UNIVERSAL HAIRSTYLING DEVICE ATTACHMENT AND AN INTERCHANGEABLE ACCESSORIES SET

Abstract

The present invention relates to a universal hairstyling device attachment that enhances the versatility of hairstyling tools. The attachment comprises a body with a first fixed jaw and a second fixed jaw, both equipped with inward-facing teeth and sliding engagement surfaces. A screw mechanism allows these jaws to be selectively brought together or separated. Connected to these fixed jaws are two movable jaws, each featuring inward-facing teeth and ledges, and linked by tension springs. The second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot for receiving hairstyling accessories. Each accessory has a working surface for interacting with hair and an insertion portion designed to fit securely into the insertion slot. This configuration allows for quick interchangeability of accessories, enabling the hairstyling device to adapt to various styling needs efficiently.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. A hairstyling device attachment comprising: a body comprising: a first fixed jaw; and a second fixed jaw, the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw being slidably engageable; a screw mechanism configured to selectively bring together or separate the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw: a first movable jaw connected to the first fixed jaw with a first connection mechanism; and, a second movable jaw connected to the second fixed jaw with a second connection mechanism; wherein the first movable jaw and the second movable jaw each further comprise an inward-facing ledge, each configured to engage a surface of a hairstyling device.

4. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 3, wherein the second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot configured to receive a hairstyling accessory.

5. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first movable jaw or the second movable jaw further comprises a set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device.

6. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first fixed jaw or the second fixed jaw further comprises a first set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device.

7. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first movable jaw or the second movable jaw further comprises a second set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device, such that the first set of inward-facing teeth is not flush with the second set of inward-facing teeth.

8. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 7, further comprising at least one hairstyling accessory having an insert portion and a working surface configured to interact with hair during use, wherein the second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot configured to receive the insert portion of the at least one hairstyling accessory.

9. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 8, wherein the at least one hairstyling accessory includes an insert portion configured to be inserted into the insertion slot.

10. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 9, wherein the working surface extends away from the insert portion of the at least one hairstyling accessory.

11. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 9, wherein a minimal distance between the internal portion of a ledge and a spanning surface of the attachment device is 6 millimeters.

12. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 9, wherein a minimal distance between the teeth of the first movable jaw and the teeth of the second movable jaw is 20 millimeters.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. A hairstyling device attachment and interchangeable accessories set comprising: a body comprising: a first fixed jaw; and a second fixed jaw, the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw being slidably engageable; a first connection mechanism configured to selectively bring together or separate the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw; a first movable jaw connected to the first fixed jaw with a second connection mechanism; and, a second movable jaw connected to the second fixed jaw with a third connection mechanism; wherein the first movable jaw and the second movable jaw each further comprise an inward-facing ledge, each configured to engage a surface of a hairstyling device.

16. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 15, wherein the second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot configured to receive a hairstyling accessory.

17. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first movable jaw or the second movable jaw further comprises a first set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device.

18. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first fixed jaw or the second fixed jaw further comprises a second set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device.

19. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first movable jaw or the second movable jaw further comprises a set of inward-facing teeth configured to engage a surface of the hairstyling device, such that the first set of inward-facing teeth is not flush with the second set of inward-facing teeth.

20. The hairstyling device attachment of claim 15, further comprising at least one hairstyling accessory having an insert portion and a working surface configured to interact with hair during use, wherein the second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot configured to receive the insert portion of the at least one hairstyling accessory.

21. A hairstyling device attachment comprising: a body comprising: a first fixed jaw; and a second fixed jaw, the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw being slidably engageable; a screw mechanism configured to selectively bring together or separate the first fixed jaw and the second fixed jaw; a first movable jaw connected to the first fixed jaw with a first connection mechanism; and, a second movable jaw connected to the second fixed jaw with a second connection mechanism; wherein the second fixed jaw includes an insertion slot configured to receive a hairstyling accessory; and, wherein the first fixed jaw does not include an insertion slot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hairstyling device attachment;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional left-side elevation view thereof, taken along line A-A in FIG. 4;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a partial left-side elevation view thereof, with the internal springs exposed for clarity;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof; and,

[0010] FIG. 5 is a left-side elevation view of the hairstyling device attachment combined with a hairstyling accessory, with a second accessory shown nearby in a disconnected state. The hairstyling device attachment is engaged with an exemplary surface of a hairstyling device.

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following description, to better understand the aforementioned purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It should be noted that these details and examples are provided to merely aid in understanding the descriptions, and they do not, in any way, limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented in other modes different from those described herein and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0013] The specification may refer to an, one or some embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. A single feature of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0014] Although throughout this disclosure the hairstyling device attachment may be referenced as being used with specific types of hairstyling devices (e.g., a hair straightener), such use should not be considered as limiting to the invention. Rather, the invention can be used with a plurality of hairstyling devices, including but not limited to curling irons, curling wands, flat irons, crimping irons, hot air brushes, hair dryers (blow dryers), hot rollers, hair wavers, hair steamers, and straightening brushes.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the hairstyling device attachment, generally designated as 100, comprises several key components that work together to provide a universal adjustable grip on a hairstyling device.

[0016] The body of the attachment includes a first fixed jaw 110 and a second fixed jaw 120. The first fixed jaw 110 is equipped with inward-facing teeth 160 designed to engage the surface of the hairstyling device. It also includes a sliding engagement surface 240, which allows it to slidably engage the second fixed jaw 120. Similar to the first fixed jaw 110, the second fixed jaw 120 also has inward-facing teeth 160 for a secure grip and a sliding engagement surface 250. It is additionally equipped with an insertion point 410 for accommodating various hairstyling accessories.

[0017] In some embodiments, the teeth are constructed of rubber, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), nylon, textured metal, cork, or any combination thereof.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed jaws are configured to be slidably engageable, facilitated by a screw mechanism 150. This mechanism allows the user to selectively bring the first fixed jaw 110 and the second fixed jaw together or separate them as needed, ensuring a customizable fit around different hairstyling devices. In some embodiments, an alternative attachment and engagement means, such as a tension spring, can be used to move the fixed jaws towards one another.

[0019] The attachment further includes two movable jaws connected to the fixed jaws: a first movable jaw 130 and a second movable jaw 140. The first movable jaw 130 is connected to the first fixed jaw 110 via a first connection mechanism, which in the preferred embodiment is a tension spring 310 mounted to spring connection point 320 located within the second fixed jaw 140. This jaw features inward-facing teeth 170 and a ledge 220, both designed to engage the hairstyling device. Similarly, the second movable jaw 140 is connected to the second fixed jaw 120 through a second connection mechanism (the second movable jaw's tension spring not shown). It has its own respective inward-facing teeth 170 and ledge 210. The tension springs allow for some flexibility and movement to accommodate various shapes and sizes of hairstyling devices.

[0020] In some embodiments, an alternative attachment and engagement means, such as a screw mechanism, can be used to move the movable jaws towards their respective fixed jaws.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the hairstyling device attachment 100 is designed to work with a variety of interchangeable hairstyling accessories 500. The preferred embodiment includes at least one hairstyling accessory.

[0022] Each hairstyling accessory includes a working surface 520 that interacts with hair and an insertion portion 510 configured to fit into the insertion slot 410 of the second fixed jaw 120. In the depicted embodiment, a second accessory that can be readily swapped with the inserted accessory is shown nearby in a disconnected state. This approach allows users to switch between different styling tools quickly, adapting the device to various styling needs without the need for multiple separate devices.

[0023] Further depicted in FIG. 5 is the hairstyling device attachment's engagement with an exemplary surface of the hairstyling device 530, the surface being depicted in dash-dot lines.

[0024] In some embodiments, the minimal distance between the internal portion of a ledge and a spanning surface of the attachment device is 6 millimeters.

[0025] In some embodiments, the minimal distance between the teeth of the first movable jaw and the teeth of the second movable jaw is 20 millimeters.

[0026] In some embodiments, the teeth of the first movable jaw and the teeth of the first fixed jaw are flush.

[0027] In some embodiments, the teeth of the second movable jaw and the second of the first fixed jaw are flush.

[0028] Although primarily screw mechanisms and tension spring mechanisms are described and depicted as the connection and clamping mechanisms used by the attachment throughout the disclosure, other mechanisms such as cam mechanisms, ratchet mechanisms, magnetic mechanisms, elastic bands, and the like can also be used.

[0029] This disclosed invention is adapted for users to perform the comb chase method for straightening hair. This method involves using a comb to follow or chase a flat iron or hairstyling device as it glides down a section of hair and typically works as follows: First, the hair is divided into manageable sections, often clipped up to keep them separate. Next, a comb is inserted at the root of a section of hair. As the flat iron is slowly moved down the length of the hair, the comb follows closely behind, helping to detangle the hair and ensure each strand is evenly straightened. The tension created by the comb helps to smooth the hair more effectively, reducing frizz and creating a sleeker finish. This method is particularly useful for achieving a smooth, straight look because the comb helps to align the hair strands and evenly distribute the heat from the flat iron. It can be especially beneficial for individuals with curly or textured hair, as it ensures a more uniform straightening process. By attaching a hairstyling accessory to a flat iron or hairstyling device using the attachment, a user can perform the comb chase method with one hand instead of two, greatly reducing the effort and complexity required to straighten their hair.

[0030] In conclusion, the hairstyling device attachment and interchangeable accessories set provides a versatile, secure, and user-friendly solution for enhancing the functionality of conventional hairstyling devices. The combination of fixed and movable jaws, along with the easily interchangeable accessories, offers a customizable styling experience suitable for a wide range of hair types and styling preferences.

[0031] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.