Abstract:
The problem of noxious fume generation during chemical treatment of hair using a hair iron is solved by providing a fume intake on the hair iron near the point of fume generation, preferably near the iron&#39;s heating elements. The fume intake receives the fumes and delivers them to the fume removal passage under vacuum flow generated by a vacuum source, then transported to a filtration system or exhausted to the outside environment. Optionally, the fume intake may extend along the length of the heating element and may be directed downward, towards the hair. Optionally, the fume removal device may be attachable as a retrofit to a standard hair iron. The present invention advantageously prevents the spread of the noxious fumes to the rest of the salon and protects both the stylist and client from discomfort and irritation, thus permitting the more widespread use of these beneficial hair treatments.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority date of provisional application No. 61/233,117 filed on Aug. 11, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a fume removal device, and more particularly, to a fume removal device for use with a hair iron during the chemical treatment of hair. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Hair straightening and conditioning procedures, such as procedures commonly known as Brazilian or Japanese hair treatments, are popular and costly beauty salon services. The treatments generally involve chemically treating the hair, followed by straightening with a high temperature flat iron. The primary problem is that many types of straightening treatments generate large amounts of noxious vapors volatilized by the heat of the flat iron. The moisture and chemicals present in the hair result in smoke, steam, and unpleasant odors. The resulting fumes may also be a health hazard, causing many salons to exclude the treatments from their services. 
         [0006]    Hairdressers and beauty salons have attempted to solve this problem by opening windows, increasing ventilation, or using fans to redirect the fumes. This approach has met with little success. Oftentimes, the use of fans will aggravate the problem by rapidly spreading the odors throughout the entire retail space, exposing the workers and entire clientele to the smell. As a result, many customers may be dissuaded from entering the business. 
         [0007]    Some salons have tried more traditional means to eliminate fumes by providing bulky fume ducts that are situated near or above the hair during treatments. These devices are large and unwieldy, and do not effectively address the fumes at the source of production, where the flat iron meets the hair. As a result, the client and the stylist may experience the unpleasant and noxious fumes; and some fumes may escape the station and into the rest of the salon. 
         [0008]    What is needed and not provided by the existing art is a means to remove fumes during a hair treatment to prevent localized exposure to the client and stylist, as well as the remainder of the salon. What is also needed is a device that removes fumes while not interfering with the styling action and movement of the hair iron. What is further needed is a device that is not bulky, hard to move, or requires repositioning by a separate action throughout the styling process. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that effectively removes fumes from the source of fume production and prevents the spread thereof; 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that does not hinder the movement of the stylists tools or obscure the hair; and 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved hair iron fume removal device that is compact and in the optimal position for effective fume removal. 
         [0012]    These and other advantages and attainments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides fume removal device connected to a hair iron and used in conjunction with a vacuum source during the application of a chemical treatment to the hair. The device includes at least one fume intake that is preferably near the heating element of the hair iron, since this is the source of the heat generated fumes. However, the fume intake may be formed or attached on any part of the hair iron near the point on fume generation. A fume removal passage permits fluid communication between the fume intake and the vacuum source. The fume intake draws in a substantial quantity of fumes through vacuum flow action as the hair iron is applied to the section of hair. The fume removal passage transports the fumes to a desired disposal location through a flexible tube. 
         [0014]    The fume intake is preferably configured to create a vacuum flow over the much of the entire length of the heating element, preferably by an elongated slot. Although, if it is desired the fume intake may be placed intermittently along the length, just a portion thereof, or a region longer than the length. 
         [0015]    The vacuum source may be adjustable to provide a rate of vacuum flow that matches the rate of fume production. The vacuum flow may also be directed to draw from a direction towards the hair. This is accomplished by directing the fume intake so that it faces the hair when the hair iron is applied to the hair. To direct the fume intake, a portion is designed to extend over the hair, extending beyond the edge of the hair iron. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the fume intake and showing the internal fume removal passage in phantom with the jaws in the open mode; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the hair iron jaws in the closed mode; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the overhang of the fume removal device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2C  is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a configuration for the fume intake; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2D  is a sectional view of yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a second configuration for the fume intake; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 3A-B  are views of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as it is applied to the hair of a client; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing two potential modes of exhausting the fumes; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a kit of the present invention, showing the kit interior with hair iron and vacuum source. 
       
    
    
     LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS OF FIRST-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0000]    
       
         fume removal system  20   
         fume removal device  22 ,  22 ′ 
         hair iron  24   
         heating element  26   
         overhang  28 ,  28 ′ 
         fume intake  30   
         fumes  32   
         vacuum source  34   
         filtration system  36   
         filter  38   
         fume removal passage  40   
         exhaust  42   
         hair  44   
         heating element  46   
         strand section  48   
         extended portion  50   
         power cord  52   
         connector  54   
         upper jaw  56   
         lower jaw  58   
         release button  60   
         arrow  62   
         vacuum source  64   
         enclosure  66   
         user  68   
         client  70   
         arrow  72   
         cooling vent  74   
         tube  76 ,  76 ′,  76 ″ 
         atmosphere  78   
         path  80   
         path  82   
         pump outlet tube  84   
         switch  86   
         outlet  88   
         roots  90   
         tips  92   
         lower chamber  94   
         upper chamber  96   
         length L 
       
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0064]    The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with the appended drawings are intended as a description of embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0065]    Turning first to  FIG. 1 , the fume removal device  22  of the present invention is shown as integrated and molded as part of a hair iron  24 . In terms of the ironing function the hair iron  24 , in this case a straightening or flat iron, is constructed of similar components to those used in standard hair irons used throughout the hair products industry and will therefore not be explained in great detail, since their function and structure are well known by those skilled in the art. The hair iron  24  has an upper jaw  56  that is pivoted to and rotates in relation to a lower jaw  58 . The Jaws  56  and  58  may be injection molded with a plastic or similar material that is sufficiently heat resistant and has the required insulating qualities. The jaws  56  and  58  may be optionally unbiased or spring biased towards a normally open position or a normally closed position, where the angle between the jaws is near zero. On each of the mating surfaces of the jaws  56  and  58  a heating element  26  is provided, such as a ceramic coated PTC element or metal heating element. The flat, rectangular heating elements  26  are configured to meet in a substantially planar parallel relationship when the jaws  56  and  58  are closed. A power cord  52  provides power for the operation of the hair iron  24  and may be detachable from the hair iron  24  or integrated into the tube. 
         [0066]    A preferred embodiment of the instant invention is shown in  FIG. 1  integrated within the upper jaw  56  of the hair iron  24 . Within the upper jaw  56  is formed a fume removal passage  40  that receives fumes  32  from the fume intake  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the fume intake  30  is slot-shaped and proximate to at least one of the heating elements  26 . Other fume intake  30  designs may be used with similar results as the slot, such as multiple orifices along the length L of the heating element  26 , a single orifice with an overhang  28  design that guides the fumes  32  into the fume intake  30 , or other designs within the scope of the invention that achieve similar results. The fume intake  30  is preferably located on the side of the hair iron  24  immediately adjacent to the position of a heating element  26  or on a region of the hair iron where fumes may be effectively collected, such as near the point of heat application upon the hair  44  strand section  48 . The fume intake  30  may be of sufficient shape and/or size to have the capability of receiving fumes  32  (represented by the curved arrows leading into the fume intake  30 ) across the length L of the heating elements  26 , a selected portion of the length L, or well beyond the length L. 
         [0067]    In this exemplary embodiment, the fume removal passage  40  runs through the upper jaw  56  and delivers the fumes  32  to a tube  76  connected to the hair iron  24  through connector  54 . A variety of connectors may be used, however a quick disconnect-type connector  54  may be preferred where a release button  60  or detent may be depressed to detach the hair iron  24  from the tube  76 . The tube  76  may be selected from any type appropriate flexible tubing that permits the user  68  to freely utilize the hair iron  24  in a hairdressing procedure without substantial hindrance, but is substantially chemically resistant to the variety of fumes  32  produced and is substantially resistant to crimping or collapse due to vacuum pressure. Examples of appropriate tubing may include convoluted hose, braided or unbraided, or smooth-bored tubing. One specific example of a potentially appropriate tube selection may be ¾″ I.D. 1.05″ Nominal O.D. 0.020″ Wall Thickness. EH-L PVC Hose with External Polymer Helix, item no. 48930 from U.S. Plastic Corp. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 2A-D  shows the hair iron  24  of the present invention in the closed mode where a strand section  48  of hair  44  may be interposed between the heating elements  26  in a hair treatment process. The hair iron  24  is usually applied to a strand section  48  near the roots and is drawn outwards towards the tips of the hair  44 , affecting the structure of the strands  48  as heat and pressure is applied. The structural effect being determined by factors such as heating element shape and temperature and type of chemical applied to the hair. Switch  86  controls the temperature of the heating elements  26 . The fumes  32  are created by the volatilization of chemicals which were applied to the hair  44 , such as in a formaldehyde-based chemical treatment.  FIGS. 2B-D  show an overhang  28  extending beyond the edges of the hair iron  24  structure such that the overhang  28  extends directly over the strand section  48  to create a laboratory hood-like effect, to guide the rising fumes  32  into the fume intake  30  and to direct the vacuum flow across the strand section  48  and into the fume intake  30 . 
         [0069]    Two of the many possible configurations for the overhang  28  are shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D . In  FIG. 2C , the fume intake  30  is directed to draw in fumes  32  from a direction approximately parallel to the strand section  48  clamped therebetween. As the hair iron  24  is drawn down the strand section  48  the overhang  28  tends to capture the upward rise of the fumes  32  from the strand section  48  and permit the fume intake  30  to draw in the fumes  30 . The vacuum action in itself would serve to draw in a substantial quantity of fumes  32 , even without the overhang  28 . However, it has been found that the efficiency of fume  32  removal is increased with the presence of an overhang  28 . After the fumes  32  have been guided into the fume intake  30 , the fume removal passage  40  receives the fumes  32  and guides them through the tube  76 . FIG.  2 D shows an alternate embodiment of the overhang  28 ′, where the fume intake  30  is directed to draw in fumes  32  from a direction approximately perpendicular to the strand section  48  clamped therebetween. The overhang  28 ′ folds over the side of the hair iron  24  separated from the side by a gap that forms the fume intake  30 . In a similar manner as described above, the fumes  32  are guided into the fume removal passage  40 . It may be necessary to mold the upper jaw  56  in multiple sections to achieve the desired profile. 
         [0070]    A preferred method of operation of the present invention can be viewed in  FIG. 3A , where a user  68 , such as a hair stylist, has the hair iron  24  with the fume removal device  22  of the present invention integrated thereon applied to the strand section  48  of a client  70 . Arrow  72  shows the downward draw of the hair iron  24  from the roots  90  to the tips  92  of the hair  44 . A chemical treatment is applied to the entire length or portion of the strand section  48 . The heating elements  46  apply heat to the portion of air  44  directly in contact with the heating elements  46 , thereby volatilizing the chemical to create fumes  32 . In this example, the majority of the fumes  32  are released immediately next to the hair iron  24  on the upstream side of the strand section  48 , where the direction of the hair iron  24  draw is considered the downstream direction. So, the fumes  32  are mostly released on the portions of the strand section  48  that are in immediate contact with the heating elements  26  or just exiting the hair iron  24 . It can be seen that the fume intake  30  is on this upstream side of the hair iron  24  to capture and draw in the generated fumes  32 . However, the fume intake  30  may be positioned on the downstream side and/or the upstream side of the hair iron  24  if required by the generation of fumes  32 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 3B  shows a magnified view of the method of use with the detachable/attachable version of the fume removal device  22 ′ mounted to a standard hair iron  24  with permanent attachment means (adhesive, fasteners, and such) or removable attachment means (weak adhesive, hook and loop, and such). The fume removal device  22 ′ has been mounted to the side of the upper jaw  56 , although other attachment points are conceived. The fume intake  30  is directed downwards, towards the strand section  48  and the side mounting provides an overhang  28 . So, instead of the fume removal passage  40  and fume intake  30  being formed integrally with the upper jaw  56  or lower jaw  58  of the hair iron  24 , the fume removal device  22 ′ is manufactured separately and is attached as a retrofit to a standard hair iron  24 , so that the user  68  may modify an existing hair iron  24  or even choose to detach the fume removal device  22 ′ when the hair iron  24  is not being used in a chemical treatment process. 
         [0072]    A preferred embodiment of the fume removal system  20  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . The fume removal device  22  is mounted to a hair iron  24 , with the power cord  52  ready to be inserted into outlet  88  to provide power to the hair iron  24  and additionally to the vacuum source  64  located within enclosure  66 . The vacuum source  64  may be selected from the numerous appropriate and readily available vacuum pumps and the like, such as an oil-free electric vacuum pump. The vacuum source  64  is preferably compact in size and of a manageable weight, although a permanently install vacuum pump may not be required to meet this criteria. Other vacuum sources  64  are also possible, such as a fan-based vacuum system and any other source that produces the required vacuum flow. 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  further shows the two paths  80  or  82  by which the fumes  32  may be carried away from the hair  44 . The fumes  32  may be carried through path  82  to tube  76 ″ and filtered through filter  36  mounted on the exhaust side of the vacuum source  64 . The filter  36  is preferably selected to eliminate the specific type of fumes  32  generated. With formaldehyde, for example, a filter media with activated carbon, activated alumina/potassium permanganate, and/or potassium iodide may be selected. Or alternatively, a filter that utilizes a photocatalytic oxidation process may also be appropriate. 
         [0074]    Alternately the fumes  32  may be carried through path  80 , into tube  76 ′, through the vacuum source  64  in enclosure  66 , and thereafter vented to atmosphere  78  at a remote location, such as through a window or vent leading to the outdoors. The tubes  76 ′ and  76 ″ are separate examples of the potential exhausting of the fumes  32 , where the user  68  may select one at the exclusion of the other. So, the tube  76  is preferably continuous, with the continuing portion being either tube  76 ′ or  76 ″. 
         [0075]    Yet another preferred embodiment of the fume removal system  20  is shown in a more compact and portable form in  FIG. 5 . The entire system  20  is contained within an enclosure  66 , with the vacuum source  64  located in a lower chamber  94 . On the high pressure or exhaust side of the vacuum source  64  is the pump outlet tube  84  leading to the filter  38  and exiting the enclosure through exhaust  42 . The lower chamber  94  is preferably insulated to attenuate sound; and the vacuum source  64  is isolated with rubber bushings or the like to reduce vibration. A cooling vent  74  may be provided to adequately cool the vacuum source  64  and prevent overheating. The hair iron  24  with the fume removal device  22  is located in the upper chamber  96 , which is readily accessible to the user  68 . Although not shown as being connected, tube  76  is a continuous tube that leads from the fume removal device  22  to the intake of the vacuum source  64  below. The tube  76  may be of sufficient length to permit the locating of the enclosure  66  away from the client  70 . 
         [0076]    While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the claims.