CN211984221U

CN211984221U - Attachment for a hair styling device

Info

Publication number: CN211984221U
Application number: CN201921170108.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: H.L.柯克布赖德; S.B.考特尼; T.C.珀内尔; R.M.B.科尔顿
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-01
Filing date: 2019-07-23
Publication date: 2020-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-23
Also published as: US20210289909A1; WO2020025920A1; CN110786618A

Abstract

An accessory for a hair styling device, wherein the accessory comprises an air inlet for receiving a flow of air from the hair styling device; a long and thin slot-shaped air outlet; a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a series of triangular comb teeth mounted orthogonally across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end positioned generally at the air outlet and a second end arranged to pass beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction.

Description

Attachment for a hair styling device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an accessory for a hand-held appliance, in particular a hair care appliance, such as a hot air setting device or a hair dryer.

Background

In conventional hot air setting devices or hair dryers, the form and speed of the emitted air stream may be modified by removable nozzles or attachments. Depending on the desired hairstyle, the air stream may be heated or unheated. A collector is a known accessory that collects and flattens the emitted airflow, allowing the airflow to be directed to specific areas of the user's hair. Certain hair types, such as textured hair, benefit from the placement of the user's hair with a comb or brush row (pic) during the drying process to avoid entanglement of the hair strands. It would be desirable to provide an attachment that is suitable for improving the ease and speed of drying or styling textured hair.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In a first aspect, there is provided an accessory for a hair styling device, the accessory comprising an air inlet for receiving a flow of air from the hair styling device; a long and thin slot-shaped air outlet; a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a rod mounted within the duct along the length of the air outlet; and a series of comb teeth mounted on the bar.

The attachment may be particularly beneficial to users having textured hair, and may also be referred to as a brush row or a textured hair comb.

Preferably, the rod is adapted for flexible twisting. Furthermore, the stem is preferably adapted to flexibly deform in a plane orthogonal to the length of said air outlet. Preferably, each tooth of the series of teeth has a first end positioned in the duct and a second end arranged beyond the air outlet in the downstream direction, and the bar is adapted such that each tooth can describe a spherical sector about the axis of the first end of the tooth.

Advantageously, the second end of each tooth is movable in use to trace a circle of about 5mm radius, and the second end of each tooth gently conforms to the shape of the user's head and resiliently returns to the aligned configuration when not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod comprises a fixing means at each end for mounting the rod within the duct. Preferably, the securing means provides a fixed joint or a pivoting joint. Preferably, the rod is formed of a flexible material, such as a nylon material.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod and the series of combs are formed as a single piece.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling device, the accessory comprising: an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling device; a long and thin slot-shaped air outlet; a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end positioned generally at the air outlet and a second end arranged to pass beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction; wherein at least one tooth comprises a planar, triangular form oriented generally perpendicular to the length of the air outlet.

Advantageously, the accessory acts as a hair drying and detangling tool, and the emitted air flow experienced by the user is substantially uniform in temperature and speed. The attachment improves the ease and speed of drying or styling textured hair.

Preferably, the first end of at least one tooth has a semi-circular profile. Preferably, the second end of the at least one tooth forms an apex. The apex may comprise a rod form and also a spherical form at the tip of the tooth. Preferably each tooth has a width in the range 0.5mm to 2mm in a preferred embodiment, each tooth in the series of teeth is regularly spaced. Further, preferably, each tooth of the series of teeth is spaced from an adjacent tooth by a distance in the range 2mm to 8 mm.

The first end of the outermost tooth of the series of teeth may be angled towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment. Further, the second end of the outermost tooth of the series of teeth may be angled towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment. Preferably, the series of teeth are formed from a flexible material.

Preferably, the attachment further comprises a series of fins located within the duct, oriented substantially orthogonal to the length of the air outlet, and the downstream end of at least one fin of the series of fins comprises an inverted semi-circular profile adapted to fit around the first end of the alignment tooth. It is also preferred that the first end of the alignment tooth is free to move within the inverted semi-circular profile of the at least one tab.

Advantageously, each tooth of the series of teeth has a limited range of motion, thereby allowing the series of teeth to conform to the shape of the user's scalp in use.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hairdryer, wherein the hairdryer comprises a body having an outer wall, an inner aperture and a duct therebetween, and an air flow outlet at a front face of the body; the attachment comprises an air inlet for receiving a flow of air from the hairdryer; an air outlet; a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a stabilizing member for positioning in an internal aperture of the hairdryer.

Preferably, the air inlet is positioned between the stabilising member and the duct of the attachment. Further, the stabilizing member is preferably substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the diameter of the stabilizing member ranges from 25mm to 50mm, and is allowed to range from 32mm to 38 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizing member has a first end distal to the air inlet and a second end proximal to the air inlet, and the second end has a diameter in the range from 35mm to 37 mm. Preferably, the stabilizing member tapers conically from the second end towards the first end. Preferably, the stabilising member forms a friction fit with the internal aperture of the hairdryer.

The diameter of the cylindrical stabilizing member may gradually increase from the first end towards the second end so as to form a tight fit (flush fit) between the stabilizing member and the internal aperture of the hairdryer along the length of the stabilizing member.

The attachment may comprise a seal arranged between the stabilising member and the internal aperture of the hairdryer, and the seal may be an elastomeric O-ring attached to the stabilising member.

Preferably, the air inlet is a slot and may also be an annular slot. The attachment preferably comprises a ring of magnetic material extending adjacent to and around the air inlet. Further, the length of the stabilizing member is preferably in the range of 10mm to 120 mm.

The air stream emitted from the air outlet of the hairdryer may have a temperature in the range up to 130 ℃.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an accessory for a hair styling device, the accessory comprising an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling device; a long and thin slot-shaped air outlet; a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air flow guide body positioned at least partially within the duct, the air flow guide body having a plurality of fins oriented substantially orthogonal to a length of the air outlet; and a series of teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end positioned at the air outlet and a second end arranged to pass beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction.

Preferably, the at least one tab substantially abuts the first end of the tooth. Further, preferably each fin includes a downstream terminal edge having an inverted semi-circular configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the air flow guide is a plug comprising a substantially circular first end portion and a dome-shaped second end portion. It is also preferred that the flap is connected to the outer surface of the plug and extends from the circular first end to the domed second end and projects beyond the second end. The air inlet may comprise at least one groove, and more preferably the air inlet comprises an annular groove, located around the first end of the plug.

In another preferred embodiment, the air inlet is positioned at one end of the duct and the air outlet extends along the length of the duct. The air flow guide may be a series of fins, each spanning the duct near the air outlet. It has been found beneficial to use one or more fins within the duct to facilitate smoothly directing the incoming air flow, through approximately 90 degrees, towards the air outlet. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the duct decreases in size from the air inlet along the length of the air outlet. Furthermore, the accessory preferably comprises a curved (contoured) duct wall extending between the air outlet and the air outlet.

Advantageously, turbulence within the accessory is minimized and thereby the volume of the hot air setting device with the accessory in use is minimized.

The above description of features relating to the first aspect of the invention applies equally to other 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 front perspective view of an accessory;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the attachment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the attachment;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the attachment;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a hair engaging section of the attachment;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the plug of the fitment;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the sleeve of the accessory;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the attachment securing member;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the hair engaging section of the attachment and the plug;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the hair engaging section and plug of the attachment;

12a, 12b, 12c and 12d show top, side, front and rear views, respectively, of a hair engaging section of an accessory;

FIG. 13a is a schematic view in horizontal cross-section through another embodiment of the accessory, also showing air flow;

FIG. 13b is a schematic view of a horizontal cross-section through the attachment, also showing air flow;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an accessory having a protective cover;

FIG. 15 is a front view of an accessory having a protective cover;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one example of a hair dryer to which accessories may be attached;

FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative attachment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an alternative accessory;

FIG. 19 is an end view of the attachment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of an alternative attachment;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an example of a hot air setting apparatus to which alternative accessories may be attached.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 5 are external views of the attachment 10. The attachment 10 includes an air inlet 12 for receiving a flow of air from the air outlet end of a hairdryer or similar device. The air inlet 12 is an annular aperture defined by an annular magnet 14 at the outer periphery and a circular end of a central plug 16 at the inner periphery. A sleeve 18 is positioned downstream of the air inlet 12 and covers the plug 16. A series of elongate teeth 20 project from a downstream opening 22 of the sleeve 18.

The stabilising cylinder member 24 extends on the upstream side of the air inlet 12 with respect to the longitudinal axis x of the attachment 10. The end of the cylindrical member 24 includes an elastomeric O-ring 26.

Fig. 6 shows a hair engaging section 28 of the attachment comprising a series of elongate teeth 20, said teeth 20 being connected to a rod 30 extending along an axis y transverse to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10. Each tooth 20 has the form of a triangular blade oriented with the blade edge 32 aligned with the longitudinal axis x of the attachment 10. The wide, first end 34 of each tooth has a rounded profile. The rod 30 is flexible and allows the attached teeth to move in several orientations. Lugs 36 are positioned at the first end of the outer teeth 20 on each side of the hair engaging section 28, and a hole 40 is positioned in each lug 36.

Fig. 7 shows a stopper 16 having a generally conical form with a series of tabs 42 positioned on the outer surface of the stopper 16. The first end of the plug 16 is a generally circular opening 44 or wall and the second end is in the form of a rounded dome. Seven tabs 42 are shown and each tab in the series of tabs is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis x of the attachment. At a first end of the stopper 16, the tabs 42 start on opposite sides of a circular opening 44, extend over a tapered surface of the stopper 16, and then converge at a second end of the stopper. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins terminate in a c-shaped profile 46.

A flange 48 is positioned at a first end of the plug that cooperates with a second end 50 of the cylindrical member 24. A pair of snap-fit arms 52 are positioned near the first end of the plug, on opposite sides (in the transverse plane y) of the circular opening 44 of the attachment 10. These snap-fit arms 52 engage the ring magnet 14 shown in fig. 2 and 3. The annular magnet 14 has an annular plastic housing 15 that partially surrounds the outer surface of the magnet 14.

The sleeve 18 is annular, having a rounded rectangular cross-section, adapted to receive the plug 16 at a first end. The first end 22 of the sleeve 18 also includes an end wall 54 that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10 and defines a shoulder 56 of the sleeve 18. There may be a discontinuity between the side wall and end wall 54 of the sleeve 18 forming a port 53 through which ambient air may be transmitted.

As shown in fig. 8, a pair of holes 58 are positioned on opposite sides of the second end of the sleeve 18 of the attachment 10, in the transverse plane y. Several locating

tabs

60, 62 are located on the inner surface of the sleeve 18.

The cylindrical member 24 has four walls 64 that are radially positioned within the barrel, extending from an axial securing member 66 to an inner surface 68 of the barrel. As shown in fig. 9, the inner surface 68 of the first end of the cylindrical member 24 is adapted to engage the outer surface of the flange 48 of the plug 16.

Fig. 10 illustrates the arrangement of plug 16 and hair engaging section 28, particularly the alignment of tabs 42 with teeth 20. In the illustrated embodiment, seven tabs 42 of plug 16 are aligned with seven central teeth 20 of hair engaging section 28. The first ends 34 of at least three other teeth 20 on each side are inclined towards the longitudinal axis x of the accessory. The c-shaped profile of the second end of the tab 42 cooperates with the semi-circular first ends of the seven central teeth 20, as shown more clearly in fig. 11.

Hair engaging section 28 includes a plurality of teeth 20 connected to a rod 30. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12a, the rod 30 is generally rectangular in cross-section. Hair engaging section 28 may be molded as a single element, or separate teeth 20 may be secured to rod 30. Two alternative tooth profiles are shown in fig. 12 b. The left hand side profile has straight blade edges which meet at a curved tip 76. In the right-hand profile, a bar 78 extends from the narrow, second end of each tooth, and the tip of the bar includes a spherical form 80.

Referring to fig. 12a and 12b, the depth d of each tooth ranges from 5mm to 25mm, and in this embodiment, from 16mm to 18 mm. The length I of each tooth outside the air outlet is in the range 30mm to 80mm, and in this embodiment from 50mm to 60 mm. The width w of each tooth is in the range 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and in this embodiment from 1.7mm to 1.9 mm. The number of teeth in the hair engaging section is in the range of 7 to 20, and in this embodiment is in the range of 12 to 14. The length b of the flexible rod is in the range 50mm to 80mm, and in this embodiment in the range from 60mm to 70 mm.

During assembly of the components of the attachment 10, the sleeve 18 is moved around the joint between the hair engaging section 28 and the plug 16. Lugs 36 at the first end of hair engaging section 28 are aligned with apertures 58 in the second end of sleeve 18. A pin 41 is inserted through each hole 58 and into a receiving hole 40 in each lug 36, respectively. The cylindrical stabilizing section 24 is connected to the plug 16 via a flange 48 at a first end of the plug 16. Alternatively, a threaded connection may be used between the axial securing member of the cylindrical section and an axial projection (not shown) in the plug 16 to enhance the connection. The ring magnet 14, which is preferably partially encapsulated by the plastic 15, is moved along the cylindrical section 24 toward the stopper 16 and is held in place by the snap-fit arms 52.

Referring to fig. 8, the locating

tabs

60, 62 may be welded (e.g., by ultrasonic welding) to the nearest flap. Such a welded construction also serves to increase the rigidity of the attachment 10.

In use, the textured hair member is attached to the air flow outlet end of the hair dryer 72. An example of a hair dryer is shown in figure 16, where an accessory can be attached to it. Such a hairdryer is described in WO2015/001306, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein a stream of hot air is emitted from an annular groove located at the air outlet end of the hairdryer 72. The air outlet slot 84 extends around the apertures 70 of the hairdryer. The cylindrical member 24 of the attachment 10 is inserted into the aperture 70 of the hair dryer 72 so as to provide a stable configuration between the attachment 10 and the hair dryer 72. In addition, the ring magnet 14 of the attachment 10 engages a ring 86 of magnetic material adjacent the air outlet slot 84 of the hairdryer 72. The elastomeric O-ring 26 provides further engagement between the outer surface of the attachment 10 and the inner surface of the aperture 70 in the hairdryer 72. The cylindrical member 24 serves to prevent relative movement between the attachment 10 and the hairdryer 72 even if significant forces are applied to the attachment 10 via the teeth 20.

The air flow emitted from the hairdryer 72 passes through the annular air inlet 12 of the attachment and over the surface of the plug 16, is guided by the fins 42 and is defined by the sleeve 18. The air flow continues past the first end of the hair engagement section 28 and through the air outlet 22 defined by the second end of the sleeve 18. Guided by the plurality of teeth, the air flow continues towards the second end of the hair engaging section 28. As hot air flows through the attachment 10, the temperature of the components will increase. To avoid contact with the hottest part of the accessory, the user can position their finger at the short side of the sleeve 18. Furthermore, the sleeve may comprise double wall portions with gaps between the wall portions, thereby creating an insulating effect.

The user may move the attachment through their hair and the tines 20 may contact the user's scalp. Flexible rod 30 allows tooth 20 to move and thereby conform to the shape of the user's head. Further, each tooth 20 comprises a flexible material. The movement of the attachment 10 by the user through the hair may be irregular and the arrangement of the hair may be uneven and thus the various teeth may be pushed or rotated in different directions. Flexible rod 30 enables tooth 20 to move within a limited range. The maximum movement of the teeth 20 occurs at the tip of each tooth. When the movement of the tips of the teeth are aligned with the z-axis, as shown in fig. 6, the teeth can be considered to "pivot" about the flexible rod 30, although the joint between the rod and each tooth remains in a fixed relationship. Thus, the first end of each tooth has a limited rotational movement. Advantageously, the c-shaped second end 46 of the tab 42 allows such rotational movement of the respective tooth to be unimpeded. Movement of the second end of the tooth 20 in alignment with the y-axis may result in limited movement of the first end of the tooth along the same axis. Again, such movement is not impeded by the tabs 42.

Each component of the attachment 10 is formed from a plastics material. In particular, the hair engaging member comprises glass filled nylon or super tough nylon.

Figures 13a and 13b illustrate the beneficial effect of the tab 42 on the outer surface of the stopper 16. The air flow pattern is shown as a shaded area. Figure 13a schematically shows the accessory without the tab. The air flow travels from the air inlet to the air outlet, is generally undirected, and a negligible air flow exists at the outermost side of the hair engaging members. In contrast, fig. 13b schematically shows an attachment with fins and whereby the air flow is deflected by the fins and the cross-section of the air flow at the outlet is larger than the air flow at the inlet. In particular, the fins 42 of the plug 16 direct the air flow from the inlet to expand across the entire width of the air outlet 22. Thereby, the air flow is directed through a larger area of the user's hair and, consequently, the time required for drying the hair is reduced.

Protective cover 82 may be positioned over hair engaging portions 28 when accessory 10 is not in use. The protective cover 82, as shown in fig. 14, includes a sleeve 85 having a transverse cross-sectional form and dimensions similar to the sleeve 18 of the accessory. One major side is cut away and the first end has a wall 87 adapted to receive the first end of the tooth 20 and the second end has a pair of transverse walls adapted to receive the second end of the tooth.

When the accessory 10 has been used for a high temperature air flow and significant stresses are applied to the teeth 20, it is possible that the teeth may be deformed due to the properties of the plastic material of which they are comprised. After use, the protective cover 82 may be slid onto the hair engaging sections 28, in the direction of the arrows in fig. 14, until the first end of the protective cover 82 abuts the second end of the sleeve 18. In this way, the teeth 20 are held in the correct position as the temperature of the accessory decreases and returns to ambient temperature. The cut-out 90 of the protective cover improves the heat transfer rate from the teeth when the temperature of the accessory 10 is reduced. Furthermore, the protective cover 82 serves to protect the teeth from certain impacts and possible damage when the accessory 10 is not in use.

An alternative comb attachment for a hot air styling apparatus is shown in figures 17 to 20. The attachment 100 includes an air inlet 102 defined by a collar 104 for receiving a flow of air from an air outlet end of the hot air setting apparatus. The fluid inlet 102 is generally circular in shape so that an airtight connection can be made with respect to the generally circular air outlet of the hot air setting apparatus. Regularly spaced protrusions 106 on the collar 104 enable a snap-fit connection to the air outlet end of the hot air setting device. Alternative connection options will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such as a screw fit or push fit configuration.

The air inlet 102 is in fluid communication with a duct 108. The duct 108 has an air outlet 110 of elongate shape. The outer surface of the accessory 100 is in the form of a sleeve 112 that extends partially around the pipe 108. The air outlet 110 may extend beyond the top opening of the sleeve 112.

While the embodiment shown in fig. 17 includes 13 teeth in the hair engaging section, fig. 18 shows another embodiment including 15 teeth in the hair engaging section. Fig. 20 shows yet another embodiment, including 17 teeth in the hair engaging section.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the decreasing depth of the conduit 108 toward the distal end of the attachment 100. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the conduit 108 gradually decreases, or narrows, toward the distal end of the attachment 100. The cross-sectional area of sleeve 112 does not change in size along its length toward the distal end of accessory 100, and thus the spacing between conduit 108 and sleeve 112 in the cross-sectional area gradually increases toward the distal end of the accessory, forming a chamber 114. At the upstream end of the duct 108, a contoured wall 116 extends between the air inlet 102 and the air outlet 110.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 18, the attachment includes five

tabs

118, 120, 122, 124, 126. The unbroken fins 118 are closest to the air flow inlet of the duct 108 and have the form of air airfoils. The unbroken fins 118 are oriented in close alignment to the natural airflow direction with the downstream ends of the fins 118 orthogonal to the air outlets 110.

The four

other fins

120, 122, 124, 126 are separate fins, each comprising a primary section and a secondary section. Each having slightly different dimensions and proportions. The downstream end of each separating fin is a narrow tail that terminates immediately adjacent and orthogonal to the air outlet. The downstream end of the main section of each separating fin is positioned at regular intervals of 14mm to 15 mm.

Referring to fig. 18, the upstream end of each fin (or primary fin) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 is aligned with the direction of incident primary air flow (shown by the arrows) entering the attachment 100 through the primary air inlet 102. The downstream end of each fin (or primary fin) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 is aligned with the direction of the firing air flow exiting the attachment through the air flow outlet 110. Alternatively, each tab in the alternative accessory 100 may comprise a single curved tab, rather than a primary section and a secondary section.

A hair engagement section 128, similar to that previously shown and described with respect to fig. 6 and 12a, is positioned at the air outlet 110 of the attachment 100. Lugs 130 at each end of the hair engaging section 128 are attached to the duct wall 132 at the short ends of the elongate air outlets 110. A pin 134 passes through a hole in the conduit wall 132 and into a receiving hole in each lug 130. A flexible rod 136 extends across the air outlet 110, to which a plurality of teeth 138 are attached. The first ends 140 of some of the plurality of teeth 138 abut the downstream ends of the

fins

118, 120, 122, 124, 126. The tab has a c-shaped downstream end and the teeth 138 have a semi-circular upstream end and thereby allow limited movement of the teeth as described for the hair engaging members and tabs of the attachment shown in fig. 1 to 15.

In use, the attachment described in fig. 17 to 20 is attached to the air flow outlet end of the hot air setting apparatus. The air flow enters the conduit 108 through the air inlet 102 of the attachment. The air flow is directed by the

fins

118, 120, 122, 124, 126 towards the air outlet 110 where it is emitted from the attachment 100.

At the upstream end of the duct 108, a contoured wall 116 serves to direct the air flow towards the air outlet with minimal turbulence and low velocity flow. The air velocity of the air stream near the air stream inlet is sufficient to ensure the desired level of attachment of the air stream to the non-breaking fins. The separating fin serves to improve the adhesion of the air flow to the fin as the incident air velocity decreases. The air flow exiting the outlet 110 is a straight, uniform flow having an outlet air flow velocity that is lower than the inlet air flow velocity. In addition, the outlet airflow has a relatively slow rate of decay and exits the duct 108 uniformly at right angles to the direction of the incident airflow entering the attachment 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the air velocity exiting the duct is between about 30m/s and 35 m/s. The outlet air flow is guided by the teeth, thereby continuing to flow straight, evenly towards the user's hair. In use, the movement of the teeth 138 in this alternative attachment is similar to the movement of the teeth in a hair dryer attachment as previously described.

The cross-sectional area of the conduit 108 tapers toward the distal end of the attachment 100. The effect of this reduction in cross-sectional area is to ensure a constant pressure of the air flow leaving the attachment along the entire length of the air outlet and to prevent turbulence. In particular, the reduction in cross-sectional area is proportional to the reduced mass flow rate of the air flow in the duct. The mass flow rate decreases as the air flow exits the duct via the air outlet from the upstream end of the attachment to the downstream end of the attachment. Thus, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of the duct 108 results in a constant outlet air flow velocity along the length of the air outlet. It was also observed that the adhesion of the air flow to the

fins

118, 120, 122, 124, 126 was improved due to the reduction of the cross-sectional area of the duct. Furthermore, a balanced distribution of the air flow at the air outlet is achieved.

The inlet air stream may be heated prior to entering the accessory 100 and thus the duct may become hot in use. The sleeve 112 acts as a cold wall to minimize the temperature of the outermost surface of the attachment, as the air-filled chamber 114 insulates the sleeve from the pipe.

A protective cover, as shown in FIG. 14, may also be used with the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 through 20.

Referring to the embodiment shown in fig. 19, the second end 140 of each tooth 138 may omit the bar and ball, having only an apex in the form of a triangular blade. Advantageously, the teeth have a flat top at the second end 140, which is not prone to damage or deformation during use. The flexible rod 136 may have any suitable form, such as a circular or oval cross-section.

In another embodiment of an alternative accessory 100, as shown in fig. 20, the sleeve 112 may be angled toward the duct at the air flow outlet. This serves to enable the outlet air flow (which may be referred to as the "primary air flow") to entrain air present in the chamber 114, thereby moving air through the chamber, and drawing ambient air in through the port 142 between the sleeve 112 and the duct 108. The ambient air moving through the chamber (which may be referred to as "secondary air flow") enhances the effectiveness of the cold wall effect of the sleeve 112. However, the secondary air stream is cooler than the heated primary air stream, and thus the relative proportions of the secondary and primary air streams should be controlled in order to optimise the air stream temperature experienced by the user. Such control is achieved by the air flow outlet geometry, which includes the size and relative position of the primary and secondary air flow outlets.

In a preferred embodiment, the depth d (as shown in FIG. 18) of the further appendage is in the range of 30mm to 70mm, and in this embodiment is in the range of from 40mm to 60 mm. The height c of the attachment from the top of the sleeve to the air inlet is in the range 80mm to 120mm, and in this embodiment in the range 90mm to 110 mm.

Fig. 21 shows an example of a hot air setting device 144 to which another accessory 100 may be connected. The hot air setting apparatus 144 includes a generally tubular handle 146 having an air inlet 148 and an air outlet 150 at opposite ends. At the air inlet 148, an array of holes extends around and partially along the handle 146. A fan unit (not shown) within the handle includes a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn into the air inlet, traveling along an air flow path that extends through the length of the handle. The air is optionally heated by a heater (not shown) and then exits the hot air setting apparatus 144 at an air outlet 150.

The

accessories

10, 100 may be made of any suitable heat resistant material, and in some embodiments, glass filled nylon. The maximum preferred operating temperature of such accessories connected to a hot air setting device or hair dryer is about 130 degrees celsius.

The entire attachment is secured together at multiple points within each attachment using one or more of glue, screws, ultrasonic welding, and push-fit securement.

In alternative embodiments, the teeth may include one or more holes, curved edges, or non-uniform blade widths. Furthermore, the series of teeth may comprise more than one tooth design.

In alternative embodiments, it may be desirable to generate a reduced exit air flow velocity from the attachment while using a similar hot air setting device or hair dryer to provide the input air flow. This can be achieved by increasing the overall size of the accessory.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of the attachment itself may be found. In particular, the accessories described herein can be used without air flow and the user would benefit significantly from the flexible rod and therefore the movable teeth.

The present 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 device, the attachment comprising:

an air inlet for receiving an air flow from the hair styling device;

a long and thin slot-shaped air outlet;

a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet;

a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end positioned generally at the air outlet and a second end arranged to pass beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction; wherein the second end of the outermost tooth in the series of teeth is angled towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment, and wherein each tooth has a width in the range 0.5mm to 2mm, and wherein at least one tooth comprises a planar, triangular form, oriented generally perpendicular to the length of the air outlet.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first end of the at least one tooth has a semi-circular profile.

3. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the second end of the at least one tooth forms an apex.

4. The attachment of claim 3, wherein said apex comprises a rod form.

5. The attachment of claim 4, wherein said apex further comprises a spherical form at the tip of the tooth.

6. An attachment according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each tooth of the series of teeth is regularly spaced.

7. The attachment of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each tooth of the series of teeth is spaced from an adjacent tooth by a distance in the range of 2mm to 8 mm.

8. An attachment according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first end of the outermost tooth in the series of teeth is angled towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

9. An attachment according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the series of teeth are formed from a flexible material.

10. The attachment of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a series of fins located within the duct oriented substantially orthogonal to the length of the air outlet, and wherein a downstream end portion of at least one fin of the series of fins comprises an inverted semi-circular profile adapted to fit around the first end portion of the alignment teeth.

11. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the first end of the alignment tooth is free to move within the inverted semi-circular profile of the at least one tab.