Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for and method of emitting ions from a hair care device.

Background of the Invention

When negative ions are delivered into contact with hair, they are perceived to assist in breaking down the hydrogen bonds found in the cortex of each hair strand thereby making the hair more supple for shaping and/or styling with a hair care device such as a hair straightener, a hair curler, hair dryer and/or a hot air brush.

For instance, certain hair straighteners include a means of emitting negative ions which break down the hydrogen bonds in each hair strand during the hair straightening process. In this way, the hair is able to be straightened with greater ease when pressure and heat is applied to the hair via the heating plates of the hair straightener.

Unfortunately, prior art hair care devices which emit negative ions tend to be inflexible in the manner in which the negative ions are delivered into contact with the hair. Consequently, the effectiveness of the negative ions upon a range of different hair types and configurations may be unduly limited.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to alleviate the problem discussed above in relation to the prior art. The present invention may involve several broad forms. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides an apparatus for emitting ions from a hair care device, the apparatus including: an ion generator for generating ions; a vent disposed on a frame of the hair care device via which generated ions are able to be emitted; and a means of adjusting a position of the vent relative to the frame so as to controllably direct the emitted ions into contact with the hair.

Typically, the hair care device may include at least one of:

(a) a hair straightener;

(b) a hair curling iron;

(c) a hot air brush; and

(d) a hair dryer.

Typically, the hair straightener includes a frame including a first and a second frame arm having first and second heating plates mounted thereon respectively, said first and second frame arms being rotatably coupled so as to enable relative movement between at least an opened position in which the first and second heating plates are held apart, and, a closed position in which the first and second heating plates are substantially abutting each other.

Typically, the hair dryer includes a frame having a handle and an air outlet adapted to allow outflow of air into contact with hair.

Typically, the hot air brush includes a frame having a handle end and a brush end adapted for brushing hair. Typically, the curling iron includes a frame having a handle and a hair curling member disposed thereon.

Typically, the ion emitter may be adapted to generate negative ions.

Typically the vent includes an opening having at least one of a rectangular-shaped cross-section and a circular-shaped cross-section.

Preferably, the vent may be adjustable between at least an opened position in which ions are able to be emitted, and, a closed position in which emission of ions is substantially restricted via the vent.

Typically, at least one of:

(a) a magnitude of the opening in the vent via which ions are emitted; and

(b) an angle of the vent relative to the frame; may be varied as a result of movement of the vent between the closed and opened positions.

Typically, at least one of the magnitude of the opening in the vent and the angle of emission of the vent relative to the frame may increase as the vent is adjusted from the closed position into the opened position.

Typically, when arranged in the opened position the vent is outwardly extended relative to the frame. Also typically, when arranged in the closed position, the vent is relatively retracted towards the frame.

Typically, the vent may be movably adjusted relative to the frame in at least one of a lateral orientation and a vertical orientation. Also typically, the vent is adapted for rotatable movement relative to the frame. Typically, the vent may be biased into the opened position by a biasing means. Typically, the biasing means may include a spring. Also typically, the hair straightener may include a releasable securement means for releasably securing the vent in the closed position. Typically, the releasable securement means may include a latch.

In certain embodiments, movement of the vent between at least the opened and closed positions may be driven by a motor. Typically, when the hair care device is deactivated, the motor may be configured to drive the vent into the closed position. Typically, the hair care device may include a control switch operably connected to the motor, the control switch being adapted to selectably control the motor in moving the vent between the opened and closed positions.

Preferably, the apparatus may include a light emitter. Typically, the light emitter may be adapted to provide a graphical display readable by a user so as to be indicative of a position of the vent relative to the frame.

Alternatively, the light emitter may be adapted to illuminate a region of the hair substantially corresponding to an angle of emission of the vent relative to the frame. Typically, the light emitter may be disposed on the vent so as to be movable in synchronicity with movement of the vent wherein a region of illumination of the hair provided by the light emitter may substantially correspond to a position of the vent relative to the frame.

Preferably, the apparatus may include a pair of substantially identical vents disposed on opposing sides of the hair care device. The apparatus may include a means of substantially synchronising movement of both vents. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a means of effecting movement of the vents independently.

Preferably, the apparatus may include a means of controllably adjusting an amount of ions generated by the ion generator. Typically the means of controllably adjusting the amount of ions generated may include a variable switch operably-connected to the ion generator. In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a means of adjustably emitting electromagnetic radiation into contact with the hair. Typically, the electromagnetic-radiation may include infra-red radiation.

In a second broad form, the present invention provides a method of emitting ions from a hair care device, the method including the steps of:

(i) generating ions during use of the hair care device;

(ii) emitting the generated ions via a vent disposed on the frame; and

(iii) adjusting a position of the vent relative to the frame so as to controllably direct the emitted ions into contact with the hair.

In a third broad form, the present invention provides a hair straightener including an apparatus as described in accordance with the first broad form of the present invention.

In a fourth broad form, the present invention provides a hair dryer including an apparatus as described in accordance with the first broad form of the present invention.

In a fifth broad form, the present invention provides a hair curling iron including an apparatus as described in accordance with the first broad form of the present invention.

In a sixth broad form, the present invention provides a hot air brush including an apparatus as described in accordance with the first broad form of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of a first embodiment hair straightener wherein a first and a second frame arm are arranged in an opened position;

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the first embodiment hair straightener wherein the first and second frame arms are arranged in a closed position;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment hair straightener wherein the first and second frame arms are arranged in the opened position and a pair of vents are shown mounted on an inward-facing surface of the first frame arm;

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the first embodiment hair straightener wherein the vents are retracted inwardly of the first frame arm;

Figure 5 shows the bottom view of the first embodiment hair straightener in which an angle of the vents relative to the frame are indicated by angles X and Y;

Figure 6 shows an internal view of the vents and a sliding button used to adjust the positions of the vents relative to the frame, whereby the vents and button are detached from the first embodiment hair straightener;

Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment hair dryer having adjustable vents disposed on a frame of the hair dryer arranged in opened positions; • Figure 8 depicts a top view of the second embodiment hair dryer;

Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment hair curler having adjustable vents disposed on a frame of the hair curler arranged in opened positions;

• Figure 10 depicts a top view of the third embodiment hair curler; and

• Figure 11 depicts a perspective view of a fourth embodiment hot air brush having adjustable vents disposed on a frame of the hot air brush in opened positions.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1-11.

Turning firstly to Fig. 1 , a first embodiment hair straightener (1) is shown having a first and a second frame arm (2a,2b) rotatably coupled to each other around a hinge (2c).

First and second heating plates (2d,2e) are disposed on the first and second frame arms (2a,2b) respectively whereby the heating plates (2d,2e) are able to be rotatably moved between at least an opened position (as shown in Fig. 1) in which the first and second heating plates (2d,2e) are held apart to allow hair to be positioned therebetween, and, a closed position (as shown in Fig. 2) in which the first and second heating plates (2d,2e) are able to be loosely clamped around the hair to be straightened. The hair straightener (1) includes a power cord (2f) for connection with a mains power supply. The power cord (2f) includes a ringlet (2g) to allow the hair straightener (1) to be conveniently suspended from a hook if desired.

The hair straightener (1) further includes a control switch (3) for controlling the temperature of the heating plates (2d,2e) and hence the amount of heat that may be transferred to the hair in use.

The hair straightener (1) also includes an on/off switch (8) implemented by way of a sliding switch disposed on the second frame arm (2b) of the hair straightener (1).

The hair straightener (1) further includes an ion generator (not shown) for generating negative ions. The ion generator is housed within a hollow compartment of the first frame arm (2a).

The negative ions which are generated by the ion generator are able to be emitted in substantially equal quantities via a pair of vents (4a,4b) mounted on an inward-facing surface of the first frame arm (2a) as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The vents (4a,4b) each include openings having substantially rectangular-shaped cross-sections via which negative ions are emitted.

Each vent (4a,4b) is also able to be rotatably positioned between at least an opened position (as shown in Figs. 1 and 3) in which the vents (4a,4b) are outwardly extended relative to the first frame arm (2a), and, a closed position in which the vents (4a,4b) are relatively retracted inwardly of the first frame arm (2a) (as shown in Fig. 4). Rotational movement of the vents (4a, 4b) is performed in a substantially lateral plane relative to the first frame arm (2a). It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments of the present invention the vents (4a,4b) may further be adapted to move in a substantially vertical orientation and/or swivel relative to the first frame arm (2a) to allow for even greater flexibility in covering a region of hair to be straightened. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the vents (4a,4b) protrude from the inward-facing surface of the first frame arm (2a). A corresponding recess (7) is disposed on the inward- facing surface of the second frame arm (2b) so that when the first and second frame arms (2a,2b) are rotated into the closed position, the vents (4a,4b) protruding from the inward-facing surface of the first frame arm (2a) do not prevent the first and second heating plates (2d,2e) from being brought flush into abutting contact with each other.

Each vent (4a,4b) is also able to be positioned relative to the first frame arm (2a) in an intermediate position which lies between the opened and closed positions of the vent. When disposed in the intermediate position, the extent of coverage of negative ions over the hair during use of the hair straightener (1) is substantially an average of the coverage which would be provided if the vent were disposed in the opened and closed positions.

To enable ease of adjusting the vents (4a,4b), the vents (4a,4b) are biased into their respective opened positions by springs (not shown). A sliding button (4) is operatively-connected to the vents (4a,4b) so as to cause retraction of the vents (4a,4b). Figure 6 depicts an internal view of the vents (4a, 4b) operably-connected to the sliding button (4) wherein in this embodiment, the button is operably-connected to both vents so that a single movement of the button (4) is able to either extend of retract both vents (4a,4b) at the same time. Conveniently, this alleviates the need to manually adjust each of the vents (4a,4b) at the same time. Moreover, the vents (4a,4b) are able to rotate substantially in synchronicity such that the angle of emission of ions from the vents (4a, 4b) relative to the first frame arm remains substantially the same for both vents (4a,4b).

To adjust the vents (4a,4b) into the closed position the button (4) is pushed with sufficient force by the users thumb rearwardly of the hair straightener towards the power cord (2g) so as to overcome the biasing device. When the vents (4a,4b) are fully retracted into their closed positions, a releasable latch (not shown) engages with the vents (4a, 4b) so as to hold them in their closed positions. Conversely, when the button (4) is slid in a forward direction of the hair straightener, movement of the button forces the vents (4a,4b) to dislodge from the releasable latch and extend outwardly with the assistance of the biasing device acting upon the vents (4a,4b).

As shown in Fig. 4, when the vents (4a,4b) are disposed in their closed positions, ion emission is substantially restricted due to the openings of the vents (4a,4b) being obscured within the first frame arm (2a).

When the vents (4a, 4b) are moved from the closed positions and into the opened positions a magnitude of an angle of emission of ions via the vents (4a,4b) relative to the first frame arm (2a) increases accordingly. Conversely, when the vents (4a,4b) are moved from the opened positions into the closed positions a magnitude of an angle of emission of ions via the vents (4a,4b) relative to the first frame arm decreases accordingly. Advantageously, the adjustability of the vent (4a,4b) positions relative to the first frame arm (2a) enables greater control of the direction and angle of coverage of the hair by negative ions emitted from the vents (4a, 4b).

Figure 5 however shows the varying angle of coverage provided by the vents (4a,4b) in emitting negative ions into contact with the hair when the vents (4a,4b) are arranged into the intermediate and opened positions. That is, a relatively narrower angle of coverage of ion emissions from the vents (4a,4b) when arranged in an intermediate position is indicated by the angle X, and, a relatively broader angle of coverage of ion emissions from the vents (4a,4b) when arranged in the opened position is indicated by the angle Y.

Conveniently, an LED display (6) is disposed on an outward-facing surface of the first frame arm (2a) which provides a graphical display readable by the user so to indicate the positions of the vents (4a,4b) relative to the first frame arm (2a). For instance, the LED display (6) is able to display whether the vents (4a,4b) are arranged in the closed, intermediate or opened positions relative to the first frame arm (2a). Furthermore, the LED display (6) is able to provide an indication of the rate of at which ions being generated and/or emitted. Figure 7-11 depicts further embodiments of the present invention including a hair dryer, a hair curler and a hot air brush.

Figures 7 and 8 depict a second embodiment of the present invention including a hair dryer (9). The hair dryer (9) includes a frame (9a) defining an air outlet (9b) via which hot air is able to be dispensed into contact with a person's hair, a handle member (9c) for gripping the hair dryer (9), and a pair of vents (9d,9e) via which negative ions are able to be emitted into contact with the hair.

The vents (9d,9e) are disposed on opposing sides of the frame (9a) and are adjustable between opened positions as shown in Fig. 7 and closed positions (not shown) in which the vents (9d,9e) are substantially retracted within the corresponding recesses in the sides of the frame (9a).

The vents (9d,9e) are biased into the opened positions by a biasing means and are releasably securable in the closed positions by a releasable securement latch in similar fashion to that described above in relation to the first embodiment hair straightener.

The vents (9d,9e) are adapted for manual adjustment into the closed positions, for instance, by a user pressing against the vents (9d,9e) inwardly towards the frame (9a). When the vents (9d,9e) are arranged in their closed positions relative to the frame (9a) they are substantially concealed within corresponding receiving recesses disposed in the opposing sides of the frame (9a).

In order to manually release the vents (9d,9e) from the closed positions the vents may be manually pushed further inwardly of the recesses whereby the releasable securement latch detaches from the vents (9d,9e) and allows the vents (9d,9e) to thereafter be freely urged by the biasing means into their opened positions relative to the frame (9a) as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

The hair dryer further includes a power on/off switch (not shown), a heat level adjustment switch (9f) to adjust the heat level of air that is dispensed via the air outlet, an air speed adjustment switch (9g), and, a cool air switch (9h) to deactivate a heating element in the hair dryer (9) so that cool air may be emitted via the air outlet (9b).

The hair dryer (9) also includes a control switch (9i) for selectably activating and deactivating a negative ion generator. An LED (9j) is disposed on the frame (9a) next to the control switch (9j) which conveniently serves as a visual indicator as to whether the ion generator is turned on or off.

Figure 9 and 10 depicts a third embodiment of the present invention including a hair curling iron (10) having a frame (10aa) with a handle (10b) and a hair curling member (10c). A pair of vents (10d,10e) are disposed on opposing sides of the handle (10b) with openings of the vents (10d, 10e) directed generally toward the hair curling member (10c).

The vents (10d, 10e) are biased into the opened position in similar fashion to that as described above in relation to the first and second embodiments. The vents (10d, 10e) are releasably secured in the closed position by virtue of a releasable securement latch.

In this third embodiment, the vents (10d,10e) are automatically adjusted into the opened position when the hair curler (10) is switched on. That is, when the power button (10f) is activated, the hair curling member (10) of the third embodiment heats up in readiness for curling of the hair whilst simultaneously, movement of the power button (10f) triggers release of the securement latch so that the vents (10d, 10e) are freely urged into the opened positions by the biasing means.

When the power button (10f) is pushed into the "off position, the vents (10d, 10e) are mechanically retracted inwardly of the frame (10a) into their respective corresponding recesses on opposing sides of the frame (10a). The power button (10f) in this embodiment would be operably-connected to the vents (10d, 10e) by virtue of any suitable mechanical connector known to a person skilled in the art. A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 11 consisting of a hot air brush (11). The hot air brush (11) includes a frame (11a) having a handle end (11 b) and a brush head engagement end (11c) upon which various brush head of varying sizes and configurations are able to be releasably attached.

The fourth embodiment includes a power on/off switch (11i) disposed on the handle end (11 b) of the hot air brush (11). As shown in fig. 11 , the power on/off switch (11 i) consists of a sliding mechanism.

A locking mechanism (11d) is provided to allow selective attachment and detachment of the various brush heads in to place on to the brush head engagement end (11c). A locking release button (11d) is provided on the handle (11b) which is depressed before the attached brush head is able to be detached, and/or in order for a new brush head to be attached to the brush head engagement end (11c).

Vents (11e,11f) are disposed on opposing sides of the hot air brush (11) and they have openings which are directed generally in the direction away from the handle end (11b) and towards the brush head engagement end (11c). The vents (11e,11f) are adjustable between opened positions as shown in Fig. 11 in which they are rotatably extended outwardly away from the frame (11a), and, closed positions in which they are rotated inwardly of the frame (11a) and received in corresponding recesses disposed on opposing sides of the frame (11a).

A further control button (11g) is disposed on the handle (11b) which allows the user to either activate and/or deactivate the negative ion generator. The control button (11g) is an electronic touch-switch which when depressed actuates a motor which extends the vents (11e,11f) outwardly of the frame (11a) into their opened positions. Actuation of the control button (11g) also causes a negative ion generator (not shown) housed within the frame to commence generation of negative ions.

When the button (11g) is again depressed, the motor reverses its direction to as to urge the vents inwardly of the frame (11a) into their closed positions whereby they are received within corresponding recesses disposed on opposing sides of the frame (11a). When disposed in their closed positions, the vents (11e,11f) are aligned flush along the surface of the frame (11a). An LED (11 h) is disposed next to, and operably-connected to the control button (11g), which indicates whether the ion generator is activated or deactivated at any given time. In this case, the LED (11h) is turned on when the ion generator is activated and turned off when the ion generator is deactivated.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.