Straightening comb for hair dryer or hair dryer brush

Abstract

A hair straightening comb intended to be fastened to a blowing end of a hair drying and styling device, the comb comprising a hollow body having an air inlet and a support having a plurality of comb teeth having a widened base on a proximal side and a sharp tip on a distal side, the profile of the comb teeth on the proximal side having a contoured shape, from the near end side of the comb teeth to the far end side, the wavy shape is gradually truncated on the wavy part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a hair dryer or a hair-drying brush, and more particularly to a "two-in-one" type hair-straightening comb for detangling and straightening curly hair. The hair-straightening comb is intended to be fastened to the outlet of a device suitable for blowing out hot air, such as a hair dryer or a hair-drying brush. Background Art

[0002] Curling hair straighteners are well known in the art and are widely used, particularly among African or African American groups. After washing the hair, a combing / drying step is usually performed, followed by mechanical straightening of curly or very curly hair. This dual operation is usually performed using a comb with relatively spaced teeth, so that the hair can be combed before being straightened with another device. Straightening is usually performed with the aid of a heat source while applying pressure or tension to the hair strands. However, these consecutive operations take time, and the straightening exposes the hair to considerable thermal and mechanical stresses, which may damage the hair over time.

[0003] In order to reduce these stresses on the hair and save time, an alternative is to blow the heated air flow emitted by the device through a "2-in-1" comb suitable for combing and straightening the hair during the drying operation. The device used is able to direct and focus the discharged air flow to specific areas of the user's hair. Currently, different combs are used to stretch the hair and to shape and comb the curls. However, there is still a growing demand for a hair straightener accessory that can gently comb and straighten the hair during drying.

[0004] Document WO 00 / 25623 (SEB 1999) discloses an attachment for a hair dryer or a styling brush, comprising means for gripping a strand of hair using cooperating gripping surfaces for gripping and straightening the strand of hair.

[0005] Document US 6009883 describes a hair straightening nozzle formed by two rows of parallel comb teeth arranged on opposite sides of the nozzle, so that air blown from a hair dryer can pass through the nozzle opening between the two rows of comb teeth. The nozzle is equipped with a heating rod located between the two rows of teeth and parallel to the comb teeth. The hair strands are straightened when passing between the comb teeth and reaching the heating rod.

[0006] Document US 20200121053 describes a hair straightening comb that can be connected to a hair dryer having two rows of comb teeth that are parallel to each other and positioned at a distance from each other to leave a passage between the two rows of comb teeth for heated air to pass through. The heated air is used to straighten the hair strands stretched between the two rows of comb teeth.

[0007] Patent WO 2020 / 025919 A1 describes a hairstyling accessory in the form of a comb that can be connected to a hair dryer, the hairstyling accessory comprising an air inlet for receiving an air flow and an elongated air outlet in the form of a narrow slot, wherein a series of triangular comb teeth are mounted on a flexible rod so that the comb teeth can move elastically when the accessory is used. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a comb for combing and straightening hair, the comb being intended to be fastened to the blowing end of a hair drying and styling device, the comb comprising a hollow body with an air inlet and a support comprising a plurality of comb teeth, the comb teeth comprising a widened base on a proximal side and a sharp tip on a distal side, the comb teeth profile of the base on the proximal side having a wavy shape, which is gradually shortened on the wavy portion from the proximal side of the comb teeth toward the distal side (i.e., the profile of the wavy shape gradually becomes narrower).

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include one or more of the following features:

[0010] - on the proximal side of the teeth, the average inclination of the teeth at the base relative to the axis X has an angle α with an absolute value of 5° to 25°, preferably 10° to 20°;

[0011] - on the proximal side, the tangents of the upper and lower ends of each comb tooth have an angle β of 20° to 50° with respect to the axis X, preferably 30° to 40°;

[0012] - the ratio of the height Ld to the width Bd of each comb tooth is 2 to 8.5, preferably 3 to 6, and particularly preferably 3.5 to 5;

[0013] - Each comb tooth has a thickness (ε) of 1.2 mm to 3 mm;

[0014] - the gap between the comb teeth E is 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 4 mm, and particularly preferably 1.8 mm to 3 mm;

[0015] - the support comprises: at least one movable carriage comprising comb teeth, which movable carriage can be removed from the hollow body; and at least one device for moving the movable carriage comprising comb teeth in at least two directions;

[0016] - the at least one means for moving the movable carriage is a motor or a vibrator, the motor having a shaft eccentric with respect to the motor shaft, the vibrator comprising an unbalanced motor;

[0017] - The vibrator is centrally positioned;

[0018] - a motor having a rod eccentric to the motor shaft is positioned at one or both ends of the movable carriage;

[0019] - the support comprises two movable carriages, a first of which supports the even-numbered rows of comb teeth and a second of which supports the odd-numbered rows of comb teeth, and which are used to move the odd-numbered rows of comb teeth and the even-numbered rows of comb teeth relative to each other by means of two motors M1 and M2 with eccentric rods connected respectively to the first and second movable carriages;

[0020] - the support including the movable carriage includes elastic shock absorbers;

[0021] The hollow body comprises a heat protection wall for isolating the motor or motors in the hollow body from the hot gas flow.

[0022] The invention also discloses a hair dryer comprising a comb according to the invention, the hair dryer having an electrical connection and a control panel for activating one or more carriages supporting the comb teeth.

[0023] The invention also discloses a hair-drying brush comprising the comb according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair straightening comb suitable for use on a hair dryer according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4A A plan view, an outline view, and a view of an opening of a hair straightening comb according to the present invention are respectively shown.

[0026] Figure 4B Shown along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a hair straightening comb according to the present invention taken along the axis Y in FIG.

[0027] Figure 5 Six progressive sections A1-A1 to A6-A6 taken through the teeth of a hair straightening accessory according to the invention, starting from the proximal base where the support is located towards the end on the distal side, are shown. These sections show the change in profile from the base to the top of the teeth and the deflection experienced by the hair strands during the passage between the teeth of the comb. On the proximal side, the teeth have a width Bd at the base and a wavy profile that tapers towards the distal side of the teeth as the width of the teeth decreases towards the end on the distal side. The wavy shape on the proximal side of the teeth comprises a first portion that is curved in a first direction 7 and a second portion that is curved in a second direction 8.

[0028] Figures 6 to 8 show a non-exhaustive and non-limiting series of geometric configurations of comb teeth with a wavy configuration on the proximal side of a comb according to the invention. The possible amplitude of the fluctuation depends on the gap between the comb teeth, the thickness of the comb teeth, and the tangent angle and inclination angle of the comb teeth. A summary table of these parameters is as follows:

[0029] Parameter values ​​of the comb structure

[0030] Parameter description (see attached picture)

[0031]

[0032] The two main variations of the proximal side of the comb structure are given as examples below. These two variations produce two main variants, twist 1 and twist 2, i.e., a variant in which the outer part of the comb base is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb (twist 2, where α=vertical=0°) and a variant in which the central part of the comb base is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb (twist 1, where γ=vertical=0°).

[0033] Fig.29 and Fig.30 The tangent angle β on the curvature of the wavy structure of the comb teeth on the proximal side of the comb and the average inclination angle α of the base of the comb teeth on the proximal side relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb are shown. The angle α represents the average deflection experienced by the hair bundle during its passage at the base of the comb teeth. The larger the angle α, the more the hair bundle is constrained when passing through the comb teeth, and the tighter the hair bundle is stretched because the force exerted on the hair bundle when passing through the comb teeth is greater. The change in the profile of the comb teeth from the base on the proximal side to the end of the comb teeth enables the user to adjust the depth of the hair bundle into the comb teeth, thereby adjusting the stretching force exerted on the hair bundle to achieve an optimized straightening effect. The comb teeth are bent in opposite but symmetrical ways on the proximal side, so the tangent angle β is equal, and therefore the direction of use for passing the hair bundle does not affect the penetration of the hair bundle, which enables the use of a hair dryer and straightening the hair in any direction.

[0034] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Some preferred configurations are shown, in which the gap between the teeth is 1.5 mm. In these figures, the angle of inclination α of the teeth relative to a vertical line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb gradually changes from 0° to -25°. The sign of the angle depends only on the orientation of the figure and the angle should be taken as an absolute value. In the case of a gap of only 1.5 mm between the teeth, there is almost no freedom in the amplitude of fluctuations, because it must be ensured that the hair strands can move freely even on the proximal side of the teeth.

[0035] 7A to 7ESome preferred configurations are shown, in which the teeth gap is 2.5 mm. In the case of an increase in the teeth gap to 2.5 mm, there is greater geometrical freedom in both the inclination and the amplitude of the fluctuation. This configuration is considered to be the best solution, with a good balance between the number of teeth available in a limited space, a certain degree of freedom in the amplitude of the fluctuation and a certain degree of freedom in the inclination relative to the passing direction of the hair strand.

[0036] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Some preferred configurations are shown, in which the teeth gap is 4 mm. With such a gap between the teeth, there is greater geometrical freedom both in terms of inclination and amplitude of fluctuation. Of course, increasing the gap between the teeth and, where appropriate, the thickness of the teeth, reduces the number of teeth and thus the combing capacity. Therefore, a balance must be found, on the one hand, the amplitude of fluctuation and the inclination of the teeth must be sufficient for straightening, and with an appropriate gap between the teeth for effective combing, the wavy shape at the base of the teeth being a common datum for stretching the hair strands during the heat treatment and thus for proper straightening.

[0037] While curls vary from person to person in terms of texture density and length, configurations 7C, 7D and 8B proved to be the most effective when tested on a mannequin.

[0038] Figures 9 to 20B Different examples of a hair straightening comb according to the invention are shown, the teeth of which are mounted on a movable carriage (9, 11) for moving the teeth in three spatial directions, thereby causing the comb to vibrate / translate. This vibration makes combing easier compared to a static version of the comb according to the invention.

[0039] More specifically, Figures 9 to 11B An example of a hair straightening comb according to the invention is shown, wherein the movement of the hair straightening comb is achieved by suitable means, such as a motor (10), which includes a rod offset from the center relative to the rotation axis and is arranged in a central position relative to the longitudinal axis of the comb. Fig. 9 A three-dimensional view of the example is shown. Fig.10 An exploded view is shown, and Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Several cross sections through the fitting are shown.

[0040] Figures 12 to 14B An example of a hair straightening comb according to the invention is shown, wherein the movement of the hair straightening comb is achieved by a single motor 10 having an eccentric axis and arranged in a lateral position. Fig.12 A three-dimensional view of the example is shown. Fig.13 An exploded view is shown, and Fig.14A and Fig. 14BSeveral cross sections through the fitting are shown.

[0041] Figures 15 to 17B An example of a combing straightening comb according to the invention is shown, wherein the movement of the combing straightening comb is achieved by a vibrator 12 comprising an unbalanced motor (such as a "Precision Micro Drive Pico Vibe 306-103.006" motor), which is arranged in a central position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the comb. Fig.15 shows a three-dimensional view of the above example, Fig.16 An exploded view is shown, and Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Several sections through the fitting are shown. These sections also show the presence of elastic shock absorbers 19 intended to absorb any contact between the supporting housing 3 and the movable carriage.

[0042] Figures 18 to 20B An example of a hair straightening comb according to the invention is shown, wherein the movement of the hair straightening comb is achieved by two motors 10, which include rods eccentric to the motor shaft and are arranged at both ends relative to the longitudinal axis of the comb, wherein each motor is used to independently control a carriage 11 divided into two parts, each carriage having a set of comb teeth. Fig.18 A three-dimensional view of the example is shown. Fig.19 An exploded view is shown, and Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B Several cross sections through the fitting are shown.

[0043] Figure 21 to Figure 25 An example of a comb according to the invention for hair straightening is shown, mounted on the air outlet of a conventional hair dryer. The comb in these figures comprises a movable carriage driven by an eccentric motor 10 arranged off-center relative to the air outlet axis of the hair dryer and relative to the air inlet in the accessory.

[0044] More specifically, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 A three-dimensional exploded view is shown, Fig.23 A front view is shown, and Fig.24 and Fig.25 Several sections through a comb mounted on a hair dryer are shown. Fig.21 Detail B in FIG. 1 shows a low voltage electrical connection which allows the accessory to continue its rotation on the hair dryer while supplying power to the motor.

[0045] Figure 26 to Figure 28 It is an example of a hair straightening comb according to the present invention, which is suitable for use as an accessory of a hair dryer brush.

[0046] More specifically, Fig.26 Shows Fig. 27 A three-dimensional exploded view of Fig. 27 A side view and a top view are shown, and Fig.28 Several cross sections through the blower brush are shown.

[0047] List of reference numbers

[0048] 1. Comb the straight hair

[0049] 2. Air inlet

[0050] 3. Support parts

[0051] 4. A row of teeth

[0052] 5. The distal part of the comb teeth

[0053] 6. The proximal part of the comb teeth

[0054] 7. A wavy comb profile on the proximal side with a first portion curved in a first direction

[0055] 8. A wavy comb profile on the proximal side with a second portion curved in a second direction

[0056] 9. Movable slide / support

[0057] 10. A motor having a rod eccentric to the motor shaft

[0058] 11. Two-part support / slide, each supporting one of the two comb teeth

[0059] 12. Vibrator (unbalanced motor)

[0060] 13. Hair dryer

[0061] 14. Nozzle of the blower brush

[0062] 15. Start the comb control display

[0063] 16.Electrical connection

[0064] 17. Mechanical connection

[0065] 18. Power supply for motor and display

[0066] 19. Elastic shock absorber

[0067] 20. Flexible membrane that allows the movable carriage to move without transmitting any vibrations in the accessories or the hair dryer

[0068] 21.Motor vents

[0069] 22. Thermal protection wall

[0070] 51. Thickness of the distal end of the comb teeth

[0071] 61. Thickness of the proximal part of the comb teeth DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The combing and straightening comb of the present invention is suitable for use on the outlet mouth of a hair dryer or a hair-drying brush. The comb comprises a series of substantially triangular teeth, the profile of which changes in a specific and progressive manner from the proximal base towards the distal end. "Profile" refers to the external shape of a section taken in the comb teeth, which section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb teeth. On the proximal side, on the support, the profile of the comb teeth has the shape of a substantially sinusoidal wave with variable amplitude and has an inclination angle α relative to the passing direction of the hair bundle and therefore relative to the deviation direction of the hair bundle to be arranged and combed. By truncating the wavy parts 7 and 8, the profile of the comb teeth gradually tapers towards the distal side of the comb teeth of the comb, which makes it possible to tighten the hair bundle as it goes deeper and deeper into the comb towards the base of the comb teeth on the proximal end, and makes it possible to stretch the hair bundle before the hot air blows from the hair dryer and flows between the rows of comb teeth. The wavy shape of the comb teeth on the proximal side also enlarges the contact surface between the comb teeth and the hair bundle, thereby improving the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0073] Figure 5 The change in the cross-section of the comb tooth profile from the proximal side to the distal side of the comb teeth is shown, which enables the user to adjust the tension applied to the hair bundle by adjusting the penetration depth of the hair bundle.

[0074] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view and a plan view of a hair straightening comb 1 according to the present invention are shown respectively. The comb 1 comprises an air inlet 2, which is intended to receive an air flow from the air outlet end of a hair dryer or a hair-drying brush. The air inlet 2 of the hair straightening comb is an opening, the shape of which is suitable for use on the outlet mouth of a hair dryer or a hair-drying brush. The hair straightening comb according to the present invention comprises a support 3, which holds a plurality of comb teeth 4 evenly distributed over the length of the support.

[0075] The air inlet 2 has a generally circular cross section, which is suitable for engaging with the air outlet end of most hair dryers. However, the middle part can be used as an adapter for hair dryers whose air outlet is not compatible with the support of the hair straightening comb according to the invention. For a hair dryer brush, the adaptation is specific.

[0076] The air flow from the hair dryer enters through the air inlet 2 and passes through a plurality of comb teeth 4 under the guidance of the support 3. The hot air flow comes into direct contact with the hair bundle, which is tightened and stretched at the base of the comb by the wavy profile of the comb teeth on the proximal side. Since the air flow from the hair dryer or the hair brush to which the comb is exposed may exceed 100°C, the comb must be made of a material that can withstand the highest temperature that may be reached.

[0077] Figure 3 A side view of the comb 1 is shown, showing the total height Ld of each comb tooth 6, which is preferably 25 mm to 85 mm, and preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. The width Bd of the base of each comb tooth 6 is advantageously 10 mm to 30 mm, and preferably 15 mm to 20 mm. Obviously, this width includes a wavy shape.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 , a side view of the comb 1 shows the side shape of the comb teeth 6, which is generally triangular and may have a rectangular base. Contrary to this graphic representation, the ends of the comb teeth are not sharp, but always have a radius of a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0079] Figure 4A A plan view of a comb 1 is shown, in which the alignment of the comb teeth is shown. In this embodiment, the wavy profile at the base of the comb teeth comprises a first curved portion 7 located above the axis Y and a second curved portion 8 located below the axis Y. The two curved portions each have two tangents β of equal inclination. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each comb tooth has a thickness ε approximately equal to 2 mm, and the comb teeth are spaced apart by a distance E of approximately 3 mm.

[0080] The comb 1 comprises a plurality of comb teeth 4 connected to a proximal base on the side of a support 3. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram shown in and in the static version of the comb, the plurality of comb teeth 4 can be molded and / or injected in one piece with the support 3 and the air inlet 2. Depending on the tangent inclination β, the average inclination angle α relative to the passage through which the hair strands pass, and the overall configuration of the straightening comb, it is also possible to use an assembly of separately molded / injected components, in particular for a comb version mounted on a movable carriage.

[0081] Figure 5A front view of a comb 1 is shown with six sections taken through the length of the comb teeth 4 from the proximal base on the side of the support 3 to the end 5 on the distal side. Each comb tooth has a wavy profile or undulation extending over the width of the support 3. The undulation is formed by two parts bent in opposite directions relative to the axis Y, and for the variant γ=0, the tangent inclination β of the bent part of each part is 20° to 50°, preferably 30° to 40°, and particularly preferably 36° to 38°. For the variant α=0, the tangent inclination β of the bent part is 20° to 30°, preferably 24° to 26°. The width of the comb teeth 4 decreases gradually from the base towards the end until a parallelepiped section is reached, which is shown in sections A1-A1, A2-A2, A3-A3, A4-A4, A5-A5 and A6-A6 respectively.

[0082] The hair straightening comb of the present invention is also suitable for use in Fig. 27 and Fig.28 Use on the blow dryer brush as shown in .

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the comb teeth on the proximal side 6 is greater than that on the distal side 5. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 6 (which is a longitudinal section of the comb taken along axis Y), the thickness 61 of the comb teeth on the proximal side is greater than its thickness 51 on the distal side. Therefore, on the distal side, the gaps between the comb teeth are larger, which makes it easier to insert hair into the comb.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the teeth of the hair straightening comb can be mounted on a movable carriage so as to be movable in three spatial directions, so that the comb is vibrated with a maximum amplitude of about one millimeter by the unbalanced motor 12. For the movement by a motor with an eccentric shaft that is eccentric with respect to the motor shaft 10, the amplitude of the movement can reach several millimeters.

[0085] To set the comb in motion, various means are conceivable, such as the use of a vibrator 12 located in the accessory that is vibrated by an unbalanced motor or the use of one or more motors 10 with an eccentric rod. Figures 9 to 18 Several embodiments are shown that achieve vibratory movement along multiple axes.

[0086] The comb according to the invention may also comprise two independent carriages 11 located on each side of the accessory and driven by a motor 10 with an eccentric rod. Each carriage comprises one of the two comb teeth, which enables the comb to move partially or completely in anti-phase. Thus, comb teeth 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. are fastened to the first carriage and comb teeth 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. are fastened to the second carriage, wherein the two carriages can move with different amplitudes and frequencies.

[0087] In the configuration including a motor, a heat protection wall 22 is provided which separates the motor compartment from the hot air flow from the hair dryer or blower brush, in order to protect the motor from the high temperatures that the air entering the accessory may reach.

Claims

1. A comb (1) for combing and straightening hair, the comb being intended to be fastened to the blower end of a hair drying and styling device, the comb comprising a hollow body with an air inlet (2) and a support (3) comprising a plurality of comb teeth (4), the comb teeth (4) comprising a widened base on the proximal side and a sharp tip on the distal side, the contour of the comb teeth (4) on the proximal side having a wavy shape, the wavy shape being gradually shortened on the wavy parts (7, 8) from the proximal side towards the distal side of the comb teeth (4).

2. The comb (1) according to claim 1, wherein: On the proximal side of the comb teeth (4), the average inclination of the comb teeth at the base relative to the axis X has an angle α with an absolute value of 5° to 25°, preferably 10° to 20°.

3. Comb according to one of the preceding claims, wherein At the proximal end, the tangent lines of the upper and lower ends of each comb tooth have an angle β of 20° to 50° relative to the axis X, preferably 30° to 40°.

4. A comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The ratio of the height Ld to the width Bd of each comb tooth is 2 to 8.5, preferably 3 to 6, and particularly preferably 3.5 to 5.

5. A comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each comb tooth has a thickness (ε) of 1.2 mm to 3 mm.

6. A comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The gap E between the comb teeth is 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 4 mm, and particularly preferably 1.8 mm to 3 mm.

7. A comb according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The support (3) comprises: at least one movable slide (9) including the comb teeth (4), the movable slide being removable from the hollow body; and at least one device (10, 12) for moving the movable slide (9) including the comb teeth (4) in at least two directions.

8. The comb according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one means for moving the movable carriage (9) is a motor (10) having a shaft eccentric to a motor axis or a vibrator (12) comprising an unbalanced motor.

9. The comb according to claim 8, wherein: The vibrator (12) is centrally positioned.

10. The comb according to claim 8, wherein: At one or both ends of the movable carriage (9) is located the motor (10) having a rod eccentric to the motor shaft.

11. The comb according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The support member (3) comprises two movable slides (11), a first movable slide of the two movable slides supporting the even-numbered rows of comb teeth and a second movable slide supporting the odd-numbered rows of comb teeth, and the first movable slide and the second movable slide are used to move the odd-numbered rows of comb teeth and the even-numbered rows of comb teeth relative to each other through two motors M1 and M2 having eccentric rods respectively connected to the first movable slide and the second movable slide.

12. The comb according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The motor is isolated in the hollow body by a heat protection wall (22).

13. The comb according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The support (3) comprising the movable slide (9, 11) comprises an elastic shock absorber (19).

14. A hair dryer comprising a comb according to any one of the preceding claims, the hair dryer having an electrical connection (16) and a control panel (15) for activating one or more of the movable carriages (9, 11) supporting the comb teeth (4).

15. A blow-drying brush comprising a comb according to any one of the preceding claims.

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