Apparatus and method for heating and moistening hair rollers using steam and hair rollers for use therewith

An apparatus and method for providing heated hair rollers wherein the rollers are suspended vertically in a heating chamber of a housing, an amount of water is introduced into the chamber and heated to generate steam which surrounds the rollers and condenses thereon heating and moistening the rollers which may then be removed and applied to a person's hair. The rollers are suspended by a horizontal plate within the housing which defines a steam chamber between the plate and the bottom of the housing. The plate has a plurality of holes sized to allow passage of the rollers. Each hair roller has a head portion which is larger in diameter than the respective hole whereby the rollers are suspended from the plate within the steam chamber such that the head portion of each roller remains outside of the heating chamber to provide a relatively cool handle for easy manipulation of the heated and moistened rollers. Heating may be achieved by an electric heater in the housing but it is preferred that the apparatus be constructed out of microwave transparent materials and that heating of the water be carried out by placing the apparatus in an operating microwave oven.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for use in 
curling a person's hair wherein rollers may be heated and moistened in a 
safe and easy manner. The invention also presents an apparatus that 
permits the use of light weight rollers which may be heated and moistened 
inside and out by steam prior to placing in a person's hair thereby 
eliminating the excessive weight encountered in prior heated rollers. 
Furthermore, means are provided whereby the heated rollers may be safely 
handled without burning one's fingers and whereby the rollers may retain 
their high heat and moisture until use. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An apparatus and method for providing heated hair rollers wherein rollers 
are suspended in a heating chamber of a housing in which an amount of 
water or other liquid is introduced and the assembly is exposed to 
microwave energy for a period of time sufficient to cause the water to 
boil and generate steam whereby the rollers are heated and moistened and 
may then be removed from the housing and applied to a person's hair where 
the high heat and moisture serve to impart a set to the hair. The rollers 
are lightweight and are heated by steam in such a manner that heat is 
applied to the interior and exterior surfaces thereof. A portion of the 
roller forming a graspable head is maintained outside of the heating 
chamber and is, therefore, cooler to the touch. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a hair curling system wherein hair rollers 
are heatable by the circulating action of steam within an enclosed chamber 
so as to provide moist heat for curling and setting one's hair. The 
apparatus preferably comprises a housing having a heating chamber within 
which the rollers are suspended and side compartments for holding roller 
clips and the like. Within the heating chamber is a removable roller 
support plate which supports the rollers within the housing. This plate 
may also have dividers to separate groups of rollers. A slidable lid is 
provided so that only a select number of rollers are exposed at a time. 
Moist heat is provided to the rollers by means of steam generated from 
water or other liquids introduced into the heating chamber and caused to 
boil by the application of microwave energy from a standard home microwave 
oven or by an electric heating element. The housing also functions as a 
storage caddy for the rollers and clips. 
Heretofore, most commercially available hair curling systems using a 
plurality of rollers have been heated by placing the various size rollers 
on metal posts in a housing and directly heating the posts by electric 
current, for example, the Clairol units as represented by U.S. Pat. No. 
3,858,029 to Walter. The rollers usually include heat retention means 
which may be a metal sleeve or core or an oil filled space which adds 
weight to each roller. In addition, the heat is applied to the entire 
roller, including the ends, which makes them difficult to handle. 
A further drawback to these prior systems is that the heat is a dry heat 
which is damaging to the hair. Attempts to apply moisture or steam to the 
outside of these rollers have involved the combination of the above 
mentioned heating posts with steam generation as in Walter, U.S. Pat. No. 
3,858,029, or enclosed drawers containing the rollers and confining them 
within a steam chamber as in Volosin, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,316. 
Another method of providing heated and moistened rollers involves heating 
the rollers in a pan of hot or boiling water as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 
3,480,019 to Popeil. The difficulties and dangers involved in handling the 
thus heated rollers, particularly in their removal from the hot water, are 
obvious. 
The present invention allows one to quickly, comfortably and safely curl 
dry hair using heated moistened rollers. Because moisture is transferred 
to the hair simultaneously while heating, the natural moisture and oils of 
the hair are not removed. In contrast, dry setting with electrically 
heated rollers and irons evaporates this natural moisture leaving the hair 
dull, lifeless and often with split ends. Permanently waved, colored or 
bleached hair becomes very drab and brittle with the hot-dry set method 
and requires frequent conditioning. The apparatus and method presented 
herein also provides speed and convenience as well as increased comfort 
since the rollers are lighter in weight than prior conventional 
electrically heated rollers and, even after heating, have a head portion 
which is relatively cool to the touch. The rollers are therefor easier to 
wind and clamp. Furthermore, heating a full set of rollers in a microwave 
oven, as is preferred in the primary embodiment, is faster than the prior 
methods and the design of the apparatus is such that heat and moisture are 
retained by the rollers through a normal setting period without the 
requirement of a heat retentive core. Finally, the preferred embodiment of 
the apparatus includes a safety factor in that the water or other liquid 
used to generate the moistening steam or vapor is heated by the 
application of microwave energy to the water molecules, thus there is no 
need for an electrical element to be employed within the roller housing in 
contact with the water or other liquid. Furthermore, the design of the 
apparatus is such that when steam is generated, a partial seal or 
resistance results between the lid and the housing further reducing the 
risk of spillage of the hot water in the event the unit is dropped. 
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus and 
method for curling a person's hair using rollers that are heated and 
moistened by steam. 
It is a further object to provide an apparatus and method whereby 
lightweight hair rollers may be heated and moistened by steam in a manner 
so as to retain heat and moisture during a time period in which they are 
placed in a person's hair. 
It is an even further object to provide an apparatus and method whereby 
heated rollers may be safely and comfortably transported and handled. 
It is yet another object to provide an apparatus and method whereby rollers 
that are heated and moistened have a portion which remains relatively cool 
to the touch. 
It is yet another object to provide an apparatus and method whereby rollers 
are positioned in a housing in such a manner that the portion which 
remains cooler is maintained apart from a main heating chamber in which 
the roller body is suspended. 
It is a still further object to provide an apparatus and method whereby 
hair rollers may be heated and moistened by steam produced within an 
enclosed chamber by the action of microwave energy. 
Further objects and advantages will be evident from the following drawings 
and description setting forth the best mode of practicing the present 
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the invention preferably comprises a 
housing 1 having a main heating chamber 2 with additional storage chambers 
3 along two opposite sides. Within the heating chamber 2 is a roller 
support means 5 with holes 6 through which hair rollers 24 are introduced 
into and positioned within the chamber 2. Preferably the support means 5 
is removable allowing access to the chamber 2 for cleaning. A lid 7 is 
slidable relative to the housing 1 over the top of the support means 5 and 
heating chamber 2, there being means associated with the housing 1 
providing a track on either side of the heating chamber 2 for guiding the 
lid 7 and holding it in place. These means may comprise inverted "L" 
shaped members 2a and 2b situated along opposite top edges of chamber 2 
such that the "L" extends over and above the top edges a sufficient 
distance to form tracks within which lid 7 is slidable as shown in FIG. 1. 
Alternatively, chamber 2 may have longitudinal members 2c and 2d along 
opposite edges forming outwardly extending flanges and lid 7A may be 
provided with a pair of depending skirts 7a and 7b having inwardly 
projecting flanges 7c and 7d forming "C" shaped channels with the 
underside of lid 7A to slide over members 2c and 2d as shown in FIG. 2. 
Although the device is shown as being rectangular in shape, this is 
primarily for convenience and any desired shape may be employed. The 
primary criteria for the overall design is that there be a water tight 
chamber in which the rollers may be suspended and in which steam may be 
produced to thereby heat and moisten the rollers and in which such heat 
and moisture may be retained for a reasonable time to allow users to set 
their hair. 
The preferred support means 5, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a roller 
support plate 8, in which are provided the holes 6 for suspension of the 
hair rollers 24, and vertical divider plates 9. The divider plates 9 
support roller plate 8 within chamber 2 at a height sufficient to allow 
the rollers 24 to hang in the chamber 2 above the level of water therein 
and form sub chambers 10 for each group of rollers 24. The subchambers 10 
help to concentrate the steam on the rollers 24 within any one particular 
group. The divider plates 9 are preferably attached to and depend from the 
under side of roller support plate 8 as shown in FIG. 1, but they may be 
separate from roller support plate 8 being instead located within heating 
chamber 2 so that roller support plate 8 is a separate piece and is 
supported thereon. In either case it is preferred that means be provided 
in the divider plates 9 to allow water within the heating chamber 2 to 
flow freely between the subchambers 10 and thereby maintain an equal level 
throughout heating chamber 2. Such flow means may be provided by means of 
cutouts 11 within the lower corners of each divider plate 9 or the divider 
plates 9 may be made slightly smaller than the dimensions of chamber 2 so 
water will flow around them. Furthermore, chamber 2 may be provided with 
indicia 21 to indicate the maximum water level required. It is important 
that water not be excessively high in the chamber 2 since the rollers 24 
are to be suspended above the water, not immersed therein. 
Holes 6 in roller support plate 8 may be of any size or shape to correspond 
to the particular rollers 24 being used with the device. Furthermore, the 
holes 6 may be grouped such that rollers 24 of equal size are grouped 
together in the same or adjacent subchambers 10. For example, in FIG. 1 
three subchambers 10 are provided with two adjacent subchambers having 
three roller suspension holes 6 of substantially equivalent size 
associated therewith while the third subchamber has two holes 6 of a size 
corresponding to so-called "jumbo" rollers. Alternatively, the support 
means 5c depicted in FIG. 3 is provided with three sets of holes 6a, b and 
c, corresponding substantially to large, medium and small roller sizes. It 
should be noted that the size and disposition of the roller suspension 
holes 6 is limited only by the size of the unit and the number and size of 
the particular rollers 24 to be provided therewith, a standard full set of 
rollers comprising about twenty-four individual rollers of varying sizes. 
Furthermore, it is within the scope of this invention to provide multiple 
support means for each housing wherein the support means are 
interchangeable and have different configurations for different numbers 
and combinations of rollers. For example one support means may have holes 
grouped to provide support for four jumbo rollers, six medium rollers and 
twelve small rollers, while another is configured for twelve medium and 
twelve smaller rollers. In this manner the user may have a wider option as 
to numbers and types of rollers to heat. It is noted that the different 
possible configurations would be limited only by the varieties of sizes 
and types of rollers needed to create particular hair styles. 
While the divider plates 9 are located beneath the roller support plate 8, 
whether attached thereto or within the heating chamber 2, the groups of 
holes 6 are separated on the upper surface of support plate 8 by means of 
upper divider strips 12. These strips 12 are in line with the divider 
plates 9 effectively extending the subchambers 10 above the level of the 
support plate 8. Divider strips 12 also cooperate with the underside of 
lid 7 to separate the individual subchambers 10 and their rollers 24 until 
they are ready to be used. In this manner the heat generated within each 
subchamber 10 and transferred to the rollers 24 therein by the steam is 
effectively maintained until the lid 7 is slid backward or forward to 
expose each group of 24 rollers as desired. When the unit is dry the lid 7 
slides easily. However after steam is generated within the heating chamber 
2, a certain amount will condense on the inner surface of the lid and the 
slides resulting in a natural resistance to motion so that a slight 
pressure is required to move the lid 7. For this purpose a knob means or 
push bar 13 is provided on the upper surface of the lid 7. The natural 
resistance provided in the lid 7 is also a safety feature since, in the 
event the apparatus is dropped or shaken, the lid 7 is less likely to be 
displaced and the hot water in the chamber 2 is less likely to spill. Also 
in the lid is a venting means which is necessary in microwave heating 
operations. This venting means may simply be a series of holes, preferably 
in one end of the lid 7, or, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cutout 14 in 
one end. The cutout 14 is preferred since it provides the necessary 
venting during microwave heating but allows the individual subchambers 10 
to be exposed for removal of rollers 24 without then creating openings in 
the adjacent subchamber which would allow heat to escape. 
An alternative support means 5c is shown in FIG. 3 and comprises the 
support plate 8c having holes 6 for rollers 24, divider plates 9 and 
divider strips 12. As previously noted, divider plates 9 help to 
concentrate the steam generated around the rollers 24 suspended from plate 
8c in the sub-chambers 10. The embodiment of FIG. 3 further includes 
sub-divider plates 9a depending from the under side of plate 8c at 
locations between the individual holes 6 of a particular group. In this 
manner, individual sub-chambers 10a and 10b are created for each roller 
24, further concentrating the steam production. As with divider plates 9, 
sub-divider plates 9a are provided with cutouts 11 or similar means to 
permit water to freely flow between the sub-chambers 10. In addition to 
sub-divider plates 9a, sub-divider strips 12a may be provided on the upper 
surface of plate 8 corresponding to the locations of sub-divider plates 9a 
to sub-divide the roller groupings. These sub-divider strips 12a also help 
to concentrate and retain heat and moisture. 
It is conceivable that the divider plates 9, 9a and divider strips 12, 12a 
may be eliminated, particularly in the case of small units of ten or fewer 
rollers. In this instance, support plate 8A will be provided with 
appropriate holes 6 and would have an integral support means, such as 
depending legs, or will rest on supports within chamber 2. Such supports 
within the chamber 2 may be ledges 22 located within the chamber 2 a 
sufficient distance below the top edge thereof such that, when the plate 
8A and rollers 24 are in place, rollers 24 will be suspended above the 
water level in the chamber 2 but lid 7A will clear the roller heads 17. 
Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 2. 
Side storage chambers 3 flank the heating chamber 2 but are not connected 
with it and so remain substantially cool except for heat transmitted 
through their common walls. This partial heating is desirable in that the 
side chambers 3 provide a storage location for clips 19 used to hold the 
rollers 24 in a person's hair. Being able to impart a certain amount of 
heat to these clips 19 is preferable to make them warm but it is not 
desired to make them as hot as the roller bodies otherwise they would be 
difficult to handle. The outer walls of the side storage chambers 3 may be 
provided with handles 4 for easier transporting of the device. Such 
handles 4 will not become hot because of their lack of proximity to the 
heating chamber 2 and the fact that the housing is made from a material 
that is transparent to microwaves. Also supports 15 are provided along the 
lower edge of the outer walls of the side chambers 3 to keep the heating 
chamber 2 off of any surface which might be marred by the heat generated 
therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, supports 15 are the lower edges of 
the outer walls of side chambers 3 which extend below the bottom surface 
of the housing 1. Alternatively, individual foot supports 23 may be 
provided on the bottom of the housing 1 as shown in FIG. 2. 
In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2, which illustrates a compact 
version of the apparatus, the side chambers 3 are omitted and handles 4a 
are attached directly to the sides of chamber 2. In this embodiment it is 
preferred that the handle material, in addition to being transparent to 
microwaves, be a poor conductor of heat so that the apparatus may be 
easily handled after heating. FIG. 2 also illustrates the relationship of 
rollers 24 to the rest of the apparatus wherein the roller body 16 extends 
through holes 6 in plate 8A and is suspended therein by head 17 which has 
a greater diameter than holes 6. 
A further alternative embodiment, preferably for a compact unit and 
suitable for use in smaller microwave ovens is shown in FIG. 6. This 
embodiment is illustrated for eight standard size rollers, however, more 
or fewer rollers may be used simply by changing the support means 5B. 
In this embodiment the main heating chamber 2 is longitudinally elongated 
and has a narrower width thus being sized for two rows of rollers 24. 
Storage chambers 3 are located at the ends of main heating chamber 2 and 
include handles 4 and supports 15. In view of the compact size of this 
embodiment, roller support means 5B may be simply the plate 8A as shown in 
FIG. 2. However, preferably support means 5B will include at least one 
divider plate 9 oriented longitudinally and depending from the support 
plate 8B along a center line between two rows of holes 6 as shown. As with 
the other embodiments, divider plate 9 preferably has a cut out 11 to 
allow free flow of water. 
This embodiment also illustrates an alternative hinged lid 7B construction 
comprising two lid panels 7e, 7f which are attached to housing 1B in a 
pivotal manner by means of hinge pins 25 which pass through ears 26 at 
each end of the upper edge of main heating chamber 2. In FIG. 6, lid panel 
7e, is shown in phantom in the open position. Ears 26 may be molded as an 
integral part of the end walls of main heating chamber 2 or they may be 
separate pieces affixed thereto. Likewise, hinge pins 25 may be integral 
parts of lid panels 7e, 7f, or may be separately attached. Preferably 
there will be a space between lid panels 7e and 7f when closed to serve as 
a vent. Lid panels 7e and 7f may be of a width sufficient to overlap the 
edges of the main heating chamber walls for ease of opening or a handle 
means (not shown) may be provided on each panel 7e and 7f. Since each 
panel 7e or 7f covers only one row of rollers 24, opening one lid panel at 
a time to access one row of rollers 24 at a time will allow the steam and 
heat to be maintained around the other row. 
The primary embodiments of the apparatus of this invention have been 
designed for use in home microwave ovens, both full size and compact. The 
microwave energy generated by the oven is used to heat the water or other 
liquid used to boiling to thereby generate steam which circulates within 
the heating chamber. Since the roller bodies 16 are suspended within the 
heating chamber from above and do not contact the sides or bottom of the 
chamber, the steam and associated heat is free to circulate completely, 
around, over and through the structure of the roller bodies 16 while the 
heads 17 remain relatively cool to the touch. In this manner the 
circulating steam completely envelopes the roller bodies 16 providing more 
even and complete heating and moisturization by the condensing steam. 
The use of a microwave oven is preferred for safety and convenience since 
it eliminates the close proximity of electricity and water which is found 
in the prior art apparatus. However, the concept of complete heating and 
moisturization of a hair roller body while maintaining a cooler head or 
handle portion may also be applied to an apparatus employing an electric 
heating element for steam generation within a closed chamber. The above 
described preferred apparatus may be modified to include an electric 
heating element within heating chamber 2 to directly heat the water 
therein for steam production. Such a heating element may be that as used 
in the prior art and will preferably include a low water cut off switch, a 
thermostat preferably coupled with an on-off switch and such other safety 
devices as may be required by any applicable laws or guidelines. 
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of a smaller portable or travel unit 
employing the concept of the present invention wherein the steam is 
generated by an electrical heating unit. In this embodiment the housing 1C 
is divided into an upper heating chamber 2 and a lower circuitry chamber 
27. Within this lower chamber 27 is disposed thermostat and switch means 
28, heating element 29 and any other safety circuitry or devices required. 
As shown in FIG. 7, heating element 29 may be a heating block supported by 
legs 30 out of contact with the bottom and sides of housing 1C and forming 
a shelf on which a water tray 31 sits. In this embodiment, water tray 31 
is preferably made of metal to transfer heat from heating element 29 to 
water within the tray 31. A water sealing means 36 is provided around the 
tray 31 to prevent spillage onto heating element 29. 
Alternatively, heating element 29 may be an immersion type inserted into 
tray 31 or constructed as an integral part of tray 31 and including a low 
water cut-off means 37. In such an embodiment, water tray 31 may be 
constructed from any material which would withstand the heat generated and 
may even be made of a high heat resistant polymer. In either case an 
electric power cord 33 exits from lower chamber 27 through a strain relief 
34 and terminates in an electrical plug means 35. 
Housing 1C is preferably molded as a single unit with a bottom and four 
connected upstanding sides and is open at the top. Water tray 31 and 
heating element 29 are recessed within housing 1 a sufficient distance 
from the open top edge of housing 1C to permit rollers 24 to be suspended 
above tray 31. In the illustrated embodiment, suspension of the rollers 24 
is provided by a lid 32 comprising a planar portion 32a surrounded by a 
depending skirt 32b. Lid 32 is sized to fit over the open end of housing 
1C with skirt 32b telescoping over the upper edges of housing 1C walls as 
shown. The fit should be reasonably snug to prevent undue escape of steam 
or heat as well as inadvertent spillage in the event of a tipping of the 
unit. Within the planar portion 32a of lid 32b are provided holes 6 
through which rollers 24 are inserted. As with the previous embodiments 
these holes 6 are of a size to permit passage of the roller bodies 16 but 
not the roller heads 17. In this manner the rollers 24 are suspended 
within heating chamber 2 above water tray 31 so that the steam generated 
therein can completely envelope the roller bodies 16. 
Whereas the unit illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a portable or travel type 
unit and is shown as being provided with two rows of five rollers each, it 
is noted that this embodiment may be provided with different numbers and 
combinations of rollers as in the previous embodiments merely by changing 
the lid 32 and, when desired, the overall dimensions of the unit. 
Furthermore, when unplugged and not in use, the upper heating chamber 2 
provides storage for the rollers. Optionally, the unit may also be 
provided with means to permit its use on two or more different line 
voltages. 
The preferred form of the rollers 24 to be used with this device are shown 
in FIGS. 4 and 5 and comprises essentially a roller body 16 having a head 
17 on one end. The head 17 has a diameter substantially larger than the 
roller body 16 to provide both a handle means for grasping the roller 24 
and a means for suspending the roller 24 within the holes 6 in the roller 
support plate 8. The head 17 has a greater diameter than the corresponding 
holes 6 thereby preventing the rollers 24 from falling through the plate 8 
into the heating chamber 2. Furthermore, because the head 17 remains above 
the heating chamber 2, separated therefrom by the support plate 8, it 
remains relatively cool and safe to handle. The construction of the 
rollers 24 may be as that depicted in FIG. 4 comprising the roller body 16 
with the head 17 attached directly thereto, the entire roller 24 being 
molded as a single unit, or it may be as shown in FIG. 5 wherein the head 
17 is attached to a roller support cylinder 18 and the roller body 16 is 
slid onto the cylinder 18. In either case, it is preferred that the roller 
body 16, or the support cylinder 18 have sufficient thickness to provide a 
heat retention mass which, because of the materials used, will be 
lightweight. Because of the design and operation of the apparatus, an 
additional material in the roller body as a heat retention mass such as an 
oil or metal core which would add weight is not necessary. Since the 
roller bodies 16 remain in the heating chamber until actual use, they are 
continuously warmed by the heat retained therein. Furthermore, by using 
moist heat directly applied to the hair by the roller bodies 16, the time 
required to achieve a set is reduced, thereby removing the necessity for 
an excessively heavy heat retention core in the roller bodies 16. An 
elongated roller clip 19 having a semicircular cross-section fits over the 
roller body 16 after placement in the hair to hold the roller in place. 
The head 17 also serves to hold the heated roller away from the scalp 
thereby preventing burning or discomfort thereto. The edge of the head 17 
is preferably provided with a circumferential groove 20 to facilitate 
grasping by the user. As with most hair rollers, hair grasping means are 
present on the outer surface of the roller body 16 and on the inner 
surface of the clip 19. Such means serve to hold and transmit both 
moisture and heat from the roller body to the hair. Such hair grasping 
means may comprise projecting teeth, 16a as shown as FIG. 4, preferably 
molded of the same material as the roller body 16, flocking, hook and pile 
material, bristles or other suitable means. Where such hair grasping means 
are teeth they also serve to help hold the heated roller away from the 
scalp to prevent burning or discomfort. 
In the preferred embodiments the materials from which the apparatus and the 
rollers are made are preferably transparent to microwaves and so are not 
directly heated when the apparatus is exposed to microwave energy. Such 
materials include polycarbonate, or other microwave transparent polymers 
that are resistant to temperatures above 212 degrees Fahrenheit. In the 
electrically heated embodiments, microwave transparency is not important, 
but, the material must still be resistant to high temperatures. Delrin is 
a popular material for hair rollers that is light weight and is adequate 
for molding the roller bodies 16 and clips 19. It is conceivable that, in 
the construction of FIG. 5, roller body 16 could be covered with a strip 
of hook and pile material wrapped therearound or such material or flocking 
could be applied directly to the surface of the roller body 16 as shown in 
FIG. 5 or to cylinder 18 to form a roller 24 suitable for use with the 
apparatus. In that case the hook and pile or flocking material and any 
adhesives used must also be resistant to temperatures above 212 degrees 
Fahrenheit. 
The three primary parts of the apparatus may be molded from an appropriate 
material or constructed from individual pieces cut from sheet stock. 
Preferably, roller support means 5 is a single sub-assembly with the 
divider plates 9, 9a and strips 12, 12a being integrally molded with or 
otherwise secured to support plate 8. However, support means 5 may be two 
parts comprising the network of divider plates 9 and sub-plates 9a as a 
separate assembly that is removably positioned within the heating chamber 
2 and a separate support plate 8 with divider strips 12 and sub-strips 12a 
that is then placed over the divider plate sub-assembly. In such a 
construction, the support plate 8 will be placed over the divider plates 9 
and 9a so that the plates and the divider strips 12 and 12a line up. 
Although not a requirement, it is preferred that the material from which 
the housing 1, support means 5 and lid 7 are made be optically transparent 
as well as microwave transparent. 
In operation, approximately one to one and a half cups of water or other 
suitable liquid is placed in the heating chamber 2 and the support means 5 
inserted therein. This volume of water will of course vary with the size 
of the unit and the number of rollers to be heated; however, sufficient 
liquid must be used to provide enough heat in the chamber to keep the 
rollers hot until they are used. In the case of a full set of twenty-four 
rollers it has been found that using one and a half cups of water provides 
enough steam to heat the full set in about 6 to 8 minutes in a 700-800 
watt oven and sufficient retained heat to keep the rollers hot until they 
are all wound in the user's hair. For smaller sets of rollers, smaller 
amounts of water may be used so long as there is enough to provide both 
initial steam heat and sufficient retained heat to keep the rollers hot 
until the user has them all in place. 
The rollers are then inserted into their respective holes in the support 
plate 8, as shown in FIG. 2, the lid 7 is closed and the entire apparatus 
placed in a microwave oven and exposed to microwave energy for about seven 
minutes or for a sufficient time to cause the water to boil. Different 
wattage ovens require different times to boil equivalent amounts of water. 
The steam generated by boiling the water transfers heat to the rollers 24 
suspended in the heating chamber 2 and partially condenses thereon to 
moisten the rollers 24. The rollers 24 retain heat and moisture for the 
normal setting period, about 7 to 12 minutes, because of their suspension 
over the hot water and from heat radiating off the chamber walls. 
When the rollers 24 are ready to be used the lid 7 is opened to expose the 
first group of rollers. Since the heads 17 of the rollers 24 are outside 
of the main heating chamber 2, they remain relatively cool and are easily 
handled without discomfort while the roller bodies 16 remain within the 
heating chamber 2 until actually withdrawn and are kept warm and moist by 
the heat and steam retained therein. Exposure of each group of rollers 24 
is made as needed, generally beginning at the vented end of the lid 7 in 
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 since the cutout 14 allows excess 
steam to escape. In units having hinged lid panels, as in FIG. 6, the gap 
between the panels provides the necessary venting and the rollers are 
exposed by opening one panel at a time. As each group of rollers 24 is 
used, the lid 7 is opened further, exposing each group as needed and in 
the first embodiment, strips 12 on the top of roller suspension plate 8 
cooperate with the underside of the lid 7 to help close off groups until 
the lid 7 is slid back to expose them. 
The first rollers used will be the hottest and should generally be wound 
where the most curl is desired. If jumbo rollers are included in a set, 
they should be located at one end of the roller suspension plate 8 so 
that, if preferred, they may be used first. It is important that the 
rollers go directly from the housing 2 into the hair; accordingly, the 
hair to be wound into each curl should be sectioned off before the rollers 
are removed from the housing. In this manner each roller will be wound 
into the hair while it is at its hottest, the heat and moisture serving to 
quickly plasticize the hair and thereby form the curl. Because the rollers 
provide moisture, the hair should be dry before their use. 
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, water is placed in tray 31, the 
lid 32 is applied to the unit and rollers 24 are inserted into holes 6 in 
the lid 32. The unit is then plugged into an appropriate electrical outlet 
and, if a separate on-off switch is provided, turned on. After allowing 
time for steam generation and heating of the roller bodies 16, the unit 
may be turned off and/or unplugged and the rollers 24 withdrawn one at a 
time and applied to the hair. Remaining rollers will retain heat and 
moisture until withdrawn for use. 
Since the units use boiling water to provide both the heat and moisture to 
the rollers, no impurities will be imparted to the hair, the water being 
substantially distilled or sterilized. Additionally, the boiling water 
serves to sterilize the entire system of rollers and housing each time it 
is used thereby reducing the possibility of the retention or transfer of 
any infectious organisms from the rollers. Furthermore, if the setting 
process is interrupted such that the system cools down it is easily 
reheated by returning it to the microwave oven or, in the electrical form, 
turning it on for a few minutes. 
After the rollers have been in place in the hair a sufficient time, they 
are removed on a first-in, first-out basis. While in the hair the rollers 
will serve to impart heat and moisture to the hair, causing it to 
plasticize while wound around the roller, then the heat will dry the hair 
thus setting the curl. Upon removal of the rollers, the user should brush 
her fingers lightly through the curls to detect any residual moisture 
before combing or brushing the hair since remaining moisture could ruin 
the curl in that area. 
The rollers need remain in the user's hair only as long as necessary to 
produce the desired curl. However, leaving them in for a longer period is 
not a problem in view of their significantly lighter weight when compared 
with the prior art electrically heated rollers. 
It is also envisioned that the apparatus may be used to treat hair with 
various substances, such as conditioners, hot oil and the like, which may 
be added to the water in chamber 2 before heating. In this manner, the 
treatment substances will boil with the water and be deposited on the 
rollers with the condensing steam. Winding the thus moistened rollers in 
one's hair will serve to apply the treatment substances thereto while the 
hair is being curled. 
Suspending the rollers in a heating chamber in the manner provided by the 
apparatus of this invention has three advantages not realized by the prior 
art. First, a portion of the roller, the head, is provided which remains 
significantly cooler to the touch than the rest of the roller, thus 
rendering the rollers easier and safer to handle when heated. Second, the 
entire interior and exterior of the roller bodies is heated and 
moisturized since no portion of the roller body is in contact with any 
part of the housing. Third, since each roller is individually suspended 
within the heating chamber they remain within the enveloping steam and 
heat until individually withdrawn for use thereby retaining optimum heat 
and moisture capacity. 
The foregoing sets forth the preferred apparatus and method of use. Other 
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled 
in the art in light of the foregoing description and it is intended to 
embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within 
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.