Hair care device

Abstract

A hair care device comprises a housing. A tensioning assembly is arranged along the housing for selectively applying tension to a user's hair. The device further includes an actuator assembly which has an actuator for selectively moving a moveable tensioning protrusion of the tensioning assembly between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. In the retracted configuration, the tensioning protrusion is recessed within the housing. In the deployed configuration, the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing for gripping hair, to allow tension to be applied to the hair in use via the tensioning protrusion.

Description

[0001] HAIR CARE DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to provide a hair care device (e.g. a brush or electric hair styling appliance) having bristles. The bristles may be distributed along the device, to be moved against hair for removing knots from hair or applying tension to hair during heat styling. Different configurations of bristles may be suitable for different hair types and / or applications.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising: a housing; a tensioning assembly arranged along the housing for selectively applying tension to a user’s hair, the tensioning assembly comprising a moveable tensioning protrusion; and an actuator assembly comprising an actuator for selectively moving the tensioning protrusion between: a retracted configuration in which the tensioning protrusion is recessed within the housing; and a deployed configuration in which the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing for gripping the hair to apply tension to the hair in use.

[0006] By gripping the hair via the tensioning protrusion (when in the deployed configuration), the device can be used to pull taut a portion of the hair that is between the protrusion and the user’s scalp in use, thereby applying tension to the portion of hair between the protrusion and the scalp.

[0007] Because the tensioning protrusion is moveable and provided with an actuator, the device can be used to provide this additional tension to hair when desired, and also to release the hair when tension is no longer needed. The device can therefore be easily adjusted and customised based on user requirements.

[0008] The actuator may be manually operable. For example, the actuator may comprise a button, lever, or other mechanism to be actuated by a user for selectively moving the tensioning protrusion between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0009] In the deployed configuration, the bristles may protrude further from the housing than in the retracted position. For example, in the retracted configuration, the tensioning protrusion may be mostly (e.g. fully) recessed within the housing, such that the tensioning protrusion does not protrude outside of the housing. The retracted configuration may also be referred to as a “stowed” configuration.

[0010] The tensioning assembly (and moveable tensioning protrusion) may be configured in a variety of manners, as will be described further herein.

[0011] In some embodiments, the movable tensioning protrusion may also be referred to as a “bristle” or “tooth”. The tensioning protrusion is configured to grip hair against another surface, e.g. against another movable tensioning protrusion or against a (non-movable) surface such as portion of the housing itself. Accordingly, optionally, the tensioning assembly may comprise only a single moveable tensioning protrusion, for gripping hair against a (non-moveable) surface when in the deployed configuration.

[0012] Alternatively, optionally, the tensioning assembly comprises a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions. The actuator may be configured for selectively moving the plurality of tensioning protrusions between a retracted configuration (in which the tensioning protrusions are recessed within the housing), and a deployed configuration (in which the tensioning protrusions protrude from the housing for gripping the hair to apply tension to the hair in use). In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured for selectively moving only a subset of the plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions.

[0013] In other embodiments, the device may comprise an actuator assembly having a plurality of actuators for selectively moving respective tensioning protrusion(s). For example, the tensioning assembly may comprise a first subset of moveable tensioning protrusion(s) on a first portion of the housing (e.g. a first arm of the housing), a second subset of moveable tensioning protrusion(s) on a second portion of the housing (e.g. a second arm of the housing), and the actuator assembly may have first and second actuators for selectively moving the first and second subsets of moveable tensioning protrusion(s), respectively.

[0014] Optionally, the actuator is further configured to selectively move the tensioning protrusion(s) in the deployed configuration between a first tensioning position in which the / each tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing at a first position for applying a first tensioning force to the hair and a second tensioning position in which the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing at a second position for applying a second tensioning force to the hair, the second tensioning force being different from the first tensioning force. This allows the grip on the hair to be further adjusted, to suit different applications. For example, the grip of the tensioning protrusion(s) can be adjusted to suit different hair types, for improved user customisation. Alternatively, the tensioning position can be adjusted to suit different thicknesses along a single tress of hair. Since hair density will decrease further away from the root, a tighter grip may be particularly useful as a device moves down a tress of hair, to continue to hold the hair sufficiently taut / under tension along the length of hair.

[0015] In examples having a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions, the actuator assembly may have a single actuator configured to move each moveable tensioning protrusion in this manner, between respective first and second tensioning positions. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may have a plurality of actuators (e.g. two actuators) for selectively moving different subsets of the tensioning protrusion(s).

[0016] As used herein, the term “tensioning force” may refer to the force transmittable through a portion of hair that is gripped at one end by the tensioning protrusion(s) and is secured at the other end to the scalp of the user. The first / second tensioning forces may alternatively be considered to be indicators of a first / second “gripping force” by the tensioning protrusion, with a stronger gripping force allowing greater tension to be provided to the hair.

[0017] Optionally, the tensioning protrusion is movable in a first direction from the retracted configuration to the first tensioning position and is movable in a second direction from the first tensioning position to the second tensioning position, the first direction being different from the second direction. The movement of the tensioning protrusion is therefore adjustable in two directions, to vary tension on the hair. This may be particularly useful, for example, to provide adjustable tension on a single-sided device (e.g. a hairbrush, or a single side of a hair styling appliance), by gripping the hair against another surface of the device in the second direction. This is in contrast to some other devices described elsewhere herein, which employ tensioning protrusions that push against an opposing surface (still in the first direction) in order to grip hair, e.g. between two arms of the hair care device.

[0018] Optionally, the first direction (or a component thereof) may be substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Optionally, the second direction (or a component thereof) may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Optionally, the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction. However, it would be appreciated that the first and second directions may be any other suitable directions. Optionally, the first and second directions may be the same, in other words, the tensioning protrusion may be movable in a single direction from the retracted configuration to the first tensioning position and then to the second tensioning position.

[0019] Optionally, the actuator is actuatable along a single direction to move the tensioning protrusion between the retracted position, the first tensioning position, and the second tensioning position. This enables the grip of the tensioning protrusion(s) on hair to be adjusted in a simple manner, via a convenient actuation along one direction. Therefore, even in embodiments which employ “two-stage” motion in which the tensioning protrusion(s) move in a first direction from a retracted position to the first tensioning position, and in a second direction (which is a different direction to the first direction) from the first tensioning position to the second tensioning protrusion, this two-stage motion can be accomplished via one simple movement from the user.

[0020] Optionally, the second tensioning force (second gripping force, at the second tensioning position) may be greater than the first tensioning force (first gripping force, at the first tensioning position). Thus, as the user continues to move the actuator, the tension will increase in an intuitive manner.

[0021] The actuator may be a manual actuator (e.g. a movable member, such as a trigger, button, lever, tab) configured to be moved (e.g. pushed, pivoted, pulled, squeezed) by a user along one direction.

[0022] Optionally, the actuator is configured to enable continuous adjustment of the tensioning protrusion between the first tensioning position and the second tensioning position for adjusting the tension force applied to the hair between the first tensioning force and the second tensioning force. This provides further improved customisability over the tension that can be applied to the hair.

[0023] In variant embodiments, the actuator may be configured only to provide incremental / discrete adjustment of the tensioning protrusion between the first tensioning position and the second tensioning position.

[0024] Optionally, the actuator is biased to automatically return the tensioning protrusion to the retracted configuration from the deployed configuration when not actuated by the user. This provides intuitive control over the grip on hair, since the increased grip is only provided for as long as the user provides a force to the actuator. For example, the device may include resilient biasing means (such as a spring element) for resiliently returning the actuator, and in turn the tensioning protrusion, to the retracted configuration.

[0025] Optionally, the device further comprises means for supplying heat to the hair. This allows the device to be used for heat styling (e.g. as a hair dryer, smoother / straightener, curler, etc).

[0026] By combining the retractable protrusion(s) with heat styling, the hair which is being heated can be held taut under tension. This provides an improvement over conventional systems, e.g. in which conventional hair straighteners effectively crush hair between two hot plates. By holding hair taut, the hair can be heat styled more evenly and with reduced damage. Further, by enabling actuation to a retracted configuration, the device can easily glide past any problematic tangles / knots in the hair when needed, to avoid getting stuck on the knots / tangles and in turn overheating a particular portion of the hair.

[0027] Optionally, the device may be usable as a wet-to-dry styler. Since hair is stretchier (and also more prone to damage) when wet, the adjustable tension / grip can be particularly useful in this context.

[0028] The tensioning assembly (one or more tensioning protrusion(s)) may be aligned with (e.g. parallel to) the means for supplying heat. Thus, hair that is subjected to heat from the heat source may be tensioned by the tensioning assembly. By applying tension to the hair to be heated, this may help to heat the hair more evenly and / or with reduced heat damage.

[0029] Optionally, the tensioning protrusion(s) may be aligned along only one side of the means for supplying heat, such that the means for supplying heat will be positionable between the scalp and the tensioning protrusion(s) in use. The portion of hair which is under tension will therefore be located in close proximity to the means for supplying heat.

[0030] In some examples, the means for supplying heat (e.g. an airflow outlet) may be configured to direct heat in a direction towards the protrusion.

[0031] In some examples, the means for supplying heat may comprise a structure for conveying thermal energy between a heat source (located in a separate appliance) and the hair (e.g. an airflow conduit, a heat pipe, etc.). In other examples, the means for supplying heat may comprise a heat source (e.g. heater along the airflow path, hot plate, etc) integrated into the device itself.

[0032] For example, optionally, the hair care device is configured as an attachment for mounting to a hair care appliance. Examples of hair care appliances include, for example, hair dryers, straighteners, curlers. The hair care appliance may comprise a power source (e.g. battery or mains-operated).

[0033] Optionally, the tensioning assembly may comprise a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions on opposing sides of the device (e.g. on opposing sides of the means for supplying heat).

[0034] Optionally, the means for supplying heat may comprise a heat source integrated into the attachment. Alternatively, the hair care appliance may have a heat source, and the means for supplying heat may comprise a structure for conveying thermal energy between the heat source and the hair. For example, the means for supplying heat may comprise an inlet and an outlet defined by the housing, the inlet for receiving an airflow from the hair care appliance when mounted thereto and the outlet fluidly connected to the inlet for discharging the airflow to the hair. Such a hair care device may be used, for example, as an attachment for a hair dryer, for wet-to-dry styling.

[0035] Optionally, the attachment may include a first part comprising the housing and the tensioning assembly; and a second part including the actuator assembly, wherein the first part is attachable to the second part.

[0036] Optionally, the hair care device may comprise an attachment including the housing and the tensioning assembly; and a hair care appliance including the actuator assembly, wherein the attachment is removable from the hair care appliance. Examples of hair care appliances include, for example, hair dryers, straighteners, curlers.

[0037] Alternatively, optionally, the hair care device is configured as a standalone hair appliance, wherein the means for supplying heat comprises a heat source. For example, optionally the hair care device is configured as a hair straightener.

[0038] In variant examples, the device may not comprise means for supplying heat to hair. For example, the device may be configured as a brush for providing adjustable tension to hair, without requiring any heating means.

[0039] Optionally, in embodiments where the means for supplying heat to hair is configured to supply airflow to hair, the device may comprise an airflow passage configured to divert the airflow around the tensioning assembly. By diverting airflow around the tensioning assembly, the device can ensure that the tensioning assembly itself does not restrict the airflow. For example, in use, while the tensioning assembly is gripping hair, the hair and tensioning assembly may restrict airflow therethrough. The airflow passage therefore helps ensure that air can continuously flow through the device, for styling hair.

[0040] The airflow passage may be configured to direct airflow toward a portion of hair located upstream of the tensioning assembly in use. This helps to style (e.g. straighten and / or dry) hair that is held under tension. The device may be sized (e.g. elongated) to provide a desired amount of airflow at this upstream region. Optionally, the airflow passage may be configured to direct airflow towards a further portion of hair located downstream of the tensioning assembly in use (e.g. outside of the device).

[0041] Optionally, the tensioning assembly may comprise tensioning protrusions upstream of the airflow passages.

[0042] Optionally, the housing comprises a pair of arms, each arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the arms being pivotally connected at their proximal ends. The arms may therefore form a clamp for gripping hair therebetween. The movable tensioning protrusion(s) may improve the convenience of such an arrangement, since the tensioning protrusion(s) can be retracted to allow the appliance to glide past any tangles / knots when desired, while also enabling tension to be increased when needed e.g. to improve heat styling. For example, the device may be configured as a hair straightener comprising the pair of arms. In variant examples, the device may be configured as a clamp-type hairbrush comprising the pair of arms.

[0043] In some examples, the one or more moveable tensioning protrusion(s) may be provided on only one of the arms, e.g. arranged along a longitudinal direction of the arm. In other examples, each arm may have a respective subset of one or more moveable tensioning protrusions. Optionally, each arm may have a respective actuator for selectively moving a respective subset of one or more movable tensioning protrusion(s).

[0044] Optionally, the actuator is located on one of the arms and is manually actuatable in a direction towards the other arm to actuate / move the tensioning protrusion from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. By providing an actuator which is manually actuatable in a direction towards an opposing arm of the device, the tension can be increased in an intuitive and user-friendly manner, with one hand holding the device (e.g. at a proximal / handle end thereof) while another hand moves the actuator.

[0045] Optionally, the actuator may comprise a tab or lever that protrudes from a distal end of the (first) arm. Optionally, the other (second) arm may also include such an actuator extending from a distal end of the (second) arm. The two actuators may therefore be squeezed together in use, to vary (e.g. increase) the grip of the tensioning protrusion(s) on hair. This squeezing motion even further improves the intuitive and user-friendly nature of the device, by mimicking a squeezing / gripping effect on the hair itself. The actuators may then be pulled apart in order to return the tensioning protrusion(s) from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration. Alternatively, optionally, the actuators may be configured to resiliently return to the retracted configuration when they are not being acted on by the user.

[0046] As discussed above, the tensioning assembly and / or tensioning protrusions may be configured in a number of different manners.

[0047] Optionally, the tensioning assembly comprises a male tensioning protrusion and a female tensioning protrusion. The male tensioning protrusion and the female tensioning protrusion may extend along opposing arms of the device.

[0048] In some examples, the male tensioning protrusion is selectively movable toward a recess defined by the female tensioning protrusion under actuation from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. Accordingly, the male tensioning protrusion can constitute a / the moveable tensioning protrusion discussed herein.

[0049] In some examples, the recess of the female tensioning protrusion is selectively movable toward the male tensioning protrusion under actuation from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. Accordingly, the female tensioning protrusion can constitute a / the moveable tensioning protrusion discussed herein.

[0050] The male and female tensioning protrusions may force hair to follow a convoluted (e.g. S- shaped) path within the recess, around the male protrusion, to thereby grip the hair via friction. The tension may be adjusted by varying the extent to which the male tensioning protrusion protrudes into the recess of the female tensioning protrusion, thereby varying the length of the convoluted path that hair must pass through between one (upper) end of the device and another (lower) end of the device.

[0051] In some examples, the male tensioning protrusion may constitute the movable tensioning protrusion, and the female tensioning protrusion may be fixed (non-movable). In other examples, the female tensioning protrusion may constitute the movable tensioning protrusion, and the male tensioning protrusion may be fixed (non-movable). Alternatively, both the female tensioning protrusion and the male tensioning protrusion may be movable tensioning protrusions, each being actuatable from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration. Both protrusions may therefore be retracted when desired, to avoid exerting significant or any tension on the hair.

[0052] Optionally, the male tensioning protrusion may comprise an elongate protrusion (e.g. bar) that extends along a longitudinal direction of one of the arms. The female tensioning protrusion may comprise a pair of opposing bars, or a U-shaped element, which defines the recess for receiving the male tensioning protrusion.

[0053] Optionally, the female tensioning protrusion is adjustable to vary a size of the recess. For example, the distance between two arms / bars of the female tensioning protrusion may be decreased via actuation of the actuator. This in turn increases the tension on the portion of hair that follows the convoluted path between the male / female protrusions.

[0054] Optionally, in examples having a plurality of movable tensioning protrusions, the plurality of tensioning protrusions may comprise an array of teeth, wherein adjacent teeth of the array of teeth define spaces therebetween for receiving respective portions of the hair.

[0055] Optionally, the array of teeth comprises a first subset of teeth and a second subset of teeth, wherein the first subset of teeth are movable relative to the second subset of teeth to vary a distance between adjacent teeth from the first tensioning position to the second tensioning position. This provides a convenient arrangement for adjusting tension, particularly e.g. on a single-sided device such as a hair brush. The first subset can be movable relative to the second subset along a second direction, which is different from a first direction along which the array of teeth are retracted / deployed, as described above.

[0056] Optionally, the first subset of teeth and the second subset of teeth may be flush with each other (e.g. along the second direction) when in the first tensioning position. For example, the first subset of teeth and the second subset of teeth may provide a nested arrangement, in which one subset of teeth (inner teeth) can be nested within recesses defined within the other subset of teeth (outer teeth).

[0057] Optionally, the tensioning assembly further comprises a clamping member oriented transversely to the array of teeth, wherein the clamping member is actuatable towards the array of teeth, or wherein the array of teeth is actuatable towards the clamping member, to push the hair via the clamping member from a tip of the array of teeth towards a base of the array of teeth. The clamping member therefore helps to increase the tension on hair by gripping it between the clamping member and the array of teeth. For example, the clamping member may comprise one or more bars aligned with the array of teeth. Optionally, the clamping member may be arranged along one arm of the device, and the array of teeth may be arranged along an opposing arm of the device.

[0058] In contrast to the male / female protrusions described above, which are configured to grip the hair in a direction transversely to the length of hair in use, the clamping member and teeth may grip the hair in a direction parallel to the length of hair. Whilst the male / female protrusions require a recess therebetween for the hair to pass through, the clamping member may directly contact the array of teeth, squeezing against the teeth as the clamping member and teeth are progressively pushed closer together.

[0059] Optionally, each tooth decreases in height from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth. For example, each tooth may be triangular in cross-section. This may provide a ramp for the clamping member, such that the clamping member moves “up” the height of the tooth while clamping. Additionally, the greater surface area at the base of the tooth will help contribute to the increase in tension as the clamping member is moved towards the base. In an embodiment, the height of a tooth may be measured in a direction which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extension (e.g. length / depth) of the tooth which is measured from a distal tip of the tooth to a proximal base of the tooth. In an embodiment, the height of the tooth may be a lateral extension of the tooth. The height may be measured in a direction which extends along (e.g. parallel to) a length of hair in use.

[0060] Optionally, each tooth decreases in width from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth so that a spacing between the tips of adjacent teeth is greater than a spacing between the bases of adjacent teeth. This further helps to increase the tension on the hair as the clamping member is moved towards the base of the array of teeth, by pushing the hair into progressively smaller spaces between adjacent teeth. In an embodiment, the width of a tooth may be measured in a direction which is perpendicular both to the height of the tooth and to the longitudinal extension (e.g. length / depth) of the tooth. The width of the tooth may be measured in a direction which extends transversely to a length of hair in use (e.g. perpendicular to the length of hair).

[0061] In an embodiment, the width of the tooth may be a lateral thickness of the tooth. In an embodiment, at the tooth base, the width (or lateral thickness) may be smaller than the height (or lateral extension), whereas at the distal tip of the tooth, the width (or lateral thickness) may be substantially the same as the height (or lateral extension). The decrease in height and / or width may be provided in any suitable manner, e.g. as a stepchange in height / width or as a tapering height / width. A smooth taper may enable improved control over the amount of tension.

[0062] Optionally, the device includes a plurality of airflow outlets, said airflow outlets being aligned with the one or more tensioning protrusions for distributing hair relative to the one or more tensioning protrusions. For example, the airflow outlets may comprise a plurality of small perforations, e.g. similar to those on an air hockey table. This may further help to evenly align / distribute the hair to be tensioned. In some examples, the airflow outlets (e.g. perforations) may be formed directly in a hot plate of the device. Optionally, the airflow outlets may be used to supply heat, thereby in turn helping to provide even heating to the hair.

[0063] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a prior art hair straightener useful for understanding embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figures 2A and 2B show different techniques for a user to use the prior art hair straightener of Figure 1.

[0066] Figures 3 and 4 show cross sectional view of an embodiment hair care device that has a tensioning assembly in combination with a housing having a pair of arms. Figure 3 shows the device with the arms held apart in an unclamped position, whereas Figure 4 shows the arms clamped together onto a portion of hair.

[0067] Figures 5 and 6 show isometric views of an embodiment hair care device having a tensioning assembly that comprises an array of teeth on one arm of the device and a clamping member on an opposing arm of the device.

[0068] Figures 7 and 8 are isometric and top-down views, respectively, of the tensioning assembly of Figures 5 and 6.

[0069] Figures 9A to 9C are cross-sectional views showing the device of Figures 5 and 6 at different stages of use. Figure 9A shows the arms of the device being held apart, with the tensioning assembly in the retracted configuration. Figure 9B shows the arms of the device being clamped together, still with the tensioning assembly in the retracted configuration. Figure 9C shows the arms clamped together, with the tensioning assembly in the deployed position. Figure 10 shows a top-down view of a tensioning assembly having an array of teeth and a clamping member according to another embodiment.

[0070] Figures 11A and 11B show a top-down view of a tensioning assembly having an array of teeth and a clamping member according to a further embodiment, with Figure 11A showing the tensioning assembly in a first tensioning position and Figure 1 IB showing the tensioning assembly in a second tensioning position.

[0071] Figures 12A to 12C show cross-sectional views of an embodiment device that has two arrays of teeth, one on each arm of the device.

[0072] Figures 13 A and 13B show a top-down view of a tensioning assembly having two arrays of teeth, which may be implemented in the embodiment of Figures 12A to 12C.

[0073] Figures 14 and 15 show top-down views of alternative tensioning assemblies having two arrays of teeth, which may be implemented in the embodiment of Figures 12A to 12C.

[0074] Figures 16A to 16C show cross-sectional views of an embodiment device having a tensioning assembly that includes a male tensioning protrusion on one arm of the device and a female tensioning protrusion on an opposing arm of the device.

[0075] Figures 17A and 17B show the tensioning assembly of Figures 16A and 16C at different positions, for diverting a portion of hair to follow a convoluted path around the male and female tensioning protrusions.

[0076] Figure 18 shows an embodiment tensioning assembly having a female tensioning protrusion that has an adjustable height.

[0077] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment device having a tensioning assembly having moveable tensioning protrusions along only one arm of the device.

[0078] Figures 20A-22B show side views of embodiment devices having different actuator assemblies.

[0079] Figures 23 A-C show cross-sectional views of an embodiment device in which a tensioning assembly is configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the device to move between the deployed and retracted configurations.

[0080] Figure 24 shows an isometric view of a tensioning assembly having a first subset of teeth that is moveable relative to a second subset of teeth.

[0081] Figures 25A-26C show side views of embodiment devices having the tensioning assembly of Figure 24, along with different types of actuator assemblies for selectively moving the first and second subsets of teeth. Figure 27 shows an isometric view of an embodiment device configured as an attachment for mounting to a hair care appliance that has a pair of arms.

[0082] Figure 28 shows a side view of the attachment of Figure 27, with the tensioning protrusions in a deployed configuration.

[0083] Figure 29 shows an isometric view of an embodiment device configured as an attachment for an air styler appliance.

[0084] Figure 30 shows an isometric view of the same attachment of Figure 29 with a different type of compatible appliance.

[0085] Figures 31A and 3 IB show isometric views of an embodiment device configured as a hairbrush, with the moveable tensioning protrusions in retracted and deployed configurations respectively.

[0086] Figure 32 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment device that is configured as a hairbrush, with a heat source aligned with the tensioning protrusions.

[0087] Figures 33 to 36 show cross-sectional views of embodiment devices having airflow passages for directing airflow toward hair and diverting airflow around the tensioning assemblies.

[0088] Figures 37A and 37B show isometric views of embodiment devices configured as attachments for a hair styling appliance.

[0089] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] For reference, Figure 1 shows a conventional hair straightener 10 useful for understanding embodiments of the present disclosure. The conventional hair straightener 10 does not have a tensioning assembly and actuator. Figures 2A to 2B show a user straightening their hair using the conventional hair straightener 10. In use, hair that is between two hot plates 12A-B of the conventional hair straightener 10 is not under tension. This results in a relatively uneven distribution of heat to the hair. Although it may be noted that a portion 14 of hair between the hair straightener and a scalp 16 of the user can be under tension, this portion 14 is not being heated. Rather, the portion of hair at the device 15, which is being heated, is essentially being crushed between the two hot plates.

[0091] Conventional straighteners 10 are often used with one hand, as shown in Figure 2A. If a user were to use a second hand to squeeze the arms of the hair straightener together (as shown in Figure 2B), this would increase the grip on the hair, but would further crush the hair between the hot plates, causing increased damage particularly to the portions of the hair that are closest to the hot plates 12A-B.

[0092] Some embodiments described herein can improve upon these drawbacks, e.g. by providing a tensioning assembly and actuator together with means for supplying heat, so that a portion of hair that is being heated can be held taut via the tensioning assembly, to simultaneously apply heat and tension to the portion of hair. As will be explained further herein, other embodiments may not require means for supplying heat and may thus provide other advantages.

[0093] Figures 3 and 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment hair care device 18. The hair care device 18 has a housing 20, which comprises a first arm 22A and second arm 22B. Figure 3 shows the arms 22A-B being held apart, whereas Figure 4 shows the arms 22A-B being brought together for styling hair. In this example, the device 18 is configured as a hair straightener having a heat source 24A-B on each arm 22A-B. In other examples, the device may have a heat source arranged in other manners, e.g. on only one arm, or may have no heat source at all (e.g. to provide a clamping-type brush or an attachment for a hair care appliance).

[0094] The device 18 has a tensioning assembly 26 aligned with the heat sources 24A-B for selectively applying tension to a user’s hair. In this example, the tensioning assembly 26 includes one or more (moveable) tensioning protrusions 28A-B on each arm 22A-B. In variant examples, the tensioning assembly may be one-sided, e.g. with one or more moveable tensioning protrusions on only one arm.

[0095] The device 18 further includes one or more actuators (not shown here) for selectively moving the tensioning protrusions 28A-B between a retracted configuration in which the tensioning protrusions 28A-B are recessed within the housing 20 (in respective arms 22A- B thereof), and a deployed configuration in which the tensioning protrusions 28A-B protrude from the housing 20 (from respective arms 22A-B thereof). This allows the tensioning assembly 26 to selectively grip a portion of hair 15 that is at the device 18 (between the arms 22A-B), so that the portions of the fibres which are being heated by the heat sources 24A-B can be held taut during heating.

[0096] Each heat source 24A-B may be configured, for example, as a hot plate similar to a conventional hair straightener, to heat the hair by directly contacting it. However, because the hair can be held straight via the tensioning assembly 26, it is less necessary for the heat source 24A-B to contact / clamp the hair to straighten it. Therefore, in some embodiments, the heat source(s) may instead be configured in other manners, e.g. to provide hot air or IR heating. This can help further reduce damage to the hair.

[0097] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment hair care device 18 that is also configured as a hair straightener, with a housing 20 comprising a first arm 22A and a second arm 22B. Each arm 22A-B extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The arms are pivotally connected at their proximal ends via a hinge 29.

[0098] In this example, the tensioning assembly 26 comprises a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions 28 configured as teeth 30, to form an array of teeth 30 along the first arm 22A. The tensioning assembly 26 further includes a further tensioning protrusion in the form of a clamping member 32 that extends along the second arm 22B and is oriented transversely to the array of teeth 30.

[0099] Each arm 22A-B includes a plurality of airflow outlets 34 arranged longitudinally along the housing 22, aligned with the tensioning assembly 26 and heat sources (e.g. hot plates) 24A-B. The airflow outlets 34 provide airflow (which is shown by arrows 35 in Figure 5 and omitted from the view of Figure 6) to help distribute hair relative to the tensioning assembly 26 and / or help dry hair in use.

[0100] The device 18 includes an actuator assembly 36 having a first actuator 38A on the first arm 22A and a second actuator 38B on the second arm 22B. The first actuator 38A is operably connected to the tensioning protrusions 28 comprising the array of teeth 30 for selectively moving the array of teeth 30 between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The second actuator 38B is operably connected to the clamping member 32, for selectively moving the clamping member 32 towards or away from the array of teeth 30. In this embodiment, each actuator 38A-B is configured as a tab which is manually actuatable (e.g. via a finger / thumb press) in a direction towards the other arm to actuate the array of teeth 30 / clamping member 32 from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. In this embodiment, each actuator 38A-B protrudes from a distal end of its respective arm 22A-B. In other embodiments, the actuator(s) may be configured differently, e.g. as a button or other user interface on the device, or as a lever arm which is lengthened compared to the tab actuators shown in Figures 5-6.

[0101] An embodiment of the array of teeth 30 and clamping member 32 is shown in further detail in Figures 7 and 8. The array of teeth 30 are interconnected at a bristle bed 40 (base of the array of teeth). Each tooth 30A-E has a height (measured in the y-direction as shown in the figures), width (measured in the z-direction as shown in the figures), and depth (measured in the x-direction as shown in the figures; also referred to as a length of the tooth).

[0102] As is best seen from Figure 7, each tooth 30A-E decreases in height from a base of the tooth 30A-E to a tip of the tooth 30A-E.

[0103] The array of teeth 30 are shown in a top-down view (viewed along the y-axis) in Figure 8 which shows that adjacent teeth of the array of teeth 30 define spaces 42 therebetween for receiving respective portions of hair. Additionally, as is best seen from Figure 8, each tooth 30A-E decreases in width from a base 44 of the tooth to a tip 46 of the tooth 30A-E, such that a spacing between the tips of adjacent teeth (e.g. between tips 46A-B of teeth 30A-B) is greater (wider) than a spacing between the bases of the adjacent teeth (e.g. between bases 44A-B of teeth 30A-B). In this example, each tooth 30A-E is segmented into a first zone (e.g. one half of the tooth) comprising the tip of the tooth 30A-E, and a second zone (e.g. another half of the tooth) comprising the base of the tooth 30A-E, where the second zone has a steeper variation in width along its depth than the first zone.

[0104] In this example, the clamping member 32 comprises a pair of elongate bars 48A-B, which are configured to be forced apart along opposing edge of the teeth (as shown by arrows A, B) as they are pushed / squeezed against the array of teeth 30A-E. The bars 48A-B therefore maintain close contact with the teeth 30A-E as they are moved towards the bristle bed 40. In use, actuation of the clamping member 32 towards the array of teeth 30 (or vice versa) causes hair to be squeezed between the clamping member 32 and a base (bristle bed) 40 of the array of teeth 30 to grip the hair. The elongate bars 48A-B may be biased to return together (back along directions A and B) when not actuated on by a user, to release the hair.

[0105] In variant embodiments, the clamping member may be configured differently, e.g. as a single bar configured to be pushed against one edge of the elongate teeth.

[0106] Figures 9A to 9C show cross sectional views of a device 18 implementing that tensioning assembly of Figures 7 and 8 at successive stages in use. Figure 9A shows the device 18 with the arms 22A-B in an unclamped position, before use. In this state, the tension assembly 26, including the array of teeth 30 and the clamping member 32, is in a fully retracted position, such that the array of teeth 30 are recessed within a cavity of the first arm 22A and the clamping member 32 is recessed within a cavity of the second arm 22B. Figure 9B shows the device 18 with the arms 22A-B in a clamped position, for securing hair between the pair of arms 22A-B. However, the tensioning assembly 26 remains in a retracted configuration. In this configuration, the device 18 can be used in the manner of a typical hair straightener, e.g. using a single hand to hold the device 18 (cf. Figure 2A). Figure 9C shows the device 18 with the tensioning assembly 26 including the array of teeth 30 and the clamping member 32 in a deployed configuration (similar to the positions shown in Figures 7 and 8), e.g. by using a second hand to act on an actuator assembly (cf. Figure 2B). In this state, the teeth 30 and the clamping member 32 protrude from the housing, with the bars 48A-B of the clamping member 32 moving apart from each other along the profile of the teeth 30, with the clamping member 32 progressively squeezing against the array of teeth 30 as it moves towards the bristle bed 40.

[0107] Figure 10 shows an embodiment tensioning assembly 26 that is similar to the tensioning assembly described in relation to Figure 8, but differs in the shape of the teeth 30. Similarly to the teeth 30 of Figure 8, each tooth 30 in the tensioning assembly 26 of Figure

[0108] 10 decrease in width from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth. However, in Figure 10, each tooth 30 tapers to have a smoothly varying width along its depth (rather than having two zones with different variations in width).

[0109] Figures 11A and 11B show a tensioning assembly 26 having an array of teeth 30 and a clamping member 32. These figures show actuation of the array of teeth and / or clamping member in a deployed configuration between a first tensioning position (shown in Figure

[0110] 11 A) for applying a first tensioning force to the hair, and a second tensioning position (shown in Figure 1 IB) for applying a second tensioning force to the hair.

[0111] In this example, each tooth in the array of teeth 30 has a substantially constant width from a base 44 of the tooth to a tip 46 of the tooth. This provides a substantially constant / even spacing 42 between adjacent teeth from the tip 46 of the adjacent teeth to the base 44 of the adjacent teeth. As can be seen from Figure 11B, when the clamping member 32 moves closer to the bristle bed 40 of the array of teeth 30 (or vice versa), the clamping member 32 and array of teeth 30 will mutually compress the hair into progressively smaller gaps bound by the combination of the teeth 30, clamping member 32, and bristle bed 40.

[0112] Figures 12A to 12C and 13A-B show another embodiment hair care device 18 having a pair of arms 22A-B, in which the tensioning assembly 26 includes an array of teeth 30 on each arm 22A-B. As shown in Figures 13 A and 13B, the respective (first and second) arrays of teeth 30 are longitudinally offset from each other so that teeth 30 on opposing arms are staggered with each other when in the deployed configuration. When the teeth 30 are actuated from a first tensioning position (shown in Figure 13 A) to a second tensioning position (shown in Figure 13B), a given portion of hair will be compressed between a pair of adjacent teeth from opposing arms 22A-B. Optionally, teeth on the first arm 22A may poke through the bristle bed of the second arm 22B, and vice versa (as shown in Figure 13B) to enable the hair to be squeezed into an even tighter space, for greater tension. For example, the bristle bed 40 may have a series of preformed slots or apertures 50 for receiving opposing teeth 30 therethrough. In variant embodiments, the slots / apertures may be formed directly in the housing itself rather than in a bristle bed, e.g. in embodiments where only one of the arms comprises protrusions / teeth.

[0113] In this embodiment, the teeth 30 on both arms 22A-B have the same configuration, in which the teeth 30 have a substantially constant width along their depth (similarly to the teeth in Figures 11 A-B), and have a triangular cross-sectional shape along their height such that they decrease in height from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth (as shown in Figures 12A-12C).

[0114] In other examples, the teeth may be configured differently, e.g. with a constant height along their depth.

[0115] Figures 14 and 15 show further variant embodiments of tensioning assemblies. Figure 14 shows a tensioning assembly 26 in which opposing arrays of teeth 30 each have teeth that gradually increase in width along their depth, to provide a gradual increase in tension. Figure 15 shows a tensioning assembly 26 in which opposing arrays of teeth 30, 31 are configured differently from each other, with a first array of teeth 30 that have a substantially constant width along their depth, and a second array of teeth 31 that have two zones along their depth with different variations / steepness in their widths, such that a base 44 of each tooth 31 is wider than a tip 46 of each tooth 31.

[0116] The arrangements of Figures 13A-14 may also be referred to as providing teeth with parallel walls, whereas the arrangement of Figure 15 provides opposing teeth with nonparallel walls.

[0117] Figures 16A to 16C show a device implementing a variant tensioning assembly 26, shown in further detail in Figures 17A-B, that is configured to grip a portion of hair 15 by forcing the portion of hair 15 to follow a meandering profile through opposing tensioning protrusions 26. The tensioning protrusions 26 comprise a female tensioning protrusion 52 that extends along the first arm 22A and a male tensioning protrusion 54 that extends along the second arm 22B. In this embodiment, both the male and female tensioning protrusions 52, 54 are moveable towards each other, as can be seen from Figures 16A to 16C. In variant embodiments, only one of the tensioning protrusions 52, 54 may be moveable, while the opposing tensioning protrusion 52, 54 may remain recessed in the housing 20 or may be fixed to protrude at a surface of the housing 20 (e.g. from one of the arms 22A-B). In this example, the male tensioning protrusion 54 is an elongate plate that extends along the second arm 22B of the hair care device 18, in a longitudinal direction between the proximal and distal ends (e.g. in a similar position to the clamping member 32 of Figure 5). Conversely, the female tensioning protrusion 52 is an elongate U-shaped member that extends along the first arm 22A of the hair care device 18, in a longitudinal direction between the proximal and distal ends (e.g. in a similar position to the array of teeth 30 of Figure 6). The U-shaped member includes an upper portion 56, a lower portion 58, and a base 60. An open end of the U-shaped member faces towards the male tensioning protrusion 54 at the second arm 22B. The upper portion 56 and the lower portion 58 define a recess 62 therebetween, for receiving the male tensioning protrusion 54 in use. Although shown in Figures 17A and 17B as having sharp comers, in some embodiments, the U- shaped member may instead have smoothly contoured (rounded) edges to mitigate hair damage.

[0118] As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, when the male and female tensioning protrusions 52, 54 are progressively moved towards each other, the male tensioning protrusion 54 enters the recess 62 defined by the female tensioning protrusion 52. However, the recess 62 has a height that is greater than that of the male tensioning protrusion 54, so that a gap is maintained between the male and female tensioning protrusions 52, 54 for receiving hair between the male and female tensioning protrusions 52,54. This is in contrast to the tensioning assemblies having a clamping member 32 (cf. Figures 5 to 1 IB), in which the clamping member is in direct contact with the opposing protrusions (teeth) when in a high tension position.

[0119] Together, the male tensioning protrusion 54 and the (upper / lower portions 56, 58 of the) female tensioning protrusion 52 force the hair 15 to follow a convoluted path therebetween. By varying the relative positions of the male and / or female tensioning protrusions 52, 54, the shape and size of the convoluted path that the hair is forced to follow can be adjusted, thereby adjusting a (frictional) grip that is exerted on the hair 15 in use.

[0120] Figure 18 shows another tensioning assembly 26 having a male tensioning protrusion 54 and another type of female tensioning protrusion 52. In this embodiment, the female tensioning protrusion 52 comprises a pair of distinct elongate plates that extend longitudinally along a housing of the device (not shown) to form the upper and lower portions 56, 58. The upper and lower portions 56, 58 are movable relative to each other to vary a size (height) of the recess 62, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 18. In other words, in this embodiment, the upper portion 56 is not fixed relative to the lower portion 58. This allows greater adjustment over the amount of hair that can be held under tension, as well as the strength of the gripping force exerted on the hair. For example, the size of the recess 62 may be increased for thick hair, and may be decreased for thin hair. The adjustment of the female tensioning protrusion 52 may be performed using an actuator that is similar to those described elsewhere herein.

[0121] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a hair care device 18 having a pair of arms 22A and 22B according to another embodiment. This hair care device 18 is similar to the previous hair care devices, but differs in that the device includes a tensioning assembly 26 having a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions 28 only along the first arm 22A, while the second arm 22B does not include any moveable tensioning protrusions. In addition, instead of having a heat source comprising a pair of hot plates, the device 18 has a heat source 24 that is configured to heat the air directed to the hair via one or more airflow outlets 64. For example, each arm 22A-B may have an elongate airflow outlet 64 extending alongside (e.g. parallel to) the tensioning assembly 26.

[0122] In this embodiment, the plurality of tensioning protrusions comprises an array of teeth 30. Figure 19 shows the teeth in the retracted position. The second arm 22B includes a cavity (recess) therein for accommodating the teeth of the first arm 22A when they are in the deployed position with the arms clamped together.

[0123] In other embodiments, the tensioning assembly may be configured in other manners. For example, the tensioning assembly may comprise a single tensioning protrusion in the form of an elongate bar that extends longitudinally along the first arm. This may force hair to follow a convoluted path when the protrusion moves into the cavity (recess) of the second arm, in a similar manner to the male tensioning protrusion discussed above.

[0124] Figures 20A to 22B show various actuator assemblies 36 for selectively moving a plurality of moveable tensioning protrusions 28 from a retracted configuration (Figures 20A, 21A, 22A) in which the tensioning protrusions 28 are recessed within a housing 20, and a deployed configuration (Figures 20B, 2 IB, 22B) in which the tensioning protrusions 28 protrude from the housing 20 for gripping hair to apply tension to the hair in use. Although these actuator assemblies 36 are shown in combination with a tensioning assembly 26 that comprises an array of teeth 30 on an arm of a device, it will be appreciated that the actuators may alternatively be implemented in combination with other types of tensioning assemblies and / or devices in other embodiments.

[0125] Turning to Figures 20A and 20B, the device comprises a connector assembly 66 for moveably coupling the tensioning assembly 26 to the housing 20. In this embodiment, the connector assembly 66 comprises a pair of rails (also referred to as “sliding rails”) 68A-B that are fixed to a first arm 22A of the housing 20. The tensioning assembly 26 is slidably connected to the rails 68A-B and is fixedly connected to (e.g. integrally attached to) an actuator 38 that protrudes from a distal end of the arm 22 A. In use, the user pushes the actuator 38 in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the device, to move the tensioning assembly 26 along the rails 68A-B from the retracted position of Figure 20A to the deployed configuration of Figure 20B.

[0126] Figures 21A and 21B show an alternative arrangement in which the connector assembly 66 comprises a set of hinged connectors 70A-B for moveably connecting the tensioning assembly 26 to the housing 20. Each connector 70A-B has a first pivot point 72A-B which is fixed relative to the housing 20, and a second pivot point 74A-B which is fixed relative to the actuator 38. Accordingly, when a user presses the actuator 38 along a linear direction toward a longitudinal axis of the device (from the retracted position of Figure 21 A), the tensioning assembly 26 will rotate about the pivot points 72A-B toward the deployed configuration (as shown in Figure 2 IB).

[0127] Figures 22A and 22B show an alternative arrangement in which the tensioning assembly 26 is configured to slide (in a linear manner) to the deployed configuration in response to angular movement (rotation) of the actuator 38. In this arrangement, the tensioning assembly 26 is movably connected to the housing via sliding rails 68A-B. The actuator 38 is rotatably connected to the housing 20 at a pivot point 76, while also being connected to the tensioning assembly 26 at a further pivot point 78. Accordingly, when a user rotates the actuator 38 about a longitudinal axis of the device (about the pivot point 76), the tensioning assembly 26 will slide down the rails 68A-B to deploy in a linear manner, e.g. normal to a longitudinal axis of the device 18.

[0128] Figures 23A to 23C show an embodiment device in which a tensioning assembly 26 is pivotably connected to the housing 20 to enable rotation of the tensioning assembly 26 about a longitudinal direction of the device. The movable tensioning protrusion(s) 28 can therefore be deployed by swinging the protrusion(s) 28 about the pivotal connection, between a retracted configuration (shown in Figures 23A-B) and a deployed configuration (shown in Figure 23C).

[0129] In this embodiment, only one arm of the device includes the moveable tensioning protrusions 28. In variant embodiments, both arms can include said protrusions.

[0130] Figure 24 shows a tensioning assembly 26 according to another embodiment. Figures 25A to 25C show the tensioning assembly 26 together with an embodiment actuator 38 for actuating the tensioning assembly 26.

[0131] The tensioning assembly 26 includes a plurality of moveable (retractable) tensioning protrusions 28 configured as teeth 30. The actuator 38 is configured to selectively move the tensioning protrusions 28 between a retracted configuration (Figure 25A), a first tensioning position (Figure 25B), and a second tensioning position (Figure 25C).

[0132] Adjacent teeth 30 of the array of teeth define spaces therebetween for receiving portions of hair. The array of teeth 30 includes a first subset of teeth 80 and a second subset of teeth 82. The first subset of teeth 80 is moveable relative to the second subset of teeth 82 (via the actuator 38) to vary a distance between adjacent teeth 30 in the first tensioning position (Figure 25B) compared to the second tensioning position (Figure 25C). In this example, the first subset of teeth 80 is substantially flush with the second subset of teeth 82 when in the first tensioning position (as shown in Figures 24 and 25B). Accordingly, in the first tensioning position, the distance between adjacent teeth 30 (as viewed along a direction transverse to the hair) is equal to the spacing between the teeth of the second subset 82. When the first subset of teeth 80 is moved to the second tensioning position (shown in Figure 25C), the distance between adjacent teeth reduces, being equal to a distance between a tooth of the first subset 80 and an adjacent tooth of the second subset 82. As shown in Figures 25A-C, the teeth 30 (including the first and second subsets 82, 84) are moveable in a first direction (along axis y) between the retracted configuration (Figure 25A) and the first tensioning position (Figure 25B). The first subset 80 of teeth is moveable (relative to the second subset 82 of teeth) in a second direction (along axis x) between the first tensioning position (Figure 25B) and the second tensioning position (Figure 25C). The first direction is different from the second direction. In this example, the first direction is substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the device 18, and the second direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 18.

[0133] In this example, the first subset of teeth may also be referred to as an “inner bristle bed”, and the second subset of teeth may be referred to as an “outer bristle bed”, to denote the manner in which the first subset of teeth can be nested within apertures in the second subset of teeth. In other embodiments, the first and second subsets of teeth may be configured differently, e.g. so that they are always longitudinally offset from each other (along axis x), or so that the (first) subset of teeth that is moved by the actuator between the first and second tensioning positions is configured as the outer bristle bed rather than as the inner bristle bed.

[0134] In this embodiment, the actuator 38 is actuatable along a single (angular) direction to move the teeth between the retracted position, first tensioning position, and second tensioning position. The actuator 38 is in the form of a tab that protrudes from a distal end of the housing 20.

[0135] In use, starting from the retracted position of Figure 25A, the user presses against the actuator 38 toward the positions shown in Figures 25B-25C. Rotation of the actuator 38 about a pivot 76 causes a cam profile 84 of the actuator 38 to engage against and push into a pin 86 that is connected to a bristle bed of both the first and second subsets of teeth 80, 82. This motion of the cam profile against the pin drives both the first and second subsets of teeth 80, 82, from the retracted configuration shown in Figure 25A to the (first tensioning position of the) deployed configuration of Figure 25B. As a user continues to press on the actuator 38, this forces a pin 88 which is connected to the first array of teeth 82 to move along a further cam profile 90, for driving the first array of teeth 82 from the first tensioning position of Figure 25B to the second tensioning position of Figure 25C. In this embodiment, the cam profile 90 is tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the array of teeth, i.e. having components in both the x and y directions. This arrangement therefore simultaneously laterally separates the first / second subsets of teeth 82, 84 (in the x direction) while also further deploying the teeth to protrude further from the housing 20 (in the y direction). In variant embodiments, the cam mechanism could be configured differently, e.g. with the tilted portion of the cam profile 90 instead being made parallel to the array of teeth, so that the teeth 82, 84 can be moved apart from each other as a distinct and separate step from deploying the teeth from the housing 20.

[0136] Figures 26A to 26C show an alternative mechanism for providing the dual-stage movement of the tensioning assembly 26. In this embodiment, the first and second subset of teeth 80, 82 are connected to a slider rail 68. The first subset of teeth (only) 80 is also connected to a hinged connector 92 which is attached to one end of the actuator 38. Another (opposing) end of the actuator 38 is connected to the housing 20 via a resilient element (e.g. spring) 94

[0137] In use, a user can press on the actuator 94 in a single direction (e.g. perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing 20) to force the first and second subsets of teeth 80, 82 to slide along the slider 68 from the retracted position of Figure 26A to the deployed position of Figure 26B. The hinged connector 92 may be sufficiently stiff to resist rotational / pivotal movement in this time.

[0138] Once the teeth 30 reach the end of the slider 68 and are at the deployed configuration of Figure 26B, further movement of the actuator 38 by a user will cause the hinged connector 92 to fold / pivot, thereby pulling (or pushing) the first subset of teeth 80 away from the second subset of teeth 82.

[0139] Due to the spring 94, the actuator is biased to automatically return the teeth 30 (including the first and second subsets 80, 82) to the retracted configuration when the actuator 38 is not being acted on by a user.

[0140] These arrangements allow continuous adjustment of the tensioning protrusions between the first tensioning positions (Figures 25B and 26B) and the second tensioning positions (Figures 25C and 26C).

[0141] Although these examples show the moveable tensioning protrusion(s) being actuated in order from a retracted (no grip) position, to a low tensioning (low grip) position, to a high tensioning (high grip) position, it will be appreciated that other actuation mechanisms may be employed. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusions may be laterally adjusted to select the tension before they are deployed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the protrusions may be laterally adjusted concurrently with deployment, to provide integrated movement in both the first and second directions.

[0142] Figures 27 to 32 show various embodiment hair care devices, either as standalone devices or attachments. These devices can be modified to implement any of the tensioning assemblies and / or actuators discussed herein.

[0143] Figure 27 shows an embodiment hair care device that is configured as a pair of attachments 18A-B for mounting to respective arms 22A-B of a multi-styler hair care appliance 96. The appliance may have a heat source for supplying heat to the attachments 18A-B. Alternatively or additionally, the attachments 18A-B may comprise a heat source. For example, Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional side view of one of the attachments 18A with a heat source 24 which is configured as a set of hot plates that extend longitudinally along the attachment 18A. The attachment 18A further includes arrays of teeth 30 that are arranged longitudinally along its housing 20, aligned with the heat source 24.

[0144] Figures 29 and 30 show another embodiment hair care device, which is implemented as an attachment 18 for mounting to a hair care appliance 96 that supplies heat via airflow. Figure 29 shows the attachment with a barrel-type hair styler (e.g. Dyson Airwrap™), whereas Figure 30 shows the attachment with a hair dryer (e.g. Dyson Supersonic™). The housing 20 of the attachment 18 defines a structure for conveying thermal energy from a heat source of the hair care appliance to the hair. The structure includes an inlet 63 and an outlet (not shown here, between the arms 22A-B). The inlet 63 is configured to receive an airflow from the hair care appliance when mounted thereto, and the outlet is fluidly connected to the inlet 63 for discharging the airflow to the hair. For example, the outlet may comprise one or more airflow outlets similar to the outlets 64 shown in Figure 19.

[0145] The arms 22A-B may include any tensioning protrusion(s) as described herein. Each arm is connected to an actuator via a hinge, for deploying the tensioning protrusion(s) to selectively grip hair in use.

[0146] Figures 31A and 3 IB show an embodiment hair care device 18 that is configured as a standalone hair appliance in the form of a hair brush. The device has a housing 20 that defines a head 98 at a distal region thereof and a handle 100 at a proximal region thereof. A tensioning assembly 26 is arranged along the head 98 of the brush. An actuator 38 is mounted on the handle 100 and comprises a switch which is operably connected to the tensioning assembly 26 for selectively moving one or more tensioning protrusions 26 of the tensioning assembly between a retracted position (shown in Figure 31 A) and a deployed configuration (shown in Figure 3 IB).

[0147] In this embodiment, the tensioning assembly has a plurality of teeth, including a first subset of teeth 80 that is moveable relative to a second subset of teeth 82, in a manner similar to that discussed above in relation to Figures 24 to 26C. This type of tensioning assembly may be particularly useful for enabling variations in tension along one-sided devices such as the hairbrush shown here. Figure 32 shows the tensioning assembly in an arrangement in which some tensioning protrusions are retracted whilst others are deployed. As can be seen from Figure 3 IB, the device 18 may further include a set of (non- retractable) bristles along lateral edges of the brush head 100, alongside the plurality of teeth. As shown in Figure 32, optionally, the hair care device 18 may comprise a heat source 24 e.g. comprising one or more hot plates alongside the tensioning assembly 26. For example, the heat source may be located at a base of the (non-retractable) bristles.

[0148] Figures 33 to 36 show cross-sectional views of embodiment hair care devices 18 that each have a pair of arms 22A and 22B. The hair care devices 18 of Figures 33 to 35 are similar to the device 18 of Figure 19, but differ in that the devices 18 of Figures 33 to 35 are configured to divert airflow around their respective tensioning assemblies 26.

[0149] For example, Figure 33 shows a device that has a tensioning assembly 26 similar to that of Figures 12A to 12C. Whereas the embodiment of Figures 12A to 12C utilises a heat source 24A-B in the form of a pair of hot plates, the embodiment of Figure 33 instead utilises a heat source that is configured to heat the airflow sources for providing hot air to hair. In order to ensure that the hair and tensioning assembly do not restrict airflow in use, the device 18 has a pair of airflow passages 102A-B for diverting airflow around the tensioning assembly 26. In this embodiment, the pair of airflow passages are located in opposing arms 22A-B of the device 18.

[0150] Figures 34 and 35 show embodiments having other types of airflow passages for diverting airflow. The device 18 of Figure 34 comprises a first airflow channel 102A that is configured to divert air from the first arm 22A through the second arm 22B and around the tensioning assembly 26, and a second airflow channel 102B that is configured to divert air from the second arm 22B through the first arm 22A and around the tensioning assembly 26. Conversely, the device 18 of Figure 35 comprises only a single airflow channel 102 that is configured to divert air from the first arm 22 A through the second arm 22B and around the tensioning assembly 26. The devices of Figures 34 and 35 both have tensioning assemblies that are configured to clamp hair using female and male tensioning protrusions 52 and 54. In variant embodiments, any of the tensioning assemblies and / or airflow channels may be combined in any combination.

[0151] In use, hair that is tensioned by a tensioning assembly 26 can be dried and straightened by airflow upstream of the tensioning assembly 26. Optionally, the airflow channels may also be configured to divert airflow back onto the hair downstream of the tensioning assembly. Further, it will be appreciated that the tensioning assembly need not include protrusions only at one end of the hair care device 18. Instead, the tensioning assembly may include protrusions at both ends of the hair care device 18, or at various locations of the hair device 18. For example, Figure 36 shows an embodiment hair care device 18 having a tensioning assembly 26 that includes tensioning protrusions 28 upstream of the airflow passages 102A-B as well as downstream of the airflow passages 102A-B, i.e. along opposing lateral edges of the device 18. This allows hair to be gripped from both ends of the device 18 in use.

[0152] Figure 37A shows another embodiment hair care device, which is implemented as an attachment 18 for mounting to a hair care appliance 96. The attachment 18 may include a first part 18a and a second part 18b attachable to each other. The first part 18a may include the housing 20 and the tensioning protrusions 28. The second part 18b may include the actuator assembly 36. In use, the first part 18a may be fitted onto the second part 18b, such that the tensioning protrusions 28 are movable relative to the housing 20 by actuating the actuator assembly 36.

[0153] Figure 37B shows an alternative embodiment in which the hair care appliance 96 includes the actuator assembly 36 (e.g., the actuator assembly 36 may be integrally formed with the main body of the hair care appliance 96), and an attachment (including the housing 20 and the tensioning assembly 26) may be attachable to the hair care appliance 96, such that the tensioning protrusions 28 are movable relative to the housing 20 by actuating the actuator assembly 36 of the hair care appliance 96.

[0154] While the hair care appliance 96 is shown as a barrel-type hair styler in Figures 37A and 37B, it will be appreciated that any other type of hair care appliance may be used with the attachments 18. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the tensioning protrusions 28 may instead be any other type of tensioning protrusions 28. Reference numerals

[0155] 10 Conventional hair straightener

[0156] 12A-B Hot plates

[0157] User

[0158] 14 Portion of hair between device and scalp

[0159] 15 Portion of hair at device

[0160] 16 Scalp

[0161] 18 Hair care device

[0162] 20 Housing

[0163] 22A-B First arm, second arm

[0164] 29 Hinge

[0165] 98 Head

[0166] 100 Handle

[0167] Means for supplying heat

[0168] 24 Heat source

[0169] 63 Airflow inlet

[0170] 64 Airflow outlet

[0171] 102 Airflow passage

[0172] 26 Tensioning assembly

[0173] 28 Tensioning protrusion(s)

[0174] 80, 82 First, second subsets of teeth

[0175] 30, 31 Teeth

[0176] 40 Bristle bed (base of array of teeth)

[0177] 50 Slots

[0178] 42 Spaces between teeth

[0179] 44 Base of tooth

[0180] 46 Tip of tooth

[0181] 32 Clamping member

[0182] 48A-B Pair of elongate bars

[0183] 52 Female tensioning protrusion

[0184] 56 Upper portion 58 Lower portion

[0185] 60 Base

[0186] 62 Recess

[0187] 54 Male tensioning protrusion

[0188] 34 Airflow outlets

[0189] 35 Airflow

[0190] 36 Actuator assembly

[0191] 38 Actuator(s)

[0192] 84 Cam profile

[0193] 66 Connector assembly

[0194] 68A-B Rails

[0195] 70 Hinged connector

[0196] 72 First pivot point

[0197] 74 Second pivot point

[0198] 76, 78 Pivot points

[0199] Cam mechanism

[0200] 84, 90 Cam profile

[0201] 86, 88 Pin

[0202] 92 Hinged connector

[0203] 94 Resilient element

[0204] Hair appliance

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hair care device comprising: a housing; a tensioning assembly arranged along the housing for selectively applying tension to a user’s hair, the tensioning assembly comprising a moveable tensioning protrusion; and an actuator assembly comprising an actuator for selectively moving the tensioning protrusion between: a retracted configuration in which the tensioning protrusion is recessed within the housing; and a deployed configuration in which the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing for gripping the hair to apply tension to the hair in use.

2. The hair care device of claim 1, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a plurality of said moveable tensioning protrusions.

3. The hair care device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator is further configured to selectively move the tensioning protrusion in the deployed configuration between a first tensioning position in which the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing at a first position for applying a first tensioning force to the hair and a second tensioning position in which the tensioning protrusion protrudes from the housing at a second position for applying a second tensioning force to the hair, the second tensioning force being different from the first tensioning force.

4. The hair care device of claim 3, wherein the tensioning protrusion is movable in a first direction from the retracted configuration to the first tensioning position and is movable in a second direction from the first tensioning position to the second tensioning position, the first direction being different from the second direction.

5. The hair care device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the actuator is actuatable along a single direction to move the tensioning protrusion between the retracted position, the first tensioning position, and the second tensioning position.

6. The hair care device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the actuator is configured to enable continuous adjustment of the tensioning protrusion between the first tensioning position and the second tensioning position for adjusting the tension force applied to the hair between the first tensioning force and the second tensioning force.

7. The hair care device of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is biased to automatically return the tensioning protrusion to the retracted configuration from the deployed configuration when not actuated by the user.

8. The hair care device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for supplying heat to the hair.

9. The hair care device of claim 8, configured as an attachment for mounting to a hair care appliance; optionally wherein the means for supplying heat comprises a structure for conveying thermal energy between the heat source and the hair; optionally wherein the means for supplying heat comprises an inlet and an outlet defined by the housing, the inlet for receiving an airflow from the hair care appliance when mounted thereto and the outlet fluidly connected to the inlet for discharging the airflow to the hair.

10. The hair care device of any one of claims 1 to 8, configured as a standalone hair appliance, optionally wherein the hair care device is configured as a hair straightener.

11. The hair care device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a pair of arms, each arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the arms being pivotally connected at their proximal ends.

12. The hair care device of claim 11, wherein the actuator is located on one of the arms and is manually actuatable in a direction towards the other arm to move the tensioning protrusion from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

13. The hair care device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the tensioning assembly comprises a male tensioning protrusion and a female tensioning protrusion; wherein the male tensioning protrusion and the female tensioning protrusion extend along opposing arms; wherein: the male tensioning protrusion is selectively movable toward a recess defined by the female tensioning protrusion under actuation from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration; and / or the recess of the female tensioning protrusion is selectively movable toward the male tensioning protrusion under actuation from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

14. The hair care device of claim 13, wherein the female tensioning protrusion is adjustable to vary a size of the recess.

15. The hair care device of claim 2 and optionally any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the plurality of tensioning protrusions comprises an array of teeth, wherein adjacent teeth of the array of teeth define spaces therebetween for receiving respective portions of the hair.

16. The hair care device of claim 15, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the array of teeth comprises a first subset of teeth and a second subset of teeth;wherein the first subset of teeth are moveable relative to the second subset of teeth to vary a distance between adjacent teeth from the first tensioning position to the second tensioning position.

17. The hair care device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the tensioning assembly further comprises a clamping member oriented transversely to the array of teeth; wherein the clamping member is actuatable towards the array of teeth, or wherein the array of teeth is actuatable towards the clamping member, to push the hair via the clamping member from a tip of the array of teeth toward a base of the array of teeth.

18. The hair care device of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein each tooth decreases in height from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth.

19. The hair care device of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein each tooth decreases in width from a base of the tooth to a tip of the tooth so that a spacing between the tips of adjacent teeth is greater than a spacing between the bases of adjacent teeth.

20. The hair care device of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of airflow outlets, said airflow outlets being aligned with the one or more tensioning protrusions for distributing hair relative to the one or more tensioning protrusions.

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