Hair care device

Abstract

A hair care device (100) comprises a hinge body (11) having a first side (13) from which a plurality of hair engaging protrusions (12) protrude and an opposite second side (14). The hinge body comprises a plurality of pivotably connected segments (15) which allow the hinge body to bend about a longitudinal bending axis between a stowed position and a deployed configuration. In the storage position, the first side of the hinge body is inward to extend at least partially around the plurality of protrusions. In the deployed configuration, the hinge body faces outward such that the protrusion is exposed for use. In the deployed configuration, the segments of the hinge body abut against each other to resist bending of the hinge body about the bending crankshaft in a direction away from the stowed configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Hair care devices such as brushes or combs are used to style hair. Such hair care devices can be used alone or in combination with a hair care appliance such as a hair dryer. Hair care devices typically comprise a plurality of hair engaging protrusions (commonly referred to as "bristles" on brushes and "teeth" on combs). The teeth and bristles extend from a support (for example, on a brush, the support is commonly referred to as a "bristle bed"). Conventional brushes and combs also comprise a handle which allows a user to grip and move the brush or comb to style the hair. SUMMARY

[0002] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a hair care device comprising an articulated body having a first side from which a plurality of hair engaging protrusions protrude and an opposite second side, the articulated body comprising a plurality of pivotably connected segments which allow the articulated body to bend about a longitudinal bending axis between:

[0003] a stowed configuration in which the first side of the articulated body faces inwards to at least partially extend around the plurality of protrusions; and

[0004] a deployed configuration in which the first side faces outwards such that the protrusions are exposed for use, and wherein in the deployed configuration the segments of the articulated body abut one another to resist bending of the articulated body about the bending axis in a direction away from the stowed configuration.

[0005] Providing an articulated body which can be moved between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration provides a hair device which is convenient to store and transport (for example in a user's bag or pocket, or in a suitcase for a hair care appliance). The articulated body is able to at least partially extend around the protrusions in the stowed configuration, which can allow the articulated body to protect the protrusions from damage during such storage and transport.

[0006] Furthermore, the arrangement of the segments such that they abut in the deployed configuration to resist bending away from the stowed configuration allows a user to hold the articulated body in the deployed configuration by exerting a force which would otherwise cause such bending (i.e. if not for the abutment of the segments). In other words, a user can exert a force which causes the segments to remain abutting in order to hold the hair care device in the deployed configuration. For example, such a force can be provided by pressing the opposing lateral ends of the articulated body towards one another (the lateral ends being the opposite ends of the articulated body on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). In practice, such a force can be exerted by squeezing the ends towards one another (for example, between a user's thumb and fingers).

[0007] The ability to maintain the deployed configuration in this way means that the user can ensure that the articulated body remains stable (i.e. deployed) whilst using the protrusions to style their hair. This can be performed between the user’s thumb and fingers, meaning that the user’s hand can be in a natural position, for example whilst brushing / combing whilst using the hair care device in the deployed position.

[0008] Furthermore, the arrangement of the segments means that the movement from the storage configuration to the deployed configuration (and vice versa) is quick and simple. The user only needs to bend the articulated body in a first direction to form the storage configuration, and in a second, opposite direction to deploy the protrusions for use.

[0009] Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

[0010] The articulated body can form an arch in the deployed configuration (i.e. the segments can be configured to form an arch in the deployed configuration). The segments of the body can abut one another to resist inward collapse of the arch. Thus, for example, the segments can abut one another to resist a compressive force applied to the lateral ends of the arch (i.e. a force pushing the ends of the arch towards one another).

[0011] The arch form can provide a particularly stable shape. There are at least two reasons for this.

[0012] Firstly, the arch means that the lateral ends of the articulated body extend away from the central portion of the body (i.e. they provide the apex of the arch). This means that pressing the ends towards one another provides a force which encourages the articulated body to bend away from the storage position (i.e. encourages the segments to abut) to provide stability in the deployed configuration. Also, because the ends extend away from the central portion, applying a force to the ends provides a mechanical advantage which helps to provide stability, particularly at the apex of the arch.

[0013] Secondly, the arch shape can be particularly good at resisting (by distributing) forces directed outwards of the arch apex. In the case of a hair care device, this can be advantageous because the articulated body can be subjected to such forces due to the protrusions contacting the user’s scalp during use. Thus, the arch form of the articulated body in the deployed configuration can facilitate maintenance of the deployed configuration in use.

[0014] The arch can have a substantially curved profile. The arch can be such that a first side of the articulated body is convex when the articulated body is in the deployed configuration.

[0015] The arch can have a radius of curvature of between 100 mm and 800 mm, or for example between 200 mm and 400 mm.

[0016] In other embodiments, the arch can have a substantially non-curved profile. For example, when in the deployed configuration, the articulated body can form a square arch.

[0017] Each pair of adjacent segments in the plurality of segments can comprise a pivotable connection therebetween, the pivotable connection being configured to provide pivotal movement between the adjacent segments about a respective longitudinal pivot axis.

[0018] Each pivotable connection can be located (or proximate to) the first side of the articulated body.

[0019] Each pivotable connection can comprise a flexible joint connecting the respective pair of adjacent elements. Each flexible joint can form part of a flexible layer extending across the first side of the articulated body. The hair care device can comprise a plurality of flexible layers. Each flexible layer can extend (at least partially) across a respective pair of adjacent segments. In some embodiments, each flexible layer can extend across multiple pairs of adjacent segments. In other embodiments, the hair care device can comprise a single flexible layer providing all of the flexible joints (i.e. extending across all segments). The use of flexible layers can provide a durable and easy to assemble means for pivotably connecting the segments.

[0020] The flexible layer can be formed from a sheet material. For example, the flexible layer can be formed from a fabric. The flexible layer can be mounted to the segments by, for example, an adhesive.

[0021] Instead of, or in addition to, the flexible joints, each pivotable connection can comprise a mechanical joint, for example a pin provided on one segment that is rotatable in a recess of an adjacent segment.

[0022] Each pair of adjacent segments can comprise abutment surfaces arranged to abut against each other in the deployed configuration to resist bending of the articulated body about the bending axis in a direction away from the stored configuration (or to resist collapse of an arch inward when the articulated body forms an arch in the deployed configuration).

[0023] The abutment surfaces of each pair of adjacent elements can be arranged between the pivotable connection connecting the pair of adjacent elements and the second side of the articulated body. Each abutment surface can extend from the pivotable connection to the second side of the articulated body. Thus, as the articulated body is moved (i.e. bent) towards the stored configuration, the abutment surfaces pivot away from each other (e.g. such that a wedge-shaped gap is formed between the abutment surfaces). When the articulated body is then moved (i.e. bent) in the other direction to the deployed configuration, the wedge-shaped gap narrows until the abutment surfaces contact (i.e. such that there is no gap between the abutment surfaces).

[0024] The abutment surfaces can be laterally facing side surfaces of the articulated body segments. Each abutment surface can extend substantially across the entire length of the respective segment on which the abutment surface is formed.

[0025] One or more hinge segments may taper inwards from the first side to the second side of the hinge. Each segment may have a width dimension in the lateral direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). One or more segments may be wider on the first side than on the second side. The width of each of the one or more segments may gradually narrow from the first side to the second side.

[0026] As described above, each articulated segment may include opposing lateral side surfaces (extending longitudinally therefrom). The opposing lateral side surfaces of at least one segment may not be parallel (i.e., they may be inclined relative to each other). It will be understood that, in an unfolded configuration, particularly when the lateral sidewalls of multiple segments are arranged in this manner, the angle formed between the lateral side surfaces can define the overall form of the articulated body. When the articulated body forms an arch, the radius of curvature of the arch can be determined by the angle defined between the opposing lateral side surfaces of the segments. A larger angle between the lateral side surfaces will imply a smaller radius of curvature for the arch.

[0027] One or more (e.g., all) of the hinged body segments may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape over their entire length. One or more of the hinged body segments may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Each of the plurality of hinged body segments may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0028] One or more (e.g., all) of the articulated sections may be elongated in the longitudinal direction. One or more (e.g., all) of the articulated sections may extend substantially the entire length of the hair care device (that length is taken in the longitudinal direction).

[0029] The articulated sections can be substantially parallel to each other. The articulated sections can be arranged side by side.

[0030] The articulated body may include three to eighteen segments, such as three to twelve segments, or four, five, or six segments.

[0031] Hair care devices may include means for holding the hinges in an extended configuration (i.e., without requiring manual force from the user to maintain the extended configuration). The hair care device may include, for example, a connector that can be attached between the lateral ends of the hinges in the extended configuration to restrict movement of the lateral ends away from each other. In this way, the connector can hold the hinges in the extended configuration. When attached between the lateral ends, the connector can extend across a second side of the hinges. The connector can be flexible. The connector can be elastic. The connector can be, for example, an elastic cord or elastic fabric. The connector can be biased to push the lateral ends toward each other.

[0032] The connector can be releasably connectable to at least one of the lateral end portions. Thus, in use, a user can move the articulated body to the deployed configuration and then connect the connector between the lateral end portions of the articulated body (so as to extend across the second side of the articulated body) in order to retain the articulated body in the deployed configuration (e.g. the arch shape).

[0033] The distance between the lateral end portions (i.e. the distance between the outwardly facing surfaces of the lateral end portions) when in the deployed configuration can be greater than 40 mm, for example greater than 50 mm, for example greater than 60 mm. As can be appreciated, this distance can be referred to as the chord distance when the articulated body forms an arch in the deployed configuration. The distance between the lateral end portions (e.g. the chord distance) can be less than 150 mm, for example less than 140 mm, for example less than 130 mm.

[0034] The lateral end portions of the articulated body (e.g. the respective segments provided at the lateral end portions) can be enlarged (i.e. relative to the intermediate portion of the articulated body) to allow a user to grip in the deployed configuration.

[0035] The first side of the articulated body can be concave in the stowed configuration. The first side of the articulated body can define a cavity into which the protrusion is received when in the stowed configuration. The articulated body can substantially completely enclose the protrusion when in the stowed configuration. This can prevent damage to the protrusion when stowed.

[0036] In the stowed configuration, the articulated body can extend completely around the protrusion such that the lateral end portions of the articulated body are in contact with each other. The hair care device can comprise retaining means for releasably securing the lateral end portions (e.g. the lateral end portion segments) to each other when in the stowed configuration. The retaining means structure can comprise, for example, magnetic connectors (e.g. each lateral end portion can be provided with a magnet).

[0037] The lateral end portions (e.g. the lateral end portion segments) can be configured to lie flat against each other when the articulated body is in the stowed configuration. To facilitate this, each lateral end portion can comprise a substantially planar end surface.

[0038] The hair care device can comprise longitudinal end walls arranged to at least partially enclose a longitudinal end of the cavity (defined by the first side) into which the protrusion is housed when in the stowed configuration. The longitudinal end walls can substantially completely cover at least one longitudinal end of the cavity. Each longitudinal end wall can upstand from a respective articulated body segment (e.g. a longitudinal end thereof). Each longitudinal end wall can have a proximal end connected to the respective articulated body segment and an opposite free distal end. Each longitudinal end wall can taper inwardly in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0039] The plurality of protrusions can comprise a first set of protrusions on a first segment of the plurality of segments and a second set of protrusions on a second segment of the plurality of segments. The first set of protrusions can be longitudinally offset relative to the second set of protrusions. In this way, the protrusions of the first set of protrusions can be interposed between the protrusions of the second set of protrusions when the articulated body is in the stowed configuration. This can allow for a more compact stowed configuration.

[0040] As can be appreciated, various arrangements of protrusions can be provided. For example, the plurality of protrusions can be provided on a single segment (which can be wider than the other segments). Alternatively, the plurality of protrusions can be spread across more than one segment. The plurality of protrusions can extend from a support element (e.g. a bristle bed). The support element can be flexible. The support element can extend across more than one of the plurality of segments.

[0041] In a second aspect, there is provided a hair care system comprising a hair care device according to the first aspect and a device mountable thereon when the hair care device is in the stowed configuration, the device comprising an outer convex surface disposed between spaced apart engagement portions, the engagement portions being configured to engage the lateral end portions of the articulated body in the stowed configuration such that the articulated body extends across the convex surface, and wherein the convex surface further comprises recesses arranged to accommodate the protrusions of the hair care device.

[0042] The device may, for example, comprise a container or housing for storing accessories, for example for styling hair. The device may, for example, be a hair styling appliance, for example a hair dryer, a curling iron, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a hair care device according to the first embodiment in an unfolded configuration;

[0044] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of a hair care device according to the first embodiment in a stowed configuration;

[0045] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a hair care device according to the second embodiment in an unfolded configuration;

[0046] Figure 2B is a perspective view of a hair care device according to the second embodiment in a stowed configuration;

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a hair care device according to the third embodiment; and

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a hair care system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA hair care device 100 is illustrated, which comprises a hinged body 11 from which a plurality of protrusions 12 in the form of bristles protrude. In particular, the protrusions 12 protrude from a first side 13 of the body 11, which is opposite a second side 14 of the body 11 (the first and second sides 13, 14 representing major surfaces of the hinged body 11).

[0050] The hinged body 11 comprises a plurality of segments 15 (in this case, a total of nine segments 15) which are pivotably connected to one another. This allows the hinged body 11 to bend about a longitudinal bending axis (extending into the page as shown) between a storage configuration (as shown in Figure 1B ) and a deployed configuration (as shown in Figure 1A ).

[0051] The plurality of segments 15 comprises two opposing lateral end segments 16 (disposed at respective lateral ends of the hinged body 11) and a central segment 17 from which the protrusions 12 protrude. The end segments 16 are connected to the central segment 17 by a plurality of intermediate segments 18. The segments 15 are elongate in a longitudinal direction (into the page as shown) and are arranged side-by-side. Each pair of adjacent segments 15 comprises a pair of cooperating abutment surfaces 19 (one abutment surface being provided on each of the segments 15 in the pair), which abut against one another in the deployed configuration (as shown in Figure 1A ). These abutment surfaces 19 are provided by laterally facing side surfaces of the segments 15.

[0052] The intermediate segments 18 each have a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape so as to taper inwardly in a direction from the first side 13 to the second side 14. Thus, each intermediate segment 18 has opposing lateral sides (which act as abutment surfaces 19) which are not parallel (i.e. the two opposing surfaces of each intermediate segment are inclined towards one another in a direction from the first side 13 to the second side 14). One consequence of this is that, when the abutment surfaces 19 are brought together in the deployed configuration, the hinged body 11 is cambered (i.e. has a cambered cross-sectional shape, as evident from Figure 1A ).

[0053] The central segment 17 is wider (i.e. takes a greater width in the lateral direction) than the intermediate segments 18. The protrusions 12 extend from the central segment 17 so as to be perpendicular to an upper surface 20 of the central segment (i.e. at the first side 13 of the hinged body 11).

[0054] Each lateral end segment 16 of the hinged body 11 comprises an enlarged (or bulbous) portion 21. As will be described in more detail below, a user can grasp these enlarged portions 21 in use (i.e. when styling hair) and the enlarged nature of the enlarged portions 21 makes it easier and more comfortable for the user to grasp the hair care device 100.

[0055] The segments 15 (i.e. the end segments 16, the central segment 17 and the intermediate segments 18) are connected by two flexible layers 22 provided at the first side 13 of the articulated body 11. Each flexible layer 22 extends from a respective lateral side of the central segment 17 to a respective end segment 16, across a respective intermediate segment 18. The flexible nature of the flexible layers 22 means that they provide a pivotable connection between each pair of adjacent segments 15 (i.e. at the first side 13 of the articulated body 11). Each pivotable connection enables the adjacent segments 15 to pivot relative to one another about a respective longitudinal pivot axis. It is the combination of these pivotable connections that provides the articulated nature of the articulated body 11 and allows the articulated body 11 to move between a stowed configuration Figure 1B and a deployed configuration Figure 1A .

[0056] In use, a user can deploy the hair care device 100 by bending the articulated body 11 about the longitudinal axis in the first direction until the abutment surfaces 19 contact one another. In this position, the protrusions 12 are exposed so that the user is able to use the protrusions 12 to style their hair (or, of course, the hair of another). As previously mentioned, the articulated body 11 has an arcuate form in this configuration. As such, the first side 13 faces outwardly and is convex.

[0057] Of course, it is desirable for the articulated body 11 to remain in the deployed configuration while the hair care device 100 is in use. To achieve this, a user can apply a force (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1A ) that urges the lateral end segments 16 towards one another. If it were not for the presence and cooperation of the abutment surfaces 19 restricting this movement, this force would cause the articulated body 11 to bend further away from the stowed configuration. In other words, urging the lateral end segments 16 together in this way urges the abutment surfaces 19 together and helps to ensure the stability of the articulated body 11 in the deployed configuration.

[0058] A user is able to apply such a force by squeezing the lateral end segments 16 between the fingers and thumb of a single hand. Advantageously, this represents the manner in which the hair care device 100 is intended to be held in use (i.e. when styling hair). In other words, simply grasping the hair care device 100 in the intended manner of use serves to hold the articulated body 11 in the deployed configuration.

[0059] To further help to hold the articulated body 11 in the deployed configuration, the hair care device 100 comprises a connector 23 in the form of an elastic fabric that extends between and connects the lateral end segments 16 in the deployed configuration. The elastic nature of the connector 23 means that it urges the lateral end segments 16 towards one another, thereby urging the abutment surfaces 19 together to hold the articulated body 11 in the deployed configuration.

[0060] Once the user has finished styling their hair, they can bend the articulated body 11 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) to move the articulated body 11 into a storage configuration as shown in Figure 1B Bending the articulated body 11 in this way causes the adjacent segments 15 to pivot relative to each other and the adjacent abutment surfaces 19 to pivot away from each other.

[0061] In the storage configuration, the articulated body 11 wraps around the protrusion 12 such that the first side 13 of the articulated body 11 is concave and faces inwardly towards the protrusion 12. In this way, the protrusion 12 is protected by the articulated body 11. Likewise, as should be apparent from Figure 1B In the storage configuration, the hair care device 100 is more compact than in the deployed configuration. As a result, handling and carrying of the hair care device 100 becomes easier.

[0062] To hold the articulated body 11 in the storage configuration, the hair care device 100 further comprises a holding device comprising a pair of magnets 24, each magnet 24 being provided on a respective lateral end segment 16 of the articulated body 11. In the storage configuration, because the articulated body 11 completely wraps around the protrusion 12, the lateral end segments 16 are brought together. The magnets 24 are positioned such that when in this position, they contact to hold the lateral end segments 16 against each other.

[0063] As should be apparent from Figure 1B In the storage configuration, the connector 23 extends around the (outwardly facing) second side 14 of the articulated body 11. In this way, the connector 23 acts as an outer cover in the storage configuration 23. As can be appreciated, the magnets 24 are configured such that the closing force provided by the magnets 24 overcomes the force of the connector 23 that forces the lateral end segments 16 apart (due to the elastic nature of the connector 23).

[0064] Figure 2A and 2B A hair care device 200 is shown, which is a variant of the hair care device 100 discussed above. This hair care device 200 comprises many features already discussed above, which are given the same reference numerals in Figure 2A and 2B For brevity, these will not be discussed in detail again.

[0065] As with the previously described hair care device 100, Figure 2A and 2B The hair care device 200 comprises an articulated body 11 formed of pivotably connected segments 15, which allows the articulated body 11 to be moved between a deployed configuration ( Figure 2A ) and a storage configuration ( Figure 2BThe hinge body 11 is arranged to move between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In this case, the hinge body 11 comprises four segments 15: two lateral end segments 16 and two intermediate segments 18 connected between the lateral end segments 16. The segments 15 are connected by a single flexible fabric layer 22 which extends across the first side 13 of the hinge body 11.

[0066] The protrusions 12 in the form of bristles extend from both intermediate segments 18. In this regard, the protrusions 12 are arranged in a first group 25 of protrusions 12 and a second group 26 of protrusions 12, each group of protrusions 25, 26 being provided on one of the intermediate segments 18. The groups of protrusions 25, 26 are arranged such that the first group 25 of protrusions is longitudinally offset from the second group 26 of protrusions. This ensures that the protrusions 12 in the first group 25 do not collide with the protrusions 12 in the second group 26 when the hinge body 11 is in the stowed configuration (as per the dashed lines in Figure 1). Figure 2B Figure 2B This allows the hinge body 11 to be more compact in the stowed configuration (as per the dashed lines in Figure 1).

[0067] Each group of protrusions 25, 26 comprises three rows of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced protrusions 12. The height of the three rows of protrusions 12 of each group of protrusions 25, 26 varies such that the rows of protrusions 12 closest to the centre of the hair care device 200 are longer (i.e. extend further from the hinge body 11) than the rows closest to the respective lateral end segment 16. This ensures that the protrusions 12 do not collide with the lateral end segments 16 when the hinge body 11 is in the stowed configuration.

[0068] The hair care device 200 differs from the previously described in that it comprises four longitudinal end walls 27. Each lateral end segment 16 comprises two longitudinal end walls 27 upstanding therefrom. Each longitudinal end wall 27 is triangular in shape so as to taper inwards in the direction in which the end wall 27 extends from the hinge body 11. In particular, it will be apparent from Figure 1 that the longitudinal end walls 27 taper inwards in the direction of the hinge body 11. Figure 2B It will be apparent from Figure 1 that when the hinge body 11 is in the stowed configuration, the longitudinal end walls 27 fit together so as to substantially enclose the longitudinal ends of the internal cavity formed by the hinge body 11. This helps to protect the protrusions 12.

[0069] Figure 3 Another hair care device 300 is shown in the deployed configuration. In this variant, the hinge body 11 has a square-arch form when in the deployed configuration. To form this shape, each lateral end segment 18 comprises a body portion 28 and a handle portion 29 which extends from the body portion 28 in the opposite direction to the protrusions 12. The intermediate segments 18 are arranged linearly between the lateral end segments 16 (in the deployed configuration). To achieve this, each intermediate segment 28 has a substantially rectangular (rather than, for example, trapezoidal) cross-sectional shape.

[0070] Figure 4 ​A hair care system is shown, which includes a hair care device 400 (which is similar to...) Figure 1A and 1B The hair care device 400 is shown in the figure, and a device 30 in the form of a container for storing hair care accessories is also shown. The device 30 includes an external convex surface 31 disposed between spaced engagement portions 32 in the form of concave recesses. The hair care device 400 is configured such that, in a storage configuration (as shown), a lateral end segment 16 of the hair care device 400 engages in the engagement portions 32 of the device 30 (so as to be held therein). When in this position, a first side 13 of the hinge body 11 of the hair care device 400 extends across the convex surface 31 of the device 30. The device 30 also includes a central recess 33 shaped to receive a protrusion 12 of the hair care device 400. In this way, when the hair care device 400 is in the storage configuration, the protrusion 12 is protected by the device 30.

[0071] In order to use the hair care device 400, the user can disengage the lateral end section 16 from the joint portion 32 and bend the hinge body 11 to a position similar to... Figure 1A The expanded configuration is shown.

[0072] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, are expressed in their particular form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, and may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement the invention in its various forms.

[0073] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon presentation of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0074] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0075] Any chapter headings used in this article are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0076] Throughout this specification, including the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and “including”, as well as variations such as “comprising,” “including,” and “including,” shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integer or step or group of steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of steps.

[0077] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can 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 values are expressed as approximations, by use of 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 care device comprising a hinge having a first side and an opposite second side, a plurality of hair-engaging protrusions projecting from the first side, the hinge including a plurality of pivotally engageable segments allowing the hinge to bend between locations about a longitudinal bending axis: Storage location, wherein the first side of the hinge extends inwardly to at least partially surround the plurality of protrusions; and In the unfolded position, the hinge body faces outward, exposing the protrusion for use, and wherein, In the unfolded configuration, the segments of the hinge are adjacent to each other to resist bending of the hinge about a bending axis in a direction away from the storage configuration.

2. The hair care device of claim 1, wherein the hinge body forms an arch in the unfolded configuration, and wherein, in the unfolded configuration, the segments of the hinge body are adjacent to each other to resist inward collapse of the arch.

3. The hair care device according to claim 2, wherein, The arch has a generally curved profile.

4. The hair care device according to claim 3, wherein, The arch shape makes the first side of the hinge convex when the hinge is in the unfolded configuration.

5. The hair care device according to claim 2, wherein, The arch has a substantially non-curved profile.

6. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side of the hinge is concave in the storage configuration.

7. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments includes a pivotable connection therebetween, the pivotable connection being configured to provide pivotal movement between the adjacent segments about a respective longitudinal pivot axis.

8. The hair care device of claim 7, wherein each pivotable connection is located on the first side of the hinge body.

9. The hair care device of claim 8, wherein each pivotable connection includes a flexible joint connecting a corresponding pair of adjacent elements.

10. The hair care device of claim 9, wherein each flexible connector forms part of a flexible layer that extends across the first side of the hinge.

11. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein each pair of adjacent segments includes an abutting surface, the abutting surfaces being arranged to abut each other in the unfolded configuration.

12. The hair care device of claim 11, wherein the abutting surfaces of each pair of adjacent elements are arranged between the pivotable connection connecting the pair of adjacent elements and the second side of the hinge body.

13. The hair care device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the adjacent surface is the lateral facing side surface of the hinge section.

14. The hair care device of claim 13, wherein one or more hinge body segments taper inwardly in a direction from a first side to a second side of the hinge body.

15. The hair care device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, One or more of the hinge segments have a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

16. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connector capable of connecting the lateral ends of the hinge body in the unfolded configuration to restrict movement of the lateral ends away from each other, thereby maintaining the arch shape of the hinge body.

17. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lateral ends of the hinge are enlarged to allow the user to grip it in the unfolded configuration.

18. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the storage configuration, the hinge extends fully around the protrusion such that the lateral ends of the hinge are in contact with each other.

19. The hair care device of claim 18, further comprising a retaining device for releasably securing the lateral ends to each other when in the storage configuration.

20. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes a first set of protrusions on a first segment of the plurality of segments and a second set of protrusions on a second segment of the plurality of segments, and wherein the first set of protrusions is longitudinally offset relative to the second set of protrusions.

21. A hair care system comprising a hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims and means for mounting thereon when the hair care device is in the storage configuration, the means comprising an external convex surface disposed between spaced engagement portions configured to engage a lateral end of a hinge body in the storage configuration such that the hinge body extends across the convex surface, and wherein the convex surface further comprises a recess arranged to receive the protrusion of the hair care device.

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