Abstract: Appliances comprising a base unit and a plug connector coupled to the base unit. The plug connector is configured to electrically couple the appliance to a first socket connector of an electrical receptacle. A channel is formed on or in a first sidewall of the base unit. The plug connector is disposed in the channel when in an engaged position. A defines a channel wall of the channel. The lever is configured to facilitate a transition of the plug connector between the engaged position and a disengaged position. The lever engages the plug connector when in the engaged position and does not engage the plug connector when in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A hair styler and its heating device which can heat the thermal storage piece inside the hair roller quickly to a desired temperature by electromagnetic heating. The thermal storage piece is made of high thermal conductivity material which absorbs heat quite quick and disposed inside the hair roller to prevent the hair from directly contacting the thermal storage piece during hair styling, consequently preventing the hair from being burned. Then a low thermal conductivity isolating layer retains the heat within the hair roller and enables the heat to be uniformly and constantly transmitted to the outer surface of the hair roller, providing an effect of low energy consumption and long-lasting heat. A temperature sensing piece is used to detect and indicate the temperature of the hair styler by using different colors, making it easier for the user to know the temperature of the hair styler.

Abstract: An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining-element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a hair styling apparatus is described and shown with a first barrel half, a second barrel half, and a handle, the handle being releasably attached to the first barrel half and releasably attached to the second barrel half.

Abstract: An improved hair styling device comprises heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining means with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements comprise elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location comprises an enlarged convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining means, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.

Abstract: An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.

Abstract: A hair curler heating system, is disclosed comprising a hair curler having a ferro-magnetic core, a plastic outer shell, an insulator therebetween, and a housing for receiving said curler and for heating it therein. The housing includes an induction coil, a control circuit operatively connected to the coil, a resonant capacitor operatively connected to the circuit, a heat sink connected to the capacitor, and a colored heating indication panel attached to the housing and operatively connected to the circuit.

Abstract: An improved hair styling device with heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present double concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining element with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a double concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements are made up of elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location has an enlarged double convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining element, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.

Abstract: A portable self-contained hair drying helmet is taught that has thermal storage, desiccants, a phase change material, and thin lithium ion polymer batteries to allow one to dry their hair while walking around and performing personal and household duties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to hair styling devices for curling and/or styling hair. In one embodiment, the hair styling device includes a glove with a cylinder removably or permanently attached thereto. The glove may be heat-resistant and the cylinder may be heat-conducting. In one embodiment, the cylinder may be positioned in a palm region of the glove. The glove may be utilized by a user to curl hair by wrapping a length of hair around the cylinder or a section of the cylinder. The hair may be curled by providing heated air (e.g., via a blow drier) onto the hair and cylinder, which may heat up so as to impart heat on the hair.

Abstract: A heatable hair curler includes an elongate casing, an interior cavity, and a heat absorbent material. The elongate casing is made of a flexible material and has an axial length of at least about 7.5 inches and a width of at least about 1.25 inches. The casing has opposite first and second ends that are attachable to each other. The interior cavity is located between the first and second ends and is separated from the first and second ends by first and second seams, respectively. The heat absorbent material substantially fills the cavity.

Abstract: By providing a hair curler/roller which comprises a unique, distinctive construction that enables the hair roller/curler to be heated substantially more rapidly than prior art constructions, an easily used, hair curler/roller and heating system is obtained which is capable of providing rapid heating of the hair curler/roller. In addition, the heating system employed for transferring heat to the hair curler/roller is also constructed in a unique manner that optimizes heat transfer, while also being constructed efficiently and inexpensively. In accordance with the present invention, the hair curler/roller incorporates an elongated cylindrically shaped body or core formed from heat retaining metal, such as aluminum. In addition, the cylindrical body incorporates a plurality of thin, interconnected wall members peripherally surrounded by a cylindrical outer wall.

Abstract: A heatable hair curling device includes a plurality of hair curlers for winding up human hair and a thermally insulating carrier for retaining the curlers and insulating the curlers from heat loss prior to individual curler use. Each curler includes an elongate casing of flexible material having opposite first and second ends attachable to each other, a body, and an axial length. A heat absorbent material is contained within the body of each curler. The thermally insulating carrier has a length and includes an interior and an exterior piece of flexible heat-safe material. The interior piece of flexible heat-safe material is attached to the exterior piece of flexible heat-safe material. A center strap is disposed along the length of the interior piece the carrier and includes a lower and an upper piece of flexible heat-safe material.

Abstract: A microwavable hair curling device comprising a plurality of hair curlers for winding up human hair. Each curler contains a desiccant material which is surrounded by an elongate casing of flexible material with opposite first and second ends, and an axial length. The first and second ends of the curler are attachable to each other. The curlers are both stored and heated inside of a microwavable carrier. The microwavable carrier insulates the curlers from heat loss, when taken out of the microwave.

Abstract: A microwavable hair curling device comprising a plurality of hair curlers for winding up human hair. Each curler contains a desiccant material which is surrounded by an elongate casing of flexible material with opposite first and second ends, and an axial length. The first and second ends of the curler are attachable to each other. The curlers are both stored and heated inside of a microweavable carrier. The microwavable carrier insulates the curlers from heat loss, when taken out of the microwave.

Abstract: There is provided a hair setting assembly having a housing with one or more heating elements. The elements cooperate with one or more heatable hair rollers. The hair setting assembly also has one or more ion and/or ozone emitters for emitting ions and/or ozone. Further, the hair setting assembly has a housing with a lid portion, and a base portion for selectively covering the heatable hair rollers and the one or more ion and/or ozone emitters, and a support connectable to the housing so that the housing can be tilted about an axis in at least one direction through a specified angle while sitting on a surface.

Abstract: Marcel curling irons, first patented in 1927, typically include a long tubular curling barrel, an equally long hair clamp, and two corresponding handles with rotatable tubular covers. Opening and closing the handles pivot the curling barrel and hair clamp around a common point, like pliers or scissors. Since being patented over 70 years ago, little has changed about Marcel curling irons. In fact, today's Marcel curling irons follow the same basic structure and workings of the original Marcel, down even to the rotatable handle covers. This long-standing design suffers from several shortcomings, however. Accordingly, the inventor devised a new Marcel curling iron featuring a substantially shorter curling barrel and hair clamp for reducing burn risk and improving curl control, rounded edges on the hair clamp for making smoother curls, and freely rotatable handle covers having one or more finger-notches or finger openings for greater user comfort.

Abstract: A flexible hair curler formed from a gel of crosslinked polyacrylamide including a humectant, and encased in a moisture-permeable flexible sheath, preferably of fabric.

Abstract: A hair curler is formed from a gel of crosslinked polyacrylamide including a humectant, and encased in a moisture-permeable flexible sheath, preferably of fabric.

Abstract: A microwave heatable hair curler comprised of a pair of rigid, hollow, concentric cylinders sealed at both ends to create an annular space therebetween, with a heat absorbant material contained in this annular space. The gel is capable of being heated in a microwave oven to a hair curling temperature and capable of maintaining such temperature for a time sufficient for hair curling to take place. The gel contains a biocide so that it can be permanently sealed in the curler.

Abstract: A clipless hair roller that includes a heated metallic inner cylinder and elongated outer plastic cylinder having a plurality of ventilation openings to allow for the efficient and uniform transfer of heat from the metallic inner cylinder to hair associated with the roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel adjustable diameter hair curler which is extremely lightweight, portable, and suitable for travel. The novel adjustable curler includes a substrate of a flexible material such as a plastic or fabric or backing material which may optionally include a thin spring steel lamination for added resilience. The substrate has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite said first planar side. Attached to the first side of the substrate are an array of hook-type elements from a hook and loop-type fastening system such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners available from Velcro Industries of Manchester, N.H. The hook-type elements are generally arrayed over the majority of the first side. Strips of engaging materials are provided on each side of the substrate to secure the adjustable curler in a cylindrical form having a selected diameter.

Abstract: A plurality of permanent rods are included which change color in response to a solution coming contact therewith for the purpose of indicating that the hair has the solution applied thereto.

Abstract: A hair care system for applying heat generated by microwave energy to hair, in which an auxiliary heat source is adapted to be exposed to microwave energy and convert the microwave energy into heat and store the same for subsequent use in treating or conditioning hair; the auxiliary heat source is a multi-layer structure and includes an outer layer substantially microwave-safe and remaining cool to touch, an insulation layer inside of the outer layer and also substantially microwave-safe, a further layer inside the insulation layer which converts microwave energy into heat, whereby the further layer is either of double-walled construction containing lossy dielectric material or a single layer of flexible material, or molded into a shape corresponding to the shape of a rigid outer layer, or includes a moisture-absorbing material adjoined on the inside by a layer of a moisture-proof material or a moisture-non-absorbing material having a close wave.

Abstract: A synthetic hair-like fuser apparatus for fusing the end of a braided synthetic hair-like material including a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The invention further includes a first fuser element attached to a first end of the first elongated member and a second fuser element attached to a first end of the second elongated member directly opposite the first fuser element. The first and second fuser elements both emanate heat. The second elongated member is pivotally connected to the first elongated member at a pivot point. Pivotal movement of the first and second elongated members relative to each other moves the first and second fuser elements from the open position to the closed position to contact opposite sides of the end of the braided material positioned between the fuser elements. Heat emanating from the fuser elements and pressure generated by further urging the fuser elements to the closed position fuses the end of the braided material.

Abstract: A hot-air brush using a non-cylindrical brush head is provided to enable a user to obtain a helical curl having a continuum of varying diameters within each lock of curled hair. This varying-diameter helix provides a new and distinct look for the curled hair. The non-cylindrical head may be substantially spherical or substantially conical.

Abstract: A curling iron system which, in addition to conventional mechanical elements of base, curling irons, ovens, holders and the like, utilizes an accurate temperature measurement and display capability adapted for use by salon personnel without sophisticated technical know-how. The temperature measurement is implemented by a thermocouple and the display is implemented using a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the thermocouple by a thermocouple amplifier and a display driver. The combination of thermocouple, LED display and intermediate electronics, operates to provide an accurate indication of the actual surface temperature of the curling iron and thus assure that the iron will be precisely the appropriate temperature for curling or straightening the particular thickness hair being serviced. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the thermocouple is mounted on a platform adjacent the oven and the display is positioned on a vertically oriented member behind the thermocouple platform.

Abstract: A heated adjustable diameter hair curler is formed of a sheet of a flexible material such as a plastic. The sheet has two planar sides. Disposed within the sheet are one or more thermal elements such as thin flexible sheets and/or flexible wires or coils fabricated of thermally conductive material such as metal. One end of the sheet has a curler thermal connector to which are connected the thermal elements. A base thermal connector in a heating unit mates with the curler thermal connector so that a thermally conductive path is formed from the heating unit to the curler thermal connector of the curler. The thermal mass of the thermal elements keeps the Curler heated for some period of time after the curler is removed from the heating unit.

Abstract: The hair care appliance of this invention has a housing, which holds a set of hair curlers and encloses electrical heating means for heating the curlers, and has a transparent cover which covers the set of curlers and the top of the housing. Each curler has a reversibly thermochromic thermoplastic elastomeric surface layer (around which hair is to be curled) which preferably covers a mandrel portion of a thermoplastic body. The thermoplastic body has ends of larger diameter than the mandrel portion of the body, and the mandrel may be hollow. A hollow mandrel may contain a double-walled metal core, which may contain a heat-retaining material. The elastomeric surface layer is preferably molded from an thermoplastic elastomer composition containing particulate thermochromic material, which preferably comprises reversibly thermochromic dye encapsulated in micro-capsules. The thermochromic dye components are chosen to be non-toxic and environmentally benign.

Abstract: A beauty salon appliance workstation for organizing beauty salon appliances such as blow dryers, curling irons and the like. A cabinet is provided with receptacles for storing a number of appliances and each appliance is associated with a separate retractable extension cord. Further, each appliance is provided with a short "pigtail" type power cord so that when connected to a retractable extension cord no dangling loop is power cord is formed when the appliances are stored in the receptacles.

Abstract: A hair curling system wherein hair rollers are inserted over the wand of a curling iron, allowing the heating element of the curling iron to heat both the exterior surface of the curling iron and the hair rollers. Hollow cylindrical cover wands having graduated exterior diameters are inserted over the wand of the curling iron, allowing the heating element of the curling iron to heat the underlying curling wand and the cover wand simultaneously, so that larger looser curls may be formed with the larger diameter cover wand and smaller tighter curls formed with the smaller diameter underlying wand upon removal of the cover wand. The heating element of the hair curling system may be actuated by AC or DC current or be equipped for actuation by combustible gas contained within a disposal canister.

Abstract: A spherical curler and method for using same are provided to enable a user to obtain a helical curl having a continue of varying diameters within each lock of curled hair. This varying diameter helix provides a new and distinct look for the curled hair. In addition, the spherical configuration allows more curlers to be placed on the head as compared to conventional cylindrical curlers having the same sized diameter. Also, the spherical configuration of the curler provides for less wasted space on the curler, and allows each curler to be more completely utilized for each respective lock of hair.

Abstract: A combination hairbrush and hair curling system with a bendable, extendable handle and a removable brush head. The handle is constructed so that it can be bent to various positions and it will maintain the desired position until the user wishes to change the position. The extendable and bendable handle makes it easier to style the hair on difficult to reach areas of the head. The detachable brush heads are made in different sizes, shapes and styles for different kinds of hair styling operations. The brush heads are supplied in a variety of shapes, including cylindrical, concave/convex curved, flat/convex, flat/concave, ball-shaped and egg-shaped. The detachable brush heads can be detached from the handle ,and left in the hair as hair curlers. Each style of brush head can also be provided with gripping elements that are shaped like the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener and/or with bristles covering the entire brash head.

Abstract: A hair curler is disclosed which comprises a pretensioned helical spring covered by a foam rubber sleeve. A clamp is attached to one end of the curler which allows the hair to be curled around the body of the curler and the curler bent in a ring shape and retained in this shape by fixing the clamp to the curler body. The curler is heated by inserting a heating element in the center core of the curler. An alternative embodiment comprises a helical spring embedded in a hollow cylinder of a flexible material. The cylinder has a foam rubber sleeve and a clamp fixed to one end.

Abstract: A hairdressing kit combining a hair heating function with a haircurling function includes a hair dryer having a cylindrical air blower, cylindrical hair curlers, receivers for receiving the air blower of the hair dryer and the curlers detachably, and a casing body of an adiabatic structure through which the blower receiver communicates with the curler receivers.

Abstract: A device to shape human hair whereby possibly pre-moistened hair is wound up in strands on curlers onto which a liquid or consistent permanent waving product is applied and processed with heat energy added to the hair curlers for a predetermined time. The permanent reshaping product is then rinsed and possibly after an additional treatment with liquid neutralizer and rinsing of the same, the curlers will be removed from the hair. After winding of the hair strands and application of the permanent waving preparation, the curlers are heated by a short-time application of energy to a predetermined temperature. The heat stored by the curlers will then be transferred from the curlers to the hair curls treated with the permanent waving preparation.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing, wherein the housing defines a top wall formed with a series of aligned bores therethrough, each of the bores receiving a rechargeable battery powered hair salon utensil such as, a hair dryer, large diameter hair curling iron, small diameter hair curling iron, electric razor, etc., therewithin. A recharging plug is provided within each bore for providing recharging of each utensil. Optionally, the organization includes replacement battery packs selectively mounted to each utensil to ensure continuous use of each utensil. Further, a mirror structure is mounted rearwardly of a forward wall of the housing and nested therewithin and selectively retracted therefrom, wherein the mirror is heated by proximity to the recharging cells of the organization minimizing fogging of the mirror in use.

Abstract: An electric hair curling apparatus includes a housing having a transparent lid covering a base member mounting a plurality of variously sized heating posts, each arranged to mount and heat a respectively sized curler. A manually settable digital timing mechanism is provided to permit the curlers to be automatically heated at a predetermined time and for a predetermined period selected by the user. A main fiber optic cable associated with and extending from an on-off indicator light associated with the timer enhances visibility of the front panel of the housing during limited light conditions and communicates with other fiber optic cables providing visible framing of the side walls and top panel of the lid. A battery pack in the housing energizes the heating posts.

Abstract: A microwaveable hair curler is shown which is also electrically heatable. The microwaveable hair curler is preferably blended from a polyorganosiloxane gum, a particulate electromagnetic absorptive material, a filler and a catalyst and extruded as in a cylindrical shape. The hair curler is heatable by exposure to microwave energy in a microwave oven or can be used in a variety of commercially available electric heating units.

Abstract: A hair styler for winding hair thereon for curling, comprising a hollow sealed tubular member made of a metallic material having good thermal conductivity and defining a heat pipe having a heat dissipating hair winding portion. The tubular member contains a charge of a working fluid vaporizable at an operating temperature of 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. The outer surface of the heat dissipating portion of the heat pipe is covered with an elastic hair engagement member for preventing hair slippage. The heat receiving end portion of the heat pipe is exposed so as to be adapted to receive heat from a separate external heat source having a temperature range of 50.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. Thereby hair wound around the outer surface of the heat dissipating portion of the heat pipe forming the bobbin is heated by the condensation of the vaporized working fluid within the heat pipe.

Abstract: A heater unit for heating flexible hair roller curlers includes two spaced pairs of side-by-side, elongated juxtaposed heat transmitting plates. The two plates of each pair are connected to each other in heat transmitting relationship to form a closed heat transmitting path and are so shaped and configured to form a plurality of individual hair curler receiving pockets therebetween. An electric heating element is positioned in the space between the two pairs of plates in heat conductive contact with the confronting plates thereof. The width of the plates is less than the length of the curlers so that the opposite ends thereof extend beyond the edges of the plates and are thus not heated thereby.

Abstract: An indirectly heatable curling iron (10) has a curling mandrel (12) inserted into the cradle (17) of an electric heating assembly (18) of a separate heating station (11) to establish an intimate thermal contact therebetween for heating the mandrel (12) to a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. First and second force components of relatively opposite direction act directly on the inserted curling mandrel such that the first force component, provided by a spring (21) or gravity, causes disengagement of the mandrel (12) from the heating assembly (18), while the second force component causes the mandrel (12) to intimately contact the assembly (18).