US20090293901A1 - Expandable Roller - Google Patents

Expandable Roller Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20090293901A1
US20090293901A1 US12/086,502 US8650206A US2009293901A1 US 20090293901 A1 US20090293901 A1 US 20090293901A1 US 8650206 A US8650206 A US 8650206A US 2009293901 A1 US2009293901 A1 US 2009293901A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hair
roller according
hair roller
cage
end clamping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/086,502
Inventor
Wing Kin Chan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dickson Industrial Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Dickson Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dickson Industrial Co Ltd filed Critical Dickson Industrial Co Ltd
Priority claimed from PCT/IB2006/003602 external-priority patent/WO2007069048A2/en
Publication of US20090293901A1 publication Critical patent/US20090293901A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2/00Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances ; Appliances for hair dressing treatment not otherwise provided for
    • A45D2/12Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers
    • A45D2/14Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of single-piece type, e.g. stiff rods or tubes with or without cord, band, or the like as hair-fastening means
    • A45D2/146Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of single-piece type, e.g. stiff rods or tubes with or without cord, band, or the like as hair-fastening means tube-like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2/00Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances ; Appliances for hair dressing treatment not otherwise provided for
    • A45D2/12Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers
    • A45D2/14Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of single-piece type, e.g. stiff rods or tubes with or without cord, band, or the like as hair-fastening means
    • A45D2/146Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of single-piece type, e.g. stiff rods or tubes with or without cord, band, or the like as hair-fastening means tube-like
    • A45D2/148Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of single-piece type, e.g. stiff rods or tubes with or without cord, band, or the like as hair-fastening means tube-like comprising perforations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2/00Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances ; Appliances for hair dressing treatment not otherwise provided for
    • A45D2/12Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers
    • A45D2/24Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of multi-part type, e.g. with sliding parts other than for fastening
    • A45D2/2464Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of multi-part type, e.g. with sliding parts other than for fastening tube-like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45DHAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2/00Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances ; Appliances for hair dressing treatment not otherwise provided for
    • A45D2/12Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers
    • A45D2/24Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of multi-part type, e.g. with sliding parts other than for fastening
    • A45D2/2464Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of multi-part type, e.g. with sliding parts other than for fastening tube-like
    • A45D2/2485Hair winders or hair curlers for use parallel to the scalp, i.e. flat-curlers of multi-part type, e.g. with sliding parts other than for fastening tube-like comprising perforations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to hair rollers and, more particularly, to hair rollers with a reconfigurable hair curling surface.
  • a typical hair roller comprises a cylindrical roller body with a hair curling surface configured for curling hair by heated contact.
  • a hair roller is heated first and then tresses of hair are wrapped around the roller body to form curls through heat conduction.
  • tresses of hair are first wrapped on a roller and heat is then applied to the hair to be curled through heating of the roller body by inserting a heated rod into an axial aperture of the hair roller.
  • Hair curling using conventional hair rollers is essentially by application of heat and tension to the hair being curled.
  • the curling tension applied to the hair is largely obtained by subjecting the hair being curled to conform tightly to the curvature of the roller body.
  • a hair roller should ideally engage tresses of hair tightly for maximum curling efficiency, it is noted that tresses of hair always lose some degree of curling tension after the tresses of hair have been wound on a conventional hair roller.
  • tresses of hair are tightly engaged on a hair roller, it will be difficult to release the curled hair from the roller without adversely affecting the integrity of the curls.
  • a hair roller comprising a longitudinally extending hair curling portion defined between a pair of opposed end members, wherein said hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of said hair curling portion in response to relative movement of said end members with respect to each other.
  • a hair roller having an expandable hair curling portion will provide a user an opportunity to tighten the engagement between the tresses of hair to be styled and the hair curling surface whereby an increased hair curling tension can be applied and the tresses of hair will follow the curvature of the hair roller more closely.
  • the provision of a retractable hair curling portion facilitates easier separation between a hair roller and the hair after curling has been completed.
  • the hair curling portion and the end members are arranged so that said hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in response to rotary movement of said end members relative to each other.
  • a rotary movement provides a mechanical advantageous arrangement so that a user can adjust the expansion and retraction of the hair portion with ease.
  • the hair curling portion may be arranged to expand and retract gradually in response to movement of said end members relative to each other.
  • a hair roller with a gradual expansion and retraction facility will afford a user an opportunity to select an appropriate curl tension and dimension suitable for specific purposes.
  • the hair curling portion may assume a longitudinally convexly curved hair curling region located intermediate the end members responsive to said relative movement of the end members.
  • the convexly curved region may extend circumferentially around said longitudinal axis.
  • the convexly curved region may have a bell-shaped longitudinal profile along its length.
  • the end members are interconnected by a rigid tube, and at least one of said end members is moveable relative to said rigid tube such that the longitudinal separation between the end members is variable responsive to rotary movement of said at least one of said end members relative to said rigid tube.
  • the rigid tube may be formed from a thermally conductive material.
  • At least one of said end members may be mounted on said rigid tube by threaded engagement.
  • the radial expansion of the hair curling portion is at a maximum mid-way between said end members, and wherein the extent of radial expansion gradually diminishes from said maximum towards said longitudinal ends.
  • the non-linear longitudinal profile of the hair curling portion across the length of the hair curling portion provides extra curvy effects while achieving the purpose of tightly securing tresses of hair on the hair roller.
  • the extent of radial expansion of said hair curling portion may be at a minimum adjacent the longitudinal ends of said hair curling portion.
  • the hair curling portion defines a hair curling surface which may be reconfigurable between a cylindrical surface having a substantially uniform cross-section along its length and a bulged surface having an arcuate longitudinal profile.
  • the bulged surface may have a convexly curved longitudinal profile.
  • the hair curling portion may comprise a flexible or resiliently deformable cage which comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible or resiliently deformable elongate members which collectively define a hair curling surface.
  • the deformable cage may overlay the rigid tube and is moveable relative to said rigid tube.
  • the deformable cage may bulge at or about the middle of its length when subjected to an axial compressive force acting at the axial ends of said cage.
  • the deformable cage may be integrally formed from a resilient metallic sheet, foil or cylinder.
  • the resiliently deformable cage may be formed of steel, aluminium or like resilient materials.
  • the deformable cage may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending strips defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels located there-between, and wherein the totality of said longitudinally extending strips forms a convexly curved bulging surface surrounding said rigid tube when subjected to an axial compressive force applied at the axial ends of said cage.
  • Each end member may comprise a circular cap member and at least one of said circular members is rotatable relative to said hair curling portion and about said longitudinal axis, and wherein the separation distance between said cap members is variable upon relative rotation between said circular member and said hair curling portion.
  • the hair styling portion may expand or retract radially in response to relative rotation between said circular member and said hair curling portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair roller illustrating a first preferred embodiment of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the hair roller of FIG. 1 ,
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the hair roller of FIG. 1 ,
  • FIG. 4 shows an end view of the roller of FIG. 3 from one end
  • FIG. 5 shows an end view of the roller of FIG. 3 from another end
  • FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roller of FIG. 1 along the section line B-B of FIG. 3 ,
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the roller of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roller of FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the hair roller of FIGS. 1 to 8 .
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting a hair roller of a second embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the hair roller of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 12 is a side view of the hair roller of FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view depicting a third embodiment of the hair roller of this invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hair roller of FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view depicting the hair roller of FIG. 10 with the cage in its expanded form.
  • the hair roller 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 comprises a hair curling body 110 , a pair of end members 130 , 140 and a support shaft 120 formed of a rigid tube which interconnects the end members.
  • the support shaft 120 comprises a rigid tube which is formed from metal or a metal alloy.
  • An end member 130 is fixedly attached to one axial end of the support shaft 120 while the other end member 140 is moveably attached to the other axial end of the support shaft 120 via screw threads.
  • the end members comprise circular caps which are coaxial with respect to each other and/or with respect to the support shaft. With such a coupling engagement, the end members are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis, and when the end members so rotate, the axial or longitudinal distance of separation between the end members is variable.
  • the axial separation between the end members is variable through relative rotary movement of the end members about the longitudinal axis of the hair curling body. More particularly, the end members can move axially towards and away from each other to vary the effective length of the hair styling portion by rotating the screw cap 142 on the screw thread. In use, a user can rotate the screw cap 142 and therefore the end member 140 to advance or retreat the end member 140 towards or away from the other end member 130 .
  • Each of the end members comprises an insulating outer cover 132 , 142 .
  • Each insulating cover is substantially circular, similar to an end member of a conventional hair roller.
  • the insulating cover is made, for example, of plastics or other appropriate insulating materials.
  • a plurality of graduations is formed on the circumference of the circular end members to provide a friction contact interface for facilitate easier rotation of the moveable end member 140 by a user.
  • the hair curling body 110 comprises a resiliently deformable cage which is resiliently expandable when subject to an axial compressive force which is applied at the longitudinal ends of the cage.
  • the cage comprises a pair of opposed end rings which are interconnected by a plurality of elongate strips and each of the rings is adjacent to a corresponding end member.
  • the elongate strips are parallel and are distributed around the circumference of the circular ring.
  • An elongate channel is defined intermediate a pair of adjacent elongate strips and the plurality of elongate strips collectively define a plurality of elongate channels which are distributed around the circumference of the circular rings. More particularly, the elongate strips are evenly distributed around the circumference of the circular rings.
  • the cage is integrally moulded or stamped from a single metallic sheet or foil to provide adequate uniformity of resilience.
  • the elongate strips are covered by a thermal insulator, such as, for example, velvet or other fabrics, which also provides friction against relative movement between the hair curling portion and the hair under retention.
  • the cage In its neutral and un-deformed form, the cage is substantially cylindrical with its longitudinal axis coaxial with that of the support shaft and having a substantially uniform circular cross section along its length, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 9 .
  • the cage is formed from a resilient material such as steel, copper, aluminium or other resilient metal or metal alloys.
  • the cylindrical metal cage is carried on the support shaft 120 with its longitudinal ends in contact with or in proximity of the end members 130 , 140 .
  • the cross-section of the metal cage is slightly larger than that of the support shaft.
  • the metallic cage is adapted so that when the pair of end members 130 , 140 move towards each other, the resulting lateral compressive force will cause the metal cage to bulge near its middle, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . When the lateral compressive force is removed, the resilience of the metallic cage will return to its un-stressed cylindrical shape.
  • the metallic cage is made, for example, of aluminium sheet with a plurality of longitudinally extending metallic strips 112 separated by another plurality of longitudinal channels or elongate apertures 114 so that the metallic strips will be bent convexly outward when subject to a lateral compressive force acting on its longitudinal ends.
  • the metallic cage can be made of other resilient metal such as steel.
  • the metallic cage can be designed so that a plurality of ripples are formed when subject to a lateral compressive force.
  • tresses of hair are wrapped or wound on the hair curling body 110 .
  • the pair of end members is moved towards each other.
  • the pair of end clamping members are sufficiently moved towards each other, for example, by rotating the screw-threaded end member 140 towards the fixed attached end member 130 , the metallic cage is also caused to bulge at its middle portion so that it has a substantially convex arcuate profile along its length and this radial expansion will help to more tightly pack or squeeze the curl along the radial direction to achieve the desirable effects.
  • construction of the roller 200 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, although the cage 216 is integrally formed from rubber or resilient plastics, and the end members 230 , 240 are also moulded from rubber, plastics or other insulating materials. Moreover, there are no axially extending protrusions formed on the inside of the end second members, and a plurality of axially extending graduations 238 for friction engagement of the end members by the fingers of a user is distributed on the circumference of the end members.
  • FIGS. 10-12 features appearing in FIGS. 10-12 are designated with the same numerals of FIGS. 1-9 plus 100.
  • the roller is identical to that of the first embodiment, but the rigid tube is moulded from plastics.
  • the roller is identical to that of the first embodiment, but no longitudinal hair engaging protrusions extend from the end members.
  • the roller 300 is identical to that of the second embodiment, but some or all of the elongate strips are formed with small protrusions distributed along the length of the strips for providing additional friction for hair retention.
  • FIGS. 13-15 features appearing in FIGS. 13-15 are designated with the same numerals of the second embodiment plus 100.

Landscapes

  • Hair Curling (AREA)

Abstract

A hair roller includes a longitudinally extending hair curling portion defined between a pair of opposed end members. The hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hair curling portion, in response to relative movement of the end members with respect to each other.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to hair rollers and, more particularly, to hair rollers with a reconfigurable hair curling surface.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • A typical hair roller comprises a cylindrical roller body with a hair curling surface configured for curling hair by heated contact. In use, a hair roller is heated first and then tresses of hair are wrapped around the roller body to form curls through heat conduction. In another type of hair rollers, tresses of hair are first wrapped on a roller and heat is then applied to the hair to be curled through heating of the roller body by inserting a heated rod into an axial aperture of the hair roller.
  • Hair curling using conventional hair rollers is essentially by application of heat and tension to the hair being curled. The curling tension applied to the hair is largely obtained by subjecting the hair being curled to conform tightly to the curvature of the roller body. Although a hair roller should ideally engage tresses of hair tightly for maximum curling efficiency, it is noted that tresses of hair always lose some degree of curling tension after the tresses of hair have been wound on a conventional hair roller. On the other hand, when tresses of hair are tightly engaged on a hair roller, it will be difficult to release the curled hair from the roller without adversely affecting the integrity of the curls.
  • It is desirable if there can be provided a hair curler which mitigates shortcomings of conventional hair rollers.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • According to the present invention, there is provided a hair roller comprising a longitudinally extending hair curling portion defined between a pair of opposed end members, wherein said hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of said hair curling portion in response to relative movement of said end members with respect to each other.
  • A hair roller having an expandable hair curling portion will provide a user an opportunity to tighten the engagement between the tresses of hair to be styled and the hair curling surface whereby an increased hair curling tension can be applied and the tresses of hair will follow the curvature of the hair roller more closely. On the other hand, the provision of a retractable hair curling portion facilitates easier separation between a hair roller and the hair after curling has been completed.
  • In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, the hair curling portion and the end members are arranged so that said hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in response to rotary movement of said end members relative to each other. A rotary movement provides a mechanical advantageous arrangement so that a user can adjust the expansion and retraction of the hair portion with ease.
  • The hair curling portion may be arranged to expand and retract gradually in response to movement of said end members relative to each other. A hair roller with a gradual expansion and retraction facility will afford a user an opportunity to select an appropriate curl tension and dimension suitable for specific purposes.
  • As an example, the hair curling portion may assume a longitudinally convexly curved hair curling region located intermediate the end members responsive to said relative movement of the end members.
  • The convexly curved region may extend circumferentially around said longitudinal axis.
  • As a further example, the convexly curved region may have a bell-shaped longitudinal profile along its length.
  • In a convenient example, the end members are interconnected by a rigid tube, and at least one of said end members is moveable relative to said rigid tube such that the longitudinal separation between the end members is variable responsive to rotary movement of said at least one of said end members relative to said rigid tube.
  • So that a hair roller can obtain operational heat from an external heated rod more efficiently, the rigid tube may be formed from a thermally conductive material.
  • To facilitate relative movement between the end members, at least one of said end members may be mounted on said rigid tube by threaded engagement.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the radial expansion of the hair curling portion is at a maximum mid-way between said end members, and wherein the extent of radial expansion gradually diminishes from said maximum towards said longitudinal ends. The non-linear longitudinal profile of the hair curling portion across the length of the hair curling portion provides extra curvy effects while achieving the purpose of tightly securing tresses of hair on the hair roller. For example, the extent of radial expansion of said hair curling portion may be at a minimum adjacent the longitudinal ends of said hair curling portion.
  • In an embodiment, the hair curling portion defines a hair curling surface which may be reconfigurable between a cylindrical surface having a substantially uniform cross-section along its length and a bulged surface having an arcuate longitudinal profile. For example, the bulged surface may have a convexly curved longitudinal profile.
  • The hair curling portion may comprise a flexible or resiliently deformable cage which comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible or resiliently deformable elongate members which collectively define a hair curling surface.
  • The deformable cage may overlay the rigid tube and is moveable relative to said rigid tube. In addition, the deformable cage may bulge at or about the middle of its length when subjected to an axial compressive force acting at the axial ends of said cage. Furthermore, the deformable cage may be integrally formed from a resilient metallic sheet, foil or cylinder. For example, the resiliently deformable cage may be formed of steel, aluminium or like resilient materials.
  • As a useful example, the deformable cage may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending strips defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels located there-between, and wherein the totality of said longitudinally extending strips forms a convexly curved bulging surface surrounding said rigid tube when subjected to an axial compressive force applied at the axial ends of said cage.
  • Each end member may comprise a circular cap member and at least one of said circular members is rotatable relative to said hair curling portion and about said longitudinal axis, and wherein the separation distance between said cap members is variable upon relative rotation between said circular member and said hair curling portion.
  • The hair styling portion may expand or retract radially in response to relative rotation between said circular member and said hair curling portion.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair roller illustrating a first preferred embodiment of this invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the hair roller of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the hair roller of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 shows an end view of the roller of FIG. 3 from one end,
  • FIG. 5 shows an end view of the roller of FIG. 3 from another end,
  • FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roller of FIG. 1 along the section line B-B of FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the roller of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration,
  • FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the roller of FIG. 7,
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the hair roller of FIGS. 1 to 8,
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view depicting a hair roller of a second embodiment of this invention,
  • FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the hair roller of FIG. 10,
  • FIG. 12 is a side view of the hair roller of FIG. 10,
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view depicting a third embodiment of the hair roller of this invention,
  • FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hair roller of FIG. 13, and
  • FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view depicting the hair roller of FIG. 10 with the cage in its expanded form.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The hair roller 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 comprises a hair curling body 110, a pair of end members 130, 140 and a support shaft 120 formed of a rigid tube which interconnects the end members.
  • The support shaft 120 comprises a rigid tube which is formed from metal or a metal alloy. An end member 130 is fixedly attached to one axial end of the support shaft 120 while the other end member 140 is moveably attached to the other axial end of the support shaft 120 via screw threads. The end members comprise circular caps which are coaxial with respect to each other and/or with respect to the support shaft. With such a coupling engagement, the end members are rotatable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis, and when the end members so rotate, the axial or longitudinal distance of separation between the end members is variable. Due to the helical or screw threaded coupling between an end member 140 and the rigid tube, the axial separation between the end members is variable through relative rotary movement of the end members about the longitudinal axis of the hair curling body. More particularly, the end members can move axially towards and away from each other to vary the effective length of the hair styling portion by rotating the screw cap 142 on the screw thread. In use, a user can rotate the screw cap 142 and therefore the end member 140 to advance or retreat the end member 140 towards or away from the other end member 130.
  • Each of the end members comprises an insulating outer cover 132, 142. Each insulating cover is substantially circular, similar to an end member of a conventional hair roller. The insulating cover is made, for example, of plastics or other appropriate insulating materials. A plurality of graduations is formed on the circumference of the circular end members to provide a friction contact interface for facilitate easier rotation of the moveable end member 140 by a user.
  • The hair curling body 110 comprises a resiliently deformable cage which is resiliently expandable when subject to an axial compressive force which is applied at the longitudinal ends of the cage. The cage comprises a pair of opposed end rings which are interconnected by a plurality of elongate strips and each of the rings is adjacent to a corresponding end member. The elongate strips are parallel and are distributed around the circumference of the circular ring. An elongate channel is defined intermediate a pair of adjacent elongate strips and the plurality of elongate strips collectively define a plurality of elongate channels which are distributed around the circumference of the circular rings. More particularly, the elongate strips are evenly distributed around the circumference of the circular rings. The cage is integrally moulded or stamped from a single metallic sheet or foil to provide adequate uniformity of resilience. In addition, the elongate strips are covered by a thermal insulator, such as, for example, velvet or other fabrics, which also provides friction against relative movement between the hair curling portion and the hair under retention.
  • In its neutral and un-deformed form, the cage is substantially cylindrical with its longitudinal axis coaxial with that of the support shaft and having a substantially uniform circular cross section along its length, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 9. To provide adequate resilience so that a deformed (or radially expanded) cage will return to its neutral (or retracted) form when the deformation tension has been removed, the cage is formed from a resilient material such as steel, copper, aluminium or other resilient metal or metal alloys.
  • The cylindrical metal cage is carried on the support shaft 120 with its longitudinal ends in contact with or in proximity of the end members 130, 140. To allow relative slide movements between the support shaft and the cage, the cross-section of the metal cage is slightly larger than that of the support shaft. The metallic cage is adapted so that when the pair of end members 130, 140 move towards each other, the resulting lateral compressive force will cause the metal cage to bulge near its middle, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the lateral compressive force is removed, the resilience of the metallic cage will return to its un-stressed cylindrical shape. The metallic cage is made, for example, of aluminium sheet with a plurality of longitudinally extending metallic strips 112 separated by another plurality of longitudinal channels or elongate apertures 114 so that the metallic strips will be bent convexly outward when subject to a lateral compressive force acting on its longitudinal ends. Of course, the metallic cage can be made of other resilient metal such as steel. As an alternative, the metallic cage can be designed so that a plurality of ripples are formed when subject to a lateral compressive force.
  • An exemplary use of the hair roller of this invention will be described below with reference to the Figures. Initially, tresses of hair are wrapped or wound on the hair curling body 110. When tresses of hair have been wrapped on the hair curling body, the pair of end members is moved towards each other. When the pair of end clamping members are sufficiently moved towards each other, for example, by rotating the screw-threaded end member 140 towards the fixed attached end member 130, the metallic cage is also caused to bulge at its middle portion so that it has a substantially convex arcuate profile along its length and this radial expansion will help to more tightly pack or squeeze the curl along the radial direction to achieve the desirable effects.
  • In a second embodiment of the invention, construction of the roller 200 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, although the cage 216 is integrally formed from rubber or resilient plastics, and the end members 230, 240 are also moulded from rubber, plastics or other insulating materials. Moreover, there are no axially extending protrusions formed on the inside of the end second members, and a plurality of axially extending graduations 238 for friction engagement of the end members by the fingers of a user is distributed on the circumference of the end members.
  • Unless otherwise specified, features appearing in FIGS. 10-12 are designated with the same numerals of FIGS. 1-9 plus 100.
  • In another embodiment, the roller is identical to that of the first embodiment, but the rigid tube is moulded from plastics.
  • In yet another embodiment, the roller is identical to that of the first embodiment, but no longitudinal hair engaging protrusions extend from the end members.
  • In a third embodiment as shown in FIGS. 13-15, the roller 300 is identical to that of the second embodiment, but some or all of the elongate strips are formed with small protrusions distributed along the length of the strips for providing additional friction for hair retention.
  • Unless otherwise specified, features appearing in FIGS. 13-15 are designated with the same numerals of the second embodiment plus 100.
  • While the present invention has been explained by reference to the examples or preferred embodiments described above, it will be appreciated that those are examples to assist understanding of the present invention and are not meant to be restrictive. Variations or modifications which are obvious or trivial to persons skilled in the art, as well as improvements made thereon, should be considered as equivalents.
  • Furthermore, while the present invention has been explained by reference to a hair curler with a metallic cage body, it should be appreciated that the invention can apply, whether with or without modification, to hair curlers with other forms of expandable hair curling surface without loss of generality.

Claims (18)

1-21. (canceled)
22. A hair roller comprising a longitudinally extending hair curling portion defined between a pair of opposed end clamping members wherein, upon relative rotary movement of said end clamping members with respect to each other, said hair curling portion is expandable and retractable in a radial direction and the axial separation between said end clamping members is variable.
23. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein the effective length of said hair curling portion is variable upon relative rotation of said end clamping members.
24. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein axially extending hair engaging protrusions are formed on said end clamping members.
25. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein said hair curling portion assumes a longitudinally convexly curved hair curling region located intermediate the end clamping members responsive to said relative rotary movement of the end clamping members.
26. A hair roller according to claim 25, wherein said convexly curved region extends circumferentially around said longitudinal axis.
27. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein said end clamping members are interconnected by a rigid tube, and wherein at least one of said end clamping members is moveable relative to said rigid tube such that the longitudinal separation between the end clamping members is variable upon relative rotary movement between said at least one of said end damping members and said rigid tube.
28. A hair roller according to claim 27, wherein said rigid tube is formed from a thermally conductive material.
29. A hair roller according to claim 27, wherein said at least one of said end clamping members is mounted on said rigid tube by threaded engagement.
30. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein said hair curling portion defines a hair curling surface, and wherein said hair curling surface is reconfigurable between a cylindrical surface having a substantially uniform cross-section along its length and a bulged surface having an arcuate longitudinal profile.
31. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein said hair curling portion comprises a flexible or resiliently deformable cage, said cage comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible or resiliently deformable elongate members which collectively define a hair curling surface.
32. A hair roller according to claim 31, wherein said flexible or resiliently deformable cage overlays said rigid tube and is moveable relative to said rigid tube.
33. A hair roller according to claim 31, wherein said deformable cage bulges at or about the middle of its length when subjected to an axial compressive force acting at the axial ends of said cage.
34. A hair roller according to any of claim 31, wherein said deformable cage is integrally formed from a resilient metallic sheet, foil or cylinder.
35. A hair roller according to any of claim 31, wherein the resiliently deformable cage is formed of steel, aluminium or like resilient materials.
36. A hair roller according to any of claim 31, wherein said deformable cage comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending strips defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels located there-between, and wherein the totality of said longitudinally extending strips forms a convexly curved bulging surface surrounding said rigid tube when subjected to an axial compressive force applied at the axial ends of said cage.
37. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein each end clamping member comprises a circular cap member and wherein at least one of said circular cap members is rotatable relative to said hair curling portion and about said longitudinal axis.
38. A hair roller according to claim 22, wherein protrusions are distributed along the length of said hair curling portion for hair retention by friction.
US12/086,502 2005-12-14 2006-12-13 Expandable Roller Abandoned US20090293901A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN05111512.1 2005-12-14
CN05111512 2005-12-14
PCT/IB2006/003602 WO2007069048A2 (en) 2005-12-14 2006-12-13 Expandable roller

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090293901A1 true US20090293901A1 (en) 2009-12-03

Family

ID=40421909

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/086,502 Abandoned US20090293901A1 (en) 2005-12-14 2006-12-13 Expandable Roller

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20090293901A1 (en)
CN (1) CN101378675A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150265023A1 (en) * 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US20150265024A1 (en) * 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
USD785245S1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2017-04-25 Conair Corporation Hair roller
USD785244S1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2017-04-25 Conair Corporation Hair roller
US10085537B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2018-10-02 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US11134765B2 (en) * 2018-11-08 2021-10-05 Sutra Beauty, Inc. Variable diameter adjustable hair tool
US11871828B2 (en) 2016-03-24 2024-01-16 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a handheld appliance

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2721560A (en) * 1951-10-29 1955-10-25 Arthur A Amacher Hair waving rod
US2860645A (en) * 1957-03-14 1958-11-18 Brancaccio Silvere Expandable permanent wave rod
US3144027A (en) * 1961-04-26 1964-08-11 Chalsea Products Co Inc Hair curler
US3495601A (en) * 1967-11-07 1970-02-17 William Garrett Hair waving rod
US4699160A (en) * 1985-11-21 1987-10-13 Wiggin Elizabeth T Hair curling rod assembly
US5515874A (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-05-14 Denebeim; Sabrina Spherical hair curler and method for using same
US5711324A (en) * 1996-04-29 1998-01-27 Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc. Hair drying curler apparatus
US20040149304A1 (en) * 2003-01-30 2004-08-05 Yukio Noguchi Hair roller assembly

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2721560A (en) * 1951-10-29 1955-10-25 Arthur A Amacher Hair waving rod
US2860645A (en) * 1957-03-14 1958-11-18 Brancaccio Silvere Expandable permanent wave rod
US3144027A (en) * 1961-04-26 1964-08-11 Chalsea Products Co Inc Hair curler
US3495601A (en) * 1967-11-07 1970-02-17 William Garrett Hair waving rod
US4699160A (en) * 1985-11-21 1987-10-13 Wiggin Elizabeth T Hair curling rod assembly
US5515874A (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-05-14 Denebeim; Sabrina Spherical hair curler and method for using same
US5711324A (en) * 1996-04-29 1998-01-27 Johnson Research & Development Co., Inc. Hair drying curler apparatus
US20040149304A1 (en) * 2003-01-30 2004-08-05 Yukio Noguchi Hair roller assembly

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150265023A1 (en) * 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US20150265024A1 (en) * 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US10085537B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2018-10-02 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US11044979B2 (en) * 2014-03-20 2021-06-29 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
US11071365B2 (en) * 2014-03-20 2021-07-27 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a hand held appliance
USD785245S1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2017-04-25 Conair Corporation Hair roller
USD785244S1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2017-04-25 Conair Corporation Hair roller
US11871828B2 (en) 2016-03-24 2024-01-16 Dyson Technology Limited Attachment for a handheld appliance
US11134765B2 (en) * 2018-11-08 2021-10-05 Sutra Beauty, Inc. Variable diameter adjustable hair tool

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101378675A (en) 2009-03-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20090293901A1 (en) Expandable Roller
US20190183224A1 (en) Apparatus for Curling Hair
US20080251094A1 (en) Hair Styling Accessory
US3241561A (en) Hair roller
EP1959786A2 (en) Expandable roller
WO1997013425A1 (en) Heated hair curler with adjustable diameter and heating unit therefor
US20080257373A1 (en) Hair curling device
JP3846002B2 (en) Hair brush
US3008475A (en) Hair curlers
KR100852455B1 (en) Resilient cosmetic lot
US20080314404A1 (en) Hair Roller
US5186188A (en) Hair curler
EP1959785A2 (en) Hair roller
KR102027710B1 (en) Hot iron and color with brush bristle
KR200488610Y1 (en) A hair rod
JPH05192213A (en) Method for styling hair and hair color for use in said hair styling
EP2133004A1 (en) Expandable curler
US3221753A (en) Hair styling roller with rotating hair clamps
CN209825534U (en) Straight hair curler
KR101799038B1 (en) A permanent rod with fixing band
CN101558936B (en) Hair curling device
KR101208657B1 (en) Hair iron
KR101456417B1 (en) Permanent rod
KR20140020637A (en) Hair rod
CN210539504U (en) Hair curling rod and heating equipment thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION