FLAT IRON CONTROLLER

Abstract

The flat iron controller is an item of hairdressing equipment. The flat iron and the personal data device are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The flat iron controller incorporates a flat iron and a personal data device. The personal data device controls the operation of the flat iron. Specifically, the personal data device: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of hairdressing equipment, more specifically, a flat iron (A45D1/00).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The flat iron controller is an item of hairdressing equipment. The flat iron and the personal data device are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The flat iron controller comprises a flat iron and a personal data device. The personal data device controls the operation of the flat iron. Specifically, the personal data device: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the flat iron controller will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the flat iron controller in detail, it is to be understood that the flat iron controller is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the flat iron controller.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the flat iron controller. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3.

The flat iron controller 100 (hereinafter invention) is an item of hairdressing equipment. The invention 100 comprises a flat iron 101 and a personal data device 102. The flat iron 101 and the personal data device 102 are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The flat iron 101 is a heated device used to straighten hair. The personal data device 102 controls the operation of the flat iron 101. Specifically, the personal data device 102: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron 101; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron 101.

The personal data device 102 is a programmable electrical device that provides data management and communication services through one or more functions referred to as an application 121. The application 121 is a set of logical operating instructions that are performed by the personal data device 102. The addition of an application 121 will provide increased functionality for the personal data device 102. This disclosure assumes that an application 121 exists for the purpose of interacting with the invention 100. Methods to design and implement an application 121 on a personal data device 102 are well known and documented in the electrical arts.

The flat iron 101 is an item of hairdressing equipment. The flat iron 101 is a heated device. The flat iron 101 applies heat to the hair of a person such that any curl in the hair of the person is flattened out. The flat iron 101 comprises a heating element 111 and a control circuit 112.

The heating element 111 is an electrically resistive circuit element. The heating element 111 converts electric energy in the form of electric current into heat. The heating element 111 is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The heating element 111 generates the heat necessary to properly operate the flat iron 101.

The control circuit 112 is an electric circuit. The control circuit 112 controls the operation of the invention 100 by controlling the operation of the heating element 111. The control circuit 112 controls the heating element 111 by controlling the flow of electric energy through the heating element 111. The control circuit 112 controls the temperature of the heating element 111 using a feedback mechanism. Specifically, the control circuit 112 measures the temperature of the heating element 111. The control circuit 112 compares the measured temperature of the heating element 111 with a desired temperature of the heating element 111. The personal data device 102 transmits the desired temperature of the heating element 111 to the control circuit 112 using the wireless communication link 135. The control circuit 112 adjusts the amount of electric energy that flows through the heating element 111 to maintain the desired temperature.

The control circuit 112 is an independently powered electric circuit. By independently powered is meant that the control circuit 112 can operate without an electrical connection to an external power source 154.

The control circuit 112 comprises a logic module 131, a communication module 132, a transistor 133, and a power circuit 134. The logic module 131, the communication module 132, the transistor 133, and the power circuit 134 are electrically interconnected. The logic module 131 further comprises a temperature sensor 136. The temperature sensor 136 electrically connects to the logic module 131. The communication module 132 further comprises a wireless communication link 135. The wireless communication link 135 forms a communication link with the personal data device 102.

The logic module 131 is a readily and commercially available programmable electronic device that is used to manage, regulate, and operate the control circuit 112. The communication module 132 is a wireless electronic communication device that allows the logic module 131 to wirelessly communicate with a personal data device 102. Specifically, the communication module 132 establishes the wireless communication link 135 between the control circuit 112 and the personal data device 102. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure the communication module 132 supports a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of a WiFi™ protocol or a Bluetooth™ protocol.

The personal data device 102 instructs the logic module 131: a) to initiate the operation of the flat iron 101; and, b) the desired operating temperature at which to maintain the flat iron 101. The logic module 131 transmits the current operating temperature of the flat iron 101 to the personal data device 102.

The logic module 131 monitors the temperature sensor 136 to determine the temperature of the heating element 111. The logic module 131 controls the operation of the heating element 111 by controlling the flow of electric energy through the transistor 133. Specifically, the logic module 131 actuates the transistor 133 between operating as an open switch and operating as a closed switch to control the electric energy flowing through the heating element 111. The logic module 131 actuates the transistor 133 by controlling the electric current flowing into the base 143 of the transistor 133. The logic module 131 controls the temperature of the heating element 111 by controlling the electric current flowing into the base 143 of the transistor 133. The temperature sensor 136 is a sensor. The temperature sensor 136 electrically connects to the logic module 131. The temperature sensor 136 transmits an electric signal to the logic module 131. The logic module 131 uses the transmitted electric signal to determine the actual temperature of the heating element 111.

The transistor 133 is a three terminal electrical device. The transistor 133 operates as an electrically controlled switch. The transistor 133 physically controls the flow of electric energy from the power circuit 134 into the heating element 111. The logic module 131 controls the operation of the transistor 133. The transistor 133 further comprises a collector 141, an emitter 142, and a base 143.

The transistor 133 operates as a switch. When a voltage is applied to the base 143, current will flow into the base 143 and the transistor 133 will act like a closed switch allowing current to flow from the collector 141 to the emitter 142. When the voltage is removed from the base 143, the transistor 133 will act like an open switch disrupting current flow from the collector 141 to the emitter 142. The emitter 142 electrically connects to the heating element 111 such that when the logic module 131 transmits an electric current into the base 143, the transistor 133 allows electric current to flow from the power circuit 134 into the heating element 111. The transistor 133, the collector 141, the emitter 142, and the base 143 are defined elsewhere in this disclosure.

The power circuit 154 is an electrical circuit. The power circuit 154 powers the operation of the control circuit 112. The power circuit 154 is an electrochemical device. The power circuit 154 converts chemical potential energy into the electrical energy required to power the control circuit 112. The power circuit 134 comprises a battery 151, a diode 152, a charging port 153, and an external power source 154. The external power source 154 further comprises a charging plug 155. The battery 151, the diode 152, the charging port 153, the external power source 154, and the charging plug 155 are electrically interconnected. The battery 151 further comprises a first positive terminal 161 and a first negative terminal 171. The external power source 154 further comprises a second positive terminal 162 and a second negative terminal 172.

The battery 151 is an electrochemical device. The battery 151 converts chemical potential energy into the electrical energy used to power the control circuit 112. The battery 151 is a commercially available rechargeable battery 151. The chemical energy stored within the rechargeable battery 151 is renewed and restored through the use of the charging port 153. The charging port 153 is an electrical circuit that reverses the polarity of the rechargeable battery 151 and provides the energy necessary to reverse the chemical processes that the rechargeable battery 151 initially used to generate the electrical energy. This reversal of the chemical process creates a chemical potential energy that will later be used by the rechargeable battery 151 to generate electricity.

The charging port 153 forms an electrical connection to an external power source 154 using a charging plug 155. The charging plug 155 forms a detachable electrical connection with the charging port 153. The charging port 153 receives electrical energy from the external power source 154 through the charging plug 155. The diode 152 is an electrical device that allows current to flow in only one direction. The diode 152 installs between the rechargeable battery 151 and the charging port 153 such that electricity will not flow from the first positive terminal 161 of the rechargeable battery 151 into the second positive terminal 162 of the external power source 154. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the external power source 154, the charging plug 155, and the charging port 153 are compatible with USB power requirements.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Application or App: As used in this disclosure, an application or app is a self-contained piece of software that is especially designed or downloaded for use with a personal data device.

Battery: As used in this disclosure, a battery is a chemical device consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power. Batteries are commonly defined with a positive terminal and a negative terminal.

Bluetooth™: As used in this disclosure, Bluetooth™ is a standardized communication protocol that is used to wirelessly interconnect electronic devices.

Communication Link: As used in this disclosure, a communication link refers to the structured exchange of data between two objects.

Control Circuit: As used in this disclosure, a control circuit is an electrical circuit that manages and regulates the behavior or operation of a device.

Diode: As used in this disclosure, a diode is a two terminal semiconductor device that allows current flow in only one direction. The two terminals are called the anode and the cathode. Electric current is allowed to pass from the anode to the cathode.

External Power Source: As used in this disclosure, an external power source is a source of the energy that is externally provided to enable the operation of the present disclosure. Examples of external power sources include, but are not limited to, electrical power sources and compressed air sources.

Feedback: As used in this disclosure, feedback refers to a system, including engineered systems, or a subsystem further comprising an “input” and an “output” wherein the difference between the output of the engineered system or subsystem and a reference is used as, or fed back into, a portion of the input of the system or subsystem. Examples of feedback in engineered systems include, but are not limited to, a fluid level control device such as those typically used in a toilet tank, a cruise control in an automobile, a fly ball governor, a thermostat, and almost any electronic device that comprises an amplifier. Feedback systems in nature include, but are not limited to, thermal regulation in animals and blood clotting in animals (wherein the platelets involved in blood clotting release chemical to attract other platelets).

Flat Iron: As used in this disclosure, a flat iron is a device that uses heat to straighten hair.

Heating Element: As used in this disclosure, a heating element is a resistive wire that is used to convert electrical energy into heat. Common metal combinations used to form heat elements include a combination of nickel and Chromium (typical: 80/20), a combination of iron, chromium and aluminum (typical 70/25/5), a combination of copper, nickel, iron, and manganese (typical 66/30/2/2) (use for continuously hot), and platinum.

Logic Module: As used in this disclosure, a logic module is a readily and commercially available electrical device that accepts digital and analog inputs, processes the digital and analog inputs according to previously specified logical processes and provides the results of these previously specified logical processes as digital or analog outputs. The disclosure allows, but does not assume, that the logic module is programmable.

PDD: As used in this disclosure, PDD is an acronym for personal data device.

Personal Data Device: As used in this disclosure, a personal data device is a handheld logical device that is used for managing personal information and communication. Examples of personal data device include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, tablets, and smartphones. See logical device

Plug: As used in this disclosure, a plug is an electrical termination that electrically connects a first electrical circuit to a second electrical circuit or a source of electricity. As used in this disclosure, a plug will have two or three metal pins.

Port: As used in this disclosure, a port is an electrical termination that is used to connect a first electrical circuit to a second external electrical circuit. In this disclosure, the port is designed to receive a plug.

Resistance: As used in this disclosure, resistance refers to the opposition provided by an electrical circuit (or circuit element) to the electrical current created by a DC voltage is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element). The term impedance is often used for resistance when referring to an AC voltage that is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element).

Resistor: As used in this disclosure, a resistor is a well-known and commonly available electrical device that presents a resistance that inhibits the flow of electricity through an electric circuit. Within an electric circuit processing alternating currents, the resistor will not affect the phase of the alternating current. A current flowing through a resistor will create a voltage across the terminals of the resistor.

Sensor: As used in this disclosure, a sensor is a device that receives and responds in a predetermined way to a signal or stimulus. As further used in this disclosure, a threshold sensor is a sensor that generates a signal that indicates whether the signal or stimulus is above or below a given threshold for the signal or stimulus.

Temperature: As used in this disclosure, temperature refers to a relative measure of the kinetic and vibrational energy contained in the atoms and molecules of a first object (or system) relative to the kinetic and vibrational energy contained in the atoms and molecules of a second object (or system). When two objects (or systems) are in thermal equilibrium, the temperature of the two objects (or systems) is the same.

Transistor: As used in this disclosure, a transistor is a general term for a three terminal semiconducting electrical device that is used for electrical signal amplification and electrical switching applications. There are several designs of transistors. A common example of a transistor is an NPN transistor that further comprises a collector terminal, an emitter terminal, and a base terminal and which consists of a combination of two rectifying junctions (a diode is an example of a rectifying junction). Current flowing from the collector terminal through the emitter terminal crosses the two rectifier junctions. The amount of the electric current crossing the two rectified junctions is controlled by the amount of electric current that flows through the base terminal. This disclosure assumes the use of an NPN transistor. This assumption is made solely for the purposes of simplicity and clarity of exposition. Those skilled in the electrical arts will recognize that other types of transistors, including but not limited to, field effect transistors and PNP transistors, can be substituted for an NPN transistor without undue experimentation.

USB: As used in this disclosure, USB is an acronym for Universal Serial Bus which is an industry standard that defines the cables, the connectors, the communication protocols and the distribution of power required for interconnections between electronic devices. The USB standard defines several connectors including, but not limited to, USB-A, USB-B, mini-USB, and micro USB connectors. A USB cable refers to a cable that: 1) is terminated with USB connectors; and, 2) that meets the data transmission standards of the USB standard.

WiFi™: As used in this disclosure, WiFi™ refers to the physical implementation of a collection of wireless electronic communication standards commonly referred to as IEEE 802.11x.

Wireless: As used in this disclosure, wireless is an adjective that is used to describe a communication channel between two devices that does not require the use of physical cabling.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in FIGS. 1 through 3 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 invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flat iron controller comprising

a flat iron and a personal data device;

wherein the personal data device controls the operation of the flat iron;

wherein the flat iron is a heated device.

2. The flat iron controller according to claim 1 wherein the personal data device: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron.

3. The flat iron controller according to claim 2

wherein the flat iron is a heated device;

wherein the flat iron applies heat to the hair of a person such that any curl in the hair of the person is flattened out.

4. The flat iron controller according to claim 3

wherein the flat iron comprises a heating element and a control circuit;

wherein the control circuit controls the operation of the heating element.

5. The flat iron controller according to claim 4

wherein the heating element is an electrically resistive circuit element;

wherein the heating element converts electric energy in the form of electric current into heat.

6. The flat iron controller according to claim 5

wherein the control circuit is an electric circuit;

wherein the control circuit controls the operation of the flat iron controller by controlling the operation of the heating element;

wherein the control circuit controls the heating element by controlling the flow of electric energy through the heating element.

7. The flat iron controller according to claim 6

wherein the control circuit measures the temperature of the heating element;

wherein the control circuit compares the measured temperature of the heating element with a desired temperature of the heating element;

wherein the personal data device transmits the desired temperature of the heating element to the control circuit using the wireless communication link;

wherein the control circuit adjusts the amount of electric energy that flows through the heating element to maintain the desired temperature.

8. The flat iron controller according to claim 7

wherein the control circuit is an independently powered electric circuit;

wherein by independently powered is meant that the control circuit can operate without an electrical connection to an external power source.

9. The flat iron controller according to claim 8

wherein the control circuit comprises a logic module, a communication module, a transistor, and a power circuit;

wherein the logic module, the communication module, the transistor, and the power circuit are electrically interconnected;

wherein the communication module further comprises a wireless communication link;

wherein the wireless communication link forms a communication link with the personal data device.

10. The flat iron controller according to claim 9

wherein the logic module further comprises a temperature sensor;

wherein the temperature sensor is a sensor;

wherein the temperature sensor electrically connects to the logic module;

wherein the temperature sensor transmits an electric signal to the logic module;

wherein the logic module uses the transmitted electric signal to determine the actual temperature of the heating element.

11. The flat iron controller according to claim 10

wherein the power circuit comprises a battery, a diode, a charging port, and an external power source;

wherein the external power source further comprises a charging plug;

wherein the battery, the diode, the charging port, the external power source, and the charging plug are electrically interconnected;

wherein the battery further comprises a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal;

wherein the external power source further comprises a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal.

12. The flat iron controller according to claim 11

wherein the logic module is a programmable electronic device;

wherein the communication module is a wireless electronic communication device that allows the logic module to wirelessly communicate with a personal data device;

wherein the communication module establishes the wireless communication link between the control circuit and the personal data device.

13. The flat iron controller according to claim 12

wherein the personal data device instructs the logic module: a) to initiate the operation of the flat iron; and, b) the desired operating temperature at which to maintain the flat iron;

wherein the logic module transmits the current operating temperature of the flat iron to the personal data device;

wherein the logic module monitors the temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the heating element;

wherein the logic module controls the operation of the heating element by controlling the flow of electric energy through the transistor.

14. The flat iron controller according to claim 13

wherein the logic module actuates the transistor between operating as an open switch and operating as a closed switch to control the electric energy flowing through the heating element;

wherein the logic module actuates the transistor by controlling the electric current flowing into the base of the transistor;

wherein the logic module controls the temperature of the heating element by controlling the electric current flowing into the base of the transistor.

15. The flat iron controller according to claim 14

wherein the transistor is a three terminal electrical device;

wherein the transistor operates as an electrically controlled switch;

wherein the transistor physically controls the flow of electric energy from the power circuit into the heating element;

wherein the logic module controls the operation of the transistor;

wherein the transistor further comprises a collector, an emitter, and a base;

wherein the transistor operates as a switch;

wherein when a voltage is applied to the base, current will flow into the base and the transistor will act like a closed switch allowing current to flow from the collector to the emitter;

wherein the emitter electrically connects to the heating element such that when the logic module transmits an electric current into the base, the transistor allows electric current to flow from the power circuit into the heating element.

16. The flat iron controller according to claim 15

wherein the power circuit is an electrical circuit;

wherein the power circuit powers the operation of the control circuit;

wherein the power circuit is an electrochemical device;

wherein the power circuit converts chemical potential energy into the electrical energy required to power the control circuit.

17. The flat iron controller according to claim 15

wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery;

wherein the charging port is an electrical circuit that reverses the polarity of the rechargeable battery;

wherein the charging port forms an electrical connection to an external power source using a charging plug;

wherein the charging plug forms a detachable electrical connection with the charging port;

wherein the charging port receives electrical energy from the external power source through the charging plug.

18. The flat iron controller according to claim 17

wherein the diode is an electrical device that allows current to flow in only one direction;

wherein the diode installs between the rechargeable battery and the charging port such that electricity will not flow from the first positive terminal of the rechargeable battery into the second positive terminal of the external power source.