US20130133684A1

US20130133684A1 - Hot Clip

Info

Publication number: US20130133684A1
Application number: US13/673,618
Authority: US
Inventors: Carol Ann Sinnott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-28
Filing date: 2012-11-09
Publication date: 2013-05-30

Abstract

A hair styling device is disclosed that allows women and/or men to straighten wavy or curly hair without having to run a flatiron through each section and without having to apply a chemical straightening treatment. The hair styling device comprises a tower and a plurality of clips which are retained within the tower. The tower further comprises a plurality of slots for partially retaining the plurality of clips and heating the clips. The plurality of slots are positioned within the four relatively vertical sides of the tower. The clips are designed to be partially inserted into the slots and placed around an internal heating component, thus securing the clips within the slots. The clips comprise a top and bottom portion hinged together to form a generally clamshell shape and a clasp secured to the hinge, which once depressed, would pivot the hinged top and bottom portions in opposing directions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE
This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/564,042 filed Nov. 28, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Many women and/or men with curly or wavy hair like to straighten their hair for a sleek, shiny and frizz-free look. However, the straightening process can be a long and tedious process, and may require an individual to remain in the same position and use a flatiron until all of his or her hair is ironed-out. Further, some individuals go to professional hairdressers to have their hair straightened, but these straightening treatments can be expensive and may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hair. Additionally, when at the salon, hairdressers tend to spend a lot of time straightening out their clients' hair. Because of this timely straightening process, the hairdressers, salon employees, etc. don't have extra time to pamper their clients. An effective and relatively inexpensive solution to provide straight, smooth hair in a timely fashion is necessary.
There is a need for an improved hair straightening device that can straighten, smooth and shine wavy or curly hair without the use of a flatiron or expensive and harsh chemical treatments. The present invention provides a hair straightening device that comprises a portable tower that can be used to house and heat a plurality of hair clips using technology similar to an ionic, tourmaline, or ceramic hot roller. These hair clips are then clipped onto sections of curly or wavy hair, providing a smooth, frizz-free and sleek finish. This device would be ideal for women and/or men who do not have a lot of time to stand in front of a mirror using a flatiron and for hair dressers and/or salon employees who want to provide their clients with straight, smooth and professional-looking hair in a timely and relatively inexpensive fashion.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a hair styling device that allows women and/or men to straighten wavy or curly hair without having to laboriously run a flatiron through each section and without having to apply a harsh chemical straightening treatment to the hair. Specifically, the hair styling device comprises a tower and a plurality of clips which are retained within the tower and heated. The tower further comprises a plurality of slots or openings for retaining and heating the plurality of clips. The plurality of slots are positioned within the four relatively vertical sides of the tower. The clips are designed to be partially inserted into the slots and placed around an internal heating component, thus removably securing the clips within the slots.
Each of the plurality of clips comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, and a hinge connecting said top portion and said bottom portion to form a generally clamshell shape. Each of said top and bottom portions further comprise an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein said interior surfaces are for contacting the hair of a user. Furthermore, said interior surfaces of each of the top and bottom portions comprises a relatively flat and smooth surface to protect the hair of a user. Additionally, the clips comprise a generally clamshell-shaped clasp secured to the hinge, which once depressed, would pivot the hinged top portion and bottom portion in opposing directions. Furthermore, the clips may further comprise a small comb or claw-like component positioned on an outer edge of the hinged top portion and bottom portion, at an end of each clip. The claw-like component grips the hair of a user to prevent the clips from prematurely detaching from the user's hair.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the tower of the hair styling device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the clips of the hair styling device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the clips retained within the tower of the hair styling device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the tower of the hair styling device with the slots illuminated in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the hair styling device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
The present invention discloses a hair styling device that can straighten, smooth and shine wavy or curly hair without the use of a flatiron or harsh chemical treatments, which can also be expensive. The hair styling device comprises a portable tower with a plurality of hair clips that can be heated inside the tower using technology similar to an ionic, tourmaline, or ceramic hot roller. These hair clips are then clipped onto sections of curly or wavy hair, providing a smooth, frizz-free and sleek finish.
The tower further comprises a plurality of slots for partially retaining the plurality of clips and heating the clips. The plurality of slots are positioned within the four relatively vertical sides of the tower. The clips are designed to be partially inserted into the slots and placed around an internal heating component, thus securing the clips within the slots. The clips comprise a top and bottom portion hinged together to form a generally clamshell shape and a clasp secured to the hinge, which once depressed, would pivot the hinged top and bottom portions in opposing directions.
This device would be ideal for women and/or men who do not have a lot of time to stand in front of a mirror using a flatiron and for hair dressers and/or salon employees who want to provide their clients with straight, smooth and professional-looking hair in a timely fashion.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the hair styling device 100 of the present invention that allows women and/or men to straighten wavy or curly hair without having to laboriously run a flatiron through each section and without having to apply a harsh chemical straightening treatment to the hair. Specifically, the hair styling device 100 comprises a tower 102 (as shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of clips 200 (as shown in FIG. 2) which are partially retained within the tower 102 and heated (as shown in FIG. 3).
FIG. 1 illustrates the tower 102 of the hair styling device 100. The tower 102 is typically a rectangular prism in shape, but can be any other suitable shape as is known in the art, such as a cube, a pyramid, etc. without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Additionally, the tower 102 would generally be constructed of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic, such as thermoplastic polyetherimide, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the tower 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that said materials are heat resistant to at least 230 degrees. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment of tower 102 comprises a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106 and four relatively vertical and relatively parallel sides 108. The tower 102 is approximately between 7 and 12 inches high as measured from the top surface 104 to the bottom surface 106. Further, the width and length are approximately equal and are between 7 and 12 inches as measured from opposing corners 110.
The tower 102 further comprises a plurality of slots or openings 112 for receipt of the plurality of clips 200 (as shown in FIG. 3) and for heating the clips 200. The plurality of slots 112 are positioned within the four relatively vertical sides 108 and are approximately between 3 and 7 inches long as measured from end to end, and are wide enough to accommodate the clips 200. Typically, the tower 102 comprises up to five slots 112 on each relatively vertical side 108. However, any suitable number of slots 112 can be utilized as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, each of the four relatively vertical sides 108 can comprise a plurality of slots 112 or only a few of the relatively vertical sides 108 can comprise a plurality of slots 112 depending on the wants and needs of a user. For example, the tower 102 can be designed to be positioned in a corner allowing only two of the relatively vertical sides 108 to be exposed. The two exposed relatively vertical sides 108 would comprise the plurality of slots 112. Furthermore, the slots 112 can be staggered on each relatively vertical side 108 such that the clips (as shown in FIG. 3) can fit inside the slots 112 one on top of the other. However, any suitable arrangement of the slots 112 can be used without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Inside each slot 112 comprises an internal heating component (not shown). The internal heating component functions as a typical heating component of the prior art, especially similar to those heating components used in hair styling products, such as curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, hair dryers, etc., and utilizes similar technology as that of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, a ceramic heating mechanism, etc., or any other suitable hot roller technology as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The clips 200 are designed to be inserted into the slots 112 and placed around the internal heating component. Specifically, due to the hinged shape of the clips 200, the clips 200 can be opened and clamped around the internal heating component, securing the clips 200 within the slots 112.
In contrast, the inside of the tower 102 may comprise a single internal heating component which heats up all of the clips 200, instead of a separate heating component at each slot 112. The slots 112 would then comprise a rubberized lip, or other similar feature, around the inner periphery to retain the clips 200 within the slots 112. The single internal heating component functions as a typical heating component of the prior art, especially similar to those heating components used in hair styling products, such as curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, hair dryers, etc., and utilizes similar technology as that of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, a ceramic heating mechanism, etc., or any other suitable hot roller technology as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Furthermore, the tower 102 may comprise an indication component around the periphery of each slot 112. The indication component alerts a user when the plurality of clips 200 are heated. In a preferred embodiment, the indication component comprises an illuminated member 114 positioned around an outside surface or periphery of each of the plurality of slots 112, which lights up when the plurality of clips 200 are heated. Specifically, the illuminated member 114 can be a relatively clear, plastic encasement that illuminates when the clips 200 are thoroughly heated. However, any other suitable indication component, such as an audible sound, a vibration, or a blinking light can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, the clips 200 are heated up to a temperature of approximately between 100 and 230 degrees when fully heated, causing the indication component to illuminate.
Additionally, the tower 102 may comprise a handle 116 and/or hand holds (not shown) for portability, and a power switch 118 for powering the tower 102 on and off. Further, the tower 102 may be powered by plugging in its electrical cord 120 into a wall outlet. However, the tower 102 may also be powered via any other suitable charging means as is known in the art such as by batteries, solar power, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention. However, the tower 102 is not limited to these designs and can comprise additional functionalities that could be implemented during manufacturing to suit manufacturing needs and consumer preferences, as well as the wants and needs of a user.
FIG. 2 illustrates the clips 200 of the hair styling device 100. The clips 200 are typically rectangular in shape, but can be any other suitable shape as is known in the art, such as square, oval, circular, etc. without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Additionally, the clips 200 would generally be constructed of ceramic heating material, ionic heating material, tourmaline heating material, or metal, such as aluminum, or stainless steel, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the clips 200 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Furthermore, the clips 200 comprise a top portion 202 and a bottom portion 204 hinged together to form a clamshell shape. The top portion 202 and the bottom portion 204 would be hinged (or secured) together via a piano hinge, a pin, a living hinge, etc., or any other suitable fastening means as is known in the art. Further, the clips 200 are approximately between 3 and 4 inches long as measured from a first end 206 to a second end 208, and approximately between 3 and 4 inches wide as measured from opposing ends 210, and approximately between 3 and 4 inches high as measured from the top portion 202 to the bottom portion 204.
Each of said top 202 and bottom 204 portions further comprise an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein said interior surfaces are for contacting the hair of a user. Furthermore, said interior surfaces of each of the top 202 and bottom 204 portions comprises a relatively flat and smooth surface 213 to protect the hair of a user. Specifically, the clips 200 comprise interior surfaces which comprise a smooth material, such as a soft, velvet-like material, similar to a prior art hot roller, to protect the hair of a user. However, any other suitable material may be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Additionally, the clips 200 further comprise a generally clamshell-shaped clasp 212 secured to the hinge, opposite of the top portion 202 and the bottom portion 204. The clasp 212 would be cool to the touch and once depressed would pivot the hinged top portion 202 and bottom portion 204 in opposing directions.
Furthermore, the clips 200 comprise a small comb or claw-like component 214 positioned on an outer edge of the hinged top portion 202 and bottom portion 204, at an end of each clip 200. The claw-like component 214 can be an integral component of the top portion 202 and bottom portion 204, or the claw-like component 214 can be a separate component which is then secured to the top portion 202 and bottom portion 204. The claw-like component 214 can be secured to the top portion 202 and bottom portion 204 via adhesives, fasteners, etc., or any other suitable fastening means as is known in the art. The claw-like component 214 grips the hair of a user to prevent the clips 200 from prematurely detaching from the user's hair. However, the clips 200 are not limited to these designs and can comprise additional functionalities that could be implemented during manufacturing to suit manufacturing needs and consumer preferences, as well as the wants and needs of a user.
FIG. 3 illustrates the hair styling device 100, wherein the clips are retained within the tower 102. As stated supra, the tower 102 comprises a plurality of slots or openings 112 for retaining the plurality of clips 200 and heating the clips 200. The plurality of slots 112 are positioned within the four relatively vertical sides 108 and are approximately between 3 and 4 inches long as measured from end to end, and are wide enough to accommodate the clips 200. Typically, the tower 102 comprises up to five slots 112 on each relatively vertical side 108. However, any suitable number of slots 112 can be utilized as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, each of the four relatively vertical sides 108 can comprise a plurality of slots 112 or only a few of the relatively vertical sides 108 can comprise a plurality of slots 112 depending on the wants and needs of a user. For example, the tower 102 can be designed to be positioned in a corner allowing only two of the relatively vertical sides 108 to be exposed. The two exposed relatively vertical sides 108 would comprise the plurality of slots 112. Furthermore, the slots 112 can be staggered on each relatively vertical side 108 such that the clips can fit inside the slots 112 one on top of the other. However, any suitable arrangement of the slots 112 can be used without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Inside each slot 112 comprises an internal heating component (not shown). The internal heating component functions as a typical heating component of the prior art, especially similar to heating components used in hair styling products, such as curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, hair dryers, etc., and utilizes similar technology as that of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, a ceramic heating mechanism, etc., or any other suitable hot roller technology as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The clips 200 are designed to be inserted into the slots 112 and placed around the internal heating component. Specifically, due to the hinged shape of the clips 200, the clips 200 can be opened and clamped around the internal heating component, securing the clips 200 within the slots 112.
In contrast, the inside of the tower 102 may comprise a single internal heating component which heats up all of the clips 200, instead of a separate heating component at each slot 112. The slots 112 would then comprise a rubberized lip, or other similar feature, around the inner periphery to retain the clips 200 within the slots 112. The single internal heating component functions as a typical heating component of the prior art, especially similar to those heating components used in hair styling products, such as curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, hair dryers, etc., and utilizes similar technology as that of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, a ceramic heating mechanism, etc., or any other suitable hot roller technology as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Furthermore, the tower 102 may comprise an indication component around the periphery of each slot 112. The indication component alerts a user when the plurality of clips 200 are heated. In a preferred embodiment, the indication component comprises an illuminated member 114 positioned around an outside surface or periphery of each of the plurality of slots 112, which lights up when the plurality of clips 200 are heated. Specifically, the illuminated member 114 can be a relatively clear, plastic encasement that illuminates when the clips 200 are thoroughly heated. However, any other suitable indication component, such as an audible sound, a vibration, or a blinking light can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, the clips 200 are heated up to a temperature of approximately between 100 and 230 degrees when fully heated, causing the indication component to illuminate.
FIG. 4 illustrates the tower 102 of the hair styling device 100 with the slots 112 illuminated and with the tower 102 plugged into a wall outlet 400. As stated supra, the tower 102 may comprise a handle 116 and/or hand holds (not shown) for portability, and a power switch (as shown in FIG. 1) for powering the tower 102 on and off. Further, the tower 102 may be powered by plugging in its electrical cord 120 into a wall outlet 400. However, the tower 102 may also be powered via any other suitable charging means as is known in the art such as by batteries, solar power, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Furthermore, the tower 102 may comprise an indication component around the periphery of each slot 112. The indication component alerts a user when the plurality of clips 200 are heated. In a preferred embodiment, the indication component comprises an illuminated member 114 positioned around an outside surface or periphery of each of the plurality of slots 112, which lights up when the plurality of clips 200 are fully heated. Specifically, the illuminated member 114 can be a relatively clear, plastic encasement that illuminates when the clips 200 are thoroughly heated. However, any other suitable indication component, such as an audible sound, a vibration, or a blinking light can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, the clips 200 are heated up to a temperature of approximately between 100 and 230 degrees when fully heated, causing the indication component to illuminate.
FIG. 5 illustrates the hair styling device 100 in use. In operation, a user 500 would insert the desired number of clips 200 into the slots 112 of the tower 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3). The clips 200 are designed to be inserted into the slots 112 and placed around the internal heating component. Specifically, due to the hinged shape of the clips 200, the user 500 would open the clips 200 and clamp the clips 200 around the internal heating component, securing the clips 200 within the slots 112. The user would then power the tower 102 by plugging in its electrical cord into a wall outlet. The user then depresses the power switch to “ON” and waits until the clips 200 are fully heated. Typically, the clips 200 are heated up to a temperature of approximately between 100 and 230 degrees when fully heated, causing the indication component to illuminate. Once the clips 200 are fully heated, the illuminated member 114 positioned around the periphery of each of the plurality of slots 112 will light up. Once the illuminated member 114 lights up, a user 500 would remove the clips 200, one by one, and place them in his or her hair, or someone else's hair.
Specifically, the user 500 would depress the generally clamshell-shaped clasp 212 of the clip 200 to pivot the hinged top portion and bottom portion in opposing directions, thus opening the clip 200. The clip 200 is then placed in a user's hair. Furthermore, the clips 200 comprise a small comb or claw-like component 214 positioned on an outer edge of the hinged top portion 202 and bottom portion 204, at an end of each clip 200. The claw-like component 214 grips the hair of a user to prevent the clips 200 from prematurely detaching from the user's hair. Thus, once the clip 200 is positioned in a user's hair, the claw-like component 214 engages the user's hair, gripping it and preventing the clip 200 from falling out. Accordingly, the hair styling device 100 allows women and/or men to straighten wavy or curly hair without having to laboriously run a flatiron through each section and without having to apply a harsh chemical straightening treatment to the hair.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hair styling device for straightening a user's hair comprising:

a tower; and

a plurality of clips;

wherein the plurality of clips are partially retained within the tower and heated.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tower comprises a plurality of slots for partially retaining the plurality of clips.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots comprise an internal heating component for heating the plurality of clips.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the internal heating component comprises at least one of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, or a ceramic heating mechanism.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of slots comprise an indication component that alerts a user when the plurality of clips are heated.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the indication component comprises an illuminated member positioned around a periphery of each of the plurality of slots, which lights up when the plurality of clips are fully heated.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the tower is powered via being plugged into a wall outlet.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clips comprise a hinged body and a generally clamshell-shaped clasp.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein an inside surface of the hinged body comprises a smooth material that protects a user's hair.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of clips comprises at least one of an ionic heating material, a tourmaline heating material, or a ceramic heating material.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of clips comprise a claw-like component positioned on an outer edge of the hinged body.

12. A hair styling device for straightening a user's hair comprising:

a tower comprising a top and a bottom and four relatively vertical sides,

wherein the four relatively vertical sides comprise a plurality of slots; and

a plurality of clips,

wherein the plurality of clips are partially retained within the plurality of slots and heated.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of slots comprise an internal heating component for heating the plurality of clips.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the internal heating component comprises at least one of a hot plate mechanism, an ionic heating mechanism, a tourmaline heating mechanism, or a ceramic heating mechanism.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of slots comprise an indication component that alerts a user when the plurality of clips are fully heated.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the indication component comprises an illuminated member positioned around a periphery of each of the plurality of slots, which lights up when the plurality of clips are fully heated.

17. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of clips comprise a hinged body and a generally clamshell-shaped clasp.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein an inside surface of the hinged body comprises a smooth material that protects a user's hair.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of clips comprises at least one of an ionic heating material, a tourmaline heating material, or a ceramic heating material.

20. A hair styling device for straightening a user's hair comprising:

a tower comprising a top and a bottom and four relatively vertical sides, wherein each of the four relatively vertical sides comprise a plurality of slots with an internal heating component; and

a plurality of clips comprising a hinged body and a generally clamshell-shaped clasp;

wherein the plurality of clips are partially retained within the plurality of slots of the tower and heated; and

wherein the internal heating component is electrically powered.