GB2490586A

GB2490586A - Hair waving apparatus with moving comb

Info

Publication number: GB2490586A
Application number: GB1207454.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Timothy Low
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-26
Filing date: 2012-04-26
Publication date: 2012-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-26
Also published as: GB2490586B; GB201207454D0

Abstract

A hair waving apparatus 126 comprises first and second arms 100, 102 connected together at a pivot 106, and defining a hair receiving channel when the first arm is closed against the second arm. A heating member 108 extends along the first arm 10. At least one comb 116a is supported on one of the arms and a switch 112 is located so as to be operable by a thumb or finger of a hand of the user. The apparatus is responsive to operation of the switch 112 by translating the at least one comb 116a at least once along the arm on which it is supported. A user can hold the apparatus 126 with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb. In an alternative embodiment a sensor (128, figure 3) is used to sense when the arms are closed and operate movement of the comb 116a.

Description

Hair Waving Apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hair waving apparatus.

Background to the Invention

It is known in the art to apply a wave to hair using "hair wavers".

Traditionally these comprise one or more heated "barrels", or hair channels, and provide a one-dimensional wave down the side of the head. An example of such a device is the Babyliss 2337U Wave Envy Hair Styler.

A device providing waves in two different directions is disclosed in EP0551851A1. Here, operation is complex, requiring two hands to use the device. This device requires considerable skill to operate correctly.

LU Summa of the Invention C A first aspect of this specification provides hair waving apparatus comprising: i-20 first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel when the first arm is closed against the second arm; at least one comb supported on one of the arms and arranged to extend alongside the heating member and the hair support member when the first arm is closed against the second arm; the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb; and a switch located on one of the arms such as to be operable by a thumb or finger of a hand of the user whilst the first and second arms are closed by the hand of the user, the apparatus being responsive to operation of the switch by translating the at least one comb once along the arm on which it is supported.

The hair support member may be a second heating member.

The switch may be a mechanical sliding member that is mechanically linked to the at least one comb.

The switch may be an electrical switch and the apparatus may be responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause actuation of the at least one comb.

C\.1 The apparatus may be responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the at least one comb in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a second time.

The apparatus may be responsive to the second operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the at least one comb in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a third time.

The apparatus may comprise at least two combs, wherein the apparatus may be configured to move two of the combs simultaneously in opposing directions in response to the operation of the switch. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to move two of the combs in the same direction in response to the operation of the switch.

A second aspect of this specification provides hair waving apparatus comprising: first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel when the first arm is closed against the second arm; at least one comb supported on one of the arms and arranged to extend alongside the heating member and the hair support member when the first arm is closed against the second arm; a sensor configured to detect when the first arm is closed against the second arm; an actuator configured to translate the at least one comb once along the arm on which it is supported in response to the sensor detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm; and the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms C\J and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb.

.0 The sensor may be a pressure sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be a light sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be a proximity sensor.

Alternatively again, the sensor may be an electrical switch.

The hair support member may be a second heating member.

The apparatus may be responsive to detection that the first arm is closed against the second arm to cause movement of the at least one comb in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the first arm is closed against the second arm for a second time.

The apparatus may be responsive to the second detection that the first arm is closed against the second arm to cause movement of the at least one comb in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the first arm is closed against the second arm for a third time.

The apparatus may comprise at least two combs, wherein the apparatus may be configured to move two of the combs simultaneously in opposing directions in response to detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to move two of the combs in the same direction in response to detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm.

Other exemplary features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be C\.1 made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and that they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

(0 20 Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of various embodiments reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of hair waving apparatus according to the invention; Figure a shows a dorsal view of the lower arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 4b shows a ventral view of the upper arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure a shows a dorsal view of the lower arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 5b shows a ventral view of the upper arm in some embodiments of the invention; Figure 6 shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus according to the invention, wherein the combs translate in opposite directions; Figure 7 shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus according to the invention, wherein the combs translate in opposite directions; Figure 8 shows details of some components of hair waving apparatus according to the invention, wherein the combs translate in the same direction; and Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of an end-to-end system embodying aspects of the invention. c\J

1 Detailed Description of Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of hair waving apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. Comb structure ii6a, ii6b translating aspects of this embodiment consist r wholly of mechanical elements. In this first embodiment, a hair waver 126 is provided by an upper arm 100 and a lower arm 102. The arms 100, 102 are for example 3 cm deep. These arms 100, 102 are connected together at a pivot joint io6. The pivot io6 is sprung so as to bias the arms 100, 102 away from one another.

The upper surface of the lower arm 102 has formed upon it a concave heating member io8. The lower surface of the upper arm 100 has formed upon it a convex heating member 114. The convex heating member 114 protrudes below the lower surface of the upper arm 100. In an alternative arrangement, the upper surface of the lower arm 102 comprises the convex heating member 114 and the lower surface of the upper arm 100 comprises the concave heating member io8.

The heating members io8, 114 are of equal or approximately equal length. An example of this length is 10 cm. The heating members io8, 114 are of equal or approximately equal width. An example this width is 3 cm. The concave heating member io8 and convex heating member 114 are positioned such that they are opposite one another. Thus, when the concave heating member io8 and convex heating member 114 intersect, i.e. when the arms are closed, a hair channel is formed between the two heating members io8, 114. The heating members io8, 114 are of corresponding shape.

The heating members io8, 114 may translate up and down relative to their respective arm 102, 100. To effect this, the heating members io8, 114 may be sprung. An effect of this is to allow pressure to be applied to a lock of hair regardless of its thickness.

C\.I The heating members io8, 114 are electrically heated by heating elements 614 as described later in relation to Figure 9. The heating members io8, 114 are insulated on the outside surface, for example they may have a ceramic coating. Heat is conducted to the heating members io8, 114 by the heating elements 614 within them. Heat is approximately uniformly distributed across the heating members io8, 114. The heating elements 614 may be coils. A suggested optimal temperature to which the heating members io8, 114 should be heated is 230 degrees Celsius.

Heating the hair in the hair channel to a high temperature leads to a maintained style. Put another way, subjecting hair to this temperature causes the hair to take a shape that is similar to the shape in which it was held at the high temperature even when the heat is removed. One of the heating members io8, 114 may not be heated, in which case it is just a hair support element.

The lower arm 102 has an electrical on/off switch 104 included thereon.

Alternatively the on/off switch 104 may be included on the upper arm 100. The on/off switch 104 may be of any suitable form, for example a slider or a push button.

The lower arm 102 includes an interface (not shown) for a power input wire 124. The interface is configured to support any input voltage supplied via the wire 124. For example, in the United Kingdom input voltage is about 230V AC. In the USA input voltage is about iioV AC.

The lower arm 102 has formed thereon at least one comb channel 110.

The at least one comb channel 110 is installed such that it runs parallel to the longest side of the concave heating member io8.

The upper arm 100 has formed thereon a first comb structure ii6a. The upper arm 100 also has formed thereon a second comb structure ii6b.

The second comb structure ii6b is positioned parallel to and opposite the first comb structure ii6a. Prongs of both comb structures ii6a, ii6b extend below the lower surface of the upper arm 100. An example length C\I of the prongs is 2 cm. When the arms 100, 102 are closed, the comb structures ii6a, ii6b fit into the comb channels no such that the arms 100, 102 lie parallel with respect to each other.

The first and second comb structures n6a, ii6b are configured to r translate forwards and backwards along translation channels 120. An example displacement for this translation is 2 cm. The comb structures n6a, n6b may translate in opposite directions to each other. This is described later with respect to Figures 6 and 7. Alternatively, the comb structures 116a, n6b may move in the same direction at the same time.

This is described later with respect to Figure 8.

Initiation of the translation is provided by a slider 112. The slider 112 is formed on the upper surface of the upper arm 100. The slider 112 is positioned such that it is operable by the thumb or finger of the hand operating the arms 100, 102. The slider 112 is indirectly coupled to a wire ii8. The comb structures n6a, ii6b translate along the arm 100 when the wire ii8 is pulled. Detailed description of this operation will be described later with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8.

The upper arm 100 may optionally include an LCD display (not shown).

The LCD can display the temperature of the heating members io8, 114.

The upper or lower arms 100, 102 may additionally or independently include an audible indicator (not shown). The audible indicator may indicate that a specific heating member temperature has been reached.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. The layout of the hair waver 126 in this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. The key difference between Figure 1 and Figure 2 is the mode of operation for the translation of the comb structures ii6a, ii6b. Here, the comb translation is initiated by a user operating a switch 113. The switch 113 is preferably an electronic push button. The switch 113 is operated by the cxi thumb or finger of the hand operating the arms 100, 102.

The switch 113 is coupled to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or controller 604. The CPU 604 is configured to control an actuator in the form of a motor 6o8. The motor 6o8 is coupled to a wire ii8. The motor r 6o8 is controlled to cause a pull on the wire ii8 once when the switch 113 is depressed. When the wire ii8 is pulled, the comb structures ii6a, ii6b translate. The CPU 604 is configured to cause the first comb structure n6a to translate once from its fully forward displacement to its fully backward displacement, whilst the second comb structure n6b translates once from its fully backward displacement to its fully forward displacement. The translation occurs within the confines of the translation channels 120. This operation will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9. Note that Figure 2 is greatly simplified in order to explain the basic operation of the device.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the arrangement of a third embodiment of the invention. The layout of the hair waver 126 in this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. Like reference numerals refer to like elements. The key difference between Figure 2 and Figure 3 is the mode of operation for the translation of the comb structures n6a, ii6b. Here, the comb structure 116a, n6b translation is automatically initiated when the arms 100, 102 are closed together. Whether or not the arms 100, 102 are closed together is determined using a sensor 128. The sensor 128 may be of any suitable form.

In Figure 3, the sensor 128 is shown to be an electrical switch that is switched into one state by mechanical connection with a feature, for instance a bump or protrusion. For instance, the switch 128 may be closed when it contacts the feature on the opposite arm, and opens when contact is not present.

The sensor io8 is coupled to a central processing unit (CPU) 604. The C\J CPU 604 is configured to control a motor 608. The motor 6o8 is coupled to a wire ii8. The motor 6o8 is controlled to pull on the wire ii8 when actuated by the CPU 604. When the wire ii8 is pulled, the first comb structure ii6a, and the second comb structure ii6b, translate. The CPU 604 is configured to control the motor 608 such that the first comb r structure u6a translates from its fully forward position to its fully backwards position, whilst the second comb structure 116 translates from its fufly backward position to its fully forward position. The translation occurs within the confines of the translation channels 120.

This operation will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9. Note that Figure 3 is greatly simplified in order to explain the basic operation of the embodiment.

Figure a shows the upper side of the lower arm 102 in a generic configuration, which relates to all of the first to third embodiments. The concave heating member io8 is flanked by two comb channels 110. The comb channels 110 penetrate the lower arm 102 to a depth of, for example, 1 cm. At its deepest point, the concave heating member io8 penetrates the lower arm 102 to a depth of, for example, 0.5 cm. The comb channels 110 thus penetrate the lower arm 102 to a greater depth than does the concave heating member io8.

Figure 4b shows the lower side of the upper arm 100 in a generic configuration, which relates to all of the first to third embodiments.

Here, there are two comb structures ii6a, ii6b. The comb structures n6a, n6b are positioned within translation channels 120. The comb structures 116a, ii6b are free to move forwards and backwards along these translation channels 120. Here, the comb structures n6a, ii6b are shown to be connected to a mechanical slider 112 or motor 6o8. The slider 112 is on the top of the upper arm 100, but is depicted in this Figure to make the operation of the comb structures 116a, ii6b clear.

The mechanism ii8 for translating the comb structures n6a, ii6b is not shown in detail here, but is described below.

C\I Figures a and 5b show an alternative embodiment, wherein more than one hair channel is provided. This is effected by having multiple concave heating members io8a, io8b and convex heating members 114a, 114b formed on the arms 100, 102. Here, the number of combs ii6 may be equal to the number of heating members io8a, io8b, 114a, 114b on each arm 100, 102 minus one. As such, in the example of Figures a and 5b in which there are two heating members iia, 114b positioned side-by-side on the upper arm 100, a single comb ii6 is located between the convex heating members n4a, 114b. In other words the comb ii6 is located on the inside edge in the width direction of each convex heating member 114a, 114b. Alternatively, the number of combs 116 may be equal to the number of heating members io8a, io8b, 114a, 114b on each arm 100, 102 plus one, with a comb 1i6 being present between each adjacent heating member io8a, io8b, 114a, 114b and at the outside edges, in the width direction of the arms 100, 102. Alternatively again, combs ii6 may be provided only at the outside edges in the width direction of the arms 100, 102.

Figure 6 shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm 100. This relates to all of the first to third embodiments. In it, one arrangement of the comb structure n6a, ii6b translation apparatus is shown wherein the comb structures ii6a n6b move in opposite directions. A mechanical slider 112 is coupled to a bar 128. The bar 128 has a toothed rack on one side of the free end. The toothed rack is positioned such that it interlocks with teeth of a gear wheel or pinion 306. The gear wheel 306 is rotatable around a central axis 308. The gear wheel 306 is fixed thereon a circular plate 306. The plate 306 supports the arms 122.

Extending from the plate 306 are two arms 302 of equal length. The arms 122 have connection points 302 affixed to each end thereof.

Affixed to the connection points 302 is a single wire ii8. The wire ii8 is guided around the upper arm 100 by guide wheels 312, 304. The comb structures ii6a, ii6b are affixed to the wire ii8. The comb structures ii6a, ii6b are guided along the translation channels 120. The gear wheel 306 is of such a size as to allow the comb structures ii6a, n6b to be at their maximum displacement, i.e. at the end of the translation channel 120, when the slider 112 is positioned fully forwards or fully to the rear.

In this arrangement, the first comb structure ii6a is positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards. The second comb structure r n6b is positioned fully forward when the slider 112 is fully forwards.

Displacement of the slider 112 is at a maximum 0.5 cm from its central position. Displacement of the comb structures n6a, ii6b is at a maximum 2 cm from their central position.

Figure 7 shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm 100 in a different configuration. This relates to all of the first to third embodiments. In it, a second possible arrangement of the comb structure translation apparatus is shown wherein the comb structures n6a, ii6b move in opposite directions. A mechanical slider 112 is coupled to a bar 128. The bar 128 has a toothed rack on one side of the free end. The toothed rack is positioned such that it interlocks with the teeth of a first gear wheel or pinion 306. The first gear wheel 306 pivots around a central axis 308. The first gear wheel 306 is fixed thereon a second gear wheel 404. The second gear wheel 404 has a greater diameter than the first gear wheel 306. The second gear wheel 404 is positioned such that it interlocks on both sides with a toothed rack 400, 402. The toothed racks 400, 402 are affixed on one side to a wire ii8.

The wire ii8 is guided around the upper arm 100 by guide wheels 312, 304. The comb structures n6a, ii6b are affixed to wire ii8. The comb structures ii6a, ii6b are guided along translation channels 120. The comb structures n6a, n6b are at their maximum displacement, i.e. at the end of the translation channel 120, when the slider 112 is positioned fully forwards or fully to the rear. In this arrangement, the first comb structure n6a is positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards. The second comb structure ii6b is positioned fully forward when the slider 112 is fully forwards. Displacement of the slider 112 is at a maximum 0.5 cm from its central position. Displacement of the comb structures 116a, ii6b is at a maximum 2cm from their central position. c\J r

Figure 8 shows a cut-away view from the top of the upper arm 100. This relates to all of the first to third embodiments. In it, a second possible arrangement of the comb structure translation apparatus in the embodiment wherein the comb structures n6a, ii6b move in the same r direction as each other is shown. A mechanical slider 112 is coupled to a first bar 128. The first bar 128 has fixed to its free end a second bar 122 connected perpendicularly at its centre. The second bar 122 is guided along a channel 500. The second bar 122 is able to translate forwards and backwards along the channel boo. Affixed to the outside of both sides of the second bar 122 is a third bar 502. The third bar 502 has a comb structure n6a, ii6b affixed to its outside edge. The comb structures 116a, ii6b are positioned within translation channels 120.

The comb structures ii6a, ii6b are restricted to movement forwards and backwards along the translation channel 120.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of an end-to-end system embodying aspects of the invention. This relates to the second and third embodiments. A power supply 6oo is coupled to an on/off switch 104. The power supply 600 is further coupled to an AC to DC converter 602. The power supply may be configured to manage an input voltage of 230V AC. Alternatively power supply may be configured to manage an input voltage of noV AC.

The AC to DC converter is coupled to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 604.

The CPU 604 has connected thereto a first switch 113. The first switch 113 is, for example, a push button switch, operable by the user. In some embodiments the first switch 113 is not required. The CPU 604 is configured to manage a second switch 606 and a third switch 622. The second switch 6o6 may be a transistor switch. The third switch 622 is also coupled to the power supply 6oo. The third switch 622 may be a transistor switch. The third switch 622 is further coupled to a terminal of a heating element 614. The heating element 614 may be a heating coil.

The heating element 614 is configured to heat the heating members io8, C\i 114 uniformly to a temperature of 230 degrees Celsius. The heating elements 614 may be within the heating members io8, 114. The heating members io8, 114 are insulated on the outside surface, for example the heating members io8, 114 may have a ceramic coating. A temperature 0 sensor 620 is used to measure the temperature of the heating members r io8, 114. The current temperature is indicated on an LCD display 6i8.

When the temperature reaches an upper threshold, e.g. 230 degrees Celsius, an audible indicator 628 may be activated by the CPU 604.

Additionally, or alternatively, an LED light 628 may switch off (or on).

The CPU 604 then cuts power to the heating element 614 by opening the third switch 622. When it is detected that the temperature of the heating element 614 has fallen to a lower threshold, e.g. 200 degrees Celsius, the CPU 604 closes the third switch 622, thus again applying power to the heating element 614.

The second switch 6o6 is activated by the CPU 604 in response to detecting that the first switch 113 has been activated. The second switch 6o6 is coupled to an actuator in the form of a motor 6o8. The motor 6o8 is configured to drive the comb translation mechanism 624. The comb translation mechanism 624 may be any implementation previously described. The CPU 604 is configured to activate the second switch 6o6 only long enough to allow the motor 6o8 to translate the comb structures 116a, ii6b from the fully forward position to the fully backwards position, or vice versa, according to the arrangements previously described.

In the third embodiment, the first switch 113 of Figure 9 is constituted by the sensor 128. The sensor 128 may be of any suitable form. For example, as described above, the sensor 128 may be an electrical switch that is switched into one state by mechanical connection with a feature, for instance a bump or protrusion. For instance, the switch 128 may be closed when it contacts the feature on the opposite arm, and opens when contact is not present. In this case, the apparatus is as shown in Figure C\I. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be a pressure sensor, which may be located under one of the heating members io8, 114. Alternatively, the sensor may be a light sensor. Here, the sensor on the first arm 100 is covered by the second arm 102 when the arms are closed together, such that the sensor 128 receives no light. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may r be a torque sensor in the pivot io6. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be the temperature sensor 620. Here, small differences in temperature can be determined, such that the arms 100, 102 are determined to be closed together when the temperature of a heating member io8, 114 is above a threshold level. This threshold level can only be reached due to the increased heat of having one heating member io8, 114 in close proximity to the other io8, 114. Alternatively, the sensor 128 may be a proximity sensor. Here, the heating members io8, 114 could be magnetised and the Hall effect could be used to determine their separation. In these alternatives, the sensor 128 replaces the switch 113 and the CPU 604 is configured to respond to the sensor 128 indicating that the apparatus 126 is in the closed position in the same way as described above in relation to the sensor 128 being a switch or the switch 113 being directly operable by a user.

To operate the hair waving apparatus 126 of the first embodiment, a user first manipulates the on/off switch 104 to switch the hair waver 126 on.

This powers up the CPU 604. Electrical power is controlled by the CPU 604 to be supplied to the heating element 614 thereby to heat the heating members io8, 114. This electrical power is used to heat the heating members io8, 114 to 230 degrees Celsius. Once this optimal temperature is reached, an LED 628 is illuminated, and/or the audible indicator 628 sounds. The user prior to application of the hair waver 126 to hair ensures that the slider 112 is located at one end of its range of movement, for instance all the way to the rear.

Once the hair waver 126 is heated to temperature, as indicated to the user by an LED 628 and/or the audible indicator 628, the user takes a lock of a subject's hair and pulls it taught. The lock of hair is then placed C\J between the heating members io8, 114. The subject may be the user or another person. The user then closes the arms 100, 102, trapping the lock of hair, by forcing the arms together against the resilience of the spring in the pivot io6. This forms a hair channel between the heating members io8, 114 in which the lock of hair is clamped. r

The user then slides the slider 112 to the other end of the range of movement, for instance all the way forwards. The slider 112 is operable by a thumb or finger of the same hand that the user used to close the upper and lower arms 100, 102 together. This causes translation of the comb structures n6a, n6b along the translation channels 120 to their maximum displacement. For example, the first comb structure n6a is positioned fully to the rear when the slider 112 is fully forwards. The second comb structure ii6b is positioned fully forward when the slider 112 is fully forwards. The lock of hair is held in the hair waver 126 in this position for a period of time, for instance 30 seconds. During the time, the hair waver 126 needs to be retained by the user at the same location.

If the hair waver is moved relative to the subject's head with sufficient force, the lock of hair would slip through the hair channel. If there is a relatively low force, movement of the hair in the hair channel is prevented by the clamping of the lock of hair between the heating members io8, 114.

In the first to third embodiments, with the comb translation mechanism 624 as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a two-dimensional wave is formed in the lock of hair that was clamped in the hair channel. The hair is forced forward on one side of the hair waving apparatus by the first comb structure ii6. The hair is forced backwards on the opposing side of the hair waving apparatus by the second comb n6b. This causes a wave in the axial direction of the arms 100, 102. A wave in a perpendicular direction is provided by the curved shape of the heating members io8, 114. These two waves are provided simultaneously, in one operation.

In the first to third embodiments, with the comb translation mechanism 624 as shown in Figure 8, a two-dimensional wave is formed in the lock of hair that was clamped in the hair channel with a wavelength of twice the width of the hair waving apparatus 126. In this operation, the hair needs to be clamped in the hair channel with such a force that it is not dragged along the hair channel by the comb structures ii6a, ii6b when they translate. In this way, the part of the lock that is central to the width direction of the heating elements remains substantially at the same location and the part of the lock that is at the edges of the heating elements in the width direction is moved by the combs, with movement at both edges being in the same direction.

In all embodiments, except the embodiments in which the heating members io8, 114 are planar, a second wave is formed transversely to the wave just described.

The user then releases the lock of hair from the hair channel by releasing the force of the arms 100, 102 together, causing opening the arms 100, 102 by action of the spring in the pivot io6. Here, the hair waver 126 can be removed from the lock of hair. The hair waver 126 is moved down the subject's head to a position below the starting point. The user then takes another part of the same lock of hair and the process described above is repeated. The position is chosen by the user such that a continuum in the wave in the hair is provided. Practically speaking, this requires moving the hair waver 126 to a position that is immediately below the part of the lock that was contained within the hair channel on the preceding heating operation.

With the next lock of hair, though, the combs start in the opposite locations.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various alternatives will be envisaged by the skilled person and are within the scope of this invention, unless specifically precluded by the claims. c\J

For instance, in some embodiments, not shown in Figures, both heating members io8, 114 are planar. In these embodiments, comb structure (0 n6a, ii6b translation operation may be as described in any previous embodiment. r

In some embodiments, the comb structures ii6a, ii6b may be located on the lower arm 102. In these embodiments, the comb channels 110 are located on the upper arm 100. In some embodiments, there is only a first comb structure n6a.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower arms 100, 102 are made of one piece of material. In this embodiment, the pivot io6 is an inherent feature of the design.

In some embodiments, the sprung pivot io6 is positioned such that the upper arm 100 and lower arm 102 extend beyond the pivot io6 on both sides. Thus, a scissor-like hair waving apparatus 126 is formed, which is operable with one hand.

Numerous positive effects and advantages are provided by the above described embodiments of the invention. The primary advantage is that it is easy to operate with one hand. To this end, an unskilled person may operate it and achieve the same results as a professional. The hair waving apparatus is operable in any orientation. The hair waving apparatus is also operable by either hand. c\J r

LU (0 r

Claims

Claims 1. Hair waving apparatus comprising: first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel when the first arm is closed against the second arm; at least one comb supported on one of the arms and arranged to extend alongside the heating member and the hair support member when the first arm is closed against the second arm; the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their C\J fingers towards their thumb; and a switch located on one of the arms such as to be operable by a thumb or finger of a hand of the user whilst the first and second arms are closed by the hand of the user, the apparatus being responsive to operation of the switch by translating the at least one comb once along the arm on which it is supported.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hair support member is a second heating member.
3. The apparatus of either preceding claim, wherein the switch is a mechanical sliding member that is mechanically linked to the at least one comb.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switch is an electrical switch and wherein the apparatus is responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause actuation of the at least one comb.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is responsive to operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the at least one comb in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a second time.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is responsive to the second operation of the electrical switch to cause movement of the at least one comb in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the electrical switch is operated for a third time.
7. The apparatus of any previous claim, comprising at least two combs, wherein the apparatus is configured to move two of the combs simultaneously in opposing directions in response to the operation of the switch. c\J
8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least two combs, wherein the apparatus is configured to move two of the combs in the same direction in response to the operation of the switch.
9. Hair waving apparatus comprising: first and second arms connected together at a pivot; a heating member extending along the first arm; a hair support member extending along the second arm; the heating member and the hair support member having corresponding shapes and being located such that they define a hair receiving channel when the first arm is closed against the second arm; at least one comb supported on one of the arms and arranged to extend alongside the heating member and the hair support member when the first arm is closed against the second arm; a sensor configured to detect when the first arm is closed against the second arm; an actuator configured to translate the at least one comb once along the arm on which it is supported in response to the sensor detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm; and the apparatus being configured such that a user can hold the apparatus with the fingers of one hand on the outside of one of the arms and the thumb of the same hand on the outside of the other of the arms such that the user can close the first and second arms by moving their fingers towards their thumb.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a light sensor.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor. c\J r
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor is an electrical switch.
14. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the hair support member is a second heating member.
15. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the apparatus is responsive to detection that the first arm is closed against the second arm to cause movement of the at least one comb in one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the first arm is closed against the second arm for a second time.
i6. The apparatus of claim i, wherein the apparatus is responsive to the second detection that the first arm is closed against the second arm to cause movement of the at least one comb in a direction opposite to the one direction and then to cease moving until it is detected that the first arm is closed against the second arm for a third time.
17. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 16, comprising at least two combs, wherein the apparatus is configured to move two of the combs simultaneously in opposing directions in response to detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm.
i8. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 16, comprising at least two combs, wherein the apparatus is configured to move two of the combs in the same direction in response to detecting that the first arm is closed against the second arm. I0 c\J rLU (0 r