Hair iron

Abstract

 A hair iron includes a first holding portion having a first hair holding surface and a second holding portion having a second hair holding surface configured to hold hair with the first hair holding surface. The first holding portion includes a protrusion configured to guide hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second holding surface toward the second holding portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair iron.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-198984 discloses a related hair iron including: a pair of grips which are openably provided by turnably joining base ends to each other; and heat generators (holding portions) of a flat shape which are provided to be opposed to each other on tip end sides of the respective grips and are provided with curling portions respectively on back sides thereof.

[0003] According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-198984, the hair is styled by pulling the hair iron down along the hair with the hair held between the heat generators (the holding portions) opposed to each other, and with unheld portions of the hair pressed against the curling portions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the above described related art, however, the hair iron cannot curl the hair only by holding the hair between the heat generators (the holding portions) because the heat generators are formed in the flat shape, and thereby may fail to set the hair into a desired style.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a hair iron which is capable of more certainly setting the hair into a desired style.

[0006] An aspect of the present invention is a hair iron comprising a first holding portion having a first hair holding surface; and a second holding portion having a second hair holding surface configured to hold hair with the first hair holding surface, wherein the first holding portion includes a protrusion configured to guide hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second holding surface toward the second holding portion.

[0007] According to this aspect, the first holding portion is provided with the protrusion configured to guide the hair toward the second holding portion when holding the hair between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface. Thereby, the hair can be pushed toward the second holding portion by use of the protrusion. As a result, it is possible to style the hair by use of the protrusion, and thereby to style the hair more certainly. Hence, it is possible to set the hair more certainly into a desired style.

[0008] The protrusion may be provided at an end portion of the first holding portion in an extending direction of hair to be held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, and extend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the hair is held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, the protrusion is provided in the end portion of the first holding portion in the extending direction of the hair and in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the hair. For this reason, it is possible to push the hair more evenly toward the second holding portion when the hair is held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.

[0010] The protrusion may be provided at each of both end portions of the first holding portion in an extending direction of hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, and extend in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair.

[0011] According to this configuration, the protrusions are provided in both end portions of the first holding portion in the extending direction of the hair in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the hair. For this reason, it is possible to style the hair more certainly, and the directions of the hair tips need not be taken into consideration when holding the hair. This improves usability of the hair iron.

[0012] The protrusion may have a peak in an arc shape.

[0013] According to this configuration, since the peak of the protrusion is formed substantially in the shape of an arc, it is possible to reduce a load to be applied to the hair when the hair is held between the protrusion and the second hair holding surface, and thereby to reduce damage on the hair.

[0014] The first holding portion may include: a holding portion main body; and a hair holding member including the first hair holding surface and being supported by the holding portion main body. The hair holding member may be supported to be reciprocable relative to the holding portion main body in a direction normal to the first hair holding surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, the hair holding member is supported by the holding portion main body in a way to be reciprocable relative to the holding portion main body in the direction normal to the first hair holding surface. By rendering the first hair holding surface movable as described above, it is possible to suppress application of an excessive load to the hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, and thereby to suppress damage on the hair. Moreover, since a step is defined between the peak of the protrusion and the first hair holding surface by relatively moving the hair holding member in the direction normal to the first hair holding surface. Hence, it is possible to style the hair even more certainly.

[0016] A peak of the protrusion may be adapted to extend over a plane including the second hair holding surface when hair is held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the hair is held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface while disposing the second holding portion with the second hair holding surface facing upward, the second hair holding surface can be located above the peak of the protrusion. For this reason, it is possible to style the hair between the peak of the protrusion and the first hair holding surface, and thereby to style the hair much more certainly.

[0018] At least one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion may include a heat generator configured to heat hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.

[0019] According to this configuration, by providing the heat generator configured to apply heat to the hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, the hair, in which the hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken by application of thermal energy, can be pushed toward the second holding portion. Hence, it is possible to style the hair more certainly.

[0020] The first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface may have a photocatalytic function.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the hair holding surface is provided with the photocatalytic function, it is possible to impart a sterilizing function, a deodorizing function, and the like to the hair holding surface.

[0022] The first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface may contain titanium dioxide.

[0023] According to this configuration, by using titanium dioxide as the material to provide the hair holding surface with the photocatalytic function, it is possible to impart a hydrophilic property to the hair holding surface. By imparting the hydrophilic property to the hair holding surface, it is possible to provide the hair with smooth and moist textures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hair iron according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the hair iron according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hair iron according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates cross-sectional views showing actions of a holding member of the hair iron according to the embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state of causing holding surfaces to abut on each other, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the holding member sinks down as the hair iron is closed more tightly.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates views showing a slide member according to the embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a cross-sectional view of a state before sliding, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a state after sliding.

Fig. 8 is a view showing an interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the sliding member and the setting member before their abutment.

Fig. 9 is a view showing the interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the insides of the sliding member and the setting member before their abutment.

Fig. 10 is a view showing the interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the sliding member and the setting member which abut on each other.

Fig. 11 is a view showing the interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the insides of the sliding member and the setting member which abut on each other.

Fig. 12 is a view showing the interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the sliding member and the setting member which are attached together.

Fig. 13 is a view showing the interlock between the sliding member and the setting member according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is a plan view of the insides of the sliding member and the setting member which are attached together.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of coating a surface of a plate member with a photocatalyst according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of containing a photocatalyst in a surface of a plate member according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a vertical direction is defined based on a hair iron in a state where a first hair holding surface and a second hair holding surface are caused to abut on each other and the second hair holding surface faces upward. Moreover, the description will be made on the assumption that a holding portion-side of the hair iron is defined as the front while a grip portion-side thereof is defined as the back.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a hair iron 1 according to this embodiment is designed for use in a hair iron device 100 which is capable of attaching a setting member 10 for styling the hair H detachably to the hair iron 1.

[0027] In this embodiment, the hair iron 1 includes an upper arm portion 2 and a lower arm portion 3 which are joined so as to be spreadable substantially into a V-shape by use of a turnable joint 4. The hair iron 1 can brings tip ends of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 close to and away from each other by relatively turning the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 by use of the turnable joint 4. In this embodiment, an upper hair holding surface 22a and a lower hair holding surface 32a to be described later are brought close to and away from each other in response to the relative turn between the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3.

[0028] In this embodiment, a tubular portion 3c opened upward is provided at a portion of the lower arm portion 3 in the vicinity of the turnable joint 4, as well as a tubular portion 2c opened downward and insertable into the tubular portion 3c is provided at a portion of the upper lower arm portion 2 in the vicinity of the turnable joint 4. A coil spring 5 is disposed in a space portion formed between the tubular portion 2c and the tubular portion 3c. The coil spring 5 biases the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 so as for them to spread away from each other. The tubular portion 2c is inserted into the tubular portion 3c so as to avoid displacement between the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 in a width direction when closing the hair iron 1. In this embodiment, the turn of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion in the spreading direction is restricted by a stopper, which is not illustrated.

[0029] An upper grip portion 2a and a lower grip portion 3a are respectively provided in portions close to the turnable joint 4 (on a back side of the hair iron 1) of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3, as well as an upper holding portion (a first holding portion) 2b and a lower holding portion (a second holding portion) 3b are respectively provided on tip end sides thereof.

[0030] The upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b are respectively provided with an upper hair holding surface (a first hair holding surface) 22a and a lower hair holding surface (a second hair holding surface) 32a, which can abut on each other when the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 are turned in a closing manner.

[0031] In this embodiment, the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b are respectively provided with a heater 23 and a heater 33 serving as heat generators as shown in Fig. 3.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, a curling portion 10e for curling the hair H is provided on an outer surface of the setting member 10.

[0033] The hair H is set into a curled style or a straight style by: holding the hair H between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a formed on the tip end sides of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3; and applying heat generated by the heater 23 and the heater 33 to the hair H through the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a.

[0034] For example, the setting of the hair H into a curled style is carried out as follows. First, the heated upper holding portion 2b and the heated lower holding portion 3b are opposed each other, and the hair H is disposed between the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b so as for the hair to extend in the width direction of the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b. Subsequently, base end sides of the hair H, which are not held between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a, are pressed against the curling portion 10e of the setting member 10 while turning the hair iron device 100 with the hair H being held therebetween.. Then, the hair iron device 100 is pulled down while sliding the hair iron device 100 along the hair H with the hair H pressed against the curling portion 10e of the setting member 10, thereby setting the hair into the curled style.

[0035] It is possible to set the hair into a straight style either by using the hair iron device 100 with no setting member 10 attached thereto, or by preparing a setting member for straight hair styling and using the hair iron device 100 with this setting member attached thereto. The setting of the hair H into the straight style is achieved by pulling the hair iron 100, which holds the hair between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a, down toward the hair tips while sliding the hair iron 100 along the hair H without rotation.

[0036] As described above, the hair iron device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to style the hair H by styling the hair H with the heat.

[0037] When using the hair iron device 100 without attaching the setting member, it is also possible to style the hair H by utilizing the upper and lower holding portions.

[0038] In this embodiment, the width direction of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b and the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b corresponds to a direction in which the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a extends while the hair H are being held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a.. A longitudinal direction of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b and the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b corresponds to a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the hair H.

[0039] The upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 described above include a case 20 and a case 30 constituting outer walls. The case 20 and the case 30 are each formed by joining multiple separated parts together. Hollows are formed inside the case 20 and the case 30, and various electric components are housed in these hollows.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig, 4, the case 20 having the hollow inside is formed by: engaging a protrusion provided on an upper end of a lower case 20b opened upward with a groove portion provided on a lower end of an upper case 20a opened downward; and then integrating the upper case 20a and the lower case 20b together by welding or using an adhesive, screws, or the like.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the case 30 having the hollow inside is formed by: engaging a protrusion provided on a lower end side portion of an upper case 30a opened downward with a groove portion provided on an upper end side portion of a lower case 30b opened upward; and then integrating the upper case 30a and the lower case 30b by welding or using an adhesive, screws, or the like.

[0042] Protruded beams 20d and protruded beams 30e extending in the longitudinal direction of the case 20 and the case 30 are provided on both side portions in the width direction of the case 20 and the case 30.

[0043] The protruded beams 20d and the protruded beams 30e are provided on the case 20 and the case 30 close to the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b such that: their front ends protrude forward from the front shorter sides of the upper and lower hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a; and thier back ends protrude backward from the rear shorter sides of the upper and lower hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a in a side view.

[0044] By providing the case 20 and the case 30 with the protruded beams 20d and the protruded beams 30e extending in the longitudinal direction as described above, it is possible to reduce contact areas of the case 20 and the case 30 with the scalp and the skin of a user or the like when using the hair iron device 100. Because surface areas of the case 20 and the case 30 are increased by providing the protruded beams 20d and the protruded beams 30e extending in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to radiate heat more efficiently. In other words, the protruded beams 20d and the protruded beams 30e also function as radiators.

[0045] In this embodiment, the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b and the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b are formed by causing the case (a holding portion main body) 20 and the case (a holding portion main body) 30 to support a hair holding member 21 provided with the upper hair holding surface 22a and a hair holding member 31 provided with the lower hair holding surface 32a.

[0046] To put it concretely, the hair holding member 21 and the hair holding member 31 include a plate portion 22 and a plate portion 32 each having a substantially platy shape. The upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a each having a substantially flat shape are formed on surfaces of the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32. In this embodiment, each of the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a is formed into a substantially rectangular shape which is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the case 20 in a plan view as shown in Fig. 1.

[0047] In each of the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32, both ends in the width direction (the same direction as the width direction of the first holding portion and the second holding portion) are bent toward an inner side of the case 20 or the case 30. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 4, curved surfaces 22d and curved surfaces 32d protruding obliquely outward in a cross-sectional view in the width direction are respectively formed on both ends in the width direction of the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a.

[0048] A housing portion 24 and a housing portion 34 for housing the heater 23 and the heater 33 are formed inside the case 20 and the case 30 of the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32. The heater 23 and the heater 33 housed in the housing portion 24 and the housing portion 34 are caused to abut on rear surfaces of the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32, respectively.

[0049] The plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32 are preferably made of a material having high electric conductivity such as copper or aluminum so as to transfer heat to the hair H effectively.

[0050] In this embodiment, PTC heaters (positive temperature coefficient heaters) are used as the heater 23 and the heater 33. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve continuous temperature control. Although this embodiment is shown as an example in which the PTC heaters are used as the heater 23 and the heater 33, the invention is not limited only to this configuration. Nichrome-wire heaters or other heating means may be used instead. The heater (the heat generator) may be provided on only one out of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b and the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b.

[0051] A control circuit 6 configured to control temperatures and the like of the heater 23 and the heater 33 is housed in the case 20. The heater 23 and the heater 33 are connected to the control circuit 6 by use of lead wires 8. In this embodiment, the temperatures of the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hear holding surface 32a can be set stepwise. As shown in Fig. 4, the hollow inside the case 20 is defined by use of a packing 80 provided with through holes 81 for inserting the lead wires 8 between the control circuit 6 and the plate portion 22. A waterproof effect of the control circuit 6 is enhanced by providing the packing 80. A power supply cord 72 is drawn out of a back end 1a of the hair iron 1.

[0052] An operating switch 7 is provided to a portion of the case 20 close to the upper grip portion 2a. It is possible to turn power of the heater 23 and the heater 33 on and off by operating the operating switch 7. Once the power is supplied to the heart 23 and the heater 33 by operating this switch 7, the heater 23 and the heater 33 generate the heat, and the heat is transferred from the heater 23 and the heater 33 to the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32. Thereby, the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32 are heated.

[0053] In this embodiment, a thermistor 73 is attached to the heater 23 as shown in Fig. 3. The temperatures of the heater 23 and the heater 33 are controlled by use of a resistance value of the thermistor 73 which varies with change in temperature of the heater 23. Reference numeral 74 denotes a fuse. The fuse 74 is provided in order to cut off power to the heater 23 and the heater 33 if the temperature of any of the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a exceeds a predetermined temperature due to a failure of the control circuit 6 and the like.

[0054] Two temperature control switches 70a and 70b are provide in a portion of the case 20 close to the upper grip portion 2a. By operating the two temperature control switches 70a and 70b, it is possible to change set temperatures of the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a. This embodiment exemplifies a configuration to switch the set temperature into five steps. Five lighting units 71 lit by LED lamps, which are not illustrated, are provided on the case 20 so that a current set temperature can be recognized by lighting any of the lighting units 71 corresponding to the respective steps, for example.

[0055] In this embodiment, the upper holding portion 2b is provided with protrusions 20c that protrude downward, which are configured to guide the hair H toward the lower holding portion 3b when holding the hair H between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a.

[0056] The protrusions 20c are provided on both sides in the width direction of the upper holding portion 2b in a way to extend in the longitudinal direction of the upper holding portion 2b. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the protrusions 20c are provided extending on outsides in the width direction in the vicinities of longer edges of the upper hair holding surface 22a in a way to have substantially the same length as the longer edges of the upper hair holding surface 22a.

[0057] Each of the protrusions 20c is formed substantially in a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view in the width direction such that a peak 20f of the protrusion 20c protrudes downward.

[0058] The protrusions 20c are preferably made of a heat resistant resin or a metal material (which has a high electric conductivity such as copper or aluminum).

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the hair holding member 21 is supported reciprocable relative to the case (holding portion main body) 20 in a vertical direction (a direction normal to the first hair holding surface).

[0060] To be more specific, the hair holding member 21 is rendered vertically movable relative to the case 20 by supporting four corners of the hair holding member 21 with four float springs 9 disposed inside the case 20. The hair holding member 21 is prevented from coming off the case 20 by engaging stopper members 25 provided on the hair holding portion 21 with stopper portions 20e provided on the lower case 20b. In other words, in this embodiment, the hair holding member 21 is supported vertically movably on the case 20 by use of biasing forces of the float springs 9.

[0061] As described above, by supporting the hair holding member 21 vertically movably relative to the case 20, the hair H is pressed downward by the protrusions 20c when the case moves downward relative to the case 30 as shown in Fig. 4(b).

[0062] When the stopper members 25 are engaged with the stopper portions 20e, it is preferable that a backlash of the hair holding member 21 should be able to be suppressed by biasing the hair holding member 21 downward with the float springs 9. In this embodiment, the four corners of the hair holding member 21 are supported by the float springs 9. However, the locations and the number of the float springs to be provided can be appropriately set up. A movable range in the vertical direction of the hair holding member 21 is preferably set in a range of about 0 to 3 mm. An amount of movement equal to or above 3 mm leads to an increase in a load to be applied to the hair held therebetween or in friction which occurs when pulling the hair iron device 100 downward. Accordingly, there is a risk of complicating the smooth movement of the hair iron device 100 along the hair H.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the hair holding member 31 is placed on a mount portion 30f which is made of a rib or the like and provided on the lower case 30b. The case 30 is caused to support the hair holding member 31 by holding the hair holding member 31 between the mount portion 30f and a flange 30g formed on the upper case 30a. The hair holding member 31 is supported by the case 30 in a way to exposes the lower hair supporting surface 32a inclusive of the curved surfaces 32d, i.e., in a way to cause the lower hair holding surface 32a including the curved surfaces 32 to protrude upward from the flange 30g.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the hair H is held between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a while disposing the lower holding portion 3b with the lower hair holding surface facing upward, the lower hair holding surface 32a can be located above the peaks 20f of the protrusions 20c.

[0065] To be more specific, the hair holding member 21 is rendered reciprocable relative to the case in the vertical direction, and the hair holding member 31 is supported by the case 30 in a way that the lower hair holding surface 32a protrudes upward from the flange 30g. Thereby, the hair holding member 21 is pressed upward by the lower hair holding surface 32a, when the hair iron 1 is closed. Then, the case 20 is moved downward relative to the hair holding member 21 by pressure using the lower hair holding surface 32a as shown in Fig. 4(b), so that the peaks 20f of the protrusions 20c can be located below an imaginary plane (corresponding to the lower hair holding surface 32a) X.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 6, the setting member 10 includes: a bottom wall 10c; side walls 10b projectingly provided upward from both ends in the width direction of the bottom wall 10c; and a rib 10a extending substantially horizontally and inward from upper ends of both of the side walls 10b. Moreover, an aperture is formed on an upper part thereof. A front end wall 10d is formed at a front end of the bottom wall 10c, and the rib 10a extending substantially horizontally and backward from an upper end of this front end wall 10d is also provided to this front end wall 10d. Accordingly, the setting member 10 is open in its rear and upward. The setting member 10 is attached to the lower holding portion 3b by: inserting this setting member 10 from the front of the lower holding portion 3b; and sliding the setting member 10 toward the back side.

[0067] A fitting recessed portion 10f is provided at a back portion of the bottom wall 10c. When this fitting recessed portion 10f is fitted to a fitting protrusion 61 on an attachment button 60 to be described later, the setting member 10 is attached to the lower holding portion 3b, and the setting member 10 is prevented from coming off the lower holding portion 3b.

[0068] The attachment button 60 is provided with a spring receiving cylinder 62 that protrudes into the case 30, and a coil spring 63 is interposed between this spring receiving cylinder 62 and a spring receiver 30h provided inside the case 30. This attachment button 60 is fitted to the case 30 while biased toward the outside of the case by the coil spring 63.

[0069] The fitting between the fitting recessed portion 10f and the fitting protrusion 61 is released by pressing the attachment button 60 inward against the biasing force of the coil spring 63 while fitting the fitting recessed portion 10f to the fitting protrusion 61. Hence, it is possible to detach the setting member 10.

[0070] Specifically, the fitting recessed portion 10f provided in the setting member 10 and the fitting protrusion 61 provided on the hair iron 1 correspond to fitting portions to be detachably fitted to each other.

[0071] In this embodiment, a recessed curved surface 10j is formed in an inner lower part in the width direction of the rib 10a, and this recessed curved surface 10j is slidably engageable with a projecting curved surface 30i formed on an upper end of the upper case 30a. The bottom wall 10c includes a groove portion 10k configured to guide a lower end portion 30j of the lower case 30b. Notches 10i are formed in back parts of the rib 10a. When the setting member 10 is attached to the lower holding portion 3b, a fitting plate portion 30d having a narrow width (see Fig. 8), which is formed on a top wall 30c of the case 30, is fitted to the notches 10i.

[0072] A back end surface 10g functions as a pressing surface configured to press and slide a sliding member 50 to be described later when sliding and attaching the setting member 10 to the lower holding portion 3b.

[0073] The curling portions 10e which are curved at a predetermined curvature are formed on the side walls 10b of the setting member 10.

[0074] Each of the curling portions 10e is formed in a way to be located below the lower hair holding surface 32a when disposing the lower holding portion 3b with the lower hair holding surface 32a facing upward while attaching the setting member 10 to the lower holding portion 3b (in the state as shown in Fig. 4).

[0075] When disposed as shown in Fig. 4, first protrusions 10h protruding upward are provided on an upper surface of the rib 10a located on the upper part of the setting member 10. The first protrusions 10h are provided on both ends in the width direction of the setting member 10. In each end therein, the first protrusions 10h are respectively provided in two positions (multiple positions) at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the setting member 10.

[0076] Accordingly, it is possible to curl the hair H by: using this setting member 10; and pressing the hair H against the curling portions 10e.

[0077] The hair iron device 100 according to this embodiment includes restricting members configured to restrict the relative movement of the upper holding portion 2b toward the lower holding portion 3b.

[0078] Specifically, a stopper protrusion 40 protruding downward is provided in a lower part of the case 20, which is close to the upper grip portion 2a, while a stopper groove portion 41 is provided in the top wall 30c of the case 30. Hence, the turn of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 in the closing direction is restricted by causing a tip end of the stopper protrusion 40 to abut on a bottom surface of the stopper groove portion 41.

[0079] In this embodiment, the hair iron device 100 includes a variable unit configured to change an angle defined between the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 (a relative position of the upper holding portion 2b to the lower holding portion 3b) when restricting the turn of the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 in the closing direction (placing the restriction using the restricting members).

[0080] To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 7, the sliding member 50 is provided inside the case 30 in a way to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the case 30, so that a groove depth of the stopper groove portion 41 can be changed by sliding the sliding member 50.

[0081] In this embodiment, the top wall 30c is provided with a through-hole 30k, while an upper surface 50a of the sliding member 50 is provided with a groove portion 51 having a bottom surface 50b. By sliding the sliding member 50, it is possible to switch between a state of causing the upper surface 50a to occlude a lower opening of the through-hole 30k as shown in Fig. 7(a) and a state of causing the thorough-hole 30k to communicate with the groove 51 as shown in Fig. 7(b).

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, the depth of the stopper groove portion 41 is rendered variable by: forming the shallow groove with the through hole 30k and the upper surface 50a; and forming the deep groove with the through-hole 30k and the groove portion 51.

[0083] In this embodiment, the depth of the stopper groove portion 41 is rendered variable in conjunction with attachment and detachment of the setting member 10 to and from the lower holding portion 3b. To be more specific, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 11, and Fig. 13, a sliding plate 52 configured to be pressed by the setting member 10 and to slide backward is integrally provided in the sliding member 50 with a connecting arm 53 interposed in between. Moreover, when attaching the setting member 10 to the lower holding portion 3b, the back end surface 10g of the setting member 10 abuts on a front end surface 52a of the sliding plate 52 halfway in the course of the attachment, whereby the sliding plate 52 is pressed backward in response to the backward slide of the setting member 10 and the sliding member 50 slides backward as a consequence. Then, in the state where the setting member 10 is attached to the lower holding portion 3b, the sliding member 50 slides to a position shown in Fig. 7(b). Thus, the through-hole 30k is made to communicate with the groove portion 51.

[0084] The sliding member 50 is biased forward by a biasing member, which is not illustrated. Accordingly, when the setting member 10 is detached from the lower holding portion 3b, the sliding member 50 moves forward and establishes the state shown in Fig. 7(a) (the state where the shallow groove is formed by the through-hole 30k and the upper surface 50a).

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the depth of the stopper groove portion 41 is increased when setting the hair H into the curled style by use of the setting member 10. Meanwhile, the depth of the stopper groove portion 41 is decreased when styling the hair H without using the setting member 10. Hence, it is possible to establish an amount of the hair H to be held, a pressure to be applied to the hair, and so forth more suitably depending on the intended use.

[0086] To be more specific, when increasing the depth of the stopper groove portion 41, the upper hair holing portion 22a and the lower hair holding portion surface 32a are set up so as to be turnable to establish the state shown in Fig. 4(b) so that the hair held therebetween can be pressed against the curved surface 32b by use of the protrusions 20c. Meanwhile, when decreasing the depth of the stopper groove portion 41, the upper hair holing portion 22a and the lower hair holding portion surface 32a are set up so as for their turn in the closing direction to be restricted as in the state shown in Fig. 4(a) so that the hair H is pressed at appropriate pressure. Note that the depth of the groove can be appropriately set without limitation to the foregoing.

[0087] It is also possible to impart a photocatalytic function to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a. For example, it is possible to impart the photocatalytic function to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a by applying and thus coating coating members 22b and 32b, which contain photocatalytic particles, onto the surfaces of the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32 as shown in Fig. 14, or by causing the photocatalytic particles 22c and 32c to be contained in the plate portion 22 and the plate portion 32 as shown in Fig. 15.

[0088] When doing so, it is possible to impart a sterilizing function, a deodorizing function, and the like to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a.

[0089] Although various publicly-known materials including silver can be used as the material for causing the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a to exert the photocatalytic function, it is preferable to use titanium dioxide in particular. By using titanium dioxide, it is possible to impart a hydrophilic property to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a, and to provide the hair with smooth and moist textures.

[0090] Now, an operation when using the hair iron device 100 to which the setting member 10 is attached will be described.

[0091] First, the setting member 10 is attached and the depth of the stopper groove portion 41 is increased, so that the upper arm portion 2 and the lower arm portion 3 can be turned until establishing the state shown in Fig. 4(b). Then, the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a are heated up to predetermined temperatures, respectively.

[0092] Then, the hair H is disposed between the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b opposed to each other in a way to extend in the width direction of the upper holding portion 2b and the lower holding portion 3b, and then the hair H is held between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a. At this time, the case 20 is moved relative to the case 30, whereby the hair H is pressed downward by the protrusions 20c and pushed to the heated curved surface 32d. By pushing the hair H to the heated curved surface 32d in this way, it is possible to set the hair H, in which hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken, into the curled style. Hence, it is possible to set the hair H into the curled style easily. Moreover, the curl holding power of the hair H can be enhanced because it is possible to subject the hair fibers to hydrogen bonding with the hair H being curled.

[0093] Next, by making a half turn of the hair iron device 100 with the hair H being held in between, the base end sides of the hair H not held between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a are pressed against the curling portions 10e of the setting member 10. Then, the hair iron device 100 is pulled down toward the hair tips while sliding along the hair H with the hair H being pressed against the curling portions 10e of the setting member 10, thereby setting the hair H into the curled style.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b is provided with the protrusions 20c configured to guide the hair H toward the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b when holding the hair H between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a. Hence, it is possible to push the hair H toward the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b by use of the protrusions 20c. As a consequence, before the hair H is styled by pressing the hair H against the setting member 10, the hair H can be styled by the protrusions 20. Accordingly, it is possible to style the hair H more certainly. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to set the hair H into desired styles more certainly.

[0095] According to this embodiment, in the state where the hair H is held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32b, the protrusions 20c are provided in the ends in the width direction (the extending direction of the held hair) of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b in a way to extend in the longitudinal direction (the direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair) thereof. For this reason; it is possible to push the hair H more evenly toward the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b when the hair H is held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32b.

[0096] According to this embodiment, since the protrusions 20c are provided in both ends in the width direction (the extending direction of the held hair) of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b, it is possible to style the hair H more certainly, and no consideration needs to be given to the directions of the hair tips when holding the hair H. Thereby, the usability of the hair iron 1 can be improved.

[0097] According to this embodiment, since the peaks 20f of the protrusions 20c are formed substantially in the arc shape, it is possible to reduce a load to be applied to the hair H, and thus to reduce damage on the hair H, when the hair H is held between the protrusions 20c and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the hair holding member 21 is supported by the case (the holding portion main body) 20 in a way to be reciprocable relative to the case (the holding portion main body) 20 in the direction normal to the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a. By rendering the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a movable as described above, it is possible to suppress application of an excessive load to the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a, and thereby to suppress damage on the hair H. Moreover, since the step is formed between the peaks 20f of the protrusions 20c and the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a by relatively moving the hair holding member 21 in the direction normal to the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a, it is possible to style the hair H even more certainly.

[0099] According to this embodiment, when the hair H is held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a by disposing the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b with the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a facing upward, the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a can be located above the peaks 20f of the protrusions 20c. For this reason, it is possible to style the hair H between the peaks 20f of the protrusion 20c and the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a, and thereby to style the hair H even more certainly.

[0100] When styling the hair H, it is preferable to maintain the hair H in a desired style by: breaking the hydrogen bonds between the hair fibers by applying heat energy to the hair H; then setting the hair H into the desired style (for example, the curled style) under such a state; and subjecting the hair fibers again to the hydrogen bonding by removing the heat energy with the hair H being set in the styled state.

[0101] However, according to the above-described related art entails the likelihood that: the hair once held between the heat generators and heated is cooled down before the hair abuts on the curling portion, and hence, the hair fibers are bonded again by hydrogen bonding when the hair is pressed against the curling portion. In this way, it is difficult to style the hair into the desired style if the hair having the hydrogen-bonded hair fibers is pressed against the curling portion.

[0102] On the other hand, in this embodiment, by providing the heaters (the heat generators) 23 and 33 configured to apply heat to the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a, it is possible to push the hair H, in which the hydrogen bonds between the hair fibers are broken by the application of heat energy, toward the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b by use of the protrusions 20c. Hence, it is possible to style the hair H more certainly.

[0103] Moreover, in this embodiment, the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface 22a and the lower hair holding surface 32a is pressed against the curved surface 32d by use of the protrusions 20c. Hence, it is possible to style the hair H even more certainly.

[0104] According to this embodiment, since the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a are provided with the photocatalytic function, it is possible to impart the sterilizing function, the deodorizing function, and the like to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a.

[0105] According to this embodiment, by using titanium dioxide as the material to cause the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a to exert the photocatalytic function, it is possible to impart the hydrophilic property to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a. By imparting the hydrophilic property to the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a as described above, it is possible to provide the hair H with moist and silky textures.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the curling portions 10e are provided on the side walls (side portions) 10b of the setting member 10. Hence, it is possible to reduce a thickness of the setting member 10, to reduce the size in the thickness direction of the setting member 10, and eventually to reduce the thickness of the hair iron device 100.

[0107] The setting member is provided only on the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b. Accordingly, it is easier to replace the setting member, to reduce the number of components, thereby to simplify the configuration thereof. Moreover, since the hair H can be styled only by making a half turn of the hair iron device 100, it is possible to improve the usability of the hair iron device 100.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the curling portions 10e of the setting member 10 in the state of being attached to the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b is located below the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a when the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b is disposed with the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32 facing upward. Hence, it is possible to advance the hair H smoothly from the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a to the curling portions 10e of the setting member 10 via the protrusions 20c. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the excessive bending of the hair H halfway in the advancement, and to minimize the load to be applied to the hair H when curling.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the first protrusions 10h protruding upward are provided on the upper part of the setting member 10 in the state where: the setting member 10 is attached to the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b; and the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b is disposed with the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32 facing upward. In addition, the multiple fist protrusions 10h are provided at the interval in the longitudinal direction of the setting member 10 (in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface). For this reason, when the hair iron device 100 is pulled down along the hair H, it is possible to orient the hair H by using the first protrusions 10h. Moreover, it is possible to suppress deviation of the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a from regions covered by the hair holding surfaces 22a, 32a, and to suppress incapability of pressing the hair H against the setting member 10. In this way, by providing the first protrusions 10h, it is possible to orient the hair H by causing the hair H to enter the spaces between the first protrusions 10h,, and thereby to curl the hair H more evenly.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the hair iron device 100 includes the restricting members (the stopper protrusion 40 and the stopper groove portion 41) configured to restrict the relative movement of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b toward the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the application of an excessive load to the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a, and thereby to suppress damage on the hair H.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the hair iron device 100 includes the variable unit configured to change the relative position of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b to the lower holding portion (the second holding position) 3b at the time of the restriction by the restricting members (the stopper protrusion 40 and the stopper groove portion 41). For this reason, it is possible to change the relative position of the upper holding portion (the first holding portion) 2b to the lower holding portion (the second holding position) 3b at the time of the restriction depending on the hair styling type (the curled style, the straight style, and the like), and to achieve an optimum state of the load to be applied to the hair H held between the upper hair holding surface (the first hair holding surface) 22a and the lower hair holding surface (the second hair holding surface) 32a.

[0112] By providing the hair iron device 100 with the variable unit as described above, it is possible to use the hair iron device 100 in the optimum state irrespective of the hair styling type (the curled style, the straight style, and the like).

[0113] According to the present invention, it is possible to attach and detach the setting member 10 to and from the hair iron 1 easily by providing the setting member 10 and the hair iron 1 with the fitting members (the fitting recessed portion 10f and the fitting protrusion 61) which are releaseably engageable with each other.

[0114] In this embodiment, the setting member 10 is provided on the lower holding portion (the second holding portion) 3b where the hair holding surface does not move. Moreover, the setting member 10 is also provided with the protrusions 10h for orienting the hair H. It is possible to further enhance the effect of orientation of the hair by providing the protrusions 10h for orienting the hair H on the fixed side (on the side where the hair holding surface does not move) which has higher adhesion and is capable of exerting a stronger orientation effect as compared to the holding portion where the hair holding surface is movable.

[0115] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, it is to be noted that: the present invention is not limited only to this embodiment; and various modifications can be made.

[0116] For example, the present invention is also applicable to a hair iron provided with an ion generator such as a mist generator or a metal particulate generator.

[0117] Although the embodiment is configured to render the depth of the stopper groove portion variable in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the setting member to and from the holding portion, the depth of the stopper groove portion may be changed independently of the attachment and detachment of the setting member.

[0118] The embodiment has exemplified the configuration to attach the setting member to the holding portion while sliding the setting member. However, the invention is not limited only to this configuration. The setting member may be attached to the holding member by fitting a back surface of the holding member into an aperture of the setting member, for example.

[0119] Multiple types of setting members may be provided. It is possible to perform a variety of hair arrangements by: preparing various types of setting members; and changing these setting members depending on the necessity.

[0120] The present invention can be carried out for a hair iron provided with no setting member as well.

[0121] It is also possible to alter specifications (the shape, the size, the layout, and the like) of the hair holding surfaces, the setting member, the grip portions, and other details as appropriate.

Claims

1. A hair iron comprising:

a first holding portion having a first hair holding surface; and

a second holding portion having a second hair holding surface configured to hold hair with the first hair holding surface,

wherein the first holding portion includes a protrusion configured to guide hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second holding surface toward the second holding portion.

2. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided at an end portion of the first holding portion in an extending direction of hair to be held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair.

3. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided at each of both end portions of the first holding portion in an extending direction of hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface, and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the hair.

4. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion has a peak in an arc shape.

5. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the first holding portion includes:

a holding portion main body; and

a hair holding member including the first hair holding surface and being supported by the holding portion main body, and

the hair holding member is supported to be reciprocable relative to the holding portion main body in a direction normal to the first hair holding surface.

6. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a peak of the protrusion is adapted to extend over a plane including the second hair holding surface when hair is held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.

7. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion includes a heat generator configured to heat hair held between the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface.

8. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface have a photocatalytic function.

9. The hair iron according to claim 8, wherein the first hair holding surface and the second hair holding surface contain titanium dioxide.

Drawing