Hair styling device and method of operation

Abstract

This invention relates to a hair styling device in which a flow of air is used to wind hair around an elongate member. The device has an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller. The elongate member has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel. Air is directed to flow circumferentially around the elongate member and a section of hair can be entrained in the air flow and wound around the elongate member. The device also has a sleeve which can surround at least part of the elongate member, the wound section of hair expanding to engage the sleeve. The invention also provides a method of operation of the hair styling device in which the sleeve is moved to surround the elongate member after a section of hair has been wound around the elongate member by the air flow.

Description

[0001] HAIR STYLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a hair styling device and to a method of operation of a hair styling device. The invention relates in particular to a device which can be used to curl hair.

[0004] For convenience, the following specification will refer to the curling of hair by women, but it is recognised that the invention is not limited to use by women.

[0005] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0006] It has long been desired to style a woman’s hair, i.e. to add waves or curls to naturally straight hair or to straighten naturally wavy or curly hair. To style hair it is necessary to modify some of the chemical bonds which give the hair its natural form. The chemical bonds can be modified chemically with a perming solution, or through the application of heat and / or pressure.

[0007] To curl hair it is known to wind the hair manually around a brush or a dedicated hair curler, to heat the hair in order to soften it, and then to allow the hair to cool in the curled form whereby to set the curl. Hair styling devices which can automate this process are described in WO 2009 / 077747, WO 2012 / 080751 , WO 2013 / 186547 and WO 2015 / 132594.

[0008] Automated hair wavers are also known, for example as described in WO 2014 / 122442 and WO 2019 / 077338.

[0009] Automated hair wavers and automated hair curlers both form bends in a section of hair; the products are distinguished in that a hair waver forms a series of bends in alternating directions whereas a hair curler bends the section of hair in a consistent direction.

[0010] The automated hair curlers described above have a rotatable element which engages the hair and mechanically winds the hair around an elongate member. GB 2 524 304 discloses an alternative arrangement in which the hair is wound around an elongate member by a stream of air which passes out of longitudinal slots in the elongate member and flows around the elongate member by virtue of the Coanda effect. In particular, a chosen section of hair is entrained in the air flow and becomes wound around the elongate member where it is styled.

[0011] It is recognised disadvantage of the known automated hair curlers which rely upon the Coanda effect that they are not usually able to create curls which are long-lasting, and particularly not as long-lasting as the curls which are created by the known devices which utilise mechanical winding by a rotatable element.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hair styling device for the automated curling of hair which relies upon the Coanda effect and yet which can provide longer- lasting curls than the known automated hair curlers of this type.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hair styling device having an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, the device having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the elongate member having a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel and being configured to direct air to flow circumferentially around the elongate member, the device having a sleeve for surrounding at least part of the elongate member.

[0015] Notwithstanding that the openings are stated to be longitudinal, they do not need to be aligned precisely with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Thus, the openings can have a shallow helical form without departing from the invention, the term “longitudinal” being appropriate because the openings should be at least primarily longitudinal.

[0016] Whilst it is recognised that an impeller is an efficient component for creating the desired air flow it is not the only suitable component. This specification refers to “impeller” for brevity but it is to be understood that such references include other suitable components for generating an air flow (including a fan and a turbine for example).

[0017] In use therefore, the air flows from the longitudinal openings around at least a part of the circumference of the elongate member and the user’s hair is curled around the elongate member by the air flow. The curled hair can subsequently engage the sleeve and be contained by the sleeve. In contrast to the known devices relying upon the Coanda effect, the hair does not need to remain in contact with the elongate member as it is being styled and it can instead move away from the elongate member and into engagement with the sleeve. It will be recognised that a section of hair can be more reliably curled by engagement with a sleeve which surrounds the section of hair rather than by engagement with an elongate member around which the section of hair is wound.

[0018] Preferably, the sleeve is heated. The hair is thereby not heated solely by the elongate member and / or by the air flow as in the known devices. It has been found that heating the hair in this way is significantly more effective than can be achieved with the known devices and that the formed curl can be significantly more long-lasting.

[0019] In particular, it is known that hair is naturally somewhat resilient whereby straight hair will seek to return to its straight form until a curl or wave has set. The use of an external sleeve which constrains the section of hair is more effective in retaining the hair than an elongate member alone. Alternatively stated, the natural tendency of the section of hair to straighten acts to drive the hair into better engagement with a surrounding sleeve, whereas the same natural tendency acts to drive the hair away from an elongate member around which it is wound.

[0020] Preferably, the sleeve is movable relative to the elongate member. The sleeve may be movable longitudinally between a first position and a second position. The sleeve surrounds all or at least a part of the elongate member in the second position so that the second position is the position in which the section of hair engages the sleeve after it has been wound around the elongate member. Preferably, the sleeve in its first position surrounds none (or at least only a small part) of the elongate member so that it does not hinder or otherwise adversely affect the hair winding operation. In the preferred embodiments in which the sleeve is heated, it can be indirectly heated by heated air, but it is preferably directly heated by way of electrical heating elements affixed to or mounted in the sleeve. The sleeve can be directly heated whilst it is in its first position and / or in its second position. For example, the sleeve can be directly heated in its first position and the direct heating of the sleeve can terminate as the sleeve moves to its second position. Nevertheless, the sleeve can maintain a sufficient temperature, for a sufficient time, to heat the hair to a styling temperature in the second position.

[0021] Alternatively, the sleeve can be directly heated only in its second position. In such embodiments the sleeve is preferably heated by way of ceramic electrical heating elements which are known to heat up very quickly so that the sleeve and therefore the section of hair can be heated to a styling temperature without undue delay. Preferably, however, the sleeve is heated in its first position and in its second position and it is expected that such arrangements will minimise the time taken for the hair to reach a temperature at which it can be reliably styled.

[0022] Preferably, the sleeve includes thermal insulation whereby a high temperature at its internal surface is at least somewhat isolated from the external surface, which external surface might engage the user’s scalp or other body part. It is recognised that the ideal temperature to set a formed curl might exceed 100°C and it is clearly desirable that the user should not come into contact with parts of the device at that temperature. The thermal insulation may include an air gap between internal and external surfaces of the sleeve, with any bridges across that air gap being of low thermal conductivity. The thermal insulation may also include an external surface of the sleeve being of plastics or other material of low thermal conductivity.

[0023] If desired the section of hair can also be heated as it is being wound around the elongate member. Heating the hair before it engages the sleeve can minimise the length of time required to heat the hair to a temperature at which it can be reliably styled. The section of hair can be heated as it is being wound by way of a heated elongate member, for example by electrical heating elements mounted in or to the elongate member. Alternatively or additionally the hair can be heated by way of the air flow, i.e. the device can include a heating element in the air channel. In embodiments having a heating element in the air channel the heating element is preferably downstream of the impeller. Desirably, the sleeve is movable longitudinally between its first and second positions. The movement can be solely longitudinal or it can also have a circumferential component, e.g. the sleeve can move helically. Movement of the sleeve can be manual or automated as desired. If the movement is manual the device can include a retaining element to hold the sleeve in its first position until the winding operation is complete.

[0024] Desirably, the sleeve is generally cylindrical. Desirably also the sleeve surrounds the elongate member with an intervening, annular, air gap. The size of the air gap must be sufficient to contain the curled section of hair, ideally with room to spare so that there is no possibility of any of the section of hair being clamped as the sleeve moves to its second position.

[0025] It will be understood that the size of the curls which are created by the device is related to the internal diameter of the sleeve; the diameter of the sleeve can be determined to create a desired size of curl. It will also be understood that the size of the curls is not directly related to the diameter of the elongate member. The diameter (and form) of the elongate member can therefore be determined (primarily or solely) to enhance the winding procedure, and specifically to maximise the ability of the device to effectively and reliably wind a range of hair types.

[0026] Preferably, the sleeve has a recess for a portion of the section of hair, for example for the scalp end of the section of hair. It will be understood that the curl in the section of hair commences at the free end and terminates close to the scalp (typically with a part of the device engaging the user’s scalp whereby no more of the section of hair can be wound around the elongate member). A recess in the sleeve allows the sleeve to move to its second position with the minimum impact upon the formed curl, i.e. the scalp end of the section of hair enters the recess as the sleeve moves to its second position and little or none of the section of hair is pushed along the elongate member by the sleeve.

[0027] The recess can if desired be formed to temporarily retain the portion of the section of hair. For example, the recess can include a hook element, enabling the user to push the scalp end of the section of hair past the hook element in order to better retain the scalp end of the section of hair until the curl has set. Preferably, the elongate member is generally circular in cross-section. It will be understood that the presence of the longitudinal openings prevent the elongate member from being precisely circular but it will also be understood that the curling of the hair is enhanced by a smoothly curved surface. The sleeve is also preferably generally circular in cross-section, but may deviate somewhat from a precisely circular form without departing from the invention. In this regard, to avoid unnecessary terminology, references to “circumference”, “diameter” and the like in this specification are to be understood in relation to cross-sectional shapes which are precisely circular and also to cross-sectional shapes which are not precisely circular.

[0028] In common with many other hair styling devices of this type, the elongate member has a fixed end and a free end (with the word “free” being interpreted to mean an unobstructed end of the elongate member from which a wound section of hair may be removed without being forced to uncurl). The elongate member is mounted to the remainder of the device by way of a connection at its fixed end, which connection may be permanent or releasable. At the end of the styling operation the formed curl is typically slid off or past the free end of the elongate member. The absence of any obstructions at the free end avoids the requirement for the formed curl to be unwound as it is removed and thereby reduces the likelihood that some of the curl will be lost.

[0029] Preferably, the diameter of the elongate member increases (and ideally increases smoothly) towards its free end. An enlarged free end helps to ensure that the section of hair is less likely to migrate along and off the elongate member as it is being curled.

[0030] Desirably, the diameter of the elongate member at the free end is less than the internal diameter of the sleeve. Whilst it is understood that the enlarged end of the elongate member will help to prevent the curl inadvertently sliding off the end of the elongate member during winding, it will also be understood that after the section of hair has been wound around the elongate member it is allowed to unwind somewhat, ideally until it engages the sleeve. The curl is preferably set with the wound section of hair in engagement with the sleeve and it is the diameter of the sleeve which determines the dimensions of the formed curl; provided that the internal diameter of the sleeve is larger than the diameter of the enlarged end of the elongate member, the enlarged end will not create an obstruction to the removal of the formed curl and will not increase (or at least will not significantly increase) the likelihood of any of the formed curl being lost as the curled section of hair is removed.

[0031] Preferably, the distal end of the sleeve overlies the free end of the elongate member in its second position. Accordingly, the sleeve in its second position can surround the entire length of the elongate member and better ensure that a formed curl can expand into engagement with the sleeve. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the elongate member is enlarged at its free end, the distal end of the sleeve can overlie the enlargement at the free end. The enlargement at the free end and the surrounding sleeve together reduce the area through which hot air can escape from the annulus between the elongate member and the sleeve and thereby minimise the energy required to maintain a styling temperature for the wound section of hair.

[0032] Desirably, the external surface of the elongate member is defined by a number of panels. The longitudinal openings can be provided by gaps between adjacent panels, for example between the facing side edges of each pair of neighbouring panels. Preferably, the panels are curved and convex whereby together they form a substantially continuous curved external surface.

[0033] Preferably, the air flow from the longitudinal openings is adjustable between a first condition in which the air flow is directed in one circumferential direction (for example clockwise in end view), and a second condition in which the air flow is directed in the opposing circumferential direction (for example anticlockwise in end view). The air flow may also be adjustable to a third condition in which the air flow is radial (or at least more radial), a more radial air flow being provided to help drive the curled hair away from the elongate member and towards the sleeve.

[0034] Preferably, the elongate member has at least one air flow control element which is movable relative to the longitudinal openings, different positions of the air flow control element relative to the openings determining the direction of air flow from the openings. Desirably, the air flow control element is located inside a set of panels which provide the external surface of the elongate member, and is ideally located immediately inside the panels with an outer surface which engages (or at least lies very close to) the inner surfaces of the panels.

[0035] Alternatively, the adjustable air flow may be provided by movable panels, the position and / or orientation of the panels being adjustable to provide the different air flows.

[0036] Less preferably, the air flow is not adjustable and the elongate member is configured for forming curls in only one circumferential direction. To enable a user to form curls in both circumferential directions it can be arranged that the elongate member is detachable and can be replaced by another elongate member which is configured for forming curls in the opposing circumferential direction. The user can thereby fit the appropriately-configured elongate member for the curls it is desired to create.

[0037] The elongate member can if desired be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. It is understood that it is not necessary for the elongate member to rotate in order to wind the hair but the rotation may in some circumstances enhance the winding process.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operation of a hair styling device, the device having an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, the device having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the elongate member having a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel and being configured to direct air to flow circumferentially around the elongate member, the device having a sleeve which is movable longitudinally between a first position and a second position, the sleeve in the first position surrounding little or none of the elongate member, the sleeve in the second position surrounding most or all of the elongate member, the method including the following steps:

[0039] {i} isolating a section of hair to be curled;

[0040] {ii} with the sleeve in its first position, actuating the impeller to drive an air flow along the air channel from the air inlet to and through the longitudinal openings;

[0041] {iii} with the elongate member adjacent to the section of hair, winding the section of hair around the elongate member by way of the air flow from the longitudinal openings;

[0042] {iv} when the section of hair has been wound around the elongate member, moving the sleeve from its first position to its second position. Preferably, the impeller is switched off before step {iv} (or at least is switched off before step {iv} has been completed). The air flow is therefore preferably switched off when the sleeve leaves its first position, or at the latest when the sleeve reaches its second position. In this regard, whilst the air flow is required to wind the section of hair around the elongate member it has been found that unwanted turbulence is generated if the air flow continues when the hair has been wound and the sleeve has been moved to surround the elongate member. Turbulence in the region between the elongate member and sleeve has been found to adversely affect the quality of the formed curl.

[0043] Preferably, means are provided to encourage the curled section of hair to partially unwind so that the curl can expand and move away from the elongate member and into engagement with the sleeve. The means may be mechanical, pneumatic, or both. For example, the elongate member can be configured to vibrate and / or to rotate about its longitudinal axis reciprocally and rapidly whereby to loosen a formed curl. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow can be switched back on, or increased, after the sleeve has moved to its second position in order to drive the formed curl away from the elongate member. Thus, notwithstanding the natural tendency of the section of hair to unwind and resume a straighter form, if it is has become tightly wound around the elongate member it may be necessary to partially release the curl before that natural tendency can take effect. The device may also include means to generate a radial (outward) air flow from the elongate member to encourage the curl to expand.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hair styling device having an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, the device having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the elongate member having a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel and being configured to direct air to flow circumferentially around the elongate member, the elongate member having an air flow control element which is movable relative to the longitudinal openings between a first position and a second position, the air flow control element in the first position directing air to flow circumferentially in a first direction around the elongate member, the air flow control element in the second position directing air to flow circumferentially in an opposing second direction around the elongate member. Preferably, the air flow control element is movable also to a third position in which air is directed to flow substantially radially relative to the elongate member.

[0045] Desirably, the longitudinal openings are provided between neighbouring panels which together define an external surface of the elongate member. Desirably also, the air flow control element is located inside the panels, and ideally immediately inside the panels. Preferably, the air flow control element moves between its first and second (and third if applicable) positions by way of rotation relative to the panels, ideally rotation about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

[0046] Desirably, the air flow control element has a plurality of air flow conduits which each have an inlet and an outlet, the inlets being open to the air channel and the outlets being configured to communicate air flow to the longitudinal openings. The air flow conduits preferably comprise at least one first air flow conduit and at least one second air flow conduit. The first air flow conduit(s) is(are) configured to cooperate with the longitudinal openings to direct air to flow circumferentially in the first direction around the elongate member. The second air flow conduit(s) is(are) configured to cooperate with the longitudinal openings to direct air to flow circumferentially in the second direction around the elongate member. Accordingly, selectively arranging the air to flow from the air channel through the first air flow conduit(s) or through the second air flow conduit(s) determines the direction of circumferential air flow around the elongate member and thereby the direction in which the curl is formed.

[0047] Desirably, the number of first air flow conduits and the number of second air flow conduits match the number of longitudinal openings. Preferably there is a plurality of longitudinal openings and a corresponding number of first and second air flow conduits. Preferably also, the circumferential spacing between neighbouring first air flow conduits and the circumferential spacing between neighbouring second air flow conduits matches the circumferential spacing between neighbouring longitudinal openings. In this way, in the first position of the air flow control element the outlet of each of the first air flow conduits can be aligned with a respective longitudinal opening of the elongate member, and in the second position of the air flow control element the outlet of each of the second air flow conduits can be aligned with a respective longitudinal opening. It can preferably be arranged that in the first position of the air flow control element the outlet of each of the second air flow conduits is blocked, and in the second position of the air flow control element the outlet of each of the first air flow conduits is blocked, in order that all of the air flow from the air channel passes through one set of air flow conduits. The outlets of the conduits are preferably blocked by the panels of the elongate member.

[0048] Preferably, the air flow conduits also comprise at least one third air flow conduit which is(are) configured to cooperate with the longitudinal openings to direct air to flow radially outwardly from the elongate member. Preferably also, the number of third air flow channels matches the number of longitudinal openings, and the circumferential spacing between neighbouring third air flow channels matches the circumferential spacing between neighbouring openings.

[0049] To avoid unnecessary repetition optional features which are described only in relation to the first aspect of the invention can be utilised with the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0052] Fig.1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of hair styling device according to the invention, with the sleeve in its first position;

[0053] Fig.2 shows a view as Fig.1 but with the sleeve in its second position;

[0054] Fig.3 shows a cross-sectional view of the elongate member and sleeve of a second embodiment of hair styling device, configured for airflow in a first (clockwise) circumferential direction; Fig.4 shows a cross-sectional view of the elongate member and sleeve of Fig.3 configured for airflow in a second (anticlockwise) circumferential direction; and

[0055] Fig.5 shows a cross-sectional view of the elongate member and sleeve of Fig.3 configured for airflow in a radial direction.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] A first embodiment of hair styling device 10 is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with the sleeve 12 in its first and second positions respectively.

[0058] The device 10 has a handle part 14 which can be gripped by a user during use. Though not shown in the drawings, the handle part 14 has an air inlet and an air channel connected to the air inlet. The air inlet is ideally at the end 16 of the handle part 14 and the air channel is located within (and along) the handle part 14.

[0059] The device 10 also has an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, both of which are also located in the handle part 14 and are not seen in the drawings. The motor may be powered by batteries or by mains electricity (or both) as desired.

[0060] The device 10 has an elongate member 18 with a longitudinal axis A-A. In this embodiment the handle part 14 is aligned with, and coaxial with, the longitudinal axis A- A but neither of those is necessarily to put the invention into effect.

[0061] The air channel continues into the elongate member 18 (the air channel along the elongate member in the first embodiment ideally being similar to the air channel 22 shown in the second embodiment - see Fig.3). The elongate member 18 has a plurality of longitudinal openings 20 in communication with the air channel. Accordingly, the motor drives the impeller to rotate which creates an air flow from the air inlet through the air channel and to the openings 20. The device 10 can include a heating element in the air channel if desired, the heater ideally being downstream of the impeller. The sleeve 12 is movable from a first position as shown in Fig.1 to a second position as shown in Fig.2. In the first position the sleeve 12 surrounds none (or at least very little of) the elongate member 18, and in particular overlies none (or at least very little of) the openings 20. In the second position the sleeve 12 surrounds all (or at least a large proportion of) the elongate member 18.

[0062] The longitudinal openings 20 are configured to cause a circumferential air flow around the elongate member 18. In other words the air flow exiting the longitudinal openings 20 is circumferential and the air flows around some or all of the circumference of the elongate member by virtue of the Coanda effect.

[0063] During use of the device a user isolates a section of hair to be curled (not shown) and moves the section of hair and / or the device 10 so that the free end of the section of hair is adjacent to the elongate member 18. In known fashion, the free end is entrained in the circumferential air flow and is wound around the elongate member 18. The winding continues until all of the chosen section of hair has become wound around the elongate member 18. The sleeve 12 is then moved from its first position of Fig.1 to its second position of Fig.2. In that second position the sleeve 12 surrounds the wound section of hair. The wound section of hair is allowed to partially unwind and move away from the elongate member and into engagement with the internal surface 24 of the sleeve 12.

[0064] The air flow is preferably stopped by the time the sleeve 12 has reached its second position so that unwanted turbulence is not generated in the annulus between the elongate member 18 and the sleeve 12.

[0065] The partial unwinding of the section of hair can be automatic, i.e. the natural tendency of the section of hair to straighten can cause the section of hair to unwind when the circumferential air flow is stopped. Alternatively, or additionally, the device 10 can be configured to encourage the partial unwinding, for example by vibrating the elongate member 18, and / or by rotation (or partial rotation) of the elongate member (ideally in the direction opposed to the direction of winding), and / or by reciprocal rotation of the elongate member, and / or by directing a radial air flow from the longitudinal openings 20. The sleeve 12 in its first position plays no part in the hair winding stage of the operation. A benefit of moving the sleeve to a position such as that of Fig.1 is that it does not disrupt or otherwise affect the circumferential air flow and the winding of the hair can be performed as effectively and efficiently as possible.

[0066] When the section of hair has been wound around the elongate member 18, the sleeve 12 can be moved to its second position as shown in Fig.2. The sleeve 12 and elongate member 18 together effectively enclose a volume or chamber within which the curl can be set.

[0067] In this embodiment the sleeve 12 is electrically heated by way of one or more ceramic heating elements (not seen) mounted to (or close to) the internal surface 24 of the sleeve 12. Also in this embodiment the ceramic heating element(s) are switched on at the commencement of the winding operation (for example at the same time as the impeller motor is actuated) and remain on for a predetermined period of time after the sleeve 12 has been moved into its second position. In other embodiments the heating element(s) are switched on a predetermined period after the impeller motor has been actuated, or when the sleeve 12 has moved to its second position.

[0068] In yet another embodiment the heating element(s) are switched off when the sleeve 12 moves from its first position. Whilst such an embodiment avoids the requirement for an electrical connection to the heating element(s) in the second position of the sleeve 12 it does require the sleeve to have sufficient heat capacity to remain sufficiently hot, for sufficiently long, to effectively curl the section of hair.

[0069] In this embodiment the sleeve 12 moves linearly relative to the elongate member 18 between its first and second positions, and in particular in a direction which is parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A. In an alternative embodiment the sleeve moves helically between the first and second positions.

[0070] It will be understood that when the sleeve 12 is in its second position as shown in Fig.2, the section of hair can be heated by direct engagement with the heating element(s) and also by way of hot air in the chamber between the elongate member 18 and the sleeve 12. In this embodiment neither the elongate member nor the air in the air channel is heated so that the air in the chamber is heated exclusively by the heating element(s) of the sleeve 12. If desired, the section of hair can alternatively (or additionally) be heated by a heated air flow from the longitudinal openings 20, and / or by way of a heated elongate member.

[0071] The sleeve 12 includes thermal insulation (not seen) between its internal surface 24 (which engages the hair) and its external surface 26, which external surface might engage the user’s scalp or other body part. The temperature of the external surface 26 is therefore significantly lower than the temperature of the internal surface 24. The temperature difference is maximised by an air gap between the internal surface 24 and the external surface 26, which air gap is bridged by only a small number of structural elements, each of which has a small cross-sectional area and a low thermal conductivity. In addition, the external surface 26 is made of plastics material.

[0072] Movement of the sleeve 12 between its first and second positions is manual in this embodiment, but is automated in other embodiments.

[0073] The sleeve 12 is generally cylindrical and surrounds the elongate member with an intervening, annular, air gap 30. It will be understood that the size of the air gap 30 is sufficient to contain the section of hair without any clamping of the hair.

[0074] The sleeve 12 has a recess 32. It will be understood that the curl in the section of hair commences at the free end and terminates close to the scalp end of the individual hairs in the section of hair (typically with a part of the device 10 engaging the user’s scalp whereby no more of the section of hair can be wound around the elongate member 18). The recess 32 allows the sleeve 12 to move from its first position to its second position with the minimum impact upon the wound section of hair, i.e. the recess 32 can be aligned with the scalp end of a wound section of hair so that the hairs at the scalp end enter the recess 32 as the sleeve 12 moves to its second position and little or none of the section of hair is pushed along the elongate member 18 by the sleeve 12.

[0075] Similarly to the second embodiment shown in Figs.3-5, the elongate member 18 of the first embodiment is generally circular in cross-section and (apart from the recess 32) the sleeve 12 is also circular in cross-section. As best seen in Fig.1 , the elongate member 18 has a fixed end 34 and a free end 36. The elongate member 34 is securely mounted to the remainder of the device 10 at its fixed end 34. The diameter of the elongate member 18 along most of its length is consistent but the diameter increases at its free end 36, the increase in diameter giving the free end 36 a bell-like form. It will be understood from Fig.1 in particular that the enlargement at the free end 36 helps to ensure that a section of hair is less likely to migrate along and off the elongate member 18 as it is being wound around the elongate member 18.

[0076] It will be understood from Fig.2 that the distal end 40 of the sleeve 12 in its second position overlies the elongate member 18 at (or at least very close to) the free end 36. The diameter of the elongate member 18 at its free end 36 is less than the internal diameter of the sleeve 12 so there remains an annular gap between the free end 36 and the internal surface 24 at the distal end 40 of the sleeve 12. The free end 36, despite its enlargement, does not therefore create an obstruction to the removal of a formed curl. Alternatively stated, it is intended that a formed curl can be slid through the annular gap between the free end 36 and the distal end 40 of the sleeve 12 without engaging the free end 36 and without being forced to uncurl.

[0077] It is in particular desired that the sleeve 12 surrounds all of the elongate member 18 around which the section of hair will be wound, whereby to better ensure that the section of hair will expand into engagement with the sleeve as it partially unwinds before the curl is set. In this respect it is expected that the enlargement at the free end 36 of the elongate member 18 will help to ensure that the section of hair is not wound around the entire length of the elongate member 18 and in practice the winding terminates away from the free end 36. It is therefore not necessary that the sleeve 12 surrounds the entire length of the elongate member 18, and in particular it is not necessary that the sleeve 12 surrounds the enlargement at the free end 36.

[0078] Nevertheless, as shown in Fig.2, in this preferred embodiment the sleeve 12 in its second position surrounds effectively all of the elongate member 18. There is therefore little if any likelihood that some of the wound section of hair will inadvertently move beyond the distal end 40 of the sleeve 12. In addition, the enlargement at the free end 36 and the distal end 40 of the sleeve 12 together define an annular gap with a relatively small area whereby the escape of hot air is minimised and less heat is wasted to the environment.

[0079] The external surface of the elongate member 18 is defined by a number of panels 42. In this embodiment (as in the second embodiment of Figs. 3-5) there are five panels 42 but in other embodiments there are fewer than five panels, or more than five panels, as desired to achieve the required circumferential air flow. The longitudinal openings 20 are provided by gaps between neighbouring panels 42, in particular between the facing side edges of neighbouring panels 42.

[0080] The external surfaces of the panels 42 are curved and convex whereby together they form a substantially continuous curved external surface for the elongate member 18. In other embodiments the external surfaces of the panels are planar.

[0081] The panels 42 are continuous and substantially as long as the elongate member 18. The longitudinal openings (or slots) 20 between neighbouring panels are also continuous along the elongate member 18. In other embodiments there are multiple shorter panels, optionally aligned end to end along the elongate member. In yet other embodiments there are supporting elements for the panels located at one or more spaced positions along the elongate member; the supporting elements span the longitudinal openings whereby the longitudinal openings are discontinuous. The panels 42, and therefore the slots 20 between the panels, may have a helical form if desired, most suitably a shallow helical form with a small circumferential component relative to the longitudinal component. The form of the panels 42, and any supporting elements, are configured to enhance the circumferential air flow.

[0082] The panels 42 of the first embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 are fixed and are configured to direct air to flow in one circumferential direction around the elongate member. Accordingly, the elongate member shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can create curls in only one direction. The elongate member 18 can if desired be removably mounted at its fixed end 34 to be replaced by another elongate member configured to direct air to flow in the opposing circumferential direction. The structure and function of most of the second embodiment of Figs. 3-5 can be identical to that of the first embodiment described above and will not be repeated. The only differences in structure are in the elongate member and only a cross-section of the elongate member of the second embodiment is shown in Figs.3-5 in order to describe the differences. Also, the components in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals because of their similar structure and function.

[0083] Unlike the first embodiment, the elongate member of the second embodiment provides an adjustable air flow, and in particular an air flow which can be selectively directed in a first circumferential direction, in a second opposing circumferential direction and in a radial direction.

[0084] The panels 42 defining the external surface of the elongate member 18 are fixed relative to each other and relative to the remainder of the elongate member 18. The panels 42 are symmetrical about their longitudinal axes (i.e. the axes perpendicular to the page as viewed) whereby they equally support circumferential air flows which are clockwise and anticlockwise respectively. Immediately underneath the panels 42 is an annular air flow control element 44 which controls the direction of air flow through the longitudinal openings 20 and thereby controls the air flow around the elongate member 18. The air flow control element 44 can rotate relative to the panels 42 between the conditions represented in each of Figs. 3-5.

[0085] Notwithstanding that the flow control element 44 appears in cross-section to be a set of unconnected parts (to some of which parts the reference numeral 44 is separately directed in Fig.3), it is an integrated component which rotates as one.

[0086] The air flow control element 44 has five first air flow conduits 46 (Fig.3), five second air flow conduits 48 (Fig.4) and five third air flow conduits 50 (Fig.5). Each of these air flow conduits has an open inner end (or inlet) in permanent communication with the air channel 22 along the elongate member 18. Each of these air flow conduits also has an open outer end (or outlet). Each of the outlets lies upon a circle which is centred at the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, which longitudinal axis is also the axis about which the air flow control element 44 rotates. The internal surfaces of the panels 42 lie at the same circle and the panels 42 can therefore directly overlie and block the respective outlets as shown in Figs. 3-5.

[0087] The first air flow conduits 46 are oriented clockwise, i.e. air passing outwardly from the air channel 22 is caused to flow in a clockwise direction. The second air flow conduits 48 are oriented anticlockwise and the third air flow conduits 50 are oriented radially.

[0088] The first rotational position of the air flow control element 44 is shown in Fig.3. In this position the outlets of all of the second and third air flow conduits 48,50 are blocked by respective panels 42. On the other hand the outlets of the first air flow conduits 46 are aligned with respective openings 20 whereby air can flow from the air channel 22 through each of the first air flow conduits 46 and through the openings 20 in a clockwise direction. Fig.3 has an arrow showing the air flow through one of the first air flow conduits 46 and its corresponding opening 20 and it will be understood that there is a similar air flow through the other first air flow conduits 46 and openings 20.

[0089] The second rotational position of the air flow control element 44 is shown in Fig.4. In this position the outlets of all of the first and third air flow conduits 46,50 are blocked by respective panels 42. On the other hand the outlets of the second air flow conduits 48 are aligned with respective openings 20 whereby air flows from the air channel 22 through the second air flow conduits 48 and through the openings 20 in an anticlockwise direction (as represented by the single arrow).

[0090] The third rotational position of the air flow control element 44 is shown in Fig.5. In this position the outlets of all of the first and second air flow conduits 46,48 are blocked by respective panels 42. One the other hand the outlets of the air flow conduits 50 are aligned with respective openings 20 whereby air flows from the air channel 22 through the third air flow conduits 50 and through the openings 20 in a substantially radial direction. It will be understood that a radial air flow can be used to encourage the wound section of hair to partially unwind and move away from the elongate member 18 and towards the sleeve 12.

[0091] It will be understood that the relative rotational positions shown in Figs. 3-5 can be provided by fixed panels 42 and a rotatable air flow control element 44 as shown, or alternatively by a fixed air flow control element and rotatable panels, or rotatable panels and a rotatable air flow control element, as desired.

[0092] A radial (or more radial) air flow can therefore be used to drive the wound section of hair away from the elongate member 18 at the end of the winding stage. Other pneumatic means can be provided for the same purpose, for example a short-term increase in the air flow from the longitudinal openings 20 can be provided which disrupts the circumferential (clockwise or anticlockwise) air flow and instead causes a more radial air flow. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical means may be provided to encourage the section of hair to partially unwind. For example, the whole of the elongate member 18 (or alternatively just the panels 42) can be configured to vibrate and / or to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member whereby to loosen the wound section of hair. The rotation may for example be reciprocal, or continuous in a direction opposed to the winding direction.

[0093] In embodiments which utilise rotation of the elongate member to encourage the wound section of hair to unwind, it may be preferable to mount the panels to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member around a fixed air flow control element.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hair styling device having an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, the device having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the elongate member having a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel and being configured to direct air to flow circumferentially around the elongate member, the device having a sleeve for surrounding at least part of the elongate member.

2. A hair styling device according to claim 1 in which at least one electrical heating element is mounted to the sleeve.

3. A hair styling device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the sleeve is movable relative to the elongate member between a first position and a second position.

4. A hair styling device according to claim 3 in which the sleeve is movable longitudinally relative to the elongate member between the first position and the second position.

5. A hair styling device according to claim 3 or claim 4 in which the sleeve is movable rotationally relative to the elongate member between the first position and the second position.

6. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 3-5 in which the sleeve surrounds all of the elongate member in the second position.

7. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 3-6 in which the sleeve surrounds none of the elongate member in the first position.

8. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -7 in which the sleeve is generally cylindrical, and in which there is an annular space between the elongate member and the sleeve.

9. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -8 in which the sleeve has a recess which is configured to accommodate a portion of a section of hair.

10. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -9 in which the elongate member is generally circular in cross-section.

11. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -10 in which the elongate member has a fixed end and a free end.

12. A hair styling device according to claim 11 having a handle portion, in which the fixed end of the elongate member is mounted to the handle portion by way of a releasable connection.

13. A hair styling device according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the diameter of the elongate member increases towards its free end.

14. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -13 in which the elongate member has an external surface which is defined by a number of panels.

15. A hair styling device according to claim 14 in which the longitudinal openings are provided by gaps between neighbouring panels.

16. A hair styling device according to claim 14 or claim 15 in which the panels are convex.

17. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -16 in which the elongate member is adjustable whereby to direct air to flow in opposing circumferential directions around the elongate member.

18. A hair styling device according to claim 17 in which the elongate member has at least one air flow control element which can be adjusted between a first condition and a second condition, in which in the first condition the air is directed to flow from a longitudinal opening in a first circumferential direction and in the second conditionthe air is directed to flow from the longitudinal opening in a second circumferential direction.

19. A hair styling device according to claim 18 in which the at least one air flow control element can be adjusted to a third condition in which at least a portion of the air is directed to flow from the longitudinal opening in a radial direction.

20. A hair styling device according to claim 18 or claim 19 in which the at least one air flow control element is movable relative to the longitudinal openings.21 . A hair styling device according to claim 20 in which the elongate member has a longitudinal axis and in which the at least one air flow control element is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

22. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 18-21 in which the air flow control element has a number of first air flow conduits and a number of second air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits having an inlet and an outlet.

23. A hair styling device according to claim 22 in which the inlet or each of the air flow conduits is permanently open to the air channel.

24. A hair styling device according to claim 22 or claim 23 in which the outlet of each of the first air flow conduits is open and the outlet from each of the second air flow conduits is closed in the first condition, and in which the outlet of each of the first air flow conduits is closed and the outlet from each of the second air flow conduits is open in the second condition.

25. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -24 in which the elongate member is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

26. A hair styling device according to any one of claims 1 -25 in which the elongate member is configured to vibrate and / or reciprocate.

27. A method of operation of a hair styling device, the device having an air inlet, an air channel connected to the air inlet, an impeller in the air channel and a motor to drive the impeller, the device having an elongate member with a longitudinal axis, the elongate member having a plurality of longitudinal openings in communication with the air channel and being configured to direct air to flow circumferentially around the elongate member, the device having a sleeve which is movable longitudinally between a first position and a second position, the sleeve in the second position surrounding more of the elongate member than in the first position, the method including the following steps:{i} with the sleeve in its first position, actuating the impeller to drive air to flow along the air channel from the air inlet to and through the longitudinal openings;{ii} locating a chosen section of hair adjacent to the elongate member and winding the section of hair around the elongate member by way of the air flow from the longitudinal openings;{iii} when the section of hair has been wound around the elongate member, moving the sleeve from its first position to its second position.

28. A method of operation of a hair styling device according to claim 27 in which the motor is switched off before step {iii} has been completed.

29. A method of operation of a hair styling device according to claim 27 or claim 28 in which, after the commencement of step {iii}, the elongate member is driven to vibrate and / or to reciprocate.

30. A method of operation of a hair styling device according to any one of claims 27-29 in which the sleeve is heated before the commencement of step {iii}.

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