Hair curling device

Abstract

To provide a hair curler apparatus.SOLUTION: A hair curler has an inlet end having an air inlet, a longitudinally spaced apart second end, a longitudinal axis and a plurality of axially spaced apart curler outlets. A land portion is located between adjacent curler outlets and an air flow passage from the air inlet to the curler outlets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 108

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to hair care, and more particularly to hair curling.

Background Art

[0002] It is not admitted that any of the following is part of the prior art or common general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0003] Conventional hair curlers employ a heated rod that the user manually wraps the hair to be curled around. While the hair is wrapped around the rod, heat is transferred from the heated rod to the hair to curl the hair. A clip may be provided to hold the hair in place against the heated rod as heat is transferred from the rod to the hair to curl it.

[0004] Hair curlers that use the Coandă effect to assist in wrapping the hair around the curler are also known. See, for example, (Patent Document 1), (Patent Document 2), and (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] A hair curling device includes an air passage, which includes air transport members such as a motor and a fan assembly, and extends between an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is formed in a curler head. The curler head is also referred to herein as a hair curler. The curler head is elongated along its longitudinal axis and supports hair wrapped around the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the curler head extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, with the air inlet at the first end, which is also referred to herein as the inlet end. Optionally, the curler head is a removable accessory that is removablely attached to a body (e.g., a hair dryer or hair curler) that includes air transport members (e.g., a blower). The air outlet formed in the curler head includes one or more curler outlets. The curler outlets are positioned and shaped to provide an airflow stream for positioning the user's hair during the curling operation.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, an air transport member may be included in the curler head instead of, or in addition to, an air transport member in a hair dryer or hair curler.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a curler head has one or more curler outlets that direct air exiting the curler outlets to flow around the longitudinal axis of the curler head so as to cause hair to curl around the curler head or to help cause hair to curl around the curler head. The curler outlets include ducts that extend from an inlet port, which may be located on the outer wall of an airflow passage inside the curler head, to an outlet port. The inlet port may be a slotted inlet port. The length dimension of the slotted port may widen at a partial or complete angle around the longitudinal axis of the curler head. Multiple slotted inlet ports may be arranged in the form of one or more axially spaced annular rings leading to one or more curler outlet ducts, each annular ring including multiple slotted ports spaced at an angle to each other. The curler outlets may be arranged to provide airflow at multiple positions around the longitudinal axis to promote hair curling around the longitudinal axis, for example. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the curler outlet may also be positioned to provide airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis to provide the user with a larger working surface for receiving the user's hair than, for example, if the airflow were restricted to only a single longitudinal portion of the head.

[0010] According to this embodiment or other embodiments, the curler outlet can be a tangential air outlet and / or direct air tangentially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the curler head to wrap the hair around the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the curler outlet can direct air across the surface to cause the airflow to adhere to the surface (Coanda effect).

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler outlets of a curler head are arranged in the shape of an annular set of angled curler outlets. The curler outlets may include outlet ports that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the curler head. Each annular set may be spaced axially apart from other annular sets. Consecutive sets spaced axially along the longitudinal axis may together form a plurality of rows of outlet ports, each row extending along the longitudinal axis. The rows may be generally linear or may have other shapes, such as helical.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, longitudinally continuous curler outlets, which may otherwise be arranged in an axially extending column, are radially and / or angularly shifted relative to one another. Angularly shifted outlets can, for example, form a helical row of outlet ports extending along the longitudinal axis. The curler outlets may be arranged in an alternating arrangement, in which every other curler outlet along the longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the interposed outlets that are relatively angularly or radially shifted. Some or all of the outlets may be spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, longitudinally continuous curler outlets are arranged longitudinally apart from one another by closed (non-porous) land portions of the body sidewalls. In some examples, the closed portions of the body sidewalls are permanently closed portions, such as continuous walls. Optionally, all curler outlets direct air in a common direction (for example, curler heads are configured to direct air only clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head can be selectively reconfigured to direct air clockwise or counterclockwise. Thus, a single curler may be usable to create right-handed curls and left-handed curls. Thus, the curler head may have several outlets directing air counterclockwise and several outlets directing air clockwise. The curler head can be reconfigured so that in right-handed curl mode, air exits from a first set of outlet ports directing air in one direction, and in left-handed curl mode, air exits from a second set of outlet ports directing air in the opposite direction. Thus, the curler head can be selectively reconfigured between a clockwise configuration and a counterclockwise configuration (or between a right-handed curl mode configuration and a left-handed curl mode configuration) by opening one set of outlets and keeping the other set closed. Optionally, all open carburetor outlets at the same time direct the airflow in a common direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the airflow from the curler outlet is directed longitudinally. The curler outlet has a shape such that the exit vector of the airflow includes a longitudinal component in addition to a tangential component. The longitudinal component may constitute at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the exit vector.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the Carla outlet is an annular strip extending in part or in whole around the longitudinal axis of the Carla head, or includes such annular strip. The annular strip of the Carla air outlet may comprise a plurality of vanes that define an outlet passage directing the airflow out of the Carla outlet. The vanes guide the airflow along a desired outlet vector, which optionally includes a tangential component. The annular strip of the Carla air outlet can generate a conical or cylindrical airflow.

[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the annular strip of the Carla air outlet can generate airflow on one axial side (e.g., the side toward the inlet end of the Carla head or the side toward the tip of the Carla head). Optionally, the annular strip of the Carla air outlet can generate airflow on both axial sides. The airflows on each axial side can rotate in the same direction and exit at similar angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the annular strip of the Carla air outlet can generate bidirectional airflow. The Carla outlet can generate airflow along a vector containing a longitudinal component directed toward the inlet end of the Carla head, and another airflow along a vector containing a longitudinal component directed toward the opposite tip of the Carla head.

[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the longitudinal component of the air outlet vector from the curler outlet closest to the inlet end of the curler head can be directed away from the inlet end. All curler outlets of the longitudinal curler segment closest to the inlet end can generally direct the air away from the inlet end. By directing the air away from the inlet end, hair is prevented from moving beyond the inlet end, for example, onto the integrated handle or blower to which the curler head is attached. This can improve the user experience by keeping the hair on the curler head. All curler outlets of the curler head closest to the inlet end of the curler head can direct the air along an outlet vector that includes a longitudinal component directed away from the inlet end. Similarly, all curler outlets of the curler head closest to the tip of the curler head opposite the inlet end of the curler head can direct the air along an outlet vector that includes a longitudinal component directed away from the tip. A curler outlet located midway between the outlet at the inlet end and the outlet at the tip can direct air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component directed toward the inlet end and / or the tip. Thus, a longitudinal segment can have curler outlets from which air is directed with opposite longitudinal components (towards the inlet end and the outlet end), and these longitudinal segments can be separated by a closed longitudinal segment (i.e., a segment without an air outlet) that forms an intervening land portion.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the Carla outlet includes an outlet passage or duct from the Carla outlet inlet port to the Carla outlet outlet port, the outlet passage having a transverse airflow cross-sectional area that changes along the flow direction of the outlet passage (in a direction perpendicular to the airflow through it). This change may be due to receding and / or approaching inner and outer walls and / or side walls (formed, for example, by vanes as considered above). Receding and / or approaching walls result in expansion zones and / or contraction zones. The expansion zone is the portion of the duct downstream of the inlet port and upstream of the outlet port, where the airflow area of ​​the duct is expanded. The contraction zone is the portion of the duct upstream of the outlet port and downstream of the inlet port, where the airflow area of ​​the duct is reduced. By including expansion zones and / or contraction zones, the airflow velocity of the air jet generated by the outlet is adjusted (e.g., increased and / or decreased). A Carla outlet duct may include an outlet end expansion zone at the outlet end of the duct. The outlet end expansion zone extends to and includes one or more outlet ports of the Carla outlet outlet duct. The transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone can increase along the outlet end expansion zone toward the outlet ports. In some examples, the transverse airflow area of ​​the duct is greatest at the outlet ports. The outlet end expansion zone may extend from the inlet port over its entire length, or it may extend from an intermediate point between the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the land portions are textured to improve airflow adhesion to the outer surface of the curler head. For example, some or all of the land portions may include a surface texture selected to improve air adhesion to its surface. The textured land portions may be in point positions or may extend as a band such as a spiral, and may include or consist of radially raised and / or radially lowered portions on the surface of the land portion, such as protrusions or indentations. The transition between the radially raised and radially lowered portions may be generally smooth or may include small steps (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the curler head).

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a hair receiving surface, for example, a land portion, is textured to prevent the movement of hair across the surface in a particular direction. In some examples, the textured hair receiving surface is a directional grip surface. The directional grip surface is shaped to prevent the movement of hair across the surface in one or more selected directions. In some examples, the texture is selected to prevent hair from moving across the surface in an angular direction (i.e., the direction in which the curl unwinds). In some examples, the texture is selected not to prevent hair from sliding across the surface in an axial direction.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the hair receiving surface (e.g., some or all of the land portions and / or the annular band of the curler outlet) is formed of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal or metal-incorporated plastic) to improve heat transfer to the hair.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the land portion (which can be provided to be used with the Coandă effect) has a cross-sectional shape and / or size that varies along the longitudinal axis. The land portion forms the radially outer surface of the curling head, and this radially outer surface has a radial width that varies in the axial direction of the curling head. Thus, the land portion forms an annular radially outer surface having a diameter that varies along the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the land portion forms a generally continuous land surface such that as the shape and / or size changes, it promotes the air flow to remain attached to the land portion or includes small steps (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5% of the diameter of the curling head).

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the minimum cross-sectional air flow area through the duct of the curling outlet can vary along the longitudinal length of the curling head. For example, the curling outlet can include a plurality of discontinuous curling outlets arranged from a first position that can be located at or towards the inlet end of the curling head to a second position that can be located at or towards the opposite end of the curling head that is distal to the inlet end of the curling head. The opposite end can optionally be closed. The minimum cross-sectional air flow area through the duct of the curling outlet can be made larger at the opposite end than at the first end and can increase continuously from the first end towards the opposite end. Alternatively, the minimum cross-sectional air flow area through the duct of the curling outlet can be made smaller at the opposite end than at the first end and can be continuously reduced from the first end towards the opposite end. The reduction in the air flow area can be the result of making the curling outlet port smaller. Alternatively or in addition, the number of curling outlets in the annular band can increase or decrease from the first end or the inlet end towards the opposite end.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the air flow path through the interior of the curling head to the curling outlet has a path cross-sectional air flow area that decreases from one end to the other end. The size reduction may be reflected in a narrowing of the diameter of the curling head, which reduces the internal opening diameter of the curling head, and the curling head may narrow from one end to the other end. The path cross-sectional air flow area of the air flow path may decrease continuously or stepwise. The body side wall may narrow continuously or stepwise. In some examples, the curling head narrows from the first end or inlet end to the second end. Alternatively, the curling head may have an internal conduit with a similarly varying diameter.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the magnitude of the outlet vector from the curling outlet can vary along a part or all of the longitudinal length of the curling head. The magnitude can be made smallest with respect to the curling outlet and / or the longitudinal curling segment closest to the inlet end of the curling head. This can reduce the force that carries the hair beyond the inlet end of the curling head, for example, onto an integrated handle or onto a blower to which the curling head is attached. The variation in magnitude can be brought about by changing the minimum cross-sectional air flow area of the curling outlet transverse to the direction of flow through the outlet (e.g., constricting the outlet duct of the inlet end curling outlet). Thus, the cross-sectional area of the outlet can vary along a part or all of the longitudinal length of the curling head. The cross-sectional area may vary continuously or stepwise. The cross-sectional area may vary along the longitudinal length of the curling head to produce a generally uniform flow of air exiting through the outlet.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head is reconfigurable between a clockwise configuration in which air exits the curler outlet clockwise and a counterclockwise configuration in which air exits the curler outlet counterclockwise by partially or completely opening and closing one or more valves. By adjusting one or more valves, the flow path within the curler head can be reconfigured to allow the curler head to be reconfigured between a clockwise and a counterclockwise configuration, and it can be reconfigured with a minimum of moving parts.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other embodiments, the Carla head can also be used as a concentrator and / or diffuser. The Carla head may include one or more secondary air outlets in addition to the Carla outlet, the secondary air outlets being arranged to guide the airflow as a concentrator and / or diffuser. Optionally, the Carla head is selectively reconfigurable among all three configurations: concentrator, diffuser, and Carla. The diffuser and / or concentrator may be provided at the second end of the Carla head.

[0029] According to another aspect of the Disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head includes an inlet bleed valve and / or an outlet bleed valve. The inlet bleed valve and / or outlet bleed valve are selectively openable while the curler outlets remain open and lead to a common portion of the airflow path, from which some or all of the curler outlets open. Any such bleed valves can be located in any preferred location. The bleed valve may be an inlet bleed valve or a bleed air inlet, such as a venturi inlet that draws air into the curler head. During use, the bleed air inlet supplies additional air to the curler outlets. The additional air, when combined with the air already flowing through the curler head, may be cooler air, for example, to set the curl, thereby lowering the temperature of the air exiting the curler outlets. The air exiting through the bleed air inlet can bypass the heating elements of the curler head and / or the heating elements of a blower used in conjunction with the curler head and / or be introduced downstream of those heating elements. The bleed valve may be an outlet bleed valve or a bleed air outlet, which is selectively open while the curler outlet is open and is an outlet that opens from a common part of the airflow path (from which the curler outlet opens). During use, the bleed air outlet draws airflow up from the curler outlet to reduce the amount of airflow leaving the curler outlet, thereby reducing the curling force and allowing for easier removal of hair after the curl has been set, for example. The bleed air inlet and / or outlet may be in the curler head and / or in a blower used in conjunction with the curler head. If the bleed valve is an inlet bleed valve in the curler head, it may be located at the inlet end to provide additional air upstream of any curler outlet. The bleed air outlet may be upstream of all or some of the curler outlets.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head may include a venturi at the inlet end of the curler head. The venturi creates a pressure drop, and the curler head includes one or more air inlets leading into the venturi to draw air into the curler head at the inlet end of the curler head. By drawing air into the curler head at the inlet end of the curler head, hair can be pulled down against the curler head at the inlet end of the curler head. This prevents hair from moving beyond the inlet end of the curler head, for example, onto an integrated handle or onto a blower to which the curler head is mounted.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head includes a surface recess extending axially on the surface of the curler head. A curler outlet is provided in the axially extending recess to direct air to an outlet vector having a tangential component. The curler outlet may consist of an outlet port opening through a body sidewall, such as when the port opens through a generally radially extending portion of the sidewall formed by the lateral surface of the recess.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other embodiments, the curler head has a segment extending longitudinally at a first end without a curler outlet. The portion of the curler head at the first end has, for example, a closed or non-porous body sidewall extending axially from the first end. The axial spread can be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total axial spread of the curler head. The head air inlet is at the first end, and the air passage extends from the inlet through the closed end portion of the sidewall. Air transport members such as a motor and fan assembly (e.g., a blower) and / or a heater can be provided in the non-porous portion.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head includes auxiliary second end heating. In an example where the curler head receives heated air from a blower at the first end, the first end can receive more thermal energy from the air than the second end on the opposite side of the curler head. Thus, auxiliary second end heating provides more uniform heating along the length of the curler head between the first and second ends. Therefore, a heating member can be provided at least downstream of the first annular strip at the curler outlet.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head includes an air-moving member. Including an air-moving member in the curler head allows for finer control of the airflow (e.g., volume or velocity) to optimize the airflow for the curler head. In examples where the curler head includes an air-moving member, the hair dryer or hair curler may not include an air-moving member (e.g., a blower).

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other embodiments, the curler head includes a heating element. The heating element of the curler head may be added to, or substitute for, a heating element of a hair dryer or hair curler. The heating element includes an electrically heated element, and if the heating element generates infrared (IR) radiation, the heating element may include an infrared absorbing element. The infrared radiation source may include a radiating element housed in an infrared-transparent housing.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the curler head directly heats the hair to reduce the amount of thermal energy displaced by the air used to position the hair. Thus, the curler head includes a heated hair receiving surface, such as a land portion between annular bands at the curler outlet. The heated surface may be formed by a heating member (e.g., a heating element and / or an infrared absorbing member), and / or the heated surface may be in conductive thermal communication with the heating member. The heated surface conductively heats the hair positioned in contact with the heated surface. Alternatively or in addition, the heated surface acts as an infrared radiation source directing infrared radiation to adjacent hair. In some examples, the heated surface is thermally isolated from the airflow channel through the curler head to reduce the transfer of thermal energy to the airflow. For example, the heated surface may form the outer surface of the curler head and overlap a thermal insulation layer extending between the heated surface and the airflow channel within the curler head. The insulating layer prevents heat transfer from the heated surface to the airflow. The heated surface may be metal in a metal-filled plastic.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the Carla Head is an inductively charged Carla Head. The Carla Head includes a built-in energy storage member (e.g., a battery, an ultracapacitor, or other capacitor), which is charged by wireless charging via electromagnetic induction.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more embodiments, the Carla Head is formed by separately manufacturing a main tube and a set of rings or strips, and then positioning the rings on the main tube by sliding them axially on the main tube.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, rings or strips can be arranged along main pipes that abut each other longitudinally. Each ring or strip may be a single wall (e.g., formed in a single molding), and each may have one or more curler outlets opening through the single wall. The abutting rings or strips may abut without overlapping. The abutting rings or strips can be fixed to each other and / or to the main pipes, for example, by welding.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus or method disclosed herein can implement any one or more of the features included herein, and that these features can be used in any particular combination or subcombination.

[0041] These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in more detail later.

[0042] To better understand the embodiments described and to more clearly illustrate how they can be implemented, the attached drawings are provided here as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hair curling device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a second or opposite end of a curler head according to one embodiment, wherein the second end includes a curler head air outlet. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first or inlet end of the Carla Head. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of Carlahead. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the curler head in Figure 2, passing through one of the strip-shaped structures at the curler exit. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carla's head. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a portion of the Carla Head shown in Figure 2, as seen from the Carla Head portion shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 10] This is a top view of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 13] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carla's head. [Figure 14] This is a top view of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 17] Figure 14 is the first longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 18] Figure 14 is a second longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 19] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hair curler device according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a top view of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 22] Figure 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carla's head. [Figure 23] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the Carla Head with the internal valve removed. [Figure 24] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the Carlahead, showing the internal valve. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 27]Figure 25 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 28] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of the first end of a curler head according to one embodiment. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a perspective view of another first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 31] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 32] Figure 29 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 33] Figure 29 is a top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 34] Figure 29 is a cross-section top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 38] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 42] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 43] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 44] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 45] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 46] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 47]This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 48] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 49] Figure 47 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of Carlahead. [Figure 50] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 51] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 52] Figure 50 is a perspective view of another first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 53] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head. [Figure 54] Figure 50 is a top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 55] Figure 50 is a cross-section top view of the Carla Head. [Figure 56] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 57] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 58] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 59] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 60] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 61] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 62] Figure 61 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 63] Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 64] Figure 61 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 65] This is a perspective view of the second end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 66] Figure 65 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 67]Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 68] Figure 65 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 69] This is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head according to another embodiment. [Figure 70] Figure 69 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 71] Figure 69 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 72] Figure 69 is a cutaway perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 73] This is a schematic diagram of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 74] This is a schematic diagram of a hair curler device according to another embodiment. [Figure 75] This is a schematic diagram of a hair curler device according to another embodiment. [Figure 76] This is a schematic diagram of the hair curler device shown in Figure 1, housed in a charging stand. [Figure 77] This is a flowchart showing how to manufacture a Carla head. [Figure 78] This is a top perspective view of a Carla head according to another embodiment. [Figure 79] Figure 78 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 80] Figure 78 is a cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 81] Figure 78 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 82] Figure 78 is a second top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 83] Figure 78 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 84] Figure 78 is a top perspective view of the main pipe of the Carla Head. [Figure 85] This is a top perspective view of a Carla head according to another embodiment. [Figure 86] Figure 85 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 87] Figure 85 is a cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 88] Figure 85 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carlahead. [Figure 89] Figure 85 is a second top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 90] Figure 85 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 91] This is a top view of a color head according to another embodiment. [Figure 92] This is a top perspective view of a Carla head according to another embodiment. [Figure 93] Figure 92 shows enlarged views of parts of the cross-sectional and longitudinal sections of the Carlahead. [Figure 94] Figure 92 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 95] Figure 92 is a second top perspective view of Carla Head. [Figure 96] Figure 92 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 97] This is a perspective view of a Carlahead according to another embodiment. [Figure 98] Figure 97 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 99] Figure 97 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 100] Figure 97 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Carlahead. [Figure 101] Figure 97 is a second top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 102] Figure 97 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 103] Figure 97 is a top perspective view of the main pipe of the Carla Head. [Figure 104] This is a perspective view of a Carlahead according to another embodiment. [Figure 105] Figure 104 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 106] Figure 104 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 107] Figure 104 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carla Head. [Figure 108] Figure 104 is a second top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 109] Figure 104 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 110] Figure 104 is a top perspective view of the main pipe of the Carla head. [Figure 111] This is a perspective view of a Carlahead according to another embodiment. [Figure 112] Figure 111 is a perspective view of the first end of the Carla Head. [Figure 113] Figure 111 is a cross-sectional view of Carla Head. [Figure 114] Figure 111 is a longitudinal cross-section of Carla Head. [Figure 115] Figure 111 is a second top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 116] Figure 111 is a cutaway top perspective view of the Carla Head. [Figure 117] Figure 111 is a top perspective view of the main pipe of the Carla head. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The drawings included herein are intended to illustrate various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatus of instruction herein and are not intended to limit in any way the scope of instruction.

[0045] The following describes various apparatuses, methods, and compositions in order to provide examples of embodiments of the inventions claimed below. None of the embodiments described below limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may encompass apparatuses and methods other than those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to any apparatus, method, or composition having all the features of any one of the apparatuses, methods, or compositions described below, nor is it limited to features common to some or all of the apparatuses, methods, or compositions described below. Any apparatus, method, or composition described below may not be an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in the apparatuses, methods, or compositions described below that is not claimed in this document may be subject to another means of protection, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor, and / or owner does not intend to abandon, waive, or make available to the public any such invention by disclosing it in this document.

[0046] The terms “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “the embodiment,” “one or more embodiments,” “several embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention,” unless expressly otherwise specified.

[0047] The terms “include,” “equip,” and their variations mean “include, but not limited to,” unless otherwise expressly specified. The enumeration of items does not mean that any or all of those items are mutually exclusive, unless otherwise expressly specified. The terms “a, an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless otherwise expressly specified.

[0048] As used herein and in the claims, two or more members are said to be “joined,” “connected,” “attached,” or “fastened” insofar as a connection is made if the members are joined to each other or operate together, directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate members). As used herein and in the claims, two or more members are said to be “directly joined,” “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly fastened” if those members are physically in contact with each other and connected. None of the terms “joined,” “connected,” “attached,” and “fastened” distinguish between the manner in which two or more members are joined to each other.

[0049] Furthermore, it will be understood that, in order to simplify and clarify the illustrations, reference numbers may be repeated between figures where appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. In addition, numerous specific details are provided so that the embodiments described herein may be fully understood. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be carried out without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Moreover, the descriptions should not be considered to limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Overall description of hair curling equipment Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of a hair curling device is schematically shown as 100. The exemplary hair curling device 100 in Figure 1 is a handheld hair curling device that can generally be operated with one hand to curl hair while its weight is held in one hand.

[0051] The hair curling device 100 includes a curler head 102, also referred to herein as a hair curler. The curler head 102 includes a body 104, which may be any preferred shape, such as cylindrical, oval, or conical. The body has a centrally located longitudinal axis 110 extending between a first head end 112 and a second head end 114. The curler head is elongated along the longitudinal axis 110 and receives and supports hair wrapped around the longitudinal axis 110.

[0052] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, in the illustrated examples, the body 104 is a generally cylindrical housing extending along the longitudinal axis 110. The curler head 102 can be of any preferred size. In some examples, the curler head has a diameter 124 (Figure 5) of 12 mm to 50 mm, 15 mm to 40 mm, or 18 mm to 35 mm. The body 104 includes a body side wall 120 extending between the first head end 112 and the second head end 114. It will be understood that the curler head may be of any shape and size.

[0053] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the exemplary body 104 includes an end wall 122 (Figure 6) that closes the second end 114 of the head. The end wall 122 may extend generally laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 110. The end wall 122 may generally be planar. When in use, the second end 114 can be closed. In some examples, the second end 114 is selectively openable. Referring to Figure 81, the exemplary end wall 122 is selectively removable to open the second end 114. Alternatively, the end wall may be mounted movable (e.g., translatably or rotatably) to open part or all of the second end, or it may have a movable flap that is opened when an accessory tool is attached to the second end of the curler head.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary Carla Head 102 includes a head air passage 130 extending through the body 104. The head air passage 130 can take any preferred route, such as a linear or nonlinear uniflow or reverse flow, through the Carla Head 102 between the inlet and outlet. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, an exemplary Carla Head has a head air passage 130 which is a uniflow path. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, an exemplary Carla Head has a head air passage 130 which is generally a linear air passage. The uniflow and / or linear path reduces the back pressure generated by changes in the direction of the airflow. The head air passage 130 can extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110. It will be understood that the head air passage 130 can be provided by the hollow interior of the Carla Head, or by one or more conduits located within or forming the Carla Head.

[0055] A head air inlet 132 is located within the head air passage. The head air inlet may be located at any suitable location on the body and may be of any suitable type. In some examples, the head air inlet 132 is located at the end of the body 104. Having the head air inlet at the end of the body allows the monoflow air passage to extend over a greater length of the body than if the air inlet were located in the middle of the body. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the head air inlet 132 is located at the first end 112 of the body 104, also referred to herein as the inlet end 112 of the body 104. The head air inlet 132 may be any suitable type of inlet, such as a tangential inlet or an axial inlet. Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary head air inlet 132 is an axial inlet. The air entering the air inlet moves generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 as it passes through the air inlet. The axial air inlet reduces back pressure and turbulence.

[0056] A head air outlet 134 opens from the head air passage. The head air outlet 134 includes an outlet port 136 (see Figure 4). It will be understood that the outlet port 136 can have any preferred shape, such as generally elliptical, generally circular, generally rectangular, generally square, or generally slot-shaped (with a width much larger than the height, such as at least 5 times). Referring here to Figures 10 to 18, an exemplary head air outlet 134 consists of an outlet port 136, and the characteristics of the airflow through the air outlet (e.g., the velocity, direction, and cross-sectional shape of the air stream exiting the outlet port 136 perpendicular to the direction of airflow) are determined by the orientation of the outlet port 136 and the shape of the air passage 110 upstream of the outlet port and / or the outlet port 136.

[0057] The head air outlet 134 may be a Carla outlet 150, or an outlet for a different purpose, such as an exhaust port or diffuser outlet, in which case such an outlet may be located at the second end of the Carla head and may therefore be referred to as the outlet end of the Carla head.

[0058] The curler outlet 150 is positioned and shaped to provide an airflow stream for positioning the user's hair during the curling motion. As illustrated in Figure 4, the head air outlet 134 also includes a duct 138 upstream of the outlet port 136, from which the outlet port 136 opens. The duct 138 directs the airflow through the air outlet and / or shapes the airflow exiting the outlet. Referring to Figure 4, the exemplary air outlet 134 includes a duct 138 extending between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136.

[0059] Any suitable inlet port 140 and / or outlet port 136 can be used. In some examples, the inlet port 140 is a slot-shaped port. Referring to Figures 104 to 110, an exemplary inlet end segment 280 at the inlet end 112 includes a slot-shaped inlet port 140 (Figures 107 and 110). The slot-shaped port 140 includes a long dimension 141 and a short dimension 143, where the long dimension 141 can be at least three times, at least four times, or at least five times the size of the short dimension 143. The long dimension of the slot-shaped port 140 can extend annularly (at an angle) around the longitudinal axis 110. The Carla head 102 may include a plurality of slot-shaped ports 140 forming an annular ring. The Carla outlet 150 or a set 151 of annularly arranged outlets 150 can be provided by one or more annular rings of slot-shaped ports 140. Referring to Figures 104 to 110, the exemplary head 102 includes a plurality of slot-shaped ports 140, which form two annular rings of the inlet port 140. The slot-shaped inlet ports 140 can form any preferred number of annular rings of the inlet port for a given segment 280. Referring to Figures 111 to 117, the exemplary head 102 includes one ring of the slot-shaped inlet port 140 for the curl segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112, two rings of the slot-shaped inlet port 140 for the next curl segment 280a along the axis 110 toward the opposite (tip) end 114, and so on.

[0060] One or more air guide members or vanes 142 are positioned within the duct (see, for example, vane 142 in Figure 8, where the vane 142 defines opposing side walls of the duct 138). The air guide members or vanes 142 help guide the airflow through the duct and / or shape the airflow exiting the air outlet.

[0061] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, and particularly Figure 7, an exemplary curler outlet 150 is located on the body side wall 120 of the body 104. The curler outlet 150 can generate an airflow directed at least partially radially around the outer surface of the curler head. Thus, the airflow can be directed partially tangentially or tangentially, and the curler outlet 150 can be a tangential outlet. A tangential outlet is shaped to direct the airflow out of the air outlet along an outlet vector 152 that includes a tangential component 154 which is tangential with respect to the longitudinal axis 110. The tangential component 154 helps to position the hair in a curled state with respect to the longitudinal axis 110. The tangential component 154 can constitute at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the outlet vector 152. In some examples, the tangential component 154 constitutes at least 50% of the outlet vector 152. In some examples, the tangential component 154 constitutes virtually the entirety of the exit vector 152.

[0062] In some examples, the air outlet of the Carla head 102 has a radially outer surface (e.g., outer wall 260, see Figure 42) located radially outward of the adjacent land portion 160 at the outlet port 136. The land portion 160 (sometimes referred to as the land surface), such as the closed wall portion illustrated in Figure 6, is partially or completely air-impermeable. The radially outer surface located radially outward of the adjacent land portion 160 allows the air outlet to direct air along an outlet vector having a tangential component along the land portion.

[0063] In some examples, the curler outlet 150 directs the airflow across the land surface 160 of the body sidewall 120. The outlet port 136 of the curler outlet 150 is located radially outward of the land surface 160. In some examples, the radially inward end of the outlet port 136 touches the land surface 160, but in some examples, the port may be adjacent to the land surface without touching it (for example, the port is located radially outward of the land portion 160, see Figure 93). An airflow directed across a surface can flow along the surface (for example, by the Coanda effect). Thus, hair attracted by the airflow is pulled across the surface. Pulling the hair to the surface helps to position the hair relative to the body sidewall 120. In some examples, the land surface 160 is curved with respect to the outlet vector 152. Referring to Figures 2-9, the exemplary land surface 160 is a curved surface with respect to the outlet vector 152, so that hair attached to the land surface 160 is attracted by the airflow attached to the land surface 160 and pulled along the curve of the land surface 160. As illustrated, the land portion 160 is curved in a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis 110. The curved land surface 160 helps to shape the user's hair into a curled state for curling action. However, the curler outlet 150 may not direct the air across the land surface. Referring here to Figures 10-18, the exemplary curler outlet 150 does not direct the air stream across the land surface.

[0064] Referring again to Figures 2 to 9, one or more curler outlets are positioned to provide airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis 110. As illustrated, the multiple outlet ports 136 located radially outward of the land portion 160 extend 360° around the axis 110. By providing airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis 110, it is possible to promote the curling of the hair around the longitudinal axis 110.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, one or more curler outlets are arranged to provide airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis 110. Providing airflow at multiple locations along the length of the longitudinal axis provides the user with a larger working surface (e.g., multiple land portions 160) for receiving the user's hair than if the airflow were limited to only the longitudinal portion of the side wall.

[0066] Airflow at multiple locations around the longitudinal axis and / or along the longitudinal axis can be provided by the same air outlet or by multiple separate air outlets. In some examples, the curler head 102 includes only a single curler outlet 150, for example, where the curler outlet 150 is a helical slot between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the curler head 102. The slot may be interrupted by supports (for example, for holding the slot edges in place) and / or vanes for guiding the airflow. In some examples, the curler head 102 includes multiple curler outlets 150 (for example, the outlets 150 in Figures 2 to 9). Multiple curler outlets 150 can enable better airflow control than a single outlet. As further described elsewhere in this specification, the multiple curler outlets 150 can be spaced apart from each other axially and / or at angles, and / or staggered radially, circumferentially, and / or longitudinally. Carla outlet 150 may be any of the Carla outlets described herein.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, in some examples the head air passage 130 includes an air passage 170 within the body 104. In some examples the air passage 170 includes at least one passage inlet 172 and at least one passage outlet 174. It will be understood that the air passage 170 may be hollow inside the body. Alternatively, it may be one or more separate conduits provided in and / or forming the Carla Head. For example the Carla Head 102 includes two or more air passages 170, such as a plurality of primary air passages 290 and / or one or more primary air passages 290 and one or more secondary air passages 292 as described elsewhere in this specification (see, for example, Figure 17).

[0068] Each conduit or hollow interior may have one or more air inlets 172 and one or more air outlets 174. The air outlets may be Carl outlets 150 and / or outlets at the second end (see, for example, Figure 6 if there is no end wall 122).

[0069] Optionally, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the passage outlet 174 (i.e., the airflow area perpendicular to the airflow direction at the minimum point) may be smaller than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the passage inlet 172 in order to facilitate a pressure rise within the chamber. In such cases, the air passage 170 may also be referred to herein as a pressure chamber. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the transverse airflow area of ​​the curler outlet 150 may be sized to generate a generally constant amount of airflow (amount in each ring 246 along the axial length of the curler head per minute).

[0070] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the air passage 170 includes one inlet at the first end 176, the second end 178 opposite the first end is closed by the second end wall 122, and the exemplary chamber inlet 172 is the open end of the first end 176. In some examples, the head air passage consists of the air passage 170. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, and especially Figure 6, the air passage air inlet 172 is the head air inlet 132, and the air passage air outlet 174 is the head air outlet 134. The air passage 170 may be an upstream manifold that communicates with a plurality of curler outlets 150. The air passage 170 can be any preferred shape, such as cylindrical, oval, or conical. The air passage 170 may have a shape that is generally the same as the shape of the body 104. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the exemplary pneumatic chamber 170 has a generally cylindrical shape that extends between the first chamber end 176 and the second chamber end 178.

[0071] Referring again to Figure 1, the hair curling device 100 also includes an air transfer member 180 that is in fluid communication with the head air passage 130 of the curler head 102 when the hair curling device 100 is in use. The air transfer member 180 is provided to generate airflow through the air passage, and any air transfer member can be used. The air transfer member 180 may include a motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly includes a motor and at least one fan that are in airflow communication with the head air passage 130. As illustrated, the air transfer member is located upstream of the curler outlet to push air through to the curler outlet. In other embodiments, the air transfer member may be located downstream of some or all of the air outlets 174.

[0072] The air transport member 180 may be part of the curler head 102 or it may be in a detachable blower 182 (e.g., a hair dryer). In some examples, the curler head 102 is an accessory that is detachably attached to the blower 182. Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary blower 182 is a hair dryer that is operable to be used as a hair dryer with the curler head removed, and the curler head 102 is an accessory that is detachably attached to the hair dryer. In some examples, as will be further described elsewhere in this specification, the air transport member 180 may be part of the curler head, for example, located in the body 104 of the curler head 102, and the curler head 102 may be operable to be used as a curler on its own.

[0073] The attached curler head 102 and the detachable blower 182 can be joined by a releasable fitting 184. Any releasable fitting 184 can be used. The releasable fitting includes a releasable fastener 186 on the head and / or blower. It will be understood that the fastener 186 may be any suitable fastener such as a screw fastener, bayonet mount, magnetic fastener, clasp fastener or snap fastener. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the exemplary fastener 186 on the curler head 102 is a slot for receiving a projection (e.g., a pin) on the blower to releasably secure the curler head to the blower. Referring to Figure 1, the first end of the exemplary attached curler head is received in the outlet opening 188 of the detachable blower 182. It will be understood that the fitting between the head and the blower may be a fluid-sealed fitting. It will also be understood that the outlet of the blower may be the same as the air passage air inlet 172 of the curler head.

[0074] The hair curling device 100 may, in addition to or instead, include one or more heating elements 191. Any suitable material can be used as the heating element 191 to provide thermal energy to one or more surfaces of the hair and / or airflow and / or curler head itself. As illustrated in Figure 1, the heating element 191 is an energized heating element 190 that includes a resistor that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The exemplary energized heating element 190 in Figure 1 is positioned in the airflow channel of the hair dryer to heat the air flowing through the resistor. Alternatively, the heating element may be a thin-film electric heating element that can be attached to the inner surface of the curler head.

[0075] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the heating member 191 may include an infrared absorbing member 370. The energized heating element 190 may be an infrared radiation source positioned to direct infrared energy toward the infrared absorbing member. Referring to Figure 88, an exemplary infrared absorbing member 370 is positioned to receive infrared radiation from the energized infrared heating element 190. The use of the infrared absorbing member 370 allows for a wider variety of shapes and positions of the heating member 191 than using only the energized heating element 190, such as any of those described in more detail elsewhere in this specification. The infrared absorbing member 370 is heated by the energized infrared radiation source 190, which may be part of the Carla head 102 or the energized heating element 190 of a blower 182 used in cooperation with the Carla head 102.

[0076] The heating element 191 may be in any preferred position and may have any preferred shape. The heating element 190 or infrared absorbing member 370 that directly heats the air may be in any preferred location that communicates directly with the air passage 130, such as being located radially below the curler outlet 150 or within a closed segment 222 of the main body side wall 120 where no curler outlet is provided. For example, referring to Figures 73 and 74, an exemplary curler head 102 includes a heating element 190 located radially below one or more curler outlets 150. The exemplary curler head in Figures 73 and 74 can still be removably fixed to a blower 182 on which an air transport member 180 is provided.

[0077] Alternatively, or in addition to that, the heating element 191, such as the infrared absorbing member 370, can be in conductive thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the curler head 102 (for example, an infrared absorbing member including metal or metal-filled plastic forming a land portion 160, or a heating element 190 that forms the land portion 160 or is in direct conductive thermal communication with the land portion 160). Thus, the heating element 191, such as the infrared absorbing member 370, can be in thermal communication with the curler head, such as the inner and / or outer surfaces of the curler head, in order to heat part or all of the curler head, in addition to or instead of heating the air in the air passage.

[0078] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the heating element 191 may be positioned to direct infrared energy directly onto the hair wrapped around the curler head (for example, an infrared radiation source on the surface of the curler head 102, or inside the curler head 102 but covered only by an infrared-transparent material). It will be understood that the infrared heating element 190, which generates infrared radiation to provide heat, may be located inside or outside the airflow channel 130 (i.e., it does not need to be inside the airflow channel 130). Removing the heating element 190 from the airflow channel 130 reduces the back pressure. The heating element 191, positioned to be in conductive thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the curler head 102, can also act as an infrared radiation source due to the temperature and material of the heating element 191.

[0079] The energized heating element 190 may be part of the curler head 102, or it may be located upstream of the curler head, such as inside the blower 182 if the curler head 102 is removablely mountable to the blower 182. Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary hair curling device 100 includes the heating element 190 and an air-moving member 180 in the blower 182. Thus, the blower 182 can be used for other purposes, such as being used as a hair dryer without the curler head 102. However, in some examples, the curler head 102 includes the heating element 190 in place of the heating element in the blower (for example, if the blower does not include a heating element, or if the curler head 102 can be used without the blower), or in addition to the heating element in the blower. Including the heating element in the curler head 102 allows for better control over heating. Referring to Figure 75, an exemplary curler head includes the heating element 190 and the air-moving member 180 and can be used independently of the blower. It will be understood that the hair curling device 100 and / or curler head 102 may include two or more heating elements 190, or may include heating elements 190 of different types. As will be discussed later, if the curler head includes an electric element, it will also be understood that it may include an electrical connector (e.g., a female electrical connector) that engages with the blower's electrical connector (e.g., a male electrical connector) when the curler head is attached to the blower.

[0080] The hair curling device 100 may optionally include a handle 192 having a handgrip portion 194. The handle may be any suitable handle that allows the user to apply the curler head to the user's hair. Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary handle 192 includes a handgrip portion 194 extending along a handle axis 196 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 of the curler head 102. As illustrated, the handgrip portion is part of the outer surface of the blower. In some examples, the handle axis 196 is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis 110. However, in some examples, it will be understood that the handle axis 196 may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, such as a pistol grip handle. For example, the handle may be a pistol grip handle attached to the side wall of the blower (e.g., at the rear end), or the handle may be attached to the rear end.

[0081] If the curler head 102 is an accessory, the handle 192 may be located on another component of the hair curling device 100, such as the blower 182. Optionally, the handle 192 is located on a component of the hair curling device 100, including the heaviest component of the hair curling device 100, which is generally the air transport member 180 and / or the energy storage member. Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary handle 192 is part of the blower 182, and the curler head 102 is an accessory detachably attached to the blower 182. However, in some examples, the handle 192 is located on the curler head 102. Referring to Figure 75, the exemplary handle 192 is located on the curler head 102 rather than on a separate blower, and the curler head 102 includes the air transport member 180 within the head.

[0082] The air-moving member 180 rotates around a rotation axis 198 (e.g., the motor rotation axis of the motor and fan assembly). Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary rotation axis 198 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 of the curler head 102. A rotation axis 198 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the curler head can improve the feel of the device 100. The rotation axis 198 may be generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis 110. A rotation axis that is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis can improve the feel of the device 100. However, it will be understood that the rotation axis 198 may be at any angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0083] The air-moving member 180 and / or the heating element 190 are supplied with power. The curling device 100 may also include one or more further powered components, such as a touchscreen or other control interface. Power is supplied by one or more built-in energy storage devices 200 (e.g., one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, and / or a removable pack of batteries or capacitors) and / or by an external power source (e.g., via a power cord). Referring to Figure 1, the exemplary hair curling device 100 includes a power cord 202 that is electrically connected to the air-moving member 180 and the heating element 190 and supplies them with power. The power cord 202 is connectable to a household mains power supply. It will be understood that the power cord and / or energy storage components can be installed in any suitable location. Optionally, the power cord 202 can be plugged into the blower 182 (e.g., it can be attached to the blower 182 or detachably attached), and / or the energy storage components can be located inside the blower. The coupling 184 between the blower 182 and the curler head 102 may include a power transmission coupling if the curler head 102 includes components to which power is supplied (for example, if the blower includes an air transport member and the curler head includes a heating element). Optionally, for example, if the curler head is operable to be used independently, the power cord 202 may be plugged directly into the curler head, and / or the energy storage member may be located in the curler head.

[0084] The following describes numerous embodiments, namely, annular sets of curler outlets, shifted adjacent curler outlets, longitudinally spaced air outlets, longitudinally directed airflow, annular strips of curler outlets, bidirectional curler outlets, curler outlets with varying transverse airflow area, airflow-textured land portions, grip-textured hair receiving surfaces, thermally conductive hair receiving surfaces, land surfaces with varying radial spread, longitudinally reduced outlet airflow area, longitudinally narrowing head airflow channels, airflow direction reconfigurable by valves, secondary application outlets, bleed valves, axially extending surface recesses, first end without curler outlets, auxiliary second end heating, air transfer members within the curler head, heating members within the curler head, direct hair heating, inductive charging, manufacturing methods using separately formed rings and tubes, user interfaces, and accessories, as disclosed herein. Each embodiment can be used alone or in combination or subcombination with one or more of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0085] Carla Exit Ring Set The following is a description of a curler head 102 having a curler outlet 150. According to this embodiment, any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0086] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the outlets 150 can be arranged in the shape of one or more annular sets 151 or a ring to form a strip of outlets. An annular set includes a plurality of curler outlets 150 positioned at angles around part or all of the longitudinal axis 110. The curler outlets may be positioned adjacent to each other (for example, the outlet ports 136 may extend generally continuously around part or all of the longitudinal axis 110) or they may be spaced apart. For example, a single annular set of curler outlets may include four, five, six, seven, eight or more curler outlets 150. As illustrated in Figure 7, the outlet ports 136 are positioned adjacent to each other, and the outlets 150 extend continuously around the longitudinal axis 150.

[0087] The Carla Head 102 may include a single annular set or multiple annular sets. If multiple annular sets are provided, the annular sets may be spaced apart along part or all of the length of the Carla Head. As illustrated in Figure 2, the Carla Head 102 has five annular sets of outlets separated by land portions 160. All outlets in a single annular set may be the same, or some or all may be different. Alternatively or in addition, each annular set may be the same, or some or all may be different.

[0088] As illustrated in Figure 3, the outlet ports 136 of each annular set can be generally aligned with some or all of the outlet ports of other annular sets, thereby forming a continuous set in the longitudinal direction, which is formed by joining multiple rows of outlet ports 136, and each set extends along the longitudinal axis 110.

[0089] Alternatively, the outlets may be arranged in generally linear or helical rows. The outlets 150 may be axially positioned without land portions between them. As illustrated in Figures 20–24, the outlet ports 136 of an annular set 151 of curler outlets are angularly aligned to extend in a plurality of longitudinal rows 153 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110. As illustrated in Figure 20, the set 151 includes a first set 151a of open curler outlets 150, a second set 151b of open curler outlets 150, and a third set 151c of open curler outlets 150. The outlet ports 136 of the exemplary first set 151a are axially aligned with the outlet ports 136 of the exemplary second set 151b and the outlet ports 136 of the exemplary third set 151c. Furthermore, referring to Figures 20 to 24, the exemplary first set 151a, second set 151b, and third set 151c of the Carla outlet 150 define multiple axially extending columns 153 of the axially aligned outlet port 136 (for example, linear columns 153).

[0090] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 69 and 71, and as described later under the heading "Shifted Adjacent Carl Outlets," the outlet ports 136 may extend axially at an angle to the axis 110. Referring to Figure 91, the outlet ports 136 extend at an angle 137 to the axis 110. Referring to Figures 69–72, the exemplary Carl Head 102 includes a row 153 of outlet ports 136 that are not axially aligned. The exemplary row 153 in Figures 69–72 is helical. For each row of outlet ports in the exemplary Carl Head 102 in Figures 69–72, the outlet ports 136 are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis. For each row 153 of the exit port 136, the exit port 136 of the second set of exit ports 151b is positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis 110 from the exit port 136 of the first set of exit ports 151a, and the exit port of the third set of exit ports 151c is positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis 110 from the exit port of the second set of exit ports 151b.

[0091] Shifted adjacent Carla exit The following describes a curler head according to this embodiment, which has multiple curler outlets, with longitudinally continuous curler outlets that are radially and / or angularly shifted from one another. Any configuration of the curler outlets 150 can be used.

[0092] The radially shifted Carla outlet 150 extends at different radial distances from the axial center of the Carla head. The radial distance may decrease or increase at a constant rate along all parts of the length of the Carla here, and / or the radial distance may increase or decrease in a stepped pattern.

[0093] Referring to Figures 65-68, the exemplary curler outlets 150 are arranged such that longitudinally continuous curler outlets are radially shifted relative to each other. The curler head 102 includes a first curler outlet 150e and a second curler outlet 150f that is longitudinally continuous with respect to the first curler outlet (i.e., continuous along the longitudinal axis 110, either directly adjacent to or separated by the closed land portion 160 of the curler head 102). Referring to Figures 65-68, the exemplary first outlet 150e is at a first position at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis 110, and the exemplary second curler outlet 150f is at a second position at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis 110, where the second radial distance is smaller than the first radial distance. In some examples, the Carla head includes Carla outlets at three or more radial distances from the longitudinal axis 110, and the radial distances of the Carla outlets decrease regularly along the longitudinal axis. Referring to Figures 65–68, an exemplary Carla head includes Carla outlets at five radial distances, where the radial distances of the Carla outlets decrease regularly along the longitudinal axis.

[0094] Angularly shifted outlets can, for example, form a helical row of outlet ports extending along the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the Carla outlets may be arranged alternately. In an alternate arrangement, every other Carla outlet along the longitudinal axis is axially aligned via outlets that are relatively angularly or radially shifted.

[0095] Referring to Figures 69 to 72, the exemplary curler outlets are arranged such that longitudinally adjacent curler outlets are angularly shifted from one another, with the exemplary first curler outlet 150e being in a first angular position and the exemplary second curler outlet 150f being in a second angular position different from the first angular position. Referring to Figures 69 to 72, the exemplary curler head includes alternating curler outlets 150, where every other longitudinally continuous curler outlets are longitudinally aligned.

[0096] Air outlets spaced apart along the length The following is a description of a curler head 102 according to this embodiment, which has multiple curler outlets, with longitudinally continuous open curler outlets spaced longitudinally apart from each other by closed land portions of the main body side wall. Any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0097] The curler outlets 150 can be arranged in sets, and each curler outlet in a set is positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, or aligned in the axial direction, as discussed earlier.

[0098] As discussed earlier, the curler head may include multiple land portions 160 arranged continuously along the length of the curler head. The land portions 160 separate the curler outlets 150, which are spaced apart in the axial direction, such as the annular set of curler outlets discussed earlier. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the land portions 160 of the main body side wall are normally closed portions, such as continuous walls.

[0099] Alternatively, the closing portion of the main body sidewall may include a selectively openable carburetor outlet, so that the sidewall of the carburetor head can be selectively opened. As will be discussed later, the carburetor head may be adjustable to direct air in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In such a case, the carburetor head 102 may include a clockwise-directed carburetor outlet 150 and a separate counterclockwise-directed carburetor outlet 150. The clockwise and counterclockwise outlets are selectively openable. The carburetor head can be selectively switched between a clockwise configuration and a counterclockwise configuration by opening one set or the other set of outlets (for example, via a valve assembly or selective reconfiguration of the carburetor head). For example, the clockwise outlet can be opened and the counterclockwise outlet can be closed. Thus, the counterclockwise outlet defines the closing portion of the main body sidewall when closed.

[0100] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the longitudinal spacing between longitudinally separated outlets 150 provides a longitudinally extending hair receiving surface 210 between the curler outlets. The hair receiving surface allows hair wrapped around the body sidewall 120 to be stabilized against the body sidewall. The longitudinally extending hair receiving surface can improve the user experience and / or allow the body sidewall to interact more with the hair (for example, for heat transfer or hair retention, as further described elsewhere in this specification). In some examples, the longitudinally continuous curler outlets are longitudinally spaced by at least 2 times, at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the average longitudinal spread of the curler outlets 150. In some examples, the longitudinally continuous curler outlets are longitudinally spaced by at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm.

[0101] In some examples, the land portion or closed body sidewall adjacent to the curler outlet is a closed longitudinal segment. For example, the closed longitudinal segment of a generally cylindrical body sidewall 120 is a closed annular portion of the body sidewall. The closed longitudinal segment allows hair to wrap around the body sidewall about its longitudinal axis. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, an exemplary curler head 102 has a closed longitudinal segment 222. The closed longitudinal segment 222 of the exemplary curler head 102 in Figures 2 to 9 is an annular ring, forming a land portion 160, across which the adjacent curler outlet can direct airflow.

[0102] If the closing portion of the main body side wall includes closed curler outlets, the longitudinal spacing provides space for those closed outlets, allowing, for example, a user to switch between a clockwise and counterclockwise configuration of the curler head by closing one set of outlets and opening the other set for each configuration. Referring to Figures 20–24, an exemplary curler head 102 has open curler outlets 150 separated by a closing portion 220 of the main body side wall. The curler outlets 150 are arranged in a set of curler outlets 150 positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The exemplary curler head 102 in Figures 20–24 includes a first set of curler outlets 150a oriented clockwise and a second set of curler outlets 150b oriented counterclockwise. The open curler outlets 150 are the outlets of one set, while the other set is closed. Therefore, the longitudinally continuous curler outlets of a common set are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and, when open, are separated by a closing portion 220 of the main body side wall, which includes the closed outlet of the other set. Referring to Figures 20 to 24, when one of sets 150a and 150b is open and the other is closed, the land portion 160 includes a first section 222a positioned between the first set 151a and the second set 151b of the curler outlets 150, and a second section 222b positioned between the second set 151b and the third set 151c of the curler outlets 150. It will be understood that there may be further sets of open curler outlets and sections of the land portion 160.

[0103] Airflow directed in the longitudinal direction The following describes the longitudinally directed airflow at the curler outlet. In this embodiment, the curler outlet 150 has a shape such that the outlet vector 152 of the airflow includes a longitudinal component 230, but optionally also includes a component directed at an angle around the curler head. Any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0104] It will be understood that the exit vector 152 of the curler exit 150, which includes a longitudinal component 230, may optionally also include a tangential or radial component. The tangential component provides a curling force that helps to wrap hair around the curler head or to wrap hair around the curler head without the user having to rotate the curler head to wrap the hair around it.

[0105] Referring to Figure 7, in some examples, the exit vector 152 has an angle 232 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and this angle is 10° to 30°, 15° to 25°, 17° to 23°, or about 20°. In some embodiments, the tangential component 154 of the exit vector of the curler exit 150 is at least 25%, at least 50%, or at least 60% of the exit vector 152, with the remainder being the longitudinal component, while in other embodiments, the tangential component 154 may be less than 25%, less than 10%, or in some examples very small (e.g., less than 5%). The longitudinal component 230 may account for at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the exit vector 152. For example, the longitudinal component 230 may be 15% to 75%, 30% to 75%, or 30% to 60%.

[0106] Referring to Figure 7, by including a longitudinal component 230 in the outlet vector 152, the curler outlet can at least help position hair relative to a longitudinally adjacent portion of the curler head 102, for example, the closed portion 220 of the main body side wall, for example, the closed longitudinal segment 222 (which may also be the land portion 160), and hair overlapping the closed portion of the main body side wall can be positioned by the airflow from the longitudinally adjacent curler outlet.

[0107] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the curler outlet 150 is shaped to direct the outgoing air along an outlet vector 152 that includes a longitudinal component. Referring to Figure 4, the exemplary outlet vector 152 is defined by the shape of the duct 138, such as by the vane 142. In some examples, the outlet end of the duct 138 extends in a direction that includes tangential and longitudinal components with respect to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0108] The longitudinal component 230 of the outlet vector can be selected based on the airflow velocity and / or volumetric flow rate of the airflow, in combination with the axial length of the longitudinal segment 222 around which the user's hair is intended to wrap. Optionally, the longitudinal component is sufficient so that the curling force of the air (resulting in the tangential component of the air exiting the outlet port 136) extends over all or substantially all of the adjacent longitudinal segments 222.

[0109] In some examples, the angle of the longitudinal component 230 is proportional to the magnitude of the longitudinal spacing between curling outlets (e.g., a spaced-out annular set of curling outlets) and / or inversely proportional to the velocity of the air exiting the curling outlets and / or the volumetric flow rate of the airflow. For example, the longer the axial length of the closed longitudinal segment 222, the larger the angle of the longitudinal component 230 may be. The greater the velocity of the air exiting the curling outlets and / or the volumetric flow rate of the airflow, the smaller the angle of the longitudinal component 230 may be.

[0110] If air is directed onto the closed longitudinal segment 222 from each of its axial ends, and for example the closed longitudinal segment 222 is located between two axially separated sets of bidirectional curler outlets 150c, as illustrated in Figure 33 and discussed later, then the air from each bidirectional curler outlet 150c is directed onto the closed longitudinal segment 222, and it will be understood that the longitudinal component 230 can be reduced, as the air exiting one of the bidirectional curler outlets 150c can spread over only about half the axial length of the closed longitudinal segment 222. Alternatively, if air is directed onto the closed longitudinal segment 222 from only one set of curler outlets (e.g., a unidirectional curler outlet 150d, as illustrated in Figure 33 and discussed later), then the air exiting the unidirectional curler outlet 150d can spread over the entire axial length of the closed longitudinal segment 222.

[0111] Annular band at Carla exit The following is a description of the annular band or ring 246 of the curler air outlet 150. In this embodiment, the multiple curler outlets 150 are arranged at least partially (e.g., 50%, 60%, 75%) around the longitudinal axis 110 of the curler head, and optionally, all or essentially all around the longitudinal axis 110 of the curler head. The curler outlets 150 may be spaced apart or adjacent to one another. Any configuration of the curler outlets 150 can be used.

[0112] The curler outlet 150 of the strip-shaped body 246 may be coplanar with the outer surface of the curler head (for example, the outlet port 136 may be coplanar with the outer surface as illustrated in Figure 63), or it may be positioned radially outward from the outer surface of an adjacent land portion 160 (for example, some or all of the outlet ports 136 may be radially outward from the outer surface of an adjacent land portion as illustrated in Figure 2).

[0113] As will be discussed later, the strip 246 of the curler outlet 150 may be unidirectional or bidirectional. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the curler outlet 150 can direct the air axially, radially, or in a combination thereof, as discussed earlier. Thus, as discussed earlier, the curler outlet 150 can direct the airflow along an outlet vector having a tangential component such that the strip 246 generates a conical or cylindrical airflow.

[0114] The multiple annular strips of the Carla air outlet may be separated from each other by the land portion 160, or they may be positioned adjacent to each other, as discussed herein.

[0115] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the curler outlet of the curler air outlet annular band 150 includes a duct 138 extending between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136. The duct 138 of the exemplary curler outlet annular band 150 in Figures 2 to 9 extends from the inlet port 140 to the longitudinally oriented outlet port 136, thereby redirecting the airflow.

[0116] As illustrated, the outlet port 136 is provided on the radially extending sides 246a and 246b of the annular strip 246. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2, in a bidirectional strip 246, the outlet port 246 is provided on the side 246a facing axially outward and the side 246b facing axially inward. As illustrated, the outlet port 136 faces along the longitudinal axis 110. The radially extending sides 246a and 246b can extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis, and therefore it will be understood that the port 136 does not need to face axially.

[0117] The curl outlet 150 is configured to generate an airflow exiting the duct 138 in a desired direction. Therefore, the duct is shaped to provide a selected direction for the airflow. Thus, the curl outlet 150 may include at least one tangentially angled vane 142 to impart a tangential component to the outlet vector. It will be understood that the vane may also include another angular component in addition to the tangential component. It will be understood that the vane may also be a radially extending side wall of the duct 138.

[0118] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 9 and Figures 25 to 28, and especially in Figure 7, the vanes 142 extend at angles that include tangential and longitudinal components. Therefore, the vanes 142 may be radially spiral vanes, and they can spiral radially outward from the inlet port 140.

[0119] The curvature of the vane 142 may be constant along its length from the inlet port 140 to the outlet port 136. Alternatively, the curvature of the vane 142 may vary along its length. For example, the curvature of the vane may transition from upstream to downstream toward an increasing longitudinal angle 236, or from upstream to downstream toward an increasing tangential angle 232.

[0120] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, and especially Figure 3, it will be understood that the vanes 142 can separate the annular ducts 138 of the Carla air outlet from one another. The multiple ducts 138 of the annular duct of the Carla air outlet 150 are positioned at angles around the longitudinal axis 110. The number of vanes can be selected based on the desired angle and any longitudinal overlap of the vanes. In some examples, the annular duct of the Carla air outlet includes 4 to 15 vanes, 5 to 12 vanes, 6 to 12 vanes, 6 to 10 vanes, 7 to 11 vanes, or vanes between 8 and 10.

[0121] As illustrated in Figure 55, the vanes 142 may overlap, and air entering one duct 138 from the inlet port 140 (for example, the leftmost duct in Figure 55, where reference number 262 terminates) can travel through the duct at a point where it is axially spaced away from an adjacent duct 138 (the central duct, where reference number 250 terminates) that has inlet ports spaced clockwise around the longitudinal axis 110. Alternatively, the ducts do not have to overlap.

[0122] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, each annular strip 150 of the curler air outlet is adjacent to an annular closed (i.e., air-impermeable) longitudinal segment 222. The exemplary annular closed longitudinal segment 222 forms an annular land surface 160. The exemplary curler outlet 150 directs the airflow across the annular land surface 160 so as to draw hair around the annular land surface 160. The annular strip 150 of the curler air outlet has a longitudinal length 240, and the closed longitudinal segment 222 has a longitudinal length that may be at least 1.5 times, at least 2 times, or at least 3 times the length 240 of the outlet 150.

[0123] Referring further to Figures 2 to 9, the curler head 102 includes a plurality of annular strips 150 of the curler air outlet. As in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 9, the annular strips 150 of the curler air outlet can be positioned longitudinally on both sides of the annular land surface 160.

[0124] Optionally, as will be discussed later, the Carla head 102 may include at least one annular strip 150 of Carla air outlets that directs air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward the first end 112 of the head 102, and at least one annular strip 150 (bidirectional strip) of Carla air outlets that directs air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward the second end 114 of the head 102. The Carla head 102 may include a plurality of annular strips of Carla air outlets, each directing air along an outlet vector having a longitudinal component 230 toward a common end of the head 102, such as toward the first end 112 of the Carla head 102 as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0125] As illustrated, the annular band of the curler air outlet can form a raised ring on the main body, or the annular band of the curler air outlet can be provided on the main body. The radially outer diameter 242 of the outlet 136 is larger than the diameter 244 of the adjacent land portion 160. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, in particular Figures 3 and 4, an exemplary curler head 102 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced raised rings or bands 246.

[0126] In some examples, the Carla head 102 may include a concave land portion 160. The concave land portion 160 may also be an annular portion. An annular concave land portion 160 may be bounded at one or both ends by a raised ring 246 formed by the annular band of the Carla air outlet 150. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, all land portions 160 of the exemplary Carla head 102 are concave land portions 160.

[0127] Referring to Figure 4, the outlet port 136 has a height of 248. The height 248 can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics. For example, if the outlet port 136 is wide in the angular direction, the height 248 can be reduced.

[0128] Two-way Carla Exit The following describes a curler outlet that generates an airflow along a vector containing a longitudinal component directed toward the first end 112 and another airflow along a vector containing a longitudinal component directed toward the second end 114. In this embodiment, the annular band of the curler air outlet may include a first set 150 of curler outlets that directs air toward the first end 112 and a second set 150 of curler outlets that directs air toward the second end 114.

[0129] As illustrated in Figures 25 to 34, the curler outlet 150c is provided as an annular strip of curler outlet with the outlet port 136 facing in each direction along the longitudinal axis 110. Referring to Figures 29 to 34, and in particular Figure 34, the exemplary bidirectional annular strip of curler air outlet 150c includes vanes 142 that divide the airflow into a first and second component directed upward and downward along the longitudinal axis 110, respectively.

[0130] In contrast, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, the curler outlet 150d is provided as an annular strip of curler outlet in which the outlet port 136 faces in only one direction along the longitudinal axis 110 (i.e., a unidirectional strip of curler outlet).

[0131] In some examples, the curler head includes multiple bidirectional outlets. In some examples, the curler head includes multiple bidirectional outlets 150c and multiple unidirectional curler outlets 150d. Optionally, as illustrated, the curler head 102 may have unidirectional strip-shaped curler outlets 150d at the axial ends of the curler portions having outlet ports 136, and one or more bidirectional annular strip-shaped curler air outlets 150c between them.

[0132] Referring to Figures 29 to 34, each annular land portion 160 of the curler head may be a section that can be covered by one or two adjacent curler outlets 150 (allowing airflow to be introduced). In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 29 to 34, and particularly with reference to Figure 33, section 1A is covered by a unidirectional outlet 150d at a first end 112, section 1B is covered by one side of a bidirectional outlet 150c, section 2A is covered by the other side of a bidirectional outlet 150c, section 2B is covered by one side of another bidirectional outlet 150c, section 3A is covered by the other side of a bidirectional outlet 150c, section 3B is covered by one side of another bidirectional outlet 150c, section 4A is covered by the other side of a bidirectional outlet 150c, and section 4B is covered by a unidirectional outlet 150d at a second end 114.

[0133] As illustrated in Figure 34, an angled wall 143 can separate the two ducts 138a and 138b. Alternatively, for example, if the wall 143 is not provided, the ducts 138a and 138b may be a single duct with two outlet ports 136 facing in opposite directions.

[0134] In some embodiments, annular strips of curler outlets are located on both sides of each section. The annular strips of curler outlets located on both sides may all be unidirectional, all be bidirectional, or may include both unidirectional and bidirectional outlets. Referring to Figures 35-38, an exemplary curler head 102 includes four sections. It will be understood that a curler head may have more or fewer sections. In some examples, a curler head with an annular land portion includes three sections. In some examples, a curler head with an annular land portion includes five sections.

[0135] It will be understood that in different embodiments, section covering can be achieved by different arrangements of the curler outlets 150. Figures 35 to 38 illustrate various embodiments. Referring to Figure 35, the exemplary curler head 102 has sections 1A and 1B covered by a first one-way outlet 150 at a first end 112, sections 2A and 2B covered by a second one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by a third one-way outlet 150, section 4A covered by a fourth one-way outlet 150, and section 4B covered by a fifth one-way outlet 150 at a second end 114, all except the fifth outlet facing the second end 114. Referring to Figure 36, the exemplary Carla Head 102 has sections 1A and 1B covered by a first one-way outlet 150, sections 2A and 2B covered by a second one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by a third one-way outlet 150, and sections 4A and 4B covered by a fourth one-way outlet 150 at the second end 114, with each of the outlets 150 directed toward the first end 112. Referring to Figure 37, the exemplary Carla Head 102 has a section 1A covered by a first one-way outlet 150 at the first end 112, a section 1B covered by a second one-way head, sections 2A and 2B covered by a third one-way outlet 150, sections 3A and 3B covered by a fourth one-way outlet 150, and sections 4A and 4B covered by a fifth one-way outlet 150 at the second end 114, with all except the first outlet facing toward the first end 112. Referring to Figure 38, the exemplary Carla Head 102 has a section 1A covered by a first unidirectional outlet 150 at a first end 112, sections 1B and 2A covered by a first bidirectional outlet 150, sections 2B and 3A covered by a second bidirectional outlet 150, sections 3B and 4A covered by a third bidirectional outlet 150, and section 4B covered by a second unidirectional outlet 150 at a second end 114.

[0136] It will also be understood that the two unidirectional strip-shaped bodies 150d of the Carla outlet can be positioned adjacent to each other with the outlet port 136 facing in different axial directions, thereby essentially providing a bidirectional annular strip-shaped body of the Carla outlet 150.

[0137] The curler outlet closest to the head inlet end, oriented away from the head inlet end. The following describes a curler head having a curler outlet 150 at the inlet end 112, shaped to direct air away from the inlet end 112. By directing the air away from the inlet end of the curler head 102, hair is prevented from being carried over the end 112, such as over an integrated handle or over the body of the blower to which the curler head 102 is attached. Any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the curler outlet 150 closest to the inlet end 112 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152 which includes a longitudinal component 230 directed away from the inlet end 112. The outlet vector 152 does not have to include a component directed toward the inlet end, or it may have a small component directed toward the inlet end.

[0139] As discussed elsewhere in this specification, a curler head may include longitudinally continuous segments 280 having a certain longitudinal extent. The segments 280 may be curler segments 280a containing one or more curler outlets 150, or non-curler segments 280b containing no curler outlets 150. The non-curler segments 280b may be closed segments (e.g., closed segment 222). In some examples, the non-curler segments 280b may include one or more inlets (e.g., venturi inlets). In some examples, the non-curler segments 280b may include outlets that are not curler outlets (e.g., bleed air outlets). In some examples, each curler outlet 150 of the longitudinal curler segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152, the sole longitudinal component 230 of which is directed away from the inlet end 112. In some examples, the curl segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 is the segment 280 of the inlet end 112 (i.e., not separated from the inlet end 112 by one or more non-curl segments 280b).

[0140] Referring to Figures 104 to 110, the exemplary curl head 102 includes a plurality of longitudinal segments 280, including a curl segment 280a at the inlet end 112. The inlet end curl segment 280a directs the outlet air away from the inlet end 112. The exemplary inlet end segment 280a in Figures 104 to 110 includes a set 151 outlets 150, each shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152, which includes a longitudinal component 230 directed away from the inlet end 112.

[0141] In some examples, it will be understood that all curl outlets 150 of the curl head 102 direct the air away from the inlet end 112 (i.e., towards the opposite end 114 with respect to the longitudinal axis). However, in some examples, the curl head 102 also includes one or more curl outlets 150 that direct the air toward the inlet end 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the curl head 102 includes curl segments 280a that direct the airflow toward the opposite longitudinal direction. In such examples, the curl head 102 includes at least one segment 280a that directs the air toward the inlet end 112 (i.e., the vector 152 includes a longitudinal component 230 directed toward the inlet end) and another curl segment 280a that directs the air toward the opposite end 114 (i.e., the vector 152 includes a longitudinal component 230 directed toward the opposite end). The exemplary curler head 102 in Figures 104-110 includes a curler segment 280a at the opposite end 114 of the head 102, and each curler outlet 150 of the curler segment 280a at the opposite end is shaped to direct air along an outlet vector 152, the sole longitudinal component 230 of which is directed toward the inlet end 112. Thus, the curler segment 280a at the inlet end and the curler segment 280a at the opposite end of the exemplary head 102 in Figures 104-110 direct air in generally opposite directions relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0142] In some examples, two or more curl segments 280a direct the air toward the inlet end 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis. In some examples, all but one of the curl segments 280a direct the air toward the inlet end 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis. The exemplary head 102 in Figures 104–110 includes multiple curl segments 280a directing the air toward the inlet end 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis 110, and a single curl segment 280a at the inlet end 112 directing the air toward the opposite end 114 with respect to the longitudinal axis 110.

[0143] A curled segment 280a directing air in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis can be separated by a non-curled segment 280b. The non-curled segment 280b may be a closing segment that provides a land portion between the two curled segments 280a directing air in opposite directions. Referring to Figures 104–110, an exemplary head 102 includes an inlet end segment 281, which is a curled segment 280a at the inlet end 112 that directs air toward the opposite end 114. The exemplary head 102 in Figures 104–110 includes an interposed non-curled segment 285 between the inlet end segment 281 and a further curled segment 283 that directs air toward the inlet end 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis 110. The exemplary interposed non-curled segment 285 in Figures 104–110 is a closing segment that provides a land portion 160 between segment 283 and segment 281.

[0144] Any interposed non-color segment 285 of a color head disclosed herein may be any preferred shape. The interposed non-color segment 285 may have a varying (e.g., gradually varying and / or stepwise varying) radial spread, with the greatest radial spread occurring in the middle portion of the segment 285 (e.g., the portion separated from each longitudinal end of the segment by at least 10%, 20%, or 25% of the longitudinal length of the segment). The greatest radial spread of the interposed non-color segment 285 may generally occur in the longitudinal middle portion of the segment. Referring to Figures 104 to 110, an exemplary interposed non-color segment 285 is generally bell-shaped along the longitudinal axis 110. A bell-shaped segment along the longitudinal axes 110, 160 has a diameter that smoothly increases and then decreases along the longitudinal axis 110. The exemplary segments 285 in Figures 104 to 110 are generally bell-shaped and have their greatest radial spread in the longitudinal middle portion of the segment.

[0145] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 104 to 110, the curl segments 280a adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the intervening non-curl segment 285 are shaped to direct the air in opposite directions (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) along the outlet vector 152 having a tangential component 154. This helps to capture hair on the curl head 102. In some embodiments, the curl segments 280a adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the intervening non-curl segment 285 are shaped to direct the air in the same direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) along the outlet vector 152 having a tangential component 154. This can reduce turbulence at the interface of the air stream.

[0146] Carla outlet where the transverse airflow area changes The following is a description of a curler outlet 150 having a transverse airflow area that varies along the length of the curler outlet. This variation may be due to the inner and outer walls moving away and / or coming together, and / or moving away and / or coming together (formed, for example, by vane 142) angular side walls. Any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0147] The Carla outlet 150 may include an expansion zone and / or a contraction zone. The expansion zone is the portion of duct 138 located downstream of the inlet port 140 and upstream of the outlet port 136, where the airflow area of ​​the duct is expanded. The contraction zone is the portion of duct located upstream of the outlet port 136 and downstream of the inlet port 140, where the airflow area of ​​the duct is reduced. Including a contraction zone increases the airflow velocity of the air jet generated by the outlet. The expansion zone reduces back pressure, which, in combination with the contraction zone, can accelerate the airflow through the duct.

[0148] Referring to Figures 40, 43–46, and 54–55, each exemplary expansion zone 250 has a minimum transverse airflow area greater than the airflow area of ​​the inlet port 140 and / or outlet port 136. In some examples, the expansion zone 250 is a portion of the duct 138 extending over at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. The expansion zone 250 can be located anywhere along the length of the duct 138.

[0149] Referring to Figures 39 to 55, each exemplary reduction zone 252 has a maximum transverse airflow area smaller than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​at least a portion of the duct 138. In some examples, the reduction zone 252 has a maximum transverse airflow area smaller than the airflow area of ​​the inlet port 140 and / or outlet port 136. In some examples, the reduction zone 252 is the portion of the outlet duct 138 that extends over at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm. The reduction zone 252 can be located anywhere along the length of the duct 138. In some examples, the reduction zone extends to the outlet port 136.

[0150] Referring to Figures 39 to 55, the exemplary duct 138 is formed by an outer wall 260 (e.g., a raised ring or annular band 246) and an inner wall 262 radially below the outer wall 260. Referring to Figures 39 to 55, the exemplary duct 138 has an angular width defined by vanes 142. The transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 is defined by a combination of the spacing between the side walls (e.g., vanes 142 in the examples of Figures 39 to 55) and the spacing between the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall.

[0151] By increasing the spacing between the outer and inner walls, and / or the spacing between the side walls (e.g., angular spacing), the transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 can be increased, and such increase can be used, for example, to form an enlarged zone 250. Referring to Figures 39-44 and 37-55, the exemplary duct 138 is formed radially outward of the air passage 170. The inner wall 262 of the exemplary duct in Figures 39-44 and 37-55 has an inner diameter that is generally the same as the inner diameter of the adjacent land portion 160. By forming the duct outside the air passage 170, the duct wall can be prevented from obstructing the airflow through the air passage 170. Referring to Figures 45 and 46, the exemplary duct 138 is formed at least partially within the air passage 170. The inlet port 140 of the Carla outlet duct is located within the passage 170. The exemplary radial inner surface of the inlet port 140 is located radially inward of the radial outlet wall 160 of the passage 170. The inner wall 262 of the exemplary duct in Figures 45 and 46 has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the adjacent land portion 160. The inlet port, which extends the duct into the air passage 170, can reduce the overall diameter of the Carlahead.

[0152] By reducing the gap between the outer and inner walls, and / or reducing the angular spacing between the vanes, the transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 is reduced, and such reduction can be used, for example, to form a reduction zone 252. Referring to Figures 40, 43, 44, and 47-49, an exemplary reduction zone 252 is formed by reducing the diameter of the outer wall 260 toward the downstream end of the duct 138. Referring to Figures 44 and 45, an exemplary reduction zone 252 is formed by increasing the diameter of the inner wall 262 toward the downstream end of the duct. Referring to Figures 54 and 55, an exemplary reduction zone is formed by reducing the angular spacing between the vanes 142 toward the downstream end of the duct 138.

[0153] If both the reduction zone 252 and the expansion zone 250 are located in a single duct 138, the reduction zone 252 may be located downstream of the expansion zone 250, or optionally immediately downstream.

[0154] In some examples, the expansion zone 250 may be an outlet end expansion zone 250 at the outlet end of the duct 138. The outlet end expansion zone 250 extends to and includes the outlet port 136. Referring to Figures 111 to 117, in particular Figure 114, an exemplary outlet 134a has an outlet end expansion zone 250 that extends to and includes the outlet port 136. The transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone 250 can increase along the expansion zone toward the outlet port 136.

[0155] The outlet end extension can extend from the inlet port 140 to the outlet port 136, or from an intermediate position between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136. While the exemplary outlet end extension zone 250 in Figures 111-117 extends from an intermediate position 144 between the inlet port 140 and the outlet port 136 to the outlet port 136, it will be understood that in other examples, the outlet end extension zone 250 may extend from the inlet port 140 to the outlet port 136. The transverse airflow area of ​​duct 138 lateral to the direction of airflow through the duct at the inlet port 140 may be smaller than the transverse airflow area of ​​duct 138 at the outlet port 136. Referring to Figures 111-117, the transverse airflow area of ​​inlet port 140 at exemplary outlet 134a is smaller than the transverse airflow area of ​​outlet port 136. In some examples, the transverse airflow area of ​​duct 138 is greatest at the outlet port 136. In some cases, the transverse airflow area of ​​duct 138 is minimized at inlet port 140.

[0156] Referring to Figures 111-117, the transverse airflow area of ​​the exemplary outlet end expansion zone 250 increases gradually along the length of the outlet end expansion zone 250. It will be understood that the transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone 250 can increase gradually and / or in stages. It will be understood that the increase in the transverse airflow area may be a combination of gradual and staged increases, such as an initial gradual increase, followed by a staged increase, followed by a further gradual increase, etc. Referring to Figures 111-117, the transverse airflow area of ​​the exemplary outlet end expansion zone 250 increases continuously along the length of the outlet end expansion zone 250. It will be understood that the transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet end expansion zone 250 may increase continuously or may include one or more portions in which the transverse airflow area remains constant (e.g., between stages of a staged increase in the transverse airflow area). Referring to Figures 111 to 117, the transverse airflow area increases toward the outlet port 136 due to the increasing separation distance between the inner wall 262 and the outer wall 260. It will be understood that the increase in the transverse airflow area may be due to any preferred increasing separation distance between the walls forming the duct 138.

[0157] Airflow textured land area The following describes the land areas that are textured to improve airflow (e.g., Coanda airflow). The land areas include surface textures selected to improve air adhesion to the surface.

[0158] In some examples, the textured land area includes radially raised and radially lowered sections. The transition between the radially raised and radially lowered sections may be generally smooth or may include small steps (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the color head diameter).

[0159] The land portion 160 may include vanes or raised portions 270 rising from the land portion 160. Referring to Figure 57, an exemplary land portion includes a plurality of raised portions 270 that are generally parallel to one another. The raised portions 270 may extend generally laterally with respect to the direction of airflow across the land portion 160 (i.e., generally laterally with respect to the outlet vector 152). The raised portions may extend linearly, as illustrated, or they may be curved.

[0160] It will be understood that other surface textures may be used in addition to or instead of vanes or raised areas. For example, the land portion 160 may include discontinuous, separated raised surfaces, such as depressions 272 (see, for example, Figure 56). The depressions 272 may be arranged in linear or curved rows, in which case the rows may extend generally laterally with respect to the direction of airflow across the land portion 160.

[0161] Grip textured hair receiving surface The following describes hair-receiving surfaces that are textured to prevent hair movement across the surface. In some examples, the textured hair-receiving surface is a directional grip surface. A directional grip surface is shaped to prevent hair movement across the surface in one or more selected directions. In some examples, the texture is chosen to prevent hair from moving across the surface in the angular direction (i.e., the direction in which the curl unwinds). In some examples, the texture is chosen not to prevent hair from sliding across the surface in the axial direction.

[0162] The grip textured surface allows for the use of airflow that provides lower gripping force to hold hair in place during the curling motion. The directional gripping surface reduces the gripping force required from the airflow, while allowing the user to remove the hair by moving their own hair in the release direction. In some examples, part or all of the land surface is a grip textured hair receiving surface (see, for example, Figure 58).

[0163] In some examples, the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member 274 that engages with the hair as the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction 276 and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction 278 opposite to the first direction 276. The grip texture surface of the exemplary curler head in Figure 58 includes a plurality of scaly or shingles having raised sides. As illustrated, the scaly are layered such that the clockwise side is beneath another scaly and the counterclockwise side is above another scaly.

[0164] It will be understood that the grip textured surface can have any suitable texture.

[0165] Thermally conductive hair receiving surface The following describes a hair receiving surface formed of a thermally conductive material to improve heat transfer to the hair. Thermally conductive materials have a high heat transfer coefficient. In this embodiment, the hair receiving surface may be part or all of any part of the outer surface of the curler head 102, such as the land portion 160 and / or the annular band 246.

[0166] In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed of a thermally conductive material that forms a land portion (i.e., a Coanda surface) to which the curler outlet directs the airflow. In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed of a thermally conductive material that forms a surface that overlaps the curler outlet.

[0167] The heat-conductive walls forming the hair-receiving surface improve heat transfer to the hair, enabling lower-temperature curling and / or faster curling operations. A greater amount of heat necessary to set the curl can be conductively transferred from the side walls of the curler head to the hair.

[0168] The side walls of the main body can be formed from or covered with a thermally conductive material. In some examples, the hair receiving surface is formed from metal (e.g., aluminum or copper), ceramic, carbon, metal-filled plastic, ceramic-filled plastic, or carbon-filled plastic. If the walls are covered, the thermally conductive material can be provided by spraying, electrodeposition, or the like.

[0169] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the radial outer surface of the exemplary annular land portion 160 is a metal surface (e.g., aluminum or copper sleeve), and the radial outer surface of the raised ring 246 is a metal surface.

[0170] It will be understood that the presence or amount of thermally conductive material may be uniform or vary along the length of the color head 102. For example, thermally conductive material or a material with higher thermal conductivity may be provided toward the end 114 opposite the inlet end 112.

[0171] Land surface with varying radial spread The following is a description of land portions having a cross-sectional shape and / or size that varies along the longitudinal axis (in a plane crossing the longitudinal axis 110). Such land portions can be used with an airflow that spreads at an angle around the curl axis 110, and those provided for use with the Coanda effect can be used.

[0172] In this embodiment, the land portion forms the radial outer surface of the curl head 102, and this radial outer surface has a varying radial spread along part or all of the axial length of the curl head 102. Thus, the annular radial outer surface has a diameter that varies along part or all of the longitudinal axis.

[0173] In examples where a land portion is provided for use in conjunction with the Coanda effect, the land portion facilitates airflow to remain attached to the land portion or forms a generally continuous land surface as its shape and / or size changes, including small steps (e.g., less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the diameter of the curl head).

[0174] Land portions with varying shapes can improve the dynamics of airflow within or on the surface of the color head. Referring to Figure 59, an exemplary land portion 160 has a diameter that smoothly increases along the longitudinal axis and then remains constant. Referring to Figure 60, an exemplary land portion 160 has a diameter that smoothly increases along the longitudinal axis 110 and then decreases.

[0175] The Carla head 102 can incorporate various types of land portions. As illustrated in Figures 78 to 84, the Carla head 102 may include a land portion 160a with a variable radial spread and a land portion 160b with a constant radial spread, both of which are adjacent to at least one Carla exit 150.

[0176] As illustrated, it will be understood that a land portion may include a series of axially positioned land portions having a common contour. As illustrated in Figure 59, each land portion 160 has a wider end and a narrower end. The narrower end is then located at the wider end of the adjacent land portion. Alternatively, the land portions may be separated by land portions having a constant diameter.

[0177] It will be understood that the diameter of the land portion may vary along the portion of the curler head having the air outlet, the diameter may vary at a constant rate, or it may vary in a repeating pattern, as illustrated in Figures 59 and 60.

[0178] It will be understood that the joint between the narrower end of one land portion and the wider end of the adjacent land portion can form a curler exit 150 and provide an annular strip 246. See, for example, Figures 59, 87, and 88.

[0179] Reduced outlet airflow area in the longitudinal direction The following describes a curler head in which the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​some or all of the curler outlets along part or all of the longitudinal length of the curler head decreases from one end of the curler head to the other end. According to this embodiment, any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0180] According to this embodiment, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curler outlet can vary continuously along part or all of the length of the curler head. The minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the curler outlet may vary at a constant rate in the axial direction, or it may vary by increasing or decreasing in amount. It will be understood that the minimum transverse airflow areas of some curler outlets arranged in a continuous line in the axial direction may be the same, and it is not necessary for all of them to vary for each subsequent axially continuous curler outlet.

[0181] It will be understood that the minimum transverse airflow area at the Carla outlet may be reduced from the inlet end to the opposite end, or from the opposite end to the inlet end.

[0182] If a single curler outlet is located at a specific axial position along the curler head, it will be understood that the minimum transverse airflow area may be the area of ​​the single curler outlet at that position. However, as previously discussed herein, if the curler outlet is located on a strip 246, the minimum transverse airflow area may be the total transverse airflow area of ​​all curler outlets on the strip 246. Therefore, a reduction in airflow area may result from using curler outlets with a smaller minimum transverse airflow area and / or from providing fewer curler outlets in segments at the same axial position along the curler head. By adjusting the size and / or number of outlets on the strip, a more uniform airflow from the outlets along the axial length of the curler head can be produced.

[0183] Referring to Figures 61–64, the exemplary curl head includes longitudinally continuous segments 280 having a certain longitudinal spread. The exemplary curl head 102 in Figures 61–64 includes curl outlets 150 in each segment 280. The curl outlets 150 of the segments 280 together define the minimum transverse outlet airflow area of ​​the segment 280. In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 61–64, the minimum transverse outlet airflow area of ​​each segment 280 is smaller than that of the segment 280 that is longitudinally continuous toward the first end 112. The reduction in transverse outlet airflow area in the exemplary curl head 102 in Figures 61–64 is due to a reduction in the size of the curl outlets 150 (i.e., a reduction in the longitudinal spread 282). However, it will be understood that in other examples, it may also be due to, or alternatively to, a reduction in the number of curl outlets at the axial position of the segment 280. In the exemplary Carlahead 102 shown in Figures 61-64, the minimum transverse outlet airflow area of ​​each segment gradually decreases along its length, but it will be understood that in some examples, this reduction may be irregular.

[0184] The curler head 102 includes at least three segments 280 arranged along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first segment has a minimum transverse airflow area at the curler outlet of the first segment that is greater than the minimum transverse airflow area at the curler outlet of the second segment, and the second segment has a minimum transverse airflow area at the curler outlet of the second segment that is greater than the minimum transverse airflow area at the curler outlet of the third segment. The first, second, and third segments may be separated by an intervening segment, but in some examples, the first, second, and third segments are directly adjacent to each other.

[0185] Head airflow path that narrows in the longitudinal direction The following describes a curler head having an airflow channel along part or all of its axial length and having a transverse airflow area that is reduced in the axial direction. According to this embodiment, any configuration of the curler outlet 150 can be used.

[0186] According to this embodiment, the transverse airflow area of ​​the curl head can change continuously along all or part of the length of the curl head. The transverse airflow area of ​​the curl head may change at a constant rate in the axial direction, or it may change by increasing or decreasing in amount.

[0187] It will be understood that the transverse airflow area of ​​a Carlahead may decrease from the inlet end to the opposite end, or from the opposite end to the inlet end.

[0188] Size reduction may be reflected in a narrower diameter of the curl head, which may narrow from one end to the other. The transverse airflow area of ​​the air passage may decrease continuously or gradually. For example, the side walls of the main body may narrow continuously or gradually. In some examples, the curl head narrows from the first or inlet end to the second end.

[0189] Referring to Figures 65 to 68, the exemplary Carla Head 102 has an airflow path 130 having a path-crossing airflow area that decreases from the upstream end to the downstream end. The exemplary airflow path 130 in Figures 65 to 68 has a path-crossing airflow area that narrows in stages. The gradually narrowing airflow path can have any preferred number of stages, such as the five stages exemplified.

[0190] It will be understood that the air passage through the Carla head is not necessarily defined by the side walls of the Carla head, but may be provided by one or more conduits located in the Carla head and the air passage through the Carla.

[0191] It will be understood that this embodiment may be used, or alternatively, to reduce the outlet airflow area in the longitudinal direction.

[0192] Magnitude of the variable exit vector The following describes a Carla Head in which the magnitude of the outlet vector 152 varies from one longitudinal segment 280 to another. The magnitude of the outlet vector 152 for Carla segment 280a closest to one longitudinal end of the Carla Head may be smaller than that of Carla segment 280a at the midpoint and / or opposite longitudinal end. The outlet vector may be minimum for Carla segment 280a closest to one or both longitudinal ends of the Carla Head. Variations in the magnitude of the outlet vector 152 may result, for example, from changing the minimum transverse outlet airflow area in the longitudinal direction.

[0193] The outlet vector 152 of the curler segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 may be smaller than that of the segment closest to the opposite end 114, and / or the segment midway between the inlet end 112 and the outlet end 114. A relatively small outlet vector 152 at the inlet end 112 can reduce the effect of airflow on hair that has gone beyond the inlet end 112 of the curler head 102 and detached from the curler head 102. For example, a relatively small outlet vector 152 at the inlet end 112 can reduce hair entanglement around an integrated handle or a blower to which the curler head 102 is attached.

[0194] The exit vector 152 of a longitudinal segment 280 is the sum of the vectors of the curler exits 150 of that segment 280. For example, a longitudinal segment 280 of a curler head 102 may include one or more annular ring exits 150, or an annular set 151 forming a strip of exits 150. Referring to Figures 111 to 117, in particular Figure 111, an exemplary curler head 102 includes five longitudinal segments 280, including one non-curler segment 280b and four curler segments 280a. The exit vector 152 of the curler segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 of the curler head 102 may be smaller than at least one of the exit vectors 152 of the remaining curler segments 280a. In the exemplary head 102 shown in Figures 111-117, the outlet vector 152 of the curler segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 is smaller than the outlet vector 152 of each of the remaining curler segments 280a. The outlet vector 152 of the curler segment 280a closest to the inlet end 112 in the exemplary head 102 shown in Figures 111-117 includes a longitudinal component directed toward the inlet end 112, and by reducing the magnitude of the outlet vector 152, the effect of airflow on hair beyond the inlet end 112 can be reduced. In the exemplary inlet end curler segment 280a in Figures 111-117, the curler outlet 150 is spaced away from the inlet end 112 by a non-curler segment 280b that does not include a curler outlet 150, but it will be understood that the inlet end curler segment 280a may, alternatively, be the segment 280 closest to the inlet end 112 (i.e., not spaced away by a non-curler segment 280).

[0195] The magnitude of the outlet vector 152 can be varied in any preferred manner. In some examples, the magnitude of the outlet vector 152 is varied by changing the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the segment 280 (e.g., narrowing the duct 138 of the inlet end Carla segment 280). Referring to Figures 111 to 117, and in particular Figure 114, the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the duct 138 of the inlet end Carla segment 280a is smaller than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​each duct 138 of each other Carla segment 280 (e.g., due to the varying number of inlet ports 140 between the segments 280). It will be understood that the magnitude of the segment's outlet vector 152 can also be varied, or alternatively, by, for example, positioning the segment further away from the inlet to the Carla airflow channel, and / or by changing the transverse airflow area of ​​the Carla head airflow channel upstream of the duct 138.

[0196] Airflow direction reconfigurable by valves The following is a description of a curler head that can be reconfigured between a clockwise and counterclockwise configuration by rearranging some or all of the internal flow paths. Thus, a single curler head can be used to form curls on both the right and left sides of the user's head.

[0197] In this embodiment, the curler head 102 may be reconfigurable between a clockwise and a counterclockwise configuration. In the clockwise configuration, some or all of the open curler outlets 150 direct the air generally clockwise. In the counterclockwise configuration, some or all of the open curler outlets 150 direct the air generally counterclockwise. The user may want to switch between clockwise and counterclockwise airflow when switching between curling hair on different sides (right and left) of the user's head.

[0198] It will be understood that the Carla head can be reconfigured in any preferred manner. In some examples, the Carla head 102 includes a Carla outlet 150 oriented clockwise and a Carla outlet 150 oriented counterclockwise, and it is selectively switchable between using the clockwise Carla outlet 150 and using the counterclockwise Carla outlet 150. For example, a valve can be used to switch the outlets. In other examples, it will be understood that the Carla head can be reconfigured in other ways, such as by changing the orientation of the Carla outlet, for example, by changing the angle of the vanes in the duct or by shifting the position of the outlet port or inlet port along the length of the duct.

[0199] Therefore, a Carla head may have Carla outlets that generate clockwise flow and Carla outlets that provide counterclockwise flow. The Carla head can be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the Carla outlets that generate clockwise flow and / or some or part of the flow paths leading to those Carla outlets. Similarly, the Carla head can be reconfigured to selectively open some or all of the Carla outlets that generate counterclockwise flow and / or some or part of the flow paths leading to those Carla outlets.

[0200] For example, one or more valves can be provided to reconfigure the color head. This configuration allows for rapid reconfiguration of the color head and enables reconfiguration with a minimum number of moving parts.

[0201] Referring to Figures 14-18 and 20-24, each exemplary curler head 102 includes an air outlet directional valve 208 that is movable between a first position in which the curler head 102 is configured clockwise and a second position in which the curler head 102 is configured counterclockwise. The air outlet directional valve 208 can control whether the clockwise-directed curler outlet 150a or the counterclockwise-directed curler outlet 150b is open.

[0202] Any suitable air outlet directional valve 208 can be used to selectively direct air to a curl outlet that directs air clockwise or a curl outlet that directs air counterclockwise. Referring to Figures 14 to 18, an exemplary air outlet directional valve 208 includes a rotating tube (rotating angularly) having an opening that can be selectively aligned with a counterclockwise curl outlet 150b and a clockwise curl outlet 150a. Referring to Figures 20 to 24, an exemplary air outlet directional valve 208 includes a sliding tube (sliding longitudinally) having an opening that can be selectively aligned with a counterclockwise curl outlet 150b and a clockwise curl outlet 150a.

[0203] It will be understood that the Carla head may have a first flow path extending to a Carla outlet 150a oriented clockwise and a second flow path extending to a Carla outlet 150b oriented counterclockwise. The two flow paths may extend, for example, from a header which may be located at the inlet end of the Carla head, and a single valve (e.g., a gate valve) may be movable to selectively open the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

[0204] Secondary application outlet The following is a description of the Carlahead, which can also be used as a concentrator and / or diffuser.

[0205] It will be understood that the concentrator and / or diffuser can be provided in any preferred manner. For example, according to this embodiment, the Carla Head may have an accessory that functions as a concentrator and / or diffuser and is detachably connected to the Carla Head. Alternatively, the Carla Head may have an internally built-in outlet that functions as a concentrator and / or diffuser.

[0206] According to this embodiment, the curl head may include one or more secondary air outlets in addition to the curl outlet 150, the secondary air outlets directing the airflow as a concentrator and / or diffuser.

[0207] Optionally, the curling head is selectively reconfigurable among all three of a concentrator configuration, a diffuser configuration, and a curling configuration.

[0208] The outlet of the diffuser and / or concentrator can be provided at any location of the curling head and is optionally provided at the second end 114 of the curling head 102.

[0209] In some examples, the curling head includes two or more air flow paths, including a first air flow path for the curling outlet 150 and a second air flow path for the secondary air outlet 294. Referring to FIGS. 14-18, the air flow path 130 of the exemplary curling head 102 includes a primary branch 290 leading to the curling outlet 150 and a secondary air flow branch 292 leading to the secondary air outlet 294. The primary branch 290 may be referred to as an axially extending passage 290 for curling air, and the secondary air flow branch 292 may be referred to as an axially extending passage 292 for diffuser air in examples where the secondary air outlet can be used to provide a concentrator air flow or a diffuser air flow. The exemplary curling head of FIGS. 14-18 includes a single secondary air flow branch 292 extending between (i.e., inside) the plurality of primary air flow branches 290. Referring to FIGS. 14-18, the exemplary secondary air flow branch 292 is formed by a longitudinally extending tube.

[0210] It will be appreciated that the secondary air flow branch 292 may be provided inside the primary air flow branch 290 or may extend axially alongside the primary air flow branch 290.

[0211] The secondary air outlet 294 is arranged in any suitable arrangement to form a desired styling tool. In some examples, the secondary air outlet 294 is arranged such that the curling head 102 is used as a diffuser when the secondary air outlet 294 is open. Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary secondary air outlet 294 is arranged such that the curling head 102 is used as a diffuser when the secondary air outlet 294 is open, which is because the secondary air outlets 294 are generally evenly distributed on a curved (domed as illustrated, but can be, for example, cylindrical) surface.

[0212] In some examples, the curling head is selectively reconfigurable between a curling configuration and a secondary configuration. In the curling configuration, some or all of the curling outlets 150 are open and some or all of the one or more secondary air outlets 294 are closed. In the secondary configuration, at least some of the one or more secondary air outlets 294 are open and some or all of the curling outlets 150 are closed.

[0213] As previously discussed with respect to clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, the curling head can be reconfigurable to selectively open some or all of the curling outlets 150 and / or some or part of the flow paths leading to the curling outlets 150. Similarly, the curling head can be reconfigurable to selectively open some or all of the secondary air outlets 294 and / or some or part of the flow paths leading to the secondary air outlets 294.

[0214] In some examples, the curler head 102 includes a valve movable between a first and second position, in the first position, the primary airflow branch 290 is open so that the curler outlet leads to the head inlet 132, and the secondary airflow branch 292 is closed. In the second position, the primary airflow branch 290 is closed, and the secondary airflow branch 292 is open so that the secondary air outlet leads to the head air inlet 132. As with the mechanisms described for clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, it will be understood that the valve may also selectively block or unblock the air outlet directly (rather than blocking the entire branch), or can be done in other ways, such as when the curler and secondary air outlet open from a common airflow path.

[0215] Bleed valve The following is a description of a color head that includes a bleed valve that can be selectively opened to open the bleed air inlet and / or bleed air outlet.

[0216] During use, the bleed air inlet can introduce ambient air into the airflow path through part or all of the curler, thereby increasing the amount of air in the airflow path 130. Using a larger volume of air can, for example, increase the curling force that positions the hair. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, if the bleed air inlet is upstream of the curler outlet but downstream of the heating element, the bleed air can lower the temperature of the air supplied to the curler outlet 150. Using cooler air can, for example, set the curl after the hair has been heated and positioned into a desired shape. Thus, the bleed valve may be operable to introduce ambient air into the airflow path so that the temperature of the air exiting the air outlet decreases when the bleed valve is opened at the end of the curling operation, for example, after the hair has been heated for a sufficient time to form a curl. For example, the user can operate an actuator to open the bleed inlet, or the curler head can automatically open the bleed inlet after a sensor detects that the hair has reached a target temperature or that the curling operation has occurred for a preset time.

[0217] Any valve can be used as the bleed air inlet. In some examples, the bleed air inlet includes a venturi that draws air into the Carla head 102 when the inlet is open.

[0218] During use, the bleed air outlet reduces the amount of air exiting the curler outlet 150 by removing some of the air. This reduction in air exiting the curler outlet decreases the curling force acting on the hair. Reducing the curling force can, for example, allow the user to more easily release their hair from the curler head 102 after the curling operation. In some examples, the bleed air outlet is activated at the end of the curling operation, thereby allowing air to be discharged from some or all of the upstream air passages of the curler outlet 150, thereby reducing the curling force generated by the curler outlet. If the curler head is capable of functioning as a concentrator or diffuser, it will be understood that the secondary air outlet 294 can be used as the bleed air outlet.

[0219] Therefore, the outlet of the bleed air inlet and / or the inlet of the outlet bleed valve can be selectively opened while the curler outlet remains open, and when open, it will be understood that the curler outlet is in communication with the common portion of the air passage through which it is open.

[0220] The bleed valve can be located in any suitable location. In some examples, the bleed valve is located at the first end 112 of the Carla head 102.

[0221] The bleed valve may be selectively openable by any suitable actuator. The bleed valve may also be openable by the pressure difference across the valve (i.e., open in response to a pressure drop in the curler head 102). In some examples, the bleed valve may be selectively open in response to user commands, such as a command to reduce the heat of the air by introducing air that bypasses some or all of the heating element, or a command to reduce the curling force by reducing the flow through the curler outlet 150 by releasing air. Any suitable valve may be used, such as a valve that selectively closes an inlet or outlet duct or port directly, or a valve that selectively closes a portion of the airflow path. The bleed valve may control one inlet and / or outlet, or two or more inlets and / or two or more outlets.

[0222] Referring to Figures 14 to 18, the exemplary curler head 102 includes a bleed air inlet 300 downstream of the head inlet 132 and upstream of the curler outlet 150, which is selectively closed by a bleed valve 301. In use, the head inlet 132 leads to a blower 182 that moves heated air, and the exemplary bleed air inlet 300 forms an air inlet that bypasses the heating element of the blower.

[0223] The exemplary bleed air outlet 302 in Figures 14–18 opens from an airflow branch common to the curler outlet and is also selectively closed by the bleed valve 301. In some examples, the bleed air outlet is one or more of the secondary outlets, in addition to being able to open while the curler outlet is open and opening from an airflow branch common to the curler outlet 150 (i.e., being able to open and close while the curler outlet is closed in order to function as a secondary air outlet). Referring to Figures 14–18, in the exemplary embodiment, the secondary outlets 294 and curler outlet 150 do not open from a common airflow branch, and the curler head 102 includes a bleed air outlet 302 separate from the secondary outlet 294. If the Carla head does not include a secondary outlet 294, or if the secondary outlet 294 opens from the same airflow branch as the Carla outlet 150 but is not open while the Carla outlet 150 is open, the Carla head may also include a separate bleed air outlet 302, or otherwise include one.

[0224] The Carla Head 102 may have both a bleed air outlet and a bleed air inlet. The Carla Head 102 may have both a bleed air inlet and a bleed air outlet that are operable by a single toggle (e.g., a button) (e.g., sequentially operable). For example, the button or switch may be pressed partway through the full stroke for the bleed air inlet and all the way for the bleed air outlet, or the bleed air inlet may be pressed once and the bleed air outlet may be pressed again.

[0225] A venturi with an air inlet that draws in air from the inlet end. The following is a description of a curler head having a venturi through which an air inlet leads to the interior. The air inlet extends from the outside of the curler head. The air inlet can open at a location on the side wall of the curler head at the inlet end to draw air towards the curler head. When in use, drawing air towards the side wall of the curler head at the inlet end pulls the hair down toward the curler head at the inlet end. This prevents the hair from moving beyond the inlet end, for example onto an integrated handle or onto the blower to which the curler head is attached.

[0226] The venturi may be located at the inlet end, in which case the air inlet may be an aperture in the side wall forming the venturi. Alternatively, or in addition to that, the air inlet may include a duct extending from the inlet port at the inlet end to another location along the curler head. In some examples, the inlet end venturi is located in a segment 280 of the curler head at the inlet end 112, the segment 280 containing the venturi, with one or more inlets through the side wall of the curler head leading into the venturi to draw air through the side wall of the curler head 102. Drawing air through the side wall of the curler head 102 at the inlet end 112 promotes, for example, that hair stays on the curler head 112 rather than moving beyond the end 112 onto the integrated handle or onto the body of the blower to which the head 102 is mounted.

[0227] Referring to Figures 111 to 117, the exemplary head 102 includes a segment 280 at the inlet end 112, which contains a venturi 340. The venturi 340 can be formed in any preferred manner. The exemplary venturi 340 in Figures 111 to 117 is formed by gradually decreasing and then increasing the diameter of the head airflow channel 130. Gradually changing the transverse airflow area can reduce turbulence in the airflow channel during use. However, it will be understood that the venturi 340 can also be formed by using, or by other means, a non-gradual change in the transverse airflow area, such as one or more gradual decreases in the transverse airflow area followed by one or more gradual increases in the transverse airflow area.

[0228] The inlet 300 leads into the venturi 340. The venturi 340 is located at the inlet end segment 280 (i.e., the segment closest to the inlet end 112) and, when in use, the airflow drawn through the inlet 300 pulls down hair near the inlet end 112 toward the curler head 102, for example, to prevent hair from moving beyond the inlet end 112. Any preferred inlet shape can be used. The exemplary inlets 300 in Figures 111 to 117 are generally arranged in an annular ring of discontinuous inlets 300 of a certain size. Each of the exemplary inlets 300 in Figures 111 to 117 is generally a rectangle with roughly equal longitudinal and angular spreads. However, the inlet 300 may be, for example, slot-shaped or circular. Each of the exemplary inlets 300 in Figures 111 to 117 is a simple aperture in the side wall of segment 280. However, the inlet 300 may include a duct extending between the outer end and the inner end, and the duct may have, for example, one or more bends. The inlet 300 may also function as a bleed air inlet and may be optionally closed.

[0229] During operation, air flowing axially through the core of the curling head (e.g., induced by a fan and motor assembly) draws air through the apertures in the side walls, and that air combines with the air flowing through the air flow passages of the core of the curling head.

[0230] Axially extending surface indentation The following is an explanation of a curling head having an axially extending surface indentation on the surface of the curling head (e.g., an axially extending curved segment of the outer wall of the curling head). Thus, according to this aspect, the indentation defines an axially extending lobe. Any curling outlet 150 can be used.

[0231] Thus, the curling head can include a plurality of parallel air flow branches. The plurality of air flow branches may be angularly adjacent or angularly spaced apart. The plurality of air flow branches may be formed by longitudinally extending tubes that are angularly adjacent. These tubes or conduits may be individually formed conduits fixed to each other or may be integrally formed.

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 10-18, an exemplary curling head 102 generally includes axially extending indentations 310 that extend parallel to each other. The exemplary axially extending indentations 310 generally extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 10-18, an exemplary curling head 102 generally includes a bundle of axially extending tubes 312 that extend parallel to each other. Each of the exemplary tubes forms an air flow branch between a head inlet 132 and an outlet 134. In some examples, the indentations 310 are formed by abutting a plurality of the tubes in the bundle of tubes 312, but it will be understood that the axially extending indentations 310 may be formed by a raised portion of a single tube.

[0234] The outlets provided in the recess may be a curler outlet 150 and / or a secondary air outlet 294. The curler outlet 150 is optionally provided in an axially extending recess to direct air onto an outlet vector that includes a tangential component 154. The curler outlet 150 may also consist of an outlet port 136 that opens through the main body side wall, such as when it opens through a generally radially extending portion of the side wall formed by the lateral surface of the recess.

[0235] Carla Exit No. 1 The following is a description of a curler head including a first end 112 having a non-curler segment 280b (e.g., a closed segment 222) without a curler outlet. In this embodiment, the outlet 134 is provided axially separated from the head air inlet 132 of the curler head 102.

[0236] The portion of the first end 112 of the Carla head has a closed (air-impermeable) body side wall 120 that extends axially from the first end 112. The axial extension can be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% of the total axial extension of the Carla head. The head air inlet 132 is located at the first end 112, and the air passage 130 extends from the inlet 132 through the closed end portion of the side wall.

[0237] Referring to Figures 14–18, an exemplary curler head 102 includes a closed end portion 222 without a curler outlet 150. The closed end portion 222 can provide space for additional components axially separated from the curler outlet 150, such as a heating element, an air transfer member, and / or a valve assembly. The exemplary closed end portion 222 in Figures 14–18 includes a selectively openable bleed air inlet 300. The closed end portion provides space within the curler head where a corresponding curler outlet is not required.

[0238] Auxiliary second end heating The following describes providing auxiliary heating to the second end 114 of the head. The auxiliary heating at the second end is used to provide more uniform heating along the length of the curler head 102. In an example where the curler head 102 is used with a blower 182 that provides heated air, the heated air enters the curler head at the first end 112 of the head and then moves along the air passage 130 toward the second end 114. As the air moves toward the second end 114 of the head, energy is transferred to the walls of the curler head 102 and lost to the external environment. As a result, the energy carried by the air entering the curler head 102 heats the first end 112 of the head more than the second end 114 of the head.

[0239] Auxiliary second end heating includes using a heating element 191 at the second end 114 of the head (e.g., an electrically charged heating element 190 for heating air or a portion of the curler head itself, and / or an infrared radiation source combined with an infrared absorbing member 370). As discussed elsewhere in this specification, the heating element 191 may be located in an airflow channel to heat air, or directed to establish conductive heat communication with the hair wrapped around the head 102, and / or positioned to direct infrared energy directly onto the hair wrapped around the curler head.

[0240] It will be understood that the heating element may be positioned to heat the air flowing through the internal air passage within the curler head, or it may be positioned to conduction heat a part of the curler head itself.

[0241] It will be understood that the auxiliary heating member 191 may be located only at the second end 114, or it may be located axially inward thereof. For example, the auxiliary heating member 191 may be positioned and operable to provide additional heat downstream from the inlet 132 along the axial length of the curler head having the curler air outlet 150, so that a uniform or more uniform temperature is provided by the curler head. Thus, the air exiting the curler outlet along the length of the curler head may be uniform or generally uniform (e.g., ±5, 10, 15°C).

[0242] Referring to Figures 85 to 90, in an exemplary embodiment, the color head 102 includes an energized heating element 190 that generates infrared radiation. The exemplary heating element in Figures 85 to 90 is positioned to direct the infrared radiation towards an infrared absorbing member 370 arranged along the length of the color head 102.

[0243] The exemplary infrared absorbing members 370 in Figures 85 to 90 contain iron and / or carbon, and are in conductive thermal communication with the hair wrapped around the head 102, forming the outer surface of the head 102 (for example, forming the land portion 160).

[0244] The exemplary infrared radiation source 190 in Figures 85 to 90 is located at the second end 114 of the head. In some examples, the infrared radiation source 190 for auxiliary second end heating is located within the last 25% of the length of the Carla head 102, within the last 20% of the length of the Carla head 102, or within the last 10% of the length of the Carla head. By providing the infrared radiation source 190 at the second end 114, the thermal energy generated by the radiation source 190 is concentrated at the second end 114 so that the radiation source 190 supplies more energy to the closer absorbing member 370 (i.e., the absorbing member 370 closer to the second end 114). Furthermore or alternatively, it will be understood that the infrared absorbing member 370 may be located only at the second end 114.

[0245] Air transfer member inside the curler head The following is a description of a curler head 102 including one or more air-moving members 180. By including air-moving members in the curler head 102, it is possible to more precisely control the airflow (e.g., volume or velocity) and optimize the airflow for the curler head. The curler head 102 including air-moving members can be independent of the blower and can form an independent curler device 100.

[0246] The air transport member may be located below one or more curler outlets 150 in the radial direction, or within a closed segment 222 of the main body side wall 120 where no curler outlets are provided. Referring to Figure 75, an exemplary curler head includes an air transport member 180 and can be used independently of the blower.

[0247] The air transport component may be supplementary to the air transport component within the blower, and it will be understood that it may be used simultaneously with the air transport component for some or all of the time the curler head is in use. For example, the air transport component can be activated when a higher flow rate is desired.

[0248] Heating element inside the curler head The following is a description of the color head 102 including the heating element 191.

[0249] According to this embodiment, the heating element may be positioned to heat the air flowing through the internal air passage in the curler head, or it may be positioned to conduction heat a part of the curler head itself. Therefore, the heating element 191 can be an infrared radiation source combined with an electrically conductive heating element 190 and / or an infrared absorbing member 370 for heating the air or a part of the curler head itself.

[0250] Referring to Figures 85-90, the exemplary heating element 190 is an infrared heating element. The exemplary infrared heating element 190 in Figures 85-90 includes a heat dissipation element 372 (e.g., a resistive filament) housed in a housing 374. The housing 374 is transparent to infrared radiation (i.e., includes at least one window formed of a material transparent to infrared radiation). In some examples, the housing 374 is formed of infrared-transparent aluminum.

[0251] The infrared radiation source 190 of the curler head 102 can be used to directly heat hair (e.g., hair positioned relative to the head 102 by an airflow) and / or to heat one or more infrared absorbing members 370 of the curler head 102. All or part of the curler head 102 can be lined with an infrared absorbing material (e.g., iron and / or carbon) that forms one or more infrared absorbing members 370. The infrared absorbing members 370 can line the inner and / or outer surfaces of the curler head 102. The exemplary curler head 102 in Figures 85 to 90 is lined with infrared absorbing members 370 that form a land portion 160.

[0252] Any suitable infrared absorbing member 370 can be used. The infrared absorbing member 370 may be a layer of infrared absorbing material forming the outer surface of the Carla head 102, or it may be covered with an insulating layer (e.g., plastic) to reduce the possibility of contact burns.

[0253] The infrared absorbing member 370 can be formed within the color head 102 in any preferred manner. In some examples, the infrared absorbing member 370 is combined with the body of the color head 102. In some examples, the infrared absorbing member 370 is formed by vapor deposition, such as by deposition of a thermally conductive plastic (for example, a plastic containing an infrared absorbing material such as iron), or by spray deposition of a layer of an infrared absorbing material such as carbon.

[0254] The infrared heating element 190 can extend along all or part of the length of the curler head 102. As illustrated in Figures 85 to 90, the infrared heating element 190 can be provided at the second end 114 of the head.

[0255] direct hair heating The following is a description of a curler head that directly heats the hair to reduce the amount of thermal energy that is pushed away by the air used to position the hair.

[0256] In this embodiment, the curler head includes a heated hair receiving surface of the curler head 102. The heated hair receiving surface is heated by the heating element 190 of the curler head 102 and / or the heating element 190 of a cooperating blower 182. In some examples, the heated hair receiving surface is separated from the airflow channel 130 to prevent heat transfer from the heated hair receiving surface to the airflow. The heated hair receiving surface can be separated from the airflow channel 130 by an underlying insulating layer.

[0257] By providing a surface for receiving heated hair, thermal energy can be directly transferred to the hair that receives it on the surface via conductive transmission. As a result, energy loss to the surrounding environment is reduced, and the curler 100 can effectively raise the temperature of the hair using less energy than when thermal energy is carried by air. By separating the heated surface from the airflow, the amount of heat pushed away from the curler head 102 by the airflow is reduced. Therefore, the hair can be positioned around the curler without substantially heating the hair, either primarily or in isolation, using the airflow. Heat can be provided by the heated surface via conductive transmission and / or infrared radiation of the hair positioned relative to the heated surface.

[0258] The surface to be heated can be heated in any preferred manner. The curler head 102 may include heating elements 190, which are infrared radiation sources that direct infrared energy to an absorbing member 370 that forms the surface to be heated or is in conductive thermal communication with the surface to be heated. Alternatively, or further, the curler head 102 may include heating elements 190 that form the surface to be heated itself or are in conductive thermal communication with the surface to be heated. Referring to Figures 92 to 96, an exemplary curler head 102 includes a plurality of energized heating elements 190. The exemplary heating elements 190 in Figures 92 to 96 are flat heating elements (e.g., thin-film heating elements) that form the land portion 160 and optionally the radial outer surface of the curler outlet 150 closest to the first end 112 for direct conductive heat transfer to the hair placed in contact with these surfaces to be heated.

[0259] Referring to Figures 92 to 96, the exemplary heating element 191 forms a heated surface 380. The heated surface 380 is separated from the air passage 130. By separating the heated surface 380 from the air passage, the transfer of thermal energy to the air (this thermal energy can be greatly lost to the surrounding environment) is reduced.

[0260] The heated surface 380 is separated from the air channel 130 by an insulating layer 382. The insulating layer 382 is located beneath the heated surface 380 and prevents heat transfer from the heated surface 380 to the air in the air channel 130. The insulating layer 382 can be formed from any suitable material, such as a thermoplastic material. Referring to Figures 92 to 96, an exemplary insulating layer 382 is located beneath the heated surface, and the heated surface 380 extends across the land portion 160 outside the curler outlet 150.

[0261] inductive charging The following is a description of the inductive charging type Carla Head 102. The Carla Head includes a built-in energy storage member 200, which is charged by wireless charging via electromagnetic induction.

[0262] Referring to Figure 76, the exemplary Carla head 102 includes a receiving side 320 (e.g., a receiving coil) that cooperates with the charging stand 322 to receive power. The charging stand is operable to generate a magnetic field (e.g., via a coil in the stand) on the receiving side 320 of the Carla head to generate an electric current in the receiving side 320. The exemplary Carla head is oriented so that its longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular when charging. The charging stand 322 includes a base 324 and a cradle 326 positioned relative to the base 324 to hold the Carla head so that its longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular. In some examples, the end of the Carla head is received in a recess 328 of the induction charging stand. The receiving side 320 may be the end that is received in the recess 328. The recess 328 may be surrounded by the power transmitting portion of the charging stand.

[0263] In some examples, components 330 of the induction charging station are received in a recess 332 at the end of the cara head 102. Component 330 may include the power transmitting portion of the charging station. The recess 332 may be surrounded by the power receiving side 320.

[0264] It will be understood that any inductive charging member can be used, and that this can be any configuration that can inductively change the color head.

[0265] Manufacturing method The following is a description of how to manufacture Carla Head 102.

[0266] According to this embodiment, the Carla head 102 can be formed by manufacturing the main tube and the ring set separately, and then positioning the ring by sliding it axially onto the main tube.

[0267] Referring to Figures 77 and 78-84, the Carla Head 102 can be formed by manufacturing method 350. Method 350 includes forming a main tube 352 in step 354 by forming an aluminum tube from an aluminum sheet or molding a plastic tube, etc. When in use, the main tube 352 can function as a frame to which further parts of the Carla Head 102 are fixed.

[0268] The main pipe 352 includes an aperture 353 that passes through it. The aperture 353 is provided to allow air to flow through the main pipe 352 out of the curl outlet 150 of the curl head 102. The aperture 353 can form an inlet port 140 of the curl outlet 150. Referring particularly to Figure 84, the exemplary pipe 352 includes apertures 353 at regular intervals along the length of the pipe 352.

[0269] The aperture is formed in the wall of the main pipe 352 by any preferred method. In some examples, the aperture 353 is formed by molding the pipe on which the aperture 353 is formed, such as when the pipe is made of injection-molded or 3D-printed plastic. In some examples, the aperture 353 is formed by cutting off a portion of the pipe sidewall, such as when the pipe is made of a rolled piece of metal (e.g., aluminum).

[0270] Method 350 includes forming one or more rings 358 in step 356. Exemplary rings 358 in Figures 78 to 84 include vanes 142 and an outer wall 260. Alternatively, or in addition, the vanes 142 may be provided on the main pipe 352. As illustrated in Figure 81, the curler head 102 may include different types of rings 358a, 358b, for example, to form different types of outlets or different types of curler outlets 150. The rings 358 may be made of plastic and may be formed, for example, by injection molding or 3D printing. The rings 358 may include infrared absorbing members 370. In step 360, the rings 358 are slid onto the pipe over the inlet port 140 to complete the duct 138.

[0271] The ring 358 can be secured to the main pipe 352 in any preferred manner. In some examples, the ring 358 is fastened using fasteners. For example, the ring may be snapped into place on the main pipe 352 using snap-fit ​​fasteners for the ring 358 and / or the pipe 352, the ring may be held by a cooperating magnetic fastener for the ring 358 and the pipe 352, or the ring may be secured by a separate fastener such as a screw fastener. Alternatively or further, the ring 358 may be bonded to the pipe 352 by adhesive or welding, etc. Referring to Figure 77, exemplary method 350 includes, in step 362, heating the curler head (for example, to melt the plastic of the ring and weld the ring to the plastic or metal pipe) to mount the ring over the pipe.

[0272] Contact segment The following describes a Carla Head 280 in which the exit 150 is formed by a single wall, and these adjacent walls abut each other in the longitudinal direction to form the outer wall 260 of the Carla Head. The adjacent walls may abut each other without overlapping.

[0273] Referring to Figures 97 to 103, and in particular Figure 100, an exemplary curler head 102 includes a main tube 352 and a plurality of rings 358 attached to the tube. The rings 352 are formed from a single unit and form one or more curler outlets 150 that open through the unit. Adjacent rings 352 abut each other at a joint 390. In use, the curler head 102 can be assembled by forming the tube 352, forming the rings 358, sliding the rings 358 over the tube 352, and securing the rings 358 to the tube 352 and / or adjacent rings 358.

[0274] Ring 358 can be fixed to pipe 352 and / or adjacent ring 358 by any preferred method, such as fasteners, welding, or adhesive. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 97 to 103, ring 352 is fixed to pipe 352 and adjacent ring 358 by welding the inner surface of ring 352 to pipe 352 and welding the longitudinal end of ring 352 to adjacent ring 352 across the joint 390. Welding can be achieved, for example, by heating a curler head to attach the ring to the pipe (for example, to melt the plastic of the ring and fuse the ring to the plastic or metal pipe).

[0275] User Interface The following is a description of the user interface 204. The hair curling device 100 may include one or more user interfaces 204 for controlling one or more operations of the hair curling device 100.

[0276] The user interface 204 may include at least an on / off actuator for controlling whether the air-moving member 180 is on or off. In some examples, the user interface 204 may also include further controls, such as controls for setting the rotational speed of the air-moving member, and / or controls for turning a heating element on / off and / or setting the temperature of a heating element, and / or controls for shifting, opening, or closing a valve.

[0277] It will be understood that the actuator may be any suitable user interface, such as an on / off toggle, push button, display screen, touchscreen, or slide switch.

[0278] Referring to Figures 14-18 and 20-24, the exemplary user interface 204 includes a valve toggle 206 for controlling the position of the valve 208.

[0279] In some examples, the hair curling apparatus 100 includes a blower user interface 204 for a blower 182 and a head user interface 204 for a curler head 102. The user interface 204 may include a simple circuit for controlling the controllable elements of the hair curling apparatus 100, or it may include one or more computer processors and / or a data storage system for storing instructions (for example, to allow the user to select a pre-programmed operating mode). In some examples, the user interface 204 includes a user-operable (i.e., manual) or electrically energized actuator that is driven-coupled to an operable member such as a valve.

[0280] accessories As illustrated in Figure 19, in some examples, the curling device 100 includes one or more attachments 212. The attachments 212 may be sprayers having nozzles 214 directed toward the hair receiving surface of the curling head 102. The sprayers can spray a fluid, such as water, onto the hair. Wet hair can be styled more easily than dry hair. The sprayers may include a reservoir 216 that communicates with the nozzles 214 and a pump 218 that can operate to selectively move the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzles.

[0281] As used herein, the expression "and / or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or." That is, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean, for example, X or Y or both. As a further example, "X, Y and / or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0282] While the above description features examples of embodiments, it will be understood that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments can be modified without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various features described by the embodiments or examples can be selectively combined with one another. Therefore, what has been stated above is illustrative of the claimed concepts and is intended to be non-limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that other modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The claims should not be limited by preferred embodiments and examples, and should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with this specification as a whole.

[0283] Clause Clause Set A 1. A hair curler having an inlet end with an air inlet, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of air outlets separated in the axial direction, wherein some of the air outlets direct the air clockwise and the other air outlets direct the air counterclockwise. 2. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a valve that can be operated to selectively direct air to an air outlet that directs air clockwise and an air outlet that directs air counterclockwise. 3. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes multiple sets of air outlets, and each set of air outlets includes multiple air outlets positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis. 4. The hair curler described in Clause 3, wherein the multiple sets of air outlets include a first set of air outlets and a second set of air outlets, the first set of air outlets directing the air clockwise and the second set of air outlets directing the air counterclockwise. 5. The hair curler according to Clause 4, further comprising a valve that can be operated to selectively direct air to a first set of air outlets that direct air clockwise and a second set of air outlets that direct air counterclockwise. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 3, wherein the multiple sets of air outlets include a first set of air outlets and a second set of air outlets, and the land portion is located between the first set of air outlets and the second set of air outlets. 7. The hair curler described in Clause 6 must not allow air to pass through. 8. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet has a radially outer surface located radially outward from the land portion at the position of the air outlet. 9. The land portion is positioned between adjacent air outlets, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 10. The air outlet generally directs the air along the outer surface of the hair curler, and the air exiting the air outlet moves along the outer surface, as described in Clause 1. 11. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the outlet port has a radially outer surface located radially outward of the land portion at the location of the outlet port. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the airflow path includes a passage inside the air curler and inlet port air located within the passage. 13. The hair curler according to Clause 12, wherein the passage has a radial outer wall, and the entrance port has a radial inner surface located radially inward of the radial outer wall. 14. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of sets of air outlets, each set of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis, the plurality of sets of air outlets comprising a first set of air outlets and a second set of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the outlet port of the first set of air outlets being axially aligned with the outlet port of the second set of air outlets and the outlet port of the third set of air outlets. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of sets of air outlets, each set of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis, the plurality of sets of air outlets comprising a first set of air outlets, a second set of air outlets and a third set of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and the first, second and third sets of air outlets define a plurality of axially extending rows of outlet ports that are axially aligned. 16. The air outlet comprises a plurality of sets of air outlets, each set of air outlets comprises a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of sets of air outlets comprises a first set of air outlets, a second set of air outlets and a third set of air outlets, each air outlet comprises an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the first, second and third sets of air outlets define a plurality of rows extending axially to the outlet port, and for each row of the outlet port, the outlet port is positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, as described in Clause 1, 17. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet comprises a plurality of sets of air outlets, each set of air outlets comprising a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis, the plurality of sets of air outlets comprising a first set of air outlets, a second set of air outlets and a third set of air outlets, each air outlet comprising an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, and for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports of the second set of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis from the outlet ports of the first set of outlet ports, and the outlet ports of the third set of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis from the outlet ports of the second set of outlet ports.

[0284] Clause Set B 1. A hair curler having an inlet end with an air inlet, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal axis, a plurality of curling air outlets, a diffuser air outlet, and a valve that can move between a first position in which the curling air outlets are in fluid communication with the air inlet and a second position in which the diffuser air outlets are in fluid communication with the air inlet. 2. The hair curler according to Clause 1, comprising a body extending between an inlet end and a second end, the curler air outlet being provided along the longitudinal extension of the body, and the diffuser air outlet being provided at the second end. 3. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a removable diffuser attachment, the diffuser attachment being provided at the diffuser air outlet. 4. The hair curler described in Clause 3 has a diffuser attachment provided at the second end. 5. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a user-operable actuator that is driven and connected to a valve. 6. The curling air outlet comprises a plurality of sets of curling air outlets, each set of curling air outlets comprising a plurality of curling air outlets positioned at an angle around a longitudinal axis, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 7. The hair curler described in Clause 6, which includes a first set of curling air outlets and a second set of curling air outlets, wherein the first set of curling air outlets directs the air clockwise and the second set of curling air outlets directs the air counterclockwise. 8. The hair curler according to Clause 7, further comprising a valve that can be operated to selectively direct air to a first set of curling air outlets that direct air clockwise and a second set of curling air outlets that direct air counterclockwise. 9. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the set of curling air outlets includes a first set of curling air outlets and a second set of curling air outlets, and the land portion is located between the first set of air outlets and the second set of air outlets. 10. The hair curler described in Clause 9 must not allow air to pass through. 11. The hair curler according to Clause 1, comprising a curling air axially extending passage provided upstream of the curling air outlet and downstream of the valve, and a diffuser air axially extending passage provided upstream of the diffuser air outlet and downstream of the valve. 12. The diffuser air axially extending passage is provided inside the curling air axially extending passage, as described in Clause 11. 13. Each curling air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet port having a radially outer surface located radially outward of the airless land portion at the location of the outlet port, as described in Clause 11. 14. The inlet port is located in the curling air axially extending passage, as described in Clause 13. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 14, wherein the curling air axially extending passage has a radial outer wall, and the inlet port has a radial inner surface located radially inward of the radial outer wall. 16. The curling air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ports spaced apart in the axial direction, and the land portion is located between adjacent outlet ports, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 17. The hair curler described in Clause 13 has an airtight surface. 18. The hair curler according to Clause 11, further comprising a bleed valve in the curling air axially extending passage. 19. The hair curler according to Clause 11, further comprising a pressure relief valve in the curling air axially extending passage. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 19, further comprising a bleed valve in the curling air axially extending passage.

[0285] Clause Set C 1. A hair curler having an inlet end with an air inlet, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, a bleed valve, and an air passage from the air inlet to the air outlet. 2. The bleed valve is operable during curling, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the air passage, and when the bleed valve is opened, the temperature of the air exiting the air outlet decreases, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 3. The bleed valve is operable at the end of the curling motion, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the air passage and reducing the curling force generated by the air outlet, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 4. The bleed valve is located at the inlet end of the hair curler as described in Clause 1. 5. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein the bleed valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the air outlet. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a first annular band of curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports being positioned at an angle around the hair curler. 7. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 6. 8. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15-25° or 17-23° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 6. 9. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 10. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 8. 11. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the longitudinal length of the land portion is at least twice the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the outlet port is located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion. 13. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 14. The hair curler according to Clause 6, further comprising a second annular band of the curler air outlet, which is longitudinally spaced from a first annular band of the curler air outlet, the land portion being positioned between the first annular band of the curler air outlet and the second annular band of the curler air outlet, each of the first and second annular bands of the curler air outlet including a plurality of outlet ducts, the outlet ducts of the first annular band of the curler air outlet generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet ducts of the second annular band of the curler air outlet generating a second Coanda airflow. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from the first annular band of the curler air outlet toward the second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from the second annular band of the curler air outlet toward the air inlet, and the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 16. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, at least some of which have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 17. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each inlet port. 18. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion includes metal. 19. The hair curler as described in Clause 18, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and the second set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler. 21. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 6. 22. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is textured, as described in Clause 6. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 26. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 27. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 28. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 29. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is airtight, as described in Clause 6. 30. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the first annular band of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis. 31. The bleed valve includes a venturi, as described in Clause 1.

[0286] Clause Set D 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the inlet end has an air inlet, (a) A first annular band of Carla air outlets comprising a plurality of first outlet ducts, each first outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the first annular band of Carla air outlets being located at a first distance from the inlet end, and the first outlet ports being positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, (b) A second annular band of Carla air outlets comprising a plurality of second outlet ducts, each second outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the second annular band of Carla air outlets being located at a second distance from the inlet end, the second outlet ports being positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, the second distance being greater than the first distance, (c) Air flow passage from the air inlet to the first and second annular bands of the Carl air outlet, (d) An airtight land portion extending between the first annular band of the Carla air outlet and the second annular band of the Carla air outlet, wherein the land portion has a longitudinal length greater than the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the Carla air outlet, Hair curlers equipped with these features. 2. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 3. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 1. 4. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the land portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 5. Each of the first outlet ducts extends from an inlet port communicating with an air inlet and an outlet port, the outlet port being located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion, as described in Clause 1. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 7. The hair curler described in Clause 1, wherein the first outlet duct generates a first Coanda airflow and the second outlet duct generates a second Coanda airflow. 8. The hair curler according to Clause 7, wherein the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the curler air outlet toward the second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the curler air outlet toward the air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 9. The air exiting from the first and second outlet ducts is at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 7. 10. The hair curler as described in Clause 7, wherein the air exiting from the first outlet duct and the second outlet duct exits at an angle of 15-25° or 17-23° from a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the hair curler. 11. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein at least some of the first and second outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein at least some of the first and second outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through the outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through the respective inlet port. 13. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, with the land portion containing metal. 14. The hair curler as described in Clause 13, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the second outlet duct of the second annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler of the second annular band of the curler air outlet, and the second set of outlet ports of the second outlet duct of the second annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler of the second annular band of the curler air outlet. 16. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, further comprising a bleed valve. 17. The bleed valve is operable during the curling operation, thereby introducing ambient air into the air passage, and the temperature of the air exiting the outlet port decreases when the bleed valve is opened, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 18. The bleed valve is operational at the end of the curling motion, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the airflow passage and reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 19. The bleed valve is located at the first end of the hair curler, as described in Clause 16. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 16, wherein the bleed valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 21. The land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 22. The land portion is textured, as described in Clause 1. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 26. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 27. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 28. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 29. The hair curler described in Clause 1 has an airtight lining. 30. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein each of the first and second annular bands of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around its longitudinal axis.

[0287] Clause Set E 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a second end separated longitudinally, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the inlet end has an air inlet, a first annular band of curler air outlet, a land portion extending away from the first annular band of curler air outlet, and an airflow passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of curler air outlet, the first annular band of curler air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports being positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis, and the outlet ducts generating a Coanda airflow. 2. The air exiting the outlet port exits at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 3. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15-25° or 17-23° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 4. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 5. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 1. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the land portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 7. Each of the first outlet ducts extends from an inlet port communicating with an air inlet and an outlet port, the outlet port being located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion, as described in Clause 1. 8. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 9. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of the curler air outlet, which is longitudinally spaced from a first annular band of the curler air outlet, the land portion being positioned between the first annular band of the curler air outlet and the second annular band of the curler air outlet, the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of the curler generating a second Coanda airflow. 10. The hair curler according to Clause 9, wherein the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the curler air outlet toward a second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the curler air outlet toward an air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 11. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each inlet port. 13. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, with the land portion containing metal. 14. The hair curler as described in Clause 13, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and the second set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 16. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, further comprising a bleed valve. 17. The bleed valve is operable during curling, and ambient air is introduced into the air passage, and when the bleed valve is opened, the temperature of the air exiting the outlet port decreases, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 18. The bleed valve is operational at the end of the curling motion, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the airflow passage and reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 19. The bleed valve is located at the first end of the hair curler as described in Clause 16. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 16, wherein the bleed valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 21. The land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 22. The land portion is textured, as described in Clause 1. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 26. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 27. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 28. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 29. The hair curler described in Clause 1 has an airtight lining. 30. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0288] Clause set F 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a second end separated longitudinally, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the inlet end has an air inlet, a first annular band of curler air outlet, a land portion extending away from the first annular band of curler air outlet, and an air passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of curler air outlet, the first annular band of curler air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct includes vanes extending from an inlet port to an outlet port and separated at an angle, the outlet port is positioned at an angle around the hair curler, and at the outlet port, the vanes extend at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the hair curler. 2. In the exit port, the vanes extend at an angle of 15 to 25° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 3. In the exit port, the vanes extend at an angle of 17 to 23° from a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 4. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 5. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 1. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the land portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 7. Each of the first outlet ducts extends from an inlet port communicating with an air inlet and an outlet port, the outlet port being located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion, as described in Clause 1. 8. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 9. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of the curler air outlet, which is longitudinally spaced from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, the land portion being positioned between the first annular band of the curler air outlet and the second annular band of the curler air outlet, the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of the curler air outlet generating a second Coanda airflow. 10. The hair curler according to Clause 9, wherein the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the curler air outlet toward a second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the curler air outlet toward an air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 11. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each inlet port. 13. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, with the land portion containing metal. 14. The hair curler as described in Clause 13, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and the second set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 16. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, further comprising a bleed valve. 17. The bleed valve is operable during curling, and ambient air is introduced into the air passage, and when the bleed valve is opened, the temperature of the air exiting the outlet port decreases, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 18. The bleed valve is operational at the end of the curling motion, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the airflow passage and reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct, as described in Clause 16 of the hair curler. 19. The bleed valve is located at the first end of the hair curler as described in Clause 16. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 16, wherein the bleed valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 21. The land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 22. The land portion is textured, as described in Clause 1. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 26. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 27. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 28. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 29. The hair curler described in Clause 1 has an airtight lining. 30. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0289] Clause Set G 1. A hair curler having an inlet end, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the inlet end has an air inlet, a first annular band of curler air outlet, a land portion extending away from the first annular band of curler air outlet, and an air passage from the air inlet to the first annular band of curler air outlet, the first annular band of curler air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports positioned at an angle around the hair curler, and at least some of the outlet ducts having an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 2. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each inlet port. 3. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 4. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15-25° or 17-23° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 1. 5. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 6. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 1. 7. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the land portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 8. Each of the first outlet ducts extends from an inlet port communicating with an air inlet and an outlet port, the outlet port being located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion, as described in Clause 1. 9. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 10. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a second annular band of the curler air outlet, which is longitudinally spaced from a first annular band of the curler air outlet, the land portion being positioned between the first annular band of the curler air outlet and the second annular band of the curler air outlet, the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet duct of the second annular band of the curler air outlet generating a second Coanda airflow. 11. The hair curler according to Clause 10, wherein the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from a first annular band of the curler air outlet toward the second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from a second annular band of the curler air outlet toward the air inlet, the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 12. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, with the land portion containing metal. 13. The hair curler as described in Clause 12, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 14. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and the second set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 15. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, further comprising a bleed valve. 16. The bleed valve is operable during curling, ambient air is introduced into the air passage, and when the bleed valve is opened, the temperature of the air exiting the outlet port decreases, as described in Clause 15 of the hair curler. 17. The bleed valve is operational at the end of the curling motion, allowing ambient air to be introduced into the airflow passage and reducing the curling force generated by the outlet duct, as described in Clause 15 of the hair curler. 18. The bleed valve is located at the first end of the hair curler as described in Clause 15. 19. The hair curler according to Clause 15, wherein the bleed valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 20. The land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 21. The land portion is textured, as described in Clause 1. 22. The hair curler according to Clause 21, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 21, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 21, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 26. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 27. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 28. The hair curler described in Clause 1 has a non-air-permeable section. 29. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the first annular band of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0290] Clause Set H 1. A hair curler having an inlet end with an air inlet, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, a pressure relief valve, and an air passage from the air inlet to the air outlet. 2. The pressure relief valve is operable during the curling operation, and some air is exhausted through the pressure relief valve from the air passage, reducing the curling force generated by the air outlet, as described in Clause 1 of the hair curler. 3. The pressure relief valve is located at the inlet end of the hair curler as described in Clause 1. 4. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein the pressure relief valve is located inside the hair curler and is longitudinally positioned between the inlet end and the air outlet. 5. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a first annular band of curler air outlets comprising a plurality of outlet ducts, each outlet duct extending from an inlet port to an outlet port, the outlet ports being positioned at an angle around the hair curler. 6. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 10° to 30° from a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 5. 7. The air exiting the outlet duct exits at an angle of 15-25° or 17-23° from a plane that crosses the longitudinal axis of the hair curler, as described in Clause 5. 8. The second end is closed, as described in Clause 1. 9. The second end is openable, as described in Clause 1. 10. A pressure relief valve is provided at the second end, as described in Clause 9 of the hair curler. 11. The hair curler according to Clause 5, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the longitudinal length of the land portion is approximately twice or more the longitudinal length of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the outlet port is located radially outward from the outer surface of the land portion. 13. The hair curler according to Clause 5, wherein the diameter of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is greater than the diameter of the land portion at the position of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 14. The hair curler according to Clause 5, further comprising a second annular band of the curler air outlet, which is longitudinally spaced from a first annular band of the curler air outlet, the land portion being positioned between the first annular band of the curler air outlet and the second annular band of the curler air outlet, each of the first and second annular bands of the curler air outlet including a plurality of outlet ducts, the outlet ducts of the first annular band of the curler air outlet generating a first Coanda airflow, and the outlet ducts of the second annular band of the curler air outlet generating a second Coanda airflow. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 5, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion has a first portion extending longitudinally outward from the first annular band of the curler air outlet toward the second end of the hair curler, and a second portion extending longitudinally inward from the second annular band of the curler air outlet toward the air inlet, and the first Coanda airflow rotates around the first portion of the land portion, and the second Coanda airflow rotates around the second portion of the land portion. 16. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, at least some of which have an upstream expansion zone and a downstream contraction zone. 17. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air outlet includes a plurality of outlet ducts, and at least some of the outlet ducts have a cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each outlet port that is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the direction of flow through each inlet port. 18. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion contains metal, as described in Clause 5. 19. The hair curler as described in Clause 18, wherein the land portion is made of metal or metal-filled plastic, or has an inner or outer surface coated with metal. 20. The hair curler according to Clause 5, wherein the first set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the first side of the first annular band of the curler air outlet facing longitudinally inward toward the air inlet of the hair curler, and the second set of outlet ports of the outlet duct of the first annular band of the curler air outlet is provided on the second side facing longitudinally outward toward the second end of the hair curler of the first annular band of the curler air outlet. 21. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is smooth, as described in Clause 5. 22. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is textured, as described in Clause 5. 23. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has a recessed surface. 24. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the land portion has ribs that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of air exiting the outlet port. 25. The hair curler according to Clause 22, wherein the outlet duct includes angled and spaced vanes, and the land portion has ribs extending generally perpendicular to the vanes. 26. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion has a unidirectional mechanical hair engaging member that engages with the hair when the hair rotates around the land portion in a first direction and allows the hair to rotate around the land portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 27. A hair curler as described in Clause 1, which is detachably attached to a hair dryer. 28. The hair curler according to Clause 1, further comprising a heating element provided inside the hair curler. 29. The land portion extends away from the first annular band of the curler air outlet, and the land portion is airtight, as described in Clause 5. 30. The hair curler according to Clause 5, wherein the first annular band of the curler air outlet includes a raised ring extending around the longitudinal axis.

[0291] Clause Set I 1. A hair curler having an inlet end with an air inlet, a second end separated in the longitudinal direction, a longitudinal axis, a curler outlet shaped to direct the airflow along an outlet vector including a tangential component, and an airflow passage from the air inlet to the curler outlet, wherein the curler outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the airflow passage to the outside, and the outlet duct includes an outlet end expansion zone. 2. A hair curler according to Clause 1, comprising a first plurality of curler outlets spaced apart from a second plurality of curler outlets, and a land portion located between the first plurality of curler outlets and the second plurality of curler outlets. 3. The hair curler described in Clause 2 is airtight in the land area. 4. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the curler outlet includes a set of outlet ducts, each outlet duct including an outlet end expansion zone terminating at an outlet port, and the multiple outlet ports of the set are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis. 5. The hair curler according to Clause 4, wherein the exit end expansion zone is formed between the radial inner wall and the radial outer wall, and the distance between the radial inner wall and the radial outer wall increases along the exit end expansion zone. 6. The hair curler according to Clause 4, comprising a first plurality of curler outlets, a second plurality of curler outlets, a third plurality of curler outlets, a first land portion positioned between the first plurality of curler outlets and the second plurality of curler outlets, and a second land portion positioned between the second plurality of curler outlets and the third plurality of curler outlets. 7. The hair curler described in Clause 6 must not allow air to pass through. 8. The hair curler as described in Clause 1, wherein the curler outlet directs the air generally at an angle along the outer surface of the hair curler, and the air exiting the curler outlet travels generally at an angle along the outer surface. 9. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the outlet duct extends from the inlet port to the outlet port, and the outlet port has a radially outer surface located radially outward of the adjacent land portion. 10. The airflow path includes a passage inside the air curler, and the inlet port is provided in the wall of the passage, as described in Clause 9. 11. The transverse airflow area of ​​the duct is maximum at the outlet end of the outlet end expansion zone, as described in Clause 1. 12. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the first multiple curler outlet is the multiple curler outlet closest to the inlet end of the hair curler, and the first multiple curler outlet directs air along an outlet vector whose only longitudinal component is directed away from the inlet end. 13. The hair curler according to Clause 12, wherein the second and third plurality of curler outlets direct air along an outlet vector that includes a longitudinal component directed toward the inlet end. 14. The first land portion is bell-shaped along the longitudinal axis, as described in Clause 13. 15. The hair curler according to Clause 6, wherein the first plurality of curler outlets are the plurality of curler outlets closest to the inlet end of the hair curler, the first plurality of curler outlets direct air along a first outlet vector, the second plurality of curler outlets direct air along a second outlet vector, the third plurality of curler outlets direct air along a third outlet vector, and the first outlet vector is smaller than at least one of the magnitudes of the second outlet vector and the third outlet vector. 16. The hair curler described in Clause 15, wherein the magnitude of the second exit vector is greater than the magnitude of the first exit vector, and the magnitude of the third exit vector is greater than the magnitude of the first exit vector. 17. The hair curler according to Clause 16, wherein the outlet duct of the second plurality of curler outlets has a minimum transverse airflow area greater than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the first plurality of curler outlets, and the outlet duct of the third plurality of curler outlets has a minimum transverse airflow area greater than the minimum transverse airflow area of ​​the outlet duct of the second plurality of curler outlets. 18. The hair curler according to Clause 1, wherein the air passage includes a venturi and a plurality of air inlets leading from the outside of the hair curler into the venturi, the plurality of air inlets opening from a position at the inlet end of the hair curler. 19. The venturi is located upstream of any of the hair curlers as described in Clause 18. 20. The venturi is located at the inlet end of the hair curler, as described in Clause 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0292] 100 Hair Curling Devices 102 Carla Head 104 Main Unit 110 Longitudinal axis 112 Head first end 114 Head second end 120 Main body side wall 122 End wall 124 diameter 130 Head air passage 132 Head air 134 Head air outlet 134a Exit 136 Exit Port 137 angle 138 Duct 140 Entrance Port 141 Length 142 Bane 143 Short dimensions 143 Wall 144 Intermediate position 150 Carla Exit 150a Clockwise 150b Counterclockwise 150c Two-way Carla Exit 150d One-way Cara Exhaust 150e Exit 1 150f Exit 2 151 Carla Exit Set 151a Carla Exit, 1st Set 151b Carla Exit's second set 151c Carla Exit, 3rd Set 152 Exit vector 153 Longitudinal rows 154 Tangential component 160 Land section 160a Land area 160b Land area 170 Air passage 172 Entrance to the passageway 174 Passage exit 176 First end 178 Second end 180 Air transfer member 182 Blower 184 Fittings 186 Fasteners 188 Exit opening 190 Electrically heated element 191 Heating element 192 Handle 194 Handgrip section 196 Handle shaft 198 Rotation axis 200 Built-in energy storage devices 202 Power cord 204 User Interface 206 Valve Toggle 208 Air outlet directional valve 212 Attachments 214 nozzles 216 Reservoir 218 Pumps 220 Closed part 222 Closed longitudinal segment 230 Longitudinal component 232 Tangential angle 236 Longitudinal angle 246 Annular band 246a Side 246b Side 248 Height 250 expansion zone 252 Reduction Zone 256 Raised Ring 260 Exterior Wall 262 Inner wall 270 Ridge 272 indentation 274 Mechanical hair engaging member 276 1st direction 278 Second direction 280 Entrance End Segment 280a Cara Segment 280b Non-Carla Segment 281 Entrance End Segment 283 Cara Segment 285 Non-Cara Segments 290 Primary airflow channel 292 Secondary airflow passage 294 Secondary air outlet 300 Bleed air inlet 301 Bleed valve 302 Bleed air outlet 310 indentation 312 tube 340 Venturi 370 Infrared absorbing material 380 Heated surface 382 Insulation layer 322 Charging Stand 320 Power Receiving Side 324 base 326 Cradle 328 recesses 330 parts 350 Manufacturing method 352 Master 353 Aperture 358 Ring 370 Infrared absorbing material Section 1A Section 1B Section 2A Section 2B Section 3A Section 3B Section 4A Section 4B

Claims

1. An inlet end having an air inlet, A second end separated in the longitudinal direction, The longitudinal axis, The first curler outlet and the second curler are separated by a land portion extending from the first curler outlet to the second curler, and a plurality of curler outlets are spaced apart in the axial direction. The airflow passage from the air inlet to the curler outlet, It has, The first curler outlet has an outlet extending in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, and air is discharged from the first curler outlet and moves over the land portion in a direction including a tangential component of the land portion, in a hair curler.

2. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the curler outlet has a radially outer surface located radially outward of the land portion at the position of the curler outlet.

3. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned land portion does not have an air outlet.

4. The aforementioned curler outlet includes a set of air outlets, The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein each set of air outlets includes a plurality of air outlets positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis.

5. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the land portion is positioned between adjacent sets of air outlets.

6. The aforementioned set of air outlets includes a first set of air outlets, a second set of air outlets, and a third set of air outlets. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the land portion includes a first section positioned between the first set of air outlets and the second set of air outlets, and a second section positioned between the second set of air outlets and the third set of air outlets.

7. The hair curler according to claim 6, wherein the aforementioned land portion does not have an air outlet.

8. Each Carla outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port has a radially outer surface located radially outward of the land portion at the position of the outlet port.

9. The air passage includes a passage inside the hair curler, The hair curler according to claim 8, wherein the entrance port is located within the passage.

10. The aforementioned passage has radial outer walls, The hair curler according to claim 9, wherein the inlet port has a radially inner side located radially inward of the radial outer wall.

11. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet directs the air in a common direction.

12. Some of the air outlets direct the air clockwise, The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the other air outlet directs the air counterclockwise.

13. The hair curler according to claim 12, further comprising a valve that can be operated to selectively direct air to an air outlet that directs air clockwise and an air outlet that directs air counterclockwise.

14. The plurality of sets of air outlets include a first set of air outlets and a second set of air outlets. The first set of air outlets directs the air clockwise, The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the second set of air outlets directs the air counterclockwise.

15. The hair curler according to claim 14, further comprising a valve operable to selectively direct air to an air outlet that directs air clockwise and an air outlet that directs air counterclockwise.

16. Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the outlet ports of the first set of air outlets are axially aligned with the outlet ports of the second set of air outlets and the outlet ports of the third set of air outlets.

17. Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the first set, second set, and third set of air outlets define a plurality of axially extending rows of outlet ports that are aligned in the axial direction.

18. Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The first set, second set, and third set of the air outlets define multiple rows extending in multiple axial directions of the outlet port. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein for each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis.

19. Each air outlet includes an outlet duct extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The first set, second set, and third set of the air outlets define multiple axially extending rows of the outlet port. For each row of outlet ports, the outlet ports of the second set of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis from the outlet ports of the first set of outlet ports. The hair curler according to claim 4, wherein the outlet ports of the third set of outlet ports are positioned at an angle around the longitudinal axis from the outlet ports of the second set of outlet ports.

20. The hair curler according to claim 1, wherein the first air outlet includes a vane that moves the air discharged from the first curler outlet in a direction including the tangential component of the land portion.

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