Haircare device

Abstract

The hair care device 10 includes a body 11, which includes an inlet 23 for receiving airflow and a main outlet 27, through which at least a portion of the airflow is discharged from the body 11. The hair care device 10 also includes a plurality of comb teeth 12 projecting from the front of the body 11, and a plurality of bristles 25 projecting laterally from a first side of the body 11. The main outlet 27 is arranged to discharge air through the front of the body 11.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A comb is a known hair styling tool. Typically, a comb consists of bristles that can penetrate the user's hair (e.g., a strand of hair) and can be moved through the hair to style it (e.g., untangle it).

[0002] Combs are sometimes used with hair care devices such as hair dryers. In some cases, combs may be provided as an accessory to a hair care device, or as part of the hair care device itself. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a hair care device is provided, comprising: a body including an inlet and an outlet (e.g., a main outlet) for receiving airflow, at least a portion of which is discharged from the body through the outlet; a plurality of comb teeth projecting from a front portion of the body; and a plurality of ridges projecting from a first side and / or a rear portion of the body, wherein the teeth and ridges are spaced apart along the length of the body, and each ridge extends around at least a portion of the body.

[0004] The ridges prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of a user (e.g., the user's scalp or fingers) coming into contact with the first side and / or rear of the body. This may be desirable, for example, when the body is heated (e.g., by a flow of heated air). The spacing of the ridges allows hair to be received between them, such that in an arrangement where the body is heated, the hair can come into contact with the body to improve heat transfer to the hair.

[0005] To avoid any ambiguity, the terms “front,” “back,” and “side” are not intended to limit the use of hair styling devices to any particular orientation.

[0006] In a second aspect, a hair care device is provided, comprising: a body including an inlet for receiving airflow and a main outlet, at least a portion of which is discharged from the body through the main outlet; a plurality of comb teeth protruding from the front of the body; and a plurality of bristles protruding laterally from a first side of the body; wherein the main outlet is arranged to discharge air through the front of the body.

[0007] In some cases, these bristles can increase the tension applied to the user's hair during use and / or ensure that sufficient tension is applied to the user's hair throughout the combing motion. As the comb teeth are pulled across the user's hair (e.g., along a strand), they can pull the hair (at least in part due to friction), thus applying tension. Such tension may be desired for styling purposes. As an example, heating hair while it is taut can help straighten it.

[0008] Including bristles as part of the second aspect of the hair care device means that the device can be oriented during use so that the hair passes through both the comb teeth and the protrusions (i.e., by extending from the comb teeth around the side surface of the body). This increases the tension that can be applied to the hair (i.e., increases the pull that can be applied to the hair by the device).

[0009] Therefore, users can change the amount of tension applied to their hair during use by controlling the orientation of the device, which changes whether the hair engages with the protrusion (or the amount of hair engagement).

[0010] Furthermore, in practice, when a user moves the comb along a strand of hair (especially if the strand is the user's own hair), the user may naturally tilt the comb. That is, the user can (e.g., due to ergonomics) orient the comb teeth more perpendicular to the strand of hair closer to the scalp, and more tilted (away from perpendicular) at the tips of the strand. One result of this is that the comb teeth can apply less tension at the tips of the strand of hair (at the end of the combing motion). When the device is tilted to provide additional tension, the bristle setup can counteract the reduced tension provided by the comb teeth by engaging the hair.

[0011] The first aspect may include one or more features of the second aspect. Similarly, the second aspect may include one or more features of the first aspect.

[0012] Therefore, for example, the device of the first aspect may include a plurality of bristles projecting laterally from a first side of the body. Furthermore, the main outlet of the device of the first aspect may be arranged to exhaust air through the front of the body.

[0013] Similarly, the device of the second aspect may include a plurality of ridges projecting from a first side and / or the rear of the body. The teeth and ridges of the device of the second aspect may be spaced apart along the length of the body, and each ridge may extend around at least a portion of the body.

[0014] The optional features of the first and second aspects will now be described. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

[0015] The body can be generally elongated. The length of the body can be in a direction generally parallel to the direction of elongation of the body. Each ridge can extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the length of the body. The body can be generally cylindrical. In this respect, the direction around the body (as described above and below) can be a circumferential direction.

[0016] The body may include a second side, which may be on the side of the body opposite to the first side. The rear portion of the body may extend between the first and second sides of the body. The rear portion of the body may be on the side of the body opposite to the front portion of the body (and therefore on the side of the body opposite to the comb teeth).

[0017] Each ridge can be aligned with the corresponding comb tooth in the direction surrounding the body. Therefore, each ridge can be aligned with the corresponding comb tooth in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the body.

[0018] The recesses can be defined by adjacent ridges among a plurality of ridges (in use, hair can be received within the recesses). Each recess can be aligned with a corresponding space between two adjacent comb teeth in a direction surrounding the body (e.g., each recess can be aligned with a corresponding space on a plane substantially perpendicular to the length of the body). Thus, in use, hair can be guided through the comb teeth and around the body between the ridges (so that it can be received against the body, for example, for heating).

[0019] At least one of the multiple ridges (e.g., each ridge) can be integrated with a corresponding comb tooth among the multiple comb teeth. In this respect, at least one ridge can extend from the corresponding comb tooth. This can simplify the construction of hair care devices.

[0020] The multiple ridges may include a first lateral ridge protruding from a first side of the body and a second lateral ridge protruding from a second side of the body. The first lateral ridge may protrude in the opposite direction to the second lateral ridge. Therefore, regardless of the direction of use of the hair care device along the hair strand, the hair can be received between at least one set of lateral ridges.

[0021] Multiple ridges may include a rear ridge projecting from the rear of the body. Therefore, in some embodiments, ridges may be provided on each of the first and second sides of the body, as well as on the rear side. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the body (which could otherwise cause discomfort if the body is heated), while still allowing direct contact between hair and the body (e.g., for heating).

[0022] Multiple ridges can be spaced apart along the length of the body, such that the spacing between adjacent ridges can be equal to or less than 8 mm, or for example equal to or less than 5 mm.

[0023] The height of each ridge can range from 5 mm to 15 mm, or for example, from 7 mm to 10 mm.

[0024] Each ridge can taper gradually from its base (e.g., where the ridge connects to the body) to its tip (e.g., away from the body). This can help guide the hair toward the body of the device.

[0025] The hair care device may include more than five ridges (or, for example, more than ten ridges, or, for example, more than fifteen ridges) spaced apart along the length of the body.

[0026] When the device includes bristles, at least one of the bristles (e.g., each bristle) can be aligned with a corresponding ridge in a direction around the body (e.g., the bristles and the corresponding ridges can be aligned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the length of the body).

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the bristles (e.g., each bristle) may be aligned with a corresponding recess defined between adjacent ridges in a direction around the body (e.g., at least one bristle and the corresponding recess may be aligned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the length of the body). Arranging the bristles in this way (i.e., so as not to align with the ridges) can provide a more tortuous path for the hair passing between the ridges and the bristles, which can increase the tension applied to the hair when using the device.

[0028] At least one (e.g., each) bristle can be aligned with a corresponding comb tooth in a direction around the body (e.g., the bristles and the corresponding comb tooth can be aligned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the length of the body).

[0029] At least one (e.g., each) bristle may be misaligned with the comb teeth in the direction circumferential to the body. Thus, at least one bristle may not be aligned with any comb teeth in the circumferential direction. This can increase the tension applied to the hair by the bristles (by forcing the hair to extend along a zigzag path).

[0030] Multiple bristles may include one or more rows of bristles spaced apart along the length of the body. One or more rows of bristles may be inserted (in the direction around the body) between the rear ridge and the first lateral ridge or the second lateral ridge.

[0031] The height of at least one bristle among the multiple bristles can be equal to or less than the height of at least one ridge among the multiple ridges. Limiting the height of the bristles so that they do not extend beyond the ridges helps to prevent hair tangling, which can otherwise occur if the bristles extend beyond the ridges.

[0032] The height of at least one bristle (e.g., each bristle) may be in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, or, for example, in the range of 7 mm to 10 mm (the bristle height is taken from the direction in which the bristle extends from the body).

[0033] At least one of the bristles may be shorter than at least one of the comb teeth. Each bristle may be shorter than each comb tooth. That is, each bristle may protrude from the body to a lesser extent than each comb tooth.

[0034] At least one of the bristles may be more flexible than at least one comb tooth. Each bristle may be more flexible than each comb tooth. At least one (e.g., each) bristle may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape (cut perpendicular to the direction of bristle extension). At least one (e.g., each) bristle may have an elliptical or oblong cross-sectional shape.

[0035] The width of at least one bristle (e.g., each bristle) (at its widest point) can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. As can be understood, when the bristles have a circular cross-sectional shape, the width of the bristles can be the diameter of the bristles.

[0036] Each bristle may have a proximal end close to the body and an opposite distal (e.g., free) end. At least one of the bristles may taper gradually in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0037] At least one of the bristles (e.g., each bristle) may include a hole extending therethrough. The hole may be located near the distal end of the bristle. In this respect, at least one bristle may include a circumferential distal end, which may increase the flexibility of the bristle. The hole may extend through at least one bristle in a direction parallel to the length direction of the body.

[0038] The bristles can protrude laterally from the first and second sides of the body (i.e., the first set of bristles can protrude from the first side, and the second set of bristles can protrude from the second side). In this way, at least one set of bristles can engage the hair regardless of the direction in which the comb is used along the hair strand.

[0039] At least one bristle (e.g., each bristle) may be spaced apart from the foremost part of the body by a distance such that the angle (taken from the central axis of the body) is in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, or for example, in the range of 70 to 90 degrees. In other words, a first reference line may extend from the central axis of the body to the foremost part of the body, a second reference line may extend from the central axis to at least one bristle, and the angle between the first reference line and the second reference line may be in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, or for example, in the range of 70 to 90 degrees.

[0040] The bristles may extend laterally from the body. At least one bristle (e.g., each bristle) may extend from the body at an angle ranging from 60 to 120 degrees (or, for example, 70 to 90 degrees) relative to the direction in which the comb teeth protrude from the body.

[0041] At least one of the comb teeth (e.g., each comb tooth) may have a length in the range of 30 mm to 100 mm, or, for example, 40 mm to 80 mm, or, for example, 55 mm to 65 mm. The length of each comb tooth may be obtained in the direction in which the comb tooth extends from the body.

[0042] Each comb tooth may have a proximal end close to the body and a distal end distant from the body. The distal end of at least one comb tooth may be a free end. At least one comb tooth (e.g., each comb tooth) may taper gradually from the proximal end to the distal end of the comb tooth. At least one comb tooth may have a substantially triangular shape (e.g., in a plane truncated perpendicular to the length of the body).

[0043] Each comb tooth can have opposite edges. These can represent the leading and trailing edges of the tooth in use (relative to the direction the tooth moves through the user's hair). Understandably, each edge of the comb tooth can be either a leading or trailing edge, depending on the direction the hair care device is used along the hair strand.

[0044] The comb teeth can be arranged in a row. The comb teeth can have a spacing distance in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or for example 1 mm to 2 mm (i.e., defined as the distance between adjacent comb teeth).

[0045] At least one of the comb teeth (e.g., each comb tooth) may have a width in the range of 20 mm to 60 mm, or, for example, 30 mm to 50 mm (obtained at the widest part of the comb tooth). The width of each comb tooth may be obtained at the widest part of the comb tooth. The width may be obtained in a direction perpendicular to the length of the tooth and the length of the body. In other words, the width may be obtained between opposite (e.g., front / back) edges of the tooth.

[0046] At least one of the comb teeth (e.g., each comb tooth) may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, for example, 1 mm to 2 mm. The thickness of each comb tooth may be taken from the direction between the opposite main faces of the comb tooth (which may be approximately parallel to the length of the body).

[0047] Hair care devices may include combs with 10 to 25 teeth, such as combs with 12 to 20 teeth.

[0048] The main outlet can be arranged (e.g., oriented or otherwise configured) to discharge air onto the hair strands engaged by the comb teeth. The main outlet can be arranged to discharge air onto a portion of the hair strand on one side of the comb teeth. The main outlet can be as described separately below with respect to the third aspect.

[0049] The main outlet may extend along the length of the body. For example, the main outlet may include a slot extending along the length of the body, or a row of holes spaced apart along the length of the body.

[0050] The hair care device may include a secondary outlet arranged to exhaust air through a first side of the main body. Therefore, the secondary outlet can be arranged to exhaust air onto the hair wrapped around the first side of the main body during use. The secondary outlet can be arranged to exhaust air laterally from the main body. The secondary outlet can be as described separately below with respect to a third aspect.

[0051] The main body can be configured between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the main outlet can be closed (e.g., so that essentially no air can flow through the main outlet). In the second position, the main outlet can be opened (e.g., so that air can flow through the outlet).

[0052] The device can be configured (e.g., the main body can be configured) such that the secondary outlet is open in both a first position and a second position. Alternatively, the device (e.g., the main body) can be configured such that the secondary outlet is closed in the first position and open in the second position.

[0053] The device (e.g., the body) may include an airflow channel (e.g., for allowing heated air to flow through the device).

[0054] Hair care devices may include a mounting portion for releasably attaching the hair care device to a hair care apparatus. The hair care apparatus may be of the type configured to supply a stream of heated air to the hair care device. In this respect, the hair care device may be in the form of an accessory for a hair care apparatus. The mounting portion may include, for example, lugs or points for engaging in corresponding recesses (e.g., locking slots) in the hair care apparatus. As will be understood, the mounting portion may additionally include threads, snap-fit ​​mechanisms, bayonet mechanisms, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, a hair care device may include an airflow generator for supplying airflow to the body, and a heater for heating the airflow upstream of the body. In other words, the hair care device may be part of a hair care apparatus.

[0056] The devices of the first and second aspects may include one or more features of the device of the third aspect described below. For example, the body of the first and / or second aspects may be as described below with respect to the third aspect (e.g., including the cylinder, sleeve, opening, and outlet of the third aspect).

[0057] In a third aspect, a hair care device is provided, comprising:

[0058] A cylindrical body defining an airflow passage, the cylindrical body including one or more openings for airflow from the airflow passage;

[0059] A sleeve, rotatably mounted to the cylinder and including a main outlet; and

[0060] Multiple comb teeth protruding from the sleeve;

[0061] The sleeve is rotatable relative to the cylinder between a first position and a second position.

[0062] In the first position, one or more openings are not aligned with the main outlet to restrict airflow through the main outlet; and

[0063] In the second position, at least one of one or more openings is aligned with the main outlet to allow air to flow through the main outlet.

[0064] The ability of the sleeve to rotate to align or misalign the opening with the main outlet means that airflow from the main outlet can be controlled by rotating the sleeve. The comb teeth protruding from the sleeve mean that the rotation of the sleeve (and the airflow from the main outlet) can be controlled by the movement of the comb teeth. This provides convenient control over airflow during the use of hair care devices. This airflow can aid in hair styling. For example, heated air can provide energy, allowing the hair to be more easily reshaped (facilitating hair styling).

[0065] In use, as the comb teeth move through the user's hair (to style the hair), they are pushed in the opposite direction to the movement of the device (e.g., due to friction between the comb teeth and the hair). In the second arrangement, this "pulling" of the comb teeth causes the teeth to move, thereby rotating the sleeve. In this way, the airflow from the outlet can be controlled by the movement of the comb teeth through the user's hair. This eliminates the need for the user to manually open and close the main outlet to control the airflow from the device.

[0066] Providing a sleeve that can rotate around the barrel to achieve the above-mentioned control provides a robust component, at least in part because the sleeve can be supported by the barrel along at least a portion of its length. Similarly, rotating the sleeve as a whole (rather than pivoting the comb teeth relative to the body, for example) avoids or at least reduces the "pinch point" that hair, hair care products, or, for example, a user's fingers may get caught between the two moving parts.

[0067] The optional features of the third aspect will now be described. These can be applied individually or in any combination with any aspect.

[0068] In the first position, the main outlet can be fully open (e.g., completely unobstructed). In the second position, the main outlet can be fully closed (e.g., it can be completely blocked).

[0069] The main outlet can be arranged (i.e., when open) to discharge air into a first region on the first side of the comb teeth (or, for example, at least to the first side of the center line of the comb teeth).

[0070] As can be understood during use, when the comb moves along the hair strand, the hair on one side of the comb (i.e., between the comb and the user's scalp) will be under tension, while the hair on the other side of the comb (between the comb and the hair tip) will not be under tension.

[0071] The main outlet can be arranged to discharge air onto a portion of the hair strand that is under tension by receiving the hair strand between the comb teeth (and, for example, by the movement of the comb teeth along the hair strand). That is, the first area can be the area in which the hair that is under tension during use is placed.

[0072] The main outlet can be arranged to discharge air at an angle to the direction of the teeth (e.g., at an angle to the forward direction), the angle being in the range of 5 to 60 degrees, or, for example, in the range of 10 to 50 degrees.

[0073] By targeting the area to the side of the comb teeth (instead of just expelling air between the comb teeth), the expelled air is less likely to push the hair away from the comb teeth (and break the engagement between the comb teeth).

[0074] The comb teeth can be arranged such that movement of the comb teeth toward a first region (i.e., on a first side of the comb teeth) causes the sleeve to rotate toward a second position. In other words, movement of the comb teeth toward the first region (which can be caused by moving the comb teeth along the hair strand) can align the main outlet with at least one of one or more openings (i.e., to open the main outlet).

[0075] In such an embodiment, because the comb teeth will tend to be pulled toward the tensioned part of the hair during use, the airflow exiting from the main outlet will be discharged onto the hair that is under tension by the comb teeth.

[0076] The sleeve can rotate about the central axis of the sleeve and / or the cylinder (the central axis may extend parallel to the length of the cylinder and / or the sleeve). The sleeve can rotate between a first position and a second position, for example, by an angle ranging from 5 degrees to 15 degrees (or, for example, 6 degrees to 9 degrees).

[0077] The main outlet can be a first main outlet, and the sleeve can include a second main outlet. The second main outlet can be spaced apart from the first main outlet in a direction surrounding the sleeve (e.g., it can be a circumferential direction). The first and second main outlets can be located on either side of the comb teeth. Therefore, the comb teeth can be (at least partially) located between the first and second main outlets.

[0078] In a first position, at least one of the one or more openings may be aligned with the second main outlet to allow airflow through the second main outlet. In a second position, the one or more openings may be misaligned with the second main outlet to restrict airflow through the second main outlet.

[0079] In the first position, the second main outlet can be fully open (e.g., completely unobstructed). In the second position, the second outlet can be fully closed (e.g., completely blocked).

[0080] Therefore, in the first position, the second main outlet can be opened and the first main outlet can be closed, and in the second position, the first main outlet can be opened and the second main outlet can be closed. That is, the device can be configured such that in the first position, air is discharged from the second outlet, and in the second position, air is discharged from the first outlet.

[0081] The second main outlet can be arranged to discharge air to a second region on the second side of the plurality of comb teeth (or, for example, at least on the second side of the centerline of the comb teeth). The first and second sides of the plurality of comb teeth can be opposite each other. Thus, the first and second regions can be on opposite sides of the plurality of comb teeth (i.e., the plurality of comb teeth can be inserted between the first and second regions).

[0082] The device (e.g., sleeve and comb teeth) can be configured such that movement of the comb teeth toward a second region (e.g., on a second side of the comb teeth) causes the sleeve to rotate toward a first position. In other words, movement of the comb teeth toward the second region (which can be caused by moving the comb teeth along the hair strand) can cause the second outlet to open (and, for example, the first outlet to close).

[0083] In this way, when the comb teeth move in the first direction, the first main outlet can open to release air onto the taut hair, and when the comb teeth move in the second direction, the second main outlet can open to release air onto the taut hair. Therefore, in such an embodiment, regardless of which direction the comb teeth move along the hair strand, the comb teeth rotate in the direction that opens the corresponding main outlet (i.e., the first or second main outlet), which directs air onto the hair under tension (through the comb teeth). Targeting the taut hair improves hair drying time and styling effectiveness.

[0084] Similarly, in such an embodiment, the corresponding main outlet on the untensioned side of the hair strand can be closed so as not to disrupt the hair's shape (or may not be used to push the hair away from the comb teeth). That is, when the comb teeth move toward the first region (e.g., causing the first main outlet to open), the second main outlet may be misaligned with one or more openings so as not to allow air to be released onto the untensioned hair. Likewise, when the comb teeth move toward the second region, the first main outlet may be misaligned with one or more openings so that air is again not directed onto the untensioned hair.

[0085] The comb teeth can protrude from the front of the sleeve. The front of the sleeve can extend between the first and second sides facing the opposite sides of the sleeve.

[0086] The first main outlet can be located at the front of the sleeve. The second main outlet can be located at the front of the sleeve. The comb teeth can extend from the front of the sleeve in a generally forward direction.

[0087] In some embodiments, the comb teeth may be arranged in rows. The rows of comb teeth may extend along the length of the sleeve.

[0088] The sleeve may also include a primary outlet. Typically, the primary outlet can be configured to discharge air onto hair extending across a first side of the sleeve during use. The primary outlet can be arranged to discharge air from the first side of the sleeve. The primary outlet can be located on the first side of the sleeve.

[0089] This arrangement allows air to be directed onto the hair strands wrapped around the sleeve. This can happen when the hair care device rotates, for example, when it moves along the hair strands. This rotation can occur naturally due to the ergonomics of moving the hair care device along the hair strands. Rotation (and therefore tangling) is especially likely to occur when the comb teeth are close to the free ends (i.e., the tips) of the hair strands during use.

[0090] The primary outlet can be arranged to discharge air in a lateral direction (e.g., on the first side away from the sleeve). The primary outlet can also be arranged to discharge air in a direction that forms an angle with the forward direction, the angle ranging from 60 degrees to 140 degrees, or for example, from 70 degrees to 110 degrees.

[0091] The first stage outlet may be spaced apart from the first main outlet in a direction around the sleeve (e.g., in a circumferential direction). The first stage outlet may be further apart from the comb teeth than the first main outlet (the first main outlet may be located between the comb teeth and the first stage outlet).

[0092] The sleeve may also include a secondary outlet. Typically, the secondary outlet can be configured to discharge air onto hair extending across a second side of the sleeve during use. The secondary outlet can be arranged to discharge air from the second side of the sleeve. The secondary outlet can be located on the second side of the sleeve. Therefore, the primary and secondary outlets can be located on opposite sides of the sleeve (and can face opposite directions).

[0093] In some embodiments, the primary outlet and / or the secondary outlet can be open in both a first position and a second position of the sleeve. Therefore, in both the first and second positions, at least one of the primary and secondary outlets can be aligned with at least one of one or more openings.

[0094] In other embodiments, the first and / or second stage outlets can be opened / closed simultaneously with the corresponding first and / or second main outlets. Thus, in a first position, the first stage outlet can be closed, and the second stage outlet can be opened (e.g., by aligning and misaligning with the opening of the cylinder). In a second position, the first stage outlet can be opened, and the second stage outlet can be closed (e.g., by aligning and misaligning with the opening of the cylinder).

[0095] Any one or more of the aforementioned outlets may include one or more holes formed in the sleeve. The one or more holes may include one or more slots. The one or more holes may, for example, be spaced in a row or may be in the form of slots, either of which may extend substantially along the length of the sleeve.

[0096] The sleeve may include multiple lateral protrusions. The lateral protrusions may project laterally from a first side and / or a second side of the sleeve.

[0097] Multiple lateral protrusions may include ridges spaced apart from each other along the length of the sleeve. Each ridge may extend in a direction around the sleeve (e.g., it may extend circumferentially). Ridges may define recesses therebetween for receiving hair.

[0098] Multiple lateral protrusions may include bristles. At least one bristle may be adjacent to (e.g., near) the primary and / or secondary exits. Multiple bristles (e.g., one or more rows of bristles) may be adjacent to the primary and / or secondary exits. The primary and / or secondary exits may be arranged to expel air between the bristles. In this way, air can be exhausted onto the hair held between the bristles.

[0099] Lateral protrusions, bristles, and / or ridges may be as described above in relation to the first aspect.

[0100] The comb teeth can be integrally formed with the sleeve. The comb teeth can extend radially from the body (e.g., from the sleeve). The comb teeth can also be as described above with respect to the first aspect.

[0101] The sleeve can extend substantially completely circumferentially around the cylinder. The sleeve can be fitted onto the cylinder. The sleeve may include an internal (e.g., elongated) cavity in which the cylinder is received. The cavity may be substantially cylindrical.

[0102] The sleeve can be generally elongated (i.e., along its length). The sleeve can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., cut perpendicular to the length of the sleeve). The sleeve can be substantially tubular (e.g., it can have an annular cross-sectional shape).

[0103] The cylinder can be substantially tubular (e.g., it can have an annular cross-sectional shape). The cylinder body can include a proximal end and an opposite distal end.

[0104] The device may include a mounting portion configured to (e.g., releasably) mount a hair care device to a hair care unit, the hair care device being configured to supply airflow from an outlet of the unit. The mounting portion may be configured such that an airflow channel is arranged to receive airflow from the outlet of the hair care unit. The mounting portion may be, for example, a bayonet fit, a threaded fit, a snap-fit ​​fit, etc. The mounting portion may be located near the proximal end of the casing.

[0105] The cylinder may include an inlet. The inlet is used for airflow to enter the airflow channel. The inlet may be located at the proximal end of the cylinder.

[0106] The proximal end of the sleeve may include a shoulder for abutting a first axial end of the sleeve (e.g., while allowing the sleeve to rotate). A retainer may be mounted (e.g., releasably mounted) to the distal end of the sleeve for abutting a second axial end of the sleeve. In this way, the sleeve can be held in place by receiving between the shoulder and the retainer to prevent axial movement.

[0107] Therefore, the cylinder and the sleeve can be assembled by inserting the cylinder into the cavity of the sleeve and then fastening the cylinder to the sleeve by the retainer (where the sleeve is axially held between the retainer and the adjacent surface).

[0108] The device may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the sleeve to a first position and / or a second position. The biasing mechanism may be configured to push the sleeve away from the intermediate position (between the first and second positions) and toward the first or second position. In this respect, the biasing mechanism may be configured such that the sleeve rests in the first or second position (i.e., cannot rest in the intermediate position).

[0109] The biasing mechanism can be configured to hold the sleeve in a first position or a second position (e.g., until sufficient force is applied to the teeth during use to move the sleeve from the first position or the second position).

[0110] The biasing mechanism may include a spring. The biasing mechanism may include, for example, a ball plug that can be received in a recess (such as a groove or track). The ball plug may be mounted on one of the cylinder and the sleeve, and the recess may be formed in the other of the cylinder and the sleeve.

[0111] When in the form of a track, the recess may include two cavities in which the plunger's ball is received in a first position and a second position. A raised feature may be provided between the cavities, which the ball passes over as it travels between them (i.e., as the sleeve moves between the first and second positions). In this way, the ball is prevented from stopping between the cavities (i.e., being pushed into one of the cavities).

[0112] In the fourth aspect, a hair care system is provided, comprising:

[0113] Hair care device, including: an airflow generator for generating airflow; and

[0114] According to the first, second, or third aspect of the hair care device, it is arranged to receive airflow generated by an airflow generator.

[0115] Airflow generators can be, for example, compressors, fans, or blowers.

[0116] The device may include a heater for heating the airflow generated by the airflow generator (i.e., upstream of the hair care device).

[0117] Hair care devices can be releasably attached to a hair care device (e.g., in the form of a hair care accessory). Alternatively, hair care devices can be permanently attached to the device (i.e., they can be a permanent part of the hair care device). Attached Figure Description

[0118] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of hair care equipment;

[0119] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective cross-sectional view of a hair care device;

[0120] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Detailed view of the track of the hair care equipment;

[0121] Figure 1D and Figure 1E They are in the first and second positions respectively. Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a hair care device;

[0122] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a modified hair care device;

[0123] Figure 2B and 2C They are in the first and second positions respectively. Figure 2A Cross-sectional view of hair care equipment; and

[0124] Figure 3 This is a side view of the hair care device. Detailed Implementation

[0125] Figure 1A , 1B Images 1C, 1D, and 1E illustrate a hair styling device 10, which includes a body 11 and a plurality of teeth 12 protruding from the front of the body 11. Figure 1BMost notably, the body 11 is formed by a tubular (and therefore hollow) cylinder 20 and a tubular sleeve 21 fitted onto the outer circumferential surface 22 of the cylinder 20. The comb teeth 12 are integral with the front of the sleeve 21 and protrude from the front of the sleeve 21.

[0126] Both the sleeve 21 and the body 20 are elongated in the longitudinal direction. The comb teeth 12 are arranged in a row and are (uniformly) spaced apart along the length of the sleeve 21 (and therefore along the length of the body 11). Each comb tooth 12 is rigid and has a substantially triangular shape, and therefore tapers gradually from its proximal end 13 (closer to the body 11) to its distal end 14 (away from the body 11). At the proximal end 13, each comb tooth 12 is wider than the body 11.

[0127] Each comb tooth 12 has a flat shape and an opposite main (planar) surface 15 that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the body 11. The thickness of each tooth 12 (i.e., the thickness obtained between the main surfaces 15) is significantly less than the width (width obtained perpendicular to the length of the body 11) and length of the tooth 12. Generally, the comb teeth 12 provide a wide-tooth comb, which can be used, for example, to style and detangle hair.

[0128] The device 10 also includes a plurality of ridges in the form of lateral ridges 16 and rear ridges 17, which are integrally formed with the sleeve 21. The lateral ridges 16 are disposed on opposite first sides 18 and second sides 19 of the sleeve 21 (see...). Figure 1C and 1D As can be seen from the figure, each of the lateral ridges 16 is integral with its corresponding comb tooth 12. In particular, each lateral ridge 16 extends from the proximal end 13 of the comb tooth 12 and partially surrounds the side of the body 11.

[0129] Each posterior ridge 17 is elongated in the direction surrounding the sleeve 21 and projects from the rear side of the sleeve 21 (opposite to the comb teeth 12). Each posterior ridge 17 is also aligned with the corresponding comb tooth 12 in the direction surrounding the sleeve 21 (i.e., the circumferential direction). The posterior ridges 17 are spaced apart from the lateral ridges 16 projecting from the first side 18 and the second side 19 of the sleeve 21 around the sleeve 21, so as to form two gaps on the opposite side of the sleeve 21 (i.e., where there are no ridges).

[0130] The device 10 includes a plurality of bristles 25 located between a rear ridge 17 and a lateral ridge 16, so as to be situated within two gaps. Specifically, the bristles 25 are arranged in spaced rows (which are staggered relative to each other) extending along the length of the sleeve 21. Five rows of bristles 25 are provided on each of the opposite first side 18 and second side 19 of the sleeve 21.

[0131] The bristles 25 on each side 18, 19 of the sleeve are integrally formed with the base 56 (so that the bristles 25 on each side 18, 19 and the corresponding base 56 form a single unit). Each bristle 25 protrudes laterally from the sleeve 21. On each side 18, 19 of the sleeve 21, the bristles 25 in three rows are aligned with both the comb teeth 12 and the ridges 16, 17 (in the direction surrounding the sleeve 21). The remaining two rows of bristles 25 on each side 18, 19 of the sleeve 21 are not aligned with the ridges 16, 17 and the comb teeth 12.

[0132] like Figure 1B As shown, the barrel 20 includes an inlet 23 located at a proximal end 24 of the barrel 20. The proximal end 24 includes a mounting portion 62 having a plurality of protrusions 47 spaced apart around the inlet 23. The protrusions 47 allow the device 10 to be releasably mounted to the outlet 72 of the hair care device 70, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The hair care device 70 is configured to supply a stream of heated air through outlet 72, such that when the device 10 is mounted thereon, the heated air flows from outlet 72 into inlet 23 of the cylinder 20.

[0133] Back Figures 1A to 1E The cylinder 20 also defines an internal airflow channel 26 that extends from the inlet 23 into the cylinder 20 and substantially extends the entire length of the cylinder 20. A plurality of main openings 27, 28, 53, 61 and secondary openings 29, 30 are formed in the cylinder 20. The main openings 27, 28, 53, 61 include a first main opening 27, a second main opening 28, a third main opening 53, and a fourth main opening 61 spaced apart from each other in a direction surrounding the cylinder 20.

[0134] The secondary openings 29, 30 include a row of primary openings 29 on one side of the cylinder 20 and a row of secondary openings 30 on the other side of the cylinder 20. Each row of secondary openings 29, 30 extends along the length of the cylinder 20 and is formed by a plurality of evenly spaced circular openings 29, 30. As will be explained further below, each of the primary openings 27, 28, 53, 61 and the secondary openings 29, 30 is arranged to allow air to flow through the airflow passage 26 of the cylinder 20 (so that air is eventually discharged from the device 10).

[0135] As from Figure 1D and Figure 1EMost notably, sleeve 21 includes a first main outlet 31, a second main outlet 32, a third main outlet 54, and a fourth main outlet 55 (each outlet includes a row of spaced-apart holes formed in sleeve 21). Specifically, outlets 31, 32, 54, and 55 are located at the front of sleeve 21, in the space formed between the comb teeth 12. The first main outlet 31 and the third main outlet 54 are arranged to discharge two airflows 43 (from the channel 26 of the sleeve body) into a first region 33 on one side of the comb teeth 12 (i.e., by discharging air at an angle to the direction in which the comb teeth 12 protrude). The second main outlet 32 ​​and the fourth main outlet 55 are arranged to discharge two airflows 36 into a second region 34 on the side of the comb teeth 12 opposite to the first region 33 (again, the second main outlet 32 ​​and the fourth main outlet 55 discharge air at an angle to the direction in which the comb teeth 12 protrude).

[0136] The sleeve 21 also includes a primary outlet 41 and a secondary outlet 42, which are respectively disposed on a first side 18 and a second side 19 of the sleeve 21. In particular, each secondary outlet 41, 42 is configured to be adjacent to a bristle 25 disposed on the corresponding side 18, 19 of the sleeve 21. The secondary outlets 41, 42 are arranged to exhaust air from the device 10 in a lateral direction (e.g., exhaust it onto the hair engaged by the bristles 25 during use).

[0137] Sleeve 21 is rotatably mounted to cylinder 20 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 40, which extends centrally along the length of both sleeve 21 and cylinder 20. This mounting is partially provided by a cap-shaped retainer 37, which is mounted to the distal end 38 of cylinder 20 (in the illustrated embodiment, via a threaded connection). Retainer 37 includes a radially extending flange 39 that extends over the (rotatable) joint between sleeve 21 and cylinder 20 and abuts against sleeve 21 to restrict axial movement of sleeve 21 relative to cylinder 20 (i.e., along rotation axis 40).

[0138] The axial movement of the sleeve 21 is also restricted (in the opposite direction) by the protrusion 57 of the sleeve 21 abutting against the shoulder 46 at the proximal end 24 of the cylinder 20. In this way, the sleeve 21 is held (i.e. clamped) between the shoulder 46 and the retainer 37, thus restricting axial movement but allowing rotation.

[0139] In use, as the comb teeth 12 move through the user's hair (e.g., along a hair strand), the comb teeth 12 are frictionally pulled in the opposite direction to the direction of movement. This movement of the comb teeth 12 as they extend from the sleeve 21 causes the sleeve 21 to rotate about the axis of rotation 40 around the barrel 20. This rotation causes the main openings 27, 28, 53, 61 and the secondary openings 29, 30 to align and misalign with the main outlets 31, 32, 54, 55 and the secondary outlets 41, 42, in order to provide different airflow configurations depending on the position of the sleeve 21.

[0140] Figure 1D The first position of sleeve 21 is shown. In this position, the first main outlet 31 is misaligned with the first main outlet 27. Similarly, the third main outlet 54 is misaligned with the third main opening 53. Therefore, the first main outlet 31 and the third main outlet 54 are blocked (by the cylinder 20), and air cannot flow through the first main outlet 31 or the third main outlet 54 (i.e., they are closed). Similarly, the first stage outlet 41 is misaligned with the first stage opening 29, causing the first stage outlet 41 to be blocked (i.e., closed). Therefore, air cannot flow from channel 26 through the first main outlet 31, the third main outlet 54, or the first stage outlet 41.

[0141] On the other hand, the second main outlet 32 ​​is aligned with the second main opening 28 in the cylinder 20, the fourth main outlet 55 is aligned with the fourth main opening 61, and the secondary stage outlet 42 is aligned with the secondary stage opening 30. Therefore, the second main outlet 32, the fourth main outlet 55, and the secondary stage outlet 42 are unobstructed and open to allow air to flow from the airflow channel 26 through these outlets 32, 42, and 55.

[0142] Thus, two airflows 36 are discharged from the second main outlet 32 ​​and the fourth main outlet 55 into a second region 34 on one side of the comb teeth 12. As can be understood, this second region 34 is located on one side of the comb teeth 12, toward which the comb teeth 12 move to a first position (e.g., through friction with the hair through which the comb teeth 12 move).

[0143] It can also be understood that as the comb teeth 12 move along the hair strand, the hair on one side of the comb teeth 12 will be under tension (i.e., because the comb teeth 12 will pull the hair away from the scalp), and the hair on the opposite side of the comb teeth 12 will not be under tension. The hair under tension by the comb teeth 12 will extend through the second region 34, and air will be discharged into the second region 34 from the second main outlet 32 ​​and the fourth main outlet 55. Therefore, air will be discharged from the second main outlet 32 ​​and the fourth main outlet 55 onto the tensioned hair, but not onto the hair that is not under tension (because the first main outlet 31 and the third main outlet 54 are closed in the first position). In this way, the air (which is heated) is targeted onto the tensioned hair, which helps with styling.

[0144] Similarly, because the secondary stage outlet 42 is open, airflow 44 is discharged laterally from these outlets 42 from the device 10 (on the second side of the sleeve 21). Therefore, this airflow 44 discharged from the secondary stage outlet 42 can be aimed at (and tensioned) any hair wrapped around (and tensioned) the second side of the sleeve 21.

[0145] In use, the device 10 can rotate as it moves along the hair strand. This may occur naturally due to the ergonomics of such movement (or may be intentionally performed). This rotation allows the hair under tension to extend around the side of the sleeve 21 (in this case, the second side 19), particularly within the recess defined between the ridges 16, 17 and the bristles 25. The contact between the hair and the sleeve 21 allows heat to be transferred from the sleeve 21 to the hair (to aid in styling), and the hair can be heated by the heated air flowing through the air passage 26. Further heat is applied to the hair by the air exhausted from the secondary stage outlet 42.

[0146] The ridges 16 and 17 (and to some extent the bristles 25) prevent the user (e.g., the user's fingers or scalp) from contacting the heated surface of the sleeve 21. The bristles 25 help hold the hair on the sleeve and also help increase the tension applied to the hair. This additional tension applied by the bristles 25 can counteract the tension loss that may occur as the device 10 (and therefore the comb teeth 12) rotates, especially as the movement along the hair strand is about to end.

[0147] Figure 1E The second position of sleeve 21 is shown. Typically, this indicates... Figure 1D The first position shown is reversed.

[0148] In this second position, the comb teeth 12 have moved toward the side of the first region 33. In use, this movement can be caused by the movement of the comb teeth 12 along the hair bundle in a direction away from the first region 33 (i.e., the comb teeth 12 are pulled back to the first region 33 by the hair).

[0149] The first main outlet 31 is aligned with the first main outlet 27 to be opened, and the third main outlet 54 is aligned with the third main opening 53 to be opened. On the other hand, the second main outlet 32 ​​is misaligned with the second main outlet 28 and is therefore closed, and the fourth main outlet 55 is misaligned with the third main opening 53 and is also therefore closed.

[0150] Similarly, the first stage outlet 41 is aligned with the first stage opening 29 to open, and the second stage outlet 42 is not aligned with the second stage opening 30 to close.

[0151] This means that two airflows 43 are discharged from the first main outlet 31 and the third main outlet 54 into the first region 33 on the side of the comb teeth 12, and another airflow 45 is discharged in the lateral direction from the first side 18 of the sleeve 21 through the first primary outlet 41. Again, this allows hair under tension to be targeted by the airflows 43, 45 (and ensures that hair not under tension is not disturbed by the airflow).

[0152] In this way, the taut hair is the target regardless of the direction of movement of the comb teeth 12 along the hair bundle (because this movement causes the sleeve 21 to rotate to open and close various openings).

[0153] The device 10 also includes a spherical plunger 50 mounted at the distal end 38 of the cylinder 20 (in Figure 1B The biasing mechanism is in the form of (best shown in the diagram). The ball 59 of the ball plug 50 is pushed into the track 51 formed in the inner surface 52 of the sleeve 21 (the inner surface 52 faces the cylinder 20).

[0154] The orbit 51 is in Figure 1C The best way to show, Figure 1C This is a view of the inner surface 52 of the sleeve 21. The track 51 includes two recesses 58 in which the ball 59 of the ball plug 50 is positioned when the sleeve 21 is in either the first or second position. The track 51 also includes a raised feature 60 (i.e., a raised portion of the surface 52) between the recesses 58. This means that when the sleeve 21 is between the first and second positions, the ball 59 rests on the raised feature 60 (compressing the spring of the ball plug 50), causing the ball 59 to be pushed into one of the recesses 58, and causing the sleeve 21 to be pushed into one of the first and second positions.

[0155] In other words, the track 51 is configured to cooperate with the ball plug 50 to push the sleeve 21 to either the first position or the second position (i.e., when it is in an intermediate position between the first and second positions). In this way, the ball plug 50 and the track 51 operate in a bistable manner (i.e., the two stable positions are the first position and the second position).

[0156] In a similar manner, the ball plug 50 and the rail 51 cooperate to hold the sleeve 21 in a first or second position by receiving the ball 59 in the recess 58 until sufficient force (e.g., the force generated by moving the comb teeth 12 through the hair) is able to move the sleeve 21 out of the first or second position.

[0157] Figure 2A , 2B Figures 2C and 2C show device 10', which is a variation of the device 10 described above. For the sake of brevity, only the differences will be discussed below (i.e., the remaining features of device 10' are the same as those already described above with respect to device 10).

[0158] The main difference provided by device 10' lies in the way the outlet is opened and closed.

[0159] Device 10' includes a body 11 and comb teeth 12, the comb teeth 12 being pivotally mounted to the body 11 via a pivotable mounting member 48. The teeth 12 can be in a first position (e.g., Figure 2B (as shown) and second position (as shown) Figure 2C Pivoting between (e.g., by moving along the hair bundle via tooth 12, as described above).

[0160] A blocking element 49 is provided at the proximal end 13 of the tooth 12. The blocking element 49 extends mostly through the opening in the body 11 into the internal airflow passage 26 of the body 11, except that it leaves a gap on one side defining the outlets 31, 32. The position of the gap depends on whether the comb tooth 12 is in a first position or a second position.

[0161] In the first position, the gap defines a second main outlet 32 ​​of the device 10', which is arranged to discharge an airflow 36 that initially extends toward a second region 34 on one side of the comb teeth 12, and then curves toward a first region 33 on the opposite side of the comb teeth 12. This curved path is achieved by a convex surface 63 formed between the teeth, which adheres to the airflow 36 via the Coanda effect as it exits from the second main outlet 32. This curved airflow 36 means that air first passes through the hair under tension and then flows generally along the hair bundle toward the end of the hair bundle (e.g., in a downward direction during normal use).

[0162] In the second position, the gap defines a first main outlet 31, which is arranged to discharge airflow toward a first region 33 and then discharge the airflow into a second region 34 (this is done in the same manner as discussed above for the first position).

[0163] Unlike the previously described device 10, in the device 10 described here, the primary stage outlet 41 and the secondary stage outlet 42 remain open regardless of the position of the comb teeth 12.

[0164] Furthermore, since the comb teeth 12 are movable in the device 10, the lateral ridges 16 are not integral with the comb teeth 12. However, the lateral ridges 16 are still aligned with the comb teeth 12 in the direction surrounding the body 11.

Claims

1. A hair care device, comprising: The body includes an inlet for receiving airflow and a main outlet, at least a portion of which is discharged from the body through the main outlet; Multiple comb teeth protruding from the front of the body; and Multiple bristles protrude laterally from a first side of the body; The main outlet is arranged to exhaust air through the front of the body.

2. The haircare device of claim 1, wherein, The body includes a second side opposite to the first side, and wherein the bristles protrude laterally from each of the first side and the second side.

3. The hair care device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one bristle extends from the body at an angle ranging from 80 to 120 degrees relative to the direction in which the comb teeth protrude from the body.

4. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of bristles includes a row of bristles spaced apart along the length of the body.

5. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bristles are shorter than the comb teeth.

6. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the multiple bristles has a height in the range of 7 mm to 10 mm.

7. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of ridges projecting from a first side of the body and / or the rear portion of the body.

8. The hair care device according to claim 7, wherein, The teeth and ridges are spaced apart along the length of the body, and each of the ridges extends around at least a portion of the body.

9. The hair care device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, Each ridge is aligned with a corresponding comb tooth in a plane perpendicular to the length of the body.

10. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, At least one of the plurality of ridges is integral with the corresponding comb tooth of the plurality of comb teeth.

11. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The plurality of ridges includes a first lateral ridge protruding from a first side of the body, and / or a second lateral ridge protruding from a second side of the body opposite to the first side.

12. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, The plurality of ridges includes a posterior ridge protruding from the rear of the body.

13. The hair care device according to claim 12, wherein, when dependent on claim 11, The plurality of bristles includes one or more rows of bristles inserted between the posterior ridge and the first lateral ridge and / or the second lateral ridge.

14. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein, The plurality of ridges are spaced apart along the length of the body such that the spacing between adjacent ridges is equal to or less than 8 mm.

15. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein, The height of each ridge ranges from 5 mm to 15 mm.

16. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 15, comprising more than five ridges spaced apart along the length of the body.

17. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein, At least one bristle is aligned with at least one ridge in a plane perpendicular to the length of the body.

18. The hair care device according to any one of claims 7 to 17, wherein, At least one of the bristles has the same height as at least one of the ridges.

19. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main outlet extends along the length of the body.

20. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a secondary outlet arranged to discharge air through the first side of the body.

21. The hair care device according to claim 20, wherein, The body can be configured between a first position and a second position: At the first position, the main outlet is closed; and In the second position, the main outlet is open; Wherein, the secondary outlet: Open in both the first and second positions; or It is closed in the first position and opened in the second position.

22. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the comb teeth has a length in the range of 30 mm to 100 mm.

23. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: For releasable mounting to a hair care device configured to supply a heated airflow to the hair care device; or An airflow generator for supplying airflow to the main body, and a heater for heating the airflow upstream of the main body.

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