KR20240039022A - hair styling device - Google Patents

Abstract

Housing (4) of the hair styling device (2). The housing 4 is configured to house the component parts of the hair styling device 2 . The housing 4 has a first pivot 10 to which the arm 6 of the hair styling device can be pivotally coupled, and a second arm 8 to which the hair styling device 2 can be pivotally coupled. It has a second pivot (12). The axis of the first pivot 10 is spaced apart from the axis of the second pivot 12. Housing 4 may house power supply 14 and electrical wiring 16 . The housing 4 can be used as part of a hair straightener and/or curler.

Description

hair styling device

The present invention relates to a housing for a hair styling device for accommodating the component parts of the hair styling device, and in particular to a housing to which an arm of the hair styling device can be pivotally coupled.

Hair styling devices such as hair straighteners or hair curlers are well known. A typical hair straightener, which has been widely used in recent decades, includes two arms that pivot together at one end. A spring biases the arms apart, and each arm houses an electrically heated plate arranged so that the plates face each other. The user operates the straightener by positioning the straightener so that the hair is positioned between two opposing plates and then pressing the arms together against the biasing force of the spring to clamp the hair between the plates. After holding for the desired time, the user releases the force on the straightener and the spring drops the arms, thereby releasing the now straightened hair. Hair curlers typically have a barrel-shaped styling portion around which the user's hair can be wrapped. The barrel-shaped styling part is electrically heated. The user wraps their hair around the styling area, holds it for a short time, and then releases the now curled hair from the styling area. Some hair styling devices carry two arms that can be used for a straightening function as described above, but when the arms come together, they form a barrel-shaped styling portion that can also be used to curl hair.

Typically, a power cable is mounted on the end of one of the arms of the hair styling device, and internal wiring extends along each arm to a heatable plate located in the styling portion. The arms are typically pivoted together by a pivot pin, with the pivot point located forward of where the power cable connects to one of the arms. As one arm is configured to receive the power cable, the arms are not symmetrical and the distribution of weight on the straightener is uneven.

When the arms are opened, the arms on one side of the pivot point move apart, but on the other side of the pivot point the arms move together. As the power cable is typically at the rear of the device, the arms move together but must be configured in a way to accommodate the arms without interfering with the position of the power cable. This is usually done by creating a gap between the arms behind the pivot to allow the arms to open. In known hair straighteners, the structures are thus structured, typically starting from the rear of the straightener and towards the front: a power cable socket/housing, a member for receiving the opening of the arms, a pivot pin, and then the arms. and heatable plates. Accordingly, part of the length of the straightener is reserved for receiving the power cable alone.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or alleviate the problems outlined above with respect to hair straighteners and other hair styling devices. In particular, the object is to eliminate or alleviate the problems associated with the opening and closing of the arms and the space used to receive the power cable, and a further object of the invention is to eliminate or alleviate the problems associated with symmetry and weight distribution in the hair styling device. It is to alleviate.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing for a hair styling device, the housing configured to house the constituent parts of the hair styling device, the housing comprising: a first pivot to which an arm of the hair styling device can be pivotally coupled; and The second arm of the hair styling device includes a second pivot pivotably engageable.

Preferably, each arm has a styling portion and a handle.

Ideally, the styling part has heatable plates and/or surfaces that can be heated directly by a power source. Directly speaking, this means that it is the power source that generates heat in the styling part, as opposed to indirect heating through conduction from another part that is heated directly by the power source.

Ideally, the first pivot is a separate pivot from the second pivot.

Ideally, the axis of the first pivot is spaced apart from the axis of the second pivot.

Preferably, the axis of the first pivot is parallel to the axis of the second pivot.

Preferably, the first pivot is located on or about one side of the housing and the second pivot is located on or about the opposite side of the housing.

Ideally, when assembled, the first pivot and/or the second pivot allows the arms to move relative to the housing without bending any part of the hair styling device.

Preferably, the pivot axis of the first and/or second pivot is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each arm when the hair styling device is assembled.

Ideally, the housing is configured to receive a power source. Ideally, the power source is a power cable, but in other embodiments the housing could be configured to accommodate a power source, such as a battery, which could also accommodate a portion of the cable for charging the battery.

Ideally, the electrical wiring of the hair styling device extends between the first pivot and the second pivot. Advantageously, unlike prior art hair styling devices, there is no pivot point between the arms positioned to impede the wiring of the hair styling device as it moves along the arms from the power source.

Ideally, the housing is configured to receive and retain the connector of the power cable.

Preferably, the first pivot and the second pivot are arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to each other within the housing.

Ideally, the axis of symmetry between the first and second pivots and the housing is aligned or approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Ideally, the housing includes a stop to prevent the power cable from being inserted past the stop in the housing.

Preferably, the first and/or second pivot is located at or about the location of the stop within the housing.

Ideally, the first and/or second pivot is aligned with a stop in the housing.

Preferably, the stop extends inwardly into the housing from the first and/or second pivot.

Advantageously, the position of the pivots relative to the power cable is optimal when there is little distance between where the power cable ends and the pivots begin. Accordingly, the size of the hair styling device is minimized, reducing the materials required for manufacturing and making storage and transportation more convenient.

Ideally, the first and/or second pivot includes a pivot pin.

Ideally, the pivot pin is arranged to couple the arm to the housing.

Preferably, the pivot pin extends through a pin enclosure on the housing.

Ideally, the housing includes biasing means to bias the arms apart when assembled.

Preferably, the biasing means is arranged within the housing.

Ideally, the biasing means extends through the housing.

In one embodiment, the biasing means is a single spring, most preferably a compression spring. Other suitable types of springs, such as torsion springs or leaf springs, can also be feasibly implemented as biasing means.

Preferably, the housing includes an enclosure for the deflection means. Advantageously, this prevents the wiring of the hair styling device from interfering with the operation of the biasing means.

In another embodiment, the biasing means, when assembled, are positioned to extend between the outer surface or outer surfaces of the housing and the inner surfaces of the arms. Ideally, in this embodiment, the biasing means comprises two springs, ideally a compression spring or a leaf spring, one located between the housing and one arm and the other between the housing and the other arm. It is located between the arms. Accordingly, the spring is captured between the arm and the housing. The spring may be fixed or adhesively attached to the arm and/or housing. The housing and/or arm may also be configured to have a seat or enclosure to receive the end of the spring.

Ideally, the deflection means is positioned around the end of the housing opposite the end receiving the power cable.

Ideally, the housing has an opening to receive a lock for releasably locking the arms together.

Preferably, openings for receiving the lock are located on both sides of the housing.

The housing may have a generally oval longitudinal cross-section, but any suitable and desirable cross-sectional shape may be used.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising a housing for housing the component parts of the hair styling device, the hair styling device further comprising two arms, one arm It is pivoted relative to the housing by a first pivot, and the other arm is pivoted relative to the housing by a second pivot.

Preferably, each arm has a styling portion and a handle.

Ideally, the styling part has heatable plates and/or surfaces that can be heated directly by a power source. Directly speaking, this means that it is the power source that generates heat in the styling part, as opposed to indirect heating through conduction from another part that is heated directly by the power source.

Preferably, the hair styling device includes a power cable.

Ideally, the power cable has a connector and the housing is configured to receive the connector.

Preferably, the housing receives and retains the connector of the power cable.

Ideally, the power cable connector has a central longitudinal axis and the first and second pivots are located on either side of the central longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, when assembled, at least a portion, or all, of the power cable or power source is positioned between the first and second pivots.

Preferably, the first and/or second pivots couple the arms to the housing.

Ideally, when assembled, one or both arms are free, or can be free to pivot relative to the housing.

Ideally, the pivot pin extends through a pin enclosure on the housing and is secured to the arm.

Ideally, the hair styling device includes biasing means for biasing the arms apart.

Ideally, the hair styling device includes a lock for releasably locking the arms together.

Preferably, at least a portion of the lock extends through the housing.

Ideally, the lock includes a first component secured to one arm and a second component secured to the other arm, wherein the first component and the second component releasably lock the arms together. interact for

Ideally, the lock includes a first component movably secured to one arm and a second component movably secured to the other arm, wherein the first component and the second component move the arms. They interact together to lock to a releasable state.

Ideally, the first and/or second components are configured to extend into the housing.

Preferably, the position relative to the arm to which the first component and/or the second component are movably fixed is movable between a locked position where the arms are locked together and an unlocked position where the arms are unlocked. do.

Preferably, the hair styling device comprises a lock actuator for moving the first component and/or the second component relative to the movably fixed arm. Actuating the lock actuator causes the first and second components to disengage from each other, thereby freeing the arms.

In one embodiment, the lock actuator is a slide mechanism for slidingly moving the first component and/or the second component relative to the movably fixed arm.

Preferably, the lock actuator is accessible by a user acting on the actuator from the surface of the arm.

Ideally, the first and second components of the lock are configured to form an interlock when in the locked position.

Preferably, the first and/or second components are L-shaped or approximately L-shaped. Preferably, the L-shaped shape of the first and second components allows the components to be hooked together.

Ideally, the first component has a different shape than the second component.

Preferably, the first component extends more than half the height of the housing, while the second component extends only through less than half the height of the housing. Alternatively, the first component may extend through less than half the height of the housing and the second component may extend more than half the height of the housing.

Ideally, at least part or all of the lock is located between the biasing means or the biasing means enclosure and the portion of the housing that receives the first pivot and the second pivot and/or the power cable.

Ideally, at least one arm includes a heatable plate and/or a heatable surface. Preferably, the heatable plate and/or surface can be heated by a power source.

Ideally, both arms include a heatable plate and/or a heatable surface. Preferably, the heatable plate and/or surface can be heated by a power source.

Ideally, one arm includes a clamp for clamping the hair.

Preferably, the clamp is hingedly connected to the arm.

Ideally, the clamp is closed and biased against the surface of the arm.

Preferably, the hair styling device comprises clamp biasing means for biasing the clamp closed against the surface of the arm.

Ideally, the clamp biasing means is a spring, most preferably a torsion spring, but in other embodiments it may be any suitable spring, such as a compression spring.

Preferably, the clamp includes a lever for opening the clamp.

Ideally, the action of the lever acts against the biasing force of the clamp biasing means.

Preferably, the clamp is heated indirectly by conduction from the arm where the arm is heated directly by the power source.

Preferably, the arms each include a styling portion and a handle.

Ideally, the styling portion is most preferably tapered along its entire length.

Preferably, the styling portion forms a generally truncated cone shape when the arms are closed. Preferably, this allows the user to create curls that increase or decrease in the diameter direction.

Preferably, the styling portion of the arms has a hemi truncated cone shape.

Ideally, the heatable plate and/or heatable surface is located in the styling area.

Preferably, the heatable plate and/or surface is tapered along its length.

The hair styling device may be a hair straightener and/or curler.

Ideally, it includes a barrier to prevent the user's hand from slipping from the handle into the styling area. Preferably, the barrier is positioned on one arm or both arms. In embodiments where the hair styling device has a clamp, the position of the clamp prevents the user's hand from slipping from the handle onto the styling portion. Accordingly, the other arm may have a barrier.

Ideally, the clamp is shaped to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the arm to which the clamp is attached.

Ideally, the arms are configured to receive the housing and move about the housing as the arms pivot open or closed.

Ideally, the arms are configured to provide a gap between them even when closed, with the gap located between the handles.

Ideally, the arms have an inner and outer surface. Ideally, a heatable plate would be positioned on the inner surface to provide a straightening function, but ideally the outer surface would also be heatable and could include a heating element such as a heatable plate, a heatable surface or a barrel heater. Heating the exterior allows the hair styling device to be used more effectively as a hair curler.

Preferably, a portion of the outer surface of one or both arms extends over the outer surface of the housing.

Ideally, the housing is positioned between the arms.

Preferably, the hair styling device comprises operating controls and/or status indicators located on one or both arms. Most preferably, the operating controls and/or status indicators are located on the handle of one or both arms, and ideally, on the inner surface of the handle, towards the opposing inner surface of the opposing handle.

Ideally, the operational control includes a power switch.

Ideally, the status indicator may comprise an indicator to visually show how hot the heatable plate and/or surface is, for example by an LED that lights up at a certain temperature.

Ideally, when the hair styling device is turned on, the outer surface of the arm can also be heated. This provides a greater curling effect when the device is used as a curler.

Preferably, the operating controls, status indicators, power sources, locks, and/or heatable plates and/or surfaces are electrically connected directly or indirectly. Ideally, the actuation control prevents the power supply from energizing the heatable plate and/or surface on either the inner or outer surface of the arms, or both, when switched off, but when switched on, the heatable plate and/or surface Alternatively, it functions to enable a power source to supply power to the surface.

Ideally, when the arms are in the locked position, the heatable plate and/or surface on the inner surface of the arms is de-energized. Ideally, when in the locked position, a heatable plate and/or surface on the outer surface of the arms is energized. Preferably, when in the unlocked position, the heatable plate and/or surface on the inner surface is energized. Ideally, when in the unlocked position, the heatable plate and/or surface on the outer surface is de-energized.

In one embodiment, the lock is energized and/or energized such that the heatable plate and/or surface on the inner surface of the arms is de-energized and/or the heatable plate and/or surface on the outer surface of the arms is energized when the lock is in the locked position. operably connected to a heatable plate and/or surface. Also, ideally, when the lock is in the unlocked position, it energizes the heatable plate and/or surface on the inner surface of the arms and de-energizes the heatable plate and surface on the outer surface of the arms.

Ideally, the inner surface of one or both arms is not uniformly flat, but is instead arranged to have a curved portion that curves towards the outer surface of the arm. Accordingly, the curved portion defines the gap between the arms even when the arms are closed.

Ideally, the curved portion is located at the handle of one arm or both arms.

The gap may alternatively or additionally be formed as a step on the inner surface of the arm so that parts of the arm are at different levels.

Ideally, the operating controls and/or status indicators are located in the gap and most preferably in the curved portion of the arm or arms.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings: -
Figure 1 is a side view of a hair styling device according to the invention, with the hair styling device in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a side view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in an open position.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in a closed position;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Fig. 1 in an open position;
Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in an open position.
Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in a closed position.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in a closed position;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in an open position.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the hair styling device according to the invention in a closed position.

1 to 8 a hair styling device is shown, generally indicated by reference numeral 2. The illustrated hair styling device is both a straightener and a curler. The hair styling device has a housing (4) for housing the component parts of the hair styling device (2). The hair styling device 2 also has two arms 6 , 8 (first arm 6 and second arm 8 ), with one arm 6 mounted on the first pivot 10 . The other arm 8 is pivoted relative to the housing 4 by means of a second pivot 12 . The first pivot 10 is a separate pivot from the second pivot 12. More specifically, the axis of the first pivot 10 is spaced apart from the axis of the second pivot 12. Also in more detail, the axis of the first pivot 10 is parallel to the axis of the second pivot 12. The first pivot 10 is located on one side of the housing 4, and the second pivot 12 is located on the opposite side of the housing 4. The axes of the first and/or second pivots 10, 12 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective arms 6, 8. The housing 4 is formed of two halves screwed together and thus has threaded holes 24 for receiving screws connecting the two halves. Of course, the housing 4 may be formed as a single piece or of more than two parts, and the connection between the parts need not necessarily be screws, but any suitable connection, either mechanical and/or adhesive. am. Each half of the housing 4 has five screw holes 24 that align with the screw holes 24 in the other half when the halves are brought together. In other embodiments, more or fewer threaded holes may be used as desired.

The housing 4 has, in the illustrated embodiment, a longitudinal cross-section of generally oval shape.

The housing (4) is configured to accommodate the power source (14). In the illustrated embodiment, power source 14 is power cable 18, but in other embodiments the housing may be configured to receive a power source, such as a battery, which may also receive part of a cable for charging the battery. there is. The hair styling device 4 has electrical wiring 16 extending from a power source 14 and along the arms 6, 8. Electrical wiring 16 extends between the first and second pivots 10, 12.

The power cable 18 has a connector 20, and the housing 4 is configured to receive the connector 20. In particular, the housing 4 can receive and retain the connector 20 of the power cable 18. The housing 4 is configured to rotatably hold the connector 20 such that the connector can rotate relative to the housing 4 after the connector 20 is held in the housing 4 . The power cable connector 20 has a central longitudinal axis, and the first and second pivots 10, 12 are located on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the connector 20. The first and second pivots 10, 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other within the housing 4. The axis of symmetry between the first and second pivots 10 , 12 and the housing 4 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing 4 .

The housing 4 includes a stop 22 to prevent the power cable 18 from being inserted past the stop 22 in the housing 4. The first and second pivots 10, 12 are located at or around the position of the stop 22 in the housing 4. In particular, the first and second pivots 10, 12 are aligned with the stop 22 of the housing 4. Stop 22 extends inwardly from the first and second pivots 10, 12 into the housing 4. There is very little distance between where the power cable 14 ends and the pivots 10 and 12 begin. Accordingly, the size of the hair styling device 2 is minimized, reducing the materials required for manufacturing and making storage and transportation more convenient.

First and second pivots 10, 12 couple the arms 6, 8 to the housing 4, and each pivot 10, 12 has a pivot pin. The pins are arranged to couple the arms 6, 8 to the housing 4. The housing 4 has two enclosures 26, 28, one for each pivot pin. A pivot pin extends through the housing's enclosure (26, 28) and is then secured to the arms (6, 8). The pivot pin is free to rotate in the enclosure (26, 28), thereby enabling pivoting movement of the arms (6, 8) relative to the housing (4). Arms 6, 8 have seats for receiving pivot pins. In particular, the arms 6 and 8 have bores that align with enclosures 26 and 28 in the housing 4 for receiving the pins.

The hair styling device 2 has biasing means 30 for biasing the arms 6, 8 apart. In the illustrated embodiment the biasing means 30 is arranged within the housing 4 and in particular extends through the housing 4 . In this embodiment, the biasing means 30 is a single compression spring 32. The housing 4 has an enclosure 34 for the deflection means 30 . This prevents the wiring of the device 2 from interfering with the operation of the deflection means 30 . The biasing means 30 is located at or around the end of the housing 4 opposite the end receiving the power cable 18.

9 a further embodiment of the hair styling device is shown, indicated by reference numeral 102 . In this embodiment, the biasing means 130 is positioned extending between the outer surface of the housing 104 and the inner surface of the arms 106, 108. In this embodiment, the biasing means 130 carries two leaf springs 131a, 131b. A portion of the leaf springs 131a, 131b is captured in the enclosures 133a, 133b on the outer surface of the housing 104, and another portion is supported against the inner surfaces of the arms 106, 108, ) away from the housing 104. The leaf springs 131a, 131b have approximately 180° bending between the portion of the spring 131a, 131b in the enclosure 133a, 133b, respectively, and the portion bearing against the arm. The bending generates a spring force to move the arms 106, 108 away from the housing 104. Alternatively, a compression spring positioned between the outer surface of the housing 104 and the inner surface of the arms 106, 108 may be used.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-8, the hair styling device 2 has a lock 36 for releasably locking the arms 6, 8 together. A lock 36 is positioned between the first and second pivots 10 , 12 and the biasing means 30 and the biasing means enclosure 34 . A portion of the lock 36 is arranged to extend through the housing 4 . The housing (4) has an opening for receiving the lock (36). In particular, the housing 4 has two openings, which are opposite each other and are on both sides of the housing 4. One opening is located on the upper side of the housing (4) and the additional opening is located on the lower side of the housing (4). The lock 36 includes a first component 38 that is secured to one arm 6 . In the illustrated embodiment the first component 38 is positioned on the upper arm 6 . A portion of the first component 38 extends between the outer surface of the housing 4 and the inner surface of the arm 6. Thereby, the first component 38 is captured between the housing 4 and the arm 6 . A further portion of the first component 38 then extends into the housing 4, approximately perpendicular to the portion located between the housing 4 and the arm 6. The hair styling device 2 also has a fastening element 40 that secures the first component 38 to the arm 6 .

The lock 36 is fixed to the lower arm 8 and also carries a second component 42 which is present on the underside of the lower arm 8 . The first component 38 and the second component 42 interact to releasably lock the arms 6 and 8 together. Both first and second components 38, 42 extend into housing 4 and may engage with each other when arms 6, 8 are closed together. The position of the second component 42 relative to the arm 8 is a locked position in which the arms 6, 8 are locked together (see Figure 6) and an unlocked position in which the arms 6, 8 are released (see Figure 6). 5) can be moved between. The lock 36 has a lock actuator 44 for moving the second component 42 relative to the arm 8 . The second component 42 extends through the opening of the arm 8 and is configured to be captured in the opening of the arm 8 and moveable within the opening. The lock actuator 44 is accessible by the user from the surface of the arm 8, in particular from the underside of the arm 8. More specifically, the second component carries a first part 72 located on the inside of the opening and a second part 74 located on the outside of the opening in the arm 8, The second portions 72 and 74 may be formed as one piece or are two separate but connected portions. The first and second portions 72 , 74 and the opening of the arm 8 are respectively configured such that the second component 42 is movably captured in the opening of the arm 8 . The lock actuator 44 can be actuated by the user to move the second component 42 through the opening in the arm 8 and in so doing can lock the arms 6, 8 together or lock the arms 6 together. Fields (6, 8) can be released. In the illustrated embodiment, first portion 72 is connected to the second portion by screws 76 . The second component 42 also has a cover 78 that covers the first component 72. This serves to conceal the screws 76 and is thus aesthetically desirable, but also in this embodiment, the cover is formed of a flexible polymeric material that can be easily gripped by the user's thumb. Cover 78 may be formed from other suitable materials in other embodiments and may have ridges or grooves to enhance grip, if desired.

First component 38 has an approximately L-shaped portion extending into housing 4. The L-shaped portion extends almost entirely through the housing 4 when the arms 6, 8 are closed together. The second component 42 then also has an approximately L-shaped portion that extends halfway into the housing 4 when the arms 6, 8 are closed together. The L-shaped short legs of each component 38, 42 face each other when the arms are closed, and the action of the lock actuator 44 causes the L-shaped short legs of the second component 42 to Move over the L-shaped short legs of the first component 38. If the arms 6, 8 are then forced apart (e.g. by the action of the biasing means 30), the overlap between the short legs of the first and second components 38, 42 counters that force and prevents the arms 6 and 8 from moving apart. The arms 6, 8 can be released by actuating the lock actuator 44 to move the second component 42 relative to the arm 8, which allows the first and second components 38, 42 to be released. ) is moved away. Modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the first component 38 may be on the second arm 8 and the second component 42 may be on the first arm 6 . The lock actuator 44 may also be on the first arm 6 rather than the second arm 8 . The shapes of the first and second components 38, 42 can be varied to any desired shape, provided that a releasable lock is formed to prevent separation of the arms 6, 8. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the shape and/or function of first component 40 may be completely interchangeable with that of second component 42 as described herein. For example, the lock actuator may be arranged to actuate a first component opposite to a second component, and the first component may move to lock/unlock the arm.

Arms 6, 8 each have a heatable plate 46. Moreover, one arm 6 has a clamp 48 for clamping the hair between the surface of the arm 6 and the clamp 48 . Clamp 48 is hingedly connected to arm 6 and is biased closed against the surface of arm 6. The hair styling device 2 also has clamp biasing means 50 for biasing the closed clamp 48 against the surface of the arm 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp biasing means 50 is a torsion spring. The clamp 48 also has a lever 52 for opening the clamp, the action of the lever 52 acting against the biasing force of the clamp biasing means 50. The clamp 48 is molded to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the arm 6 to which the clamp is attached.

Each arm 6, 8 carries styling portions 54a, 54b and handles 56a, 56b. The styling portions 54a, 54b are tapered along their entire length, and in particular the styling portions 54a, 54b of the arms 6, 8 have a semi-truss cone shape, so that the arms 6, 8 can be closed. When formed, it usually forms a truncated cone shape. This allows the user to create curls that increase or decrease in the diameter direction. Heatable plates 46 are positioned in styling portions 54a, 54b and are tapered in width along their length.

The hair styling device 2 has a barrier 58 to prevent the user's hands from slipping from the handles 56a, 56b to the styling portions 54a, 54b. Barrier 58 is positioned on second arm 8. Clamp 48 also functions as a barrier to prevent the user's hands from slipping from handles 56a, 56b onto styling portions 54a, 54b. Barrier 58 is a raised portion of the outer surface of arm 8.

Arms 6, 8 are configured to receive housing 4 and move about housing 4 as the arms are pivoted open or closed. A portion of the outer surface of each arm 6, 8 extends over the outer surface of the housing 4, and the housing 4 is positioned between the arms. The arms 6 and 8 are configured to provide a gap 60 therebetween even when closed, with the gap 60 located between the handles 56a and 56b.

The arms 6 and 8 have inner surfaces 62a and 62b and outer surfaces 64a and 64b, and on the inner surfaces 62a and 62b are heatable plates 46 that are heated by a power source 14. The hair styling device 2 has, in the illustrated embodiment, an operation control 66 and a status indicator 68 located on the inner surface 62b of the second arm 8 on the handle 56b. The operation control 66 has a power switch and the status indicator 68 has a light that visually indicates the temperature of the heatable plate 46 and/or the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the styling portions 54a, 54b. When the hair styling device 2 is turned on, the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the styling portions 54a, 54b of the arms 6, 8 may also be heated. This provides a greater curling effect when the hair styling device 2 is used as a curler. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the styling portions 54a, 54b are barrel heaters and can be heated by power from power source 14.

Operating controls 66, status indicators 68, power source 14, lock 36, and heatable plate or surface 46 and outer surfaces 64a, 64b of styling portions 54a, 54b are electrically connected. do. The operation control 66 prevents energizing the heatable plate or surface 46 or the outer surface 64a, 64b of the styling portion 54a, 54b when the power source 14 is switched off, but When 14) is switched on, it serves to supply power to the heatable plate or surface 46 of the styling portion 54a, 54b or to the outer surface 64a, 64b. When the arms 6, 8 are in the locked position, the heatable plate/surface 46 on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 is de-energized and the arms 6, 8 Power is supplied to the outer surfaces 64a and 64b of the styling portions 54a and 54b. In the unlocked position, the heatable plate/surface 46 on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 is energized and the styling portions 54a, 54b of the arms 6, 8 are energized. Power is cut off on the outer surfaces 64a and 64b.

In the illustrated embodiment, lock 36 is attached to heatable plate/surface 46 on inner surfaces 62a, 62b of arms 6, 8 when lock 36 is in the locked position (see FIG. 6). A heatable plate/surface of the power source 14 and the styling portions 54a, 54b of the arms 6, 8 to de-energize and energize the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the styling portions 54a, 54b. (46) and operably connected to the outer surfaces (64a, 64b). Additionally, when the lock 36 is in the unlocked position (see Figure 5), it energizes the heatable plate/surface 46 on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 and Power is cut off to the outer surfaces 64a and 64b of the portions 54a and 54b.

The inner surfaces 62a, 62b of each arm 6, 8 are not uniformly planar, but are instead arranged into curved portions 70a, 70b that curve toward the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the arms 6, 8. . Accordingly, these curved portions 70a, 70b form a gap 60 between the arms 6, 8 even when the arms 6, 8 are closed. The curved portions 70a, 70b are located at the handles 56a, 56b of the arms 6, 8. Alternatively or additionally, the gap 60 may be formed as a step on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 so that parts of the arms 6, 8 lie at different levels. The operation control 66 and the status indicator 68 are located in the gap 60, especially in the curved portions 70a, 70b of the arms 6, 8.

In use, the user plugs the hair styling device 2 into an electrical plug socket via the power cable 18. The hair styling device 2 is switched on using the operation control 66 . The user unlocks the arms 6 and 8 via the lock 36 and by actuating the lock actuator 44 to straighten his or her hair. Then, the heatable plate 46 on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 is heated by power from the power source 14, specifically the power cable 18, and the temperature is adjusted to the status indicator. It is indicated by (68). The biasing means 30 forces the arms 6, 8 apart from each other. The user can insert his or her hair between the arms 6, 8 and between the heatable plates 46, and then move the arms such that their hair is clamped between the heatable plates 46. 6 and 8) can be applied together. The user can then run the hair styling device 2 along his or her hair to straighten it. To curl hair, the user can move the arms 6, 8 together and lock the arms 6, 8 together by actuating the lock 36 via the lock actuator 42. The heatable plate 46 on the inner surfaces 62a, 62b of the arms 6, 8 is no longer heated, and instead the outer surfaces 64a, 64b of the styling portions 54a, 54b are disconnected from the power source 14. heated by the power of The user can actuate the clamp lever 52 to move the clamp 48 away from the outer surface of the arm 6. The user can then place their hair between the clamp 48 and the arm 6 and release the lever 52. The clamp biasing means 50 presses the clamp 48 towards the arm 6 and the hair is clamped. The user can then rotate the hair styling device 2 to wrap their hair around the arms 6 and 8. After the desired amount of time, the user can detangle and release his or her now curled hair.

Modifications to the hair styling device 2 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a power cable or power source may be located between the first and second pivots.

Those skilled in the art will understand that any preferred or optional features of the invention that have been described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

It will be appreciated that any number of optional features applicable to an aspect of the invention may be used in any combination. Moreover, they can also be used with any other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of dependent claims from any claim as dependent claims to any other claims in the claims of the present application.

With regard to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment may be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment, wherein the transfer of one or more technical features Use will be apparent to those skilled in the art to perform similar functions in similar ways in other embodiments.

Any of the features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in terms of a particular form or means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process of achieving the disclosed results, as appropriate, individually or in any combination of such features. It is used to realize various types of inventions as defined in the attached claims.

Claims (24)

A housing of a hair styling device, the housing being configured to house the component parts of the hair styling device, the housing having a first pivot to which an arm of the hair styling device is pivotally coupled, and a second arm of the hair styling device to pivot. and a second pivot coupled in such a way that the axis of the first pivot is spaced apart from the axis of the second pivot, and each arm has a styling portion and a handle, and the styling portion can be heated directly by a power source. A housing having a plate and/or surface. The housing of claim 1, wherein the axis of the first pivot is parallel to the axis of the second pivot. The housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when assembled, the first pivot and/or the second pivot allows the arms to move relative to the housing without bending any part of the hair styling device. . 4. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is configured to receive and retain a connector of a power cable. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the housing includes a stop to prevent the power cable from being inserted past a stop in the housing, the stop extending inwardly into the housing from the first pivot and/or the second pivot. housing. 6. The housing of claim 4 or 5, wherein electrical wiring of the hair styling device extends between the first pivot and the second pivot. 7. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pivot and the second pivot are arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to each other within the housing. 8. A housing according to any preceding claim, further comprising biasing means for biasing the arms apart when assembled. 9. The housing of claim 8, wherein the biasing means extends through the housing. 10. Housing according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an enclosure for deflection means. 9. A housing according to claim 8, wherein the biasing means, when assembled, are positioned to extend between the outer surface or outer surfaces of the housing and the inner surfaces of the arms. 12. A housing according to any preceding claim, further comprising an opening to receive a lock for releasably locking the arms together. 13. A hair styling device comprising the housing of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hair styling device further comprises two arms, one arm pivoting relative to the housing by the first pivot. wherein the other arm is pivoted relative to the housing by the second pivot, each arm having a styling portion and a handle, the styling portion having a heatable plate and/or surface that is directly heated by a power source, Hair styling device. 14. The hair styling device of claim 13, further comprising a lock for releasably locking the arms together, wherein at least a portion of the lock extends through the housing. 15. The lock of claim 14, wherein the lock includes a first component secured to one arm and a second component secured to the other arm, wherein the first component and the second component move the arms. interact to releasably lock together, wherein the position of the first component and/or the second component to which the arm is secured relative to the arm includes a locking position at which the arms are locked together and a locking position at which the arms are unlocked. A hair styling device movable between unlocked positions. 16. A hair styling device according to claim 15, further comprising a lock actuator for moving the first component and/or the second component to which the arm is fixed relative to the arm. 17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the housing comprises a biasing means or a biasing means enclosure, the housing is capable of receiving a power cable, and furthermore, wherein at least a portion of the lock comprises the biasing means or A hair styling device positioned between the biasing means enclosure and a portion of the housing housing the first pivot and the second pivot and/or the power cable. 18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein one arm comprises a clamp for clamping the hair, the clamp being hingedly connected to the arm, the clamp being biased relative to the surface of the arm. A hair styling device that is closed and closed. 19. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the arms each include a styling portion and a handle. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the styling portion is tapered along its entire length, each arm comprising a heatable plate and/or a heatable surface positioned on the styling portion, the heatable plate and/or the heatable surface. A hair styling device, the surface tapering along its length. 21. A hair styling device according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a barrier to prevent a user's hands from slipping from the handle to the styling portion. 22. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the arms are configured to provide a gap therebetween even when closed, the gap being located between the handles and the inner surfaces of one or both arms. is not uniformly flat, but is instead arranged to have a curved portion that is curved towards the outer surface of the arm, whereby the curved portion defines the gap between the arms even when the arms are closed. . 23. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein a portion of an outer surface of one or both arms extends over an outer surface of the housing. 24. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 13 to 23, further comprising an operation control and/or a status indicator located on one or both arms.