Hair styling apparatus

Abstract

A hair styling device (10) comprises a support surface (16), a fluid outlet (20) arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface, and a plurality of spaced hair styling protrusions (15) protruding from the support surface (16) for styling the hair of a user. The apparatus (10) further comprises a plurality of fluid flow channels (27). Each channel extends through a respective projection (15) of the plurality of projections for passage of fluid discharged from the fluid outlet (20). Also disclosed is a hair styling device (10) comprising at least one bleed outlet (28) provided on one of a plurality of protrusions (15) of the device (10). The bleed outlet (28) is in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the device (10) and is arranged to discharge fluid laterally from the projection (15) so as to allow fluid to escape from the passage when the fluid outlet (20) is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hair styling devices of the type that utilize fluid flow to facilitate hair styling. Background Art

[0002] Hair styling devices in the form of hair styling devices or accessories (for attachment to such devices) can be used to form hair into a desired shape or style. In some cases, such devices can use a fluid stream to help style the user's hair. A fluid (e.g., air or steam) can be directed onto the user's hair to apply heat to the hair, break chemical bonds in the hair, and reshape the hair. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid stream can be used to control, for example, the shape and position of the user's hair as it is styled. For example, it is known that some devices are configured to discharge a fluid stream in a manner that pushes the hair toward a surface and holds the hair on that surface (e.g., utilizing the Coanda effect). The ability to control the hair in this manner can provide more effective styling.

[0003] To achieve certain styles, it may be desirable to provide protrusions, such as comb teeth or bristles. Protrusions of various shapes and sizes (e.g., widths) may be used to achieve different effects. Likewise, varying the spacing between protrusions may affect how the hair styling device works. For example, smaller spacing may increase the tension applied to the user's hair as the protrusions move through the hair.

[0004] Although it is desirable to provide protrusions (e.g., comb teeth and bristles) in devices utilizing fluid flow (as described above), the protrusions can disrupt the fluid flow and reduce their ability to control hair. This disruption is particularly prevalent where there is limited space between the comb teeth for fluid flow.

[0005] Control of the user's hair may also be disrupted by a bleed flow, which is sometimes present in hair styling devices that utilize a fluid flow. The purpose of the bleed flow is to ensure that when one or more fluid outlets (through which fluid flows in normal use) are closed, fluid can still escape from the device. This bleed flow prevents an undesirable buildup of fluid pressure within the device.

[0006] In devices comprising a plurality of fluid outlets, it is known to selectively open and close the outlets to control the position and / or direction of the fluid flow, for example according to the direction in which the device is moved along the hair strand. In these devices, it is also known to configure the outlets so that when they are "closed", a path is reserved for a small amount of fluid flow from the outlet. This path provides a bleed flow in these devices. However, as briefly mentioned above, a problem with this arrangement is that the bleed fluid discharged through the "closed" outlets disrupts the hair being styled and / or the (main) fluid flow used to style and / or control the hair.

[0007] The present disclosure has been designed in view of the above considerations. Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a hair styling device comprising:

[0009] Support surface;

[0010] a fluid outlet arranged to discharge a fluid (e.g., air) across the support surface;

[0011] a plurality of spaced-apart hair styling projections projecting from the support surface for styling a user's hair; and

[0012] A plurality of fluid flow channels, each channel extending through a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions, for passing fluid discharged from the fluid outlet.

[0013] Providing multiple fluid flow channels through the protrusions of the hair styling device helps to ensure that the protrusions provide minimal disturbance to the fluid discharged across the support surface. This provides improved control of the hair being styled by the hair styling device. Likewise, this arrangement also allows for providing wider and / or more closely spaced protrusions (while still maintaining the ability of the air flow to control the hair) to increase hair tension during use.

[0014] The device of the first aspect may include a fluid passage. The fluid outlet may be an outlet of the fluid passage. The fluid outlet may be a closable fluid outlet.

[0015] The apparatus of the first aspect may comprise at least one drainage outlet provided on a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.The drainage outlet may be in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and arranged to discharge fluid laterally from the protrusion so as to allow fluid to escape from the passageway when the fluid outlet is closed.

[0016] In a second aspect, there is provided a hair styling device comprising:

[0017] a plurality of spaced-apart hair styling projections projecting from a support surface of the device for styling a user's hair;

[0018] a fluid passage having a closable fluid outlet arranged to discharge fluid (e.g. air) from the device onto the hair of a user in use; and

[0019] At least one drainage outlet is disposed on a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions, the drainage outlet being in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and arranged to discharge fluid laterally from the protrusion to allow fluid to escape from the passageway when the fluid outlet is closed.

[0020] Providing at least one drain outlet allows fluid to escape from the fluid passage when the closable fluid outlet is in the closed position. It has been found that providing at least one drain outlet on the protrusion and arranging the drain outlet to discharge fluid laterally minimizes disturbance of the hair being styled and / or fluid discharged from the closable fluid outlet (when in the open position).

[0021] The fluid outlet of the second aspect may be arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface.

[0022] The hair styling device of the second aspect may comprise a plurality of fluid flow channels. Each channel may extend through a respective protrusion of the plurality of protrusions for passage of fluid discharged from the fluid outlet.

[0023] Optional features of the first and second aspects will now be described.

[0024] Each fluid flow channel may extend through its respective projection in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which fluid is discharged from the fluid outlet.

[0025] The support surface may be elongate in the longitudinal direction. The fluid outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a transverse direction (eg substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) across the support surface. Each channel may extend in the transverse direction.

[0026] The support surface may be configured to promote a Coanda effect (i.e., for fluid discharged from the fluid outlet). The support surface may be convex. Such a surface may promote a Coanda effect, such that fluid discharged from the fluid outlet adheres (and remains adhered) to the support surface. The support surface may have a smooth convex profile.

[0027] The support surface may be convex in the transverse direction (ie, a transverse cross-section of the support surface may be convex). Thus, when the fluid flows in the transverse direction, the support surface may guide the fluid flow along a convex path.

[0028] Each protrusion may extend in a direction orthogonal to the supporting surface of the protrusion. Thus, the protrusions may flare outwardly from the supporting surface. This arrangement may provide increased spacing between the free ends of the protrusions (compared to an arrangement where the protrusions are parallel). This may be beneficial in capturing hair and directing it into the spaces formed between the protrusions.

[0029] Each protrusion may extend from a base adjacent to the support surface to a free end. Each channel may be provided at or near the base of the respective protrusion on which the channel is provided. Such positioning of the channels may maximize the proportion of the fluid flow across the support surface that is able to pass through the channels (thereby minimizing disturbance of the fluid flow).

[0030] The support surface may be a surface of a support member. The support member may include a platform and a body, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the platform, and the platform is supported on the body. The plurality of protrusions may be integrally formed with the platform. The platform may include a plurality of holes formed therein. Each hole may be located at a base of a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions adjacent to a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels. The body of the support member may include a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion may extend into and block a hole formed in the platform, thereby defining a lower boundary of the corresponding channel.

[0031] This configuration of the support member can allow the fluid flow channel to be formed during the molding of the platform and the protrusion. That is, this configuration can allow the mold features to extend through the bottom of the platform and into the protrusion to form the fluid flow channel during the molding process. This can simplify manufacturing by avoiding the need to form the fluid flow channel in a separate step.

[0032] Each protrusion may taper inwardly in a direction from the base of the protrusion to the free end of the protrusion. Each protrusion may therefore be wider (in the longitudinal direction) at its base than at its free end. The protrusions are therefore spaced closer together at their base than at their free ends. In use, the greater spacing of the free ends of the protrusions assists the protrusions in penetrating the hair strand. The tapering of the protrusions assists in directing the hair to a support surface where the protrusions are spaced closer together and where greater tension may be applied to the hair.

[0033] A plurality of protrusions may be arranged in spaced apart rows (protrusions). These rows may include, for example, first and second adjacent rows (i.e., laterally adjacent rows). The device may include additional rows, for example, third and fourth rows of protrusions. Each row may extend in the longitudinal direction of the support surface. These rows may be substantially parallel to each other. It will be appreciated that each row of protrusions may extend along (e.g., strictly) a linear path, or may extend along a curved, zigzag, or other path.

[0034] At least some of the channels may be disposed in the first row of protrusions. The channels may be arranged to direct fluid received from the fluid outlet into gaps formed between adjacent protrusions in the second row. Configuring the channels in this manner may reduce disturbances in the fluid flow that would otherwise be produced by the second row of protrusions. This configuration may additionally provide a more uniform distribution of fluid flow across the support surface when compared to an arrangement in which the fluid flow through the first row of channels is directed through the second row of channels.

[0035] The protrusions of the first row may be offset from the protrusions of the second row in a direction along the first row. In other words, the protrusions of the first row may be staggered relative to the protrusions of the second row. Where the apparatus includes additional rows, each row may be staggered (e.g., longitudinally offset) relative to any adjacent row. Again, this may help maximize the available open area for fluid discharged from the fluid outlet (i.e., minimize disruption to the fluid flow).

[0036] The protrusions of the first row may protrude at an angle to the protrusions of the second row, such that the first and second rows diverge from each other in a direction away from the support surface. In other words, the rows of protrusions may splay outwardly from each other. As described above, the splaying / spreading of the rows of protrusions may facilitate hair penetration while maintaining the ability to apply tension to the hair strands.

[0037] The fluid outlet may include an elongated slot and / or a plurality of openings spaced apart along a linear path. Thus, the fluid outlet may be configured to discharge the fluid in the form of a blade, sheet or curtain of fluid. The elongated slot and / or linear path may extend longitudinally.

[0038] The fluid outlet may extend along an edge of the support surface. For example, the fluid outlet may extend along a longitudinally extending edge (eg, a long edge) of the support surface.

[0039] In some embodiments, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be provided with a fluid flow channel.

[0040] Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be in the form of comb teeth or bristles.The device may thus be a hair styling comb or brush.

[0041] The hair styling device may be in the form of an attachment for a hair styling appliance, the hair styling appliance being configured to provide a flow of fluid to the attachment. For example, the attachment may be a brush or comb attachment. The attachment may include a mounting portion for releasably mounting to the hair styling appliance.

[0042] The device may include a handle or a mounting portion for mounting the device to a handle, such as a handle of the apparatus when the device is an accessory.

[0043] At least one discharge outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a direction towards the handle (or towards a device mounted to the apparatus). This may minimize the likelihood that the discharged fluid (from the discharge outlet) interacts with the user's hair and disrupts styling.

[0044] At least one discharge outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a direction different from the direction in which the fluid is discharged from the fluid outlet. For example, at least one discharge outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid is discharged from the fluid outlet. Thus, at least one discharge outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a longitudinal direction (i.e. when the fluid outlet discharges fluid in a transverse direction).

[0045] At least one discharge outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid onto a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions that is adjacent to the protrusion on which the discharge outlet is arranged. The surface of the adjacent protrusion onto which the at least one discharge outlet discharges fluid may be a solid surface (i.e., may not have any holes / outlets). This may facilitate diffusion of the fluid discharged from the at least one discharge outlet.

[0046] As described above, each protrusion may extend from a base adjacent to the support surface to a free end. At least one discharge outlet may be provided at or near the base of the protrusion. Providing at least one discharge outlet close to the support surface may minimize interaction between fluid discharged from the discharge outlet and the user's hair.

[0047] The fluid outlet of the device (as described above) may be a first fluid outlet, and the device may include a second fluid outlet. The first and second fluid outlets may be spaced apart on opposite sides of the support surface. The first and second fluid outlets may be arranged to discharge fluid in opposite directions. That is, the first fluid outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface in a first direction, and the second fluid outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0048] As described above, the support surface may form part of the support member. The support member may be movable to open and close the fluid outlet. For example, the support member may be configured to move by movement of the plurality of protrusions when the plurality of protrusions are pulled along the hair bundle in use to open or close the fluid outlet. In other words, the device may be configured to automatically open and close the fluid outlet when the device is pulled along the hair bundle. The support member may be pivotable to open and close the fluid outlet (or may be, for example, slidable in other embodiments).

[0049] The support member can be moved to at least a first and a second position. In the first position, the first fluid outlet can be closed by the support member (i.e., fluid flow can be restricted), and the second fluid outlet can be open (i.e., for fluid flow to pass therethrough). In the second position, the second fluid outlet can be closed by the support member, and the first fluid outlet can be open. The support member can be further moved to a third position, wherein both the first and second fluid outlets are closed by the support member. The third position can represent an intermediate position relative to the first and second positions.

[0050] The support member, the protrusion, the fluid outlet and the at least one discharge outlet may define a first hair engagement assembly of the hair styling device. The hair styling device may include at least one further hair engagement assembly. The device may, for example, include four hair engagement assemblies. The hair engagement assemblies may be arranged circumferentially around the fluid passage.

[0051] The device may include a plurality of discharge outlets, each discharge outlet being disposed on a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. In some embodiments, all protrusions may be provided with a discharge outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1Ais a top view of a hair styling device in the form of an attachment;

[0054] Figure 1B is a top view of a hair styling device mounted to a hair styling apparatus;

[0055] Figure 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the support member of the hair styling device of FIG. 1 ;

[0056] Figure 3 , 4 5 are side, top and perspective views, respectively, of the protrusion and platform of the hair styling device of FIG. 1 ; and

[0057] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a support member of the hair styling device of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Various aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Figure 1A and 1B A hair styling device 10 is shown in the form of an attachment for mounting to a hair styling appliance 1 which is configured to supply a flow of fluid (in this case air) to the device 10. The body of the device 1 in the form of a handle 5 houses a blower (in the form of a fan) which moves air from a device inlet 2 to a device outlet (not shown). The device outlet is surrounded by a device mounting portion 3 of the device 1 which allows the device 10 to be mounted thereto. Operation of the blower is controlled by a user interface in the form of a switch 4.

[0060] To allow the device 10 to be mounted to the appliance 1 (to be held by a user in use), the device 10 comprises a mounting portion 11 comprising circumferentially spaced apart lugs 12 (which engage with corresponding features of the hair styling appliance 1). The device 10 also comprises a fluid inlet 13 for receiving fluid (i.e. air flow) from the hair styling appliance 1 when mounted to the hair styling appliance 1. An internal passage (not shown) extends from the inlet 13 into the interior of the device 10.

[0061] The device 10 includes four hair engagement components 14, only three of which are visible in FIG1 . The hair engagement components 14 are arranged circumferentially around the internal passageway and are located in corresponding elongated rectangular openings 18 formed in a tubular housing 19 of the device 10. As a result, the internal passageway of the device 10 is defined (i.e., delimited) in part by the hair engagement components 14 and in part by the inner surface of the tubular housing 19.

[0062] For the sake of brevity, only one of the hair engagement components 14 will be described below. However, it should be understood that all four hair engagement components 14 are identical.

[0063] The hair engaging assembly 14 includes a plurality of spaced apart hair styling protrusions 15 (in this case bristles) protruding from a support surface 16, which is an outwardly facing surface of a support member 17 of the assembly 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 15 are integrally formed with and protrude from a platform 23 which is embedded in a body 24 of the support member 17.

[0064] The support surface 16 is thus defined by a combination of outwardly facing surfaces of both the platform 23 and the body 24 of the support member 17. The support surface 16 is elongated in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the direction of the central axis of the tubular housing 19) and is convex in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., in a transverse direction relative to the circumferential extension of the tubular housing 19). Thus, the support surface 16 has an inlet end 33 proximal to the fluid inlet 13 (and the mounting portion 11) and an opposite distal end 34 distal to the fluid inlet 13.

[0065] The hair engagement assembly 14 comprises two closable fluid outlets 20, each in the form of an elongated slot formed between the support member 17 and a respective long edge 21 of the rectangular opening 18 in the housing 19. Thus, each fluid outlet 20 extends along one of the two opposing long edges 22 of the support member 17.

[0066] It will be appreciated that each fluid outlet 20 is in fluid communication with an internal fluid passageway such that fluid supplied from the hair styling appliance 1 (to which the device 10 is mounted in use) flows along the fluid passageway and may be discharged through one or more of the fluid outlets 20. In other words, the fluid passageway acts as a plenum for the fluid outlets 20. It will also be appreciated that the orientation of each fluid outlet 20 means that, when fluid is discharged from the outlet, the fluid is discharged in a lateral direction across the support surface 16. Thus, the two fluid outlets 20 of the hair engagement assembly 14 discharge fluid in opposite lateral directions.

[0067] Providing a lateral fluid flow across the (lateral) raised support surface 16 means that the fluid flow discharged from the outlet 20 adheres (and remains adhered) to the support surface 16. This, in turn, helps to draw and hold the hair to or near the support surface 16 to better control the hair being styled using the device 10.

[0068] As will now be explained, providing two fluid outlets 20 (per component 14) allows the device 10 to be used in two opposite directions. In practice, the device 10 is typically moved along the hair bundle in a direction from the user's scalp toward the free end of the bundle. In order to provide control over the user's hair, it is particularly desirable to direct the fluid flow in a direction along the bundle of hair toward the free end of the bundle. With a single fluid outlet, this would require the user to orient the device so that the single fluid outlet directs the fluid flow in the "desired" direction (towards the free end of the bundle). As in the present device 10, providing two fluid outlets 20 that direct fluid in opposite directions means that regardless of the orientation of the device 10, one of the fluid outlets 20 is oriented to discharge fluid in the desired direction.

[0069] However, this poses a problem in that, in use, one of the two fluid outlets 20 is oriented to discharge fluid in a direction opposite to the desired direction. This additional (unwanted) fluid flow is detrimental to the control of the hair. To address this problem, each fluid outlet 20 in the present device 10 is closable. Specifically, each fluid outlet 20 is configured to close when it discharges fluid in an undesired direction (i.e., along the hair strands towards the user's scalp).

[0070] This shutdown function (from Figure 2 The device 20 is realized by pivotally mounting the support member 17 to the housing 19 (most notably in FIG. 1 ). As the device 10 is moved along the strand of hair, the friction between the hair and the protrusions 15 pulls the protrusions 15 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the device 10. This movement of the protrusions 15 causes the support member 17 to pivot (about an axis extending longitudinally) so that the leading fluid outlet 20 in the movement along the strand of hair closes and the trailing fluid outlet 20 opens. Closing of the leading fluid outlet 20 is provided by movement of the leading long edge 22 of the support member 17 towards the housing 19 (due to the pivoting). Similarly, opening of the trailing fluid outlet 20 is provided by movement of the trailing long edge 22 of the support member 17 away from the housing 19.

[0071] exist Figure 3 , 4 5 and 6 show the protrusion 15 of the device 10 in more detail. Figure 4 As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1 , the protrusions 15 are arranged in transversely spaced first, second, third and fourth rows 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d, each row extending longitudinally along the support surface 16.

[0072] Figures 3 to 6 The protrusion 15 is shown in more detail. To avoid confusion, note that these figures show the same Figure 1A and 1BThe platform 23 is oppositely oriented (i.e., the inlet end 33 of the support surface 16 is toward the left in each of these figures, and the distal end 34 of the support surface 16 is toward the right in each of these figures). Figure 3 1. The shape of each protrusion 15 can be clearly seen in FIG. Each protrusion 15 tapers inwardly in a direction from the base 32 of the protrusion (adjacent the support surface 16) to the free end 26. Thus, each protrusion 15 is wider (in the longitudinal direction) at its base 32 than at its free end 26. Thus, the spacing between adjacent protrusions 15 in the same row 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d is greater at their free ends 26 than at the support surface 16. The greater spacing at their free ends 26 provides improved hair penetration (i.e. facilitates insertion of the protrusions 15 into the hair strand), while the reduction in spacing towards the support surface 16 increases the tension that can be applied to the hair strand as the device 10 is moved along the strand.

[0073] A similar varying spacing is provided between adjacent rows 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d of protrusions 15. Each protrusion 15 protrudes from the support surface 16 in a direction generally perpendicular to the support surface 16. As a result, and because the support surface 16 is convex, the rows 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d of protrusions 15 splay outwardly (i.e., separate) from one another. That is, the lateral spacing between adjacent rows 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d of protrusions 15 increases in a direction away from the support surface 16. Thus, the lateral spacing between adjacent rows 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d at the free ends 26 of the protrusions 15 is greater than the lateral spacing at the bases 32 thereof. Again, this can improve the tension applied to the hair strands while maintaining effective hair penetration.

[0074] While ideal for providing hair tension, closely spaced protrusions 15 may disrupt fluid flow across support surface 16. In order to allow for more closely spaced protrusions 15 of the present device 10 (while still maintaining the ability to control a user's hair), each protrusion 15 includes a fluid flow channel 27 extending therethrough (at the Figure 315). Each fluid flow channel 27 is disposed at the base 32 of the protrusion that forms it (such that the support surface 16 defines the lower boundary of the fluid flow channel 27), and has a cross-sectional shape that is elongated in the direction of extension of the protrusion 15 (taken perpendicular to the direction of extension of the fluid flow channel 27). In addition, each fluid flow channel 27 is oriented to extend through the corresponding protrusion 15 in the lateral direction, which means that the fluid flow channel 27 is parallel to the fluid flow discharged from the fluid outlet 20. Therefore, the fluid discharged from the fluid outlet 20 is able to flow through the fluid flow channel 27, rather than being blocked (and diverted) by the protrusion 15. This ensures that the discharged fluid remains attached to the support surface 16 (via the Coanda effect), which in turn allows the fluid to draw the user's hair to the support surface 16 (i.e., provide control of the hair).

[0075] To further promote fluid flow over the support surface 16, the rows of protrusions 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d are arranged in a staggered pattern. Figure 4 25a. Thus, for example, the protrusions 15 of the first row 25a are offset in the longitudinal direction from the protrusions 15 of the second (adjacent) row 25b. Similarly, the protrusions 15 of the third row 25c are offset longitudinally from the protrusions of the (adjacent) second row 25b (but aligned with the protrusions 15 of the first row 25a). Finally, the protrusions 15 of the fourth row 25d are offset longitudinally from the (adjacent) third row 25c, but aligned with the protrusions 15 of the second row 25b.

[0076] As a result of this configuration, each fluid flow channel 27 is arranged to direct fluid into the gaps formed between adjacent protrusions 15 in the subsequent (i.e. downstream) rows 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d of protrusions. Again, this reduces disruption to the fluid flow across the support surface 16, thereby increasing the ability of the fluid to control the user's hair.

[0077] In addition to the fluid flow passages 27, each protrusion 15 also includes a discharge outlet 28 in fluid communication with the fluid passage (via a discharge passage 29). These discharge outlets 28 are located at Figure 4 It is obvious in Figure 6 The clearest example is Figure 61 is a detailed view of a portion of the support member 17 at the inlet end 33 of the support surface 17. As described above with respect to FIG. 1, each fluid outlet 20 is closable (by pivoting of the support member 17). In normal use, one fluid outlet 20 of each engagement assembly 14 is open. However, in the rest position, both fluid outlets 20 may be substantially closed. The support members 17 of the hair engagement assembly 14 may be in the respective rest position when the corresponding protrusion 15 (of the respective assembly 14) is not engaged in the hair bundle. In use, due to the circumferential arrangement of the hair engagement assembly 14 around the styling device 10, at least some of the assemblies 14 will not engage with the hair bundle, and therefore the corresponding support members 17 may be in the rest position. At start-up (when no assembly 14 is engaged with the hair), all support members 17 may be in the rest position. In addition, at start-up, the fluid pressure generated by the fluid entering the internal fluid passage may force the two long edges 22 of each support member 17 against the housing 19 (so as to increase any seal at the closed fluid outlet 20).

[0078] When most of the fluid outlets 20 are closed, there is a risk of pressure buildup in the internal fluid passage. The bleed outlet 28 prevents the buildup of fluid pressure by allowing fluid to escape from the fluid passage.

[0079] Each drainage outlet 28 is arranged at a base 32 of a protrusion 15 and is oriented to discharge fluid from the protrusion 15 in a transverse direction (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the protrusion 15). More specifically, each drainage outlet 28 is located on the surface of its respective protrusion 15 that faces the mounting portion 11. For those protrusions 15 at the end of their respective row 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d that are closest to the mounting portion 11, this means that the drainage fluid is directed towards the mounting portion 11 (and thus, in use, towards the mounting portion 3 and handle 5 of the hair styling appliance 1). For the remaining protrusions 15, the drainage fluid is directed to the (non-outlet) side of the adjacent protrusion 15 which diffuses the drainage fluid. It has been found that this arrangement minimizes disturbance of the flow of fluid flowing over the support surface 16.

[0080] Figure 6The construction of the support member 17 is also shown. As previously described, the support member 17 is formed by a platform 23 (from which the protrusions 15 protrude) and a body 24. The platform 23 includes a plurality of holes 30 formed at the base 32 of each protrusion 15 so as to be adjacent to the fluid flow channel 27 of the protrusion 15 (and thereby communicate with it). This allows the fluid flow channel 27 to be formed during the molding of the integral platform 23 and the protrusion 15. That is, it allows the mold features to extend through the bottom of the platform 23 and into the protrusion 15 to form the fluid flow channel 27 during the molding process. This simplifies manufacturing by avoiding the need to form the fluid flow channel 27 in a separate step. When the body 24 and the platform 23 are put together, the holes 30 are then blocked by corresponding protrusions 31 formed on the upper surface of the body 24 of the support member 17. The far (upper) ends of these protrusions 31 thus define the lower boundary of the fluid flow channel 27.

[0081] The above exemplary embodiments are to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0082] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0083] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0084] Throughout the specification, including the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprises" and "comprising" and variations will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated integers or steps or groups of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0085] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A hair styling device comprising: Support surface; a fluid outlet arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface; a plurality of spaced-apart hair styling projections projecting from the support surface for styling a user's hair; as well as A plurality of fluid flow channels, each channel extending through a corresponding protrusion of the plurality of protrusions, for passing fluid discharged from the fluid outlet.

2. The hair styling device according to claim 1, wherein: Each channel extends through its respective projection in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which fluid is discharged from the fluid outlet.

3. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support surface is elongated in a longitudinal direction and the fluid outlet is arranged to discharge fluid across the support surface in a transverse direction.

4. A hair styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support surface is convex.

5. A hair styling device according to claim 4 when appended to claim 3, wherein: The support surface is convex in transverse cross-section.

6. A hair styling device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: Each protrusion extends in a direction perpendicular to the raised support surface.

7. A hair styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each projection extends from a base adjacent the support surface to a free end.

8. A hair styling device according to claim 7, wherein: Each channel is disposed at or near a base of a respective protrusion in which the channel is disposed.

9. A hair styling device according to claim 8, wherein: The support surface is a surface of a support member, and wherein the support member comprises: a platform from which the plurality of protrusions protrude, the platform including a plurality of holes formed therein, each hole being located at a base of a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions adjacent to a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels; and A body on which the platform is supported includes a plurality of projections, each projection extending into and blocking a hole formed in the platform to define a lower boundary of a corresponding channel.

10. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein Each protrusion tapers inwardly in a direction from the base of the protrusion to the free end of the protrusion.

11. A hair styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The plurality of protrusions are arranged in spaced-apart rows including first and second adjacent rows.

12. A hair styling device according to claim 11 when appended to claim 3, wherein: Each row extends in a longitudinal direction.

13. A hair styling device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: At least some of the channels are provided in the protrusions of the first row and are arranged to direct fluid received from the fluid outlets into gaps formed between adjacent protrusions of the second row.

14. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein The protrusions of the first row are offset from the protrusions of the second row in a direction along the first row.

15. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein The protrusions of the first row protrude at an angle to the protrusions of the second row such that the first row and the second row are spaced apart from each other in a direction away from the support surface.

16. A hair styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fluid outlet includes an elongated slot and / or a plurality of openings spaced apart along a linear path.

17. A hair styling device according to claim 16 when appended to claim 3, wherein The elongated slots and / or linear paths extend longitudinally.

18. A hair styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each of the plurality of protrusions is in the form of comb teeth or bristles.

19. A hair styling device according to any preceding claim in the form of an attachment for a hair styling appliance, the hair styling appliance being arranged to supply the flow of fluid to the attachment, the attachment comprising a mounting portion for releasably mounting to the hair styling appliance.

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