阅读说明：本技术 储热式美发器具 (Heat storage type hairdressing appliance ) 是由 玛丽·阿伦斯 于 2019-12-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：器具由保温材料组成,所述保温材料比如：天然材料,包括但不限于谷物、豆类、坚果、种子、黏土和/或石头；人造材料,包括但不限于硅或甘油的珠粒和/或凝胶；或者天然和人造保温材料的组合。本发明涉及烫卷器、弯卷工具、烫直器、卷发辊筒、热风烘干刷、传统的发刷和发梳、加热式的刷子及类似的器具。器具可通过诸如电插头或电池的常规源加热,或者可通过将所述器具置设在单独的加热壳体单元上或之中和/或通过在微波炉中加热的方式来加热。器具可用于对毛发进行塑型或造型而无需从电源或电池供电式的源持续不断地供能。器具可保持和释放包括但不限于水汽和/或香氛的发用添加物,除加热保温材料之外,其还可向器具的材料传授水汽和/或香氛。(The utensil is composed of a thermal insulation material such as: natural materials including, but not limited to, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, clays, and/or stones; artificial materials including but not limited to beads and/or gels of silicone or glycerin; or a combination of natural and artificial insulation. The present invention relates to curling irons, curling tools, straighteners, curling rollers, hot air drying brushes, traditional hair brushes and combs, heated brushes and similar devices. The appliance may be heated by a conventional source, such as an electrical plug or battery, or may be heated by placing the appliance on or in a separate heating housing unit and/or by heating in a microwave oven. The appliance may be used to shape or style hair without the need for constant power from a power source or battery powered source. The utensil may hold and release a hair additive including, but not limited to, moisture and/or fragrance, which may impart moisture and/or fragrance to the material of the utensil in addition to heating the insulating material.)

1. A thermal storage hair styling appliance comprising an insulating material optionally encapsulated in an enclosure of fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite, and/or carbon, wherein the thermal storage hair styling appliance is not powered by electricity or batteries.

2. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein said appliance is a curling iron, a straightening iron, a combined curling and straightening iron, a curling tool, a corrugating tool, a curling roller, and/or a hair brush.

3. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein said thermal insulating material or said thermal insulating material within an optional enclosure of thermal insulating material is permanently attached to said appliance.

4. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein said thermal insulation material and/or said enclosure of thermal insulation material is replaceable.

5. A method of replacing the thermal insulation material and/or its enclosure in the thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 4, wherein such method comprises:

removing the current insulation from its envelope and refilling the envelope with new insulation;

removing the current thermal insulation material and its envelope from the thermal storage hair styling appliance and replacing the current thermal insulation material and its envelope with a new envelope containing a new thermal insulation material; or

The method includes removing the current insulating material and its enclosure from the thermal storage hair styling appliance, removing the current insulating material from its enclosure, transferring the current insulating material to a new enclosure, and placing the new enclosure with the current insulating material into the thermal storage hair styling appliance.

6. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein the thermal insulation material comprises rice, seeds, nuts, beans, grains, oats, flowers, herbs, wood, clay, silica, tourmaline, graphene, ceramics, glycerin, polypropylene, silicon, polystyrene, and/or combinations thereof.

7. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein said thermal insulating material is mixed with one or more hair additives.

8. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 7, wherein said one or more hair additives comprise water, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, flowers, fragrances, essential oils, spices, herbs and/or combinations thereof.

9. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein the enclosure for insulating material is wetted, coated, woven, injected or otherwise configured such that the enclosure comprises water, a fragrance, a gel, a conditioner, keratin, silicone, an essential oil, a solid material such as a fragrance, dried flowers, seeds, herbs and/or combinations thereof.

10. A method of applying water, gel, conditioner, keratin and/or oil to hair during styling comprising: adding the water, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone and/or oil to an insulating material, disposing such insulating material within a fabric, plastic or metal enclosure, and permanently or temporarily attaching the enclosure containing the insulating material to a heated hair appliance.

11. A thermal storage hair styling appliance comprising an insulating material optionally encapsulated in an enclosure of fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite material and/or carbon composition, wherein the insulating material continues and/or enhances the heat provided by an electrical power source, a battery power source or other standard power source.

12. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein said appliance is a curling iron, a straightening iron, a combined curling and straightening iron, a curling tool, a corrugating tool, a curling roller, a hot air drying brush, a hair comb and/or a heated hair brush or a heated hair comb.

13. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein said thermal insulation material or said thermal insulation material within an optional enclosure of thermal insulation material is permanently attached to said appliance.

14. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein said thermal insulation material and/or said enclosure of thermal insulation material is replaceable.

15. A method of replacing the thermal insulation material and/or its enclosure in the thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 14, wherein such method comprises:

removing the current insulation from its envelope and refilling the envelope with new insulation;

removing the current thermal insulation material and its envelope from the thermal storage hair styling appliance and replacing the current thermal insulation material and its envelope with a new envelope containing a new thermal insulation material; or

The method includes removing the current insulating material and its enclosure from the thermal storage hair styling appliance, removing the current insulating material from its enclosure, transferring the current insulating material to a new enclosure, and placing the new enclosure with the current insulating material into the thermal storage hair styling appliance.

16. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein the thermal insulation material comprises rice, seeds, nuts, beans, grains, oats, flowers, herbs, wood, clay, silica, tourmaline, graphene, ceramics, glycerin, polypropylene, silicon, polystyrene, and/or combinations thereof.

17. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein said thermal insulating material is mixed with one or more hair additives.

18. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 17, wherein said one or more hair additives comprise water, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, flowers, fragrances, essential oils, spices, herbs and/or combinations thereof.

19. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of claim 11, wherein the enclosure for insulating material is wetted, coated, woven, injected or otherwise configured such that the enclosure comprises water, a fragrance, a gel, a conditioner, keratin, silicone, an essential oil, a solid material such as a fragrance, dried flowers, seeds, herbs and/or combinations thereof.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to thermal storage hair styling appliances, wherein the appliance is composed of one or more layers of heat-insulating material such as: natural insulation materials including, but not limited to, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, clays, and/or stones; artificial thermal insulation materials including but not limited to beads and/or gels of silicone or glycerin; or a combination of natural and artificial insulation. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention relates to curling irons, curling tools, straighteners, conventional (unpowered) hair brushes and combs, heated hair brushes and combs, dryers, hot air drying brushes, curling rollers, hair caps and hair covers, and similar hair styling appliances. The thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention can be heated by conventional sources, such as having electrically powered, battery-charged, solar-powered, or rechargeable heating units. Alternatively, the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention can obtain, maintain and maintain its heating capability entirely due to the presence of the thermal insulating material, i.e., the thermal storage hair styling appliance does not have its own powered power, batteries or other source. In other embodiments, the utensil and/or insulating material may be heated by: exposing the appliance and/or insulation to hot air, including but not limited to heating by means of a blower, air brush, or oven; or exposing the appliance to other known heating sources including, but not limited to, heating by use of a microwave oven, hot plate, oven, range, toaster, heating mat, thermal bag, or the like. After sufficient heat has been absorbed by the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance, the appliance can then be used to shape or style hair. In one non-limiting embodiment, the thermal storage hair styling appliance can be used to shape or style hair without the need for a power source or a battery powered source to be constantly powered.

Furthermore, the present invention includes thermal storage hair styling appliances that are capable of retaining and releasing heat and/or hair additives including, but not limited to, water, moisture, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, mousse, foam, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrate (volumizer), emollient, powder, nanopowder, silicone, and the like. The invention also comprises a separate heating housing unit for heating the thermal storage hairdressing appliance, wherein, in addition to the heating insulation material, such a housing unit can also impart (impart) the hair additive to the insulation material of the thermal storage hairdressing appliance. The present invention also encompasses methods of heating a thermal storage hair styling appliance and imparting hair additives to a thermal storage hair styling appliance, including but not limited to the use of a separate heating housing unit, which is also disclosed. It is contemplated that the hair additive that can be added to the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention can be in a gaseous form, a liquid form, a gel form, or a solid form. By way of non-limiting example, the hair additive can be water, oil, solution, emulsion, colloid, suspension, slurry, liquefied powder, solid powder, nanopowder (including but not limited to liquefied nanopowder and/or solid nanopowder), gel, solid, soluble solid, evaporative solid, effervescent solid, or a compressed or confined gas added to and released from the inventive thermal storage hair styling appliance.

Background

Heat is often used in styling hair in view of its ability to temporarily weaken or break hydrogen bonds present in keratin, a protein found in hair that provides hair with its natural shape. After such hydrogen bonds are weakened or broken, the hair can change shape, allowing curled hair to straighten, straightened hair to curl, and many variations thereof. However, the styling effect of heat on hair is temporary, requiring repeated exposure of the hair to heat to achieve the desired hairstyle.

Hair styling appliances such as curling irons, curling tools, straightening irons, traditional hair brushes and combs, heated hair brushes and combs, dryers, hot air drying brushes, curling rollers, hair caps and hair covers, and the like, contain heated surfaces that interact with the hair to cause such conformational changes in the keratin structure. Conventionally, such hair styling appliances are electrically powered devices in which a metal element transmits heat and electricity is continuously applied to maintain the heat. It is less common for a hair appliance to be heated using batteries, rechargeable or disposable or other sources.

There is a need for a thermal storage hair styling appliance that can contain hair additives including, but not limited to, water, steam, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, concentrated hair, softener, powder, nanopowder, etc., and can release such ingredients as part of the styling process to help minimize damage to the hair. In addition, it is also desirable to minimize the use of metal and corrosive materials in heated hair styling appliances.

There is also a need for a hair setting appliance that does not require conventional heating methods such as constant electrical or battery powered power, but instead operates primarily or solely based on the presence of insulating materials. Electrically powered hair dressers have significant drawbacks. The use of such power-powered hair setting appliances is limited in wet environments and requires access to power outlets that are convenient for styling hair, i.e., outlets near the mirror or in large spaces that the user can freely manipulate. An additional disadvantage of electrically powered hair styling appliances is that such appliances are difficult to incorporate also hair additives including, but not limited to, water, moisture, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrate, softener, powder, nanopowder, and the like. The steam and/or water vapor may, for example, reconfigure the keratin of the hair and assist in styling the hair. However, steam generating components and/or moisture generating components can damage the electrical circuit or corrode metal components of the electrically powered appliance. At a minimum, incorporating components containing hair additives (e.g., components filled with fragrances, conditioners, liquids, gels, oils, powders, nanopowders, etc.) requires that such elements be isolated from the electrical components, which complicates the manufacturing process and also presents a safety and operational risk if such isolation fails. A further problem with electrically powered hair styling appliances is that the cables associated with such appliances can interfere with the styling process performed by the user. The cable may become entangled in hair, limit the reach of the user, and/or displace other items nearby as the cable moves, such as by bumping a brush or clamp off of a nearby surface.

Battery powered hairdressing appliances have similar disadvantages as electrically powered hairdressing appliances. The humid environment can lead to electrical shock, device damage, and/or battery corrosion. Incorporating components containing hair additives (e.g., components filled with fragrances, conditioners, silicones, liquids, gels, oils, powders, nano-powders, etc.) into battery-powered hairdressing appliances is also incompatible with most battery-powered hairdressing appliances due to the risk to the batteries and/or wiring and metal components of the batteries. At least, costly separations are required. Finally, battery-powered hair styling appliances may not produce enough power to evaporate water, fragrances, gels, conditioners, keratin, silicone, oils, powders, nano-powders, solids, etc. and/or to properly heat the appliance.

Even if the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention is powered by batteries or other conventional power sources, the inclusion of the thermal insulating material taught by the present invention can extend or enhance the heat provided by such powering means, for example by allowing the appliance to remain at a desired temperature condition for a longer period of time and/or because less power is required to achieve the same temperature. The insulating material may also improve heat recovery of the hair.

In summary, there is a need for a heated hair setting appliance that avoids some or all of the disadvantages associated with electrically or battery powered hair setting appliances. There is also a need for a cable-free heated hair styling appliance that operates better. There is also a need for a better functioning battery-free hair styling appliance. There is also a need for a heated hair styling appliance that can be safely used in wet environments, and for items that may not necessarily have to be continuously plugged in (e.g., in the case of a styling station that does not include an electrical outlet). There is also a need for a hair setting appliance that does not operate solely on conventional heating methods, such as constant electrical or battery powered, but instead uses insulation to continue and/or enhance heat. Finally, there is a need for a separate heating housing unit for heating a thermal storage hair styling appliance, wherein such a housing unit can impart the hair additive to the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance in addition to the heating insulation material.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a heat storage hair styling appliance containing a heat insulating material, a heating case unit for imparting heat to the heat storage hair styling appliance and/or the heat storage hair styling appliance, and a method of heating the heat storage hair styling appliance and imparting hair additives including, but not limited to, water, steam, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, hair conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrated, softener, powder, nano powder, and the like to the heat storage hair styling appliance.

According to one embodiment of the thermal storage hair styling appliance, the appliance is a curling iron, wherein the insulating material is located at the curling surface permanently or in a manner that it is placed in a replaceable or refillable barrel. In another embodiment, insulation is located within the core of the appliance beneath the crimp surface, wherein the insulation can provide heat and/or moisture through the crimp surface and the insulation can be permanent or replaceable. In other embodiments, the insulating material is located both at and below the crimping surface. In addition, additional thermal insulation or heat reflective material may be added to the outside of the thermal storage hair styling appliance to allow the appliance to maintain its heat for longer periods of time without the need for additional power or power.

In another non-limiting embodiment of a thermal storage hair styling appliance, the appliance is a straightener, with insulation at and/or below the flattened surface, either permanently or in a manner that is placed in a replaceable or refillable plate or magazine. Additional non-limiting embodiments include thermal storage hair styling appliances in which the insulating material is located on the outer shell of the iron or in permanent and/or removable strips or sleeves embedded or incorporated within the plate, for example, where half of the surface is the plate and the other half of the surface is the heat storage material.

A further embodiment of the thermal storage hairdressing appliance is a curling appliance, wherein the insulation material is located at and/or below the curling surface permanently or in a way that it is placed in a replaceable or refillable curling plate or magazine. Additional non-limiting embodiments include thermal storage hair styling appliances in which the insulating material is located on the outer shell of the iron or in permanent and/or removable strips or sleeves embedded or incorporated within the plate, for example, where half of the surface is the plate and the other half of the surface is the heat storage material.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the thermal storage hair curling appliance is a hair curler, wherein the thermal insulation material is located at, above and/or below the core of the roller, and the thermal insulation material can be permanently attached to the core or replaceable.

Additional examples of thermal storage hair styling appliances of the present invention can include, but are not limited to: crimping or corrugating means with a permanent, removable or refillable corrugated sheet containing insulating material; conventional brushes or combs wherein the insulating material is placed in the base, in the bristles/(comb) teeth or in both locations; a hot air drying brush, wherein the surface of the brush and/or the bristles themselves comprise a thermal insulation material; heated and/or heatable caps and covers; a dryer; and the heating surface can be replaced with an insulating material and/or the insulating material can be placed under the surface that interacts with the hair in any other heated hair styling appliance (whether or not powered).

Additional examples of thermal storage hair styling appliances of the present invention include, but are not limited to, appliances that combine multiple hair styling functions or tools. One such embodiment is a combined iron and straightener, with insulation located at, above and/or below the curled outer surface of the combined iron and at, above and/or below the flattened surface between the upper and lower plates of the iron. In the combined iron roll/iron straightener, all insulation may be permanent, or one or both of the curling and flattening surfaces may be replaceable or refillable. Another embodiment is a combined iron and crimp, crimp or corrugator device. Likewise, the insulating material may be located at, above and/or below the surface that interacts with the hair, and may be permanent or replaceable or refillable. The invention additionally encompasses other multifunctional appliances or tools where insulation can be placed at, above and/or below the heating surface.

In some embodiments, the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance is composed of natural and/or organic components. Non-limiting examples of insulating materials made of natural and/or organic ingredients that can be used in thermal storage hair styling appliances include one or more of the following: rice, including but not limited to white or brown rice, jasmine rice, flavored rice (rice); seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, corn seeds or kernels, linseed, vegetable seeds, flower seeds and/or fruit seeds and kernels; nuts, including nut pulp, dried nuts, and/or nut shells; legumes, including beans, peas and/or lentils; cereals, including but not limited to barley, wheat, whole grain wheat, buckwheat hulls, and/or buckwheat grits; oats, including but not limited to oatmeal; flowers and/or herbs; wood; and/or clay, silica, tourmaline, graphene, metal (such as copper), or ceramic beads, microbeads, powder, nanopowders and/or aggregates. In other embodiments, the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance is comprised of an artificial thermal insulation composition. Non-limiting examples of artificial insulating materials that can be used in thermal storage hair styling appliances include one or more of the following: beads, microbeads, tablets, capsules, powders, nanopowders or aggregates of glycerin, polypropylene, silicone, polystyrene, and the like. In still further embodiments, the thermal insulating material of a thermal storage hair styling appliance is comprised of a combination of one or more natural and/or organic ingredients and one or more artificial ingredients.

In one contemplated embodiment, the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance is enclosed within natural or synthetic fabric in an enclosure, such as a pocket, sleeve, compartment, bag, cartridge, or other form of restraint, wherein such enclosure may be permanently sealed and/or may be openable and closable. Examples of natural or synthetic fabrics that may be used to encapsulate the thermal insulation material of a thermal storage hairdressing appliance include, but are not limited to, cotton blend, flannel, felt, hemp, burlap, canvas, wool, fine cotton cloth, polyester, cotton-polyester combination fabric, silk, satin, sateen, velour, nylon, bamboo, and/or proprietary fabrics, including, but not limited to, waterproof and breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Hyvent, and the like, and thermal textiles. In further embodiments, the thermal insulation of a thermal storage hair styling appliance may be enclosed by or attached to the appliance with an envelope comprising plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite or carbon material components including, but not limited to, stainless steel foil coated heat reflective fiberglass cloth, high temperature heat reflective aluminum coated fiberglass, radiant and heat reflective double coated aluminum film, silicone rubber buffer fabric, high temperature and heat reflective aluminum foil coated fabric, ceramic fiber paper, ceramic fiber blanket, fiberglass, foil of radiant and graphite, acrylic with PTEE impregnated square braided cushion cords, Nomex articles, ceramic and/or carbon fibers, graphene and all carbon articles. Combinations of textiles and plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite or carbon material compositions may also be used as enclosures for thermal insulation materials for thermal storage hairdressing appliances. The envelope for the insulating material may be solid, may be a mesh, may have perforations, or may have other variations in texture and coverage. The materials described for the enclosure may additionally be used to create a surface that covers the insulation, i.e. as a barrier between the insulation and the hair.

In another contemplated embodiment, the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair appliance is solely attached directly to the hair appliance and/or solely creates the structure of the hair appliance.

As described above, the heat insulating material of the heat storage type hair care appliance may be a permanent part or a replaceable part of the heat storage type hair care appliance. For thermal storage hairdressing appliances using permanent insulation materials, the insulation materials and/or their enclosure should preferably be chosen such that the likelihood of mold, bacteria, fungi, viruses and/or bad odors (presence) is minimized, especially if the thermal storage hairdressing appliance is used in combination with water, gel, silicone, oil, powder, nanopowder or solid. For the heat storage type hairdressing appliance with the replaceable heat insulation material, the selection of the heat insulation material is less limited.

The replaceable insulating material components used in thermal storage hair styling appliances may be attached to the appliance by any fastener or fixative known in the art including, but not limited to, hook and loop structures, zippers, snap-fit components, slidable engagement components, buttons, latches, hinges, snaps, glue, clips, and/or pins. Alternatively, the insulating material can be replaced by emptying an enclosure (e.g., a pocket, sleeve, compartment, bag, magazine, or other form of restraint) containing the insulating material and then refilling the enclosure, where such enclosure is attached to or incorporated as part of a thermal storage hair styling appliance. Replaceable covers that have been pre-filled with insulating material alone or in combination with hair additives may also be used.

The thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance and/or the thermal storage hair styling appliance itself can be heated using any conventional heating method known in the art. One option is to attach a cable (preferably a retractable, removable or windable cable) to the thermal storage hair styling appliance and obtain heat from the power source via the socket. The thermal storage hair styling appliance may also have a battery component with a conventional chemical battery and/or rechargeable battery or solar powered battery source, or alternatively, the thermal storage hair styling appliance may also be charged via a usb cable, charging pad or other charging device. Another example of a heat source for a thermal storage hair styling appliance is a cartridge or article of manufacture that uses butane, propane, methane, or other types of gases and/or liquids.

More preferably, as a non-limiting example, a heating housing unit may be used to heat the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance, the replaceable parts of the appliance, or the appliance as a whole. Heating housing units (also referred to as appliance "ovens") are known in the art of hair styling and are used to heat, overheat or maintain a specific temperature for brushes and/or conventional hair styling appliances. Other examples of devices that can be used to heat the thermal storage hairdressing appliance insulation material or the appliance itself include, but are not limited to, microwave ovens, stove top heating, hot plates, boilers, cookware, ovens, infrared sources, ultrasonic sources, solar energy sources, thermal bags or electrically powered or battery powered (rechargeable or disposable) heating units, wired chargers, wireless chargers or chargers that can be recharged using usb, charging pads or other energy generating articles. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with how to make heating devices compatible with the thermal insulation of thermal storage hair styling appliances and/or the thermal storage hair styling appliances themselves. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will also be familiar with how to heat the thermal insulation material of a thermal storage hair styling appliance and/or the thermal storage hair styling appliance itself to a particular temperature and an optimum temperature for styling hair.

In other embodiments, the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance, the replaceable part of the appliance containing the thermal insulation material, or the thermal storage hair styling appliance as a whole may further comprise a hair additive. Hair additives include, but are not limited to, water, moisture, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrate, softener, powder, nanopowder, and the like. Non-limiting examples of hair supplements that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to: tap water, distilled water and/or water infused with fragrances, fruits or vegetables in solid, liquid and/or gaseous form; a solid, powder, nanopowder or liquid comprising hemp leaf, extract, oil, fabric or other type of similar product; tea in solid, liquid, evaporated, powdered or nano-powdered form, including but not limited to herbal and flavored teas; fruit preparations in solid, liquid, evaporated or powder form, including but not limited to juice, peel, pulp, seeds, pits or other ingredients, including but not limited to fruits such as apple, cherry, pomegranate, grape, banana, coconut, cucumber, apricot, plum, berry, kiwi, lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit and/or melon; honey and sugar, natural or artificial; fragrance oils, gels, liquid sprays, liquids or evaporable/soluble/effervescent solids including, but not limited to, lavender, jasmine, iris, rose, orchid, lily, clove, frangipani, magnolia, peppermint, spearmint, nutmeg, cinnamon, rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, cardamom, sage, lemon grass, patchouli, licorice, almond, vanilla, chocolate, peanut, pecan, olive, coconut, pumpkin, sandalwood, cedar, juniper, rosehip, tea tree, eucalyptus, musk, citronella, citrus and/or fruit fragrances, essential oils and/or proprietary fragrances, perfumes, oils, silicones or gels. Additives may also include gels, mousses, foams, sprays, hair concentrates, emollients, oils, keratin, silicones, and other products applied to the hair.

Hair additives in liquid form may consist of a single liquid, a mixture of liquids, or solids and/or powders suspended in a liquid (e.g., a solution, emulsion, colloid, suspension, liquefied powder, gel, or slurry). As one example, the hair additive may be a nano-powder mixed with a fluid. As another example, crushed organic matter such as flaxseed may be mixed with a fluid.

The invention also includes methods of applying and/or including one or more hair additives to an insulating material of a thermal storage hair styling appliance, to a replaceable part of the appliance containing the insulating material, or to the thermal storage hair styling appliance itself. In one non-limiting embodiment of the method, the user applies one or more hair additives to the insulating material, the enclosure of the insulating material, the replaceable component of the thermal storage hair appliance containing the insulating material, and/or the thermal storage hair appliance itself prior to heating. As an alternative, the user applies the one or more hair additives after heating. In another approach, the heating housing unit applies the hair additive to the insulating material, the enclosure of the insulating material, the replaceable component of the thermal storage hair appliance containing the insulating material, and/or the thermal storage hair appliance itself, before, during, and/or after heating, this may be accomplished by any known method for applying the additive, including but not limited to spraying, atomizing, coating, soaking, and/or using an evaporation or condensation process. As an additional method of applying and/or including one or more hair additives, the additives may be premixed with the insulation or combined with an envelope for the insulation. For example, the insulating material may be pre-soaked with, coated with, or otherwise combined with water, oil, flowers, fragrances or essential oils, hair conditioners, keratin, silicones, fragrances, herbs, and the like. Alternatively, the fabric or material encapsulating the insulating material may be wetted, coated, woven, impregnated or configured such that they contain entrapped water, vapor, condensate, conditioner, oil, fragrance, gel, keratin, silicone, powder, nanopowder and/or essential oil and/or solid material such as perfume, flowers, seeds and/or herbs. As another example, a replaceable part for a thermal storage hair styling appliance that has been pre-filled with a thermal insulation material in combination with a hair additive may be used.

In further non-limiting embodiments, the thermal storage hair styling appliance may have one or more compartments separate from or in combination with the insulating material, wherein the compartments may allow the desired hair additive or additives to be released from the thermal storage hair styling appliance (e.g., via a motion sensor, light, trigger, switch or button) and/or into the insulating material and/or their fabric or material enclosure during the hair styling process.

Drawings

The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, which correspond to the detailed description.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a hair iron having a removable plate containing an insulating material.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a brush, wherein the thermal insulating material is permanently attached to the appliance, and wherein the appliance is heated via a rechargeable battery.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a curling iron with insulation below the surface that interacts with hair.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the heat storage type hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a curling iron and an apparatus for heating the hair styling appliance.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a thermal storage type hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a hot air drying brush.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a device that can be used to heat the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention and depicts the addition of water, gel or oil to the device. The map is updated to include some of the more modern devices, such as charging pads.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a potential placement of an insulating material and optional hair additive relative to a surface in contact with or closest to hair in a thermal storage hair appliance.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The reference numerals used in the following detailed description section correspond to the reference numerals used in the drawings.

The present invention relates to a thermal storage hair styling appliance (as depicted in fig. 1-5) featuring an insulating material and the depiction of heating the appliance (fig. 6) and an example of a potential placement of the insulating material relative to the surface of the thermal storage hair styling appliance that is in contact with hair (fig. 7). FIGS. 1-7 depict exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the inventions set forth herein.

Fig. 1 depicts an example of a thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention in the form of a thermal storage iron 100 having a plate 10 comprising an insulating material 11, wherein the plate 10 is removable. In fig. 1, the bottom surface 12 of the plate 10 contains engagement male parts 14 that slidably engage into corresponding engagement female parts 16 to lock the plate 10 in place so that the top surface 18 will come into contact with the user's hair. Fig. 1 includes a standard power cord 29 and others, but it should be understood that any form of heating or heating source may be used.

In fig. 1, the top surface of 18 is the insulating material itself. As an alternative not shown, solid, mesh or perforated fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite, carbon material compositions, etc. form the top surface 18; in such an alternative, the insulating material 11 would be below the top surface 18. In still other alternatives, the insulating material 11 may be disposed in an enclosure such as a pocket, sleeve, compartment, bag, magazine, or other form of restraint, also made of solid, mesh, or perforated fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite, carbon material components, or the like. By way of non-limiting example, materials suitable for the top surface 18 and/or the envelope may be made using natural or synthetic fabrics including, but not limited to, cotton blends, flannel, felt, hemp, hessian, canvas, wool, fine cotton cloth, polyester, cotton-polyester combination fabrics, silk, satin, sateen, velour, nylon, bamboo, thermal textiles, and/or proprietary fabrics including, but not limited to, waterproof and breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Hyvent, and the like. In further embodiments (also not shown), the thermal insulation material of the thermal storage hair styling appliance may be covered or encapsulated by or attached to the appliance with an enclosure comprising plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite or carbon material components including, but not limited to, stainless steel foil coated heat reflective fiberglass cloth, high temperature heat reflective aluminum coated fiberglass, radiant and heat reflective double coated aluminum film, silicone rubber cushioning fabric, high temperature and heat reflective aluminum foil coated cloth, ceramic fiber paper, ceramic fiber blanket, fiberglass, foils of radiant and graphite, acrylic fiber with PTEE impregnated square braided pad cords, Nomex products, ceramic and/or carbon fibers, graphene and all carbon products. The combination of fabric and plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite or carbon material components may also be used to cover or as an enclosure for an insulating material for a thermal storage hairdressing appliance.

Although fig. 1 depicts a thermal storage hair styling appliance with a removable and slidably engaged appliance plate 10 containing insulating material 11, in other preferred embodiments not shown, plate 10 may be temporarily attached by any fastener or fixative known in the art including, but not limited to, hook and loop type articles, zippers, snap-fit component buttons, latches, hinges, snaps, glue, clips, and/or pins. In yet another preferred embodiment (not shown), plate 10 is permanently attached to a thermal storage hair styling appliance. Alternatively, the insulating material 11 may be separable from the plate 10. Although not shown, one of ordinary skill in the art may also contemplate replacing the insulating material 11 by replacing an enclosure (e.g., a pocket, sleeve, compartment, or other form of restraint) used to enclose the insulating material 11 or by emptying the enclosure and then refilling the enclosure.

It should also be noted that in fig. 1, the top surface 18 of the plate 10 of the thermal storage type iron 100 is depicted as flat, corresponding to the use of the thermal storage type hair iron 100 as a heat storage type iron for straightening hair of a thermal storage type hair dressing appliance. Another preferred embodiment (not shown) is a patterned thermal storage hair styling appliance, including but not limited to a plate with crimp peaks for crimping hair or with corrugations for corrugating hair and applying heat for styling, as is known in the art.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second preferred thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention, thermal storage hair brush 200. In fig. 2, a thermal storage hairbrush 200 has bristles 20 embedded in a support surface 22 of insulating material 24. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the thermal storage hair styling appliance may be a round brush, a slow wash, a vented brush, a barrel brush, or other brushing means. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the thermal storage hair styling appliance may be a comb instead of a brush, having teeth instead of bristles, the teeth being attached to the portion of the comb containing the insulating material. In further embodiments (not shown), the bristles or (comb) teeth may comprise a thermal insulating material.

In fig. 2, the insulating material 24 is attached directly to the support surface 22. In other preferred embodiments (not shown), the insulating material 24 may be covered by another material or enclosed in an enclosure such as a pocket, sleeve, compartment, or other form of restraint, where such enclosure may be permanently sealed and/or may be openable and closable and/or may be completely removable and replaceable. Other materials covering the insulation 24 or the envelope of the insulation 24 may be solid, mesh or perforated fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite and/or carbon material compositions, and the like.

Fig. 2 also depicts a charging station 250 that may optionally be used to heat the thermal storage hairbrush 200. As is known in the art, the hairbrush 200 of the present invention may have a rechargeable battery (not shown). To heat the hairbrush 200 with rechargeable batteries, a user may place the hairbrush 200 into the charging stand 250 for charging. As illustrated in fig. 2, charging stand 250 includes structure 26, structure 26 interacting with cavity 25 of hairbrush 200 to align the charging point 27 of the hairbrush with charging point 28 of the charging stand to allow the rechargeable batteries of hairbrush 200 to charge and heat hairbrush 200 via energy supply connection 29. The power supply connection itself may be formed using a usb or conventional electrical plug (not shown). The present invention also includes hair brushes or combs that are not powered by batteries or electricity, but instead contain only an insulating member (including, but not limited to, an insulating member in the base of the bristles/(comb) teeth, and/or an insulating member on or at the bristles/(comb) teeth).

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is the embodiment of a thermal storage iron 300 as shown in fig. 3. As illustrated in fig. 3, the iron 300 includes a contoured tip 34 that, after removal, is exposed to a hollow opening within the thermal storage iron 300. The insulating material 36 can then be inserted into the hollow opening of the thermal storage iron 300, where the insulating material is below the curling surface 30 and heats that surface. Apertures 32 in the crimping surface 30 may also be present to allow heat and/or hair additives including, but not limited to, water, moisture, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrate, softener, powder, nanopowder, and the like, to be transferred to the user's hair. In fig. 3, the thermal storage type ironing device 300 is heated by the battery 39, but any heating form and heating method may be used.

Fig. 4 depicts a further preferred embodiment of a thermal storage hair styling appliance wherein the appliance includes a curling iron 400 and a curling iron heating apparatus 450. In fig. 4, the curling iron heating apparatus 450 includes a heating surface 40 for heating the curling iron 400. The heating surface 40 of the curling iron heating apparatus 450 may optionally contain apertures 42 from which heat or hair additives including, but not limited to, water, steam, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, hair concentrate, softener, powder, nanopowder, etc. may escape and be injected into the curling iron 400. The curling iron includes end portions 44 and a roller core 46, the end portions 44 being accessible to a user during styling, and the roller core 46 containing insulation 48. One option for a heated crimper is a charging pad 49, such as one that can be charged by usb, as depicted in fig. 4. Any other form or method for heating may also be used. As one non-limiting example, the hair curling rollers may be unpowered, with the insulation being heated by external means such as hot air, hot plates, heated housing units (see fig. 6), microwaves, or other heat supply source.

Fig. 5 depicts another preferred embodiment of a thermal storage hair styling appliance, wherein the appliance is a hot air drying brush 500. In fig. 5, hot air drying brush 500 includes bristles 52 attached to or integrally formed with upper surface 50. As illustrated in fig. 5, insulation 56 is below the upper surface 50. In alternative embodiments, the insulating material 56 itself may form the upper surface 50 and/or the bristles 52.

The upper surface 50 of the hot air drying brush 500 may optionally contain apertures 54 from which hot air, heat, or hair additives including, but not limited to, water, moisture, vapor, liquid, fragrance, gel, conditioner, keratin, silicone, oil, spray, conditioner, softener, powder, nanopowder, etc. escape. The upper surface 50 and/or bristles 52 of the hot air drying brush 500 are heated by the hot air generated by the internal dryer components.

Fig. 1-5 are merely illustrative examples of the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention. Any hair styling appliance that applies heat to hair in a direct or indirect manner can be modified to include an insulating material and optionally a hair additive at or above or below the surface closest to the hair.

Fig. 1-5 additionally do not show every potential heat source for a thermal storage hair styling appliance. As previously mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, the thermal storage hair styling appliance or insulating material itself may be heated using a heating housing unit, also referred to as the appliance "oven," which is known in the art of hair styling. An example of an appliance oven 600 is shown in fig. 6. Other examples of devices that can be used to heat the insulation of a thermal storage hair styling appliance and/or the insulation containing such an appliance include, but are not limited to, a microwave oven, stove top heating, hot plate 650 (as shown in fig. 6), a boiler, cookware, an oven, an infrared source, an ultrasonic source, a solar energy source, a thermal bag, or a battery powered (rechargeable or disposable) heating unit.

As illustrated in fig. 6, hair additives in liquid form (including, but not limited to, water 60, oil 62, solutions, conditioners, keratin, silicone, and/or gels) may be added to the heating housing unit and/or to the apparatus for heating thermal storage hair styling appliances and/or insulating materials containing such appliances. Other hair additives, including in gaseous and solid form, may also be added (not shown).

In other embodiments (not shown), the thermal storage hair styling appliance and/or insulating material can derive heat from the power source via a receptacle (preferably, via retractable, removable, or wrappable cables). The thermal storage hair styling appliance may also alternatively have a battery component with a conventional chemical battery and/or rechargeable battery or solar powered battery source, or alternatively the thermal storage hair styling appliance may be rechargeable via a usb cord, a charging pad, or other charging means. Another example of a heat source for a thermal storage hair styling appliance is a cartridge or article of manufacture that uses butane, propane, methane, or other types of gases and/or liquids.

Fig. 7 provides an example of a potential placement of insulation and/or hair additives relative to a surface in contact with or closest to hair in a thermal storage hair appliance. In this arrangement 700, the thermal insulation 72 forms the surface closest to the hair 70. In the set pattern 710, the insulation 72 is set below the upper surface 74. The upper surface may be a solid, mesh or perforated fabric, plastic, fiberglass, metal, rubber, composite and/or carbon material composition, or the like. In arrangement 720, the insulating material 72 is disposed below the upper surface 74, which additionally includes a coating 75. The coating 75 may include, for example, a hook and loop structure that smoothes hair, wherein such hook and loop structure is separate from the upper surface 74 or integrally formed with the upper surface 74. In the arrangement 730, the thermal insulation material 72 is combined with the hair additive 76 and disposed below the upper surface 74. In the arrangement 740, the hair additive 76 is separated from the thermal insulation material 72, and both are arranged below the upper surface 74. The arrangement depicted in FIG. 7 should not be considered limiting; there are many other possible arrangements of thermal insulating material that can be added to the layers and or other components, e.g., heat reflecting layers, air cells, etc., that can also be used in the thermal storage hair styling appliance of the present invention.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular configurations of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding configurations described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.