haircare

Abstract

A styling member for a haircare appliance is described. The styling member includes a heater and a cover disposed over the heater for transferring heat from the heater to an exterior surface of the styling member. The styling member also includes an actuation mechanism which is operable to cause relative movement between the heater and the cover, for adjusting a proximity of the heater to the cover to control an amount of heat transferable from the heater to the cover.

Description

1 P005399-W001HaircareBACKGROUND

[0001] Haircare appliances are known that treat or style hair by applying heat to the hair.SUMMARY

[0002] Typically, in order for a user to curl their hair using a conventional haircare appliance, the user would wrap their hair directly around a heated barrel (which may be at a temperature of e.g. above 135°C). This carries risks of bums to the user’s fingers or even other parts of the body (e.g. face, neck) which are in close proximity with the heated barrel during use.

[0003] In a first aspect, there is provided a styling member for a haircare appliance. The styling member comprises a heater; a cover disposed over the heater for transferring heat from the heater to an exterior surface of the styling member; and an actuation mechanism operable to cause relative movement between the heater and the cover, for adjusting a proximity of the heater to the cover to control an amount of heat transferable from the heater to the cover.

[0004] The styling member is shaped to deliver a desired texture to hair using heat applied to the exterior surface from the heater. For example, the styling member may be configured to curl, wave, crimp, or straighten the hair. Accordingly, the styling member may comprise (e.g. consist of) one or more barrels or plates. For example, the styling member may comprise a single barrel, for curling hair.

[0005] By providing a cover and an actuation mechanism for adjusting a proximity between the heater and the cover (e.g. by adjusting a spacing or gap between the heater and the cover), the heater can be selectively distanced from the cover, and thus from the exterior surface of the styling member (which may be configured to contact the user’s hair during styling). This helps provide improved temperature control and / or reduce the risk of burns, since a user can position their hair on the exterior surface of the styling member (e.g. barrel)while the cover (and hence the exterior surface) is distanced from the heater.2 P005399-W001

[0006] The cover may be configured to inhibit or prevent user access to the heater. The cover may therefore alternatively be referred to as a “guard” or “guard layer”. The cover may be disposed around the heater, e.g. enclosing the heater. The cover may comprise the exterior surface of the styling member (e.g. barrel). Alternatively, a further layer (e.g. an absorbent layer as discussed further below) may provide the exterior surface of the styling member (e.g. barrel).

[0007] The actuation mechanism may be operable (actuatable) to cause the relative movement by moving either one or both of the heater or the cover e.g. relative to a body of the haircare appliance. For example, the actuation mechanism may be configured to cause relative longitudinal and / or radial movement between the heater and the styling member. The actuation mechanism may be configured in any suitable manner to cause the required relative movement. For example, the actuation mechanism may include one or more of a hinge, an extendable member (e.g. telescopic tube), a resilient element (e.g. spring), a cam mechanism, a gear assembly, or a lever.

[0008] The actuation mechanism may be referred to herein as moving the heater and / or the cover between a “first position” and a “second position”. Since the actuation mechanism may operate to move one or both of the heater or the cover, the phrases “first position” and “second position” are intended to refer to a relative position of the heater and the cover. As used herein, the “first position” refers to a position in which the heater and the cover are in closer proximity compared to the “second position”. Thus, the exterior surface of the styling member can be heated more quickly and / or to a higher temperature when the heater and cover are in the first position, compared to the second position. Conversely, placing the heater and the cover in the second position can allow the user to more safely bring their hair into contact with the styling member (e.g. wrap their hair around the barrel), with reduced risk of burns. Accordingly, the “first position” may be referred to as a “hot position” (or “hotter position”) while the “second position” may be referred to as a “cool position” (or “cooler position”). These relative terms are used merely to indicate the relative differences in temperature, arising from the different proximities of the cover and the heater in each position. It should be appreciated that the cover may still be hot while in the second position, and thus the term “cool position” is merely intended3 P005399-W001 to be a relative descriptor indicating that the cover would be further from the heater in this position, compared to the first (“hot”) position. In some examples, the heater and the cover may be in contact when in the first position. In other examples, the heater and the cover may be separated by a gap in the first position. In either case, the actuation mechanism may be operable to increase a spacing between the heater and cover from the first position to the second position, thereby reducing the proximity of the heater and the cover.

[0009] The styling member (e.g. barrel) may be configured to convey airflow (e.g. from the haircare appliance) towards the cover. This may help to adjust the temperature of the cover more quickly, e.g. by cooling the cover using a cool airflow. The styling member may also be configured to convey airflow out of the styling member, thereby allowing the airflow to be used for drying hair. For example, the cover may be configured to permit air to flow out of the styling member, through the cover. The airflow can therefore be used to adjust the temperature of the cover (as discussed above), while also providing styling benefits e.g. for drying hair. This can allow hair styling to be achieved at lower and safer temperatures than conventional hot plate curling wands, e.g. with airflow temperatures of up to 110°C compared to temperatures above 135°C in conventional hot plate curling wands. The cover may have one or more perforations to permit the air to flow out of the styling member. For example, the styling member may comprise a barrel, and the cover may have a plurality of perforations disposed circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the barrel.

[0010] The styling member may define an airflow pathway for conveying the airflow to the cover. At least a portion of the airflow pathway may be located between the heater and the cover. The size of the airflow pathway may be adjustable using the actuation mechanism. For example, the airflow pathway may be smaller (e.g. absent or obstructed) in the first position compared to the second position, thereby bringing the heater and the cover into closer proximity in the first position compared to the second position.

[0011] The heater may be configured to permit air to flow therethrough, towards the cover. For example, the heater may comprise one or more perforations, which may be disposed circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the styling member.4 P005399-W001

[0012] Optionally, the styling member may comprise an absorbent layer for retaining liquid. The absorbent layer may be disposed over the heater. The heater may be operable to heat the absorbent layer to vaporise the retained liquid (e.g. via the cover), thereby to generate a vapour for transmission out of the styling member.

[0013] The absorbent layer may be disposed over the heater in direct contact with the heater. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may be disposed over the heater without requiring direct contact with the heater, e.g. by the absorbent layer being disposed over and in direct contact with an intermediate element (e.g. the cover) which is in turn disposed over (e.g. directly over) the heater.

[0014] Conventional curling wands use heated plates or barrels and can scorch hair when the hair is placed directly on the heated barrels or surfaces at high temperatures. This can cause damage to the hair. A styling member utilising an absorbent layer can reduce damage to the hair compared to such devices, while delivering a desired styling effect.

[0015] In particular, the structure of the styling member enables vapour to be delivered to hair held against (e.g. wrapped around) the styling member (e.g. barrel). The absorbent layer being disposed over the heater, for example so that the absorbent layer overlaps the heater or is on the heater (with or without at least one intervening component such as the cover between the absorbent layer and the heater), enables the heat generated by the heater to be transferred readily to the absorbent layer, to vaporise the liquid retained by the absorbent layer. The vapour can then pass out of the styling member and onto the hair. In some examples, airflow can similarly be transferred through the absorbent layer (e.g. through the cover) and towards the hair.

[0016] With this approach, the vapour applied to the hair may be at a lower temperature than a heated styling member that is placed in contact with the hair in existing appliances. In more detail, the structure of a hair fibre includes two protein structures within a cortex of the hair: a crystalline region of keratin (comprising ordered, structured protein fibres), and an amorphous region of keratin (comprising randomly oriented protein fibres). Both of these structures have different bonds that give hair its strength and shape. Typically, when drying wet hair, the hair remains cool as the water is evaporated and then, once the water has evaporated, the temperature increases. Styling in this manner without extreme heat (such as5 P005399-W001 temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius and above) may only enable access to salthydrogen bonds within the amorphous region of the keratin. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the application of the vapour to the hair (which may be referring to as flash steaming) may enable a warm, moist styling environment in which the vapour is also able to penetrate the crystalline regions at temperatures of around 100 degrees Celsius. The vapour may thus be able to access more hydrogen bonds, increasing the probability of bond disruption to achieve a particular styling effect. Applying the vapour to the hair can improve style retention as it affects bonds in both the crystalline and amorphous regions, whereas ambient humidity typically cannot access the crystalline region as it is at room temperature.

[0017] To create a well-defined style, excess moisture and / or surface wetness of the hair may be removed by applying the air to the hair. Removing moisture can allow new hydrogen bonds to form in the new position the hair is being held in (e.g. with the hair wrapped around the barrel) so as to create the style, such as a curl or a wave. Removal of moisture from the hair by applying air to the hair in this manner can enable the style to be created more quickly, as opposed to leaving the hair to dry naturally after applying vapour. Accordingly, examples incorporating airflow (e.g. through the cover and / or through the absorbent layer) can even further build upon the benefits provided by vaporisation (e.g. via an absorbent layer).

[0018] The absorbent layer may be removable from the styling member (e.g. barrel). This may allow the absorbent layer to be washed (or otherwise cleaned) or replaced, which can extend the overall operational lifetime of the styling member.

[0019] As mentioned above, the absorbent layer may be disposed over the cover, e.g. with the absorbent layer forming the exterior surface of the styling member. This can further facilitate replacement of the absorbent layer. Additionally, in arrangements incorporating airflow, this may help limit or avoid pressurised vapour moving through the styling member (e.g. barrel), thereby reducing the risk of condensation of vapour and inefficiencies.

[0020] The absorbent layer may be wettable manually to provide the liquid, e.g. using an external water source (e.g. tap water). Alternatively, the absorbent layer may be wettable automatically, e.g. using a reservoir located inside the styling member or inside the haircare appliance. To this end, the styling member may6 P005399-W001 comprise one or more conduits for transporting liquid (e.g. from a reservoir or a water inlet) to the absorbent layer. The conduit(s) may be elongate along a longitudinal axis of the styling member. The conduit(s) may comprise outlets arranged along a length of the conduit for the liquid to flow through to reach the absorbent layer. The outlets may be evenly distributed along the length of the conduit(s) and / or about a width or circumference of the styling member (e.g. barrel).

[0021] The absorbent layer may comprise a wicking material configured to spread the liquid provided to the absorbent layer (for example via the one or more conduits), across a surface of the absorbent layer using capillary action, also known as wicking. This may enable the liquid to be spread more evenly throughout the absorbent layer. A texture and / or weave of the absorbent layer may be selected to favour wicking in certain direction(s) to improve coverage of the absorbent layer by the liquid.

[0022] Optionally, the cover may have a relatively low thermal mass (e.g. heat capacity). This can help the cover to experience a relatively quick / efficient change in temperature upon the addition / removal of heat (e.g. via the heater or airflow). Such a cover may be referred to as a “low thermal mass” cover. For example, the cover may be configured to be heated from room temperature to a temperature of at least 100 degrees Celsius in less than 5 seconds, optionally less than 3 seconds, optionally less than 2 seconds, optionally less than 1 second. This can therefore help to provide efficient styling.

[0023] Optionally, a thermal mass (heat capacity) of the cover may be less than a thermal mass (heat capacity) of the heater. In addition to the above benefits of a relatively low thermal mass at the cover, additional advantages can be provided by having a higher thermal mass at the heater. For example, providing the heater with a higher thermal mass than the cover can help to retain a stable temperature at the heater, e.g. even while the heater is releasing heat to the cover, or while the heater is distanced from the cover (e.g. in the second position). By retaining a stable temperature, the heater can more quickly and reliably increase the temperature of the cover when the heater and cover are brought into close proximity (e.g. in the first position).

[0024] In examples that incorporate vaporisation (e.g. by including an absorbent layer and / or conduits for providing liquid to an absorbent layer), a low thermal mass7 P005399-W001 cover can help to quickly vaporise the liquid retained by the absorbent layer to generate the vapour. This may enable hair to be styled more efficiently than otherwise. For example, such a cover may enable the vapour to be generated within 5 seconds of being in close proximity with the heater (i.e. in the ‘first position’ as discussed above).

[0025] The cover may have a thickness of up to 2 mm, optionally up to 1 mm. This helps to limit the thermal mass of the cover, thereby facilitating quick heating or cooling. The cover may be formed of a metal having high thermal conductivity, e.g. copper. The heater may have a larger volume than the cover and / or may be formed of a different material than the cover.

[0026] The heater and the cover may each have a complementary (e.g. substantially matching) shape, to help improve their proximity in the first position. For example, the heater and the cover may each have a shape that is substantially conical (e.g. truncated conical) or substantially cylindrical. An outer surface of the heater may be shaped and sized to fit against an inner surface of the cover (forming flush contact therewith).

[0027] Optionally, the heater and / or the cover has a diameter (or width) that varies along a length of the styling member (e.g. barrel). For example, the heater and / or the cover may have a tapering diameter. For a styling member that is a barrel, this may form a conical (e.g. truncated conical) shape. The heater and / or the cover may have a diameter that decreases from a proximal end (adjacent a body / handle of the haircare appliance) to a distal end (distal from a body / handle of the haircare appliance). By providing a heater and / or cover with a varying (e.g. tapered) diameter, the proximity of the heater and the cover can be adjusted simply by moving the heater and / or the cover in a longitudinal direction. This is because longitudinal movement of the heater or cover in turn results in a change in the radial proximity of the heater and cover, due to their variation(s) in diameter. Accordingly, the actuation mechanism may be operable to cause relative longitudinal movement between the heater and the cover, optionally without requiring the actuation mechanism to cause any movement in a radial direction. This can provide a relatively simple actuation mechanism, providing movement only along a single (linear) axis.8 P005399-W001

[0028] Alternatively, optionally, the heater and / or the cover have a diameter (or width) which is substantially constant along the length of the styling member. For example, the heater and / or the exterior surface may be substantially cylindrical, forming a cylindrical barrel.

[0029] Optionally, the actuation mechanism may be operable to cause relative radial movement between the heater and the cover (e.g. relative to a longitudinal axis of the heater or cover). This can facilitate larger adjustments in the proximity of the heater and the cover, e.g. compared to arrangements relying solely on longitudinal movement. This is because any variations in diameter of the heater and / or cover may be constrained by styling considerations. For example, providing a barrel with a conical cover having a very steep taper could mean that the barrel is too short or too thin for practical styling. It may therefore be useful to limit the extent of tapering on the cover. However, limiting the taper (e.g. to up to 5 degrees, optionally up to 3 degrees), would in turn limit the size of the air gap that can be obtained between the heater and cover via longitudinal movement alone. Thus, providing an actuation mechanism that can cause relative radial movement (optionally in combination with longitudinal movement) can help to more efficiently increase the spacing between the heater and the cover. Increasing the spacing between the heater and the cover (in the second position) can also help to increase airflow through the styling member (e.g. barrel) and / or to provide more rapid cooling to the cover.

[0030] In some examples, the cover may comprise a plurality of segments which are disposed around (e.g. circumferentially around) the heater to form the cover. The actuation mechanism may be operable to move one or more (e.g. all) of the segments to move the segments radially relative to the heater, thereby causing relative radial movement between the heater and the cover.

[0031] Likewise, in some examples, the heater may comprise a plurality of segments which are disposed around (e.g. circumferentially around) a central axis to form the heater. The actuation mechanism may be operable to move one or more (e.g. all) of the segments to move the heater radially toward the cover, thereby causing relative radial movement between the heater and the cover.

[0032] The actuation mechanism may be actuatable in various manners, e.g. mechanically, electrically, or electromechanically. The actuation mechanism may9 P005399-W001 be user actuatable. For example, the actuation mechanism comprise an actuator (e.g. a mechanical or electromechanical actuator having a knob, dial, trigger, button, lever, or tab) which is movable (e.g. rotated, pushed, pivoted, pulled, squeezed) by a user to cause the relative movement between the heater and the cover. The actuator may be located at a distal end of the styling member, e.g. distal from a body of the hair care appliance. This may provide an intuitive and user friendly approach, since a user can hold the body of the haircare appliance with one hand whilst operating the mechanical actuator with another hand. For example, the styling member (e.g. barrel) may comprise a spring-loaded actuator at a distal end of the barrel. The spring-loaded actuator may be mounted to the cover or the heater such that pushing against the spring-loaded actuator causes relative movement (e.g. longitudinal movement) between the cover and the heater.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the actuation mechanism may be electronically or automatically actuatable, e.g. by receiving a control signal from a controller of the haircare appliance.

[0034] In some examples, an axial length of the styling member may remain fixed during operation of the actuation mechanism. For example, the styling member (e.g. barrel) may have a distal tip that remains fixed relative to a base of the styling member, even during operation of the actuation mechanism. Such examples may be convenient and user-friendly, since the thermal proximity of the heater and the cover can be adjusted while minimising or avoiding changes to the outer surface of the appliance which is observable by a user. For example, this may help ensure that the user does not need to adjust their positioning to account for the movement of the heater relative to the cover.

[0035] Likewise, in some examples, the exterior surface of the styling member may remain fixed during operation of the actuation mechanism (e.g. retaining a fixed diameter or circumference). Similarly to the above examples, this may help to provide a convenient and user-friendly arrangement.

[0036] The styling member may have an attachment structure for detachably connecting the styling member to the haircare appliance. The attachment structure may be configured in any suitable manner, e.g. comprising a magnet or snap-fit structure for connecting with a corresponding attachment structure (e.g.10 P005399-W001 corresponding magnet or snap-fit structure) on the body. The styling member may therefore be provided separately from a body of the haircare appliance and may therefore be manufactured relatively inexpensively. In such examples, the actuation mechanism may be configured to move the heater relative to the attachment structure. As such, the cover may remain fixed relative to the attachment structure (and hence relative to a body of the haircare appliance) during actuation of the actuation mechanism. This is particularly convenient and user-friendly since, in use, a user’s hand may be holding the haircare appliance while their hair is wrapped around the cover. Thus, retaining a fixed relationship between the cover and the rest of the haircare appliance can be particularly useful, allowing the user to retain the same position, whilst the heater (which the user does not hold) is moved by the actuation mechanism to provide the functionalities discussed herein.

[0037] According to a second aspect, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising the styling member and a body connected to the styling member. The styling member may be integrally formed with the body, forming a single unit, or may be detachably connectable to the body via an attachment structure as discussed above. In either case, the actuation mechanism may be configured to move the heater relative to the body. This provides corresponding advantages to those discussed above, by allowing the cover to remain fixed relative to the body of the haircare appliance during operation of the actuation mechanism.

[0038] The haircare appliance (e.g. the body) may include an airflow generator (e.g. fan) fluidly connected to the styling member for providing airflow to the styling member (e.g. between the heater and the cover). As discussed above, the cover and / or heater may be configured to permit the airflow therethrough (e.g. through one or more perforations). If present, the absorbent layer may also be configured to permit the airflow therethrough.

[0039] The heater may be operable to heat the airflow generated by the airflow generator. Using a heater in this way may mean that a dedicated air heater can be omitted, meaning that the haircare appliance may be more compact and / or lower in weight than otherwise. This may make the haircare appliance easier to handle for use in hair styling. In examples incorporating vaporised water, the heater may provide a11 P005399-W001 dual functionality of heating the absorbent layer to generate the vapour and heating the airflow, for example to generate a heated airflow for setting a style.

[0040] The haircare appliance (e.g. the body) may comprise a reservoir for storing liquid. The reservoir may be fluidly connected to the styling member (e.g. to an absorbent layer or conduit(s)) for providing the liquid to the styling member. This may allow the liquid to be supplied to the absorbent layer more straightforwardly and with less mess than other approaches such as using a manual or automated spray to apply liquid to a surface of the styling member or by passing a wet brush over the surface of the styling member.

[0041] The haircare appliance may comprise a liquid delivery arrangement for delivering a predefined amount of the liquid (e.g. water) from the reservoir to the absorbent layer. This may provide greater control over the amount of vapour generated, which can in turn provide increased control over the styling effect achieved by the haircare appliance. For example, the predefined amount (dose) of liquid may be up to 4g, optionally up to 3g, optionally up to 2g. The predefined amount (dose) of liquid may be at least 0.2g, optionally at least 0.3g, optionally at least 0.4g, optionally at least 0.5g.

[0042] Since the absorbent layer may be removable (e.g. disposable / replaceable), the absorbent layer is not essential as part of the haircare appliance or styling member having the reservoir or conduit(s).

[0043] As mentioned above, the actuation mechanism may be electronically actuatable (e.g. by receiving a control signal from a controller of the haircare appliance). Thus, the haircare appliance (e.g. the body) may include a controller configured to automatically actuate the actuation mechanism. This can further improve user convenience, since the heater and cover can be automatically moved between the first / second position during operation of the haircare appliance.

[0044] The controller may provide a control signal to the actuation mechanism for automatically operating the actuation mechanism, e.g. based on an operational mode of the haircare appliance. The operational mode may be characterised by one or more of: an airflow level (e.g. high / medium / low; on / off), a temperature (e.g. of the heater in the styling member), or a vapour status (e.g. vaporisation / liquid supply being on / off).12 P005399-W001

[0045] The controller may be configured to provide the control signal based on one or more (e.g. two or more) of the following characteristics (e.g. of the operational mode): (i) a temperature of the heater; (ii) an amount of airflow from the body to the styling member; (iii) an amount of liquid or vapour supplied from the body to the styling member. This helps to optimise the relative positions of the cover and heater, depending on the intended usage or styling routine of the device. For example, the controller may be configured to control the actuation mechanism (via a first control signal) to place the heater and / or the cover in the first position when the haircare appliance is in an operational mode that provides a high temperature and / or vaporisation of liquid. Conversely, the controller may be configured to control the actuation mechanism (via a second control signal) to place the heater and / or the cover in the second position when the haircare appliance is in an operational mode that provides one or more of low temperature; high airflow; or no / low vaporisation.

[0046] The haircare appliance may include one or more (e.g. two or more) predetermined operating modes, which may include one or more of (i) a ‘steam shot’ mode in which the heater and the cover are in the first position, and the heater is at a first temperature Ti for vaporising liquid (e.g. water) retainable by the absorbent layer; (ii) a ‘hot air’ mode in which the heater and cover are in the second position, and the heater is at a second temperature T2; and (iii) a ‘cold shot’ mode in which the heater and cover are in the second position, and the heater is at a third temperature T3. The second temperature T2 may be equal to or different from (e.g. less than, greater than) the first temperature Ti. Since the first temperature Ti is utilised for vaporising the liquid (e.g. water), the first temperature may be greater than 100 C. For example, the first temperature may be greater than 150C, e.g. 175 C. In the cold shot mode, the heater may be turned off, thereby reducing its temperature to the third temperature T3, which is lower than the first and / or second temperatures. An airflow generator of the haircare appliance may be turned off in the ‘steam shot’ mode, but is turned on in the ‘hot air mode’ and ‘cold shot’ mode.

[0047] The controller may be configured to perform a predetermined routine that includes two or more of the operational modes, in a predetermined order. For example, the controller may be configured to perform the ‘steam shot’ mode, followed by the ‘hot air’ mode, optionally followed by the ‘cold shot’ mode.13 P005399-W001Alternatively, the controller may be configured to perform the ‘hot air mode’, following by the ‘cold shot mode’, without requiring the ‘steam shot’ mode. The controller may thus automatically cycle through modes while automatically moving the cover and / or heater between the first and second positions to facilitate the desired styling routine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 A is a side view of a haircare appliance with a styling member in the form of a barrel having an actuation mechanism for moving the cover relative to the heater. Figure 1 A shows the cover in the first (hot) position;

[0049] Figure IB is a side view of the barrel of Figure 1A, where the cover is in the second (cool) position;

[0050] Figures 2A and 2B are side views of a variant haircare appliance in which the actuation mechanism is configured to move the heater relative to the cover and relative to a main body (handle) of the haircare appliance. Figure 2A shows the heater in the second (cool) position, whereas Figure 2B shows the heater in the first (hot) position.

[0051] Figures 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a variant actuation mechanism which is operable to cause relative radial movement between the heater and the cover. Figure 3 A shows the second (cool) position, whereas Figure 3B shows the first (hot) position.

[0052] Figures 4A and 4B are isometric views of Figures 3 A and 3B, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1A shows a haircare appliance 100 having an attachment styling member which, in this example, is a barrel 200. Figure IB shows the barrel 200 disconnected (detached) from the haircare appliance 100.

[0054] The haircare appliance 100 comprises a body 102 and an electric cable 104 extending from the body 102 for supplying electrical power to electrical components of the haircare appliance 100. The electrical cable 104 comprises a plug (not shown) at a distal end thereof with respect to the body 102, which can be plugged into a14 P005399-W001 socket in order to supply mains power to the haircare appliance 100. The electrical cable 104 may be referred to as an electrical cord.

[0055] The body 102 includes airflow inlets 106, an airflow generator 108, a user interface (e.g. button; not shown), and a controller 110.

[0056] The airflow generator 108 includes a motor 112 and an impeller 114 and may be considered to be an air blower for blowing air into the barrel 200. The motor 112 is attached to the impeller 114 and is operable to rotate the impeller 114 when switched to an on state, e.g. by the controller 110. The impeller 114 is operable to generate an airflow from the airflow inlets 106 and into the barrel 200.

[0057] The barrel 200 includes a heater 202 which forms a central core extending axially along the length of the barrel 200. The heater 202 has a generally tubular shape which tapers to a narrowing cross-section distally from the body 102. The heater 202 may be formed of e.g. ceramic or metal. In this example, the heater 202 is substantially solid (non-hollow).

[0058] The barrel 200 further includes a cover 204 which is disposed over the heater 202, surrounding the heater 202. The cover 204 has a complementary shape to the heater 202, enabling the cover 204 to maintain a substantially constant proximity to the heater 202 along the entirety (or majority) of the cover 204. The cover 204 is perforated with a plurality of apertures to allow airflow therethrough, e.g. from the airflow generator 108. An interior hollow chamber of the cover 204 defines an airflow channel for receiving airflow from an airflow outlet (not shown) of the haircare appliance 100, when the barrel 200 is attached to the haircare appliance 100.

[0059] In this example, the cover 204 is double-walled (as shown most clearly in Figure IB), having an inner wall 206 and an outer wall 208 separated by an air gap. The inner wall 206 and outer wall 208 are each perforated to allow the airflow therethrough. In this example, the inner wall 206 and outer wall 208 are integrally formed from a sheet of metal. A thermal mass of the cover 204 is less than a thermal mass of the heater 202.

[0060] The barrel 200 further includes an absorbent layer 210 for retaining liquid (e.g. water). The absorbent layer 210 is formed of a wi eking material (e.g. comprising fabric or paper). The absorbent layer is disposed over the cover 204, and is thereby also disposed over the heater 202. In use, the heater 202 is operable to15 P005399-W001 heat the absorbent layer 210 to vaporise the liquid retained thereon. This causes a vapour to be generated in the absorbent layer 210, which is thus transmitted out of the barrel 200 e.g. onto hair wrapped around the barrel 200.

[0061] Accordingly, in use, the haircare appliance 100 and barrel 200 may operate to generate and deliver heat, vapour, and airflow to hair wrapped around the barrel 200, for providing a desired style (such as a curl or wave).

[0062] The barrel 200 further includes an actuation mechanism 212 which is operable to cause relative movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204. In this example, the actuation mechanism 212 is operable to cause relative longitudinal movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204. The actuation mechanism 212 is an axially movable / extendable (e.g. telescopic or hinged / folding) element having a first end 214 and a second end 216. The first end 214 is proximal to a base 218 of the barrel 200, whereas the second end 216 is distal to the base 218 of the barrel 200.

[0063] In this example, the first end 214 is fixed to the base 218, and the second end 216 is fixed to the cover 204. The first end 214 is movable relative to the second end 216 to thereby allow movement of the cover 204 relative to the base 218, between a first position (Figure 1A) and a second position (Figure IB). The base 218 includes an attachment structure (e.g. a magnet or snap-fit connector; not shown) for detachably connecting the barrel 200 to the haircare appliance 100. The heater 202 is mounted on the base 218. Operation of the actuation mechanism therefore allows for adjustment of the proximity of the heater 202 to the cover 204, to thereby control an amount of heat transferrable from the heater 202 to the cover 204.

[0064] In this example, the actuation mechanism 212 does not operate to cause relative radial movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204. However, since the heater 202 and the cover 204 have a diameter that varies along their lengths, the relative axial movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204 results in a radial proximity being adjusted between these two elements. For example, a radial gap can be seen between the heater 202 and the inner wall 206 in the second position of Figure IB, compared to the first position of Figure 1 A.

[0065] In this example, the cover 204 retains a fixed position relative to a distal tip 220 of the barrel 200, between the first position (Figure 1A) and second position (Figure IB). As a result, when the cover 204 is moved relative to the base 218 of the16 P005399-W001 barrel 200, by the actuation mechanism 212, the length of the barrel will also change, due to the varying relationship between the distal tip 220 and the base 218.

[0066] In variant examples, the distal tip 220 may remain fixed relative to the base 218 during operation of the actuation mechanism. For example, the cover 204 may be movable relative to both the tip 220 and the base 218, while retaining a fixed relationship between the distal tip 220 and the base 218. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism 212 may be configured to move the heater 202 relative to the attachment structure (e.g. relative to base 218), while the cover 204, tip 220, and base 218 may each remain stationary.

[0067] In use, a user applies liquid onto the absorbent layer 210 of the barrel 200 using an external source (e.g. tap water). This step may be performed while the barrel 200 is disconnected from the body 102. When the barrel 200 is attached to the body 102 and the electrical cable 104 is connected to a power source, the controller 110 can operate to supply power to the heater 202 and / or the airflow generator 108 to generate vapour, heat, and / or airflow for styling the hair.

[0068] In this example, the actuation mechanism is user-actuatable, e.g. by pulling or pushing against the distal tip 220 to thereby apply a force to the actuation mechanism, to extend or retract the actuation mechanism. The distal tip 220 is formed of a thermally insulating material, enabling the tip 220 to remain safe to touch even when the heater 202 is powered on.

[0069] In variant examples, the actuation mechanism 212 may be operated automatically using the controller 110.

[0070] Figures 2A and 2B show a haircare appliance 100’ and barrel 200’ according to another example. The haircare appliance 100’ and barrel 200’ include similar features to Figures 1A-1B, with corresponding reference numerals, except where discussed otherwise below.

[0071] In this example, the haircare appliance 100’ further includes a reservoir 116 for storing liquid, and a liquid transfer arrangement for transferring the liquid from the reservoir 116 to the absorbent layer 210 of the barrel 200’. In particular, the liquid transfer arrangement includes a pump (e.g. in the reservoir 116) for forcing liquid from the reservoir 116 along one or more conduits (not shown) within the body 102. The one or more conduits terminate in one or more (in this example, two)17 P005399-W001 nozzles 120. The nozzles are located at a distal end of the body 102, proximally to the barrel 200, and are tilted towards the barrel 200 for spraying liquid from the reservoir 116 onto the absorbent layer 210 in use.

[0072] The reservoir 116 further includes a liquid inlet 122, through which a user may refill the reservoir 116 with liquid from an external source (e.g. tap water).

[0073] Figure 2A also shows the user interface 124 (e.g. a button or screen) which is provided on an outer surface of the body 102 and is electrically connected to the controller 110 for controlling one or more operations of the haircare appliance 100.

[0074] Turning to the barrel 200’, in this example, the cover 204 is a single layer, in contrast to the double-walled cover of Figures 1 A-1B. The cover 204 has a plurality of apertures substantially evenly distributed along its surface. The barrel 200’ is attached to the body 102 of the haircare appliance 100’ via an attachment structure 222 which also provides an electrical connection between the controller 110 and the actuation mechanism 218. Accordingly, in this example, the controller 110 can automatically operate the actuation mechanism 218 to cause the relative movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204.

[0075] In this example, the actuation mechanism 212 is located inside the barrel 200’. The actuation mechanism 212 provides a movable connection between the heater 202 and the base 218 of the barrel 200’. It will be noted that the heater 202 has a length that is less than a length of the cover 204. The heater 202 can therefore be moved within the cover 204 to control the amount of heat transferable to the cover 204, without requiring any change to the overall size or shape of the barrel 200’.

[0076] The actuation mechanism 212 is axially extendable between a retracted position (Figure 2A) and an extended / deployed position (Figure 2B). In the retracted position, the actuation mechanism 212 brings the heater 202 axially closer to the base 218 of the barrel 200’. This results in a radial gap being formed between the heater 202 and the cover 204, due to their varying (tapered) diameters. Accordingly, Figure 2A provides the “second” (cold) position discussed herein. Conversely, when the actuation mechanism 212 is in the extended / deployed position (Figure 2B), it pushes the heater 202 axially away from the base 218, allowing an outer periphery of the heater 202 to be brought into contact with an inner surface of the cover 204. Accordingly, this provides the “first” (hot) positioned discussed herein.18 P005399-W001

[0077] In this example, the controller 110 is configured to provide one or more predetermined operating modes including the steam shot mode, hot air mode, and / or cold shot mode discussed above in the summary section. The controller may be configured to perform each of these modes in a predetermined order. In this example, the barrel 200’ includes a temperature sensor 224 for measuring a temperature of the heater 202. The temperature sensor 224 can facilitate automation, in that the controller 110 may control the actuation mechanism 212 in dependence of the temperature and the desired operating mode. For example, Figure 2B shows the haircare appliance 100’ and barrel 200’ in a steam shot mode, for generating steam 226 from the absorbent layer 210.

[0078] Figures 3 A to 4B show a barrel 200’ ’ according to a further example. In this example, the barrel 200” has a heater 202 that is radially movable relative to the cover 204.

[0079] In more detail, the heater 202 is formed of a plurality of heater segments, including movable (outer) segments 228 and fixed (inner) segments 230. Together, these form a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0080] The fixed segments 230 include a plurality (e.g. six) substantially wedge- shaped heater portions which are circumferentially arranged around a central axis of the barrel 200”, and which extend longitudinally along the length of the barrel 200” . Each fixed segment 230 is located between a respective two movable segments 228. In other words, each movable segment 228 extends between two fixed segments 230.

[0081] More specifically, each movable segment 228 includes a radially extending portion 232 and a circumferentially extending portion 234. Each radially extending portion 232 extends from an interior region of the heater 202 (e.g. at an inner surface of the fixed segments 230) to an exterior region of the heater 202 (e.g. at an outer surface of the fixed segments 230), thereby separating neighbouring fixed segments 230 from each other.

[0082] The circumferentially extending portion 234 of a given movable segment 228 overlays a portion of (e.g. half) of an outer surface of the two neighbouring fixed segments 230. In this example, each radially extending portion 232 intersects with and adjoins a circumferential midpoint of its circumferentially extending portion 234. As a result, each movable segment 228 has a substantially “T” shaped cross-section19 P005399-W001(see Figures 3A-3B), albeit with some curvature to allow for the curved shaped of the circumferentially extending portions 234.

[0083] The segmented nature of the heater 202 helps facilitate radial movement between the heater and the cover 204. Here, the actuation mechanism 212 includes a gear assembly which is connected to the movable segments 228 to allow radial movement of the movable segments, towards or away from a central longitudinal axis of the barrel 200”. Meanwhile, the fixed segments 230 of the heater 202 may remain stationary.

[0084] By moving the moveable segments 228, the actuation mechanism 212 can adjust the proximity of the heater 202 to the cover 204 to thereby control an amount of heat transferable from the heater to the cover. The movable segments 228 may be directly electrically heated (e.g. each comprising an electrically resistive heating element), or may be heated by their proximity to (e.g. contact with) the fixed segments 230 (which may in turn each comprise an electrically resistive heating element).

[0085] Since the actuation mechanism 212 in this example is operable to cause relative radial movement between the heater 202 and the cover 204, in this example, neither the heater 202 nor the cover 204 has a varying (e.g. tapered) diameter along their length. Instead, both the heater 202 and the cover 204 are cylindrical and nontapered.

[0086] In this example, the cover 204 does not include any apertures for airflow. In variant examples, the cover 204 may include said apertures, similarly to the preceding examples. Further, this example includes an absorbent layer 210 for providing steam 226 to facilitate with styling hair. However, this is not essential and may be omitted.

[0087] Whereas Figures 3 A to 4B show a heater 202 that is segmented and radially movable towards the cover 204 (which remains fixed), in variant examples, the cover 204 may instead be segmented and may be radially movable towards the heater 202 (which may remain fixed).

[0088] It should be recognised that the actuation mechanisms described herein are illustrative examples. In variant examples, the actuation mechanisms may be20 P005399-W001 configured differently, whilst still providing relative movement between the heater and the cover.

[0089] The examples described above are illustrative of the present disclosure, and further examples are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one example may be used alone or in combination with other features of the example, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples, or any combination of any other of the examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

21 P005399-W001CLAIMS1. A styling member for a haircare appliance, the styling member comprising: a heater; a cover disposed over the heater for transferring heat from the heater to an exterior surface of the styling member; and an actuation mechanism operable to cause relative movement between the heater and the cover, for adjusting a proximity of the heater to the cover to control an amount of heat transferable from the heater to the cover.

2. The styling memberaccording to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to permit air to flow out of the styling member, through the cover.

3. The styling memberaccording to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an absorbent layer for retaining liquid, the absorbent layer being disposed over the heater, wherein the heater is operable to heat the absorbent layer to vaporise the liquid, thereby to generate a vapour for transmission out of the styling member.

4. The styling memberaccording to any preceding claim, wherein a thermal mass of the cover is less than a thermal mass of the heater.

5. The styling member according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater and / or the cover has a diameter that varies along a length of the styling member.

6. The styling member according to claim 5, wherein the actuation mechanism is operable to cause relative longitudinal movement between the heater and the cover.

7. The styling member according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism is operable to cause relative radial movement between the heater and the cover.22 P005399-W0018. The styling member according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism is user-actuatable.

9. The styling member according to any preceding claim, having an attachment structure for detachably connecting the styling member to the haircare appliance.

10. The styling member according to claim 9, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to move the heater relative to the attachment structure.

11. The styling member according to any preceding claim, wherein the styling member is a barrel for curling hair.

12. A haircare appliance comprising the styling member of any preceding claim and a body connected to the styling member.

13. The haircare appliance according to claim 12, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to move the heater relative to the body.

14. The haircare appliance according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the body comprises an airflow generator fluidly connected to the styling member for providing airflow to the styling member.

15. The haircare appliance according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the body comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir being fluidly connected to the styling member for providing the liquid to the styling member.

16. The haircare appliance according to any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising a controller configured to automatically actuate the actuation mechanism.

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