US20110030715A1

US20110030715A1 - Curl activator hair steamer

Info

Publication number: US20110030715A1
Application number: US12/462,738
Authority: US
Inventors: Tiffany Lynne Spooner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-10
Filing date: 2009-08-10
Publication date: 2011-02-10

Abstract

This invention seeks use to steam to make hair curlier or wavier. The steam is used as a direct agent to get the hair curlier or wavier. No hair rollers, rods, or other separate accessories are needed. Thus invention is intended to be used by people who already have a natural curl or wave to their hair.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

There is a related invention named Hair Steamer, filed on the date of May 13, 1931. U.S. Pat. No. 1,832,360. This invention and my proposed invention are related as they both use steam for the hair. However, the claims and appearance differ.
This invention/product will be a small electric appliance made mostly of plastic and some metal. Appearing almost like an electric kettle, it will hold water and have a small spout-like opening by the top. The very top of the appliance will have a small lid that will be able to easily screw off so that water may be added inside. Once the screw-top is replaced, the appliance will be plugged in so that the inner container that holds water may heat up and steam can be released through the slots/holes in the spout-like opening. The steam will escape through small openings located by the top of the appliance. There will also be an oblong window located on the side of the appliance—so that one may view the water level inside. There will be a top line and a bottom line. Water should be not be filled past the top line and should never be below the bottom line while in use. Attached by the bottom of the appliance, there will be a 2-pronged plug that is able to plug into an electric wall outlet. There will also be an on and off switch.
Once steam is emitting from the device, one may hold their head/dry hair over the steam. The steam will cause the hair to become wavier and curlier. The hair should be held over until the steam so that it touches the steam, however, it does not have to remain in the steam long enough to become overly damp or wet. One may choose to scrunch their hair as it is held over the steam.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCING LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many products are aimed at straightening hair. There are some products aimed at curling hair but they all involve the use of an accessory such as curling rolls, curling irons or rods, or hair dryers. This product will not require any accessories. Hair is only reliant on steam to achieve the desired results. In addition, this product works quickly. One is able to use this product for simply 1-3 minutes to get the desired results. Other hair curling devices take much more time, strategy, and skill. This invention works by putting humidity back into hair. Many people with curly hair find that humidity helps maintain and form waves and curls.
This invention will be used for human hair. The largest group of users will be females; however, it will also be used by males.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to make curly hair curlier and wavy hair wavier. It enhances curls, and brings out waves through the power of steam.
There are three advantages of using this invention. First advantage: it is quick. The invention will take less than approximately 3 minutes to begin to steam, and once the steam starts it can cause hair to curl within seconds. Second advantage: there are no rods, rollers, hair dryers, hair nets, or other accessories needed. Third advantage: this product can be used without the need of hair gel, mouse, crème, or hair spray. It simply uses the natural power of steam to create waves and curls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a sketch of the Curl Activator Hair Steamer from side-view. Letter A is the on/off switch, Letter B is the body, Letter C shows a see-through window. This window allows one to view the water level inside. Letter D indicates a fill-line, this is a safety feature and water should be maintained above that line while the product is turned on. Letter E is the top fill line. Water should not be filled above this line or else the heated water could splash out from the spout (letter H). Letter F is a screw-off top. When removed, this is where water will be poured into. Letter G shows the main power plug and two-pronged plug. The unit plugs into to an electrical outlet in order to heat up the inner container of water, letter J. Letter I indicates a handle. The handle is for convenience as well as a safe place to touch incase the appliance is hot.

FIG. 1B shows the front-view of the Curl Activator Hair Steamer.

FIG. 1C is a sketch showing a transparent side-view of the Curl Activator Hair Steamer. Letter J shows the inside chamber. This is where the water will be contained and boiled. Once the boiling begins, steam will rise and emerge through the spout, letter H.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention will be made in a factory setting. Using molds, plastic, metal, and electric wiring—it will be fashioned into an almost-tea kettle shape. The invention will be packaged in a cardboard box and will include a set of written directions and a small plastic measuring cup for adding water to the product.
How to use a finished product of the invention: The user will first ensure that the appliance is on a stable table, counter top, or other flat surface. Next, the user will screw off the top, and using the using the included measuring cup, fill to a line with water. Once water has been added, the top will be replaced by screwing it back on. The appliance may then be plugged in, and the switch should be turned to on position. Within a few minutes heat will be created and the water will begin to bubble. The steam created from the water will escape through a spout-like opening at the top. Next, one will hold one's head (and hair) over the steam, at least 8-12 inches away from the appliance. This distance will ensure that one won't bump the appliance and will prevent any burns from the steam. The steam will cause the dangling hair to become curly, wavy, and more uniform. While holding one's head over the steam, one may scrunch one's hair slightly to help the curls form, if desired. The amount of time one should have one's hair in the steam will depend on the length of hair, thickness, nature of the curls/waves, and the desired results. If the hair is left too long in the steam it may become overly damp and need longer time to dry and can be blow-dried with a hair dryer or allowed to air dry. If the water happens to get too low during the process, the person will be able to note that steam is coming out at a slower rate and they may also look into the water window to see the current water level. Once the hair has been steamed as desired, the power switch can be turned to the off position and appliances can be unplugged.
Household apparatuses for steam generation are known. Other hair curling machines that use steam, do not promote their product for the steam alone. Instead, those machines use the steam to heat up plastic and foam rollers so than one can roll them into their hair and make their hair curly in that way. My invention does not use any sort of rollers or rods to accomplish its purpose.

Claims

1. This product will use steam to make curly hair curlier, wavy hair wavier, and to make the waves and curls more defined and uniform in a small amount of time.