HAIR CURLER SYSTEM

Abstract

A hair curler system is formed of unique hair rollers that are stored in a hair curler station. In one aspect, the hair rollers are at least partially conical in shape. The conically-shaped rollers broaden the ability of the rollers to curl and style the hair over non-conical rollers. The conically-shaped hot rollers also provide curl and wave dimension to the hair. The hair curler station is adapted to selectively control heating of the curlers or clips that secure curlers to hair.

Description

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT

This application claims priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/102,314, filed Oct. 2, 2008. Priority of the aforementioned filing date is hereby claimed and the disclosure of the Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A popular method for the curling and setting of a person's hair is to use hair curlers formed of plastic rollers that have been heated. Hot rollers are used on dry hair to create long lasting curl and to minimize frizz in the hair. Hot rollers generally work by rolling the hair over a pre-heated roller. The heat in the roller interacts with the hair to cause temporary reformation of straight hair to rolled or curled hair. A curling iron is another means of curling a person's hair. One advantage of hot rollers over a hot curling iron is that rollers are less damaging to hair than hot irons.

Based on the heat transfer characteristics of the roller, the hair closest to the hot roller rapidly forms a tight curl. Hair that is further from the hot surface of the roller takes much longer to form a curl as this hair receives less heat due to the relatively large distance from the roller. Moreover, hair that is further from the hot surface of the roller also forms into less of a curl than hair that is closer to the hot roller. This is because the hair that is rolled over and over the roller is farther from the heat source (i.e., the hot roller) so the hair that is rolled over and over receives less heat. Moreover, hot rollers produce curl based on size; a wide diameter gives a full, smooth curl, while a thin roller gives a tight, spiral-type curl. Currently, all hot rollers vary in length and width, but are the same diameter from stem to stern.

Numerous hair curler constructions and configurations have been developed over the years in an attempt to meet a wide variety of consumer demands for ease of use and styling alternatives. However, in spite of these numerous constructions, all of the requirements sought by consumers have not been satisfied.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, there is disclosed an improved hair curler system that is formed of unique hair rollers that are stored in a hair curler station. In one aspect, the hair rollers are at least partially conical (or frusto-conical) in shape. The conically-shaped rollers broaden the ability of the rollers to curl and style the hair over non-conical rollers. The conically-shaped hot rollers also provide curl and wave dimension to the hair. The conically-shaped rollers have a wide end and a more narrow end. The variation in size of the rollers can be used to achieve variation in curling style for the hair. When placing the wider end of the conical rollers closer to the scalp, the result is a wavier, fuller, more voluminous look in the hair. When placing the thinner end of the roller closer to the scalp, the result is a tighter formed, textural curl. The curl and style effect can be broadened further by alternating wide end roller and thin end roller next to each other on the hair.

In another aspect, during heating of the roller, heat is applied to the outer surface of the roller as well as to the inner surface of the roller. In conventional roller systems, hot rollers affix to the head by the use of a u-shaped pin or non-heated plastic clamp to secure the rollers to the head. In the system disclosed herein, the roller system use a heated clamping element, such as a heated ceramic clamp. The heated clamping element is positioned over the hot rollers to not only secure the roller to the hair, but to also expedite curl formation by adding heat to a location outside of the curl.

In another aspect, the heated clamping elements can be selectively used with or without the rollers on the hair. Thus, in addition to affixing the heated rollers to the head, the hot ceramic clamps can be used without the rollers to simply create wave dimension or erratic texture when curl isn't wanted or needed. The clamps can be used in a manner where the hair is twisted or rolled with one's fingers while the heated clamp are affixed to the hair. This achieves a new dimension in hair styling.

The rollers and clamps can be stored and heated in a hair curler station comprised of a tower that has storage and heating areas for the rollers and clamps. The tower provides a means of storing the rollers and clamps in an easily accessible location. The tower also provides a means of heating the rollers and clamps.

Various embodiments of the roller system are described below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosed devices and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair curler station that includes a tower that is used to store, heat and access a collection of hair curler elements, such as heated rollers and roller clamps.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the tower without the rollers and the clamps.

FIG. 3 shows the tower with a view of a display screen on the tower.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary roller that can be used with the system.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an exemplary roller that can be used with the system.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary roller clamp.

FIG. 7 shows a lengthwise view of the exemplary roller clamp.

FIG. 8 shows the roller clamp in an exploded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present subject matter is further described, it is to be understood that this subject matter described herein is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used here in is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this subject matter belongs.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair curler station 105 that includes a tower 110 that is used to store, heat and access a collection of hair curler elements, such as heated rollers 115 and roller clamps 120. The tower 110 is adapted to heat the rollers 115 and the clamps 120 so that they can be applied individually or in combination to a user's hair for achieving curls in the hair. The tower 110 can be also be used as a means of storing the rollers 115 and clamps 120 when not in use. The tower 110 includes means for holding the rollers 115 and clamps 120 in positions that are easily viewable and easily accessible by a user. Each of the components of the hair curler station 105 are described in detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the tower 110 without the rollers 115 and the clamps 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the tower 110 is a frusto-conically shaped body having a base that can be rested on a horizontal surface such as a table or countertop. The tower 110 extends upwardly from the base in a manner that prominently displays the rollers 115 and clamps 120 (as shown in FIG. 1) and provides easy access to the rollers and clamps for a user. It should be appreciated that the tower 110 can have any of a variety of shapes not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the tower 110 can be arranged so that it is mounted on a wall such that the tower 110 extends horizontally from a vertical wall surface rather than vertically from a horizontal surface.

The tower 110 includes a plurality of roller receptacles 205 that are configured to removably store the rollers 115 in a manner in which a user can easily access the rollers from the tower. In an embodiment, each roller receptacle 205 is a cavity positioned on the outer surface of the tower 110. Each cavity is sized and shaped to receive a respective roller 115 (as shown in FIG. 1). The roller receptacles 205 can optionally include a post 207 that accepts a respective roller when the roller is positioned in the receptacle. The shape of the cavities that form the roller receptacles can vary. In an embodiment, each roller receptacle is shaped to receive at least one roller such that the roller is inserted into the cavity lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the roller. The receptacles 205 are configured so that heat can be radiated or otherwise transferred from the receptacle to a roller positioned in the receptacle, as described more fully below.

The roller receptacles 205 can be arranged in any of a variety of arrangements or patterns on the tower 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the roller receptacles 205 are arranged in a series of columns that are interspersed around the circumference of the tower 110. This arrangement permits the rollers 115 to be grouped and organized according to the columns. For example, rollers of a particular size can be grouped together in a common column. In an embodiment, there are three sizes of rollers (e.g., small, medium, and large) and the tower 110 includes at least one column of roller receptacles for each size of roller. It should be appreciated that the roller receptacles can be arranged in any of a variety of patterns and that the column arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is merely exemplary. Moreover, the size of each roller can vary.

With reference still to FIG. 2, the tower 110 also includes a plurality of clamp receptacles 210 that are configured to removably store the clamps 120. In the illustrated embodiment, each clamp receptacle 210 is an elongated, vertically-extending slot that is sized and shaped to receive one or more clamps 120 in a stacked fashion (as shown in FIG. 1). Each receptacle 210 includes a rod 215 that extends vertically through the receptacle slot. The rod 215 is arranged such that one or more clamps 120 can be slid down over the rod 215 so that the rod 215 maintains the stack of clamps 120 in a secure position within the clamp receptacle 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of clamp receptacles 210 are arranged around the circumference of the tower 110 although it should be appreciated that other arrangements are possible.

The tower 110 includes internal heating elements that can be activated to apply heat to the rollers 115 and the clamps 120 for heating the rollers and clamps while they are mounted on the tower. The heating elements are positioned inside the tower 115 such that the rollers 115 and clamps 120 are heated internally from the tower 110. When activated, the heating elements radiate or otherwise transfer heat to the rollers 115 and/or the clamps 120 such that they become heated over time. The rollers 115 and clamps 120 heat to a temperature configured to cause hair to curl when positioned on the user's hair. The tower 110 can be made of a heat resistant and/or insulated material such that the tower itself does not get hot during heating of the rollers and clamps.

In embodiment, the heating elements and/or the rollers/clamps include or are coupled to one or more detectors that detect the temperature and adjust the temperature as needed to achieve a desired temperature profile. For example, the detectors can be located on the outer surface or inner surface of the rollers and clamps for monitoring the temperature.

In an embodiment, the heating elements are coupled to the rollers and/or clamps in a manner that permits each of the rollers and/or clamps to be heated independently of the other rollers/and or clamps. For example, the user can heat a single roller to a desired temperature while heating the remaining rollers to a different temperature. This permits the user to vary the heating profile of the rollers/clamps individually of another set of rollers and/or clamps.

FIG. 3 shows the tower 110 at viewpoint of 180 degrees from the viewpoint of FIG. 2. The tower 110 includes a display screen 305 that displays information. The information on the display screen 305 can vary and can include, for example, temperature of the tower and temperature of the rollers and/or clamps. The display screen 305 can also display an indicator that indicates when the heating elements are activated, as well as an indicator that indicates when the rollers and/or clamps are heated to a target temperature. The display screen 305 can also include controllers, such as knobs, buttons, dials, switches, etc. that can be used to control the heating of the tower. For example, the controllers can be used to raise or lower the temperature to which the rollers and/or clamps are heated, as well as controllers for activating or deactivating the heating elements.

With reference still to FIG. 3, in an embodiment the tower 110 also includes a region 305 in which a logo can be displayed. Any of a variety of logos and/or advertisements can be positioned on the region 305. It should be appreciated that the logo shown in the region 305 in FIG. 3 is merely exemplary and that other logos can be used.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary roller 115 that can be used with the system. The roller 115 has a frusto-conical shape such that a first end of the roller has a diameter that is greater than an opposed, second end of the roller. The diameter of the roller 115 decreases gradually moving from the first end to the second end such that the roller 115 has a relatively smooth outer surface. A raised ridge or collar 405 is positioned at each end of the roller 115. The collar 405 extends around the circumference of the roller 405 to help secure hair on the outer surface of the roller as hair is wound around the roller. The roller 115 has an outer surface against which hair rests as it is wound around the roller 115. The roller 115 also includes an internal channel 415 that extends co-axially with the longitudinal axis of the roller.

As shown the side view of FIG. 5, the channel 415 (shown in phantom to indicate that the channel is internal to the roller) does not necessarily extend through the entire length of the roller 115. As mentioned, the roller 115 can come in a variety of sizes such as a small, medium, and large size. The roller has a length L, which can vary to suit various needs. The outer surface of the frusto-conical roller slopes at an angle A, which can vary.

The conically-shaped rollers 115 increase their ability (over conventional, cylindrical rollers) to curl and style the hair. The conically-shaped hot rollers provide increase ability to curl and wave dimension the hair. The variation in diameter of the rollers can be used to achieve variation in curling style for the hair. When placing the wider end of the conical rollers closer to the scalp, the result is a wavier, fuller, more voluminous look in the hair. When placing the smaller end of the roller closer to the scalp, the result is a tighter formed, textural curl.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary roller clamp 120. The clamp 120 has an outer, annular body 605 that is frusto-conical in shape so that the clamp 605 can be positioned snug over a respective roller 115. The body 605 is formed of two clamping members that define an internal shaft 607 that is sized to receive a roller. The body 605 includes a biasing member, such as a spring that maintains the body in a closed state as shown in FIG. 6. A pair of wings 610 extend radially outward from the body 605. A user can apply pressure to the wings 610 for urging the clamping members away from one another to open the clamp 120. When the wings 610 are released by the user, the biasing member causes the clamp members to close toward one another. In this manner, the clamp 120 can be opened to receive a roller 115 or to receive a portion of a person's hair. The clamp 120 is released so that it exerts pressure on the roller and hair to retain the roller to the hair.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the clamp looking toward the longitudinal axis of the clamp 120. FIG. 8 shows the clamp in an exploded state. The clamp 120 can be formed and/or coated with a heat tolerant material, such as ceramic. As shown in FIG. 8, the clamp can have dimensions that vary. In an embodiment, the wings 610 have a length L. The clamp 120 can have a radius of curvature R1 at a first end that is less than a radius of curvature R2 at a second end of the clamp. The biasing member 805 is positioned inside the clamp 120 to urge the clamp toward a closed configuration.

In use, the rollers 115 and clamping members 120 are stored in their respective receptacles on the tower 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The heating elements are then activated to heat the rollers 115 and clamping members 120 to a desired temperature. Advantageously, the tower maintains the rollers and clamps in an easily accessible location and also in a location where the heat from the rollers and clamps will not harm or damage anything. The user can selectively remove one or more rollers and/or clamps from the tower 110 and position them on the user's hair. As mentioned, the rollers can be applied to the hair such that they cause the hair to curl. The rollers are heated such that the surface of the roller radiate heat to the hair that is wound around the roller. The heated clamps can be clamped over the rollers so that the clamps provide heat to the hair that is wound further away from the roller. In this manner, the hair close to the roller as well as the hair further from the roller is heated.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of an invention that is claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. A hair curler system, comprising:

at least one hair roller;

at least one hair clamp sized and shaped to be clamped over the hair roller;

a tower having:

(a) a hair roller receptacle adapted to store the hair roller in a manner that the hair roller is accessible from the tower;

(b) a hair clamp receptacle adapted to store the hair clamp in a manner that the hair clamp is accessible from the tower;

(c) a heating element that transmits heat to at least one of the hair roller and hair clamp when stored in a respective receptacle.

2. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair roller comprises a frusto-conical hair roller.

3. A system as in claim 1, wherein the system includes a plurality of hair rollers.

4. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair roller receptacle comprises a cavity positioned on the outer surface of the tower, the cavity being sized and shaped to receive a respective hair roller.

5. A system as in claim 4, wherein the cavity is sized and shaped to receive at least one hair roller such that the hair roller is inserted into the cavity lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the hair roller.

6. A system as in claim 1, wherein the tower includes at least one column that includes a plurality of hair roller receptacles, each hair roller receptacle configured to store a single hair roller.

7. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair roller receptacle includes a post that receives a hair roller.

8. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair clamp includes an internal shaft that is sized to receive the hair roller.

9. A system as in claim 1, wherein the internal shaft is frusto-conical.

10. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair clamp is adapted to clamp onto hair.

11. A system as in claim 1, wherein the tower further includes a display that displays a temperature of the tower.

12. A system as in claim 1, wherein the hair clamp receptacle an elongated, vertically-extending slot that is sized and shaped to receive one or more hair clamps in a stacked fashion.

13. A system as in claim 12, wherein the tower includes a plurality of hair clamp receptacles.

14. A system as in claim 1, wherein the heating elements are adapted to transmit heat to a first roller independent of another roller.

15. A system as in claim 1, wherein the heating elements are adapted to transmit heat to a first clamp independent of another clamp.