HAIR STRAIGHTENING APPARATUS

Abstract

A hair straightening apparatus is provided. The hair straightening apparatus includes a handle end and a heated application end extending from the handle end and including a heating element and a first set of combs. The hair straightening apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement between individual combs of the first set of combs.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of hair care, and more particularly, to a hair straightening apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many devices have been development to aid in the styling of hair. Hair curlers, or curling irons, impart curls into hair by applying heat to a rod around which the hair is wound. Hair straighteners and smoothers operate using a similar premise, and typically include heat conducting elements between which hair is clamped and pulled through. The heat conducting elements are conventionally flat surfaces. Hair straighteners conventionally use a pair of untextured surfaces for engaging the hair. As a result, the hair can require additional brushing in order to achieve the desired style. Further, hair straighteners are generally configured for use with long hair, while separate devices, such as heated combs, may be configured for use with short hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention relates to an improved hair straightening apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided. The hair straightening apparatus includes a handle end and a heated application end extending from the handle end and including a heating element and a first set of combs. The hair straightening apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement between individual combs of the first set of combs.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a handle end. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a heated application end extending from the handle end and including a heating element, a first set of combs, and a second set of combs. The first set of combs and the second set of combs extend in opposing directions perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated application end. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement with the heated application end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 4, according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the hair straightening apparatus shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals although they are illustrated in different drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A hair straightening apparatus 100 includes a handle end 102 and a heated application end 104. The handle end 102 includes a power button 106, a temperature dial 108, and first and second indicators 110 and 112. The power button 106 is used to turn the hair straightening apparatus 100 on and off, while the temperature dial 108 provides a means to adjust the temperature at the heated application end 104. More specifically, when the temperature dial 108 is rotated in a first direction the temperature at the heated application end 104 is increased, and when the temperature dial 108 is rotated in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, the temperature at the heated application end 104 is decreased. The first and second indicators 110 and 112 are utilized to provide an indication of the power status of the hair straightening apparatus 100 and a temperature set for the heated application end 104. Specifically, the first indicator 110 may be embodied as a magnifying lens that allows a user to view a temperature that is written on a front face of the temperature dial 108 within the handle end 102. As the temperature dial 108 is rotated, a different temperature is viewed through the magnifying lens. The second indicator 112 may be embodied as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is lit with a first specified color when the power status of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is on. The second indicator 112 is not lit when the hair straightening apparatus is off. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second indicator may be lit with a second color, different from the first specified color, when the hair straightening apparatus 100 is off but remains connected to a power source.

Different numbers and configurations of buttons, dials and indicators may be provided in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Further, additional buttons, dials and indicators may be provided with different purposes in the operation of the hair straightening apparatus 100, according to additional embodiments of the present invention.

A grip 114 is disposed at a distal end of the heated application end 104, furthest from the handle end 102. The grip 114 allows a user of the hair straightening apparatus 100 to secure the hair straightening apparatus 100 with a second hand, when the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in use. The grip 114 may be embodied as a contoured projection that is formed from a plastic, or another non-conductive material, so that heat from the heated application end 104 is not transferred to the hand of the user.

A power cord 116 extends from a proximal end of the handle end 102, furthest from the heated application end 104, in order to provide electricity to the hair straightening apparatus 100. The power cord 116 may be disposed at any point on the handle end 102 of the hair straightening apparatus 100 that allows a user to still comfortably hold the handle end 102 of the hair straightening apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top surface of the heated application end 104 includes a first set of combs, which includes a first fine tooth comb 202 and a second fine tooth comb 204. The first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the heated application end 104 and the handle end 102. Further, the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 extend along a majority of the length of opposing sides of the heated application end 104.

A heating element 206 extends within a majority of the length of the heated application end 104. The heating element 206 may be constructed of aluminum and coated in either titanium or ceramic, for example. The heating element 206 is substantially barrel-shaped, and is disposed below the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 such that only a curved top most portion of the heating element 206 extends between the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204. However, the curved top-most portion of the heating element 206 does not extend above a height of the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204.

The hair straightening apparatus 100 is used in the closed position to straighten short hair. When using the hair straightening apparatus 100 for short hair, a user runs the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 through the hair. The hair makes contact with the curved top-most portion of the heating element 206. However, the height of the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204 prevents the heating element 206 from making contact with a scalp of the user. The first fine tooth comb 202, the second fine tooth comb 204 and the heating element 206 of the heated application end 104 act together to straighten short hair. The heating element 206 may be embodied in any shape that allows it to properly heat the short hair when used with the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204, without directly contacting skin of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram illustrates a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom surface of the heated application end 104 includes a second set of combs, which includes a first wide tooth comb 302 and a second wide tooth comb 304. The first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the heated application end 104 and the handle end 102. Further, the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 extend in a direction that is opposite that of the first fine tooth comb 202 and the second fine tooth comb 204. More specifically, the first wide tooth comb 302 is disposed below the first fine tooth comb 202, and the second wide tooth comb 304 is disposed below the second fine tooth comb 204. Thus, the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 are also disposed on opposing sides of the heated application end 104. The first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 extend along a majority of the length of the heated application end 104. The heating element 206 is disposed above and between the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304.

A clamping mechanism 306 is engaged between the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304. The clamping mechanism 306 is in contact with a surface of the heating element 206 between the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304. While the heating element 206 is generally barrel-shaped, in an embodiment of the present invention, the heating element 206 has a flat surface along its length for contact with the clamping mechanism 306. This bottom surface of the heated application end 104 is used to straighten longer hair, as described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 4-7.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism 306 is shown disengaged from the heated application end 104 of the hair straightening apparatus 100. A locking ring 402 is used to disengage the clamping mechanism 306 from the heated application end 104. Specifically, the locking ring 402, which is disposed at an end of the handle end 102 closest to the heated application end 104, is rotated around the handle end 102 to disengage the clamping mechanism 306, such that the hair straightening apparatus 100 is in the open position. When in the closed position, the locking ring 402 is disposed over the clamping mechanism 306. However, when in the open position, the clamping mechanism 306 is permitted to disengage because the locking ring 402 is rotated so that it is no longer disposed over the clamping mechanism 306. More specifically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the locking ring 402 is not a complete ring. An open portion of the ring is rotated such that it is disposed over the clamping mechanism 306, allowing the clamping mechanism 306 to pass through the circumference of the locking ring 402. The bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is able to be used for straightening longer hair when the clamping mechanism 306 is disengaged. Thus, the locking ring 402 controls whether the top surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is used for short hair or the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is able to be used for long hair.

The clamping mechanism 306 disengages from the heated application end 104 in a manner consistent with its attachment to the handle end 102 at a hinge 404. Specifically, when the locking ring 402 is rotated such that its open portion is disposed over the clamping mechanism 306, the clamping mechanism 306 is able to rotate outward at an axis provided at the hinge 404. In an embodiment of the present invention, an internal spring provides a force separating the clamping mechanism 306 from the heated application end 104 and encouraging disengagement of the clamping mechanism 306 when the locking ring 402 is properly rotated. Further, when a user holds the handle end 102, the user is able to control the positioning of the clamping mechanism 306 when disengaged. Specifically, since the hinge 404 of the clamping mechanism 306 is disposed at a distal end of the handle end 102, the clamping mechanism also separates from the handle end 102, though at a lesser degree than from the heated application end 104. The user is then able to control the disengagement of the clamping mechanism 306 from the heated application end 104 or provide a force in a direction for engagement of the clamping mechanism 306 with the heated application end 104, when holding the handle end 102.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrates a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism 306 includes a heat conducting bar 502 that runs a majority of the length of the clamping mechanism 306. The heat conducting bar 502 may be constructed of aluminum and coated in titanium or ceramic, for example. Specifically, the heat conducting bar 502 is disposed on a side of the clamping mechanism that faces the heating element 206. The heat conducting bar 502 runs from an end of the clamping mechanism 306 closest to the handle end 102, to an opposing end of the clamping mechanism closest to the grip 114. However, the heat conducting bar 502 stops short of the grip 114, so that heat is not provided near the grip 114 when the hair straightening apparatus is in use.

The bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus 100 is used to straighten long hair. When the clamping mechanism 306 is in a closed position, the flat surface of the heat conducting bar 502 comes into contact with the flat surface of the heating element 206. After power is turned on and a temperature is selected, heat is supplied to the heating element 206 and then transferred from the heating element 206 to the heat conducting bar 502. When both the heating element 206 and the heat conducting bar 502 are heated, the clamping mechanism 306 is disengaged from the heated application end 104 by rotating the locking ring 402. The clamping mechanism 306 is then positioned beneath a section of hair of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The clamping mechanism may be constructed of a plastic, or other non-conductive material, so that it is not significantly heated from the conducting bar 502 and the heating element 206. The section of hair is then closed between the clamping mechanism 306 and the heated application end 104. The first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304 are inserted into the section of hair. The hair straightening apparatus 100 is then pulled through the section of hair. Thus, the first wide tooth comb 302 is run through the section of hair, the section of hair is heated through contact with the heating element 206 and the conducting bar 502, and the second wide tooth comb 304 is run through the section of hair, thereby, straightening the section of hair.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram illustrates a magnified view of the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism 306 is shown in an open position. As described above with respect to FIG. 4, the locking ring 402 releases the clamping mechanism 306 from the closed position when the locking ring 402 is rotated such that an open space in the locking ring 402 is positioned over the clamping mechanism 306. The locking ring 402 rotates around the clamping mechanism 306 within a locking groove 602. When the locking groove 602 is no longer occupied by the locking ring 402, the clamping mechanism is able to be released from the closed position through the assistance of an internal spring.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrates a front view of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A first guiding post 702 and a second guiding post 704 are shown extending downward from the heated application end 104 of the hair straightening apparatus. The first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704 are substantially parallel and extend in line with the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304, respectively. A third guiding post 706 and a fourth guiding post 708 are shown extending upward from the clamping mechanism 306. The third guiding post 706 and the fourth guiding post 708 are also substantially parallel. The third guiding post 706 and the fourth guiding post 708 are disposed such that they are both between the first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704. More specifically, the third guiding post 706 is disposed adjacent to an interior face of the first guiding post 702, and the fourth guiding post 708 is disposed adjacent to an interior face of the second guiding post 704. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first guiding post 702 is always in contact with the third guiding post 706, and the second guiding post 704 is always in contact with the fourth guiding post 708.

The clamping mechanism 306 is not permitted to open wider than a position in which the first guiding post 702 is adjacent to the third guiding post 706 and the second guiding post 704 is adjacent to the fourth guiding post 708. More specifically, the clamping mechanism 306 may be embodied to open approximately 8-15 degrees. Further, the first, second, third and fourth guiding posts 702-708 are disposed at ends of the heated application end 104 and the clamping mechanism 306 that are closest to the handle end 102. Due to the fact that the first guiding post 702 is always adjacent to the third guiding post 706 and the second guiding post 704 is always adjacent to the fourth guiding post 708, hair is prevented from entering the handle end 102 when the hair straightening apparatus is in use. Further, the clamping mechanism 306 is guided to open and close along a single plane of motion without moving transversely. More specifically, the clamping mechanism 306 is guided to always close such that the heat conducting bar 502 is in contact with the heating element 206.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrates a front perspective view of the hair straightening apparatus of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism 306 is shown in a closed or locked position, with the first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704 extending downward beyond a circumference of the handle end 102, a circumference of the locking ring 402, and lengths of the first wide tooth comb 302 and the second wide tooth comb 304. When the hair straightening apparatus 100 is not in use, or while the hair straightening apparatus 100 is heating for use, the hair straightening apparatus 100 may rest on ends of the first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704. By resting on the ends of the first guiding post 702 and the second guiding post 704, the heating element 206 and the heat conducting element 502 are not in close proximity to the surface upon which the hair straightening apparatus rests.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair straightening apparatus comprising:

a handle end;

a heated application end extending from the handle end and comprising a heating element and a first set of combs;

a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement between individual combs of the first set of combs.

2. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of combs extend in a same direction perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated application end, and wherein the first set of combs run along a majority of the length of a side of the heated application end.

3. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a heat conducting bar that contacts the heating element, when the clamping mechanism is engaged with the heated application end.

4. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heating element is substantially barrel-shaped and runs a majority of a length of the heated application end between and above the first set of combs.

5. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 4, wherein the heating element has a flat surface that faces the heat conducting bar.

6. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking ring, rotatable around the handle end, which disengages the clamping mechanism from the heated application end when rotated to a specified position.

7. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 6, wherein the specified position is a position in which an open portion of the locking ring is positioned at the clamping mechanism so that the clamping mechanism may pass through a circumference of the locking ring and disengage from the heated application end.

8. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

first and second guiding posts extending in a direction perpendicular from lengths of the handle end and the heated application end, and disposed at an end of the heated application end closest to the handle end; and

third and fourth guiding posts extending in a direction perpendicular from a length of clamping mechanism and opposite that of the first and second guiding posts, wherein the third and fourth guiding posts are disposed between the first and second guiding posts.

9. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first guiding post remains in contact with the third guiding post, and the second guiding post remains in contact with the fourth guiding post throughout disengagement of the clamping mechanism from the heated application end.

10. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hinge that allows for engagement and disengagement of the clamping mechanism with the heated application end, wherein the hinge is disposed at an end of the handle end that is furthest from the heated application end.

11. A hair straightening apparatus comprising:

a handle end;

a heated application end extending from the handle end and comprising a heating element, a first set of combs, and a second set of combs, wherein the first set of combs and the second set of combs extend in opposing directions perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated application end; and

a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement with the heated application end.

12. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first set of combs extend in a same direction perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated application end, and wherein the first set of combs run along a majority of the length of a side of the heated application end.

13. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a heat conducting bar that contacts the heating element, when the clamping mechanism is engaged with the heated application end.

14. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heating element is substantially barrel-shaped and runs a majority of a length of the heated application end between and above the first set of combs.

15. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 14, wherein the heating element has a flat surface that faces the heat conducting bar.

16. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a locking ring, rotatable around the handle end, which disengages the clamping mechanism from the heated application end when rotated to a specified position.

17. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 16, wherein the specified position is a position in which an open portion of the locking ring is positioned at the clamping mechanism so that the clamping mechanism may pass through a circumference of the locking ring and disengage from the heated application end.

18. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

first and second guiding posts extending in a direction perpendicular from lengths of the handle end and the heated application end, and disposed at an end of the heated application end closest to the handle end; and

third and fourth guiding posts extending in a direction perpendicular from a length of clamping mechanism and opposite that of the first and second guiding posts, wherein the third and fourth guiding posts are disposed between the first and second guiding posts.

19. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first guiding post remains in contact with the third guiding post, and the second guiding post remains in contact with the fourth guiding post throughout disengagement of the clamping mechanism from the heated application end.

20. The hair straightening apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a hinge that allows for engagement and disengagement of the clamping mechanism with the heated application end, wherein the hinge is disposed at an end of the handle end that is furthest from the heated application end.