Hair styling appliance

Abstract

A hair styling appliance includes a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, arranged to receive hair within a region between each other. A plenum is disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from an air outlet of a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the region. The hair styling appliance includes a hair clamp that in turn comprises first and second clamping members for gripping hair therebetween. The first clamping member comprises a first clamping surface for contacting hair the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for contacting hair, wherein the first clamping surface has a higher coefficient of friction than the second clamping surface.

Description

[0001] HAIR STYLING APPLIANCE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a hair styling appliance.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Heated hair styling appliances are designed to use the action of heat, mechanical means and / or airflow to form hair into a desired shape or style.

[0006] A hair straightener can utilise heated plates attached to pivoted arms that can be held, by a user, in a closed position with a tress of hair clamped between the heated plates. The tress of hair can be styled into a changed shape once the hair is heated above a transition temperature.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] According to an aspect, there is provided a hair styling appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a region between each other; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from an air outlet of a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the region; and a hair clamp comprising first and second clamping members for gripping hair therebetween, wherein: the first clamping member comprises a first clamping surface for contacting hair; and the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for contacting hair; wherein the first clamping surface has a higher coefficient of friction than the second clamping surface. The different coefficients of friction may allow for improved tension control as hair is pulled through the hair styling appliance.

[0009] The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface may comprise relatively different materials for contacting hair.

[0010] The use of different materials may allow for convenient tuning of the differences between the coefficients of friction of the first and second clamping surfaces, and / or for tuning the styling outcomes of using the hair styling appliance.

[0011] The first clamping surface may comprise a more resiliently deformable material than the second clamping surface.

[0012] The more resiliently deformable material may allow for some compliance when the clamping surface is in contact with hair, which in turn may allow for redistribution of hair along the clamping surfaces, and / or reduced pinching of the hair, and / or improved modulation and distribution of pressure placed upon the hair.

[0013] The first clamping surface may comprise a polymer.

[0014] The first clamping surface may comprise an elastomer.

[0015] The second hair-engaging material may comprise a metallic material and / or a ceramic material.

[0016] At least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member may be mounted to move relative to the arm upon which it is supported, between an extended position and a retracted position, and the movement may be biased towards the extended position. Extension and retraction may allow for redistribution of hair along the clamping surfaces, and / or reduced pinching of the hair, and / or improved modulation and distribution of pressure placed upon the hair.

[0017] In the extended position, the distance between the pair of clamping surfaces may be less than the distance between the inner wall of the first arm and the inner wall of the second arm.

[0018] The higher coefficient of friction may be at least partly caused by a difference in surface pattern between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface.

[0019] The use of a surface pattern, or different surface patterns, may allow for tuning of the coefficient of friction.

[0020] Each clamping member may have an elongate form and comprise a projection generally at each terminal end.

[0021] The projection(s) may help corral hair.

[0022] According to a further aspect, there is provided a hair styling appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a region between each other; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from an air outlet of a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the region; and a hair clamp comprising first and second clamping members for gripping hair therebetween, wherein: the first clamping member comprises a first clamping surface for contacting hair, the first clamping surface being defined by a first material; and the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for contacting hair, the second clamping surface being defined by a second material; wherein the second material is more compressible than the first material as a result of clamping hair between the first and second clamping surfaces when the hair styling appliance is in use.

[0023] The first material may comprise a metallic and / or ceramic material that is substantially incompressible due to clamping hair between the first and second clamping surfaces when the hair styling appliance is in use.

[0024] The second material may comprise an elastomer such as silicone.

[0025] The first clamping member may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second clamping member, at least in a region defined by the first and second clamping surfaces. Optionally, first clamping member is deeper than second clamping member in a plane parallel to a plane within which first and second arms can pivot towards each other.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure l is a side elevation of a hair styling appliance;

[0029] Figure 2 is an end elevation of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-section through line III-III of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1 in a closed position;

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hair styling appliance of Figure 1 in an open position;

[0033] Figure 6 is a simplified version of the cross section of Figure 3;

[0034] Figure 7 is a simplified cross-section of an alternative hair styling appliance; Figure 8 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

[0035] Figure 9 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

[0036] Figure 10 is a simplified cross-section of a further alternative hair styling appliance;

[0037] Figure 11 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the hair styling appliance of Figures 1 to 6, taken through Figure 4;

[0038] Figure 12 is a longitudinal horizontal sectional view of the hair styling appliance of Figures 1 to 6, taken through Figure 4;

[0039] Figure 13 is side elevation of a hair clamp for use with a hair styling appliance;

[0040] Figure 14 is a side elevation of one of the clamping members from the hair clamp of Figure 13;

[0041] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the other of the clamping members from the hair clamp of Figure 13;

[0042] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of clamping members of an alternative implementation of a hair clamp for use with a hair styling appliance; and

[0043] Figures 17 to 20 are schematic cross-sectional views through further implementations of clamping members;

[0044] Figures 21 and 22 are plan views of portions of the first clamping members of Figures 19 and 20 respectively; and

[0045] Figure 23 is a detailed perspective view showing the clamping members of Figures 13- 15 installed in a hair styling appliance.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Referring to the drawings, a hair styling appliance 10 comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other. In the illustrated example, first arm 12 and second arm 14 are pivotably mounted to a base in the form of a handle section 16, by way of respective hinges 17. First and second arms 12 and 14 are biased by springs (not shown) towards the open position, as shown in Figure 5, and can be manually closed against the bias of the springs by a user.

[0048] Each of first arm 12 and second arm 14 terminates at a tip region 18 distal to handle section 16. Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes, in plan, a tapered portion 24 that narrows along its length towards tip region 18.

[0049] First and second arms 12 and 14 are arranged to receive hair within a region in the form of drying cavity 20. Drying cavity 20 is a space between first and second arms 12 and 14 within which a hair tress 22 is captured when the hair styling appliance 10 is in use, as described in more detail below.

[0050] Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 comprises a leading edge 15, past which hair enters drying cavity 20 while the hair is being pulled through the hair styling appliance 10 in use. Each of first and second arms 12 and 14 also comprises a trailing edge 19, past which hair leaves drying cavity 20 while the hair is being pulled through the hair styling appliance 10 in use.

[0051] The section of handle section 16 distal to tip region 18 is generally hollow, and includes several external holes 26 through which air passes when hair styling appliance 10 is in use. A filter 28 filters incoming air to remove dust and other particles that might damage downstream components or a user’ s hair.

[0052] Once through filter 28, air continues downstream through an impeller 30 that is driven by an electric motor 32. Motor 32 may be driven by a mains power supply (supplied via a cable, not shown) and / or batteries (not shown), depending upon implementation.

[0053] Downstream of motor 32, air continues through a bellows 34. Bellows 34 forks, dividing air into first and second ducts 36 and 38. Each of first and second ducts 36 and 38 includes an offset, in the form of an S-shaped portion 37 as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, an offset, such as an S-shaped portion, may be provided upstream of where the bellows fork. In yet another alternative, an offset, such as an S-shaped portion, may be provided in the airflow path at a similar position where only a single plenum is provided, and hence there is no need for a fork or, at least in some cases, bellows.

[0054] First duct 36 feeds air into a first plenum 40 within first arm 12 via a first air inlet 42, and second duct 38 feeds air into a second plenum 44 within second arm 14 via a second air inlet 46. Bellows 34 is at least partly formed from a resilient material, allowing the first and second ducts to bend away from each other when the hair styling appliance is in the open position shown in Figure 5.

[0055] First plenum 40 has an outlet in the form of a first slot 48 that opens into drying cavity 20. Similarly, second plenum 44 has an outlet in the form of a second slot 50 that opens into drying cavity 20. First slot 48 and second slot 50 extend along an inner face of respective first and second arms 12 and 14. First and second slots 48 and 50 take the form of continuous apertures in the hair styling appliance 10, but may alternatively take the form of one or more discontinuous and / or differently shaped apertures disposed along drying cavity 20.

[0056] First slot 48 and second slot 50 are disposed closer to their respective trailing edges 19 than their respective leading edges 15.

[0057] Each of first and second plenums 40 and 44 includes a longitudinally extending heater 66 for heating the airflow before it is emitted from respective first and second slots 48 and 50. Heater 66 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 13 to 15.

[0058] As best shown in Figure 12, each of first and second plenums 40 and 44 tapers, in plan, towards tip region 18 from where it joins its corresponding duct 36 / 38. This decrease in transverse cross-sectional area of the first and second plenums 40 and 44 compensates for a gradual reduction in air pressure due to increasing distance from motor 32. S-shaped portion 37 directs airflow into a region of each plenum at point distal to the first and second slots 48 and 50, which helps even out the pressure across the length of first and second plenums 40 and 44.

[0059] An angled wall 51 within each plenum extends along most of the plenum’s length. The angle of angled wall 51 relative to the corresponding slot 48 or 50 is selected such that air is evenly redirected from the plenum through slot 48 or 50. An angle of around 6-10 degrees, more particularly around 8-9 degrees, and most particularly 8.7 degrees has been found to be effective in at least the embodiment of Figures 1-6.

[0060] First arm 12 includes a first air deflector 52 and second arm 14 includes a second air deflector 54. First air deflector 52 and second air deflector 54 are disposed along the first arm 12 and second arm 14, respectively, and are configured to deflect at least some of the airflow away from the hair within drying cavity 20, as described in more detail below. First air deflector 52 and second air deflector 54 are disposed closer to their respective leading edges 15 than to their trailing edges 19.

[0061] In hair styling appliance 10, first air deflector 52 partly defines a first duct 56. First duct 56 is also partly defined by a first outer surface 58 of first arm 12 disposed opposite first air deflector 52. Similarly, second air deflector 54 defines a second duct 60. Second duct 60 is similarly partly defined by a second outer surface 62 of second arm 14 disposed opposite second air deflector 54.

[0062] First and second outer surfaces 58 and 62 curve, in transverse cross-section, away from drying cavity 20. As well as giving offering a smooth path for airflow 59 passing through first and second ducts 56 and 60, the curve of first and second outer surfaces 58 and 62 is selected to encourage airflow attachment, thereby encouraging the airflow into the ducts and reducing restriction.

[0063] As best shown in Figures 3 and 6, first and second ducts 56 and 60 curve away from drying cavity 20 along at least a portion of their respective lengths. In hair styling appliance 10, first and second ducts 56 and 60 curve away in transverse cross-section (see Figures 3 and 6). This encourages airflow 59 away from hair within drying cavity 20.

[0064] First and second ducts 56 and 60 converge, in transverse cross-section, in a downstream direction. This accelerates airflow 59 as it leaves first and second ducts 56 and 60, which assists with air entrainment, which in turn acts to reduce the average temperature of the moving air. Reduced air temperature can offer greater user comfort, depending on the orientation with which hair styling appliance 10 is used.

[0065] First and second ducts 56 and 60 include a plurality of vanes 64, disposed between their outer surfaces 58 and 62 and air deflectors 52 and 54. Each vane 64 is angled and curved relative to a longitudinal axis of first and second arms 12 and 14, so as to deflect airflow exiting first and second ducts 56 and 60, in use, generally towards tip region 18 of hair styling appliance 10. Deflecting the airflow in this manner may improve user comfort, depending on the orientation with which hair styling appliance 10 is used.

[0066] In use, while hair styling appliance 10 is in the open position shown in Figure 5, a user places the hair tress 22 between first and second arms 12 and 14, within drying cavity 20. Typically, hair styling appliance 10 is positioned with trailing edge 19 close to the user’s scalp but other positions may be selected depended upon the desired styling effect. The user then squeezes first and second arms 12 and 14 together towards the closed position shown in Figure 4, thereby capturing the hair tress 22 within drying cavity 20.

[0067] Driven by motor 32, impeller 30 draws air through holes 26 and filter 28, then impels it downstream through bellows 34, where it is divided between first and second ducts 36 and 38. Airflow enters first plenum 40 from first duct 36 and second plenum 44 from second duct 38.

[0068] Airflow moves through first and second plenums 40 and 44, and towards respective heaters 66. The airflow is heated by heaters 66, and then exits first and second slots 48 and 50 into drying cavity 20. Due to the tapered transverse cross-section of first and second plenums 40 and 44, and S-shaped portion 37, the heated airflow exits first and second slots 48 and 50 generally evenly along their lengths.

[0069] While the user draws hair styling appliance 10 away from the scalp, the heated airflow heats and dries hair tress 22 within drying cavity 20, straightening and smoothing it. As the heated airflow leaves hair tress 22, the majority of it is directed into first and second ducts 56 and 58, although a small amount may leak through hair trapped in the gap between internal edges of first and second air deflectors 52 and 54. The airflow is directed away from hair tress 22 through first and second ducts 56 and 60, and ejected at an angle as described in more detail above.

[0070] Although hair styling appliance 10 shows both of first and second arms 12 and 14 having a plenum, outlet and air deflector, other combinations of these features may be used.

[0071] In an example, only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes a plenum and only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes an air deflector. The arm with the plenum need not be the same as the arm with the air deflector.

[0072] For example, Figure 7 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 70, in which features in common with hair styling appliance 10 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 70, second arm 14 does not include a plenum. Also, first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. As such, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through duct 60.

[0073] Figure 8 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 80, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10 and 60 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 80, second arm 14 includes plenum 44 and duct 60, but first arm 12 includes neither a plenum nor an air deflector. As with hair styling appliance 60, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through duct 60, although in this case, the airflow is supplied into drying cavity 20 via second slot 50. In another example, both of first and second arms 12 and 14 include a plenum but only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes an air deflector.

[0074] For example, Figure 9 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 90, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10, 70, and 80 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 90, first and second arms 12 and 14 include respective first and second plenums 40 and 44. Second arm 14 includes air deflector 54, but first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. As such, all of the airflow exiting drying cavity passes through second duct 60.

[0075] In another example, only one of first and second arms 12 and 14 includes a plenum, but both of first and second arms 12 and 14 include an air deflector.

[0076] For example, Figure 10 shows a transverse cross-section of a hair styling appliance 100, in which features in common with hair styling appliances 10, 70, 80, and 90 use the same reference signs. In hair styling appliance 100, first arm 12 includes first plenum 40, but second arm 14 does not include a plenum. As such, airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through first and second ducts 56 and 60 in a similar manner to that described in relation to hair styling appliance 10 of Figures 1-6, although in this case, the airflow is supplied into drying cavity 20 only via first slot 48.

[0077] It will be appreciated that,l llthoughugh specific combinations of first and second arms, plenums, outlets and air deflectors have been described, any other combination of such components may be adopted, depending upon the desired implementation. Selecting a particular combination of these elements may allow a manufacturer to balance manufacturing costs against desired performance.

[0078] In addition, although the use of a single motor 32 and impeller 30 has been described, it will be appreciated that a separate motor can be provided in or for each arm. Also, although the hair styling appliances described above all use a base (such as handle section 16), the skilled person will appreciate that the arms may be directly connected to each other, rather than via such a base. In that case, motor 32 and impeller 30 can be mounted within one of the arms, or a separate motor and impeller can be mounted within each of the arms.

[0079] Although first and second arms 12 and 14 are generally symmetrical, the skilled person will appreciate that this need not be the case. For example, one of the arms may have greater volume than the other, and may contain, for example, motor 32, impeller 30, and a plenum, while the other arm may not contain those items. An air deflector can be in mounted on either of the arms in this approach.

[0080] Although the air deflectors described above take the form of linear elements that define a longitudinal duct, in other embodiments, a different form of air deflector may be used. For example, the air deflector(s) can take the form of one or more apertures formed through either or both of the arms. In that case, the air deflectors form part of a wall of each aperture upon which air exiting drying cavity 20 impinges and is redirected. Alternatively, the air deflector(s) can take the form of one or more longitudinal slats spaced from either or both of the arms.

[0081] Heater 66 may take any suitable form. Both first and second plenums 40 and 44 include heaters, but in other implementations, only one of the plenums has a heater. Also, where both plenums have heaters, they need not be the same as each other.

[0082] Turning to Figures 13 to 15 and 23, there is shown a hair clamp 110 that extends along the trailing edges of first and second arms 12 and 14, adjacent slots 48 and 50. Hair clamp 110 includes a first clamping member 112 and a second clamping member 114, the first and second clamping members 112 and 114 being generally elongate in form. First clamping member 112 is resiliently biased towards second clamping member 114 by a metal leaf spring 116. First clamping member 112 is mounted within a slot of first arm 12 such that it can move in a direction away from second clamping member 114 against the tension of spring 116 within the slot.

[0083] In the illustrated example, first clamping member 112 includes a projection in the form of a first guide 118 at one end, and a further projection in the form of a second guide 120 at the other end, with a first clamping surface 119 extending between them. Second clamping member 114 includes a projection in the form of a third guide 122 at one end and a fourth guide 124 at the other end, with a second clamping surface 121 extending between them.

[0084] In the illustrated implementation, first, second, third, and fourth guides 118, 120, 122, and 124 take the form of tapered tongue-like projections made of an elastomeric material such as silicone that allows the guides to bend. First guide 118 and third guide 122 are positioned in line with each other, and second guide 120 and fourth guide 124 are also positioned in line with each other.

[0085] In use, as first and second arms 12 and 14 are pushed together to trap tress 22 within drying region 20, opposing tips of first guide 118 and third guide 122, and second guide 120 and fourth guide 124, make contact with each other, and bend. Contact between the respective pairs of guides prevents hair from tress 22 from leaving the drying region 20, for example due to the force of airflow entering the drying region.

[0086] First, second, third, and fourth guides 118, 120, 122, and 124 are optional and can be omitted if desired.

[0087] Further movement of first and second arms towards each other traps tress 22 between first and second clamping surfaces 119 and 121, although pressure on tress 22 is limited by spring 116. As the user draws hair through hair styling appliance 10 by pulling it away from the scalp, the pressure on tress 22 caused by first and second clamping surfaces 119 and 121 provides tactile feedback and helps smooth the heated hair as it leaves drying region 20. Second clamping surface 121 has a higher coefficient of friction than first clamping surface 119. In this context, “coefficient of friction” means the amount of friction or drag relative to a tress of hair (which can be wet, damp or dry hair, depending upon the intended purpose of hair care appliance 100) as it is pulled through hair care appliance 100 as described above.

[0088] The difference in coefficients of friction can be achieved by, for example, first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 comprising relatively different materials for contacting the hair. Additionally, the coefficients of friction of first and second clamping surfaces 119 and 121 can at least partly be defined by a combination of characteristics such as cross-sectional profile, surface texture, and material characteristics.

[0089] For example, a highly polished finish will generally have a lower coefficient of friction than a matt finish, which in turn will typically have a lower coefficient of friction than a heavily roughened or textured surface. A resilient material (such as an elastomer) will generally have a higher coefficient of friction than a hard polished material. A wider and / or higher-radius profile of a clamping surface and / or any surface features will generally result in greater friction of the clamping surface as a whole.

[0090] First clamping member 112 can be formed from a material having a first coefficient of friction, and second clamping member 114 can be formed from a different material having a second coefficient of friction that is higher than the first coefficient of friction. For example, in the implementation of Figures 13 to 15, second clamping member 114 is formed from a silicone material and first clamping member 112 is formed from aluminium. Accordingly, although the cross-sectional profiles of first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 are the same as each other, the different materials used result in a higher amount of friction being applied to a tress of hair by second clamping member 114 relative to that applied by first clamping member 112 when hair styling appliance 100 is used as described above. In alternative implementations, either or both of first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 can be coated with different material(s) to change it / their coefficient s) of friction. For example, first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 can be formed from aluminium, but second clamping member 114 can be coated with an elastomeric coating 117, as shown in Figure 17. Elastomeric coating 117 can be, for example, a silicone material, which results in second clamping surface 121 having a higher coefficient of friction than the smooth aluminium defining first clamping surface 119.

[0091] Alternatively, or in addition, first clamping member 112 can be coated with a smooth, relatively low-friction material. For example, as shown in Figure 18, first clamping member 112 can be coated with a smooth ceramic coating 127, which has a lower coefficient of friction than elastomeric coating 117.

[0092] The skilled person will appreciate that either or both of first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 can comprise a coating or other surface treatment applied to the underlying material of first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114, respectively, in order to provide a desired difference in coefficients of friction.

[0093] In other implementations, any or all of the surface pattern(s), roughness and / or profiles of first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 can be selected to provide a desired difference in coefficients of friction. For example, second clamping surface 121 can define a series of longitudinal ridges 123 while first clamping surface 119 is relatively smooth, as shown in Figures 19 and 21. The materials of first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 can be chosen such that the combination of material properties and the additional friction introduced by longitudinal ridges 123 results in second clamping surface 121 having a higher coefficient of friction than first clamping surface 119. Although three ridges 123 are shown in Figures 19 and 21, it will be appreciated that any desired number, spacing, form, and size of ridges or similar features can be employed. Such features may vary in cross-sectional area and / or dimensions along their lengths, and need not necessarily be parallel to each other or extend the full length of the second clamping member 114.

[0094] Figures 20 and 22 show an implementation in which first and second clamping member 112 and 114 are formed from the same material (aluminium or stainless steel, for example), and the region of second clamping surface 121 that contacts the tress of hair is covered by small bumps 125 that are randomly distributed across second clamping surface 121. Bumps 125 increase the coefficient of friction of second clamping surface 121. Bumps 125 are about 3 mm (1 / 8”) in diameter and height. In other implementations, bumps 125 can be larger or smaller in diameter and / or height, or a combination of different sizes. Bumps 125 can be distributed randomly or in accordance with a pattern.

[0095] Bumps 125 can take different forms, depending upon the desired characteristics. For example, bumps need not be circular in plan, but can take any suitable shape / form or combination of shapes / forms. In addition, for a given bump shape and size, relatively large radius edges will tend to contribute to a lower coefficient of friction than smaller radius edges, which in turn will tend to contribute to a lower coefficient of friction than relatively sharp edges or corners. A greater density of bumps will also tend to increase the coefficient of friction.

[0096] It will be appreciated that any surface pattem(s), roughness and / or profiles can be applied irrespective of whether first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 comprise the same materials, and irrespective of whether either or both of first clamping surface 119 and second clamping surface 121 are defined by a coating or other surface treatment applied to the underlying first clamping member 112 and / or second clamping member 114.

[0097] Optionally, second clamping surface 121 comprises a more resiliently deformable material than first clamping surface 119. In the implementation of Figures 13 to 15, second clamping member 114 being formed from a silicone material and first clamping member 112 being formed from aluminium means that second clamping member 114 is more resiliently deformable as result of contact with the tress of hair than first clamping member 112. This difference contributes to second clamping surface 121 having a higher coefficient of friction than first clamping surface 119.

[0098] Optionally, and as shown in the implementation of Figure 16, first clamping member 112 is mounted within a slot of a first carrier 134, and is resiliently biased towards second clamping member 114 by metal leaf spring 116 such that it can move in a direction away from second clamping member 114 against the tension of spring 116 within the slot. Second clamping member 114 is mounted within a slot of a second carrier 136.

[0099] First carrier 134 is mounted to first arm 12 and second carrier 135 is mounted to second arm 114.

[0100] First clamping member 112 comprises a relatively rigid material such as aluminium, and second clamping member 114 comprises a relatively compressible material such as silicone. A depth 130 of second clamping member 114 is greater than a depth 132 of first clamping member 112. The depth of second clamping member 130 allows for an increased range of compression in response to pressure as the tress of hair is squeezed between first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114.

[0101] Figure 23 shows first and second clamping members installed in a hair styling appliance. It will be appreciated that the physical presentation of first and second clamping members can appear similar when installed in the hair styling appliance. For example, it may not be apparent to the user whether either or both of first and second clamping members are mounted directly to their respective arms, or to carriers that are mounted to the respective arms.

[0102] Optionally, either or both of the first and second members can take the form of an element formed directly onto a surface of the respective arm to which it is, or they are, mounted. By way of non-limiting example, second clamping member can be moulded directly onto the second arm, optionally over an underlying moulded rib. In yet other implementations, the outer surface of one of arms itself forms the first or second member. For example, the first or second member can comprise one or more longitudinal ribs, dots, or other texture patterns formed along a region of first or second arms 112, 114.

[0103] In other implementations, either or both of first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 are mounted to move between an extended position and a retracted position, relative to the arm upon which they are respectively supported. Such movement is biased towards the extended position, by way of springs, elastomeric pads, or any other suitable biasing mechanism or material.

[0104] Neither first clamping member 112 nor second clamping member 114 includes a heating element. Any heating of first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 is therefore indirect, as a result of contact with hot air and / or heated hair for example. First clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 can be electrically isolated from any heating element of hair care appliance 100, and can also be thermally isolated such that there is minimal direct heating of first clamping member 112 and second clamping member 114 by direct contact with such a heating element and / or any radiant heating from such a heating element.

[0105] Optionally, the haircare appliance may be used for drying hair like a conventional hairdryer. In such a mode (which may be automatic or manually selected), airflow 59 exiting ducts 56 and 60 can be used to dry a user’s hair by directing it in the same way as air from a conventional hairdryer is used. This option may be useful for “rough drying” of the hair, to reduce moisture levels before the appliance is used in a subsequent styling operation.

[0106] Although several aspects have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to those aspects.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hair styling appliance comprising: a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, and arranged to receive hair within a region between each other; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from an air outlet of a fan unit and an air outlet for emitting airflow towards hair within the region; and a hair clamp comprising first and second clamping members for gripping hair therebetween, wherein: the first clamping member comprises a first clamping surface for contacting hair; and the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for contacting hair; wherein the first clamping surface has a higher coefficient of friction than the second clamping surface.

2. The hair styling appliance of claim 1, wherein the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface comprise relatively different materials for contacting hair.

3. The hair styling appliance of claim 2, wherein the first clamping surface comprises a more resiliently deformable material than the second clamping surface.

4. The hair styling appliance of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first clamping surface comprises a polymer.

5. The hair styling appliance of claim 4, wherein the first clamping surface comprises an elastomer.

6. The hair styling appliance of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second hairengaging material comprises a metallic material and / or a ceramic material.

7. The hair styling appliance of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first clamping member and the second clamping member is mounted to move relative to the arm upon which it is supported, between an extended position and a retracted position, and the movement is biased towards the extended position.

8. The hair styling appliance of claim 7, wherein, in the extended position, the distance between the pair of clamping surfaces is less than the distance between the inner wall of the first arm and the inner wall of the second arm.

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