Patent Publication Number: US-2013247934-A1

Title: Hair straightening apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/428,753, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 23, 2012, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to the field of hair care, and more particularly, to a hair straightening apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many devices have been developed to aid in the styling of hair. Hair curlers, or curling irons, impart curls into hair by applying heat to a rod around which the hair is wound. Hair straighteners and smoothers operate using a similar premise, and typically include heat conducting elements between which hair is clamped and pulled through. The heat conducting elements are conventionally flat surfaces. Hair straighteners conventionally use a pair of untextured surfaces for engaging the hair. As a result, the hair can require additional brushing in order to achieve the desired style. Further, hair straighteners are generally configured for use with long hair, while separate devices, such as heated combs, may be configured for use with short hair. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention relates to an improved hair straightening apparatus. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. A lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The lower heating element also includes a top heating surface and an opposing bottom heating surface. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a latch. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. An upper heating element extends from the upper clamping member and a lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a latch extending from the upper clamping member towards the lower clamping member. A latch receiving groove in the lower clamping member receives the latch. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a comb portion. The hair straightening apparatus includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member attached to the upper clamping member at a hinge. An upper heating element extends from the upper clamping member, the upper heating element having one or more protrusions extending along a length of the upper heating element. A lower heating element extends from the lower clamping member. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a comb portion attached to the upper heating element. The comb portion includes one or more grooves interlocking with the one or more protrusions when the comb portion is attached to the upper heating element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a magnified perspective view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are diagrams illustrating perspective views of a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective view of an upper heating element of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  are diagrams illustrating comb portions of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a handle end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  are diagrams illustrating perspective partial cross-sectional views of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11A-11F  are diagrams illustrating front-views of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  are diagrams illustrating front-views of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components may be designated by the same or similar reference numerals although they are illustrated in different drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processes known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A hair straightening apparatus  100  includes a handle end  102  and a heated application end  104 . The handle end  102  includes a lock release button  106 . The lock release button  106  may be engaged to release the hair straightening apparatus  100  from the closed position. 
     The handle end  102  may also be embodied to include at least one of a power button, a temperature dial, and first and second indicators. The power button may used to turn a power status of the hair straightening apparatus  100  on and off, while the temperature dial may provide a means to adjust the temperature at the heated application end  104 . The first and second indicators may be utilized to provide an indication of the power status of the hair straightening apparatus  100  and a temperature set for the heated application end  104 . 
     Different numbers and configurations of buttons, dials and indicators may be provided in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention. Further, additional buttons, dials and indicators may be provided with different purposes in the operation of the hair straightening apparatus  100 , according to additional embodiments of the present invention. 
     A power cord may extend from a proximal end of the handle end  102 , farthest from the heated application end  104 , in order to provide electricity to the hair straightening apparatus  100 . The power cord may be disposed at any point on the handle end  102  of the hair straightening apparatus  100  that allows a user to still comfortably hold the handle end  102  of the hair straightening apparatus  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A lower clamping member  206  is shown disengaged from an upper clamping member  208 . Both the lower clamping member  206  and the upper clamping member  208  include the handle end  102  and the heated application end  104 . The lock release button  106  is used to disengage the lower clamping member  206  from the upper clamping member  208 . 
     The manner in which the lower clamping member  206  disengages from the upper clamping member  208  is based on the attachment of the lower clamping member  206  and the upper clamping member at a hinge  210 . Specifically, when the lock release button  106  is slid along a longitudinal axis X of the handle end  102 , a latch  202  is disengaged from a latch receiving groove  204 , releasing the lower clamping member  206  from the upper clamping member  208 . Thus, the lower clamping member  206  and the upper clamping member  208  are able to rotate apart at an axis provided at the hinge  210 . In an embodiment of the present invention, an internal spring provides a force separating the lower clamping member  206  from the upper clamping member  208  and encouraging disengagement of the lower clamping member  206  when the latch  202  is disengaged from the latch receiving groove  204 . 
     Due to the fact that the lower clamping member  206  and the upper clamping member  208  are separated through the handle end  102 , a user holding the handle end  102  is able to control the spacing between the lower clamping member  206  and the upper clamping member  208  when disengaged. The user is also able to provide forces on the lower and upper clamping members  206  and  208 , respectively, in directions for engagement of the lower clamping member  206  with the upper clamping member  208 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a diagram illustrates a magnified perspective view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A lower heating element  304  extends from the lower clamping member  206 . The lower heating element  304  includes two heated sidewalls  306 , a top heating surface  308 , and a bottom heating surface  310 . The top heating surface  308  faces a direction opposite to that of the bottom heating surface  310 , and the top heating surface  308  may be parallel to the bottom heating surface  310 . The heated sidewalls  306  extend perpendicularly from the top heating surface  308  to attach to the bottom heating surface  310 . 
     The lower heating element  304  may be constructed of aluminum and coated in titanium or ceramic, for example. An upper heating element  311  extends from the upper clamping member  208  and an upper heating surface  312  protrudes from, and extends along, the upper heating element  311 . The top heating surface  308  is disposed on a side of the lower heating element  304  that faces the upper heating surface  312  of the upper heating element  311 . The lower heating element  304  and the upper heating element  311  do not extend into the handle end  102 , preventing heating of the handle end  102  when the hair straightening apparatus  100  is in use. 
     A removable comb portion  314  is attached to the upper heating element  311  and includes comb tines, or teeth,  315 . The comb portion  314  may be attached to the upper heating element  311  by one or more screws  320 . The comb portion  314  attaches over a top surface of the upper heating element  311  and may extend along a length of the upper heating element  311 . The tines  315  begin near the upper heating surface  312  and extend below the upper heating surface  312 . The tines  315  may extend from both sides of the upper heating element  311 . 
     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the heated sidewalls  306  may include sloping portions  302  where the heated sidewalls  306  meet the top heating surface  308  and the bottom heating surface  310 . Specifically, the sloping portions  302  may include a rounded edge. The rounded edge provides a gradual arcuate attachment of the heated sidewalls  306  to the top heating surface  308  and the bottom heating surface  310 . The sloping portions  302  may also include a bisected edge. The bisected edge provides a straight attachment of the heated sidewalls  306  to the top heating surface  308  and the bottom heating surface  310  at approximately a 45-degree angle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a diagram illustrates a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the hair straightening apparatus  100  is in a closed position, the top heating surface  308  of the lower heating element  304  and the upper heating surface  312  of the upper heating element  311  come into contact. The user may insert a section of hair  400  between the top heating surface  308  and the upper heating surface  312  for straightening. Specifically, when heat is supplied to the top heating surface  308  and the upper heating surface  312 , the lower clamping member  206  is disengaged from the upper clamping member  208  by releasing the lock release button  106 . The lower clamping member  206  is then positioned beneath the section of hair  400  of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The section of hair  400  is then closed between the top heating surface  308  and the upper heating surface  312 . 
     The comb tines  315  extend from the comb portion  314  and include a first narrow tooth comb  316  and a second narrow tooth comb  318 . The first and second combs  316  and  318 , respectively, extend along the length of the upper heating element  311 . When the section of hair  400  is closed between the top heating surface  308  and the upper heating surface  312 , the hair straightening apparatus  100  is pulled through the section of hair  400 . Thus, when the first narrow tooth comb  316  is run through the section of hair  400 , the section of hair  400  is heated through contact with the top heating surface  308  and the upper heating surface  312 , and the second narrow tooth comb  318  is run through the section of hair  400 , thereby straightening the section of hair  400 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a diagram illustrates a front view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first narrow tooth comb  316  and the second narrow tooth comb  318  protrude beyond the bottom heating surface  310  when the hair straightening apparatus  100  is in a closed position. Specifically, the first narrow tooth comb  316  and the second narrow tooth comb  318  protrude beyond the bottom heating surface  310  a distance sufficient to prevent a curved portion of the user&#39;s scalp from contacting the bottom heating surface  310 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the combs  316  and  318  protrude beyond a lowest point of the bottom heating surface  310  a distance of approximately 1-3 millimeters. 
     When heat is supplied to the bottom heating surface  310  and the lower clamping member  206  is engaged with the upper clamping member  208  in a closed position, the bottom heating surface  310  is positioned in contact with the section of hair  400  of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The section of hair  400  is then run through the first narrow tooth comb  316  along the bottom heating surface  310 , and through the second narrow tooth comb  318 , thereby, straightening the section of hair  400 . The embodiment described with respect to  FIG. 5  is particularly useful when straightening hair that only extends a short distance from the user&#39;s scalp. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , diagrams illustrate perspective views of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 3  in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 6A  illustrates the comb portion  314  removed from the upper heating element  311 . The upper heating element  311  includes one or more protrusions  604 . The protrusions  604  extend outward along a width of the upper heating element  311  in a transverse direction Y. One or more grooves  602  extend along an entire length of an interior of the comb portion  314 . The protrusions  604  interlock with the grooves  602 , securing the comb portion  314  on the heated application end  104 . The protrusions  604  also guide the comb portion  602  along the heated application end  104  when the heated application end  104  is inserted into the comb portion  314 , as illustrated by arrow A in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper heating element  311  may be provided in a T-shape, with the upper heating surface  312  protruding downward from the upper heating element  311 . Specifically, the upper heating surface  312  may have a width less than the width of the upper heating element  311 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a diagram illustrates an exploded perspective view of an upper heating element of a hair straightening apparatus, providing an alternative embodiment of the present invention to the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 6A-6C . Specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates the upper heating element  311  including one or more screw holes  702  for attaching a comb portion  704 . The comb portion  704  may include first and second comb portions separately attached to the upper heating element. The comb portion  704  includes a support groove  706  and one or more comb screw holes  708 . A bracket support  710  fits within the support groove  706 . The bracket support  710  includes one or more bracket screw holes  712 . When the screw holes  702 , the comb screw holes  708  and the bracket screw holes  712  are aligned, screws  714  may be inserted through the bracket support  710 , the comb portion  704  and into the upper heating element  311  to attach the comb portion  704  to the upper heating element  311 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-8B , diagrams illustrate comb portions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a narrow tooth comb portion  802  including a plurality of narrowly spaced tines  806  protruding from the narrow tooth comb portion  802 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates a wide tooth comb portion  804  including a plurality of widely spaced tines  808  protruding from the wide tooth comb portion  804 . The narrowly spaced tines  806  and the widely spaced tines  808  include a tine base  812  and tine sidewalls  814  extending to a tine point  816 . Both the narrow tooth comb portion  802  and the wide tooth comb portion  804  include edge tines  810  that are wider than the narrowly spaced tines  806  and widely spaced tines  808  and provide a boundary between the narrowly and widely spaced tines  806  and  808 , respectively, and a distal end of the handle end  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view of a handle end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 9  illustrates the hair straightening apparatus  100  in the closed position, locked into place by the latch  202  inserted into the latch receiving groove  204 . The latch  202  includes a notched recess  902  on a proximal edge  908  and an arcuate leading edge  906 . The arcuate leading edge  906  extends from a distal edge  910  of the latch  202 , curving upward towards the notched recess  902  on the proximal edge  908 . The notched recess  902  fits around a rim, or lip, of the latch receiving groove  204 . The rim extends around a circumference of the latch receiving groove  204 . A spring  904  provides an opposing force to push the notched recess  902  of the latch  202  toward the rim of the latch receiving groove  204 , locking the latch  202  within the latch receiving groove  204  when the rim is within the notched recess  902 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10B , diagrams illustrate perspective partially cross-sectional views of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the hair straightening apparatus  100  in the open position with the latch  202  pushed towards the proximal end of the handle end  102 , as indicated by arrow B.  FIG. 10B  illustrates the hair straightening apparatus in a partially open position where the latch  202  has not been fully inserted into the latch receiving groove  204 . Specifically,  FIG. 10B  illustrates that the arcuate leading edge  906  of the latch  202  provides a curved plane for which the latch  202  can contact the rim of the latch receiving groove  204 , allowing the latch  202  to slide towards the distal end of the handle end  102 , as illustrated by Arrow C. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11F , diagrams illustrate a front-view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate the hair straightening apparatus  100  in the closed and open positions, respectively. Specifically,  FIGS. 11A-B  illustrate the lower heating element  304  including a flat top heating surface  1102  and a flat bottom heating surface  1106 . The upper heating element  311  includes a flat heating element  1104 . Thus, when the section of hair  400  is inserted between the flat top heating surface  1102  and the flat heating element  1104  and the hair straightening apparatus  100  is then brought to the closed position, the section of hair  400  is straightened. Also, when the section of hair  400  is brought into contact with the flat bottom heating surface  1106 , the section of hair  400  is straightened. 
     Further,  FIGS. 11C-11D  illustrate the lower heating element  304  including the flat top heating surface  1102  and an arcuate bottom heating surface  1108 . The upper heating element  311  includes the flat heating element  1104 . The arcuate bottom heating surface  1108  is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape. Thus, when the section of hair  400  is brought into contact with the arcuate bottom heating surface  1108 , the section of hair  400  is curled. 
     Finally,  FIGS. 11E-11F  illustrate the lower heating element  304  including an arcuate top heating surface  1110  and flat bottom heating surface  1106 . The upper heating element  311  includes an arcuate heating element  1112 . The arcuate top heating surface  1110  is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape. The arcuate heating element  1112  is a concave surface configured to receive the arcuate top heating surface  1110 . Thus, when the section of hair  400  is inserted between the arcuate top heating surface  1110  and the arcuate heating element  1112  and the hair straightening apparatus  100  is then brought to the closed position, the section of hair  400  is curled. Also, when the section of hair  400  is brought into contact with the flat bottom heating surface  1106 , the section of hair  400  is straightened. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A-12B , diagrams illustrate a front-view of a heated application end of a hair straightening apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate the upper heating element  311  including an arcuate upper heating surface  1202 . The arcuate upper heating surface  1202  extends from the upper heating element  311  in a direction opposite to the flat heating element  1104  and the arcuate upper heating surface  1202  may have a width less than the width of the upper heating element  311 . The arcuate upper heating surface  1202  is a convex surface configured as, for example, a half-moon shape. 
     Further, the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12B  include a first double-sided comb portion  1204  and a second double-sided comb portion  1205  attached to the upper heating element  311 . The first double-sided comb portion  1204  and the second double-sided comb portion  1205  may be attached to the upper heating element  311  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6C  and  FIG. 7 . The first double-sided comb portion  1204  and the second double-sided comb portion  1205  may be configured as described above with respect to  FIGS. 8A-8B . The first double-sided comb portion  1204  includes a first upper comb portion  1206  extending in a direction opposite to a first lower comb portion  1208 . The second double-sided comb portion  1205  includes a second upper comb portion  1207  extending in a direction opposite to a second lower comb portion  1209 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 12A , the user can wrap the hair  400  around the arcuate bottom heating surface  1108  and the arcuate upper heating surface  1202  in order to curl the hair  400 . Specifically, when the hair  400  is wrapped around the arcuate bottom heating surface  1108  and the arcuate upper heating surface  1202 , the hair  400  is run through the first lower comb portion  1208  and the second lower comb portion  1209 , around the upper heating element  311 , and through the second upper comb portion  1207  and the first upper comb portion  1206 . Thus, the user is able to curl the hair  400  as the hair  400  is combed through the first double-sided comb portion  1204  and the second double-sided comb portion  1205 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 12B , the user may clamp an end of the hair  400  between the flat top heating surface  1102  and the flat heating element  1104 . The user may then wrap the hair  400  around the arcuate upper heating surface  1202  and the arcuate bottom heating surface  1108  in order to curl the hair  400 . Specifically, when the hair  400  is clamped between the flat top heating surface  1102  and the flat heating element  1104  and wrapped around the arcuate bottom heating surface  1108  and the arcuate upper heating surface  1202 , the user is able to hold the hair  400  in a fixed position, resulting in prolonged heating, and thus increased curling of the hair  400 . When the hair  400  is released from between the flat top heating surface  1102  and the flat heating element  1104 , the hair  400  is run through the second lower comb portion  1209 , around the upper heating element  311 , through the second upper comb portion  1207  and the first upper comb portion  1206 , around the upper heating element  311 , through the first lower comb portion  1208 , and through the second lower comb portion  1209 . Thus, the user is able to clamp the hair  400  between the flat top heating surface  1102  and the flat heating element  1104  to provide improved curling of the hair  400 . 
     While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.