ES2629705T3 - Electric apparatus for modeling hair - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair modeling apparatus (1) comprising: - two handles (10, 20) connected together to allow to open and close the apparatus (1) respectively by moving said handles (10, 20) away from each other, - two modeling elements ( 30, 40), respectively coupled to two handles (10, 20), at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) comprising a thermal element, and - at least one mobile element (44, 46) articulated with at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40), wherein the hair modeling apparatus (1) also comprises a mechanism (47) adapted to move said mobile element (44, 46) along a transverse direction (TT) , perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (YY) of said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40), between: - a first operative position of the mobile element (44, 46), wherein said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) have a transverse extension L1, and - a second operative position of dic ho mobile element (44, 46), wherein said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) has a transverse extension L2, where L2> L1, whereby an operating position is in a position in the that the mobile element is adapted to interact with the hair when the device is in operation.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Electric apparatus for modeling hair

The present invention relates to an electric apparatus for modeling hair.

In particular, the present invention relates to an electric apparatus for straightening, curling, curling, providing volume to the hair, or the like.

WO 2011/055116 discloses an apparatus for modeling hair comprising a pair of fasteners for fastening the hair to be modeled. The fasteners comprise a plate for heating the hair and means for manipulating the user's roots in addition to the plate for heating the hair by means of which, when used, the means for manipulating the user's roots are brought into contact with the roots of the user and the plate for heating the hair is separated from the user's head.

WO 2006/099522 discloses an embodiment of a hair straightener, comprising two handles articulated with each other, two hot shaping heads and two cold heads. The cold heads are pivotally mounted at the respective longitudinal ends so that the cold contact surfaces can move in or out, therefore, the cooling step may or may not be applied to the hair, respectively.

EP 2 165 620 describes a hair straightener comprising two arms with two thermal elements. Each thermal element has a flat surface and an elevation surface with a curved molding part. The hair straightener also comprises an auxiliary element that can be attached to and released from the curved molding part, to change the degree of curvature with which the hair is molded. Document CN 2667947 describes a multifunctional device for shaping hair with different comb sleeves of different interchangeable types for straightening or curling hair.

The Applicant faced the technical problem of making an improved hair modeling apparatus with respect to known apparatuses.

In a first aspect of the present invention it refers to a hair modeling apparatus comprising:

- two handles connected together, to allow the apparatus to open and close respectively when approaching and removing said handles from each other,

- two modeling elements, respectively coupled with the two handles, at least one of the two modeling elements comprises a thermal element,

wherein the hair modeling apparatus comprises at least one articulated mobile element with at least one of the two modeling elements and a mechanism that is adapted to move said mobile element along a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements, between a first operative position of the mobile element, in which said at least one of the two modeling elements has a transverse extension L1, and a second operative position of said mobile element, in the That said at least one of the two modeling elements has a transverse extension L2, where L2> L1.

The Applicant found that said solution allows the hair modeling apparatus to model in different operating conditions, corresponding to the different operating positions of said mobile elements along said transverse directions, which allow it to obtain different modeling effects (e.g., straight, wavy, soft curls, marked curls, volume in all ralces and the like). This without requiring the use of additional accessory elements.

In the present description and claims, by the operative position a position is intended in which the mobile element is adapted to interact with the hair when the apparatus is in operation. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments particularly of the inventive apparatus. Advantageously, said mechanism is a control mechanism that is configured to move said mobile element along said cross section.

Advantageously, said mechanism is adapted to move said mobile element along said transverse direction towards two opposite directions respectively towards and from said at least one of the two modeling elements.

Advantageously, said at least one mobile element is articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements at two ends of said at least one mobile element.

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Advantageously, said at least one mobile element has an elongated shape.

Advantageously, said at least one mobile element extends longitudinally in said apparatus according to a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements.

Preferably, said at least one mobile element has a longitudinal axis. Preferably said longitudinal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements. Preferably, said at least one mobile element is articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements along a rotating axis that is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mobile element. Preferably, the rotating axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mobile element. Preferably, the rotating axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements. Preferably, the rotating axis is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements.

Said at least one mobile element may have a smooth, serrated, or wavy outer surface.

In one embodiment, said at least one mobile element has a rounded outer lateral surface.

Said at least one mobile element can have a substantially curved cross section, such as circular, elliptical or helical.

In one embodiment, a longitudinal side part of said at least one of the two modeling elements to which the mobile element is coupled has a longitudinal opening. Advantageously, said at least one mobile element is coupled with said at least one of the two modeling elements in said at least one longitudinal opening. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one movable element is housed in said at least one of the two modeling elements to have a part of the external surface leaving from said at least one longitudinal lateral opening.

Advantageously, the aforementioned mechanism is housed in said at least one of the two modeling elements. Preferably, said mechanism is movable along a longitudinal direction, which is parallel to said longitudinal axis of said at least one of the two modeling elements. In a preferred embodiment, said mechanism is a sliding mechanism.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises an actuator that is adapted to move said mechanism along said longitudinal direction, towards the two opposite directions. Advantageously, said actuator is adapted so that a user can move it. Advantageously, said actuator is arranged outside the apparatus.

Advantageously, said actuator is also adapted to lock said mechanism in different operative positions along said longitudinal direction, corresponding to different operative positions of at least one mobile element, along said transverse direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the hair modeling apparatus comprises two mobile elements articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements. In this case, said mechanism is adapted to move both mobile elements along said transverse direction. Advantageously, the two mobile elements are articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements, in the two opposite side parts.

In another embodiment, the hair modeling apparatus comprises a pair of mobile elements for each of the two modeling elements.

Advantageously, the device is electric.

Advantageously, said thermal element is connected to an energy supply that is in the respective handle.

Other features and advantages of the apparatus of the present invention will be better clarified by the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are presented by way of example only and not for limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings. In these drawings,

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the upper arm of the apparatus of Figure 1, without moving elements;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of two mobile elements and a mechanism for moving the apparatus of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper arm of the apparatus of Figure 1, without the upper part of the

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modeling element;

- Figure 5a is a perspective view of the upper arm of the apparatus of Figure 1, with the mobile elements in a first operative position;

- Figure 5b shows a cross section of the arm of Figure 5a;

- Figure 6a is a perspective view of the upper arm of the apparatus of Figure 1, with the mobile elements

in a second operational position;

- Figure 6b shows a cross section of the arm of Figure 6a;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of an arm, without the upper part of the modeling element, of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 8a shows a perspective view of the arm of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention of Figure 7, with the mobile elements in a first operative position;

- Figure 8b shows a cross section of the arm of Figure 8a;

- Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the arm of Figure 8a, with the moving elements in a

second operational position;

- Figure 9b shows a cross section of the arm of Figure 9a.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for modeling the hair according to the invention.

The apparatus 1 comprises two arms comprising two handles 10, 20 (shown in Figure 1 in the open position) and two modeling elements 30, 40.

The two handles 10,20 are connected together at one end by an articulation 50. The articulation 50 allows the two handles 10, 20 to rotate about a rotating shaft (not shown), from an open position to a closed position of the apparatus 1 .

The two handles 10, 20 and the two modeling elements 30, 40 can be made in two respective single pieces or can be held together (for example by screws, welding, or the like).

At least one of the modeling elements 30, 40, preferably both, comprises a thermal element (not shown) inside.

Each of the two modeling elements 30, 40 comprises a lower part 31, 41, with an outer surface that is substantially flat, inside the apparatus 1 and an upper part 32, 42 with an outer surface that is substantially curved, in the outside of the device 1.

The substantially flat outer surfaces of the lower parts 31, 41 are advantageously adapted to cooperate with each other to hold the hair while modeling it, when the handles 10, 20 are in the closed position.

The lower parts 31, 41 are advantageously made of thermal conductive material so as to optimize heat transfer from the thermal element to the hair for modeling.

The upper parts 32, 42 are preferably made of insulating material to prevent the user from accidentally burning.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portions 32, 42 have a smooth outer surface. However, they can also have a wavy outer surface or an outer surface provided with guards or bumps, to better guide the hair while modeling it.

The thermal element can be of a resistant type, PTC (thermal with positive temperature coefficient), of the ceramic resistance type (ceramic for ceramic), of the wired type, of the infrared type or the like.

The thermal element is adapted to connect with electric cables (not shown in the figures), present in the handle 10 and / or 20.

Although not shown in the figures, the apparatus 1 is advantageously adapted to connect with a connection cable to connect to the electrical network and to provide electric power to the thermal element by

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the aforementioned electrical cables 10 and / or 20.

The apparatus 1 also advantageously comprises adjustment means (not shown) to adjust the temperature of the thermal elements. Said adjustment means can be carried out in accordance with techniques well known in the art.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the apparatus 1 also comprises two mobile elements 44, 46 in one of the two modeling elements 40.

It should be noted that even if in the figures the mobile elements 44, 46 are associated with the upper modeling element 40, they can also be associated with the lower modeling element 30.

The modeling element 40 has two opposite longitudinal side openings 43 (of which one is visible in Figure 2).

As shown in Figs. 4-6, the mobile elements 44, 46 are housed within the modeling element 40 and exit therefrom through the two opposite longitudinal side openings 43.

The surface part of the mobile elements 44, 46 projecting from the two opposite longitudinal side openings 43 completes the outer surface of the upper part 42 of the modeling element 40. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-6, the mobile elements 44 , 46 have a curved shape, the section that defines an even and continuous union between the bottom 41 and the top 42, thus obtaining! the best possible compromise in the various operational positions in which the mobile elements 44, 46 can move.

All operating positions ensure a compact device, which facilitates the functions to model the hair.

The mobile elements 44, 46 can be made of different materials, plastic, aluminum, plastic coated aluminum or the like.

As shown in Figure 3, the two mobile elements 44, 46 have two ends that are equipped with pins 45 articulated with the modeling element 40. Advantageously, the two mobile elements 44, 46 are articulated with the modeling element 40 along of a respective rotating axis II that is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis LL of the mobile element 44, 46 (to be easier to understand the illustration, only the rotating axes II and the longitudinal axes LL of the mobile element 46 are shown in the figure 3).

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the apparatus 1 comprises a control mechanism 47 in the modeling element 40 to which the two mobile elements 44, 46 are associated.

Said mechanism 47 is operatively coupled with the two mobile elements 44, 46 to move them along the transverse direction T-T, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the modeling element 40.

Advantageously, said mechanism 47 is a sliding type mechanism that is adapted to move back and forth, in accordance with a rectilinear movement along a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the modeling element 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding mechanism 47 is housed within the modeling element 40, between the two mobile elements 44, 46.

By virtue of the fact that the two mobile elements 44, 46 are forced to rotate by means of the articulation with the modeling element 40, during the forward and backward movements of the mechanism 47, the mobile elements carry out rotations in opposite directions around their axes swivels II.

As shown in Figure 3, the sliding mechanism comprises rails 49 formed that are adapted to cooperate with the anchor pins 49 'which are located on the mobile elements 44, 46. In particular, the movement forward and backward of the mechanism 47 causes the anchor pin 49 'to slide along the formed rails 49.

Although not illustrated, the sliding mechanism 47 can be realized in accordance with alternative embodiments that exploit known principles of the state of the art, such as for example worm screws or cam systems, cradle systems, or levers in general.

Advantageously, the mechanism 47 is adapted to move back and forth along a predetermined path. At the beginning of the path, the mechanism 47 interacts with the mobile elements 44, 46, so that they are in a first operative position; at the end of the path, the mechanism 47 interacts with the mobile elements 44, 46 so that they are in a second operative position; at intermediate positions between the limits of the route, the mechanism 47 interacts with the mobile elements 44, 46 so that they are in

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intermediate operating positions (not shown) between the first and second positions.

As shown in Figure 5b, in the first operative position, the mobile elements 44, 46 are in the stop against the part of the upper internal surface 41a of the lower part 41 of the modeling element, which is substantially projected along of a longitudinal plane, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis YY of the modeling element. As shown in Figure 6b, in the second operative position, the mobile elements rotate, with respect to the first operative position, around the respective rotating axis II, until they abut against the inner lateral surface 42b of the upper part 42 of the modeling element.

As shown in Figures 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, when the mobile elements 44, 46 are in the first operating position, the modeling element 40 has a transverse extension L1, along a TT axis, which is more short that the transverse extension L2 that it has when the mobile elements 44, 46 are in the second operative position. When the mobile elements 44, 46 are in an intermediate operating position, the modeling element 40 has a transverse extension comprised between L1 and L2.

In the illustrated embodiments, the transverse extension L2 is longer than the transverse extension of the outer shape of the upper part 42 of the modeling element 40.

In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the T-T axis is, by way of example, perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane containing the Y-Y longitudinal axis of the modeling element.

A user can move the mechanism 47 by means of an actuator 48 (for example a slider) of the apparatus 1. For example, the actuator 48 can be positioned in the upper part 42 of the modeling element 40 or in any other useful position.

Advantageously, the actuator 48 is operatively coupled with said mechanism 47 to allow, according to known methods (for example, through a special knurled shape), to the mechanism 47 that locks in different operating positions, corresponding to the different operating positions of the two mobile elements 44, 46.

By operating with the actuator 48, a user can move the mobile elements 44, 46 according to the hair style he desires. For example, in the case where the hair is smoothed, the user can use the apparatus 1 in the first operative position. To curl or form waves in the hair, the user can use the apparatus 1 in a position between the first and second operative position or in an intermediate operative position to obtain smaller or larger curls or waves.

With a single device, the user can obtain different modeling effects simply by moving the mobile elements 44, 46 in different operating positions, without requiring the use of auxiliary accessory elements.

As shown in Figures 5a, 6a, 5b and 6b, thanks to the use of the two mobile elements 44, 46 that are articulated with the modeling element 40, the apparatus 1 according to the invention ensures that the operating surface of the modeling element 40, which is intended to come into contact with the hair (formed by the substantially curved outer surface of the upper part 42, by the substantially flat outer surface of the lower part 41 and by the surface exposed to the outside of the mobile elements 44, 46), -in the various operating positions of the mobile elements 44, 46- maintains a continuous profile, without sharp or hollow edges that may otherwise mark or ruin the hair during use. On the other hand, the configuration described above of the apparatus 1 according to the invention allows it to maintain a compact size for use in each operative position.

Although in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-6, the mobile elements 44, 46 have an elongated shape with a substantially curved section, they can also have a different shape.

For example, Figures 7-9 show an embodiment of the apparatus 1 that is completely similar to that described above except for the fact that the mobile elements 44, 46 are comb-shaped.

Figures 8a and 8b show a situation in which the mobile elements 44, 46 are in a first operative position while Figures 9a and 9b show a situation in which the mobile elements 44, 46 are in a second operative position .

When the mobile elements 44, 46 are in a second operative position or in an intermediate operative position, the comb teeth project from the modeling element 40. The projections created allow to increase the hair in the ralces and, after rotating the apparatus for a certain number of degrees, allows you to get in touch even in a way on the hair to create a more voluminous smooth effect.

Although not illustrated in detail, the invention also comprises the case in which the apparatus 1 comprises a single mobile element that is associated with one of the two modeling elements 30, 40; the case in the

that there are two mobile elements respectively associated with the two modeling elements 30, 40; or the case in which there are two pairs of mobile elements associated with the two modeling elements 30, 40; in which the mobile elements can be the same or different from each other.

5 From the above description, it will be clarified that the invention in its various aspects allows it to obtain a compact, practical and versatile device.

In particular, with respect to known apparatuses equipped with auxiliary accessory elements, the apparatus of the invention allows to obtain many styles with a single apparatus.

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On the other hand, in the apparatus of the invention, such as the mobile elements of housing directly within the modeling element, they are better heated with respect to the auxiliary accessory elements of the known apparatuses that are applied outside. This ensures that the heat is transferred better to the hair and, therefore, there is a more effective end result.

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Claims (10)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 1. Hair modeling apparatus (1) comprising: - two handles (10, 20) connected together to allow to open and close the apparatus (1) respectively by moving said handles (10, 20) away from each other, - two modeling elements (30, 40), respectively coupled to two handles (10, 20), at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) comprising a thermal element, and - at least one mobile element (44, 46) articulated with at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40), wherein the hair modeling apparatus (1) also comprises a mechanism (47) adapted to move said mobile element (44, 46) along a transverse direction (TT), perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (Y- Y) of said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40), between: - a first operational position of the mobile element (44, 46), wherein said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) has a transverse extension L1, and - a second operative position of said mobile element (44, 46), wherein said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) has a transverse extension L2, where L2> L1, with which an operative position is in a position in which the mobile element is adapted to interact with the hair when the device is in operation. 2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said mechanism (47) is adapted to move said at least one mobile element (44, 46) along said transverse direction (TT) in two opposite directions , respectively towards and from said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40). 3. Apparatus (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said at least one mobile element (44, 46) is articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) at two ends of said at least one mobile element (44, 46). 4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one mobile element (44, 46) is articulated with said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) along an axis rotating (II) which is eccentric with respect to a longitudinal axis (LL) of said at least one mobile element (44, 46). 5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one mobile element (44, 46) has a smooth, serrated or corrugated outer surface. 6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one mobile element (44, 46) can have a substantially curved cross section. 7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a longitudinal side part of said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40), with which said at least one movable element (44, 46) is coupled, has a longitudinal opening (43). 8. Apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein said at least one mobile element (44, 46) is housed in said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40) in said at least one opening longitudinal (43), to have a part of the outer surface protruding from said at least one longitudinal lateral opening (43). 9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said mechanism (47) is movable along a longitudinal direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis (YY) of said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40). 10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising two mobile elements (44, 46) that articulate with said at least one of the two modeling elements (30, 40).