CN111918582A

CN111918582A - Hair styling apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN111918582A
Application number: CN201980022103.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: Y·库柏
Original assignee: Palladio LLC
Current assignee: Conscious Beauty Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-31
Publication date: 2020-11-10
Also published as: KR20200119831A; CA3110935A1; GB201801605D0; EP3745908B1; EP3745908C0; US20200367628A1; WO2019149851A1; EP4311451A3; EP4311451A2; JP2021512750A; EP3745908A1; JP7364155B2; AU2019216369A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair styling apparatus (1) having multiple modes for styling hair in multiple styles. The hair styling apparatus comprises at least two elongate members (2), the at least two elongate members (2) being pivotally movable about a joint (3) between an extended position and a closed position. Each elongate member has a shaping portion (4, 5) and a handle (6). The apparatus also has a clamp (7) movably coupled to either of the elongate members, a temperature control device (10) and a power supply device. Thus, the hair styling apparatus is portable and multifunctional.

Description

Hair styling apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to hair styling apparatus, and more particularly to a multifunctional portable hair styling apparatus.

Background

In modern society, people face pressure to maintain perfect image both in the profession and in the society. However, given the many demands that are placed on people today, the amount of time that remains above this aesthetic commitment may be reduced. This is particularly true for people with longer hair, who enjoy maintaining their hair styling perfect throughout the day. Currently, because many hair styling appliances on the market are wired, long-haired individuals are limited in how and where they can maintain their preferred styling. These require the use of a fixed power outlet, which can be inconvenient for people who are often traveling. Alternatively, other available portable appliances with rechargeable batteries facilitate only one styling, such as curling, straightening, or perming, due to limited power. This makes it necessary for people with long hairs to carry more than one tool if they wish to combine the styles or cannot achieve a combined style involving the styles.

Furthermore, with respect to hair curling patterns, current appliances provide the option of gripping curls of uniform diameter or curls of different diameters. The former is achieved by a conventional curling iron/tongs, whose styling end consists of a heated metal cylinder and a lever clamping arm/tong attached to the outside of the cylinder. The latter is achieved by a curling iron whose styling end is constituted by a conical heating element, usually without any type of clamp. Instead, users are provided with heat resistant gloves to achieve their selected curl diameter. Thus, curling irons present an inherent burn risk to those who forget or lose gloves and attempt to use the tool to style their hair without any thermal safety protection devices.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or alleviate the problem of persons with long hair being limited to wired or single function portable hair styling tools. The present invention also reduces the risk of burns to hair stick users who misplace the heat resistant gloves or other safety devices required to use the tool.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a hair styling apparatus having a plurality of modes for styling hair in various styles, the hair styling apparatus comprising:

at least two elongate members pivotally coupled about a joint;

the at least two elongated members being pivotally movable about the joint between an extended position and a closed position;

each elongate member including a styling portion and a handle;

a clamp coupleable to any one of the at least two elongated members;

the clamp, when coupled to either of the elongated members, being movable between a first open position and a second closed position;

and a power supply device.

In one embodiment, the hair styling apparatus comprises a temperature control device.

Preferably, the joint between at least two elongate members is located proximal to one longitudinal end of each elongate member.

Preferably, the elongate members are generally of similar size and dimension.

Ideally, the elongate members are generally of equal size and dimension.

Preferably, the contouring may be located along a portion of the elongate member.

Desirably, the contouring may be located along a portion of the elongate member proximate an end of the elongate member.

Preferably, the handle is positionable along a portion of the elongate member.

Desirably, the handle may be located along a portion of the elongate member proximate an end of the elongate member opposite the styling portion.

Preferably the joint between the at least two elongate members is located at or around the handle, most preferably the joint is located near the end of the handle remote from the styling part.

Advantageously, the handle and the styling portion move apart as the elongate member extends around the joint. This provides a large space in which hair can be accommodated to enable styling.

Preferably, the contouring can be located along about half of the elongated member from the center to one end of the elongated member.

Preferably, the contouring can be located along approximately half of the elongated member from the center of the elongated member to the end of the elongated member opposite the handle.

Desirably, the at least two elongate members comprise a first elongate arm.

Desirably, the at least two elongate members comprise a second elongate arm.

Preferably, the first elongated arm is pivotally engaged with the second elongated arm.

Desirably, the first elongated arm includes a first contoured portion.

Desirably, the first elongated arm includes a second contoured portion.

Desirably, the first elongated arm includes a handle.

Desirably, the second elongated arm includes a first formation.

Desirably, the second elongated arm includes a second contoured portion.

Desirably, the second elongated arm includes a handle portion.

Desirably, the first formation of the first elongated arm is positioned in correspondence with the first formation of the second elongated arm.

By correspondingly positioned is meant that each shaping portion and handle is positioned along each elongate member to mirror the position of each shaping portion and handle in the other elongate member, allowing each shaping portion and handle to cooperate with its corresponding member in use.

Desirably, the second formation of the first elongated arm is positioned in correspondence with the second formation of the second elongated arm.

Desirably, the handle of the first elongated arm is positioned correspondingly to the handle of the second elongated arm.

Preferably, the first formation of the first elongate arm comprises an outer surface.

By outer surface is meant the outwardly facing surface of each elongated arm relative to the other elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus when the first and second elongated arms are pivotally coupled in the closed position.

Desirably, the first formation of the second elongated arm includes an outer surface.

Desirably, the first contoured portion of the first elongated arm and the first contoured portion of the second elongated arm combine to include an outer contoured surface when pivotally engaged to the closed position.

By outer styling surface is meant the combined outer surface of the outer surfaces of the first and second elongated arms, i.e. the styling portion is not in contact with the other elongated arm when the first and second elongated arms are pivotally engaged with each other to the closed position.

Pivotal engagement means that the respective elongate arms move towards each other about their connecting pivot to the extent that their mutually opposed inner side faces engage upon application of force by a user.

Desirably, the outer styling surface comprises a first styling portion of the first elongated arm and a first styling portion of the second elongated arm.

Desirably, the outer styling surface includes the first styling portion of the first elongated arm and the first styling portion of the second elongated arm when each elongated arm is pivotally engaged to the closed position.

Desirably, the cross-sectional area of the sculpted portion tapers along its length.

Desirably, the cross-sectional area of the styling portion tapers along its length to a position at one end of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the cross-sectional area of the styling portion tapers along its length to the position of one end of the hair styling apparatus as the first and second elongated arms are pivotally engaged to the closed position.

Ideally, the cross-sectional area of the outer mould surface is tapered along its length.

Desirably, the cross-sectional area of the outer styling surface tapers along the length of the hair styling apparatus to a location at one end of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the cross-sectional area of the outer styling surface tapers along the length of the hair styling apparatus to a position at one end of the hair styling apparatus when the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are pivotally engaged into the closed position.

Desirably, the first formation of the first elongated arm is semi-conical.

Desirably, the first formation of the second elongated arm is semi-conical.

Desirably, the first formations of the first and second elongated arms are semi-conical.

Ideally, the outer mould surface is generally conical in shape.

Advantageously, making the first shaping of the first and second arms semi-conical means that when the first and second arms are engaged with each other they combine to form a conical shape. The outer styling surface provides the user with the ability to make a reduced or increased diameter curl as desired.

Desirably, the first formation of the first elongated arm is semi-frustoconical.

Desirably, the first formation of the second elongated arm is semi-frustoconical.

Desirably, the first styling part of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are semi-frustoconical, generally forming a conical outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus when engaged with each other.

Advantageously, the first formations of the first and second arms are semi-frusto-conical, meaning that when the first and second arms are engaged with one another, the first and second arms combine to form a frusto-conical shape, and the outer moulding provides the user with the ability to make a curl of decreasing or increasing diameter as required.

Desirably, the first styling part is a styling plate.

Desirably, the first styling part is a half-round conical styling plate.

Ideally, the first styling part is a half-frustoconical styling plate.

Desirably, the first styling part is a half-frustoconical styling plate mounted on an outer surface of the first elongated arm and/or the second elongated arm.

Desirably, the first elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus comprises a second styling portion.

Desirably, the second elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus includes a second styling portion.

Desirably, both the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus include a second styling portion.

Preferably, the hair styling apparatus comprises an inner styling surface.

Desirably, the inner profiled surface is defined by opposing surfaces of at least two elongate members.

Desirably, the second styling part of one or both of the elongated arms of the hair styling apparatus comprises an inner styling surface.

Desirably, the inner contoured surface of one or both of the elongated arms comprises the respective inner surface of the contoured portion of one or both of the elongated arms.

The inner surfaces refer to the opposing faces of the elongated arms that engage when the elongated arms of the hair styling apparatus are pivoted toward each other into the closed position.

Desirably, the inner surface of the first elongated arm corresponds in shape to the inner surface of the second elongated arm.

Advantageously, by the correspondence in shape, the inner surfaces of the first and second elongated arms can grip and hold a user's hair when positioning hair between the two elongated arms as they pivot toward each other until the portion of hair is held between the respective arms of the hair styling apparatus. Further advantageously, this may result in the user obtaining any one of a variety of patterns depending on the shape/profile of the second formation of the elongate arm. These include, but are not limited to, straight hair, wavy hair.

Ideally, the inner styling surface comprises a plate.

Desirably, the inner shaping surface comprises a substantially flat plate.

Alternatively, the inner styling surface comprises a corrugated board.

Desirably, the inner styling surface comprises a shaping plate to style the user's hair in a pattern commensurate with the shape of the plate.

Desirably, the inner styling surface includes a plate having a width that tapers in proportion to the width of the first styling portion along the length of the first and second elongated arms, respectively.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus comprises a clamp.

Preferably, the clamp is operable as a third formation.

Preferably, the claims include an actuating means operable by a user to move the clamp.

Desirably, the actuation means is an actuation lever or button.

Desirably, the clamp comprises an elongate plate.

Desirably, the clamp includes an actuating device and a curved plate.

Preferably, the actuating means is operatively engaged with the curved plate.

Desirably, the actuation means extends from the curved plate.

Ideally, the actuating means extends at an angle from the hair styling apparatus.

Ideally, the actuating means extends at an angle from the curved plate.

Preferably, the actuating means extends from the curved plate at an obtuse angle.

Ideally, the clip is coupled to an elongate member of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clamp is coupled to the elongated member of the hair styling apparatus at the interface between the actuating device and the curved plate.

Desirably, the clamp is coupled to the elongated member of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clamp is coupled to at least one of the at least two elongated members of the hair styling apparatus proximal each first styling part.

Desirably, the clamp is proximal to the first styling portion, coupled to a first elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clamp is proximal to the first styling portion, coupled to a second elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clamp is coupled to either of the first and second elongated arms of the hair styling apparatus proximal to each first styling portion of either elongated arm.

Desirably, the clamp is coupled to either of the first and second elongate arms of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the end of each first styling part of either elongate arm which is closest to the handle of the hair styling apparatus.

Ideally, the clamp is pivotally attached to the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally connected to the hair styling apparatus at the junction between the actuating means and the curved plate.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally attached to the hair styling apparatus proximal to the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the clip is pivotally attached to at least one of the at least two elongated arms of the hair styling apparatus proximal each first styling part.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally attached to a first elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the first styling part.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally attached to a second elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the first styling part.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally attached to either the first or second elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus proximal to each first styling part of either elongated arm.

Desirably, the clamp is pivotally attached to either the first or second elongate arm of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the end of each first styling part of either elongate arm which is closest to the handle of the hair styling apparatus.

Ideally, the elongate plate corresponds in shape to the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds in shape to the first sculpted portion of one or both of the elongated arms.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds in shape to the first sculpted portion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.

Desirably, the inner face of the elongated plate corresponds in shape to the first sculpted portion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.

Ideally, the elongate plate corresponds in length to the outer styling surface.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds in length to the first formation of one or both of the elongated arms.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds in length to the first sculpted portion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.

Ideally, the length of the elongate plate corresponds to or is slightly shorter than the length of the outer mould surface.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds to or is slightly shorter in length than the first contoured portion of one or both of the elongated arms.

Desirably, the elongated plate corresponds in length to or is slightly shorter than the first sculpted portion of the first and second elongated arms.

Preferably, the elongate plate is a half-truncated conical plate.

Ideally, the clip is normally biased towards the at least one elongate member of the hair styling apparatus via biasing means.

Ideally, the clamp is biased towards the elongate arm of the hair styling apparatus, typically via a biasing means.

Alternatively, the clamp is typically biased away from the elongated arm of the hair styling apparatus via a biasing means.

Advantageously, the clamp is of similar shape and length to the first styling portion of the first or second styling arm respectively, the clamp cooperating with a portion of the outer styling surface to apply pressure to a user's hair which has been inserted between the inwardly facing surface of the elongate plate of the clamp and the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus. Inserting hair between these two elements of the hair styling apparatus involves: applying pressure to the actuating means to pivot the elongate plate away from the outer styling surface; placing or wrapping hair around the outer styling surface at a desired location along the outer styling surface; and releasing the actuating means to allow the elongate plate of the clip to be biased rearwardly towards the outer styling surface, thereby clamping hair between the outer styling surface of the clip and the elongate plate.

Ideally, the outer mould surface is heatable.

By "heatable" is meant that the components are capable of conducting heat up to a maximum value within a predetermined temperature range.

Ideally, the first styling part of one or both elongated arms is heatable.

Desirably, the first styling portion of the first elongated arm and/or the second elongated arm is heatable.

Desirably, the outer mould surface is made of a thermally conductive material.

Desirably, the first formations of one or both of the elongate arms are made of a thermally conductive material.

Desirably, the first formations of the first and second elongate arms are made of a thermally conductive material.

Ideally, the inner styling surface is heatable.

Ideally, the second styling part of one or both elongated arms is heatable.

Desirably, the second styling portion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are heatable.

Desirably, the inner contoured surface is made of a thermally conductive material.

Desirably, the second formation of one or both of the elongate arms is made of a thermally conductive material.

Desirably, the second formations of the first and second elongate arms are made of a thermally conductive material.

Ideally, at least a portion of the clamp is heatable.

Ideally, the elongated plate of the clamp is heatable.

Desirably, at least a portion of the clamp is made of a thermally conductive material.

Desirably, the elongate plate of the clamp is made of a thermally conductive material.

Ideally, the thermally conductive material is a composite material.

Desirably, the thermally conductive material is a metal or metal alloy.

Desirably, the thermally conductive material is aluminum, copper, or titanium, or any other suitable material.

Preferably, the hair styling apparatus comprises heating means.

Desirably, the power supply means is operatively engaged with the heating means.

Desirably, the outer and/or inner profiled surface and/or the jig are heated by heating means.

Desirably, the heating means comprises an electrical heating element.

Desirably, the heating means comprises an internal electrical heating element, such as a coil or the like.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus includes a thermal control device.

Desirably, the thermal control means controls the temperature to which the heating means heats the one or more moulding surfaces and/or clamps.

Desirably, the thermal control means enables the heating means to independently or simultaneously heat each of the outer and inner styling surfaces of the jig and the elongate plate to an operating temperature of between 160 ℃ and 250 ℃.

Desirably, the thermal control means enables the heating means to independently or simultaneously heat each of the outer and inner styling surfaces of the jig and the elongate plate to an operating temperature of between 170 ℃ and 240 ℃.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus includes mode selection means.

Desirably, the mode selection means comprises means for determining which of the three heatable styling surfaces is to be heated.

Ideally, in one position, the mode selection means enables the outer mould surface to be heated.

Desirably, in another position, the mode selection means enables heating of the first styling part of the first elongated arm.

Desirably, in the other position, the mode selection means enables heating of the first styling part of the second elongated arm.

Desirably, in one position, the mode selection device enables heating of the first shaping portion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.

Ideally, in one position, the mode selection means enables heating of the outer styling surface and the elongate plate of the jig.

Desirably, in another position, the mode selection device enables heating of the first styling portion of the first elongated arm and the elongated plate of the clamp.

Desirably, in another position, the mode selection means enables heating of the first styling part of the second elongated arm and the elongated plate of the clamp.

Desirably, in one position, the mode selection device enables heating of the first formations of the first and second elongate arms and the elongate plate of the clamp.

Ideally, in one position, the mode selection means enables one or both of the inner moulding surfaces to be heated.

Desirably, in another position, the mode selection means enables heating of the second formation of the first elongate arm.

Desirably, in another position, the mode selection means enables heating of the second formation of the second elongate arm.

Desirably, in one position, the mode selection device enables the second formation, which is capable of heating the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm, to be heated.

Preferably, the handle extends from the styling part to the end of the hair styling apparatus.

Ideally, the handle extends from the styling part to the end of the hair styling apparatus remote from the styling part of the hair styling apparatus.

Desirably, the handle is made of a thermally insulating material.

Desirably, the actuator is made of a thermally insulating material.

Desirably, the insulating material is a plastic or composite insulating material.

Preferably, the hair styling apparatus, most preferably, the power supply means comprises at least one battery.

Desirably, the at least one battery powers the heating means and the thermal control means of the hair styling apparatus.

Ideally, at least one battery is rechargeable.

Preferably, the hair styling apparatus, most preferably the power supply means, comprises charging means.

Preferably, the charging device comprises at least one charging port.

Preferably, the charging device comprises at least one charging adapter.

A charging adapter refers to any device capable of transferring charge from an external power source to a battery of a hair styling device via a charging port.

Ideally, the charging port is capable of receiving a charging device to charge the battery from the power source.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus comprises elongate member biasing means for biasing the elongate members apart.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus comprises elongate member biasing means for biasing the first elongate arm and the second elongate arm apart.

Desirably, the elongate member biasing means is located at or adjacent to, or forms part of, the joint between the first and second elongate arms.

Advantageously, in use, a user may press the two elongate arms together against the biasing force of the biasing means. When the user releases the arms, the elongate member biasing means forces the arms apart, thereby releasing any hair from between the two elongate arms.

Desirably, the elongate member biasing means comprises a spring, most preferably a torsion spring.

Desirably, the hair styling apparatus includes a locking member operable to lock the elongate members together.

Preferably the locking means is operable to lock the elongate members together against the force of the elongate member biasing means.

Preferably, the locking member is operable to lock the first and second elongate arms together.

Advantageously, when the lock is activated, it holds the two elongate arms together and the hair styling apparatus can be easily used as a curling iron.

In one embodiment, the lock is located proximal to the joint.

Desirably, the locking member is located at or about the handle.

Preferably, the locking element is located at or near a portion of the handle remote from the styling part.

Alternatively, the locking member is located along one longitudinal side of the handle.

Ideally, the locking element is positioned about halfway along the elongate member.

Advantageously, the location of the locking element along the longitudinal sides of the hair styling apparatus provides a more secure locking element when in operation than locking elements located at either end of the apparatus.

Preferably, the elongate member includes a recess for receiving the locking element.

Desirably, the locking element projects from the elongate member so that it can be engaged by a user.

Preferably, the locking member and the elongate member are arranged such that when the elongate member is removed, the locking member can be recessed into the elongate member.

Desirably, the locking member includes a catch movable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Desirably, the locking member includes a button, most preferably a sliding button, operatively engaged with the latch to move the latch between the unlocked and locked positions.

Preferably, in the unlocked position the catch is located in the recess and in the locked position the catch extends from the recess.

Desirably, the locking member is operatively engaged with the mode selection device such that operating the locking member also operates the mode selection device.

Preferably, the lock button and the mode selection means are formed as an integral element.

Preferably, the mode selection means enables the first formation of the first and/or second elongate arm to be heated when the locking member is in the unlocked position.

Desirably, the mode selection means enables heating of the outer mould surface when the locking member is in the locked position.

Preferably, the mode selection means enables heating of at least a portion of the clamp when the locking member is in the locked position.

Drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example only, three embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hair styling apparatus from one side;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus from the other side;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the hair styling apparatus with the clamp in an extended position;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus from one side with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in a closed position;

fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus from the other side, with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in a closed position;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in a closed position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in an extended position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in an extended position;

fig. 9 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus according to the present invention;

fig. 10 shows a top view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus;

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus;

fig. 13 illustrates an alternative side perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus with the clip in an extended position;

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative side perspective view of the second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus with the clip in an extended position;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clamp in a closed position;

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative side perspective view of the second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clip in a closed position;

fig. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus with first and second elongated arms in an extended position and a clamp in an extended position;

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative side perspective view of the second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus with the first and second elongated arms in an extended position and the clip in an extended position;

fig. 20 illustrates a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of a hair styling apparatus in accordance with the present invention; the device has a lock in an unlocked position;

FIG. 21 shows an enlarged side view of the hair styling apparatus illustrated in FIG. 20;

fig. 22 illustrates an alternative rear perspective view of the hair styling apparatus of fig. 20 showing the lock in a locked position;

fig. 23 illustrates an enlarged side view of the hair styling apparatus shown in fig. 22.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 to 8, a first embodiment of a hair styling apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral 1, having a plurality of styling modes for styling hair in various styles is shown. The device 1 has two elongated members 2, the two elongated members 2 being pivotally coupled about a joint 3. The joint 3 connects the two elongated members 2 about their ends and is an articulated joint 3. The two elongate members 2 are pivotally movable about the joint 3 between an extended position and a closed position. Each elongate member 2 has a

shaping

4, 5 and a handle 6. The clamp 7 is coupled to one of the two elongated members 2. The clamp 7 is movable between a first open position, shown in figures 1 to 3 and 7, 8, and a second closed position, shown in figures 4 to 6. The device has mode control means 9, temperature control means 10 and a power supply not shown. The power supply is housed within one or both of the elongate arms 2.

The elongate members 2 are generally of similar size and dimension. The

formations

4, 5 are located along a portion of the elongate member 2 near an end of the elongate member 2 remote from the joint 3. The handle 6 is located along a portion of the elongate member 2 adjacent the joint 3. The handle 6 is positioned along a portion of the elongate member 2 near an end of the elongate member 2 opposite the

styling parts

4, 5. The

formations

4, 5 are located along approximately half the length of the elongate member 2 from the centre to the end remote from the joint 3. The

formations

4, 5 are located along approximately half the length of the elongate member 2 from the centre to the end opposite the handle 6. The two elongated members 2 comprise a first elongated arm 21 and a second elongated arm 22. The first elongated arm 21 has a first profile 4 and a second profile 5. The first elongate arm 21 has a handle 6. The second elongated arm 22 has first and

second formations

4, 5 and a handle 6. The first formation 4 of the first elongated arm 21 is positioned in correspondence with the first formation 4 of the second elongated arm 22 and the second formation 5 of the first elongated arm 21 is positioned in correspondence with the second formation 5 of the second elongated arm 22. The handle 6 of the first elongated arm 21 is positioned in correspondence with the handle 6 of the second elongated arm 21.

By correspondingly positioned is meant that each shaping 4 and 5 and the handle 6 are positioned along each elongated member 2 in mirror image of the position of each shaping 4 and 5 and the handle 6 in the other elongated member 2, which allows each shaping 4, 5 and handle 6 to cooperate with its corresponding part when in use.

The first formation 4 of the first elongate arm 21 is an outer surface. By outer surface is meant the outwardly facing surface 4 of each

elongate arm

21, 22 relative to the other

elongate arms

21, 22 of the hair styling device 1 when the first and second

elongate arms

21, 22 are pivotally coupled together about the swivel/joint 3 in the closed position, see fig. 1 to 3. The first formation 4 of the second elongate arm 22 is also an outer surface. The first styling part 4 of the first elongated arm 21 and the first styling part 4 of the second elongated arm 22 combine to comprise an outer styling surface when pivotally engaged about the swivel/joint 3 to the closed position. By outer styling surface is meant the combined outer surface of the outer surfaces of the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22, i.e. the styling part 4 which is not in contact with the other

elongated arms

21, 22 when the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22 are pivotally engaged with each other about the swivel/joint 3 to the closed position. Pivotal engagement means that the respective elongate arms 2 are moved towards each other about their connecting pivot 3 to such an extent that their mutually opposed inner side faces 5 engage upon application of a force by a user.

The outer styling surface comprises the first styling part 4 of the first elongated arm 21 and the first styling part 4 of the second elongated arm 22 when the respective elongated arms are pivotally engaged to the closed position about the pivot/joint 3.

The cross-sectional area of the sculpted portion 4 tapers along its length. The cross-sectional area of the styling part 4 tapers along its length to a position at the end of the hair styling apparatus 1 remote from the spindle/joint 3. When the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22 are pivotally engaged about the pivot/joint 3 to the closed position, the cross-sectional area of the styling part 4 tapers along its length to a position at the end of the hair styling apparatus remote from the pivot/joint 3. The cross-sectional area of the outer mould surface tapers along its length. The cross-sectional area of the outer styling surface tapers along the length of the hair styling apparatus 1 towards the end of the hair styling apparatus 1 remote from the spindle/joint 3. When the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22 are pivotally engaged about the pivot/joint 3 to the closed position, the cross-sectional area of the outer styling surface tapers along the length of the hair styling apparatus 1 to the end of the hair styling apparatus 1 remote from the pivot/joint 3.

The first styling part 4 of the first elongated arm 21 is semi-conical. The first formation 4 of the second elongate arm 22 is also semi-conical. The outer mould surface is generally conical in shape. Advantageously, making the first shaping 4 of the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 semi-conical means that when the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are engaged with each other, they combine to form a conical shape. The conical outer shaping surface enables the user to make curls with decreasing or increasing diameters as desired. The first formation 4 of the first elongated arm 21 is semi-frustoconical and the first formation 4 of the second elongated arm 22 is semi-frustoconical. The first styling part 4 of the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22 is semi-frustoconical, forming a generally conical outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus 1 when engaged with each other about the swivel/joint 3.

Advantageously, making the first styling part 4 of the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 half-frustoconical means that they combine to form a half-frustoconical shape when the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are engaged with each other, and the outer styling surface provides the user with the ability to make curls of decreasing or increasing diameter as desired.

The first shaping section 4 is a shaping plate 4. The first mold portion 4 is a half-round tapered mold plate 4. The first styling part 4 is a half-frustoconical styling plate 4 mounted on the outer surface of the second elongated arm 22.

The first elongated arm 21 of the hair styling apparatus 1 has a second styling part 5 and the second elongated arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1 also has a second styling part 5. Both the first elongated arm 21 and the second elongated arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus have the same second styling part 5. The second styling part 5 of the two

elongated arms

21, 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1 has an inner styling surface 25. The inner styling surface 25 of the two

elongated arms

21, 22 is provided by the respective inner surfaces of the styling parts 5 of the two

elongated arms

21, 22. By internal surface is meant the mutually opposite faces of the engaging

elongated arms

21, 22 when the

elongated arms

21, 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1 are pivoted towards each other about the swivel/joint 3 to the closed position. The inner contoured surface 25 of the first elongated arm 21 corresponds in shape to the inner contoured surface 25 of the second elongated arm 22.

Advantageously, by being corresponding in shape, the inner surfaces of the first and second

elongated arms

21, 22 can grip and hold a user's hair when positioning hair between the two

elongated arms

21, 22, as they pivot towards each other until that portion of hair is held between the

respective arms

21, 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1. Further advantageously, this may result in the user obtaining any one of a variety of patterns depending on the shape/contour of the second formation 5 of the

elongated arm

21, 22. These patterns include, but are not limited to, straight hair, wavy hair.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the inner styling surface 25 is provided by a substantially flat plate 25. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the drawings, the inner styling surface 25 may have a contoured or shaped plate to style the user's hair in a pattern commensurate with the shape of the plate.

The width of the inner styling panel 25 tapers in proportion to the width of the first and second elongated arms, respectively.

The hair styling apparatus 1 also has a clamp 7. The clamp 7 has an actuating lever 31 and an elongated curved plate 32. The actuating rod 31 extends from the hair styling apparatus 1 at an acute angle, and the actuating rod 31 extends from the curved plate 32 at an obtuse angle. Clamp 7 is coupled to hair styling apparatus 1 at the junction between actuating rod 31 and curved plate 32. A clamp 7 is coupled to the hair styling apparatus 1 proximal the outer styling face of the hair styling apparatus 1. In the embodiment shown, the clamp 7 is coupled to the second elongated arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1, along the length of the second elongated arm 22, proximal to the end of the first styling part 4. Clamp 7 is pivotally coupled to hair styling apparatus 1 at the junction between actuating lever 31 and curved plate 32. The clamp 7 is pivotally attached to the hair styling apparatus 1, proximal to the outer styling face of the hair styling apparatus 1. The clamp 7 is pivotally attached to a second elongate arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1, along the length of the second styling part 22, proximal to the end of the first styling part 4. The clamp 7 is pivotally attached to the second elongated arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1, proximal to the end of each first styling part 4 of the elongated arm 22 that is closest to the handle 6 of the hair styling apparatus 1.

The shape of the elongate plate 32 corresponds to the shape of the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus 1. The shape of the elongated plate 32 of the clamp 7 corresponds to the shape of the first sculpting portion 4 of the two

elongated arms

21, 22. The shape of the inner face of the elongate plate 32 of the clamp 7 corresponds to the shape of the first sculpting portion 4 of the first elongate arm 21 and the second elongate arm 22. The length of the elongated plate 32 corresponds to the length of the outer mould surface and the length of the first shaping 4 of the two

elongated arms

21, 22. The length of the elongate plate 32 corresponds to or is slightly shorter than the length of the outer mould surface and slightly shorter than the length of the first moulds 4 of the two elongate arms. The elongated plate 32 is a half-truncated conical plate. The clamp 7 is normally biased towards the elongate arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1 via biasing means such as a spring (not shown). Alternatively, the clamp 7 is normally biased away from the elongate arm 22 of the hair styling apparatus 1 via biasing means.

Advantageously, the clamp 7 has a shape and length similar to the first styling part of the first styling arm or the second styling arm, respectively, the clamp 7 cooperating with a portion of the outer styling surface to apply pressure to a user's hair inserted between the inwardly facing surface of the elongate plate 32 of the clamp 7 and the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus 1. Inserting hair between these two elements of the hair styling apparatus 1 involves applying pressure to the actuating lever 31 to pivot the elongate plate 32 away from the outer styling surface; placing or wrapping hair around the outer styling surface at a desired location along the outer styling surface; and releasing the actuating lever 31 to allow the elongate plate 32 of the clip 7 to be biased rearwardly towards the outer styling surface, thereby clamping hair between the outer styling surface of the clip 7 and the elongate plate 32.

The outer mould surface is heatable. By "heatable" is meant that the individual components are capable of conducting heat up to a maximum within a predetermined temperature range. The first shaping 4 of one or both of the

elongate arms

21, 22 is heatable. The outer mold surface is made of a thermally conductive material. The first profile 4 of one or both of the

elongate arms

21, 22 is made of a heat conductive material. The first formations 4 of the first and second elongate arms are made of a thermally conductive material. The inner shaping surface 25 is heatable. The second styling part 5 of one or both

elongated arms

21, 22 is heatable. The second formations of one or both of the elongate arms are made of a thermally conductive material. At least a part of the clamp 7 is heatable. The elongated plate 32 of the clamp 7 is heatable. At least a portion of the clamp 7 is made of a thermally conductive material. The elongate plate 32 of the clamp 7 is made of a thermally conductive material. The heat conducting material is a composite material, or the heat conducting material is a metal or a metal alloy. The thermally conductive material is copper or titanium or any other suitable material. The outer and/or inner styling surface and/or the elongated clamp 7 is heated by heating means. The heating means comprise an electrical heating element, not shown.

The heating device has an internal electrical heating element, such as a coil or the like. The hair styling apparatus 1 has a thermal control device 41. The thermal control means controls the temperature to which the heating means heats the one or more moulding surfaces and/or the jig 7. The thermal control means 41 enables the heating means to independently heat each of the outer and inner styling surfaces of the jig 7 and the elongated plate 32 to an operating temperature of between 160 ℃ and 250 ℃, more preferably between 170 ℃ and 240 ℃.

The hair styling apparatus comprises mode selection means 42. The mode selection means 42 has means for determining which of the three heatable styling surfaces is to be heated. In one position, the mode selection device 42 enables heating of the outer mould surface. In another position, the mode selection device 42 enables heating of one or both of the inner shaping surfaces 5, 25. The clip 7 is heated via conduction of heat from the outer mould surface.

A handle 6 extends from the styling part to the other end of the hair styling apparatus 1 near the spindle/joint 3. The handle 6 extends from the styling part to the end of the hair styling apparatus 1 remote from the styling part of the hair styling apparatus. The handle 6 is made of a heat insulating material. The actuating rod 31 is made of a heat insulating material. The thermal insulation material is a plastic or composite thermal insulation material.

The hair styling apparatus 1 has at least one battery. The at least one battery powers the heating means and the thermal control means of the hair styling apparatus 1. At least one battery is rechargeable. The hair styling apparatus 1 has charging means. The charging device comprises at least one charging port and at least one charging adapter. A charging adapter refers to any device capable of transferring charge from an external power source to a battery of a hair styling device via a charging port. The charging port is capable of receiving a charging device to charge the battery from the power source.

In fig. 9 to 19, a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus according to the present invention is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 101. The hair styling apparatus 101 has a first elongated arm 121 and a second elongated arm 122. The first elongated arm 121 and the second elongated arm 122 are pivotally connected via a spindle/joint 3. Each

elongated arm

121, 122 has a first formation 104, a second formation 105 and a handle 106. The first formations 104 of each

elongate arm

121, 122 are opposed to one another and arranged close together as shown in figures 9 to 15. The second styling part 105 of each

elongate arm

121, 122 forms an outer styling surface. Pivot joint 103 is located between handles 106 of each

elongated arm

121, 122, proximal to the ends of the handles distal from the

sculpts

104, 105. As the

elongated arms

121, 122 pivot about the pivot joint 103, the handle 106 and styling portion 104 of each

elongated arm

121, 122 move apart. The hair styling apparatus 101 also has a clamp 107 pivotally disposed on the second styling part 105 of the second elongated arm 122. For each

elongated arm

121, 122, the handle 106 has a convex protrusion 150 extending around the perimeter of the handle 106.

The actuator 131 of the clamp 107 of the second embodiment is formed as a button 151 projecting from the surface of the second elongate arm 122. The button 151 is centrally located along the raised projection 150 and extends through the raised projection 150. The button 151 has a first engagement portion 152 coplanar with a portion of the elongate plate 132 of the clamp 107, and a second engagement portion 153 extending at an obtuse angle to the first engagement portion 152. The second engagement portion 153 is located between the first engagement portion 152 of the clamp 107 and the elongated plate 132. This creates a recess between the first and

second engagement portions

152, 153 sized to receive the user's thumb. The button 151 is arranged with the elongate plate 132 such that pressing the co-planar first engagement portions 152 downwardly, i.e. towards the handle 106, causes the elongate plate 132 to move away from the styling part 105, thereby pivoting at a location between the handle 106 and the styling part 105.

Hair styling apparatus 101 also has a charging port 155 which can receive a charger lead for charging a rechargeable battery (not shown). Hair styling apparatus 101 also has an on/off switch 156 and a series of four electronic lights 157 operable to indicate the charge level of the rechargeable batteries. An on/off switch 156 and four electronic lights 157 are disposed on the second elongated arm 122 proximate the button 151 for operating the clamp 107.

The pivot joint 103 has a torsion spring (not shown) for biasing the first elongated arm 121 and the second elongated arm 122 apart. The hair styling apparatus 101 also has a lock switch 160, the lock switch 160 being located proximal to the torsion spring and behind the spindle connection 103. The lock switch 160 can be operated to lock the first elongated arm 121 to the second elongated arm 122 against the force of the torsion spring. This enables a user to operate the hair styling apparatus 101 as a curling iron without undesirably moving the two

elongated arms

121, 122 apart.

In use, to squeeze a user's hair between the first and second

elongate arms

121, 122, the user places their hair in contact with the first styling part 104 between the two

arms

121, 122 and uses the handle 106 to move the

arms

121, 122 towards each other against the biasing force of the torsion spring. The user holds the

arms

121, 122 together for a desired period of time. Upon release, the torsion spring moves the

elongated arms

121, 122 apart and releases the hair. The user may then repeat this action for different portions of their hair to produce the desired style.

To use the hair styling apparatus 101 as a hair curling device, the user moves the two

elongated arms

121, 122 together and operates the lock switch 160 to lock the arms together. The user may then operate the button 151 to raise the clamp 107 away from the second molding surface 105 of the second elongated arm 122. The user may then wind their hair around the frusto-conical second styling surface 105 and may operate the button 151 to move the clip downwardly against the user's hair and the second styling surface 105 and for a desired period of time. The user may then operate the button 151 again to release their hair, and the action may be repeated for different portions of their hair until the desired style is achieved. Alternatively, if desired, a greater curl than that provided by the contoured surface alone. When the clamp 107 is against the outer styling surface, the user can simply wrap their hair around all of the styling parts of the device (including the clamp 107).

In the drawings of fig. 20 to 23, a third embodiment of a hair styling apparatus according to the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 201. The locking member 260 of the device 201 is positioned along the length of the handle 206 of the hair styling device 201 and is operable from a slide button 270 located on the first elongated arm 221. The first elongated arm 221 has a recess 271 that receives the catch 272. The catch 272 operably engages the sliding button 270 and pivots out of the groove 271 as the button 270 moves toward the molding 204. A corresponding recess (not shown) is positioned on the second elongated arm 222 for receiving the catch 272, thereby locking the

arms

221, 222 together. The catches 272 are hook-shaped and corresponding recesses are shaped to receive the hooks. It will be apparent that any suitable releasable locking mechanism may be used and is within the scope of the invention. The locking member 260 is a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). The slide button 270 engages the gear and, when slid along the handle 206, correspondingly moves the gear. The catch 272, which engages with the gear wheel, is rotated out of the recess 271 by the rack when moved. To unlock the

arms

221, 222, the user may slide the button 270 away from the molding 204. The catch 272 retracts into the recess 271 and releases the

arms

221, 222.

In regard to the detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that one or more features of one embodiment may be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, where the use of a transfer of one or more features is immediately apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to perform a similar function in other embodiments in a similar manner.

In the foregoing discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permissible range of a parameter, plus an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, should be interpreted as an implicit statement that each intermediate value of the parameter lying between the more preferred and less preferred of the alternative is itself preferred to the less preferred value, and is also preferred to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A hair styling apparatus having multiple modes for styling hair in multiple styles comprising:

at least two elongate members pivotally coupled about a joint;

the at least two elongate members being pivotally movable about the joint between an extended position and a closed position;

each elongate member including a styling portion and a handle;

a clamp coupleable to either of the at least two elongated members;

the clamp is movable between a first open position and a second closed position when the clamp is coupled to either elongated member;

and a power supply device.

2. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the styling portion is positionable along a portion of the elongate member proximate an end of the elongate member, and wherein the handle is positionable along a portion of the elongate member proximate an end of the elongate member opposite the styling portion.

3. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the joint between the at least two elongate members is located proximal to an end of the handle remote from the styling portion.

4. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two elongate members comprise a first elongate arm and a second elongate arm.

5. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm each comprise a first styling portion, a second styling portion, and a handle.

6. The hair styling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first styling portion of the first elongated arm is positioned corresponding to a first styling portion of the second elongated arm, the second styling portion of the first elongated arm is positioned corresponding to the second styling portion of the second elongated arm, and the handle of the first elongated arm is positioned corresponding to the handle of the second elongated arm.

7. The hair styling apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first styling portion of the first and second elongated arms comprises an outer surface.

8. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional area of the styling portion tapers along its length.

9. The hair styling apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the first styling part of the first elongate arm and the first styling part of the second elongate arm combine when pivotally engaged to the closed position to comprise an outer styling surface.

10. The hair styling apparatus of claim 9, wherein the outer styling surface is generally conical in shape.

11. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first styling portions of the first and second elongate arms are semi-conical in shape, thereby forming a generally conical outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus when engaged with one another.

12. The hair styling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first styling portion of the first and second elongated arms is half-frustoconical, forming a generally conical outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus when engaged with one another.

13. The hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising an inner styling surface defined by opposing surfaces of the at least two elongate members.

14. A hair styling apparatus as claimed in claim 13 when dependent on claim 4, wherein said first and second elongate arms comprise a second styling part, said second styling part of one or both elongate arms of the hair styling apparatus comprising an inner styling surface, said inner styling surface of one or both elongate arms comprising respective inner surfaces of said styling parts of one or both elongate arms.

15. The hair styling apparatus of claim 14, wherein said inner styling surface comprises a plate.

16. The hair styling apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plates of the inner styling surface are corrugated plates.

17. The hair styling apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a clamp comprising an actuating lever and a curved plate and pivotally coupled to an elongate member of the hair styling apparatus.

18. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the clamp is pivotally attached to at least one of the at least two elongate arms of the hair styling apparatus proximal to the respective first styling portion.

19. The hair styling apparatus of claim 17 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the clamp comprises an elongate plate corresponding in shape and length to the outer styling surface of the hair styling apparatus.

20. The hair styling apparatus of claim 19, wherein the elongated plate is a semi-conical plate.

21. The hair styling apparatus of claim 19, wherein the elongated plate is a half-truncated conical plate.

22. A hair styling apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 21 wherein the clamp is normally biased towards at least one elongate member of the hair styling apparatus via biasing means.

23. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 14, comprising heating means, wherein said power supply means is operably engaged with said heating means, and further comprising thermal control means for controlling the temperature at which said heating means heats at least a portion of said outer styling surface, inner styling surface and/or said clip.

24. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 23, comprising mode selection means comprising means for determining which of said three heatable styling surfaces is to be heated.

25. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the power supply means comprises at least one battery.

26. The hair styling apparatus of claim 25, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

27. The hair styling apparatus of claim 26, wherein the power supply means comprises a charging means comprising at least one charging port.

28. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, including safety means to prevent a user's hand from moving from the handle to the styling part when in use.

29. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising elongate member biasing means for biasing the elongate members apart.

30. A hair styling apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a lock operable to lock the elongate members together.