GB2459507A

GB2459507A - Hair styling device with heated and cooled hair-contacting portions

Info

Publication number: GB2459507A
Application number: GB0807599A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rita Lei; Kate Thodey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-25
Filing date: 2008-04-25
Publication date: 2009-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-25
Also published as: GB0807599D0; GB2459507B

Abstract

A hair styling device 1 comprises a handheld portion incorporating a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair 21 as the device is moved relative to said hair, an actively heated portion 14 being located in a first position for contacting said hair and an actively cooled portion 15 being located in a second position for contacting said hair after the heated portion. The device further incorporates at least one of; a unit located remotely from said handheld portion with a conduit between the unit and the cooled portion allowing the flow of cooling fluid from said unit to said cooled portion; actively heated and actively cooled portions comprising a pair of plates that may abut or may be separated by a thermal insulator; the actively heated portion comprises a contact plate located within the jaw of the tongs and the actively cooled portion comprises a contact plate located on the outer surface of one of the tongs. The actively cooled portion may employ a Peltier module. The use of heated and cooled portions allows hair to be more readily styled, with a reduced tendency to `spring back' when released from the hair styling device.

Description

A HAIR STYLING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a hair styling device, in particular to hair styling device which incorporate a pair of temperature controlled tongs.

Review of Art known to the Applicant The Applicants are aware of electrical hair heating appliances for the heat styling of hair, such as straightening irons for straightening the hair, curling tongs and heated rollers for inducing a curl within the hair. * . Se..

Straightening irons comprise two opposing blades hinged together at one end with heated plates at the other, to form a tong like structure. The hair is styled by pressing the strands * of hair between the heated surfaces and gliding the straightener over the length of the *:*::* hair. Heating hair to high temperatures is an effective way to introduce a new hair style, *:*. by breaking the hydrogen bonds within the hairs' cortex.

The disadvantage of this method of hairstyling is that as soon as the hair is released from the heated plates it is liable to spring back forming waves and curls before the hair has been able to cool. Attempts to make hair styling using straighteners more successful, often involves higher temperatures or longer treatment times, which destroys the existing conformation of the hair. This has the effect of making the hair more malleable but also has the negative attribute of damaging the hair and does not soLve the problem of controlling the hairstyle while it sets. Heating hair to high temperatures (typically 160 to 220 °C) is an effective way to introduce a new style by breaking the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex. The hair can then be remoulded and as the hair cools, the hydrogen bonds reform and set the hair in the new style.

To produce curls, the straightening iron is then passed over the hair from root to the tip, whilst turning the appliance through an angle greater than 90°. The heat from the two heated surfaces, along with the pressure between the appliance's surfaces and the tension from pulling and rotating the device through the hair; all combine to create a new curled style.

Professional hair stylists usually employ heated rollers in the client's hair until they have cooled to ensure the curls hold. The disadvantage of using a conventional straightening iron to produce curls is that the device is passed quickly over the hair, which is then left to cool in the ambient air. Therefore, the limitation of using a straightening iron for curling hair is that the curls commonly drop out as the hair cools.

The following prior art is acknowledged:

US6354305B1 *..... * US2006/0207625A1 * US5868146 **s. 25

* Summary of the Invention **

S

* *. In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising *:*. a handheld portion incorporating a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and an actively cooled portion Located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said device further incorporates a unit Located remotely from said handheld portion, and a conduit between the unit and the cooled portion allowing the flow of cooling fluid from said unit to said cooled portion.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the heating and cooling of selected portions within the tongs, without housing a cooling device within the tongs.

Therefore, it reduces the tong's size and weight. It allows a greater temperature differential to be achieved when compared to a device incorporating the cooling unit within its handle. Another advantage of this configuration is the base unit may incorporate a larger cooling unit than the tongs.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a hair contact plate; and said cooled portion incorporates a hair contact plate; said heated contact plate and said cooled contact plate being in abutment.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the heating and cooling of the hair, in one uninterrupted motion, as the hair passes through the tongs. This sequential heating and cooling of the hair, while pressed and pulled between the heated and cooled contact plates, ensures that the hair style is firmly set in position. * ** * S * * **

* The initial heating of the hair breaks the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex. The immediate subsequent cooling of the hair, reforms the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex and ensures the hair style is firmly set in position. S..

*:*::* Another advantage of this configuration is that lower, safer temperatures of heat may be used in the styling process.

In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a hair contact plate; and said cooled portion incorporates a hair contact plate; said heated contact plate and said cooled contact plate being separated by a thermal insulator located in substantially the same plane as both plates.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reduces or even prevents any thermal cross contamination between the heated and cooled plates within the tongs.

Therefore, increasing the efficiencies of both the heating and cooling portions within the tongs.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said device incorporates two actively heated portions located side by side in substantially the same plane; said first actively heated portion being configured for heating at a first temperature and a second actively heated portion being configured for heating at a second temperature.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it increases the heating capacity of the device over a larger area, therefore increasing the exposure of the hair to heat. This enables a more efficient method for styling large portions of thick, coarse hair. * ** * * * * S.

In a fifth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an *** actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, *:*::* said heated portion; wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a substantiaLly flat *. : contact plate located within the jaw of said tongs and said cooled portion incorporates a * 30 contact plate located on the outside most face of one of said tongs.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the device to form stylised curls within the hair, in one motion. The heated hair is curled around the tong and is passed over the cooled contact plate on the outside face of one of the tongs, as the user rotates the appliance in one direction. The cooled plate ensures the style is firmly set in position.

Another advantage of this configuration is that tower, safer temperatures of heat may be used in the styling process.

In a sixth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion Located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said device incorporates a detachable cooling module.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the detachable cooling module to be removed and cooled remotely. Therefore, eliminating the need for a cooling device within the device.

In a subsidiary aspect, said tongs are connected to said unit via a flexible conduit.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because in one embodiment it enables a cooling fluid to be communicated between the tongs and base unit.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said flexible conduit incorporates an electrical lead for powering said heated portion and a liquid tubing to enable the communication of cooling liquid to cooled portion.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables both the electrical power and cooling fluid to be communicated together in one lead, between the tongs and the * ** base unit. * * . * S. * S

* 30 In a further subsidiary aspect, said unit incorporates a pump for circulating said fluid to and from said cooled portion.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the cooling fluid to be circulated between the tongs and the base unit, while the tongs are positioned in an elevated position above the base unit, therefore preventing the cooling fluid from pooling within the base unit.

Another advantage of this configuration is that the pump enables the cooling fluid to communicate the heat away from the cooled portion, therefore preventing the build up heat and maintaining a cool temperature within the cool portion.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said heated portion is heated to a temperature greater than degrees Celsius.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it breaks the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex, therefore destroying the original conformation of the hair.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said heated portion is heated to a temperature from 45 to 95 degrees Celsius.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides improvements in styling at lower temperatures, than would otherwise be necessary.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said heated portion is heated to a temperature from 45 to degrees Celsius.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides improvements in styling a larger volume of hair, which requires larger a thermal inertia to heat the hair.

Another advantage of this configuration is that it rapidly heats the larger volume of hair by exposing the hair to a minimal number of heating cycles. * ** * * .

In a further subsidiary aspect, said cooled portion is cooled to a temperature less than 40 * 30 degrees Celsius.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it reforms the broken hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex, therefore enabling the hair to be set in a new style.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said cooled portion is cooled to a temperature from 1 to 15 degrees Celsius.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it cools the hair to a temperature well below 40 degrees Celsius and below a typical ambient temperature, therefore reforming the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex and setting the hair in the new style to an improved level. A synergistic effect arises when said when said heated and cooled portions are associated within their respective ranges.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the device further comprises a reservoir for containing a cooling substance.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it does not require an external supply of cooling fluid, therefore enabling the device to be a self contained unit with out any external plumbing requirements.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the device further comprises a holster which is integral to said remote unit and which is sized and shaped to receive said tongs.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the user to stow the tongs, whilst in use, in a manner which shields the heated portions within tongs from the * ** . . . . ****. user, therefore reducing the possibility of accidental burns from accidental contact with *. the tongs. Another advantage of this configuration is that it minimises the working space required for operating the device. * ****

In a further subsidiary aspect, the device further comprises a capillary heat exchanger ::; located in said cooling portion.

* 30 This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the cooling fluid, cooled within the base the unit, is circulated through a capillary within the cooling portion of the tongs to maximise its exposure to the cooled portion, therefore exchanging its low temperature to the cooling portion. The cooling fluid absorbs any secondary heat, which may be present within the cooling portion during the tow temperature exchange. The heat absorbed by the cooling fluid is then removed from the cooling device by circulating the cooling fLuid back to the base unit. Another advantage of this configuration is that the capiLlary maximises cooling fluid exposure across the cooling portion within the tongs, therefore ensuring a low temperature uniformly across the cooled portion.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said device incorporates two actively heated portions located side by side in substantially the same plane; said first actively heated portion being configured for heating at a first temperature and a second actively heated portion being configured for heating at a second temperature.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it increases the heating capacity of the device over a Larger area, therefore increasing the exposure of the hair to heat. This may enable a more efficient method for styling large portions of thick, coarse hair.

Another advantage of this configuration is that if the first heating portion does not sufficiently heat the hair, the second heating portion will provide additional heat in which to heat the hair to the required temperature. Another advantage of this configuration is that the hair is initialLy heated when it passes over the second heating portion. The hair is then subsequently heated at a reduced temperature as it passes over heating portion two, therefore reducing the required cooling as the hair passes over the subsequent cooling portion.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said actively heated portion incorporates a substantially flat contact plate located within the jaw of said tongs and said cooled portion incorporates a contact plate located on the outside most face of one of said tongs.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the device to form stylised curls within the hair, in one motion. The heated hair is curled around the tong and *:*::* is passed over the cooled contact plate on the outside face of one of the tongs, as the user : rotates the appliance in one direction. The cooled plate ensures the style is firmly set in * 30 position. Another advantage of this configuration is that Lower, safer temperatures of heat may be used in the styling process.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said device incorporates a detachable cooling module.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the detachable cooling device to removed and cooled remotely. Therefore, eliminating the need for a cooling device within the device.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the device further comprises an actively heated portion on each tong; and an actively cooled portion on each tong's outside most face.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables the user to style curLs within the hair by rotating the tongs in either direction. This ensures that the heated hair exiting the tongs will pass over one of the actively cooled portions on the outside surface of the tongs, therefore setting the hair in the new curled style.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said first actively heated portion is heated by the heating side of a Peltier cooler and the second actively heated portion is heated by a separately is powered heating means.

Another advantage of this configuration is that if the first heating portion does not sufficientLy heat the hair, the second heating portion will provide additional heat in which to heat the hair to the required temperature. Another advantage of this configuration is that the hair is initially heated when it passes over the second heating portion. The hair is *::::* then subsequently heated at a reduced temperature as it passes over heating portion two, therefore reducing the required cooling as the hair passes over the subsequent cooling S...

portion. I..

S

* *. In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention's first broad independent aspect, said Peltier cooler incorporates a cooling side which is part of said cooled portion. * 30

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it enables a cooling unit to be incorporated within the tongs, therefore eliminating the requirement for a remote unit within the device.

Brief Description of the Fig_ures

Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of the straightening iron embodiment of the hair styling device.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the straightening iron embodiment plus a base unit.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the straightening iron embodiment horizontally holstered to the base unit.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the straightening iron embodiment vertically holstered to the base unit.

Figure 5 shows a prospective side view of an alternative wide embodiment of the hair styling device.

Figure 6 shows a prospective side view of an alternative wide embodiment of the hair styling device, incorporating a second heating portion.

Figure 7 shows a perspective side view of the alternative curling tong embodiment of the hair styling device.

Figure 8 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the hair styling device, incorporating a cooled external surface. I...

Figure 9 shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of the hair styling device, incorporating a cooled external surface. * **

Figure 10 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the hair styling device, * 30 incorporating two cooled external surfaces.

Figure 11 shows an end view of an alternative embodiment of the hair styling device, incorporating two cooled external surfaces.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of a hair straightening embodiment 1 of the hair styling device. This embodiment incorporates two elongate arm members 2 and 3 which are rectangular in shape and connected together via a hinge portion 4, which is located at their lowest extremities 5 and 6. The two arm members 2 and 3 reduce in depth indicated by arrows 7 and 8, as the arms extend outwards as indicated by arrow 9. The elongate members incorporate vertical sidewalls 10 and 1 1, which extend Linearly along the two arm members 2 and 3. Arm member 2 incorporates a flat, linear, upper rectangular surface 12. Arm member 3 incorporates a flat, linear, inner rectangular surface 13, which extends from its lower most extremity 6 to approximately half way along its length. Adjacent to inner rectangular portion 13 are two smaller rectangular portions 14 and 15. Rectangular portions 14 and 15 are adjacent to each other and extend outwardly towards the outer most extremity 16 of elongate arm member 3. Rectangular portion 14 abuts rectangular is portion 15 along its right most portion, which extends centrally 17 along elongate member 3. A power lead 18 is connected to a coupling gland 19, via a protective shroud 20. The power lead 16 enters arm member 2 at its lower extremity 5. A power switch 23 is located within the upper rectangular surface 12 of arm member 2 The hair straightening embodiment 1 of the hair styling device is shown to be straightening hair 21 indicated by arrow 22, which shows the direction of device's movement whilst gliding over hair 21 clamped between arm members 2 and 3. The hair 21 initially comes into contact with rectangular portion 14, which is heated to a temperature in excess of 40 °C to enable the breaking of the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex. The hair is then immediately cooled by rectangular portion 15, which is : cooled down to a temperature below 40 °C to enable the broken hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex to bond together and remoutding the hair 21 into a new fashion. The un-straightened hair can be seen before it enters the straightening device 1 over rectangular portion 14 and the straightened hair can be seen exiting the straightening device 1 after * 30 passing over rectangular portion 15. The sequential heating and cooling of the hair whilst it is pressed and pulled between the inner surfaces of the straightening embodiment ensures that the hairstyle is firmly set.

Figure 2 shows a configuration of the hair straightening embodiment 1 of the hair styling device, which is connected to a base unit 24 via an umbilical cord 25. The figure shows the base unit 24 is powered from a power connector 26 via a power lead 27.

The base unit 24 incorporates a cooling means (not shown) for cooling rectangular inner portion 15 within arm member 3. The rectangular inner portion 15 is cooled by communicating a chilled substance from the base unit 24 to the hair straightening embodiment 1, via the umbilical cord 25. The base unit 24 incorporates a pumping means (not shown) for achieving the communication of the chilled substance from the base unit 24, to the hair straightening embodiment 1, via a capillary tube (not shown) embedded within the umbilical cord 25. The capillary tube is located adjacently to an electrical cable (not shown) within the umbilical cord 25. The electrical cable powers a resistive element for heating rectangular inner portion 14.

The cooling means (not shown) located within the base unit 24 may be typically an electrical cooling device such as a small refrigeration unit or a peltier device. Other forms of cooling means may also be used, such as a reservoir for containing a cooling substance such as ice or a dedicated frozen pack. The heat generated by the cooling means is discharged from the base unit through a set of grills (not shown) and/or by a fan (not shown) to form a kind of heat dump from the base unit 24 into the surrounding atmosphere. The chilled substance communicated to the hair straightening embodiment 1, may be typically in the form of a gel, oil or water. The chilled substance is fed from a reservoir (not shown) within the base unit 24, to the cooling rectangular inner portion 15 within arm member 3, and then back into the reservoir within the base unit 24. a.

The heated means (not shown) is typically an electrical resistive element, which is attached to rectangular heating portion 14. The power Lead 26 and power connector 27 are required for the cooling means, such as a peltier device, heating means such as a electrical resistive element and any heat venting means necessary. * 30

Figure 3 shows a configuration of the hair straightening embodiment 1 of the hair styling device, which shows an alternative embodiment of the base unit 24 that incorporates a holster 28. The hair straightening embodiment 1 is parked within the holster 28 when not in use. The holster 28 is mounted substantially horizontal upon the base unit 24 and incorporates an incline which Leads up to the holster's entry aperture 29. The direction of the parking of the hair straightening embodiment 1 is indicated by arrow 26.

Figure 4 shows a configuration of the hair straightening embodiment 1 of the hair styling device, which shows an alternative embodiment of the base unit 24 that incorporates an alternative cup/pot shaped holster 31. The hair straightening embodiment 1 is parked within the holster 31 when not in use. The holster 31 is mounted vertically upon the base unit 24, with the holster's entry aperture 32 being Located at the holster's upper most portion. The direction of the vertical parking of the hair straightening embodiment 1 is indicated by arrow 33.

Figure 5 shows an upper perspective view of an alternative hair straightening embodiment 34 of the hair styling device. This embodiment comprises two blades 35 and 36 and joined at one end by a hinge 37. Within the hinge 37 a spring device (not shown) ensures that the blades are biased in an open position. Temperature controlled styling modules 38 and 39 are positioned at the ends of the blades furthest from the hinge. In the first preferred embodiment the temperature-controlled styling modules each comprise an actively heated plate 40 adjacent to actively cooled plate 41, which are typically maintained by the heated and cooled surfaces of a peltier device (not shown) positioned perpendicular to the plane of the plates. Alternatively, the actively heated plate 40 maybe maintained by an resistive element and the actively cooled plate 41 maybe maintained by a cooling means located remotely from the hair styling device 34. Preferably a conductive material, typically aluminium or a ceramic material is used to extend the surfaces of the peltier to contact *::::* the heated and cooled plates. Preferably the heated and cooled plates are separated by a thermal isolator such as ceramic. The adjacent heated and cooled plates of each styling I...

module are positioned such that the heated plate of one module is directly opposite the heated plate of the other styling module and the cooled plates are also opposite such that one styling module is the mirror image of the other. * *i ** *

Figure 6 shows an upper perspective view of an alternative hair straightening embodiment 42 of the hair styling device. This embodiment comprises styling modules 43 and 44, both of which incorporate an actively cooled plate 45 adjacent to a first heated plate 46, which is adjacent to a second heated plate 47. Both styling modules 43 and 44 incorporate a peltier device (not shown) for maintaining the temperatures of the cooled plate 45 and the first heated plate 46. The pettier devices are positioned perpendicular to the plane of cooled plate 45 and first heated plate 46. The modules incorporate conductive material, such as aluminium, which extends the hot and cold surfaces of the pettier device to contact the cooled plate 45 and the first heated plate 46. The temperature of the second heated plate 46 is generated by an electric heated module, preferably a resistance element.

Preferably the three plates of each styling module are separated by a thermal isolator such as ceramic. The cooled and heated plates of each styling module are positioned such that one styling module is the mirror image of the other.

Preferably the electric circuit of the appliance comprises a flexible power cord 48 to provide mains power supply, a rectifier to provide DC (Direct Current) power to the one or more peltier devices, an on/off switch 49, a negative feedback control system, and a potentiometer or other means to regulate the temperature of the plates. The peltier devices may be single or multi-stage. Additionally, a stand 50 keeps the appliance from tipping over when placed on a table or on the floor.

Figure 7 shows an upper perspective view of a hair curling tong embodiment 51 of the hair styling device. This embodiment incorporates two elongate arm members 52 and 53 which are rectangular in shape and are connected together via a hinge portion 54, which is located at their lowest extremities 55 and 56. The two arm members 52 and 53 reduce in width indicated by arrows 57 and 58, as the arms extend outward indicated by arrow 59.

The elongate members incorporate vertical side walls 60 and 61, which extend linearly along the two arm members 52 and 53. Arm member 53 incorporates a flat, linear, rectangular inner surface 62, which extends from its lower extremity 56 to approximately half way along its length. Adjacent to inner rectangular surface 62 is a rectangular inner S...

: portion 63. Arm member 52 incorporates an upper flat, linear rectangular outer surface 64, which extends from its lower extremity 55 to approximateLy halfway along its Length.

* The flat, linear, rectangular outer portion 64 is adjacent to another flat, linear, rectangular, i' . * outer portion 65, which extends approximately from half way along the arm member 52 and substantialLy towards the arm member's outer extremity 66.

The rectangular inner surface 63 incorporates a heating means, typically an electrical resistive element 67, which heats the area to a temperature in excess of 40 °C (preferably a range of 45 to 95 °C, or up to 180 °C maximum). The rectangular outer surface area 65 is cooled by a cooling means 68, in which a cooled substance is passed underneath the surface area in some kind of capillary array. Therefore, the rectangular outer surface is cooled to a temperature below 40°C (preferably a range of ito 15 °C).

Elongate members 52 and 53 is shown to clamp onto a wad of hair 69, which is initially heated by the heated rectangular inner surface 63 and is then curled around the outer surface 65 of elongate member 52 and cooled as it passes over the outer surface 65.

The hair is heated to a temperature in excess of 40 °C (preferably a range of 45 to 95 °C, or up to 180°C maximum) to enable the breaking of the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex. The hair is then immediately cooled down to a temperature below 40 °C (preferably a range of 1 to 15 °C) to enable the hydrogen bonds within the hair's cortex to bond together. Therefore, sequential heating and cooling of the hair whilst it is pressed, curled and pulled between the inner and outer surfaces of the straightening embodiment ensures that the curls are set within the hair.

Figure 8 shows a side view of an alternative hair curling tong embodiment 70 of the hair styling device. The figure shows the heated plate 71 of the first styling module 72. When the first blade 73 and the second blade 74 are brought together, a section of hair is pressed between the two heated plates 71 and 75. As the appliance is passed over the Length of hair from root to tip it is turned through at angle greater than 90 ° so that the hair exiting the two heated plates 71 and 75 then passes over the cooled plate 76. * S. * * S

Figure 9 shows an end view of embodiment shown in figure 8, in which the styling *.*.

modules 72 and 77 are brought together and the perspective view is of the blade ends 73 *SS.

: and 74 furthest away from the hinge 78. The surfaces of the heated plates 71 and 75 are *. flat such that the hair is pressed straight while being heated between the two surfaces, * similar to a standard straightening iron. However, as the hair passes out of the heated plates 71 and 75, it is flipped back over the curved cooled plate 76, as the user rotates the *. .: 30 appliance. In this embodiment, the exterior surfaces of the blades are curved so that the cooled plate on the outer surface is curved. The blades may also be rectangular in shape.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cooled region within the hair styling device is removable in a form of a module. When the module is removed it is then chilled / frozen remotely from the hair styling device, typically in freezer or fridge unit. Once the module has been frozen, it is then coupted back into the hair styling device for use as a means of cooling the hair.

Figure 10 shows a side view of alternative embodiment of the hair curling tong 70 shown in figures 8 and 9. This embodiment shows the styling module 77 incorporating an exterior cooled plate 79. Therefore, the second styling module 77 is configured such that it is a mirror image of the first styling module 72. In this embodiment the temperatures of the heated 71 and 75, and cooled plates 76 and 79 may be generated by pettier devices either alone or in combination with other pettier devices. Alternatively, the temperatures of the heated 71 and 75, and cooled plates 76 and 79 may be generated by resistive elements and cooling means located remotely from the hair curling tong 70. This embodiment of the hair curling tong 70 can be used by the same method described in figures 8 and 9, except that the user of this embodiment need not pay attention to the direction in which the appliance is being rotated, as it passes over the hair. Because the cooled plates on both exterior surfaces 76 and 79 ensure that the hair will contact a cooled plate upon exiting the heated plates 71 and 75, no matter which direction the appliance is turned. This embodiment has the advantage that if the appliance is turned through the hair at an angle greater than 180 whilst styling, the hair will contact both cooled plates 76 and 79. Therefore, increasing the cooling time and ensuring the curls set firmly.

Figure 11 shows an end view of embodiment shown in figure 10, in which the styling modules 72 and 77 are brought together and the perspective view is of the blade ends 73 *.... and 74 furthest away from the hinge 78. The surfaces of the heated plates 71 and 75 are S..

flat such that the hair is pressed straight while being heated between the two surfaces, *SSS : similar to a standard straightening iron. However, as the hair passes out of the heated ** plates 71 and 75, it is flipped back over either or both of the curved cooled plates 76 and * 79, as the user rotates the appliance. In this embodiment, the exterior surfaces of the * blades are curved so that the cooled plates 76 and 79 on the outer surfaces are curved.

The blades may also be rectangular in shape.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hair styling device comprising a handheld portion incorporating a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and an actively cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said device further incorporates a unit located remotely from said handheld portion, and a conduit between the unit and the cooled portion allowing the flow of cooling fluid from said unit to said cooled portion.
2. A hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a hair contact plate; and said cooled portion incorporates a hair contact plate; said heated contact plate and said cooled contact plate being in abutment.
3 A hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a hair contact plate; and said cooled portion incorporates a hair *:*::* contact plate; said heated contact plate and said cooled contact plate being separated by a thermal insulator located in substantially the same plane as both plates. * *** *SS.

:
4. A hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position * ** for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said actively heated * 30 portion incorporates a substantially flat contact plate located within the jaw of said tongs and said cooled portion incorporates a contact plate located on the outside most face of one of said tongs.
5. A hair styling device comprising a pair of tongs for contact-styling hair as the device is moved relative to said hair; an actively heated portion located in a first position for contacting said hair; and a cooled portion located in a second position for contacting said hair after said hair contacts, in use, said heated portion; wherein said device incorporates a detachable cooling module.
6. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, wherein said tongs are connected to said unit via a flexible conduit.
7. A hair styling device according to either claim 1 or claim 7, wherein said flexible conduit incorporates an electrical lead for powering said heated portion and a liquid tubing to enable the communication of cooling liquid to cooled portion.
8. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein said unit incorporates a pump for circulating said fluid to and from said cooled portion.
9. A hair styling device according to claim 10, wherein said heated portion is heated to a temperature greater than 40 degrees Celsius.
10. A hair styling device according to claim 9, wherein said heated portion is heated to a temperature from 45 to 95 degrees Celsius.

*..
ii A hair styling device according to claim 9, wherein said heated portion is heated to . a temperature from 45 to 180 degrees Celsius. S... *.S.
12. A hair styling device according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein said cooled portion is cooled to a temperature less than 40 degrees Celsius. * **
13. A hair styling device according to claim 12, wherein said cooled portion is cooled to * 30 a temperature from ito 15 degrees Celsius.
14. A hair styling device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a reservoir for containing a cooling substance.
15. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, 7, 8 and 9, further comprising a holster which is integral to said remote unit and which is sized and shaped to receive said tongs.
16. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9 and 13, further comprising a capillaiy heat exchanger located in said cooling portion.
17. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, and 15, wherein said actively heated portion incorporates a substantially flat contact plate located within the jaw of said tongs and said cooled portion incorporates a contact plate located on the outside most face of one of said tongs.
18. A hair styling device according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 16, wherein said device incorporates a detachable cooling module.
19. A hair styling device according to any preceding claims, further comprising an actively heated portion on each tong; and an actively cooled portion on each tong's outside most face.
20. A hair styling device according to claim 19, wherein said Peltier cooler incorporates a cooling side which is part of said cooled portion.
21. A hair styling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures. **** *S.. * ** * * * * ** S. SS S S S.