CN107224086B

CN107224086B - Accessory for a hand-held appliance

Info

Publication number: CN107224086B
Application number: CN201710179893.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.B.考特尼; J.J.H.赫弗; D.J.汤普森; R.M.B.科尔顿; E.V.卡森
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2017-03-23
Publication date: 2022-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-23
Also published as: GB2548821B; JP2017170151A; US20170273431A1; EP3222165A1; CN107224086A; CN207544575U; GB2548821A; GB201605033D0

Abstract

An attachment for a hair styling appliance comprising: an air inlet for receiving an air flow from a hair styling appliance; at least one air outlet; a chamber for conveying air from the air inlet to the at least one air outlet; wherein the air inlet is positioned at one end of the chamber and the at least one air outlet extends along the length of the chamber; and the cross-sectional area of the chamber decreases in size from the inlet port along the length of the at least one outlet port.

Description

Accessory for a hand-held appliance

Technical Field

The invention relates to an attachment for a hand-held appliance, in particular a hair care appliance, such as a hot air styling apparatus.

Background

In conventional hot air styling apparatus, air is drawn into the inlet by the fan unit and directed towards the hair by the attachment or head. Depending on the desired hairstyle, the air may or may not be heated. The attachments typically include bristles onto which the hair is covered or held for styling. Air is typically blown out of the attachment normal to the longitudinal surface of the attachment.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling appliance, the accessory comprising a housing, a hair engaging member, the housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling apparatus, the hair engagement member being supported by the housing and adapted to move relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, and wherein a first air flow outlet is formed between the housing and the hair engaging members when the hair engaging members are in the first position, and a second air flow outlet spaced from the first air flow outlet when the hair engaging members are in the second position is formed between the housing and the hair engaging members, and wherein the first air flow outlet is open and the second air flow outlet is closed when the hair engaging member is in the first position, and the first air flow outlet is closed and the second air flow outlet is open when the hair engaging member is in the second position.

The hair engaging members are preferably adapted for rocking movement relative to the housing. The hair engaging members are pivotally supported within the housing through a central axis of the hair engaging members. Preferably, the hair engaging members are pivotally supported by a pivot pin that mounts the hair engaging members within the housing. The hair engaging members preferably have an angle of movement in the range of 5 ° to 30 °.

Preferably, the hair engaging members move into the first position when the accessory is drawn through the user's hair in a first direction and move into the second position when the accessory is drawn through the user's hair in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Each of the first and second air flow outlets preferably includes a plurality of outlet apertures. Furthermore, the plurality of outlet holes are preferably arranged in rows.

Preferably, each of the first and second air flow outlets is defined by a respective side of the hair engaging member and a respective portion of the housing. Each of the first and second air flow outlets is preferably channel-shaped. Preferably, the hair engaging members have an elongated form and each of the first and second air flow outlets preferably extends substantially the length of the hair engaging members.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment includes two hair engaging members. Preferably, the housing comprises an outer housing section and an inner housing section, and the protruding portion of the inner housing section is located between the hair engaging members. In a first configuration of the attachment, the first hair engaging members preferably define a first air flow outlet with the projections in a first position, and the second hair engaging members preferably define a second air flow outlet with the outer housing section in a second position. In the second configuration of the attachment, the first hair engaging members preferably define a third air flow outlet with the outer housing section in the second position, and the second hair engaging members preferably define a fourth air flow outlet with the projections in the second position. Preferably, the first and second hair engaging members move in synchronism.

Furthermore, the attachment is preferably movable between the first configuration and the second configuration under the influence of an over-centre mechanism. Preferably, the over-center mechanism is a torsion spring connected between the first hair engaging member and the second hair engaging member. The biasing action of the torsion spring may be achieved in several alternative ways. For example, magnetic snaps or forced movable members in the detent or integrated ball bearings may be used.

The advantage is an eccentric mechanism for the movement of the movable members for biasing the movement of each movable member in a direction opposite to the current direction of the movable member, ensuring that the movable members can be tilted in this opposite direction without obstruction.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling apparatus, the accessory comprising a housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the housing, a first air flow outlet between the housing and the hair engaging member, a second air flow outlet spaced from the first air flow outlet and between the housing and the hair engaging member, and internal air flow directing means positioned within the housing to direct air towards the first and second air flow outlets. Preferably, each of the first and second air flow outlets is at least partially defined by a respective side wall of the housing.

The term "air flow directing means" refers to a fin, baffle, rib or any other arrangement that directs air flow along an air flow path.

In a preferred embodiment, the internal air flow guiding means comprises a plurality of fins. The internal air flow directing means preferably comprises a plurality of housing fins connected to the housing. Further, the plurality of housing flaps comprises a first series of housing flaps and a second series of housing flaps, the first series of housing flaps positioned on the first side wall of the housing and adjacent to the first air flow outlet; a second series of housing fins is located on a second side wall of the housing adjacent the second air flow outlet. Each of the first series of housing flaps is preferably oriented generally perpendicular to an edge of a first side wall of the housing (which defines the first air flow outlet) and each of the second series of housing flaps is oriented generally perpendicular to an edge of a second side wall of the housing (which defines the second air flow outlet). Preferably, the fins in the first and second series of shell fins are generally evenly spaced apart.

In another preferred embodiment, the internal air flow guiding means comprises a plurality of edge flaps connected to the hair engaging members. The plurality of edge flaps comprises a first series of edge flaps and a second series of edge flaps, the first series of edge flaps being located on the first side of the hair engaging member and adjacent to the first air flow outlet; a second series of edge flaps are located on a second side of the hair engaging members adjacent the second air flow outlet.

Preferably, each of the first series of edge flaps is oriented generally perpendicular to an edge of the hair engaging member (which is adjacent the first air flow outlet) and each of the second series of edge flaps is oriented generally perpendicular to an edge of the hair engaging member (which is adjacent the second air flow outlet).

The flaps in the first and second series of edge flaps are preferably approximately evenly spaced apart. Preferably, the edge flap and the shell flap have similar positioning patterns such that the edge flap and the shell flap are continuously (contextuvely) aligned with each other.

The hair engaging members preferably have an elongated form and each of the first and second air flow outlets preferably extends substantially the length of the hair engaging members.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment includes two hair engaging members. Preferably, each hair engaging member forms a respective first air outlet and a respective second air outlet with the housing. The hair engaging members are preferably arranged side by side. The housing preferably comprises an outer housing section and an inner housing section, with the protruding portion of the inner housing section located between the hair engaging members.

In a preferred embodiment, the internal air flow directing means further comprises a series of central baffles (positioned between the hair engaging members and contacting the inner surface of the projections). Preferably, a series of central baffles extend parallel to the inner side faces of the first hair engaging members and the inner side faces of the second hair engaging members. The baffles in the series of central baffles preferably have an open scoop shape adapted to turn the received air flow through about 90 degrees towards the protruding portion.

Advantageously, turbulence within the accessory is minimized and thus the sound volume of the hot air styling apparatus with the accessory is reduced in use.

Preferably, the first series of inner edge flaps are located on the side of the first hair engaging member adjacent the projections. The second series of inner edge flaps are preferably located on the side of the second hair engaging member adjacent the projections. The baffles in the center series of baffles and the fins in the first and second series of inner edge fins preferably have a similar positioning pattern so that the baffles and fins are continuously aligned with each other.

Advantageously, regular indentations along the sides of the movable member in combination with the inner central plate and the inner housing fins form a launch of the air flow exiting the appendage.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling apparatus, the accessory comprising a housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the housing, an air flow outlet between the housing and the hair engaging member and adapted to direct air over an outer surface of the hair engaging member, and air flow directing means extending over the outer surface of the hair engaging member. Preferably, the air outlet is defined by a side of the hair engaging members and a side wall of the housing.

The hair engaging members are preferably elongate in shape, with the air flow outlets extending substantially the length of the hair engaging members.

Preferably, the air flow directing means comprises a series of ribs. Each rib of the series of ribs is preferably positioned parallel to an adjacent rib with a channel defined therebetween. Each rib of the series of ribs preferably extends generally perpendicular to the length direction of the hair engaging members. Preferably, the ribs within a series of ribs have a uniform rib width. Each channel in the series of ribs preferably has a uniform channel width, and the channel width is preferably greater than the width of the ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the width of each channel is in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

Advantageously, the channels between adjacent ribs serve to direct the air flow over the surface of the movable member and thereby a uniform, parallel air flow is blown along the hair shafts of the user's hair.

Preferably, the outer surface of the hair engaging members has a generally arcuate profile perpendicular to the direction of the length of the hair engaging members. In another preferred embodiment, the attachment includes two hair engaging members. The hair engaging members are preferably arranged side by side. The housing preferably comprises an outer housing section and an inner housing section, with the protruding portion of the inner housing section located between the hair engaging members. Preferably, the attachment includes a further air outlet opening between the housing and the second hair engaging members and adapted to direct air over the outer surfaces of the second hair engaging members.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving a flow of air from the hair styling appliance, at least one air outlet, a chamber for transporting air from the air inlet to said at least one air outlet, wherein the air inlet is located at one end of the chamber and the at least one air outlet extends along the length of the chamber and the cross-sectional area of the chamber decreases in size from the air inlet along the length of the at least one air outlet.

An advantage is a reduction in the internal cross-sectional area of the attachment towards the downstream end of the attachment, as more uniform pressure throughout the interior space of the attachment. Furthermore, the adhesion of the air flow to the inner central baffle and the inner side flaps is enhanced as a result of the gradual reduction of the inner cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the housing includes a base positioned opposite the air outlet. Preferably, the base is substantially flat and gradually slopes towards the air outlet with increasing distance from the air inlet. The base preferably comprises a first layer and a second layer, which are separated by an insulating cavity.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment includes a distal end opposite the air inlet, and an insulating cover at the distal end. The insulating cover preferably has a heat resistant protrusion that extends away from the air inlet.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising a housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the housing, a first air flow outlet formed between the housing and the hair engaging member, a second air flow outlet spaced from the first air flow outlet, between the housing and the hair engaging member, and at least one air flow barrier on an outer surface of the attachment extending between the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet.

Preferably, the air flow emitted through the first air flow outlet or the second air flow outlet is directed across the outer surface of the hair engaging member by at least one air flow obstruction. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one air flow barrier has a height in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. The at least one airflow obstruction may preferably be a ridge.

The first air flow barrier is preferably located between the hair engaging members and the air inlet, and the second air flow barrier is preferably located between the hair engaging members and the end of the attachment opposite the air inlet. At least one of the first and second air flow obstructions is preferably connected to the hair engaging member. In addition, at least one of the first and second airflow obstructions is preferably connected to the housing. Preferably, the hair engaging members are elongate in shape.

An advantage is that the raised ridge adjacent each end of the movable member serves to avoid entrainment of ambient air.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling apparatus, the accessory comprising a housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling apparatus, a hair engaging member supported by the housing, and wherein the hair engaging member comprises a row of bristles protruding from an outer surface of the hair engaging member, and wherein each bristle in the row has an elongate form and an elliptical transverse cross-section.

Preferably, the housing comprises an array of bristles projecting from an outer surface of the housing. The rows preferably comprise bristles arranged in parallel rows. Each bristle preferably has a bulbous portion at the distal end. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair engaging members (which are supported by the housing), and the hair engaging members are preferably arranged side by side. In this preferred embodiment, the amount of bristles in a row on each hair engaging member is preferably the same. Advantageously, the shape of the bristles enables the attachment to move smoothly through the hair and minimizes tangling of the hair.

The above description of features relating to the first aspect of the invention applies equally to each of the second to sixth aspects of the invention and vice versa.

Drawings

Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the accessory;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the attachment;

FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5b is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the interior space of the attachment;

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3, showing the movable member in a first configuration;

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3, showing the movable member in a first configuration;

FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3, showing the movable member in a second configuration;

FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3, showing the movable member in a second configuration;

FIG. 7a is a side view of a row of bristles for an attachment;

FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 7 a;

fig. 8 is a side view of an example of a hot air molding apparatus to which accessories may be attached.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is an external view of the attachment 10. The attachment 10 includes an air inlet 12 for receiving an air stream from an air outlet of a hot air molding machine or similar appliance. Referring also to fig. 2, 3 and 4, the air intake 12 is defined by a housing (including an outer housing section 44, an inner housing section 45 and a retaining plate 62). The air inlet 12 is generally circular in shape to enable an air-tight sealed connection with a generally annular outlet end of the hot air molding apparatus. The annular collar section 14 forms a smooth edge from the outer surface of the hot air molding apparatus to the outer housing section 44 of the attachment 10.

The attachment includes at least one hair engaging member for engaging hair during use of the hot air styling apparatus. In this embodiment, the attachment includes two hair engaging members. Each hair engaging member includes a movable member and a set of bristles supported by the movable member. In the present embodiment, the first and second

movable members

16 and 18 are both elongate in form and are arranged side by side. The movable members are longitudinally positioned on either side of the central fixed protrusion 22. The central fixing lug 22 forms part of an inner housing section 45 around which the outer housing section 44 extends. The first end of each movable member is positioned adjacent the air inlet end of the attachment 10 and the second end of each movable member is positioned adjacent the distal end of the attachment 10. The first and second

movable members

16, 18 are positioned between the outer and

inner housing sections

44, 45 and are supported at the distal end of the accessory 10 by a fixed plate 62 for movement relative to the housing. At the distal end of the attachment is a cover 24 that houses a movement mechanism for moving the movable member relative to the housing and attached cooling tip 26.

Each movable member has a curved outer surface. A plurality of parallel ribs 30 are positioned on the outer surface, with the ribs 30 extending perpendicular to the length of the movable member. Two adjacent ribs 30 form a channel 32 therebetween. The total area of the rib 30 on each movable member has a rectangular form, surrounded by a smooth outer peripheral surface. Each rib 30 supports a respective row of bristles 20.

In the present embodiment, the width of each channel 32 is preferably equal to or less than the height of the rib 30. In an alternative embodiment, the width of each channel 32 is wider than the width of the rib 30. In another alternative embodiment, the channel 32 may include a faceted geometry that is determined by fluid dynamics analysis.

Both the first and second

movable members

16, 18 have an inner side 34 (adjacent the central fixed projection 22) and an outer side 40 (adjacent the side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44). The inner side 34 of each movable member includes a series of regular indentations 36. The outer side 40 of each movable member includes a series of regular indentations 38. Referring to fig. 1, these regular indentations are not visible external features of the attachment 10 when assembled. The regular indentations 36 along the medial side 34 preferably have a width of about 1 mm-2 mm and a spacing of about 10 mm-15 mm. The regular indentations 38 along the lateral side 40 preferably have a width of about 2 mm to 3 mm and a spacing of about 2 mm to 3 mm.

A series of baffles 46 are attached to the underside of the central fixed ledge 22. As shown in fig. 5, the side profile of each baffle 46 is generally curved, and the curvature of the series of baffles 46 gradually decreases from the air inlet end of the attachment 10 to the tip of the attachment 10. The rear side 50 of each baffle 46 is attached to a respective support 52, and this support 52 is also attached to the base 53 of the inner casing section 45. It is also contemplated that the baffles 46 may alternatively be arranged for support, such as baffles being in contact with the central fixed ledge 22 alone or a pair of parallel supports at both sides of each single plate 46 and positioned in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10. In the preferred embodiment, the baffle 46 positioned closest to the air intake 12 has a minimum radius of 6 millimeters.

Referring to fig. 2, the curved base 54 of the outer housing section 44 extends between the outer sidewalls 42. A series of side tabs 56 are positioned internally on each side wall 42 of the outer casing section 44. In particular, each side flap 56 is positioned in axial alignment with a protrusion 57 of the outer side 40 of one of the movable members, thereby resulting in an airtight seal when the movable members are moved relative to the outer housing section 44 such that successive side flaps 56 and protrusions 57 are in contact. When the movable member is in this position, the passages between adjacent side tabs 56 are axially aligned with the corresponding notches 38 in the outer side surface 40 of the movable member, thereby forming a series of passages.

With further reference to fig. 2, the components positioned at the distal end of the attachment 10 primarily serve to enable the pivoting mechanism for movement of the first and second

movable members

16, 18 relative to the housing. In particular, the pivot pin 58 is received into a centrally located hole 60 in an end face of the second end of each movable member. These pivot pins 58 pass through holes in a first side of the end cap 24 that pass through the fixed plate 62 and are received. The central axis about which the first movable member 16 tilts is shown in figure 2, indicated by the dashed line X. The central axis about which the second movable member 18 tilts is indicated by a dashed line Y. Each movable member has an angle of movement (which is in the range of 5 ° to 30 °). In a preferred embodiment, the angle of movement is 12 °.

The link arm pin 64 protrudes from the outside of the end face of the second end of each movable member. Each link arm pin 64 passes through an oblong hole in the fixing plate 62 and is received in a respective end of a link arm 68. The link arm 68 acts to ensure that the first and second

movable members

16, 18 move synchronously relative to the outer housing section 44.

A spring pin 70 protrudes from the inside of the end face of the second end of each movable member. Each spring pin 70 passes through an enlarged hole 72 of the retaining plate 62 and through a leg 74 of a torsion spring 76 and is ultimately received in a corresponding hole in the first side of the end cap 24. The torsion spring 76 acts as an over-center mechanism between the stable first position and the stable second position, ensuring that the first and second

movable members

16 and 18 can tilt between the stable first position and the stable second position without obstruction.

The second side of the cover 24 includes a centrally extending structure, a cooling tip 26 (which is relatively insulated with respect to the heat of the air flow within the enclosure).

FIG. 3 is an external side view of the attachment 10 showing the location of the transverse cross-sections indicated by B-B and C-C. Fig. 3 shows a first raised ridge 78 (which is positioned adjacent the first end of each movable member) and a second raised ridge 80 (which is positioned adjacent the second end of each movable member). The first raised ridge 78 is part of the outer housing section 44. The second raised ridge 80 is part of the lid 24. The height of the first and second raised ridges 78, 80 preferably ranges from about 1 mm to 4 mm.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the attachment 10, shown from the air inlet end 12. The attachment ring 82 has four regularly spaced projections 84 (which form a snap-fit arrangement by which the accessory 10 is mounted to the hot air molding apparatus). The structure line D-D passes through each baffle 46 in the series.

Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in fig. 4. Several elongated cavities 86 are provided within the cooling tip 26 to serve to stiffen the cooling tip and also minimize convection and heat conduction to the outer surface of the cooling tip 26. The internal cross-sectional area of the attachment 10 decreases progressively from the air inlet end towards the tip of the attachment. In particular, the base 53 of the inner housing section 45 is tilted away from the base 54 of the outer housing section 44 towards the movable member, creating a cavity 90, which cavity 90 is delimited by the base 53 and the base 54 and an end plate 92 of the inner housing section 45.

Fig. 5b schematically shows an air inflow 12 and a plurality of air outflow openings (indicated by vertical arrows). The trapezoid 55 represents a cross-sectional view of the interior space of the attachment taken along the line D-D in fig. 4. The lateral cross-sectional area of the inside of the appendage at the upstream end is represented by the right edge 59 of the trapezoid 55. The transverse cross-sectional area of the inside of the appendage at the distal end is represented by the left edge 61 of the trapezoid 55. The cross-sectional area of the interior space of the attachment tapers gradually between a minimum cross-sectional area 61 at the distal end and a maximum cross-sectional area 59 at the upstream end.

In one embodiment, base 53 has a smoothly curved profile (which has a maximum height at the center of end plate 92), with a downwardly sloping profile toward sidewall 42 and away from end plate 92. In another embodiment, a gradual tapering of the internal cross-sectional area of the attachment 10 may be achieved in an alternative configuration of the base 53.

The "reciprocating motion" of the movable member will be described with reference to fig. 6a to 6 d. Figures 6a and 6B show cross-sectional views taken along lines B-B and C-C in figure 3 when the movable member is in a first configuration relative to the housing. Fig. 6c and 6d are similar cross-sectional views of fig. 6a and 6b, but when the movable member is in a second configuration relative to the housing. In use, the action of the user pulls the attachment through the hair creating oppositely directed tensions in the bristles 20. Tension in the bristles is thereby developed in each of the moveable members, and each moveable member moves in the direction of the tension so that the moveable member adopts either the first configuration or the second configuration during use of the attachment 10.

Figures 6a and 6b show the position of each movable member in the first configuration when the accessory 10 is moved through the hair of a user in a left-to-right direction (as indicated by arrow 88) in use. The first movable member 16 shown at the left side of figure 6a is in a first position relative to the housing, wherein the outer section of the upper surface is in flush, airtight contact with the side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44. The inner side surface 34 of the first movable member 16 is positioned below the central fixed projecting portion 22 and vertically overlaps therewith. The first interior air outlet 94 is formed between the central fixed projecting portion 22 and the inner side surface 34 of the first movable member 16.

The second movable member 18 is shown at the right side of figure 6a in a second position relative to the housing, in which the inner side face 35 is in flush, airtight contact with the central fixed protrusion 22. The second movable member 18 has an outer section with an upper surface positioned below the side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44. A second outer air outlet 95 is formed between the second movable member 18 and the side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44.

Fig. 6b shows the movable member in the same position as in fig. 6a, as will be apparent to the skilled person. The cross-sectional section C-C (fig. 3) passes through the support 52 of the baffle 46 and through the narrow neck 93 of the baffle 46. The inner side surface 34 of the first movable member 16 is in contact with the narrow neck portion 93 of the shutter 46. Regularly spaced notches 36 on the longitudinally inner side 34 of each movable member contact regularly spaced baffles 46 to divide the interior air outlet 94 into a series of central air outlet apertures. Likewise, the regularly spaced interior side flaps 56 on the outer side 40 of each movable member contact the regularly spaced protrusions 57, thereby dividing the exterior air outlets 95 into a series of exterior air outlet apertures.

When the brushing direction of the user is reversed, and likewise the direction of the pulling force in the bristles 20 is reversed, then the movable members move synchronously to their opposite positions. Thereby, the first and second

movable members

16, 18 are in a second configuration relative to the housing, as shown in fig. 6c and 6 d. In particular, the attachment 10 moves in a right-to-left direction (as indicated by arrow 89) during use. The first movable member shown at the left side of fig. 6c is in a second position, where the inner side 34 is in contact with the central fixed protrusion 22 and the outer side 40 is positioned below the outer side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44. A third exterior air outlet 97 is formed between the first movable member 16 and the side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44.

The second movable member 18 is shown at the right side of fig. 6c in a second position, wherein the outer side face 40 is in contact with the outer side wall 42 of the outer housing section 44. The second movable member 18 has an inner section of an upper surface that is placed below and vertically overlapping the central fixed projecting portion 22. A fourth interior air outlet 96 is formed between the second movable member 18 and the central fixed projection 22.

Fig. 6d shows the movable member in a second configuration thereby showing the same position as shown in fig. 6c, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. The cross-sectional section C-C (fig. 3) passes through the support 52 of the baffle 46 and through the narrow neck 93 of the baffle 46.

Such synchronous movement between the two relative positions is a so-called "reciprocating" movement. This "reciprocating" motion is permitted and limited by oblong holes 72 and 66 in the fixed plate 62, with the pivot pin 58 and link arm pin 64 being positioned through the respective oblong holes 72 and 66. The attachment 10 has a single open interior air outlet and a single open exterior air outlet when the movable member assumes one of two different stable configurations. For example, when the movable member is in the first configuration, the

air flow outlets

94, 95 are open and the

air flow outlets

96, 97 are closed. When the movable member is in the second configuration, the

air flow outlets

94, 95 are closed and the

air flow outlets

96, 97 are open.

In use, the attachment 10 is connected to the air flow outlet end of the hot air molding apparatus. The air flow passes from the hot air molding apparatus through the air inlet 12 and into the attachment 10. The front side 48 of each of the series of baffles 46 is used to redirect the incident airflow. In particular, the incident air flow from the air inlet 12 is mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10. The baffle 46 changes this path by about 90 degrees in the direction of the central fixed projection 22 and toward the open interior air outlet 94. Both the front side 48 and the rear side 50 of each baffle 46 help to redirect the air flow. In cooperation with the regular indentations on the inner side 34 of each movable member, a series of baffles 46 form a first series of air jets that exit the attachment 10.

In addition, the side flaps 56 serve to direct the air flow towards the open outer air outlet 95 and, in cooperation with the regular indentations 38 in the outer lateral surface 40 of each movable member, form a second series of air jets which exit the accessory 10.

Due to the contours of the movable members, air flowing out of the attachment 10 through one of the open interior air outlet and the open exterior air outlet is directed to flow over the outer surface of the adjacent one of the movable members. The formation of the side tabs 56 and the baffles 46 enables the air stream to exit the jet straight and parallel, flowing evenly across the surface of the movable member, thereby drawing hair to the surface of the movable member. In an exemplary embodiment, the air flow rate exiting each air flow outlet is about 30 meters/second.

As a result of the size of the air flow outlet and the contour of each movable member, ambient air is drawn into the surface air flow. Thus, the air flow through the passage 32 and along the length of the user's hair is augmented by the ambient air flow. In addition, the form and size of the channels 32 enhance flow attachment as the air flow moves across the surface of the movable member.

Referring to fig. 6a and 6b, when the attachment 10 is moved in a direction from left to right in use (as indicated by arrow 88 at the top of the figure), then the air flow across the surface of each movable member is in the opposite direction, as indicated by the smaller air flow arrows. Referring to fig. 6c and 6d, when the orientation of use of the attachment 10 is reversed, then the direction of air flow across the surface of each movable member is also reversed.

The cross-sectional area of the interior space of the attachment 10 gradually decreases toward the downstream end of the attachment 10. The effect of the reduction in cross-sectional area is to ensure a constant pressure of the air flow exiting the attachment along the entire length of the air outlet and to prevent turbulence. The reduction in cross-sectional area is proportional to the reduced mass flow rate of air flow within the enclosure. The mass flow rate decreases from the upstream end of the attachment to the downstream end of the attachment through the inner and outer air outlets as the air flow exits the attachment 10. Thus, the reduction in cross-sectional area results in a constant airflow rate out of the attachment along the entire length of the air outlet. It was also observed that the adhesion of the air flow to the fins and baffles was enhanced as a result of the gradual reduction of the internal cross-sectional area.

The first and second raised ridges 78, 80 serve to prevent ambient air from undesirably entraining a uniform, parallel air flow moving through the channel 32.

Figures 7a to 7d show a preferred form of bristle for the attachment. Fig. 7a shows a row of bristles, wherein each bristle 99 is attached to an elongate base plate 98. A vertical cross-section a-a through the bristles 99 is shown in fig. 7 b. The base ends 100 of the bristles 99 are wider than the ends 102 of the bristles and the sides are generally straight with a generally spherical form at the ends 102 of the bristles 99. As shown in fig. 7c, the cross-section through the end 102 of each bristle is circular. Figure 7d shows that the cross-section through the base end 100 of each bristle 99 is elliptical. Once assembled, the longer dimension of the elliptical profile of each bristle 20 is aligned with the longer dimension of each rib 30 on each movable member. In an alternative embodiment, each bristle 99 has an elliptical cross-section to the entire bristle and the size of the cross-section may gradually decrease toward the distal ends 102 of the bristles 99.

Further, each bristle 99 may be contoured in form to optimize flow attachment as the air flow moves between the bristles 20 and across the surface of each movable member. In a preferred embodiment, the bristles 20 are capable of bending and may be about 15 millimeters long. The bristles 20 may be formed with or without a generally spherical end form.

The skilled person will appreciate that the bristles of the attachment of the present hot air moulding device may be individually fitted or pre-formed into two or more connected bristle rows (as shown in figure 7 a). Each bristle 99 is positioned within the rib 30 and, optionally, the rib 30 may allow each bristle 99 to move in one or more directions. For example, a small cushioned motion of each bristle 99 along the longitudinal axis of the bristle may improve the comfort experienced by the user, as the bristles will have a reduced force against the scalp.

Referring to fig. 1, the upper surface of each movable member has an arcuate form and thus the ribs 30 define the same arcuate form. Thus, the vertical alignment of the bristles 20 held within a single rib 30 is non-parallel.

Fig. 8 shows an example of a hot air molding machine 104 to which the accessory 10 can be attached to the hot air molding machine 104. The hot air molding apparatus includes a generally tubular handle 106 having an air inlet 108 and an air outlet 110 at opposite ends. At the air inlet of the handle, an array of holes surrounds and extends partially along the handle 106, providing an air inlet 108. The fan unit within the handle 106 includes a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn through the air inlet along an air flow path (which extends through the length of the handle 106). The air is optionally heated by a heater before exiting the hot air molding apparatus at air outlet 110.

In another embodiment, the

bases

53,54 may be provided with a channel therebetween that serves as an insulating cold wall cavity. In another preferred embodiment, the cavity 90 for reducing the internal cross-sectional area of the attachment may be continuous with the cold wall cavity between the

bases

53, 54. This cold wall cavity serves to reduce the temperature of the base of the outer housing section 44 (which may be in contact with a user).

In another structural alternative, the cold wall may comprise a layer of spacer material that covers the base and wall of the outer casing section 44 of the accessory, held at a predetermined distance from the base and wall of the outer casing section 44 by a minimum amount of connecting ribs. The cold wall does not create a closed cavity, but forms a passage between the cold wall and the outer housing section 44 which may, in use, promote air flow through the cold wall passage by a venturi effect.

The biasing action of the torsion spring 76 may be accomplished in a number of alternative ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, a Magnetic latch (Magnetic latch) or a weighted movable member (weighted movable member) or an integrated ball bearing in the stopping device may be used.

The attachment may be made of any suitable heat resistant material and in a preferred embodiment the housing and movable member are made of glass filled nylon. The maximum preferred operating temperature of such accessories connected to the hot air molding apparatus is about 130 ℃.

In this embodiment of the attachment, two parallel movable members are depicted. Alternatively, one movable member or three or more movable members may be used within the outer housing section 44. An embodiment that includes one movable member would necessarily omit the central stop and central fixed projection. In an alternative embodiment, multiple movable members are included, which may include multiple rows of central baffles (positioned to create air flow jets between the movable members). Further, in alternative embodiments of the accessory, the movable member may be adapted to move in a hinging or sliding motion.

In the present embodiment of the attachment 10, three rows of bristles 20 are shown on each movable member, as shown in the drawings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of rows of bristles on each movable member can be more or less than three. In particular, it has been found to be advantageous in an attachment without bristles that the user can benefit from the hair smoothing effect of the air flow channel without the roughening effect of the bristles through the hair. Alternatively, bristles 20 may be positioned on the outer housing section 44 instead of or in addition to bristles 20 on each movable member. Also, embodiments having more than one moveable member may not have bristles positioned on each moveable member.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An attachment for a hair styling appliance comprising:

a housing having an air inlet for receiving an air flow from a hair styling appliance;

a hair engaging member supported by the housing and adapted to move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing;

a first air outlet and a second air outlet;

a chamber for conveying air from an air inlet to the first and second air outlets;

wherein the air inlet is positioned at one end of the chamber and the first and second air outlets extend along the length of the chamber; and

a first air outlet is formed between the housing and the hair engaging members when the hair engaging members are in the first position, a second air outlet is formed between the housing and the hair engaging members when the hair engaging members are in the second position,

the first air outlet being open and the second air outlet being closed when the hair engaging member is in the first position, the first air outlet being closed and the second air outlet being open when the hair engaging member is in the second position,

the cross-sectional area of the chamber decreases from the inlet along the length dimension of the first and second outlet.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base positioned opposite the air outlet.

3. An accessory according to claim 2 wherein the base is generally flat and tapers towards the outlet with increasing distance from the inlet.

4. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the base includes a first layer and a second layer separated by an insulating cavity.

5. An accessory according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a distal end opposite the air inlet, and wherein the insulating cover is positioned at the distal end.

6. The accessory defined in claim 5 wherein the insulating cover has heat resistant projections that extend away from the air inlet.