Hair curler device

Abstract

A hair curler device has an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of axially spaced hair curler outlets. The platform portion is located between adjacent curler outlets, and the airflow channel extends from the air inlet to the curler outlets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hair care, and particularly to curly hair. Background Art

[0002] The following does not constitute an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0003] Conventional curling irons use a heating rod, and a user manually wraps the hair to be curled around the heating rod. While the hair is wrapped around the heating rod, heat is transferred from the heating rod to the hair to curl the hair. A clamp may be provided to hold the hair in place on the heating rod while the heat from the heating rod is transferred to the hair to curl the hair.

[0004] It is also known to use the Coanda effect to help wrap the hair around the curler. See, for example, EP3119234, EP3119235 and EP3119236. Summary of the invention

[0005] The following introduction is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion that follows. The introduction is not intended to limit or restrict any claimed or unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may be present in any combination or subcombination of elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document (including claims and drawings).

[0006] The curling device includes an airflow path, which includes an air moving member, such as a motor and a fan assembly, and extends between an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is formed in a curling iron head. The curling iron head is also referred to herein as a curling iron. The curling iron head is elongated along a longitudinal axis to support hair wrapped around the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the curling iron head extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, and the air inlet is located at the first end, also referred to herein as an inlet end. Optionally, the curling iron head is a detachable accessory that is detachably attached to a body (e.g., a hair dryer or a curling iron) that includes an air moving member (e.g., a blower). The air outlet formed in the curling iron head includes one or more curling iron outlets. The position and shape of the curling iron outlet are designed to provide an airflow for positioning the user's hair during a curling operation.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, as an alternative or in addition to a hair dryer or curling iron including an air moving member, the air moving member may be included in a curling iron head.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, a curling iron head has one or more curling iron outlets that direct air leaving the curling iron outlet to flow around the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head, thereby causing or contributing to causing hair to wrap around the curling iron head. The curling iron outlet includes a duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the inlet port can be located in an outer wall of an air flow channel inside the curling iron head. The inlet port can be a slotted inlet port. The long dimension of the slotted port can extend angularly around the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head partially or completely. Multiple slotted inlet ports can be arranged into one or more axially spaced annular rings that lead to one or more curling iron outlet ducts, each annular ring including multiple slotted ports spaced angularly from each other. The curling iron outlet can be arranged to provide airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis, for example to cause hair to curl around the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the curling iron outlet may also be arranged to provide airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis, for example, providing the user with a larger working surface to receive the user's hair than if the airflow was restricted to only a single longitudinal portion of the head.

[0009] According to this or any other embodiment, the curling iron outlet may be a tangential air outlet and / or direct the air tangentially relative to the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head to wrap the hair around the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the curling iron outlet may direct the air over a surface to attach the air flow to the surface (Coanda effect).

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curler outlets of the curler head are arranged as annular groups of curler outlets positioned at an angle. The curler outlets may include outlet ports extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the curler head. Each annular group may be axially spaced from the other annular groups. The sequential groups spaced axially in the longitudinal direction may together form multiple rows of outlet ports, each row extending along the longitudinal axis. The rows may be generally linear or may take other shapes, such as a spiral.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, longitudinally sequential curling iron outlets (which may otherwise be arranged in axially extending rows) are radially and / or angularly displaced relative to each other. The angularly displaced outlets may form, for example, a spiral row of outlet ports extending along the longitudinal axis. The curling iron outlets may be arranged in a staggered pattern. In the staggered pattern, every other curling iron outlet along the longitudinal axis is axially aligned, with the outlets in between being angularly or radially displaced relative to each other. Some or all of the outlets may be axially spaced apart.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, longitudinally successive curling iron outlets are longitudinally spaced apart from one another by a closed (non-porous) land portion of the body side wall. In some examples, the closed portion of the body side wall is a portion that is always closed, such as a continuous wall. Optionally, all curling iron outlets direct air in a common direction (e.g., the curling iron head is configured to direct air only in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction).

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head may be selectively reconfigured to direct air in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Thus, a single curling iron may be used to make both right-hand curls and left-hand curls. Thus, the curling iron head may have some outlets that direct air in a counterclockwise direction and some outlets that direct air in a clockwise direction. The curling iron head may be reconfigured so that, in a right-hand curling mode, air exits from a first set of outlet ports that direct air in one direction, while in a left-hand curling mode, air exits from a second set of outlet ports that direct air in an opposite direction. Accordingly, the curling iron head may be selectively reconfigured between a clockwise and counterclockwise (or right-hand curling mode and left-hand curling mode) configuration by opening one set of outlets while closing another set of outlets. Optionally, all of the curling iron outlets that are open simultaneously direct air in a common direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the airflow from the curling iron outlet is directed longitudinally. The curling iron outlet is shaped so that the outlet vector of the airflow includes a longitudinal component in addition to the tangential component. The longitudinal component may constitute at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the outlet vector.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron outlet is or includes an annular band that extends partially or entirely around the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head. The annular band of the curling iron air outlet may include a plurality of blades that define an outlet channel that guides the airflow leaving the curling iron outlet. The blades guide the airflow along a desired outlet vector that may optionally include a tangential component. The annular band of the curling iron air outlet may produce a conical or cylindrical airflow.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the annular band of the curling iron air outlet can generate airflow on one axial side (e.g., the side toward the inlet end of the curling iron head or the side toward the distal end of the curling iron head). Alternatively, the annular band of the curling iron air outlet can generate airflow on both axial sides. The airflow on each axial side can rotate in the same direction and be discharged at a similar angle to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the annular band of the curling iron air outlet can generate bidirectional airflow. The curling iron outlet can generate an airflow along a vector (the vector includes a longitudinal component pointing to the inlet end of the curling iron head) and another airflow along a vector (the vector includes a longitudinal component pointing to the opposite distal end of the curling iron head).

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the longitudinal component of the air outlet vector from the curler outlet closest to the inlet end of the curler head may point in a direction away from the inlet end. All curler outlets on the longitudinal curler section closest to the inlet end may direct air generally away from the inlet end. Directing air away from the inlet end may inhibit movement of hair beyond the inlet end, for example, hair moving onto an integrated handle or blower to which the curler head is attached. This may improve the user experience by keeping the hair on the curler head. All curler outlets of the curler head located closest to the inlet end of the curler head may direct air along an outlet vector, the outlet vector including a longitudinal component directed away from the inlet end. Similarly, all curler outlets of the curler head located closest to the distal end of the curler head (opposite to the inlet end of the curler head) may direct air along an outlet vector (the outlet vector including a longitudinal component pointing away from the distal end). The curling iron outlet located between the outlet at the inlet end and the outlet at the distal end may direct the air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component pointing towards the inlet end and / or towards the distal end. Thus, the longitudinal segments may have curling iron outlets from which the air is directed with opposite longitudinal components (towards the inlet end and towards the outlet end), and these longitudinal segments may be separated by closed longitudinal segments (i.e. segments without any air outlet) forming a platform portion in the middle.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron outlet includes an outlet channel or duct from an inlet port of the curling iron outlet to an outlet port of the curling iron outlet, wherein the outlet channel has a transverse cross-sectional airflow area (in a direction transverse to the direction of airflow passing therethrough), and the transverse cross-sectional airflow area varies along the flow direction of the outlet channel. This variation may be due to diverging and / or converging inner and outer walls and / or side walls (e.g., formed by blades as discussed above). The diverging and / or converging walls produce expansion zones and / or compression zones. The expansion zone is a portion of the duct downstream of the inlet port and upstream of the outlet port, and the airflow area of ​​the duct expands in the expansion zone. The compression zone is a portion of the duct upstream of the outlet port and downstream of the inlet port, and the airflow area of ​​the duct decreases in the compression zone. Including the expansion zone and / or compression zone can adjust (e.g., increase and / or decrease) the airflow velocity of the air jet generated by the outlet. The curling iron outlet duct can include an outlet end expansion zone at the outlet end of the duct. The outlet end expansion zone extends to and includes one or more outlet ports of the outlet conduit of the curling iron outlet. The lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone can increase along the outlet end expansion zone toward the outlet port. In some examples, the lateral airflow area of ​​the conduit is maximum at the outlet port. The outlet end expansion zone can extend all the way from the inlet port or from an intermediate point between the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the platform portion is textured to improve the adhesion of the airflow to the outer surface of the curling iron head. For example, some or all of the platform portion may include a selected surface texture to improve the adhesion of the air to its surface. The textured platform portion may include or consist of radially raised portions and / or radially lowered portions on the surface of the platform portion, such as protrusions or depressions, which may be located at point locations or may extend in a band, such as a spiral. The transition between the radially raised portions and the radially lowered portions may be generally smooth or include a small step (e.g., less than 15%, 10%, or 5% of the diameter of the curling iron head).

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, a hair receiving surface (e.g., a platform portion) is textured to inhibit movement of hair on the surface in a particular direction. In some examples, the textured hair receiving surface is a directional attachment surface. The directional attachment surface is shaped to inhibit movement of hair on the surface in one or more selected directions. In some examples, the texture is selected to inhibit movement of hair on the surface in an angled direction (i.e., unwinding). In some examples, the texture is selected so that the texture does not inhibit axial sliding of hair on the surface.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the hair receiving surface (e.g., some or all of the platform portion and / or the annular band of the curling iron outlet) is formed of a thermally conductive material to enhance heat transfer to the hair (e.g., metal or plastic containing metal therein).

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the platform portion (which may provide for a Coanda effect) has a cross-sectional shape and / or size that varies along the longitudinal axis. The platform portion forms a radially outer surface of the curling iron head, the radial width of the radially outer surface varying in the axial direction of the curling iron head. Thus, the platform portion forms an annular radially outer surface having a diameter that varies along the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the platform portion forms a substantially continuous platform surface when the shape and / or size varies to encourage airflow to remain attached to the platform portion or includes a small step (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the curling iron head).

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct through the curler outlet may vary along the longitudinal length of the curler head. For example, the curler outlet may include a plurality of discrete curler outlets, the plurality of discrete curler outlets being arranged from a first position that may be located at or toward the curler head inlet end to a second position that may be located at or toward the curler head opposite end, the curler head opposite end may be located at the far end of the curler head inlet end. The opposite end may optionally be closed. The minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct through the curler outlet may be larger at the opposite end than the first end, and may increase continuously from the first end to the opposite end. Alternatively, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct through the curler outlet may be smaller at the opposite end than the first end, and may decrease continuously from the first end to the opposite end. The reduction in airflow area may be due to a smaller curler outlet port. Alternatively or additionally, the number of curler outlets in the annular band may increase or decrease from the first end or the inlet end to the opposite end.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the path transverse airflow area of ​​the airflow path through the interior of the curling iron head to the curling iron outlet decreases from one end to the other. The reduction in size may be reflected in a narrowing of the diameter of the curling iron head, which reduces the internal opening diameter of the curling iron head, and the curling iron head may narrow from one end to the other. The path transverse airflow area of ​​the airflow path may decrease continuously or in a stepped manner. The side wall of the body may narrow continuously or in a stepped manner. In some examples, the curling iron head narrows from the first end or inlet end to the second end. Alternatively, the curling iron head may have an internal conduit with a similar diameter change.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the magnitude of the outlet vector from the curler outlet may vary along part or all of the longitudinal length of the curler head. The magnitude may be smallest for the curler outlet and / or longitudinal curler section closest to the inlet end of the curler head. This may reduce the force of carrying hair through the inlet end of the curler head, for example, onto an integrated handle or blower to which the curler head is attached. The change in magnitude may be produced by changing the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curler outlet transverse to the direction of flow through the outlet (e.g., blocking the outlet duct of the inlet end curler outlet). Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet may vary along part or all of the longitudinal length of the curler head. The cross-sectional area may vary continuously, or may vary in steps. The cross-sectional area may vary so that a substantially uniform airflow is produced through the outlet along the longitudinal length of the curler head.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head may be reconfigured between a clockwise configuration in which air exits the curling iron outlet in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise configuration in which air exits the curling iron outlet in a counterclockwise direction by partially or fully opening or closing one or more valves. Adjusting the one or more valves may reconfigure the flow path in the curling iron head so that the curling iron head can be reconfigured between the clockwise configuration and the counterclockwise configuration, and may allow reconfiguration with minimal moving parts.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head may also function as a concentrator and / or diffuser. In addition to the curling iron outlet, the curling iron head may also include one or more secondary air outlets arranged to direct the airflow as a concentrator and / or diffuser. Optionally, the curling iron head may be selectively reconfigurable between three configurations: a concentrator configuration, a diffuser configuration, and a curling iron configuration. The diffuser and / or concentrator may be disposed at a second end of the curling iron head.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head includes an inlet bleed valve and / or an outlet bleed valve. The inlet bleed valve and / or the outlet bleed valve can be selectively opened while the curling iron outlet remains open and leads to a common portion of the air flow path (some or all of the curling iron outlets are opened from the air flow path). Any such bleed valve can be located in any suitable position. The bleed valve can be an inlet bleed valve or an air inlet, such as a venturi inlet, for drawing air into the curling iron head. When in use, the air inlet provides additional air to the curling iron outlet. The additional air can be cooler air, which, when combined with the air that has already flowed through the curling iron head, can reduce the temperature of the air leaving the curling iron outlet, for example, for styling curls. The air leaving through the bleed inlet can bypass the curling iron head and / or the heating member of the blower used in conjunction with the curling iron head and / or be introduced downstream thereof. The bleed valve may be an outlet bleed valve or an air bleed outlet, which is an outlet that can be selectively opened while the curler outlet is open, and opens from the common portion of the airflow path to which the curler outlet is opened. In use, the air bleed outlet siphons airflow from the curler outlet to reduce the amount of airflow leaving the curler outlet, thereby reducing the curling force, so as to make it easier to remove hair after, for example, curling. The air bleed inlet and / or outlet may be located in the curler head and / or in a blower used in conjunction with the curler head. If the bleed valve is an inlet bleed valve in the curler head, it may be located at the inlet end to provide additional air upstream of any curler outlet. The air bleed outlet may be located upstream of all or part of the curler outlet.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head may include a venturi at the inlet end of the curling iron head. The venturi creates a pressure drop, and the curling iron head includes one or more air inlets leading to the venturi to draw air into the curling iron head at the inlet end of the curling iron head. Drawing air into the curling iron head at the inlet end of the curling iron head may pull hair down onto the curling iron head at the inlet end of the curling iron head. This inhibits movement of hair beyond the inlet end of the curling iron head, for example, onto an integrated handle or blower to which the curling iron head is attached.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, a curling iron head includes an axially extending surface depression on a surface of the curling iron head. The curling iron outlet is disposed in the axially extending depression to direct air on an outlet vector including a tangential component. The curling iron outlet may consist of an outlet port opening through a side wall of the body, for example when the port opens through a generally radially extending portion of the side wall formed by the sides of the depression.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head has a longitudinally extending section at a first end that is free of a curling iron outlet. The portion of the curling iron head at the first end has a closed or imperforate body sidewall that extends an axial extent from, for example, the first end. The axial extent may be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total axial extent of the curling iron head. The head air inlet is located at the first end, and the airflow path extends from the inlet through the closed end portion of the sidewall. An air moving member, such as a motor and fan assembly (e.g., a blower) and / or a heater, may be disposed in the imperforate portion.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head includes auxiliary second end heating. In an example where the curling iron head receives hot air from a blower at a first end, the first end may receive more heat energy from the air than an opposite second end of the curling iron head. Thus, the auxiliary second end heating provides more uniform heating along the length of the curling iron head between the first end and the second end. Thus, the heating member may be disposed downstream of the annular band of at least the first curling iron outlet.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head includes an air moving member. Including an air moving member in the curling iron head may allow for more control over the airflow (e.g., volume or velocity), thereby allowing airflow optimization for the curling iron head. In examples where the curling iron head includes an air moving member, the hair dryer or curling iron need not include an air moving member (e.g., a blower).

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head includes a heating member. The heating member of the curling iron head may be a supplement or a replacement for a heating member in a hair dryer or curling iron. The heating member includes an energized heating element, and if the heating member generates infrared (IR) radiation, the heating member may include an infrared absorbing member. The infrared emitting source may include a radiating element enclosed in an infrared transparent housing.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, the curling iron head directly heats the hair to reduce the heat energy carried away by the air used to position the hair. Thus, the curling iron head includes a heated hair receiving surface, such as a platform portion between the annular bands of the curling iron outlet. The heating surface may be formed by a heating member (e.g., a heating element and / or an infrared absorbing member) and / or the heating surface may be in thermal communication with the heating member. The heating surface conducts heat to the hair resting against the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the heating surface acts as an infrared emitting source to direct infrared radiation onto adjacent hair. In some examples, the heating surface is thermally insulated from the airflow path through the curling iron head to reduce the transfer of heat energy to the airflow. For example, the heating surface may form an outer surface of the curling iron head and be covered on an insulating layer extending between the heating surface and the airflow path within the curling iron head. The insulating layer inhibits the transfer of heat from the heating surface to the airflow. The heating surface may be metal or metal-filled plastic.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curling iron head is an inductive charging curling iron head. The curling iron head includes an onboard energy storage member (e.g., a battery, a capacitor such as a supercapacitor), and the onboard energy storage member is charged by wireless charging of electromagnetic induction.

[0037] According to another aspect of the disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects, a curling iron head is formed by separately manufacturing a main tube and a set of rings or bands, and then arranging the rings on the main tube by axially sliding the rings onto the tube.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the rings or bands can be arranged adjacent to each other along the main tube in the longitudinal direction. The rings or bands can each be an integral wall body (e.g., formed in a single molded part), and can each form one or more curling iron outlets through the integral wall body opening. Adjacent rings or bands can be adjacent without overlapping. Adjacent rings or bands can be fixed to each other and / or to the main tube, for example, by welding.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that a device or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that these features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination.

[0040] These and other aspects and features of various embodiments are described in further detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to better understand the described embodiments and to more clearly show how they may be implemented, reference will now be made, for example, to the following drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a hair curling device according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second or opposite end of a curling iron head according to an embodiment, wherein the second end includes a curling iron head air outlet;

[0044] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A perspective view of a first end or inlet end of a curling iron head;

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head;

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head through one of the curling iron outlet bands;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0048] Figure 7 For Figure 5 The part of the curling iron head observed Figure 2 a perspective view of a portion of a curling iron head;

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0050] Fig. 9 for Figure 2 A top view of a curling iron head;

[0051] Fig.10 is a top view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0052] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0053] Fig.12 for Fig.10 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0054] Fig.13 for Fig.10 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0055] Fig.14 is a top view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0056] Fig.15 for Fig.14 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0057] Fig.16 for Fig.14 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0058] Fig.17 for Fig.14 A first longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0059] Fig.18 for Fig.14 A second longitudinal cross-sectional view of the curling iron head;

[0060] Fig.19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron device according to another embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a top view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0062] Fig.21 for Fig. 20 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0063] Fig. 22 for Fig. 20 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0064] Fig.23 for Fig. 20 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head with an internal valve removed;

[0065] Fig.24 for Fig. 20 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head with the internal valve shown;

[0066] Fig.25 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0067] Fig.26 for Fig.25 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0068] Fig. 27 for Fig.25 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0069] Fig.28 for Fig.25 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0070] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head according to an embodiment;

[0071] Fig.30 for Fig.29A perspective view of another first end of the curling iron head;

[0072] Fig.31 for Fig.29 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0073] Fig.32 for Fig.29 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0074] Fig.33 for Fig.29 A top view of a curling iron head;

[0075] Fig.34 for Fig.29 A cutaway top view of a curling iron head;

[0076] Fig.35 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0077] Fig.36 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0078] Fig.37 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0079] Fig.38 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0080] Fig.39 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0081] Fig.40 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0082] Fig.41 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0083] Fig.42 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0084] Fig.43 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0085] Fig.44 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0086] Fig.45 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0087] Fig.46is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0088] Fig.47 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0089] Fig.48 for Fig.47 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0090] Fig.49 for Fig.47 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a curling iron head;

[0091] Fig.50 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0092] Fig.51 for Fig.50 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0093] Fig.52 for Fig.50 A perspective view of another first end of the curling iron head;

[0094] Fig.53 for Fig.50 A perspective view of a second end of the curling iron head;

[0095] Fig.54 for Fig.50 A top view of a curling iron head;

[0096] Fig.55 for Fig.50 A cutaway top view of a curling iron head;

[0097] Fig.56 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0098] Fig.57 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0099] Fig.58 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0100] Fig.59 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0101] Fig.60 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0102] Fig.61 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0103] Fig.62 for Fig.61 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0104] Fig.63 for Fig.61 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0105] Fig.64 for Fig.61 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0106] Fig.65 is a second end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0107] Fig.66 for Fig.65 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0108] Fig.67 for Fig.65 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0109] Fig.68 for Fig.65 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0110] Fig.69 is a first end perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0111] Fig.70 for Fig.69 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0112] Fig.71 for Fig.69 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0113] Fig.72 for Fig.69 A cutaway perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0114] Fig.73 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0115] Fig.74 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron device according to another embodiment;

[0116] Fig.75 is a schematic diagram of a curling iron device according to another embodiment;

[0117] Fig.76 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the curling iron device being accommodated in the charging dock;

[0118] Fig.77 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing a curling iron head;

[0119] Fig.78 is a top perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0120] Fig.79 for Fig.78 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0121] Fig.80 for Fig.78 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0122] Fig.81 for Fig.78 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0123] Fig.82 for Fig.78 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0124] Fig.83 for Fig.78 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0125] Fig.84 for Fig.78 A top perspective view of a main tube of a curling iron head;

[0126] Fig.85 is a top perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0127] Fig.86 for Fig.85 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0128] Fig.87 for Fig.85 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0129] Fig.88 for Fig.85 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0130] Fig.89 for Fig.85 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0131] Fig.90 for Fig.85 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0132] Fig.91 is a top view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0133] Fig.92 is a top perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0134] Fig.93 for Fig.92 An expanded view of a portion of a transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0135] Fig.94 for Fig.92 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0136] Fig.95 for Fig.92 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0137] Fig.96 for Fig.92 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0138] Fig.97 is a perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0139] Fig.98 for Fig.97 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0140] Fig.99 for Fig.97 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0141] Fig.100 for Fig.97 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0142] Fig.101 for Fig.97 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0143] Fig.102 for Fig.97 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0144] Fig.103 for Fig.97 A top perspective view of a main tube of a curling iron head;

[0145] Fig.104 is a perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0146] Fig.105 for Fig.104 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0147] Fig.106 for Fig.104 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0148] Fig.107 for Fig.104 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0149] Fig.108 for Fig.104 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0150] Fig.109 for Fig.104 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head;

[0151] Fig.110 for Fig.104 A top perspective view of a main tube of a curling iron head;

[0152] Fig.111 is a perspective view of a curling iron head according to another embodiment;

[0153] Fig.112 for Fig.111 A perspective view of a first end of a curling iron head;

[0154] Fig.113 for Fig.111 A transverse cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0155] Fig.114 for Fig.111 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a curling iron head;

[0156] Fig.115 for Fig.111 a second top perspective view of the curling iron head;

[0157] Fig.116 for Fig.111 A cutaway top perspective view of a curling iron head; and

[0158] Fig.117 for Fig.111 A top perspective view of a main tube of a curling iron head.

[0159] The drawings included herein are for the purpose of illustrating various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatuses taught in this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0160] Various devices, methods and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of each claimed invention. None of the embodiments described below limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may encompass devices and methods different from those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to devices, methods and compositions having all the features of any one device, method or composition described below, nor is it limited to the common features of multiple or all devices, methods or compositions described below. The device, method or composition described below may not be an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in the device, method or composition described below, if not claimed in this document, may be the subject of another protective instrument (e.g., a continuing patent application), and the applicant, inventor and / or owner have no intention of abandoning, giving up rights or dedicating any such invention to the public by disclosing in this document.

[0161] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "one embodiment", "embodiment", "multiple embodiments", "the embodiment", "the multiple embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments" and "an embodiment" all refer to "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention".

[0162] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "include," "comprising," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to." Unless expressly stated otherwise, a listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive. Unless expressly stated otherwise, "a," "an," and "the" all mean "one or more."

[0163] As used herein and in the claims, when two or more components are joined together or operate together directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate components), the components are said to be "coupled," "connected," "attached," or "fastened" whenever there is a relationship. As used herein and in the claims, when two or more components are in physical contact with each other, the components are said to be "directly coupled," "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly fastened." The terms "coupled," "connected," "attached," and "fastened" do not distinguish the manner in which two or more components are joined together.

[0164] In addition, it should be understood that for the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated in the accompanying drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements, where appropriate. In addition, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein may be implemented without using these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, steps, and components are not described in detail to avoid blurring the example embodiments described herein. In addition, the description should not be considered to limit the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0165] Overview of the curling iron device

[0166] Reference Figure 1 An example embodiment of a hair curling device is generally shown at 100 . Figure 1 The example hair curling device 100 is a hand-held hair curling device that can generally be operated with one hand to curl hair while the weight of the hair is supported by the same hand.

[0167] The curling device 100 includes a curling iron head 102. The curling iron head 102 is also referred to herein as a curling iron. The curling iron head 102 includes a body 104. The body 104 can be any suitable shape, such as cylindrical, oval, or conical. The body has a centrally located longitudinally extending axis 110 extending between a first head end 112 and a second head end 114. The curling iron head is elongated along the longitudinal axis 110 to receive and support hair wrapped around the longitudinal axis 110.

[0168] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 In the example shown, the body 104 is a generally cylindrical housing extending along a longitudinal axis 110. The curling iron head 102 can be any suitable size. In some examples, the diameter 124 ( Figure 5 ) between 12 mm and 50 mm, between 15 mm and 40 mm, or between 18 mm and 35 mm. The body 104 includes a body side wall 120 extending between the head first end 112 and the head second end 114. It should be understood that the curling iron head can be of any shape and size.

[0169] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 The exemplary body 104 includes an end wall 122 ( Figure 6 ). The end wall 122 can extend generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 110. The end wall 122 can be generally planar. In use, the second end 114 can be closed. In some examples, the second end 114 can be selectively open. Fig.81, the exemplary end wall 122 is selectively removable to open the second end 114. Alternatively, the end wall may be movably mounted (e.g., translatably or rotatably) to open part or all of the second end, or may have a removable flap that opens when an accessory tool is mounted to the second end of the curling iron head.

[0170] Reference Figure 6 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a head airflow path 130 extending through the body 104. The head airflow path 130 can take any suitable route through the curling iron head 102 between the inlet and the outlet, such as linear or non-linear and unidirectional flow or reverse flow. Figure 2-Figure 9 , the exemplary curling iron head has a head airflow path 130, which is a one-way flow path. Figure 2-Figure 9 , the exemplary curling iron head has a head airflow path 130, which is a generally linear airflow path. The unidirectional flow path and / or the linear path reduces the back pressure generated by the change of airflow direction. The head airflow path 130 can extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110. It should be understood that the head airflow path 130 can be provided by a hollow interior of the curling iron head, or can be provided by one or more conduits located in or forming the curling iron head.

[0171] The head air inlet 132 opens into the head airflow path. The head air inlet may be located at any suitable location on the body and may be of any suitable type. In some examples, the head air inlet 132 is located at one end of the body 104. A head air inlet located at the end of the body extends the unidirectional flow airflow path through a longer length of the body than an airflow inlet located in the middle of the body. See Figure 2-Figure 9 The head air inlet 132 is located at the first end 112 of the body 104, which is also referred to herein as the inlet end 112 of the body 104. The head air inlet 132 can be any suitable type of inlet, such as a tangential inlet or an axial inlet. Figure 6 , the exemplary head air inlet 132 is an axial inlet. Air entering the air inlet travels generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 as it passes through the air inlet. The axial air inlet reduces back pressure and reduces turbulence.

[0172] The head air outlet 134 opens from the head airflow path. The head air outlet 134 includes an outlet port 136 (see Figure 4 ). It should be understood that the outlet port 136 can have any suitable shape, such as generally oval, generally circular, generally rectangular, generally square, or generally slot-shaped (with a width much greater than the height, such as at least 5 times greater). Now referring to Figure 10-Figure 18, an exemplary head air outlet 134 is comprised of an outlet port 136, and the airflow characteristics through the air outlet (e.g., the velocity, direction, and cross-sectional shape of the airflow leaving the outlet port 136 in a direction transverse to the airflow direction) are determined by the direction of the outlet port 136 and the shape of the airflow path 110 upstream of the outlet port and / or the shape of the outlet port 136.

[0173] The head air outlet 134 may be a curling iron outlet 150 or an outlet for a different purpose (eg, a vent or diffuser outlet), in which case such an outlet may be located at the second end of the curling iron head and may therefore be referred to as the outlet end of the curling iron head.

[0174] The position and shape of the curling iron outlet 150 is configured to provide airflow for positioning the user's hair during the curling operation. Figure 4 As shown, the head air outlet 134 also includes a duct 138 upstream of the outlet port 136, and the outlet port 136 opens from the duct 138. The duct 138 guides the air flow through the air outlet and / or shapes the air flow leaving the outlet. Figure 4 , the exemplary air outlet 134 includes a duct 138 extending between an inlet port 140 and an outlet port 136 .

[0175] Any suitable inlet port 140 and / or outlet port 136 may be used. In some examples, the inlet port 140 is a slotted port. Figure 104-Figure 110 , the exemplary inlet end section 280 at the inlet end 112 includes a slot-shaped inlet port 140 ( Fig.107 and Fig.110 ). The slotted port 140 includes a long dimension 141 and a short dimension 143, and the long dimension 141 may be at least 3 times, at least 4 times, or at least 5 times the size of the short dimension 143. The long dimension of the slotted port 140 may extend annularly (angularly) around the longitudinal axis 110. The curling iron head 102 may include a plurality of slotted ports 140 forming an annular ring. The curling iron outlet 150 or a group 151 of annularly arranged outlets 150 may be fed by one or more annular rings of slotted ports 140. Reference Figure 104-Figure 110 , the exemplary head 102 includes a plurality of slotted ports 140 forming two annular rings of inlet ports 140. For a given segment 280, the slotted inlet ports 140 may form any suitable number of annular rings of inlet ports. Figure 111-117 , the exemplary head 102 includes one circle of slotted inlet ports 140 for the curler section 280a closest to the inlet end 112, two circles of slotted inlet ports 140 for the next curler section 280a along the axis 110 toward the opposite (distal) end 114, and so on.

[0176] One or more air directing members or vanes 142 are located in the duct (see, e.g., Figure 8 The air directing members or vanes 142 define opposing side walls of the duct 138). The air directing members or vanes 142 help direct the air flow through the duct and / or shape the air flow exiting the air outlet.

[0177] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 ,in particular Figure 7 , an exemplary curling iron outlet 150 is located in the body sidewall 120 of the body 104. The curling iron outlet 150 can generate an airflow that is at least partially radially around the outer surface of the curling iron head. Therefore, the airflow can be partially tangentially directed or tangentially directed, and the curling iron outlet 150 can be a tangential outlet. The shape of the tangential outlet is designed to direct the airflow to flow out of the air outlet along an outlet vector 152, and the outlet vector 152 includes a tangential component 154 that is tangential to the longitudinal axis 110. The tangential component 154 can help the hair to position the curl around the longitudinal axis 110. The tangential component 154 can constitute at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the outlet vector 152. In some examples, the tangential component 154 constitutes at least 50% of the outlet vector 152. In some examples, the tangential component 154 constitutes substantially all of the outlet vector 152.

[0178] In some examples, the air outlet of the curling iron head 102 has a radially outer side (e.g., outer wall 260, see Fig.42 ), the radially outer side is located radially outside of a land portion 160 adjacent to the outlet port 136. The land portion (which may be referred to as a land surface) 160 is partially or completely impermeable to air, for example Figure 6 The enclosed wall portion shown. Being radially outwardly located radially outwardly of the adjacent platform portion 160 allows the air outlet to direct air along an outlet vector having a tangential component along the platform portion.

[0179] In some examples, the curling iron outlet 150 directs airflow through the platform surface 160 of the body sidewall 120. The outlet port 136 of the curling iron outlet 150 is located radially outward of the platform surface 160. In some examples, the radially inner end of the outlet port 136 contacts the platform surface 160, but it should be understood that in some examples, the port may be adjacent to the platform surface without contacting the platform surface (e.g., see Fig.93 , where the port is located radially outside of the platform portion 160). Airflow passing over the surface can flow along the surface (e.g., via the Coanda effect). Thus, hair pulled by the airflow is pulled over the surface. Pulling the hair toward the surface helps position the hair on the body sidewall 120. In some examples, the platform surface 160 is curved relative to the exit vector 152. Figure 2-Figure 9, the exemplary platform surface 160 is a curved surface relative to the outlet vector 152, so that hair drawn by the airflow attached to the platform surface 160 is drawn along the curvature of the platform surface 160. As shown in the example, the platform portion 160 is curved in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 110. The curved platform surface 160 helps the user shape the hair into curls for curling operations. However, the curling iron outlet 150 may not direct air across the platform surface. Now referring to Figure 10-Figure 18 , the exemplary curling iron outlet 150 does not direct airflow across the deck surface.

[0180] Refer again Figure 2-Figure 9 , one or more curling iron outlets are arranged to provide airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis 110. In the example shown, multiple outlet ports 136 located radially outside the platform portion 160 extend 360° around the axis 110. Providing airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis 110 can cause the hair to curl around the longitudinal axis 110.

[0181] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 , one or more curling iron outlets are arranged to provide airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis 110. Providing airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis can provide the user with a larger working surface (e.g., multiple platform portions 160) to receive the user's hair compared to when the airflow is restricted to only the longitudinal portion of the side wall.

[0182] The airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis and / or the airflow at multiple locations along the longitudinal axis can be provided by the same air outlet or multiple discrete air outlets. In some examples, the curling iron head 102 includes only a single curling iron outlet 150, for example, the curling iron outlet 150 is a spiral groove between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the curling iron head 102. The groove may be interrupted by supports (e.g., to hold the groove edge in place) and / or interrupted by blades to direct the airflow. In some examples, the curling iron head 102 includes multiple curling iron outlets 150 (e.g., Figure 2-Figure 9 The plurality of curling iron outlets 150 may provide greater airflow control than a single outlet. As further described elsewhere herein, the plurality of curling iron outlets 150 may be spaced axially and / or angularly from one another, and / or radially, circumferentially, and / or longitudinally staggered. The curling iron outlets 150 may be any of the curling iron outlets described herein.

[0183] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9In some examples, the head airflow path 130 includes an air channel 170 within the body 104. In some examples, the air channel 170 includes at least one channel inlet 172 and at least one channel outlet 174. It should be understood that the air channel 170 can be a hollow interior of the body. Alternatively, it can be one or more separate conduits disposed in and / or forming the curling iron head. For example, the curling iron head 102 includes more than one air channel 170, such as a plurality of primary airflow channels 290 and / or one or more primary airflow channels 290 and one or more secondary airflow channels 292, as described elsewhere herein (e.g., see Fig.17 ).

[0184] Each conduit or hollow interior may have one or more air inlets 172 and one or more air outlets 174. The air outlets may be the curling iron outlet 150 and / or the outlet at the second end (if the end wall 122 is not present, see, for example, Figure 6 ).

[0185] Optionally, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the channel outlet 174 (i.e., the airflow area perpendicular to the airflow direction at the minimum point) can be smaller than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the channel inlet 172 to promote pressure accumulation in the chamber. In this case, the air channel 170 can also be referred to as a pressure chamber. Alternatively, or in addition, the transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet 150 can be sized to produce a substantially constant airflow volume (volume / minute in each ring 246 along the axial length of the curling iron head).

[0186] like Figure 2-Figure 9 As shown, the air passage 170 includes an inlet at a first end 176, and a second end 178 opposite the first end is closed by the second end wall 122. The exemplary chamber inlet 172 is an open end of the first end 176. In some examples, the head airflow path is composed of the air passage 170. Figure 2-Figure 9 , with particular reference to Figure 6 , the air channel air inlet 172 is the head air inlet 132, and the air channel air outlet 174 is the head air outlet 134. The air channel 170 can be a manifold located upstream of the plurality of curling iron outlets 150 and in flow communication with the plurality of curling iron outlets 150. The air channel 170 can be any suitable shape, such as cylindrical, oval, or conical. The air channel 170 can have a shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the body 104. Referring to Figure 2-Figure 9 , the exemplary air pressure chamber 170 has a generally cylindrical shape extending between a chamber first end 176 and a chamber second end 178 .

[0187] Refer again Figure 1, the curling device 100 also includes an air moving member 180, which is in fluid communication with the head airflow path 130 of the curling iron head 102 when the curling device 100 is in use. The air moving member 180 is configured to generate an airflow through the airflow path, and any air moving member can be used. The air moving member 180 can include a motor and a fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly includes a motor and at least one fan in airflow communication with the head airflow path 130. As shown in the example, the air moving member is located upstream of the curling iron outlet to drive air through the curling iron outlet. In other embodiments, the air moving member can be located downstream of some or all of the air outlets 174.

[0188] The air moving member 180 can be part of the curling iron head 102 or in a detachable blower 182 (e.g., a hair dryer). In some examples, the curling iron head 102 is an accessory that is detachably attached to the blower 182. Figure 1 , the exemplary blower 182 is a hair dryer operable to be used as a hair dryer with the curling iron head removed, and the curling iron head 102 is an accessory that is removably attached to the hair dryer. It should be understood that in some examples, such as the examples further described elsewhere herein, the air moving member 180 is provided as part of the curling iron head, for example, within the body 104 of the curling iron head 102, and the curling iron head 102 is operable to be used alone as a curling iron.

[0189] The attachment curling iron head 102 and the detachable blower 182 can be coupled by a releasable coupling 184. Any releasable coupling 184 can be used. The releasable coupling includes a releasable fastener 186 on the head and / or on the blower. It should be understood that the fastener 186 can be any suitable fastener, such as a threaded fastener, a bayonet mount, a magnetic fastener, a buckle fastener, or a snap fastener. Figure 2-Figure 9 , an exemplary fastener 186 on the curling iron head 102 is a slot to receive a protrusion (e.g., a pin) on the blower to releasably secure the curling iron head to the blower. Figure 1 , the first end of the exemplary accessory curling iron head is received in the outlet opening 188 of the detachable blower 182. It should be understood that the connection between the head and the blower can be a fluid-tight connection. It should also be understood that the outlet of the blower can be the same as the air channel air inlet 172 of the curling iron head.

[0190] The curling device 100 may alternatively or additionally include one or more heating members 191. Any suitable member for providing heat energy to the hair and / or airflow and / or one or more surfaces of the curling iron head itself may be used as the heating member 191. Figure 1As shown, the heating member 191 is an energized heating element 190 that includes a resistor to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Figure 1 The exemplary energized heating element 190 is arranged in the airflow path of the hair dryer to heat the air flowing through the resistor. Alternatively, the heating element can be a thin film electric heating element that can be adhered to the inner surface of the curling iron head.

[0191] Alternatively or additionally, the heating member 191 may include an infrared absorbing member 370. The energized heating element 190 may be an infrared emitting source arranged to direct infrared energy to the infrared absorbing member. Fig.88 , the exemplary infrared absorption member 370 is arranged to receive infrared radiation from the powered infrared heating element 190. The use of the infrared absorption member 370 allows for a greater variety of shapes and locations of the heating member 191 than using only the powered heating element 190 (e.g., any powered heating element described in more detail elsewhere herein). The infrared absorption member 370 is heated by the powered infrared emitting source 190, which may be part of the curling iron head 102, or may be the powered heating element 190 of the blower 182 used in conjunction with the curling iron head 102.

[0192] The heating member 191 may be located at any suitable location and may be of any suitable shape. The heating element 190 or infrared absorbing member 370 that directly heats the air may be located at any suitable location that is in direct communication with the airflow path 130, such as radially below the curling iron outlet 150, or disposed within a closed section 222 of the body side wall 120 where no curling iron outlet is provided. For example, referring to Fig.73 and Fig.74 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a heating element 190 located radially below one or more curling iron outlets 150 . Fig.73 and Fig.74 The exemplary curling iron head of can also be removably secured to a blower 182 having an air moving member 180 disposed therein.

[0193] Alternatively or additionally, a heating member 191, such as an infrared absorbing member 370, can be in thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the curling iron head 102 (e.g., an infrared absorbing member including a metal or metal-filled plastic forming the platform portion 160, or a heating element 190 forming the platform portion 160 or in direct thermal communication with the platform portion 160). Thus, in addition to or instead of heating the air in the air flow channel, the heating member 191 (e.g., the infrared absorbing member 370) can be in thermal communication with the curling iron head (e.g., the inner and / or outer surfaces of the curling iron head) to heat part or all of the curling iron head.

[0194] Alternatively or additionally, the heating member 191 may be arranged to direct infrared energy directly to the hair wrapped around the curling iron head (e.g., an infrared emitting source on the surface of the curling iron head 102 or within the curling iron head 102 but only covered by an infrared transparent material). It should be understood that the infrared heating element 190 that generates infrared emissions to provide heat may be within the airflow path 130 or outside the airflow path 130 (i.e., need not be located in the airflow path 130). Removing the heating element 190 from the airflow path 130 reduces back pressure. Due to the temperature and material of the heating member 191, the heating member 191 arranged in thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the curling iron head 102 may also be used as an infrared emitting source.

[0195] The energized heating element 190 may be part of the curling iron head 102, or may be upstream of the curling iron head, such as in the blower 182, if the curling iron head 102 is removably attached to the blower 182. Figure 1 , the exemplary curling device 100 includes a heating element 190 in the blower 182 and the air moving member 180. Thus, the blower 182 can be used for other purposes, such as as a hair dryer without the curling iron head 102. However, in some examples, the curling iron head 102 includes the heating element 190, either in place of the heating element in the blower (e.g., where the blower does not include a heating element, or the curling iron head 102 can be used without a blower), or in addition to the heating element in the blower. Including a heating element in the curling iron head 102 can provide better control over the heating. Referring to Fig.75 , the exemplary curling iron head includes a heating element 190 and an air moving member 180, and can be used independently of a blower. It should be understood that the curling device 100 and / or the curling iron head 102 can include multiple heating elements 190, and can include different types of heating elements 190. As discussed subsequently, it should also be understood that if the curling iron head includes an electrically driven element, the curling iron head can include an electrical connector (e.g., a female electrical connector) that engages an electrical connector (e.g., a male electrical connector) of the blower when the curling iron head is attached to the blower.

[0196] The curling device 100 may optionally include a handle 192 having a grip portion 194. The handle may be any suitable handle to allow a user to apply the curling iron head to the user's hair. Figure 1, the exemplary handle 192 includes a grip portion 194 extending along a handle axis 196, which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 of the curling iron head 102. As shown in the example, the grip portion is a portion of the outer surface of the blower. In some examples, the handle axis 196 is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis 110. However, it should be understood that in some examples, the handle axis 196 can be angled relative to the longitudinal axis, such as a pistol grip handle. For example, the handle can be a pistol grip handle attached to the side wall of the blower (e.g., at its rear end), or can be attached to the rear end.

[0197] If the curling iron head 102 is an accessory, the handle 192 may be disposed on another component of the curling device 100, such as the blower 182. Alternatively, the handle 192 is located on a component of the curling device 100 that includes the heaviest component of the curling device 100, typically the air moving component 180 and / or the energy storage component. Figure 1 , the exemplary handle 192 is part of the blower 182, and the curling iron head 102 is an accessory that is removably attached to the blower 182. However, in some examples, the handle 192 is located on the curling iron head 102. Fig.75 , the exemplary handle 192 is located on the curling iron head 102, rather than a separate blower, and the curling iron head 102 includes an air moving member 180 within the head.

[0198] The air moving member 180 rotates about an axis of rotation 198 (eg, a motor axis of rotation of a motor and fan assembly). Figure 1 , the exemplary rotational axis 198 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 of the curling iron head 102. A rotational axis 198 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head can improve the feel of the device 100. The rotational axis 198 can be substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 110. A rotational axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis can improve the feel of the device 100. However, it should be understood that the rotational axis 198 can be at any angle to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0199] The air moving member 180 and / or the heating element 190 are electrically driven. The curling iron device 100 may also include one or more other electrically driven components, such as a touch screen or other control interface. Power is supplied by one or more on-board energy storage devices 200 (e.g., one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, and / or a removable package of multiple batteries or capacitors) and / or an external power source (e.g., via a power cord). Figure 1, the exemplary curling device 100 includes a power cord 202 that is electrically coupled to the air moving member 180 and the heating element 190 to provide power thereto. The power cord 202 may be connected to a household power source. It should be understood that the power cord and / or the energy storage member may be disposed in any suitable location. Optionally, the power cord 202 may enter the blower 182 (e.g., be mounted or removably mounted thereon) and / or the energy storage member may be located in the blower. If the curling iron head 102 includes an electrically driven component (e.g., the blower includes the air moving member and the curling iron head includes the heating element), the coupling 184 between the blower 182 and the curling iron head 102 may include a power transmission coupling. Optionally, for example, if the curling iron head is operable for stand-alone use, the power cord 202 may enter the curling iron head directly and / or the energy storage member may be located in the curling iron head.

[0200] The following is a discussion of various aspects, namely an annular group of curler outlets, displaced adjacent curler outlets, longitudinally spaced air outlets, longitudinally directed airflow, an annular band of curler outlets, bi-directional curler outlets, curler outlets with varying lateral airflow areas, airflow textured platform portions, attached textured hair receiving surfaces, thermally conductive hair receiving surfaces, platform surfaces with varying radial extents, longitudinally reduced outlet airflow areas, longitudinally narrowed head airflow paths, reconfigurable airflow direction valves, secondary application outlets, air release valves, axially extending surface dimples, first ends without curler outlets, auxiliary second end heating, air moving members within curler heads, heating members in curler heads, direct hair heating, inductive charging, manufacturing methods using separately formed rings and tubes, user interfaces, and accessories, all of which are disclosed herein. Each aspect can be used alone or in combination or sub-combination with one or more other aspects disclosed herein.

[0201] Ring set for curling iron outlet

[0202] The following is a description of a curling iron head 102 having a curling iron outlet 150. According to this aspect, any configuration of curling iron outlet 150 may be used.

[0203] like Figure 2-Figure 9 As shown, the outlets 150 can be arranged in one or more annular groups 151 or rings to form an outlet strip. An annular group includes a plurality of curling iron outlets 150 arranged at an angle around part or all of the longitudinal axis 110. The curling iron outlets can be arranged adjacent to each other (e.g., the plurality of outlet ports 136 can extend generally continuously around part or all of the longitudinal axis 110), or they can be spaced apart. For example, a single annular group of curling iron outlets can include 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more curling iron outlets 150. As shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, the outlet ports 136 are disposed adjacent to one another, with the outlet 150 extending continuously about the longitudinal axis 150 .

[0204] The curling iron head 102 may include a single ring group or multiple ring groups. If multiple ring groups are provided, the ring groups may be spaced apart along part or all of the length of the curling iron head. Figure 2 As shown, the curling iron head 102 includes five annular groups of outlets separated by platform portions 160. All outlets in a single annular group may be identical, or may be partially or completely different. Alternatively or additionally, each annular group may be identical, or may be partially or completely different.

[0205] like Figure 3 As shown, each annular group of outlet ports 136 may be generally aligned with some or all of the other annular groups of outlet ports to form longitudinally sequential groups that collectively form multiple rows of outlet ports 136 , with each row extending along the longitudinal axis 110 .

[0206] Alternatively, the outlets may be arranged in a plurality of substantially linear or spiral rows. The outlets 150 may be arranged axially without any platform portions therebetween. Figure 20-24 As shown, the outlet ports 136 of the plurality of annular groups 151 of the curling iron outlet are angularly aligned to extend in a plurality of longitudinal rows 153 that are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110. Fig. 20 As shown, the group 151 includes a first group 151a of open curling iron outlets 150, a second group 151b of open curling iron outlets 150, and a third group 151c of open curling iron outlets 150. The outlet ports 136 of the exemplary first group 151a are axially aligned with the outlet ports 136 of the exemplary second group 151b and the outlet ports 136 of the exemplary third group 151c. Still referring to Figure 20-24 The first, second, and third groups 151a, 151b, 151c of the exemplary curling iron outlets 150 define a plurality of axially extending rows 153 (eg, linear rows 153) of axially aligned outlet ports 136.

[0207] Alternatively, if Fig.69 and Fig.71 As shown, and discussed later under the heading "Displaced Adjacent Curling Iron Outlets", outlet port 136 may extend axially at an angle relative to axis 110. Fig.91 , outlet port 136 extends at an angle 137 relative to axis 110. Figure 69 to Figure 72 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a row 153 without axially aligned outlet ports 136 . Figure 69 to Figure 72 An exemplary row 153 of is spiral. Figure 69-Figure 72For each row of outlet ports of the exemplary curling iron head 102, the outlet ports 136 are angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis. For each row 153 of outlet ports 136, the outlet ports 136 of the second group 151b of outlet ports are angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis 110 relative to the outlet ports 136 of the first group 151a of outlet ports, and the outlet ports of the third group 151c of outlet ports are angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis 110 relative to the outlet ports of the second group 151b of outlet ports.

[0208] Shifted adjacent curling iron outlet

[0209] The following is a description of a curling iron head having a plurality of curling iron outlets, wherein according to this aspect, longitudinally successive curling iron outlets are radially displaced and / or angularly displaced relative to each other.Any configuration of curling iron outlets 150 may be used.

[0210] The radially displaced curling iron outlets 150 extend different radial distances from the axial center of the curling iron head. The radial distance may decrease or increase at a constant rate along part or all of the length of the curling iron head, and / or the radial distance may increase or decrease in a stepped pattern.

[0211] Reference Figure 65-Figure 68 , the exemplary curling iron outlets 150 are arranged such that longitudinally sequential curling iron outlets are radially displaced relative to each other. The curling iron head 102 includes a first curling iron outlet 150e and a second curling iron outlet 150f longitudinally sequential to the first curling iron outlet (i.e., arranged sequentially along the longitudinal axis 110, directly adjacent or separated by the closed platform portion 160 of the curling iron head 102). Figure 65-Figure 68 , the exemplary first outlet 150e is located at a first position at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis 110, and the exemplary second curling outlet 150f is located at a second position at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis 110, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance. In some examples, the curling iron head includes curling iron outlets at three or more radial distances from the longitudinal axis 110, wherein the radial distances of the curling iron outlets decrease regularly along the longitudinal axis. Figure 65-Figure 68 , an exemplary curling iron head comprises curling iron outlets at five radial distances, wherein the radial distances of the curling iron outlets decrease regularly along the longitudinal axis.

[0212] The angularly displaced outlets may form, for example, a spiral row of outlet ports extending along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the curling iron outlets may be arranged in a staggered pattern. In a staggered pattern, every other curling iron outlet is axially aligned along the longitudinal axis, with the intervening outlets being relatively angled or radially displaced.

[0213] Reference Figure 69-Figure 72, the exemplary curling iron outlets are arranged such that longitudinally adjacent curling iron outlets are angularly displaced relative to each other, wherein the exemplary first curling iron outlet 150e is located at a first angular position and the exemplary second curling iron outlet 150f is located at a second angular position different from the first angular position. Figure 69-Figure 72 , the exemplary curling iron head includes staggered curling iron outlets 150, wherein every other longitudinally successive curling iron outlet is longitudinally aligned.

[0214] Longitudinally spaced air outlets

[0215] The following is a description of a curling iron head 102 having multiple curling iron outlets, wherein according to this aspect, longitudinally successive open curling iron outlets are longitudinally spaced from each other by closed platform portions of the body sidewalls.Any configuration of curling iron outlets 150 may be used.

[0216] The curler outlets 150 may be arranged in groups, with the curler outlets of each group being angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis or axially aligned, as previously discussed.

[0217] As previously discussed, the curling iron head may include a plurality of platform portions 160 sequentially arranged along the length of the curling iron head. The platform portions 160 separate axially spaced curling iron outlets 150, such as the annular groups of curling iron outlets discussed previously. Figure 2-Figure 9 As shown, the platform portion 160 of the body side wall is an always closed portion, such as a continuous wall.

[0218] Alternatively, the enclosed portion of the body sidewall may include a selectively openable curling outlet, such that the sidewall of the curling head is selectively openable. As discussed later, the curling head may be adjustable to direct air in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In this case, the curling head 102 may include a curling outlet 150 that directs in a clockwise direction and a different curling outlet 150 that directs in a counterclockwise direction. The clockwise and counterclockwise outlets are selectively openable. The curling head may be selectively switched between clockwise and counterclockwise configurations by opening one or the other set of outlets (e.g., via a valve assembly or selective reconfiguration of the curling head). For example, the clockwise outlet may be opened, and the counterclockwise outlet may be closed. Thus, when the counterclockwise outlet is closed, it defines an enclosed portion of the body sidewall.

[0219] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9, the longitudinal spacing between the longitudinally spaced outlets 150 provides a longitudinally extending hair receiving surface 210 between the curling iron outlets. The hair receiving surface allows hair wrapped around the body sidewall 120 to rest against the body sidewall. The longitudinally extending hair receiving surface can improve the user experience and / or allow the body sidewall to interact more with the hair (e.g., for heat transfer or hair retention, as further described elsewhere herein). In some examples, the longitudinal spacing between the longitudinally sequential curling iron outlets is at least two times, at least three times, or at least four times the average longitudinal extent of the curling iron outlets 150. In some examples, the longitudinally sequential curling iron outlets are longitudinally spaced at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm apart.

[0220] In some examples, the platform portion or the closed body sidewall adjacent to the curling iron outlet is a closed longitudinal section. For example, the closed longitudinal section of the generally cylindrical body sidewall 120 is a closed annular portion of the body sidewall. The closed longitudinal section allows hair to be wrapped around the longitudinal axis on the body sidewall. Figure 2-Figure 9 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 has a closed longitudinal section 222 . Figure 2-Figure 9 The closed longitudinal section 222 of the exemplary curling iron head 102 is an annular ring and forms a platform portion 160 through which an adjacent curling iron outlet can direct airflow.

[0221] When the enclosed portion of the body side wall includes closed curling outlets, the longitudinal spacing provides space for these closed outlets, for example allowing a user to switch between clockwise and counterclockwise configurations of the curling iron head by closing one set of outlets and opening another set of outlets for each configuration. Figure 20-24 , the exemplary curler head 102 has open curler outlets 150 separated by closed portions 220 of the body sidewall. The curler outlets 150 are arranged in groups of curler outlets 150 positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis. Figure 20-24 The exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a first set of clockwise directed curling iron outlets 150a and a second set of counterclockwise directed curling iron outlets 150b. The open curling iron outlets 150 are outlets of one set, while the other set is closed. Thus, longitudinally sequential curling iron outlets of a common set are longitudinally spaced apart from one another and, when open, are separated by a closure portion 220 of the body side wall that includes the other set of closed outlets. Figure 20-24When one of the groups 150a, 150b is open and the other is closed, the platform portion 160 includes a first section 222a located between the first and second groups 151a, 151b of the curling outlets 150 and a second section 222b located between the second and third groups 151b, 151c of the curling outlets 150. It should be understood that more groups of open curling outlets and sections of the platform portion 160 may also be included.

[0222] Longitudinally directed airflow

[0223] The following is a description of a longitudinally directed curling iron outlet airflow. According to this aspect, the curling iron outlet 150 is shaped so that the outlet vector 152 of the airflow includes a longitudinal component 230, but optionally also includes a component directed angularly around the curling iron head. Any configuration of the curling iron outlet 150 may be used.

[0224] It should be understood that the exit vector 152 of the curling iron outlet 150 including the longitudinal component 230 may optionally also include a tangential or radial component. The tangential component provides a curling force that helps to wrap the hair around the curling iron head, or wrap the hair around the curling iron head without the user having to rotate the curling iron head to wrap the hair around it.

[0225] Reference Figure 7 In some examples, the exit vector 152 makes an angle 232 with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is between 10° and 30°, between 15° and 25°, between 17° and 23°, or about 20°. In some examples, the tangential component 154 of the exit vector of the curling iron outlet 150 can be at least 25%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the exit vector 152, with the remainder being the longitudinal component, while in other cases it can be less than 25%, less than 10%, or in some examples negligible (e.g., less than 5%). The longitudinal component 230 can constitute at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the exit vector 152. For example, the longitudinal component 230 can be between 15% and 75%, between 30% and 75%, or between 30% and 60%.

[0226] Reference Figure 7 , including a longitudinal component 230 in the outlet vector 152 causes the curling iron outlet to at least help hair adhere to a longitudinally adjacent portion of the curling iron head 102, such as an enclosed portion 220 of the body side wall, such as an enclosed longitudinal section 222 (which may be the platform portion 160), and hair covering the enclosed portion of the body side wall can be positioned by the airflow from the longitudinally adjacent curling iron outlet.

[0227] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9, the curling iron outlet 150 is shaped to direct the exiting air along an outlet vector 152, which includes a longitudinal component. Figure 4 , an exemplary exit vector 152 is defined by the shape of the duct 138, such as by the vanes 142. In some examples, the outlet end of the duct 138 extends in a direction that includes a tangential component and a longitudinal component relative to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0228] The longitudinal component 230 of the outlet vector can be selected based on the airflow velocity and / or airflow volume rate and the axial length of the longitudinal segment 222 about which the user's hair is to be wrapped. Optionally, the longitudinal component is sufficient to cause the curling force of the air (generated by the tangential component of the air leaving the outlet port 136) to extend through all or substantially all of the adjacent longitudinal segment 222.

[0229] In some examples, the angle of the longitudinal component 230 is proportional to the size of the longitudinal spacing between the curling iron outlets (e.g., the annular group of spaced apart curling iron outlets), and / or inversely proportional to the air velocity and / or airflow volume rate exiting the curling iron outlets. For example, the greater the axial length of the enclosed longitudinal segment 222, the greater the angle of the longitudinal component 230 may be. The greater the air velocity and / or airflow volume rate exiting the curling iron outlet, the smaller the angle of the longitudinal component 230 may be.

[0230] It will be appreciated that if air is directed from each axial end of the closed longitudinal segment 222 to above the closed longitudinal segment 222, for example, the closed longitudinal segment 222 is located between two axially spaced annular groups of the bidirectional curling iron outlet 150c, such as Fig.33 As shown and discussed later, the air from each bidirectional curling iron outlet 150c is directed over the enclosed longitudinal section 222, and the longitudinal component 230 may be reduced because, essentially, the air exiting one of the bidirectional curling iron outlets 150c may only travel about half of the axial length of the enclosed longitudinal section 222. Alternatively, if the air exits only one annular group of curling iron outlets (e.g., Fig.33 If the one-way curling iron outlet 150d shown in FIG. 1 and discussed subsequently) is directed above the closed longitudinal section 222, the air exiting the one-way curling iron outlet 150d can extend through the entire axial length of the closed longitudinal section 222.

[0231] Endless belt for curling iron outlet

[0232] The following is a description of the annular band or ring 246 of the curling iron air outlet 150. According to this aspect, a plurality of curling iron outlets 150 are arranged at least partially around the longitudinal axis 110 of the curling iron head (e.g., 50%, 60%, 75%), and optionally around all or substantially all of the longitudinal axis 110 of the curling iron head. The curling iron outlets 150 may be spaced apart or may be arranged adjacent to each other. Any configuration of the curling iron outlets 150 may be used.

[0233] The curling iron outlet 150 with 246 may be flush with the outer surface of the curling iron head (e.g., Fig.63 The outlet port 136 may be flush with the outer surface (as shown), or may be located radially outward of the outer surface of the adjacent platform portion 160 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, some or all of the outlet ports 136 may be located radially outward of the outer surface of the adjacent platform portion).

[0234] As discussed subsequently, the band 246 of the curling iron outlet 150 can be unidirectional or bidirectional. Alternatively or additionally, as previously described, the curling iron outlet 150 can direct air axially, radially, or a combination thereof. Thus, as previously described, the curling iron outlet 150 can direct airflow along an outlet vector having a tangential component such that the band 246 produces a conical or cylindrical airflow.

[0235] As discussed herein, the multiple annular bands of curling iron air outlets may be separated from one another by the platform portion 160, or they may be positioned adjacent to one another.

[0236] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 The annular zone of the curling iron outlet of the curling iron air outlet 150 comprises a duct 138 extending between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136 . Figure 2-Figure 9 The exemplary curling iron air outlet 150 has an annular band of ducts 138 extending from the inlet port 140 to the longitudinally directed outlet port 136, thereby changing the direction of airflow.

[0237] In the example shown, the outlet ports 136 are disposed in the radially extending sides 246a, 246b of the annular band 246. Figure 2 As shown, in the bidirectional band 246, the outlet ports 246 are disposed in the axially outwardly facing side 246a and the axially inwardly facing side 246b. As shown in the example, the outlet ports 136 face along the longitudinal axis 110. It should be understood that the radially extending sides 246a, 246b may extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis, so the ports 136 need not face axially.

[0238] The curling iron outlet 150 is configured to generate an airflow that exits the duct 138 in a desired direction. Thus, the duct is shaped to provide a selected airflow direction. Thus, the curling iron air outlet 150 may include at least one tangentially angled blade 142 to apply a tangential component to the outlet vector. It should be understood that the blade may also include another angular component in addition to the tangential component. It should be understood that the blade may be a radially extending side wall of the duct 138.

[0239] like Figure 2-Figure 9 as well as Figure 25-28 As shown, especially Figure 7 , the blades 142 extend at an angle that includes a tangential component and a longitudinal component. Thus, the blades 142 may be radially spiral blades that may spiral radially outward from the inlet port 140.

[0240] The curvature of the blade 142 may be constant along the length of the blade 142 from the inlet port 140 to the outlet port 136. Alternatively, it may vary along the length of the blade. For example, the curvature of the blade may transition from upstream to downstream toward an increasing longitudinal angle 236, or may transition from upstream to downstream toward an increasing tangential angle 232.

[0241] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 ,in particular Figure 3 It will be appreciated that the blades 142 can separate the ducts 138 of the annular band of the curling iron air outlet from each other. The plurality of ducts 138 of the annular band of the curling iron air outlet 150 are angularly positioned around the longitudinal axis 110. The number of blades can be selected according to the desired angle and the optional longitudinal overlap of the blades. In some examples, the annular band of the curling iron air outlet includes 4 to 15 blades, 5 to 12 blades, 6 to 12 blades, 6 to 10 blades, 7 to 11 blades, or 8 to 10 blades.

[0242] like Fig.55 As shown, the blades 142 may overlap one another so that the blades 142 may be formed from the inlet port 140 into a conduit 138 (e.g., the line terminating at 262). Fig.55 Air in the leftmost duct in the longitudinal axis 110 (the middle duct where the line at 250 terminates) may pass through the duct at a location axially spaced apart from an adjacent duct 138 (the middle duct where the line at 250 terminates) having inlet ports spaced apart clockwise about the longitudinal axis 110. Alternatively, the ducts may not overlap.

[0243] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9, the annular bands of the curling iron air outlet 150 are each adjacent to an annular closed (i.e., airtight) longitudinal section 222. The exemplary annular closed longitudinal section 222 forms an annular platform surface 160. The exemplary curling iron outlet 150 directs airflow through the annular platform surface 160 to pull hair around the annular platform surface 160. The annular bands of the curling iron air outlet 150 have a longitudinal length 240, and the longitudinal length of the closed longitudinal section 222 may be at least 1.5 times, at least 2 times, or at least 3 times the length 240 of the outlet 150.

[0244] Still refer to Figure 2-Figure 9 The curling iron head 102 includes a plurality of annular bands of curling iron air outlets 150. The annular platform surface 160 may have annular bands of curling iron air outlets 150 on both longitudinal sides, such as Figure 2-Figure 9 The situation in the exemplary embodiment of .

[0245] Optionally, as discussed subsequently, the curling iron head 102 may include at least one annular band of curling iron air outlets 150 that directs air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward the first end 112 of the head 102, and at least one annular band of curling iron air outlets 150 that directs air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward the second end 114 of the head 102 (a bidirectional band). The curling iron head 102 may include a plurality of annular bands of curling iron air outlets 150, each curling iron air outlet 150 directing air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward a common end of the head 102, such as toward the first end 112 of the curling iron head 102, as described above. Figure 3 shown.

[0246] As shown in the example, the annular band of the curling iron air outlet can form a raised ring of the body or be arranged on the body. The diameter 242 of the radially outer side of the outlet 136 is greater than the diameter 244 of the adjacent platform portion 160. Figure 2-Figure 9 ,in particular Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced raised rings or bands 246 .

[0247] In some examples, the curling iron head 102 may include a recessed platform portion 160. The recessed platform portion 160 may be an annular portion. One or both ends of the annular recessed platform portion 160 may border the raised ring 246 formed by the annular band of the curling iron air outlet 150. Figure 2-Figure 9 , the entire platform portion 160 of the exemplary curling iron head 102 is a recessed platform portion 160 .

[0248] Reference Figure 4, the outlet port 136 has a height 248. The height 248 can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics. For example, if the outlet port 136 is wider in the angled direction, the height 248 can be reduced.

[0249] Two-way curling iron outlet

[0250] The following is a description of a curling iron outlet that generates an air flow along a vector including a longitudinal component directed toward the first end 112 and another air flow along a vector including a longitudinal component directed toward the second end 114. According to this aspect, the annular band of curling iron air outlets may include a first set of curling iron outlets 150 directing air toward the first end 112 and a second set of curling iron outlets 150 directing air toward the second end 114.

[0251] like Figure 25-Figure 34 As shown, the curling iron outlet 150c is provided as an annular band of curling iron outlets, wherein the outlet ports 136 face in various directions along the longitudinal axis 110. Figure 29-Figure 34 ,in particular Fig.34 The bidirectional annular band of the exemplary curling iron air outlet 150c includes vanes 142 that separate the airflow into first and second components that travel upward and downward along the longitudinal axis 110, respectively.

[0252] In contrast, Fig.33 and Fig.34 In FIG. 5 , the curler outlets 150d are provided as an annular band of curler outlets, wherein the outlet ports 136 face in only one direction along the longitudinal axis 110 (ie a unidirectional band of curler outlets).

[0253] In some examples, the curling iron head includes a plurality of bidirectional outlets. In some examples, the curling iron head includes a plurality of bidirectional outlets 150c and a plurality of unidirectional curling iron outlets 150d. Alternatively, as shown in the example, the curling iron head 102 may have a unidirectional strip of curling iron outlets 150d at the axial end of the curling iron portion having the outlet port 136, and a bidirectional annular strip of one or more curling iron air outlets 150c therebetween.

[0254] Reference Figure 29-Figure 34 Each annular platform portion 160 of the curling iron head may be a section that may be covered (and airflow introduced thereon) by one or two adjacent curling iron outlets 150. Figure 29-Figure 34 In the exemplary embodiments, particular reference is made to Fig.34, section 1A is covered by the one-way outlet 150d at the first end 112, section 1B is covered by one side of the two-way outlet 150c and section 2A is covered by the other side of the two-way outlet 150c, section 2B is covered by one side of another two-way outlet 150c and section 3A is covered by the other side of the two-way outlet 150c, section 3B is covered by one side of another two-way outlet 150c and section 4A is covered by the other side of the two-way outlet 150c, and section 4B is covered by the one-way outlet 150d at the second end 114.

[0255] like Fig.34 As shown, an angularly extending wall 143 may separate the two ducts 138a and 138b. Alternatively, for example, if the wall 143 is not provided, the ducts 138a, 138b may be a single duct having two outlet ports 136 facing in opposite directions.

[0256] In some embodiments, each section has an annular band of curling iron outlets on both sides. The annular bands of curling iron air outlets on the sides may all be unidirectional, may all be bidirectional, or may include both unidirectional and bidirectional outlets. Figure 35-Figure 38 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes four sections. It should be understood that the curling iron head can have more or fewer sections. In some examples, the curling iron head having an annular platform portion includes three sections. In some examples, the curling iron head having an annular platform portion includes five sections.

[0257] It should be appreciated that in different embodiments, segment coverage may be achieved through different arrangements of the curling iron outlets 150 . Figure 35-Figure 38 Various embodiments are illustrated. Fig.35 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 has sections 1A and 1B covered by the first one-way outlet 150 at the first end 112, sections 2A and 2B covered by the second one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by the third one-way outlet 150, section 4A covered by the fourth one-way outlet 150, and section 4B covered by the fifth one-way outlet 150 at the second end 114, wherein except for the fifth outlet, the other outlets are directed toward the second end 114. Fig.36 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 has sections 1A and 1B covered by a first one-way outlet 150, sections 2A and 2B covered by a second one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by a third one-way outlet 150, and sections 4A and 4B covered by a fourth one-way outlet 150 at the second end 114, each outlet 150 pointing toward the first end 112. Fig.37, the exemplary curling iron head 102 has a section 1A covered by a first one-way outlet 150 at a first end 112, a section 1B covered by a second one-way outlet, sections 2A and 2B covered by a third one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by a fourth one-way outlet 150, and sections 4A and 4B covered by a fifth one-way outlet 150 at a second end 114, wherein except for the first outlet, the other outlets are directed toward the first end 112. Referring to Fig.38 The exemplary curling iron head 102 has a section 1A covered by a first one-way outlet 150 at a first end 112, sections 1B and 2A covered by a first two-way outlet 150, sections 2B and 3A covered by a second two-way outlet 150, sections 3B and 4A covered by a third two-way outlet 150, and a section 4B covered by a second one-way outlet 150 at a second end 114.

[0258] It will be appreciated that two unidirectional strips of curling iron outlet 150d may be positioned adjacent one another with outlet ports 136 facing in different axial directions, thereby essentially providing a bidirectional annular strip of curling iron outlet 150.

[0259] The curling iron outlet closest to the head inlet end is pointed away from the head inlet end

[0260] The following is a description of a curling iron head having a curling iron outlet 150 at the inlet end 112, the curling iron outlet 150 being shaped to direct air away from the inlet end 112. Directing air away from the inlet end of the curling iron head 102 can prevent hair from passing over the end 112, such as being carried onto an integrated handle or a blower body to which the curling iron head 102 is attached. Any configuration of the curling iron outlet 150 can be used.

[0261] According to this aspect, the curling iron outlet 150 closest to the inlet end 112 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 that includes a longitudinal component 230 pointing away from the inlet end 112. The outlet vector 152 may include no component pointing in the direction of the inlet end, or it may have a small component pointing in the direction of the inlet end.

[0262] As discussed elsewhere herein, the curler head can include longitudinally sequential segments 280 having a constant longitudinal extent. The segments 280 can be curler segments 280a that include one or more curler outlets 150, or non-curler segments 280b that do not include any curler outlets 150. The non-curler segments 280b can be closed segments (e.g., closed segments 222). In some examples, the non-curler segments 280b include one or more inlets (e.g., venturi inlets). In some examples, the non-curler segments 280b include outlets that are not curler outlets (e.g., exhaust outlets). In some examples, each curler outlet 150 of the longitudinal curler segments 280a closest to the inlet end 112 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 whose only longitudinal component 230 points away from the inlet end 112. In some examples, the curler section 280a closest to the inlet end 112 is the section 280 at the inlet end 112 (ie, not separated from the inlet end 112 by one or more non-curler sections 280b).

[0263] Reference Figures 104 to 110 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a plurality of longitudinal sections 280, including a curling iron section 280a at the inlet end 112. The inlet end curling iron section 280a directs outlet air away from the inlet end 112. Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary inlet end segment 280 a of includes a set 151 of outlets 150 , each outlet shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 that includes a longitudinal component 230 pointing away from the inlet end 112 .

[0264] It should be understood that in some examples, all of the curler outlets 150 of the curler head 102 direct air away from the inlet end 112 (i.e., toward the opposite end 114 relative to the longitudinal axis). However, in some examples, the curler head 102 also includes one or more curler outlets 150 that direct air toward the inlet end 112 relative to the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the curler head 102 includes a curler section 280a that directs air flow in the opposite longitudinal direction. In such examples, the curler head 102 includes at least one section 280a that directs air toward the inlet end 112 (i.e., the vector 152 includes a longitudinal component 230 pointing toward the inlet end) and another curler section 280a that directs air toward the opposite end 114 (i.e., the vector 152 includes a longitudinal component 230 pointing toward the opposite end). Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary curling iron head 102 includes an opposite end or distal curling iron section 280a at the opposite end 114 of the head 102, each curling iron outlet 150 of the opposite end curling iron section 280a is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 with a unique longitudinal component 230 pointing toward the inlet end 112. Thus, Figure 104-Figure 110 The inlet end curler section 280 a and the opposing end curler section 280 a of the exemplary head 102 direct air in generally opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis 110 .

[0265] In some examples, more than one curling iron section 280a directs air relative to the longitudinal axis toward the inlet end 112. In some examples, all but one curling iron section 280a directs air relative to the longitudinal axis toward the inlet end 112. Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary head 102 includes a plurality of curler sections 280a that direct air toward the inlet end 112 relative to the longitudinal axis 110 and a single curler section 280a at the inlet end 112 that directs air toward the opposite end 114 relative to the longitudinal axis 110 .

[0266] The curler sections 280a that direct air in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis may be separated by non-curler sections 280b. The non-curler sections 280b may be closed sections that provide a platform portion between the two curler sections 280a that direct air in opposite directions. Figure 104-Figure 110 , the exemplary head 102 includes an inlet end section 281 , which is a curling iron section 280 a at the inlet end 112 , directing air toward the opposite end 114 . Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary head 102 includes an intermediate non-curler section 285 between the inlet end section 281 and another curler section 283 that directs air toward the inlet end 112 relative to the longitudinal axis 110 . Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary non-curling iron intermediate section 285 is a closed section providing the platform portion 160 between the sections 283 , 281 .

[0267] The intermediate non-curling section 285 of any of the curling iron heads disclosed herein can be of any suitable shape. The intermediate non-curling section 285 can have a varying radial extent (e.g., a gradual and / or stepped variation) with a maximum radial extent in a middle portion of the section 285 (e.g., a portion spaced apart from each longitudinal end of the section by at least 10%, 20%, or 25% of the longitudinal length of the section). The maximum radial extent of the intermediate non-curling section 285 can be generally in the longitudinal middle of the section. Figure 104-Figure 110 , the exemplary intermediate non-curler section 285 is generally bell-shaped along the longitudinal axis 110. A section that is bell-shaped along the longitudinal axis 110, 160 has a diameter that increases and then decreases smoothly along the longitudinal axis 110. Figure 104-Figure 110 The exemplary segment 285 of is generally bell-shaped, with a greatest radial extent in the longitudinal middle of the segment.

[0268] exist Figure 104-Figure 110 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the curler section 280a adjacent to the longitudinal end of the middle non-curler section 285 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 having a tangential component 154 in opposite directions (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise). This may help capture hair on the curler head 102. In some embodiments, the curler section 280a adjacent to the longitudinal end of the middle non-curler section 285 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 having a tangential component 154 in the same direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise). This may reduce turbulence at the air flow interface.

[0269] Curling iron outlet with variable lateral airflow area

[0270] The following is a description of a curling iron outlet 150 having a lateral airflow area that varies along the length of the curling iron outlet. This variation may be due to diverging and / or converging inner and outer walls and / or diverging and / or converging angled side walls (e.g., formed by blades 142). Any configuration of the curling iron outlet 150 may be used.

[0271] The curling iron outlet 150 may include an expansion zone and / or a compression zone. The expansion zone is a portion of the duct 138 downstream of the inlet port 140 and upstream of the outlet port 136 in which the airflow area of ​​the duct expands. The compression zone is a portion of the duct upstream of the outlet port 136 and downstream of the inlet port 140 in which the airflow area of ​​the duct decreases. Including the compression zone increases the airflow velocity of the air jet generated by the outlet. The expansion zone reduces back pressure and, together with the compression zone, can accelerate the airflow through the duct.

[0272] Reference Fig.40 , Figure 43-Figure 46 as well as Figure 54-Figure 55 , exemplary expansion zones 250 each have a minimum lateral airflow area that is greater than the airflow area of ​​inlet port 140 and / or outlet port 136. In some examples, expansion zone 250 is a portion of duct 138 that extends at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. Expansion zone 250 can be located at any position along the length of duct 138.

[0273] Reference Figure 39-Figure 55, the exemplary compression zones 252 each have a maximum lateral airflow area that is less than the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​at least a portion of the duct 138. In some examples, the maximum lateral airflow area of ​​the compression zone 252 is less than the airflow area of ​​the inlet port 140 and / or the outlet port 136. In some examples, the compression zone 252 is a portion of the duct 138 at the outlet that extends at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. The compression zone 252 can be set at any position along the length of the duct 138. In some examples, the compression zone extends all the way to the outlet port 136.

[0274] Reference Figure 39-Figure 55 , the exemplary conduit 138 is formed by an outer wall 260 (eg, the outer wall of the raised ring or annular band 246) and an inner wall 262 located radially below the outer wall 260. Figure 39-Figure 55 , the exemplary duct 138 has an angled width defined by the vanes 142. The lateral airflow area of ​​the duct 138 is determined by the sidewalls (e.g., Figure 39-Figure 55 The spacing between the blades 142 in the example of FIG. 1 and the spacing between the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall are defined by a combination of the spacing between the blades 142 in the example of FIG. 1 and the spacing between the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall.

[0275] Increasing the spacing between the outer wall and the inner wall and / or increasing the spacing between the side walls (eg, angular spacing) increases the lateral airflow area of ​​the duct 138 and can be used, for example, to form the expansion region 250. Figure 39-Figure 44 as well as Figure 37-Figure 55 , the exemplary duct 138 is formed radially outside the air passage 170 . Figure 39-Figure 44 as well as Figure 37-Figure 55 The inner diameter of the inner wall 262 of the exemplary duct is generally the same as the inner diameter of the adjacent platform portion 160. Forming the duct outside the air channel 170 can prevent the duct wall from obstructing the air flow through the air channel 170. Fig.45 and Fig.46 , the exemplary duct 138 is at least partially formed within the air channel 170. The inlet port 140 of the curling iron outlet duct is located in the channel 170. The exemplary radial inner side of the inlet port 140 is located radially inward of the radial outlet wall 160 of the channel 170. Fig.45 and Fig.46 The inner diameter of the inner wall 262 of the exemplary duct is smaller than the inner diameter of the adjacent platform portion 160. Extending the duct to the inlet port in the air passage 170 can reduce the overall diameter of the curling iron head.

[0276] Reducing the spacing between the outer wall and the inner wall and / or reducing the angular spacing between the vanes reduces the lateral airflow area of ​​the duct 138 and can be used, for example, to form a compression zone 252. Fig.40 , Fig.43 , Fig.44 as well as Figure 47-Figure 49 , the exemplary compression zone 252 is formed by reducing the diameter of the outer wall 260 toward the downstream end of the conduit 138. Fig.44 and Fig.45 , the exemplary compression zone 252 is formed by increasing the diameter of the inner wall 262 toward the downstream end of the conduit. Fig.54 and Fig.55 , an exemplary compression zone is formed by decreasing the angular spacing between blades 142 toward the downstream end of duct 138 .

[0277] If both the compression zone 252 and the expansion zone 250 are disposed in a single conduit 138 , the compression zone 252 may be located downstream of the expansion zone 250 , optionally immediately downstream of the expansion zone 250 .

[0278] In some examples, the expansion region 250 may be an outlet expansion region 250 located at the outlet end of the conduit 138. The outlet expansion region 250 extends to and includes the outlet port 136. Figure 111-117 ,in particular Fig.114 , the exemplary outlet 134a has an outlet end expansion region 250 that extends to and includes the outlet port 136. The lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion region 250 may increase along the expansion region toward the outlet port 136.

[0279] The outlet end expansion portion may extend from the inlet port 140 to the outlet port 136 , or may extend from an intermediate position between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136 . Figure 111-117 The exemplary outlet expansion region 250 of FIG. 1 extends from the intermediate position 144 between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136 to the outlet port 136, but it should be understood that in other examples, the outlet expansion region 250 may extend from the inlet port 140 all the way to the outlet port 136. The transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 at the inlet port 140, which is transverse to the airflow direction through the duct, may be smaller than the transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 at the outlet port 136. Figure 111-117 , the lateral airflow area of ​​the inlet port 140 of the exemplary outlet 134a is less than the lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet port 136. In some examples, the lateral airflow area of ​​the duct 138 is largest at the outlet port 136. In some examples, the lateral airflow area of ​​the duct 138 is smallest at the inlet port 140.

[0280] Reference Figure 111-117, the lateral airflow area of ​​the exemplary outlet expansion zone 250 gradually increases along the length of the outlet expansion zone 250. It should be understood that the lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet expansion zone 250 can increase gradually and / or in a stepwise manner. It should be understood that the increase in the lateral airflow area can be a combination of gradual and stepwise increases, such as first gradually increasing, then stepwise increasing, and then further gradually increasing. Figure 111-117 , the lateral airflow area of ​​the exemplary outlet end expansion zone 250 increases continuously along the length of the outlet end expansion zone 250. It should be understood that the lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone 250 can increase continuously, or can include one or more sections where the lateral airflow area does not change (e.g., between steps where the lateral airflow area increases in a stepwise manner). Figure 111-117 As the spacing between the inner wall 262 and the outer wall 260 increases, the lateral airflow area increases toward the outlet port 136. It should be appreciated that the increase in lateral airflow area may result from any suitable increase in spacing between the walls forming the duct 138.

[0281] Airflow textured platform section

[0282] The following is a description of a platform portion that is textured to improve airflow (eg, Coanda airflow). The platform portion includes a surface texture selected to improve air adhesion to the surface.

[0283] In some examples, the textured platform portion includes a radially raised portion and a radially lowered portion. The transition between the radially raised portion and the radially lowered portion can be generally smooth or include a small step (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the curling iron head).

[0284] The platform portion 160 may include blades or ridges 270 that protrude from the platform portion 160. Fig.57 , the exemplary platform portion includes a plurality of ridges 270 that are generally parallel to each other. The ridges 270 may extend generally transverse to the direction of airflow through the platform portion 160 (i.e., generally transverse to the outlet vector 152). The ridges may extend linearly as shown in the example, or may be curved.

[0285] It should be understood that other surface textures may be used in addition to or in place of blades or ridges. For example, the platform portion 160 may include discrete, spaced-apart raised surfaces, such as dimples 272 (see, e.g., FIG. Fig.56 ). It will be appreciated that the dimples 272 may be arranged in linear or curved rows, and if so, the rows may extend generally transverse to the direction of airflow through the platform portion 160 .

[0286] Attaching a textured hair receiving surface

[0287] The following is a description of hair receiving surfaces that are textured to inhibit movement of hair on the surface. In some examples, the textured hair receiving surface is a directional attachment surface. The directional attachment surface is shaped to inhibit movement of hair on the surface in one or more selected directions. In some examples, the texture is selected to inhibit movement of hair on the surface in an angled direction (i.e., unwinding). In some examples, the texture is selected so that the texture does not inhibit axial sliding of hair on the surface.

[0288] The adhesive textured surface can provide a lower adhesive force using airflow to hold the hair in place during the curling operation. The directional adhesive surface reduces the adhesive force required for airflow while allowing the user to remove the hair by moving in a release direction. In some examples, part or all of the platform surface is an adhesive textured hair receiving surface (see, e.g., Fig.58 ).

[0289] In some examples, the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member 274 that engages the hair as it rotates about the platform portion in a first direction 276 and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction 278 opposite the first direction 276 . Fig.58 The attachment texture surface of the exemplary curling iron head of includes a plurality of scales or tiles with raised sides. As shown in the example, the scales are layered, wherein the clockwise side is located below another scale, and the counterclockwise side covers another scale.

[0290] It will be appreciated that the attachment textured surface may have any suitable texture.

[0291] Heat-conducting hair receiving surface

[0292] The following is a description of a hair receiving surface formed of a thermally conductive material to improve heat transfer to the hair. The thermally conductive material has a high heat transfer coefficient. According to this aspect, the hair receiving surface can be part or all of any portion of the outer surface of the curling iron head 102, such as the platform portion 160 and / or the annular band 246.

[0293] In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed of a thermally conductive material, forming a platform portion (i.e., a Coanda surface) through which the curling iron outlet guides airflow. In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed of a thermally conductive material, forming a surface covering the curling iron outlet.

[0294] The heat conductive wall forming the hair receiving surface improves the heat transfer to the hair, allowing a lower temperature curling operation and / or a faster curling operation. More heat required for curling can be conducted from the side wall of the body of the curling iron head to the hair.

[0295] The body sidewalls may be formed of or covered with a thermally conductive material. In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed of metal (e.g., aluminum or copper), ceramic, carbon, metal-filled plastic, ceramic-filled plastic, or carbon-filled plastic. If the wall is covered, the thermally conductive material may be provided by spraying, electrodeposition, or the like.

[0296] Reference Figure 2-Figure 9 , the radially outer surface of the exemplary annular platform portion 160 is a metal surface (eg, an aluminum or copper sleeve), and the radially outer surface of the raised ring 246 has a metal surface.

[0297] It should be understood that the presence or amount of thermally conductive material may be uniform or may vary along the length of the curling iron head 102. For example, thermally conductive material or more thermally conductive material may be provided toward the opposite end 114 compared to the inlet end 112.

[0298] Platform surface with varying radial extent

[0299] The following is a description of a platform portion having a cross-sectional shape and / or size that varies along the longitudinal axis (in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 110). Such a platform portion can be used with airflow extending at an angle about the curling iron axis 110 and can be used with the Coanda effect.

[0300] According to this aspect, the platform portion forms a radially outer surface of the curler head 102, wherein the radially outer surface varies in radial extent along part or all of the axial length of the curler head 102. Thus, the annular radially outer surface has a varying diameter along part or all of the longitudinal axis.

[0301] In examples where a platform portion is provided for use with the Coanda effect, the platform portion forms a substantially continuous platform surface while varying in shape and / or size to encourage airflow to remain attached to the platform portion, or includes a small step (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the curling iron head).

[0302] The platform portion having a varying shape can improve airflow dynamics in or on the surface of the curling iron head. Fig.59 , the diameter of the exemplary platform portion 160 increases smoothly along the longitudinal axis and then remains constant. Fig.60 , the diameter of the exemplary platform portion 160 smoothly increases and then decreases along the longitudinal axis 110 .

[0303] The curling iron head 102 may incorporate various types of platform portions. Figures 78 to 84As shown, the curler head 102 may include a platform portion 160 a having a varying radial extent and a platform portion 160 b having a constant radial extent, both of which are adjacent to at least one curler outlet 150 .

[0304] It will be appreciated that, as in the example shown, the platform portion may comprise a series of axially positioned platform portions having a common profile. Fig.59 As shown, each platform portion 160 has a wider end and a narrower end. The narrower end is located at the wider end of the next adjacent platform portion. Alternatively, the platform portions can be separated by platform portions with a constant diameter.

[0305] It will be appreciated that the diameter of the platform portion may vary along the portion of the curling iron head having the air outlet, and the diameter may vary at a constant rate, or as Fig.59 and Fig.60 As shown, the pattern changes in a repeating manner.

[0306] It should be understood that the intersection of the narrower end of the platform portion and the wider end of the adjacent platform portion can form the curling iron outlet 150 and the annular band 246 can be provided. Fig.59 , Fig.87 and Fig.88 .

[0307] Longitudinally reduced outlet airflow area

[0308] The following is a description of a curling iron head in which the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​some or all of the curling iron outlets along the longitudinal length of some or all of the curling iron head decreases from one end of the curling iron head to the other end. According to this aspect, any configuration of the curling iron outlet 150 can be used.

[0309] According to this aspect, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet may vary continuously along part or all of the length of the curling iron head. The minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet may vary at a constant rate in the axial direction, or may vary by an increasing or decreasing amount. It should be understood that the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​some curling iron outlets arranged next to each other in an axial sequence may be the same, and need not vary from one curling iron outlet to the next in an axial sequence.

[0310] It will be appreciated that the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet may decrease from the inlet end to the opposite end or vice versa.

[0311] It should be understood that if a single curling outlet is provided at a particular axial position along the curling head, the minimum transverse airflow area may be the transverse airflow area of ​​the single curling outlet at that position. However, if the curling outlets are provided in the band 246 as discussed earlier herein, the minimum transverse airflow area may be the total transverse airflow area of ​​all the curling outlets in the band 246. Thus, the reduction in airflow area may be due to the use of curling outlets having a smaller minimum transverse airflow area and / or the provision of fewer curling outlets in a section at the same axial position along the curling head. Adjusting the size and / or number of outlets in the band may cause air to flow out of the outlets more evenly along the axial length of the curling head.

[0312] Reference Figure 61-Figure 64 , the exemplary curling iron head comprises longitudinally successive sections 280 having a constant longitudinal extent. Figure 61-Figure 64 The exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a curling iron outlet 150 in each section 280. The curling iron outlets 150 of the section 280 together define the minimum lateral outlet airflow area of ​​the section 280. Figure 61-Figure 64 In the exemplary embodiment, the minimum lateral outlet airflow area of ​​each segment 280 is smaller than that of successive segments 280 in the longitudinal direction toward the first end 112 . Figure 61-Figure 64 The reduction in lateral outlet airflow area in the exemplary curling iron head 102 is due to a reduction in the size of the curling iron outlet 150 (i.e., a reduction in the longitudinal extent 282). However, it should be understood that in other examples, this may also or alternatively be due to a reduction in the number of curling iron outlets at the axial position of the segment 280. Figure 61-Figure 64 The exemplary curling iron head 102 of FIG. 1 has a minimum lateral outlet airflow area per section that decreases steadily along its length, although it will be appreciated that in some examples the decrease may be irregular.

[0313] The curling iron head 102 includes at least three sections 280 arranged along the longitudinal axis, wherein the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet of the first section is greater than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet of the second section, and the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet of the second section is greater than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curling iron outlet of the third section. Although the first, second and third sections can be separated by an intermediate section, in some examples, the first, second and third sections are directly adjacent to each other.

[0314] Longitudinally narrowed head airflow path

[0315] The following is a description of a curling iron head having an airflow path along part or all of the axial length of the curling iron head with a lateral airflow area that decreases in the axial direction. According to this aspect, any configuration of the curling iron outlet 150 may be used.

[0316] According to this aspect, the lateral airflow area of ​​the curling iron head may vary continuously along part or all of the length of the curling iron head.The lateral airflow area of ​​the curling iron head may vary at a constant rate in the axial direction, or may vary by increasing or decreasing amounts.

[0317] It will be appreciated that the lateral airflow area of ​​the curling iron head may decrease from the inlet end to the opposite end or vice versa.

[0318] The reduction in size may be reflected in a narrowing of the diameter of the curling iron head, which may narrow from one end to the other. The transverse airflow area of ​​the airflow path may decrease continuously or in a step-like manner. For example, the side wall of the body may narrow continuously or in a step-like manner. In some examples, the curling iron head narrows from a first end or inlet end to a second end.

[0319] refer to Figure 65-Figure 68 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 has an airflow path 130 having a path transverse airflow area that decreases from the upstream end to the downstream end. Figure 65-Figure 68 The exemplary airflow path 130 has a path lateral airflow area that narrows in a step-like manner. The step-narrowing airflow path can have any suitable number of steps, such as five steps in the example shown.

[0320] It will be appreciated that the airflow path through the curling iron head is not necessarily defined by the side walls of the curling iron head, but may also be provided by one or more ducts located in the curling iron head and the airflow path through the curling iron.

[0321] It will be appreciated that this aspect may be used in conjunction with or in conjunction with a longitudinally reduced outlet airflow area.

[0322] Changing the output vector magnitude

[0323] The following is a description of a curling iron head in which the magnitude of the outlet vector 152 varies from one longitudinal segment 280 to another longitudinal segment. The magnitude of the outlet vector 152 of the curling iron segment 280a closest to one longitudinal end of the curling iron head may be smaller than the magnitude of the outlet vector of the curling iron segment 280a at the midpoint and / or the opposite longitudinal end. The outlet vector may be smallest for the curling iron segment 280a closest to one or both longitudinal ends of the curling iron head. The variation in the magnitude of the outlet vector 152 may be due to, for example, a longitudinal variation in the minimum lateral outlet airflow area of ​​the outlet.

[0324] The exit vector 152 of the curling iron section 280a closest to the inlet end 112 may be smaller than the exit vector of the section closest to, for example, the opposite end 114 and / or the section at the midpoint between the inlet end 112 and the outlet end 114. The smaller exit vector 152 at the inlet end 112 may reduce the impact of the airflow on the hair outside the inlet end 112 of the curling iron head 102. For example, the smaller exit vector 152 at the inlet end 112 may reduce the tangling of hair around an integrated handle or blower to which the curling iron head 102 is attached.

[0325] The outlet vector 152 of a longitudinal section 280 is the sum of the vectors of the curling iron outlets 150 of that section 280. For example, the longitudinal section 280 of the curling iron head 102 may include one or more annular ring outlets 150 or annular groups 151 forming a band of outlets 150. Figure 111-117 ,in particular Fig.111 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes five longitudinal sections 280, including one non-curling section 280b and four curling iron sections 280a. The exit vector 152 of the curling iron section 280a closest to the inlet end 112 of the curling iron head 102 may be smaller than at least one of the exit vectors 152 of the remaining curling iron sections 280a. Figure 111-117 The exit vector 152 of the curler section 280a of the inlet end 112 of the exemplary head 102 is smaller than the exit vector 152 of each of the remaining curler sections 280a. Figure 111-117 The exit vector 152 of the curler section 280 a of the inlet end 112 of the exemplary head 102 includes a longitudinal component pointing toward the inlet end 112 , and a reduced magnitude of the exit vector 152 can reduce the impact of the airflow on the hair outside the inlet end 112 . Figure 111-117 The exemplary entrance end curler section 280a is separated from the entrance end 112 by a non-curler section 280b, which does not include the curler outlet 150, but it should be understood that the entrance end curler section 280a can also be the curler section 280 closest to the entrance end 112 (i.e., not separated by a non-curler section 280).

[0326] The magnitude of the exit vector 152 may be varied in any suitable manner. In some examples, the magnitude of the exit vector 152 is varied by changing the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the section 280 (eg, blocking the duct 138 of the inlet end curler section 280). Figure 111-117 ,in particular Fig.114, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 of the inlet end curler segment 280a is less than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 of each of the other curler segments 280 (e.g., due to a variation in the number of inlet ports 140 between the segments 280). It should be understood that the magnitude of the exit vector 152 of a segment may also or alternatively be varied by, for example, arranging the segment further from the inlet of the curler airflow path and / or varying the transverse airflow area of ​​the curler head airflow path upstream of the duct 138.

[0327] Valves that can reconfigure the direction of air flow

[0328] The following is a description of a curling iron head that can be reconfigured between a clockwise configuration and a counterclockwise configuration by reconfiguring part or all of the flow path through the curling iron head. Thus, a single curling iron head can be used to create curls on both the right and left side of a user's head.

[0329] According to this aspect, the curling iron head 102 can be reconfigured between a clockwise configuration and a counterclockwise configuration. In the clockwise configuration, some or all of the open curling iron outlets 150 direct air in a generally clockwise direction. In the counterclockwise configuration, some or all of the open curling iron outlets 150 direct air in a generally counterclockwise direction. When switching curling hair between different sides of the user's head (right and left sides), the user may desire to switch between clockwise and counterclockwise airflow.

[0330] It should be appreciated that the curling iron head can be reconfigured in any suitable manner. In some examples, the curling iron head 102 includes a clockwise curling iron outlet 150 and a counterclockwise curling iron outlet 150, and can be selectively switched between using the clockwise curling iron outlet 150 and using the counterclockwise curling iron outlet 150. For example, a valve can be used to switch between the outlets. It should be appreciated that in other examples, the curling iron head can be reconfigured in other ways, such as redirecting the curling iron outlet by re-adjusting the blades within the duct or moving the position of the outlet port or the inlet port along the length of the duct.

[0331] Thus, the curling iron head may have curling iron outlets that produce a clockwise flow and curling iron outlets that provide a counterclockwise flow. The curling iron head may be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the curling iron outlets that produce a clockwise flow and / or to open some or part of the flow path leading to these curling iron outlets. Similarly, the curling iron head may be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the curling iron outlets that produce a counterclockwise flow and / or to open some or part of the flow path leading to these curling iron outlets.

[0332] For example, one or more valves may be provided to reconfigure the curling iron head. This allows the curling iron head to be quickly reconfigured on the one hand, and may allow reconfiguration with a minimum of moving parts.

[0333] Reference Figure 14-18 as well as Figure 20-24 , the exemplary curling iron heads 102 each include an air outlet directional valve 208 that is movable between a first position in which the curling iron head 102 is in a clockwise configuration and a second position in which the curling iron head 102 is in a counterclockwise configuration. The air outlet directional valve 208 can control which of the clockwise 150a and counterclockwise 150b curling iron outlets is open.

[0334] Any suitable air outlet directional valve 208 may be used to selectively direct air to either a curling iron outlet that directs air in a clockwise direction or a curling iron outlet that directs air in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 14-18 , the exemplary air outlet directional valve 208 includes a rotating tube (rotated at an angle) whose opening can be selectively aligned with the counterclockwise curling iron outlet 150b and the clockwise curling iron outlet 150a. Figure 20-24 , the exemplary air outlet directional valve 208 includes a sliding tube (sliding longitudinally) whose opening is selectively alignable with the counterclockwise curling iron outlet 150b and the clockwise curling iron outlet 150a.

[0335] It should be understood that the curling iron head may have a first flow path extending to the curling iron outlet 150a in a clockwise direction and a second flow path extending to the curling iron outlet 150b in a counterclockwise direction. The two flow paths may extend from a manifold that may be located at the inlet end of the curling iron head, for example, and a single valve (e.g., a gate valve) may be movable to selectively open the first and second airflow paths.

[0336] Secondary application export

[0337] The following is a description of a curling iron head that can also be used as a concentrator and / or diffuser.

[0338] It will be appreciated that the concentrator and / or diffuser may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, according to this aspect, the curling iron head may have an attachment detachably connected thereto that functions as a concentrator and / or diffuser. Alternatively, the curling iron head may have an outlet incorporated therein that functions as a concentrator and / or diffuser.

[0339] According to this aspect, the curling iron head may include one or more secondary air outlets in addition to the curling iron outlet 150, wherein the secondary air outlets direct the air flow as concentrators and / or diffusers.

[0340] Optionally, the curling iron head is selectively reconfigurable between three configurations: a concentrator configuration, a diffuser configuration, and a curling iron configuration.

[0341] The diffuser and / or concentrator outlets may be disposed anywhere on the curling iron head, and are optionally disposed at the second end 114 of the curling iron head 102 .

[0342] In some examples, the curling iron head includes two or more airflow paths, wherein a first airflow path is for the curling iron outlet 150 and a second airflow path is for the secondary air outlet 294. Figure 14-18 , the airflow path 130 of the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a main branch 290 leading to the curling iron outlet 150 and a secondary airflow branch 292 leading to the secondary air outlet 294. The main branch 290 can be referred to as a curling air axially extending channel 290, and the secondary airflow branch 292 can be referred to as a diffuser air axially extending channel 292, for example, wherein the secondary air outlet can be used to provide a concentrator or diffuser airflow. Figure 14-18 The exemplary curling iron head of includes a single secondary airflow branch 292 extending between (ie, inside) a plurality of primary airflow branches 290. Figure 14-18 , the exemplary secondary airflow branches 292 are formed by longitudinally extending tubes.

[0343] It should be understood that the secondary airflow branch 292 can be disposed inside the primary airflow branch 290 , or extend axially beside it.

[0344] The secondary air outlets 294 are arranged in any suitable arrangement to form a desired styling tool. In some examples, the secondary air outlets 294 are arranged to use the curling iron head 102 as a diffuser when the secondary air outlets 294 are open. Fig.14 The exemplary secondary air outlets 294 are arranged to use the curling iron head 102 as a diffuser when the secondary air outlets 294 are open, since the secondary air outlets 294 are generally evenly distributed over a curved (dome-shaped as shown in the example, but may also be cylindrical, for example) surface.

[0345] In some examples, the curler head is selectively reconfigurable between a curler configuration and a secondary configuration. In the curler configuration, some or all of the curler outlets 150 are open and some or all of the one or more secondary air outlets 294 are closed. In the secondary configuration, at least some of the one or more secondary air outlets 294 are open and some or all of the curler outlets 150 are closed.

[0346] As previously discussed with respect to the clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, the curling iron head can be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the curling iron outlets 150 and / or some or portions of the flow path leading to the curling iron outlets 150. Similarly, the curling iron head can be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the secondary air outlets 294 and / or some or portions of the flow path leading to the secondary air outlets 294.

[0347] In some examples, the curling iron head 102 includes a valve movable between a first position, in which the primary airflow branch 290 is open, such that the curling iron outlet leads to the head inlet 132, and the secondary airflow branch 292 is closed, and a second position. In the second position, the primary airflow branch 290 is closed, and the secondary airflow branch 292 is open, such that the secondary air outlet leads to the head air inlet 132. It should be understood that similar to the mechanisms described with respect to the clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, the valve may also or alternatively selectively block or open the air outlet directly (e.g., rather than blocking the branch entirely), such as if the curling iron and the secondary air outlet open from a common airflow path.

[0348] Air release valve

[0349] The following is a description of a curling iron head including a selectively openable purge valve to open an bleed air inlet and / or an bleed air outlet.

[0350] In use, the bleed air inlet introduces ambient air into the flow path through part or all of the curler, thereby increasing the amount of air in the airflow path 130. A larger amount of air can be used, for example, to increase the curling force to position the hair. Alternatively or additionally, if the bleed air inlet is upstream of the curler outlet but downstream of the heating member, the bleed air can reduce the temperature of the air provided to the curler outlet 150. For example, after the hair has been heated and arranged in a suitable shape, cooler air can be used to set the curls. Therefore, the bleed valve can be operated at the end of the curling operation, for example, after the hair has been heated for a sufficient time to form a curl, to introduce ambient air into the airflow channel, thereby reducing the temperature of the air leaving the air outlet when the bleed valve is opened. For example, the user can operate the actuator to open the bleed air inlet, or the curler head can automatically open the bleed air inlet after the sensor detects that the hair has reached the target temperature or the curling operation has occurred for a preset time.

[0351] Any valve can be used as the bleed air inlet. In some examples, the bleed air inlet comprises a venturi tube to draw air into the curling iron head 102 when the inlet is open.

[0352] In use, the bleed air outlet reduces the amount of air leaving the curling iron outlet 150 by extracting some of the air. The reduced amount of air leaving the curling iron outlet reduces the curling force acting on the hair. Reducing the curling force can, for example, allow the user to more easily release the hair from the curling iron head 102 after the curling operation. In some examples, the bleed air outlet can be operated at the end of the curling operation, whereby air is exhausted from the air flow channel upstream of some or all of the curling iron outlet 150, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the curling iron outlet. It should be understood that if the curling iron head can be used as a concentrator or diffuser, the secondary air outlet 294 can be used as the bleed air outlet.

[0353] It will therefore be appreciated that the outlet of the bleed air inlet and / or the inlet of the outlet purge valve may be selectively opened whilst the curler outlet remains open and when open are in flow communication with a common portion of the airflow path from which the curler outlet opens.

[0354] The deflation valve can be located at any suitable location. In some examples, the deflation valve is located at the first end 112 of the curling iron head 102 .

[0355] The purge valve may be selectively opened by any suitable actuator. The purge valve may be opened by a pressure differential across the valve (i.e., opened in response to a pressure drop within the curling iron head 102). In some examples, the purge valve may be selectively opened in response to a user command, such as a command to reduce air heat by letting in air that bypasses some or all of the heating elements, or a command to reduce curling forces by venting air to reduce flow through the curling iron outlet 150. Any suitable valve may be used, such as a valve that selectively closes an inlet or outlet conduit or port directly, or a valve that selectively closes a portion of an air flow path. The purge valve may control one inlet and / or outlet, or may control multiple inlets and / or multiple outlets.

[0356] Reference Figure 14-18 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes an induced air inlet 300 located downstream of the head inlet 132 and upstream of the curling iron outlet 150, which is selectively closed by a purge valve 301. In use, the head inlet 132 leads to the blower 182 that moves heated air, and the exemplary induced air inlet 300 forms an air inlet that bypasses the heating element in the blower.

[0357] Figure 14-18The exemplary bleed air outlet 302 of is opened from a common airflow branch with the curling iron outlet and is also selectively closed by the purge valve 301. In some examples, if the secondary air outlet 294 is openable when the curling iron outlet is open and is opened from a common airflow branch with the curling iron outlet 150 (i.e., in addition to being openable to serve as a secondary air outlet when the curling iron outlet is closed), the bleed air outlet is one or more secondary outlets. Figure 14-18 In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary outlet 294 and the curling outlet 150 do not open from a common air flow branch, and the curling iron head 102 includes an induced air outlet 302 that is separate from the secondary outlet 294. The curling iron head may also or alternatively include a separate induced air outlet 302 if the head does not include a secondary outlet 294, or if the secondary outlet 294 does open from the same air flow branch as the curling iron outlet 150, but is not openable when the curling iron outlet 150 is open.

[0358] The curling iron head 102 may have both an air inlet and an air outlet. The curling iron head 102 may have both an air inlet and an air outlet that are operable (e.g., sequentially) by a single switch (e.g., a button). For example, when a button or switch is pressed, a portion of the entire stroke is used for the air inlet, and the entire stroke is used for the air outlet; or it is pressed once for the air inlet, and pressed again for the air outlet.

[0359] Venturi tube with air inlet that draws air from the inlet end

[0360] The following is a description of a curling iron head having a venturi tube into which an air inlet leads. The air inlet extends from the exterior of the curling iron head. The air inlet may be opened from a location on the side wall of the curling iron head at the inlet end to draw air into the curling iron head. In use, drawing air toward the side wall of the curling iron head at the inlet end pulls the hair downward toward the curling iron head inlet end. This inhibits movement of the hair beyond the inlet end, for example, onto an integrated handle or blower to which the curling iron head is attached.

[0361] The venturi may be located at the inlet end, in which case the air inlet may be a hole in the side wall forming the venturi. Alternatively or additionally, it will be appreciated that the air inlet may include a duct extending from an inlet port at the inlet end to another location along the curling iron head. In some examples, the inlet end venturi is located in a section 280 at the inlet end 112 of the curling iron head, the section 280 including a venturi having one or more inlets through the side wall of the curling iron head leading to the venturi to draw air through the side wall of the curling iron head 102. Drawing air through the side wall of the curling iron head 102 at the inlet end 112 encourages hair to remain on the curling iron head 112, for example, rather than moving over the end 112 onto an integrated handle to which the head 102 is attached or onto the body of the blower.

[0362] Reference Figure 111-117 , the exemplary head 102 includes a section 280 at the inlet end 112 that includes a venturi 340. The venturi 340 may be formed in any suitable manner. Figure 111-117 The exemplary venturi 340 is formed by gradually reducing and then increasing the diameter of the head airflow path 130. The gradual change in the lateral airflow area can reduce turbulence within the airflow path during use. However, it should be understood that the venturi 340 can also or alternatively be formed by a non-gradual change in the lateral airflow area, such as one or more step-wise decreases in the lateral airflow area followed by one or more step-wise increases in the lateral airflow area.

[0363] The inlet 300 leads to a venturi 340. The venturi 340 is located in the inlet end section 280 (i.e., the section closest to the inlet end 112) so that, in use, airflow drawn through the inlet 300 will draw hair near the inlet end 112 downwardly onto the curling iron head 102, for example, thereby inhibiting movement of hair beyond the inlet end 112. Any suitable inlet shape may be used. Figure 111-117 The exemplary inlets 300 are arranged in an annular ring of discrete inlets 300 of substantially constant size. Figure 111-117 Each of the exemplary inlets 300 in FIG. 1 is rectangular, with approximately equal longitudinal and angular extents. However, the inlet 300 may be, for example, slot-shaped or circular. Figure 111-117 Each of the exemplary inlets 300 is a simple hole in the side wall of the segment 280. However, the inlet 300 may include a conduit extending between an outer end and an inner end, which may have, for example, one or more bends. It should be understood that the inlet 300 may also be used as a bleed air inlet and may optionally be selectively closed.

[0364] In operation, air flowing axially through the core of the curling iron head (eg, caused by the fan and motor assembly) draws air into the holes in the sidewalls, which mixes with air flowing through the air flow passages in the core of the curling iron head.

[0365] Axially extending surface pits

[0366] The following is a description of a curling iron head having axially extending surface dimples on a surface of the curling iron head (e.g., an axially extending curved section of an outer wall of the curling iron head). Thus, according to this aspect, the dimples define axially extending lobes. Any curling iron outlet 150 may be used.

[0367] Thus, the curling iron head may include a plurality of parallel airflow branches. The plurality of airflow branches may be angularly adjacent or may be angularly spaced apart. The plurality of airflow branches may be formed by angularly adjacent longitudinally extending tubes. These tubes or conduits may be separately formed conduits fixed together or may be integrally formed.

[0368] Reference Figure 10-Figure 18 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes axially extending dimples 310 that are generally parallel to each other. The exemplary axially extending dimples 312 extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0369] Reference Figure 10-Figure 18 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a bundle of axially extending tubes 312 extending generally parallel to one another. Each exemplary tube forms an airflow branch between the head inlet 132 and the outlet 134. In some examples, the dimple 310 is formed by abutting the tubes of the bundle of tubes 312, but it should be understood that the axially extending dimple 310 can be formed by a raised portion of a single tube.

[0370] The outlet disposed in the recess may be a curler outlet 150 and / or a secondary air outlet 294. The curler outlet 150 may optionally be disposed in an axially extending recess to direct air on an exit vector that includes a tangential component 154. The curler outlet 150 may consist of an outlet port 136 opening through a side wall of the body, such as when the port opens through a generally radially extending portion of the side wall formed by the sides of the recess.

[0371] First end without curling iron outlet

[0372] The following is a description of a curling iron head having a first end 112 with a non-curling iron section 280b (eg, closed section 222) without a curling iron outlet. According to this aspect, the outlet 134 is disposed axially spaced from the head air inlet 132 of the curling iron head 102.

[0373] The portion of the curling iron head at the first end 112 has a closed (airtight) body side wall 120 extending an axial extent from the first end 112. The axial extent may be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total axial extent of the curling iron head. A head air inlet 132 is located at the first end 112, and an air flow path 130 extends from the inlet 132 through the closed end portion of the side wall.

[0374] Reference Figure 14-18 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a closed end portion 222 without the curling iron outlet 150. The closed end portion 222 can provide space for additional components axially spaced from the curling iron outlet 150, such as a heating element, an air moving member, and / or a valve assembly. Figure 14-18 The exemplary closed end portion 222 of the embodiment includes a selectively openable air inlet 300. The closed end portion provides space within the curling iron head that is not required to accommodate a curling iron outlet.

[0375] Auxiliary second end heating

[0376] The following is a description of providing auxiliary heating at the second end 114 of the head. The auxiliary heating of the second end is used to provide more uniform heating along the length of the curling iron head 102. In an example where the curling iron head 102 is used with a blower 182 that provides hot air, the hot air enters the curling iron head at the first end 112 of the head and then travels along the airflow path 130 toward the second end 114. As the air travels to the second end 114 of the head, energy is transferred to the walls of the curling iron head 102 and lost to the external environment. Therefore, the energy carried by the air entering the curling iron head 102 heats the first end 112 of the head more than the second end 114 of the head.

[0377] The auxiliary second end heating includes the use of a heating member 191 (e.g., an energized heating element 190 for heating the air or a portion of the curling iron head itself and / or an infrared emitting source used in conjunction with an infrared absorbing member 370) at the head second end 114. As discussed elsewhere herein, the heating member 191 can be disposed in the airflow path to heat the air, can be disposed in thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the head 102, and / or arranged to direct infrared energy directly to the hair wrapped around the curling iron head.

[0378] It will be appreciated that the heating member may be arranged to heat air flowing through an internal airflow path in the curling iron head, or may be arranged to conductively heat a portion of the curling iron head itself.

[0379] It should be understood that the auxiliary heating member 191 may be located only at the second end 114, or may be disposed axially inward. For example, the auxiliary heating member 191 may be positioned and operable to provide additional heat downstream of the inlet 132 so that the curling iron head provides a uniform or more uniform temperature along the axial length of the curling iron head having the curling iron air outlet 150. Thus, the air exiting the curling iron outlet along the length of the curling iron head may be uniform or substantially uniform (e.g., ±5°C, 10°C, 15°C).

[0380] Reference Figures 85 to 90 In an exemplary embodiment, the curling iron head 102 includes an energized heating element 190 that generates infrared radiation. Figures 85 to 90 The exemplary heating element is arranged to direct infrared radiation to an infrared absorbing member 370 arranged along the length of the curling iron head 102.

[0381] Figures 85 to 90 An exemplary infrared absorbing member 370 includes iron and / or carbon and forms an outer surface of the head 102 (eg, forming the platform portion 160 ) in thermally conductive communication with the hair wrapped around the head 102 .

[0382] Figures 85 to 90 The exemplary infrared emission source 190 is located at the second end 114 of the head. In some examples, the infrared emission source 190 for auxiliary second end heating is disposed within the last 25% of the length of the curling iron head 102, within the last 20% of the length of the curling iron head 102, or within the last 10% of the length of the curling iron head. Placing the infrared emission source 190 at the second end 114 can focus the heat energy generated by the emission source 190 at the second end 114 because the emission source 190 will provide more energy to the closer absorbent member 370 (i.e., the absorbent member 370 closer to the second end 114). It should be understood that, in addition or alternatively, the infrared absorbent member 370 can be disposed only at the second end 114.

[0383] Air moving components inside the curling iron head

[0384] The following is a description of a curling iron head 102 that includes one or more air moving members 180. Including an air moving member in the curling iron head 102 can allow for more control over the airflow (e.g., volume or velocity), thereby allowing the airflow to be optimized for the curling iron head. The curling iron head 102 that includes the air moving member can be independent of the blower and can form a independently operating curling iron device 100.

[0385] The air moving member may be located radially below one or more of the curling iron outlets 150, or may be disposed within a closed section 222 of the body sidewall 120 that is devoid of curling iron outlets. Fig.75, the exemplary curling iron head includes an air moving member 180 and can be used independently of a blower.

[0386] It should be understood that the air moving member can be used in addition to the air moving member in the blower and can be used simultaneously with the air moving member in the blower during part or all of the time the curling iron head is used. For example, the air moving member can be activated when a higher flow rate is desired.

[0387] Heating element in curling iron head

[0388] The following is a description of a curling iron head 102 including a heating member 191 .

[0389] According to this aspect, the heating member can be arranged to heat the air flowing through the internal airflow path in the curling iron head, or can be arranged to conduction heat a part of the curling iron head itself. Thus, the heating member 191 can be an energized heating element 190 for heating the air or a part of the curling iron head itself and / or an infrared emitting source combined with an infrared absorbing member 370.

[0390] Reference Figures 85 to 90 , an exemplary heating element 190 is an infrared heating element. Figures 85 to 90 The exemplary infrared heating element 190 includes a radiating element 372 (e.g., a resistive wire) enclosed in a housing 374. The housing 374 is transparent to infrared radiation (i.e., includes at least one window formed of a material that is transparent to infrared radiation). In some examples, the housing 374 is formed of infrared transparent aluminum.

[0391] The infrared emission source 190 of the curling iron head 102 can be used to directly heat the hair (e.g., by airflow against the hair on the head 102) and / or to heat one or more infrared absorbing members 370 of the curling iron head 102. All or a portion of the curling iron head 102 can be lined with an infrared absorbing material (e.g., iron and / or carbon) to form one or more infrared absorbing members 370. The infrared absorbing members 370 can line the inner and / or outer surfaces of the curling iron head 102. Figures 85 to 90 The exemplary curling iron head 102 of FIG. 1 is lined with an infrared absorbing member 370 that forms the platform portion 160 .

[0392] Any suitable infrared absorbing member 370 may be used. The infrared absorbing member 370 may be a layer of infrared absorbing material forming an outer surface of the curling iron head 102 or covered by a thermally insulating layer (eg, plastic) to reduce the possibility of contact burns.

[0393] The infrared absorbing member 370 can be formed in the curling iron head 102 in any suitable manner. In some examples, the infrared absorbing member 370 is assembled with the body of the curling iron head 102. In some examples, the infrared absorbing member 370 is formed by vapor deposition, such as vapor deposition of a thermally conductive plastic (e.g., where the plastic contains an infrared absorbing material such as iron), or by applying a layer of an infrared absorbing material such as carbon by spray deposition.

[0394] The infrared heating element 190 may extend along all or part of the length of the curling iron head 102. Figures 85 to 90 As shown, an infrared heating element 190 may be disposed at the head second end 114 .

[0395] Direct heat to the hair

[0396] The following is a description of a curling iron head that directly heats the hair to reduce the heat energy carried away by the air used to position the hair.

[0397] According to this aspect, the curling iron head includes a heated hair receiving surface of the curling iron head 102. The heated hair receiving surface is heated by a heating element 190 of the curling iron head 102 and / or a heating element 190 of an associated blower 182. In some examples, the heated hair receiving surface is separated from the airflow path 130 to inhibit heat from being transferred from the heated hair receiving surface to the airflow. The heated hair receiving surface can be separated from the airflow path 130 by an underlying thermal insulation layer.

[0398] Providing a heated hair receiving surface allows heat energy to be transferred directly to the hair received on the surface by conductive heat transfer. This results in reduced energy loss to the surrounding environment, and the curling iron 100 can use less energy to effectively raise the temperature of the hair than if the heat energy were carried by the air. Separating the heated surface from the airflow reduces the amount of heat removed from the curling iron head 102 by the airflow. Thus, the airflow can be used primarily or solely to position the hair around the curling iron without substantially heating the hair. Heat can be provided by the heated surface, via conductive heat transfer to the hair against the surface, and / or infrared radiation.

[0399] The heated surface may be heated in any suitable manner. The curling iron head 102 may include a heating element 190 that is an infrared emitting source that directs infrared energy to an absorptive member 370 that forms a surface or is in thermal communication with a surface. Alternatively or in addition, the curling iron head 102 may include a heating element 190 that forms the surface itself or is in thermal communication with a surface itself. Figure 92 to Figure 96 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a plurality of energized heating elements 190 . Figure 92 to Figure 96The exemplary heating element 190 is a flat heating element (eg, a thin film heating element) that forms a radially outer surface of the platform portion 160 and optionally the curling iron outlet 150 closest to the first end 112 for directly transferring conductive heat to hair disposed on these surfaces.

[0400] Reference Figures 92 to 96 , the exemplary heating member 191 forms a heating surface 380. The heating surface 380 is isolated from the airflow path 130. Isolating the heating surface 380 from the airflow path reduces the transfer of heat energy to the air, which may be lost to the surrounding environment in a large amount.

[0401] The heating surface 380 is separated from the airflow path 130 by an insulating layer 382. The insulating layer 382 is located below the heating surface 380 to inhibit heat transfer from the heating surface 380 to the air in the airflow path 130. The insulating layer 382 can be formed of any suitable material, such as thermoplastic. Figure 92 to Figure 96 , an exemplary insulation layer 382 is located below the heating surface, and the heating surface 380 extends across the platform portion 160 outside the curling iron outlet 150.

[0402] Inductive Charging

[0403] The following is a description of an inductively charged curling iron head 102. The curling iron head includes an onboard energy storage member 200, and the onboard energy storage member 200 is charged by wireless charging via electromagnetic induction.

[0404] Reference Fig.76 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a receiver 320 (e.g., a receiver coil) that cooperates with a charging station 322 to receive power. The charging station is operable to generate a magnetic field at the receiver 320 of the curling iron head (e.g., through a coil in the station), thereby generating an electric current in the receiver 320. When charging, the longitudinal axis of the exemplary curling iron head is generally oriented vertically. The charging station 322 includes a base 324 and a bracket 326 arranged relative to the base 324 to maintain the longitudinal axis of the curling iron head generally vertical. In some examples, one end of the curling iron head is received in a recess 328 of the inductive charging station. The receiver 320 can be located at one end received in the recess 328. The recess 328 can be surrounded by a transmission portion of the charging station.

[0405] In some examples, a component 330 of the inductive charging station is received in a recess 332 at one end of the curling iron head 102. The component 330 may include a transmission portion of the charging station. The recess 332 may be surrounded by the receiver 320.

[0406] It will be appreciated that any inductive charging means may be used and may be any configuration that can inductively charge the curling iron head.

[0407] Manufacturing method

[0408] The following is a description of a method of manufacturing the curling iron head 102 .

[0409] According to this aspect, the curling iron head 102 may be formed by separately manufacturing a main tube and a set of rings, and then arranging the rings on the main tube by axially sliding the rings onto the tube.

[0410] Reference Fig.77 and Figures 78 to 84 , the curling iron head 102 can be formed by a manufacturing method 350. The method 350 includes forming a main tube 352 at step 354, for example by forming an aluminum tube or a molded plastic tube from an aluminum sheet. When in use, the main tube 352 can be used as a frame to which other parts of the curling iron head 102 are fixed.

[0411] The main tube 352 includes a hole 353 extending therethrough. The hole 353 is configured to allow air to flow through the main tube 352 and out of the curling outlet 150 of the curling iron head 102. The hole 353 may form the inlet port 140 of the curling outlet 150. With particular reference to Fig.84 , the exemplary tube 352 includes holes 353 arranged at regular intervals along the length of the tube 352.

[0412] A hole is formed in the wall of the main tube 352 by any suitable method. In some examples, the hole 353 is formed by molding the tube with the hole 353 formed therein, such as if the tube is injection molded or 3D printed plastic. In some examples, the hole 353 is formed by cutting away a portion of the side wall of the tube, such as if the tube is formed from a rolled sheet of metal (e.g., aluminum).

[0413] The method 350 includes forming 356 one or more rings 358 . Figures 78 to 84 The exemplary ring 358 includes the blades 142 and the outer wall 260. Alternatively or additionally, the blades 142 can be disposed on the main tube 352. Fig.81 As shown, the curling iron head 102 may include different types of rings 358a, 358b, for example to form different types of outlets or different types of curling iron outlets 150. The ring 358 may be plastic and may be formed by, for example, injection molding or 3D printing. The ring 358 may include an infrared absorbing member 370. At step 360, the ring 358 is slid onto the tube over the inlet port 140 to complete the conduit 138.

[0414] The ring 358 can be secured to the main tube 352 in any suitable manner. In some examples, the ring 358 is secured using fasteners. For example, the ring can be snapped into place on the main tube 352 using snap-fit ​​fasteners on the ring 358 and / or the tube 352, the ring can be held by mating magnetic fasteners on the ring 358 and the tube 352, or the ring can be secured by a separate fastener (e.g., a threaded fastener). Alternatively or in addition, the ring 358 can be bonded to the tube 352, for example, by an adhesive or welding. Fig.77 , the exemplary method 350 includes heating the curling iron head at step 362 to secure the ring to the tube (eg, to melt the plastic of the ring to fuse the ring to the plastic or metal tube).

[0415] Adjacent Segment

[0416] The following is a description of a curling iron head 280 in which the outlet 150 is formed by a single integral wall, with adjacent walls longitudinally abutting each other to form the curling iron head outer wall 260. Adjacent walls may abut without overlapping.

[0417] Reference Figures 97 to 103 ,in particular Fig.100 , the exemplary curling iron head 102 includes a main tube 352 and a plurality of rings 358 mounted on the tube. The rings 352 are formed from a single unitary body and form one or more curling iron outlets 150 through the body opening. Adjacent rings 352 abut against each other at seams 390. In use, the curling iron head 102 can be assembled by molding the tube 352, molding the rings 358, sliding the rings 358 onto the tube 352, and fixing the rings 358 to the tube 352 and / or adjacent rings 358.

[0418] The ring 358 may be secured to the tube 352 and / or adjacent rings 358 in any suitable manner, such as by fasteners, welding, or adhesives. Figures 97 to 103 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ring 352 is secured to the tube 352 and adjacent rings 358 by welding the inner surface of the ring 352 to the tube 352 and welding the longitudinal ends of the ring 352 to the adjacent ring 352 across the seam 390. The welding can be achieved, for example, by heating the curling iron head to secure the ring to the tube (e.g., melting the plastic of the ring to fuse the ring to the plastic or metal tube).

[0419] user interface

[0420] The following is a description of the user interface 204. The hair curling apparatus 100 may include one or more user interfaces 204 to control one or more operations of the hair curling apparatus 100.

[0421] User interface 204 may include at least an on / off actuator to control whether air moving member 180 is on or off. In some examples, user interface 204 may also include other control elements, such as control elements to set the speed of the air moving member and / or to turn a heating element on and off and / or to set the temperature of a heating element and / or toggle, open or close a valve.

[0422] It should be understood that the actuator can be any suitable user interface, such as an on / off toggle, a depressible button, a display screen, a touch screen, a slidable switch, etc.

[0423] Reference Figure 14-18 as well as Figure 20-24 , the exemplary user interface 204 includes a valve toggle 206 to control the position of a valve 208 .

[0424] In some examples, the curling device 100 includes a blower user interface 204 on the blower 182 and a head user interface 204 on the curling iron head 102. The user interface 204 may include simple circuits that control the controllable elements of the curling device 100, or may include one or more computer processors and / or a data storage system that stores instructions (e.g., allowing a user to select between preprogrammed operating modes). In some examples, the user interface 204 includes a user-operable (i.e., manual) or electric actuator that is drivingly connected to an actuatable member (e.g., a valve).

[0425] appendix

[0426] like Fig.19 As shown, in some examples, the curling iron device 100 includes one or more accessories 212. The accessory 212 can be a sprayer having a nozzle 214, which is directed toward the hair receiving surface of the curling iron head 102. The sprayer can spray the hair with a liquid (such as water). Wet hair may be easier to style than dry hair. The sprayer can include a reservoir 216 in fluid communication with the nozzle 214 and a pump 218, which is operable to selectively move the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle.

[0427] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to be inclusive. That is, for example, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and / or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0428] Although the above description describes the features of the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that certain features and / or functions of the described embodiments may be changed without departing from the spirit and operating principles of the described embodiments. For example, the various features described by the illustrated embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Therefore, the foregoing is intended to illustrate the claimed concepts, but is not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire description.

[0429] Terms

[0430] Clause Group A

[0431] 1. A hair curling iron having an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of axially spaced air outlets, wherein some of the air outlets direct air in a clockwise direction and other of the air outlets direct air in a counterclockwise direction.

[0432] 2. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to the air outlet directing air in a clockwise direction and the air outlet directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0433] 3. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis.

[0434] 4. The hair curler according to clause 3, wherein the plurality of groups of air outlets comprises a first group of air outlets and a second group of air outlets, the first group of air outlets directing air in a clockwise direction and the second group of air outlets directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0435] 5. The hair curler of clause 4, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to a first set of air outlets directing air in a clockwise direction and a second set of air outlets directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0436] 6. The hair curler according to clause 3, wherein the plurality of groups of air outlets comprises a first group of air outlets and a second group of air outlets, and the platform portion is located between the first group of air outlets and the second group of air outlets.

[0437] 7. A hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0438] 8. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet has a radially outer side which is located radially outward of the platform portion at the location of the air outlet.

[0439] 9. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion is located between adjacent air outlets.

[0440] 10. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the air outlet directs air substantially along an outer surface of the hair curler so that air exiting the air outlet travels along the outer surface.

[0441] 11. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein each air outlet comprises an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet port having a radially outer side located radially outward of the platform portion at the location of the outlet port.

[0442] 12. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein each air outlet comprises an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port, the air flow path comprising a passageway inside the hair curler and the inlet port air located in the passageway.

[0443] 13. A hair curler according to clause 12, wherein the channel has a radially outer wall and the inlet port has a radially inner side, the radially inner side being located radially inwardly of the radially outer wall.

[0444] 14. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of groups of air outlets comprising a first group of air outlets and a second group of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports of the first group of air outlets being axially aligned with the outlet ports of the second group of air outlets and the outlet ports of the third group of air outlets.

[0445] 15. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis, the plurality of groups of air outlets comprising a first group of air outlets, a second group of air outlets and a third group of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the first group, the second group and the third group of air outlets defining a plurality of axially extending rows of axially aligned outlet ports.

[0446] 16. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of groups of air outlets comprising a first group of air outlets, a second group of air outlets and a third group of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the first group, the second group and the third group of air outlets defining a plurality of axially extending rows of outlet ports, wherein, for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis.

[0447] 17. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of groups of air outlets comprising a first group of air outlets, a second group of air outlets and a third group of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, wherein, for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports of the second group of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis to the outlet ports of the first group of outlet ports, and the outlet ports of the third group of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis to the outlet ports of the second group of outlet ports.

[0448] Clause Group B

[0449] 1. A hair curling iron having an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, a longitudinal axis, a plurality of hair curling air outlets, a diffuser air outlet, and a valve operable between a first position in which the hair curling air outlets are in fluid flow communication with the air inlet and a second position in which the diffuser air outlets are in fluid flow communication with the air inlet.

[0450] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the hair curler comprises a body extending between an inlet end and a second end, the hair curler air outlet being arranged along a longitudinal extent of the body, and the diffuser air outlet being arranged at the second end.

[0451] 3. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a detachably attachable diffuser attachment, the diffuser attachment being provided with a diffuser air outlet.

[0452] 4. A hair curler according to clause 3, wherein the diffuser attachment is provided at the second end.

[0453] 5. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a user-operable actuator drivingly connected to the valve.

[0454] 6. The hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the curling air outlet comprises a plurality of groups of curling air outlets, each group of curling air outlets comprising a plurality of curling air outlets positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis.

[0455] 7. The hair curling iron according to clause 6, wherein the plurality of groups of hair curling air outlets comprises a first group of hair curling air outlets and a second group of hair curling air outlets, the first group of hair curling air outlets directs air in a clockwise direction, and the second group of air outlets directs air in a counterclockwise direction.

[0456] 8. The hair curling iron according to clause 7, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to a first set of hair curling air outlets directing air in a clockwise direction and a second set of hair curling air outlets directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0457] 9. The hair curling iron according to clause 6, wherein the plurality of groups of hair curling air outlets include a first group of hair curling air outlets and a second group of hair curling air outlets, and the platform portion is located between the first group of air outlets and the second group of air outlets.

[0458] 10. The hair curler according to clause 9, wherein the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0459] 11. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the hair curler comprises an axially extending channel for curling air arranged upstream of the curling air outlet and downstream of the valve and an axially extending channel for diffuser air arranged upstream of the diffuser air outlet and downstream of the valve.

[0460] 12. A hair curling iron according to clause 11, wherein the diffuser air axially extending channel is arranged inside the curling air axially extending channel.

[0461] 13. A hair curling iron according to clause 11, wherein each curling air outlet comprises an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet port having a radially outer side located radially outward of the air-impermeable platform portion at the location of the outlet port.

[0462] 14. A hair curling iron according to clause 13, wherein the inlet port is located in the curling air axially extending channel.

[0463] 15. A hair curling iron according to clause 14, wherein the curling air axially extending channel has a radially outer wall, the inlet port having a radially inner side, the radially inner side being located radially inside the radially outer wall.

[0464] 16. The hair curling iron of clause 1, wherein the curling air outlet comprises a plurality of axially spaced outlet ports, and the platform portion is located between adjacent outlet ports.

[0465] 17. The hair curler according to clause 13, wherein the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0466] 18. The hair curling iron according to clause 11, further comprising an air release valve in the axially extending passage for curling air.

[0467] 19. The hair curling iron according to clause 11, further comprising a pressure relief valve in the axially extending passage for curling air.

[0468] 20. A hair curling iron according to clause 19, further comprising an air release valve in the axially extending passage for curling air.

[0469] Clause Group C

[0470] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, an air release valve, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0471] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the purge valve is operable during a curling operation to introduce ambient air into the air flow passageway, thereby reducing the temperature of air exiting the air outlet when the purge valve is open.

[0472] 3. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air release valve is operable at the end of a curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air flow passage, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the air outlet.

[0473] 4. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air release valve is located at an inlet end of the hair curler.

[0474] 5. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air release valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the air outlet.

[0475] 6. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the first annular band of hair curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, wherein the outlet ports are angularly positioned around the hair curler.

[0476] 7. A hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0477] 8. A hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15° to 25° or 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0478] 9. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0479] 10. The hair curler of clause 8, wherein the second end is openable.

[0480] 11. The hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and a longitudinal length of the platform portion is about twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0481] 12. A hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the outlet ports being located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0482] 13. The hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0483] 14. The curling iron according to claim 6, further comprising a second annular band of curling iron air outlets longitudinally spaced apart from the first annular band of curling iron air outlets, the platform portion being located between the first annular band of curling iron air outlets and the second annular band of curling iron air outlets, wherein the first annular band of curling iron air outlets and the second annular band of curling iron air outlets each comprise a plurality of outlet ducts, the outlet ducts of the first annular band of curling iron air outlets generating a first Coanda airflow, while the outlet ducts of the second annular band of curling iron air outlets generating a second Coanda airflow.

[0484] 15. A curling iron according to claim 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from a first annular band of an air outlet of the curling iron, the platform portion having a first portion extending longitudinally outward from the first annular band of the air outlet of the curling iron toward a second end of the curling iron and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from the second annular band of the air outlet of the curling iron toward an air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotating around the first portion of the platform portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotating around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0485] 16. The hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream compression zone.

[0486] 17. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0487] 18. The hair curler of clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0488] 19. A hair curler according to clause 18, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0489] 20. A hair curler according to claim 6, wherein a first group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0490] 21. The hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and the platform portion is smooth.

[0491] 22. The hair curler of clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0492] 23. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0493] 24. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0494] 25. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0495] 26. A curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the curling iron air outlet, and the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member, which engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0496] 27. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attachable to a hair dryer.

[0497] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0498] 29. The hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0499] 30. The hair curler of clause 6, wherein the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0500] 31. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the air release valve comprises a venturi tube.

[0501] Clause Group D

[0502] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a longitudinally spaced second end, and a longitudinal axis, the inlet end having an air inlet, the hair curler comprising:

[0503] (a) a first annular band of curling iron air outlets, comprising a plurality of first outlet ducts, each first outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the first annular band of curling iron air outlets being located at a first distance from the inlet end, the first outlet ports being angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis;

[0504] (b) a second annular band of curling iron air outlets, comprising a plurality of second outlet ducts, each second outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port, the second annular band of curling iron air outlets being located at a second distance from the inlet end, the second outlet ports being angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance;

[0505] (c) an air flow channel extending from the air inlet to the first and second annular zones of the curling iron air outlet; and

[0506] (d) an air-impermeable platform portion extending between the first annular band of the curling iron air outlet and the second annular band of the curling iron air outlet, wherein the longitudinal length of the platform portion is greater than the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curling iron air outlet.

[0507] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0508] 3. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is openable.

[0509] 4. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the platform portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0510] 5. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein each first outlet duct extends from an inlet port in communication with the air inlet airflow and an outlet port, wherein the outlet port is located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0511] 6. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0512] 7. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the first outlet duct generates a first Coanda airflow and the second outlet duct generates a second Coanda airflow.

[0513] 8. The hair curler according to claim 7, wherein the platform portion comprises a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward a second end of the hair curler and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward an air inlet, wherein the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the platform portion and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0514] 9. A hair curler according to clause 7, wherein the air exiting each of the first and second outlet ducts exits at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0515] 10. A hair curler according to clause 7, wherein air exiting each of the first and second outlet ducts exits at an angle of 15° to 25° or 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0516] 11. The hair curling iron of clause 1, wherein at least some of the first and second outlet ducts have an upstream expansion region and a downstream compression region.

[0517] 12. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the first and second outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0518] 13. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0519] 14. A hair curler according to clause 13, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0520] 15. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein a first group of outlet ports of a second outlet duct of a second annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the second annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler facing inwardly in the longitudinal direction toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of a second outlet duct of the second annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the second annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler facing outwardly in the longitudinal direction toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0521] 16. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising an air release valve.

[0522] 17. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the purge valve is operable during a curling operation to introduce ambient air into the air flow passageway, thereby reducing the temperature of air exiting the outlet port when the purge valve is open.

[0523] 18. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the air release valve is operable at the end of a curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air flow passage, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct.

[0524] 19. The hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located at the first end of the hair curler.

[0525] 20. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the first annular band of air outlets of the hair curler.

[0526] 21. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is smooth.

[0527] 22. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0528] 23. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0529] 24. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0530] 25. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0531] 26. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member that engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0532] 27. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attachable to a hair dryer.

[0533] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0534] 29. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is air impermeable.

[0535] 30. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein each of the first and second annular bands of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending about the longitudinal axis.

[0536] Clause Group E

[0537] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a longitudinally spaced second end and a longitudinal axis, the inlet end having an air inlet, a first annular band of hair curler air outlets, a platform portion extending away from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the first annular band of hair curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports being angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis, wherein the outlet ducts generate a Coanda air flow.

[0538] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air exiting the outlet port exits at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0539] 3. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15° to 25° or 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0540] 4. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0541] 5. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is openable.

[0542] 6. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the platform portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0543] 7. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein each first outlet duct extends from an inlet port in communication with the air inlet airflow and an outlet port, wherein the outlet port is located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0544] 8. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0545] 9. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of hair curler air outlets longitudinally spaced apart from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the platform portion being located between the first annular band of hair curler air outlets and the second annular band of hair curler air outlets, wherein the outlet duct of the first annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a second Coanda airflow.

[0546] 10. The hair curler according to claim 9, wherein the platform portion comprises a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward a second end of the hair curler and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward an air inlet, wherein the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the platform portion and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0547] 11. A hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream compression zone.

[0548] 12. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0549] 13. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0550] 14. A hair curler according to clause 13, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0551] 15. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein a first group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0552] 16. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising an air release valve.

[0553] 17. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the purge valve is operable during a curling operation to introduce ambient air into the air flow passageway, thereby reducing the temperature of air exiting the outlet port when the purge valve is open.

[0554] 18. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the air release valve is operable at the end of a curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air flow passage, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct.

[0555] 19. The hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located at the first end of the hair curler.

[0556] 20. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the first annular band of air outlets of the hair curler.

[0557] 21. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is smooth.

[0558] 22. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0559] 23. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0560] 24. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0561] 25. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0562] 26. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member that engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0563] 27. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attached to a hair dryer.

[0564] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0565] 29. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is air impermeable.

[0566] 30. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending about the longitudinal axis.

[0567] Clause Group F

[0568] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a longitudinally spaced second end and a longitudinal axis, the inlet end having an air inlet, a first annular band of hair curler air outlets, a platform portion extending away from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the first annular band of hair curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port and comprising angularly spaced blades, the outlet port being angularly positioned about the hair curler, wherein at the outlet port the blades extend at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0569] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein, at the outlet port, the blades extend at an angle of 15° to 25° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0570] 3. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein, at the outlet port, the blades extend at an angle of 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0571] 4. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0572] 5. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is openable.

[0573] 6. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the platform portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0574] 7. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein each first outlet duct extends from an inlet port in communication with the air inlet airflow and an outlet port, wherein the outlet port is located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0575] 8. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0576] 9. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of hair curler air outlets longitudinally spaced apart from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the platform portion being located between the first annular band of hair curler air outlets and the second annular band of hair curler air outlets, wherein the outlet duct of the first annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a second Coanda airflow.

[0577] 10. The hair curler according to claim 9, wherein the platform portion comprises a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward a second end of the hair curler and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the hair curler air outlet toward an air inlet, wherein the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the platform portion and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0578] 11. A hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream compression zone.

[0579] 12. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0580] 13. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0581] 14. A hair curler according to clause 13, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0582] 15. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein a first group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0583] 16. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising an air release valve.

[0584] 17. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the purge valve is operable during a curling operation to introduce ambient air into the air flow passageway, thereby reducing the temperature of air exiting the outlet port when the purge valve is open.

[0585] 18. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the air release valve is operable at the end of a curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air flow passage, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct.

[0586] 19. The hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located at the first end of the hair curler.

[0587] 20. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the deflation valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the first annular band of air outlets of the hair curler.

[0588] 21. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is smooth.

[0589] 22. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0590] 23. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0591] 24. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0592] 25. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0593] 26. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member that engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0594] 27. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attachable to a hair dryer.

[0595] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0596] 29. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is air impermeable.

[0597] 30. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending about the longitudinal axis.

[0598] Clause Group G

[0599] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a longitudinally spaced second end and a longitudinal axis, the inlet end having an air inlet, a first annular band of hair curler air outlets, a platform portion extending away from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the first annular band of hair curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports being angularly positioned around the hair curler, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion region and a downstream compression region.

[0600] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0601] 3. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0602] 4. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15° to 25° or 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0603] 5. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0604] 6. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the second end is openable.

[0605] 7. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the platform portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0606] 8. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein each first outlet duct extends from an inlet port in communication with the air inlet airflow and an outlet port, wherein the outlet port is located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0607] 9. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0608] 10. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of hair curler air outlets longitudinally spaced apart from the first annular band of hair curler air outlets, the platform portion being located between the first annular band of hair curler air outlets and the second annular band of hair curler air outlets, wherein the outlet duct of the first annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of hair curler air outlets generates a second Coanda airflow.

[0609] 11. The curling iron according to claim 10, wherein the platform portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the curling iron air outlet toward a second end of the curling iron and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the curling iron air outlet toward an air inlet, wherein the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the platform portion and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0610] 12. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0611] 13. A hair curler according to clause 12, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0612] 14. A hair curler according to claim 1, wherein a first group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler facing inwardly in the longitudinal direction toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler facing outwardly in the longitudinal direction toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0613] 15. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising an air release valve.

[0614] 16. A hair curler according to clause 15, wherein the purge valve is operable during a curling operation to introduce ambient air into the air flow passageway, thereby reducing the temperature of air exiting the outlet port when the purge valve is open.

[0615] 17. A hair curler according to clause 15, wherein the air release valve is operable at the end of a curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air flow passage, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct.

[0616] 18. The hair curler according to clause 15, wherein the deflation valve is located at the first end of the hair curler.

[0617] 19. A hair curler according to clause 15, wherein the deflation valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the first annular band of air outlets of the hair curler.

[0618] 20. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is smooth.

[0619] 21. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0620] 22. A hair curler according to clause 21, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0621] 23. A hair curler according to clause 21, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0622] 24. A hair curler according to clause 21, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0623] 25. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member that engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0624] 26. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attachable to a hair dryer.

[0625] 27. The hair curler according to clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0626] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the platform portion is air impermeable.

[0627] 29. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending about the longitudinal axis.

[0628] Clause Group H

[0629] 1. A hair curler having an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, a pressure relief valve, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0630] 2. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the pressure relief valve is operable during a curling operation, whereby some air is exhausted from the air flow passage through the pressure relief valve, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the air outlet.

[0631] 3. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the pressure relief valve is located at an inlet end of the hair curler.

[0632] 4. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the pressure relief valve is located inside the hair curler and longitudinally between the inlet end and the air outlet.

[0633] 5. A curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a first annular band of curling iron air outlets, the first annular band of curling iron air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, wherein the outlet ports are angularly positioned around the curling iron.

[0634] 6. A hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0635] 7. A hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15° to 25° or 17° to 23° to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hair curler.

[0636] 8. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the second end is closed.

[0637] 9. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the second end is openable.

[0638] 10. The hair curler according to clause 9, wherein the pressure relief valve is provided at the second end.

[0639] 11. The hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and a longitudinal length of the platform portion is about twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet.

[0640] 12. A hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, the outlet port being located radially outwardly of the outer surface of the platform portion.

[0641] 13. The hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets is greater than the diameter of the platform portion at the location of the first annular band of the hair curler air outlets.

[0642] 14. The curling iron according to claim 5, further comprising a second annular band of curling iron air outlets longitudinally spaced apart from the first annular band of curling iron air outlets, the platform portion being located between the first annular band of curling iron air outlets and the second annular band of curling iron air outlets, wherein each of the first annular band and the second annular band of curling iron air outlets comprises a plurality of outlet ducts, the outlet ducts of the first annular band of curling iron air outlets generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet ducts of the second annular band of curling iron air outlets generating a second Coanda airflow.

[0643] 15. The curling iron according to claim 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from a first annular band of an air outlet of the curling iron, the platform portion having a first portion extending longitudinally outward from the first annular band of the air outlet of the curling iron toward a second end of the curling iron and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from the second annular band of the air outlet of the curling iron toward an air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotating around the first portion of the platform portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotating around the second portion of the platform portion.

[0644] 16. The hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream compression zone.

[0645] 17. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a direction of flow through the corresponding inlet port.

[0646] 18. The hair curler of clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and wherein the platform portion comprises metal.

[0647] 19. A hair curler according to clause 18, wherein the platform portion is made of metal, metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal.

[0648] 20. A hair curler according to claim 5, wherein a first group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a first side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and a second group of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler is arranged on a second side of the first annular band of the air outlet of the hair curler which is longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler.

[0649] 21. The hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and the platform portion is smooth.

[0650] 22. The hair curler of clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and wherein the platform portion is textured.

[0651] 23. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has a dimpled surface.

[0652] 24. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port.

[0653] 25. A hair curler according to clause 22, wherein the outlet duct comprises angularly spaced apart blades and the platform portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the blades.

[0654] 26. A curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the curling iron air outlet, and the platform portion has a one-way mechanical hair engagement member, which engages the hair when the hair is rotated about the platform portion in a first direction and causes the hair to rotate about the platform portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0655] 27. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the hair curler is detachably attached to a hair dryer.

[0656] 28. The hair curler of clause 1, further comprising a heating element disposed inside the hair curler.

[0657] 29. The hair curler according to clause 5, wherein the platform portion extends away from the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet, and wherein the platform portion is air impermeable.

[0658] 30. The hair curler of clause 5, wherein the first annular band of the hair curler air outlet comprises a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0659] Clause Group I

[0660] 1. A curling iron having an inlet end, a longitudinally spaced second end, a longitudinal axis, and a curling iron outlet and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the curling iron outlet, the inlet end having an air inlet, the curling iron outlet being shaped to direct air flow along an outlet vector, the outlet vector including a tangential component, the curling iron outlet including an outlet duct extending from the air flow passage to an exterior, the outlet duct including an outlet end expansion region.

[0661] 2. The hair curler of clause 1, comprising a first plurality of hair curler outlets spaced apart from a second plurality of hair curler outlets and a platform portion located between the first and second pluralities of hair curler outlets.

[0662] 3. A hair curler according to clause 2, wherein the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0663] 4. The hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the hair curler outlet comprises a set of outlet ducts, each outlet duct comprising an outlet end expansion region terminating in an outlet port, the plurality of outlet ports of the set being angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis.

[0664] 5. The hair curler according to clause 4, wherein the outlet end expansion area is formed between a radial inner wall and a radial outer wall, and a spacing between the radial inner wall and the radial outer wall increases along the outlet end expansion area.

[0665] 6. The curler of clause 4, comprising a first plurality of curler outlets, a second plurality of curler outlets, and a third plurality of curler outlets, a first platform portion located between the first and second plurality of curler outlets, and a second platform portion located between the second and third plurality of curler outlets.

[0666] 7. A hair curler according to clause 6, wherein the platform portion is air-impermeable.

[0667] 8. A hair curler according to clause 1, wherein the hair curler outlet directs air generally at an angle along an outer surface of the hair curler, whereby air exiting the hair curler outlet generally travels at an angle along the outer surface.

[0668] 9. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the outlet duct extends from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet port having a radially outer side, the radially outer side being located radially outward of an adjacent platform portion.

[0669] 10. A hair curler according to clause 9, wherein the airflow path comprises a channel inside the hair curler and the inlet port is provided in a wall of the channel.

[0670] 11. A hair curling iron according to clause 1, wherein the lateral airflow area of ​​the duct is greatest at the outlet end of the outlet end expansion zone.

[0671] 12. The hair curler of clause 6, wherein the first plurality of hair curler outlets are the plurality of hair curler outlets closest to the hair curler inlet end, the first plurality of hair curler outlets directing air along an outlet vector having a sole longitudinal component pointing away from the inlet end.

[0672] 13. The hair curler of clause 12, wherein the second and third pluralities of hair curler outlets direct air along an outlet vector including a longitudinal component directed toward the inlet end.

[0673] 14. A hair curler according to clause 13, wherein the first platform portion is bell-shaped along the longitudinal axis.

[0674] 15. A curling iron according to clause 6, wherein a first plurality of curling iron outlets are a plurality of curling iron outlets closest to an inlet end of the curling iron, the first plurality of curling iron outlets direct air along a first outlet vector, the second plurality of curling iron outlets direct air along a second outlet vector, and the third plurality of curling iron outlets direct air along a third outlet vector, wherein a magnitude of the first outlet vector is less than at least one of a magnitude of the second outlet vector and a magnitude of the third outlet vector.

[0675] 16. The hair curler of clause 15, wherein the magnitude of the second outlet vector is greater than the magnitude of the first outlet vector, and the magnitude of the third outlet vector is greater than the magnitude of the first outlet vector.

[0676] 17. A hair curler according to clause 16, wherein the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the second plurality of hair curler outlets is greater than the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the first plurality of hair curler outlets, and the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the third plurality of hair curler outlets is greater than the minimum lateral airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the second plurality of hair curler outlets.

[0677] 18. The hair curler of clause 1, wherein the air flow path comprises a venturi and a plurality of air inlets leading from the exterior of the hair curler to the venturi, the plurality of air inlets opening from a position at an inlet end of the hair curler.

[0678] 19. A hair curler according to clause 18, wherein the venturi is located upstream of any hair curler outlet.

[0679] 20. A hair curler according to clause 19, wherein the venturi is located at an inlet end of the hair curler.

Claims

1. A curling iron having an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced second end, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of axially spaced curling iron outlets, a platform portion located between adjacent curling iron outlets, and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the curling iron outlets.

2. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlet has a radially outer side located radially outward of the platform portion at the location of the air outlet.

3. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: The platform portion is air-impermeable.

4. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlets include a plurality of groups of air outlets, each group of air outlets including a plurality of air outlets positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis.

5. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: The platform portion is located between adjacent groups of air outlets.

6. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of groups of air outlets include a first group of air outlets, a second group of air outlets, and a third group of air outlets, and the platform portion includes a first section located between the first group of air outlets and the second group of air outlets, and a second section located between the second group of air outlets and the third group of air outlets.

7. The hair curler according to claim 6, wherein: The platform portion is air-impermeable.

8. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlet directs air substantially along an outer surface of the curling iron, whereby air exiting the air outlet travels along the outer surface.

9. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: Each air outlet comprises an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port having a radially outer side located radially outwardly of the platform portion at the location of the outlet port.

10. The hair curler according to claim 9, wherein: The airflow path comprises a passage inside the curling iron, and the inlet port is located in the passage.

11. The hair curler according to claim 10, wherein: The passage has a radially outer wall and the inlet port has a radially inner side located radially inward of the radially outer wall.

12. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlets direct air in a common direction.

13. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein: Some air outlets direct air in a clockwise direction, while other air outlets direct air in a counter-clockwise direction.

14. The hair curler of claim 13, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to the air outlet directing air in a clockwise direction and the air outlet directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

15. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of groups of air outlets include a first group of air outlets that direct air in a clockwise direction and a second group of air outlets that direct air in a counterclockwise direction.

16. The hair curler of claim 15, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to the air outlet directing air in a clockwise direction and the air outlet directing air in a counter-clockwise direction.

17. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the outlet ports of the first set of air outlets are axially aligned with the outlet ports of the second set of air outlets and the outlet ports of the third set of air outlets.

18. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the first, second, and third groups of air outlets define a plurality of axially extending rows of axially aligned outlet ports.

19. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the first, second, and third groups of air outlets define a plurality of axially extending rows of outlet ports, wherein, for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports are angularly positioned about the longitudinal axis.

20. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein: Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the first, second and third groups of air outlets define a plurality of axially extending rows of outlet ports, wherein, for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports of the second group of outlet ports are positioned at an angle about the longitudinal axis to the outlet ports of the first group of outlet ports, and the outlet ports of the third group of outlet ports are positioned at an angle about the longitudinal axis to the outlet ports of the second group of outlet ports.

Images