GB2466690A

GB2466690A - Hair curling device and method

Info

Publication number: GB2466690A
Application number: GB0917322A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jessica Ann Ashdown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-05
Filing date: 2009-10-05
Publication date: 2010-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-05
Also published as: GB0917322D0; GB0900016D0; GB2466690B

Abstract

A hair curling device comprises a toothed member 2 with a plurality of teeth 5 pivotally coupled to an elongate frame 3, the toothed member and frame being operable from an open configuration in which the teeth can be inserted into or removed from hair to be curled to a closed configuration wherein the teeth are secured within the hair to be curled. The toothed member 2 and the frame 3 have corresponding abutments 15, 16, 17, 18 for limiting relative movement between the two from the open to the closed configuration. In one embodiment, the frame is concave in lateral cross section with two longitudinal edge regions 8, 9. The toothed member is pivotally mounted to the frame along one longitudinal edge region 8 so that when the device is closed, the teeth extend across the frame towards the other.

Description

HAiR CURLING DEVICE AND METHOD The present invention relates to a hair curling device, and a method for curling a section of hair using the same.

A person wishing to change the style of their hair by adding curls may presently use curlers or tongs to create the desired effect. Whilst such products may provide a curled style, the use of conventional hair curlers or tongs can present a number of difficulties.

The hair curling products may broadly fall into two categories. The first category comprises products that require heat to create the curled effect and the second category comprises the products that do not require heat. A disadvantage to using heated curlers or tongs is that they may damage the hair, particularly if used frequently. Further, the curls that can be created from heated curlers or tongs are limited to a certain type and style.

However, whilst hair curlers that do not require heat are available, they are often difficult to use, and further create unpredictable results. There is therefore a demand for a simple, convenient means and method for creating a curled effect without the use of heat assisted appliances.

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate the aforementioned difficulties.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair curling device for curling a section of hair, the device comprising a toothed member having a plurality of teeth and an elongate frame, the toothed member and the frame being pivotally coupled for movement between an open configuration, in which the teeth can be inserted though and withdrawn from a section of hair to be curled, and a closed configuration, in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair after insertion therein, the toothed member and the frame being provided with corresponding abutment means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the two from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

The hair curling device of the present invention enables a user to create a natural curl in a desired section of hair. Beneficially, the hair curling device can create a desired curl without the requirement for heat to be applied to the hair. This will reduce the chances of causing damage to the hair, whilst also avoiding the potential hazard of using hot curlers or tongs to create a desired style. Further, the device comprises a minimal number of component parts, thereby resulting in a device that is both simple to use and relatively cost effective to manufacture.

The section of hair to be curled is twisted prior to the insertion of the teeth of the hair curling device and will usually be wetted. The tightness of the cur! to be created is controlled by twisting the section of hair by varying amounts. The tighter the section of hair is twisted, the tighter the resulting curl, the looser the section of hair is twisted the loser the curl produced.

Beneficially, this provides a significant degree of control in the type of curl to be created. Further, the hair curling device may be used at any point on a section of hair, depending on the style required. The higher up the hair curling device is inserted into the section of hair, the higher the curl starts. Similarly, the lower down the hair curling device is inserted, the lower the curl starts. The device is therefore highly versatile in creating different styles.

The device may comprise means for releasably locking the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration. Corresponding formations may be provided on the toothed member and the elongate frame which cooperate to releasably lock the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration. The corresponding formations may also comprise the corresponding abutment means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the toothed member and the frame from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

At least one tooth on the toothed member may be configured to engage with a respective corresponding formation on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, two of the teeth on the toothed member are longer than the remaining teeth, the arrangement being such that the free end regions of the two longer teeth engage respective corresponding formations on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.

The, or each, corresponding formation on the frame may be a recess or notch into which a free end region of a respective tooth is received with a snap fit.

The elongate frame may be concave when viewed in lateral cross section and may have two longitudinal edge regions, the toothed member being pivotally mounted to the frame in line with one longitudinal edge of the frame, the arrangement being such that when the device is in the closed configuration the teeth extend across the frame towards the other longitudinal edge region.

The elongate frame may be curved when viewed in lateral cross section and may have an elongate, substantially semi-annular shape.

Where the elongate frame is concave when viewed in lateral cross section and has two longitudinal edge regions, the corresponding formation engaged by the at least one tooth to lock the toothed member and frame in the closed configuration may be provided on the other longitudinal edge region of the frame.

The elongate frame may define at least one opening for exposing the section of hair to the air.

The toothed member and/or the frame may have a handle to assist a user in opening and closing the device.

The elongate frame may be a cradle.

The device may consist exclusively of two component parts, the toothed member and the elongate frame, the toothed member being pivotably mounted to the frame.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of curling a section of hair using a hair curling device in accordance with the first aspect, said method comprising: a) twisting a section of hair to be curled by a desired amount; b) with the device in an open configuration, inserting the teeth into the section of hair to secure the section of hair in a twisted state; c) moving the toothed member and the frame to the closed configuration in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair.

The method may further comprise engaging releasable locking means to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.

The method may further comprise the step of wetting the section of hair to be curled prior to twisting by a desired amount.

The method may further comprise opening and removing the hair curling device once the section of hair has dried sufficiently to retain a curl.

The method may comprise using a plurality of hair curling devices along the length of the section of hair to be curled.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hair curling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a closed configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a hair curling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an open configuration; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a hair curling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a closed configuration; Figure 4 shows an end-on view of the hair curling device in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an end-on view of the hair curling device in Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a side-on view of the hair curling device in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a side-on view of the hair curling device in Figure 2; and, Figures 8a to 8d are a series of schematic representations of a method according to the second aspect of the present invention; Referring initially to Figures 1 to 7, a hair curling device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a toothed member 2 pivotally connected to an elongate frame 3.

The toothed member 2 has spine 4 from which a plurality of integrally formed teeth 5 project. In the present embodiment, the spine 4 includes a curved lip 4a, The spine of the toothed member is pivotally connected to the elongate frame 3 at either end (as indicated at 6, 7) for movement between an open configuration as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6 and a closed configuration as shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, and 7. When the toothed member and the frame are in the open configuration, the teeth 5 are directed away from the frame 3 to a position in which they can be easily inserted through a twisted section of hair in which a user wishes to form a curl, Once the teeth have been inserted through a section of hair, the toothed member 2 and the elongate frame 3 can be moved to the closed configuration in which part of the frame is brought into close proximity to the free ends of the teeth preventing the teeth from being withdrawn from the section of hair and holding the device in position whilst the hair dries and the curl is formed.

The elongate frame 2 has an elongate, generally semi-annular shape which is concave when viewed in lateral cross section (or end on as shown in Figures 4 and 5) and includes two longitudinal edge members 8 and 9 interconnected by three spaced, curved lateral cross-members 10, 11, 12. Of course, the frame may also comprise other shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention provided they would serve the same purpose of preventing the teeth being withdrawn from a section of hair after insertion therein. For example, whilst the frame 3 in the present embodiment is curved to provide comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, other concave shapes could be used which might include a substantially rectangular U-shape when viewed in lateral cross section, for example.

The frame 3 defines two open windows 13 and 14 between the cross-members which allow air to circulate around the section of hair to be curled.

Generally speaking, it is beneficial for the frame 3 to comprise a minimum of structural sections so as to allow the maximum amount of the hair to be exposed to the air to aid natural and fast drying.

The toothed member 2 is pivotally connected to the elongate frame 3 adjacent and in line with a first one of the longitudinal edge members 8 so that when the device is closed, the teeth 5 project across the frame towards the other longitudinal edge member 9. The two end teeth 15, 16 (which will be referred to as locking teeth), are longer and thicker than the remaining teeth 5 and are adapted to engage in corresponding notches or recess 17, 18 in the other longitudinal edge member 9 of the frame. Location of the locking teeth 15, 16 in the notches 17, 18 acts as abutment means to limit relative pivotal movement of the toothed member 2 and the frame 3 to define the closed configuration. In the present embodiment, the free end regions 19, 20 of the locking teeth 15, 16 are received in the notches 17, 18 with a snap fit so that they releasably lock the toothed member 2 and the frame 3 in the closed configuration. When locked in the closed configuration, the other longitudinal edge region 9 prevents the hair from sliding off the free ends of the teeth 5 so that the device remains in position on a section of hair until such time as the device is opened and the teeth 5 withdrawn.

As can be seen in Figure 6, small protrusions or dimples 2lare formed on the opposing side wall regions of the notches 17, 18. As shown in Figure 7, the projections or dimples 21 engage with the end regions 19, 20 the locking teeth 15, 16 to releasably hold the locking teeth in the notches. The notches 17, 18 and the ends of the locking teeth 15, 16 are designed so that the locking teeth are firmly held in the notches once the device is closed to prevent the device inadvertently falling open but such that the locking teeth 15, 16 can be released from the notches without undue force.

Of course, other arrangements can be adopted to releasably hold the toothed member 2 and the elongate frame 3 in the closed configuration as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, corresponding formations may be provided on the toothed member 2 and the frame 3 in the regions where the two are pivotally mounted together or between the spine 4 and the first longitudinal edge member S of the frame.

In a further alternative arrangement, rather than having a releasable locking means to hold the toothed member 2 and the frame 3 closed, means may be provided to resiliently bias the toothed member 2 and the elongate frame 3 to the closed configuration. In this arrangement, co-operating formations would be provided on the toothed member and the elongate frame to act as simple abutments which contact when the toothed member and the frame 2, 3 reach a desired closed configuration. The resilient means could be in the form of a spring acting between the toothed member and the frame, for example. However, it is preferred that the toothed member 2 and the frame 3 are not resiliently biased as this may make it more difficult for a user to hold the device 1 open when applying it to a section of hair. Furthermore, the provision of a spring or other resilient member will add to the cost of manufacture.

The curved lip 4a which forms part of the spine 4 of the toothed member co-operates with the first longitudinal member 8 of the frame to hold the toothed member steady whilst it is pivoted between the open and closed configurations. The curved lip can also be grasped by a user to open and close the device. To provide further assistance for a user in opening and closing the device 1, a handle 22 can be provided on the spine 4 of the toothed member 2.

The length, thickness and spacing of the teeth 5 and the overall size of the device 1 can all be varied to suit different applications and hair types. For example, for use with very fine hair, a larger number of smaller, more closely spaced teeth may be required to hold the hair in position whilst a curl is formed. In contrast, for thicker hair types, a smaller number of larger and more widely shaped teeth may be required. The layout selected will enable the hair to expand while it dries, creating the desired natural curl. It is expected that a range of devices 1 in accordance with the invention will be produced that may vary in overall size arid/or in any one or more of the number, thickness, length and spacing of the teeth.

U

The toothed member 2 and the elongate frame 3 can be made of any suitable materials such as polymeric or metallic materials. Advantageously, the toothed member and the elongate frame are both formed from plastics materials using known injection moulding techniques. In its simplest form, a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention comprises only two separate component parts, the toothed member 2 and the elongate frame 3 and so is simple to manufacture and assemble.

Referring to Figures 8a to 8c, there is shown a step-wise method for creating a curl in a section of hair. In step 1, as shown in Figure 8a, the user gathers a section of hair 23 and twists the hair by a desired amount. The more the hair is twisted at this stage, the tighter the resulting curls, and vice versa.

The method will usually include wetting the section of hair 23 prior to twisting by a desired amount.

After the user has twisted the section of hair 23 by a desired amount, the section of hair is held in place whilst the user inserts the teeth of the toothed member through the centre of the section of hair as shown in Figure 8b.

Once the teeth have been inserted, the device is closed so that the frame traps the section of hair on the teeth. The device is held closed by engagement of the locking teeth 15, 16 in the notches 17, 18. A plurality of hair curling devices may be used on one section of hair, depending on the level of stylisation required. Figure 8c, illustrates three hair curling devices 1 positioned on a section of hair. a

After a length of time sufficient to allow the curls to form, the hair curling device or devices 1 are removed from the section of hair 23. To do this, the user opens the device and withdraws the teeth from the newly curled section of hair, as illustrated in Figure 8d.

Whilst the hair curling device 1 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is intended for use in forming a curl without the application of heat, a user may choose to dry the hair using a heated hair drier or the like whilst the device 1 is in position on the hair.

The hair curling device 1 in accordance with the invention is simple to manufacture and use and provides an effective and versatile arrangement for forming natural looking curls. Because the device does not comprise a roller, the hair is able to dry more quickly and naturally and the tightness and position of the curl is more easily controllable.

It is of course to be understood that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

ICLAIMS1. A hair curling device for curling a section of hair, the device comprising a toothed member having a plurality of teeth and an elongate frame, the toothed member and the frame being pivotally coupled for movement between an open configuration, in which the teeth can be inserted though and withdrawn from a section of hair to be curled, and a closed configuration, in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair after insertion therein, the toothed member and the frame being provided with corresponding abutment means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the two from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
2. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 1, in which the device comprises means for releasably locking the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.
3. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 2, in which corresponding formations are provided on the toothed member and the elongate frame which cooperate to releasably lock the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration. 1*
4. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 3, in which the corresponding formations also comprise the corresponding abutment means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the toothed member and the frame from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
5. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein at least one tooth on the toothed member is configured to engage with a respective corresponding formation on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.
6. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 5, wherein two of the teeth on the toothed member are longer than the remaining teeth, the arrangement being configured such that the free end regions of the two longer teeth engage respective corresponding formations on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.
7. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, in which the, or each, corresponding formation on the frame comprises a recess or notch into which a free end region of a respective tooth is received.
8. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, in which the elongate frame is concave when viewed in lateral cross section and has two longitudinal edge regions, the toothed member being pivotally mounted to the frame in line with one longitudinal edge region of the frame, the arrangement being such that when the device is in the closed configuration the teeth extend across the frame towards the other longitudinal edge region.
9. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elongate frame is curved when viewed in lateral cross section.
10. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elongate frame has a elongate substantially semi-annular shape.
11. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 when dependent on claim 5, in which the, or each, corresponding formation is provided on the other longitudinal edge region of the frame.
12. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate frame defines at least one opening for exposing the section of hair to the air.
13. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the toothed member has a handle to assist a user in opening and closing the device.
14. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 13, in which the handle is in the form of a curved lip.
15. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate frame is a cradle.
16. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device consists exclusively of two component parts, the toothed member and the elongate frame, the toothed member being pivotably mounted to the frame.
17. A hair curling device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of curling a section of hair using a hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, said method comprising: a) twisting a section of hair to be curled by a desired amount; b) with the device in an open configuration, inserting the teeth into the section of hair to secure the section of hair in a twisted state; c) moving the toothed member and the frame to the closed configuration in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, the method further comprising engaging releasable locking means to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising the step of wetting the section of hair to be curled prior to twisting by a desired amount.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, the method further comprising opening and removing the hair curling device once the section of hair has dried sufficiently to retain a curl.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a plurality of hair curling devices are used along the length of the section of hair to be curled.
23. A method of curling a section of hair using a hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. A hair curling device for curling a section of hair, the device comprising a toothed member having a plurality of teeth and an elongate frame, the toothed member and the frame being pivotally coupled for movement about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the frame between an open configuration, in which the teeth can be inserted though and withdrawn from a section of hair to be curled, and a closed configuration, in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair after insertion therein, the toothed member and the frame being provided with corresponding abutment L() means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the two from the open configuration to the closed configuration.2. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 1, in which the device comprises means for releasably locking the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.3. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 2, in which corresponding formations are provided on the toothed member and the elongate frame which cooperate to releasably lock the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.4. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 3, in which the corresponding formations also comprise the corresponding abutment means for limiting relative pivotal movement between the toothed member and the frame from the open configuration to the closed configuration.5. Ahaircurlingdeviceasclaimedinclaim3orclaim4,whereinatleast one tooth on the toothed member is configured to engage with a respective corresponding formation on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration. r 10LI') 6. A hair curling device as claimed in claimS, wherein two of the teeth on o the toothed member are longer than the remaining teeth, the arrangement being configured such that the free end regions of the two longer teeth engage respective corresponding formations on the frame to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.7. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, in which the, or each, corresponding formation on the frame comprises a recess or notch into which a free end region of a respective tooth is received.8. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the previous claims, in which the elongate frame is concave when viewed in lateral cross section and has two longitudinal edge regions, the toothed member being pivotally mounted to the frame in line with one longitudinal edge region of the frame, the arrangement being such that when the device is in the closed configuration the teeth extend across the frame towards the other longitudinal edge region.9. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elongate frame is curved when viewed in lateral cross section.10. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elongate frame has an elongate substantially semi-annular shape. L()11. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 when dependent on claim 5, in which the, or each, corresponding formation is provided on the other longitudinal edge region of the frame.12. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate frame defines at least one opening for exposing the section of hair to the air.13. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the toothed member has a handle to assist a user in opening and closing the device.14. A hair curling device as claimed in claim 13, in which the handle is in the form of a curved lip.15. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate frame is a cradle.16. A hair curling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device consists exclusively of two component parts, the toothed member and the elongate frame, the toothed member being pivotably mounted LI) to the frame.17. A hair curling device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.18. A method of curling a section of hair using a hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims ito 17, said method comprising: a) twisting a section of hair to be curled by a desired amount; b) with the device in an open configuration, inserting the teeth into the section of hair to secure the section of hair in a twisted state c) moving the toothed member and the frame to the closed configuration in which the frame is operative to prevent the teeth being withdrawn from the section of hair.19. A method as claimed in claim 18, the method further comprising engaging releasable locking means to hold the toothed member and the frame in the closed configuration.20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising the 0. . . . step of wetting the section of hair to be curled prior to twisting by a desired L() amount.21. A method as claimed in claim 20, the method further comprising opening and removing the hair curling device once the section of hair has dried sufficiently to retain a curl.22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a plurality of hair curling devices are used along the length of the section of hair to be curled.23. A method of curling a section of hair using a hair curling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. L()