Hair styling device

Abstract

The present application relates to a hair styling device comprising: a housing defining a channel; and a hair engaging assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair. The hair engaging assembly is positionable relative to the housing. The hair styling device includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to move the hair engagement assembly. The hair styling device further comprises: an inlet on the actuator, the inlet for air flow into the channel; an outlet for leaving the airflow out of the channel; and a fan configured to draw airflow into the channel through the inlet on the actuator and direct airflow through the channel toward the outlet. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow exits the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to hair styling apparatus and, more particularly, to a hair styling apparatus having an actuator and an inlet on the actuator for adjusting a position of a hair styling member. Background Art

[0002] At least some hair styling devices have a hair engagement assembly that interacts with the hair to perform a styling operation. For example, some hair styling devices have a pair of arms that are hinged to allow the arms to be opened and closed relative to each other manually. Hair can be selectively clamped between the hinged arms to straighten or curl the hair. Each arm typically includes a hair heating surface that is heated during the styling operation. During use, the hair is positioned between the hair heating surfaces and the hair is styled (e.g., straightened or curled). However, it may be difficult to operate and / or manipulate the hair styling device relative to the hair to provide a desired hair styling effect. For example, the user may have to clamp the hair between the arms and manually position the hair styling device at different orientations relative to the hair to provide a desired hair styling effect. The hair styling device may be bulky and difficult for the user to operate.

[0003] In addition, at least some hair styling appliances include an airflow system that is configured to provide airflow to the hair during hair styling operation. For example, airflow may be drawn into an inlet on the hair styling appliance and emitted from an outlet or nozzle toward the hair. However, during operation of the hair styling appliance, the inlet and outlet may not be in a position to facilitate efficient airflow into and through the hair styling appliance. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet may require the addition of additional components to the hair styling appliance, such as a grille, an extension, or a nozzle. Additionally, the inlet and outlet may affect the form factor of the hair styling appliance.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a hair styling device that is compact and simple to operate. In addition, it is desirable for a hair styling device to perform a variety of hair styling functions. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, a hair styling device includes: a housing defining a channel; and a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair. The hair engagement assembly is positionable relative to the housing. The hair styling device includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to move the hair engagement assembly. The hair styling device also includes: an inlet on the actuator, the inlet for allowing airflow to enter the channel; an outlet for allowing airflow to leave the channel; and a fan configured to draw airflow into the channel through the inlet on the actuator and to direct the airflow through the channel toward the outlet. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow leaves the channel.

[0006] In another aspect, a hair styling device includes: a housing defining a channel; a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing; and a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly and configured to rotate relative to the housing. The hair styling device includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to cause rotation of the rotor. The hair styling device also includes: a fan positioned along the channel and arranged to generate an airflow through the channel; and an inlet on the actuator, the inlet for allowing the airflow to enter the channel. The fan is configured to draw the airflow into the channel through the inlet on the actuator.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a hair styling device includes: a housing defining a channel; and a trigger extending from an exterior of the housing and accessible to a user. The trigger is operable to move between a first position and a second position in response to contact by a user. The trigger includes at least one side wall and a contact surface contacted by the user. The hair styling device also includes: an inlet for allowing airflow to enter the channel; an outlet for allowing airflow to exit the channel; and a fan configured to draw airflow into the channel through the inlet and direct the airflow through the channel toward the outlet. The inlet includes an opening defined in a side wall of the trigger. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow exits the channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Features and aspects of the implementations are described below with reference to the drawings, in which elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the various features, steps, and combinations of features / steps described below and shown in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to produce embodiments that are still within the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] In order to assist one of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed components, systems, and methods, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1is a perspective view of a hair styling appliance according to one suitable embodiment of the disclosure, the hair styling appliance comprising a hair engaging assembly in a first position, the hair engaging assembly being movable between the first position and a second position;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a hair styling device with the hair engagement assembly in a second position;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of a hair styling appliance showing an actuator on the hair styling appliance;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the hair styling device;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a top view of a hair styling device of claim 1, wherein the hair engagement assembly is in a first position;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a top view of a hair styling device of claim 1, wherein the hair engagement assembly is in a second position;

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of a hair styling device;

[0018] Figure 8 is a front view of the hair styling device;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a rear end view of the hair styling device;

[0020] Fig.10 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the hair styling device taken along section line 10-10;

[0021] Fig.11 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the hair styling device taken along section line 11-11 in FIG.

[0022] Fig.12 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the hair styling device taken along section line 12-12;

[0023] Fig.13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a hair styling appliance showing a trigger of an actuator of the hair styling appliance;

[0024] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a trigger of a hair styling device;

[0025] Fig.15 is a side view of the trigger;

[0026] Fig.16 is the bottom view of the trigger;

[0027] Fig.17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a hair styling appliance with a portion of a housing of the hair styling appliance removed and showing a rotor connected to an actuator of the hair styling appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As used herein, "hair styler" and "hair styling device" may be used interchangeably without departing from the spirit / scope of the disclosure.

[0029] As used herein, "a," "an," and "the" refer to both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a measurable value, such as a parameter, amount, time interval, etc., and is intended to include changes of ±15% or less, preferably ±10% or less, more preferably ±5% or less, even more preferably ±1% or less, and further more preferably ±0.1% or less from the specific recited value, as long as such changes are suitable for implementation in the utility model described herein. In addition, it should also be understood that the value referred to by the modifier "about" itself is specifically disclosed herein.

[0031] As used herein, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "front," "rear," "side," "left," "right," "rear," etc. are used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature. It should also be understood that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are not intended to be limiting, but are intended to be interchangeable where appropriate. In addition, it should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. herein do not indicate any order, quantity, or relative importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "includes," "comprising," and the like specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "configuration" and the like refer to capabilities of components and / or assemblies, but do not exclude the existence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations, and any combination thereof.

[0034] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range within the disclosed range.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") is intended only to better illustrate the utility model, rather than to limit the scope of the utility model or any embodiment.

[0036] Any combination or arrangement of the features, functions and / or embodiments disclosed herein can be envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed systems, methods and assemblies of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. All references listed in the disclosure are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0037] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hair styling device, generally indicated at 10, includes a hair engagement assembly 12, a housing 14 and a power cord 16 (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 and Fig. 9 For example, the housing 14 extends along a longitudinal axis 18 and defines a handle 20 for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling device.

[0038] The hair engaging assembly 12 is movably connected to the housing 14 so that the hair engaging assembly 12 can be positioned relative to the housing 14 in, for example, a first position (eg, Figure 1 ) and the second position (as shown Figure 2 For example, the hair engagement assembly 12 is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position about the longitudinal axis 18 of the housing 14. The hair engagement assembly 12 is configured to rotate between any number of positions about the longitudinal axis 18, not just the first position and the second position shown in the figures.

[0039] The hair styling appliance 10 comprises an actuator 22 connected to the housing 14 and configured to rotate the hair engagement assembly 12 between a first position and a second position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator 22 shown in the embodiment includes a trigger 24 extending outwardly from the exterior of the housing 14 and accessible to the user. In the example shown, the trigger 24 of the actuator 22 is located near the handle 20 and can be selectively operated by the user when the user grasps the handle 20.

[0040] Reference now Figures 3 to 7, hair engagement assembly 12 comprises upper head 26, upper heating plate 28, lower head 30 and lower heating plate 32. Upper head 26 and lower head 30 extend along and around longitudinal axis 18, and form external hair contact surface 34 of hair styling device 10. Suitably, hair engagement assembly 12 is shaped to be used for hair being wound around external hair contact surface 34 during styling operation. For example, external hair contact surface 34 is bent to form a barrel or cylinder for curling hair. In other embodiments, external hair contact surface 34 can be planar, curved, twisted and combination thereof.

[0041] In addition, the hair engagement assembly 12 defines a gap 36 between the upper head 26 and the lower head 30, the gap extending along the longitudinal axis 18. The upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32 extend along the longitudinal axis 18 on opposite sides of the gap 36, and define a space for receiving hair in the gap 36 therebetween. During use, hair can be positioned in the gap 36 and between the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32 for delivering heat to the hair during a hair styling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32 are planar and parallel to each other, and can provide a straightening action or other styling action for the hair positioned between the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32 during a hair styling operation. In other embodiments, the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32 can be planar, curved, twisted, and combinations thereof.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 , the upper head 26 includes an upper tapered end 38 and the lower head 30 includes a lower tapered end 40. The tapered ends 38, 40 are positioned on an end of the hair styling device 10 opposite the end where the power cord 16 extends outwardly from the hair styling device 10. The tapered ends 38, 40 are positioned on either side of the gap 36 and along the longitudinal axis 18 such that the longitudinal axis 18 extends between the tapered ends 38, 40. The tapered ends 38, 40 taper inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 18 and can guide hair into the gap 36 between the upper head 26 and the lower head 30.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling device 10 is a multi-purpose styler and can be used for different styling operations. For example, the hair styling device 10 can be used to straighten hair or to curl hair. In addition, the hair engagement assembly 12 of the hair styling device 10 can be positioned to facilitate one or more of these styling operations. For example, the hair engagement assembly 12 as seen in the drawings is in a first position (eg, Figure 1 ) and the second position (as shown Figure 234 and the gap 36, and as the hair engagement assembly 12 rotates, it can perform styling operations on the hair wrapped around the outer hair contact surface 34 and / or the hair positioned within the gap 36. For example, the rotation of the hair engagement assembly 12 can facilitate providing curling or other styling effects to the hair.

[0044] refer to Figures 10 to 12 , the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12 define a passage 42 extending from an inlet 44 on the trigger 24 of the actuator 22 to an outlet 46 on the hair engagement assembly 12. The inlet 44 on the trigger 24 facilitates making the hair styling device 10 have a more compact form factor. In addition, the inlet 44 is integrated into another functional component of the hair styling device 10 (e.g., the trigger 24), and no additional components or extensions need to be added to the hair styling device 10.

[0045] The channel 42 extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis 18 between the inlet 44 and the outlet 46. The channel 42 is arranged for causing an airflow 49 to flow through the hair styling appliance 10 during operation of the hair styling appliance 10. For example, in some embodiments, one or more heating members may be positioned along the channel 42 and arranged to deliver heat to the airflow 49 within the channel 42. The airflow 49 is directed toward the hair after flowing through the channel 42. The airflow 49 may facilitate causing the hair styling appliance 10 to provide a styling effect to the hair.

[0046] In addition, the hair styling device 10 includes a fan 48 and a motor 50 operatively connected to the fan 48. The fan 48 and the motor 50 are enclosed in the housing 14. Fig.10 and Fig.11 4, fan 48 is positioned along passage 42 and is in fluid communication with inlet 44 and outlet 46. During operation, motor 50 is configured to cause rotation of fan 48 within housing 14 when motor 50 receives power from a power source. When fan 48 rotates, fan 48 is configured to draw airflow 49 into passage 42 through inlet 44 and direct airflow 49 through passage toward outlet 46. In some embodiments, the rotational speed of fan 48 can be adjusted to regulate the flow rate of airflow 49 emitted from outlet 46.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper head 26 and the lower head 30 define a plurality of openings 52 that form the outlet 46. Figure 7 and Fig.11 , the openings 52 are arranged in rows aligned along the longitudinal axis 18 and spaced apart around the circumference of the outer hair contact surface 34. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 52 have different sizes. Still referring to Figure 7, the openings 52 are arranged in alternating rows of larger and smaller diameters. In addition, the rows of openings 52 are staggered in the circumferential direction so that the openings 52 in each row are offset from the openings 52 in the adjacent rows. Therefore, the openings 52 are arranged to guide the airflow 49 toward the hair when the hair is wrapped around the external hair contact surface 34, and to provide an increased area for the air to leave the passage 42 through the outlet 46. In other suitable embodiments, the upper head 26 and / or the lower head 30 may not include any openings 52, and / or the openings 52 may be positioned on other components of the hair styling device 10. For example, in some embodiments, the heating plates 28, 32 may include an opening 52 for the outlet 46.

[0048] like Figures 13 to 17 As seen in the figure, the trigger 24 includes a contact surface 54 and a skirt 56 extending along the edge of the contact surface 54. The contact surface 54 is arranged to be contacted by a user for operating the actuator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 54 is without any openings. In one suitable embodiment, the contact surface 54 is a stadium shape with two linear parallel edges and two circular edges. However, in other embodiments, the contact surface 54 can be any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, circular, and / or polygonal.

[0049] The skirt 56 is perpendicular to the contact surface 54 and extends around the entire circumference of the contact surface 54. The skirt 56 includes a pair of side walls 58 extending between a pair of end walls 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the end walls 60 have different heights. In addition, the side walls 58 are angled between the end walls 60. Fig.13 As seen in FIG. 5 , the end wall 60 at the pivot end of the trigger 24 is shorter than the other end wall 60. In addition, the side wall 58 has an increasing height from the pivot end to the other end of the trigger 24. Thus, the trigger 24 has an angled or triangular profile that facilitates the pivoting action of the trigger 24.

[0050] The sidewall 58 of the skirt 56 defines a plurality of openings 62 and recesses 64 that form the inlet 44 of the hair styling device 10. The openings 62 are positioned on the sides (e.g., the left sidewall 58 and the right sidewall 58) of the trigger 24 to provide an increased area for air to enter the inlet 44. In one suitable embodiment, the end wall 60 is free of any openings 62. However, in some suitable embodiments, the end wall 60 may include openings 62.

[0051] The openings 62 are arranged in rows and positioned in recesses 64. Each recess 64 is elongated and includes a single row of openings 62. The recesses 64 facilitate airflow to the openings 62. In some embodiments, the recesses 64 extend through the housing 14 along the sidewall 58, and the airflow 49 flows through the recesses 64 and directly into the channel 42 without having to flow through the openings 62.

[0052] The contact surface 54 and skirt 56 of the trigger 24 define a cavity 66 that is in fluid communication with the opening 62 and the passage 42 defined by the housing 14. For example, the trigger 24 has an end opposite the contact surface 54 that is open to the passage 42. During operation of the hair styling device 10, the airflow 49 is drawn into the inlet 44 through the opening 62 and flows through the cavity 66 of the trigger 24 and into the passage 42, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.17 As seen in.

[0053] like Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.16 , the trigger 24 includes an inner dividing wall 68 extending from the contact surface 54 and between the side walls 58. The inner dividing wall 68 is parallel to the side walls 58. In addition, the height of the inner dividing wall 68 is less than the height of the side walls 58. The inner dividing wall 68 redirects the airflow 49 entering the cavity 66 through the opening 62. The inner dividing wall 68 redirects the airflow 49 toward the channel 42. In other suitable embodiments, the inner dividing wall 68 has a different shape or is omitted.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig.17 The trigger 24 is provided by at least one pin 70 ( Fig.17) is movably connected to the housing 14, and at least one pin is connected to the side wall 58 adjacent to the pivot end of the trigger 24. The pin 70 facilitates rotation of the trigger 24 relative to the housing 14, but the pin 70 is fixed to prevent sliding movement relative to the housing 14. The trigger 24 is configured to pivot about the pin 70 and at least partially displace into the housing 14 when the user presses the trigger 24. The pin 70 extends from the shorter end of the skirt 56 and engages with the housing 14. The skirt 56 is in sliding contact with the housing 14 and is at least partially positioned on the exterior of the cavity of the housing 14 when the trigger 24 is in the first position. When pressed, the trigger 24 pivots about the pin 70, and the exposed portion of the skirt 56 slides relative to the housing 14 and enters the cavity of the housing 14. When the trigger 24 is in the second position, the skirt 56 is at least partially positioned within the cavity of the housing 14. A catch or flange 71 extends outwardly from the skirt 56 opposite the pin 70 and engages a groove 73 on the housing 14 to limit movement of the trigger 24 and secure the trigger 24 in the first position. A biasing member (eg, a spring 84) biases the trigger 24 toward the first position.

[0055] The trigger 24 can be in the first position ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 ) and the second position ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ). More specifically, the trigger 24 moves between the first position and the second position in response to a user pressing on a contact surface 54 of the trigger 24. When the trigger 24 is in the first position, the contact surface 54 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 18. When the trigger 24 is in the second position, the contact surface 54 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. When the trigger 24 is in the second position, the contact surface 54 of the trigger 24 may be flush with the housing 14.

[0056] refer to Fig.17 , the actuator 22 includes a gear assembly 82. The gear assembly 82 can include any suitable type of gears. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear assembly 82 includes a sliding gear 86 and one or more rotating gears 88. The gears 86, 88 include teeth that mesh with each other and are arranged to cause movement of the rotor 72 within the housing 14. The gear assembly 82 is at least partially enclosed in a gear housing 90 located within the housing 14.

[0057] like Fig.17As shown in the figure, the gear assembly 82 engages with the trigger 24 and is caused to rotate by it. The trigger 24 includes a protrusion 74 extending downward from the skirt 56 and configured to engage the sliding gear 86. The gear assembly 82 converts the linear motion of the trigger 24 (e.g., the motion of the trigger 24 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18) into a rotational motion (e.g., the rotation of the rotor 72 around the longitudinal axis 18). The sliding gear 86 of the gear assembly 82 is connected to the moving end of the trigger 24. The sliding gear 86 includes an open end that receives the protrusion 74 on the trigger 24 and a tooth that meshes with the teeth on one or more rotating gears 88, and one or more rotating gears are drivingly engaged with the shaft 80. When the trigger 24 is displaced, the trigger 24 causes the linear movement of the sliding gear 86. The linear movement of the sliding gear 86 causes the rotation of the rotating gear 88. The actuator 22 activates the rotor 72 in the housing 14, and the rotor 72 causes the rotation of the hair engagement assembly 12. In an example, the actuator 22 is a manual actuator and is configured to cause the hair engaging assembly 12 to change position without an external power source or motor to drive the trigger 24 or the gears 86 , 88 .

[0058] refer to Fig.10 , the spring 84 is arranged to provide a biasing force to bias the trigger 24 toward the first extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 84 is a helical compression spring and is positioned between the housing 14 and the sliding gear 86 to provide a biasing force opposing the sliding action of the sliding gear 86. When the pressing force is released from the contact surface 54, the spring 84 returns the trigger 24 to the first position. In other embodiments, the actuator 22 may include a leaf spring or any suitable biasing member.

[0059] refer to Figures 10 to 12 , the gear assembly 82 of the actuator 22 is connected to the rotor 72 via the shaft 80. One of the rotating gears 88 is mounted on the shaft 80 to rotate together with the shaft 80. The rotating gears 88 on the shaft are meshed with the other rotating gears 88. The rotating gears 88 are rotated by the sliding gear 86, and the rotation of the rotating gears 88 causes the shaft 80 and the rotor 72 connected to the shaft 80 to rotate.

[0060] like Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.17As seen in, rotor 72 is movably connected to housing 14 with hair engaging assembly 12.Rotor 72 extends longitudinally outwards from housing 14, and is connected to hair engaging assembly 12.Bushing 78 extends between rotor 72 and housing 14, to provide support for rotor 72, and promotes the rotation of rotor 72 relative to housing 14.In addition, rotor 72 at least partially defines a part for air-flow 49 transitioning between hair engaging assembly 12 and housing 14 of passage 42.In the embodiment shown, rotor 72 is a hollow support, which has a first end connected to axle 80 and an annular second end connected to hair engaging assembly 12.In addition, the end of rotor 72 in housing 14 and hair engaging assembly 12 is open, to promote air-flow through wherein.Rotor 72 is solid, and there is no opening at the junction between housing 14 and hair engaging assembly 12, to prevent air-flow 49 from leaking from passage 42.

[0061] Suitably, the fan 48 is mounted within the rotor 72. Thus, the fan 48 is positioned along the channel 42 and between the inlet 44 on the actuator 22 and the outlet 46 on the outer hair contact surface 34. The position of the fan 48 promotes efficient airflow through the channel 42 and promotes a more compact form factor for the hair styling device 10. The fan 48 may be arranged to rotate with the rotor 72 or be fixed to prevent rotation with the rotor 72.

[0062] During operation, trigger 24 is pressed downwards into housing 14. Trigger 24 moves into housing 14 and causes linear movement of sliding gear 86. Movement of sliding gear 86 causes rotating gear 88 to rotate. Rotating gear 88 rotates shaft 80, and shaft 80 causes rotor 72 to rotate around longitudinal axis 18. Rotor 72 rotates hair engagement assembly 12 connected to rotor 72, for example, between first position and second position. The rotation of hair engagement assembly 12 is unrestricted, and hair engagement assembly 12 can rotate a complete rotation or more rotations around longitudinal axis continuously. In the illustrated embodiment, hair engagement assembly 12 rotates based on the force applied to trigger 24. Therefore, the user does not need to determine or input the movement parameter for hair engagement assembly 12. The user simply presses trigger 24, and hair engagement assembly 12 rotates the amount limited at each time and provides accurate styling action. When trigger 24 is released, hair engagement assembly 12 remains in the rotation position. When pressing trigger 24 again, hair engagement assembly 12 further rotates in the same direction.

[0063] The hair styling device 10 includes at least one heating element 94, 96 configured to deliver heat to the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32. The upper heating element 94 is positioned adjacent to and connected to the upper heating plate 28, and the lower heating element 96 is positioned adjacent to and connected to the lower heating plate 32. In some suitable embodiments, the hair styling device 10 may include a plurality of heating elements connected to the upper heating plate 28 and a plurality of heating elements connected to the lower heating plate 32.

[0064] Heating element 94,96 can operate under various temperature profiles, think that heating plate 28,32 provides the temperature profile of expectation.In one case, when there is not the hair that interacts with hair engagement assembly 12, heating element 94,96 can operate at a first temperature, and when hair is contacting hair engagement assembly 12, these heating elements can operate at a second temperature.Upper heating element 94 and lower heating element 96 can operate at similar temperature or different temperatures.Heating element 94,96 can be activated / deactivated at the temperature setting point, so that heating plate 28,32 is maintained at the operating temperature of setting.In some embodiments, heating element 94,96 can be operated to make heating plate 28,32 be in the temperature between about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and about 270 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0065] To operate the hair styling device 10, the hair styling device 10 may include a power button (or an "on / off" switch), a temperature increase button (or an "up" switch), a temperature decrease button (or a "down" switch), and / or a fan speed button. In other embodiments, the hair styling device 10 may be configured in any manner that facilitates user operation of the hair styling device 10 as described herein (e.g., the hair styling device 10 may have any suitable number of buttons and displays arranged in any suitable manner). For example, the hair styling device 10 may include a graphical user interface (e.g., an LCD display and / or LEDs). The hair styling device 10 may also include a temperature indicator to display the current and / or desired temperature, and / or a fan indicator to indicate the operating state of the fan 48. The hair styling device 10 may also include a mode selector (e.g., to select a straightening mode or a curling mode). In some embodiments, the mode selector may also include a power selection (e.g., to select an "off / on" mode or a "high / low" mode). The hair styling device 10 may also include a mode indicator that displays which mode is selected. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling appliance 10 includes a plurality of buttons 92 (or similar functional elements, eg, toggle switches, on / off switches, IR) for controlling temperature, fan speed, mode, power, etc.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.10 and Fig.17In operation, a user grasps the handle 20 of the hair styling device 10 and positions the hair around the outer hair contact surface 34 and / or positions the hair within the gap 36. The hair wrapped around the outer hair contact surface 34 is arranged to receive the airflow 49 emitted from the outlet 46. If positioned within the gap 36, the hair extends across and contacts the inner hair heating surfaces of the upper heating plate 28 and the lower heating plate 32. Heat can be delivered to the hair positioned within the gap 36 by at least one of the heating plates 28, 32.

[0067] In the case where hair is positioned on the external hair contact surface 34 and / or positioned in the gap 36, the user activates the actuator 22 to move the hair engagement assembly 12. More specifically, the user presses the trigger 24 into the housing 14, and the actuator 22 rotates the hair engagement assembly 12. The hair rotates with the hair engagement assembly 12, and the rotation promotes the styling operation of the hair, such as straightening, curling and combination thereof. The hair styling device 10 moves along the hair when the hair engagement assembly 12 is in the rotational position or remains in place on the hair to perform the hair styling operation. The trigger 24 can be released, and the hair engagement assembly 12 remains in the rotational position. The trigger 24 can be pressed again to rotate the hair engagement assembly 12.

[0068] In addition, if the fan 48 is activated, the airflow 49 is drawn through the opening 62 and / or recess 64 of the inlet 44 and through the cavity 66 of the trigger 24 and / or into the channel 42. Suitably, when the user grasps the handle 20, the opening 62 and recess 64 of the inlet 44 are not blocked because the inlet 44 is located on the trigger 24. The airflow 49 in the cavity 66 is redirected by the internal partition wall 68 and flows into the channel 42. The airflow 49 in the channel 42 flows through the housing 14 and enters the joint formed by the rotor 72 between the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12. The airflow 49 flows through the fan 48 positioned in the rotor 72 and is directed toward the upper head 26 and the lower head 30, and is emitted from the opening 52 of the outlet 46 in a direction toward the hair.

[0069] Airflow is used for hair styling operation before, during and / or after hair engagement assembly 12 is rotated.User can activate fan 48 to perform hair styling operation before or after actuating trigger 24.Airflow can promote hair styling operation by, for example, heating hair so that hair is ready for styling and / or shaping hair after styling operation.In the embodiment shown, button 92 is used to activate fan 48.In some embodiments, fan 48 can be activated in coordination with the movement of trigger 24 and / or hair engagement assembly 12.

[0070] Any operation step can be repeated any number of times in any order.For example, after a section of hair is subjected to a styling operation, the hair can be removed from the hair engagement assembly 12, and a new section of hair can be positioned relative to the hair engagement assembly 12 to perform styling.

[0071] The hair styling device described herein is more compact and easier to use than conventional hair styling devices. In addition, the hair styling device includes an inlet positioned to provide efficient operation of the hair styling device. In addition, the hair styling device includes a hair engagement assembly that can be positioned to provide multiple styling operations and simplify user operation.

[0072] Although the disclosure has cited exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and that its elements may be replaced with equivalents. In addition, without departing from the substantive scope and spirit of the present invention, many modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the present invention to specific purposes, applications, manufacturing conditions, conditions of use, compositions, media, sizes and / or materials. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be not limited to the exemplary embodiments and best modes intended for implementing the present invention as described herein. Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail may be made to the examples described, all contents described previously and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted as exemplary and non-restrictive.

Claims

1. A hair styling device, characterized in that: include: a housing defining a passage; a hair engaging assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair, wherein the hair engaging assembly is positionable relative to the housing; an actuator connected to the housing and configured to move the hair engagement assembly; an inlet located on the actuator for allowing airflow to enter the channel; an outlet for causing the airflow to exit the channel, wherein the outlet is arranged to direct the airflow towards the hair as it exits the channel; and A fan is configured to draw the airflow into the passage through the inlet on the actuator and to direct the airflow through the passage toward the outlet.

2. The hair styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The hair styling appliance has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hair engagement assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

3. The hair styling device according to claim 2, characterized in that The passage extends at least partially through the housing along the longitudinal axis.

4. The hair styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The actuator includes a trigger extending from an exterior of the housing and accessible to a user, the trigger including a contact surface to be contacted by the user, wherein the contact surface is free of any openings.

5. The hair styling device according to claim 4, characterized in that The trigger includes a sidewall extending from the contact surface, and wherein the inlet includes an opening defined in the sidewall of the trigger.

6. The hair styling device according to claim 4, characterized in that The housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling appliance, wherein the trigger is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

7. The hair styling device according to claim 4, characterized in that The actuator includes a gear assembly connected to the trigger.

8. The hair styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The hair engaging assembly comprises a hair contact surface arranged to receive hair, and wherein the outlet comprises at least one opening defined in the hair contact surface.

9. The hair styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a motor connected to the fan, wherein the motor is operable to cause rotation of the fan when the motor receives power from a power source, and wherein the motor and the fan are mounted to a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly.

10. A hair styling device, characterized in that: include: a housing defining a passage; a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing; a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly and configured to rotate relative to the housing; an actuator connected to the housing and configured to cause rotation of the rotor; a fan positioned along the passage and arranged to generate an airflow through the passage; and An inlet is located on the actuator for allowing the airflow to enter the channel, wherein the fan is configured to draw the airflow into the channel through the inlet on the actuator.

11. The hair styling device according to claim 10, characterized in that The housing has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hair engaging assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

12. The hair styling device according to claim 11, characterized in that The rotor extends across a junction between the housing and the hair engagement assembly and defines a cavity for the airflow in the passageway to flow through the junction.

13. The hair styling device according to claim 10, characterized in that The housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling appliance, wherein the actuator is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

14. The hair styling device according to claim 10, characterized in that Also included is a motor positioned within the housing, wherein the motor is operable to cause rotation of the fan when the motor receives power from a power source.

15. The hair styling device according to claim 14, characterized in that The actuator is a manual actuator and is configured to cause rotation of the rotor without receiving power from the power source.

16. A hair styling device, characterized in that: include: a housing defining a passage; a trigger extending from an exterior of the housing and accessible to a user, wherein the trigger is operable to move between a first position and a second position in response to contact by the user, the trigger comprising at least one sidewall and a contact surface contacted by the user; an inlet for allowing airflow into the passageway, wherein the inlet comprises an opening defined in the side wall of the trigger; an outlet for causing the airflow to exit the channel, wherein the outlet is arranged to direct the airflow towards the hair as it exits the channel; and A fan is configured to draw the airflow into the passage through the inlet and to direct the airflow through the passage toward the outlet.

17. The hair styling device according to claim 16, characterized in that Also included is a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hair engagement assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis when the trigger moves between the first position and the second position.

18. The hair styling device according to claim 17, characterized in that The trigger moves between the first position and the second position at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

19. The hair styling device according to claim 16, characterized in that The trigger is coupled to the rotor and is configured to cause rotation of the rotor without receiving power from a power source.

20. The hair styling device of claim 16, wherein: The housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling appliance, wherein the trigger is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

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