Hair styling device

Abstract

A hair brush portion (100) for a hair styling device (1) comprising an air mover portion (3) with a heating element (9) and a fan (10) to provide an airflow. The hair brush portion (100) comprising a hollow brush head with bristles (104) and apertures (105) to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles (104). The brush head comprising at least one air deflector (130) arranged within the hollow brush head, the at least one air deflector (130) having a concaved face which in use faces the airflow.

Description

[0001] Hair Styling Device

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a hair styling device, in particular, but not exclusively to brush heads for a hair styling device.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Various devices are known for styling hair, for example, combs, brushes, hair dryers and straighteners. These can be used in different situations, and sometimes in combination. For example, hair dryers and combs / brushes are frequently used together by professional hair stylists to straighten, curl, or otherwise style hair.

[0006] Another device is known as a “hot air styler”, “hot air brush” or “hair dryer brush”. Hot air stylers are effectively hairdryers with various brush-head attachments. Generally, a hot-air styler has an elongate handle of constant diameter, through which cool air is drawn by a fan from one end, a heating element at the opposite end, and a brush head attachment adjacent the heating element. The brush-head being provided with apertures to allow air which has been heated on passing the heating element to exit through the apertures and assist in the styling process.

[0007] These hot air hair stylers suffer many weaknesses which make them unpopular with hair stylists; their lack of popularity with hair stylists has led to a lack of popularity with the purchasing public, who tend to view hot air stylers as a hair styling device of last resort, and a device from (and for) a previous generation.

[0008] Some weaknesses of hot air stylers include:

[0009] Low power - legislation has in some markets, limited the operational power of hair styling appliances, this can limit the effectiveness of the device in drying and / or styling the hair.

[0010] Uneven distribution of airflow - where the brush-head is provided with a plurality of apertures, the airflow (for example in temperature and / or rate) may differ between apertures, resulting in uneven drying and styling of the hair.

[0011] These weaknesses make precise hair styling difficult. To overcome these weaknesses, in particular the uneven distribution of airflow, GB2587606 includes frustoconical baffles within the brush-head attachment to peel of a portion of the airflow from the periphery and direct it to the apertures. These baffles introduce minimal disturbance to the airflow with a gradual redirection.

[0012] The present invention seeks to address one or more of the deficiencies identified above and / or provide other improvements to hair styling devices.

[0013] Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair brush portion for a hair styling device; the hair styling device comprising an air mover portion comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one air deflector arranged within the hollow brush head, the at least one air deflector having a concaved face which in use faces the airflow.

[0015] Advantageously, the provision of an air deflector provides some turbulence to the airflow within the hollow brush head. It has been accepted practice to minimise the amount of disturbance to the airflow thorough an appliance to avoid the risk of throttling (the rate of flow of air downstream of the fan being less than the rate at the fan causing air to become “trapped” and act against the fan reducing efficiency). The inventors however have found that, somewhat counterintuitively, the introduction of a small amount of turbulence from concavely shaped air deflectors helps to provide a more consistent airflow (volume, speed, temperature) from the apertures along the length of the brush head. These concavely shaped air deflectors cause some portion of the airflow to be redirected back upon itself to introduce the turbulence.

[0016] The hollow brush head may have a longitudinal axis. In use the airflow may initially be directed along the longitudinal axis. The hollow brush head may comprise a proximal, open, end. The hollow brush head may comprise a distal, closed, end. In use the air flow may enter the hollow brush head via the proximal end.

[0017] The at least one air deflector may be mounted on a connecting column extending from the distal end of the brush head. The at least one air deflector may be arranged centrally within the brush head. The at least one air deflector may be attached to the brush head only by the connecting column. There may be a radial separation between the at least one air deflector and an inner wall of the brush head.

[0018] By providing the one or more air deflectors such that they are radially separated from the inner wall of the brush head allows a portion of the air flow, which is not deflected by the air deflector to continue through the brush head and exit via one or more apertures arranged beyond the air deflector.

[0019] The brush head may comprise at least two air deflectors. The brush head may comprise at least three air deflectors. The brush head may comprise no more than two air deflectors. The brush head may comprise no more than three air deflectors.

[0020] A plurality of deflectors can allow the airflow to be further homogenised along the length of the brush head.

[0021] The one, or more, or each air deflector may be dishes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may be circular. Where the brush head comprises more than one air deflector the air deflectors may be spaced along the longitudinal axis of the hollow brush portion. Where the brush head comprises more than one air deflector, the air deflectors may be arranged on the connecting column.

[0022] Where the brush head comprises more than one air deflector, the diameter of one or more air deflectors may differ from the diameter of one or more other air deflectors. The brush head may comprise a first air deflector, a second air deflector and optionally a third air deflector. The first air deflector may be arranged proximate to the proximal end of the brush head. The second air deflector may be arranged proximate to the distal end of the brush head. The third air deflector may be arranged between the first and second air deflectors. The first air deflector may have a diameter less than the diameter of the second air deflector. The third air deflector may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the first air deflector and less than the diameter of the second air deflector.

[0023] By increasing the diameter of the successive deflectors a portion of the air flow which passes between the previous deflector and the inner wall of the brush head will be intercepted by the next air deflector. The radial extent of the one, or more, or each air deflector may vary about the perimeter. The one, or more, or each air deflector may be petal shaped. That is to say the one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise a plurality of lobes. Each lobe may be defined as an area enclosed by at least one curved line having a radial maxima. Each lobe may be separated from an adjacent lobe by a radial minima. The distance between a centre of the air deflector and the radial maxima may be the same for each lobe. The distance between the centre of the air deflector and the radial minima of the air deflector may be the same of each lobe. The plurality of lobes may be arranged equidistantly around the air deflector. The air one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise at least three lobes. The air one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise at least four lobes. The air one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise at least six lobes. The air one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise at least eight lobes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise three lobes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise four lobes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise six lobes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may comprise eight lobes. The one, or more, or each air deflector may have rotational symmetry.

[0024] Beneficially, where the air deflectors have a circumferentially varying radial extent, in particular where they have a “petal” it allows a portion of the airflow to bypass a first (or second, etc.) air deflector between the lobes and be intercepted by the second (or third, etc.) air deflector, ensuring a portion of the air flow exits via apertures closer to the closed end.

[0025] Where the brush head comprises a plurality of air deflectors, the air deflectors may have the same perimeter profile. The plurality of air deflectors may be the same size. An air deflector may be rotationally offset from an adjacent air deflector. The brush head may comprise a first air deflector, a second air deflector and optionally a third air deflector. The first air deflector may be arranged proximate to the proximal end of the brush head. The second air deflector may be arranged proximate to the distal end of the brush head. The third air deflector may be arranged between the first and second air deflectors. A radial maxima of a, or each, lobe on the first air deflector may be angularly aligned with a radial minima of a, or each, lobe of the second air deflector. A radial maxima of a, or each, lobe on the first air deflector may be angularly aligned with a radial minima of a, or each, lobe of the third air deflector. A radial maxima of a, or each, lobe on the third air deflector may be angularly aligned with a radial minima of a, or each, lobe of the second air deflector.

[0026] Where the air deflectors have four lobes the rotational offset between adjacent air deflectors may be 45 degrees. Where the air deflectors have six lobes the rotational offset between adjacent air deflectors may be 30 degrees. Where the air deflectors have eight lobes the rotational offset between adjacent air deflectors may be 22.5 degrees.

[0027] The air deflectors may be comprised of metal, for example, aluminium or steel.

[0028] The air deflectors are directly in the (heated) airflow as such they can be subjected to high temperatures, as such they are preferably formed of a material with a relatively high melting point as compared to the remainder of the brush head.

[0029] The concave face of the air deflectors may have a constant radius of curvature. A radially inner portion of the one, or more, or each air deflector may have a larger radius of curvature then a radially outer portion of the air deflector.

[0030] The radius of curvature of the one, or more, or each air deflector may be between 50 and 150% the inner radius of the brush head, preferably between 70 and 130%, more preferably between 85 and 115%, for example between 95 and 105%, such as 100%, that is to say the radius of curvature of the one, or more, or each air deflector may be equal to the inner radius of the brush head.

[0031] The brush head may comprise an air inlet. The air deflector may have an area at least 10% the area of the air inlet. The air deflector may have an area at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45% or at least 50% the area of the air inlet. The air deflector may have an area of between 5 and 50% the area of air inlet, preferably between 10 and 40%, more preferably, between 15 and 30%, for example between 18 and 25%, such as 20%.

[0032] The outer diameter of the one or more air deflectors may be at least 25% the inner diameter of the brush head. The outer diameter of the one or more air deflectors may be at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60% the inner diameter of the brush head. More preferably the outer diameter of the one or more air deflectors may be at least 65% the inner diameter of the brush head.

[0033] The outer diameter of the one or more air deflectors may be between 40 and 80% the inner diameter of the brush head, preferably between 50 and 75%, more preferably between 60 and 70%, for example between 63 and 69%, such as 66%.

[0034] Where the brush head comprises a plurality of air deflectors (for example three), a first air deflector (i.e. the air deflector closest to the air inlet) may have an area between 15 and 25% (preferably 20%) the area of the air inlet, a second air deflector may have an area between 25 and 35% (preferably 30%) the area of the air inlet, and a third air deflector may have an area of between 40 and 50% (preferably 45%) the area of the air inlet.

[0035] Air deflectors have the above proportions provide the most effective distribution of air flow.

[0036] The hair brush portion and the air mover portion may be separable.

[0037] The hair brush portion may be provided with attachment means for attaching and detaching the handle to the air mover portion. The attachment means may be provided at one end of the hair brush portion.

[0038] The air mover portion may be provided with attachment means for attaching and detaching the air mover portion to the hair brush portion.

[0039] The air mover portion may comprise an inlet and an outlet, through which air passes from the inlet to the outlet. Air may pass from the inlet, past the fan and the heating element (optionally first past the fan, then past the heating element) then through the outlet.

[0040] Bristles may be arranged along the length of the hollow brush head. The bristles may extend further towards the distal end of the brush head than the apertures. Since air will tend to exit the apertures at an angle, it will flow past bristles even if they are further towards the distal end of the brush head than the apertures. The bristles may extend along the length of the brush head between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0041] The apertures may be elongate slots. The slots may be arranged longitudinally, i.e. their length may be along the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the brush head portion. The brush head may comprise longitudinal rows of at least two, at least three or at least four apertures.

[0042] The at least one air deflectors may be disposed at the same longitudinal position in the brush head as a space between two apertures of a longitudinal row.

[0043] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair styling device; the hair styling device comprising an air mover portion comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow and a hair brush portion; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one air deflector arranged within the hollow brush head, the at least one air deflector having a concaved face which in use faces the airflow.

[0044] The hair brush portion of the second aspect of the invention may be the hair brush portion of the first aspect of the invention, optionally including any optional features thereof.

[0045] The brush head may comprise at least one baffle. The baffle may be radially nested within the brush head. The baffle may be configured to rotate within the brush head and at least partially obstruct one or more apertures.

[0046] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair brush portion for a hair styling device; the hair styling device comprising an air mover portion comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one baffle radially nested within the brush head; wherein the baffle is configured to rotate within the brush head and at least partially obstruct one or more apertures. Advantageously, by providing a baffle configured to rotate within the brush head to at least partially obstruct one or more apertures the efficiency of the hair styling device can be improved. Apertures which are not in contact with the hair to be dried / styled can be obstructed meaning hot air is only directed at apertures in use. Thus energy is not wasted heating air which they doesn’t interact with the hair.

[0047] The hollow brush head may have a longitudinal axis. In use the airflow may initially be directed along the longitudinal axis. The hollow brush head may comprise a proximal, open, end. The hollow brush head may comprise a distal, closed, end. In use the air flow may enter the hollow brush head via the proximal end. The hollow brush head may comprise a radially inner surface. The hollow brush head may comprise a radially outer surface. The bristles may be provided on the radially outer surface. The apertures may extend between the radially inner surface and the radially outer surface.

[0048] The apertures may be elongate slots. The slots may be arranged longitudinally, i.e. their length may be along the same axis as the longitudinal axis of the brush head portion. The brush head may comprise longitudinal rows of at least two, at least three or at least four apertures. The longitudinal row of apertures may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the brush head.

[0049] The at least one baffle may be mounted on one or more bearings. The one or more bearings may be plain bearings. The one or more bearings may be rolling element bearings. A first bearing may be provided at the proximal (open) end of the brush head. A second bearing may be provided at the distal |(closed) end of the brush head.

[0050] The bearings may decrease the friction between the rotating baffle and the brush head, easing the rotation. The rotating baffle may rotate due to gravity.

[0051] The at least one baffle may have a half annular cross section. The at least one baffle may have a third annular cross section. The at least one baffle may have a quarter annular cross section. The at least one baffle may have a cross section having have an angular extent of between 30 and 210 degrees, preferably of between 90 and 200 degrees, more preferably, between 150 and 200 degrees, such as 180 degrees. By varying the angular extent of the rotating baffle, the number of apertures which are obstructed can be selected, this determines the degree of efficiency increase, and the amount of usable apertures.

[0052] The at least one baffle may have a radially outer face. The radially outer face may face the inner wall of the brush head. The radially outer face may be configured to at least partially obstruct the apertures. The radially outer face may have a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of the inner wall of the brush head.

[0053] The at least one baffle may have a radially inner face. The radially inner face may be provided with one or more air directing surfaces. The one, or more, or each air directing surface may be planar. The one, or more, or each air directing surface may be curved. The one, or more, or each air directing surface may be provided at an obtuse angle to the airflow in use. The one, or more, or each air directing surface may be configured to direct the airflow to unobstructed apertures in the brush head. The baffle may comprise at least one air deflecting surface. The baffle may comprise only one air deflecting surface. The baffle may comprise at least two air deflecting surfaces. The baffle may comprise only two air deflecting surfaces. The baffle may comprise at least three air deflecting surfaces. The baffle may comprise only three air deflecting surfaces.

[0054] The provision of air directing surfaces on the rotating baffle increases the control of the air flow.

[0055] The baffle may be comprised of metal, for example, aluminium or steel.

[0056] The baffle is directly in the (heated) airflow as such it can be subjected to high temperatures, as such they are preferably formed of a material with a relatively high melting point as compared to the remainder of the brush head.

[0057] The hair brush portion of the third aspect may comprise any of the features of the hair brush portion of the first aspect, including any optional features thereof.

[0058] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hair styling device; the hair styling device comprising an air mover portion comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow and a hair brush portion; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one baffle radially nested within the brush head; wherein the baffle is configured to rotate within the brush head and at least partially obstruct one or more apertures.

[0059] The hair styling device of the fourth aspect may comprise any of the features of the hair styling device of the second aspect, including any optional features thereof. The hair brush portion of the fourth aspect may comprise any features of the first and third aspects, including optional features thereof.

[0060] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0061] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0062] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair styling device according to the invention;

[0063] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hair styling device of figure 1;

[0064] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the hair brush portion of the hair styling device of figure 1 ;

[0065] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hair brush portion of the hair styling device of figure 1 ;

[0066] Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1;

[0067] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotating baffle of the hair brush portion of figure 4;

[0068] Figure 7 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the hair brush portion of figure 6, and line B-B;

[0069] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view an alternative hair brush portion; and Figure 9 is a lateral perspective view of the air deflectors of the hair brush portion of figure 8.

[0070] With reference to the figures 1 to 6, and figures 1 and 2 in particular, a first embodiment of a hair styling device 1 according to the present invention is described. The hair styling device comprises a radial hair brush portion 100 and an air mover portion 3. In the embodiment, the radial hair brush portion 100, 200 and air mover portion 3 are readily separable. Alternative hair brush portions 100, 200 may be provided, for example, radial hair brush portions of different diameter.

[0071] The air mover portion 3 comprises a tubular body 4 with a first end forming an inlet 6 and the opposing second end forming an outlet 7. The air mover portion 3 is tapered with the inlet 6 having a greater diameter than the outlet 7. The tubular body defines a longitudinal axis of the hair styling device A-A which extends along the centre of the tubular body.

[0072] In this embodiment the tubular body 4 is provided as a double walled structure with an inner wall 4 A and an outer wall 4B.

[0073] The inlet 6 is provided with a grille 8, so as to restrict or prevent the ingress of hair etc. Arranged at the centre of the grille 8 on the longitudinal axis A-A of the hair styling device 1 is a power cable 15. The power cable 15 may be mounted to the hair styling device 1 via a slip ring 16 to allow the hair styling device 1 to rotate independently from the power cable 15.

[0074] An outer edge of the outlet 7 is provided with two clips 30 on opposite sides of the outlet 7. The clips 30 are configured to retain the hair brush portion 100,200 during use, as will be elaborated upon below. Each clip 30 is cantilevered from a base 31 with the free end 32 comprising a bevelled projection 33 for engaging with the hair brush portion 100,200. Between the base 31 and bevelled projection 33 is provided a depression for the user press the release the clip 30. A spring (not shown) is provided between the cantilevered clip 30 and the tubular body 4 to bias the clip into an engaged position.

[0075] Within the air mover portion 3 a heating element 9 and a fan 10 are provided. When the fan 10 and heating element 9 are operational, the fan 10 draws air through the inlet 6 to the heating element 9, which heats the air. It then continues to flow, through the air mover portion 3 and out of the outlet 7 to hair brush portion 100.

[0076] A switch 11 is provided on the outer circumference of the air mover portion 3, arranged in a bezel 12 which extends through an aperture in the tubular body 4. The switch 11, when operated, directs power from the cable 15 to the fan 10 and heating element 9. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of suitable switches and circuitry to achieve the desired options for amount of heat (determined by the power to the heating element 9) and speed of airflow (determined by the power to the fan 10), but in this embodiment, the switch 11 is slidably mounted in the bezel. In this embodiment, the power cable 15 is connected to an in-head PCB 17 with a joining wire effecting connection between the in-head PCB 17 and the wires of the heating element 9 and a motor with another joining wire connecting the switch 11.

[0077] A stator, or fan support 18 forms part of the inner wall 4a of the double- walled tubular body and is arranged to support the fan 10. In particular, the fan 10 is formed from a motor 19 and an impeller 20, and the fan support 18 comprises a cup arranged to accommodate the motor 19, such that its shaft extends through the base of the cup, along the central longitudinal axis of the air mover portion 3 towards the inlet 6. The impeller 20 is a plastic injection moulded component and is, of course, attached to the shaft of the motor and is provided with blades 21 which are positioned radially outwardly of the cup to direct air past the outer circumference of the cup and the motor 19 held within it. The cup is spaced from the inner wall 4 A of the double walled tubular portion by a series of webs, which provide minimal obstruction to airflow past the motor 19 and in fact behave as stator blades to redirect the flow to being closer to axial.

[0078] As can be seen from figure 2, on the fan support there are mounted three support plates, which together make up a heater coil support 23, or “frame”. Each support plate is a die cut mica sheet, the three support plates are slotted together to form the heater coil support 23 with six equally spaced arms.

[0079] Each support plate is provided with a cut-out at its rear, the cut-out extending from the central longitudinal axis to a diameter equivalent to the inner diameter of the cup (i.e. the equivalent to the outer diameter of the motor 19). The cut-outs in the support plates define a recess into which the rear of the motor 19 can extend, whereby the heater coil support 23 is supported by the motor 19.

[0080] The outer edge of each support plate (and thus the heater coil support 23 as a whole) is provided with a plurality of V-shaped cutouts between which resistance wire is held. The resistance wire forms the heater coil 25 which together with the heater coil support 23 makes up the heating element 9.

[0081] Arranged between the heating element 9 and the inner wall 4A is an insulating cone of mica 26. This acts to minimise the amount of heat transferred from the heating element 9 to the external surface of the device, where a user would hold typically hold the device.

[0082] To further mitigate the possibility of the grip part of the handle air mover portion 3 heating up excessively or at all, ambient (cool) air is forced through a gap between the inner 4A and outer 4B walls, the cool air acting as a heat-exchanger, heating up as it moves through the gap and exits into the hair brush section 100.

[0083] To provide this flow of cool air, the air mover portion 3 is provided with “vents” or openings 27 to divert unheated air between the inner 4A and outer 4B walls. The openings 27 are formed downstream of the inlet 6 and the impeller 20, and upstream of the heating element 9 to allow unheated air into the gap two walls 4A,4B.

[0084] As noted above the air mover portion 3 is readily separatable from the brush head 100,200. With reference to figures 3 to 6 an exemplary brush head 100 is shown.

[0085] The brush head 100 comprises a brush body 101 having an overall hollow cylindrical shape. A first, open, end 102 is in use closest to the air mover portion and allows air from the air mover portion to enter the brush head 100 via a brush head inlet 102a. An opposing second end 103 is closed.

[0086] On opposing sides of the inner edge of the open end 102 are provided two slots 119 which are shaped to receive the bevelled projections 33.

[0087] Around the outer circumferential surface of the brush body 101, a bristle array 104 is provided. In this embodiment, the array of bristles 104 is provided in six groups, each group being separated from an adjacent group by a series of apertures 105. In this example, each series of apertures 105 is provided as four elongate slots arranged end-to-end longitudinally along the brush head 101. Each of the slots proximal the open end 102 begins at a position closer to the open end 102 than does the first of the bristles in the array 104, on the other hand, at the closed end, the last of the four slots terminates at a position further to the closed end than does the last of the bristles in the array 104 (i.e. the slots are proximally offset relative to the groups of bristles).

[0088] The long edges of each bristle group are bevelled such that they can be retained in corresponding slots in the brush head 101 with complimentary undercuts along their long edges.

[0089] Each array of bristles 104 comprises a plurality of bristles 110. Each bristle 110 in each group of bristles comprises a first portion 114 which tapers from the base and a second portion 115 which is narrow relative to the first, relatively wide, portion 114 and extends from the first portion 114 to the free end. The bristles 110 in each group are arranged in three spaced apart, offset, rows wherein centre lines of the rows are spaced apart such that at least part of the first portion 114 of bristles 110 in one row extends between adjacent bristles 110 in an adjacent row; and, when viewed perpendicular to the rows, the width of the first portion 114 of the bristles 110 in one row is, over part of their length, greater than the space between adjacent bristles 110 in an adjacent row so as to partially occlude the space between bristles 110 in an adjacent row. Thus, the bristles 110 are sized and arranged so that, in use, the second portion 115 serves to penetrate and divide hair between the bristles and the first portion of the bristles 114 enables tension to be applied to the hair when hair flows between the bristles 110.

[0090] The second portion 115 of the bristles helps to easily divide the hair, as well as helping remove tangles. By virtue of their greater width, and the arrangement of the bristles 110, the space between the first portions of the bristles 114 is less than between the second portions 115. Consequently, as hair flows between the first portions 114 of the bristles 110 there is greater friction between the bristles 110 and hair, enabling tension to be applied to the hair, improving the styling ability compared to hot air stylers with ordinary bristles.

[0091] The bristles 110 are resiliently flexible and the second portion 115 of the bristles 110 is more flexible than the first 114, which is stiffer on account of having a larger transverse cross-sectional area then the second portion 115.

[0092] The width of the widest part of the first portion 114 of each bristle 110 is about four times the width of any part of the second portion 115. The length of the bristles 110 is about four times their maximum width.

[0093] Two opposed edges of the first portion 114 of each bristle 110 taper towards each other with a minimum average angle of at least 10 degrees between the opposed edges over the length of the first portion 114, and opposite sides of the second portion 115 taper towards each other with a maximum average angle of 5 degrees between opposed edges over the length of the second portion 115.

[0094] The angle between the opposed edges of the first portion 114 increases from the base of the bristle to the end of the first portion 114, such that the opposed edges are curved.

[0095] The degree of taper of the bristles 110 changes abruptly at the interface between the first portion 114 and second portion 115 of the bristles.

[0096] Each first portion 114 has an oval transverse cross-section at its base, which gradually transitions to a substantially circular cross-section at the point where it meets the second portion 115. Each second portion 115 has a substantially circular cross-section over all or substantially all of its length. All opposed edges of each second portion 115 taper towards each other with a maximum average angle of 3 degrees between the opposed edges over the length of the second portion.

[0097] The length of the second portion 115 is about one quarter of the length of the first portion 114, and the bases of adjacent bristles in each row are spaced apart by a distance which is a third of the maximum width of the base of the bristles.

[0098] Each row of bristles 110 is substantially straight. The rows are generally parallel. The bristles 110 in each row are all evenly spaced apart by substantially the same distance. Adjacent rows are offset relative to each other so that the centre of each bristle 110 in a row is substantially aligned with the midpoint between bristles 110 in an adjacent row. In this embodiment each of the six groups of bristles 110 comprises three long rows of bristles 110, and each row contains either fourteen or fifteen bristles 110 (adjacent rows alternating between fourteen and fifteen bristles).

[0099] The long axis of the oval cross-section of each bristle 110 is substantially aligned with the direction of the long row of which it forms a part.

[0100] The bristle arrays 104 are an injection moulded plastic component. The plastic of the bristle arrays 104 is different from the other components (which could for example be formed from Polycarbonate or glass filled ABS), and may, for example, be formed of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, in particular Bexloy (RTM) available from Du Pont (RTM). This is because, whilst the main requirement for the other parts is an attractive appearance and sufficient strength / stiffness, the bristle sleeve 10 comprises an array of bristles 11, whose properties, in particular flexibility, are important to the hair-styling function of the device 1.

[0101] As best seen in figure 4, at the front of the brush head 101 (the closed end, furthest from the connection to the air mover portion 3), a rebate, or cut-out is provided in the tubular brush section. This receives an end-cap 127, which can also be injection moulded from plastic and which provides a closed front / distal end. The end cap 127 can be attached by a resistance / interference fit, glue, plastic welding or other known techniques. The end cap 127, best seen in figure 4 is generally cylindrical, the internal end is conical, extending into the brush head 101 from the inner wall of the brush head 101 radially inwardly and longitudinally towards the open end 102. The walls of the conical section 128 provide an outer surface which forms a baffle 128 to direct air, (flowing from the air mover portion 3 towards the distal end of the radial hair brush portion) towards the edges.

[0102] The tip of the conical baffle 128 is disposed in line with the central longitudinal axis extending from the tip of the conical baffle 128 is a connecting column 129 the diameter of which is approximately a third of the internal diameter of the brush head 101. On account of its conical shape, the conical baffle 8 is disposed at an acute angle to the central axis. The connecting column 129 extends towards the open end 102 of the brush head 101, terminating between the two slots closest to the open end 102. At the free end of the connecting column 129 there is provided an air deflector 130. In this embodiment the air deflector is circular and the front face 131 which, in use, faces the air flow, is concave. The air deflector 130 has a diameter approximately 42% the internal diameter of the brush head inlet 102a (that is the brush head inlet has a diameter of 35 mm and the air deflector has a diameter of 15 mm) and the radius of curvature of the front face is approximately equal to the radius of the interior of the brush head 101.

[0103] In this embodiment the brush head also comprises a further rotating baffle 150. As shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the rotating baffle 150 comprises an elongate member 151 half annular cross section having an inner face 152 and an outer face 153. The outer face 153 is sized such that the radius is slightly less than that the radius of the inner wall of the brush head 101, so that, as described in greater detail below, the rotating baffle 150 may be nested within the brush head 101. Provided at each end of the rotating baffle 150 are two ring shaped bearings 154,155, the bearings may be simple plain bearings or as in this embodiment rolling elements bears, such as balls or rollers.

[0104] The rotating baffle 150 is arranged within the brush head 101 the first bearing 154 being arranged between the inner wall of the brush head 101 and the base of the conical baffle 127. The second bearing 155 is arranged at the inner edge of the open end 102 of the brush head such that in use, the airflow passes through the centre of the bearing 155. The bearings 154,155 allow the rotating baffle 150 to freely rotate within the brush head 101.

[0105] The rotating baffle 150 increases the overall efficiency of the appliance 1. In use the user does not typically utilise the entire outer circumference of the brush head 101. For example and with reference to figure 7, in use the appliance may be orientated such that longitudinal axis A-A of the appliance is horizontal, with hair passing through the bristles on the top of the brush head. Accordingly, air from the apertures 105 on the top portion of the brush head 101 (it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the brush head, being cylindrical, has no absolute top or bottom, and that the “top” and “bottom” will change as the brush head is rotated), adjacent to the engaged bristles, will be directed onto the hair, aiding in styling / driving, whereas the apertures 105 on the bottom portion of the brush head 101 will direct air away from the hair into free space. The energy used to heat and move the air passing though the “bottom” apertures will be wasted. In this embodiment, the rotating baffle 150 will freely rotate within the brush head 101 due to gravity, the rotating baffle 150 will therefore rotate such that it is at the lowest point within the brush head 101 and will occlude at least one series of apertures 105, preventing the airflow from exiting those apertures 105. The airflow is instead directed to the apertures 105 proximate to the engaged bristles, increasing airflow to the hair, this either increases the speed of drying / styling or allows a reduced power requirement for the appliance for a given rate and temperature or airflow as compared to a device without a rotating baffle 150.

[0106] In alternative embodiments where occlusion of the “top” apertures 105 is desired, the rotating baffle may be provided with counterweights on the bearings 154,155 opposite the elongate member 151 such that the rotating baffle rotates to a position where the elongate member 151 is on the top.

[0107] In some embodiments the inner face 152 may be provided with one or more baffles 156 configured to direct the airflow out of the unblocked apertures 105. The baffles may be planar or curved features which are arranged at an obtuse angle to the air flow.

[0108] By varying the angular size of the elongate member, the degree of increased efficiency of the appliance can be varied. For example, sizing the rotating baffle 150 such that 30% of the apertures 105 are closed will result in a 30% increase in efficiency. The baffle also allows the user to achieve greater precision in styling as the airflow direction is more controlled and can more readily be directed where desired.

[0109] In use the outlet 7 end of the air mover portion is inserted into the open end 102, the cantilever clips 30 are deflected radially inwards until the bevelled projections 33 are seated in the slots 119 within the brush head, this provides a secure, but releasable connection between the air mover portion 3 and the brush head 100. When the hair styling appliance 1 is activated, the fan 10 draws air in via the inlet 6 which is then heated by the heating element 9 before being forced out of the outlet 7 into the brush head 101. The airflow, having been directed through the air mover portion and guided by the heater coil support 23 results in a substantially linear and smooth airflow. In typical hair styling appliances this smooth airflow would be directed out of the brush portion with minimal interference, and air directing elements, such as baffles or vanes, are shaped and positioned so as to introduce as little turbulence as possible. This is because turbulence is seen as undesirable as it can cause throttling of the appliance reducing efficiency. However, the inventors have found that by introducing some turbulence to the airflow by providing an air deflector with a concave face in the airflow, the airflow out of the apertures 105 is more homogeneous, therefore providing a more consistent drying / styling effect over the length of the brush head 101.

[0110] Figures 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the air deflector according to the present invention. In this embodiment the air mover portion 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment and as such will not be described in detail. Likewise the outer body, bristles of the hair brush portion are also the same and as such will not be described in detail. To aid in the understanding, like component use the same numbering, advanced by 100.

[0111] In this embodiment the air deflector 230 is comprised of three of non-circular dishes 240 arranged along the connecting column 229. Each dish has a “petalshaped” perimeter, that is to say the dish 240 comprises a plurality of lobes 241 (in this case six) where each lobe is defines as an area enclosed by a curved line having a radial maxima 242. The radial maxima 242 of each lobe is the same distance (A) from the centre 245 of the dish 240. Each lobe 241 is separated from the adjacent lobe 241 by a radial minima 243. The radial minima 243 of each lobe is the same distance (B) from the centre 245 of the dish 240. Accordingly, the dish 240 has six degrees or rotational symmetry. As in the first embodiment, the face 245 of the dish which, in use, faces the airflow entering the brush portion 201 is concavely curved.

[0112] As noted above the three dishes 240 are arranged along the connecting column

[0113] 229, a first dish 240A is arranged closest to the open end 202, and the free end of the connecting column 229 such that it is at the same axial position as the separation between the two apertures 205 in each row closest to the open end 202. A second dish 240B is arranged so that it is at the same axial position as the separation between the second and third apertures 205 in each row from the open end 202. A third dish 240C is arranged so that it is at the same axial position as the separation between the third and fourth apertures 205 in each row from the open end 202.

[0114] As best seen in figure 8 well as being longitudinally displaced along the connecting column 229, the three dishes 240 are rotationally misaligned (C). Each dish 240 is rotated 30° with respect to the adjacent dish, such that the radial maxima 242 of the lobes of one dish 240 are in the same angular position as the radial minima

[0115] 243 of the adjacent dish.

[0116] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims. In particular, although the embodiment above shows a brush head comprising both an air deflector and a rotating baffle, it will be understood that these two features could be applied separately.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hair brush portion for a hair styling device comprising an air mover portion; comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one air deflector arranged within the hollow brush head, the at least one air deflector having a concaved face which in use faces the airflow.

2. A hair brush portion according to claim 1 wherein the hollow air deflector head has a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough and the at least one baffle is disposed on the central longitudinal axis.

3. A hair brush portion according to claim 2 wherein the at least one air deflector is centred on the central longitudinal axis.

4. A hair brush portion according to any preceding claim wherein the air deflector is circular.

5. A hair brush portion according to any preceding claim wherein the apertures are elongate slots and are arranged longitudinally.

6. A hair brush portion according to any preceding claims wherein the at least one air deflector is mounted on a connecting column extending from a closed distal end of the brush head.

7. A brush head portion according to claim 6 wherein the at least one air deflector is attached to the brush head only by the connecting column.

8. A brush head portion according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one air deflector is arranged centrally within the brush head.

9. A brush head portion according to any preceding claim wherein there is a radial separation between the at least one air deflector and an inner wall of the brush head.

10. A brush head portion according to any preceding claim comprising at least three air deflectors spaced along the longitudinal axis on the connecting column.

11. A brush head portion according to any preceding claim wherein the air deflectors are petal shaped.

12. A brush head portion according to claim 11 wherein the brush head portion comprises at least two air deflectors and a first air deflector is rotationally offset from an adjacent air deflector.

13. A brush head portion according to any preceding claim wherein the concave face of the air deflectors have a constant radius of curvature.

14. A brush head portion according to claim 13 wherein the radius of curvature is between 95 and 105% the inner radius of the brush head.

15. A hair brush portion according to any preceding claim wherein at least some or all of the bristles comprise a first portion which tapers from the base and a second portion which is narrow relative to the first, relatively wide, portion and extends from the first portion to the free end; the bristles being arranged in two or more spaced apart, offset, rows wherein centre lines of the rows are spaced apart such that at least part of the first portion of bristles in one row extends between adjacent bristles in an adjacent row; and / or, when viewed perpendicular to the rows, the width of the first portion of the bristles in one row is, over part of their length, the same or greater than the space between adjacent bristles in an adjacent row so as to partially occlude the space between bristles in an adjacent row; and the bristles are sized and arranged so that, in use, the second portion serves to penetrate and divide hair between the bristles and the first portion of the bristles enables tension to be applied to the hair when hair flows between the bristles.

16. A hair brush portion according to claim 15 wherein the first and second portions of the bristles are resiliently flexible and the second portion of the bristles is more flexible than the first; wherein each first portion has a noncircular transverse cross-section at its base which gradually transitions to a substantially circular cross-section at the point where it meets the second portion, and the second portion has a substantially circular cross-section over all or substantially all of its length.

17. A hair brush portion according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one baffle radially nested within the brush head; wherein the baffle isconfigured to rotate within the brush head and at least partially obstruct one or more apertures.

18. A hair styling device; the hair styling device comprising an air mover portion comprising a heating element and a fan to provide an airflow and a hair brush portion; the hair brush portion comprising a hollow brush head; the hollow brush head comprising bristles and apertures to allow air to exit the brush head in the region of the bristles; the brush head comprising at least one air deflector arranged within the hollow brush head, the at least one air deflector having a concaved face which in use faces the airflow.

19. A hair styling device according to claim 18 wherein the hair brush portion is a hair brush portion according to any of claims 1 to 17.

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