Vacuum hair dryer

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair drying device (16) comprising a suction device (20) cooperating with a hair receiving element (23), the suction device (20) being configured to generate a suction air flow (34) so that, when wet hair is disposed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction air flow carries water away from the wet hair, the water being sucked by the suction device (20).

Description

VACUUM HAIR DRYERFIEUD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair drying device comprising a suction device for extracting water from wet hair. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for hair drying using the hair drying device.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Drying hair is important. Indeed, the hair can absorb up to 45% of its weight in water.

[0003] However, known hair drying devices and methods are not satisfactory.

[0004] Indeed, several hair drying methods use a device configured to blow hot air. However, hot air damages the scalp and opens the hair scales thus fragilizing the hair. Moreover, air blowing induces intermingling of the hairs leading to difficulties during the hair brushing. Other methods use a device comprising heating elements which are directly applicable on the hair. However, heating elements, just like hot air, open the hair scales and thus fragilized the hair.

[0005] A purpose of the invention is to provide a device configured for drying hair without fragilizing it.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device configured to dry wet hair comprising a suction device cooperating with a hair receiving element, the suction device being configured to generate a suction air flow so that, when wet hair is disposed on the hair receiving element, the suction air flow carries water away from the wet hair, the water being sucked by the suction device. The invention also relates to a method of using the hair drying device.SUMMARY

[0007] This invention thus relates to a hair drying device comprising a suction device cooperating with a hair receiving element, the suction device being configured to generate a suction air flow entering the suction device through the hair receiving element so that, when wet hair is disposed on the hair receiving element, the suction air flow carries water away from the wet hair, the water being sucked by the suction device.

[0008] Indeed, the suction air flow allows to dry hair without intermingling them thanks to the receiving element onto which the hair is disposed and maintained by the suction air flow. The receiving element thus plays the role of a guiding or lying element preventing the hair to be blown in a random direction. The hair drying device of this disclosure allows several degrees of hair drying, from pre-drying by removing as much water as possible while leaving the hair sufficiently damp for coloring techniques or easier styling, to complete drying. Sucking the hair is more environmentally friendly since it reduces the use of washable or disposable towels in hairdressing salons, and saves water for towel washing and polluting soaps. Moreover, this will reduce the use of hot air for the final subsequent drying. Less hot air is thus needed which is healthier for the hair and saves energy.

[0009] According to another advantageous embodiment, the suction air flow generated by the suction device is a double air flow.

[0010] The combination of blowing and suction ensures better water evacuation. Indeed, the double air flow allows to improve the hair drying thanks to air blowing. Thanks to the suction air flow, the hair remains drawn against or inside the receiving element preventing the hair to be blown in random directions.

[0011] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair drying device comprises a heater configured to heat the double air flow.

[0012] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair drying device comprises a water reservoir and a turbine, the turbine comprising a center tube disposedwithin the water reservoir. Heating the double air flow allows to obtain the degree of drying desired by the practitioner, making it easier to shape the hair.

[0013] According to another advantageous embodiment, the turbine is configured to generate a cyclone effect to the suction air flow.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment, the suction device is comprised in a handle, the hair receiving element cooperating with the handle.

[0015] Indeed, the handle allows a better holding of the device during use. Moreover, this allows to use the device using only one hand which is easier. Furthermore, the suction device is comprised in the handle allowing to reduce the size of the hair drying device.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element has a barrel shape and comprises a mesh disposed at one extremity of the hair receiving element.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element is a hair styling device.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element is a water extraction device configured to extract water from wet hair.

[0019] Indeed, the water extraction device may allow grabbing the hair and wringing the hair by compression or by rotation. This allows an improved hair drying without need of heating elements or hot air. The hair scales thus remain closed leading to hair which is not fragilized.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the cooperation between the suction device and the hair receiving element is a reversible fixation.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for hair drying using the hair drying device described above, the method comprising the steps of:Placing at least two wet hairs on the hair receiving element;Generating a suction air flow by the suction device so as to carry water away from the wet hair to the suction device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This invention relates to a hair drying device (16) configured to dry hair. Example embodiments of the hair drying device (16) are shown in figures 1 to 5.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hair is human hair. Eventually, the hair may belong to a hairy animal. In one embodiment, the device is configured to extract water from wet hair while the hair is on the scalp of the user. Nevertheless, the device may also be used to dry wet hair which has been cut from the user, for example for the manufacture of wigs. In this case, the hair needs to be grouped and substantially aligned in order to anchor one extremity of the group of hair during the use of the device.

[0024] The hair drying device (16) comprises a suction device (20) cooperating with a hair receiving element (23). The suction device (20) is configured to generate a suction air flow (34) entering the suction device (20) through the hair receiving element (23) so that, when wet hair (40) is disposed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction air flow (34) carries water (31) away from the wet hair (40). In other words, the water (31) is sucked by the suction device (20). An illustration of this single direction suction air flow is shown in figures 2 and 3 by the waving arrows.

[0025] The hair receiving element (23) may cooperate with the suction device (20) via a tube (23b), preferably a flexible tube, as illustrated in figure 1. In this last embodiment, the suction device (20) may be a vacuum cleaner, for example, a domestic vacuum cleaner. The tube (23b) may have a length longer than 1 meter, preferably longer than 5 meters, even more preferably longer than 10 meters.

[0026] The suction device (20) may advantageously be configured to generate a double air flow represented by the arrows in opposite directions in figures 1, 4 and 5. The double air flow is configured to extract the humidity or moisture by sucking air from the hair receiving element (23) and to flow back the sucked air towards the hair receivingelement (23). This allows to improve the hair drying thanks to additional air blowing. Advantageously, the sucked air may be heated up before being flown back towards the hair receiving element (23). This allows to reduce the humidity of the sucked air so that the air blown towards the hair may carry a new quantity of humidity away from the hair. The double air flow may be continuous or alternative with an iterative repetition of an aspiration phase followed by a blowing phase.

[0027] The suction device (20) may comprise the following elements represented in figures 4 and 5: a water reservoir (21) and a turbine (20a) comprising a center tube (25) disposed within the water reservoir (21). Preferably, the turbine (20a) works using the cyclone effect. The first (incoming) air flow (34) enters the water reservoir (21) on its side and in a tangential direction and rotates (32) along the inner walls of the water reservoir (21) before being sucked (33) through the center tube (25) to the turbine (20a). The water droplets (31) in the air are plated to the walls of the water reservoir (21) thanks to the centrifugal effect and flow towards the bottom of the water reservoir (21) by gravity, the bottom of the water reservoir (21) being placed below the lower support (12) when using the hair drying device (16). The sucked air is then blown back towards the hair receiving element (23) thanks to the second air flow (30) flowing along the duct (22). The water reservoir (21) may be a removable tank which may be poured into a sink after use. The water reservoir (21) may be connected to a drain pipe to continuously evacuate the sucked water.

[0028] The hair drying device (16) may advantageously further comprise a heater (26), preferably an electronic heater. The heater (26) is advantageously disposed between the water reservoir (21) and the duct (22). The turbine (20a) thus sucks humid air from the hair receiving device (23), through the water reservoir (21) and blows it back into the hair receiving device (23) through the heater (26) and the duct (22). The heater (26) provides heat to the air so that the temperature of the air passing through it is increased. This advantageously allows to extract more humidity from the flowing air before reaching the hair receiving device (23).

[0029] The hair drying device (16) may further comprise a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery configured to power the electrical elements. This advantageouslyleads to a device that can be used everywhere, without need of any electrical plug nearby. In addition, this leads to a wireless device which avoid any problem of wire tangling or wire storage. The use of a rechargeable battery is easier, cheaper and better for the environment because the user does not need to throw out discharged batteries and to buy new one. In the embodiment wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery, the hair drying device (16) may further comprise a waterproof removable cap to close the charging plug. This is advantageous because the waterproof cap can be closed during use of the hair drying device (16) avoiding any humidity to enter the charging plug during use. This thus leads to a hair drying device (16) which is safer to use.

[0030] Advantageously, the hair receiving element (23) may be reversibly fixed to the suction device (20). This allows to change the hair receiving element (23) in case of failure or if another hair receiving element (23) has to be used. The reversible fixation between the hair receiving element (23) and the suction device (20) may be a magnetic cooperation and / or a mechanical cooperation. In the embodiment of a mechanical cooperation, the cooperation may be performed by pliers, a suction cup, a ball catcher, a clip fastener, or a screw.

[0031] Alternatively, the cooperation between the hair receiving element (23) and the suction device (20) may be a permanent fixation preventing the hair receiving element (23) to be detached from the suction device (20). This advantageously allows a more reliable cooperation between the suction device (20) and the hair receiving element (23). Moreover, this allows to avoid air and water leaks which may be present at the joint location in the reversible cooperation. For example, parts of the device may be formed in one piece with the suction device (20).

[0032] The suction device (20) may comprise a handle (27) as represented in figures 2 and 3. The handle (27) may comprise the electronic elements (battery, turbine, heater...) and may be waterproof in order to avoid any contact between the sucked water and the electronic elements. The handle (27) may comprise an activator (27a) configured to power on the suction device (20). The activator (27a) is for example a switch. This is advantageous since the use of a switch to power on the suction device (20) leads to a hairdrying device (16) which is easier to use by a user because only one finger is needed to activate the suction device (20).

[0033] The hair drying device (16) may further comprise an emergency stop system. For example, an emergency switch activated by the user or automatically in response to a signal (for example temperature signal, resistance signal...) corresponding to a parameter (for example temperature, resistance...) threshold measured by a corresponding sensor.

[0034] The suction device (20) may be entirely comprised in the handle (27), the handle (27) directly cooperating with the hair receiving element (23) as represented in figures 4 and 5. The external wall of the handle (27) may be shaped as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped with, optionally, rounded corners. The size of the handle (27) may be small enough to be ergonomic and transportable. For example, the length of the handle (27) ranges from 10 centimeters to 20 centimeters, preferably from 12 centimeters to 16 centimeters. The thickness of the handle may be chosen to provide a good holding in the hand. For example, the thickness of the handle (27) ranges from 2 centimeters to 15 centimeters, preferably from 3 centimeters to 10 centimeters. The external wall of the handle (27) may be made of plastic, metal or other suitable material that respects the health and the environment.

[0035] The size of the hair drying device (16) may be small enough to be easily transportable. For example, the length of the hair drying device (16) is lower than 30 centimeters, preferably lower than 25 centimeters. Moreover, the weight of the hair drying device (16) may also be low enough to be transportable. For example, the weight of the hair drying device (16) is lower than 1 kilogram, preferably lower than 750 grams.

[0036] The different elements of the hair drying device (16) (for example, the suction device, the turbine, the hair receiving device) may be advantageously interchangeable so that when an element is defective, the entire hair drying device (16) does not need to be discarded but only the defective element which is better for the environment.

[0037] The hair receiving element (23) may have a barrel shape wherein the wet hair or a strand of wet hair is disposed to be dried. In this embodiment, disposing hair on the hair receiving element (23) means placing them inside the hair receiving element (23), i.e., inside the barrel. The barrel shape may have a circular, square, rectangular, ellipsoidal or irregular section. The largest dimension of the section may range from 2 centimeters to 20 centimeters, preferably from 4 centimeters to 10 centimeters. The length of the cylinder may range from 2 centimeters to 50 centimeters, preferably from 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters. The length of the cylinder is preferable longer than the length of the hair to be dried in order to avoid the hair to enter the suction device (20).

[0038] The barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) cooperates with the suction device (20) by one of its extremities allowing the sucked air to be sucked along the length of the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23). Advantageously, the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) is reversibly fixed to the suction device (20) allowing the barrelshaped hair receiving element (23) to be changed according to the length of the hair.

[0039] The barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) may comprise a mesh (23a) as represented in figures 2 and 4. The mesh (23a) may be a wire mesh or a plastic mesh. The mesh (23a) is disposed at one of the extremities of the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23). This allows the hair to be sucked against the mesh (23a) without entering the suction device (20). In this embodiment, disposing hair on the hair receiving element (23) means arrange them on the mesh (23 a).The hair styling device embodiment of the hair receiving element

[0040] The hair receiving element (23) may be a hair styling device as represented for example in figure 3. This advantageously allows to shape the hair while drying them.

[0041] The hair styling device may be a hair roller, a curling barrel, a brush, or waving barrels.The water extraction device embodiment of the hair receiving element

[0042] The hair receiving element (23) may be a water extraction device configured to extract water from wet hair. The hair receiving element (23) allows to extract additional water compared to only sucking the hair. An example of water extraction device is represented in figures 5 to 12. The water extraction device may comprise: an upper support (11); a lower support (12); and a binding element (13) comprising an elastically deformable material, the binding element being configured to be fixed to the upper support (11) and to the lower support (12).

[0043] The binding element (13) preferably comprises a slip-resistant material. The slipresistant material may be of any suitable material that respect the health and the environment and may be, in particular, nylon, latex, silicon, textile, elastic rubber material, elastomeric material or any material than can mimic the skin. The use of slipresistant material allows the use of less force applied to the hair to grab and maintain it during the twist. This leads to a reduction of damage to the hair.

[0044] Each of the lower support (12) and the upper support (11) preferably lie along a longitudinal plane. The lower support (12) and the upper support (11) may have a circular shape or other polygonal shape (square or octagonal for example). The upper support (11) has dimensions ranging from 1 centimeter to 30 centimeters, preferably from 15 centimeters to 5 centimeters. The lower support (12) has dimensions ranging from 1 centimeter to 30 centimeters, preferably from 15 centimeters to 5 centimeters. The lower support (12) and the upper support (11) have preferably the same dimensions. The dimensions of the supports are measured as the largest dimension along the longitudinal plane.

[0045] The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) comprise an aperture passing through the support perpendicularly to the longitudinal plane. More precisely, the upper support (11) comprises an upper aperture (I la) while the lower support (12) comprises a lower aperture (12a). The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) thus have a ring-like general shape and each of the supports has a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, an inner surface facing the central axis and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The aperture has of course dimensions lower than the dimensions of the support to which it belongs. The apertures may have dimensions ranging from 30% to 99% of the support to which it belongs, preferably from 70% to 95% of the support to which it belongs.

[0046] The lower support (12) is preferably parallel to the upper support (11). In other words, the longitudinal plane of the lower support (12) is parallel to the longitudinal plane of the upper support (11). The two central axes are thus parallel. The lower aperture (12a) may be axially aligned with the upper aperture (I la) so that the central axis of the lower support (12) is aligned with the central axis of the upper support (11). But, in some embodiment, the lower aperture (12a) may be not aligned with the upper aperture (I la).

[0047] The water extraction device is configured to switch between a resting configuration and a closed configuration.

[0048] In the resting configuration represented in figures 6A, 6B, 8A, 8B and 10A, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are angularly aligned so that the binding element forms a channel (15) between the upper aperture (I la) and the lower aperture (12a). In this water extraction device embodiment, disposing hair on the hair receiving element (23) this means placing them inside the hair receiving element (23),inside the channel (15). The channel (15) has preferably a height, measured along one of the central axes, ranging from 1 centimeter to 20 centimeters. In the embodiment wherein the lower aperture (12a) is axially aligned with the upper aperture (I la), the channel (15) extends along the aligned central axes as represented in figures 6A and 8A. In the embodiment wherein the lower aperture (12a) is not aligned with the upper aperture (I la), the channel (15) extends along a channel axis defined by the position of the binding element (13) as explained hereafter. When using the water extraction device, the wet hair to be dried are placed in the channel (15).

[0049] In the closed configuration represented in figures 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B and 10B, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are angularly offset so that the bindingelement closes the channel (15). Angularly offset means that considering, in the resting configuration, a first point on the upper support (11) and a second point on the lower support (12) aligned with the first point along one of the central axes, the first point and the second point are not aligned anymore when the water extraction device is switched to the closed configuration. The wet hair placed into the channel in the resting configuration are thus pressed at the closing point of the channel. The water from the wet hair is thus extracted by compression applied by the binding elements. Once compressed, the wet hair may further be wringed by twisting the compressed hair. Hair wringing refers to the action of additional drying of wet hair by twisting at least two hairs with a sufficient force to extract water. In one embodiment, the action of drying wet hair includes twisting and compressing at least two hairs with a sufficient force to extract water. To do so, the water extraction device may be rotated around a twisting axis parallel to the central axes. In other words, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are rotated together in the same direction. This leads to a twisting of the compressed hair allowing to extract further water.

[0050] Each of the upper support (11), the lower support (12) and the binding element (13) may comprise a lateral opening (11c, 12c, 13c). The lateral openings allow to facilitate the entry of the wet hair inside the channel. For the supports (11, 12), the lateral openings (11c, 12c) may be seen as a discontinuity of the support or a slot through the whole width of the support perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. In the embodiment wherein the supports have a circular shape, the presence of the lateral openings leads to supports in the form of a circle arc. The lateral openings preferably cover less than 60% of the surface of the supports. The lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c) are aligned in the resting configuration thereby forming a lateral slit in the water extraction device towards the channel (15). The slit thus extends along the central axes.

[0051] The water extracted from the compression and / or wringing is sucked by the suction device (20) at the same time as the water is sucked by the suction device (20). The suction device (20) thus allows to extract the humidity or moisture from the channel (15). For example, when the water extraction device does not comprise lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c), the suction device (20) is connected to the upper aperture (I la) or thelower aperture (12a). When the water extraction device comprises lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c), the suction device (20) is preferably connected to the lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c) as represented in figures 5, 11 and 12.

[0052] Each of the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) may comprise a circumferential surface (11b, 12b) as represented in figures 10A to 12. The circumferential surface improves leads to an ergonomic device easy to use with hands. Each of the circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) extends parallelly to the central axis and has a heigh, measured along the central axis, configured so that the circumferential surface (11b) of the upper support (11) rests on the circumferential surface (12b) of the lower support (12) while maintaining a strain to the binding element (13) in the resting configuration. This thus leads to a rigid device so that it stands alone when not maintained in hands. The user thus only needs to angularly offset one of the supports (11, 12) to switch towards the closed configuration and does not need to maintain the strain in the binding elements by gently pulling the two supports apart. The circumferential surfaces may have a rough surface so that to improve the grip in the hands.

[0053] The water extraction device may further comprise an actuator (17) configured to switch between the resting configuration and the closed configuration and / or to rotate the water extraction device to twist and wring the compressed hair. The actuator (17) may be actioned manually or electrically.

[0054] The water extraction device may further comprise a second activator configured to action the actuator (17). In the embodiment wherein the actuator (17) is configured to be actioned electrically, the second activator may be, for example, a switch. This is advantageous since the use of a switch to action the actuator leads to a water extraction device which is easier to use by a user because only one finger is needed to activate the switch. The second activator may be the activator (27a) of the handle (27) described above. This allows to simultaneously activate the suction device (20) and the switching of the water extraction device in the closed configuration. The use of a second activator different from the activator (27a) of the handle (27) allows to the device to be easier to use because the user may specifically activate the actuator (17) to compress the hair without activating the suction device (20). The second activator may be powered by abattery, preferably a rechargeable battery. Said battery may be the same as the battery used for the suction device (20).

[0055] The actuator (17) may comprise a force sensor. This is advantageous because this allows to automatically adapt the closing of the channel (15) as a function of the number of hairs placed inside the channel (15). Indeed, the force sensor may measure the force applied by the binding element (13) on the hair or the tension on the binding element (13) during hair grabbing or the compression of the hair and adapt the closing of the channel (15) as a function of the force measured. As the number of hairs placed inside the channel (15) increases, the angular shift between the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) is adapted to provide a compression or a twisting of the hair which is large enough to efficiently use the water extraction device and extract water from the wet hair. The use of a force sensor is thus advantageous because it allows to avoid pressure damage which may be caused to the hair.

[0056] The water extraction device may further comprise an emergency stop system. For example, an emergency switch activated by the user or by a pressure signal measured by a force sensor.

[0057] The suction device (20) may be fixed to either the upper support (11) or the lower support (12). In the embodiment wherein the suction device (20) is comprised in a handle (27), the handle (27) preferably extends perpendicularly to the central axis. Advantageously, at least part of the actuator (17) may be comprised in the handle (27) allowing to reduce the size of the outer frame. In the embodiment wherein the suction device (20) is comprised in a handle (27), the water extraction device preferably comprises the circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) so that the water extraction device is advantageously maintained by the user via the handle (27) with one hand without necessity to maintain the support (11, 12) not fixed to the handle (16). Moreover, at least part of the actuator may be comprised in the handle (16).

[0058] In an embodiment represented in figure 12, the handle (27) comprising the suction device (20) is fixed to the lower support (11) and the actuator (17) is actioned manually. The activator comprises a branch (18) having a first extremity rotationallyfixed to the handle (27) and a second extremity cooperating with the upper support (11) so that when the branch (18) is pressed against the handle (17) the water extraction device is switched to the closed configuration by the rotation of the upper support (11) around its central axis with respect to the lower support (12). For example, the activator works as a rack-and-pinion. This manual use is advantageous because the water extraction device does not consume energy during its use, only the suction device (20) consumes energy. This is thus better for the environment.

[0059] In another embodiment represented in figure 5, the handle (27) comprising the suction device (20) may comprise a rotating element (24) configured to switch the water extraction device between the resting configuration and the closed configuration and / or to rotate the water extraction device to twist and wring the compressed hair. For example, the rotating element (24) is the actuator (17) configured to be actioned electrically as described hereabove. The rotating element (24) may thus comprise a first rotary motor configured to rotate the upper support (11) (the lower support being fixed to the handle) and a second rotary motor configured to rotate the water extraction device (i.e., the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) in the same direction when the water extraction device is in the closed configuration).The rubber bands embodiment of the water extraction device

[0060] In a first embodiment of the water extraction device, named the rubber bands embodiment and represented in figures 6A-B, 7A-B, 10A-B, 11 and 12, the binding element (13) comprises at least three rubber bands, each rubber band comprising a first extremity fixed to the upper support (11) and a second extremity fixed to the lower support (12). The rubber bands are preferably be positioned so that they do not intersect each other in the resting configuration. The rubber bands thus define the walls of the channel (15). The material of the rubber band may be any known material characterized by an elastic behavior.

[0061] In the embodiment wherein the supports have lateral openings, no rubber band may be fixed at the position of the lateral openings. The absence of rubber band at this position thus leads to the lateral opening (13c) in the binding element.

[0062] The switching from the resting configuration to the closed configuration is performed by applying a force to the upper support (11) or the lower support (12) so that they rotate around their central axis while the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) remains parallel to each other. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) may be each rotated in opposite directions around their respective central axis.

[0063] In the closed configuration, the rubber bands are thus twisted around a central point to that the channel (15) is closed as represented in figures 2A and 2B. The wet hair placed into the channel (15) in the resting configuration are thus pressed on the twisting point so that the water is extracted by compression. When the hair is compressed, the whole device may be rotated around a rotation axis parallel to the central axes of the support. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are thus rotated together in the same direction so that the compressed hair is twisted and wringed and the water is further extracted to be sucked by the suction device (20). The rotation of the water extraction device may be continuous in one direction, discontinuous in one direction or alternative by successively twisting in one direction and the reverse direction. This embodiment thus allows compression of the hair in addition to torsion. This is advantageous because it allows the extraction of more water during the same period of use of the water extraction device.

[0064] When the applied force is released, the water extraction device returns to the resting configuration thanks to the elasticity of the binding element (13) to release the wringed hair.The elastic membrane embodiment of the water extraction device

[0065] In a second embodiment, named the elastic membrane embodiment and represented in figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, the binding element (13) is an elastic membrane. The membrane has preferably a rectangular shape so that it comprises a first side and a second side, opposite to the first side. The material of the membrane may be any known material characterized by an elastic and flexible behavior. The material may be waterproof.

[0066] The first side is fixed to the upper support (11) whereas the second side is fixed to the lower support (12). The length of the first side and the second side thus corresponds to the circumference of the upper support and the lower support, respectively.

[0067] In the embodiment wherein the supports have lateral openings, the length of the first side and the second side corresponds to the length of the circle arc formed by the supports. The first side and the second side cannot be attached at the position of the lateral openings. In other words, the elastic membrane is only positioned between the upper and the lower circle arcs. The absence of elastic membrane at the position of the lateral openings (11c, 12c) of the supports (11, 12) thus leads to the lateral opening (13c) in the binding element.

[0068] The switching from the resting configuration to the closed configuration is performed by applying a force to the upper support (11) or the lower support (12) so that they rotate around their central axis while the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) remains parallel to each other. They are thus rotated around their central axis. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) may be each rotated in opposite directions around their respective central axis.

[0069] In the closed configuration, the elastic membrane is twisted around a central point to that the channel ( 15) is closed as represented in figures 4A and 4B . The wet hair placed into the channel (15) in the resting configuration are thus pressed on the twisting point so that the water is extracted by compression. When the hair is compressed, the whole device may be rotated around o rotation axis parallel to the central axes of the support. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are thus rotated together in the same direction so that the compressed hair is twisted and wringed and the water is further extracted to be sucked by the suction device (20). The rotation of the water extraction device may be continuous in one direction, discontinuous in one direction or alternative by successively twisting in one direction and the reverse direction. This embodiment thus allows compression of the hair in addition to torsion. This is advantageous because it allows the extraction of more water during the same period of use of the water extraction device.

[0070] When the applied force is released, the water extraction device returns to the resting configuration thanks to the elasticity of the binding element (13) to release the wringed hair.Method for hair drying,

[0071] This invention relates to a method for hair drying using the hair drying device (16) described above, the method comprising the steps of:Placing at least two wet hairs (40) on the hair receiving element (23);Generating a suction air flow (34) by the suction device (20) so as to carry water (31) away from the wet hair (40) to the suction device (20).

[0072] The wet hairs may be placed inside the hair receiving element (23). In the embodiment of a barrel- shaped hair receiving element (23) comprising a mesh (23 a), placing the wet hairs on the hair receiving element (23) means arrange them on the mesh (23a).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 shows the hair drying device (16) comprising a hair receiving element (23) cooperating with a suction device (20) via a tube (23b).

[0074] Figure 2 shows water (31) being sucked by the suction device (20) from wet hair (40) placed on a barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) comprising a mesh (23a). The suction device (20) comprises a handle (27).

[0075] Figure 3 shows the hair drying device (16) wherein the hair receiving element (23) is a hair styling device. The suction device (20) comprises a handle (27).

[0076] Figure 4 shows the hair drying device (16) comprising a barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) comprising a mesh (23 a) wherein the suction device (20) is comprised in a handle (27) and generates a double air flow.

[0077] Figure 5 shows the hair drying device (16) wherein the suction device (20) is comprised in a handle (27) and generates a double air flow and the hair receiving element (23) is a water extraction device.

[0078] Figures 6A-6B are a combination of schematic representations of the water extraction device (23) in the rubber bands embodiment in the resting configuration. Fig. 6A shows a side view of the water extraction device (23) whereas Fig. 6B shows a top view of the water extraction device (23).

[0079] Figures 7A-7B are a combination of schematic representations of the water extraction device (23) in the rubber bands embodiment in the closed configuration. Fig. 7A shows a side view of the water extraction device (23) whereas Fig. 7B shows a top view of the water extraction device (23).

[0080] Figures 8A-8B are a combination of schematic representations of the water extraction device (23) in the elastic membrane embodiment in the resting configuration. Fig. 8A shows a side view of the water extraction device (23) whereas Fig. 8B shows a top view of the water extraction device (23).

[0081] Figures 9A-9B are a combination of schematic representations of the water extraction device (23) in the elastic membrane embodiment in the closed configuration. Fig. 9A shows a side view of the water extraction device (23) whereas Fig. 9B shows a top view of the water extraction device (23).

[0082] Figures 10A-10B are a combination of schematic representations of a top view of the water extraction device (23) in the rubber bands embodiment with circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b). Fig. 10A shows the resting configuration whereas Fig. 10B shows the closed configuration.

[0083] Figure 11 shows a top view of the hair drying device comprising a water extraction device (23) and a handle (27) comprising the suction device.

[0084] Figure 12 shows a top view of the hair drying device comprising a water extraction device (23) and a handle (27) comprising the suction device and an actuator (17) and a manual activator (18).REFERENCES11 - upper support / / I la - upper aperture / / 11b - circumferential surface of the upper support / / 11c - lateral opening of the upper support / / 12 - lower support / / 12a - lower aperture / / 12b - circumferential surface of the lower support / / 12c - lateral opening of the lower support / / 13 - binding element / / 15 - channel / / 16 - hair drying device / / 17 - actuator / / 18 - branch / / 20 - suction device / / 20a - turbine / / 21 - water reservoir / / 22 - duct / / 23 - hair receiving device / / 23 a - mesh / / 23b - tube / / 24 - rotating element / / 25 - center tube / / 26 - heater / / 27 - handle / / 27a - activator / / 30 - second air flow / / 31 - water droplets / / 32 - rotation of the air flow / / 33 - sucked of the air flow through the center tube / / 34 - incoming air flow / / 40 - wet hair

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hair drying device (16) comprising a suction device (20) cooperating with a hair receiving element (23), the suction device (20) being configured to generate a suction air flow (34) entering the suction device (20) through the hair receiving element (23) so that, when wet hair (40) is disposed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction air flow (34) carries water (31) away from the wet hair (40), the water (31) being sucked by the suction device (20).

2. The hair drying device (16) according to claim 1 wherein the suction air flow (34) generated by the suction device (20) is a double air flow.

3. The hair drying device (16) according to claim 2 further comprising a heater (26) configured to heat the double air flow.

4. The hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a water reservoir (21) and a turbine (20a), the turbine (20a) comprising a center tube (25) disposed within the water reservoir (21).

5. The hair drying device (16) according to claim 4 wherein the turbine (20a) is configured to generate a cyclone effect to the suction air flow (34).

6. The hair drying device (16) any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the suction device (20) is comprised in a handle (27), the hair receiving element (23) cooperating with the handle (27).

7. The hair drying device (16) any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the hair receiving element (23) has a barrel shape and comprises a mesh (23a) disposed at one extremity of the hair receiving element (23)8. The hair drying device (16) any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the hair receiving element (23) is a hair styling device.

9. The hair drying device (16) any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the hair receiving element (23) is a water extraction device configured to extract water (31) from wet hair (40).

10. The hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the cooperation between the suction device (20) and the hair receiving element (23) is a reversible fixation.

11. A method for hair drying using the hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the steps of: placing at least two wet hairs (40) on the hair receiving element (23); - generating a suction air flow (34) by the suction device (20) so as to carry water (31) away from the wet hair (40) to the suction device (20).

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