto the hair roller of the present invention. The hair roller of the present invention can be heated to and maintained at a range of temperatures over a longer period than for a pre-heated hair roller that relies on having enough thermal mass to store the required thermal energy before insertion into hair. For pre-heated hair rollers, the temperature passively decreases once the pre-heated hair roller is removed from its heating source; in contrast, the hair roller of the present invention can be heated to a desired temperature by the power applicator after the hair rollers have been inserted into the hair. The maximum temperatures to which the hair roller of the present invention can be heated to can be lower than the initial heated temperature of a pre-heated hair roller because the hair roller of the present invention is already in the hair before being heated. Accordingly, the treated hair will not be as damaged by the treatment when the hair roller of the present invention is used. Additionally, being able to control the hair-heating temperature means that the user's fingers are not burnt during use of the hair roller in the hair, for instance if manipulation in situ is required.

Because the electrical supply connector is removably connectable to an electrical connector of the hair roller and the power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can be supplied to the electrical connector when the hair roller is inserted into a user's hair on their head, the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller can be powered once the hair roller has been inserted but still permit a user to move around freely. There is no need to rely on power cables fixed to the hair rollers to supply the electrical energy to power the hair rollers, which can make the hair rollers uncomfortable to use and prevent a user with performing other tasks at the same time as treating their hair. Thus, the hair rollers of the present invention are less cumbersome and awkward to use. The hair rollers of the present invention are more comfortable for a user to wear. Furthermore, the hair roller of the present invention is also tidier than a hair roller with fixed power cables, which can be messier as part of a set of cabled hair rollers inserted in a user's hair.

The electrical energy source may comprise a less than 40V power supply. The electrical energy source may comprise a DC power supply. The electrical energy source may comprise an AC power supply.

The electrical energy source may comprise a lithium-ion battery. The electrical energy source may comprise a lithium-ion battery pack containing two, three, or four cells, or any suitable number of cells. In one example envisioned by the Applicant, the lithium-ion battery pack contains four cells. The battery may provide a voltage of 6V or higher. In one example, the battery provides a voltage of 12V or higher. The battery may have a capacity of at least 5000mAh. In one example, the battery has a capacity of at least 10Ah.

The battery may deliver at least 180W continuous power. In one example, the battery delivers at least 350W continuous power.

The power applicator may comprise a second electrical connector and a charging unit, the charging unit to deliver electrical energy from a second electrical connector to the battery to recharge the battery.

The power applicator may comprise a base unit and a probe. The electrical energy source may be located within the base unit The probe may comprise the electrical supply connector be connected to the base unit by a power supply cable.

The control system may comprise a user interface through which a user can set a heating duration and a heating temperature for the electrically-powered heater. The control system may comprise an on/off switch. The on/off switch may be incorporated in the user interface. The user interface may comprise a power application switch.

The control system may be connectable to the temperature monitoring unit in use The connection may be through the electrical supply connector. Connecting to the temperature monitoring unit allows the hair roller to be heated to, and controlled at, a specified temperature or temperature profile over a period of heating the electrically-powered heater.

The control system may comprise a timer unit to control the duration for which electrical energy is supplied to the electrically-powered heater.

The control system may comprise a processor to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrically-powered heater from the electrical energy source According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair roller kit comprising: one or more hair rollers according to the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention, and a power applicator according to the third aspect of the invention to apply electrical energy to the hair rollers.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair roller kit comprising: one or more hair rollers according to the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention, a power applicator, according to the third aspect of the invention, having a battery and a second electrical connector as described herein, and a charging device. The charging device comprises: a second electrical energy supply to deliver electrical energy to the to the power applicator to recharge the electrical energy source; and a charging connector through which the electrical energy from the second electrical energy source is deliverable to the second electrical connector of the power applicator. The charging connector is electrically connectable with the second electrical connector.

The hair roller kits of the fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention may comprise a plurality of hair rollers, each according to the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the invention, where appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a hair roller according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the hair roller of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit according to the present invention comprising a hair roller and an embodiment of a hair roller power applicator according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a hair roller power applicator according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit according to the present invention comprising a plurality of hair rollers, a hair roller power applicator, and a charging device; Figure 6 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit according to the present invention comprising a hair roller and an embodiment of a hair roller power applicator according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a hair roller power applicator according to the present invention; and Figure 8 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit according to the present invention comprising a hair roller and an embodiment of a hair roller power applicator.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A hair roller 10 according to the present invention is shown schematically in Figure 1. Hair can be rolled around the hair roller 10 so that the hair can be curled. The hair roller 10 is heatable so that heat is transferable to the hair rolled around the hair roller 10 thereby curling the hair and to fixing the hair in a curled shape.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the hair roller 10 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from a first end 24 to a second end 26. The hair roller 10 has a cylindrical surface 22 that contacts hair rolled around the hair roller 10. When the hair roller is heated, heat is transferred to the hair from the cylindrical surface 22, which may be referred to as the working surface. Optionally, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the hair roller 10 comprises a plurality of bristles 28 that aid in gripping the hair rolled onto the hair roller 10. Each bristle of the plurality of bristles 28 projects in an outwardly direction of the cylindrical surface 22. In another embodiment, the hair roller 10 is covered with a fibrous material forming the cylindrical surface 22 to reduce hair slipping around when wrapping hair around the hair roller 10. The hair roller 10 may, or may not, comprise the plurality of bristles 28 in the embodiment where the hair roller 10 is covered with a fibrous material.

The hair roller comprises a housing 20 that defines the general shape of the hair roller on which a section of hair is w-rappable, in this instance the cylindrical shape of the hair roller 10. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through the hair roller 10 of Figure 1. The housing 20 defines an enclosure 21 for containing and protecting certain components of the hair roller 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 20 comprises a substantially hollow tube and an end cap located each of the first 24 and second 26 ends. The housing 20 may have a diameter of between 25mm and 50mm. The housing 20 may have a wall thickness of between 0.3mm and 2mm. The housing 20 comprises a material that can sustain being held at a temperature suitable for heat treating hair, for example a temperature of more than 150°C. The housing 20 may comprise a plastics material.

The hair roller 10 comprises an electrically-powered heater. The electrically-powered heater is to heat the hair roller 10 so that the hair roller transfers heat to hair rolled around the hair roller 10.

The electrically-powered heater may comprise a resistive heater. As explained above, other electrically-powered heater configurations than a resistive heater may be implemented to heat the hair roller 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the electrically-powered heater comprises a resistive thin-film heater 14. The thin-film heater 14 may comprise one or more resistive heating elements. The heating element(s) may be connected to terminals at each end that, in turn, permit connection of the thin-film heater 14 to other electrical components of the hair roller 10. Thin-film heaters include lightweight and flexible heaters that have a high tensile strength and a high resistance to tearing despite having a thickness that may be a fraction of a millimetre. For example, the thin-film heater 14 may have a thickness of less that 50t.im. Being thin permits the thin-film heater 14 to be lightweight, for example less than 3 grams. Thin-film heaters can have a low thermal mass thereby reducing the overall weight of the hair roller 10, which can make the use of the hair roller 10 more comfortable for a user. Thin-film heaters have a resistive heating element(s) that is supported on, or embedded within, a superstructure of the thin-film heater. For example, the resistive heating element may be supported on an insulating substrate, such as a polyimide substrate. The resistive heating element may be sandwiched between layers of an insulating material, such as layers of polyimide. The heating element of the thin-film heater 14 may comprise, a cut metal shim, an etched foil resistor, or a printed resistor. The heating element may have an electrical resistance of between 0.2 ohm and 5 ohms. The heating element circuit may have a tortuous, or snaking, path that allows control of the heat emitted by the thin-film heater 14. For instance, the heating element may emit more, or less, heat in one heating zone than in another zone thereby permitting the hair roller to be heated with a desired heating pattern. The heating element circuit may be laid out so that the hair roller 10 is heated evenly across the whole of the cylindrical surface 22. In one example, the heating element may be laid out in parallel lines that are connected at the ends. The heating element lines may be spaced apart from each other by between 0.3mm and 5mm, for example spaced apart by 0.4mm. The heating element of the thin-film heater 14 may comprise a single strip wrapped on to the housing 20 with small gap, such as 0.3mm, between each turn. The heating element of the thin-film heater 14 may comprise a shim that can substantially cover the area of the housing 20 working surface and have small slots, such as 0.3mm, cut into the shim. The thin-film heater 14 is a low-temperature heater, that is the heater is not configured to cause combustion by generating heat. The thin-film heater 14 may use more than 250W. For example, the thin-film heater may use 270W. In some examples, the thin-film heater 14 may use up to 400W. The thin-film heater 14 may heat the hair roller 10 to a temperature of 120 °C over a short period -for example, the thin-film heater 14 may heat the hair roller 10 to this temperature in lOs or less at a power supply of 270W. The thin-film heater 14 is generally cylindrically shaped to match the housing 20. For instance, the flexible thin-film heater 14 is wrapped around the tubular housing 20. In some examples, the thin-film 14 is securely fixed to the housing 20, for example on the cylindrical surface of the housing 20. The thin-film heater 14 has electrical connections that pass through the housing 20 wall into the enclosure 21.

An insulator 16 is wrapped around the housing 20 thereby encapsulating the thin-film heater 14 between the insulator 16 and the housing 20. The insulator 16 protects the thin-film heater 16 from damage and helps prevent a user contacting the heating element of the thin-film heater 14. The insulation 16 may be in addition to an insulating layer on top of the heating element of the thin-film heater N. Alternatively, the insulator 16 may be the only insulating layer between the heating element of the thin-film heater 14 and external surface of the hair roller 10. The insulator 16 forms the external cylindrical surface 22 of the hair roller 10. Heat generated in the heater is therefore transferred through the insulator 16 to hair rolled onto the hair roller. The insulator may comprise any suitable material that can sustain being held at a temperature suitable for heat treating hair. The insulator 16 may comprise a plastics material, a metal, or a metal alloy, or a fibrous material, for example. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the insulator 16 is not present and the thin-film heater 14 can form the outer surface of the hair roller 10. Thus, heat will be transferred from the hair roller 10 directly from a surface of the thin-film heater 14.

A thermally conductive layer, which is to act as a thermal spreader layer, may be placed between the thin-film heater 14 arid the insulator 16. For example, the thermally conductive layer may comprise an aluminium shim. The thermally conductive layer may be located between the insulation 16 and any insulating layer on top of the heating element of the thin-film heater 14. A second thermally conductive layer, which is also to act as a thermal spreader layer, may be placed between the thin-film heater 14 and the housing 20. For example, the second thermally conductive layer may comprise an aluminium shim. The first and second thermally conductive layers may be electrically insulated from the thin-film heater 14. As thermal spreader layers, the first and second thermally conductive layers assist the heat distribution evenly across the hair roller surface As illustrated in Figure 2, the hair roller may comprise a temperature monitoring unit 34 that is mounted to the inside of the tubular housing 20 and that measures, or reacts to, the temperature of the housing 20, which is heated by electrically-powered heater in use. In some embodiments, the temperature monitoring unit is instead mounted to, or incorporated in, the electrically-powered heater itself For example, the temperature monitoring unit may be a surface-mounted component of the thin-film heater 14. In some embodiments, the temperature monitoring unit 34 is a temperature sensor that provides a temperature measurement signal. In other embodiments, the temperature monitoring unit 34 is a thermal switch, for example a bimetallic strip, that opens and cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the heater when the desired heating temperature for hair on the hair roller has been exceeded.

As shown in Figure 2, the hair roller 10 comprises a circuit board 50 that supports circuitry connecting certain electrical components of the hair roller 10. Wire harnesses may be used to connect some components to each other and/or the circuit board. For instance, the temperature monitoring unit 34 may be wired to the circuit board The hair roller 10 comprises an electrical connector 18 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The electrical connector 18 is located at the first end 24 of the hair roller 10 but could be located in another suitable position on the hair roller 10. The electrical connector 18 is removably connectable to a supply of electrical energy external to the hair roller 10 so that electrical energy can be supplied to the hair roller 10 through the electrical connector 18 and then delivered to the electrically-powered heater to cause heating of the electrically-powered heater. The electrical connector 18 is electrically connected to the electrically-powered heater so that the supplied electrical energy can be delivered to the electrically-powered heater. Thus, the electrically-powered heater is powered by the external supply of electrical energy. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the I.3 electrical connector 18 is mounted on the circuit board 50, although the electrical connector may instead be separate component.

The electrical connector 18 is configured to cooperate with, and electrically connect with, an electrical supply connector through which electrical energy is deliverable to the electrical connector 18. In cooperating with one another, the electrical connector 18 and electrical supply connector may respectively comprise complementary male and female shapes that facilitate removably connecting the electrical connector 18 and electrical supply connector together. As explained further below, the electrical supply connector may be provided in an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device is configured such that the electrical energy can be supplied when the hair roller is inserted into a section of hair on a user's head. The electrical connector 18 and electrical supply connector may comprise one or more electrical energy transfer pins through which the electrical energy can be transmitted. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 18 and electrical supply connector may comprise additional connector pins that provide for the transmission of other electrical signals, such as control signals that may be exchanged between the hair roller 10 and an energy delivery device as described herein and/or temperature control signals from the temperature monitoring unit 34.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a hair roller power applicator 100 according to the present invention As also shown in Figure 3, the hair roller power applicator 100 may be part of a hair roller kit 200, according to the present invention, and comprising at least one hair roller 10 as described herein and the hair roller power applicator 100. The hair roller kit 200 may comprise a plurality of hair rollers 10 The power applicator 100 is an energy delivery device and comprises a housing 120 that defines an enclosure 121 for containing and protecting certain components of the power applicator 100. The housing 120 has a shape that makes it easy for a user to handle the power applicator 100, for instance to apply electrical energy to a hair roller 10 as described further below. In this instance, the housing 120 has a generally cylindrical shape. The housing 120 may have a diameter of between 25mm and 50mm, for example to match the hair roller 10 diameter. The housing 20 may have a wall thickness of between 0.3mm and 2mm. The housing 20 may comprise a plastics material.

The power applicator 100 comprises an electrical supply connector 102. The electrical supply connector 102 is removably connectable and electrically engageable with the electrical connector 18 of the hair roller 10. For example, the electrical supply connector 102 may comprise a male shape that is connectable with a complementary female shape of the electrical connector 18 to form an electrical connection and electrical supply connector 102 together. Alternatively, the electrical supply connector 102 may comprise a female shape that is connectable with a complementary male shape of the electrical connector 18 to form an electrical connection and electrical supply connector 102 together. The power applicator 100 is configured so that electrical energy can be supplied to the electrical connector 18 through the electrical supply connector 102 when the hair roller 10 is inserted into the hair on a user's head, for example when a section of the user's hair is be wrapped around the housing 20 of the hair roller 10. The electrical supply connector 102 may be configured or shaped so that it is easy for a user to guide the electrical supply connector to connect with the electrical connector 18 when the hair roller 10 is on a user's head, for instance where the hair roller 10 has been inserted into hair at the back of the user's head. In one embodiment, the electrical supply connector 102 and/or the electrical connector 18 may comprise a magnet to aid the connecting of the electrical supply connector 102 to the electrical connector 18. Once the electrical connector 18 is electrically connected to the electrical supply connector 102, the electrical connector 18 can then receive the electrical energy from the electrical supply connector 102 for delivery to the electrically-powered heater.

The power applicator 100 comprises an electrical energy source located within the housing 120 and is arranged to, on demand, supply electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102. The electrical energy source may be an AC or DC power supply.

The power supply may be a low voltage power supply, for example less than 40V. The In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, electrical energy source is at least one battery 112 mounted within the enclosure 121 of the housing 120. There may be two or more batteries forming the electrical energy source. A battery holder is provided in the enclosure 121 to secure the battery 112. In one embodiment, the battery 112 is a high-voltage, high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The battery 112 may comprise a lithium-ion battery pack containing two, three, or four cells, or any suitable number of cells. The battery 112 may provide a voltage of 6V or higher. In one example, the battery 112 provides a voltage of 12V or higher. The battery 112 may have a capacity of at least 5000m Ah. In one example, the battery 112 has a capacity of at least 10Ah. The battery 112 may deliver at least 180W continuous power. In one example, the battery 112 delivers at least 350W continuous power.

Referring also to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the hair roller power applicator 100 according to the present invention, the power applicator 100 comprises a control system 110. The control system 110 controls the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102 and thus to the electrically-powered heater. The control system 110 comprises a user interface 132 through which a user may interact with the control system 110 of the power applicator 100.

As shown in Figure 3, the user interface 132 may be located outer surface of the power applicator 100. The user interface 132 may comprise a set of buttons that allow a user to select such control settings as heating duration and heating temperature for the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller 10. For instance, the user interface 132 may comprise one or more of: an on/off switch, a hair roller power application switch, heating temperature setting buttons, temperature indicators, timer selection buttons, and a display to convey information about the functional status of the hair roller 10. In some embodiments, the user interface 132 comprises a graphical user interface.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the control system 110 may comprise is connectable to the temperature monitoring unit 34 that is part of the hair roller 10. In other words, when the electrical connector 18 of the hair roller 10 is connected to the electrical supply connector 102, the temperature monitoring unit 34 is connected to the control system 110. The connection may be through the electrical supply connector 102. Signals from the temperature monitoring unit 34, such as a temperature measurement signal, may be delivered through the electrical supply connector 102 to the control system 110. The signals may be delivered through additional connector pins.

The control system may comprise a timer unit that is configured to control the duration for which electrical energy is supplied to the electrically-powered heater thereby controlling the heating period of the hair roller. The user interface 132 may comprise a timer interface that allows the user to select the desired heating period. The timer unit may comprise a cut-off switch that opens and cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the heater once the heating period has elapsed.

In one embodiment, the user interface 132 is a power application switch in which placing the switch in an on position allows electrical energy to be supplied to the to the electrical supply connector 102 and thus to the electrically-powered heater. In another embodiment, the control system may comprise the power application switch and a connection to the thermal switch of the hair roller 10. In another embodiment, the control system comprises the power application switch, the thermal switch, and a timer cut-off switch.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the control system 110 may comprise a processor 136 that can execute instructions that cause the processor 136 control certain functions of the power applicator 100, such as the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102 (and thus the electrically-powered heater) from the battery 112. The processor 136 may control and manage the battery 112. In some examples, the control system 110 comprises a storage module 138 that is encodable with instructions executable by the processor 136. The storage module 138 may comprise non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with the instructions in machine readable form. The storage medium 138 may store additional data such as pre-determined desired heating temperatures and durations for hair. The storage medium 138 may store additional data such as desired heating temperatures and durations as set by a user through the user interface 132. The user interface 132 and, when a hair roller 10 is connected via the electrical supply connector 102, the temperature monitoring unit 34 may be connected to the processor 48 so that the processor 136 can send and receive signals to control the functions of the power applicator 100. The processor 136 may comprise timer modules, comparative temperature modules (to compare the actual temperature of the heater with a desired temperature), and electrical energy control (i.e. cut-off control) modules that control the function of the power applicator 100.

As shown in Figure 3, the power applicator 100 comprises a circuit board 150 that supports circuitry connecting certain electrical components of the power applicator 100 Wire harnesses may be used to connect some components to each other and/or the circuit board. For instance, the user interface may be wired to the circuit board.

The power applicator 100 may comprise a charging unit 116 that delivers and controls the flow of electrical energy to the battery 112, for recharging the battery 112, upon connection of a second electrical connector 118 to a charging connector. The charging unit 116 may supply electrical energy to the battery 112 as soon as an electrical connection is made between the second electrical connector 118 and the charging connector. In some embodiments, the control system HO of the power applicator 100 may detect an electrical connection has been made between the second electrical connector 118 and the charging connector and then control the supply of electrical energy to the battery 112 through charging unit 116.

A charging device may be provided to the charge the hair roller power applicator 100 when not in use In some cases, the power applicator 100 and the charging device may be provided separately of any hair rollers 10. In other examples, the hair roller kit 200 may comprise the charging device, the power applicator 100, and a plurality of hair rollers 10. The charging device comprises a second electrical energy source to deliver electrical energy to the power applicator 100 to recharge the electrical energy source.

The charging device comprises the charging connector, as described above, through which the electrical energy from the second electrical energy source is deliverable to the second electrical connector 118.

The charging device may be a docking station 300 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit 200 according to the present invention comprising a plurality of hair rollers 10, the power applicator 100, and a docking station 300. The docking station 300 comprises a receptacle 302 that is able to removably receive the power applicator 100 for charging. The receptacle 302 comprises a charging connector as described herein. The receptacle 302 may be configured to guide the power applicator 100 into a secure position and cause the second electrical connector 118 of the power applicator 100 to electrically engage with the charging connector. For example, the power applicator 100 may be inserted into the receptacle 302 so that the second electrical connector 118 electrically connects to the charging connector and can then receive the electrical energy from the charging connector. The docking station 300 may comprise a power supply cord 322 that permits the docking station 300 to be connected to a mains power supply (i.e. an electrical energy supply), for instance the mains power supply of a user's residence or place of business, to provide the second electrical energy source. The second electrical energy source may be an AC power supply, for example. The docking station 300 may comprise a charging module that distributes electrical energy from the electrical energy supply to the charging connector.

In some embodiments, the docking station 300 may comprise a controller to control the functions of the docking station 300. The controller may comprise a processor that can execute instructions that cause the processor control certain functions of the docking station 300, such detecting the presence of the power applicator 100 in the receptacle and the supply of electrical energy to the charging connector. The controller may comprise a storage module that is encodable with instructions executable by the processor. The storage module may comprise non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with the instructions in machine readable form. In certain embodiments, the controller may control the charging module to control delivery of electrical energy to the charging connector and therefore the delivery of electrical energy to the power applicator 100 for recharging the battery 112. Control signals may be exchanged between the control system 110 and the controller of the docking station 300 so that the control system 110 cooperates with the controller. In some embodiments, the controller of the docking station 300 may control the charging of the battery 112, for instance by controlling the charging unit 116 of the power applicator 100.

The docking station 300 comprises a plurality of docks 302 that are each able to removably receive one hair roller 10. The docking station 300 is also able to store the plurality of hair rollers 10 when not in use. For instance, the docking station 300 may include a lid, not shown in Figure 5, that secures the hair rollers 10 and the power applicator 100 in place in the docking station 300 when the hair rollers 10 are not in use. In one embodiment, each dock 302 comprises a socket into which a hair roller 10 may be inserted. The socket may be configured to guide the hair roller 10 into a secure docking position.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through another embodiment of a hair roller power applicator 100 according to the present invention. As also shown in Figure 6, the hair roller power applicator 100 may be part of another embodiment of a hair roller kit 200, according to the present invention, comprising at least one hair roller as described herein and the hair roller power applicator 100. The hair roller kit 200 may comprise a plurality of hair rollers 10.

The power applicator 100 is an energy delivery device and comprises a base unit 108 and a probe 104 The base unit 108 comprises a housing 120 that defines an enclosure 121 for containing and protecting certain components of the power applicator 100. The housing 20 may comprise a plastics material. As with the earlier described embodiment, the power applicator 100 may comprise a circuit board 150 to support certain electrical components and wire harnesses may be used to connect some components to each other and/or the circuit board.

The power applicator 100 comprises an electrical supply connector 102 located in the probe 104. The probe 104 is connected to the base unit 108 by a power supply cable 106. The probe 104 is therefore easily moved and manipulated, for instance around a user's head, because the probe 104 is not weighed down by the bulkier base unit 108.

The probe 104 has a shape that makes it easy for a user to handle the probe 104, for instance to apply electrical energy to a hair roller 10 as described further below. For instance, the probe 104 may have generally cylindrical shape or handle-like shape at one end and the electrical supply connector 102 located at the opposing end of the probe 104. The probe 104 may comprise a plastics material.

The electrical supply connector 102 on the probe 104 is removably connectable and electrically engageable with the electrical connector 18 of the hair roller 10. In a similar manner to the previously described embodiment, the electrical supply connector 102 may comprise a male shape that is connectable with a female shape of the electrical connector 18 to form an electrical connection and electrical supply connector 102 together. The power applicator 100 is configured so that electrical energy can be supplied to the electrical connector 18 through the electrical supply connector 102 when the hair roller 10 is inserted into the hair on a user's head. The electrical supply connector 102 may be configured or shaped so that it is easy for a user to guide the electrical supply connector 102 to connect with the electrical connector 18 when the hair roller 10 is on a user's head, for instance where the hair roller 10 has been inserted into hair at the back of the user's head. In one embodiment, the electrical supply connector 102 and/or the electrical connector 18 may comprise a magnet to aid the connecting of the electrical supply connector 102 to the electrical connector 18. Once the electrical connector 18 is electrically connected to the electrical supply connector 102, the electrical connector 18 can then receive the electrical energy from the electrical supply connector 102 for delivery to the electrically-powered heater.

The power applicator 100 comprises an electrical energy source located within the housing 120 and is arranged to, on demand, supply electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102 through the power supply cable 106. The electrical energy source may be an AC or DC power supply. The power supply may be a low voltage power supply, for example less than 40V. In certain embodiments, the power applicator 100 may comprise a power supply cord 122 that permits the power applicator 100 to be connected to a mains power supply (i.e. an electrical energy supply), for instance the mains power supply of a user's residence or place of business, to provide the electrical energy source or deliver energy for the electrical energy source. A transformer may be used to bring voltage from mains voltage down, for instance to below 40V. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure, the electrical energy source can comprise at least one battery 112 mounted within the enclosure 121 of the housing 120. The at least one battery 112 can be charged from the mains power supply so that the power applicator can be used in a variety of settings, such as when a mains power supply is temporarily unavailable. It will be understood that the electrical energy source may comprise one or other of the mains power supply or the battery, or a combination of both of these. In one embodiment, the battery 112 is a high-voltage, high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The battery 112 may comprise a lithium-ion battery pack containing two, three, or four cells, or any suitable number of cells. The battery 112 may provide a voltage of 6V or higher. In one example, the battery provides a voltage of 12V or higher. The battery 112 may have a capacity of at least 5000mAh. In one example, the battery 112 has a capacity of at least 10Ah. The battery 112 may deliver at least 180W continuous power. In one example, the battery 112 delivers at least 350W continuous power.

Referring also to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the hair roller power applicator 100 according to the present invention, the power applicator 100 comprises a control system 110 The control system 110 controls the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102 and thus to the electrically-powered heater. The control system 110 comprises a user interface 132 through which a user may interact with the control system 110 of the power applicator 100.

As shown in Figure 3, the user interface 132 may be located outer surface of the power applicator 100. The user interface 132 may comprise a set of buttons that allow a user to select such control settings as heating duration and heating temperature for the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller 10. For instance, the user interface 132 may comprise one or more of: an on/off switch, a hair roller power activation switch, heating temperature setting buttons, temperature indicators, timer selection buttons, and a display to convey information about the functional status of the hair roller 10. In some embodiments, the user interface 132 comprises a graphical user interface.

As with the embodiment described hereinbefore, the control system 110 may comprise a connection to the temperature monitoring unit 34 that is part of the hair roller 10. As illustrated in Figure 7, the connection may be through the electrical supply connector 102. Signals from the temperature monitoring unit 34, such as a temperature measurement signal, may be delivered through the electrical supply connector 102 to the control system 110 The control system may comprise a timer unit that is configured to control the duration for which electrical energy is supplied to the electrically-powered heater thereby controlling the heating period of the hair roller. The user interface 132 may comprise a timer interface that allows the user to select the desired heating period. The timer unit may comprise a cut-off switch that opens and cuts off the supply of electrical energy to the heater once the heating period has elapsed.

In one embodiment, the user interface 132 is a power activation switch in which placing the switch in an on position allows electrical energy to be supplied to the to the electrical supply connector 102 and thus to the electrically-powered heater. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the power activation switch 133 may be located on the probe 104 so a user can easily activate the power supply to the hair roller 10. In another embodiment, the control system may comprise the power activation switch and a connection to the thermal switch of the hair roller 10. In another embodiment, the control system comprises the power activation switch, the thermal switch, and a timer cut-off switch.

As with the embodiment described hereinbefore, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the control system 1 1 0 may comprise a processor 136 that can execute instructions that cause the processor 136 control certain functions of the power applicator 100, such as the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector 102 from the mains supply or the battery 112. In some examples, the control system 110 comprises a storage module 138 that is encodable with instructions executable by the processor 136. The storage medium 138 may also store additional data such as that described previously herein. The user interface 132 and the temperature monitoring unit 34 may be connected to the processor 48 so that the processor 136 can send and receive signals to control the functions of the power applicator 100. The processor 136 may comprise various modules as described previously herein Where necessary, the power applicator 100 may comprise a charging unit 116 that delivers and controls the flow of electrical energy to the battery 112, for recharging the battery 112. The charging circuit 116 may supply electrical energy to the battery 112 from the mains supply, for instance when the power applicator 100 is not in use. In some embodiments, the control system 110 may control the charging of the battery 112, for instance by controlling the charging unit 116 of the power applicator 100.

The base unit 108 may be a docking station as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic view of a hair roller kit 200 according to the present invention comprising a plurality of hair rollers 10 and the power applicator 100. The base unit 108 comprises a receptacle 124 that can removably receive the probe 104 for storage purposes. The base unit 108 comprises a plurality of docks 102 that are each able to removably receive one hair roller 10. The base unit 108 is also able to store the plurality of hair rollers 10 when not in use. For instance, the base unit 108 may include a lid, not shown in Figure 8, that secures the hair rollers 10 and the power applicator 100 in place in the base unit 108 when the hair rollers 10 are not in use. In one embodiment, each dock 102 comprises a socket into which a hair roller 10 may be inserted. The socket may be configured to guide the hair roller 10 into a secure docking position.

As noted above, the hair roller 10 may one of a plurality of hair rollers 10. A user may use one, or any desired number of, hair rollers 10 to shape hair. In use, a user wraps a section of hair on the hair roller 10. Where present, the bristles 28 help to hold the section of hair in place on the hair roller 10. Where present, the fibrous material helps to hold the section of hair in place on the hair roller 10, hi some cases, the user my use a clip to secure the section of hair to the hair roller 10. The hair roller 10 may be cold when inserted into the hair. The hair roller 10 may be one of a plurality of hair rollers 10 that the user inserts into the hair. The user then connects the electrical supply connector 102 of the power applicator 100 to the electrical connector 18 of the hair roller 10 to deliver electrical energy from the electrical supply connector 102 to the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller 10. In the embodiment where the electrical supply connector 102 is in the probe 104, the probe 104 is manoeuvrable around a user's head therefore making it easy to deliver the electrical energy to a hair roller 10 on the user's head. In the embodiment where the electrical supply connector 102 is in the battery powered power applicator 100 as shown in Figures 3 to 5, there is no power cable restricting the delivery of the electrical energy to a hair roller 10 on the user's head. The user may use the power applicator 100 once all hair rollers 10 are inserted into the hair or after each of the hair rollers 10 are inserted. Once connected, and where a further activation process is used, such as turning on the power application switch, the electrical energy source supplies electrical energy to the heater. Once the hair roller 10 has been heated, the electrical supply connector 102 can be separated from the electrical connector 18. The power applicator 100 can then be used on another hair roller 10, if desired.

The electrical energy may be supplied to provide a predetermined heating profile over a heating period. For example, the predetermined heating profile may comprise heating each hair roller 10 by delivering the electrical energy through the electrical supply connector 102 to heat each respective electrically powered heater for between Ss and 12s. For instance, each hair roller 10 can be heated to between 80°C and 125°C for between approximately 10 seconds and 20 seconds. Once heated and the electrical supply connector 102 is separated from the electrical connector 18, the hair roller 10 retains residual heat that continues to heat the section of hair for a period as the hair roller 10 cools down. The user may wait to remove the hair roller 10 until the hair roller 10 cools down over a cooling period that commences once the heating period has elapsed and the supply of electrical energy is disconnected from the electrically-powered heater. For example, the user may wait between 10 and 20 minutes before removing the hair roller 10 from the hair. In one test, it was found that a hair roller 10 wrapped with a 6 gram section of hair, which was 360mm long and 30mm wide, could be heated to 120°C in lOs by applying 270W of power (DC) to the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller 10. After leaving the hair roller 10 in the section of hair for 10 minutes, a good curl was produced.

The control system 110 may control the supply of electrical energy to heat the electrically-powered heater thereby providing the predetermined heating profile over the heating period. For instance, the control system 110 may control the supply of electrical energy to deliver a certain power level to the heater to cause heating over a certain heating period.

For the embodiment of the power applicator 100 shown in Figures 3 to 5, a user may insert the power applicator 100 into the receptacle 302 thereby connecting the second electrical connector 118 of the power applicator 100 with the corresponding charging connector of the docking station 300. Upon electrical connection, electrical energy may be supplied through the second electrical connector 118 to recharge the battery 112 as described herein. The user may insert the power applicator 100 into the receptacle 302, for example, after treating hair with the hair rollers 10 The docking station 300 may be provided with an indicator that indicates when the power applicator 100 is present in the receptacle 302 and the battery 112 of the power applicator 100 is charging. In another embodiment, the user interface 132 of the power applicator 100 may comprise an indicator that indicates when the battery 112 of power applicator 100 is charging. Once charged, a user may remove the power applicator 100 from the receptacle 302 and apply electrical energy to a hair roller 10 to shape a section of hair wrapped around the hair roller 10 to shape the section of hair.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims 1. A hair roller comprising: a housing on which a section of hair on a user's head is wrappable; an electrically-powered heater to, in use, heat the hair roller to transfer heat to the hair wrapped around the housing; an electrical connector, the electrical connector removably connectable to an electrical supply connector of a power applicator, wherein the electrical connector is to, in use, receive electrical energy from the electrical supply connector for delivery to the electrically-powered heater, and wherein the power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can supplied to the electrical connector from the electrical supply connector when the hair is wrapped around the housing of the hair roller.
2. The hair roller according to claim 1, wherein the electrically-powered heater comprises a resistive heater.
3. The hair roller according to claim 2, wherein the resistive heater comprises a thin-film heater wrapped around the portion of housing on which the hair is rolled
4. The hair roller according to claim 3, wherein the hair roller comprises an insulator wrapped around the housing to encapsulate the thin-film heater, and wherein the insulator defines an external surface of the hair roller.
5. The hair roller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair roller comprises a temperature monitoring unit to measure or react to the temperature of the housing or of the electrically-powered heater.
6. The hair roller according to claim 5, wherein the temperature monitoring unit comprises a thermal switch.
7. A power applicator for applying electrical energy to a hair roller comprising an electrically-powered heater, the power applicator comprising: an electrical supply connector, the electrical supply connector removably connectable to an electrical connector of the hair roller, wherein the electrical supply connector is to, in use, deliver electrical energy to the electrical connector for delivery to the electrically-powered heater, and wherein the power applicator is configured so that the electrical energy can be supplied to the electrical connector when a section of hair on a user's head is wrapped around the hair roller; an electrical energy source to supply electrical energy to the electrical supply connector; and a control system to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector.
8. The power applicator according to claim 7, wherein the electrical supply connector is shaped to guide the electrical supply connector to connect with the electrical connector of the hair roller.
9. The power applicator according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the electrical energy source comprises a lithium-ion battery.
10. The power applicator according to claim 9, wherein the battery provides a voltage of 6V or higher, wherein the battery has a capacity of at least 5000mAh, and wherein at least 180W continuous power is deliverable by the battery.
11. The power applicator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the power applicator comprises a second electrical connector and a charging unit, the charging unit to deliver electrical energy from a second electrical connector to the battery to recharge the battery.
12. The power applicator according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the electrical energy source comprises a low voltage AC power supply.
13. The power applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power applicator comprises a base unit and a probe, wherein the electrical energy source is located within the base unit, wherein the probe comprises the electrical supply connector, and wherein the probe is connected to the base unit by a power supply cable.
14. The power applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises a user interface through which a user can set a heating duration and a heating temperature for the electrically-powered heater of the hair roller.
15. The power applicator according to claim 14, wherein the user interface comprises a power application switch.
16. The power applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the control system is connectable to a temperature monitoring unit of the hair roller.
17. The power applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises a timer unit to control the duration for which electrical energy is supplied to the electrical supply connector.
18. The hair roller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises a processor to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrical supply connector from the electrical energy source.
19. A hair roller kit comprising: one or more hair rollers, each hair roller according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a power applicator to apply electrical energy to the hair rollers in use, the power applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 20.
20. A hair roller kit one or more hair rollers, each hair roller according to any one of claims 1 to a power applicator to, in use, apply electrical energy to the one or more hair rollers, the power applicator according to claim II; and a charging device, the charging device comprising: a second electrical energy source to deliver electrical energy to the power applicator to recharge the electrical energy source; and a charging connector through which the electrical energy from the second electrical energy source is deliverable to the second electrical connector of the power applicator, wherein the charging connector is electrically connectable with the second electrical connector.
21. The hair roller docking station according to claim 20, wherein the charging device comprises a controller to control the supply of the electrical energy to the charging connector.