Heated comb attachment

Abstract

A wide-tooth comb for straightening curly or coiled hair is provided. In one embodiment, the comb includes a housing having a proximal end configured to attach to a blow dryer. The housing also includes a distal end and a main passageway extending through the housing between the proximal end and the distal end. The comb further includes a faceplate extending across the distal end of the housing, the faceplate having a plurality of openings formed therein and configured to receive heated air flowing through the main passageway. The comb also includes a plurality of comb teeth extending distally from the faceplate and spaced apart from one another. Additionally, the comb includes a heating element operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of comb teeth and configured to heat the at least one of the plurality of comb teeth.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,684, filed August 23, 2023, entitled “Heated Wide-Tooth Comb,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,810, filed November 16, 2023, entitled “Heated Comb Accessory,” both the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] A wide-tooth comb with actively heated bristles is provided for use with a hair dryer. Background Technology

[0004] Curly and tangled hair can often be difficult to straighten. Even when combined with airflow from a hairdryer, the teeth of a traditional wide-tooth comb cannot straighten strands of hair for more than a short time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A hair comb with actively heated bristles is provided for use with a hair dryer.

[0006] In one embodiment, a comb is provided, comprising a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a main channel extending through the housing between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end is configured to attach to a hair dryer. The comb may also include a panel extending across the distal end of the housing, the panel having a plurality of openings formed therein and configured to receive heated air flowing through the main channel. The comb may further include a plurality of comb teeth extending distally from the panel and spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the comb may include a heating element operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of comb teeth and configured to heat at least one of the plurality of comb teeth.

[0007] The comb can have various configurations. In some aspects, the housing may include an auxiliary channel configured to receive entrained airflow from outside the housing. In some embodiments, the auxiliary channel may extend between at least one opening formed in the housing and a distal end of the housing. The at least one opening may be, for example, an elongated slot formed in a sidewall of the housing. Furthermore, the plurality of openings in the panel may include a first plurality of openings configured to receive heated air from a main channel and a second plurality of openings configured to receive outside air from the auxiliary channel. In some aspects, the second plurality of openings may extend along a row adjacent to at least one of a plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to a heating element, and the first plurality of openings may be positioned relative to the second plurality of openings such that heated air flowing from the first plurality of openings is configured to draw outside air through the auxiliary channel and exit the second plurality of openings.

[0008] In other embodiments, the comb may include a comb guard arranged around at least one of a plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to a heating element.

[0009] The comb teeth can also have various configurations, and in one embodiment may include a first plurality of comb teeth and a second plurality of comb teeth, and a heating element may be operatively coupled to the second plurality of comb teeth but not to the first plurality of comb teeth. In one aspect, each comb tooth in the second plurality of comb teeth may be directly heated by the heating element. In other aspects, the second plurality of comb teeth may include a first subset of comb teeth and a second subset of comb teeth, and a heating element may be operatively coupled to the first subset of comb teeth and the second subset of comb teeth such that each comb tooth in the first subset may be directly heated by the heating element, and each comb tooth in the second subset may be indirectly heated by the heating element. Furthermore, the first subset of comb teeth may extend through an opening formed between each comb tooth in the second subset of comb teeth.

[0010] In another embodiment, a hair straightening system is provided, comprising a hair dryer having an air inlet, an air outlet, a fan for drawing air into the inlet and expelling air through the outlet, and a heater for heating the air. The hair straightening system may further include a comb configured to be removably coupled to the hair dryer, such that heated air flowing from the outlet flows through a main channel in the comb and exits from a distal end of the comb. Additionally, the comb may include a plurality of teeth projecting from the distal end of the comb, such that heated air flows between the teeth. The comb may further include a heating element configured to be electrically coupled to the hair dryer and to heat at least one of the plurality of teeth.

[0011] In some implementations, the comb may include an auxiliary channel extending through it and separate from the main channel. The auxiliary channel may have an outlet positioned adjacent to the outlet of the main channel, such that heated air flowing through the outlet of the main channel draws in outside air through the auxiliary channel and the auxiliary channel outlet.

[0012] In other embodiments, the plurality of comb teeth may include a first plurality of comb teeth and a second plurality of comb teeth, and a heating element may be operatively coupled to the second plurality of comb teeth but not to the first plurality of comb teeth. In one aspect, each comb tooth in the second plurality of comb teeth may be directly heated by the heating element. In other aspects, the second plurality of comb teeth may include a first subset of comb teeth and a second subset of comb teeth, and a heating element may be operatively coupled to both subsets such that each comb tooth in the first subset may be directly heated by the heating element, and each comb tooth in the second subset may be indirectly heated by the heating element. Furthermore, the first subset of comb teeth may extend through an opening formed between each comb tooth in the second subset of comb teeth.

[0013] In other respects, the hair straightening system may include a protective element extending around at least one of a plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to a heating element. Attached Figure Description

[0014] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1A This is a top-side perspective view of one embodiment of a wide-tooth comb;

[0016] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Side view of a wide-tooth comb;

[0017] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1B The xx line is cut off Figure 1B Front view of the cross section of a wide-tooth comb;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A top view of a wide-toothed comb;

[0019] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A top-side perspective view of a wide-tooth comb, with the outer shell removed;

[0020] Figure 3B yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the bottom side of a wide-tooth comb, with the outer shell and panel removed;

[0021] Figure 3C It is along Figure 2 The yy line is cut off Figure 2A cross-sectional side view of a wide-tooth comb;

[0022] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A A front-view perspective of a wide-tooth comb;

[0023] Figure 4B yes Figure 1A An exploded perspective view of a wide-tooth comb, showing the panel and comb teeth separated from the outer shell;

[0024] Figure 4C yes Figure 1A A side-view exploded perspective view of the wide-tooth comb, showing the lip margin separated from the lip margin support;

[0025] Figure 5A yes Figure 1A A side-view exploded perspective view of the second and a third teeth of a wide-tooth comb;

[0026] Figure 5B yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the top side of a wide-tooth comb;

[0027] Figure 5C It is formed as a single integrated comb tooth. Figure 1A A side perspective perspective view of the second and third teeth of a wide-tooth comb;

[0028] Figure 6A This is an exploded side view of the heater assembly, showing... Figure 1A The heating element, wiring, and connecting frame of the wide-tooth comb;

[0029] Figure 6B It is connected to Figure 5A The second multiple comb teeth Figure 6A A three-dimensional view of the top side of the heating element;

[0030] Figure 6C It is connected to Figure 6B A three-dimensional view of the top side of the cover plate of the heating element;

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 1A Top perspective view of the attachment connector of the wide-tooth comb;

[0032] Figure 8A It is constructed to be with Figure 1A A side view of one embodiment of a hair dryer used in conjunction with a wide-tooth comb;

[0033] Figure 8B It is along Figure 8A The zz line is cut off Figure 8A A side cross-sectional view of a hair dryer;

[0034] Figure 8C yes Figure 8AA side perspective view of the distal end of a hair dryer; and

[0035] Figure 8D It is attached to Figure 1A Wide-tooth comb Figure 8A A side-view exploded view of a hair dryer.

[0036] Note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a full understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0038] As mentioned above, traditional wide-tooth combs used with hair dryers cannot straighten some curly hair simply by using airflow. To address this issue, wide-tooth combs with actively heated bristles are available to lengthen and straighten hair strands. By increasing the temperature of the hair and aligning the strands into a straight position, the actively heated bristles can help users with type 3 or 4 hair transform their curls or coils into smooth, straight lengths. Additionally, lengthening and straightening the hair can help prepare it for protective styles such as braids or dreadlocks.

[0039] Figure 1A-1C The illustration depicts one embodiment of a wide-tooth comb with actively heated bristles for use with a hair dryer. As shown, a wide-tooth comb 100 is provided, which typically includes a housing 200, an inner housing 300, a faceplate 400, a plurality of bristles 500, a heating element 600, and an attachment connector 700. The comb 100 is designed to attach to a hair dryer (e.g., Figure 8D The top of the housing 200 receives heated airflow HA from the blower 800 and entrained airflow EA from the air outside the housing 200. For illustrative purposes only, the term "top" is used to refer to... Figure 1B The term "bottom" is used to refer to the surface of the sidewall 260b opposite to the top, the term "proximal" is used to refer to the end with the attachment connector 700, and the term "distal" is used to refer to the end with a plurality of comb teeth 500.

[0040] In some embodiments, as the heated airflow HA flows through the inner housing 300 and exits the panel 400, the heated airflow HA draws in external air through the outer housing 200 to generate entrained airflow EA. For example... Figure 1C As shown, to differentiate the heated airflow HA from the entrained airflow EA within the comb 100, a main channel 308 extends through the inner housing 300 and receives the heated airflow HA from the hair dryer 800, while an auxiliary channel 212 is formed between the inner housing 300 and the outer housing 200, providing a separate path through which the entrained airflow EA can travel. Once outside the panel 400, the heated airflow HA is used to draw in the entrained airflow EA through the auxiliary channel 212, and the airflows HA and EA combine to guide the user's hair toward the multiple comb teeth 500 for further styling. In operation, at least one of the multiple comb teeth 500 can be heated by the heating element 600, thereby increasing the temperature of the hair so that the hair is lengthened and straightened as the multiple comb teeth 500 comb through the hair strands.

[0041] The outer casing 200 of the comb 100 Figure 1A-Figure 1B and Figure 2 The diagram is illustrated in more detail below. As shown, the outer casing 200 may be formed by two shields that are joined together to define the outer casing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 200 includes a first shield or sidewall 206a and a second shield or sidewall 206b, which may be generally trapezoidal and may taper outward from the proximal end 202 of the outer casing 200 to the distal end 204 of the outer casing 200. The first sidewall 206a and the second sidewall 206b may each be convex and may be curved toward each other such that the side edges 208a, 208b of the first sidewall 206a and the second sidewall 206b are flush with each other to mate. The first sidewall 206a and the second sidewall 206b may include openings 210a, 210b for auxiliary channels, as discussed further below. The openings 210a and 210b shown in the figure are positioned towards the proximal end 202 and extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 11 of the comb 100 across the center of each sidewall 206a and 206b. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 210a and 210b are formed as a single elongated slot, but the shape can vary depending on the construction of the comb 100. For example, the openings 210a and 210b can alternatively be formed as multiple elongated slots positioned horizontally side by side. Entrained airflow EA enters the housing 200 through the openings 210a and 210b and then flows along the auxiliary channel 212 before exiting the housing 200 through the opening on the panel 400, as discussed in more detail below.

[0042] The sidewalls 206a and 206b may also include fins 214a and 214b positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from each other at the distal end 204. As the comb 100 moves downward along the hair, the fins 214a and 214b help straighten the hair. As shown, the fins 214a and 214b are formed in the shape of elongated triangles, but the fins 214a and 214b can have any shape suitable for helping to straighten the hair. However, it should be understood that including fins 214a and 214b on the sidewalls 206a and 206b is optional, and in some embodiments of the housing 200, the fins 214a and 214b may be omitted.

[0043] Turning Figures 3A-3B The figure illustrates the inner housing 300 of the comb 100, with the outer housing 200 removed. As shown, the inner housing 300 typically includes a hollow trapezoidal outer shell with a proximal end 304 and a distal end 306. The proximal end 304 and distal end 306 may be open to expose a main channel 308 through which the heated airflow HA travels. As further shown, the inner housing 300 may include a top mounting bracket 310 and a bottom mounting bracket 311 to facilitate attachment of the inner housing 300 to the outer housing 200. Figure 3C As shown, mounting brackets 310 and 311 can protrude from the inner housing 300, thereby creating a space between the first sidewall 206a and the second sidewall 206b and the inner housing 300 to form an auxiliary channel 212. The auxiliary channel 212 begins just at the distal side of the openings 210a and 210b and terminates at a row of openings 418 on the panel 400 (see example). Figure 3C ) and side openings 420a, 420b (see example) Figure 1C Previously, it was wrapped around the circumference of the inner housing 300. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the heating assembly 600 is disposed within the inner housing 300, as discussed in more detail below.

[0044] As described above, the comb 100 may also include a panel 400 having a plurality of comb teeth 500 extending therefrom. Figures 4A-4C The panel 400 and comb teeth 500 of the comb 100 are illustrated in more detail. As shown, the panel 400 may be configured to extend across the distal end 204 of the outer casing 200 to close the inner casing 300 and the open distal end 306 of the outer casing 200. The panel 400 may be shaped in various ways, but in the illustrated embodiment, the panel 400 is generally a planar shape with an elliptical periphery to fit onto the distal end 204.

[0045] Multiple comb teeth 500 may extend outward from the panel 400 and may include a first plurality of comb teeth 402 extending along a first row and a second plurality of comb teeth 502 extending along a second row adjacent to but spaced apart from the first set of comb teeth 402. Each comb tooth in each of the two rows of comb teeth 402, 502 may be relative to the comb 100 and the longitudinal axis 11 of the airflow through the comb 100 (see, for example...). Figure 1B Oriented at angle T. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis hh extends longitudinally along the plurality of comb teeth 402 (see, for example...). Figure 1B Offset 20-30 degrees from the longitudinal axis ll.

[0046] The first set of comb teeth 402 may be passive (non-electrically heated) and may extend directly from the panel 400. As discussed in more detail below, the second plurality of comb teeth 502 may include a comb guard 404 extending directly from the panel 400 and heating pins 514 extending through the panel 400 and into the comb guard 404. Although Figure 4B The first plurality of comb teeth 402 and comb tooth guards 404 are illustrated as integral or integrated with the panel 400, but those skilled in the art will understand that they may be formed separately from the panel 400 and fit into the panel 400 in various ways.

[0047] Each of the first plurality of comb teeth 402 has an elongated, nail-like structure, and the comb teeth can be spaced apart from each other to allow hair to pass through them. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of comb teeth 402 alternate in length (see example...). Figure 3A However, the comb teeth 402 can be uniform in length or can have varying lengths. In operation, heated airflow HA and entrained airflow EA flow between the first plurality of comb teeth 402, which divides the user's hair into multiple sections to be straightened.

[0048] As described above, panel 400 may include comb guards 404 extending distally from panel 400 and spaced apart from the first plurality of comb teeth 402. Comb guards 404 may form part of a second plurality of comb teeth 502. Each comb guard 404 may have various shapes and sizes, but in the illustrated embodiment, each comb guard 404 is generally elongated and arched to extend around the heating pin 514, as discussed further below. Similar to the first plurality of comb teeth 402, comb guards 404 may extend in rows and may be spaced apart from each other to allow hair to pass through them. In operation, comb guards 404 protect the user's fingers and scalp from direct contact with the heating pin 514. In an exemplary embodiment, comb guards 404, as well as optionally panel 400 and the first plurality of comb teeth 402, are formed of a heat-resistant material such as plastic. However, in other embodiments, these components may be formed of a thermally conductive material such as a metal. In other respects, various components may be coated with various materials that have properties that help with the use of the comb 100 and / or prevent the comb 100 from wearing out, such as metal or ceramic coatings, tourmaline coatings, etc.

[0049] like Figure 4A As shown, panel 400 may also include openings for allowing airflow through comb 100, and the openings may be grouped into rows extending across panel 400 from one side to the other. In the illustrated embodiment, moving from top to bottom, the first row 412 has a plurality of openings above the comb guard 404 and adjacent to the top edge 413 of panel 400, and the second row 414 includes a plurality of openings below the entire row of comb guards 404 and above the first plurality of comb teeth 402. The third row 416 is formed by a plurality of openings below and adjacent to the entire row of the first plurality of comb teeth, and the fourth row 418 has a plurality of openings extending below the third row 416 and adjacent to the bottom edge 415 of panel 400. Figure 3C As shown, the first row 412, the second row 414 and the third row 416 receive heated airflow HA from the main channel 308, and the fourth row 418 receives entrained airflow EA from the auxiliary channel 212.

[0050] The entrained airflow EA can also pass through the first side opening 420a and the second side opening 420b (see example). Figure 1CThe first side opening 420a and the second side opening 420b extend perpendicularly to the second row 414 at opposite ends of the panel 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side opening 420a and the second side opening 420b are formed as elongated slots, but various shapes are within the scope of this application. As discussed above, rows 412, 414 and 416 are positioned relative to the fourth row 418 and openings 420a, 420b such that when the heated airflow HA exits through rows 412, 414 and 416, the heated airflow HA draws entrained airflow EA through the auxiliary channel 212 and exits the fourth row 418 and openings 420a, 420b.

[0051] like Figure 4C As shown, according to some embodiments, panel 400 may also include features that facilitate gripping hair to aid in straightening. In the illustrated embodiment, panel 400 includes a lip 422 disposed in a lip support 424 formed in panel 400. The illustrated lip 422 is in the form of an elongated body that extends parallel to and above the first row 412 and at an angle away from the first row 412. Lip 422 may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone, but those skilled in the art will understand that other flexible materials may be used. In use, as the user's hair slides over the first plurality of comb teeth 402 and the second plurality of comb teeth 502, lip 422 can grip the hair and provide tension, allowing the hair to be further lengthened and straightened. However, lip 422 and lip support 424 are optional and may be omitted from comb 100.

[0052] As described above, the second plurality of comb teeth 502 may include heating pins 514 positioned within the comb tooth guard 404. In operation, the heating pins 514 can further increase the temperature of the user's hair to a level exceeding that achieved by the heated airflow HA, making it easier to lengthen and straighten the hair. In one embodiment, as... Figure 5A As shown, a heating pin 514 can project distally from a first platform 508 and a second platform 510, which are configured to be electrically heated via a heating assembly 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the first platform 508 and the second platform 510 are elongated rectangles, but platforms 508, 510 can have any shape suitable for supporting the pin 514. As further illustrated, the first platform 508 may include a through-hole 512 configured to receive a screw 513 for attaching the first platform 508 to a cover plate 608, as described below. Figure 6C To be discussed in more detail. For example... Figure 5AAs shown, the second plurality of comb teeth 502 may include a first subset of comb teeth 515 and a second subset of comb teeth 517. A first platform 508 may be positioned within the inner housing 300 at its distal end 306 and may be in physical contact with the heating element 602, such that the heating element 602 directly heats the first subset of comb teeth 515. In some embodiments, the second platform 510 may include evenly spaced openings 516. In operation, pins 514 of the first subset of comb teeth 515 protrude through the openings 516, such that the second platform 510 is positioned on top of the first platform 508, and the pins 514 of the first subset of comb teeth 515 interlock with the pins 514 of the second subset of comb teeth 517. In the illustrated embodiment, the second platform 510 is not in contact with the heating assembly 600 (… Figure 6B The second comb tooth subset 517 is indirectly heated by heat transferred from the first comb tooth subset 515 through direct physical contact. However, in other embodiments, the first comb tooth subset 515 and the second comb tooth subset 517 may be a single integral component, the entire assembly of which may be directly heated by the heating assembly 600. For example, Figure 5C A second plurality of comb teeth 502, formed as a single integral unit, is shown, comprising a platform 521 from which elongated pins 523 extend. The entire plurality of comb teeth 519 can be directly heated by a heating assembly 600.

[0053] Turning Figures 6A-6C The illustration shows one embodiment of the heating assembly 600 of the comb 100. As shown, the heating assembly 600 typically includes a heating element 602, wiring 604, and a connecting frame 606. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 602 is an elongated rectangular plate positioned below a first platform 508. As discussed above, the heating element 602 directly heats the first platform 508, and consequently, the first platform 508 heats the second platform 510 and the pins 514; however, other configurations are also possible.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a flat cover plate 608 is positioned below the heating element 602 and secured in place with screws 513 (see example). Figure 6C The cover plate 608 can serve as a barrier between the heating element 602 and the inner housing 300. Wiring 604 can extend from the heating element 602 and from the sleeve 612 located directly beneath the cover plate 608, and can run along the inner housing 300 (see example) before being attached to the connecting frame 606. Figure 3A It meanders downwards. (For example...) Figure 6A As shown, the illustrated connection frame 606 is C-shaped and includes an opening 614 to receive the wiring 604 and the pin 710 of the electrical connector 708 to which the attachment connector 700 is attached. The connection frame 606 is positioned on top of the electrical connector 708 such that the pin 710 protrudes through the opening 614 to secure the connection frame 606 to the electrical connector 708 (see example...). Figure 3A ).

[0055] To facilitate attaching the comb 100 to a hair dryer (e.g., Figure 8D The comb attachment 700 may include features that facilitate such installation and electrical connection, and allows the heating element 600 to be electrically connected to the hair dryer 800 to allow the heating element 600 to be powered. Figure 7 An embodiment of the attachment connector 700 of the comb 100 is illustrated. As shown, the attachment connector 700 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical outer wall 702 having a stepped region 704 leading to a generally cylindrical inner wall 706. An electrical connector 708 may be formed as a hollow cylindrical tube extending distally from the stepped region 704. A pin 710 may be positioned within the electrical connector 708 to attach the electrical connector 708 to a connecting frame 606, as discussed above. When used with a hair dryer 800, the electrical connector 708 can supply power from the hair dryer 800 and deliver it to the heating element 602 via wiring 604. Additionally, the cylindrical inner wall 706 may include a fixing region 712 having an opening (not shown) through which a screw 716 can protrude to attach the attachment connector 700 to the inner housing 300. However, other attachment mechanisms may be utilized. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 702 includes a recessed portion 718 that mates with a mating feature 818 of the hair dryer 800 to attach the comb 100 to the hair dryer 800. Various other attachment technologies can be utilized. The power transmission from the hair dryer 800 to an accessory such as the comb 100 is described more fully in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 480,017, filed October 3, 2023, entitled "Identification of Hair Care Appliance Accessories".

[0056] exist Figures 8A-8D The figure illustrates one embodiment of a hair dryer 800. As shown, the hair dryer 800 includes a handle 802 with an air inlet 804 at a proximal end 806, a body 808 with an air outlet 810 at a distal end 812, and a user interface (not shown) for controlling the operation of the hair dryer 800. (Go to...) Figure 8B In some embodiments, the fan assembly 816 is positioned within the handle 802, distal to the air inlet 804, and the heater 814 is positioned within the body 808, adjacent to the air outlet 810, for heating the air blown from the fan assembly 816 therethrough. The blower 800 may include mating features 818 spaced circumferentially around the air outlet 810 (see, for example...). Figure 8C This is used to mate with the notch 718 to attach the comb 100 to the hair dryer 800. Similarly, various other mating techniques can be used.

[0057] In operation, when the comb 100 is connected to the hair dryer 800, the fan assembly 816 draws in outside air through the air inlet 804 and allows the air to flow distally through the handle 802. The fan assembly 816 pushes the air toward the body 808, where the heater 814 increases the temperature of the air to generate a heated airflow HA. The fan assembly 816 then exhausts the air from the hair dryer 800 through the air outlet 810, and the air enters the inner housing 300 to flow along the main channel 308 toward the rows 412, 414, and 416. The force of the heated airflow HA adjacent to the rows 418 and openings 420a, 420b exiting the panel 400 draws air from outside the comb 100 into the auxiliary channel 212 to form an entrained airflow EA, as discussed above.

[0058] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and apparatuses disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, apparatuses, and methods specifically described and illustrated herein are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with similar names in embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, within a particular embodiment, it is not necessary to describe every feature of every component with a similar name in detail.

[0059] The approximate language used throughout the specification and claims may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may permissibly vary without altering its associated essential function. Accordingly, values ​​modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, such scopes being identified and including all subscopes contained herein, unless otherwise indicated by context or language.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand further features and advantages of the invention based on the above embodiments. Therefore, this application is not limited to what is specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0061] Depending on the desired construction, the subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and / or articles. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Rather, they are merely examples of aspects consistent with and related to the described subject matter. Although some variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the above embodiments may be provided for various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. Furthermore, the logical flows depicted in the figures and / or described herein do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A comb, comprising: A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a main channel extending through the housing between the proximal end and the distal end, the proximal end being configured to attach to a hair dryer; A panel extending across the distal end of the housing and having a plurality of openings formed therein, and configured to receive heated air flowing through the main channel; Multiple comb teeth, the multiple comb teeth extending distally from the panel and spaced apart from each other; as well as A heating element, operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of comb teeth and configured to heat at least one of the plurality of comb teeth.

2. The comb according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of comb teeth includes a first plurality of comb teeth and a second plurality of comb teeth, and wherein the heating element is operatively coupled to the second plurality of comb teeth but not to the first plurality of comb teeth.

3. The comb according to claim 2, wherein each of the second plurality of comb teeth is directly heated by the heating element.

4. The comb according to claim 2, wherein the second plurality of comb teeth comprises a first subset of comb teeth and a second subset of comb teeth, each comb tooth in the first subset being directly heated by the heating element, and each comb tooth in the second subset being indirectly heated by the heating element.

5. The comb of claim 4, wherein the first set of comb teeth extends through an opening formed between each comb tooth of the second set of comb teeth.

6. The comb of claim 1, further comprising a comb guard arranged around at least one of the plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to the heating element.

7. The comb of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises an auxiliary channel configured to receive entrained airflow from outside the housing.

8. The comb of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary channel extends between at least one opening formed in the housing and the distal end of the housing.

9. The comb of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening comprises an elongated groove formed in the sidewall of the housing.

10. The comb of claim 7, wherein the plurality of openings includes a first plurality of openings configured to receive the heated air from the main channel and a second plurality of openings configured to receive external air from the auxiliary channel.

11. The comb of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of openings extends along a row adjacent to a position of at least one of the plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to the heating element.

12. The comb of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of openings are positioned relative to the second plurality of openings such that the heated air flowing from the first plurality of openings is configured to draw in external air through the auxiliary channel and exit the second plurality of openings.

13. A hair straightening system, comprising: A hair dryer having an air inlet, an air outlet, a fan for drawing air into the air inlet and discharging air through the air outlet, and a heater for heating the air; as well as A comb is configured to be removably coupled to the hair dryer, such that heated air flowing from the air outlet flows through a main channel in the comb and exits from a distal end of the comb, the comb including a plurality of protruding teeth such that the heated air flows between the plurality of teeth, and the comb including a heating element configured to be electrically coupled to the hair dryer and configured to heat at least one of the plurality of teeth.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the comb further comprises an auxiliary channel extending through the comb and separate from the main channel, the auxiliary channel having an outlet positioned adjacent to the outlet of the main channel, such that the heated air flowing from the outlet of the main channel draws in outside air through the auxiliary channel and through the outlet of the auxiliary channel.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of comb teeth includes a first plurality of comb teeth and a second plurality of comb teeth, and wherein the heating element is operatively coupled to the second plurality of comb teeth but not to the first plurality of comb teeth.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the second plurality of comb teeth is directly heated by the heating element.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the second plurality of comb teeth comprises a first subset of comb teeth and a second subset of comb teeth, each comb tooth in the first subset being directly heated by the heating element, and each comb tooth in the second subset being indirectly heated by the heating element.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first comb tooth subset extends through an opening formed between each comb tooth of the second comb tooth subset.

19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a protective member extending around at least one of the plurality of comb teeth operatively coupled to the heating element.

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