HAIR IRON WITH COMB

Abstract

 There is provided a hair iron with which an operation of winding hair around a barrel is easily performed, while preventing a user from feeling hot or getting burned. A hair iron (1) includes: a rod-shaped support(10) having a grip (12)on one end thereof; a barrel (20) provided on the other end of the support (10), and heated by electricity; ring-shaped protectors (30) made of a plurality of thermal nonconductors on an outer peripheral surface of the barrel (20) at predetermined intervals in an axial direction; and a plurality of comb teeth (40a) protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the barrel (20) by making bases thereof align in parallel to a center axis of the barrel (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair iron for performing shaping such as curling on hair.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There has been conventionally known a hair iron for performing shaping such as curling on hair by making hair wind around an outer peripheral surface of a barrel formed of a thermal conductor such as ceramics including a heater. In such a hair iron, when hair is wound around the hair iron, a user may feel hot or get burned due to the contact of a skinon the back of his/her neck with the thermal conductor. In order to solve the problem as above, there has been known a hair iron in which a spiral-shaped hair guide made of a thermal nonconductor is wound around an outer periphery of a barrel to prevent a skin on the back of one's neck from being directly brought into contact with the barrel (refer to Patent Reference 1, for example).
However, in the hair guide wound on the barrel in the spiral shape as above, when an amount of hair is large or hair is long, the hair may be difficult to be wound around the barrel, so that it takes time to perform shaping such as curling or the shaping operation has to be repeated many times, which damages the hair.

RELEVANT REFERENCES

Patent References

[0003] Patent Reference 1: JP-A 11-127941

SUMMARY

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has been made by dealing with the circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a hair iron capable of easily performing an operation of winding hair around a barrel, while preventing a user from feeling hot or getting burned.

[0005] A hair iron with comb of an embodiment of the present invention includes: a rod-shaped support member having a grip part provided on one end side thereof; a barrel part provided on the other end side of the support member, and heated by electricity; ring-shaped protectors made of a plurality of thermal nonconductors arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the barrel part at predetermined intervals in an axial direction; and a plurality of comb teeth provided in a protruding manner on the barrel part by making bases thereof align in parallel to a center axis of the barrel part.

[0006] It is preferable that the rod-shaped support member is made of a thermal nonconductor and made of a resin material having good heat resistance, so that a user does not feel hot during the operation. Further, it is preferable that the barrel part is made of ceramics of thermal conductor, and is set to have a circular cross section or an elliptical cross section.

[0007] _ Further, a hair iron with comb of another embodiment of the present invention includes: a holding body having a pair of rod-shaped support members arranged in parallel, whose one end portions are pivotally attached in an openable/closable manner, and having grip parts provided on a side on which the one end portions are pivotally attached; barrel parts each provided on the other end side of each of the support members of the holding body, and heated by electricity; ring-shaped protectors made of a plurality of thermal nonconductors arranged on an outer peripheral surface of each of the barrel parts at predetermined intervals in an axial direction; and a plurality of comb teeth provided in a protruding manner on each of the barrel parts by making bases thereof align in parallel to a center axis of each of the barrel parts.

[0008] Note that mutually opposing surfaces of the respective barrel parts of this embodiment are preferably formed in flat surfaces, and it is also possible to design such that a metal plate is further brought into close contact with and fixed to each of the flat surfaces.

[0009] It is preferable that each of the barrel parts is made of ceramics of thermal conductor, and is made to have a circular cross section or an elliptical cross section.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hair iron which prevents a user from feeling hot or getting burned, and has a good operability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] 

[FIG. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hair iron 1.

[FIG. 2] Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the hair iron 1.

[FIG. 3] Fig. 3 is an example of usage of the hair iron 1.

[FIG. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a hair iron 2.

[FIG. 5] Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of the hair iron 2.

[FIG. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a hair iron 3.

[FIG. 7] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a hair iron 4.

[FIG. 8] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a hair iron 5.

[FIG. 9] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a hair iron 6.

[FIG. 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a hair iron 7.

[FIG. 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and comb-shaped protectors 330a.

[FIG. 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view explaining comb-shaped protectors 330b included in a hair iron 7a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[First embodiment]

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a hair iron 1 of the present embodiment is mainly formed of a main body 10, a heat plate 20, a plurality of heat protectors 30, a pair of upper comb parts 40a, and a pair of lower comb parts 40b (the lower comb parts 40b are not illustrated in FIG. 1).

(Regarding the main body 10)

[0013] The main body 10 is a rod-shaped support member formed to have a cross section in an approximately circular shape or an elliptical shape. To a half of the main body 10 in a longitudinal direction from a tip to a base of the main body 10, there are provided the heat plate 20 and the plurality of heat protectors 30 covering a part of the heat plate 20.

[0014] The remaining half of the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction functions as a grip part 12 which is gripped by a user.

[0015] A heating element which generates heat by supplied electric power is arranged inside the main body 10 (not illustrated). The heating element is, for example, a heating wire or a metal plate. The heating element generates heat when electric power is supplied thereto from a power cord 10c provided to the base of the main body 10.

[0016] The heating element contacts with the heat plate 20 at a position inside the main body 10, and when the heating element generates heat, the heat is transmitted to the heat plate 20, resulting in that the heat plate 20 becomes a high temperature. Note that it is also possible to design such that the heating element is not provided inside the main body 10, and electric power is directly supplied to the heat plate 20 via the power cord 10c, thereby directly making the heat plate 20 generate heat.

[0017] The grip part 12 includes a switch part 10b. The switch part 10b is used for accepting On/Off operation by a user. The switch part 10b is used for accepting a temperature setting operation at a time of performing shaping such as curling on hair.

[0018] The switch part 10b is electrically interposed between the heating element and the power cord 10c. The switch part 10b includes an electric circuit for increasing/decreasing an amount of supply of electric power supplied from the power cord 10c to the heating element. The electric circuit is formed of an electronic element. The amount of supply of electric power to the heating element can be increased/decreased by this electric circuit. As a result of this, a temperature of the heat plate 20 can be increased or decreased to a temperature desired by the user.

[0019] By supplying radiated heat obtained by the heat generation of the heat plate 20 to hair of the user, it is possible to easily perform shaping such as curling on the hair.

(Regarding the heat plate 20)

[0020] In FIG. 1, The heat plate 20 is hatched for easier viewing of the drawing. The heat plate 20 is arranged at an end portion of the main body 10. The heat plate 20 functions as a barrel heated by electricity. The heat plate 20 is desirably formed of a thermal conductor, in order to become a high temperature. For example, the heat plate 20 is formed of ceramics or metal.

[0021] The heat plate 20 has a curved surface corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the main body 10. The heat plate 20 closely contacts with the main body 10 using an adhesive material, or screw cramp, for example. The heat plate 20 can be formed in various shapes. Concretely, the heat plate 20 is formed of a plurality of rectangular metal plates each having a curved surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 10, a plurality of semi-cylindrical metal plates, or a cylindrical metal plate. Any one of a plurality of the above which are combined are bonded or cramped with screw along the outer peripheral surface of the main body 10. Further, the heat plate 20 is arranged to have a cross section in an approximately circular shape as illustrated in FIG. 2, when viewed as a whole. Note that the heat plate 20 is sometimes formed to have a cross section in an approximately elliptical shape, by corresponding to a shape of cross section of the main body 10.

[0022] The heat plate 20 has hole portions 20a in which the pair of upper comb parts 40a and the pair of lower comb parts 40b are inserted.

(Regarding the plurality of heat protectors 30)

[0023] The plurality of heat protectors 30 are members for preventing the user from feeling hot or getting burned. Therefore, the heat protector 30 is desirably formed of a thermal nonconductor whose temperature does not become a high temperature. For example, the heat protector 30 may be formed of heat-resistant plastic such as polyethersulfone (PES) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0024] The heat protectors 30 may be provided by coating a core member of a metal plate with heat-resistant plastic. The core member can increase rigidity of the heat protector 30.

[0025] The plurality of heat protectors 30 are respectively provided on an outer peripheral surface of the heat plate 20 so as to be orthogonal to a center axis of the main body 10 (refer to reference symbol A in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), so that they are interposed between the heat plate 20 and a skin of the user.

[0026] By providing the heat protectors 30 onto the surface of the heat plate 20, it is possible to attain a balance between the prevention of burn and the effective supply of heat radiated from the heat plate 20 to hair.

(Regarding the pair of upper comb parts 40a and the pair of lower comb parts 40b)

[0027] The pair of upper comb parts 40a and the pair of lower comb parts 40b (refer to FIG. 2, in particular) have approximately the same configuration and function, so that the pair of upper comb parts 40a will be mainly described here.

[0028] The pair of upper comb parts 40a protrudes from the barrel of the main body 10 on which the heat plate 20 is arranged, with bases of the upper comb parts 40a aligning in parallel to a center axis of the main body 10. Description will be made in detail. The pair of upper comb parts 40a are respectively formed of a plurality of pin bodies 41a and 42a. Bases of the pin bodies 41a and 42a are linearly on side surfaces of the main body 10 and in parallel to the center axis of the main body 10. The pin bodies 42a are provided to the side surface on the opposite side of the side surface of the main body 10 to which the pin bodies 41a are provided.

[0029] The pin bodies 41a and 42a protrude from a position between the plurality of heat protectors 30, and a tip portion thereof is orthogonal to the center axis of the main body 10, via the hole portion 20a.

[0030] The pin bodies 41a and 42a are desirably thermal nonconductors formed of heat-resistant plastic, in a similar manner to the heat protector 30. However, the pin bodies 41a and 42a may be made by coating a core member of a pin shaped metal with a thermal nonconductor.

[0031] The pin bodies 41a and 42a may be integrally formed with the heat protectors 30. Specifically, the pin bodies 41a and 42a may protrude from the heat protectors 30. In this case, there is no need to provide the hole portions 20a to the heat plate 20. The integral formation of the pin bodies 41a and 42a with the heat protectors 30 will reduce manufacturing steps and costs.

[0032] The pin bodies 41a and 42a function as guides for leading hair of a user to the vicinity of the heat plate 20 while adjusting a flow of the hair. Since the flow of hair is adjusted by the pin bodies 41a and 42a, it becomes easy for the heat from the heat plate 20 to be uniformly supplied to the hair. As a result of this, it is possible to perform shaping such as curling easily and promptly.

[0033] The lower comb parts 40b are formed of pin bodies 41b and 42b, which correspond to the plurality of pin bodies 41a and 42a of the upper comb parts 40a.

(Usage)

[0034] Next, description will be made on a usage of the hair iron 1 configured as above, by using FIG. 3. Here, a user is set to be a woman with long hair. Further, a case where the user uses the hair iron 1 to perform shaping, which is curling, on her hair is assumed.

[0035] First, the user operates the switch part 10b to set (select) a heating temperature of the heat plate 20. the hair iron 1, it is designed such that the setting of heating temperature and the On operation of heat generation can be performed at the same time. Specifically, from a moment at which the heating temperature is set, the supply of electric power to a the heating element in the main body 10 is started. As a result of this, the heat plate 20 is heated to the set temperature.

[0036] Here, the user makes a part of the heat plate 20 abut against her hair. Subsequently, the user lowers the hair iron 1 in a longitudinal direction of the hair, while rotating the hair iron 1 in a direction indicated by an arrow mark in FIG. 3.

[0037] At this time, a flow of the hair is adjusted by the upper comb parts 40a and the lower comb parts 40b, and under this state, the hair is guided so as to be along the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the heat plate 20. As a result of this, it is possible to uniformly give the heat of the heat plate 20 to the hair. Further, since the outer peripheral surface of the heat plate 20 has the cross section of approximately circular shape, it is possible to easily curl the hair of the user with the use of this shape and the supply of heat. Specifically, it is possible to easily perform shaping on the hair of the user.

[0038] At this time, the heat protectors 30 prevent the contact between a skin of the user and the heat plate 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling hot or getting burned. The hair iron 1 can protect the skin of the user from heat by the heat protectors 30, so that the heat plate 20 can become a higher temperature than a conventional hair iron.

[0039] In brief, when the hair iron 1 is used, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling hot or getting burned at the time of performing shaping, and to obtain a good operability.

[Second embodiment]

[0040] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the following description, portions similar to those of the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a hair iron 2 in the second embodiment is mainly formed of a main body 210, an upper inner-surface heat plate 221a, a lower inner-surface heat plate 221b, an upper outer-surface heat plate 222a, a lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, a plurality of upper-surface heat protectors 230a and lower-surface heat protectors 230b, the upper comb parts 40a, and the lower comb parts 40b.

(Regarding the main body 210)

[0042] The main body 210 is a holding body formed of an upper arm part 211a and a lower arm part 211b respectively coupled via a pivotal coupling part 210a in a widely openable in an approximately V shape. Normally, the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b are biased so as to be mutually opened widely by not-illustrated coil spring and stopper disposed inside the pivotal coupling part 210a. Further, the pivotal movement in the widely-opening direction of the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b is restricted so that the arms are not opened widely more than necessary.

[0043] Each of the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b is a columnar member having a cross section of semicircular shape or semielliptical shape. The upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b include an upper grip part 212a and a lower grip part 212b each of which is provided at one end portion on the pivotal coupling part 210a side and gripped by a user.

[0044] When the user grasps the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b, the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b relatively pivot via the pivotal coupling part 210a.

[0045] Description will be made in detail. The user clenches his/her fist with the upper grip part 212a being wrapped by the palm and the lower grip part 212b being hooked by the fingertips. As a result of this, the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b relatively pivot around the pivotal coupling part 210a (refer to arrow marks in FIG. 4).

[0046] The upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b relatively pivot, mutual tip sides of the respective upper arm part 211a and lower arm part 211b can be approached or separated (hereinafter, the respective tip sides are referred to as an upper tip side 213a and a lower tip side 213b). Specifically, it is possible to close or open the mutual upper tip side 213a and lower tip side 213b.

[0047] To flat one surfaces on the inside, which face each other, of the upper tip side 213a and the lower tip side 213b, the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b including holding surfaces P for holding hair of the user are respectively provided. By holding the hair of the user using the holding surfaces P, it is possible to supply heat to the hair.

[0048] The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are disposed respectively on outer surfaces of the arms 211a and 211b, which are opposed to the inner surfaces of the arms 211a and 211b and have a predetermined curvature. The inner heat plates 221a and 221b are disposed respectively on the inner surfaces.

[0049] On the upper arm part 211a a, the switch part 10b is disposed.

[0050] (Regarding the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b) Each of the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b is a plate-shaped member excellent in thermal conductivity. Each of the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b is a plate of ceramics or metal formed in a rectangular shape, for example. A part of each of the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b is connected to a the heating element (not illustrated) disposed in a casing (main body 210), in the casing. For this reason, heat of the the heating element is transmitted to the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b. The the heating element generates heat when electric power is supplied thereto via the power cord 10c.

[0051] When the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b are pivoted so as to be closed, the mutual holding surfaces P of the respective upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and lower inner-surface heat plate 221b are contacted with each other. Consequently, it is possible to hold the hair of the user. The hair is straightly shaped by moving the hair iron 2 in the longitudinal direction of the hair (lower direction, for example) with the hair held between the heated plates 221b and 221b. This processing is sometimes called as "straightening".

[0052] (Regarding the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b) In FIG. 4, portions corresponding to the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are hatched for easier viewing of the drawing.

[0053] The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are formed of thermal conductors, in a similar manner to the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b.

[0054] The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are arranged on end portions of the respective upper arm part 211a and lower arm part 211b. The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b function as barrels heated by electricity. It is desirable that the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are formed of thermal conductors in order to become a high temperature. For example, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are formed of ceramics or metal.

[0055] The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b have curved surfaces corresponding to outer peripheral surfaces of the upper tip side 213a and the lower tip side 213b. The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b closely contact with the upper tip side 213a and the lower tip side 213b, respectively, using an adhesive material, screw cramp, for example. The upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b can be formed in various shapes. Concretely, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are formed of a plurality of rectangular metal plates having curved surfaces corresponding to the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper tip side 213a and the lower tip side 213b, or semi-cylindrical metal plates. Further, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b have a cross section in an approximately circular shape as illustrated in FIG. 5, when viewed as a whole, when the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b are closed to contact with each other.

[0056] Note that the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b are sometimes formed to have a cross section in an approximately elliptical shape, by corresponding to a shape of cross section of the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b.

[0057] Hole portions 223a and 223b in which the pair of upper comb parts 40a and the pair of lower comb parts 40b are inserted, are provided to the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, respectively.

[0058] Each of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b contact with the the heating element (not illustrated) disposed in the casing, in a similar manner to the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b. Therefore, when the heating element generates heat, the heat is transmitted to the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, resulting in that the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b become a high temperature.

(Regarding the plurality of upper-surface heat protectors 230a and lower-surface heat protectors 230b)

[0059] The plurality of upper-surface heat protectors 230a and lower-surface heat protectors 230b are members for preventing the user from feeling hot or getting burned. Therefore, each of the upper-surface heat protectors 230a and the lower-surface heat protectors 230b is desirably formed of a thermal nonconductor whose temperature does not become a high temperature. For example, each of the upper-surface heat protectors 230a and the lower-surface heat protectors 230b may be formed of heat-resistant plastic such as polyethersulfone (PES) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0060] The plurality of upper-surface heat protectors 230a and lower-surface heat protectors 230b are provided on outer peripheral surfaces of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, respectively, so as to be orthogonal to center axes of the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b (refer to reference symbols A1 and A2 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5), so that the upper-surface heat protectors 230a are interposed between the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the skin of the user, and the lower-surface heat protectors 230b are interposed between the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b and the skin of the user.

[0061] By providing the plurality of upper-surface heat protectors 230a and lower-surface heat protectors 230b onto the surfaces of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, respectively, it is possible to attain a balance between the prevention of burn and the effective supply of heat radiated from the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b to the hair.

(Usage)

[0062] In the hair iron 2 configured as above, the user first operates the switch part 10b to set (select) a heating temperature of the upper inner-surface heat plate 221 a, the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a, and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b. The hair iron 2, the setting of heating temperature and the On operation of heat generation can be performed at the same time.

[0063] Specifically, from a moment at which the heating temperature is set, the supply of electric power to the heating element in the main body 210 is started. As a result of this, the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a, the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a, and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b become a high temperature.

[0064] Note that at this time, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b become a high temperature, and the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b need not become a high temperature, through the operation of the switch part 10b.

[0065] Conversely,the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b become a high temperature, and the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b need not become a high temperature.

[0066] After a brief interval from the On operation of the switch part 10b by the user, the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a, the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b, the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a, and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b become the temperature set by the user.

[0067] When the user grasps the upper grip part 212a and the lower grip part 212b, the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b relatively pivot via the pivotal coupling part 210a, and the mutual tip portions of the upper arm part 211a and the lower arm part 211b approach. As a result of this, the holding surfaces P of the upper inner-surface heat plate 221a and the lower inner-surface heat plate 221b are contacted with each other, and a cross section of an outer peripheral surface of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b which are joined, has an approximately circular shape when viewed as a whole, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Specifically, the hair iron 2 as a whole has an approximately columnar shape.

[0068] In this state, the user makes a part of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b abut against his/her hair. Subsequently, the user lowers the hair iron 2 in the longitudinal direction of the hair, while rotating the hair iron 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow mark in FIG. 3. As a result of this, it is possible to curl the hair of the user.

[0069] At this time, the flow of the hair is adjusted by the upper comb parts 40a and the lower comb parts 40b, and under this state, the hair is guided to the vicinity of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b. As a result of this, it is possible to uniformly give the heat of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b to the hair. Consequently, it is possible to easily perform shaping on the hair even with little operation.

[0070] At this time, the upper-surface heat protectors 230a and the lower-surface heat protectors 230b prevent the contact between the skin of the user and the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a, and between the skin of the user and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling hot or getting burned.

[0071] In brief, when the hair iron 2 is used, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling hot or getting burned at the time of performing shaping, and to obtain a good operability.

[0072] Although the hair irons 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention are described as above, the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Modified example 1]

[0073] For example, as in a hair iron 3 illustrated in FIG. 6, it is also possible to further provide an upper comb part 40c and a lower comb part 40d arranged in directions orthogonal to the upper comb parts 40a and the lower comb parts 40b. By arranging the upper comb parts and the lower comb parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d as above, it is possible to supply the heat of the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b to the hair of the user more uniformly. Further, it is also possible to configure such that any comb part out of the upper comb parts and the lower comb parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d is not provided.

[Modified example 2]

[0074] Further, although the upper comb parts 40a and the lower comb parts 40b are formed of the pin bodies 41a 42a, 41b and 42b, it is also possible that coil-shaped thermal nonconductors are disposed on side surfaces of the heat plate 20 or the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b so as to be aligned in parallel to the center axis direction of the main body 10 or the main body 210. Further, it is also possible to design such that the coil-shaped thermal nonconductors are used to guide the hair of the user to the heat plate 20 or the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b.

[Modified example 3]

[0075] Further, the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment (refer to FIG. 1 and so on) may have a function of performing treatment on hair by generating a minus ion and the like, as in a hair iron 4 illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0076] In detail, at a predetermined portion of the grip part 12 (in the vicinity of the heat plate 20, in this case), an opening 12a with a predetermined size provided by being extended to a position inside the grip part 12 is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Further, a pair of discharge electrodes 50 are provided to face each other, at a position inside the grip part 12. Further, at a position inside the grip part 12, a high-voltage generation device 51 for applying a high voltage to the pair of discharge electrodes 50 is arranged.

[0077] The pair of discharge electrodes 50 are desirably provided so that one end portions thereof are exposed from a wall surface of the opening 12a.

[0078] The high-voltage generation device 51 is formed of a boosting circuit or the like. Electric power is supplied to the high-voltage generation device 51 via the power cord 10c. The high-voltage generation device 51 boosts a voltage based on the supplied electric power. The high-voltage generation device 51 finally applies the boosted voltage to the pair of discharge electrodes 50. The On/Off of the application of voltage to the discharge electrodes 50 performed by the high-voltage generation device 51, is controlled by the switch part 10b. In order to prevent the user from getting hurt by touching the voltage-applied discharge electrodes 50 with his/her finger, it is desirable to cover the opening 12a with a mesh-form cover 52.

[0079] By the configuration as described above, an atom and a molecule in the air in the opening 12a obtain electrons to be charged to minus, by the discharge electrodes 50 to which the high voltage is applied, which creates a state where a so-called minus ion is generated. The generated minus ion is discharged from a gap of the cover 52, resulting in that a treatment effect such that a gloss and a tension are given to the hair in the vicinity of the opening 12a, can be expected.

[0080] Description will be made in detail. When the minus ion is generated, water contained in the air is sometimes micronized. The micronized water is effectively penetrated and absorbed into the hair. It is said that at this time, a metabolic function of hair is facilitated by a moisturizing action and an action of mineral ion, and the water coupled with the minus ion regenerates and repairs a cuticle damaged by static electricity or the like, for example. As a result of this, it is possible to expect an effect such that the tension and the gloss are given to the hair, and a hair quality is improved to one in which smooth passing of fingers is realized and the hair is manageable.

[0081] Note that the pair of discharge electrodes 50 are disposed so that the one end portions thereof are exposed from the wall surface of the opening 12a, but a discharge tube (ozone tube) formed to have a column shape can be disposed, in place of the discharge electrodes 50. At this time, it is desirable to dispose the discharge tube in the opening 12a so that a surface of the discharge tube is exposed to the outside of the grip part 12. The discharge tube is formed by sealing low-pressure mercury vapor into a tube made of quartz glass, for example.

[0082] When a high voltage generated by the high-voltage generation device 51 is applied to the discharge tube, an ultraviolet ray is emitted to the outside of the discharge tube. Through the action of the ultraviolet ray, ozone (O₃) is generated in the vicinity of the discharge tube. The generated ozone is discharged from the gap of the cover 52. As a result of this, the hair in the vicinity of the opening 12a is given the gloss and the tension.

[0083] A concentration of ozone generated here is desirably less than 0.1 ppm. Further, when deodorization and sterilization effects of removing various germs which cause dandruff, itch, and bad smell, are taken into consideration, the concentration of ozone is desirably about 0.004 ppm to 0.06 ppm, for example. Further, when a suitable cosmetic effect for scalp and hair is tried to be obtained, it is preferable to generate the ozone whose concentration is about 0.06 ppm to 0.09 ppm, for example.

[0084] There may be a case where, at the same time as the generation of the ozone, a minus ion is generated when the ultraviolet ray emitted from the discharge tube passes in the air. In this case, it is possible to expect a higher treatment effect obtained by the above-described ozone and minus ion.

[Modified example 4]

[0085] As a further modified example, the opening 12a, the discharge electrodes 50, the high-voltage generation device 51 in the aforementioned modified example 3 (refer to FIG. 7) may be provided to the hair iron 2 in the second embodiment (refer to FIG. 4), as in a hair iron 5 illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0086] In this case, it is possible to provide the opening 12a, the discharge electrodes 50 and the like to the upper arm part 211a and/or the lower arm part 211b. Of course, the hair iron 5 can have the discharge tube (ozone tube) formed in the column shape, in place of the discharge electrodes 50.

[Other modified examples]

[0087] The present invention can be further modified in various ways. For example, the opening 12a and the discharge electrodes 50 in the aforementioned modified example 4 (refer to FIG. 8) may be provided to the upper arm part 211a and/or the lower arm part 211b, as in a hair iron 6 illustrated in FIG. 9. These can be provided to the portion (portions) where the lower inner-surface heat plate 221a and/or the upper inner-surface heat plate 221b are (is) arranged. In this case, it is desirable to configure such that an opening 12b having a shape similar to that of the opening 12a is provided to the lower inner-surface heat plate 221a and/or the upper inner-surface heat plate 221b, and the opening 12a is exposed to the outside via the opening 12b.

[0088] The openings 12a and 12b, the discharge electrodes 50 can perform treatment on the hair while holding the hair with the holding surfaces P.

[0089] Further, the present invention may also be configured such that a blowing mechanism such as a fan is provided to a predetermined portion for supplying the generated minus ion and ozone are efficiently supplied (transferred) to the hair and the scalp. Further, for example, it is also possible to appropriately combine the respective contents of the above-described respective modified examples.

[Third embodiment]

[0090] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the description hereinafter, portions corresponding to those of the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment or the hair iron 2 in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a hair iron 7 in the third embodiment includes an upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and a lower outer-surface heat plate 322b which correspond to the upper outer-surface heat plate 222a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 222b included in the hair iron 2 in the second embodiment (refer to FIG. 4). The hair iron 7 further includes a plurality of comb-shaped protectors 330a and 330b provided with all of the functions of the upper-surface heat protectors 230a, the lower-surface heat protectors 230b, the upper comb parts 40a, and the lower comb parts 40b included in the hair iron 2.

(Detailed explanation of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a)

[0092] The upper outer-surface heat plate 322a will be described in detail by using FIG. 11. The lower outer-surface heat plate 322b has a configuration and a function similar to those of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a, so that detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

[0093] The upper outer-surface heat plate 322a corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the upper tip side 213a. Specifically, the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The upper outer-surface heat plate 322a closely contacts with the upper tip side 213a using an adhesive material, or screw cramp, for example.

[0094] On a surface of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a, a plurality of comb-portion setting parts 324 and a plurality of protrusions 325 are alternately arranged along a circumferential direction of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a. Here, six comb-portion setting parts 324 in total are provided on the surface of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a, as an example.

[0095] The comb-portion setting part 324 corresponds to a groove provided along a longitudinal direction of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a (namely, a direction along the axis A1 illustrated in FIG. 10). In each of the comb-portion setting parts 324, the comb-shaped protector 330a is inserted.

[0096] The protrusion 325 includes claw portions 325b. The claw portion 325b slightly protrudes into a space of the comb-portion setting part 324 from a base 325a in a direction along the circumferential direction of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a.

[0097] By the mutually opposing claw portions 325b, the comb-shaped protector 330a attached to the comb-portion setting part 324 is held in a stable manner. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the comb-shaped protector 330a from falling off, by the claw portions 325b.

(Regarding the comb-shaped protector 330a)

[0098] Next, the comb-shaped protector 330a will be described in detail while similarly referring to FIG. 11. The comb-shaped protector 330b has a configuration and a function similar to those of the comb-shaped protector 330a, so that detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

[0099] The comb-shaped protector 330a has a base 332 having a shape corresponding to that of the comb-portion setting part 324, and a plurality of pin bodies 333 protruding from the base 332.

[0100] The base 332 is a thermal nonconductor, in a similar manner to the heat protector 30 included in the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment, and the upper-surface heat protector 230a and the lower-surface heat protector 230b included in the hair iron 2 in the second embodiment. The base 332 is a plate-shaped member having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape provided along the longitudinal direction of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a.

[0101] The base 332 includes claw receiving portions 332a protruding from side surfaces of the base 332. The claw receiving portion 332a has a bottom surface connected to a bottom surface of the base 332. Specifically, the bottom surface of the claw receiving portion 332a is provided by extending the bottom surface of the base 332. It is desirable that, on the side surface of the base 332, a height of the claw receiving portion 332a from the bottom surface corresponds to a length being about a half of a length of the side surface of the base 332.

[0102] When the claw receiving portion 332a engages with the claw portion 325b, it is possible to prevent the comb-shaped protector 330a from falling off the comb-portion setting part 324.

[0103] The pin bodies 333 correspond to the pin bodies 41a and 42a included in the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the pin body 333 is a thermal nonconductor.

[0104] The pin bodies 333 are integrally provided with the base 332. The pin bodies 333 are respectively provided by being arrayed at predetermined intervals along a longitudinal direction of the base 332. Each of the pin bodies 333 protrudes from an upper surface of the base 332, in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base 332.

[0105] The above is the explanation regarding the configuration of the hair iron 7. As described above, on the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b included in the hair iron 7, the comb-portion setting parts 324 and the protrusions 325 are alternately arranged. Further, in the comb-portion setting parts 324, the comb-shaped protectors 330a and 330b are respectively inserted. Consequently, on the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b, the comb-shaped protectors 330a and the protrusions 325 are alternately arrayed in the circumferential direction (refer to FIG. 10). When the hair iron 7 having such a configuration is approximated to the scalp, the comb-shaped protectors 330a abut against the scalp. This makes it possible to prevent the contact between the scalp and the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a, and between the scalp and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling hot or getting burned. Further, with the use of the hair iron 7, it is possible to safely supply the heat of the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b radially or directly supplied from a position between the comb-shaped protectors 330a and between the comb-shaped protectors 330b, to the hair of the user.

[Modified example of the hair iron 7]

[0106] The hair iron 7 in the third embodiment of the present invention is described as above, and the hair iron 7 may also be appropriately modified.

[0107] For example, the comb-shaped protectors 330b may be provided, as in a hair iron 7a illustrated in FIG. 12. The comb-shaped protector 330b does not include the pin bodies 333, and includes only the base 332. The protectors 330a and the protrusions 325 in FIG. 11 are disposed on the peripheral surface with the same levels, but they can be disposed on surfaces with different levels.

[0108] In this case, a level difference is created between the protrusion 325 and the comb-shaped protector 330a. Consequently, the burn can be prevented by the comb-shaped protectors 330a.

[Further modified examples]

[0109] The present invention can be further modified in an appropriate manner. For example, it is also possible to appropriately combine the above-described respective examples and modified examples, respectively. For example, the heat plate 20, the heat protectors 30, the comb parts 40a and 40b included in the hair iron 1 in the first embodiment (refer to FIG. 1) can be replaced with the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b, and the comb-shaped protectors 330a and 330b included in the hair iron 7 in the third embodiment (refer to FIG. 9). At this time, the upper outer-surface heat plate 322a and the lower outer-surface heat plate 322b may also be integrally formed in a ring shape.

Claims

1. A hair iron, comprising:

a rod-shaped support having a grip on one end thereof;

a barrel on the other end of the support, and heated by electricity;

protectors with a plurality of thermal nonconductors on an outer peripheral surface of the barrel at predetermined intervals; and

a plurality of comb teeth protruding from the barrel, and disposing a bases of the comb teeth align in parallel to a center axis of the barrel.

2. A hair iron, comprising:

a holding body having a pair of rod-shaped supports in parallel, whose one end portions are pivotally attached in an openable/closable, and having grip parts on a side on which the one end portions are pivotally attached;

barrels each provided on the other end of each of the supports of the holding body, and heated by electricity;

protectors with a plurality of thermal nonconductors on an outer peripheral surface of each of the barrels at predetermined intervals; and

a plurality of comb teeth protruding from each of the barrels by making bases thereof align in parallel to a center axis of each of the barrels.

3. The hair iron according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the thermal nonconductors are arranged on the barrel along an axial direction.

4. The hair iron according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the thermal nonconductors are arranged along a circumferential direction of the barrel.

5. The hair iron according to claims 1 to 4,
wherein the protector has a ring shape.

6. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the comb teeth are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the barrel.

7. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the comb teeth are integrally formed with the protectors.

8. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

discharge electrodes provided to the support; and

a high-voltage generation part applying a high voltage to the discharge electrodes.

Drawing