MOBILE HEATED HAIR CONDITIONING DEVICE

Abstract

A hair heating device is presented, which provides a solution to the problem of allowing a person to move around while heat conditioning one's hair. The heating cap has a heating element embedded in the cap with a layer of heat distributing insulation between the heating element and the head of the user, and a pocket in the cap to hold a battery pack to power the heating element. Generally speaking, the components are configured as follows: the hair cap has the heating element internally attached between a first layer of fabric and a second layer of fabric. The battery pack is detachably connected through an inside pocket of the heating cap to the heating element. The heating cap provides an improved way to heat conditioning hair (which helps produce healthier and shinier hair) while utilizing the heat generated by the battery and allowing the user to move about freely.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/218,599 filed on Jul. 6, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DESCRIPTIONS

The present description includes one or more non-limiting embodiments for a heating cap for hair conditioning treatments to soften and condition hair.

BACKGROUND

Certain conditioning treatments for hair, in particular deep conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, can either require heat to be provided or provide better results when heat is provided while the conditioning treatment is in the hair. Hair salons have large pieces of equipment to provide heating and cooling to hair, can afford the cost of purchasing and maintaining such large pieces of equipment, and have the necessary space for conveniently storing such large heating equipment. Notably, most people cannot afford to buy such expensive pieces of equipment or to spend time in one location for long periods of time for a conditioning treatment, even though it is recommended that people use deep conditioning treatments on a regular basis to provide softer, healthier, and more manageable hair.

Deep conditioning is a procedure in which hair is coated and treated with nourishing products that provide necessary hydration and soften the hair. Deep conditioning treatments restore the hair's moisture, strengthens the hair, and reduces the damage caused to it by chemicals and styling products. The benefits of deep conditioning are sped up when heat is applied. The use of heat with deep conditioning treatments may range anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes to more than one hour (depending on the hair and type of deep conditioner) in order to receive the full benefit of the deep conditioning treatment. The combination of heat and time allows the deep conditioners to penetrate through each strand of hair to provide more noticeable and desirable results.

To remedy this problem, attempts have been made to create a hair conditioning cap that can be used at home. Some of the devices that are currently on the market have an external power source that plugs into the wall in which the user is in effect connected to the electrical outlet, making it difficult for the user to move around while using the device. Other devices have an external battery that is external to the heated hair conditioning cap whereby the external battery can be electrically connected to the cap. The battery's internal resistance will generate a significant amount of heat while draining energy from the battery. The heat generated by the battery while outside the cap is completely wasted and does not contribute to the heating of the user's hair and conditioning treatment.

Further, many devices have a stiff cap that does not conform to the shape of the head of the user. Caps that do not conform to the user's head can easily lose heat through gaps between the head of the user and the cap and easily fall off the user's head.

Accordingly, there is still a need for an improved heating cap to provide the benefits of heated deep conditioning to strengthen, soften, and hydrate one's hair while allowing a user to be mobile during the deep conditioning process. Further, it is desirable that the hair conditioning cap can be used in a shower or bathtub during the conditioning process without risking safety of the user.

SUMMARY

The present description includes one or more non-limiting embodiments for a system for a heated hair conditioning cap comprising a battery, wherein the battery is rechargeable and portable. The heating cap further includes a cap body including a top layer coupled to the remainder of the cap body comprising an exterior layer that is secured to an interior layer, and an elastic band extending around a lower perimeter of the cap body, whereby the cap body further comprises an internal cavity configured to receive a user's head.

The cap body includes an internal pocket that is accessible from the interior layer, wherein the internal pocket is sized and arranged to secure the battery, wherein the internal pocket is located between the exterior layer and the interior layer of the cap body, wherein the cap body is sized and arranged to be worn over a user's hair on the user's head. The cap further includes a heating element configured to electrically connect to the battery to distribute heat through the heating hair conditioning cap. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cap includes a top layer that covers the heating element, and the top layer is attached (e.g., sewn, glued, fastened, etc.) to the bottom half or remainder of the heating cap. The heating cap can have a protective outer cover and may be made of one or more metal wires that conduct heat. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating cap is configured to provide at least three different heating levels. Further, the heating element is a single unit having a cord that removably connects to an outlet on the battery, wherein the cord of the heating element is located and accessible from the internal pocket.

The present description further includes a method of using the heating hair conditioning cap, which includes providing the heated hair conditioning cap as described above and herein. Further, the method may include charging the battery for a sufficient period of time.

After charging the battery for a sufficient period of time, the method may include connecting the battery through the internal pocket of the heated hair conditioning cap and applying a deep conditioner for use with a deep conditioning treatment to the user's hair. The method may further include powering on the heated hair conditioning cap and placing the heated hair conditioning cap on the user's head. The method may further include leaving the heated hair conditioning cap on for a desired amount of time up to a maximum heating time as provided by a necessary charge time of the battery and powering off the heated hair conditioning cap and removing from the user's head. The method may further include disconnecting the battery, removing the battery from the internal pocket, and recharging the battery for any future use of the heated air conditioning cap.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a heated hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the heated hair conditioning cap with the heated hair conditioning cap turned inside out.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the heated hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the heated hair conditioning cap with internal components of the hair conditioning cap shown through an external fabric of the cap.

FIG. 5 depicts a partial exploded view of a heated air conditioning cap.

FIG. 6 depicts another view of a heating element of the heated air conditioning cap.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic view of a circuit for the heated hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 8A depicts an example of a heating hair conditioning cap with a waterproof top layer.

FIG. 8B depicts an example of a heating hair conditioning cap without a waterproof top layer.

FIG. 9 depicts an underside of the heating hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary internal pocket accessible from an underside of the heating hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 11 depicts a cord from the heating element protruding from an internal pocket accessible from an underside of the heating hair conditioning cap.

FIG. 12 depicts the cord from the internal pocket accessible from an underside of the heating hair conditioning cap connected to a removable and chargeable battery.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary flowchart with an exemplary method of using the heating hair conditioning cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description includes embodiments for a heated hair conditioning cap. The heated hair conditioning cap as described herein in one or more non-limiting embodiments is capable of turning on and off and is mobile so that the user is not required to stay in a certain area when using the cap. A rechargeable battery pack, located within an internal pocket contained by an inner layer of the cap, enables the user to keep the cap heated while being able to be mobile (i.e., not stuck or attached to a heating device that needs charging via an electrical outlet in order for heat to be distributed through the heating cap). Accordingly, the battery pack may need to be recharged or replaced occasionally when the cap is not in use. Further details are provided with respect to the Figures.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a front view of a heated hair conditioning cap (or cap) 102. The heated hair conditioning cap 102 (also described herein as “cap”) may include one or more layers forming the shape of the cap 102. The layers may include at least an exterior layer 106, an interior layer 110, and an elastic band 108 sewn together with a gap or space between the exterior layer 106 and the interior layer 110. The cap 102 may further include an interior cavity 120 designed to fit over a head of a user. FIG. 2 shows the cap 102 shown in FIG. 1 but flipped inside out.

FIG. 5, additionally shows a non-limiting embodiment in which there is a top layer 502 that is separately attachable (e.g., via sewing, glue, fasteners, etc.) to the remainder or bottom portion 504 of the cap 102. The top layer 502 in FIG. 5 is intended to fit over the heating element 402 that is embedded between the top layer 502 which is then attached to the remainder or bottom portion 504 of the cap 102 as shown in FIG. 5. The top layer 502 may be adjoined to the bottom portion 504 at seam 506 as shown in FIG. 5 and in FIGS. 8A-8B. In a non-limiting embodiment, the top layer 502 is sewn or stitched to the remainder 504 portion of the cap 102. In other embodiments, the top layer 502 may be glued or attached via adhesive. In other embodiments, there may fasteners used to attach the top layer 502 to the bottom layer 504 of the cap 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the exterior layer 106 including the top layer 502 and the interior layer 110 are all made up of a type of fabric so that the layers 106, 502, 110 are soft, flexible, and pliable.

In particular, in a non-limiting embodiment, the cap 102 may have multiple layers, whereby the cap 102 comprises a first portion of the exterior layer 106 which comprises the top layer 502 and the outer exterior layer 106 of the remainder or bottom portion 504 of the cap 102. In such an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the interior layer 110 may be located within the interior or underside of the remainder or bottom portion 504 of the cap 102.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the interior layer 110 and the exterior layer 106 of the cap 102 as shown herein may be made from cotton, silk, satin, microfiber, or other woven fabrics. The exterior layer 106 may be thicker than the interior layer 110 or vice versa in one or more non-limiting embodiments. The exterior layer 106 may act to insulate the cap 102 to prevent heat loss. The interior layer 110 may have a thickness sufficient to dissipate heat around the interior of the cap 102 to provide even heat to the hair and conditioning treatment of a user wearing the cap 102 on his or her head. In a non-limiting embodiment, all parts of the cap 102 may be within about 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit of each other.

The cap 102 as a whole, including the exterior layer 106, interior layer 110, and/or the top layer 502 as shown in FIG. 5 may be flexible and/or moldable to the user's head and allow heat to penetrate through the interior layer 110. Accordingly, the cap 102 is not stiff in feeling or include stiff inner support plastic members that do not allow the cap 102 to bend and flex to fit over a user's head as is the case with other conditioning caps currently in existence.

The interior layer 110 provides protection between the heat sources (discussed below) and the user's hair and the exterior layer 106 insulates the heat within the cap 102 while the cap 102 is turned on. The elastic band 108 may be located at an opening of the cap 102, attached (sewn, glued, etc.) on the interior layer 110 and/or the exterior layer 106, allowing the cap 102 to better mold to the user's head and to keep the cap 102 from falling off while in use. The fabric surrounding the elastic band 108 may be gathered around the elastic providing a padded area around the elastic band 108.

The cap 102 may also include a power switch 104, battery 112, connector 204 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) and a heating element 402 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-6). In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating element 402 may be contained within the inner gap or space between the interior layer 110 and the exterior layer 106 and may be activated once the power button 104 is pressed and the battery 112 is connected to the connector 204. FIG. 6 shows an example of heating element 402. In a non-limiting embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, there may be a protective cover or outer layer 602 surrounding one or more metal elements that are arranged in a spiral design, as shown in FIG. 6, or any other design that may provide even heat throughout. The protective cover or outer layer 602 of the heating element 402 helps to protect the user wearing the heating cap 102 and protect the metal elements 604 from any damage also. In a non-limiting embodiment, the metal elements 604 comprise metal wires arranged in a prearranged manner, including, but not limited to, a spiral shape pattern or design as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the metal elements 604 may be metal tubes. The use of metal for the metal elements 604 may conduct heat. There may also be other coatings of plastic or other types of material on the metal elements 604 in one or more non-limiting embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the heating element 402, in one or more non-limiting embodiments, the heating element 402 is generally spiral shaped but is also a generally flat, horizontal single unit that does not have a great deal of protrusions or separate metal elements distributed all around the heating cap 102. Rather, the heating element 402 is a contained, single unit that is composed of a single curved, connected metal element 604 or multiple curved, connected metal elements 604, that can be contained in a gap between either a top layer 502 and a remainder 504 of the heating cap 102 or generally between the exterior layer 106 and the interior layer 110 of the heating cap 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, in a non-limiting embodiment, the spiral shaped heating element 402 may include a member 508 protruding from the metal wires 604. The member 508 may connect to one or more connectors 204 (e.g., cords, wires, tubes, plugs), as shown in FIG. 6, that can then couple to an additional port connector 1102, as shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12. The additional port connector 1102 as shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12 can then connect to an outlet 114 on a rechargeable battery 112.

As shown in FIG. 1, an external power charging system may be used to power the battery 112. When the battery 110 is not being used in the heated hair conditioning cap 102, the battery 110 may be recharged so that it can provide cordless power while being used in the cap 102. The power charging system may include a power charging cord 116 that plugs into the battery 112 through its outlet 114, which may be the same outlet 114 that is used for connecting the heating element 402 via one or more connectors 204 and/or additional port connector 1102. The power charging cord 116 may be then plugged into a wall outlet or other power source. Power may be provided to the battery 112 through the power cord 116, regenerating power to the battery 112.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the heated hair conditioning cap 102 with the heated hair conditioning cap 102 turned inside out. A pocket 202 may be located between the interior layer 110 and exterior layer 106 with an opening of the pocket 202 being through the interior layer 110. The pocket 202 may be sized and configured to hold the rechargeable battery 112. The pocket 202 may be sewn into the interior layer 110. The pocket 202 may use the same fabric or a thinner fabric as the interior layer 110.

The battery 112 may be installed in the pocket 202 by inserting the connector 204 and/or the additional port connector 1102 shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12 into the outlet 114 of the battery 112. As shown in FIG. 10, the internal pocket 202 may have a zipper 1002 that can open and close to provide access to the pocket 202. After charging the battery 112 and when the user wants to use the heat conditioning cap 102, the user may unzip the zipper 1002, as shown in FIG. 10, to pull out the additional port connector 1102 of the heating element 402. FIG. 12 shows how the additional port connector 1102 then fits or connects into the outlet port 114 of the battery 112. The user may store the battery 112 as connected to the heating element 402 via the connector cord 204 and/or additional port connector 1102 in the internal battery pocket 202. In such a way, the user is able to provide power to the heating element 402 when the user selects the power button 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 9) to turn the cap 102 on.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating cap 102 can provide three different heating levels to the user while conditioning the user's hair. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cap 102 and the heating element 402 specifically provides a low, medium, or high heat setting. In a non-limiting embodiment, the user may select the power button 104 initially to turn on (or off) the heat cap 102, and then toggle through at least two more times to access a second and a third higher heating level. It is noted that the higher heating level will cause the battery 112 to run out of charge faster than the lower two heating levels. Accordingly, the user will have less or reduced wear time due to the battery 112 running out of charge faster if the user powers on the heating cap 102 via the power button 104 and toggles to the highest heat level (which may be for example, set at 155 degrees Fahrenheit). That being said, in a non-limiting embodiment, the user may have at least one hour of wear time when the battery 112 has a full amount of charge and the user has set the heating cap 102 at high heat, with an additional hour of heating provided on low heat or medium heat. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating cap 102 is able to provide between 95 degrees Fahrenheit to at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. This may be due to a combination of the heat emitted from the heating element 402 and the battery 112 also.

The internal resistance of the battery 112 generates heat when the battery outputs current and provides additional heat (beyond the heat produced by the heating element 402) while in use by being placed in the space or gap between the interior layer 110 and the exterior layer 106. The battery's heat is insulated within the cap 102 by the exterior layer 106 and/or top layer 502 as shown in FIG. 5 with the heat from the heating element 402 so that both the heat sources are located in the space or gap between the interior layer 110 and the exterior layer 106.

Located within the pocket 202 may be a connector 204. The connector may form an electric connection with the battery 112 using a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The connector 204, when plugged into the outlet 114 of the battery 112, as shown in FIG. 1, and when the power switch is in an “on” position or is otherwise engaged, provides power to the heating element 402. The connector 204 may pass through a hole or other gap in the pocket 202. Before or after the connector 204 is plugged into the outlet 114 of the battery 112, the user may place the battery 112 into the pocket 202 of the cap 102. In this location, the battery 112 can provide additional heat to the user's head, hair, and/or conditioning treatment due to the internal resistance of the battery 112. Once the battery is in place and plugged in, the power button 104 can be pushed to a desired heating level, and the cap 102 can begin to heat for the desired period of time.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a top view of the heated hair conditioning cap 102. The shape of the top of the cap may be generally circular, round, oval, or another similar shape and may mold around the user's head when in use. The cap 102 can be powered on by pressing the power button 104, as long as the battery has been installed in the cap. The power button 104 may be pressed again to turn the heated hair conditioning cap 102 off. The power button 104 may also have programmable logic that allows the power button 104 to have different settings (e.g., control power output) for different desired temperatures, timing, or other controls for the cap 102.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary top view of the heated hair conditioning cap 102 with internal components (battery 112, connector 204, and heating element 402) of the hair conditioning cap shown through the external layer 106 of the cap 102. The heated hair conditioning cap 102 has multiple components within the cap: a heating element 402, internal pocket 202, battery 112, and connector 204. The external layer 106 and/or top layer 502 as shown in FIG. 5 of the heated hair condition cap 102 covers all of the components so that none of the components are visible while the cap is in use. A pocket 202 may be sewn into the internal layer 110 such that the battery 112 sits in the pocket and is not visible. The view in FIG. 4 also shows the battery 112 through the pocket 202. The pocket 202 may be used to house the battery 112 when the cap 102 is in use on a user's head who has also already applied a deep conditioner or deep conditioning treatment. The pocket 202 may also include the connector 204 within the pocket. The connector 204 may be sewn into the pocket 202 through a small hole in the pocket 202. The hole in the pocket 202 may be small enough to not allow the connector 204 to exit the pocket 202.

The battery 112 can be removed from the pocket 202. The battery 112 provides power to the heating element 402 and allows the cap 102 to be powered on. The battery 112 may be connected to the heating element via the connector 204 plugged into the outlet 114. The internal pocket 202 may be large enough to hold the entirety of the battery 112 and the connector 204. FIGS. 10-12 further provide an internal view of the underside of the cap 102 in which the internal cavity 120 is visible and the pocket 202 includes an outer zipper 1002 that allows the user to put the battery 112 in the pocket 202 or remove the battery 112 from the pocket 202. Further, as shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12, the additional port connector 1102 is accessible from the pocket 202 to connect the heating element 402 to the battery 112 (e.g., via battery outlet 114 as shown in FIG. 12).

When the user wants to charge the battery 112, the user can disconnect the battery 112 from the heating element 402 (if it was connected). Using the power cord 116, shown in FIG. 1, the user may connect the power cord 116 to the outlet 114 of the battery 112 and then plug the power cord 116 to any convenient electrical outlet until the battery 112 is fully charged.

Once the battery 112 is connected to the connector 204 and/or port connector 1102, energy from the battery 112 may be transmitted through the connector 204 and/or port connector 1102 to the heating element 402. The power button 104 is connected to the connector 204 and/or port connector 1102 thus allowing the heating element 402 to begin working once the power button 104 is pushed (and when the connector 204 and/or port connector 1102 and battery 112 are connected). The power button 104 may be pushed again to turn the heating element 402 off and/or to toggle through the at least three heating levels.

When the power button 104 has been activated, power from the battery 112 is transferred through the connector 204 and/or the port connector 1102 to the heating element 402. The power or energy from the battery 112 allows the heating element 402 to begin heating. The heating element 402 may be configured in a spiral pattern or other pattern that allows the heat to disperse throughout the cap 102 evenly (in combination with the effects from other elements). The heating element 402 may include one or more metal wires 604, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, or other imperfect conductor that heats up when current passes through the metal elements 604. The heating element 402 may also include an insulating material such as a plastic around the imperfect conductor to prevent shorts in the heating element 402 or electrocution of the user. Accordingly, the heating element 402 may act as a resistor. The spiral pattern of the heating element 402 may be located between the external layer 106 and internal layer 110. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, there may be a protective cover or outer layer 602 for only the metal elements 604 of the heating element 402.

The heat from the heating element 402 heats up the internal layer 110 of the cap 102, further the external layer 106 reflects back and contains heat from the heating element 402. Together, the heating element 402, the exterior layer 106, and the interior layer 110 spread out the heat produced by the heating element 402 to provide an even heat distribution through the interior layer 110 to the user's head, hair, and an applied conditioning treatment (and through any shower caps placed over the deep conditioning treatments).

Advantageously, the battery 112, located within the internal pocket 202, provides an additional heat source. When the battery 112 is in use, the internal resistance of the battery 112 produces heat that can also be used to improve the benefits of the deep conditioning process when heat is consistently applied to the hair of the user for a period of time (e.g., anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hours). The heat provided from the battery may also be reflected and contained by the exterior layer 106 and/or top layer 502 and passed through the interior layer 110 to the user's head, hair, and conditioning treatment.

In one example embodiment, the internal layer 110 may be 2 mm thick cotton fabric, the exterior layer 106 may be 6 mm thick wool and the fabric of the pocket 202 may be 1 mm thick cotton fabric. A battery with dimensions of 0.75″ by 2″ by 3″ may be used with an internal resistance of about 0.1 ohms (depending on the temperature) and capacity of 200,000 mAh and voltage of 12 volts (in some cases an inductive voltage converter may be part of the battery 112 to boost the voltage at the heating element 402 and to reduce heat produced by the battery 112 compared to the heat produced by the heating element 402). The heating elements 402 may be in a spiral with about 1 inch gap between layers of the spiral. The resistance heating element 402 may be about 0.3 ohms. Without a voltage converter, about 25% of heat produced will be produced by the battery 112. With a voltage converter, that percentage may be significantly smaller. In some embodiments, the battery 112 may include several battery cells connected in parallel to reduce the perceived internal resistance of the battery 112 and spread the current over multiple battery cells.

The cap 102 may be designed to fit over heads with a circumference of about 19-24 inches. Accordingly, it is noted that the caps 102 may be made in various sizes that can be designed for different sized heads. As noted above, it may be a goal for the heating cap 102 to provide a temperature to the hair/head of the user up to at least 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional electronics such as temperature sensors (not shown) may be used to measure and maintain the temperature at a desired heating level.

In a non-limiting embodiment, a first heating level for the heated cap 102 may provide a range of heat between at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit to 121 degrees Fahrenheit. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second heating level for the heated cap 102 may provide a range of heat between at least 95 degrees to 137 degrees Fahrenheit. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first level of heat may begin at a temperature of at least 121 to 137 degrees Fahrenheit. In a non-limiting embodiment, the third heating level for the heated cap 102 may provide a range of heat between 137 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Other temperatures of heat may be used in other embodiments.

While the heated hair conditioning cap 102 is powered on, the external layer 106 along with the elastic band 108 at the opening work together to form an insulated seal around the user's head trapping heat within the cap 102 and working to heat and condition the hair within the cap 102. Very little heat should escape through the opening of the cap 102 when the heated hair conditioning cap 102 is powered on because of the insulated fabric and the elastic band 108 which conforms around the user's head. To stop the battery 112 and heating element 402 from producing heat, the power button 104 may be pressed to end the transmission of energy to the heating element 402.

The battery 112 may be disconnected from the connector 204 and/or port connector 1102, as shown in FIG. 11, and removed from the internal pocket of the cap 202 when the heated hair conditioning cap 102 is not in use. To recharge the battery 112, so that it is ready for the next use, the battery 112 may be plugged into the external power cable 116 with or without removing the battery 112 from the pocket 202. The external power cable 116 has one side which plugs into an electric wall outlet and the other side plugs into the outlet 114 of the battery 112.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a schematic view between the connector 204, battery 112, and power button 104 within the heated hair conditioning cap 102. Once the power button 104 is pressed or activated, the circuit of the cap 102 is closed and the power from the battery 112 can begin to travel to the heating element 402. The internal resistance of the battery 112 while in use causes the battery 112 to heat up, providing an additional heat source. The current leaving the battery 112 travels through the heating element 402. Once the power button 104 is pressed again, the circuit is broken and the current from the battery 112 no longer travels to the heating element 402.

A primary advantage of the configuration of the heated hair conditioning cap is that the battery 112, or power source, is located internal to the cap 102. This provides the cap 102 with a power source that does not have to be connected to an electrical outlet during the deep conditioning treatment and thus allows a user to be mobile and detached from an electrical outlet. Notably, because the power source is within the cap 102 while in use, the cap 102 does not have any inconvenient external cords that keep a user from moving around or that might catch on other objects. Further, the inclusion of the battery 112 within the pocket 202 provides the heating cap 102 with an additional heating source while the cap 102 is in use.

FIGS. 8A-8B provide further examples of heating cap 102. The heating cap 102 shown in FIG. 8A may have an additional protective waterproof layer over the top layer 502 and/or over the exterior layer 106 of the heating cap 102. Accordingly, it may be safe for the user to apply the deep conditioning treatment in a shower or bathtub or source where water may be present, and the waterproof layer 802, as shown in FIG. 8A, will help to protect the user from electrocution or other undesirable consequences if water penetrates through the heated cap 102. Accordingly, the cap 102 shown in FIG. 8A may be waterproof.

FIG. 8B provides an image of a heating cap 102 that does not have an outer waterproof layer 802 and the user may be cautioned not to allow water to penetrate through a top layer 502 and/or any layers of the heating cap 102 in such a non-limiting embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, there may be a seam 804 showing where the top layer 502 connects to the remainder 504 of the cap 102. As noted above, the top layer 502 may cover the heating element 402, as shown in FIG. 5. The top layer 502 may be sewn, glued, fastened, or otherwise attached to the remainder 504 of the heating cap 102 in order for the heating element 402 to be covered and included within the heating cap 102. Accordingly, there may be a seam 804 demarcating where the top layer 502 is attached to the remainder 504 of the heating cap 102.

FIG. 9 shows a view of the underside of the heating cap 102. As shown, there is an elastic band 108 gathered into a bunch and connecting the exterior layer 106 and the interior layer 110. The elastic band 108 may be contained between the exterior layer 106 and the interior 110 and form a band to fit over a user's head. The user's head is insertable into the interior cavity 120 within the underside of the heating cap 102. The heat from the heating element 402 and also the charged battery 112 will be contained within the interior cavity 120 when the user's head is in the heating cap 102 and the heating cap 102 is powered on. As noted above, the elastic band 108 as well as the insulating material of the heating cap 102 may help insulate the heating cap 102 and prevent heat from escaping. In a non-limiting embodiment, the exterior layer 106 and/or interior layer 110 of the heating cap 102 may be made from cotton and/or wool fabric. Further, the exterior layer 106 and/or interior layer 110 of the heating cap 102 may be made from satin or silk to prevent any breakage of the hair.

The user may be provided with a tote or bag (not shown) for containing all the components of the heating cap 102. Such components may include the single heating cap 102 (fully assembled), as well as the battery 112 and the separate power cord 116 for charging the battery 112.

Turning to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary flowchart for an exemplary method of using the heating cap 102 according to one or more non-limiting embodiments. As shown at step 1302, the user may connect the battery 112 through the inner pocket 202 of the heating cap 102 after charging the battery 112 for a sufficient period of time. At step 1304, the user may apply deep conditioner and/or a deep conditioning treatment to the user's hair. It may be desirable but also may be an optional step to also cover the user's hair with a plastic and/or fabric shower cap. At step 1306, the user may power the heat cap 102 on and may select the desired heating level of the cap 102 to start out with, as shown at step 1308. As noted above, in a non-limiting embodiment, there may be at least three different heating levels that provide consistent and increasingly higher amounts of heat to the user's hair during the deep conditioning treatment for a period of time. It is noted that the steps as described herein may be performed in a different order.

At step 1310, the user may place the heating cap 102 over the shower cap and/or directly onto the user's hair. At step 1312, the user may leave the heating cap 102 on the user's head for a desired amount of time up to the maximum heating time provided by the battery 112 and the charge time of the battery 112. The user may then remove the heating cap 102 and/or power off the heating cap as shown at step 1314. At step 1316, the user may disconnect the battery 112 and remove the battery 112 if needed from the pocket 202 of the heating cap 102 in order to recharge the battery 112 for future use.

The heating cap 102 provides many benefits and advantages as noted above. The user is able to be mobile and walk around completing other chores and/or tasks or activities while wearing the heating cap 102 for any period of time and also deep conditioning the user's hair. Further, the heating cap 102 provides heat up to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit which is more than sufficient for most deep conditioning treatments to activate the deep conditioning. Most deep conditioning treatments penetrate the strands of hair at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, so the temperature provided by the heating cap 102 as a result of heat provided by the heating element 402 and/or battery 112 should be more than sufficient to deep condition the hair of the user.

Accordingly, the present description provides for various embodiments for a heated hair conditioning cap 102. The heating cap 102 with the internally storable battery 112 is better and easier to user than microwaveable caps. Microwavable heat caps usually run out of heat within about 10-20 minutes and cool down too quickly for the deep conditioning treatment to be effective. In a non-limiting embodiment, the heating cap 102 herein can provide longer heating time due to the charged battery 112 included in the heating cap 102, especially when the battery 112 is at full charge. Further, the gel liquids and/or gel beads or seeds included in the microwaveable caps can frequently spill out leaving a big mess for the user to deal with. Many uses and advantages are offered by the heated hair conditioning cap 102 as described above in one or more non-limiting embodiments in the present description.

In the Summary above, in this Detailed Description, the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used—to the extent possible—in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range including that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range, including that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose limits include both numbers. For example, “25 to 100” means a range whose lower limit is 25 and upper limit is 100 and includes both 25 and 100.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawing to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of any means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present invention, according to one or more embodiments described in the present description, may be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for a heated hair conditioning cap comprising:

a battery, wherein the battery is rechargeable and portable;

a cap body including a top layer coupled to a remainder of the cap body comprising an exterior layer that is secured to an interior layer, and an elastic band extending around a lower perimeter of the cap body, wherein the cap body comprises an internal cavity configured to receive a user's head,

wherein the cap body includes an internal pocket that is accessible from the interior layer, wherein the internal pocket is sized and arranged to secure the battery,

wherein the internal pocket is located between the exterior layer and the interior layer of the cap body,

wherein the cap body is sized and arranged to be worn over a user's hair on the user's head; and

a heating element configured to electrically connect to the battery to distribute heat through the heated hair conditioning cap.

2. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heating element is contained between the exterior layer and the interior layer.

3. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heating element has a protective outer layer.

4. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a spiral shaped assembly of metal elements.

5. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heated hair conditioning cap further comprises a protective waterproof layer over the exterior layer.

6. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the interior layer comprises satin or silk.

7. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, further comprising a power button to select heating options for the heated hair conditioning cap.

8. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heating element is configured to provide at least three different heating levels.

9. The heated hair conditioning cap of claim 1, wherein the heating element is a single unit having a cord that removably connects to an outlet on the battery, and wherein the cord of the heating element is located and accessible from the internal pocket

10. A method of heating a head of a user using a heated hair conditioning cap, comprising:

providing the heated hair conditioning cap, the heated hair conditioning cap comprising: a battery, wherein the battery is rechargeable and portable; a cap body including an exterior layer that is secured to an interior layer, and an elastic band around a lower perimeter of the cap body, wherein the cap body comprises an internal cavity configured to receive a user's head, wherein the cap body includes an internal pocket that is accessible from the interior layer, wherein the internal pocket is sized and arranged to secure the battery, wherein the internal pocket is located between the exterior layer and the interior layer of the cap body, wherein the cap body is sized and arranged to be worn over a user's hair on the user's head; and a heating element configured to electrically connect to the battery;

charging the battery for a sufficient period of time;

after charging the battery for a sufficient period of time, connecting the battery through the internal pocket of the heated hair conditioning cap;

applying a deep conditioner for use with a deep conditioning treatment to the user's hair;

powering on the heated hair conditioning cap;

placing the heated hair conditioning cap on the user's head;

leaving the heated hair conditioning cap on for a desired amount of time up to a maximum heating time as provided by a necessary charge time of the battery;

powering off the heated hair conditioning cap and removing from the user's head;

disconnecting the battery and removing the battery from the internal pocket; and

recharging the battery for any future use of the heated air conditioning cap.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, selecting a heating level on the heated hair conditioning cap, wherein the heating element is configured to provide at least three heating levels.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least three heating levels comprise low, medium, and high heat.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising, covering the user's hair with a shower cap prior to applying the deep conditioner.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein additional heat is provided from heat emitted from the battery through the heated hair conditioning cap to the user's hair and any deep conditioning treatment.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the heated hair conditioning cap provides between one to three hours of heating time with the battery.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the heated hair conditioning cap heats up to at least 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein charging the battery and recharging the battery comprises connecting the battery to an electrical outlet with an electrical charging cord.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein a low level heat range comprises 105 degrees Fahrenheit to 121 degrees Fahrenheit.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein a medium level heat range comprises 121 degree Fahrenheit to 137 degrees Fahrenheit.

20. The method of claim 10, wherein a high level heat range comprises 137 degrees Fahrenheit to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.