Synthetic Hair Styling Apparatus and Method
Disclosed is a synthetic hair styling apparatus, and a method of using the same to curl or otherwise style synthetic hair. The device includes an electrically heated bottle having an insulated body, a handle, a lid, and a heating unit. The device may be connected to a power adapter so that the heating unit may heat the water contained within the insulated body to a desired temperature. Thereafter, the insulated body maintains the temperature of the water for an extended period of time. The insulated body is constructed to receive strands of synthetic hair therein, so as to wet the hair with hot water without applying excessive heat directly to the hair. The device may be carried via the handle to prevent the user from burning his or her hand. In this way, the present invention provides a convenient and safe method of styling synthetic hair.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/859,477 filed on Jul. 29, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for curling synthetic hair and method of using the same. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved synthetic hair curling apparatus having a hollow cavity that is adapted to heat and insulate hot water therein. The device may be used to curl a wide variety of synthetic hair.
Similar to human hair, synthetic hair is a polymer that is composed of fine plastic fibers, manufactured to look like human hair. In its basic form, synthetic hair is made from low-grade acrylic that is heated and strung into strands to make individual hair fibers. The strands are then laced or tied into extensions and hair pieces. Conversely, the more sophisticated form of synthetic hair is made from fibers of modacrylic, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, polyester, and nylon. Synthetic hair usually comes in weave or single strands for braids. Synthetic hair extensions offer versatility without sacrificing natural hair. Depending on the quality and hair type, synthetic hair can be washed, curled, dyed, or otherwise styled.
Traditional methods of curling synthetic hair with a curling iron, however, are not only time consuming, but they can damage the hair over time. For instance, using a curling iron and applying excessive heat directly to the synthetic hair can cause the synthetic hair to melt. Additionally, applying direct heat can damage the fibers and loosen the wefts of hair from the base of the extensions or hair piece.
The present invention discloses an apparatus for heating water, wherein the same is used for styling synthetic hair. The present invention comprises an insulated body with an open top, and a handle disposed along its exterior surface. The device also includes an insulated cap that is adapted to twist onto the opening of the insulated body, which is adapted to hold water. The device is electrically powered to heat the water to a desired temperature to provide hot water to curl or otherwise alter the texture of synthetic hair. Thereafter, the insulated body keeps the water at the heated temperature for an extended period of time while the user styles his or her hair. The insulated body and the handle prevent the user from contacting the water, thereby preventing the user from scalding his or her hands. In this way, the present invention provides a convenient alternative to traditional method of curling synthetic hair that require users to directly apply heat to synthetic hair.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to electrical thermoses, and further to those emphasizing temperature control to keep food contents at a desired temperature. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices, however, do not disclose a water heating device with the specific purpose of styling synthetic hair. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,455 to Fung discloses an electric thermos jug comprising double-layered insulated body, a safety valve, a lid, a handle, a heating unit, and a base. While the Fung device provides heat near the bottom portion of the insulated body and maintains hot temperature inside the jug for an extended period of time, the purpose and design of the Fung device differ from the present invention. The present invention discloses a wide opening that is adapted to receive synthetic hair therethrough. In this way, the present invention provides of method of curling synthetic hair without directly applying excessive heat, which could damage the hair.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,508 to Miyaji discloses an electrically heated vacuum bottle comprising a jug shaped container having an electric heater and a thermostat disposed along its lower portion. The jug shaped container comprises an inner and outer layer with a vacuum space therebetween. The inner layer comprises the electric heater for heating contents within the inner layer. While the Miyaji device provides a vacuum bottle equipped with a thermostat and an electric heater for boiling or heating water or the like contained therein, the device of Miyaji is limited in the fact that it does not indicate to the user whether the contents of the inner layer are cool or hot. The present invention comprises an illuminating light which indicate whether the water contained in the apparatus is cool or hot. In this way, the present invention provides a safety feature to prevent the user from scalding.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,943,323 to Iannucci discloses a battery operated self-heating thermos container having integral heating that is coiled along the length of the container. The container is insulated so that it is cool to the touch from the outside of the container. The device of Iannucci, however, is adapted to heat food for consumption. Additionally, the device of Iannucci do not comprise a handle, making it inconvenient to carry. In contrast, the present invention provides an insulated heating apparatus that is adapted to provide heat to synthetic hair without damaging the same. Additionally, the present invention comprises a handle with a gripping surface so as to allow the user to easily carry the device while styling hair.
Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 8,344,290 to Hinton discloses a spray bottle fluid heating system having thermostatic control and automatic condensate recovery. The device comprises an insulated spray bottle having a heating element built into the bottle. The device further comprises a base, which provides power to the heating element of the spray bottle when the bottle is connected to the base. While the device of Hinton allows a user to dispense warmed water via a spray nozzle of the bottle, the device of Hinton is limited in the fact that it does not disclose a wide opening that is constructed to receive synthetic hair while it is wrapped around hair rollers or perm rods. As such, the Hinton device requires a user to spray warm water onto the hair, which would be time consuming and inconvenient. Additionally, the water may not be hot enough to effectively curl synthetic hair. In contrast, the present invention provides a thermos that has a wide enough opening to receive at least one strand of synthetic hair that is wrapped around hair rollers or perm rods.
The present invention has a number of advantages over existing methods of curling and styling synthetic hair, in particular in the use of an apparatus for heating and maintaining water at a hot temperature. The present invention discloses a device having a wide opening so that a user can insert synthetic hair into the cavity of the present device while it is wrapped around hair curlers or perm rods of various sizes. Additionally, the present invention is designed to be portable so that the user can unplug the power adapter and carry the device via a handle while styling his or her hair. It is therefore submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing insulated water heating devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of insulated water heating devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new improvement to synthetic hair styling apparatus wherein the same can be utilized for providing a convenient device for the user for heating water to curl and style a wide variety of synthetic hair.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus and method of using the same that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus that curls synthetic hair without directly applying excessive heat to the hair.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a heating unit in an insulated body for heating water and maintaining water temperature therein for an extended period of time.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a wide opening adapted to receive synthetic hair that is wrapped around hair rollers or perm rods.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a safety feature comprising an illuminating light that indicates whether the temperature of the water is hot or cold.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having a rechargeable battery and a plug-in power adapter to increase portability to the user.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved synthetic hair styling apparatus having different temperature settings to accommodate various hair types.
Still yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of styling synthetic hair using a water heating apparatus that curls synthetic hair without directly applying excessive heat to the hair.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the synthetic hair styling apparatus and the method of using the same. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for heating water to curl and style a wide variety of synthetic hair. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to
The outer layer 22 comprises a handle 25 having a gripping portion 26 thereon. The handle 25 comprises a first and a second end, wherein each of the ends are attached to the outer layer 22, forming an elongated aperture between the handle 25 and the outer layer 22 in which the user's hand can be positioned while grasping the handle 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 25 is integrally formed as part of the outer layer 22. In other embodiments, however, the handle 25 may be independently formed and attached to the outer layer 22 via strong adhesives or other attachment means. The gripping portion 26 comprises a heat insulating material such as a molded foam rubber or silicone to provide cushioning and comfort to the user while grasping the handle 25. The gripping portion 26 wraps around the circumference of the handle 25 and spans the middle portion thereof.
The top portion of the inner layer 36 and the top portion of the outer layer 22 form an edge to create an opening 34 having a perimeter. The opening 34 is dimensioned so that a user may insert several strands of synthetic hair into the inner layer 36 while the hair is wrapped around hair rollers, perm rods, or the like. In this way, the user can style hair in a more time-efficient manner. The opening 34 further comprises a threaded element adapted to receive the threaded element disposed along the bottom of an associated lid 23. The lid 23 may be also composed of stainless steel or other suitable material. The lid 23 comprises a rounded top portion 37 and a lower portion 41 that extends downward therefrom. The lower portion 41 comprises a plurality of threaded elements 35 so that the lid 23 may be twisted onto the opening 34 of the container 21. The perimeter of the rounded top portion 37 extends past the perimeter of the lower portion 41 so that the perimeter of the top portion 37 can rest against the upper portion 39 of the container 21, creating a seal. Additionally, the user may grip the perimeter of the top portion 37 to twist open or close the lid 23.
The bottom portion 40 of the container 21 includes a heating unit housing 27 which encloses electrical components therein. The housing 27 comprises a power switch 32 which is mounted for limited movement on the housing 27. The housing 27 may also provide a temperature control switch 44 so that the device may be heated to different temperatures. In this way, the present invention may accommodate various hair texture types. For instance, a higher temperature setting may be used for more coarse or thick hair, or if curlier hair is desired. In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a display unit indicating a heating temperature.
The housing 27 also comprises a light indicator 38 that is used to indicate whether the temperature of the water contained in the inner layer 36 is cooled or hot. More specifically, the light indicator 38 may turn red if the temperature of the water is too hot for handling. Conversely, the light indicator 38 may turn green if the temperature of the water is cooled to allow the user to empty the water contained therein or otherwise clean the device for a later use. Accordingly, the light indicator 38 provides a safety feature, and helps reduce the risk of scalding.
The housing 27 further comprises a port 33 for the power adapter 24. The power adapter 24 includes a first end 30 and a second end 31, wherein the first end 30 comprises an adapter 28 that is constructed to insert into the port 33 disposed on the housing. The second end 31 comprises a plug 29 that is adapted to insert into an electrical outlet, thereby providing power to the electrical components enclosed within the housing 27. The power adapter 24 may be unplugged after water is heated to a desired temperature. In this way, the user may easily carry the present invention without maneuvering around the excess line of the power adapter. Additionally, the power adaptor 24 charges a rechargeable battery enclosed in the housing 27 so that the device may be used when an electrical outlet is not available without inconveniencing the user. Accordingly, the present device may further comprise a display unit indicating a battery level.
Referring now to
The present invention preferably includes a heating element as may be found in a conventional water heating apparatus. More specifically, the heating element 42 may be composed of nichrome (80% nickel, 20% chromium) wire, ribbon, or strip. Nichrome has relatively high resistance and forms an adherent layer of chromium oxide when it is heated for the first time. When the chromium oxide is formed, nichrome will not oxidize, preventing the wire, ribbon, or strip from breaking or burning out. In one embodiment, the heating element 42 may be disposed along the bottom of the inner layer 36 so as to heat the water contained therein from the bottom. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may be disposed along the length of the inner layer 36 so as to heat the water more uniformly throughout. The heating element 42 is adapted to heat water preferably from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 100 degrees Celsius.
The thermostat 45 controls the flow of electrical current to the heating element 42. The thermostat 45 senses the presence of heat, whereby sensing the presence of heat, the thermostat 45 can control electrical current that is sent to the heating element 42. For instance, when the water in the inner layer 36 exceeds 100 degrees Celsius, the thermostat will stop the flow of electricity to the heating element 42. When the water cools to or below 100 degrees Celsius, the thermostat 45 allows the electricity to flow to the heating element 42.
The thermostat 45 also actuates the light indicator 38 so that the light indicator 38 may turn green or red, depending on the temperature of the water contained within the inner layer 36. When the temperature is at or below approximately 60 degrees Celsius, the light indicator 38 may turn green to indicate to the user that the water is sufficiently cooled to handle. Additionally, when the temperature of the water is above approximately 60 degrees Celsius, the light indicator 38 may turn red to indicate to the user that the water has not been sufficiently cooled for safe handling. In this way, the light indicator 38 provides a safety feature to help prevent the user from scalding his or her hands when using the device.
The user can control the intensity of the heat provided by the heating element 42 via a temperature control switch 44. The temperature control switch 44 may allow the user to set the temperature on high, medium, and low settings. For example, the high setting may heat the water to approximately 100 degrees Celsius, the medium setting may heat the water to approximately 72 degrees Celsius, and the low setting may heat the water to 60 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the temperature setting may allow the user to increase or decrease the temperature in increments.
Referring now to
The outer layer 22 is insulated so as to prevent the user from burning his or her hand while carrying the container 21 or while maneuvering the container 21 around different parts of the user's head. Alternatively, the user may grab the gripping portion 26 of the handle 25 so the container 21 is easier to carry than a conventional receptacle without any holding means. The present invention eliminates the need of the user to heat water in an appliance and transferring the heated water into a separate receptacle, which is both dangerous and inconvenient. Additionally, the present invention provides a convenient and effective method of curling synthetic hair without directly exposing the hair to excessive heat, which would damage the hair.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1) A synthetic hair styling apparatus, comprising:
- a cylindrical body having an inner layer and an outer layer;
- each of said inner layer and said outer layer having an open top, and a closed bottom, forming a hollow interior;
- said open top of said inner layer adapted to receive at least one strand of synthetic hair therein;
- said hollow interior of said outer layer adapted to enclose said inner layer;
- said outer layer having a handle;
- a heating unit having an indicator light, a thermometer, a temperature control, a power switch, and a power adapter port;
- a power adapter adapted to removably connect to said power adapter port.
2) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a lid having a rounded top surface and a lower portion extending downward therefrom;
- said lower portion having a threaded element;
- said threaded element of said lid adapted to receive a threaded element disposed on a top portion of said inner layer.
3) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle further comprises a gripping surface.
4) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, said inner layer having a depth that is less than a depth of said outer layer.
5) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said indicator light turns green when said thermometer determines that a temperature of said water is at or below 60 degrees Celsius.
6) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said indicator light turns red when said thermometer determines that a temperature of said water exceeds 60 degrees Celsius.
7) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, said heating unit disposed below said inner layer.
8) The synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, said heating unit disposed along a length of said inner layer.
9) A method of styling synthetic hair using the synthetic hair styling apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:
- filling a synthetic hair styling apparatus with water;
- heating said water to a desired temperature at or below 100 degrees Celsius;
- submerging at least one strand of synthetic hair into said water contained in said apparatus while said least one strand of synthetic hair is wrapped around a hair styling tool;
- soaking said least one strand of synthetic hair in said water;
- pulling said least one strand of synthetic hair out of said apparatus.
10) The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:
- drying said least one strand of synthetic hair;
- unwrapping said least one strand of synthetic hair from said hair styling tool.
11) The method of claim 9, wherein said hair styling tool comprises a hair roller.
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2014
Publication Date: Jan 29, 2015
Inventor: Penina Jobita (Baltimore, MD)
Application Number: 14/273,960
International Classification: A45D 2/36 (20060101); A45D 7/02 (20060101); A45D 6/20 (20060101); A41G 5/00 (20060101);
