GB2594968A

GB2594968A - Hair waving apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2594968A
Application number: GB2007063.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Low Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-13
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Also published as: GB202007063D0

Abstract

Hair waving apparatus comprising two arms 100, 102 connected at a pivot 106. A heating member 108, 114 extends along one arm and a hair support member 108, 114 extends along the other. Heating and hair support members have corresponding shapes and define a hair receiving channel when the arms are closed (Fig 4, 119). A heating member comb structure 150 extends along either arm and is located between the heating member and hair support member when the arms are closed. The apparatus can be held with one hand and is responsive to user operation by translating the heating member comb structure along its supporting arm. The heating/support members may both be heated and one may be convex with the other being concave. The heating member comb structure may be formed with either heating/support member and be resiliently biased away from its supporting arm. Two auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be present along either side of the heating or support member, and they may move along the arm. The heating member/auxiliary comb structures may be accommodated in channels 155, 110a, 110b when the arms are closed. A switch 112 or sensor 128 may control movement of the comb structure(s).

Description

Hair Waving Apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a hair waving apparatus.

Background to the Invention

It is known in the art to apply a wave to hair using "hair wavers".

Traditionally these comprise one or more heated "barrels-, or hair channels, and provide a one-dimensional wave down the side of the head. An example of such a device is the Babyliss 2337U Wave Envy Hair Styler.

A device providing waves in two different directions is disclosed in EP0551851A1. Here, operation is complex, requiring two hands to use the device. This device requires considerable skill to operate correctly.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a hair waving apparatus comprising: first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel therebetween when the first arm is closed against the second arm; a heating member comb structure extending along the first arm or second arm; wherein the heating member comb structure is arranged such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the heating member comb structure is located between the heating member and hair support member; the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb; and the apparatus being responsive to user operation by translating the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported.

The hair support member may be a second heating member.

The heating member may be a convex heating member and the hair support member may be a concave hair support member.

The heating member may be a concave heating member and the hair 10 support member may be a convex hair support member.

The heating member comb structure may be formed with the heating member and extend at least partially through a groove formed in the heating member.

The heating member comb structure may be formed with the hair support member and extend at least partially through a groove formed in the hair support member.

The apparatus may further comprise a heating member comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the heating member comb structure such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the heating member comb structure is at least partially accommodated in the heating member comb channel.

The apparatus may further comprise a biasing means, wherein the biasing means is configured to resiliently bias the heating member comb structure away from the arm on which the heating member comb structure is supported.

The apparatus may further comprise a first auxiliary comb structure and a second auxiliary comb structure, wherein the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are each arranged on the first arm or second arm such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are arranged either side of the heating member and hair support member.

The first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure may be configured to translate along the arm on which they are located responsive to the user operation.

The first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure may be configured to translate simultaneously with the heating member comb structure in response to the user operation.

The first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure may be configured to translate in an opposite direction to the 15 heating member comb structure in response to the user operation.

The apparatus may further comprise a first auxiliary comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the first auxiliary comb structure and a second auxiliary comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the second auxiliary comb structure such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the first auxiliary comb channel is at least partially accommodated in the first auxiliary comb channel and the second auxiliary comb channel is at least partially accommodated in the second auxiliary comb channel.

The apparatus may further comprise a switch located on one of the arms such as to be operable by a thumb or finger of a hand of the user whilst the first and second arms are closed by the hand of the user, the apparatus being responsive to operation of the switch by translating the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported.

The switch may be a mechanical sliding member that is mechanically linked to the heating member comb structure.

The switch may be an electrical switch and the apparatus may be responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause translation of the heating member comb structure.

The apparatus may be responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the heating member comb structure in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a second time.

The apparatus may be responsive to the second operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the heating member comb structure in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a third time The apparatus may further comprise: a sensor configured to detect when the first arm is closed against the second arm; and an actuator configured to translate the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported in response to the sensor detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm.

The sensor may be a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor or an electrical switch.

Other exemplary features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and that they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of various embodiments reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an upper arm of a hair waving apparatus according to the invention, showing the heating member comb structure; Figure 3 shows a cutaway side view of the upper arm of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a cutaway side view of the upper arm of Figure 2 and a lower arm according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of a third embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 8a shows a top view of the lower arm in some embodiments of the 20 invention; Figure 8b shows a bottom view of the upper arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 9a shows a top view of the lower arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 9b shows a bottom view of the upper arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 10 shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus for translating the heating member comb according to the invention; Figure ii shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus for translating the heating member comb according to the invention; Figure 12 shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus for translating the heating member comb according to the invention; and Figure 13 is a circuit diagram of an end-to-end system embodying aspects of the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a hair waving apparatus 126 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Comb 5 structure 150, 116a, ii6b translating aspects of this embodiment consist wholly of mechanical elements. In this first embodiment, a hair waving apparatus 126, also known as hair waver 126, is provided by an upper arm 100 and a lower arm 102. The arms 100, 102 are for example 3 cm deep. These arms loo, 102 are connected together at a pivot joint io6. 10 The pivot 106 is sprung so as to bias the arms 100, 102 away from one another.

The upper surface of the lower arm 102 has formed upon it a concave heating member io8. The lower surface of the upper arm loo has formed upon it a convex heating member 114. The convex heating member 114 protrudes below the lower surface of the upper arm 100. In an alternative arrangement, the upper surface of the lower arm 102 comprises the convex heating member 114 and the lower surface of the upper arm 100 comprises the concave heating member io8.

The heating members io8, 114 are of equal or approximately equal length. An example of this length is 10 cm. The heating members io8, 114 are of equal or approximately equal width. An example this width is 3 cm. The concave heating member DA and convex heating member 114 are positioned such that they are opposite one another. Thus, when the concave heating member 1o8 and convex heating member 114 intersect, i.e. when the arms are closed, a hair channel 119 is formed between the two heating members io8, 114. The hair channel 119 is shown later in Figure 4. The heating members io8, 114 are of corresponding shape.

The heating members io8, 114 may translate up and down relative to their respective arm 102, 100. To effect this, the heating members io8, 114 may be sprung. An effect of this is to allow pressure to be applied to a lock of hair regardless of its thickness.

The heating members 1o8, 114 are electrically heated by one or more heating elements 614 as described later in relation to Figure 13. The heating members io8, 114 are insulated on the outside surface, for example they may have a ceramic coating. Heat is conducted to the heating members 108, 114 by the heating elements 614 within them. Heat is approximately uniformly distributed across the heating members 1o8, 114. Any suitable type of heating element 614 may be used. For example, the heating elements 614 may comprise one or more heating coils. A suggested optimal temperature to which the heating members 1o8, 114 should be heated is 230 degrees Celsius. Heating the hair in the hair channel to a high temperature leads to a maintained style. Put another way, subjecting hair to this temperature causes the hair to take a shape that is similar to the shape in which it was held at the high temperature even when the heat is removed. One of the heating members 1o8, 114 may not be heated, for example it may not contain a heating element 614. The heating members io8, 114 may be known as hair support elements.

The lower arm 102 has an electrical on/off switch 104 included thereon. Alternatively the on/off switch 104 may be included on the upper arm loo. The on/off switch 104 may be of any suitable form, for example a slider or a push button.

The lower arm 102 includes an interface (not shown) for a power input wire 124. The interface is configured to support any input voltage supplied via the wire 124. For example, in the United Kingdom input voltage is about 230V AC. In the USA input voltage is about noV AC.

The convex heating member 114 has a heating member comb structure 150. The heating member comb structure 15o is arranged such that it runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the convex heating member 114, along the upper arm no. The heating member comb structure 150 is arranged such that prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 protrude from the convex heating member 114 and extend below the lower surface of the upper arm 100. An example length of the prongs is 2 cm. A groove 16o may be formed in the convex heating member 114 through which the heating member comb structure 150 extends. The groove 16o is shown later in Figure 4. Where the convex heating member 114 has the shape of a horizontal cylindrical segment, the heating member comb structure 150 may be arranged so that the prongs protrude from the uppermost part of the cylindrical surface.

The concave heating member 1o8 may have formed thereon a heating member comb channel 155. The heating member comb channel 155 is formed in a lower surface of the concave heating member io8 and is formed such that it runs parallel to the longest side of the concave heating member io8.

When the arms 100, 102 are closed, the heating member comb structure 150 fits into the heating member comb channel 155 such that the arms 100, 102 lie parallel with respect to each other. That is, when the upper arm 100 is closed against the lower arm 102, the heating member comb structure 150 is located between the convex heating member 114 and concave heating member 1o8. In particular, the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 are accommodated by the heating member comb channel 155 when the arms 100, 102 are closed. This ensures hair in the hair channel 119 is sufficiently held by the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150, between the convex heating member 114 and concave heating member io8, when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together in their closed position.

In some examples, the heating member comb structure 15o may be resiliently biased away from the arm 100 on which it is located, towards the other corresponding arm 102. In particular, the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 may be biased from the convex heating member 114 towards the concave heating member io8. The heating member comb structure 150 is biased such that when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together, the biasing force causes the heating member comb structure 151, and in particular the prongs 151, to contact the concave heating member to 8, exerting a force on the concave heating member 108 and trapping hair between the prongs 151. Such an arrangement can mean the heating member comb channel 155 is not required. The arrangement is in more detail later with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4.

The heating member comb structure 150 is configured to translate forwards and backwards along the length of the upper arm loo, for example along translation channel 120. An example displacement for this translation is 2 cm. Figure 1 shows the translation channel 120 formed in the upper arm 100, however in some cases is may be formed in the convex heating member 114.

Initiation of the translation is provided by a slider 112. The slider 112 is formed on the upper surface of the upper arm too. The slider 112 is positioned such that it is operable by the thumb or finger of the hand operating the arms 100, 102. The slider 112 is indirectly coupled to a wire n8 or the like. The heating member comb structure 150 translates along the upper arm too when the wire 118 is pulled. Detailed description of this operation will be described later with reference to later Figures.

The upper arm 100 has formed thereon a first auxiliary comb structure 116a. The upper arm 100 also has formed thereon a second auxiliary comb structure 116b. The second comb structure 116b is positioned parallel to and opposite the first comb structure 116a. The first auxiliary comb structure 116a and second auxiliary comb structure 116b are therefore located one either side of the convex heating member 114, with the heating member comb structure 150 located in between. The second auxiliary comb structure 116b is obscured in Figure 1 by the convex heating member 114, but can be seen later in Figure 5a and Figure 5b.

Prongs of both auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b extend below the lower surface of the upper arm 100. An example length of the prongs is 2 cm. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are arranged to hold a lock of hair in place when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together. While the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are stationary relative to the arm 100, 102 on which they are located, they inhibit movement of the hair along the arms 100, 102.

The lower arm 102 has formed thereon a first auxiliary comb channel noa and a second auxiliary comb channel nob. The first auxiliary comb channel noa is formed such that it runs parallel to the longest side of the concave heating member to8. The second auxiliary comb channel nob is formed opposite and parallel to the first auxiliary comb channel noa. The first auxiliary comb channel noa and second auxiliary comb channel nob are therefore located one either side of the convex heating member 114 and concave heating member io8, with the heating member comb structure 150 located in between. The second auxiliary comb channel nob is obscured in Figure 1 by the concave heating member to8, but can be seen later in Figure 5a and Figure 5b.

When the arms 100, 102 are closed, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b fit into respective auxiliary comb channels noa, nob such that the arms 100, 102 lie parallel with respect to each other.

In some examples, only one auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b and one corresponding auxiliary comb channel noa, nob may be present, for example the first auxiliary comb structure 116b and first auxiliary comb channel nob. In some examples there may be no auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b and corresponding auxiliary comb channels noa, nob. In this case, a lock of hair may be inhibited from moving along the length of the arms 100, 102 simply by pressure applied to the hair by the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 when they are brought together. This may be assisted by at least one of the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 being provided with an area of relatively high friction either side of the concave heating member 108 and/or convex heating member 114.

The first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, n6b may be 5 configured to translate forwards and backwards along respective translation channels izob, izoc, in a similar manner to the heating member comb structure 150. An example displacement for this translation is 2 cm. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may translate simultaneously in the same direction to each other. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may translate simultaneously in the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150. This is described later with respect to Figures 10, 11 and 12.

Initiation of the translation of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b is provided by the slider 112, which is coupled to the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b by the wire n8 or the like. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, n6b translate along the arm 100 when the wire 118 is pulled. Detailed description of this operation will be described later with reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12.

In some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b do not translate along the arms loo, 102 and instead are fixed relative to the arms 100, 102. In other examples, the first auxiliary comb structure 116a is configured to translate, while the second auxiliary comb structure 116b does not translate.

In some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, n6b are formed on the lower arm 102. In other examples, the first auxiliary comb structure 116a may be formed on the upper arm 100 while the second auxiliary comb structure 116b may be formed on the lower arm 102. For each auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b, the corresponding auxiliary comb channel noa, nob is formed on the opposite arm loo, 102.

In some examples, one or more auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may not have a corresponding auxiliary comb channel noa, nob. Instead, the auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b may be formed such that it contacts a surface of the opposite arm 100, 102 to which it is mounted when the arms loo, 102 are brought together. In some examples, one or more of the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be resiliently biased away from the arm 100, 102 it is located on, in a similar manner to the biasing of the heating member comb structure 150.

The upper arm 100 may optionally include an LCD display (not shown). The LCD can display the temperature of the heating members 1o8, 114. The upper or lower arms 100, 102 may additionally or independently include an audible indicator (not shown). The audible indicator may indicate that a specific heating member temperature has been reached.

Figure 2 shows part of a hair waver 126 such as the hair waver 126 of Figure 1. In particular, Figure 1 shows the upper arm 100, convex heating member 114, heating member comb structure 150 and first auxiliary comb structure 116a of the hair waver 126 of Figure 1. The second auxiliary comb structure 116b is obscured by the convex heating member 114. However in some examples the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may not be present on the upper arm loo, as discussed previously. The first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are shown in Figure 2 to be fixed relative to the upper arm 100 and not translate. However, in other examples one or more of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be configured to translate, as discussed elsewhere.

The prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 15o extend from the convex heating member 114, away from the upper arm loo and towards the lower arm 102 (not shown). Figure 2 shows the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 extending through a groove 16o formed through the convex surface 115 of the convex heating member 114. The groove 16o extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the convex heating member 114 along substantially the entire length of the convex heating member 114. The length of the groove 16o may be greater than the length of the heating member comb structure 150 so that it extends beyond the two furthest prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150.

The heating member comb structure 15o is able to translate back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the convex heating member 114 and along the upper arm 100, as indicated by the dotted arrow. The heating member comb structure 150 may be biased away from the upper arm 100 and convex surface 115 of the convex heating member 114, towards the lower arm 102. The biasing force causes the prongs 151 to be biased towards the lower arm 102, as shown in Figure 2. Applying a force to the heating member comb structure 150 against the biasing force causes the heating member comb structure 150 to move towards the upper arm loo, causing the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 to move inside the groove 16o of the convex heating member 114. This is described later with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4.

Figures is a cross-sectional view of the upper arm 100 of Figure 2 along the longitudinal axis of the arm 100. The heating member comb structure 150 is located within the groove 16o of the convex heating member 114. The heating member comb structure 15o is biased by a biasing means such as a resilient member 152a, 152b, 152c.

Figure 3 shows the biasing means comprising three resilient members 152a, 152b, 152c. However, the biasing means may comprise any number of resilient members 152a, 152b, 152c, for example one resilient member 30 152a.

Figure 3 shows each resilient member 152a, 152b, 152c as a spring, but any suitable type of resilient member may be used.

Figure 3 shows the heating member comb structure 150 comprising linearly arranged prongs 161 extending from a comb body 153. The heating member comb structure 150 also has a sliding structure 154 which is coupled to the wire 118 or the like and is configured to slide back and forth along the channel 120 as the wire ii8 is moved. The resilient member(s) 152a, 152b, 152c are coupled between the comb body 153 and the sliding structure 154.

The heating member comb structure 150 is able to translate up and down in the groove 160, as indicated by the dotted arrows. The prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 are therefore able to translate towards and away from the upper arm 100. As the prongs 151 and the heating member comb structure 15o translate away from the upper arm 100 they move towards the lower arm 102, and in particular the concave heating member io8. Conversely, as the prongs 151 and the heating member comb structure 150 translate towards the upper arm 100 they move away from the lower arm 102, and in particular the concave heating member io8.

The biasing means is arranged to bias the heating member comb structure 1.5o away from the arm 100 on which it is located, towards the opposite arm 102. In the case of Figure 3, the biasing means is arranged to bias the heating member comb structure 150 away from the upper arm 100 and towards the lower arm 102 (not shown), and in particular the concave heating member io8. The prongs 151 are therefore biased in a direction away from the surface 115 of the convex heating member 114.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the upper arm loo of Figure 3 after the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 have been brought together.

The lower arm 102 has been moved towards the upper arm 100 so that they are now substantially parallel, with the convex heating member 114 received within the concave heating member 1°8. A hair channel 119 is formed between the surfaces of the convex heating member 114 and concave heating member io8, for receiving a lock of hair.

As the lower arm 102 has been moved towards the upper arm loo, the concave heating member io8 has made contact with the heating member comb structure 150. As the lower arm 102 continues to be moved towards the upper arm 100, the concave heating member io8 exerts a force on the heating member comb structure 150. This force acts against the biasing force provided by the biasing means, such as the resilient members 152a, 152b, 152c. The result is that the heating member comb structure 150, and in particular the prongs 151, are moved towards the upper arm 100 and further into the convex heating member 114 by the force applied by the concave heating member io8. It can be seen in Figure 4 that the resilient members 152a, 152b, 152c have now been compressed and the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 extend a smaller amount from the surface 115 of the convex heating member 114 than they did previously.

The biasing force provided by the biasing means ensures the prongs 151 remain in contact with the surface of the concave heating member io8 while the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together. This means that any hair located between the prongs 151 in the hair channel 119 is moved along the arms 100, 102 as the heating member comb structure 150 is translated.

While Figures 2, 3 and 4 have shown the convex heating member 114 and the heating member comb structure 150 formed on the upper arm loo, in other examples the convex heating member 114 and the heating member comb structure 15o could instead be formed on the lower arm 102 in a similar manner as discussed previously.

While Figures 2, 3 and 4 have shown the heating member comb structure 150 formed with the convex heating member 114, in other examples the heating member comb structure 15o could instead be formed with the concave heating member in a similar manner as discussed previously. In this case the groove 16o would be formed along the concave heating member io8, with the heating member comb structure 150 extending through the groove 16o from the concave heating member io8 towards the convex heating member 114. The heating member comb structure 150 may be biased by a biasing means as discussed previously.

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The layout of the hair waver 126 in this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment in Figure 1. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. The difference between the embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 5 is the location of the heating member comb structure 150 and heating member comb channel 155 with respect to the convex heating member 114 and concave heating member la.

Figure 5 shows the heating member comb channel 155 arranged in the convex heating member 114, rather than the concave heating member io8. The heating member comb channel 155 is formed in an upper surface of the convex heating member 114 and is formed such that it runs parallel to the longest side of the convex heating member 114.

The heating member comb structure 150 is formed in the concave heating member io8 such the prongs of the heating member comb structure 150 extend through the lower surface of the concave heating member io8, towards the convex heating member 114. The heating member comb structure 150 is arranged substantially along the length of the concave heating member io8. The heating member comb structure 15o and heating member comb channel 155 are arranged such that the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 are accommodated by the heating member comb channel 155 when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together.

Figure 5 shows the convex heating member 114 and the heating member comb channel 155 formed on the lower arm 102, while the concave heating member 1o8 and the heating member comb structure 150 are formed on the upper arm 100. However, in other examples the convex heating member 114 and the heating member comb channel 155 are formed on the lower arm 102, while the concave heating member io8 and the heating member comb structure 150 are formed on the upper arm 100.

In some examples, the heating member comb structure 150 may be biased by a biasing member as discussed previously in relation to Figures 1-4. In this case, the heating member comb channel 155 may not be present. Instead the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 are biased against the surface of the convex heating member 114 when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together.

Figure 5 shows auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b formed on the upper arm 100 and auxiliary comb channels noa, nob formed on the lower arm 102. However, in other examples auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be formed on the lower arm 102 and auxiliary comb channels noa, nob formed on the upper arm 100. In some examples, one or more auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be formed on the upper arm 100 while one or more other auxiliary comb structures 116a, 11613 may be formed on the lower arm 102. Each auxiliary comb channel no will be formed on the opposite arm 100, 102 to its corresponding auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b. In some cases, no auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are present.

The heating member comb structure 15o is configured to translate in a similar manner as described for Figures 1 to 4. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be fixed relative to the arm 100, 102 on which they are attached, or they may be able to translate as described previously in relation to Figure 1.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. The layout of the hair waver 126 in this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. The key difference between Figure 1 and Figure 6 is the mode of operation for the translation of the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b. Here, the comb translation is initiated by a user operating a switch 113. The switch 113 is preferably an electronic push button. The switch 113 is operated by the thumb or finger of the 10 hand operating the arms 100, 102.

The switch 113 is coupled to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or controller 604. The CPU 604 is configured to control an actuator in the form of a motor 6o8. The motor 6o8 is coupled to a wire 118 or the like.

The motor 6o8 is controlled to cause a pull on the wire 118 once when the switch 113 is depressed. When the wire 118 is pulled, the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b translate. The CPU 604 is configured to cause the heating member comb structure 150 to translate once from its fully forward displacement to its fully backward displacement, whilst the first auxiliary comb structure 116a and second auxiliary comb structure ii6b may translate once from their fully backward displacements to their fully forward displacements. The translations occur within the confines of the respective translation channels 120. This operation will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12. Note that Figure 6 is greatly simplified in order to explain the basic operation of the device.

The hair waver 126 of Figure 5 can also be modified to have a similar mode of operation to the hair waver 126 of Figure 6, where comb 30 translation is initiated by a user operating a switch 113.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a fourth embodiment of the invention. The layout of the hair waver 126 in this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. The key difference between Figure 7 and Figure 6 is the mode of operation for the translation of the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b. Here, the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structure 116a, ii6b translation is automatically initiated when the arms loo, 102 are closed together. Whether or not the arms loo, 102 are closed together is determined using a sensor 128. The sensor 128 may be of any suitable form.

In Figure 7, the sensor 128 is shown to be an electrical switch that is switched into one state by mechanical connection with a feature, for instance a bump or protrusion. For instance, the switch 128 may be closed when it contacts the feature on the opposite arm 102, 100, and opens when contact is not present.

The sensor io8 is coupled to a central processing unit (CPU) 604. The CPU 604 is configured to control a motor 6o8. The motor 6o8 is coupled to a wire 118 or the like. The motor 6o8 is controlled to pull on the wire 118 when actuated by the CPU 604. When the wire 118 is pulled, the heating member comb structure 150, the first auxiliary comb structure 116a, and the second auxiliary comb structure ii6b, translate. The CPU 604 is configured to control the motor 6o8 such that the heating member comb structure 150 translates from its fully forward position to its fully backwards position, whilst the first auxiliary comb structure 116a and second auxiliary comb structure ii6b translate from their fully backward positions to their fully forward positions. The translation occurs within the confines of the respective translation channels 120. This operation will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12. Note that Figure 7 is greatly simplified in order to explain the basic operation of the embodiment.

The hair waver 126 of Figure 5 can also be modified to have a similar mode of operation to the hair waver 126 of Figure 7.

Figure 8a shows the upper side of the lower arm 102 in a generic configuration, which relates to the embodiments of Figure 1, Figure 6 and Figure 7. The concave heating member 108 is flanked by two auxiliary comb channels noa, nob. The auxiliary comb channels 110 penetrate the lower arm 102 to a depth of, for example, 1 cm. At its deepest point, the concave heating member io8 penetrates the lower arm 102 to a depth of, for example, 0.5 cm. The auxiliary comb channels 110 thus penetrate the lower arm 102 to a greater depth than does the concave heating member 108. The heating member comb channel 155 is formed in the lower surface of the concave heating member 108. The heating member comb channel 155 is formed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the concave heating member la.

Figure 8b shows the lower side of the upper arm 100 in a generic configuration, which relates to the embodiments of Figure 1, Figure 6 and Figure 7. Here, there is provided the heating member comb structure 150 and two auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b.

The heating member comb structure 150 protrudes from the convex surface of the convex heating member 114, through the convex heating member groove 160. The heating member comb structure 15o is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the convex heating member 114 so that it is arranged centrally along the convex heating member 114. The heating member comb structure 150 is free to translate forwards and backwards along the convex heating member 114, parallel to the upper arm loo.

The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are positioned within respective translation channels 120. The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are 30 free to move forwards and backwards along these translation channels 120.

Here, the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are shown to be connected to a mechanical slider 112 or motor 6o8. The slider 112 is on the top of the upper arm 100, but is depicted in this Figure to make the operation of the heating member comb structure 150 and the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b clear. The mechanism 118 for translating the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b is not shown in detail here, but is described later below.

Figure 8b shows the heating member comb structure 15o in a fully backwards position, towards one end of the convex heating member 114.

The auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are both in fully forwards positions, towards the opposite end of the convex heating member 114 to the heating member comb structure 150. Actuation of the slider 112 or motor 6o8 causes the heating member comb structure 150 to translate along the convex heating member 114 in a direction towards the other end of the convex heating member 114, until it reaches a fully forward position. Simultaneous to translation of the heating member comb structure 150, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b translate in the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150, to fully backward positions.

However in some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are fixed with respect to the arm loo, 102 on which they are located and do not translate. In some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b and/or their respective translation channels 120 are not present.

Figures 9a and 9b are similar to Figures 8a and 8b, however they instead relate to the embodiment of Figure 5, in which the heating member comb structure 150 is formed as part of the concave heating member io8 rather than the convex heating member 114.

Figure 9a shows the lower arm 102 from above. The convex heating member 114 has the heating member comb channel 155 formed as a groove along the top surface of the convex heating member 114. The heating member comb channel 155 is arranged in the convex heating member 114 so that the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 are received in the heating member comb channel 155 when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together.

Figure 9b shows the upper arm 100 from below. The concave heating member 108 has the heating member comb structure 150 formed within, so that the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 protrude from the concave surface of the concave heating member 108. The heating member comb structure 150 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the concave heating member 108 so that it is arranged centrally along the concave heating member 108.

Translation of the heating member comb structure 15 o and auxiliary combs structures 116a, ii6b is similar as described previously in relation to Figures 8a and 8b. The heating member comb structure 150 translates forwards and backwards along the concave heating member io8, parallel to the lower arm 102.

Again, in some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are fixed with respect to the arm 100, 102 on which they are located and do not translate. In some examples, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b and/or their respective translation channels 120 are not present.

Figure 10 shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm 100. This relates to all of the first to fourth embodiments. In it, one arrangement of the apparatus for translating the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b is shown, wherein the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a ii6b move in an opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150.

A mechanical slider 112, acting as a switch, is coupled to a bar 128. The bar 128 has a toothed rack on one side of the free end. The toothed rack is positioned such that it interlocks with teeth of a gear wheel or pinion 306. The gear wheel 306 is rotatable around a central axis 308. The gear wheel 306 is fixed thereon a circular plate 306. The plate 306 supports the arms 122. Extending from the plate 306 are two arms 302 of equal length. The arms 122 have connection points 302 affixed to each end thereof. Affixed to the connection points 302 is a single wire 118. The wire 118 is guided around the upper arm 100 by guide wheels 312, 304. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are affixed to the wire 118. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are guided along their respective translation channels 120. The gear wheel 306 is of such a size as to allow the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b to be at their maximum displacement, i.e. at the end of their respective translation channel 120, when the slider 112 is positioned fully forwards or fully to the rear. In this arrangement, the heating member comb structure 150 may be positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards, while the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are positioned fully forward when the slider 112 is fully forwards. Displacement of the slider 112 is at a maximum o 5 cm from its central position. Displacement of the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b is at a maximum 2 cm from their respective central positions.

A user performs a user operation by moving the slider 112, which causes the heating member comb structure 150 to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which it is supported. If the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b are present and connected to the translation mechanism, they too will be caused to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which they are supported simultaneously with the heating member comb structure 150. The first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b will translate in the same direction as each other, but the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 15o.

Figure ii shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm loo in a different configuration. This relates to all of the first to fourth embodiments. In it, a second possible arrangement of the comb structure translation apparatus is shown wherein the heating member comb structure 150 moves in opposite directions to the auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b. A mechanical slider 112 is coupled to a bar 128. The bar 128 has a toothed rack on one side of the free end. The toothed rack is positioned such that it interlocks with the teeth of a first gear wheel or pinion 306. The first gear wheel 306 pivots around a central axis 308. The first gear wheel 306 is fixed thereon a second gear wheel 404. The second gear wheel 404 has a greater diameter than the first gear wheel 306. The second gear wheel 404 is positioned such that it interlocks on both sides with a toothed rack 400, 402. The toothed racks 400, 402 are affixed on one side to a wire 118. The wire 118 is guided around the upper arm 100 by guide wheels 312, 304. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are affixed to wire 118. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are guided along respective translation channels 120. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are at their maximum displacement, i.e. at the end of the translation channel 120, when the slider 112 is positioned fully forwards or fully to the rear. In this arrangement, the heating member comb structure 150 is positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards. The first auxiliary comb structure 116a and second auxiliary comb structure 116b are positioned fully forward when the slider 112 is fully forwards. Displacement of the slider 112 is at a maximum 0.5 cm from its central position. Displacement of the heating member comb structure 15o comb structures 116a, 116b is at a maximum 2cm from their central position.

A user performs a user operation by moving the slider 112, which causes the heating member comb structure i5o to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which it is supported. If the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are present and connected to the translation mechanism, they too will be caused to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which they are supported simultaneously with the heating member comb structure 150. The first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b will translate in the same direction as each other, but the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150.

Figure 12 shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm loo in a different configuration. This relates to all of the first to fourth embodiments. In it, an arrangement of the comb structure translation apparatus is shown in which the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b move in the same direction as each other, while the heating member comb structure 150 moves in an opposite direction to the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b. A mechanical slider 112 is coupled to a first bar 128. The first bar 128 has fixed to its free end a second bar 122 connected perpendicularly at its centre. The second bar 122 is guided along a channel 500. The second bar 122 is able to translate forwards and backwards along the channel 500. Affixed to the outside of both sides of the second bar 122 is a third bar 502. The third bar 502 has an auxiliary comb structure 116a, ii6b affixed to its outside edge. The heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are positioned within respective translation channels 120. The heating member comb structure 15o and auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are restricted to movement forwards and backwards along their translation channels 120.

The heating member comb structure 150 is coupled to the first bar 128, second bar 122 or third bar by a linkage 512, which causes the heating member comb structure 150 to translate in the opposite direction to the first and second comb structures 116a, ii6b when the first and second comb structures 116a, ii6b are translated, for example through use of a pivot.

A user performs a user operation by moving the slider 112, which causes the heating member comb structure 15o to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which it is supported. If the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are present and connected to the translation mechanism, they too will be caused to translate along the arm 100, 102 on which they are supported simultaneously with the heating member comb structure 150. The first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b will translate in the same direction as each other, but the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150.

Figure 13 is a circuit diagram of an end-to-end system embodying aspects of the invention. This relates to the third and fourth embodiments. A power supply 6o o is coupled to an on/off switch 104. The power supply 6o o is further coupled to an AC to DC converter 602.

The power supply may be configured to manage an input voltage of 230V AC. Alternatively power supply may be configured to manage an input voltage of 110V AC. The AC to DC converter is coupled to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 604.

The CPU 604 has connected thereto a first switch 113. The first switch 113 is, for example, a push button switch, operable by the user. In some embodiments the first switch 113 is not required. The CPU 604 is configured to manage a second switch 6o6 and a third switch 622. The second switch 6o6 may be a transistor switch. The third switch 622 is also coupled to the power supply 600. The third switch 622 may be a transistor switch. The third switch 622 is further coupled to a terminal of one or more heating elements 614. Each of the one or more heating elements 614 may comprise one or more heating coils. The one or more heating elements 614 are configured to heat the heating members 108, 114 uniformly to a temperature of 230 degrees Celsius. The heating elements 614 may be within the heating members io8, 114. The heating members 108, 114 are insulated on the outside surface, for example the heating members io8, 114 may have a ceramic coating. A temperature sensor 620 is used to measure the temperature of the heating members 1°8, 114. The current temperature is indicated on an LCD display 618.

In some examples, the concave heating member io8 may comprise two heating elements 614. If the concave heating member io8 comprises a heating member comb structure 150 as described previously, the two heating elements 614 may be arranged either side of the heating member comb structure 150. If the concave heating member io8 comprises a heating member comb channel 155 as described previously, the two heating elements 614 may be arranged either side of the heating member comb channel 155.

In some examples, the convex heating member 114 may comprise two heating elements 614. If the convex heating member 114 comprises a heating member comb structure 150 as described previously, the two heating elements 614 may be arranged either side of the heating member comb structure 150. If the convex heating member 114 comprises a heating member comb channel 155 as described previously, the two heating elements 614 may be arranged either side of the heating member comb channel 155.

When the temperature reaches an upper threshold, e.g. 230 degrees Celsius, an audible indicator 628 may be activated by the CPU 604. Additionally, or alternatively, an LED light 628 may switch off (or on). The CPU 604 then cuts power to the heating element 614 by opening the third switch 622. When it is detected that the temperature of the heating element 614 has fallen to a lower threshold, e.g. 200 degrees Celsius, the CPU 604 closes the third switch 622, thus again applying power to the heating element 614.

The second switch 6o6 is activated by the CPU 604 in response to detecting that the first switch 113 has been activated. The second switch 6o6 is coupled to an actuator in the form of a motor 608. The motor 6o8 is configured to drive the comb translation mechanism 624. The comb translation mechanism 624 may be any implementation previously described, for translating the heating member comb structure 15o and optionally the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b. The CPU 604 is configured to activate the second switch 6o6 only long enough to allow the motor 6o8 to translate the heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b according to the arrangements previously described.

In the fourth embodiment, the first switch 113 of Figure 10 is constituted by the sensor 128. The sensor 128 may be of any suitable form. For example, as described above, the sensor 128 may be an electrical switch that is switched into one state by mechanical connection with a feature, for instance a bump or protrusion. For instance, the switch 128 may be closed when it contacts the feature on the opposite arm, and opens when contact is not present. In this case, the apparatus is as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be a pressure sensor, which may be located under one of the heating members io8, 114. Alternatively, the sensor may be a light sensor. Here, the sensor on the first arm 100 is covered by the second arm 102 when the arms are closed together, such that the sensor 128 receives no light. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be a torque sensor in the pivot io6. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be the temperature sensor 620. Here, small differences in temperature can be determined, such that the arms 100, 102 are determined to be closed together when the temperature of a heating member 10 8, 114 is above a threshold level. This threshold level can only be reached due to the increased heat of having one heating member 1o8, 114 in close proximity to the other DA, 114. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be a proximity sensor. Here, the heating members 108, 114 could be magnetised and the Hall effect could be used to determine their separation. In these alternatives, the sensor 128 replaces the switch 113 and the CPU 604 is configured to respond to the sensor 128 indicating that the apparatus 126 is in the closed position in the same way as described above in relation to the sensor 128 being a switch or the switch 113 being directly operable by a user.

To operate the hair waving apparatus 126 of the first embodiment, a user first manipulates the on/off switch 104 to switch the hair waver 126 on. This powers up the CPU 604. Electrical power is controlled by the CPU 604 to be supplied to the heating element 614 thereby to heat the heating members io8, 114. This electrical power is used to heat the heating members io8, 114 to 230 degrees Celsius. Once this optimal temperature is reached, an LED 628 is illuminated, and/or the audible indicator 628 sounds. The user prior to application of the hair waver 126 to hair ensures that the slider 112 is located at one end of its range of movement, for instance all the way to the rear.

Once the hair waver 126 is heated to temperature, as indicated to the user by an LED 628 and/or the audible indicator 628, the user takes a lock of a subject's hair and pulls it taught. The lock of hair is then placed between the heating members io8, 114. The subject may be the user or another person. The user then closes the arms 100, 102, trapping the lock of hair, by forcing the arms together against the resilience of the spring in the pivot io6. This forms a hair channel 119 between the heating members 108, 114 in which the lock of hair is clamped. The hair is held in position by the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150. The hair will also be held in position by the one or more auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b, if present.

The user then performs a user operation by sliding the slider 112 to the other end of the range of movement, for instance all the way forwards. The slider 112 is operable by a thumb or finger of the same hand that the user used to close the upper and lower arms 100, 102 together. This causes translation of the heating member comb structure 150 along its respective translation channel 120 to its maximum displacement. For example, the heating member comb structure 150 is positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards. As the heating member comb structure 15o is translated, the hair held by the prongs 151 of the heating member comb structure 150 is translated with it. If one or more auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b are present, and these are not configured to translate, then the hair will be prevented from translating along the arms 100, 102 in the region proximate the auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b. The result is that a wave is formed in the hair. The lock of hair is held in the hair waver 126 in this position for a period of time, for instance 30 seconds. During the time, the hair waver 126 needs to be retained by the user at the same location. If the hair waver 126 is moved relative to the subject's head with sufficient force, the lock of hair would slip through the hair channel 119. If there is a relatively low force, movement of the hair in the hair channel 119 is prevented by the clamping of the lock of hair between the heating members io8, 114.

A two-dimensional wave is formed in the lock of hair that was clamped in the hair channel 119. The hair is forced in one direction along the arms 100, 102 of the hair waver 126 by the heating member comb structure 150. Simultaneously, hair either side of the heating member comb structure 150 is either held stationary relative to the arms 100, 102 or is forced backwards by one or more auxiliary comb structures 116a, ii6b. This causes a wave in the axial direction of the arms loo, 102. A wave in a perpendicular direction is provided by the curved shape of the heating members io8, 114. These two waves are provided simultaneously, in one operation.

The user releases the lock of hair from the hair channel 119 by releasing the force of the arms 100, 102 together, causing opening the arms 100, 102 by action of the spring in the pivot io6. Here, the hair waver 126 can be removed from the lock of hair. The hair waver 126 is moved down the subject's head to a position below the starting point. The user then takes another part of the same lock of hair and the process described above is repeated. The position is chosen by the user such that a continuum in the wave in the hair is provided. Practically speaking, this requires moving the hair waver 126 to a position that is immediately below the part of the lock that was contained within the hair channel on the preceding heating operation.

With the next lock of hair, the heating member comb structure 150 may start in the opposite location to before.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various alternatives will be envisaged by the skilled person and are within the scope of this invention, unless specifically precluded by the claims.

For instance, in some embodiments, not shown in Figures, both heating members io8, 114 are planar. In these embodiments, heating member comb structure 150 and auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b translation operation may be as described in any previous embodiment.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be located on the lower arm 102. In these embodiments, the auxiliary comb channels no are located on the upper arm loo. In some embodiments, there is only a first auxiliary comb structure 116a. In some embodiments, there is no auxiliary comb structure 116a, 116b.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower arms 100, 102 are made of one piece of material. In this case, the pivot io6 is an inherent feature of the design.

In some embodiments, the sprung pivot io6 is positioned such that the upper arm loo and lower arm 102 extend beyond the pivot io6 on both sides. Thus, a scissor-like hair waving apparatus 126 is formed, which is operable with one hand.

Numerous positive effects and advantages are provided by the above described embodiments of the invention. The hair waver 126 is easy to operate with one hand. To this end, an unskilled person may operate it and achieve the same results as a professional. The hair waving apparatus is operable in any orientation. The hair waving apparatus is also operable by either hand.

By providing first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b that translate simultaneous to, and in opposite directions to, the heating member comb structure 150, a particularly deep wave can be formed in the hair. The heating member comb structure 150 does not need to translate as far as it would have need to without the presence of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, it6b translating in the opposite direction. This allows the hair waver 126 to be made particularly compact.

In many of the above examples, the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b have been described as being configured to translate simultaneously in the same direction as each other, while simultaneously in the opposite direction to the heating member comb structure 150. However, in some examples the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b may be configured to translate simultaneously in opposite directions to each other, such that the first auxiliary comb structure 116a translates in the same direction as the heating member comb structure 150 while the second auxiliary comb structure ii6b translates in the opposite direction as the heating member comb structure 150. In other examples, one of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b is configured to translate as described previously while the other of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b does not translate. In other examples, neither of the first and second auxiliary comb structures 116a, 116b while the heating member comb structure 150 translates.

Resiliently biasing the heating member comb structure 150 can improve the containment of hair within the hair channel 119, particularly during translation of the heating member comb structure 150. It may also allow for tolerances in the separation of the upper arm ioo and lower arm 102 when the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 are brought together during a waving process.

Forming the heating member comb structure 150 with the convex heating member 114 or concave heating member 1°8 can provide a compact hair waver 126.

Claims

Claims 1. Hair waving apparatus comprising: first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel therebetween when the first arm is closed against the second arm; a heating member comb structure extending along the first arm or second arm; wherein the heating member comb structure is arranged such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the heating member comb structure is located between the heating member and hair support member; the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb; and the apparatus being responsive to user operation by translating the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hair support member is a second heating member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating member is a convex heating member and the hair support member is a concave hair 30 support member.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating member is a concave heating member and the hair support member is a convex hair support member.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the heating member comb structure is formed with the heating member and extends at least partially through a groove formed in the heating member.
6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating member comb structure is formed with the hair support member and extends at least partially through a groove formed in the hair support member.
7. The apparatus of any of any preceding claim, further comprising a heating member comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the heating member comb structure such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the heating member comb structure is at least partially accommodated in the heating member comb channel.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a biasing means, wherein the biasing means is configured to resiliently bias the heating member comb structure away from the arm on which the heating member comb structure is supported.
9. The apparatus of any previous claim, further comprising a first auxiliary comb structure and a second auxiliary comb structure, wherein the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are each arranged on the first arm or second arm such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are arranged either side of the heating member and hair support member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are configured to translate along the arm on which they are located responsive to the user operation.it The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are configured to translate simultaneously with the heating member comb structure in response to the user operation.12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first auxiliary comb structure and the second auxiliary comb structure are configured to translate in an opposite direction to the heating member comb structure in response to the user operation.13. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a first auxiliary comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the first auxiliary comb structure and a second auxiliary comb channel arranged on the opposite arm to the second auxiliary comb structure such that, when the first arm is closed against the second arm, the first auxiliary comb channel is at least partially accommodated in the first auxiliary comb channel and the second auxiliary comb channel is at least partially accommodated in the second auxiliary comb channel.14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a switch located on one of the arms such as to be operable by a thumb or finger of a hand of the user whilst the first and second arms are closed by the hand of the user, the apparatus being responsive to operation of the switch by translating the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported.15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the switch is a mechanical sliding member that is mechanically linked to the heating member comb structure.16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the switch is an electrical switch and wherein the apparatus is responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause actuation of the heating member comb structure.17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the heating member comb structure in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a second time 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is responsive to the second operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the heating member comb structure in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a third time.19. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a sensor configured to detect when the first arm is closed against 15 the second arm; and an actuator configured to translate the heating member comb structure along the arm on which it is supported in response to the sensor detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm.zo. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor or an electrical switch.