MX2008002679A - Hairstyling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a hairstyling device (10) comprising an elongate arm (12) having a hair receiving surface (14). Within the arm (12) there is an air passageway (16) that carries air injected into it by a fan (18). The air passageway (16) has an elongate air outlet (24) which is parallel to the arm (12). The air outlet (24) is configured to blow air along the length of the hair. Attached to the hair receiving surface (14) are bristles (26) to form a brush.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE DESIGN OF HAIRSTYLES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates extensively to a device for the design of hairstyles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hairstyling design often requires drying wet or damp hair. This is traditionally done by directing hot air from a dryer by blasting compressed air onto the hair. However, this process gives the hair a frizzy texture that is not compatible with many desirable hair designs. Curled hair can be avoided a little by brushing the hair while the hair is dried with an air dryer. In addition, the combination of a brush and air dryer can achieve a remarkable variety of desirable hairstyling designs. However, achieving high quality hairstyling designs with the simultaneous use of a hair brush and an air dryer requires an expert operator. This can take many years of training before the operator can achieve a satisfactory level of experience. A hairstyle design that is particularly difficult to achieve using the combination of brush and air dryer is to straighten and flatten the hair. To achieve this style, some professional stylists use chemical straightening techniques, such as "Japanese hair straightening". However, it will be understood that this is an expensive, permanent process that takes many hours and can result in damage to the hair. Other stylists use hair straighteners, also known as straightening irons or hair tongs, which can be used to temporarily straighten hair. Hair straighteners change the structure of the hair by pressing the hair between two surfaces of hot irons. Some hair straighteners are applied to the hair after the air dryer. Others apply to wet hair SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a device for the design of hairstyles comprising: an elongated arm having a surface for receiving hair extending along at least part of the arm; an air passage coupled to the arm and in fluid communication with an elongated air outlet associated with the hair receiving surface, the elongated air outlet being positioned substantially parallel to the arm and configured to blow air substantially along the length of the arm. the length of the hair; and brush means attached to the arm or adjacent to the hair receiving surface. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a device for the design of hairstyles comprising: a pair of pliers including two elongated arms which are lockable with respect to each other, each of the arms having a hair receiving surface; a heating element connected to one of the hair receiving surfaces; an air passage coupled to at least one of the arms and being in fluid communication with an air outlet associated with the hair receiving surface of that arm; air heating means operatively coupled to the air passage to heat the air blown through the passage and exiting through the elongated air outlet; and brush means attached to at least one of the arms or adjacent to the hair receiving surface. Preferably the styling device includes a fan operatively coupled to the air passage to blow air through the air passage and the air outlet. More preferably the fan is installed in a fan case rigidly attached to one or more arms. Alternatively, the fan is installed in a fan box connected to a flexible tube that is a continuation of the air passage. Preferably the device includes an air heater operatively coupled to the air passage. More preferably the air heater is installed in the fan case. Preferably the brush means include one or more rows of flat bristles. Alternatively or additionally the brush means include a brush installed in a rotating manner, the brush being coupled to motor means for driving the brush in a circular motion. Preferably the one or more hair receiving surfaces are loaded springs in relation to their respective arms. Preferably the elongated arms deviate or propel away from each other towards an open position. Preferably the device for the design of hairstyles is of a modular design that includes a handle in which the elongated arm or pair of pliers are releasably connected. Preferably the styling device includes batteries to energize it. Alternatively, the styling device is adopted to be energized by electric conductor power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, several preferred embodiments of the styling device will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device modality for hairstyling design; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the device for the design of hairstyles of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a styling device; Figure 3a shows an elevational and cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a styling device, similar to the embodiment of Figure 3. Figure 4 shows some of the component parts of the device for designing hairstyles of the hairstyle. Figure 3; Figures 5 to 12 show several other modalities of a device for the design of hairstyles, the modalities being similar to the modality of Figure 3; Figure 13 shows another embodiment of a device for the design of hairstyles in which the fan box is connected to the arms by means of a flexible tube; Figure 14 is a perspective view in approach of the arms of the device for the hairstyle design of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view in approach of the fan case of the hair styling device of Figure 13; Figure 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device for the design of hairstyles in use; Figure 17 is a specification sheet of a modality of a device for the design of hairstyles; and Figure 18 is the continuation of the specification sheet of Figure 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES One embodiment of a styling device is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and is generally indicated as 10. The device for the design of hairs 10 has an elongated arm 12 having a flat and generally rectangular hair receiving surface 14 extending along part of the arm 12. The hair receiving surface 14 can be made of ceramic or a metal such as aluminum or plastic. Inside the arm 12 there is an air passage 16 carrying air injected therein by a fan 18 driven by an electric motor 20. In this mode the fan 18 and the motor 20 are installed in a fan case 22 rigidly attached to the arm 12 , also including the fan case 22 heating elements 23 for heating the air. However, in some other embodiments, the fan box is separated from the arm 12 but is connected to the arm 14 by a flexible tube which is a continuation of the air passage 16. The air passage 16 has an elongated air outlet 24 which it is parallel to the arm 12 and extends along the side of the hair receiving surface 14. The air outlet 24 is configured to blow air through the hair receiving surface 14 and thus substantially along the length of the hair 14. the length of the hair placed perpendicular to the arm 12 and on the surface 14. Attached to the hair receiving surface 14 are the bristles 26 to form a brush, although in some embodiments the bristles 26 can be placed along an edge of the hair. the surface 14. The bristles can be made of nylon, wire, metal, copper, bone, plastic, aluminum, pure bristles or any other type of bristle. In some embodiments not illustrated herein, the brush is installed rotatably on the arm 12 and is coupled to an electric motor to drive the brush in a circular motion. The brush is round but can be otherwise such as square. This would help the hair tension. The device for the design of hairstyles 10 is of a modular design and includes a handle or handle 28. This mode of the device for the design of hairstyles is energized by electrical conductors, however it can alternatively be energized by batteries. Another embodiment of the styling device is shown in Figure 3 and is generally indicated as 30. The styling device 30 has a pair of pliers including two elongated arms 32 and 34 which are lockable with respect to one of other. Arms 32 and 34 deviate or propel away from each other in an open position. Each arm has a generally rectangular hair receiving surface 36 and 38. The surface can be constructed for example, ceramic, aluminum or titanium. One or both hair receiving surfaces 36 and 38 are heated by a heating element 40 connected directly below the hair receiving surface 36. Within the arm 32 there is an air passage 42 carrying air injected therethrough by a fan 44 driven by an electric motor 46. The fan 44 and motor 46 are installed in a fan case 48 attached to the arms 32 and 34, the fan case 48 also includes heating elements 50 for heating the air.

The air passage 42 has an elongated air outlet 52 which is parallel to the arm 32 and extends along the side of the hair receiving surface 36. The air outlet 52 is configured to blow air through the air. the hair receiving surface 36 and thus substantially along the length of the hair placed perpendicular to the arm 32 on the surface 36. Attached to the hair receiving surfaces 36 and 38 are the bristles 43 to form a brush, although in some embodiments the bristles may alternatively be placed along one edge of the surfaces 36 and 38. In some embodiments, the brush is rotatably installed on the arm 12 and coupled to an electric motor to drive the brush in a circular movement. This would help the hair tension. The hair receiving surfaces 36 and 38 are loaded springs relative to their respective arms 32 and 34 to apply pressure to the hair positioned between the surfaces 36 and 38 before they close completely. There is approximately 2 mm of available advance in each surface. This mode of a device for the design of hairstyles is energized by electrical conductors, however it can be alternatively energized by batteries. The hair styling device is of a modular design and includes a handle or handle 53 to which the arm 12 or pliers is releasably connected. Figure 4 shows some of the components of the hair styling device of Figure 3. Another embodiment of a styling device, similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, is shown in Figure 3a and is indicated as 31. The characteristics in Figure 3a that are common based on the characteristics in Figure 3 have been numbered identically. The configuration of the elongated air outlet 52 is shown in section A-A of Figure 3a. The air exiting the elongated air outlet 52 is deflected by a reinforcement 53 through the hair receiving surfaces 36 and 38 as indicated by the air flow lines. A characteristic feature of the embodiment of Figure 3a is that the air heating elements 50 are located within the arms 32 and 34. Another distinguishing feature is that the bristles are installed on a detachable band running along the length of the arms. one side of the hair receiving surfaces 36 and 38. The hair styling device has a power cord 33 to connect it to the power of the electrical conductors. Figures 5 to 12 show other embodiments of a device for the design of hairstyles similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4. The reference numerals used correspond to the parts listed in that drawing. Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the styling device generally indicated as 60. In this embodiment the fan case 62 containing the fan, the motor and the heating element is separated from the arms 64 and 66 but is connected to the arms 64 and 66 by a flexible tube 68 for transporting the heated air. Figure 14 shows a more detailed drawing of the arms 64 and 66. Figure 15 shows a more detailed drawing of the fan box 62, which is connected to the energy of the electrical conductors by an energy cable 70. The Figure 16 shows a modality of a device for the design of hairstyles. 80 of the invention in use. The hair 81 is placed between the hair receiving surfaces 82 and 84 and the arms 86 and 88 are closed together to hold the hair. The styling device is then moved along the tensioned hair 82, in a direction generally away from the scalp 90. The direction of the air flow is generally also away from the scalp 90. Importantly, the flow of air is directed substantially to along the length of the hair away from the scalp 90. Figures 17 and 18 are specification sheets for a modality of a device for the design of hairstyles according to the invention. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications to the invention may be made as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly described. For example the hair receiving surfaces may not be a smoothing plate but a velvety plate, a deep-wave plate or a micro-curly plate for curling, pleating, bending, curling, spiraling or straightening the hair. Additionally, there may be means to apply thermal protectors such as lotion to protect the hair during treatment or some other hair product. The brush means may be in the form of relatively rigid comb elements instead of the described bristles. The present modalities should therefore be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. Specification - Hair Styling Device APPENDIX 1 (Reference to Figure 17) 1. General An electric device operated by electric conductors proposed to combine the hair dryer function, hair brush and hot plates for hairstyling designs. The overall look and feel of the unit is to be of high quality with no sharp edges or visible fasteners. 2. Electric 2.1. Capable of being manufactured in both the specification versions of E. U., (110V, 60 Hz) and the specification of Australia / United Kingdom (220-240V, 50Hz). 2.2. Double insulation 2.3. Total energy consumption = 1800 Max 2.4. Fan motor, recommended DC motor encapsulated, type of permanent magnet,. 2.5. Thermal overload protection required in each hot plate as well as in the air heating element. 2.6 Hot air controls, 3 graduations as listed here. 2.6.1. Without air flow, i.e. off 2.6.2. Full speed fan, 50% air heating. 2.6.3. Full speed fan, 100% air heating (outlet air temperature 100 Degrees C min) 2.7. Hot plate heat controls independent of the above controls are simply on and off. The working surface temperature of the hot plate is 160 degrees C min. 2.8. 2 Required air heating elements, one in each "clamp". 2.9. The air heating elements should not be energized unless the fan is running. 3. Mechanic 3.1. Maximum total weight = 750 g 3.2. The total dimensions referred to in the drawings. 3. 3. The tongs must be spring loaded to open at the specified angle. 3.4. The controls should be grooved in such a way that the switch setting can not be changed inadvertently. 3.5. All external surfaces are smooth. APPENDIX 2 (Reference to Figure 18) 4. Pliers Configuration 4.1. Each of the two tongs must have 4 active components in it. Note that the position of these components, in relation to each other, is observed as critical and is shown in the accompanying diagram: 4.1.1. Air heating element located inside the duct as shown in the diagram.

. A hot plate loaded by spring. Spring loading is necessary in order to apply pressure to the hair between the plates before they close completely. Hot plates need to be able to move about 1-2 mm. . Replaceable brush bands. These bands will wear out with use and therefore should be replaced. . A long, narrow, curved duct incorporated into the housing in order to direct hot air towards the adjacent hot plate. Refer to the diagram.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS 1., A device for the design of hairstyles comprising: an elongated arm having a surface for receiving the hair extending along at least part of the arm; an air passage coupled to the arm and in fluid communication with an elongated air outlet associated with the hair receiving surface, the elongated air outlet being disposed substantially parallel to the arm and configured to blow air substantially along the length of the arm; the length of the hair; and brush means attached to the arm or adjacent to the hair receiving surface.
2. 2. A hair styling device comprising: a pair of pliers including two elongate arms that are lockable with respect to each other, each of the arms having a hair receiving surface; a heating element connected to at least one of the hair receiving surfaces; an air passage coupled to at least one of the arms and which is in fluid communication with an air outlet associated with the hair receiving surface of that arm; air heating means operatively coupled to the air passage to heat the air blown through the passage and exiting through the elongated air outlet; and brush means attached to at least one of the arms or adjacent to the hair receiving surface.
3. A hair styling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2 which also comprises a fan operatively coupled to the air passage for blowing air through the air passage and the air outlet.
4. 4. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fan is installed in a fan case rigidly attached to one or more arms.
5. 5. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in claim 3 wherein the fan is installed in a fan housing connected to a flexible tube which is a continuation of the air passage.
6. 6. A hair styling device as claimed in any of the preceding claims which also comprises an air heater operably coupled to the air passage.
7. 7. A hair styling device as claimed in any of claims 5 or 6 wherein the air heater is installed in either the fan case or the one or more arms.
8. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the brush means include one or more rows of flat bristles.
9. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the brush means includes a brush installed in a rotatable manner, the brush being coupled to motor means for driving the brush in a circular motion.
10. A hair styling device as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the one or more surfaces for receiving the hair are spring loaded in relation to their respective arms.
11. 11. A hair styling device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elongated arms deviate or propel away from each other in an open position.
12. 12. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in claim 4 being of a modular design wherein the elongated arm or pair of pliers are releasably connected to the ventilator case.
13. 13. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in any of the preceding claims that is adapted to be energized by battery.
14. 14. A device for the design of hairstyles as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 which is adapted to be energized by electric conductors.