STEAM DEVICE FOR HAIR STYLING

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a steam device (1) for hair styling which comprises a plate (2), a base (3) separate from the plate and connecting means (6) for connecting the base to the plate. The base comprises a steam boiler (4) supplied with a solenoid valve (5) to release the steam and with a hydraulic over-pressure valve (41).
In this way, thanks to the steam boiler capacity separated from the plate, good steam autonomy and steam high performances can be obtained in safety conditions for the user and any limestone formation in the steam conducts which would limit the device life can be avoided.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair styling device. In particular, the present invention relates to a steam device for hair styling.

Background of the invention

[0002] Steam device for hair styling are known in the art; such devices are provided with a water reservoir for the steam production.

[0003] In general, one of the main problems encountered in such devices is the limited capacity of the water reservoir, and then the reduced steam autonomy, especially in those devices where the reservoir is incorporated in the device itself.

[0004] In addition, significant problems are also the limestone formation, caused by the water hardness, which in the long run clogs the steam conducts, limiting the product life.

[0005] Further problems are the troublesome steam pressure and temperature control to securely obtain a high pressure and residual water free saturated steam, as well as the constructive complexity.

[0006] Therefore, the Applicant of the present invention has noticed the need to provide a steam device for hair styling which is simple and economical to produce, quick to use, and which solves the technical problem concerning the fact of the limited steam autonomy, as well as the other problems described above.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a steam device for hair styling as indicated in claim 1.

[0008] The Applicant of the present application has in fact surprisingly found that a steam device for hair styling comprising a plate for hair styling, a base separated from said plate, wherein said base comprises a steam boiler having a solenoid valve to release the steam, and wherein said device comprises connecting means for allowing the passage of said steam from said base to said plate, characterized in that said steam boiler further comprises a hydraulic over-pressure valve, is able to have a sufficient steam autonomy.

[0009] In fact, thanks to the steam boiler capacity separated from the plate, good steam autonomy and steam high performances can be obtained in safety conditions for the user.

[0010] Moreover, in this way the pressure value is safety maintained.

[0011] Preferably, the working pressure of the steam boiler ranges from 1 to 5 bar, more preferably from 2 to 4 bar.

[0012] Preferably, said base is supplied by the power supply through of a power cable, typically having phase and neutral elements.

[0013] Preferably, said steam boiler is provided with an opening for the introduction of water in it, said opening being closable by means of a safety cap.

[0014] In this way the accidental spill of superheated water from the steam boiler is prevented, for user safety.

[0015] Preferably, said steam boiler has a capacity of from about 50 to about 300 cc, preferably from about 100 cc to about 200, typically about 150 cc.

[0016] In this way said steam boiler has a capacity more than sufficient to obtain a good steam autonomy.

[0017] Preferably, said solenoid valve works with a voltage lower than or equal to 50 V in alternating current, more preferably lower or equal to 30 V in alternating current.

[0018] In this way, the hair styling device of the present invention is realized so as to have no ground connections, and thus having a high safety level.

[0019] Preferably, said steam boiler is heated by means of resistors. More preferably, said heating resistors are provided with double insulation or reinforced insulation as required by the Electrical Safety Standard IEC60335-1.

[0020] In a first embodiment, said steam boiler is heated by PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) type resistors, which are self-limited in temperature.

[0021] In this way the fact that the steam boiler temperature can reach excessively high, not desired values is automatically avoided, especially in case of failure.

[0022] In a second embodiment, said steam boiler is heated by means of traditional type resistance wire resistors.

[0023] In this way the temperature of these resistors is controlled by means known to the skilled in the art, for example by means of devices such as thermostats, pressure switches, thermo-fuses, thermal probes operated by electronic circuits, and the like.

[0024] Preferably, said resistors are positioned on an aluminium plate onto which rests said steam boiler. Preferably, on said plate is positioned also said device, such as a thermostat for the temperature regulation.

[0025] Preferably, said steam boiler is made with stainless steel casing, for example with alloy AISI304.

[0026] Preferably, said device for hair styling is provided with means for measuring the pressure of said steam boiler.

[0027] In one embodiment, said means for measuring the pressure of said steam boiler are means adapted to measure the pressure in a direct way, such as a pressure switch.

[0028] In another embodiment, said means for measuring the pressure of said steam boiler are means adapted to measure the pressure in an indirect way, as for example means which control the internal temperature.

[0029] Preferably, said steam boiler has a predetermined maximum level of water filling, controlled by an inlet pipe which acts as overflow.

[0030] Preferably, the positioning of said solenoid valve is such that it draws the steam without transporting water.

[0031] In this way, the steam sent to the plate is saturated and therefore devoid of solid residues capable of depositing limestone.

[0032] In this way it is solved the problem of limestone formation, which in the long run might obstruct the steam conducts, thus causing the malfunction of the device of the present invention and limiting the duration in time.

[0033] Preferably, the steam boiler has such a configuration that the water at its inside occupies only a portion of the height of the steam boiler itself, preferably occupying about 60-70% of its volume, while the remaining volume of the steam boiler is occupied by the steam.

[0034] Preferably, said plate is provided with an electronic board which controls the opening of said solenoid valve for allowing the steam to pass from the boiler to the plate.

[0035] Preferably, said electronic board is provided with a sensor which controls said solenoid valve opening. More preferably, said sensor is an optical type sensor or other equivalent type which controls the opening of the solenoid valve when its two arms are closed, for allowing the steam to pass from the boiler to the plate.

[0036] Preferably, the time in which the solenoid valve is open ranges from 5% to 100% compared to the time in which the solenoid valve remains closed. Alternatively, the timing of opening and closing of the solenoid valve can be defined by an activation/deactivation cycle with various frequencies programmable by the user in function of the hair type to be treated.

[0037] Preferably, said connecting means for connecting said base to said plate are constituted by an interconnection tube in which passes the steam generated by the boiler to supply the plate. Preferably said interconnecting tube also contains some electric cables within it, typically phase and neutral for the plate and for the control of the solenoid valve determined by said board positioned onto said plate for hair styling.

[0038] Preferably, the portion of said plate which is in contact with the hair is made of metal in one piece by means of extrusion, with simple solutions to ensure the hydraulic seal of the steam.

[0039] In this way a constructively simple and easy to achieve plate is obtained.

[0040] Preferably, said plate comprises a first arm, a second arm and a hinge connecting the first arm to the second arm so that the plate can assume a closed position, when the two arms are placed close one each other, and an open position, when the two arms are moved away from each other.

[0041] In this way, the open position is such as to allow the user to enter a to be ironed hair lock between the two arms, while the closed position is such as to allow such a hair lock to be compressed between the two arms to be subjected to the ironing action.

[0042] Preferably, said first arm comprises a rear hole for the steam inlet and an upward perforated seat for the steam escape towards the hair.

[0043] In a first embodiment, said perforated seat is centrally arranged along the longitudinal axis of said first arm of the plate for hair styling.

[0044] In this way, being centrally arranged the seat provided with holes for the steam passage, the device of the present invention show a certain ergonomic, thus allowing the user to use the device without bothering to take in consideration what is the right side and which the left side of such a device. Whatever the device is used, the hair will receive a considerable amount of steam that escapes from such holes disposed along said seat centrally disposed in the first arm.

[0045] In a second embodiment, said upwards perforated seat for the steam outlet towards the hair is positioned along the edge of said first arm, instead of being centrally positioned as shown in the first embodiment.

[0046] In this way, being the seat provided with holes for the steam passage disposed along the edge of said first arm, the device of the present invention shows the advantage, at the expense of ergonomics shown above, to allow the hair to be reached by only a limited steam amount that escapes from said holes, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the hair compared to when they are subjected to an excessive steam amount.

[0047] Preferably, whatever said seat provided with holes for the steam passage is disposed, both centrally or along the plate edge, each of said first arm and of said second arm further includes a first cavity adapted to contain at least one heating element, more preferably at least two heating elements, which are positioned at the sides of said perforated seat.

[0048] Preferably, said first arm further comprises a second cavity adapted to contain at least the means for detecting the temperature of the surface being in contact with the hair.

[0049] Preferably, said second arm is free of said perforated seat for the steam escape towards the hair to be styled.

[0050] Preferably, said over-pressure valve comprises a resilient element, such as a spring, and a safety cap made of elastic material, such as silicone rubber.

[0051] In one embodiment, said over-pressure valve is housed inside said safety cap.

[0052] In this way, the internal pressure acts on said cap of elastic material which is kept closed by said spring. When the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the corresponding force exceeds the resisting force of the spring, thus allowing the steam to vent towards the outside. In this way, it is avoided that the pressure exceeds the safety values for which the steam boiler is designed.

[0053] In such an embodiment, preferably, said over-pressure valve has a vent hole; preferably said vent hole has a diameter of at least 15 mm².

[0054] In this way, the risk that the hole may clog over time due to the limestone deposit is reduced.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, said over-pressure valve is housed in a point of the steam boiler different from the safety cap.

[0056] In such an alternative embodiment, a tube connects the output of the over-pressure valve to a safe area.

[0057] In this way, an eventual steam venting constituting a danger to the user is avoided.

[0058] Preferably, said safe area is the casing base which contains the steam boiler.

[0059] In this way, the steam vent is directed towards the support table of the casing itself.

[0060] Preferably, said tube which connects the output of the over-pressure valve to a safe area is made of rubber, or in an equivalent material.

[0061] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from an examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, but not exclusive, illustrated only by way of indicative and non-limiting example, with the support of the accompanying drawings. In particular, in the drawings:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device of the present invention, wherein the plate and the base, the one separated from the other, and the tube connecting them are visible;
• Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the base of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 shows a side view of the base of Figure 2;
• Figure 4 shows a side view of the steam boiler contained in the base of Figure 2;
• Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the steam boiler of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the plate at the base of the steam boiler of Figure 4;
• Figure 7 is a view in detail of the plate and the cable of Figure 1;
• Figure 8 is a view in section of the cable shown in Figure 7;
• Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of a first embodiment of the plate of Figure 7;
• Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of a second embodiment of the plate of Figure 7;
• Figure 11 shows a side view of the steam boiler of Figure 4 wherein an embodiment of the over-pressure valve positioning is illustrated;
• Figure 12 shows a side view of the steam boiler of Figure 4 wherein an alternative embodiment of the over-pressure valve positioning is illustrated.

Detailed Description

[0062] The following detailed description refers to particular embodiments of the steam device for hair styling of the present invention, without limiting the content thereon.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1-9 a first embodiment of such a device 1 which comprises a plate 2, a base 3 separate from the plate 2 and a connection pipe 6 for connecting the base 3 to the plate 2 is disclosed.

[0064] The base 3 is supplied by the power supply through a power cable 15, typically having phase and neutral elements. The base 3 comprises a steam boiler 4 (see Fig. 2-4), made of stainless steel with AISI 304 alloy, having a diameter of about 100 mm, a height of about 33 cm and a water volume of about 150 cc. The steam boiler 4 rests on an underlying aluminium disk 7 (see Fig. 3-6); resistors 8 of the PTC-type or of the strand type, and a thermostat 9 for adjusting the temperature are mounted on the disk 7; the function of this disk 7 is to transfer to the steam boiler 4 steel the heat generated by the heating elements 8. A water inlet tube 10 surmounted by a safety cap 11 is positioned above the steam boiler 4; the solenoid valve 5 for the steam outlet towards the plate 2 is also mounted above the steam boiler 4. The base 3 is also provided with a transformer 12 for powering the solenoid coil 5 at low voltage, for example at 24 V in alternating current. Therefore, the hair styling device 1 of the present invention is realized so as to be free of ground connections, and thus provided with double electrical insulation or reinforced insulation, as required by the Electrical Safety Standard IEC60335-1.

[0065] The steam boiler 4 is also equipped with a general ON/OFF switch 13 and with a light emitting device (LED) 14 which turns on when the steam is ready in the steam boiler 4.

[0066] From the base 3 a tube 6 interconnecting with the plate 2 comes out; the tube 6 contains the steam 17 and some electrical cables 18, typically phase and neutral elements for the plate 2 and for the solenoid valve 5 control activated by the board provided in the plate 2. This board is provided with a sensor 19 which controls the opening of the solenoid valve 5, when the plate 2 is in the closed position, for allowing the steam 17 to pass from the steam boiler 4 of the base 3 to the plate 2, through the tube 6. The board in the plate 2 also controls the temperature thereof.

[0067] The steam boiler 4 also comprises a hydraulic over-pressure valve, not visible in the figures, which keeps the pressure value in the safety range between about 1 and 5 bar.

[0068] The steam boiler 4 has a predetermined maximum level of water filling, controlled by the inlet tube 10 which acts as overflow. The solenoid valve 5 positioning is such that it draws the steam 17 from the stream boiler 4 without transporting water 16; in this way, the steam sent to the plate 2 is saturated and therefore free of solid residues capable of depositing limestone. Thus, the problem of the limestone formation is avoided, which in the long run would clog the steam conducts, limiting the product life.

[0069] The geometry of the steam boiler 4 is such that the water 16 present in the steam boiler 4 occupies only a portion of its height, the bottom (see Figure 4), and for example only 60-70% of its volume, while the remaining volume of the steam boiler 4 is occupied by the steam 17.

[0070] The hair styling plate 2 comprises a first arm 20, a second arm 21 and a hinge 22 that connects the first arm 20 to the second arm 21 so that the plate 2 can assume a closed position, when the two arms 20,21 are joined together, the position in which the hair to be stylized are held between the two arms, and an open position, when the two arms 20,21 are moved away from each other, position in which the stylized hair are freed from the clamp between the two arms 20,21. Figure 7 shows the plate 2 in the closed position, with the two arms 20,21 juxtaposed one to another.

[0071] The plate 2 is also provided with an electronic board 23 and a sensor 19, of the optical type or of other equivalent type, which controls the opening of the solenoid valve 5 when the two arms are closed, for allowing the steam 17 to pass from the steam boiler 4 to the plate 2. In fact, during operation, when the sensor 19 detects the closing of the plate 2, the board activate a suitable switch 30, which supplies the transformer 12 in order to open the solenoid valve 5 of the steam.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the first arm 20 comprises a central seat 24 provided with holes 25 facing upwards for the steam outlet towards the hair and a rear hole 31 for the steam inlet. The first arm 20 further includes two cavities 26a, 26b, each of them containing at least one heating element, such cavities being arranged longitudinally along the arm 20 and symmetrically with respect to said central seat 24 provided with holes 25 for the steam escape.

[0073] The first arm 20 further comprises a second cavity 27, disposed longitudinally along the arm 20, in an intermediate position between the central seat 24 provided with holes 25 and the cavity 26a, which contains at least one heating element. Such second cavity 27 contains a temperature detecting means 28 of the surface in contact with the hair.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the seat 24 provided with holes 25 contained in the first arm 20 is disposed along the edge of said first arm, instead of being positioned centrally as shown in the first embodiment shown in Figure 9. In addition, the first arm 20 contains a single cavity 26a only (instead of two cavities 26a, 26b as in the previous embodiment) that contains at least one heating element.

[0075] In both the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, also the second arm 21 contains the same number of cavities 26a, 26b (not shown in the figures) present in the corresponding first arm 20 for containing heating elements. Such second arm 21 is instead free from such a seat 24 provided with holes 25 for the steam to escape onto the hair, present on the contrary in the first arm 20, as seen above.

[0076] With reference to Figure 11, a first embodiment of the over-pressure hydraulic valve 41 is shown, which is housed inside the safety cap 11. Such a over-pressure valve 41 is of the hydraulic type and is constituted by a spring 42 and by a plug 43 of an elastic material, for example silicone rubber. The over-pressure valve 41 has a vent hole 44 of at least 15 mm² for decreasing the risk that it can clog with time due to the limestone deposit. Operatively, the internal pressure acts on the plug in elastic material 43 which is kept closed by the spring 42. When the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the corresponding force exceeds the resisting force of the spring 42, allowing the steam to vent towards the outside and in this way avoiding that the pressure exceeds the safety values for which the steam boiler 4 has been designed.

[0077] With reference to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of the over-pressure hydraulic valve 41 is shown, which is screwed onto the steam boiler 4 at a point different from the safety cap 11 outside the steam boiler 4. This valve 41 has the same spring 42 and the same plug 43 shown in Figure 11 with reference to the embodiment described above in which the hydraulic over-pressure valve 41 is housed inside the safety cap 11. In such an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 12, a tube 45 made of rubber or of equivalent material, connects the output 46 of the over-pressure valve 41 to a safe area 47, so that an eventual steam venting does not constitute a danger for the user. For example, such a safe area 47 can be the casing base 48 which contains the steam boiler 4, so that the exhaust steam is directed towards the support table 48 of the casing itself. The device of the present invention thus presents a good steam autonomy, thanks to the ability of the separate steam boiler, and a production of saturated steam free of solid elements to avoid the limestone formation and therefore able to lengthen the product life. The device also shows high steam performance in compliance with the relevant safety standards and a substantial structural simplicity.

[0078] Of course, many modifications and variations of the preferred embodiments described above will be evident to those skilled in the art, still remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0079] Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described, illustrated only by way of example and not limitative, but is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Steam device (1) for hair styling comprising a plate for hair styling (2), a base (3) separated from said plate (2), wherein said base (3) comprises a steam boiler (4) having a solenoid valve (5) to release the steam, and wherein said device (1) comprises connecting means (6) for allowing the passage of said steam from said base (3) to said plate (2), characterized in that it said steam boiler (4) further comprises an over-pressure hydraulic valve (41).

2. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to claim 1, wherein said solenoid valve (5) works with a voltage lower than or equal to 50 Vac.

3. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein said steam boiler (4) is provided with an inlet tube (10) for the introduction of water (16) therein, said tube (10) being closable by means of a safety cap (11).

4. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said steam boiler (4) has such a configuration to allow the water (16) to occupy at its inside only a portion of the height of the steam boiler (4), preferably about 60-70% of its volume, while the steam (17) occupies the remaining volume of the steam boiler (4).

5. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plate (2) is provided with an electronic board that controls the opening of said solenoid valve (5) for allowing the steam to pass from the steam boiler (4) to the plate (2).

6. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said electronic board is provided with a sensor (19) which controls said opening of the solenoid valve (5).

7. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first arm (20) further comprises a second cavity (27) able to contain at least temperature detecting means (28) of the surface being in contact with the hair.

8. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said working pressure of the steam boiler (4) ranges from 1 to 5 bar.

9. Steam device (1) for hair styling as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said working pressure of the steam boiler (4) ranges from 2 to 4 bar.

10. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said over-pressure valve (41) comprises a resilient element (42) and a plug of elastic material (43).

11. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said over-pressure valve (41) is housed inside the safety cap (11).

12. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to claim 11, wherein said over-pressure valve (41) further comprises a vent hole (44).

13. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to claim 12, wherein said vent hole (44) has a diameter of at least 15 mm².

14. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said over-pressure valve (41) is housed in a point outside the steam boiler (4) different from the safety cap (11).

15. Steam device (1) for hair styling according to claim 14, wherein a tube (45) connects the outlet (46) of the over-pressure valve (41) to a safe area (47).

Drawing