Haircare device

Abstract

A haircare device is described that comprises a carrier and a plurality of bristles protruding on a first side of the carrier. Each bristle comprises a base portion disposed on a second, opposite side of the carrier. A movable member is arranged to move relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles. The haircare device further comprises an actuation mechanism operable to move the movable member relative to the carrier.

Description

[0001] HAIRCARE DEVICE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] A haircare device, such as a hairbrush, may comprise bristles that engage with the hair during use.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a haircare device comprising: a carrier; a plurality of bristles protruding on a first side of the carrier, each bristle comprising a base portion disposed on a second, opposite side of the carrier; a movable member movable relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles; and an actuation mechanism operable to move the movable member relative to the carrier.

[0006] In this manner, the extent to which the base portions of the bristles are constrained can be varied by controlling movement of the movable member relative to the carrier. The amount by which the base portions of the bristles are constrained directly affects an extent to which each bristle can move (e.g. pivot and / or bend) relative to the carrier, which provides different impressions of bristle stiffness to a user. For example, when movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles is highly constrained, this results in a more limited ability of the bristles to pivot and / or bend relative to the carrier, such that the bristles may only pivot and / or bend a limited amount when the user runs the bristles through their hair. This may provide an impression of higher bristle stiffness to the user. On the other hand, when movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles is less highly constrained, this allows a higher degree of pivoting and / or bending of the bristles relative to the carrier, such that the bristles may pivot and / or bend by a larger amount when the user runs the bristles through their hair. This may provide an impression of reduced bristle stiffness to the user.

[0007] Accordingly, the haircare device of the invention enables a user to vary (control) an amount by which the bristles are movable (e.g. pivotable and / or bendable) relative to the carrier, to vary an amount of resistance felt by the user when running the bristles through their hair. In this manner, the haircare device of the invention can be adjusted for use with different hair types and / or for performing different haircare tasks, without having to use multiple brushes or attachments.

[0008] The resistance to pivoting or bending of the bristles relative to the carrier can be referred to herein as a flexural (or bending) stiffness of the bristles.

[0009] The haircare device may comprise various types of device. In some cases, the haircare device is a hairbrush. In some cases, the haircare device is an attachment for a haircare appliance such as a hairdryer or a hair styler.

[0010] The plurality of bristles protrudes from the carrier, which may act as a support for the plurality of bristles. The carrier may be in the form of a membrane which includes a plurality of apertures (openings) through which the plurality of bristles protrudes. The first side of the carrier may be arranged on an outside of haircare device, whilst the second side of the carrier may be arranged on an inside of the haircare device. Each of the plurality of bristles comprises a first portion which protrudes on the first side of the carrier, and a base portion disposed on the second side of the carrier. The first portion of the bristle is thus arranged on an outside of the haircare device, such that it can come in contact with the user’s hair in use. The carrier may also be referred to as a bed.

[0011] Each of the plurality of bristles may be secured (attached, fixed) to the carrier, to prevent the bristles from falling out of the carrier. In particular, each bristle may be secured to the carrier such that a predetermined length of the bristle protrudes on the first side of the carrier. Any suitable means for securing the bristles to the carrier can be used.

[0012] The movable member is arranged next to the second side of the carrier. In other words, the movable member is on the same side of the carrier as the base portions of the bristles. The movable member may thus be located on an inside of the haircare device. For example, the haircare device may comprise a body in which the carrier is provided (the carrier may be mounted in the body, or integrally formed with the body). A cavity (space) may be defined between the second side of the carrier and a wall of body, with the movable member being located in the cavity.

[0013] The movable member is movable relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which the movable member constrains (restricts) movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles, so as to vary the flexural (bending) stiffness of the plurality of bristles. The movable member is arranged to constrain (restrict, limit) movement of the base portions by contacting the base portions. Thus, the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to vary a contact (e.g. an amount of contact) between the movable member and each of the base portions. Various different arrangements of the base portions and the movable member can be used to enable variable constraining of the base portions, several examples of which are described below.

[0014] The actuation mechanism may comprise any suitable mechanism capable of moving the movable member relative to the carrier, including mechanical and / or electrical mechanisms. The actuation mechanism may be manually operable by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the actuation mechanism may be electronically controllable, e.g. a controller may be provide to electronically control the actuation mechanism.

[0015] In this manner, the actuation mechanism can be operated to move the movable member relative to the carrier, to thereby vary the extend to which the movable member constrains the base portions of the bristles. In line with the discussion above, the extent to which the movable member constrains the base portions of the bristles directly affects an ability of the first portions of the bristles to pivot and / or bend relative to the carrier in response to the user running the bristles through hair. Accordingly, the actuation mechanism can be operated to adjust a resistance to pivoting and / or pivoting of the bristles, to suit a particular haircare task and / or hair type.

[0016] The movable member may be movable relative to the carrier to change a distance between the movable member and the carrier. In this manner, the distance between the movable member and the carrier can be adjusted to vary the extent to which the movable member constrains the base portions of the bristles. For example, the distance between the movable member and the carrier can be adjusted to vary an amount of contact between the movable member and the base portions of the bristles, to thereby vary the extent to which movement of the base portions is constrained. The actuation mechanism may accordingly be operable to change the distance between movable member and the carrier, e.g. the actuation mechanism can be operated to move the movable member towards or away from the carrier.

[0017] The movable member may comprise a plurality of engagement portions, the movable member being movable relative to the carrier to engage each of the plurality of engagement portions with a respective base portion of one of the plurality of bristles to thereby constrain movement of the base portion. In this manner, the movable member can be moved to engage the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles in a respective engagement portion, thereby constraining movement of the base portions of the bristles. Each engagement portion is adapted (e.g. positioned and shaped) for engagement with the base portion of a respective bristle, such that engagement between the engagement portion and the base portion constrains movement of the base portion in some way. The plurality of engagement portions can be arranged such that each engagement portion can simultaneously engage the base portion of its respective bristle, such that the flexural stiffness of some or all of the bristles is simultaneously adjusted.

[0018] The movable member may be movable relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which each of the plurality of engagement portions is engaged with its respective base portion, to thereby vary the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained by the movable member. Thus, the movable member can be moved relative to the carrier to continuously (gradually) adjust the extent to which movement of the base portions of the bristles is constrained, thus enabling a continuous adjustment of flexural stiffness of the bristles. For instance, the extent to which movement of the base portions of the bristles is constrained may increase with the extent to which each of the plurality of engagement portions is engaged with its respective base portion.

[0019] The movable member may be movable relative to the carrier between a first position in which each of the plurality of engagement portions is engaged with its respective base portion, and a second position in which the plurality of engagement portions is not engaged with the base portions of the plurality of bristles. Thus, in the first position movement of the base portions is constrained by the movable member, whilst in the second position movement of the base portions is not constrained by the movable member. Accordingly, the bristles may be less resistant to pivoting and / or bending relative to the carrier when the movable member is in the second position, thus providing an impression of reduced bristle stiffness to the user.

[0020] The plurality of engagement portions may comprise a plurality of apertures in the movable member. In this manner, the movable member can be moved relative to the carrier to engage the base portion of each bristle in a respective aperture in the movable member, to thereby constrain movement of the base portions. The apertures in the movable member may correspond to through-holes in the movable member.

[0021] The movable member may be movable relative to the carrier to cause the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles to protrude through a respective one of the plurality of apertures. In this manner, when the base portions of the bristles protrude through the apertures in the movable member, movement of the base portions is constrained (e.g. compared to when the base portions do not protrude into the apertures). Accordingly, the plurality of apertures are arranged (positioned and dimensioned) to receive the base portions of the bristles when the movable member is moved relative to the carrier. For instance, each of the plurality of apertures may be arranged to receive the base portion of a respective bristle when the movable member is moved towards the carrier.

[0022] The base portion of each of the plurality of bristles may have a shape that tapers away from the carrier. In other words, the base portion is larger (has a larger cross-sectional shape) closer to the carrier and is thinner (has a smaller cross-sectional shape) further from the carrier. The tapered shape of the base portion enables an extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained to be varied by varying the extent to which the base portion protrudes into the aperture. In particular, the more the base portion protrudes through the aperture, the more its movement will be constrained by the movable member, due to the base portion becoming larger towards the carrier, i.e. a thickness of the base portion in the aperture increases the more it is inserted into the aperture. Accordingly, the extent to which movement of the base portions is constrained can be increased by moving the movable member towards the carrier, to progressively insert the base portions through the apertures.

[0023] In some examples, the movable member comprises a first side facing towards the carrier and a second, opposite side facing away from the carrier; the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles comprises a connecting portion that extends through a respective one of the plurality of apertures, and a blocking element connected to the connecting portion and located on the second side of the movable member; and the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to bring the blocking element of the base portion of each of the one or more bristles into contact with an edge of a respective one of the apertures to thereby constrain movement of the base portion. In this manner, the movable member can be moved away from the carrier to bring the blocking element of each base portion into contact with the edge of a respective aperture, thereby constraining movement of each base portion. The blocking element is larger than the aperture, i.e. so that the blocking element does not fit through the aperture.

[0024] The blocking element can have a shape that tapers in a direction towards the carrier. This enables the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained to be gradually increased as the movable member is moved away from the carrier.

[0025] The plurality of engagement portions may comprise a plurality of cavities in the movable member, each of the plurality of cavities being arranged to receive the base portion of a respective one of the plurality of bristles. In this manner, the movable member can be moved towards the carrier to insert the base portions into the cavities, thereby constraining movement of the base portions. The cavities may, for example, be in the form of pockets, indents, receptacles, and / or grooves formed in the movable member.

[0026] The base portion of each respective bristle may have a shape that tapers away from the second side of the carrier. In other words, the base portion can be larger (have a larger cross-sectional shape) closer to the second side of the carrier and be thinner (have a smaller cross-sectional shape) further from the carrier, e.g. at its tip. This enables the extent to which movement of the base portions is constrained to be progressively increased as the movable member is moved towards the carrier and as the base portions are progressively received (inserted into) the cavities. In particular, due to the tapering shape of the base portions, the more each base portion is inserted into its respective cavity, the less it will be able to move within the cavity.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of cavities can have a shape that tapers towards a base of the cavity. This provides a similar effect to the tapering shape of the base portions mentioned above. In particular, as a base portion is progressively inserted into a cavity, its movement will be progressively constrained due to the reducing width of the cavity towards its base. Here, the base of a cavity refers to an end of the cavity opposite an opening of the cavity. Thus, the tapering shape of a cavity towards its base means that the cavity has a width which progressively decreases from its opening towards its base.

[0028] The base portion of each respective bristle may have a shape that tapers away from the second side of the carrier at a first taper angle; each of the plurality of cavities may have a shape that tapers towards a base of the cavity at a second taper angle; and the second taper angle may be greater than the first taper angle. The taper angle is defined as an angle relative to a longitudinal direction (i.e. direction aligned with a length of the bristles). So, a larger taper angle means that the shape tapers more quickly (higher rate of taper). Providing the cavity with a larger taper angle enables the cavity to have a relatively large opening, thus facilitating insertion of the base portion, which then narrows to progressively constrain movement of the base portion. Additionally, providing the cavity with a larger taper angle than the base portion allows some movement of the base portion within the cavity as the base portion is inserted into the cavity, until the base portion reaches the base of the cavity. Thus, the different taper angles of the cavity and base portion facilitates progressive adjustment of the extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion.

[0029] The plurality of engagement portions may comprise a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the movable member, each of the plurality of protrusions being arranged for engagement in a respective cavity defined in the base portion of a respective one of the plurality of bristles. In this manner, the movable member can be moved towards the carrier to engage the protrusions on the movable member in the cavities defined in the base portions of the bristles, to thereby constrain movement of the base portions. The cavity in the base portion may correspond to a pocket, indent, receptacle, groove, or any other suitable shape for receiving the corresponding protrusion on the surface of the movable member.

[0030] Each of the plurality of protrusions may have a shape that tapers away from the surface of the movable member. In other words, each protrusion can be larger (have a larger cross- sectional shape) closer to the surface of the movable member and be thinner (have a smaller cross-sectional shape) further from the surface of the movable member, e.g. at its tip. This enables the extent to which movement of the base portions is constrained to be progressively increased as the movable member is moved towards the carrier and as the protrusions are progressively received (inserted into) the cavities in the base portions. In particular, due to the tapering shape of the protrusions, the more a protrusion is inserted into the cavity in the base portion, the less the base portion will be able to move about the protrusion.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the cavity defined in the base portion of each respective bristle may have a shape that tapers towards the second side of the carrier. This provides a similar effect to the tapering shape of the protrusions mentioned above. In particular, as the protrusion is progressively inserted into the cavity in the base portion, movement of the base portion will be progressively constrained due to the reducing width of the cavity towards its base.

[0032] Each of the plurality of protrusions may have a shape that tapers away from the surface of the movable member at a third taper angle; and the cavity defined in the base portion of each respective bristle may have a shape that tapers towards the second side of the carrier at a fourth taper angle; and the fourth taper angle may be greater than the third taper angle. Similarly to the discussion above, providing the cavity in the base portion with a larger taper angle facilitates insertion of the protrusion into the cavity, as well as gradual adjustment of the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained.

[0033] In the above, various examples of engagement portions on the movable member are discussed (e.g. apertures, cavities, protrusions). It should be noted that some examples can combine different types of such engagement portions within a same haircare device, i.e. the invention is not limited to use of a single type of engagement portion on the movable member.

[0034] The movable member may be movable towards the carrier to contact the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles, to thereby constrain movement of the base portion of the one or more bristles. In this manner, a relatively simple (e.g. linear) movement can be used to vary the extent to which movement of the base portions of the bristles is constrained.

[0035] The base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles may be connected to the movable member via an elastic element, and the movable member may be movable relative to the carrier to stretch and / or compress the elastic element to thereby constrain movement of the base portion. In particular, stretching or compressing the elastic element causes the base portion to be held more rigidly relative to the carrier, thus restricting its ability to pivot and / or bend relative to the carrier. For example, the movable member may be movable away from the carrier to stretch the elastic element, to thereby constrain movement of the base portions. As another example, the movable member may be movable towards the carrier to compress the elastic element, to thereby constrain movement of the base portions. A rod may extend from the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles through a respective aperture in the movable member, and the movable member may be movable along the rod to vary a constraint on movement of the base portion. With such a configuration, a position of the movable member along the rod determines the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained. For example, moving the movable member towards the carrier may reduce an extent to which the base portion can move (e.g. pivot and / or bend) relative to the carrier, whilst moving the movable member further from the carrier may increase an extent to which the base portion can move relative to the carrier.

[0036] The movable member may be stiffer than the carrier. In other words, the movable member may be more rigid and less readily bendable than the carrier. In this manner, the movable member can be moved towards the carrier to stiffen (i.e. reinforce) the carrier, whilst the movable member can be moved away from the carrier to allow it to flex more easily. Thus, in addition to controlling behaviour of the bristles, the movable member can also be used to control flexibility of the carrier. For example, where the movable member is movable towards the carrier to contact the base portions of the bristles, the movable member may act to stiffen the carrier when the movable member contacts the base portions of the bristles.

[0037] The haircare device may further comprise a controller configured to control the actuation mechanism. The controller may comprise any suitable computing or processing device(s) capable of controlling the actuation mechanism. The controller may, for example, be implemented using a microcontroller or similar. The controller may have a processing unit (e.g. a processor) and a memory coupled to the processing unit, where the memory stores computer instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to perform control steps for controlling the actuation mechanism.

[0038] The controller may be communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the actuation mechanism, in order to control the actuation mechanism. For example, the controller may be configured to transmit control signals to the actuation mechanism for controlling the actuation mechanism.

[0039] The haircare device may further comprise a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of a pull force on one or more of the plurality of bristles, wherein the controller is configured to control the actuation mechanism based on an output signal from the sensor. In this manner, the controller can automatically control the flexural stiffness of the bristles based on a pull force on the bristles. This enables, for example, the flexural stiffness of the bristles to be adjusted in real-time to suit current usage of the haircare device.

[0040] As a user uses the haircare device and runs the bristles through hair, the bristles may experience a pull force which tends to pull the bristles away from the carrier, due to interactions between the hair and bristles. The sensor can detect (measure) various parameters which are indicative of (related to) the pull force, such as a tension of one or more of the bristles, a strain of one or more of the bristles, and / or force experienced by the carrier. The sensor is communicatively coupled to the controller (via a wired or wireless connection), i.e. so that the sensor can transmit an output signal to the controller indicative of the detected parameter. The controller can then use the output signal received from the sensor as an input for controlling the actuation mechanism.

[0041] The controller may be configured to: determine, based on the output signal from the sensor, if a value of the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; and if the predetermined threshold is determined to be exceeded, control the actuation mechanism to reduce the extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles. In this manner, when the parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically controls the actuation mechanism to reduce the extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portions of the bristles, such that the bristles become more readily pivotable and / or bendable relative to the carrier. So, for example, where the bristles experience a large pull force, flexural stiffness of the bristles is automatically reduced. This may avoid excessive pulling on the user’s hair, which could damage the hair and / or cause discomfort.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a hairbrush;

[0044] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the hairbrush of Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the hairbrush of Figure 1, where a movable member of the hairbrush is in a first position; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the hairbrush of Figure 1, where a movable member of the hairbrush is in a second position;

[0046] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement of the hairbrush of Figure;

[0047] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the hairbrush of Figure 1, where a rotatable knob of the hairbrush is in a first rotational state;

[0048] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the hairbrush of Figure 1, where a rotatable knob of the hairbrush is in a second rotational state;

[0049] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of another hairbrush;

[0050] Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the hairbrush of Figure 8, where the hairbrush is partly disassembled;

[0051] Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement for a hairbrush;

[0052] Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement for a hairbrush;

[0053] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement for a hairbrush;

[0054] Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement for a hairbrush;

[0055] Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bristle arrangement for a hairbrush; and

[0056] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of a control system for a hairbrush.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figs. 1 and 2 show a haircare device in the form of a hairbrush 10. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the hairbrush 10, whilst Fig. 2 shows a top view of the hairbrush 10. The hairbrush 10 comprises a body 12 which is connected to a handle 14. A carrier (or bed) 16 is mounted in the body 12, with a plurality of bristles 18 protruding from an outer surface of the carrier 16, the outer surface being located on a first side of the carrier 16. In the example shown, the plurality of bristles 18 are arranged in two rows, however other numbers and arrangements of bristles may be used.

[0059] Figs. 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views through the body 12 of the hairbrush 10, taken along the A-A plane shown in Fig. 2. For illustration purposes, the handle 14 is not shown in Figs. 3 and 4. As can be seen, each bristle 18 comprises a first portion which protrudes on the first side of the carrier 16 (i.e. from the outer surface of the carrier 16), and a base portion 20 which is disposed on a second, opposite side of the carrier 16. The base portion 20 of each bristle 18 is located in an inner space (or cavity) 22 defined inside the body 12. Each bristle 18 is secured to the carrier 16 to prevent it from falling out of the carrier 16. In more detail, each bristle 18 protrudes through a respective aperture in the carrier 16, and includes an engagement member 24 arranged such that the carrier 16 is clamped between the base portion 20 and the engagement member 24 of the bristle 18.

[0060] A movable member 26 is located in the inner space 22 of the body 12, such that it is arranged next to the second side of the carrier 16. In other words, the movable member 26 is located on the side of the carrier 16 where the base portions 20 of the bristles 18 are disposed. The hairbrush 10 includes an actuation mechanism that is operable to move the movable member 26 relative to the carrier 16. In particular, the actuation mechanism is operable to vary a distance between the movable member 26 and the carrier 16. Any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to move the movable member 26 relative to the carrier 16 are described below. Examples of suitable actuation mechanisms are described below in relation to Figs. 6-9.

[0061] The movable member 26 includes a plurality of engagement portions in the form of a plurality of cavities 28, each cavity 28 being arranged to receive the base portion 20 of a respective bristle 18 when the movable member 26 is moved towards the carrier 16. Fig. 3 shows the movable member 26 in a first position where it is spaced apart from the base portions 20 (i.e. the base portions 20 are not engaged in the cavities 28), and Fig. 4 shows the movable member 26 in a second position where the movable member 26 is moved towards the carrier 16 to engage the base portions 20 in the cavities 28.

[0062] When the base portions 20 of the bristles 18 are engaged (i.e. located) in their respective cavities 28 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 4), this constrains movement of the base portions 20 of the bristles 18. In particular, this limits an extent to which the base portions 20 can pivot or move relative to the carrier 16. This in turn limits an ability of the bristles 18 to pivot and / or bend relative to the carrier 16, which may increase a resistance felt by the user when running the bristles 18 through their hair. On the other hand, when the movable member 26 is spaced from the carrier 16 so that the base portions 20 are not engaged in the cavities 28 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 3), the movable member 26 does not constrain movement of the base portions 20. This allows the bristles 18 to pivot and / or bend more freely relative to the carrier, which may reduce a resistance felt by the user when running the bristles 18 through their hair. The movable member 26 can be moved between the first and second positions shown in Figs. 3 and 4, to vary an extent to which the base portions 20 are engaged in the cavities 28, to thereby control the extent to which movement of the base portions 20 is constrained by the movable member 26. In this manner, a resistance to pivoting and / or bending of the bristles 18 relative to the carrier can be continuously adjusted. The movable member 26 may have a greater stiffness compared to the carrier 16. For example, the movable member 26 may be thicker and / or be made of a stiffer (more rigid) material compared to the carrier 16. This may serve to reinforce the carrier 16 when the movable member 26 is brought into contact with the base portions 20 (as shown in Fig. 4).

[0063] An expanded view around one of the plurality of bristles 18 is shown in Fig. 5. As can be seen, the base portion 20 of the bristle 18 has a shape that tapers away from the carrier 16. In other words, the base portion 20 is larger closer to the carrier 16 and is thinner further from the carrier 16. For example, the base portion 20 can have a substantially conical shape as shown in the example of Fig. 5. The base portion 20 tapers away from the second side of the carrier 16 at a first taper angle 30, which in the example shown corresponds to an opening angle of the conical shape of the base portion 20. Additionally, the cavity 28 has a shape that tapers towards a base of the cavity 28 at a second taper angle 32, such that an opening of the cavity 28 is larger than the base of the cavity 28. For example, the cavity 28 can have a substantially conical shape. The second taper angle 32 corresponds to an opening angle of the conically shaped cavity 28. The second taper angle 32 is larger than the first taper angle 30, meaning that the shape of the base portion 20 has a lower rate of taper (along a longitudinal axis of the bristle 18) compared to the shape of the cavity 28. The tapered shapes of the base portion 20 and the cavity 28 can facilitate engaging the base portion 20 in the cavity 28, and allows progressive adjustment of the extent to which the cavity 28 constrains movement of the base portion 20 as the base portion 20 is moved in and out of the cavity 28.

[0064] It should be noted that, in other example, the base portion 20 and the cavity 28 can have different shapes. For example, the base portion 20 may have a curved or domed shape, in which case the cavity 28 may have a correspondingly curved shape. Where the base portion 20 has a domed shape, the cavity 28 may have a larger radius of curvature compared to a radius of curvature of the dome shape of the base portion 20. Similarly to the discussion above relating to taper angles, this can facilitate insertion of the base portion 20 into the cavity 28, as well as progressive adjustment of the extent to which the cavity 28 constrains movement of the base portion 20. As another example, the base portion 20 and the cavity 28 can have pyramid shapes, e.g. with first and second taper angles as discussed above.

[0065] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a first example of an actuation mechanism that can be used to move the movable member 26 relative to the carrier 16. Figs. 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the hairbrush 10, taken along the B-B plane shown in Fig. 2. The actuation mechanism corresponds to a scotch yoke mechanism including a first pair of rotatable cams (or discs) 36a, 36b which are connected together by a first pin 38, and a second pair of rotatable cams 40a, 40b which are connected together by a second pin 42. The first pair of cams 36a, 36b and the second pair of cams 40a, 40b are rotatably mounted in the inner space 22 inside the body 12. The two pairs of cams are coupled to one another via a connecting rod 34 which is connected between cam 36a and cam 40b, such that the two pairs of cams rotate together about a common axis of rotation. A rotatable knob 44 located at a distal end of the handle 14, and the rotatable knob 44 is connected to the cam 36b via a rod 46 which extends through the handle 14.

[0066] Rotation of the rotatable knob 44 causes rotation of the rod 46, resulting in rotation of the cams 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b about their axis of rotation, which in turn causes the first pin 38 and the second pin 42 to be raised or lowered (depending on a direction of rotation of the rotatable knob 44). The first pin 38 is movable along a first slot 48 formed in the movable member 26, whilst the second pin 42 is movable along a second slot 50 in the movable member. The first slot 48 and the second slot 50 extend in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of the cams 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b. Accordingly, rotation of the cams 36a, 36b, 40a, 40b about their axis of rotation causes the movable member 26 to be moved towards or away from the carrier 16, depending on the direction of rotation. In this manner, the rotatable knob 44 can be rotated to vary a distance between the movable member 26 and the carrier 16. In other words, the actuation mechanism of the hairbrush 10 converts rotational motion of the rotatable knob 44 into a linear movement of the movable member 26 towards or away from the carrier 16. Fig. 6 shows the hairbrush 10 where the rotatable knob 44 is in a first rotational state where the pins 38 and 42 are in a lowered position, such that the movable member 26 is spaced away from the carrier 16 (e.g. as in Fig. 3). Fig. 7 shows the hairbrush 10 where the rotatable knob 44 is in a second rotational state where the pins 38 and 42 are in a raised position, such that the movable member 26 is closer to the carrier 16 (e.g. as in Fig. 4). Thus, the user can rotate the rotatable knob 44 to vary the extent to which the base portions 20 of the bristles 18 are constrained by the movable member 26.

[0067] Figs. 8 and 9 show another haircare device in the form of a hairbrush 60. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the hairbrush 60, whilst Fig. 9 shows a partly disassembled view of the hairbrush 60. The hairbrush 60 functions in a similar way to the hairbrush 10 described above, but includes a different actuation mechanism. The hairbrush 60 includes a body 62, a handle 64 connected to the body 62, a carrier 66, and a plurality of bristles 68 protruding on a first side of the carrier 66. Each bristle 68 includes a base portion (not shown) which is arranged on a second, opposite side of the carrier 66, such that the base portion of the bristle faces into an inner space (cavity) 70 defined within the body 62. The bristles 68 may have a similar shape to the bristles 18 described above. The hairbrush 60 further includes a movable member 72 located in the inner space 70 in the body 62, the movable member 72 being movable relative to the carrier 66. The movable member 72 includes a plurality of engagement portions in the form of a set of grooves (channels) 74 formed in a surface of the movable member 72. The grooves 74 are arranged to receive the base portions of the bristles 68 when the movable member 72 is moved towards the carrier 66, to constrain movement of the base portions. Thus, the grooves 74 provide a corresponding function to the cavities 28 described above.

[0068] The movable member 72 is pivotably connected to the body 62 via a pivot joint 76 located on the body 62 next to the handle 64, such that the movable member 72 is pivotable relative to the body 62 and hence relative to the carrier 66. A lever 78 is further connected to the movable member 72 via the pivot joint 76, such that the lever 78 can be actuated to cause pivoting of the movable member 72. The lever 78 extends adjacent to the handle 64, so that it is easily accessible by the user. In the example shown, pressing the lever 78 towards the handle 64 causes the movable member 72 to pivot so that it is raised towards the carrier 66 to engage the base portions of the bristles 68 in the grooves 74. Releasing the lever 78 results in the movable member 72 dropping away from the carrier 66, so that the base portions of the bristles 68 are not engaged in the grooves 74. Accordingly, the user can control an extent to which movement of the base portions of the bristles 68 is constrained by the movable member 72, by varying an extent to which the lever 78 is pressed towards the handle 64. This allows the user to quickly and easily vary a resistance provided by the bristles 68 when running the bristles 68 through their hair. The movable member 72 may have a greater stiffness (i.e. be more rigid) than the carrier 66. In this manner, when the movable member 72 is pressed against the base portions of the bristles 68, this reinforces the carrier 66 so that the carrier 66 and bristles 68 may appear stiffer to the user.

[0069] Figs. 10-14 show examples of other bristle shapes that can be used in the hairbrush 10 and the hairbrush 60, e.g. instead of the bristle shape shown in Fig. 5. For convenience, the examples of Figs. 10-14 are described in the context of the hairbrush 10, although they are equally applicable to the hairbrush 60. It should be noted that one or more of the examples described in relation to Figs. 5 and 10-14 can be combined within a same haircare device.

[0070] Fig. 10 shows a bristle 100 having a base portion 102 in which a cavity 104 is defined. The movable member 26 includes an engagement portion in the form of a protrusion 106, which is arranged to be received in the cavity 104 when the movable member 26 is moved towards the carrier 16. Engagement of the protrusion 106 in the cavity 104 acts to constrain movement of the base portion 102 of the bristle 100. The protrusion 106 has a shape that tapers away from the surface of the movable member 26 at a third taper angle 108. For example, the protrusion 106 can have a substantially conical shape. Likewise, the cavity 104 has a shape that tapers towards the carrier 16 at a fourth taper angle 109, i.e. an opening of the cavity 104 is larger than a base of the cavity 104. The fourth taper angle 109 is larger than the third taper angle 108. This facilitates insertion of the protrusion 106 into the cavity 104, as well as progressive adjustment of the extent to which movement of the base portion 102 is constrained by the protrusion 106.

[0071] Fig. 11 shows a bristle 110 having a base portion 112 with a connecting portion 114 that extends through an aperture 116 formed in the movable member 26 to connect to a blocking element 118. The blocking element 118 is thus located on a second side of the movable member 26, opposite a first side of the movable member 26 which faces towards the carrier 16. The blocking element 118 is larger than the aperture 116 (i.e. the blocking element 118 does not fit through the aperture 116). Thus, when the movable member 26 is moved away from the carrier 16, an edge of the aperture 116 comes into contact with the blocking element 118, which constrains movement of the base portion 112. On the other hand, moving the movable member 26 towards the carrier 16 disengages the edge of the aperture 116 from the blocking element 118, allowing freer movement of the base portion 112. In particular, the connecting portion 114 is dimensioned to allow some movement of the connecting portion 114 within the aperture 116. The blocking element 118 has a shape that tapers towards the carrier 16. This allows progressive adjustment of the extent to which movement of the base portion 112 is constrained as the movable member 26 is moved away from the carrier 16.

[0072] In some cases, the connecting portion 114 may be made of an elastic (i.e. stretchable) material. Then, when the movable member 26 is progressively moved away from the carrier 16, engagement between the edge of the aperture 116 and the blocking element 118 may cause stretching of the connecting portion 114. Stretching of the connecting portion 114 in this manner may serve to further inhibit movement of the base portion 112 relative to the carrier 16, further increase a resistance to pivoting of the bristle 110.

[0073] Fig. 12 shows a bristle 120 having a base portion 122 which is arranged to protrude through an aperture 124 in the movable member 26 when the movable member 26 is moved towards the carrier 16. When the base portion 122 protrudes through the aperture 124, the movable member 26 constrains movement of the base portion 122. The movable member 26 may be moved away from the carrier 16 so that the base portion 122 no longer protrudes through the aperture 124, such that the movable member 26 no longer constrains movement of the base portion 122. The base portion has 122 a shape that tapers away from the carrier 16, e.g. the base portion 122 may have a substantially conical shape. This facilitates inserting the base portion 122 through the aperture 124, and allows progressive adjustment of the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained by varying an extent to which the base portion 122 protrudes through the aperture 124.

[0074] Fig. 13 shows a bristle 130 having a base portion 132 having an engagement surface 134 that faces towards the movable member 26. In the example shown, the engagement surface 134 is substantially planar, although it may have other shapes in other examples. The movable member 26 is movable toward the carrier 16 to contact the engagement surface 134 and thereby constrain movement of the base portion 132. The engagement surface 134 may provide a relatively large contact area with the movable member (e.g. compared with a cross-sectional are of the bristle 130), so as to effectively restrict movement of the base portion 132. Moving the movable member 26 away from the carrier 16 disengages the movable member 26 from the engagement surface 134, such that movement of the base portion 132 is no longer constrained by the movable member 26.

[0075] Fig. 14 shows a bristle 140 having a base portion 142 with a rod 144 that extends away from the carrier 16 and through an aperture 146 in the movable member 26. The movable member 26 is movable along the rod 144, to vary an extent to which the movable member 26 constrains movement of the base portion 142. In particular, moving the movable member 26 towards the carrier 16 reduces an extent to which the base portion 142 can move (e.g. pivot and / or bend) relative to the carrier 16, whilst moving the movable member 26 further from the carrier 16 increases an extent to which the base portion 142 can move relative to the carrier 16.

[0076] In the examples described so far, a manually operable actuation mechanism is used for moving the movable member relative to the carrier. For example, in hairbrush 10, the knob 44 is rotatable to move the movable member 26, whilst in hairbrush 60 the lever 78 is pivotable to move the movable member 72. In other examples, movement of the movable member relative to the carrier can be controlled electronically.

[0077] Fig. 15 shows a schematic diagram of a control system 150 for a haircare device. The control system 150 can, for example, be implemented in the hairbrush 10 and the hairbrush 60 described above, e.g. instead of or in addition to the manually operable actuation mechanisms already described. The control system 150 includes an electronically controllable actuation mechanism 152 for moving the movable member relative to the carrier. For example, the actuation mechanism 152 may include an electrical motor. In the context of the hairbrush 10, the actuation mechanism 152 may include an electrical motor configured to rotate the rod 46. In the context of the hairbrush 60, the actuation mechanism 152 may include an electrical motor configured to pivoting of the movable member 72 about the pivot joint 76.

[0078] The control system 150 further includes a controller 154 which is connected to the actuation mechanism 152, and configured to control operation of the actuation mechanism 152. The controller 154 may be implemented via a microcontroller or any suitable type of computing device. The controller 154 can control the actuation mechanism 152, for example by outputting a control signal to the actuation mechanism. The controller 154 may be configured to control the actuation mechanism 152 based on a user input received via a user interface 156, such as a button, switch, toggle, or the like. For example, the user interface 156 may enable the user to select and / or adjust a level of resistance provided by the bristles, and the controller 154 can control the actuation mechanism 152 to move the movable member to a position corresponding to the selected resistance level.

[0079] The control system 150 may further comprise a sensor 158 configured to detect a parameter indicative of a pull force on one or more of the bristles of the haircare device. For example, the sensor 158 may be configured to detect a parameter such as pull force, tension, or strain on one or more of the bristles. The sensor 158 is connected to the controller 154, such that the controller 154 is arranged to receive an output signal from the sensor 158, the output signal being indicative of a value of the detected parameter. The controller 154 is configured to control the actuation mechanism 152 based on (as a function of) the output signal received from the sensor 158. For example, the controller 154 may be configured to determine, based on the output signal from the sensor 158, a current value of the detected parameter. If the detected value exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the controller 154 is configured to control the actuation mechanism 152 to move the movable member in order to reduce an extent to which the base portions of the bristles are constrained by the movable member. For example, in the context of the hairbrush 10, the controller 154 may control the actuation mechanism 152 to move the movable member 26 away from the carrier 16 if the detected value exceeds the predetermined threshold. In this manner, if a large pull force is exerted on the bristles, the controller 154 can automatically control the actuation mechanism 152 to reduce a resistance of the bristles to pivoting and / or bending.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A haircare device comprising: a carrier; a plurality of bristles protruding on a first side of the carrier, each bristle comprising a base portion disposed on a second, opposite side of the carrier; a movable member movable relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles; and an actuation mechanism operable to move the movable member relative to the carrier.

2. A haircare device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to change a distance between the movable member and the carrier.

3. A haircare device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable member comprises a plurality of engagement portions, the movable member being movable relative to the carrier to engage each of the plurality of engagement portions with a respective base portion of one of the plurality of bristles to thereby constrain movement of the base portion.

4. A haircare device according to claim 3, wherein the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to vary an extent to which each of the plurality of engagement portions is engaged with its respective base portion, to thereby vary the extent to which movement of the base portion is constrained by the movable member.

5. A haircare device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movable member is movable relative to the carrier between a first position in which each of the plurality of engagement portions is engaged with its respective base portion, and a second position in which the plurality of engagement portions is not engaged with the base portions of the plurality of bristles.

6. A haircare device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the plurality of engagement portions comprises a plurality of apertures in the movable member.

7. A haircare device according to claim 6, wherein the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to cause the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles to protrude through a respective one of the plurality of apertures; and optionally wherein the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles has a shape that tapers away from the carrier.

8. A haircare device according to claim 6, wherein: the movable member comprises a first side facing towards the carrier and a second, opposite side facing away from the carrier; the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles comprises a connecting portion that extends through a respective one of the plurality of apertures, and a blocking element connected to the connecting portion and located on the second side of the movable member; and the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to bring the blocking element of the base portion of each of the one or more bristles into contact with an edge of a respective one of the apertures to thereby constrain movement of the base portion.

9. A haircare device according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the plurality of engagement portions comprises a plurality of cavities in the movable member, each of the plurality of cavities being arranged to receive the base portion of a respective one of the plurality of bristles.

10. A haircare device according to claim 9, wherein: the base portion of each respective bristle has a shape that tapers away from the second side of the carrier; and / or each of the plurality of cavities has a shape that tapers towards a base of the cavity.

11. A haircare device according to claim 9, wherein: the base portion of each respective bristle has a shape that tapers away from the second side of the carrier at a first taper angle; each of the plurality of cavities has a shape that tapers towards a base of the cavity at a second taper angle; and the second taper angle is greater than the first taper angle.

12. A haircare device according to any of claims 3 to 11, wherein the plurality of engagement portions comprises a plurality of protrusions on a surface of the movable member, each of the plurality of protrusions being arranged for engagement in a respective cavity defined in the base portion of a respective one of the plurality of bristles.

13. A haircare device according to claim 12, wherein: each of the plurality of protrusions has a shape that tapers away from the surface of the movable member; and / or the cavity defined in the base portion of each respective bristle has a shape that tapers towards the second side of the carrier.

14. A haircare device according to claim 13, wherein: each of the plurality of protrusions has a shape that tapers away from the surface of the movable member at a third taper angle; and the cavity defined in the base portion of each respective bristle has a shape that tapers towards the second side of the carrier at a fourth taper angle; and the fourth taper angle is greater than the third taper angle.

15. A haircare device according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable member is movable towards the carrier to contact the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles, to thereby constrain movement of the base portion of the one or more bristles.

16. A haircare device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles is connected to the movable member via an elasticelement, and wherein the movable member is movable relative to the carrier to stretch and / or compress the elastic element to thereby constrain movement of the base portion.

17. A haircare device according to any preceding claim, wherein a rod extends from the base portion of one or more of the plurality of bristles through a respective aperture in the movable member, and wherein the movable member is movable along the rod to vary a constraint on movement of the base portion.

18. A haircare device according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable member is stiffer than the carrier.

19. A haircare device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a controller configured to control the actuation mechanism.

20. A haircare device according to claim 19, further comprising a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of a pull force on one or more of the plurality of bristles, wherein the controller is configured to control the actuation mechanism based on an output signal from the sensor.

21. A haircare device according to claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on the output signal from the sensor, if a value of the parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; and if the predetermined threshold is determined to be exceeded, control the actuation mechanism to reduce the extent to which the movable member constrains movement of the base portion of each of the plurality of bristles.

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