Hair styling apparatus including actuator and inlet

Abstract

A hair styling apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, and a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair. The hair engagement assembly is positionable relative to the housing. The hair styling apparatus includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to cause the hair engagement assembly to move. The hair styling apparatus also includes an inlet on the actuator for airflow to enter the passageway, an outlet for the airflow to exit the passageway, and a fan configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet on the actuator and direct the airflow through the passageway toward the outlet. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow exits the passageway.

Description

HAIR STYLING APPARATUS INCLUDING ACTUATOR ANDINLETCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 652,825 filed May 29, 2024. which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a hair styling apparatus and, more particularly, to a hair styling apparatus having an actuator for adjusting a position of a hair styling member and an inlet on the actuator.BACKGROUND

[0003] At least some hair styling apparatuses have a hair engagement assembly that interacts with hair to perform a styling operation. For example, some hair styling apparatus have a pair of arms that are hingedly connected to permit manual opening and closing of the arms relative to one another. Hair can be selectively clamped between the hingedly connected arms to straighten or curl the hair. Each arm ty pically includes a hair heating surface that is heated during the styling operation. During use, hair is positioned between the hair heating surfaces and the hair is styled (e.g., straightened or curled). However, the hair styling apparatus may be difficult to operate and / or maneuver relative to the hair to provide a desired hair styling effect. For example, the user may have to clamp hair between the arms and manually position the hair styling apparatus at different orientations relative to the hair to provide a desired hair styling effect. The hair styling apparatus may be bulky and difficult for the user to handle.

[0004] Also, at least some hair styling apparatuses include an airflow system that is configured to provide airflow to hair during a hair styling operation. For example, airflow may be drawn into an inlet on the hair styling apparatus and emitted from an outlet or nozzle toward the hair. However, the inlet and the outlet may not be in a position that facilitates efficient airflow into and through the hair styling apparatus during operation of the hairstyling apparatus. Also, the inlet and the outlet may require additional components such as grills, extensions, or nozzles to be added to the hair styling apparatus. In addition, the inlet and the outlet may affect the form factor of the hair styling apparatus.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a hair styling apparatus that is compact and simple to operate. Moreover, it is desirable for the hair styling apparatus to perform multiple hair styling functions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] In one aspect, a hair styling apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, and a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair. The hair engagement assembly is positionable relative to the housing. The hair styling apparatus includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to cause the hair engagement assembly move. The hair sty ling apparatus also includes an inlet on the actuator for airflow to enter the passageway, an outlet for the airflow to exit the passageway, and a fan configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet on the actuator and direct the airflow through the passageway toward the outlet. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow exits the passageway.

[0007] In another aspect, a hair styling apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing, and a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly and configured to rotate relative to the housing. The hair styling apparatus includes an actuator connected to the housing and configured to induce rotation of the rotor. The air styling apparatus also includes a fan positioned along the passageway and arranged to generate an airflow through the passageway, and an inlet on the actuator for the airflow to enter the passageway. The fan is configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet on the actuator.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a hair styling apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, and a trigger extending out from an exterior of the housing and accessible by a user. The trigger is operable to move between a first position and a second position in response to contact by the user. The trigger includes at least one sidewall and a contact surface that is contacted by the user. The hair styling apparatus also includes an inlet forairflow to enter the passageway, an outlet for the airflow to exit the passageway, and a fan configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet and direct the airflow through the passageway toward the outlet. The inlet includes an opening defined in the sidewall of the trigger. The outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward hair when the airflow exits the passageway.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarily depicted to scale.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that the various features, steps, and combinations of features / steps described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hair styling apparatus, according to one suitable embodiment of the present disclosure, the hair styling apparatus including a hair engagement assembly in a first position, the hair engagement assembly being movable between the first position and a second position;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1, with the hair engagement assembly in the second position;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1, illustrating an actuator on the hair sty ling apparatus;

[0015] Fig. 4 is another side view of a hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 5 is atop view of the hair sty ling apparatus of Fig. 1, with the hair engagement assembly in the first position;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a top view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1 , with the hair engagement assembly in the second position;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the hair styling apparatus of Fig. 1;

[0019] Fig. 8 is a front end view of the hair sty ling apparatus;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a rear end view of the hair styling apparatus;

[0021] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hair sty ling apparatus taken along section line 10-10 in Fig. 3;

[0022] Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the hair styling apparatus taken along section line 11-11 in Fig. 5;

[0023] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hair styling apparatus taken along section line 12-12 in Fig. 5;

[0024] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hair styling apparatus, illustrating a trigger of the actuator of the hair styling apparatus;

[0025] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the trigger of the hair styling apparatus;

[0026] Fig. 15 is a side view of the trigger;

[0027] Fig. 16 is bottom view of the trigger; and

[0028] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hair styling apparatus, with a part of a housing of the hair styling apparatus removed and illustrating a rotor connected to the actuator of the hair styling apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As used herein, “hair styler” and “hair styling apparatus'’ may be used interchangeably without departing from the spirit / scope of this disclosure.

[0030] As used herein, “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherw ise.

[0031] As used herein, the term ‘'about” refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of + / - 15% or less, preferably variations of + / - 10% or less, more preferably variations of + / - 5% or less, even more preferably variations of + / - 1% or less, and still more preferably variations of + / - 0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the invention described herein. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself specifically disclosed herein.

[0032] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, and the like, are used for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s). It is further understood that the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “top”, and “bottom” are not intended to be limiting and are intended to be interchangeable, where appropriate. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or relative importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, and the like, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “configure(s)”, “configuring”, and the like, refer to the capability of a component and / or assembly, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations, and any combinations thereof.

[0035] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.

[0036] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any andall examples, or exemplar}’ language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention or any embodiments unless otherwise claimed.

[0037] Any combination or permutation of features, functions and / or embodiments as disclosed herein is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed systems, methods and assemblies of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0038] Referring now to the figures and in particular to Figs. 1 and 2, a hair styling apparatus, indicated generally at 10, includes a hair engagement assembly 12, a housing 14, and a power cord 16 (e.g., partially illustrated in Figs. 1-4 and 9). For example, the housing 14 extends along a longitudinal axis 18 and defines a handle 20 for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling apparatus.

[0039] The hair engagement assembly 12 is movably connected to the housing 14 such that the hair engagement assembly 12 is positionable relative to the housing 14 between, for example, a first position (shown in Fig. 1) and a second position (shown in Fig. 2). For example, the hair engagement assembly 12 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 18 of the housing 14 between the first position and the second position. The hair engagement assembly 12 is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 18 between any number of positions and not just the first position and the second position shown in the Figures.

[0040] The hair styling apparatus 10 includes an actuator 22 connected to the housing 14 and configured to rotate the hair engagement assembly 12 between the first position and the second position. The actuator 22 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 includes a trigger 24 extending outward from an exterior of the housing 14 and accessible by a user. In the illustrated example, the trigger 24 of the actuator 22 is located next to the handle 20 and is selectively operable by the user when the user grasps the handle 20.

[0041] Referring now to Figs. 3-7, the hair engagement assembly 12 includes an upper head 26, an upper heat plate 28, a lower head 30, and a lower heat plate 32. The upperhead 26 and the lower head 30 extend along and around the longitudinal axis 18 and form an exterior hair contact surface 34 of the hair styling apparatus 10. Suitably, the hair engagement assembly 12 is shaped for hair to be wrapped around the exterior hair contact surface 34 during a styling operation. For example, the exterior hair contact surface 34 is curved to form a barrel or cylinder for curling hair. In other embodiments, the exterior hair contact surface 34 may be planar, curved, twisted, and combinations thereof.

[0042] In addition, the hair engagement assembly 12 defines a gap 36 between the upper head 26 and the lower head 30 and extending along the longitudinal axis 18. The upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32 extend along the longitudinal axis 18 on opposite sides of the gap 36 and define a space therebetween for hair to be received within the gap 36. During use, hair may be positioned within the gap 36 and between the upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32 for delivering heat to the hair during a hair styling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32 are planar and parallel to each other and may provide a straightening action or other styling action to hair positioned between the upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32 during a hair styling operation. In other embodiments, the upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32 may be planar, curved, twisted, and combinations thereof.

[0043] As seen in Figs. 3, 4, and 8, the upper head 26 includes an upper tapered end 38, and the lower head 30 includes a lower tapered end 40. The tapered ends 38. 40 are positioned on an end of the hair styling apparatus 10 opposite the end where the power cord 16 extends outwardly from the hair styling apparatus 10. The tapered ends 38, 40 are positioned on either side of the gap 36 and along the longitudinal axis 18 such that the longitudinal axis 18 extends between tapered ends 38. 40. The tapered ends 38, 40 are tapered inward toward the longitudinal axis 18 and may guide hair into the gap 36 between the upper head 26 and the lower head 30.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling apparatus 10 is a multipurpose styler and can be used for different styling operations. For example, the hair styling apparatus 10 can be used for straightening hair or curling hair. In addition, the hair engagement assembly 12 of the hair styling apparatus 10 is positionable to facilitate one or more of the styling operations. For example, the hair engagement assembly 12 seen in theaccompanying drawings rotates approximately 90° between the first position (shown in Fig. 1) and the second position (shown in Fig. 2) and may perform a styling operation for hair wrapped around the exterior hair contact surface 34 and / or hair positioned within the gap 36 when the hair engagement assembly 12 rotates. For example, the rotation of the hair engagement assembly 12 may facilitate providing a curl or other styling effect to the hair.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 10-12, the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12 define a passageway 42 extending from an inlet 44 on the trigger 24 of the actuator 22 to an outlet 46 on the hair engagement assembly 12. The inlet 44 on the trigger 24 facilitates the hair styling apparatus 10 having a more compact form factor. Moreover, the inlet 44 is incorporated into another functional component of the hair styling apparatus 10 (e.g., the trigger 24) and does not require an extra component or extension be added to the hair styling apparatus 10.

[0046] The passageway 42 extends at least partly along the longitudinal axis 18 between the inlet 44 and the outlet 46. The passageway 42 is arranged for airflow 49 to flow through the hair styling apparatus 10 during operation of the hair styling apparatus 10. For example, in some embodiments, one or more heating members may be positioned along the passageway 42 and arranged to deliver heat to the airflow 49 within the passageway 42. The airflow 49 is directed towards hair after flowing through the passageway 42. The airflow 49 may facilitate the hair styling apparatus 10 providing a styling effect to the hair.

[0047] In addition, the hair styling apparatus 10 includes a fan 48 and a motor 50 operatively connected to the fan 48. The fan 48 and the motor 50 are enclosed within the housing 14. As seen in Figs. 10 and 11, the fan 48 is positioned along the passageway 42 and in flow communication with the inlet 44 and the outlet 46. During operation, the motor 50 is configured to induce rotation of the fan 48 within the housing 14 when the motor 50 receives power from a power source. When the fan 48 rotates, the fan 48 is configured to draw the airflow 49 into the passageway 42 through the inlet 44 and direct the airflow 49 through the passageway toward the outlet 46. In some embodiments, a rotational speed of the fan 48 may be adjusted to regulate the flow rate of the airflow 49 that is emitted from the outlets 46.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper head 26 and the lower head 30 define a plurality of openings 52 forming the outlet 46. With reference to Figs. 7 and 11, theopenings 52 are arranged in rows aligned along the longitudinal axis 18 and spaced apart around a circumference of the exterior hair contact surface 34. In addition, the openings 52 in the illustrated embodiment have different sizes. With reference still to Fig. 7, the openings 52 are arranged in alternating rows of larger and smaller diameters. Moreover, the rows of the openings 52 are staggered in the circumferential direction such that the openings 52 in each row are offset from the openings 52 in the adjacent rows. As a result, the openings 52 are arranged to direct the airflow 49 toward the hair when the hair is wrapped around the exterior hair contact surface 34 and provide an increased area for air to exit the passageway 42 through the outlet 46. In other suitable embodiments, the upper head 26 and / or the lower head 30 may not include any of the openings 52 and / or the openings 52 may be positioned on other components of the hair sty ling apparatus 10. For example, in some embodiments, the heat plates 28, 32 may include the openings 52 of the outlet 46.

[0049] As seen in Figs. 13-17, the trigger 24 includes a contact surface 54 and a skirt 56 extending along an edge of the contact surface 54. The contact surface 54 is arranged to be contacted by a user for operating the actuator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 54 is free of any openings. In one suitable embodiment, the contact surface 54 is a stadium shape having two linear, parallel edges and two rounded edges. However, in other embodiments, the contact surface 54 may be any suitable shape such as, for example and without limitation, rectangular, triangular, ellipsoid, circular, and / or a polygonal.

[0050] The skirt 56 extends perpendicular to the contact surface 54 and around the entire circumference of the contact surface 54. The skirt 56 includes a pair of sidewalls 58 extending between a pair of end walls 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the end walls 60 have different heights. Also, the sidewalls 58 are angled between the end walls 60. As seen in Fig. 13, the end wall 60 at a pivot end of the trigger 24 is shorter than the other end wall 60. In addition, the sidewalls 58 have a height that increases from the pivot end to the other end of the trigger 24. Accordingly, the trigger 24 has an angled or triangular profile which facilitates pivoting action of the trigger 24.

[0051] The sidewalls 58 of the skirt 56 define a plurality' of openings 62 and recesses 64 that form the inlet 44 of the hair styling apparatus 10. The openings 62 are positioned on multiple sides (e.g., the left sidewall 58 and the right sidewall 58) of the trigger24 to provide an increased area for air to enter the inlet 44. In one suitable embodiment, the end walls 60 are free of any openings 62. However, the end walls 60 may include the openings 62 in some suitable embodiments.

[0052] The openings 62 are arranged in rows and positioned in the recesses 64. Each recess 64 is elongate and includes a single row of the openings 62. The recesses 64 facilitate airflow reaching the openings 62. In some embodiments, the recesses 64 extend along the sidewalls 58 past the housing 14 and the airflow 49 flows through the recesses 64 and directly into the passageway 42 without necessarily flowing through the openings 62.

[0053] The contact surface 54 and the skirt 56 of the trigger 24 define a cavity 66 in flow communication with the openings 62 and with the passageway 42 defined by the housing 14. For example, the trigger 24 has an end opposite the contact surface 54 that is open to the passageway 42. During operation of the hair styling apparatus 10, the airflow 49 is drawn into the inlet 44 through the openings 62 and flows through the cavity 66 of the trigger 24 and into the passageway 42. as seen in Figs. 10 and 17.

[0054] As seen in Figs. 10, 12, and 16, the trigger 24 includes an interior divider wall 68 extending from the contact surface 54 and between the sidewalls 58. The interior divider wall 68 is parallel to the sidewalls 58. In addition, the interior divider wall 68 has a height that is less than the height of the sidewalls 58. The interior divider wall 68 redirects the airflow 49 that enters the cavity 66 through the openings 62. The interior divider wall 68 redirects the airflow^ 49 towards the passageway 42. In other suitable embodiments, the interior divider wall 68 has a different shape or is omitted.

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1 , 2, 5, 6, 10, and 17, the trigger 24 is movably connected to the housing 14 by, for example, at least one pin 70 (Fig. 17) connected to the sidew^alls 58 adjacent the pivot end of the trigger 24. The pin 70 facilitates rotation of the trigger 24 relative to the housing 14 but the pin 70 is fixed against sliding motion relative to the housing 14. The trigger 24 is configured to pivot about the pin 70 and be displaced at least partly into the housing 14 when a user presses on the trigger 24. The pin 70 extends from a shorter end of the skirt 56 and engages the housing 14. The skirt 56 is in sliding contact with the housing 14 and is positioned at least partly on an exterior of the cavity of the housing 14 when the trigger 24 is in a first position. When pressed, the trigger 24 pivots about the pin 70 and theexposed portions of the skirt 56 slide relative to the housing 14 and into the cavity of the housing 14. The skirt 56 is positioned at least partly within the cavity of the housing 14 when the trigger 24 is in the second position. A catch or flange 71 extends outward from the skirt 56 opposite the pin 70 and engages a groove 73 on the housing 14 to limit movement of the trigger 24 and secure the trigger 24 in the first position. A bias member, e.g., a spring 84, biases the trigger 24 toward the first position.

[0056] The trigger 24 is movable between a first position (Figs. 1 and 5) and a second position (Figs. 2 and 6). More specifically, the trigger 24 moves between the first position and the second position in response to a user pressing on the contact surface 54 of the trigger 24. The contact surface 54 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 18 when the trigger 24 is in the first position. The contact surface 54 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 when the trigger 24 is in the second position. The contact surface 54 of the trigger 24 may be flush with the housing 14 when the trigger 24 is in the second position.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 17, the actuator 22 includes a gear assembly 82. The gear assembly 82 may include any suitable type of gear. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear assembly 82 includes a sliding gear 86 and one or more rotary gears 88. The gears 86, 88 include teeth that are intermeshed with each other and arranged to induce movement of a rotor 72 within the housing 14. The gear assembly 82 is at least partly enclosed in a gear housing 90 located within the housing 14.

[0058] As seen in Fig. 17, the gear assembly 82 is engaged with and caused to rotate by the trigger 24. The trigger 24 includes a protuberance 74 that extends downward from the skirt 56 and is configured to engage the sliding gear 86. The gear assembly 82 translates linear motion of the trigger 24 (e.g., motion of the trigger 24 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18) into rotational motion (e.g., rotation of the rotor 72 about the longitudinal axis 18). The sliding gear 86 of the gear assembly 82 is connected to the moving end of the trigger 24. The sliding gear 86 includes an open end that receives the protuberance 74 on the tngger 24 and teeth that are intermeshed with teeth on one or more rotary gears 88 drivingly engaged with the shaft 80. When the trigger 24 is displaced, the trigger 24 causes linear movement of the sliding gear 86. Linear movement of the sliding gear 86 causes rotation of the rotarygears 88. actuator 22 activates the rotor 72 within the housing 14 and the rotor 72 causes rotation of the hair engagement assembly 12. In the example, the actuator 22 is a manual actuator and is configured to cause the hair engagement assembly 12 to change positions without an external power source or a motor to drive the trigger 24 or the gears 86. 88.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 10, the spring 84 is arranged to provide a bias force to bias the trigger 24 toward the first, extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 84 is a helical compression spring and is positioned between the housing 14 and the sliding gear 86 to provide a bias force opposed to the sliding action of the sliding gear 86. The spring 84 causes the trigger 24 to return to the first position when a pressing force is released from the contact surface 54. In other embodiments, the actuator 22 may include a leaf spring or any suitable bias member.

[0060] Referring to Figs. 10-12, the gear assembly 82 of the actuator 22 is connected to the rotor 72 by the shaft 80. One of the rotary gears 88 is mounted to the shaft 80 to rotate with the shaft 80. The rotary gear 88 on the shaft is intermeshed with others of the rotary gears 88. The rotary gears 88 are caused to rotate by the sliding gear 86 and rotation of the rotary gears 88 causes rotation of the shaft 80 and the rotor 72 connected to the shaft 80.

[0061] As seen in Figs. 10. 11. and 17 the rotor 72 movably connects the hair engagement assembly 12 to the housing 14. The rotor 72 extends longitudinally outward from the housing 14 and is connected to the hair engagement assembly 12. A bushing 78 extends between the rotor 72 and the housing 14 to provide support for the rotor 72 and facilitate rotation of the rotor 72 relative to the housing 14. Also, the rotor 72 at least partly defines a portion of the passageway 42 for the airflow 49 to transition between the hair engagement assembly 12 and the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 72 is a hollow bracket having a first end connected to the shaft 80 and a second, ring shaped end connected to the hair engagement assembly 12. In addition, the ends of the rotor 72 within the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12 are open to facilitate airflow therethrough. The rotor 72 is solid and free of openings at a joint between the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12 to prevent the airflow 49 from leaking out of the passageway 42.

[0062] Suitably, the fan 48 is mounted within the rotor 72. Accordingly, the fan 48 is positioned along the passageway 42 and between the inlet 44 on the actuator 22 and the outlet 46 on the exterior hair contact surface 34. The position of the fan 48 facilitates efficient airflow through the passageway 42 and facilitates the hair styling apparatus 10 having a more compact form factor. The fan 48 may be arranged to rotate with the rotor 72 or fixed against rotation with the rotor 72.

[0063] During operation, the trigger 24 is pressed downward into the housing 14. The trigger 24 moves into the housing 14 and causes linear movement of the sliding gear 86. The movement of the sliding gear 86 induces the rotary gears 88 to rotate. The rotary gears 88 cause the shaft 80 to rotate and the shaft 80 induces rotation of the rotor 72 about the longitudinal axis 18. The rotor 72 causes the hair engagement assembly 12 connected to the rotor 72 to rotate, e.g., between the first position and the second position. The rotation of the hair engagement assembly 12 is not limited and the hair engagement assembly 12 can continually rotate about the longitudinal axis for a full rotation and more. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair engagement assembly 12 rotates based on the force applied to the trigger 24. Accordingly, a user does not need to determine or input movement parameters for the hair engagement assembly 12. The user simply presses the trigger 24 and the hair engagement assembly 12 rotates the defined amount and provides a precise styling action each time. The hair engagement assembly 12 remains in the rotated position when the trigger 24 is released. The hair engagement assembly 12 rotates further in the same direction when the trigger 24 is pressed again.

[0064] Hair styling apparatus 10 includes at least one heating element 94, 96 configured to deliver heat to the upper heat plate 28 and the lower heat plate 32. An upper heating element 94 is positioned next to and connected to the upper heat plate 28, and a lower heating element 96 is positioned next to and connected to the lower heat plate 32. In some suitable embodiments, hair styling apparatus 10 may include a plurality of heating elements connected to the upper heat plate 28 and a plurality of heating elements connected to the lower heat plate 32.

[0065] The heating elements 94, 96 may be operated at various temperature profiles to provide a desired temperature profile for the heat plates 28, 32. In one instance, theheating elements 94, 96 may be operated at a first temperature when there is no hair interacting with the hair engagement assembly 12 and a second temperature when hair is contacting the hair engagement assembly 12. The upper heating element 94 and the lower heating element 96 may be operated at a similar temperature or at different temperatures. The heating elements 94, 96 may be activated / deactivated at temperature set points to maintain the heat plates 28, 32 at set operating temperatures. In some embodiments, the heating elements 94, 96 may be operated such that the heat plates 28, 32 are at a temperature between about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and about 270 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0066] For operating the hair styling apparatus 10, the hair sty ling apparatus 10 may include a power button (or “ON / OFF” switch), a temperature increase button (or “UP” switch), a temperature decrease button (or “DOWN” switch), and / or a fan speed button. In other embodiments, the hair styling apparatus 10 may be configured in any manner that facilitates user operation of the hair styling apparatus 10 as set forth herein (e.g., the hair styling apparatus 10 may have any suitable number of buttons and displays arranged in any suitable manner). For example, the hair styling apparatus 10 may include a graphical user interface (e.g., an LCD display and / or LEDs). The hair styling apparatus 10 may also include a temperature indicator to display the current and / or desired temperature and / or a fan indicator to indicate an operating state of the fan 48. The hair styling apparatus 10 may also include a mode selector (e.g., selection of a straightening mode or a curling mode). In some embodiments, the mode selector may also include a power selection (e.g., selection of an “OFF / ON” mode or a “High / Low” mode). Hair styling apparatus 10 may also include a mode indicator that displays which of the modes is selected. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling apparatus 10 includes a plurality of buttons 92 (or similar functioning elements, e.g., toggles, switches. IR) for controlling temperature, fan speed, mode, power, etc.

[0067] Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 10, and 17, in operation, a user grasps the handle 20 of the hair styling apparatus 10 and positions hair around the exterior hair contact surface 34 and / or within the gap 36. The hair wrapped around the exterior hair contact surface 34 is arranged to receive the airflow- 49 emitted from the outlets 46. If positioned within the gap 36, the hair extends across and contacts inner hair heating surfaces of the upper and low erheat plates 28, 32. Heat may be delivered to the hair positioned within the gap 36 through at least one of heat plates 28, 32.

[0068] With the hair positioned on the exterior hair contact surface 34 and / or within the gap 36, the user activates the actuator 22 to cause the hair engagement assembly 12 to move. More specifically, the user presses the trigger 24 into the housing 14 and the actuator 22 causes the hair engagement assembly 12 to rotate. The hair is rotated with the hair engagement assembly 12 and the rotation facilitates a styling operation for the hair such as straightening, curling, and combinations thereof. The hair styling apparatus 10 with the hair engagement assembly 12 in the rotated position is moved along the hair or held in position on the hair to perform a hair styling operation. The trigger 24 may be released and the hair engagement assembly 12 remains in the rotated position. The trigger 24 may be pressed again to rotate the hair engagement assembly 12.

[0069] In addition, if the fan 48 is activated, the airflow 49 is drawn through the openings 62 and / or the recesses 64 of the inlet 44 and through the cavity 66 of the trigger 24 and / or into the passageway 42. Suitably, the openings 62 and the recesses 64 of the inlet 44 are not obstructed when the user grasps the handle 20 because the inlet 44 is located on the trigger 24. The airflow 49 within the cavity 66 is redirected by the interior divider wall 68 and flows into the passageway 42. The airflow 49 in the passageway 42 flows through housing 14 and into the joint between the housing 14 and the hair engagement assembly 12 formed by the rotor 72. The airflow 49 flows through the fan 48 positioned within the rotor 72 and is directed towards the upper and lower heads 26, 30 and is emitted from the openings 52 of the outlet 46 in a direction towards the hair.

[0070] The airflow before, during, and / or after the hair engagement assembly 12 is rotated for a hair styling operation. The user may activate the fan 48 prior to or after actuating the trigger 24 to perform a hair styling operation. The airflow' may facilitate the hair styling operation, for example, by heating hair to prepare the hair for styling and / or setting the hair after a styling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 48 is activated using the buttons 92. In some embodiments, the fan 48 may be activated in coordination with movement of the trigger 24 and / or the hair engagement assembly 12.

[0071] Any of the operating steps may be repeated any number of times and in any order. For example, after a styling operation is performed for a section of hair, the hair may be removed from the hair engagement assembly 12 and a new section of hair positioned relative to the hair engagement assembly 12 for styling.

[0072] The hair styling apparatus described herein are more compact and simpler to use than conventional hair styling apparatus. In addition, the hair styling apparatus include an inlet that is positioned to provide efficient operation of the hair styling apparatus. In addition, the hair styling apparatus includes a hair engagement assembly that is positionable to provide for multiple styling operations and to simplify user operation.

[0073] While the disclosure references example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teaching of the invention to particular use, application, manufacturing conditions, use conditions, composition, medium, size, and / or materials without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention as described herein. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described examples, it is intended that all matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hair styling apparatus comprising: a housing defining a passageway; a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing and configured to interact with hair, wherein the hair engagement assembly is positionable relative to the housing; an actuator connected to the housing and configured to cause the hair engagement assembly to move; an inlet on the actuator for airflow to enter the passageway; an outlet for the airflow to exit the passageway, wherein the outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward the hair when the airflow exits the passageway; and a fan configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet on the actuator and direct the airflow through the passageway toward the outlet.

2. The hair sty ling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hair styling apparatus has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hair engagement assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

3. The hair sty ling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the passageway extends through the housing at least partly along the longitudinal axis.

4. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a trigger extending out from an exterior of the housing and accessible by a user, the trigger including a contact surface that is contacted by the user, wherein the contact surface is free of any openings.

5. The hair sty ling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the trigger includes a sidewall extending from the contact surface, and wherein the inlet includes an opening defined in the sidewall of the trigger.

6. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling apparatus, wherein the trigger is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

7. The hair styling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the actuator includes a gear assembly connected to the trigger.

8. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1. wherein the hair engagement assembly includes hair contact surface arranged to receive hair, and wherein the outlet includes at least one opening defined in the hair contact surface.

9. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1. further comprising a motor connected to the fan, wherein the motor is operable to induce rotation of the fan when the motor receives power from a power source, and wherein the motor and the fan are mounted to a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly.

10. A hair styling apparatus comprising: a housing defining a passageway; a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing; a rotor connected to the hair engagement assembly and configured to rotate relative to the housing; an actuator connected to the housing and configured to induce rotation of the rotor; a fan positioned along the passageway and arranged to generate an airflow through the passageway; and an inlet on the actuator for the airflow to enter the passageway, wherein the fan is configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet on the actuator.

11. The hair styling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hair engagement assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

12. The hair styling apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the rotor extends across a joint between the housing and the hair engagement assembly and defines a cavity for the airflow in the passageway to flow through the joint.

13. The hair styling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair styling apparatus, wherein the actuator is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

14. The hair styling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a motor within the housing, wherein the motor is operable to induce rotation of the fan when the motor receives power from a power source.

15. The hair styling apparatus of claim 14, wherein the actuator is a manual actuator and is configured to induce rotation of the rotor without receiving power from the power source.

16. A hair styling apparatus comprising: a housing defining a passageway; a trigger extending out from an exterior of the housing and accessible by a user, wherein the trigger is operable to move between a first position and a second position in response to contact by the user, the trigger including at least one sidewall and a contact surface that is contacted by the user; an inlet for airflow to enter the passageway, wherein the inlet includes an opening defined in the sidewall of the trigger; an outlet for the airflow to exit the passageway, wherein the outlet is arranged to direct the airflow toward hair when the airflow exits the passageway; and a fan configured to draw the airflow into the passageway through the inlet and direct the airflow through the passageway toward the outlet.

17. The hair styling apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a hair engagement assembly movably connected to the housing, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, andwherein the hair engagement assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis when the trigger is moved between the first position and the second position.

18. The hair styling apparatus of claim 17, wherein the trigger moves at least partly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position.

19. The hair styling apparatus of claim 16, wherein the trigger is coupled to a rotor and is configured to induce rotation of the rotor without receiving power from a power source.

20. The hair styling apparatus of claim 16, wherein the housing defines a handle for a user to grasp during operation of the hair sty ling apparatus, wherein the trigger is operable by the user when the user grasps the handle.

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