CURLING IRON WITH INDEPENDENTLY PIVOTING CYLINDRICAL CLIP

Abstract

A curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip, comprising: a handle, a curling rod, a cylindrical clip, and a heating element. The curling rod and the cylindrical clip may be cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the curling rod may be larger than the diameter of the cylindrical clip. The cylindrical clip may be configured to independently pivot toward and away from the curling rod.

Claims

1. A curling iron, comprising: a handle; a curling rod; and a clip; wherein said curling rod and said clip are generally cylindrically shaped; wherein said clip independently pivots toward and away from said curling rod, such that said curling iron has a closed position and an open position; and wherein said curling rod and said clip are configured to apply tension to hair of a user when in a closed position.

2. The curling iron of claim 1, further comprising: a heating element;

3. The curling iron of claim 2, wherein said heating element heats only said clip.

4. The curling iron of claim 2, wherein said heating element heats only said curling rod.

5. The curling iron of claim 2, wherein said heating element heats both said clip and said curling rod.

6. The curling iron of claim 2, further comprising a temperature controller; wherein said temperature controller allows a temperature of said heating element to be manually adjusted.

7. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein a diameter of said curling rod is larger than a diameter of said clip.

8. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises one or more arms; wherein said one or more arms comprise a first arm and a second arm; wherein said curling rod is connected to a top portion of said first arm; and wherein said clip is connected to a top portion of said second arm.

9. The curling iron of claim 8, wherein a base portion of said first arm and a base portion of said second arm are connected together by a hinge; wherein said hinge is configured to guide an interaction between said curling rod and said clip.

10. The curling iron of claim 9, wherein said hinge comprises a spring that is configured to keep said first arm and said second arm apart when at rest, and said first arm and said second arm is configured to be moved closer relative to one another when said user applies pressure such as when the curling iron is in use.

11. The curling iron of claim 1, further comprising: a stand.

12. A curling iron, comprising: a handle; a curling rod; a heating element; a temperature controller; and a clip; wherein said curling rod and said clip are generally cylindrically shaped; wherein said clip independently pivots toward and away from said curling rod, such that said curling iron has a closed position and an open position; and wherein said curling rod and said clip are configured to apply tension to hair of a user when in a closed position.

13. The curling iron of claim 12, wherein said heating element heats both said clip and said curling rod; and wherein said temperature controller allows a temperature of said heating element to be manually adjusted.

14. The curling iron of claim 13, wherein a diameter of said curling rod is larger than a diameter of said clip; wherein said handle comprises one or more arms; wherein said one or more arms comprise a first arm and a second arm; wherein said curling rod is connected to a top portion of said first arm; and wherein said clip is connected to a top portion of said second arm.

15. The curling iron of claim 14, wherein a base portion of said first arm and a base portion of said second arm are connected together by a hinge; wherein said hinge is configured to guide the interaction between said curling rod and said clip; and wherein said curling rod and said clip are approximately the same length.

16. A curling iron, comprising: a handle; a curling rod; a heating element; a temperature controller; and a clip; wherein said curling rod and said clip are generally cylindrically shaped; wherein said clip independently pivots toward and away from said curling rod, such that said curling iron has a closed position and an open position; wherein said curling rod and said clip are configured to apply tension to hair of a user when in a closed position; wherein said heating element heats both said clip and said curling rod; wherein said temperature controller allows a temperature of said heating element to be manually adjusted; wherein said curling rod has a heat resistant curling rod tip at a distal end of said curling rod; and wherein said clip has a heat resistant clip tip at a distal end of said clip.

17. The curling iron of claim 16, wherein a diameter of said curling rod is larger than a diameter of said clip; wherein said handle comprises one or more arms; wherein said one or more arms comprise a first arm and a second arm; wherein said curling rod is connected to a top portion of said first arm; and wherein said clip is connected to a top portion of said second arm.

18. The curling iron of claim 17, wherein a base portion of said first arm and a base portion of said second arm are connected together by a hinge; wherein said hinge is configured to guide the interaction between said curling rod and said clip; and wherein said curling rod and said clip are approximately the same length.

19. The curling iron of claim 18, further comprising: a stand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position.

[0016] FIG. 2a is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in an open pivoted position.

[0017] FIG. 2b is an illustration of one embodiment of a spring.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a rear elevational view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a top plan view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a temperature controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0022] While some embodiments are disclosed here, other embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

[0023] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, may refer to a deviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a left side perspective view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, the curling iron 100 may comprise a handle 105, a curling rod 110, a cylindrical clip 115, and a power cord 120. A user may grasp the curling iron 100 by the handle 105 in order to hold the curling iron 100 in his or her hand. The handle 105 may be constructed from a heat resistant material and may withstand temperatures ranging from approximately 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 105 may comprise one or more arms 125, 130, a hinge 135, a power switch 140, and a temperature controller 145 (which may be digital or analog (such as a control dial)). The arms 125, 130 may comprise a first arm 125 and a second arm 130, and may be connected at their base 160 by the hinge 135. The hinge 135 may be configured to guide the interaction/pivoting between the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115. In a preferred embodiment, the arms 125, 130 may be approximately 5 to 6 inches in length. However, the arms 125, 130 may be any length so long as the curling iron 100 is able to be used by the user for the purpose desired by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the power switch 140 may be positioned on an inner portion of the first arm 125. The power switch 140 may be used to power the curling iron 100 on and off. In a preferred embodiment, temperature controller 145 may also be positioned on an inner portion of the first arm 125. The temperature controller 145 may allow a user to adjust the temperature of the curling rod 110 and/or the cylindrical clip 115 and may accommodate a variable temperature range of approximately 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature controller 145 may be digital, may include a temperature gauge, and/or may include a temperature control dial. Once the curling iron 100 is powered on, maximum heat of the curling rod 110 and/or cylindrical clip 115 may be achieved in approximately 30 to 60 seconds. When maximum heat is achieved, the user may be alerted by either a sound or light signal to notify the user that the curling iron 100 is ready for use.

[0027] The curling rod 110 may be connected to a top portion 165 of the first arm 125. In one embodiment, a top portion 170 of the curling rod 110 may comprise a heat resistant tip 150. Similarly, in one embodiment the cylindrical clip 115 may be positioned on a top portion 175 of the second arm 130 and a top portion 180 of the cylindrical clip 115 may comprise a heat resistant tip 155. In a preferred embodiment, the heat resistant tips 150, 155 may be the same diameter as the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115, respectively. The heat resistant tips 150, 155 may be approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in length such that a user may grasp, touch, or hold the heat resistant tips 150, 155 when styling and curling the hair in order to avoid burning his or her fingers.

[0028] The cylindrical clip 115 may provide a smooth and cylindrical surface for the user's hair to curl around the curling rod 110 and may lead to minimal damage during the curling process. Further, the cylindrical clip 115 may allow the user to maintain control of the hair without the user having to touch the heated surface of the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115. In this manner, the user may be protected from a potential burn risk to his or her hands and fingers when styling and curling the hair. In one embodiment, the cylindrical clip 115 may pivot independently from the curling rod 110 such that the user may control the amount of tension or pressure placed on the hair during the styling and curling process. For example, the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may each be connected to independently pivoting arms 125, 130. In another embodiment, the cylindrical clip 115 may orbit independently around the curling rod 110.

[0029] The curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may each comprise a heating element that distributes heat to the user's hair. The heating element may vary in temperature, ranging from approximately 170 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, based on the user's preferences. In one embodiment, the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may each comprise independently functioning heating elements such that the temperature of the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may be adjusted separately for a more customizable styling experience. However, the cylindrical clip 115 may also function without a heating element by placing tension on the user's hair in order to style and curl the hair without snagging or damaging the user's hair.

[0030] The curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may be manufactured from a smooth, heat transferring material to promote ease of styling and curling. In a preferred embodiment, the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may be constructed from a ceramic material or a combination ceramic material and tourmaline material. However, the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may be manufactured from any suitable material so long as it can withstand and/or conduct high levels of heat. The curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may be generally cylindrical in shape. However, the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may also be any shape lacking distinct or angular edges to prevent snagging and damaging the user's hair, such as elliptical or oblong.

[0031] A power cord 120 may be positioned at base 160 of the arms 125, 130 and hinge 135. In a preferred embodiment, the power cord 120 may be a soft swivel power cord 120 to prevent tangling of the power cord 120 when the curling iron 100 is in use. The power cord 120 may be connected to a power source to provide power to the heating element housed within the curling iron 100. In one embodiment, the curling iron 100 may be a cordless battery-operated design or a solar powered energy source. In one embodiment, the battery may be rechargeable. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element may be housed within the handle 105 to evenly distribute heat to the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115. By heating both the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115, static electricity that may otherwise be transferred to the user's hair may be minimized. In other embodiments, there may be two independent heating elements that separately heat the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115.

[0032] The curling iron 100 may be intended to contact the user's hair to transfer heat to the hair with the purpose of styling and curling the hair. To begin using the curling iron 100, the user may plug the power cord 120 into an appropriate outlet. The user may then adjust the temperature controller 145 to the desired temperature based on the desired style to be achieved and/or hair type of the user. Once the rod 110 and/or clip 115 have reached the desired temperature(s) set by the user, the user may begin styling and curling the hair. The user may begin this process by grasping a small section of the hair in one hand while holding the curling iron 100 by the handle 105 in the opposite hand. The user may wrap the small section of hair perpendicularly over or under the curling rod 110 either at the root of the hair or the base of the hair, and then use a pivoting motion provided by the pivoting hinge 135 to pivot the cylindrical clip 115 to a closed position to grasp the hair. The user may then easily adjust the tension placed on the hair by varying the grip between the arms 125, 130. With the small section of the user's hair placed between the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115, the user may rotate the curling iron 100 and vary the tension on the hair to allow the entire length of hair to pass through the curling iron 100 and to achieve the desired style and curl. The heat resistant tips 150, 155 on the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115 may allow the user to grip the top portion 170, 180 of the curling iron 100 to assist in maximizing control and to guide the range of motion, as well as to assist in varying tension on the user's hair while protecting the user's hand and fingers from a potential burn risk. The shape and smooth (low friction) surface of the cylindrical clip 115 may function to hold and guide the user's hair smoothly around the curling rod 110 to achieve the desired style and curl without snagging or damaging the user's hair and maintaining optimal control of the hair. The independently pivoting function of the cylindrical clip 115 may make it easy for the user to adjust tension placed on the hair and allow the user to guide the hair easily around the curling rod 110 to achieve maximum results and effortless curls. The primary use of the curling iron 100 is to style and curl the user's hair, but the curling iron 100 may be used in alternative ways discovered by the user. For example, the curling iron 100 may be used to style and curl a natural weave or wig made from human hair. The curling iron 100 may also be used to style and curl a synthetic weave or wig. When styling and curling a synthetic weave or wig, the temperature of the curling iron 100 may need to be adjusted depending on how much heat the synthetic weave or wig is able to withstand.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a left side perspective view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in an open pivoted position. As shown in FIG. 2, the hinge 135 may allow the arms 125, 130 to pivot toward and away from one another in a smooth and controlled manner, such that the user may engage and release a portion of hair positioned between the curling rod 110 and the cylindrical clip 115. The default position of the curling iron 100 may be the open pivoted position, at an approximately 15 to 25 degree angle 200, to allow the user to comfortably grasp the curling iron 100 in his or her hand.

[0034] When the curling iron 100 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 may make contact and be positioned parallel to one another, allowing the user to grasp and place tension on the hair along the entire length of the rod 110 and clip 115. The hinge 135 may provide a comfortable amount of resistance such that the tension placed on the hair may be easily varied when grasping and releasing the user's hair, providing the user with more control when styling and curling the hair. In one embodiment, the hinge 135 may be a sliding resistance track such that the arms 125, 130 may slide toward and away from one another.

[0035] The cylindrical clip 115 may have a clipping function that may be created by a spring that is located within the hinge 135 that connects the two heat resistant handles 125, 130. The spring may create tension between the two heat resistant handles 125, 130. The default position, due to the spring, of the cylindrical clip 115 may be an open position and the user controls the tension by applying pressure to the heat resistant handles 125, 130 to close the curling iron 100. When pressure is lessened, the spring forces the two handles 125, 130 apart.

[0036] FIG. 2b is an illustration of one embodiment of a spring. The spring 136 may comprise arms 137, 138 and spring hub 139. The arms 137, 138 may be configured to be at a base of the resistant handles 125, 130, and the hub 139 may be held in place by the hinge 135 (or more specifically by a hinge pin of hinge 135). The user may overcome the tension in spring hub 139 by pressing handles 125, 130 together, which cause arms 137, 138 to also come together.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 may make contact, the hinge 135 and/or the spring may lock in place in a closed position so that the user does not have to constantly apply pressure. The user may then unlock the hinge and allow the handles 125, 130 to come apart until they are in the resting position.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the curling iron 100 may further comprise a stand 225 that may be incorporated into or operatively coupled into the handle 105 to elevate the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 when placed on a surface. This may prevent the curling iron 100 from burning or otherwise damaging the work surface when set down. The stand 225 may be configured to fold against the handle 105 for portability.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a rear elevational view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 3, the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 may be the same length. In a preferred embodiment, the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 may be approximately 5 to 7 inches long. Although the curling rod 110 and cylindrical clip 115 may be cylindrical in shape, they may vary in diameter. For example, the curling rod 110 may have a larger diameter than and cylindrical clip 115 (as shown in FIG. 3). Although the cylindrical clip 115 may be the same length and shape as the curling rod 110, the cylindrical clip 115 may be a different length and shape than the curling rod 110. The cylindrical clip 115 may be any size and shape so long as it may help guide the user's hair around the curling rod 110, while preventing snagging of the hair.

[0040] The arms 125, 130 of the curling iron 100 may comprise a first arm 125 and a second arm 130. The base 160 of the arms 125, 130 may be connected together by a hinge 135, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the base 400 of the second arm 130 may be approximately 1 to 2 inches wide. The width of the second arm 130 may taper towards the top 175 of the second arm 130 where the second arm 130 connects with the cylindrical clip 115. FIG. 3 shows that the handle 105 may be long enough for the user to easily grasp and manipulate the iron 100. FIG. 3 also shows how the length of the clip 115 and rod 110 are preferably long enough to interact with a significant portion of hair, yet short enough to be managed by the user.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a top plan view of one embodiment of the curling iron with independently pivoting cylindrical clip in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 4, the diameter of the curling rod 110 may be larger than the diameter of the cylindrical clip 115. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the curling rod 110 may be approximately 1 inch, and the diameter of the cylindrical clip 115 may be approximately ¼ inch. However, the curling iron 100 may be designed with varying proportions, while still maintaining the larger diameter of the curling rod 110 and the smaller diameter of the cylindrical clip 115. FIG. 4 also shows how the rod 110 and clip 115 may apply tension to the hair when the iron 100 is in the closed position. FIG. 4 also shows that the design of iron 100 allows the user to easily loop hair around the rod 110 and/or clip 115.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a temperature controller. FIG. 5 shows that the handle 105 may comprise arm 125, which may comprise temperature controller 145. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the temperature controller 145 may comprise display 147 and controls 146. The user may use the controls 146 to set the desired temperature of the rod 110 and/or clip 115.

[0043] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. These embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0044] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.