WO2003059113A2

WO2003059113A2 - Hair roller and setter

Info

Publication number: WO2003059113A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/000798
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vito James Carlucci; Daniel Santhouse
Original assignee: Conair Corporation
Priority date: 2002-01-11
Filing date: 2003-01-10
Publication date: 2003-07-24
Also published as: CN1819784A; WO2003059113A3; CA2416086A1; AU2003210489A1; CN100435685C; AU2003210489A8; HK1096561A1

Abstract

A soft hair roller (10) has an inner core (30) and an outer layer (40). The inner core (30) is made of a first flexible, non-foamed elastomer, while the outer layer (40) is made of a second flexible elastomer. The outer layer (40) is disposed about the inner core (30) to provide the soft hair roller (10) with a substantially linear shape. The outer layer (40) is disposed about the inner core (30) along substantially an entire length of the linear shape.

Description

HAIR ROLLER AND SETTER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hair care products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hair roller and setter.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] A variety of hair roller products are presently available on the market. For example, hair roller products include hard rollers and soft or foam rollers. Each type of roller has advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] Hard rollers generally have a cylindrical profile. Many hard rollers also have openings that permit the exchange of moisture from the internal portion of the roller to the external environment, thereby facilitating drying of the hair. However, the rigidity of these types of rollers makes it difficult for a user to wear the rollers for an extended period of time, for example, while sleeping.

[0004] Soft or foam rollers, on the other hand, may be worn while sleeping. However, many soft rollers retain moisture and do not allow the hair to dry.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continuing need in the hair care market for rollers that are comfortable to wear for extended periods, but that do not retain moisture. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that is soft and comfortable to wear, but does not retain moisture.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that is resilient and durable, yet flexible.

[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that is readily and conveniently heated.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that does not damage the hair of the wearer.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that has increased temperature tolerance and/or improved spring and memory.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0012] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a hair roller that is an extruded roller having a soft core and an over-extrusion thin layer of a higher modulus material.

[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a storage case for a number of hair rollers so that the rollers can be stored and heated therein.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are accomplished by a soft hair roller having an inner core and an outer layer. The inner core is made of a first flexible, non-foamed elastomer, while the outer layer is made of a second flexible elastomer. The outer layer is disposed about the inner core to provide the soft hair roller with a substantially linear shape. The outer layer is disposed about the inner core along substantially an entire length of the linear shape.

[0015] These and other objects and advantages are also accomplished by a soft hair roller having a inner core, an outer layer, and a pair of connecting members, which are releasably connectable to one another. The inner core is made of a first flexible elastomer, and the outer layer is made of a second flexible elastomer. The first connecting member is disposed at a first end of the soft hair roller and the second connecting member is disposed at a second end of the soft hair roller. The first and second elastomers are sufficiently flexible so that the soft hair roller is bendable to releasably connect the first and second connecting members to one another and to return to its substantially linear shape upon release of the first and second connecting members from one another.

[0016] The soft hair roller of the present invention can be provided by a method including extruding a first elastomer over a second elastomer to form a substantially liner shape, inserting a first connecting member in a first end of the substantially linear shape, and inserting a second connecting member in a second end of the substantially linear shape. The first and second elastomers are sufficiently resilient and flexible to allow the first and second connecting members to be releasably connected to one another and to return the hair roller to the substantially linear shape upon release of the first and second connecting members from one another.

[0017] The soft hair roller of the present invention can also be provided by a method including inserting a first end cap into a first end of an outer layer formed of a first elastomer, filling an inner core of the outer layer with a second elastomer through a second end of the outer layer, and inserting a second end cap into the second end to form a substantially elongated member.

[0018] The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a hair roller of the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the hair roller of Fig. 1 taken along lines 2-2;

[0021] Fig. 3 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a hair roller of the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 4 is an end view of the hair roller of Fig. 3;

[0023] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the storage case for the hair rollers of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 6 is a front view of the storage case of Fig. 5;

[0025] Fig. 7 is a side view of the storage case of Fig. 5; and

[0026] Fig. 8 is a top view of the storage case of Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring now to the figures, and in particular to Fig. 1 , there is provided a hair roller generally represented by reference numeral 10. Hair roller 10 is preferably cylindrical, and has an elongated shape. This shape facilitates wrapping of the user's hair around the roller to form a curl.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, hair roller 10 has an inner core 30 and an outer layer 40 extruded onto the inner core. Hair roller 10 has a first end 21 and a second end 23.

[0029] Inner core 30 preferably has a slight hollow 32 disposed at least in first and second ends 21 , 23. First and second ends 21 , 23 are capped by a first cap 20 and a second cap 26, respectively. First and second cap 20, 26 each preferably has a barbed member 25 for securing the end cap into hollow 32 and, thus, roller 10.

[0030] First cap 20 has an enlarged, hollow ring 22. Second cap 26 has a small, preferably solid ring 28 that can be locked or engaged in the hollow of ring 22 of first cap 20 so that roller 10 can be secured to a user's hair. Of course, it is contemplated by the present invention that first and second caps 20, 26 have other releasably engageable members disposed thereon.

[0031] Inner core 30 is, preferably, made from a low modulus thermoplastic elastomer and is translucent in nature. Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer used in inner core 30 has a lower modulus than the thermoplastic elastomer used for outer layer 40. More preferably, inner core 30 is made from a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 40 durometer or lower. Inner core 30 has a soft, gel-like feel and has an ability to provide a high heat content. In an alternative embodiment, inner core 30 may be colored and/or extruded with a decorative glitter 35.

[0032] Outer layer 40 is made of a high modulus elastomer. Preferably, outer layer 40 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and is translucent in nature. More preferably, outer layer 40 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 70 durometer or higher, more preferably between about 60 and 80 durometers. Outer layer 40 provides a hard surface that is less likely to stick and pull out the hair of the wearer than softer surfaces.

[0033] The material for inner core 30 and outer layer 40 provide that roller 10 can be curled and locked together by first and second caps 20, 26, as discussed above.

[0034] Also, roller 10 of the present invention is preferably made by extruding inner core 30, preferably with glitter and, then overextruding outer layer 40 onto inner core 30. The overextrusion provides a weld between the inner core 30 and the outer layer 40. Accordingly, outer layer 40 is prevented from wrinkling when roller 10 is looped and first and second caps 20, 26 are locked or connected or joined together.

[0035]The extruded roller 10 is preferably about six inches in length, with about a one-half inch diameter. It should be recognized that roller 10 is described herein by way of example as having a circular cross section. Of course, it is contemplated by the present invention for roller 10 to have other cross sections, such as, but not limited to, ovoid or polygonal.

[0036] In addition, caps 20, 26 can maintain inner core 30 in outer layer 40. Primarily, caps 20, 26 allow ends 21 , 23 of roller 10 to lock together to hold the roller in the hair without any non-integral clipping member. Also, caps 20, 26 provide a cool grip. In addition, caps 20, 26 contribute to the aesthetics of the roller 10 by covering and terminating the cut extrusion end.

[0037] A second exemplary embodiment of a hair roller 110 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. [0038] Hair roller 1 10 has an inner core 130 disposed in an outer layer 140. Hair roller 110 has a first end 121 and a second end 123 opposite the first end. First and second ends 121 , 123 each have a hollow 132 defined in outer layer 140. Hollow 132 at each of first and second ends 121 , 123 has an axial extent that is sufficient to receive an end cap 122, 128, respectively. End caps 122, 128 act as a plug for all of the material in inner core 130. End caps 122, 128 can be secured to, but preferably in outer layer 140. Such securing is preferably by welding, however, other known securing methods may also be used.

[0039]The inner core 130 is, preferably, a gelatinous material. For example, inner core 130 is, preferably, mineral oil and one or more thickening agents. Thus, inner core 130 can be poured into outer layer 140.

[0040] During assembly, end cap 122 is disposed in hollow 132 at first end 121. Then, outer layer 140 is filled with inner core 130 through the remaining second end 123. Outer layer 140 is filled with inner core 130 until hollow 132 remains at second end 123. Second end 123 is then plugged by inserting end cap 128 therein.

[0041] End caps 122, 128 are preferably made of a rigid plastic and assist in maintaining the desired shape of hair roller 110. End caps 122, 128 act to maintain the integrity, such as the roundness, of outer layer 140, as well as to maintain inner core 130 in outer layer 140.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, inner core 130 may be colored and/or include a decorative glitter 135 disposed therein. In another alternative embodiment, end caps 122, 128 can also include various mechanisms and/or items to allow hair roller 110 to be folded over and held in a loop.

[0043] Rollers 10, 110 of the present invention have the ability to be formed into a variety of shapes, depending upon the requirements of the wearer. Upon removal of rollers 10, 110, each of the rollers assumes its original linear shape.

[0044] The prior soft rollers have typically been made of foam, which undesirably retains moisture. The prior hard rollers that do not retain moisture typically have a rigidity that makes it difficult for a user to wear the rollers for an extended period of time. Advantageously, inner core 30, 130 and outer layer 40, 140 of roller 10, 110 of the present invention are formed of non-foamed elastomers, which do not retain moisture.

Moreover, the durometer of inner core 30 and outer layer 40 allow roller 10 to be soft and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Accordingly, roller 10, 110 of the present invention maintains many of the advantages while overcoming many of the disadvantages of prior rollers.

[0045] Rollers 10, 110 also may provide a glitter and/or decorative appearance. For example, inner core 30, 130 can also include decorative glitter 35, 135 disposed therein. Here, the translucent appearance of outer layer 40, 140 and inner core 30, 130 allows the user to see decorative glitter 35, 135 disposed therein. Further, inner core 30, 130 may also be colored alone or in combination with decorative glitter 35, 135.

[0046] In addition, hair roller 10, 110 provides the wearer with a soft and comfortable feel while the desired curl is achieved. Advantageously, outer layer 40, 140 of rollers 10, 110 do not retain moisture and, thus, allow the hair to dry while the rollers are worn.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 5 through 8, a storage case 50 for the hair rollers of the present invention is also provided. As shown in Fig. 5, storage case 50 is cylindrical and slightly oval in shape. Storage case 50 has a top cover 52 and a base 54. Top cover 52 is removably connected to base 54. Top cover 52 is dome-shaped and is preferably made of plastic. As shown in Fig. 6, base 54 has a top portion 56, which has a number of openings 58 for storage of the hair rollers. The openings 58 are circular in shape to accommodate the cylindrically shaped rollers. The openings 58 are evenly spaced from each other. Base 54 has a number of heating elements 60, which are heated by a heater (not shown). The heater can be a mica card wrapped with resistance wire and sandwiched between aluminum plates. The plates are preferably stamped, and form hot tubes. The hot tubes are suspended in the middle of the hair setter assembly housing and surround the rollers. The plates are connected, preferably riveted, to a thermostat. A thermal fuse is preferably provided to protect against overheating.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, each heating element 60 transmits heat to the hair roller 10, 110 positioned in openings 58. The thermostat is calibrated to maintain a desired temperature for each roller 10. The preferred heated temperature of each roller 10 is about 110 degrees C to about 130 degrees C. The selected temperature results in outer layer 40 being comfortable to the touch, yet at the same time providing a superior curl to the wearer's hair.

[0049] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", and "third" and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0050] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hair roller for shaping human hair, said roller comprising:

a generally elongated, flexible inner core having a first modulus of elasticity;

a generally elongated, flexible outer layer surrounding said inner core and having a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than said first modulus of elasticity; and

attachment mechanisms located at each end of said roller and adapted to be selectively engaged with each other to form said roller into a closed loop.

2. A hair roller for shaping human hair, said hair roller comprising:

a generally elongated, flexible member formed of thermoplastic elastomer; and

connecting members located at opposing ends of said member and adapted to be selectively engaged with each other to form said hair roller into a closed loop.

3. The hair roller as in claim 2, wherein said member comprises:

a generally elongated, flexible inner core having a first modulus of elasticity; and

a generally elongated, flexible outer layer surrounding said inner core and having a second modulus of elasticity that is greater than said first modulus of elasticity.

4. A soft hair roller comprising:

an inner core of a first flexible elastomer, said first flexible elastomer being a non-foamed elastomer; and

an outer layer of a second flexible elastomer, said outer layer being disposed about said inner core to provide the soft hair roller with a substantially linear shape, wherein said outer layer is disposed about said inner core along substantially an entire length of said substantially linear shape.

5. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, wherein said first flexible elastomer is more flexible than said second flexible elastomer.

6. The soft hair roller as in claim 5, wherein said first flexible elastomer has a Shore A hardness of about 40 durometer or lower.

7. The soft hair roller as in claim 5, wherein said second flexible elastomer has a Shore A hardness of about 70 durometer or higher.

8. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, wherein said first flexible elastomer is translucent.

9. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, wherein said first and second flexible elastomers provide the soft hair roller with sufficient resiliency and flexibility to bend from and return to said substantially linear shape.

10. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, further comprising:

a first connecting member disposed at a first end of the soft hair roller; and

a second connecting member disposed at a second end of the soft hair roller, wherein said first and second connecting members are releasably connectable to one another.

11. The soft hair roller as in claim 10, wherein said first and second flexible elastomers provide the soft hair roller with sufficient resiliency and flexibility to bend so that said first and second connecting members can be releasably connected to one another and that the soft hair roller returns to said substantially linear shape upon release of said first and second connecting members from one another.

12. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, wherein said first flexible elastomer comprises mineral oil and one or more thickening agents.

13. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, further comprising end caps to maintain said inner core in said outer layer.

14. The soft hair roller as in claim 13, wherein said end caps assist in maintaining a desired cross sectional shape of the soft hair roller.

15. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, wherein said outer layer does not retain moisture.

16. The soft hair roller as in claim 4, further comprising a decorative feature selected from the group consisting of glitter disposed in said inner core, said inner core being colored, said inner core being translucent, said outer layer being translucent, and any combination thereof.

17. A soft hair roller comprising:

a inner core of a first thermoplastic elastomer;

an outer layer of a second thermoplastic elastomer, said outer layer being disposed about said inner core, said inner core and said outer layer having a substantially linear shape;

a first connecting member being disposed at a first end of the soft hair roller; and

a second connecting member disposed at a second end of the soft hair roller, said first and second connecting members being releasably connectable to one another, wherein said first and second thermoplastic elastomers are sufficiently flexible so that the soft hair roller is bendable to releasably connect said first and second connecting members to one another and to return to said substantially linear shape upon release of said first and second connecting members from one another.

18. The soft hair roller as in claim 17, wherein said first thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of about 40 durometer or lower.

19. The soft hair roller as in claim 17, wherein said first thermoplastic elastomer comprises mineral oil and one or more thickening agents.

20. The soft hair roller as in claim 17, wherein said second thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of about 70 durometer or higher.

21. The soft hair roller as in claim 20, wherein said outer layer does not retain moisture.

22. The soft hair roller as in claim 17, further comprising a decorative feature selected from the group consisting of glitter disposed in said inner core, said inner core being colored, said inner core being translucent, said outer layer being translucent, and any combination thereof.

23. The soft hair roller as in claim 17, wherein said outer layer is disposed about said inner core along substantially an entire length of said substantially linear shape.

24. A method of forming a soft hair roller, the method comprising:

extruding a first elastomer over a second elastomer to form a substantially liner shape;

inserting a first connecting member in a first end of said substantially linear shape; and

inserting a second connecting member in a second end of said substantially linear shape, wherein said first and second elastomers are sufficiently resilient and flexible to allow said first and second connecting members to be releasably connected to one another and to return the hair roller to said substantially linear shape upon release of said first and second connecting members from one another.

25. A method of forming a soft hair roller, the method comprising:

inserting a first end cap into a first end of an outer layer, said outer layer being formed of a first elastomer;

filling an inner core of said outer layer with a second elastomer through a second end of said outer layer; and

inserting a second end cap into said second end to form a substantially elongated member.