Patent Publication Number: US-2013247933-A1

Title: Hair straightening apparatus

Description:
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 development 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 a handle end and a heated application end extending from the handle end and including a heating element and a first set of combs. The hair straightening apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement between individual combs of the first set of combs. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a hair straightening apparatus is provided that includes a handle end. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a heated application end extending from the handle end and including a heating element, a first set of combs, and a second set of combs. The first set of combs and the second set of combs extend in opposing directions perpendicular to a length of the handle end and the heated application end. The hair straightening apparatus also includes a clamping mechanism extending from and hinged to the handle end for engagement with the heated application end. 
    
    
     
       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 magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 , according to the embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the hair straightening apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 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 power button  106 , a temperature dial  108 , and first and second indicators  110  and  112 . The power button  106  is used to turn the hair straightening apparatus  100  on and off, while the temperature dial  108  provides a means to adjust the temperature at the heated application end  104 . More specifically, when the temperature dial  108  is rotated in a first direction the temperature at the heated application end  104  is increased, and when the temperature dial  108  is rotated in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, the temperature at the heated application end  104  is decreased. The first and second indicators  110  and  112  are 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 . Specifically, the first indicator  110  may be embodied as a magnifying lens that allows a user to view a temperature that is written on a front face of the temperature dial  108  within the handle end  102 . As the temperature dial  108  is rotated, a different temperature is viewed through the magnifying lens. The second indicator  112  may be embodied as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is lit with a first specified color when the power status of the hair straightening apparatus  100  is on. The second indicator  112  is not lit when the hair straightening apparatus is off. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second indicator may be lit with a second color, different from the first specified color, when the hair straightening apparatus  100  is off but remains connected to a power source. 
     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 grip  114  is disposed at a distal end of the heated application end  104 , furthest from the handle end  102 . The grip  114  allows a user of the hair straightening apparatus  100  to secure the hair straightening apparatus  100  with a second hand, when the hair straightening apparatus  100  is in use. The grip  114  may be embodied as a contoured projection that is formed from a plastic, or another non-conductive material, so that heat from the heated application end  104  is not transferred to the hand of the user. 
     A power cord  116  extends from a proximal end of the handle end  102 , furthest from the heated application end  104 , in order to provide electricity to the hair straightening apparatus  100 . The power cord  116  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 magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top surface of the heated application end  104  includes a first set of combs, which includes a first fine tooth comb  202  and a second fine tooth comb  204 . The first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204  extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the heated application end  104  and the handle end  102 . Further, the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204  extend along a majority of the length of opposing sides of the heated application end  104 . 
     A heating element  206  extends within a majority of the length of the heated application end  104 . The heating element  206  may be constructed of aluminum and coated in either titanium or ceramic, for example. The heating element  206  is substantially barrel-shaped, and is disposed below the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204  such that only a curved top most portion of the heating element  206  extends between the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204 . However, the curved top-most portion of the heating element  206  does not extend above a height of the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204 . 
     The hair straightening apparatus  100  is used in the closed position to straighten short hair. When using the hair straightening apparatus  100  for short hair, a user runs the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204  through the hair. The hair makes contact with the curved top-most portion of the heating element  206 . However, the height of the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204  prevents the heating element  206  from making contact with a scalp of the user. The first fine tooth comb  202 , the second fine tooth comb  204  and the heating element  206  of the heated application end  104  act together to straighten short hair. The heating element  206  may be embodied in any shape that allows it to properly heat the short hair when used with the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204 , without directly contacting skin of the user. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a diagram illustrates a magnified view of a bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bottom surface of the heated application end  104  includes a second set of combs, which includes a first wide tooth comb  302  and a second wide tooth comb  304 . The first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304  extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the heated application end  104  and the handle end  102 . Further, the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304  extend in a direction that is opposite that of the first fine tooth comb  202  and the second fine tooth comb  204 . More specifically, the first wide tooth comb  302  is disposed below the first fine tooth comb  202 , and the second wide tooth comb  304  is disposed below the second fine tooth comb  204 . Thus, the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304  are also disposed on opposing sides of the heated application end  104 . The first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304  extend along a majority of the length of the heated application end  104 . The heating element  206  is disposed above and between the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304 . 
     A clamping mechanism  306  is engaged between the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304 . The clamping mechanism  306  is in contact with a surface of the heating element  206  between the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304 . While the heating element  206  is generally barrel-shaped, in an embodiment of the present invention, the heating element  206  has a flat surface along its length for contact with the clamping mechanism  306 . This bottom surface of the heated application end  104  is used to straighten longer hair, as described in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 4-7 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a diagram illustrates a hair straightening apparatus in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism  306  is shown disengaged from the heated application end  104  of the hair straightening apparatus  100 . A locking ring  402  is used to disengage the clamping mechanism  306  from the heated application end  104 . Specifically, the locking ring  402 , which is disposed at an end of the handle end  102  closest to the heated application end  104 , is rotated around the handle end  102  to disengage the clamping mechanism  306 , such that the hair straightening apparatus  100  is in the open position. When in the closed position, the locking ring  402  is disposed over the clamping mechanism  306 . However, when in the open position, the clamping mechanism  306  is permitted to disengage because the locking ring  402  is rotated so that it is no longer disposed over the clamping mechanism  306 . More specifically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the locking ring  402  is not a complete ring. An open portion of the ring is rotated such that it is disposed over the clamping mechanism  306 , allowing the clamping mechanism  306  to pass through the circumference of the locking ring  402 . The bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus  100  is able to be used for straightening longer hair when the clamping mechanism  306  is disengaged. Thus, the locking ring  402  controls whether the top surface of the hair straightening apparatus  100  is used for short hair or the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus  100  is able to be used for long hair. 
     The clamping mechanism  306  disengages from the heated application end  104  in a manner consistent with its attachment to the handle end  102  at a hinge  404 . Specifically, when the locking ring  402  is rotated such that its open portion is disposed over the clamping mechanism  306 , the clamping mechanism  306  is able to rotate outward at an axis provided at the hinge  404 . In an embodiment of the present invention, an internal spring provides a force separating the clamping mechanism  306  from the heated application end  104  and encouraging disengagement of the clamping mechanism  306  when the locking ring  402  is properly rotated. Further, when a user holds the handle end  102 , the user is able to control the positioning of the clamping mechanism  306  when disengaged. Specifically, since the hinge  404  of the clamping mechanism  306  is disposed at a distal end of the handle end  102 , the clamping mechanism also separates from the handle end  102 , though at a lesser degree than from the heated application end  104 . The user is then able to control the disengagement of the clamping mechanism  306  from the heated application end  104  or provide a force in a direction for engagement of the clamping mechanism  306  with the heated application end  104 , when holding the handle end  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a diagram illustrates a magnified view of a top surface of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism  306  includes a heat conducting bar  502  that runs a majority of the length of the clamping mechanism  306 . The heat conducting bar  502  may be constructed of aluminum and coated in titanium or ceramic, for example. Specifically, the heat conducting bar  502  is disposed on a side of the clamping mechanism that faces the heating element  206 . The heat conducting bar  502  runs from an end of the clamping mechanism  306  closest to the handle end  102 , to an opposing end of the clamping mechanism closest to the grip  114 . However, the heat conducting bar  502  stops short of the grip  114 , so that heat is not provided near the grip  114  when the hair straightening apparatus is in use. 
     The bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus  100  is used to straighten long hair. When the clamping mechanism  306  is in a closed position, the flat surface of the heat conducting bar  502  comes into contact with the flat surface of the heating element  206 . After power is turned on and a temperature is selected, heat is supplied to the heating element  206  and then transferred from the heating element  206  to the heat conducting bar  502 . When both the heating element  206  and the heat conducting bar  502  are heated, the clamping mechanism  306  is disengaged from the heated application end  104  by rotating the locking ring  402 . The clamping mechanism  306  is then positioned beneath a section of hair of the user, preferably close to the scalp. The clamping mechanism may be constructed of a plastic, or other non-conductive material, so that it is not significantly heated from the conducting bar  502  and the heating element  206 . The section of hair is then closed between the clamping mechanism  306  and the heated application end  104 . The first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304  are inserted into the section of hair. The hair straightening apparatus  100  is then pulled through the section of hair. Thus, the first wide tooth comb  302  is run through the section of hair, the section of hair is heated through contact with the heating element  206  and the conducting bar  502 , and the second wide tooth comb  304  is run through the section of hair, thereby, straightening the section of hair. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a diagram illustrates a magnified view of the bottom surface of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism  306  is shown in an open position. As described above with respect to  FIG. 4 , the locking ring  402  releases the clamping mechanism  306  from the closed position when the locking ring  402  is rotated such that an open space in the locking ring  402  is positioned over the clamping mechanism  306 . The locking ring  402  rotates around the clamping mechanism  306  within a locking groove  602 . When the locking groove  602  is no longer occupied by the locking ring  402 , the clamping mechanism is able to be released from the closed position through the assistance of an internal spring. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a diagram illustrates a front view of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. A first guiding post  702  and a second guiding post  704  are shown extending downward from the heated application end  104  of the hair straightening apparatus. The first guiding post  702  and the second guiding post  704  are substantially parallel and extend in line with the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304 , respectively. A third guiding post  706  and a fourth guiding post  708  are shown extending upward from the clamping mechanism  306 . The third guiding post  706  and the fourth guiding post  708  are also substantially parallel. The third guiding post  706  and the fourth guiding post  708  are disposed such that they are both between the first guiding post  702  and the second guiding post  704 . More specifically, the third guiding post  706  is disposed adjacent to an interior face of the first guiding post  702 , and the fourth guiding post  708  is disposed adjacent to an interior face of the second guiding post  704 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the first guiding post  702  is always in contact with the third guiding post  706 , and the second guiding post  704  is always in contact with the fourth guiding post  708 . 
     The clamping mechanism  306  is not permitted to open wider than a position in which the first guiding post  702  is adjacent to the third guiding post  706  and the second guiding post  704  is adjacent to the fourth guiding post  708 . More specifically, the clamping mechanism  306  may be embodied to open approximately 8-15 degrees. Further, the first, second, third and fourth guiding posts  702 - 708  are disposed at ends of the heated application end  104  and the clamping mechanism  306  that are closest to the handle end  102 . Due to the fact that the first guiding post  702  is always adjacent to the third guiding post  706  and the second guiding post  704  is always adjacent to the fourth guiding post  708 , hair is prevented from entering the handle end  102  when the hair straightening apparatus is in use. Further, the clamping mechanism  306  is guided to open and close along a single plane of motion without moving transversely. More specifically, the clamping mechanism  306  is guided to always close such that the heat conducting bar  502  is in contact with the heating element  206 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a diagram illustrates a front perspective view of the hair straightening apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clamping mechanism  306  is shown in a closed or locked position, with the first guiding post  702  and the second guiding post  704  extending downward beyond a circumference of the handle end  102 , a circumference of the locking ring  402 , and lengths of the first wide tooth comb  302  and the second wide tooth comb  304 . When the hair straightening apparatus  100  is not in use, or while the hair straightening apparatus  100  is heating for use, the hair straightening apparatus  100  may rest on ends of the first guiding post  702  and the second guiding post  704 . By resting on the ends of the first guiding post  702  and the second guiding post  704 , the heating element  206  and the heat conducting element  502  are not in close proximity to the surface upon which the hair straightening apparatus rests. 
     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.